THE REVELATION TO THE apostle John begins with an inaugural announcement: "Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen." (Rev. 1:7). What followed the announcement was a loud and calamitous …
It’s Time to Step Up and Help our Children
I HAD A DIFFICULT time watching the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. The series is based on the 2007 novel Thirteen Reasons Why by author Jay Asher. It revolves around high school student Clay Jensen and the aftermath of the suicide of fellow high school student Hannah Baker. Before her death, she leaves behind a …
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Psychology and Christian Theology
I WANT TO REVISIT a subject I've spoken about several times over the years. Can psychology and Christian theology be integrated into a meaningful, powerful, and comprehensive form of counseling. Mark R. McMinn, Ph.D., writes, "The healing motif woven throughout the narrative of human history reflects a common pattern to healing and health."1 Psychology is …
First Principles Part Nine: Fear of the LORD
"FEAR NOT" IS THE most repeated command in the Bible, appearing at least 365 times. The topic of fear is addressed over 500 times. Yet, it is important to note that God never wants us to be afraid of His manifest presence. Angels who appear throughout Scripture always call out, "Fear not." Moses said to …
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The Revelation: Part Twelve
IT IS IMPORTANT TO understand and compare the meaning of the 144,000 identified in Revelation 7:4 and the "great multitude" in 7:9 before moving on to the opening of the seventh seal. Not surprisingly, there has been much confusion and debate over what this number signifies. Is it an exact number or a representation of …
“Wait in the Car.”
You’re a mess. Pain. All through your body. Thirsty. Shaking. So sick. You speech is rapid, your words running together. You keep looking over at your nine-year-old son and thinking, “He can wait in the car. No big deal.” Then, the last rational thought you have (just before grabbing your keys, your son, and rushing …
The Revelation: Part Eleven
AT THIS POINT WE have read through the warnings Christ gave to the seven churches and applied them to deficiencies we see in the church today. The apostle John gave us an amazingly detailed view of the throne room of heaven, and an explanation of the twenty-four elders, the four living beasts, and the seven …
When Self Becomes an Idol
WE EACH HAVE AT some point in our lives made decisions while thinking only about our own interests. Not every selfish decision is equally damaging, but a pattern can develop that is quite difficult to recognize. I have been talking with people about this subject since my hiatus on December 22, 2022. As a result, …
A New Post is Coming Later Today
I HAVE TRULY MISSED preparing and posting new articles. But, the time I took to get some things in order have been a huge blessing. Please watch for "The Idol of Self" by this evening. Steven Barto
Going on Hiatus
I AM SORRY TO announce that I will be continuing with earlier plans to suspend writing for this blog. However, it will remain open for people to visit and read from the seven years of posts on various subjects that have been important to me, such as recovery, spirituality, theology, doctrine, apologetics, and poetry. This …