Bethel Baptist Church
A Ministry of Bethel Baptist Church 24600 Little Mack Avenue Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080 Service Times Sunday 9:30 am - Sunday School 10:45 am - Morning Worship 6:00 pm - Evening Praise Service Wednesday 6:45 pm - Youth Group 6:45 pm - AWANA (During School Year) 7:00 pm - Bible Study & Prayer More Information about Bethel Baptist Church Bethel Baptist Church bbcscssound@gmail.com Pastor Robert Cosand
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Luke: Mary's Song - The Majesty of God
07/20/2026
Luke: Mary's Song - The Majesty of God
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:46-55 To a wide-eyed 5-year-old, the celebration of the birth of Christ means lights and toys and brightly-wrapped boxes under a living room tree. To a retailer it means increased sales and profits. To a busy housewife Christmas is a fatiguing schedule of shopping, decorating, and cooking. But to Mary, Jesus' mother, the promised birth of the Messiah was an occasion for an impassioned declaration of unbridled joy. Her joy is firmly founded on the character and works of God. In her prayers of thanksgiving, Mary unashamedly proclaims what He is like and what He has done. This is the essence of worship. The poem in Luke 1:46-55 has been called "The Magnificat" taken from the first word of the Latin translation of this text. In it Mary lauds the majesty of God by praising His … … mercy (vv 48, 50, 52, 54) … power (vv 49, 51, 52) … holiness (v 49) … faithfulness (vv 54, 55) Mary's reaction to the Almighty God is to respond with delight from deep within her. She says, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior" (Lk 1:46). This is not a passing, surface, emotional response. It is a deep desire to take pleasure in God and to make Him known to others. Our response to Christ should not be less.
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Luke: The Child Will Be Called The Son Of God
07/12/2026
Luke: The Child Will Be Called The Son Of God
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:34-38 One of the foundational things to be said about Jesus is that He was/is the Son of God. The angel declared this wonder to Mary. "And the angel answered her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of God'" (Lk 1:35). Simon Peter declared this wonder when Jesus asked what the disciples thought about His identity. "Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God'" (Mt 16:16). The ramifications of this glorious reality are massive and profound. One conclusion to be drawn from the fact that Jesus is the Son of God is that Jesus is deity. He is not only the Son of God … He is God the Son. This truth is denied by most people who affirm that Jesus was a historical figure. A second conclusion to be drawn from Jesus being the Son of God is the relationship of infinite love between the Father and the Son. At Jesus' baptism (Mt 3:17) and on the mount of transfiguration (Mt 17:5) God's voice from heaven declared "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." To be united with the Son of God, as all Christians are, means that we become children of God, by adoption, and have the unimaginable privilege of addressing God as 'Father' (Eph 1:5; Rom 8:15; Gal 4:4-6).
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Luke: The Virgin's Name Was Mary
07/05/2026
Luke: The Virgin's Name Was Mary
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-38 Matthew and Luke both record that Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus, but only Luke writes about the conversation between the angel Gabriel and Mary. This account parallels, in many ways, the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist. Among other significant truths revealed in this passage, is the staggering fact that Mary would give birth to a son without a human father. Though many would discount the importance of the doctrine of the virgin birth of Christ, it is not a peripheral doctrine. Why is the doctrine of the virgin birth of Christ important? What is at stake in discarding it, as some do? First, the reliability of the Bible is at stake. Luke 1:27 specifically calls Mary a virgin and she states that she was a virgin in Luke 1:34. Additionally, Matthew 1:18 clearly states "before they [Joseph and Mary] came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit." Second, the nature of Christ is at stake. Luke 1:35 says “. . . for that reason [a birth without a human father] the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.” The virgin birth gives evidence to the deity of Jesus. Third, there are some personal implications of the virgin birth. In considering that the virgin birth reminds us that Jesus is God in flesh, we respond in humility and reverence and heartfelt worship as we think about, talk about, and sing about the wonder of a God-man.
