Deciphering Revelation’s Symbols and Cryptic Language

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By Alex Rodriguez

Notwithstanding, while Revelation is written in cryptic language, we can’t lose sight of the fact that its name is antithetical to a sealed or locked away understanding of its contents. In other words, the very word “Revelation” depicts disclosure. In the sense of scripture and theology, and according to the preamble found in verses 1-3 of chapter 1, God is disclosing to us what will take place in the future. Crafted in mysterious symbols, are the keys to our future.

$14.7 Billion Lost

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By Kurt Johnson

I wondered…is this the precursor to the stock market plunge some are anticipating? Is my 401k ready to disappear? I have no idea what $14.7B looks like, but it is like saying to me, “Your medical bills just took the last nickel in your bank account.” Or, “Hurricane Patricia just blew your house and car into the next neighborhood.”

I guess none of this should surprise us. We are familiar with James 5:1, “Come now, you rich, howl for the miseries that are coming upon you!” Now this is not the exact context of James verse, but you get the idea–this loss hurts!

Thankfulness: Does it Make a Difference?

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By Jean Boonstra

This past weekend our family in Canada celebrated Thanksgiving. Although we’ve lived stateside for over a decade, I still celebrate with them in spirit.

Violent Grace – Simple Grace

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By Jean Boonstra

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" asked the Philippian Jailer fresh from a near miss (Acts 16:30). A few moments earlier he had pulled his sword with full intent of ending his miserable life but grace had prevailed. Paul and Silas, who had been mercilessly beaten at the hand of the multitude and magistrates and then turned over to the callous jailer, had prevented a mass escape from the prison following an earthquake that supernaturally opened all prison doors and loosed everyone’s chains. They themselves, prized prisoners, had remained as a testimony to the faithless.

The Fellowship of the Persistent

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By Jean Boonstra

The list of Christian heroes is populated by the persistent. It’s one thing to follow God the first moment you notice His voice, when His presence is obvious; it’s quite another to stay with Him through the rest of your life. The book of Hebrews speaks of those who walked away from the usual demands of life to follow God into eternity, and at one critical juncture in the story, the author makes an important point: "they would have had opportunity to return." (Hebrews 11:15)

Join Us!

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By Jean Boonstra

We’ve been busy here at VOP and are really looking forward to next weekend! Next weekend will be the first of our three annual Sponsorship weekends. Learn more about it what it means to be a Sponsor and about these weekends at www.vopsponsors.com and watch this personal invitation from us. We hope to see you there!

 

In the Dark in the Eternal City

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By Jean Boonstra

Shawn and a team have just returned from a three week trip in Europe, which included time in the Vatican City. We can’t tell you just why, yet, but we’ll let you know soon.

Francis’ Cafeteria Selection

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By Jean Boonstra

It is a quiet Sunday morning and thanks to the wonder of the Internet, I am sitting at my desk working on projects for next week and simultaneously watching a live church service in Havana, Cuba. 

I watch the video images of thousands pressing close to priests in white robes, embossed with beautiful red crosses, administering communion. Revolution Square appears to be full to overflowing and for very good reason. Pope Francis is seated on the platform and officiating the mass. It is an historic occasion.

All of America seems to be following this papal visit to Cuba.