Third Consolation: Perceive What Jesus Did for You “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). This is Jesus’ explanation for leaving the disciples. He’s going to prepare a place for them. We read, “In my Father’s house are many rooms” (John 14:2a). Therefore, the phrase “to prepare a place” must mean something else, since the rooms are already there. The word “prepare” doesn’t necessarily mean to construct a building. This verb often refers to making preparations for some

John G. Paton was a pioneer missionary in the New Hebrides Islands (now Vanuatu) of the South Pacific Ocean. One night, hostile natives surrounded his mission headquarters. The natives intended to set the building ablaze and to kill the Patons as they exited. Paton and his wife prayed all night for God’s protection. When morning came, they were amazed to see none of the hostile tribesmen remained, and had no idea what led to their departure. Years later, the chief of the trib

God’s coming kingdom: the biblical evidence for the Millennial kingdom on earth. The expectation of heaven is an essential hope of the Christian faith. It is the goal toward which we strive, the promise that strengthens and comforts us. So, why does the Bible also speak of an earthly kingdom of God? Isn’t the promise of heaven enough? Yet the early Christians were convinced that the earthly kingdom is just as important as the heavenly one. Why? Because it will complete God’s

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Rom 15:13). An interpretation and application for everyday life. Hinduism requires about 6,000 gods to convey a little hope, which then comes to nothing. In the best-case scenario, Buddhism’s highest hope ends in Nirvana; that is, total dissolution or non-existence. Muslims place their hope in an unpredictable god who provides no certainty, and

On the consolation that truly comforts, which the Lord Jesus gave to His disciples in His farewell discourse. When we suddenly find ourselves faced with unexpected, threatening situations in our lives, families, or at work, we wonder how we should live going forward. Where can we find direction? In the Bible. And John 14:1-3 concretely provides an answer in the form of a very personal invitation. The Lord extended it to His disciples when explaining how they should behave in

“The just shall live by faith.” Some call the Epistle to the Romans, “Paul’s Masterpiece on Grace.” An overview and introduction. The Apostle Paul (Rom 1:1) wrote the letter to the believers in Rome around 56 AD. The city was the center of a world empire, and is believed to have had over a million inhabitants. Paul had never been to Rome up to this point, but had a strong desire to visit the believers there on His way to Spain (Rom 1:13-15; cf. 15:24, 28). Although they had a

Fresh fruit can be expensive, especially when organic or not in season. While the average price of fruit at the local grocery store may only cost a few dollars, some fruits can sell for thousands. The most expensive fruit is the rare Kanyao Durian, which costs nearly $50,000. Most of the world’s costliest fruits are grown in Japan, but the greenish-yellow Durian is found in Thailand. Durian is slightly controversial because of its pungent scent, which is compared to rotten me

How Nehemiah’s reaction to the plight of his people in Jerusalem is an example for us today. Nehemiah, who was part of the Jewish exile, served as a cupbearer to the Persian king. He selected the appropriate wine for each food and sampled each meal. He was a confidant of the king, and most likely discussed problems with him. The cupbearer would have informed the king of opinions and rumors from the court. One day, Nehemiah received news that his fellow countrymen in Jerusalem

What has occurred in the Gaza Strip over the last 20 years is actually a textbook example of why a Palestinian state must never be created. To understand this, we need to look back to recent history. The USA’s role as mediator After the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Israel was growing increasingly dependent on the United States (although Israel doesn’t like to hear it). The US mediated the peace agreement with Egypt in 1979, and the later 1994 peace agreement with Jordan. Both of t

There is virtually no news platform that doesn’t mention a war somewhere in the world. And, unfortunately, many wars don’t even attract media attention, as experts claim that dozens of military conflicts are happening in different parts of the world. Furthermore, this is not the only problem. There are also private “wars”—family disputes, fights between neighbors, conflicts at work ... and, of course, widespread crime. Hundreds of thousands of cases of domestic violence also

George Frederick Handel is regarded as one of the greatest composers in church history. His oratorio Messiah is the most popular of his works, as it has captivated and inspired many with its biblical lyrics and musical score. King George II of England was present during the first performance in London on 23 March 1743. When the famous “Hallelujah Chorus” was sung, which contains the words, “For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth,” the King stood unexpectedly. His act of homage

The Jewish State is no coincidence, nor is it the product of the whim of the nations. The Jewish State is the work of God, who is pulling the strings behind the scenes and using the nations for His affairs. This State is necessary for the Lord’s return: Only in this way can biblical prophecy be completely fulfilled. Israel’s current existence is like a guarantee of Jesus’ return. It is a reality, and is inexorably approaching. The final fulfillment of God’s history with Israe

Encouragement from Biblical Prophecy Many Christians who concern themselves with biblical prophecy are accused of being pessimistic or negative about the world. They’re seen as “prophets of doom and gloom.” While this may be true of a few of them, the opposite is really the case. Christians with a sound theology of biblical prophecy are encouraged, joyful, thankful, able to look to the future with confidence, and able to encourage others. Their enthusiasm is contagious. They

Endurance under sail, Antarctic Ocean, c. 1915 Paget colour photograph by Frank Hurley (The “I Am” Sayings) In August 1914, he set sail for his third trip to the South Pole. Shackleton departed from London with 27 men (and their dogs) aboard his ship, the Endurance . In January 1915, his ship became trapped in sea ice off the coast of Antarctica, and the crew was compelled to vacate the ship, which was eventually crushed. Shackleton and his men were marooned upon four feet o

Israel will come back from a hopeless situation. If we look at the entire history of the diaspora, as well as the Nazi death camps, then we see that they will return and become one people again. Some commentators view Ezekiel 37 as already having been fulfilled at the return from Babylonian captivity. This could indeed be one fulfillment, but did everything recorded in the chapter happen at that time? The wind comes from all four directions, whereas the return from Babylonian

“They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). While this verse may be applied to the whole world—and even on the spiritual level to the Church on earth—we must take careful note that it was addressed to “ye children of Benjamin” (verse 1a). The chapter ends, “the LORD hath rejected them” (verse 30b). That, incidentally, is the message of virtually all the prophets. Israel chosen, Israel re

We should always bear this in mind: We live set apart to the Lord, so we don’t let ourselves get carried away with each new development. But we are always concerned for people, that they may come to know Jesus and be saved. In 2 Peter 3:14, Peter addresses Jesus’ followers as “beloved.” What warmth and care radiate from his words! Then he calls for diligence (making a real effort and giving our all) in light of the coming judgment and Jesus’ return, so that we can be found “w

When we con­sider Ezekiel 37 in its overall context, its primary focus isn’t the resurrection of the dead, but the miracle of the restoration of Israel and the Jewish people. The theme is the return of Israel to its land and the people’s spiritual renewal. I’d like to begin this topic with two men who lived at the same time and shared the same first name. One lived in Europe, and the other across the pond in the US. Both were Bible-believing Christians who were convinced the

Zechariah 12 talks about the national repentance of Israel in turning to Christ. This is a future event. About a quarter of the Scripture is prophecy. In Amos 3:7 it says, “For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.” There’s a famous verse from Proverbs 25:2, which says, “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” God gave us a brain, and he expects us to use it … to invest brain pow

The Thunderbird application has five default tags for messages: important, work, personal, to do, and later. The tags serve as reminders to maintain a proper perspective each day, to identify which tasks are the priority. John 11 reveals how Jesus’ sense of urgency is fundamentally different from the average person. “Now a certain main was sick, Lazarus of Bethany” (v. 1a). His two sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word of the illness to Jesus. Next are what seem to be irreconci