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Luke: Yahweh Remembers
06/28/2026
Luke: Yahweh Remembers
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:5-25 In his recounting the life of Christ, Luke begins with the announcement, not of the birth of Christ, but of John the Baptist. John would be the prophesied herald of the Messiah. In the first two chapters of his gospel, Luke draws a connection between John and Christ, by means of alternating accounts of each man. This literary devise emphasizes the wonder of the coming of the Son of God into the world. First, there is the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist ... then there is the announcement of the birth of Christ. Next, there is the birth of John ... then there is the birth of Jesus. On display in the story of Zechairah and his wife, Elizabeth are stunning glories of God. We see in this account the promise of God, fulfilled in the birth of the pledged forerunner of Christ. The Old Testament ends with the promise of the herald of Messiah. John the Baptist is the evidence of the faithfulness of God to His promise. On display here is the power of God, granting a child to an old, barren woman. On display here is the plan of God, bringing to pass His design to save people from their sins. John will prepare the way for the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. This passage is more than a heart-warming story of an elderly couple gaining a longed-for child. It is the account of the living God, who is worthy of our devotion and adoration and complete trust.
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Missionary Dale Kellar: The Son Lifted Up, the Dragon Cast Down, the Church Sent Out
06/21/2026
Missionary Dale Kellar: The Son Lifted Up, the Dragon Cast Down, the Church Sent Out
Bethel Baptist Church is delighted to host visiting missionaries from Iceland Dale and Linnea Kellar.
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Luke: That You May Have Certainty
06/15/2026
Luke: That You May Have Certainty
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:1-4 The Holy Spirit has chosen to give us four accounts of the life of Christ, and not just one account. Like four men standing around a great mountain, each writing what he sees, the gospel writers each wrote from a different viewpoint what he 'saw' when he looked at Christ. Matthew and John were apostles and so they were eyewitnesses of Christ's life. Mark seems to have seen Christ as well, though he was not an apostle. Luke, however, places himself outside of the group of eyewitnesses (Lk 1:2). Luke, whom Paul calls "the beloved physician" (Col 4:14) was a companion of Paul, seeming to join him on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:9,10 ... "we sought to go"). Luke continued, in some fashion, with Paul until the end of Paul's life (2 Tim 4:11). In the first paragraph of Luke's gospel, he gives us a general purpose for his writing ... namely, to confirm the faith of a certain Theophilus. This gospel certainly strengthens the faith of all who take to heart what is written about Christ. Luke's gospel comes the closest to 'biography' than the other three gospels. He seems to be writing gospel for the Gentile public, displaying Jesus as the Savior of the world.
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Revelation: Behold, I Am Coming Quickly
06/07/2026
Revelation: Behold, I Am Coming Quickly
Scripture Reading: Revelation 22:6-21 The epilogue of the book of Revelation highlights two final themes ... the authenticity of the book and the approaching wonder of the return of Christ. As Christ is called "faithful and true" in Revelation 3:14 and 19;11, so His words are "faithful and true" in Revelation 21:5 and 22:6. There is a marked emphasis in Revelation on what John has written (Rev 1:3,11,19; 14:13; 19:9). Now, there is a stern warning to anyone who might deliberately change what is written, distorting what God has revealed (Rev 22:18,19). What a grace from God that He has given us His revealed truth in a book. Let us take His book to heart, with all our might. The Bible ends with a repeated reference to the return of Christ. There is a three-fold declaration of Jesus here ... "Behold, I am coming quickly" (Rev 22:7,12,20). And there is a three-fold response ... "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' . . . Come, Lord Jesus" (Rev 22:17,20). The heartfelt longing of God's people is to 'groan' (Rom 8:23), eagerly awaiting His return, so that the consummation of all things might be brought to the appointed end. Such longing shapes our thinking and steels our hearts with strength.
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Revelation: We Will See His Face
06/01/2026
Revelation: We Will See His Face
Scripture Reading: Revelation 22:1-15 John ends his glorious book by describing heaven to his readers. Here we have a final description of the population of heaven ... and the pleasure of heaven. The people who will enjoy the presence of God will be His servants who will reign with Him (Rev 22:3,5). They are the righteous and holy, who have washed their robes (Rev 22:11,14). The people who will not be in heaven are also mentioned in this final passage, one last time. They are the unrighteous and the filthy ... immoral, murderers, idolaters, liars (Rev 22:11,15). The ultimate pleasure of heaven will be seeing God (Rev 22:4). This will not simply be an experience of sight, but of communion with God (Rev 21:3). To be in God's presence, beholding His face ... will be to encounter omnipotent power, unadulterated goodness, infinite love, staggering uniqueness. And this ultimate pleasure will not be static and unchanging, but ever-increasing and ever-progressing. Early American pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards, said, "After [saints] have had the pleasure of beholding the face of God millions of ages, it will not grow a dull story; the relish of this delight will be as exquisite as ever." How we ought to long, like Moses, to see the glory of God!
