Bart Byl on ⁠Revelation 22:1-5,12-13,16-17,20-21⁠.

In the Bible’s final chapter, we are reminded of the ultimate end of our journey, where all our toils and sacrifices will be met with the eternal reward of Christ's presence in the New Jerusalem. Here, the curse will be broken, and we will experience the fullness of God's love and glory, with no more suffering or pain, but eternal joy and peace. As we labor and wait, we hold onto the promise of His coming, praying for the grace and strength to persevere until we are welcomed into His eternal embrace.

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Bart Byl on ⁠Luke 16:1-12⁠.

In his parable of the dishonest steward who leveraged his resources and relationships to build security for himself after he lost his job, Jesus teaches his disciples to act shrewdly with what in light of the coming kingdom. In this present age, which is rapidly passing away, we must cunningly leverage our earthly resources for heavenly impact.

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Bart Byl on Romans 1:1-17.

What is the Gospel, according to St. Paul? In the opening verses to his great (and often misunderstood) letter to the Romans, the apostle defines and describes the gospel of God that has claimed his life.

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Bart Byl on Hebrews 9:11-14, 23-26.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, he entered the true heavenly sanctuary as both High Priest and perfect sacrifice, securing our eternal access to God's presence. This pivotal event calls us to reflect on Christ’s ongoing intercession for us and our role as a royal priesthood, joining in the heavenly worship and service to our living God.

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Bart Byl on Galatians 3:26-4:7.

In the fullness of time, God sent His Son to redeemus, so that we might receive adoption as sons. God has also sent the Spirit of His Son into the hearts of believers, enabling them to cry out to God as their Father. And so we are no longer slaves but sons and heirs of God, enjoying the privileges and security of belonging to His family forever.

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Bart Byl on ⁠Jude 1-4, 17-25⁠.

Series: Discipleship on the Edge

Jude, eager to write about salvation, instead urges believers to contend for the faith due to emerging threats from within the Christian community. He warns against ungodly individuals who distort grace into a license for immorality and encourages believers to build each other up in faith, keep themselves in God's love, and show mercy to those led astray. His closing doxology reminds the faithful of God's power to keep them from stumbling and present them blameless with great joy.

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Bart Byl on John 20:19-31.

Though his followers had abandoned him at his crucifixion, the risen Jesus appears to them, offering peace and commissioning them to announce the forgiveness of sins in his name. Even the most skeptical disciple, Thomas, is transformed by his encounter with the risen Lord into a bold witness who would carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

[Caravaggio’s painting The Incredulity of Saint Thomas can be viewed here.]

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Bart Byl on Colossians 1:15-23.

The apostle Paul declares the cosmic supremacy of Christ, emphasizing his role as the creator, sustainer, and ultimate purpose of all things. Through his death on the cross, Christ reconciled all things to God, who took the initiative to restore the relationship between sinful humanity and their Creator. We now stand before God without blemish or accusation, having been freed from the powers of sin and death, sharing in Christ's ministry of reconciliation.

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