Beholding

Have you ever felt like you've been away from something for so long that it's hard to know how to come back to it? That's how Johan, the host of the Beholding podcast, felt when he returned to his podcast after a hiatus. But he's excited to be back and to try something new with the podcast's format."Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." - Max LucadoIn this episode, Johan starts by taking a moment to prepare his listeners' hearts and minds to receive what God has for them. He invites them to find a quiet space, free from distractions, and to take a deep breath, giving the Lord their worries, fears, and distractions. He then leads them in prayer, asking that God would speak through his word and reveal more about himself to them.Johan then turns to Revelation 8 to 13, and reads aloud from the passage. As he reads, he encourages his listeners to engage with the Lord in what he's saying in the passage, and to later list the things that they've heard from him. He then highlights one thing that stands out to him in the passage: the absolute sovereignty of God.He notes that even in the midst of devastating and awe-inspiring events triggered by an angel's action, God is not only in control of these events, but He is also using them to accomplish His purposes. And even in the midst of judgment, there is a redemptive purpose at work. Johan takes away from the passage that we can be assured that God is in control, and that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, we can trust that He is working all things together for our good and that His plans and purposes will ultimately prevail.Johan then encourages his listeners to read the passage on their own and ask the Lord to reveal his heart to them. He reminds them that the Beholding podcast is a canvas, and the painting is an ever-expanding portrait of Jesus. He invites them to come with him on this long journey endeavoring to find out what God is like using the Scriptures as his roadmap.In this episode of Beholding, Johan invites his listeners to take the time to behold God together, to engage with His word, and to allow Him to reveal more about Himself to them. It's a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos, we can trust in God's sovereignty and know that His plans and purposes will ultimately prevail."Visit: https://beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

God is not only the Greatest of all beings but the Best. All the goodness there is in any creature has been imparted from the Creator, but God's goodness is underived, for it is the essence of His eternal nature. -Arthur W. PinkHey everyone, Welcome to Beholding, I am Johan and I am so happy you joined me.  Before we get into the good stuff let's get all the info out of the way so that at the end of this podcast you can use that time to connect with the Lord's heart without distractions.First of all, follow, share the podcast…all those nice things that help spread the wordYou can support my ministry as well as the podcast by heading over to beholding.caLast episode we read through the beautiful prophesy at the end of Revelation 7. About the over-comers and those that came out of the tribulation. God wipes every tear from their eyes and washes their robes in white to come and serve Him day and night in the temple.This week we move on to Revelation 8 where we wrap up the discourse on the 7 seal judgments. So here we go Revelation 8:1-5The PassageWhen the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, 4 and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. 5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings,[a] flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.The List:1. He is The Lamb 2. (the lamb) opens the seventh seal3. There are moments of silence in heaven 4. There is a measurement of time in heaven5. There are seven angels that stand before God6. The Lord distributes trumpets to his angels7. There is an angel with a censor before the altar 8. That angel uses the censor to offer our prayers as incense to God9. Our prayers rise like incense and smoke before God 10. There is fire on the heavenly altar11. He assigns an angel to throw fiery judgements to the earth 12. Our prayers stir up the Lord to release judgmentsYou are the Lamb You (the lamb) open the seventh sealThere are seven angels that stand before youYou distribute trumpets to his angelsYou place an angel with a censor before the altar That angel uses the censor to offer our prayers as incense to youOur prayers rise like incense and smoke before youThere is fire on your heavenly altarYou assign angels to throw fiery judgements to the earth Our prayers stir up your heart to release judgmentsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

The God of Israel is sometimes a God who hides Himself, but never a God who absents Himself; sometimes in the dark, but never at a distance. -Matthew HenryLast week we were in the second session of Revelation 7. We read about the multitude before His throne, the diversity of people worshiping before Him from every nation, tribe, tongue. This week we finish off Revelation 7 with verses 13-17The PassageThen one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.“Therefore they are before the throne of God,    and serve him day and night in his temple;    and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;    the sun shall not strike them,    nor any scorching heat.For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,    and he will guide them to springs of living water,and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”The ListHe allows the elders initiate conversationThe great multitude that is before his throne from every tribe, tongue and nation are the ones that have come out of the great tribulationHe washes those from the tribulation in his bloodThose he washes in blood makes them white and pureThose who come out of the great tribulation have the privilege of being before His throne, serving God day and night in the heavenly templeHe shelters the overcomers with his presenceThose who came out of the tribulation shall no longer hunger thirst or be struck by the scorching sunThe lamb is in the midst of the throneThe lamb will shepard those that came out of the great tribulationThe lamb will guide the overcomers to the springs of living waterGod will wipe away every tear from the eyes of those that came out of the tribulationThe DeclarationsYou allow the elders initiate conversation before your throneThose who came out of tribulation are before your throneYou wash those from the tribulation in your bloodYour washing blood makes us white and pureThose who come out of the great tribulation have the privilege of being before your throne, serving you day and night in the heavenly templeYou shelter the overcomers with your presenceThose who came out of the tribulation shall no longer hunger thirst or be struck by the scorching sunYou are the lamb and you are in the midst of the throneYou, the lamb will shepard those that came out of the great tribulationYou, the lamb will guide the overcomers to the springs of living waterYou will wipe away every tear from the eyes of those that came out of the tribulationSubmit feedback or content: website: beholding.caemail: johan@beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

“If grace perfects nature it must expand all our natures into the full richness of the diversity which God intended when He made them, and Heaven will display far more variety than Hell.” ― C.S. LewisLast week we began going through Revelation 7 and how the Lord will seal 144,000 Jewish believers from each tribe and nation. This week we continue in the same passge moving to verse 9-12The PassageAfter this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 7:9-12 (ESV)The ListThere is a huge multitude of humans before his throne (he likes humans close to him)Heaven is multicultural He wants people before him that are froml every nation, tribe, people, and languageHe clothes those before him in white robesThose before him have palm branchesThe multitude before him all cry out in a loud voice “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb”Salvation belongs to HimHe sits on the throneHe is the LambThere are angels standing around his throneThere are elders around his throneThere are four living creatures around his throneThe angels, elders and creatures fall on thier faces before HimThe angels, elders and creatures say, ““Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might is attributed to God foreverThe DeclarationsThere is a huge multitude of humans before your throne - You like humans close to youHeaven is multicultural. You want people before you that are from every nation, tribe, people, and languageYou clothe those before you in white robesThose before you have palm branches (like the great procession)The multitude before you all cry out in a loud voice “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb”Salvation belongs to youYou sit on the throneYou are the LambThere are angels standing around your throneThere are elders around your throneThere are four living creatures around your throneThe angels, elders and creatures fall on their faces before youThe angels, elders and creatures say to you, ““Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might is attributed to you foreverSubmit feedback or content: website: beholding.ca email: johan@beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

Revelation 7:1-8The God of Israel is sometimes a God who hides Himself, but never a God who absents Himself; sometimes in the dark, but never at a distance. -Matthew HenryLast week we touched on the 5th and 6th seal judgements. We see God's sovereignty over the sky and it's hosts. We know there will be a number of martyrs crying out for the Lord to avenge the shedding of their blood. And he responds, he is stirred by this and it is manifested in his end time judgements. This week move along in this great end-time story line as we read about the 144,000 sealed jewish believers. In Revelation 7:1-8The PassageAfter this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed,12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,12,000 from the tribe of Gad,12,000 from the tribe of Asher,12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh, 12,000 from the tribe of Simeon,12,000 from the tribe of Levi,12,000 from the tribe of Issachar,12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,12,000 from the tribe of Joseph,12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.The List:You assign four angels to hold back the four winds and to harm the earth and sea You dispatch an angel with the seal of the living God from the sun to instruct the four angels holding back the four windsThere is a seal of the living God The angel with the seal has a loud voiceThe angel with the seal instructs the four angels with power to not harm the earth or sea, or trees until God seals 144,000 jewish believersHe will put a seal on foreheadsGod will seal and protect 144,000 jewish believers from each tribe of IsraelThe Declarations:You assign angels for your end time purposesYou will assign angels to bring harm to the earth and sea as part of your planYou will send angels to hold back the wind from blowing on the earthYou are the living God, and you have a seal with that name on it that you give to jewish believersYou dispatch an angel from the sun to instruct the four angelsYou make assignments and involve angels in the processYou give angels loud voicesYou will seal and bring divine protection to 144,000 jewish believers from each historic tribe.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