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Revelation: New Jerusalem
05/25/2026
Revelation: New Jerusalem
Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:9-27 Revelation 21 and 22 usher us into the eternal state of blessedness for those who belong to Christ and sorrow for those who have rejected Christ. The everlasting home for believers is the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem. The eternal city is gloriously described in this passage. This wondrous, and enormous, city descends from heaven and is called "the Bride, the wife of the Lamb" (Rev 21:9,10). The people of God are called "the Bride" of Christ in Revelation 19:7. The city takes on the character of the people who dwell there. What John sees in this vision is a display of the glory of God ... seen not only in the majesty of the structure of this eternal city, but supremely in the divine grace shown to the people who live there. On the 12 gates of the city are the names of the tribes of Israel. On the 12 foundations of the city wall are the names of the apostles. This entire description depicts the ultimate goal of the creation of the universe ... namely, the exaltation of the grace of God in the person and work of His Son, seen on display in the people whom He purchased with His blood. Let us live like Abraham lived ... "looking for the city . . . whose architect and builder is God" (Heb 11:10). That which is eternal puts that which is temporary in its proper perspective.
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Revelation: All Things New
05/17/2026
Revelation: All Things New
Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:1-8 In this glorious section of Revelation, God draws back the curtain of heaven and bids us to behold the wonders and pleasures that await those who belong to Him. He says, "Behold, I am making all things new" (Rev 21:5). There are several ways in which God will make things new. First, He will make a new universe. "I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth has passed away (Rev 21:1). If this earth is stunningly beautiful, how breathtaking will the new earth be?! Second, He will give to His people a new body. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore" (Rev 21:4). We will be like our Lord, never to die again. Third, God will give us a sinless heart. Having purified us completely, there will be no sinful people in heaven ... the cowardly, the faithless, the immoral, the murderers, the deceitful (Rev 21:8). Fourth, God will establish a new relationship between Himself and His people. "He will dwell with them, and they will be His people and God Himself will be with them as their God" (Rev 21:3). "... take your heart to task, chide it for its willful strangeness to God, turn your thoughts from the pursuit of vanity, bend your soul to study eternity, and busy it about the life to come. . . . you will find yourself in the suburbs of heaven, and that there is, indeed, a sweetness in the work and way of God, and that the life of Christianity is a life of joy" (Richard Baxter, The Saints Everlasting Rest ).
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Revelation: The Judge Of All The Earth
05/11/2026
Revelation: The Judge Of All The Earth
Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:11-15 This passage describes a great judgment before God in a future day. This will be a judgment in which the dead are raised and judged "according to what they had done" (Rev 20:13). Scholars debate whether this "great white throne" judgment will be for unbelievers alone or for all people. What is not debatable is the reality that, whether in one judgment or in two judgments, all people will be judged, one day, according to what they have done. 2 Corinthians 5:10 echoes multiple biblical texts when it says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." To be clear, heaven is not gained on the basis of the deeds of our lives, but the thoughts and deeds of our lives reveal either the unbelief or faith that resides in the heart. The deeds of unbelievers will give evidence of their heart's rejection of God … and God will be vindicated in condemning them. The deeds of believers will give evidence of their faith in Christ … and God will be vindicated in accepting them. As Christians, the penalty for all our sins has been paid by our Savior. Hell has been taken away from us. But that does not mean that how we live our lives does not matter. A judgment is coming which will determine, not our residence in heaven, but our rewards in heaven. Let us, therefore, be tenacious in our discipline, longing for our Lord's declaration, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
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Revelation: The Justice of Hell
05/03/2026
Revelation: The Justice of Hell
Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:7-15 In the middle ages, the Italian theologian and poet, Dante Alighieri, wrote his famous Inferno. In this lengthy poem he described the horrors of hell. The sign above the gateway to Dante's hell read: ABANDON HOPE, ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE. It is a fitting statement. There is no hope in hell, no community, no joy or peace or love. John's phrase for the place of eternal punishment for sins is 'the lake of fire,' which is found five times in Revelation 19-21. The description in Revelation is that this place "burns with fire" (Rev 19:20; 21:8) and that it is a place of "torment" (Rev 20:10). From Jesus' own words we see the reality and horror of hell. It is a real place of darkness, weeping, and the angry gnashing of teeth (Mt 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). It is an existence of loneliness, apart from God (2 Thess 1:9) and torment (Rev 20:10). And these horrors will be unending (Mt 3:12; Mk 9:47,48; Jude 12,13; Rev 20:10,15). Let us never speak of hell with glibness, but with shuddering, broken hearts. The notion that the punishment in hell must be everlasting rises out of the fact that God is an infinite being. When someone wrongs the infinite God, in order to satisfy an infinite justice and holiness, there must be an infinite punishment. The punishment fits the crime because the crime was committed against an infinitely holy God. Hell is utterly indescribable in its horrors, but it is also utterly unnecessary if someone will but humbly hope in Christ. The justice of God causes the heart to tremble in dreadfulness … but the mercy of God, rightly considered, causes the heart to rejoice in hope.
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Revelation: The Coming Kingdom of Christ
04/27/2026
Revelation: The Coming Kingdom of Christ
Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:1-10 In light of the multiplied and complicated problems of our world, it is clear that what the world needs is a king … someone to rule in divine wisdom and perfect justice and holy compassion. A king is exactly what God promised to David and through David, in what is usually called the Davidic Covenant. "When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. . . . I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever" (1 Chr 17:11,14). This is the earthly kingdom prophesied in the Old Testament and specifically detailed in Revelation 20:1-6. "And to him [Messiah] was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him" (Dan 7:14). "They (tribulation martyrs) came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years" (Rev 20:4). The King will come and He will establish His kingdom. It will be a kingdom of peace (Isa 9:6,7) … justice (Jer 23:5,6) … holy sovereignty (Rev 19:11-21) … and eternal duration (Dan 7:13,14). It is the coming of Christ and His promised rule that comforts us in the face of our fears and steels us in the face of our weaknesses. “The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever" (Rev 11:15). The goal of all creation is the everlasting honor of the triune God. When we are consumed with God’s glory then, and only then, will we work and pray and groan for Christ to have a name in all the earth.
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John: God's Plan and Promise
04/19/2026
John: God's Plan and Promise
Scripture Reading: John 3:1-8, 16-21 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16) The most beloved and memorized verse in the Bible is John 3:16. In this wondrous sentence we have a summary of God’s glorious plan for securing a people for Himself for all eternity. Considering who God is and who we are, the actions of the Almighty on our behalf in this verse are staggering to see. First, there is a warning in this verse. For those who do not hope in Jesus Christ, there is a perishing. This perishing is not just to die and leave this world. This perishing is more than physical death. It is an eternal, conscious penalty away from the presence of God (2 Thess 1:9). Second, there is a plan revealed in this verse. God the Father, because of His infinite love for us, sent His only Son to die on our behalf. Nothing God could have given would have been more precious than His Son. It shouts to us of the depth of His love. Third, there is a plea in this verse. Believe! Whoever believes in Christ has life. This belief is not just agreement with the facts about Jesus, but a wholehearted trust in Him alone. Fourth, there is a promise in this verse. For those who hope in Jesus Christ, they have eternal life. Their hearts are changed and they are never again separated from God. To know God is eternal life (1 Jn 5:20). Immortality is a reality in Jesus Christ. He is the answer to the soul’s longing for life, because He is life.
