The book of Genesis is fascinating. The origins of the universe. The purpose of humanity. Worldwide catastrophe. Spreading out of humanity. Singling out one particular family and family line. That’s just the first twelve chapters. Chapters 13-50 give us famine, war, circumcision, disjunction, murder, wealth, growing family, protection from famine, slavery, and so much more. Continue reading “Remove the Fig Leaves”
Author Archives: Ryan Stratton
A GOD OF NEW BEGINNINGS: Revelation in Pictures
Revelation in a fascinating letter. There are visions, destructions, dragon, death, resurrection, hope, a future glory. This letter has just about everything that drives people to the movies. Great cast, great adventure, lessons and reassurances, hope. What else would you want? For a recap of where we have been in this journey through Revelation, youContinue reading “A GOD OF NEW BEGINNINGS: Revelation in Pictures”
A VISION FOR THE CHURCH: Revelation in Pictures
Read Revelation 7:9-17 For a review of where we have been, read the blog post on Revelation 1 and the one on Revelation 5. Revelation 6 opens with all chaos breaking out. There are the 7 seals of destruction (similar to the plagues in Egypt). There is also the “sealing” of the 144,000 people ofContinue reading “A VISION FOR THE CHURCH: Revelation in Pictures”
A VISION FOR WORSHIP: Revelation in Pictures
A VISION FOR WORSHIP: Revelation in Pictures Read Revelation 5:11-14 Read the first blog post in this series on Revelation. Revelation is an interesting book. As we saw in the last blog, the letter Revelation can really be summed up with an image of Jesus holding everything together. This is a vital picture for usContinue reading “A VISION FOR WORSHIP: Revelation in Pictures”
Beginning with the End: Revelation in Pictures
Revelation is a fascinating book filled with vision, symbols, and numbers that are challenging to understand completely. Here’s the gist of the letter of Revelation—God ultimately wins! Imagine how life could be if we focused on the victory of Christ Jesus rather than what’s wrong in the world. God will ultimately redeem and make everythingContinue reading “Beginning with the End: Revelation in Pictures”
Focus on Jesus
What reminds you of the joy Jesus brings? What helps you to focus on Jesus? Each month, I am privileged to take Communion to our Homebound people. As a pastor, Communion always means more each time I preside over the sacrament and each time I partake of the sacrament. Something is different this month. Division,Continue reading “Focus on Jesus”
What’s Missing? (Parts 1-3)
How we read the Bible impacts what we notice. For example, do we pay attention to the possible time frame between some of the verses? This three part video series should help us see a larger scope of the narrative to see how God may be shaping us.
Life of a Rebel
What trends do you remember it seemed like everyone wanted to do? Remember the man-bun? What about when tattoos became a big deal? Or piercing certain parts of the body? Do you ever find yourself asking how to make sure people will notice you? How about trying to figure out who you are, or who youContinue reading “Life of a Rebel”
Tis the Season for…Plaid?
I’m not sure why I haven’t noticed this before. It was only when a heard someone say, “look at all the plaid” when they saw all the children in worship. I looked around, and sure enough, most of the children were all dressed in plaid. And they looked cute in their Christmas colors. Then IContinue reading “Tis the Season for…Plaid?”
The Word
When was the last time you remember the Holy Spirit speaking to you through the scripture? If it’s been recently, what was your reaction? Did you obey the words/message? If it’s been awhile, or never, I have a some questions. How often do you read the Bible? How do you prepare your heart and mindContinue reading “The Word”
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