Podcast appearances and mentions of christ revelation

Derricke Gray teaches the Wednesday Night Bible study at River of Life, an inter-denominational, Spirit-filled church in the heart of Wakulla County, Florida. We share them for those determined to worship God in spirit and in truth.

Derricke Gray teaches the Wednesday Night Bible study at River of Life, an inter-denominational, Spirit-filled church in the heart of Wakulla County, Florida. We share them for those determined to worship God in spirit and in truth.

Sunday Service (9/6/26) // Revelation 20:1-6 (ESV) // The Thousand Years // 1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit[a] and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.*Footnotes*a. Revelation 20:1 Greek the abyss; also verse 3#Revelation #BookofRevelation #BibleStudy #BibleExplained #BiblicalStudies #BibleTeacher #WordOfGod #BiblicalLessons #BibleJournal #BibleReading #BibleStudyCommunity #BibleVerse #prophecy #prophetic #jerusalemWebsite: https://mbchicago.org *FOLLOW US* Facebook: https://facebook.com/mbc.chicago Instagram: https://instagram.com/mbc.chicago TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mbc.chicago Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others *TO SUPPORT US* Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=AA74AC7V5WYMJ*Chapters and main sections of the message:*

Outline: “Hot, Cold or Lukewarm” I. Introduction: The Challenge of Being Lukewarm Opening encouragement: “We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Illustration about coffee: Some prefer it hot. Some prefer it cold. Few prefer it lukewarm. Connection to spiritual life: Jesus desires people who are spiritually hot or cold, rather than lukewarm. Primary text: Revelation 3:14–22 II. Background: The Message to the Church at Laodicea The passage came to the preacher during a three-day fast and prayer. Jesus gives John the Apostle a revelation while John is on the Isle of Patmos. John was elderly and exiled because of his faithful proclamation of Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:19 provides the framework for the book: Things John had seen. Things that were happening. Things that would take place afterward. Revelation chapters 2–3 contain messages to seven literal churches in Asia Minor: Ephesus Smyrna Pergamos Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea III. The Purpose and Pattern of the Seven Messages Each message begins with a revelation of who Jesus is. Each generally contains: A commendation. A rebuke or correction. Counsel about how to respond. Smyrna and Philadelphia received commendation without rebuke. Laodicea uniquely received rebuke without commendation. The messages to the first-century churches remain relevant to believers today. Application: Scripture is given for teaching, correction, reproof, and training. Believers should examine themselves rather than constantly examine others. IV. Jesus' Standard for Evaluating His Church Jesus does not primarily evaluate churches according to: Attendance. Buildings. Money/budget. The preacher contrasts the “ABCs”: Attendance Buildings Cash Jesus emphasizes the D: Discipleship. The goal is not merely making decisions or gathering spectators. True disciples: Follow Jesus. Learn from Him. Live like Him. Contribute through faith and service. The emphasis is quality rather than quantity. Jesus looks at the inward condition of the heart rather than outward appearance. V. The Four C's of the Message 1. The Christ — Revelation 3:14 Jesus identifies Himself as: The Amen The faithful and true witness The beginning/source of God's creation Jesus alone is qualified to judge the heart and soul. “Beginning” refers to His supremacy, source, and preeminence—not that Jesus was created. Jesus is both authoritative and loving. Believers should measure themselves by: Jesus. God's Word. Avoid comparing yourself with other people because comparison produces: Pride. Insecurity. 2. The Complacency — Revelation 3:15–17 Jesus says the Laodiceans are neither hot nor cold. Their lukewarmness makes Him want to spit/vomit them out. Hot represents: Passion. Spiritual hunger. Prayer. Scripture. Commitment. Pursuit of God. Cold represents: Clearly recognizing one's distance from God. Awareness of one's need for God. Lukewarm represents: Indifference. Going through religious motions. Lack of spiritual passion. Being comfortable with just enough Christianity to avoid real transformation. Background of Laodicea: Nearby Hierapolis had hot springs. Cold water was also available from another nearby source. By the time water reached Laodicea through aqueducts, it became lukewarm. Jesus used the city's familiar experience to communicate a spiritual truth. Warning against becoming like the Pharisees: Religious outwardly. Spiritually corrupt inwardly. Self-righteous and judgmental. Complacency often develops gradually through compromise. The danger of prosperity: “I am rich.” “I have everything I need.” Material sufficiency can produce spiritual self-sufficiency. True wealth is being rich toward God. Without Jesus, possessing everything amounts to nothing. With Jesus, even without worldly possessions, a person possesses what truly matters. 3. The Counsel — Revelation 3:18–19 Jesus counsels the Laodiceans to receive from Him: Gold refined by fire — true spiritual riches. White garments — righteousness and purity in Christ. Eye salve — spiritual sight and understanding. Jesus again speaks in terms familiar to Laodicea: Financial/banking center → gold. Textile/fashion industry → clothing. Medical/eye treatment → eye salve. The central message: Stop trusting worldly resources. Come to Jesus for what truly satisfies. Jesus could command, yet He lovingly says, “I counsel you.” Isaiah 55 reinforces God's invitation to receive His provision without money. Jesus' rebuke comes from love: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” The appropriate response is: Zeal. Repentance. Change. 4. The Call — Revelation 3:20–22 Jesus says: “I stand at the door and knock.” The original context is striking: This message was addressed to a church. Jesus is pictured as outside, knocking to be let back in. Jesus continues pursuing people even when they have become: Complacent. Lukewarm. Backslidden. His invitation: Hear His voice. Open the door. Fellowship with Him. The promise to those who overcome: They will sit with Christ on His throne. Main emphasis: There is still hope. There is still grace. There is still restoration. There is still a future. VI. Personal Self-Examination The sermon shifts from examining the church to examining oneself. Questions for believers: Am I spiritually hot, cold, or lukewarm? Have I become complacent? Am I more influenced by culture and social media than Scripture? Am I following Jesus or merely participating in church? Have prosperity and comfort made me less dependent on God? Do not judge yourself by comparison with others. Judge yourself according to God's Word. The preacher uses his own experience of receiving a medical diagnosis as an illustration: An accurate diagnosis is not condemnation. It identifies the problem so healing can begin. Likewise, God's conviction exposes spiritual problems so restoration can occur. VII. Communion and the Call to Examine Ourselves Transition to 1 Corinthians 11:23–32. Communion is presented as a moment of self-examination. Believers are instructed to examine themselves before partaking. God knows: Sin. Rebellion. Compromise. Hidden struggles. Yet He continues to knock and invite people into fellowship. God does not demand that people fix themselves before coming to Him. The invitation is: Come as you are. Repent. Surrender. Allow God's grace to transform you. VIII. Final Appeal Stop living below God's calling and purpose. Move from: Complacency → zeal. Compromise → surrender. Lukewarmness → spiritual fire. Self-sufficiency → dependence on God. Judge yourself rather than others. Recognize that correction can be an expression of love. A true friend tells the truth rather than simply affirming everything. Jesus is still knocking. The response required is simply to open the door. Closing invitation: Examine your heart. Hear Jesus. Open your heart. Repent. Receive His grace. Restore your relationship with Him.