Revelation 6:9-17The fact is you cannot talk about the love of God. The love of God has no meaning whatsoever unless you understand the judgment of God that all of us deserve. -Robert JeffressLast week we began going through the 7 seal judgements of God, the unveiling of God's battle plan and the riders of the 4 horses. We got through the first four seals which we read were announced by the four living creatures. This week we get the next two seal judgements and then a break in judgments found in Revelation 6:9-17The PassageWhen he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. Revelation 6:9-17When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”The List:There are souls of martyrs under the altar in heavenThe fifth seal releases intercession in heaven crying out for justice through those that have been martyredHe gives white robes to those that have been martyredHe is sovereignHe is holy and trueThe shedding of blood for His sake stirs up his heartGod allows and knows how many are going to be killed for the witness of the gospelThere is a tipping point of the number of saints he will allow to be martyredHe uses earthquakes as a means of judgmentHe will darken the sunHe will cause the moon to be blood redHe will cause stars (also translated asteroids) to fall from the skyHe causes the sky to roll up like a scroll He will cause mountains and Islands to be removed from their placeHis judgements will strike fear into the hearts of leaders and people of influence in all streams of societyHis judgments are so great that unbelievers will cry out for death to come upon themHis judgements seem unbearable to unbelieversThe Declarations:You have a space under your altar where the martyrs dwell in heavenYour judgements cause intercession of the martyrs in heavenYou give those who have been killed for your sake a white robeThose that are martyred declare your sovereignty Those that are martyred declare you holy and true (and we agree)The shedding of the blood of your saints stirs up your heart, you respondYou know every person, the perfect amount of those that are to be slain for your sakeYou have a number of martyrs in mind before you avenge their bloodYou bring earthquakes as a form of judgment on the earthYou have authority over the sun, stars and everything in the sky, you will cause fearful things to happen in the sky in the day of judgementYou will remove mountains and Islands from their placeYour judgements will strike fear into the hearts of leaders and people of influence in all streams of societyYour judgments are so great that unbelievers will cry out for death to come upon themYour judgements seem unbearable to unbelieversSubmit feedback or content: website: beholding.ca email: johan@beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

“God's wrath, properly, is an aspect of his love: it is because God loves human beings with a steady, unquenchable passion that he hated Apartheid, that he hates torture and cluster bombs, that he loathes slavery, that his wrath is relentless against the rich who oppress the poor. If God was not wrathful against these and so many other distortions of our human vocation, he is not loving. And it is his love, determining to deal with that nasty, insidious, vicious, soul-destroying evil, that causes him to send his only, special son.” ― N.T. WrightLast week we finished up Revelation 5 where all of the created order shouted out the worthiness of Jesus and the slain lamb. This week we move on to Revelation 6, the seven seals. We must remember that the book of Revelation is about revealing Jesus, so hard or easy passages…they should all lead to us knowing the son better than we do. Here in Revelation 6 I like how Mike Bickle describes this as Jesus battle plan. With all the chaos and things that could be deemed scary, we know the end of the story, Jesus wins. And may he do what he needs to do to accomplish that purpose. We will start with Revelation 6:1-8The PassageNow I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius,and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!”When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.The List:The lamb is the one opening the seven seal judgements on the earthHe assigns one of the four living creatures to announce the first judgmentHe gives authority (a crown) to this rider on a white horse with a bow to conquer (Anti-Christ's Politcal aggression)He assigns another one of the four living creatures to announce the second judgmentHe gives permission to the rider on the red horse to take peace from the earth (war, world war)He assigns another one of the four living creatures to announce the third seal judgmentThe rider on the black horse with scales in his hand brings economic crisis and famineHe assigns the fourth living creature to announce the fourth seal judgmentThe rider on the pale horse whose name Death and Hades followed with him was given power to kill ¼ of the earth's population with swords, hunger and beasts.The Declarations:Jesus you are the slain lamb that is opening the seals on the scroll and releasing judementsYou assign one of the living creatures to announce the first sealYou will give authority (a crown) to this rider on a white horse with a bow to conquerYou assign the second living creature to announce the second judgmentYou will give permission to the rider on the red horse to take peace from the earth (war, world war)You assign a third living creature to announce the third seal judgmentYou allow rider on the black horse bring economic crisis and famineYou assign the fourth living creature to announce the fourth seal judgmentYou permit the rider on the pale horse to kill ¼ of the earth's population with swords, hunger and beasts.Submit feedback or content: website: beholding.ca email: johan@beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

“God's heavenly dwelling place represents the environment that God enjoys to live in. God's desire is that places of this type would spring up all across this planet and that people would exercise the same zeal for that as David did. God's plan is that this heavenly reality would be released here on earth, for even down here it's worship that creates a dwelling place for Him.” ― Benjamin SchäferLast week we read about the slain lamb that ransomed a people for God. This week we continue on with this story line in Revelation 5:11-14The PassageThen I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever”And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.The List:The voices of thousands upon thousands of angels are around your throneThe angels speak in a loud voice and say the same thingThe angels call the slain lamb worthy to receive the following…and therefore we agree that He is worthy:To receive powerTo receive wealthTo receive wisdomTo receive mightTo receive honorTo receive gloryTo receive blessingEvery creature in all of created order will declare, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever”The four living creatures say “Amen” (Let it be so) in response to thisThe Elders in heaven fall down and worship HimThe Declarations:There are thousands upon thousands of angels around your throneThe angels shout in loud voicesThe angels that are forever in your presence declare the slain lamb to receive many things and we agree that you are worthy to recieveAll powerAll wealthAll wisdomAll mightAll honorAll gloryAll blessingEvery creature in all of created order will declare to you the lamb who is sitting on the throne…be blessing glory and might forever and ever.The four living creatures who speak night and day of your holiness agreeThe elders respond in worship, falling at your feetSubmit feedback or content: website: beholding.ca email: johan@beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

If I ever reach heaven I expect to find three wonders there first, to meet some I had not thought to see their second, to miss some I had expected to see there and third, the greatest wonder of all, to find myself there.- John NewtonLast week we started in Revelation 5, and we read about Jesus being the only one worthy in all of created order to open the sealed scroll. This week we continue on that same story line of the scroll in Revelation 5:9-11 and we seek to find out what God reveals about himself in this passage.The Passage And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,“Worthy are you to take the scroll  and to open its seals,for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God  from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,  and they shall reign on the earth.”The List:There is a slain Lamb standing between the throne and the four living creaturesThe lamb has seven horns and seven eyes (representative of the seven spirits of God)There are seven spirits of GodThe Seven spirits of God are sent out to the whole earthThe lamb is able to take the scroll from the one on the throneThe four living creatures and 24 elders bow before the lambThe four living creatures and 24 elders are musical, having harps and singingThe four living creatures and 24 elders hold golden bowls of incense that represent the prayers of the saintsThe four living creatures and 24 elders are songwriters and sing in heavenThe lamb is worthy to take the scroll and open the sealsThe lamb was slain and ransomed people for God The lamb's people are from every tribe tongue, people and nationThe lamb has made people, priests to GodHe will people kingshipThe Declarations:You stand between the throne and the four living creaturesYou are a lamb with seven horns and seven eyesYou have seven spirits that are sent out to the whole earthYou take the scroll from the hand of the one sitting on the throne in heavenThe four living creatures and 24 elders bow before youThe four living creatures and 24 elders play music and sings songs to youYou are the lamb is worthy to take the scroll and open the sealsYou are the lamb that was was slain and ransomed people for God You were slain for people from every tribe, tongue, people and nationYou have made people priests to be before GodYou will make us kings to rule on the earthSubmit feedback or content:johan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

