Daniel Burton Archives - Page 26 of 47

Christ in Colossians | Alive in Christ | Colossians 2:1-15

Christ in Colossians | Alive in Christ – Colossians 2:6-15

January 28, 2019

At the heart of the problem in the church in Colossae doubted that divinity of Christ to be sufficient for all salvation. Paul, with fondness for the church, sought to bring the church to their fullness of understanding and life in the Gospel, struggle and toil for their sake. Paul had been imprisoned for his zeal for the Gospel and gladly endured the punishment for the sake of the Gospel. Yet, despite the oddly optimistic outlook we cannot overlook the bleak circumstances that Paul endures for the Gospel. Imprisoned, hungry, tired, poor, and in at least one occasion, almost killed, Paul’s suffering came as the direct result of the faith He held in Jesus Christ. As gentiles came to Christ, the theological and philosophical differences they brought would need to be brought into spiritual maturity by those, like Paul who pastor and teach the church and drive them to the fullness of relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ | Christ Returns in Victory – Revelation 19:11-21

January 23, 2019

On the heels of chapter 18, we see the response of the throne room of heaven. Throughout the course of Revelation 19:1-10, there is cause for celebration. Evil’s defeat is secure as the justice of God comes to its fullness. The prayers of the saints from earlier has come to fruition and the finality of God’s judgments, the sorting between the wheat and chaff, is completed and those who have remained faithful to the One True God can celebrate in the victory of Jesus Christ. This chapter, and the chapters that follow, look as if they are wrapping up the defeat of goodness over evil. But to view it as the climax of the story would be to miss the point of the Gospel entirely. The thrust of the Gospel is not evil is defeated (though this is certainly a central piece) but rather is that God’s glory surpasses all things as He reigns throughout eternity and we, as recipients of the love of God, enter into the fullness of God’s presence for all eternity. Revelation is not the climax of evil’s defeat but the birth of the bride of Christ’s relationship that will last forever.

A Quick Note on Galatians 2:1-10

January 21, 2019

Paul held a perspective and mission that seemed to defy expectations and contradict the training held by Paul. At numerous occasions, Paul boasted in his education, having experienced world-class, quality training by highly skilled and influential teachers. Gamaliel being the most notable, established himself as a leader and scholar among the Sanhedrin as he interpreted the law with great skill and wisdom. Many sought the attention and mentorship of Gamaliel and Paul received the mentorship, setting him head and shoulders above the rest. Yet, despite the upbringing, God called Paul out of the Judaic sphere to reach the gentiles. Paul’s message and heart for the gentiles with the training of the Sanhedrin gave him a distinct perspective to defend against the Judaizers (who sought to burden the gentiles with the constraints of the Judaic law) and stand firm in the preeminence of Jesus Christ over any nationality or ethnic background. Seeing the faith of Paul and the heart for the Gospel, the apostles extended the right hand of fellowship. Paul understood the heart of the Gospel to extend beyond borders and walls, that the mission of loving and caring for the world to make Jesus Christ known throughout all the world.

The Hallelujah and The Wedding Feast | Revelation 19:10

The Revelation of Jesus Christ | The Hallelujah and The Wedding Feast – Revelation 19:1-10

January 16, 2019

On the heels of chapter 18, we see the response of the throne room of heaven. Throughout the course of Revelation 19:1-10, there is cause for celebration. Evil’s defeat is secure as the justice of God comes to its fullness. The prayers of the saints from earlier has come to fruition and the finality of God’s judgments, the sorting between the wheat and chaff, is completed and those who have remained faithful to the One True God can celebrate in the victory of Jesus Christ. This chapter, and the chapters that follow, look as if they are wrapping up the defeat of goodness over evil. But to view it as the climax of the story would be to miss the point of the Gospel entirely. The thrust of the Gospel is not evil is defeated (though this is certainly a central piece) but rather is that God’s glory surpasses all things as He reigns throughout eternity and we, as recipients of the love of God, enter into the fullness of God’s presence for all eternity. Revelation is not the climax of evil’s defeat but the birth of the bride of Christ’s relationship that will last forever.

