Hello! I am Jon Paulien and I’m glad you came to this page to check out my work. I am a New Testament scholar and Professor of Religion at Loma Linda University. On this website you will find a collection of my articles, commentary on Revelation, and links to my blog, videos, and other resources. Make sure you check the articles link above regularly to see the latest postings. In my hand above is an exact replica of p52, the earliest extant New Testament manuscript fragment, containing portions of John, chapter 18. Centered above my head is a replica of ancient Greek pottery. At either end above are two sets of books from, and about, my favorite spiritual author, Ellen G. White. I hope you enjoy the site.

Daily Devotional For February 20, 2026

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You are holding fast to My name and have not denied My faith even in the days of Antipas, My faithful martyr who was put to death among you, where Satan lives. Rev 2:13.

           The statement “have not denied my faith” is the natural reverse of, “hold on to your confession of faith.” (Heb 4:14; 10:23, author’s translation) The believers in Pergamum have not only retained their trust and confidence in God in the good times, they have also refused to deny that faith when placed under the pressure of persecution. We develop our faith in God and His teachings by applying His Word to everyday life. As we see God’s hand at work in everyday life, our faith grows. As our faith passes smaller tests, it is strengthened to where it can pass the more serious tests that may come our way.
           An example of how faith is built in small steps occurred in the Fall of 2003. During a school board meeting the Eau Claire SDA Church learned that its school faced an $8000 deficit. When the church board could not come up with any solution, an appeal was made to the whole church. An anonymous donor came forward and offered to match all funds raised, thinking that he could spare $4000 from a savings account.
           Prayers ascended and letters were sent out to the members. On December 7 an offering was taken in the middle of the school’s Christmas program. At the end of the program the principal was called up to the front of the church and was told that the total amount raised that night was $12,160! This amount did not include the pledged funds.
           When the anonymous donor was approached with the results he was stunned at the generosity of the members. Even if he cleaned out all his savings, he would be thousands of dollars short of what he had pledged. At first he considered just donating the $4000 he had intended to give. Then he decided to stand by his promise and trust God to make up the difference. He emptied his bank account and prayed for a miracle.
           Before the end of the week, unexpected funds arrived at his home, not only finishing off his pledge, but also replenishing his bank account! The man’s act of faith was not only rewarded, but the entire church was amazed to see the hand of God work so powerfully and with such miraculous timing. One small act of faith snowballed to the place where an entire church of several hundred people could perceive the hand of God.¹
           It is in the small things that our faith learns to grow. It is in the large challenges that our faith is tested.

           Lord, increase my faith. Send me the kinds of challenges today that will expand my trust in You. Prepare me and those I love for the big challenges to come.

¹ Based on Renee Coffee, “Showers of Blessings,” Lake Union Herald, February, 2004, 15.