Revelation 20:1-6 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. We stand here at one of the most majestic peaks in all of Scripture. After the seals have been broken, the trumpets have sounded, and the vials of wrath have been poured out, after the beast and the false prophet have been cast into the lake of fire, the Spirit of God draws back the curtain on a scene that every believer's heart has longed for since the garden of Eden was lost. Here is the literal, earthly reign of the Lord Jesus Christ for a thousand years. Here is the fulfillment of promises given to Abraham, to David, and to the prophets. Here is the answer to the prayer that has ascended from the lips of the saints for two thousand years: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” This passage is not a puzzle to be solved by clever allegorizing. It is a plain declaration of what God has determined to do. Let us take the text as it stands, in the order in which the Spirit has given it, and let the Word of God speak for itself. I. The Binding of the Ancient Enemy (vv. 1–3) John says, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.” Notice carefully that this is not the Lord Jesus Himself who descends; it is an angel. The Greek word is angelos, a messenger. One angel is sufficient. The same Lord who once cast a legion of demons into a herd of swine with a single word now commissions one of His messengers to seize the chief of all rebels. The dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan—four titles piled one upon another so that there can be no mistake about the identity of the prisoner—is laid hold of and bound. The Greek verb for “laid hold” is krateō, meaning to seize with power, to take firm grip. The great chain is not a figure of speech for the restraining influence of the church or the gospel; it is a real instrument of restraint in the hands of a real angel. He is cast into the bottomless pit—the abyssos, the same abyss from which the demonic locusts of chapter 9 emerged. The pit is shut and sealed. The purpose is stated with crystal clarity: “that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled.” Six times in this chapter the Holy Spirit uses the expression “a thousand years” or “the thousand years.” The Greek is chilia etē. When the Spirit repeats a number six times in the space of a few verses, He is not inviting us to spiritualize it away. He is underscoring its importance. The binding is for a definite period of time. After that period Satan “must be loosed a little season.” The word “must” (dei) indicates divine necessity. God's program requires it. There is no room here for the idea that Satan is already bound in some limited sense. If he is bound now, then the nations are not being deceived, and the New Testament itself becomes nonsense when it warns us that the devil walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), that he is the god of this world who blinds the minds of them that believe not (2 Corinthians 4:4), and that the whole world lies in the wicked one (1 John 5:19). This binding is future, personal, complete, and temporary. It is the necessary prelude to the kingdom. No kingdom of righteousness can flourish while the great deceiver is free to work his will among the nations. II. The Resurrection and Reign of the Saints (vv. 4–6) John continues, “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them.” Who are these who sit upon the thrones? The text itself identifies them in two groups. First, the souls of those who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God. These are the martyrs of the tribulation period who refused the mark of the beast. Second, those who “had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands.” These are the faithful who endured to the end. Together they “lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” The Greek word for “lived” is ezēsan, an aorist tense that points to a definite act of coming to life. This is the first resurrection. The rest of the dead—the unsaved—do not live again until the thousand years are finished. Then comes the solemn declaration: “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Here is the double blessing: they are priests and they are kings. As priests they have access to God and offer spiritual sacrifices of praise. As kings they share the governmental authority of the Son of David. This is not a spiritual reign in the hearts of men; it is a reign with Christ upon the earth. The text says they reigned with Him. The location of that reign is fixed by the entire prophetic program of the Old Testament. III. The Character of the Millennial Kingdom Described in the Old Testament The book of Revelation is indeed a book of signs, symbols, and numbers. Yet the Holy Spirit has not left us to guess at the meaning of the thousand-year reign. He has given us page after page in the Old Testament that describe the activities of that kingdom in language so plain, so geographical, so political, and so material that only a determined refusal to accept the plain sense of Scripture can turn them into mere spiritual ideals. Let us listen carefully to the prophets as they describe what the saints will be doing and what the earth will be like during those thousand years. Isaiah 2:2–4 declares: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” Here the saints, under the direct rule of the Messiah, will see the law go forth from Jerusalem. The nations will stream to Zion to learn the ways of the Lord. The saints will participate in the administration of that perfect justice. War will cease. The instruments of destruction will be converted into instruments of agriculture. Isaiah 11:1–10 continues the picture: “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.” The saints will live in a world where the curse on the animal creation is lifted. The knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth. The Messiah will rule with absolute equity, and His people will share in that rule. Children will play safely. Nature itself will be at peace. Isaiah 65:17–25 adds further detail: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.” Longevity returns. A person who dies at one hundred is considered a child. The saints will build and inhabit, plant and eat the fruit. Their labor will not be frustrated. Prayer will be answered immediately. The elect of God will enjoy the work of their hands for the full