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Revelation: King of Kings
04/12/2026
Revelation: King of Kings
Revelation 19:11-21 Distinct from the religions of the world (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism), Christianity rests on the identity of a person … Jesus. So, the question 'Who is Jesus?' is all important in the Christian faith. Many folks would allow that He was a good teacher (maybe the best ever) … a sterling moral example … a great man. These statements are all true, but Jesus was infinitely more than these descriptions suggest, and we do not do Him justice unless we see Him in all His divine grandeur and regal splendor. Christ is humble and loving and compassionate and patient, but He is also holy and just and strong and glorious. In a word, He is a judge, the Judge. Revelation 19 displays Jesus in all His majesty as He comes to establish His kingdom and display Himself as the King of Kings. He rides on the white horse of victory. He bears the sword of judgment, which is His word. He comes to establish His rule and to bring justice to the world. All those who stand against Him are destroyed and their destruction is complete and final. Let us live our lives with confidence and hope and joy because the One whose name we bear is the Ruler of the universe … and Judge of all the nations. His justice will one day be meted out. His peace one day will rule on the earth. He is the King of kings and He is our champion. So, let us bow before Him with humility and thanksgiving and awe and hope. We have no reason to fear … and every reason to rejoice.
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Ephesians: Far Above All Rule
04/05/2026
Ephesians: Far Above All Rule
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23 The point being made in Ephesians 1:20-23 is straightforward enough. Having risen from the dead, Jesus has been exalted as head over all things. Conquering death itself, He now rules as sovereign over all authorities, seated at the right hand of God the Father. He reigns, not only now, but forever and leads His church as its regal and tender head. It is the connection between this truth (the royal exaltation of Christ) and the immediate notion preceding it (the conversion and enlightenment of Christians) that is marvelously encouraging in its logic. Here is the logic . . . ... fact number one - Jesus was raised from the dead and is exalted in heaven above all earthly and angelic authorities by the power of God. ... fact number two - that same power, in all its omnipotent strength, is the power which has worked in the heart of every believer, drawing him/her to faith in Christ and changing him/her, year by year, to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus. The power that raised Christ from His stone-sealed grave and set Him over everything, is the same power that has breathed life into our dead hearts. There are a few awesome implications that can be drawn from this truth. (1) What an amazing thing God has done in our lives in bringing us salvation! (2) God has the power to convert the most hardened person. This encourages us in our prayers and efforts to win others to Christ. (3) The eternal security of believers rests on the omnipotence of God. This produces genuine rest and hope.
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Revelation: The Lamb and His Bride
03/29/2026
Revelation: The Lamb and His Bride
Scripture Reading: Revelation 19:6-10 Revelation 19 contains a stirring image of the relationship between Christ and His people. The imagery is of a joyous wedding ceremony. "Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready." What a beautiful picture of the relationship between Christ and His own. A marriage calls to mind Christ's love for His people. "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Eph 5:25). A marriage calls to mind the union Christians have with Christ, as they are frequently referred to as being 'in Christ'. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come" (2 Cor 5:17). A marriage calls to mind the beautiful wedding gown the bride wears. Christ dresses His people with His own righteousness. "It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure - for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints" (Rev 19:8). "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor 5:21). The relationship Christ has with His people is intimate, satisfying, meaningful, joyful, and everlasting. Indeed, to be loved by Christ and to belong to Him is the very life of life ... of greater splendor and majesty than any wedding we ever saw on this earth.
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Revelation: God's Book of Life
03/22/2026
Revelation: God's Book of Life
Scripture Reading: Revelation 17:8 Revelation 17:8 refers to people "whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world." Philippians 4:3 refers to people "whose names are in the book of life." Though there are people whose names have never been written in God's book of life, the Bible is clear that this reality does not excuse someone from personal accountability. Unbelievers have "no excuse" for their unbelief and their suppression of the truth (cf. Rom 1:18-20). The enemies of God, as they are described in Revelation, are unmistakably guilty. The people in Revelation, whose names were not in God's book of life, are also described as refusing to repent of their evil deeds (Rev 9:20,21) ... rejoicing over the murder of God's special prophets (Rev 11:10) ... and worshipping the antichrist (Rev 13:3,4). The people whose names were not written in the book of life are guilty, not because of the omission of their names from God's book, but because they love the darkness (Jn 3:19). In His mercy God has rescued some people to be His, choosing them before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4), so that "no human being might boast in the presence of God" (1 Cor 1:29). Let us not pry into a level of God's mind that He has not revealed. The God who has a plan for everything in His creation invites all ... indeed beckons all ... to come to Him that they might have life. "Come, everyone who thirsts . . . incline your ear and come to me; hear that your soul may live" (Isa 55:1,3).
