Articles that reference the book of The Revelation

Nope, the future does not exist. But you can still pretty much take some things for granted. Typical things like the sun rising in the East tomorrow morning. But there’s really no guarantee that everything will be the way it’s always been.

So, there’s no reason to be upset with me for saying this about the future. I just share it to point out how important it is to get as much learning and understanding as you can. Understanding what makes human beings tic is a key to treating each other better. The future, utopian or dystopian, does not exist today.

That’s my point. Matter of fact, I’ll go one giant step further than that.

I believe if human beings would learn to enjoy serving one another instead of stealing from and murdering one another, that description you find in the Revelation, at the end of the Bible, wouldn’t have to come true. Nope. I don’t believe, for a second, that our loving Creator decreed all that before the foundation of the world. Yeah, I believe He would love to see it not come to pass. But, will it? It’s kinda like this…

Will the sun rise in the morning?

Will the songbirds all be singing?

Will some words of wisdom visit?

Will the world go on forever?

I challenge you to read that poem to your kids or grandkids. And when you do, by the time you get to the second verse, you can say well, maybe, and point to them. And don’t be surprised if they say maybe not. It’s just a theory I have. Test it out and see if those little rugrats substantiate my theory.

If you have a blessed hope for the future, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post The future does not exist and I simply must insist appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“If matter’s all there is, then nothing really matters.” I’ve said that many times over the years. And for a very good reason. Because you are the only you. And the enormous amount of information found in just one of your trillions of cells shows how true that is as it reveals your unique story.

But there’s something really interesting about truth. People either love the truth or hate it. And that’s because the truth either sets them free or convicts them. And freedom is great. But that whole conviction thing is a horse of a different color. And people don’t want that different color. Most of them prefer neutral tones.

I’m as fond of gray as the next guy, when it comes to painting things around the house. Because it goes with just about everything. But when it comes to truth, going with gray, or neutral tones, is a recipe for turning you into God puke. Take that off your to-do list.

But let’s get back to your unique story. The reason I write entertaining books for you (especially for kids) is because your story matters. (by the way, “reason” isn’t found in matter)

ThatAnd your story matters because you were created by the original, infinitely brilliant storyteller. You didn’t just happen. And the story of who you are and why you look and sound the way you do is written inside the cells of your body. It’s like a secret code.

Technology now gives us access to DNA where your code (your story) is written.

Your code is yours and no one else has the your code. That’s how and why you are the only you. And this is true of every person on the earth. Big or little. Fat or skinny. Blue or pink, so to speak.

If we took the code inside of you and used a special decoder ring, we could read the one book in the world written just about you.

It would tell us why your singing voice is so nice. Or why you can’t carry a tune in a bucket. It would tell us how you grew up to be a 7 foot basketball player in the NBA. Or a 5 foot jockey in the Kentucky Derby. Well, your code wouldn’t tell us how you won a place in the NBA or the Kentucky Derby. But it would show us why you’re tall or short.

Imagine how many other things we could learn about you by reading the teeny, tiny instructions in each of the trillions of cells in your body. But then there wouldn’t be time to read or do anything else. You can just be sure that…

Inside a trillion tiny cells

That energy is life itself

Be thankful for your source of life

Your email address matters, too. It’s what I need so I can send you Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. Get lots of fun stuff delivered right to your inbox. Spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to The Very First 6 Days, a rhyming book for kids about God’s creation week and 2 songs, right away. Fun for kids AND not too cutesy. So grownups enjoy it, too. Your email address is all it takes to get it almost right away.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post You are the only you and truth makes that true appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I can predict people will still be living on Earth a thousand years from now. And that prediction includes their ability to drink water, eat real food, and breathe fresh air. Yep, that’s right. I can predict the future.

No, I’m not a prediction savant. And I don’t play one on YouTube. So, just because I can predict the future with confidence still doesn’t mean I think I know it all (and I knew that’s what you were thinking about me just now).

Yeah, I’m what you might call a prognosticating magician. Oh yeah, you know it’s true. Given enough time that’s what you’d call me. At least once you discover some of my secrets of diversion.

Anyway…

Someone, long before me, shared some predictions about how long this planet could last. And, when you consider how accurate that source has been time after time after time, there’s no point in doubting the accuracy of any “future talk.”

So, I’ve shared what I’ve shared, up to this point, to point out how outrageous the end-of-civilization claims are. And in recent years, as they’ve attempted to predict a dystopian future, those claims have gotten increasingly stupid. And they reveal who the control freaks are. Good news is, they’re just clanging brass clowns and provisional, passing puppets. And, in the long run (eternity), their message will vaporize.

But they DO get to have their 15 minutes of fame right now. So, as they slither through their slogan-filled sleepwalk, we can focus on things that are pure and praiseworthy. Because…

Chicken little, chicken little,

© 2023

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The post Predict the future but don’t be too sure appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I just saw three weak references to time by Christians. And all three of them talked about when time shall be no more. Sadly, those Christians are perpetuating an impossibility. Because there will never be a time when there is no time. See, how it even sounds silly when you put it that way?