thousand years. Micah 4:1–4 echoes Isaiah: “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.” Every man under his own vine and fig tree—personal security, private property, and peace. The saints will enjoy this rest. Zechariah 14:8–11, 16–21 describes the geographical and religious center: “And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses. And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. … And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD's house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.” Jerusalem will be the political and spiritual capital of the world. The saints will go up year by year. Nations that refuse will be disciplined with drought. Holiness will characterize even the ordinary utensils of daily life. Psalm 72 is a portrait of the righteous King's reign: “Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight. And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised. There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth. His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.” The saints will share in this universal dominion. They will see the poor delivered, the oppressor broken, and the earth productive under the King's blessing. Ezekiel 40–48 describes in exhaustive detail a temple, a priesthood, a sacrificial system, and the division of the land among the tribes. The prince will have his portion. The saints from every nation who have part in the first resurrection will serve as priests of God and of Christ in that restored order. The glory of the Lord will fill the house. Living waters will flow from under the threshold, healing the Dead Sea and bringing life wherever they go (Ezekiel 47). These are not vague spiritual principles. They are concrete, measurable, geographical, agricultural, political, and religious realities. The saints will reign. They will judge. They will teach. They will worship. They will enjoy the fruit of the earth. They will see nature restored. They will watch the nations come up to Jerusalem year after year. They will experience longevity, security, and the absence of war. This is the kingdom the prophets saw. This is the kingdom John saw. This is the kingdom that lasts a thousand years. IV. Why the Thousand Years Must Be Taken Literally Why do we insist that this reign is literal rather than a mere figure of speech? Because the plain sense of Scripture demands it, and every alternative interpretation collapses under the weight of the text itself. First, the number is repeated six times with deliberate emphasis. If “a thousand years” is only a symbol for a long time, then why does the Spirit carefully distinguish “the thousand years” from “a little season” that follows? Symbols do not require such chronological precision. Second, the binding of Satan is described with concrete details—an angel, a key, a chain, a pit, a seal. If these are symbols, then the resurrection of the martyrs in the same paragraph must also be symbolic, and the second death must be symbolic. But the second death is clearly the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14; 21:8). Consistency requires that the first resurrection and the thousand-year reign be just as real. Third, the Old Testament promises to Israel of a restored land, a Davidic King on a literal throne in Jerusalem, and a time of national and universal blessing have never been fulfilled. The amillennial view spiritualizes them into the church age. The postmillennial view postpones them indefinitely into a golden age produced by human effort under the gospel. Neither does justice to the land promises, the throne of David, or the geographical center of Zion. Only the premillennial view allows the promises to mean what they say: a future, earthly, theocratic kingdom under the personal rule of the Messiah, with resurrected saints sharing that rule for a thousand years. Fourth, the sequence of events in Revelation itself is chronological. Chapter 19 ends with the beast and false prophet in the lake of fire. Chapter 20 begins with the binding of Satan. Then comes the thousand years. Then the loosing of Satan. Then the final rebellion. Then the great white throne. To rearrange this sequence into a spiritual present or a progressive ideal is to do violence to the order the Spirit has given. Fifth, the first resurrection is called “the first.” If the only resurrection is a general one at the end of time, then there is no “first.” The text insists there is a resurrection of the righteous that precedes the thousand years, and a resurrection of the rest of the dead that follows it. This matches the “resurrection of life” and the “resurrection of damnation” of John 5:29, and the order of 1 Corinthians 15:23–24—“Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end.” While Revelation is filled with signs and symbols, the substantiation from the Old Testament gives the premillennial understanding a weight of evidence that no other view can match. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets inspired John. The same Spirit who described the kingdom in Isaiah and Ezekiel and Zechariah now places that kingdom after the return of Christ and before the final judgment. The only logical view that fits the literal and plain sense of the whole of Scripture is that the thousand years is a real period of time during which the Lord Jesus Christ reigns personally and visibly upon the earth, and the resurrected saints reign with Him. V. The Practical Word for Our Hearts What does this mean for us who live in the present age? It means that history is not a meaningless cycle. It is moving toward a definite goal—the personal return of the King and the establishment of His kingdom. It means that every act of faithfulness, every refusal of the world's mark, every testimony for Jesus, is preparing us to sit on those thrones. It means that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed. It means that the same Lord who was once crowned with thorns will one day be crowned with many crowns, and we shall see Him face to face and reign with Him. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over such a one. Priests of God and of Christ—access into the very presence of the throne. Kings who shall reign with Him a thousand years—and then forever. The angel has the key. The chain is ready. The thrones are prepared. The King is coming. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

