When we lose a loved one, our automatic response is that they are dancing with the angels, or our children are in heaven with family gone before them. Are we just dead until Christ returns or are our loved ones with God in heaven upon death?
The Bible confirms that all people go to the grave, to wait as though they are sleeping until the resurrection. Speaking about Jesus, Paul says in Acts 3:21, NLT “For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets.” God [...]
What does it mean to "glory in the Lord"?
2 Corinthians 10:17: (King James Version) But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.The word for “glory” here in the Greek is Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2744, kauchaomai. It is a verb meaning “boast, glory, joy, rejoice.”The same verse in New American Standard Bible, 1995 Edition: But he who boasts is to boast in the [...]
What is the Ark of the Covenant?
It was a piece of furniture in the Jewish Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was a moveable temple where God’s presence dwelled while Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. It was then set up in Shiloh under Joshua’s leadership after the death of Moses. The Tabernacle had four distinct coverings made of: seal skins, [...]
"Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not" Matthew 24:23 Considering we believe that our Lord has returned, how should we understand this verse so that we do not believe that the Christ is here? To whom can they say "this is the Christ" that would deceive us? Also: Matthew 24:36 says, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, not the angels of heaven, but may Father only." What day is it that we don't know?
The answer lies in the context of Matthew 24. Jesus begins speaking to his disciples about the coming age. He warned about many coming in his name and deceiving many (verse 5). Then would follow wars, but these would not mean the end of the age had arrived. He said, “these are the beginning of [...]
What is the "river of the water of life, as clear as crystal" in Revelation 22:1,2? Is it an actual river? If so, how do we drink out of it?
The Book of Revelation is filled with symbolic references that depict wonderful things. Chapter 21 begins by describing a “new heaven” and a “new earth.” And yet Ecclesiastes 1:4 says, “…the earth abideth for ever.” These more literal statements tell us to look for the symbolism when studying Revelation. A new earth means a new [...]
What can we do when we’re sad or frustrated?
Nobody ever said life was easy! The Bible promises that in His future kingdom, “God will wipe away all tears,” (see Revelation 21:4) but until His righteous government is fully established in His perfect timing, sometimes we can feel sad or frustrated. The key is to not let these feelings overwhelm us. When we [...]