When we are on the beach we only see a small part of the ocean. However, we know that there is much more beyond the horizon. We only see a small part of God's great love, a few jewels of His great riches, but we know that there is much more beyond the horizon. The best is yet to come, when we see Jesus face-to-face. Corrie Ten BoomLast week we finished Revelation 4, what I call the fascination litmus test. John's encounter in heaven continues in Revelation 5, we will be looking at verses 1-5. This is the first part of a story line involving the scroll.The Passage Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”Now keep in mind the mystery of heaven, we don't know how this all works with time and space…John saw it, in it's context, it is describing a future event when he breaks the seven seals and sets in to motion the final events of this current age. This is again just a note and not a detailed study into that.The List:He holds a sealed scroll in his right hand, with writing front and backHe sits on a throne He has announcing angels with loud voicesFrom this throne room, there is mysterical access to see what's going on in heaven, on earth and under the earth (Take note, this is not a flat earth reference, I don't condone that theology)There is only one person in all created order that is worthy to open this scroll.The elders in heaven are able to respond to what is happening in the throne roomHe is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (this literally means he still gives himself ties to the earth and a human bloodline)He is the root of DavidHe has conqueredHe is worthy to open the scroll and it's seven sealsThe Declarations:You hold a scroll in your right handYou sit enthroned in heavenYou've created powerful announcing angels with loud voices You access from your throne room the goings on in all of your created orderOnly one is able to open the scrollThe elders around your throne respond, they are real, they interact with saintsYou are the Lion of the tribe of Judah, you keep and acknowledge your human bloodline and ties to the earthYou are the root of DavidYou have conquered and therefore You Jesus are the only one in all of heaven, earth and under the earth that is worthy to open the scroll and it's seven sealsSubmit feedback or content: johan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

Beauty, then, is not mere decoration, but rather an essential element of the liturgical action, since it is an attribute of God himself and his revelation. These considerations should make us realize the care which is needed, if the liturgical action is to reflect its innate splendour. Pope Benedict XVILast week we got descriptions of what precede and what is before the throne including the descriptions of the four living creatures and how they never stop saying the glorious Trisaigon chorus. Holy Holy Holy is the Lord god almighty, who was and is and is to come. So today we wrap up Revelation 4 with verse 9-11The PassageAnd whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,“Worthy are you, our Lord and God,  to receive glory and honor and power,for you created all things,  and by your will they existed and were created.”The List:The Four living creatures give God gloryThe four living creatures give God thanksHe is seated on the throneHe lives forever and everThe twenty-four elders fall down before him who's on the throneThe twenty-four elders worship himHe lives forever and everThe twenty-four elders cast their crowns before him The twenty four elders say ““Worthy are you, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”Jesus is worthy to receive GloryJesus is worthy to receive honorJesus is worthy to receive powerJesus created all thingsJesus's will caused things to exist and be createdThe Declarations:The four living creatures around your throng give you glory and thanksJesus you are seated on the throneJesus you are alive and live forever and everThe twenty-four elders around your throne fall before you in worship and adorationYou live forever and everThe twenty-four elders cast down their crowns before youThe twenty four elders cry out““Worthy are you, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”Jesus you alone are worthy to receive GloryJesus you're worthy to receive honorJesus you're worthy to receive powerJesus you created all thingsBy your will, your good pleasure Jesus, all things exist and were createdJesus's will caused things to exist and be createdSubmit feedback or content:johan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

It does not seem proper to speak of one attribute of God as being more central and fundamental than another; but if this were permissible, the Scriptural emphasis on the holiness of God would seem to justify its selection. Louis BerkhofLast week we started of the glorious passage that reveals aspects of the heavenly throne room. We did verse 1-4 focusing on who and what is on and around the throne. This week we look at 5-8 focusing on what precedes and what's before the throne (again not a perfect separation). So today we focus on Revelation 4:5-8. This is another really big one with 21 attributes that I listedThe PassageFrom the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”The List:From the throne comes flashes of lightningFrom the throne comes rumblings and peals of thunderBefore the throne are seven lit torches of fire There are seven spirits of godThe seven spirits of God are the seven torches around his throneBefore his throne is a sea of glass or crystalAround and on each side of the throne are four living creatures - Now in describing the creatures I am convinced it says something about who he is and what he's like so we will list the creatures descriptionsThe four creatures are full of eyes, in front in the behindThe first living create is like a lion (some translations say the head of a lion)The second like an oxThe third like a manThe fourth like an eagleThe four living creatures each have six wingsThe four living creatures are full of eyes around and withinThe four living creatures do not rest day or nightThe four living creatures never stop saying “Holy, Holy, Is the Lord God almighty, who was and is and is to come” Therefore:The Lord is HolyThe Lords is the almightyThe Lord wasThe Lord isThe Lord is to comeThe Declarations:From your throne come flashes of lightning with the sound of rumbling thunderBefore your throne there seven blazing torches of fire which are your seven spiritsBefore your throne is an expanse, a sea of glass reflecting the sights around youAround your throne there are four living creatures with eyes all around, one like an lion, one like an ox, one like a man, and one like an eagle. All having six wings and eyes all around and withinThese mysterious creatures never stop, they never rest and never cease to say “Holy, Holy, Is the Lord God almighty, who was and is and is to comeJesus you are is HolyYou are almighty GodYou were there in the beginningYou are there nowAnd you are coming back here!Submit feedback or content: johan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

It is a most delightful reflection that if I come to the throne of God in prayer, I may feel a thousand defects, but yet there is hope. I usually feel more dissatisfied with my prayers than with anything else I do. Charles SpurgeonLast week we finished off the seven letters to the churches found in Revelation 2-3. This week we move on to a really big passage. In my opinion this is the litmus test of our dullness towards who God is. We are entering the very throne room in heaven in the chapters ahead.This one is difficult to break up into a few episodes, but I will do my best attempt. Verses 1-4 has it's focus, on the throne and around the throne, 5-8 focuses on what comes from the throne and whats before the throne (this isn't a perfect separation).So today we focus on revelation 4:1-4The PassageAfter this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. Revelation 4:1-4 (ESV)The List:There is door standing open in heavenHis voice sounds like a trumpet (one of his voices)He extends invitations to come up into the throne roomHe reveals future eventsThere is a throne in heavenHe is seated on the throneHe has the appearance of jasper and carnelianAround his throne there is an emerald rainbowAround his throne there are 24 other thronesAround his throne are 24 seated elders with white garments and gold crownsThe Declarations:There is an open door in heavenYour voice sounds like a trumpet and beacons me to to come through that door into the holy placeThere is a throne, a ruling center in heavenYou call us into your throne room to speak about things to comeYou are seated on your throneYou have the appearance of jasper and carnelianThere is a emerald rainbow encircling the throne where you are seatedAround your throne are seated 24 elders on thrones, white garments and gold crownSubmit feedback or content: beholding.ca or johan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

Just the privilege of fellowship with God is infinitely more than any thing that God could give. When he gives himself he is giving more than anything else in the universe. Frank LaubachLast week we got personal. Weread about how he desires us to gain wealth through the things he gives, not what we can produce on our own. And how Jesus disciplines or reproves those he loves. This week we are Finishing off chapter 3 the letter to Laodecia and we are finishing his letters to the seven churches we Revelation chapter 3 verses 20-22Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'”Revelation 3:20-22 (ESV)The List:He wants us to be aware that he is knocking at the door He stands behind a door He knocks on doors He speaks from behind the doorHe will commune with those that open the door for himHe wants to dine with usThe Lord eatsIf we conquer we will sit with him on his throneHe sits on a throneHe has conqueredHe sits with the Father on his throneThe Father sits on a throneHe wants us to hear what the Spirit says to the churchesThe spirit is speaking to the churchThe Declarations:You want us to be aware that you're behind that doorBehind the door you stand, knock and wait for usYou speak from behind the door, loud enough for us to hearYou stand waiting to come in and feast with usYou desire to dine with us at a table of foodIf we conquer or overcome, we will sit with you and your father on your throneYou desire for us to hear what you are speaking to your churchSong:Dine With MeThis one thing I askOne thing I desireIs to be with youII just want to be with you GodBecause a thousand elsewhereIs not as goodSo I'm setting myselfBefore you LordTo meet with YouTo dine with YouTo agree with Your heartTo hear what You're sayingTo gaze upon your beautyTo spend time with YouSubmit feedback or content: beholding.ca or johan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

