The Provoked Apologist

 Y'know what nobody likes? End-times discussions. Y'know what I don't like? Bad Bible reading techniques. I've been putting off adding my two cents into the discussion regarding "the mark of the beast" or any kind of end-times-related things. However, after finding yet another article being used as a "support" to a specific understanding of the Mark of the Beast, I figured I might as well put my thoughts out there in hopes that a good discussion can be had. Then I could put the topic to bed so I can carry on with life and not have the topic nagging at my brain. What am I talking about? Here is the idea I'm responding to: The mark of the Beast is a microchip prophesied about in Revelation 13:16.  I'm going to do my best to represent this viewpoint fairly. But still, I'm open to discussion/correction of my representation of it. Here goes: The mark of the Beast is what the people are given to physically take. According to Revelation 13:16-17...

 Well, I had a random burst of inspiration to write some devotional content on this page. I had been plotting out a series in 1 Peter for a short while, then got busy. I don't think I'll ever stop using that excuse, but I won't go there. So, here we go.  1 Peter 1:1-2 "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,  To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for the sprinkling with his blood:  May grace and peace be multiplied to you." It's difficult to find a starting point with these verses. There is such a profound amount of trinitarian theology involved regarding salvation and the plan of God for the lives of His followers that we could spend weeks parsing each word/phrase and have a tough time running out of content.  Here is some small truth we can grab on to. In this strange season of pande...

  What is false teaching? In the world today, we have witnessed a strange year. Not only to start this one with the presidential election but many internet prophecies and strange teaching from fringe preachers. It has been a burden on my heart, but I didn't feel the need to dedicate the time to write a blog post about it. Then, unironically, after witnessing many false prophecies about the election, and reading through my Bible (particularly Matthew 23) I thought it fitting to write a post. I hope that this will edify and equip you in recognizing false teachers. Particularly, viewing one of the seven woes in Matthew 23 (specifically verses 1-7). Here is the text we will look at: Matthew 23:2-4 The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their ...