E/pistle

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.

Summer ministry is exciting, and very busy. Long story short: we're taking a week off before wrapping up 1 John.

John's hope is restoration for sinners as he gives instructions for how Christians should pray for those who are in the throes of addressing sin in their lives.

John shares a three-fold explanation for his efforts in writing a letter to the churches.

John opens himself up for cross-examination from his skeptics, allowing them a chance to speculate on just who this Jesus of Nazareth really is.

The motive behind the instructions to abide in Jesus encompasses the forgiveness of our sins, abiding in God's love, sharing that love with our neighbors, and claiming victory in the ultimate spiritual war for souls.

Those who abide in God will find that there is no room for envy, hatred, or jealousy - anything outside of love has no place in the hearts of Believers.

Continuing on in his description of the extent of God's love, John continues to provide assurance of salvation to his readers.

God's love for us is demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice; His love in us being lived out brings further glory to Him.

In the middle of reminding his readers to agape love one another, John provides them with a test to see if a teacher is in Christ or not.