If we experience reproach for the name of Christ, His mindfulness of our sufferings is accompanied by the comfort of His Holy Spirit. The divine Architect is carving His own enormous suffering into magnificent gates of eternal beauty.
Read MoreThe variety of colors represented by the list of gemstones is a fitting tribute to the Apostles’ variety of personality traits. This colorful plethora of characters learned what it is to work harmoniously and in unity for the sake of their beloved Lord. The most solid foundation ever created is that upon which the New Jerusalem rests!
Read MoreThings of beauty become metaphors for the various aspects of His character that He desires to see reflected in each of us. As He seeks to woo and win our hearts, it all comes back around to the indescribable love of God.
Read MoreAs John describes the brilliancy of the city’s pure beauty, we are reminded of the deep concern of the Savior for the character of the people who name His name as a banner over themselves, especially in the earth’s final days.
Read MoreAs it is impossible to overstate the measure of greatness and glory of the Everlasting Kingdom, it would be impossible for God’s people to over-express their love for Him in reaching out to the world. The potential is exponential!
Read MoreThe purpose of measuring in today’s verse is to communicate to last-day believers the existing dimensions of the heavenly temple/city. Its inclusion in chapter 21 of Revelation helps to lift our gaze above the rapidly deteriorating condition of earth as it is now.
Read MorePaul fostered unity between the Jewish and Gentile followers of Christ by speaking of the church as a single unit built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets [with] Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
Read MoreThe Israelite camp was set up on an open plain, and the view of them by their enemies from surrounding hills and mountains would have yielded a perfect cross!
Read MoreThis seal signifies a great and high wall of protection around their minds—the seat of their decision making. The time to choose heavenly citizenship—which means abiding by the law of the God of heaven—is now!
Read MoreAs John beheld the sparkling, glistening beauty of the colossal heavenly city filled with people who radiate God’s glory, he struggled to describe what he was seeing.
Read MoreBut even the Old Testament heroes of the faith listed in Hebrews 11 knew that the true capital city of peace would be entirely of God’s making and that the inhabitants would be those who allowed Him to remake and restore them in such a way as to see His own character reflected in each one.
Read MoreThe vision of the wife of the Lamb brings to mind the attempted deception of substituting counterfeits for the genuine: God has a faithful bride and Satan has an unfaithful harlot. God has a heavenly city of peace, and Satan has an earthly city of confusion. The combined metaphors of a woman and a city blend into one.
Read MoreIf there is any part of His word that you reject, you would do well to seek the help of the Holy Spirit and study out the subject in question. It is wise to learn what it means to accept by faith His instructions for life, demonstrating trust and obedience.
Read MoreWhen such a one encounters aspects of the Word that challenge his own modus operandi, not only does he rebuff the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge, but he also misses a golden opportunity to experience His grace to overcome that challenge. The Bible contains many precious promises for those who genuinely wrestle with God in a desire to master the sin in their lives.
Read MoreWe are immediately called into the process of sanctification on the heels of repentance. This is the work of the Lord within us—to sanctify us for Heaven’s perfections.
Read MoreYes, you and I are included in the concept of recreation, and that is in progress now! Let’s make sure to cooperate with—and not hinder—His work in each of us!
Read MoreOur loving Creator and Savior will personally assume the task of wiping away every tear following the final judgment of the unrepentant. Even in His own sorrow, His concern for ours takes precedent.
Read MoreThe Jewish readers of John’s day would have immediately understood today’s verse as the glorious fulfillment of the divine promise of a fully restored relationship with all who accept His gracious offer of salvation.
Read MoreJohn’s vision included the spectacularly beautiful heavenly city, future home of the redeemed saints. The wedding theme is an appropriate metaphor for the unbreakable union that God longs for between Himself and His people…
Read More…. a breathtaking panorama of colorful meadows, rolling hills, tall trees, lush greenery, abundant flowers swaying in a gentle breeze, and blooming shrubs – all amid winding, sparkling rivers and graceful lakes peacefully reflecting the Edenic beauty of the landscape. Such a vast display of pristine beauty we can scarcely imagine….
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