E/pistle

As the Lamb breaks the 6th seal, John shares about the obvious panic that ensues the destruction of the world as we know it.

As the 5th seal is broken, John sees those who have been martyred for their faith speak out to God for a timeline on when justice will be carried out.

As the Lamb starts to crack open the seals on the scroll, different Horsemen are brought forth in an act of judgment on Creation.

The worthiness and worship of Jesus in John's vision reaches a climactic point as the whole of Creation joins in the worship.Here's the link for today's Takeaway Question: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCcGqMHndxo

As the Lamb takes the scroll, the four creatures and the elders start a new song of declaring praise.

John's observations in the throne room continue as he sees the Lamb take the sealed scroll from the One on the throne.

John's attention is drawn to the scroll in God's hand as his vision continues to play out.

John provides more insight on the throne room he sees in his vision, introducing his readers to four living beings who declare the holiness of God.

John's vision continues as he enters the throne room of heaven.

There is no such thing as "the perfect church." In spite of sin and brokenness, Jesus invites His people to be among those who overcome oppression, persecution, challenges, false teachers, and difficulties.

With not much to speak of regarding the strengths of the Church, Jesus warns them of their growing spiritual apathy while inviting them to return to fellowship with Him.

As Jesus warns the Church of an incoming trial for those who live in the world, He assures them of His protection.

Jesus greets the Church in Philadelphia by echoing much of what He said to the Church in Smyrna.

In spite of a rather dismal letter, Jesus encourages the Church in Sardis to repent, return to Him, and to hold fast to the Gospel.

As this church grapples with an unidentified Jezebel of a prophetess, Jesus commends them for their faith, love, endurance, and service.

The Church in Pergamum is encouraged by their holding fast to Christ in the midst of persecution, but is reprimanded because of their lack of discernment regarding the Nicolaitans.

In light of upcoming persecution and hardships, Jesus encourages the Church that He sees, knows them, and for them to remain faithful.

Jesus encourages the Ephesians in their discernment, but warns against their loss of love.

Time to catch our breath and recap Revelation 1 before we get into the letters to the seven Churches.

As John recovers from his initial shock, Jesus restates the work of recording the revelation he's about to receive.

John receives instruction to write down this book while he's worshiping in exile.

While the message originates from Jesus, John takes the chance to greet his readers and extend to them a reminder of the Gospel.

Breaking from tradition, John introduces not himself, but Jesus Christ.

Before getting into the Biblical text, this episode takes a look at some general questions people have as they approach this book.

In today's episode, we review the symbols and teaching/writing styles John uses in Revelation.

The Greek word "Apokalupsis" serves as the root for the English word "Apocalypse." Contrary to pop culture references, "Apocalypse" has nothing to do with destruction and chaos and has everything to do with how it translates to English: "Revelation."

Welcome (at long last!) to Season 24! We take a look at the who, when, and why behind John's letter of Revelation, as well as cover some broad themes.If you'd like a copy of the commentary from Robert H. Mounce, ⁠you can find it here.

As we wrap up Season 23, it's time to debrief and recap what we've been learning about during our study through Jude.

Jude's last instruction for strengthening the Church is for its members to show mercy to all people.

Jude finally starts to encourage his readers to pursue disciplines that will help them focus on ministering to each other in the Gospel.

Jude instructs caution and discernment regarding false teachers, calling upon a line from the Book of Enoch to help make his point.Want to tumble down the rabbit hole on why the Book of Enoch isn't in the Bible? Start by giving this fairly brief summary a read.

Jude describes the nature of false teachers through 6...yes, 6!...different analogies.

On top of other examples Jude has mentioned, he provides more divine precedent regarding God's judgment on sin.

As a caution to the Church and as a warning to false teachers, Jude points out that what is being taught by false teachers proves their foolishness.

Jude provides historical reminders his readers would have been familiar with at the forefront of his greater point.

Jude begins his letter by extending a prayer and blessing over the Church before jumping into his warning against false teachers.

Welcome to Season 23! We take a look at the who, when, and why behind Jude's general letter to the Church, as well as identifying major themes in this brief letter in the back of the New Testament.

As we wrap up Season 22 of E/pistle, it's time to debrief and recap what we've been learning about during our short time in 3 John.Also, did we manage to get the book recap done in one take? No, no we didn't.

John ends his 3rd letter by encouraging Gaius to look to Demetrius as an example of spiritual excellence.

John encourages Gaius to continue to help traveling teachers who are working to proclaim and spread the Gospel.

John greets Gaius through his letter and recaps how good it is to hear of his well-being through traveling teachers.

Welcome to Season 22! Once again, we take a look at the who, when, and why behind John's third general letter to the Church.

As we wrap up Season 21 of E/pistle, it's time to debriief and recap what we've studied in John's 2nd general letter to the Church.

John wraps up his brief letter to the Church by expressing a desire to reunite with them at some point in the near future.

Avoiding false teachers may not be possible, especially since they're actively pursuing people to deceive. In light of that, John gives some advice to the Church.

John points back to the command we've had from the very beginning. Can you guess what it might be?

John introduces himself to the general Church and very much echoes the tone from his first letter.

Welcome to Season 21! Once again, we take a look at the who, when, and why behind John's second general letter to the Churches.

As we wrap up Season 20 of E/pistle, it's time to debrief and recap what we've been studying in John's first general letter to the Churches.

In today's episode, we recap what Gnostics believe and teach, highlight some of the ways we see it in the world today, and wrap up with how Christians can fight against it.

John wraps up his letter by saying essentially what he's been saying the whole time: abide in Jesus, stay away from idols.