What does the Bible teach about the Millennial Kingdom, the binding of Satan, and God's ultimate plan for justice ? In Week 11 of the sermon series "Can You Even Imagine?" at CityRise Church, Lead Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson walks through Revelation chapter 20 to uncover God's promises for the Messianic Age—a 1,000-year reign of unprecedented peace, righteousness, and restoration on earth . Discover how Jesus will physically return to establish His kingdom from Jerusalem, what happens when Satan is released for a short time, and the sobering reality of the Great White Throne Judgment . Most importantly, learn how you can place your faith in Jesus Christ today and be assured of eternal life .

Sunday Service (8/8/26) // *Revelation 19:11-16* (ESV) // *The Rider on a White Horse* // 11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in[a] blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule[b] them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.*Footnotes*a. Revelation 19:13 Some manuscripts sprinkled withb. Revelation 19:15 Greek shepherd#Revelation #BookofRevelation #BibleStudy #BibleExplained #BiblicalStudies #BibleTeacher #WordOfGod #BiblicalLessons #BibleJournal #BibleReading #BibleStudyCommunity #BibleVerse #prophecy #prophetic #jerusalemWebsite: https://mbchicago.org *FOLLOW US* Facebook: https://facebook.com/mbc.chicago Instagram: https://instagram.com/mbc.chicago TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mbc.chicago Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others *TO SUPPORT US* Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=AA74AC7V5WYMJ*Chapters and main sections of the message:*

