By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
The Seven Thunders in Revelation remain mysterious, with John forbidden to record their message, possibly indicating terrifying judgments. While speculations abound, their essence reflects God’s authority and impending wrath. The essay emphasizes the chilling reality of the future Tribulation and urges readers to share the Gospel before these events unfold.
By Elizabeth Prata
The article discusses the biblical principle of women’s silence in church, citing 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy. While it emphasizes women’s submission, it does not imply total silence. It encourages women to embrace their role in church as silent witnesses to God’s glory.
Continue reading “Embracing Quietness: Women’s Role in the Church”By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
The post critiques the modern emphasis on dreams and visions within charismatic circles, asserting that such experiences were not part of historic Christianity after the closure of the canon. It emphasizes reliance on scripture over personal revelations, warning against false teachings that distort biblical truth.
By Elizabeth Prata
A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. (Proverbs 21:16).
The phrase ‘assembly of the dead’ is especially vivid. Assemble is active, but dead is passive. Inert, even. We don’t usually think of the dead assembling, or being assembled. But they will all be there, together, away from God. This is a horrifying thought.
I was struck by this illustration when I was looking for stock photos. The clamorous crowd of women reminds me of so many women today, prominent women, whose actions and teachings are a raised fist against God.
Contentious women, rebellious women, haughty women, are a dishonor to the Lord. Proverbs 25:24 says
It is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
A woman like that is not easily lived with, not in the home nor in the church or in the denomination or in the global church.
No man or women decides to wade into the bog where death lurks. He thinks he is going “my way”, or the “right way”. Or even, the ‘It’s OK, Way”. This is the very bottom of the barrel of sin, which is pride.
Does man, or woman, know better than God? Will there be absolution for those who claim “ignorance of the Law?”
There is only one way, and it is the only right way, as the Bible shows repeatedly in Proverbs 16:2, 25; 21:2. To stay in what the Proverb calls “the way of understanding,” or the Gospel, we love God’s precepts, obey His commands, and mortify our own opinions and philosophies. (2 Corinthians 10:5).
The flesh will want to rear up, (Genesis 4:7, Romans 6:12), so staying in the Word and in constant prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) will subdue those inclinations.
Ladies, we are gentle, soft-spoken, kind, teaching and teachable. We are dignified and loving, patient and diligent. We’re moms and widows, virgins and singles. We are strugglers and overcomers, sinners and repenters, but most of all we are loved by Jesus as His own. We are and always will be part of the assembly of the living. Praise Jesus for that!
By Elizabeth Prata
Normally I write about a little-used word but one that we as believers need to know. I’ve written about aseity, omnipotence, and justification, for example. But this week’s word will be Light.
It seems like it is an easy word, and it is, but as with all things in the Bible, there are layers of meaning.
The word Light is used in the Bible in several different ways. There is created light, as when God said “Let there be light”…and He separated the light from the dark. This is literal. There is miraculous light, as in the glory light of Jesus when He transfigured. And there is figurative/symbolic Light, as in the Word is a light or when we are ‘in the light’ as opposed to those sinners who are ‘in darkness’, or ‘don’t hide your light under a bushel’.
In the ATS Bible Dictionary, we read,
One of the most wonderful, cheering, and useful of all the works of God; called into being on the first of the six days of creation, by his voice: “Let there be light;” and there was light. No object better illustrates whatever is pure, glorious, spiritual, joyful, and beneficent. Hence the beauty and force of the expressions, “God is light,” 1 John 1:5, and “the Father of lights,” James 1:17; Christ is the “Sun of righteousness,” and “the light of the world,” John 1:9 8:12. So also the word of God is “a light,” Psalm 119:105; truth and Christians are lights, John 3:19 12:36; prosperity is “light,” Esther 8:16; and heaven is full of light, Revelation 21:23-25. The opposite of all these is “darkness.”
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia explains
The word “light” is Divinely rich in its comprehensiveness and meaning. Its material splendor is used throughout the Scriptures as the symbol and synonym of all that is luminous and radiant in the mental, moral and spiritual life of men and angels; while the eternal God, because of His holiness and moral perfection, is pictured as “dwelling in light unapproachable” (1 Timothy 6:16). Every phase of the word, from the original light in the natural world to the spiritual glory of the celestial, is found in Holy Writ.
The ISBE even goes on to further separate the different concepts of Light into Natural Light, Artificial Light, Miraculous Light, Mental, Moral, Spiritual Light; and explores its symbolism, expressive terms, and more. Check it out!
We first read the word light in Genesis 1:3 and the Bible closes with it in Revelation 22:5. Light. It’s such a simple word, but such a complex theme.
Further Resources:
Q&A: What Does it Mean that God is Light?
Devotional: Walk in the Light
Study: Light and Darkness
Blog post: Light of the World
By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
Dr. John MacArthur’s passing at 86 years old sparked deep sadness. His consistent, steadfast preaching over 56 years provided reassurance and stability in a chaotic world. MacArthur’s dedication to the Gospel and call for faithfulness remains a profound legacy, marking the end of an exceptional era in Christian leadership.