But this notion of timelessness doesn’t come from the Bible. In fact, all through the Bible, when you find references to time, they show the vastness of it. And that’s what makes the Christian God of the Bible even more amazing.

From everlasting to everlasting.

That’s a key description of your Creator. And it clearly describes an eternal past through now and on into the eternal future. But don’t take my word for it. If you truly believe time shall be no more (at any time in your future), then I wonder why God inspired John to talk about the passing of time in Heaven. Here’s the passage I mean…

“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.”

So, according to God, we’ll even still have months in Heaven. And it seems as though there’ll still be twelve of them. Now, I think that’s awesome.

Time will go on forever

(At least if you’ve chosen to recognize Jesus for who He is.)

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The post Time shall be no more. What do they say that for? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Life. Love. And freedom. Hope. Bread. And water. Joy. And a rock-solid promise. Yeah, I’ve definitely got something to sing about. And when I say “sing,” that’s how I cheer. Because, for me, singing is the best form of celebration.

And I might answer, “Well, well, well…I’m not goin’ to hell.” (Yeah, I answer in rhymes. So what.)

And that’s definitely something to celebrate because I certainly don’t deserve to not go to hell. Are you keepin’ up with that line of thought? Good. Let’s continue.

There are people, all over the world, and right here in America, who are working hard to make sure people like me don’t enjoy this life so much. Yeah, it’s true. And if you believe and trust in Jesus as the only Way to eternal life, you’re right here with me. They don’t want you to enjoy this life so much either. Are you feelin’ it?

Of course, if you’re not a boat rocker (and obviously I am), then you might not have much to worry about from those people who hate you. But that’s not a good strategy in the long run. Because it means you’re swimming around in the lukewarm water. And God’s not a fan of the lukewarm.

And if you truly wanna enjoy life…and I’m talkin’ life that never ends…it’s a good idea to take a stand. Or I should say, take THE stand. But I gotta warn you. When you do, you won’t get what you deserve. Can you live with that?  (hint: yes)

(After you read these lyrics, or listen to them in the podcast, get your own “what I deserve” t-shirt – it’s the purple one on this page)

You gave me life…

“˜Cause this person who you bought never had the nerve.

You gave me hope,

But you never even fought or let your focus swerve.

Lord, don’t give me…what I deserve.

You gave me joy…

And on this earthly azure dot I can choose to serve.

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

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My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

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The post Something to sing about in this era of doubt appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Ever since the Donald left the white house, some guy named Joe has been there. And he’s doin’ a good job. A mighty good job. So, I just wanted to touch base with you and let in on the latest political news. See ya later.

But I’m only being a little sarcastic. Mostly I mean it. Some guy named Joe, who pops up every now and then and pretends to know what’s going on, is actually doing a good job.

Well, I guess I should clarify.

Old Joe whatshisname is doing a good job of carrying out the anti-God agenda that leftists thinkers (and that’s an oxymoron) have up their virus-laden sleeves. Trouble is…at least for Joe…is he probably doesn’t even realize most of it.

But I’m sure he wouldn’t care even if he DID realize what’s going on.

Because people who wanna be kings and queens (and that goes for boys or girls) don’t want the whole issue of right and wrong bogging things down. It’s not a matter of what’s TRULY right or wrong. It’s all in how you FEEL about it.

And as long as it makes you feel good to steal from hard-working people and give that money to people who won’t work, illegal immigrants, and anybody else who’ll vote for you, then do it.

But the sad irony is how minuscule their little reigns of power will seem to them in the final analysis (aka White Throne Judgment). And I know that sounds like a lot of hooey to people who’d rather believe in aliens and that nothing created everything. But it’s still true.

A nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse.

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Did you see the Star Trek movie, Wrath of Khan? It was about how Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise had to battle their arch enemy, Khan. Because he planned on using the so-called “life-generating Genesis Device” as a weapon of mass destruction. Huh? Sounds strange. But it was an entertaining movie. And it was a big box office success.

At least when you compare it to real wrath. Wanna know what that looks like?

OK. But first…what’s the definition of wrath? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it like this: “1. strong vengeful anger or indignation – 2. retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement”

Hmm…let’s focus in on that divine chastisement part a little more.

Going back to the dictionary, divine means “relating to, or proceeding directly from God.” And chastisement means “to censure severely : castigate. Oh no, I’ve opened a small container of worms with a couple more words. Right?

OK…censure means “a judgment involving condemnation” and castigate means “to subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism.” Alright…now, we’re getting somewhere.

Because the wrath of Khan is merely a yawn when compared to the wrath of God. Wanna see a good example of what I’m talking about? Good. Because that’s my Reason for sharing this.

“…there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.”

Wow. That could almost be a screenplay for a Marvel movie.

