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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
It’s Christmastime!
This is the sixth year I’ve re-blogged this original piece I wrote about what Christmastime was like growing up. I hope you enjoy it. Wow, only 3 more day til Christmas. The year went so fast I almost forgot there were twelve months. Sometimes the days seem to run together. Partly because of the limited …
Change in Schedule
IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED that Wednesday evenings are best for publishing the weekly podcast episodes. This allows for Sunday to be about praise and worship, and observing the Sabbath as a day to rest and reflect on God and Jesus Christ. Also, brother Tim and I meet regularly on Tuesday evenings, which gives us enough …
Did Someone Say Podcast?!
EQUIPMENT PURCHASE IS COMPLETE! We now have enough mics for two or three participants, a mixing board, new cables, a tablet for accessing outsourced music and sound effects, and a very nifty portable acoustic wall (not shown in the image). We settled on Audacity for our desktop audio editor. Tim, one of my brothers in …
On Second Thought
BEFORE THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY I announced a sabbatical from blogging. That message has been deleted. At times I tend to get ahead of God. Thankfully, when I do He is faithful to redirect me. As I seek God's will for my life I must remember to listen for His perfect timing. We cannot let impulsivity …
A Poem About Change
Pain,stronger than hope,well within the scopeof eternity. Never ending,always bendingmy mind into theshape of anger. Going insane withlack, butwhen I look backit’s all just pain. The kind youwelcome just the same,hoping it sizes you upenough tochange your ways. I know whyyou stayed awaywhen I needed you most. So, go ahead,boast about how youtaught me andbrought …