Christ in Colossians | Suffering For The Gospel – Colossians 1:24-29

January 14, 2019

At the heart of the problem in the church in Colossae doubted that divinity of Christ to be sufficient for all salvation. Paul, with fondness for the church, sought to bring the church to their fullness of understanding and life in the Gospel, struggle and toil for their sake. Paul had been imprisoned for his zeal for the Gospel and gladly endured the punishment for the sake of the Gospel. Yet, despite the oddly optimistic outlook we cannot overlook the bleak circumstances that Paul endures for the Gospel. Imprisoned, hungry, tired, poor, and in at least one occasion, almost killed, Paul’s suffering came as the direct result of the faith He held in Jesus Christ. As gentiles came to Christ, the theological and philosophical differences they brought would need to be brought into spiritual maturity by those, like Paul who pastor and teach the church and drive them to the fullness of relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ | The Fall of Babylon – Revelation 18:1-24

January 10, 2019

While the wrath poured out in Revelation 16 represents the spiritual victory of the Lamb of God over the world and the last attempt for people to return to the one true God, Revelation 17 and 18 detail the total defeat of the Satan and the kingdom of Babylon. Throughout the course of Revelation 17, John employs imagery that would be easily identifiable to the modern day reader, where the interpretation and implication could easily be understood. Yet, as with most scriptures and prophesy in the bible, there are likely dual meanings. The immediate understanding and context and the much larger scope as time comes to a conclusion. Ultimately, the hearts of man and the desires of the flesh have no fundamentally changed throughout history. While the technology and context changes, the temptation remains the same; to sell ourselves and our identity to the prostitute for momentary pleasure at the cost of our spiritual well being.

Christ in Colossians | The Preeminence of Christ – Colossians 1:15-23

January 7, 2019

The church in Colossee had lost their way, forgetting the place that Christ holds in their life. Paul, while not able to be there in person, sent his word to exhort and encourage them in their faith according to the Kingship of Jesus Christ over all creation. Paul’s message to the church resonates true even…
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The Revelation of Jesus Christ | Rise and Fall of the Prostitute – Revelation 17:1-18

January 2, 2019

While the wrath poured out in Revelation 16 represents the spiritual victory of the Lamb of God over the world and the last attempt for people to return to the one true God, Revelation 17 and 18 detail the total defeat of the Satan and the kingdom of Babylon. Throughout the course of Revelation 17, John employs imagery that would be easily identifiable to the modern day reader, where the interpretation and implication could easily be understood. Yet, as with most scriptures and prophesy in the bible, there are likely dual meanings. The immediate understanding and context and the much larger scope as time comes to a conclusion. Ultimately, the hearts of man and the desires of the flesh have no fundamentally changed throughout history. While the technology and context changes, the temptation remains the same; to sell ourselves and our identity to the prostitute for momentary pleasure at the cost of our spiritual well being.

Focusing on The Blessings in 2019

December 31, 2018

As I started 2018, I found a hope that, from the previous years, remained highly elusive. Numerous persons had routinely told me “This is going to be your year!” Quickly, I formulated things to do and ways to improve my spiritual health and well being. I met the first few weeks with gusto, powering through the challenges, pushing my skills and abilities, while simultaneously working on some persistent habitual sins that seemed to find a home. To Ben honest, for while, things were going pretty good. I felt like a super Christian.

Just An Ordinary Day | Jesus

December 24, 2018

We like to believe that Jesus and Satan actively battle for the souls and lives of mankind., each trying to beat the other in some divine spiritual competition. We share images of Jesus and Satan standing face to face as if they are preparing for a boxing match with the outcome largely unknown. Nothing could be further from the truth. For Jesus, there is no contest between the defunct fallen angel and the Son of God and ruler of all creation. Maintaining Divine rule over all creation requires nothing beyond the instrinsic personhood that He naturally exerts. Bringing salvation to mankind by becoming incarnate had been the plan from the beginning, not a plan B in response to sin. Rather, the work of Christ paved the only path for our return. While hugely momentous and the turning point of creation, for Jesus Christ, this event displayed the ordinary activities for a God incarnate who does the extraordinary for the unworthy.