Ask the Pastor: What Are the Different Views of the Millennial Reign of Christ? Revelation 20:1-10Wednesday (7-29-26) night Bible Study

Suffering for Christ – Revelation 2:8-11 – David Larmour The post Suffering for Christ – Revelation 2:8-11 appeared first on Welbeck Road Evangelical Church.

The Millennial Kingdom: Christ's Glorious Reign Upon the Earth Beloved reader, imagine a world where righteousness flows like a mighty river, where peace blankets every nation, where creation itself bursts forth in renewed splendor, and where the Lord Jesus Christ reigns visibly and personally from Jerusalem upon the throne of David. The Scriptures unveil this magnificent future age in vivid detail—a thousand-year period of unparalleled blessing, justice, and prosperity under the sovereign rule of the King of kings. Let us open the King James Version together and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate these precious truths. As we journey through God's Word, may our hearts be stirred with hope and holy expectation. The Foundation: Satan Bound and the Saints Raised The Apostle John, exiled on the Isle of Patmos, received the climactic vision of this kingdom in the Book of Revelation. Hear the very words of Scripture: “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:1-6, KJV) With Satan bound and sealed in the bottomless pit, deception and demonic influence are dramatically curtailed. The Prince of Peace can now establish His rule without the constant sabotage of the adversary. At the same time, the faithful—particularly those who endured great tribulation—are raised in the first resurrection to share in Christ's government. This is no vague spiritual kingdom; it is a literal, earthly reign following the glorious return of Christ described in Revelation 19. The King and His Throne: Fulfillment of Ancient Covenants At the center of this kingdom stands the Lord Jesus Christ, fulfilling every promise made to the fathers. The Davidic Covenant is realized in full: “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.” (2 Samuel 7:16, KJV) The angel Gabriel declared to Mary: “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33, KJV) Isaiah foresaw the government resting upon His shoulders: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7, KJV) Daniel beheld the Son of Man receiving universal dominion: “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14, KJV) Zechariah proclaimed: “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.” (Zechariah 14:9, KJV) Jerusalem will be exalted, the nations will stream to it, and the glory of the Lord will fill the earth. Righteousness, Peace, and the Transformation of Creation Under this righteous King, injustice will vanish. Isaiah describes His perfect judgment: “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.” (Isaiah 11:1-5, KJV) The animal kingdom will be reconciled: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:6-9, KJV) War will cease forever: “And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4, KJV) A Time of Extraordinary Economic Prosperity and Blessings This kingdom will overflow with economic prosperity and material blessings such as the world has never known. The curse upon the ground will be lifted in large measure, and the earth will yield her increase abundantly. Listen to the prophet Amos: “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.” (Amos 9:13-15, KJV) Joel echoes this abundance: “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.” (Joel 3:18, KJV) Isaiah 35 paints a picture of highways of holiness, blossoming deserts, and rejoicing: “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.” (Isaiah 35:1-2, KJV) The lame shall leap, the blind shall see, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Ezekiel foretells multiplied harvests and restored cities for Israel: “And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.” (Ezekiel 36:30, KJV) Homes will be built, vineyards planted, and families will enjoy the work of their hands without fear of loss. Commerce will flourish under just laws, with no exploitation or poverty for those who walk in obedience. The knowledge of the Lord and His righteous rule will produce a global economy of blessing, where “every man shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid.” (Micah 4:4, KJV) This is not socialism or forced equality, but divine prosperity flowing from the presence of the King. We Shall Rule and Reign with Christ One of the most astonishing privileges of this kingdom is that believers—those raised in the first resurrection—will rule and reign with Christ. The Scriptures are clear and repeated on this point. Revelation 20:6 declares that the resurrected saints “shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 5:10 adds: “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10, KJV) Paul encouraged Timothy: “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.” (2 Timothy 2:12, KJV) Jesus Himself promised the apostles: “Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28, KJV) In the Parable of the Pounds, the faithful servants are rewarded with authority over cities: “And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” (Luke 19:17, KJV) The Apostle Paul further declares: “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? … Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” (1 Corinthians 6:2-3, KJV) Resurrected believers will serve as co-regents, administering justice, overseeing provinces, teaching the nations, and reflecting the character of Christ. What an incentive for faithfulness today! Our present service and suffering are preparing us for eternal responsibility in that coming day. Israel Restored, Worship Central, and the Transition to Eternity Israel will be regathered, regenerated, and prominent in the land (Ezekiel 36:24-28; 37:21-28). The temple vision in Ezekiel 40-48 reveals a glorious house of worship where the glory of God returns. All nations will come yearly to worship the King and keep the feasts (Zechariah 14:16-21). After the thousand years, Satan is briefly loosed, leading a final rebellion that is swiftly crushed (Revelation 20:7-10). Then follows the Great White Throne Judgment and the ushering in of the new heavens and new earth, where God tabernacles with man forever (Revelation 20:11–22:5). A Challenge to Serve Christ and Surrender All Today Dear friend, this glorious kingdom is not a fable—it is the certain promise of our faithful God. The same Jesus who died for your sins and rose victorious will one day reign in splendor, and those who belong to Him by faith will share in His reign. The challenge before us is clear: Will you serve Christ wholeheartedly today? Will you surrender your all—your ambitions, your possessions, your very life—to the One who will soon return as King? If you have never trusted Him as Savior, repent and believe the gospel today. If you are a believer, live as a future king or priest in training. Let every decision, every act of service, every moment of worship be shaped by the coming kingdom. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! May we be found faithful when He appears, ready to reign with Him in righteousness and joy. Surrender your all to Christ today, and enter into the blessed hope of His eternal kingdom. Amen.   