When we preach the love of God there is a danger of forgetting that the Bible reveals not first the love of God but the intense, blazing holiness of God, with His love at the center of that holiness. Oswald ChambersLast week we started reading the letter to the church of Laodicea. How Jesus wants us hot or cold, not lukewarm. This week we are moving on the the church of Laodicea, with Revelation chapter 3 verses 17-19The PassageYou say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelation 3:17-19 (ESV)The List:He sees through us, when we prop ourselves up with identities of being richHe sees through us when we say we are in need of nothingHe sees us for what we are in this state as wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and nakedHe is a helps us out of this stateHe is a counselorHe asks us to buy refined gold from him to be richHe asks us to buy white clothes from him so we are not shamed or nakedHe asks us to buy salve from him to cleanse our eyes to seeHe rebukes and disciplines those he lovesHe wants us to be earnest and repentThe Declarations:You see through us, when we call ourselves rich and think we have anything apart from you, being our own dependantsBut you see right through us, you see our weakness when we say we are in need of nothingWithout your true riches we are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and nakedBut you are the way outYou Jesus are a counselorYou ask me to buy true pure gold from you, refined in the fireTo buy pure spotless clothing from you, covering my shame and nakednessYou have salve to purify my sight, that I may see clearlyYou rebuke and discipline those you loveYou want us to repent, and be eager to pursue holinessSubmit feedback or content: johan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

When people think about 'thinking,' they often think 'academia;' they think 'threat.' They think 'coldness.' I want to reverse all those images and say, 'No, the brain God gave you is intended to throw fuel on the fire of your affections for God. It's really good at it if you let it.' -John PiperLast week we finished off the Church in Philadelphia. How the Lord makes the ones who are victorious, pillars in his temple.This week we are moving on the the church of Laodicea, with Revelation chapter 3 verses 14-16The PassageAnd to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:14-16 (ESV)The List:He sends angels to the churchesHe is the Amen (or the firm, perfection)He is the true and faithful witnessHe is the beginning of God's creationHe knows our worksHe see when we are hot or cold in our faithHe sees when we are lukewarm in our faithHe wants us to be hot or coldHe will spew those that are lukewarm out of his mouthThe Declarations:You send angels, messengers to your churchYou are the Amen, the perfection, the one who is firm and establishedYou are the true and faithful witnessYou are the beginning of God's creationYou see and know all of our works, all that we doYou see when we are hot and cold, when we are burning brightly with faith, and you see when we are cold in the desolate place of weakness and desire faithYou see when we are lukewarm, when we profess your name be it holds no action or no heartYou desire that we would be hot or coldYou will spew the lukewarm out of your mouthSubmit feedback or content: johan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

The goodness of God is the life of the believer's trust. It is this excellency in God which most appeals to our hearts. Because His goodness endureth forever, we ought never to be discouraged.-Arthur W. PinkThe PassageThe one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'Revelation 3:12-13 (ESV)The List:He will make the victorious ones pillars in God's sanctuary He will write on the victorious the name of God and the name of the city of God-the New JerusalemGod has a city, the New JerusalemGod's city will descend out of heaven.God's city is in heavenTo the victorious Jesus will write his name on usHis Spirit speaks to whosever heart is openHe is specific and ask us to listen carefully to get the message right (You care that the message is clear and right)His Spirit is speaking to the churchesThe Declarations:You will make us pillars in the temple of God if we are victoriousYou will write the name of God, His city - the New Jerusalem, and Jesus you will write your name on us if we are victorious. You have a city, the New Jerusalem there in the sky, but it will come down from heaven to rest on the earth.You speak to open hearts and ask us to listen carefully. It's important to you that the message is heard and conveyed with clarity and understanding.https://beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

Though God may suffer His people to fall into sin, He will not suffer His people to lie still in sin. -Matthew HenryThe Passage:Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Revelation 3:10-11 (ESV)The List:I'm going to state an obvious one, Jesus has commands for his church.There are rewards for those that keep Jesus' commandsThose obedient to his commands he will keep (or another word you could use is “protect” in the hour of trialHe is going to allow a time of trial to come on the whole earthHe allows trial to test inhabitants of the earthHe tests (to me this also means that he is involved and cares)He is coming soonHe desires that we would hold on to what we have (or the righteous things)He gives us crowns (as you will see in another translation you can use the term, “crown of victory”.He will allow our crowns he gives to be takenThe Declarations:You have commands for your churchThere are rewards you have in store for us when we keep your commandsIf we are obedient you will protect me from great trial that is ahead for the whole earth. You will preserve me.You will allow times of trials, even for the whole earth. You test us.Jesus, you are coming soonYou desire for us to hold on and cling to the good things, the righteous thingsYou distribute crowns, you give us victoryYou allow our crowns to be taken if we don't cling to what is good and righteous.Visit beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

“Because I am a Christian, therefore, every day in which I do not penetrate more deeply into the knowledge of God's Word in Holy Scripture is a lost day for me. I can only move forward with certainty upon the firm ground of the Word of God. And, as a Christian, I learn to know the Holy Scriptures in no other way than by hearing the Word preached and by prayerful meditation.”-Dietrich BonhoefferLast week we we continued in the Church of Sardis found in Revelation 3:4-6We learned how the Lord will acknowledge us before the father and his angels if we remain faithful and pure, overcoming the world.This week we are moving on to verse 7-9, Where The Lord is sending his messenger to deliver the letter to the church in Philadelphia.The Passage: And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Revelation 3: 7-9 (ESV)The List:He sends messengers/angels to the churchHe is the holy oneHe is the true oneHe has the key of David He opens doors that no one opens, and shuts what no one shutsHe knows our works (all that we've done)He sets before us open doors (that no one can shut)He knows how powerless we areHe acknowledges those who have remained faithful though they are powerlessThose who falsely proclaim to be Jew's, he categorizes as in the synagogue of satan.He humbles those who falsely proclaim to be Jews He loves the church that recognizes his chosen people and the unrighteous will know itThe Declarations:You send messengers to your churchYou are the holy oneYou are the true oneYou have the key of DavidYou open doors no one else opensYou close doors no one else closesYou set before us open doorsYou know and see everything we do,You know and see our weakness and how powerless we areYet you acknowledge us when we remain faithful, even in our weaknessYou are committed to your Jewish people and the promises, you will not let your people be compromisedVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

“There's only one effectively redemptive sacrifice, the sacrifice of self-will to make room for the knowledge of God. “-Aldous HuxleyLast week we started Revelation chapter 3, Jesus sends a messenger to the church of Sardis. He addressed how they give a false representation of themselves, how he sees right through it all. To me, it felt like a relevant passage for where a lot of the North American church is today. With churches going online, present on social media, running ads and promotions; It's easy to misrepresent the sum of our parts. We can make ourselves look so much better and alive than we actually are. Lord wake us up!This We continue on with the Revelation 3:4-6The PassageYet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' Revelation 3:4-6 (ESV)The ListThe Lord recognizes (even knows the names) the faithful worthy among the who are not in right standingThose who remain righteous (not soiled garments) will walk with the Lord (in white)He calls the righteous worthy (worthy of what? Being close to him?) meditate on this oneFor those who conquer or overcome they will be clothed in white garmentsThose who conquer are secured in the book of life. (Which brings me to a sobering #6)He will blot names out of the book of lifeBut again for the faithful, he will recognize and confess their names before the Father and his angelsHe wants us to hear what he is saying to this churchThe Spirit speaks to the churchesThe Declarations:You see or recognize the few righteous among the unrighteous. If I remain righteous in your sign I will walk with you, clothed in beautiful unsoiled garments, walking with you in brilliant light.If I remain righteous and pure, you will count me worthy. Jesus, what does that mean? Reveal more.If I conquer, if I overcome the unrighteousness of a fallen world around me, you will clothe me in white garments. You will secure my name in the book of life.You will blot names out of your book of life, God this is sobering…Keep my heart steady, and faithful to you Jesus.You see, you recognize the faithful ones, they excite you enough that you would announce their names before your father and a host of his angelsLord let us hear the message you have for the church, we want to be running with youWe know you are speaking to the churchesWould you like to hear some of the songs that I release for future episodes? You can get them sent directly to your podcast player by supporting the show using the following link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

