Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Benediction (Revelation 22:17-21)

The book of Revelation concludes with a blessing, but there is a warning in the midst of the benediction.  Why would John give us a warning in the midst of the blessing?  Does this imply that we cannot freely draw near to the Lord?

Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Stall (3) (Hebrews 3:1-4:13)

There are times when it is easy for us as New Testament saints to see ourselves in a different place from the Old Testament saints.  In other words their struggle was their struggle and we have a completely different sort of struggle.  Is this a mindset that is consistent with Scripture?  How are we exhorted in Hebrews as a people called to honor the Lord?  What are we to learn from the Old Testament saints?

Encouragement for Some or All? (James 5:1-6)

When James is warning the rich it is easy for us to say that it is the other people who have to worry.  We might think that we are not on the Fortune 500 list so in reality we are not that rich.  The truth is that as Americans we are very rich, very blessed, and among some of the most wealth in the world.  Can we be Christians then?  How can we have a joy in the Christian life when James tells the rich to “weep and howl”?  Are these verses for all Christians or just a select few Christians?

Personal Examination (1 Corinthians 11:28 (LD 30; BC Article 35)

The Apostle Paul gives some strong words regarding the call for members in the church to examine themselves. It is rather frightening to hear Paul talk about people actually dying in the midst of the congregation.  Why would we as sinners desire to partake of such a meal?  Who is worthy to eat at the Lord’s table?  Who can claim a worthiness to be a partaker of this food?  So, how can one come to the Lord’s Supper without knowing that one is not going to be struck dead?  What does Paul mean when he exhorts us to examine ourselves?