When running in an endurance race, ample reasons to quit do surface. Overwhelming fatigue, blisters, and other irritations will grate on your resolve. Eating the wrong food will cause your energy to deplete. You might experience dehydration. You might even become mentally depressed when alone on the course. As each malady presents itself, the temptation to quit is strong. But the experienced endurance racer pushes through and finishes their course.

Revelation 20 has caused no small controversy throughout the life of the church. My view is that the received position of the early church was that Jesus would one day return literally and visibly to reign on earth for a thousand years. Over and over again -- six times! -- Revelation says Jesus will reign for a thousand years (Revelation 20:2, 3, 5, 6, 7). Though many I love and respect do not, I take this to mean that Jesus will reign on earth for a thousand years after he returns.

Have you ever seen those UFC advertisements where they put the pictures of the two fighters next to each other? Sometimes they have their fists up like they're ready to pounce right on the poster — Guy #1 vs. Guy #2. A battle is brewing.