The victory of Jesus Christ is inevitable, incontestable, and indestructible. Our victory with him is unquestionable.  

Christ's Kingdom message was so much more that a grace that saves you...it is a grace that sustains and empowers you to live for Him with every part of your life and in every part of culture...bringing His Kingship to all of Creation! Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Revelation 5:10)!

In this live broadcast from April 8th, Pastor John Alworth shifts the focus of recovery from mere abstinence to the necessity of a personal relationship with the Creator. Drawing a parallel to "Gallery Furniture's" famous slogan, Alworth emphasizes that God’s plan for healing is "free, free, free," provided one is willing to engage in a reciprocal bond of love. The episode outlines the dynamics of the man-God relationship through several key perspectives: God’s Initiating Love: Alworth explains that God’s love is "initiating" and "sacrificial." Using the imagery of the Garden of Eden, he notes that when humanity hid in sin, it was God who came looking for them, asking, "Where are you?" He highlights that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross occurred while we were still sinners, proving that God loves individuals into transformation rather than waiting for them to clean themselves up first. The Two-Way Street of Love: A healthy relationship cannot be one-sided. Alworth challenges listeners to move beyond "knocking" and actually open the door to Christ (Revelation 3:20). He defines loving God back through obedience—not as a rigid set of rules, but as a path to clearing the "chaos" of a sinful lifestyle—and through trusting His plan over personal preferences. The Biological Benefit of Worship: Alworth introduces the concept of neuroplasticity, specifically how worship affects the brain. He explains that acts of devotion and creative praise cause "dendrites" (the connectors between neurons) to flower and bloom. Remarkably, the area of the brain most improved by this spiritual practice is the center for empathy, which directly impacts the second greatest commandment: loving your neighbor. Recovery as Reconciliation: Whether recovering from addiction, pride, or a "divided society," the solution remains the same: reconciliation. Alworth reminds listeners that unforgiveness is a "ball and chain" that only weighs down the person holding the grudge. By forgiving oneself and others, the "bridge" broken in Eden is restored. The program concludes with an invitation to move past "religion" (a man-made construct) and embrace "relationship"—the intimacy of crying "Abba, Father" to a God who is ready to pick His children up every time they stumble. Key Scriptural References Romans 5:8Christ dying for us while we were yet sinners. John 5:6The fundamental question of recovery: "Do you want to be healed?" Revelation 3:20The invitation to open the door and "sup" (socialize) with God. 1 John 4:19We love because He first loved us. Psalm 139Being fearfully and wonderfully made with an individual purpose. Reflection Question Pastor Alworth mentioned that we often try to "clean ourselves up" before coming to God. Is there an area of your life you've been trying to "fix" on your own before inviting Him into the process?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exposition of Revelation 1:9-20

