The boys of Nobody Special talk about Danny’s social media posting, being glad that he filters some things. Then we talk about Cameron Kasky and his decision to step down from March For Our Lives. After that, we look at the effects of drugs on society and whether a Christian can follow God while taking drugs recreationally.
As the dragon stands on the edge of the sea, the devil begins to summon forth two beasts in chapter 13. Â The first comes from the sea (vs. 1-10) and the second comes from the earth (vs. 11-18). Â Each are equally frightening but different in their approach. Â For both, the purpose of the beasts remains the same; to spread the false gospel that the dragon can provide life and safety to people. Â At this point, the dragon knows his days are numbered and that he will ultimately see his demise and end. Â Yet, the nature of the dragon seeks destruction for the people. Â He deceives others in hopes of bringing the destruction that will befall him to others.
It seems that our current day and culture does not value self-control. Â Everyone is urged and encouraged to give in to their immediate desires in order to gratify whatever they are seeking. Â Pleasure has become the god of our current day as we all desire to achieve the most amount of pleasure for what we seek. Â Yet, throughout scripture, what mankind desires has proven itself time and time again to not be beneficial for their own good. Â The things that God desires and directs His follows to do, while it may contradict the desires of the flesh, consistently remain better for mankind. Â When the Spirit of God is alive and moving within us, self-control that refuses to give in to every desire will demonstrate the God within us. Â Self-control involves taking an intense look at what our heart craves and choose to obey what ultimately will secure our salvation and sustain our soul. Â It abstains when it’s easier to give in, it runs when it’s easier to walk, and it submits to the will of an infinite and Holy God who only wants what is best for His beloved creation. Â
As Paul discusses the fruit of the Spirit, he includes gentleness as a clear indication that a person is living a spirit-filled life. As much as we use this term and mentally ascent to its Christ-like quality, often times this quality is one of the first to go for the sake of boldness or standing firm aggressively. We live as if gentleness concedes territory in our spiritual lives. Nothing could be further from the truth. Gentleness finds its basis in the ideas of meekness and humility but not in weakness. Instead the expression of gentleness roots itself in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
The boys of Nobody Special talk about Danny’s social media posting, being glad that he filters some things. Then we talk about Cameron Kasky and his decision to step down from March For Our Lives. After that, we look at the effects of drugs on society and whether a Christian can follow God while taking drugs recreationally.
Throughout the bible, we gain the perspective from earth of God’s intervention and rescue plan for mankind.  Throughout the entirety of scripture, God remains the star as He saves those receive Him.  Yet, for the most part, this is told through the perspective of the physical.  In Revelation 12, John is given a glimpse of the spiritual story.  We gain great detail as to the consequences of the devil’s rebellion in heaven, how he came to earth, and ultimately what he will endure.  Some parts of this chapter seem to be almost a flashback of events from the past while others still are to come.  Often times, from the perspective of man, it seems as though the battle is still ranging onward between God and man.  We worry about what we face and that the trials and temptations of the world will be the end of us as the devil  tempts us.  However, we must remember that Satan, for all his accusations, has no reign or power outside of what God allows him to.  The church, no matter what, will be eternally safe against the attacks of Satan as long as the church remains and pursues the One, True Savior. Â
As Paul discusses the fruit of the Spirit, he includes gentleness as a clear indication that a person is living a spirit-filled life. As much as we use this term and mentally ascent to its Christ-like quality, often times this quality is one of the first to go for the sake of boldness or standing firm aggressively. We live as if gentleness concedes territory in our spiritual lives. Nothing could be further from the truth. Gentleness finds its basis in the ideas of meekness and humility but not in weakness. Instead the expression of gentleness roots itself in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Throughout the whole of this chapter, many times and numbers are given. Â It is very likely that these are not indicative of the literal time but rather as an indication of completeness and representing God. Â Furthermore, as John references the temple, it is the opinion of this author that this does not necessitate a physical rebuilding of the temple. Â The temple refers to the people of God and the true believers who find their identity in the body of Christ. Â In the Old Testament, the temple represented the place where the priests would intercede for mankind to God. Â Now, with the coming of Jesus Christ and the sending of the Holy Spirit, we as the body of Christ represent the intercession of God to the world and identifying with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. In this chapter, you see the believers begin to feel the persecution of the world. Â For part of this, the people of God will be spared and for others, true believers will feel the unabated persecution. Â Throughout this chapter, though, we see that God does not abandon His people. Â No matter what the world does to those who believe, God will protect those who worship Him and belong in Jesus Christ.
As Paul discusses the fruit of the Spirit, he includes gentleness as a clear indication that a person is living a spirit-filled life. As much as we use this term and mentally ascent to its Christ-like quality, often times this quality is one of the first to go for the sake of boldness or standing firm aggressively. We live as if gentleness concedes territory in our spiritual lives. Nothing could be further from the truth. Gentleness finds its basis in the ideas of meekness and humility but not in weakness. Instead the expression of gentleness roots itself in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
There is something humbling about being humbled. While it’s never a fun process, the boys of Nobody Special talk about the times when they have been humble and been humbled.  In the end, everyone will one day bow before God, the difference will only be on what side of eternity we stand.  This week we look at some of the moments where Caleb and Danny endured tough times and came out stronger in the process.  We  talk about where to find your identity and what it means to stand with one another, all while growing closer to God in the process. Â