“God is holy; holiness is an essential attribute of His nature. With respect to Him, it means absolute purity and moral perfection. With respect to man, holiness means conformity to the character of God."David K BernardThe Passage“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Revelation 3:1-3 (ESV)The List:He sends messengers to His churches with specific messagesJesus has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars (and God saw it fit and important for His church to know this)He knows our works or all that we doHe sees our reputation, and sees through our reputationHe recognizes when we exhibit false images of ourselves or misrepresent ourselves or I'll addHe sees us like we are, not how we try to appearHe calls dead churches to wake upHe calls us to strengthen what we have that is goodHe sees when our works our our ways are not right in his eyesHe points out to us when we are not in right standingHe calls us to remember the good things we have received and heardHe calls us to repentHe warns us that if we are not awakened, that he will come agains us as an unannounced thief.Declarations:You send messengers to your church, you know what we need to hear.Jesus you have the seven spirits of God and the Seven stars.You know all that we do, our works and deeds.You see right through us, how we represent and usually misrepresent ourselves, the persona we put on and you see the hiddenness and what's dead. But you call us out, you point it out and don't leave it, you call us to wake up. You call us to strengthen that which is good and that which we have left, to repent of the things that are not right in your eyes.You will come against us if we don't wake up because you are committed to righteousnessSong:You see it allEvery mask that I put onYou see through it allWho I am and who I pretend to beBut you love me anywayYou still call me your ownYour beloved friendYour inheritance You took what was dry and deadAnd brought it to vibrant lifeVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

The Lord Jesus Christ is in a class all by Himself; there are no competitors, no rivals; He is unique. He is Lord of all. He is King of kings, Lord of lords, the image of the invisible God. He is Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Preeminent One. -David JeremiahThe PassageThe one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' Revelation 2:26-29 (ESV)The List:For those who conquer or are victorious and does His will until his return: He gives us governmental authority over nations (Which leads us to #2 to state the obvious)He will returnHe has authority to hand out governmental powerHis rules and distributes governmental power to rule with a rod or iron (to me that really feels like a lot of power) as a clay pot doesn't stand a chance He will allow the nations to be ruled by his people and dashed to piecesBrining Psalm 2 into the mix (He brings us along side Him to rule and we will rule the way he does)He has received this power from his FatherHe will give the morning star to these ones (this speaks of Jesus again, and revelation of Him in dark times, but don't take my word for it, go meditate, study, ask the Lord about it).And once again, His spirit speaks and ministers to the churches Declarations:You distribute government, ruling power to those who remain faithful to the end. Jesus You will return, there is a point where the striving endsYou have all authority and you distribute it to your faithful onesThe way you rule is perfect, nothing can stand against the rod of iron. You have all authority and you rule with usYou will allow your people to rule along side of you and to judge the nations, they will be brokenYou bring us along side of you to rule the way you do, this is our desire to be in alignment even now on how you rule and reignYou received power from your Father, the creator the all powerful, there is no one higherTo your faithful ones you give yourself, the morning star, revelation of the brightest one in the darkest night. You are the inheritance for those that are victorious. And we love itYou speak to your churches, you are not silentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

“Between His attributes no contradiction can exist. He need not suspend one to exercise another, for in Him all His attributes are one.”AW Tozer Last week in Revelation 2:20-22We talked about some of the things the Lord takes issue with, and the spirit of Jezebel and how many believers of that day were seduced by it, we saw that the Lord will not allow those who reject his mercy to go on committing sin. He see's the big picture and disrupts sinful patterns for the sake of future generations.Today is the continuation of this discourse found in Revelation 2:23-25Continuing in reference to those who refuse to repent of this wicked Jezebel spirit of the day, we will start with verse 22 from last week:Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. But to the rest of you in Thyatira who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come.Revelation 2:22-25 (ESV)The List:1. He would take lives of even children for the sake of t2. He is committed to having all the churches recognize that He is paying attention.3. He searches the minds of all believers.4. He searches the hearts of all believers.5. He will give each of us what we are deserving of according to our works…This could be good or bad for us depending on our works.6. Those who are not following the wicked teaching or the Deep things of Satan, He will not give additional burden7. He has advice for those that are not following wickedness which is, HOLD FAST to what we have or don't let what you have be taken8. He is coming back. He is the rescuer and answer to the wickedness. Declarations:Jesus, we trust you.You would take the lives of even children to pull your bride from satans clutches of hell.You are committed to getting the attention of your churchYou search my mind, you know my thoughts JesusYou search my heart, you know the deep things, what moves me, my emotions and responsesYou will give each person according to our works.You do not add burden to us for the sins and wickedness around usYou want us to Hold fast to all you've given us, especially when our surroundings are difficult.You are coming back, you are the rescuer, the answer to all the wickedness and the satanic, jezebel spirit, the spirit of this age. You are the answer Song: You're Committed To Me You are committed to getting my attentionYou are committed to me (repeat) You search my heart for wickednessYou search my mind for unrighteousness You are committed to me You're committed to me You won't leave me in my sinBut you're pulling me throughYou're pulling me through (repeat) Rescuer, you're the answer to my sinCome Lord soon, you are the answer to what's going on Would you like to hear some of the songs that I release for future episodes? You can get them sent directly to your podcast player by supporting the show using the following link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

"Certainly we should be very active in seeking God, and Jesus himself called us to 'ask, seek, knock' in order to find him. Yet those who enter a relationship with God inevitably look back and recognize that God's grace had sought them out, breaking them open to new realities."- Tim KellerLast Time we had a Christmas Episode. Weare going to pick up where we left off before then in Revelation 2:18,19We talked about the one with Eyes of fire…burning with passion and sees and acknowledges how we honour him in our lives. He sees the fruit of our lives.Today we are going to continue in the church of Thyatira with verse 20-22But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman tJezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants uto practice sexual immorality and uto eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but vshe refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.  Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works. Revelation 2:20-22 (ESV)The List:He is against or takes issue with some things in his churchHe takes issue when we tolerate false prophets and teachingHe takes issue when we tolerate seduction of his peopleHe takes issue when we tolerate sexual immorality He takes issue when we consume food sacrificed to idolsHe gives time for the most wicked to repentHe is Patient with sinners for the sake of turningHe will punish those that reject his abundant mercy and choose wickednessHe will give tribulation those who reject his abundant mercy and tolerate wickedness.Despite our wickedness and tolerance of wickedness among us…he still calls us to repentance and will relent from sending trouble.The DeclarationsJesus you are against and take issue with some things in your churchYou do not want us to tolerate false prophets and teaching, those that would speak deceitful things concerning you and your wordYou take issue when we tolerate your people being seduced, when stumbling blocks are put in the way of your brideYou take issue when we tolerate sexual immorality…You see the poison it is to your beloved brideYou take issue when consume that which was created for idolsYou give time… The most wicked person, you give time to turn from wickedness and repentYou are patient with us, you know we are slow to turn..but you wait for the sake of mercyBut you are just and you will punish those that reject your abundant love and mercyYou give tribulation to those that follow the seduction of wickedness and choose to continue to walk in itBut you say it again…despite our choosing and tolerance, you are patient and you still call us to repentance, and you will relent and pour out mercy over judgment if we want it If we turnSong: You give TimeYou are patientAnd you give timeSo you pour out your mercyYou pour out your mercyYou have loveAnd you are kindSo you pour out your mercyYou pour out your mercyEven though I sin and have wickednessYou help me to figure it outAlthough all I've done is often wrongYou come and heal me, You come redeem meYou give me timeTo turn my eyesAnd you pour out mercy every timeWould you like to hear some of the songs that I release for future episodes? You can get them sent directly to your podcast player by supporting the show using the following link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.Revelation 2:18-19 The List:He sends angelic messengers to his churchHe tells his messengers to say whose words are being spoken (this is a good way to add credence and authority to the letters)He is the Son of GodHis eyes are like blazing fire His feet are like burnished bronzeHe knows our deedsHe knows our loveHe knows our faithHe knows our serviceHe knows our perseveranceHe sees the increase in our workHere we go:You Jesus, who sits enthroned in heaven send angelic messages to your churchYou have specific words you convey to your churches, you are specific even with your messengers, they don't just convey their own ideasYou Jesus, who came in the flesh and are now in heaven are the Son of GodYoure eyes are like blazing fire, burning with passionYou feet are like burnished bronzeAnd yet, you see us. You're interested.You see our deedsYou You see our love, our faithYou see our work and serviceYou see our perseverance through trialsYou see when we expand our work This weeks song:Son of GodSon of GodYou see it allSon of GodYou're watching closelyDesire in your eyesFire in your eyesYou see me closelyDesire in your eyes You know my deedsYou see my loveYou know my faithWhen I increase my workYou seePerseveranceYou see it allYou see it all And you're looking with desireStaring with eyes of fireYou're looking with desire Son of GodYou're looking downOn the children of menSon of GodYou're very interestedNot far awayYou're engagedWould you like to hear some of the songs that I release for future episodes?Get them sent directly to your podcast player by supporting the show using the following link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