1. Confirmed in their conviction 2. Clothed by their conduct 3. Confessing the Christ Revelation 19:1–10 presents a vision of ultimate cosmic justice and joyful anticipation, where the heavenly host celebrates God's righteous judgment against the corrupting forces of evil, particularly symbolized by the 'great prostitute,' and the imminent marriage supper of the Lamb. The passage juxtaposes the solemn reality of divine retribution with the profound joy of the redeemed, emphasizing that true worship is not merely emotional but rooted in the recognition of God's sovereign justice and faithfulness. It calls believers to live in deliberate, joyful anticipation of Christ's return, embracing delayed gratification and self-denial in this life—like a bride preparing for her wedding—so as to be ready for the eternal feast. The text underscores that participation in this celebration is not automatic but requires a life of devotion, righteousness, and worship centered on Jesus, whose testimony is the very spirit of prophecy. Ultimately, the passage challenges the church to reject worldly distractions and counterfeit joys, instead orienting every aspect of life toward the blessed hope of being invited to the Lamb's wedding supper.

In this sermon, we continue our series through the book of Revelation, “The Wonderful World of the Apocalypse,” by slowing down in Revelation 10 to see what it means for the church to live as a prophetic people in a chaotic world.Drawing from Revelation 10:1–11, we explore:The meaning of “apokalupsis” (Revelation 1:1) as an unveiling of spiritual realityThe mighty angel with pillars of fire and echoes of God's presence in Exodus 13:21–22 and Exodus 14:19–24The opened scroll first seen in Revelation 5:1–7, now handed to John as a picture of the church's participation in God's redemptive planHow the judgments of Revelation 8–9 and the lack of repentance in Revelation 9:20–21 contrast with the repentance of the nations in Revelation 11:13The call to be “a kingdom and priests” (Revelation 1:5–6; 5:9–10) and a prophetic community, not spiritual hermits (Revelation 10:11)We consider how the wilderness is not proof of God's absence but the very place of His presence and formation (Deuteronomy 8:2–5; Hosea 2:14–15), and how the pillar of fire imagery reminds us that God is with His people in every age.Key themes include:Judgment plus the church's witness leading to repentance (Romans 2:4; Revelation 11:3–6, 11–13)The Spirit-empowered prophetic vocation of all believers (Numbers 11:29; Joel 2:28–29; Acts 2:16–21)The call to embody the gospel as a “well-lit sign” pointing to King Jesus and His kingdom (Matthew 5:14–16; 2 Corinthians 5:17–20)The sweetness and bitterness of God's word as John eats the scroll (Revelation 10:9–10; cf. Ezekiel 2:8–3:3; Jeremiah 15:16)The mystery of God brought to completion in Christ (Revelation 10:7; Ephesians 1:9–10; Colossians 1:26–27)We also look at how Paul and John refuse to let exile or imprisonment shrink their calling (Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:12–14; Revelation 1:9), and how faithfulness in ordinary obedience often precedes God's “suddenly” moments of breakthrough (Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 3:6–9).This message is a pastoral summons to come out of hiding—whether behind pain, failure, success, or comfort—and to “go again” in prophetic obedience to Jesus (Isaiah 6:8; Romans 12:1–2), trusting that God is with us in the wilderness and intends to use His church to bear witness to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings (Revelation 10:11; Revelation 7:9–10).

Being willing to die for something is admirable, but what is often more difficult is living for something—day-by-day, decision-by-decision. The church at Pergamum was willing to die for Christ, but was unwilling to live for him. Its holiness was hypocritical, and the lifestyles of its were licentious. Jesus called them to repentance, and promised to be their strength and their very great reward. We see four things in the text: 1. Hypocritical Holiness (v. 14) 2. Licentious Lifestyles (vv. 14–15) 3. Repentance and Reformation (v. 16) 4. A Promise of Purity (v. 17)

Despite flaws, the church at Pergamum received Christ's gracious commendation for their faithfulness, their faithfulness in a hostile environment, their tenacious testimony, and their enduring evangelism. Christ's letter to this church teaches us some important lessons. Though flawed and fragile, believers possess the Spirit of God. By his power, we can make a tangible difference for God's kingdom, inspiring others through faithfulness in trials, suffering, and everyday life.

