And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword’ (Revelation 2:12, ESV). This is the third of seven letters to individual churches in the Book of Revelation. You can see Pergamum on this map, noting that all seven churches were on an ancient postal system. […]
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Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written (John 21:25, ESV). I’ve been writing every Friday about reasons to know that the New Testament is reliable. (See Interruptions #1858 and #1864 for
Reason #2 For the Reliability of the New Testament Read More »
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them (1 Timothy 2:1, NLT). In the New Testament, the word “intercession” is used many times, but the word translated “intercede” in 1 Timothy 2:1 occurs only twice in the New
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For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12, NLT). My wife plays Pokémon®. At home and when we travel, she’s online battling the evil rulers and world forces of
Battle! Battle! Battle! Read More »
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:6-7, ESV). The Apostle Paul felt pressure from all directions, from travel, sickness, Jews, Romans, false teachers, and even fellow believers.
Evaluating Leaders Read More »
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9, ESV). I believe that the Bible teaches three types of courage. Both the Hebrew and Greek words in the Bible translated as “courage” can also be translated as
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To the angel of the church in Smyrna write… (Revelation 2:8a, NASB1995). Note the map below, with the Isle of Patmos in red, Ephesus and Smyrna both in blue, and the rest of the churches in a semicircle. The Apostle John follows this geographical pattern in writing the letters to the seven churches in Revelation,
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I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11, ESV). Experts do not work with the original manuscripts of the New Testament; they work with copies. When considering the reliability of any book in antiquity, scholars consider two things: first, it’s preferable to have many manuscripts for
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Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near (Hebrews 10:25, NASB1995). Hebrews 10:25 instructs us to encourage one another and “all the more” when we see the day approaching. We all need to be encouraged, as “the day” in this
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James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings (James 1:1, NASB1995, emphasis added). Bible teachers and preachers say the word “diaspora,” and so, since it’s the avowed purpose of Interruptions to keep readers among the most “knowledgeable” of all believers and ready to graciously jump Biblical trivia hurdles