"Until we have the right knowledge of God, the knowledge of self and our need for grace remains distorted."Steven J LawsonTherefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'The List: 1) His response to following false teaching/doctrine is repent2) He will Come and war against sin on our behalf3) He wages war on sin with the sword of his mouth4) He wants us to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches5) This means the Spirit is speaking to the churches6) If we conquer or overcome, he rewards us with hidden manna. 7) If we conquer or overcome he will give us a white stone, which holds a special name on it that only we know8) He has a name he calls us that others do notThis means:9)He knows us better than anyone else to the point that he has a special name for us that no one else would call usDeclarations: Your call to us living in false teaching and, blindness is to Repent…to turnYou are so committed to me not living in sin that you, You wage war against it on my behalf, even when I'm stubborn and have trouble turning. You wage ware on sin with the sword of your mouth. With your words, speaking truth and life, breaking the back of the lies.You desire for us to hear what your Spirit is saying to the churches. You want us to hear your strategies from heaven.You are speaking to the church, you are not silent!You give hidden manna, bread and sustenance from heaven when I overcome, when I conquer and repentYou have a white stone for those who overcome, you have a name that only you know and it's a secret that only I would understand. You know more about me than anyone including myself Song:If I should OvercomeDealing with struggles of day to dayIs it a flaw in my character or just sinful nature?Is there a way out?What is the pathway forward?But you've given me repentanceAnd you're waring for me on my behalfAnd if I should overcome                You will give me a ton with me name only I knowAnd if I should overcomeYou will give me the manna that's hidden from heavenWould you like to hear some of the songs that I release for future episodes?Get them sent directly to your podcast player by supporting the show using the following link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

I began to read the Holy Scriptures upon my knees, laying aside all other books, and praying over, if possible, every line and word...I would be so overpowered with a sense of God's Infinite Majestey, that I would be constrained to throw myself on the ground, and offer my soul as a blank in His hands, to write on it what He pleased. -George WhitfieldThis Week's Passage: Revelation 2:12-15“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. This List:1) He sends angelic messengers to His church2) He wants stuff written down. 3) He has a sharp two-edged sword.This is an intense way to start a letter. It says something about both him and the tone in which he is writing this letter.4) He knows where we dwell. He is interested, he pays attention to where we are.5) He knows where Satan is. What does this say about Him? Satan can't hide from Him. The Lord knows where the enemy is. 6) He recognizes when we don't lose faith in difficult circumstances even in the midst of a demonic atmosphere.7) He recognizes by name those who are faithful witnesses even unto death.8) There are things in the church that He is definitely against9) He points out the things that are not right in His church...he's committed to seeing his bride righteous10) He points out false teaching11) He is looking out for Israel and those that would try to make her stumble with bad teaching.Declarations:You send messengers/angels to your church...you send helpYour words are important and you want us to understand them so you have them written down. Writing is a gift from you to usYou have a sharp-two edged swordYou know where we are, where we live work and where we dwell and spend our time..you're paying attentionYou know where satan is, there is no where he can go that he can Hide from your overpowering presenceYou recognize steadfast faith, even in the most difficult places and situationsYou see those who have given their lives unto deathYou see things that are not right with your churchYou point out the things that are not in line with your heartYou are committed to good teaching and theology and you point it out when we are off trackYou are deeply in love with Israel and are committed to seeing her come into the fullness and committed to opposing those who oppose herYou are interested in Good theologySong: Good TeacherFor you don't leave us on our ownWhen we're wrong you open up our eyesWhen I'm walking the wrong pathYou direct me to the right wayYou won't leave me on my ownTo figure out what you have to sayBecause you are a good, good teacherYou are a good good leaderYou are fierce when it comes to speaking your wordSpeaking of you rightlyWould you like to hear some of the songs that I release for future episodes? You can get them sent directly to your podcast player by supporting the show using the following link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

This Episode is Dedicated in loving memory to my uncle Curtis Heinrichs‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.Revelation 2:9-11 (ESV)The List:1) He does not want his people to fear tribulation and he tells , you can bracket this and say2) He speaks words of comfort3) He has a solution to tribulation and suffering4) He will allow his people to suffer (we heard this a few times in revelation already5) He allows Satan to persecute his people, specifically allowing believers to be put in prison6) He tests his people, and allows persecution for testing7) He is gives us insight into future suffering, This is actually his love and gracious heart to give us insight and even specifics to help us endure8) He calls us to faithfulness, even unto death9) He will allow his to be persecuted to the point of death10) He rewards us for this, specifically he has a crown of life he wants to give us11) He wants us to not be ignorant to what the Spirit is saying…let us hear!12) Which means the Spirit is speaking and has messages for the churches13) If we conquer or endure we will not be hurt by the second deathDeclarations: You tells us “ do not fear” you speak words of comfortYou have a solution to our tribulation and suffering You allow your people to suffer for your nameYou allow satan to persecute your people and be thrown in prisonYou test your people and allow persecution for testingYou give us insight into future sufferingYou call us to faithfulness, even unto death (such was the portion of many throughout history)You reward us for our persecution and suffering, you have eternal rewards in heaven, even a crown that you will place on the heads as a reward for thise who have enduredYou don't want us to be ignorant to what your spirit is speaking to the Church, which means you are speaking, you have things to say regarding you beloved churchAnd if we endure, death will not touch us. We have eternal life beyond this side of eternityWould you like to hear some of the songs that I release for future episodes? You can get them sent directly to your podcast player by supporting the show using the following link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

The foundation of all true knowledge of God must be a clear mental apprehension of His perfections as revealed in the Holy ScriptureArthur W. Pink8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander[a] of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'The List:1) He sends angels to give words2) He is he first3) He is the last4) He died and came to life5) He addresses his persecuted (he's giving a message to a persecuted group and one that will suffer more) church by revealing his transcendence and his suffering unto resurrection….6) He knows/acknowledges tribulation7) He knows/acknowledges poverty8) He calls us rich 9) He knows/acknowledges when we are slandered10) He knows everything about the ones that slander his beloved ones11) He sees the persecution, tyranny, and slander as SatanicDeclarationsYou send help. Angels to give your words of life and wisdomYou are the first You are the last…you are everlasting to everlastingYour flesh came and died and under your own power you came back to lifeYou know exactly what to say to your persecuted ones to bring comfort, and it starts by hearing who you areYou see and acknowledge when we go through tribulationYou see the povertyYou see the slander and all the hurt that comes with these things. You see the ones slandering…this is a fearful thing.You are a jealous God and care deeply for how your bride is treated, and abuse of your bride is evilWould you like to hear some of the songs that I release for future episodes?You can find them on this blog for free or get them sent directly to your podcast player by supporting the show using the following link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