Continue reading “Grieving the Loss of John MacArthur: A Reflection”By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
I discuss the challenges Christians face when surrounded by non-believers, referred to as “enemies of the cross.” I mention that living a Christian life involves spiritual battles. Drawing on biblical examples like King Jehoshaphat, I encourage believers to seek the Lord for strength and to love those who oppose them, as these individuals bear heavy burdens.
Continue reading “Trusting God in Times of Conflict”By Elizabeth Prata
Do you think about heaven? Sometimes we get busy and forget there is a home waiting for us. We forget this is not our home and we are temporary pilgrims here on earth living a life that is a mere shadow of the real life we will be living ‘over yonder.’
Paul said what is waiting for us is beyond anything we can imagine. The words he heard were inexpressible which a man is not allowed to speak, and the revelations were great.
Warren Wiersbe said, “Our God is a God of beauty, and He will lavish His beauty on the city He is preparing for His people.“
John wrote down what he was instructed and we have a vision of heaven in Revelation 4 and 5, 21 and 22. Of course we have Ezekiel and Isaiah’s visions as well which give us a glimpse. (Ezekiel 1, Isaiah 6).
Revelation 21:21b says,
And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
BUT, the whole city is of gold! Revelation 21:18b says,
and the city was pure gold, like clear glass
What a sight that will be! God’s glory will shine everywhere.
Matthew Henry’s Whole Commentary makes a note,
The light of this city. Where there is no light, there can be no lustre nor pleasure. Heaven is the inheritance of the saints in light. But what is that light? There is no sun nor moon shining there, v. 23. Light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is to behold the sun. What a dismal world would this be if it were not for the light of the sun! What is there in heaven that supplies the want of it? There is no want of the light of the sun, for the glory of God lightens that city, and the Lamb is the light thereof. God in Christ will be an everlasting fountain of knowledge and joy to the saints in heaven; and, if so, there is no need of the sun or moon, any more than we here need to set up candles at noon day, when the sun shineth in its strength
Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 2484). Hendrickson.
Further Reading
What does the Bible say about heaven? Randy Alcorn.
Heaven: A World of Love by Jonathan Edwards, read online at Chapel Library or download
By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
A couple’s intimate moment at a Coldplay concert was broadcast on the jumbotron, revealing an alleged affair between Andy Byron, a married CEO, and HR Chief Kristin Cabot. Their actions drew public scrutiny, emphasizing the harm of adultery. The incident highlights the emotional pain for families and the spiritual consequences of infidelity.
Continue reading “Caught on Jumbotron: The Impact of Infidelity”By Elizabeth Prata
A dear, young friend of mine asked me if I knew of Gospel sermons she and her friend could listen to. Just a focus on gospel, gospel, gospel. Plain old gospel. What a great request, isn’t it! After I gathered some sermons along those lines, I sent her a reply quickly. One rule I have is that if someone asks about the gospel, the Bible, or something within the confines of Christ’s kingdom, I answer immediately. That’s what someone did for me when I was first saved, and I never forgot it. It taught me 2 lessons- I felt cared for, and I saw how serious she was about the Lord in coming to me so quickly. So now I do the same.
I haven’t listened to all these listed here. But I have listened to each of these men at some point. Don Green used to be Phil Johnson’s partner at GraceLife Pulpit then left 10 years ago to start Truth Community Church in Cincinnati OH.
Don Green, Truth Community Church 3 part series, on sermon audio there is a link with the sermon to a .pdf for easy reading along.
Do You Know the Gospel’s Power? – Intro – Romans 7:4
Do You Know the Gospel’s Power #1 – Romans 7:4
Do You Know the Gospel’s Power #2 – Romans 7:4
God So Loved… Martyn Lloyd-Jones, John 3:16. Sermon synopsis and outline is at the link
These are from 2022, so Washer is calmer, lol. You KNOW a Washer sermon on the Gospel is going to be good!
The Gospel part 1 . Paul Washer at The Master’s Seminary Chapel. On Youtube. Transcript available at Youtube
The Gospel Part 2 . Paul Washer at The Master’s Seminary on Youtube. He immediately gets into WHAT the gospel is in this part. It’s so good!
Immeasurable Love. John 3:16. Dan Duncan at Believer’s Chapel. He is the successor to S. Lewis Johnson, who pastored there for 30 years. I have not listened to this particular sermon but I have listened to Dan Duncan before. This is a solid expositor. The sermon is from 2022.
Transcript here https://believerschapeldallas.org/bcs3/dan_duncan/john_2021/10_DD-80_64k.pdf
SHORTS
John MacArthur shares the gospel in 1 minute (to Kirk Cameron).
Gospel in a minute Marci Ferrell Thankful Homemaker.
What is the Gospel? Voddie Baucham 4 minutes. 2022.
The Gospel in 6 Minutes John Piper. 6 minutes
The Gospel Paul Washer | HeartCry Missionary Society. 8-minute video on Youtube
Bookmark these, listen, enjoy hearing about the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ! This is news that never gets old. It isn’t just for the new believer, but for all of us, no matter the stage we are in with our walk.
the-end-time.org 