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The Glory of God and the Work of His People
03/15/2026
The Glory of God and the Work of His People
Bethel Baptist Church was honored to host Reverend Joel David, North America Baptist Vice President of International Missions, during this years NAB Detroit Area Missions Conference.
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Angels in Awe: The Glory of God in the Church
03/08/2026
Angels in Awe: The Glory of God in the Church
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:22-47, 1 Peter 1:12 As the church puts the glory of our risen Savior on display before a dying world and before the curiously marveling angelic realms, our crucified, risen Savior and gloriously coming King will be with us every step of the way. “It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.” 1 Peter 1:12 ESV
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Revelation: Fallen, Fallen is Babylon
03/01/2026
Revelation: Fallen, Fallen is Babylon
Scripture Reading: Revelation 18, 19 The city of Babylon is considered by some historians and archaeologists to have been the greatest city in the ancient Near East. With its thick double walls and scores of fortified towers, people living 600 years before Christ must have thought it to be unconquerable. Today the glory that was once great Babylon has utterly vanished, except in history books. Revelation 17, 18 contain an extended description of the antichrist's kingdom on the earth in a coming day. Beginning with the tower of Babel in Genesis, 'Babylon' is the biblical symbol of godless, wealthy, arrogant, human glory. The final human kingdom on the earth will be an echo of the glory of ancient Babylon. And, like ancient Babylon, the kingdom of the antichrist will be utterly destroyed by the just and omnipotent wrath of God. The wealth and power of collective humanity, aligned against the Creator, will be destroyed and the name of God, alone, will be exalted. Because of who the almighty God is ... Creator of all things ... Giver of life ... unimpeachably righteous ... holy, holy, holy ... rebellion against Him is ultimate evil. Final and infinite punishment of such evil is altogether right. Thus, when God metes out His justice on the inhabitants of the earth, it will be right for the heavenly chorus to cry out, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just" (Rev 19:1).
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Revelation: The Lamb Will Conquer
02/23/2026
Revelation: The Lamb Will Conquer
Scripture Reading: Revelation 17 Revelation 17,18 describe, at length, the global kingdom of the antichrist during the coming time of tribulation. We have already seen, in chapter 13, that there will be both a political leader and religious leader in this vast kingdom … the beast, and the false prophet. The political/religious structural system of the kingdom of the antichrist is called 'Babylon' in the book of Revelation. Revelation 17 describes the religious aspect of this global kingdom and chapter 18 describes the political aspect of it. The religious element of the antichrist kingdom is symbolically represented by a prostitute, riding on a scarlet beast. In the Old Testament, idolatrous rebellion against God, was sometimes characterized as spiritual adultery or harlotry (cf. Nah 3:4; Ezek 16:35; 23:1-3). Undergirding the movement of events during the tribulation is the reality of God‘s sovereign design, ordering even the dark powers to fulfill his will. "For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled (Rev 17:17). How glorious is our God, who works all things after the council of his will! (Eph 1:11).
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Revelation: They Cursed God
02/15/2026
Revelation: They Cursed God
Scripture Reading: Revelation 16:1-11 The Nature of the Human Heart Revelation 16 contains the third, and last, series of divine judgments on the population of the earth during the coming day of tribulation. It is a description of the seven bowl judgments. God is declared to be just because He has poured out His wrath on the wicked. "Just are you, O Holy One . . . for you have brought these judgments . . . Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments" (Rev 16:5,6). The overwhelming response of the people of the earth to these frightful, awesome acts of God will be to curse Him ... and the statement is repeated three times in this chapter (Rev 16:9,11,21). "People . . . cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds" (Rev 16:11). The Bible clearly reveals to us what the natural human heart does with the truth about God and why it responds as it does. Given clear information about God in creation, the human heart suppresses the truth. "For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God" (Rom 1:18,21). This is the response of every sinful human heart before conversion. The reason for this suppression of the truth is a love for sin. ". . . people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil" (Jn 3:19). It is only the grace and power of God which can free the heart from its natural affection for the darkness of sin.