The chief purpose of life, for any of us, is to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by all means we have, and to be moved by it to praise and thanks.-J.R.R. TolkienLast week we looked at Revelation 2:4-5. The Lord shared his heart to the church in Ephesus that he actually wants the same love that they had with Him when they first met. The loving zeal that was in their heart in the beginning. He remembers and asks them to recall that love and repent and return to it….Just so good! And the fact that we occupy space and time in the mind and memory of the living God is unfathomable!!!We will finish the letter to the church in Ephesus with verse 6-7 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.' The List:1) The Lord points out what he admires (Yet this you have)2) The Lord hates things. Specifically here the work of the Nicolaitans (heretical teaching/false gods)3) He loves it when we hate what he hates4) He wants us to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches (and the Spirit is speaking to the churches)5) He requires us to overcome or conquer in areas of life..n6) He rewards those who overcome to eat of the tree of life7) There is a tree of life in paradise (see #8)8) God's dwelling is a paradise9) He wants us to eat and dwell in the paradise of God Declarations:You tell us things that you love about usThere are things, works that you detest and hate hateYou love when we hate what you hateYou allow us and desire for us to hear what your Spirit is sayingYou ask us to overcome in some areas of life. To conquer and persevere.You reward us when we overcome…You reward us to eat of the tree of lifeYou dwell in paradise and there is a tree of life in paradiseYou want us to eat and dwell with you in paradise This Week's Song:With YouWant to hate what you hateWant to love what you loveWant to be with youWhere you areIn paradise I want to eat from the tree of lifehere will be hardshipsThere will be struggleBut in the end I will be with you Eating of that tree (of life)In paradise Would you like to hear some of the songs that I release for future episodes?You can find them on this blog for free or get them sent directly to your podcast player by supporting the show using the following link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

The heaviest obligation lying upon the Christian church today is to purify and elevate her concept of God.-AW TozerLast week we started on Revelation 2.: 1-3 where he was speaking to the church of Ephesus. I found a lot of comfort knowing that he sees our struggles, our tribulations and he recognizes when we go through those trials for His name sake. Today we will be looking at Revelation 2:4-5But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV)The List:1) The Lord opposes us in some areas2) The Lord opposes those who move on from Him being their first love3) He doesn't leave us to figure that out…He tells us what he opposes when we listen.4) He gives us a path forward5) He desires that we remember the history of our relationship6) Which means he Remembers remember as well7) He desires that we would have repentant hearts and turn from our sin8) He delighted in the work that we did with zeal and remembers every good work we did.9) He has a great memory, and we occupy his memory…He remembers10) He actually removes lamp stands (which were again the churches according to chapter 1)11) He has conditions on whether a lamp stand remainsDeclarations:You oppose us in things not according to your heart.You oppose those that have hearts that have grown cold to youYou highlight the areas you opposeYou give me a path forwardYou love when we remember and celebrate our new love…when we first accepted you and burned with desire.That means you remember it too!!You want us to repent, to turn from our sinYou actually like and enjoyed the work that we did with zeal and you want that continue.You remember…I occupy your memory, your thoughts, your desiresYou remove remove lamp standsThe lamp stands you have given, have conditionsThis Week's Song:Stir The BurningThe love you had for meI was burning with desireIt was a fire in meYou rememberThe moment I said yesStir up the fire that burned inside of meStir up the flame that burned inside when we metYou don't want a dull heartYou want abandon love I won't regretWould you like to hear some of the songs that I release for future episodes?You can find them on this blog for free or get them sent directly to your podcast player by supporting the show using the following link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-contentSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

Only to sit and think of God,Oh what a joy it is!Too think the thought, to breathe the nameEarth has no higher bliss-Frederick William FaberThis Week's Passage:To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. -Revelation 2:1-31) He appoints angels to churches2) He holds seven stars in his hand (the seven angels)3) He walks among the seven golden lamp stands (the seven churches)4) He knows our works (he sees it all)5) He sees our hard work (toil)6) He sees patient endurance7) He sees our our handling of evil8) He sees our discerning 9) He knows and sees our enduring patience10) He allows us to go through trials for His name sake11) He sees our overcoming and endurance for His sakeDeclarations:You appoint angels to specific regions to serve the saintsYou have seven stars in your handYou walk among the seven golden lamp standsYou see our worksYou see our hard working our toilsYou see our patient enduranceYou see our handling of surrounding evil You see and give feedback our stewarding of discernmentYou know and see our enduring patienceYou see our overcoming and endurance for your sakeHe allows us to go through trials for His name sakeVisit: https://beholding.caFind Johan's music for future episodes check the blog or get them (and more exclusive songs and content) delivered to your podcast player through the premium feed.Premium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentParticipate by submitting comments/audio or whatever helps you to engage in the process with me.https://forms.bloo.io/f/cks6d64ea3222387vnrx6qvrcq3email: johan@beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

All that God does - agrees with all that God is - and being and doing are one in Him. --AW TozerToday we look at Revelation 1:17-20When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.  As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.The List:1) He is able to be seen (when I saw Him)2) People fall at his feet (first of all we are able to get close enough to fall at his feet)3) Coming close to him can be debilitating. This is a response to being close to Him4) He lays his hand on people. God actually stoops low enough to touch John here. 5) He does't want us to be fearful of Him ( there is a holy fear that is reverence and then there is the fear that causes us to run away, I believe the later is what he's referring to here.)6) He is the first (since the beginning)7) He is the last (speaks of his transcendence)8) He is living9) He physically died10) He wants us to see or behold him in his resurrected state11) He is and forever will be alive12) He holds keys to death and hades…he is deaths gatekeeper even to hell itself13) He has mysteries ( Love that about Him!)14) He appoint angels to the church15) Angels are sent from His hand16) He calls the churches lamp stands or likes to the church to represent lamp stands. (Which remember he walks among) Declarations:You are able to be seenYou allow me close enough to be before your feetI cannot stand in your presenceYou lay your hand on meYou do not want me to be fearful of youYou are the firstYou are the lastYou are living…you are aliveYou actually diedYou want me to see you in your resurrected stateYou are alive and will remain alive foreverYou hold the keys to death and HadesYou have mysteriesYou appoint angels to the churchYou send angelic help from your hand to the churchYou call us, the church, to be lamp stands. Visit: https://beholding.caFind Johan's music for future episodes check the blog or get them (and more exclusive songs and content) delivered to your podcast player through the premium feed.Premium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentParticipate by submitting comments/audio or whatever helps you to engage in the process with me.https://forms.bloo.io/f/cks6d64ea3222387vnrx6qvrcq3email: johan@beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

Our pusuit is fuelled by our longing. Our longing is fuelled by your knowledge of God. The knowledge of God is revealed by the Holy Spirit living within us. We need more of the Holy Spirit. Johan HeinrichsThis Week's Passage: Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. Revelation 1:12:-16 The List:1) God speaks among seven golden lamp stands. (Scripture defines this as the seven churches. God's not silent he's speaking in the midst of the churches)2) He actually walks among the seven golden lamp stands3) He is one like a son of man (one of Jesus' favourite descriptions of himself in the gospels)4) He wears a long robe5) He has a golden sash around his chest6) His hair is white like wool or snow7) His eyes are like flames of fire8) His feet are like burnished bronze refined in the furnace (burnished means polished by rubbing)9) His voice sounds like the roar of many waters10) He holds seven stars in his right hand. (Seven angels sent to the churches)11) Out of his mouth comes a sharp two-edged sword12) His face is like the full intensity of the sun Declarations:You speak among the golden lamps standsYou dwell and walk the seven golden lamp standsYou are one like the son of manYou wear a long robeThere is a golden sash around your chestYour hair is like white wool, as white as snowYour feet are like burnished bronze refined in the furnace Your voice sounds like the roar of many waters You seven stars in his right hand. Out of your mouth comes a sharp two-edged swordYour face is like the full intensity of the sunThis Week's Song:The Voice Among LampstandsI turned to see a voice speaking to meAnd there seven golden lamp standsI heard the voiceIn the midst of the seven lamp stands And there he was…There he was… Clothed with a long robeA sash made of goldHair like woolWhite as snowHis eyes like fireHis feed like bronzeHis voice like watersAnd seven stars in his hand Out of his mouthA double-edged swordHis face was shiningLike a thousands sunsVisit: https://beholding.caFind Johan's music for future episodes check the blog or get them (and more exclusive songs and content) delivered to your podcast player through the premium feed.Premium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentParticipate by submitting comments/audio or whatever helps you to engage in the process with me.https://forms.bloo.io/f/cks6d64ea3222387vnrx6qvrcq3email: johan@beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