Now, check this out…

“And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Imagine being so afraid that you’d actually prefer the mountains and rocks to fall on you rather than face God. Now, THAT’S wrath.

And it IS gonna come. And it IS gonna be terrible.

For those who hate God.

But for those who love and trust the Creator, there will only be everlasting, fulfilling, joyous love. In a paradise where there’s no more death and dying. So, my recommendation is…

Skip the wrath and choose the path

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Answers and insights. Those were the promises of search technology in the age of information. And the promises have been kept. But, at the same time, corruption crept in. Just like it always has in the endeavors of mankind.  

Yeah, you can trigger ideas just by typing letters, words, and phrases into your search bar. Because Google (and other search engines) have suggestions for you as you do. It’s pretty cool. And I can say…it can be a powerful tool for writing.

But, like everything else humans get their selfishness wrapped around, it has a dark side.

For example, I read an article about, what appears to be, manipulated results from searches on the subject of election fraud in America. And then there’s social media censorship placed on information from sources whose worldview leans to the right.

But none of this should come as much of a surprise to Christians.

At least, not if you remember what Jesus said about those who hated and persecuted Him.

What makes it so excruciatingly despicable, though, is how many brave and strong Americans gave their valiant efforts, and even their lives, to ensure this country could be a beacon of light. A ray of hope to a world filled with hatred for Jesus.

Generations, in America, grew up knowing they could worship God freely. Knowing they could happily enjoy life and liberty without fear of persecution. And oppressed people from around the world came here seeking that same freedom for themselves and their posterity.

So, on this 79th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, I hope you stop and think about those who gave all so that you could have all.

And none of them could have given their lives if Jesus hadn’t given His first. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

I would love to see hearts changed in the people who control media, tech, politics, and industries. And it would be awesome to witness the difference they could make when they made the decision to love their neighbor. But I suspect they’ll never go there. Because that would take something they’re all missing.

Humility.

But don’t lose hope. One day they will experience humility. And even though we might not see it here, we will see the vengeance.

From the brisk, blue breeze came a static spark,

Stay tuned,

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The post Answers and insights and freedom in our sights appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Of course, the comedic answer is…night. Or maybe you remember how the Florida Citrus Commission used to say “a day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine”Either way, can you imagine a day without the actual sun? That would be weird beyond words. But what if I told you there might be a time like that in your future. In fact, every day might be like that.

Imagine a pure “river of water of life, clear as crystal“. And then imagine a “tree of life”that yields twelve different fruits, one for each month. Wow. Cool stuff. You can probably sort of wrap your mind around those things. Especially if you’ve watched any superhero movies.

But it’s almost impossible to imagine a day without sunshine, much less an eternity without the sun. What in the world am I talking about?

Nothing in this world, actually. But I AM talking about the great I AM. And He says in Heaven there’ll be no need for the sun because He will be our light.

That “day without sunshine”will be an age. A period of time without end. Also known as forever. And if you put your faith and trust in Jesus as Savior of Heaven and Earth, you’ll bask God’s own lightGod’s own light without the need for the sun. It’s gloriously unimaginable for our mere mortal minds. And yet, so cool.

And if you’d like to know more about it, click the links. A friend of mine, Cristina, wrote some lyrics about it. I added a little music and sang this song, which you can hear when you Get my Podcast on iTunes…

My love for You, Lord,

And I will shine in Your glory…

My joy is flowing out

And I will shine in Your glory…

Shine in your glory… Shine in your glory

© Cristina Miller 2010

I hope you’ll be there with me to see those glorious sun-less, yet Son-filled days. If you don’t know how to get there, contact me.

Stay tuned,

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The post A day without sunshine Is more than a line appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Back in 2009 I was in the middle of my three years as a music leader for a small Denver area church. It was (and is) a church with a strong, abolitionist, pro life foundation. And they were leading the charge to establish the personhood of the child in the mother’s womb. That whole movement was not only up against the abortion industry but also the other Christian and “pro life” organizations who thought (and think) the abolition stand is unworkable. I wanted to do what I could to encourage them to keep going. So I wrote the song, We Win, and my friend Jason produced a video.

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I’m talking about Christians of course. And when I say “we win”, it’s about the struggles all human beings face in this life. Too many people…most in fact…are choosing to serve themselves and thumb their noses at God and His command to love and serve others. That’s a recipe for losing and losers.

If you’re NOT on the side against God, I urge you to reconsider before it’s too late. And it’s only too late when you take your last breath. If you’re on God’s team, I encourage you to hang in there. Remember, the last book in the Bible gives us a peek at what’s coming. So…it’s worth it…

It should be so easy

To say that it’s legal

It’s hard when we count up the cost,

It’s not law. We got law.

When logic and reason

So work hard and take time to pray

Hang in there…we have to see it through.

If you’re hanging in there that way, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

Stay tuned,

The post We win. Hang in there. It’s worth it. We win appeared first on Tony Funderburk.