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Revelation: The Song of the Lamb
02/08/2026
Revelation: The Song of the Lamb
Scripture Reading: Revelation 15:1-8 Before each of the series of divine judgments on the earth, during the tribulation time, John describes a heavenly scene. The vision of heaven in chapters 4,5 precedes the judgments of the seven seals. The heavenly scene in Revelation 8:2-5 precedes the judgments of the seven trumpets. The bowl judgments will be described in chapter 16, but now, before those final judgments, there is another description of heaven. Beside a heavenly glass-like sea, "those who had conquered the beast" are gathered and they are singing a song (Rev 15:3,4). It is called both "the song of Moses" and "the song of the Lamb." In this glorious song, they laud the character of God in very specific terms. He is the Lord God Almighty ... He is just and true ... He is King ... He is holy. The only proper response is to fear Him and glorify Him and worship Him. The news, as has ever been the case, does not mention the majesty of God in its daily focus on the day's events. Revelation describes the unfolding of a coming day when "the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day" (Isa 2:11). Let us ever fear and glorify and worship Him.
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Revelation: The Perseverance of the Saints
02/01/2026
Revelation: The Perseverance of the Saints
Scripture Reading: Revelation 14:9-20 In the middle of a biblical text about the dreadful wrath of God is a passage designed to be a great encouragement to Christians. Following a passage declaring the God's wrath "poured full strength into the cup of his anger" (Rev 14:10), we read about the "perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus" (Rev 14:12, LSB). The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is the idea that, having been changed at the deepest level of one's being by the Spirit of God, Christians "can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved" (Westminster Confession of Faith, XVII:1). Perseverance in the Christian faith is both a wondrous encouragement and a sober test. We are able to hold fast to our faith, and will hold it fast, because we have become reconciled to God … and because of this reconciliation Christ will one day present us before God the Father as holy. This is ultimate security in Christ. The sober test is this … perseverance in the faith is evidence that someone's faith is genuine. Those who have true faith continue in the faith. Those who do not continue in the faith only show they have never been reconciled to God in the first place.
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Revelation: The Eternal Gospel
01/25/2026
Revelation: The Eternal Gospel
Scripture Reading: Revelation 13:11-18 A second beast appears in Revelation 13, "exercising all the authority of the first beast . . . and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast" (Rev 13:12). This beast is called the 'false prophet' in Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10. This title suggests that he will bring a religious element to the kingdom of the antichrist. He will have the power to do supernatural acts (Rev 13:13-15). The combination of a political, militaristic leader and an ecumenical religious leader will be a potent force in galvanizing the earth's population. Coercion to worship the antichrist will be used in the form of economic boycott (Rev 13:16,17) and threat of death (Rev 13:15). In the face of such global, open, rebellion against God, what happens in chapter 14 stands out as a remarkable display of God's grace. There is a description of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, who were first mentioned in chapter 7. Then there is the appearance of three angels who bring to the earth a message of warning and life. To the whole earth one angel declares, "Fear God and give Him glory . . . worship Him who made heaven and earth" (Rev 14:7). In the face of undisguised disdain for the true and living God, He patiently and mercifully holds out the gracious offer of life in Christ. People continue to refuse God's love. It is to be dying of thirst and still to refuse the outstretched hand of God, holding a cup of the water of life.
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Revelation: A Call For Endurance
01/19/2026
Revelation: A Call For Endurance
Scripture Reading: Revelation 13:1-10 Much of the focus of Revelation is on what God will doing on the earth during the time of tribulation. The holy Judge will pour out His righteous justice on the inhabitants of the earth, in a series of horrendous, global judgments. In Revelation 12-14, however, the focus is on what Satan will be doing on the earth during the tribulation. Chapter 13 introduces us to two new figures … the antichrist (Rev 13:1-10) and the false prophet (Rev 13:11-18). Along with the devil, these three form a kind of unholy 'trinity'. The antichrist and the false prophet seem to be human beings, which arise during the time of tribulation and preside over a kingdom with global influence. These figures are both described as being 'beasts' … perhaps suggesting the brute power and ravenous desires of darkness. They are agents by whom Satan carries out his war against believers and leads unbelievers into a settled rebellion against God. God grants authority to the antichrist to "make war on the saints and to conquer them" (Rev 13:7). This chapter makes clear that everything that transpires is according to a plan, laid down before the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8). What is on display here is the endurance of Christians, willing to give up their lives for the honor of the name of Christ. The fury of Satan will be overcome by the King and His children.