God is glorified not only by His glories being seen, but by its being rejoiced in.-Jonathan Edwards Last week we looked at Revelation 1:7-8.We got a bit of a glimpse about how he feels and does things when we are talking about his return. I found that it is through years of meditating and thinking on these things that help get me to the place where I can begin to believe them. It's so far out of our normal experience to think of a man riding on clouds. It's fascinating for sure…which is one of the reasons why doing this exercise and declaring the truths of these things even in list form can be such a powerful too. Todays Passage: I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” Revelation 1:9-11 1) He has patient endurance (and for us to have it, it's only found in his person)2) He allows his people to be persecuted and emprisoned on His account(John was on Patmos on the account of God's word) Which leads us into the third and fourth on the list:3) His Word is offensive to many. 4) The testimony of Jesus in our lives is offensive to many.5) He allows us to enter into something called “The spirit” (John said, “I was in the Spirit", some may say its the “heavenly realm”)6) He is behind us “And I heard behind me” 7) He speaks8) He has a loud voice (We will learn that he uses many different voices) 9) He actually told people what to write down. (The connotations of this: The word is God Breathed. He inspires us to write. He makes us messengers. You cold probably put those things down on the list separately but, I'll keep it as #9)10) He wanted it written for the seven churches (which means, He actually cares and has instructions for His church)11) God isn't vague (He tells Him which churches.)Declarations:You Jesus, have patient enduranceYou allow those you love to be persecutedYour Word is offensive to many. The testimony of you in my life is offensive to manyYou take people up in the spirit You are behind me, you have my backYou speak and give instructionYou have a loud voice JesusYou inspire writing, you've instructed your people what to write in the pastYou care and have instructions for your churchYou have specific plans that you want to reveal to us and your churchVisit the website:beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentParticipate by submitting comments/audio or whatever helps you to engage in the process with me. https://www.beholding.ca/participate.html?r=20210710130824Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

“When we begin to glimpse the reality of God, the natural reaction is to worship him. Not to have that reaction is a fairly sure sign that we haven't yet really understood who he is or what he's done.” ― N.T. Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes SenseBehold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”Revelation 1:7-8 (ESV) The List:1) His coming is meant to fascinate us. It's not a secret and not meant to be kept a secret.2) He is coming (Jesus will be returning) 3) He is coming with the clouds. Clouds are his mode of transportation4) He wants to be seen.5) He won't exclude anyone from this even…not those that pierced Him…not the tribes of the earth.6) He already knows the story, it's already written. (there are a lot of, “wills” in this passage or concrete language.) 7) Not everyone will be happy with His return ("wail on account of him")8) He is the Alpha (beginning) This is speaking of the son9) He is the Omega (He is the End). The climax and best part of the story is the end and it's just HIM. 10) And we see a repeated verse from our first episode which again could be split up into 3:a) He isb) He wasc) He is to come11) He is the Almighty (no one is stronger, no one is mightier)Declarations: You want us to behold your returnYou are coming back to us and for usYou are returning on the clouds and you will ride them down to the earthYou want it to be seen by everyoneYou want all to experience your returnYou know the end of the storyMany will not welcome your returnYou are the alpha beginningYou are Omega, the one You are who IS AND WHO WAS AND WHO IS TO COMEYou are the AlmightyThis week's song:Dwelling Place - Exclusive Feed OnlyFind Johan's music for future episodes here on the blog or get it delivered to your podcast player through the premium feed.Exclusive feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentParticipate by submitting comments/audio or whatever helps you to engage in the process with me. https://forms.bloo.io/f/cks6d64ea3222387vnrx6qvrcq3email: johan@beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

The word 'God' usually signifies 'Lord', but every lord is not a God. It is the dominion of a spiritual being which constitutes a God― Isaac Newton So last week we started our journey in Revelation 1:1-4. Today we are going to focus on Revelation 1:5-6and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. -Revelation 1:5-6 (ESV)The List:1) Jesus is the faithful witness. 2) Jesus is the firstborn of the dead3) Jesus is the ruler over the kings of the earth4) He loves us5) His blood has freed us from our sins6) He has made us a Kingdom (Jesus made a Kingdom order)7) Again he has made us.  (Jesus included us as a part of his Kingdom)8) We are priests in Jesus kingdom(Our role in the kingdom is that of a priest, that is a huge topic. But the general idea is…we get to be close to the King and love on and minister to Him)9) Jesus answers to God ("Priests to his God") 10) God is Jesus' Father (“God and Father”)11) Jesus is gets the Glory Forever12) Jesus has dominion (or some would say ruling power forever) Declarations:Jesus, you are the faithful witness.You are faithful You are the firstborn from the deadYou rule over the Kings of the earth…from Kings past to to rules now and not yetYour shed blood has freed me from my sinsYou created a KingdomYou made me part of that KingdomYou made me a priest in your KingdomYou submit to God's willGod is your fatherYou will get all the glory forever.You will rule and reign Your dominion will last forever.  This Week's Song: You loved usYour blood has freed usYou loved us Your blood has freed us You have made me a priestIn your kingdom Forever, giving you the gloryYou have dominion foreverThis is your eternal pleasure You will get the all the glory foreverYou will reignYour dominion will last foreverYou built your kingdomYou brought me inTo worship to the KingTo love you without ceasing Jesus You are King of Kings Find Johan's music for future episodes here on the blog or get it delivered to your podcast player through the premium feed. Premium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode. https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-content Participate by submitting comments/audio or whatever helps you to engage in the process with me. https://forms.bloo.io/f/cks6d64ea3222387vnrx6qvrcq3 email: johan@beholding.caSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

“An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others.”― A.W. TozerWe are starting out in the most natural place in scripture I can think of when studying what God is like, things he does, things he surrounds himself with. So naturally, let's start with The Revelation (or the revealing) of Jesus Christ which is found in the book of Revelation.This also happens to be the most attribute heavy book I've found so far in the bible, so it may take a while to get through this one. But we're going to start with verses 1-4.The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne -Revelation 1:1-4 (ESV) This Week's List:1. God has servants2. God shows his servants future events3. God sends angels4. He gives favour or blessing when you read Revelation out loud5. He gives favour or blessing when you listen to it being read.6. He gives favour or blessing when you take heed of the words, or live a your life in a way that reflects what is contained in the book of Revelation7. He distributes grace and peace8. He was and is and is to come (This could probably be broken up into 3 if you would like. This will also be the focus of my song of the week)9. There are seven spirits before His throne.Would you like to hear some of the songs that I release for future episodes?You can find them on this blog for free or get them sent directly to your podcast player by supporting the show using the following link:https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentVisit the website: beholding.caSubmit feedback or content:beholding.cajohan@beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

In this first episode, Johan gives an introduction of the podcast. Hear the story of how the journey started and find out how you can journey along with the podcast. You will also get a glimpse of what you can expect starting in 2 weeks from this episode.An audio journey into discovering the attributes of God found in the Bible. Each week we will take a passage of scripture and list everything that we can find that reveals what God is like, what he does, where he goes. What are his likes and dislikes? What does he think and feel? What and who does he surrounds himself with?...basically anything that gives us insight into who he is.Visit the website: https://beholding.caFind Johan's music for future episodes right here on the blog or get it delivered to your podcast player through the premium feed.Participate by submitting comments/audio or whatever helps you to engage in the process with me. beholding.caemail: johan@beholding.caGet the Premium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode. Use the following link:Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content

First episode arriving Summer 2021beholding.caPremium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d9f6f16e-5b17-4c15-a7a9-cfd891847306/exclusive-contentParticipate by submitting comments/audio or whatever helps you to engage in the process with me. https://www.beholding.ca/participate.html?r=20210710130824Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/beholding/exclusive-content