NEWS, ARTICLES, DEVOTIONS AND MORE FROM BttB...

With our study of Revelation drawing to end, and the Bible coming closer, we get our first glimpse of the new heaven and new earth awaiting the faithful. Join us as we anticipate the day when there will be no more tears.

As terrible as the final tribulation will be, it won't last forever. As we draw near to the end of Revelation we see God's final judgment on sin and sinners. As we consider this future day, we'll look at how this reconciles with the loving nature of God.

One of the saddest things about the coming tribulation is that no one will be caught unawares by these trials. As we continue our study of Revelation we'll be reminded about the characteristics of false teachers and be encouraged to place our faith only in God.

As we watch judgment descend on the future earth depicted in Revelation, it should be increasingly obvious that these will be terrible days indeed. As we consider these dark days, we'll be encouraged to make the most of the time we have to work to spread the Gospel and spare as many as possible from these tribulations.

Revelation is primarily known as a book of judgment. But who is worthy to judge the world? That's the first question we look at as we continue our study. We'll look at why only Jesus is worthy, and we'll consider some prophecies that come from elsewhere in the Bible too.

What kind of faith is God looking for in your church? As we continue our study of Revelation we'll see what Jesus had to say about the church in Laodicea. After that we'll get a glimpse of the throne room of heaven.

As we continue our study of Revelation, we'll look at two more letters to the early churches: one example we should aspire to, and one we should avoid. Join us as we look at the praise Jesus had for the church in Philadelphia, and the warning He had for the church in Sardis.

When sin gets into the heart of the church, judgment is sure to follow. That's John's warning as he continues sharing the words of Jesus to the seven churches. As we study these words we'll be challenged to examine our own church and to ask ourselves if we have let sin into our congregations.

No two churches are exactly alike. Each one faces its own unique challenges. That's true today, and it was true when John wrote the Book of Revelation. And so, here at the start, Jesus dictates a series of letters to the churches of the day, with lessons for us today also. Is your church still on fire for Jesus Christ?

The Book of Revelation contains many fascinating mysteries. But the mysteries shouldn't overshadow the things that it makes crystal clear. As we begin our look at the final book of the New Testament, we'll be reminded of Jesus' power and glory and worthiness to usher in the final days of earth.

The Book of Jude is a small but important part of the New Testament. In this short letter, Jude challenges his readers not just to be wary of false teachers, but to defend the faith against them. When believers work together, the truth will always prevail.

The apostle John wrote one Gospel and three letters that are preserved in the New Testament for us. As we examine the letters of 2 & 3 John, we'll be reminded again of how to recognize false teachers. We'll also be encouraged to build each other up and strengthen our brothers and sisters in the faith.

It all comes down to Jesus. As John explains as he concludes his first letter, the surest way to tell if a person is a false teacher comes down to who they believe Jesus to be. A strong understanding of Christ will also be beneficial to the believer unsure of their status in Christ.

Forgiveness when we sin is a wonderful thing. But what does it say of a Christian who insists on living continuously in sin? As John continues his letter we'll see a better way to live. A way of living for eternal happiness rather than temporary pleasures.

Forgiveness when we sin is a wonderful thing. But what does it say of a Christian who insists on living continuously in sin? As John continues his letter we'll see a better way to live. A way of living for eternal happiness rather than temporary pleasures.

How do you think Jesus feels when you sin? It's not a trick question. Do you picture Him with His head in His hands wondering how you can be so dense? Then take note of what John says as we begin our look at his first letter. Rather than judge, Jesus is your advocate, and stands ready to forgive...always.

Ever find the Bible hard to understand? You're not alone. Here at the end of Peter's second letter he agrees that some of the things the apostle Paul wrote are difficult. But God is patient. Be encouraged knowing that God is on your side and wants as many as possible to be saved.

Unfortunately, there are those out there who want to use the Bible for personal gain. Peter reminds us of these false teachers as he continues his letter. They can be hard to spot, though, so he gives us some warning signs to look out for. We'll also be encourage to use our time wisely while waiting for the Lord's return.

When it comes to trusting the words of the Bible, we get the best of both worlds, as Peter reminds us in his second letter. Not only do we get eyewitness accounts from some who walked with Jesus Himself, we get the Holy Spirit's own inspiration guiding the writing of Scripture. Are you reading the Bible today?

God has given us all a task to take the Good News to the world. But He hasn't left us to figure it all out on our own. In fact, as Peter reminds us, God is walking with us every step of the way. First he reminds us of the special gifts God has given. Then he reminds us to be in prayer always, letting God know our needs.

It's easy to forget that the life of faith in Christ is as much about other people as it is about ourselves. And as Peter continues his letter he describes how our lives can have an impact first in the home and then in our communities.

Many people in the world don't believe that God exists, or that He loves them, or that they can have joy or peace or contentment in this life. And when people call themselves Christians and don't demonstrate love or peace or contentment, they just confirm the fears of the watching world. That's why the apostle Peter urges us as believers to dedicate ourselves to growing in our faith as he continues his letter. To let the world know that God can be there for them too.

"There is wonderful joy ahead." Peter encourages his readers with this at the start of the first of his two letters. And it's a hope worth holding on to while we remain on this earth. Peter reminds us that we can endure whatever comes our way in God's strength, and that by doing so, we'll be declaring God's greatness to a world in need of a Savior.

At the heart of sin is self-centeredness. And so any quest for peace, must start with ourselves. As we conclude our look at James we'll be challenged to consider when we might be the cause of any of the troubles and trials that surround us. And we'll be reminded of the immeasurable peace we can all find in our relationship with Christ.