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Revelation: The Defeat of the Dragon
01/11/2026
Revelation: The Defeat of the Dragon
Scripture Reading; Revelation 12:1-12 To this point in the book of Revelation, much of the focus has been on what God will be doing on the earth during the time of tribulation. God will pour out His holy justice on the inhabitants of the earth, in a series of horrendous, global judgments. In Revelation 12-14, the focus is on what Satan will be doing on the earth during the tribulation. In richly symbolic language, the events and activities of this chapter center around Satan and the people of Israel. Having been cast out of heaven, Satan has opposed the Israelites of old ... through leaders like Pharaoh, Haman, and Herod ... and as well as Christians since the coming of Christ. In the tribulation many Jews will turn to Christ and Satan will seek to destroy them. In Revelation 12, Israel is seen in the symbolic image of a woman. ". . . the dragon . . . pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child [Jesus]" (Rev 12:13). God, in a display of His power and authority, protects the Jews who flee from Jerusalem (cf. Rev 12:14,16). We do not know all the reasons why God permits Satan to blind and destroy so many people, but the Bible reveals to us, in general terms, the ultimate reason. "Satan's fall and ongoing existence are for the glory of Christ. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, will be more highly honored and more deeply appreciated and loved in the end because he defeats Satan not the moment after Satan fell, but through millennia of long-suffering, patience, humility, servanthood, suffering, and decisively through his own death" (John Piper, Spectacular Sins, 49).
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Revelation: And He Shall Reign Forever And Ever
01/05/2026
Revelation: And He Shall Reign Forever And Ever
Scripture Reading: Revelation 11:15-19 In the middle of the horrendous judgments that John is describing in Revelation, he gives his readers a glorious preview of what will take place after God's justice has been fully meted out on the inhabitants of the earth. It is a foretaste of the coming kingdom of Christ, in His reign on this earth. In John's wondrous declaration, there is a stark contrast between the present kingdom of collective humanity and the future kingdom of the King of kings. "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever" (Rev 11:15). Ever since Babel, collective humanity has sought to establish a government without God … whether it is Egypt or Babylon or Rome. John says, "The nations raged," perhaps echoing the language of Psalm 2:1. "The kings of the earth set themselves . . . against the LORD" (Psa 2:2). But one of these days, the rule of humanity on the earth will give way to the rule of the Creator of all things. This is reason for hope and joy and gratitude in our souls. "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign" (Rev 11:17).
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Revelation: Prophets of God's Mercy
12/28/2025
Revelation: Prophets of God's Mercy
Scripture Reading: Revelation 11:1-14 This chapter in Revelation is one of the places in the book in which the interpretive principles of the commentator show through very clearly. Over a century ago, Henry Alford, a reputable New Testament scholar and commentator, wrote that Revelation 11 is "undoubtably one of the most difficult [chapters] in the whole Apocalypse" … and "no solution has ever been given to this portion of the prophecy" (Alford, The Greek Testament, IV:655,658). The approach I have employed in our study of Revelation is to take words and phrases literally whenever it is possible to do so … of course, allowing for obvious symbolic language. With that in mind, the terms in this chapter will be taken normally. The temple is a reference to a rebuilt temple, during the time of tribulation … the 'two witnesses' are two individuals … 'great city' is Jerusalem … the 'forty-two months' are a literal three and a half year time period … the earthquake is a literal earthquake. The two witnesses are prophets (Rev 11:3,6) who have the power to do miracles to buttress their message of God's judgment and salvation, like Old Testament prophets also did. They are sent to proclaim God's message to "peoples and tribes and languages and nations" (Rev 11:9, cf. 10:11). Eventually, like the prophets of old, they will be killed by the enemies of God. This chapter is another display of God's mercy to an unbelieving world. The prophets of old were always a display of divine mercy in the face of impending judgment. God is patient and faithfully beckons rebels to receive His mercy. It is suicidal folly to love the darkness of evil more than the light of life.
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