Who Does Jesus Look Like? Meet the Risen and Glorified Christ (Revelation 1:9–20) - Dr. Bill Cook

Psalm 149:1-9, Nehemiah 9:38-11:21, Revelation 20:1-15. According to the New Testament, every Christian will be crowned and will reign even longer and there will be an even bigger cause for celebration and rejoicing than that of any earthly ruler You will reign *with Christ* (Revelation 20:4,6)

Psalm 149:4–5, Nehemiah 9:38,10:39, Revelation 2:1-12. According to the New Testament, every Christian will be crowned and will reign even longer and there will be an even bigger cause for celebration and rejoicing than that of any earthly ruler You will reign *with Christ* (Revelation 20:4,6)

Psalm 149:2-5, Nehemiah 9:38,10:39, Revelation 2:1-12. According to the New Testament, every Christian will be crowned and will reign even longer and there will be an even bigger cause for celebration and rejoicing than that of any earthly ruler You will reign *with Christ* (Revelation 20:4,6)

Listen to the last message in our series for Advent: Simply Christmas. 

Chapter 3 completes Peter's 2nd letter. The first 13 verses tell of the coming day of judgment. Verses 1-5 speak of the wilful ignorance - i.e. by deliberate choice - of the coming judgments upon the wicked. The Apostle shows that despite warnings given to Noah and to those of his generation for 120 years (see also Hebrews 11verses7) those who had once been believers had chosen to abandon their faith. Though punishment seemed slow in coming it was certain. The slowness was to give time for people to repent and turn to God. Our God is not willing that any should perish (verses 8-9). Opportunity must be seized now as there will not always be opportunity. Like unsuspecting individuals those who are unready for the Lord's return will find themselves suddenly ensnared (like a thief in the night surprises those who are not prepared). Our Lord Jesus Christ describes this in Luke 21verses34-36. Paul likewise speaks of this time in 1st Thessalonians chapter 5verses1-9. The dissolution of the Mosaic order is described as the heavens and earth being dissolved. This is a common Biblical figure of speech (see Deuteronomy 32 verse 1 and Isaiah 1 verses 2 and 10). Seeing we are certain of the coming of the heavenly kingdom (Revelation 4 and 5 describe this time) Peter quotes from Isaiah 65verses17-25) that we must live righteously and in readiness for our Lord's return. So, the life and behaviour of the believer must be fashioned in conformity with our desire to be part of the kingdom of our Lord and Christ (Revelation 11verses1-9). Final words from Peter finish the letter in verses 14-18. The Apostle commends them to pay heed to the writings of Paul. The two great Apostles - Peter and Paul - stand shoulder to shoulder in their teachings and in their believing of and living the Truth. Peter's concluding words in verse 18 should be read aloud slowly and pondered.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Chapter 3 completes Peter's 2nd letter. The first 13 verses tell of the coming day of judgment. Verses 1-5 speak of the wilful ignorance - i.e. by deliberate choice - of the coming judgments upon the wicked. The Apostle shows that despite warnings given to Noah and to those of his generation for 120 years (see also Hebrews 11verses7) those who had once been believers had chosen to abandon their faith. Though punishment seemed slow in coming it was certain. The slowness was to give time for people to repent and turn to God. Our God is not willing that any should perish (verses 8-9). Opportunity must be seized now as there will not always be opportunity. Like unsuspecting individuals those who are unready for the Lord's return will find themselves suddenly ensnared (like a thief in the night surprises those who are not prepared). Our Lord Jesus Christ describes this in Luke 21verses34-36. Paul likewise speaks of this time in 1st Thessalonians chapter 5verses1-9. The dissolution of the Mosaic order is described as the heavens and earth being dissolved. This is a common Biblical figure of speech (see Deuteronomy 32 verse 1 and Isaiah 1 verses 2 and 10). Seeing we are certain of the coming of the heavenly kingdom (Revelation 4 and 5 describe this time) Peter quotes from Isaiah 65verses17-25) that we must live righteously and in readiness for our Lord's return. So, the life and behaviour of the believer must be fashioned in conformity with our desire to be part of the kingdom of our Lord and Christ (Revelation 11verses1-9). Final words from Peter finish the letter in verses 14-18. The Apostle commends them to pay heed to the writings of Paul. The two great Apostles - Peter and Paul - stand shoulder to shoulder in their teachings and in their believing of and living the Truth. Peter's concluding words in verse 18 should be read aloud slowly and pondered.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

The Present Christ (Revelation 1:9-20) - November 30, 2025 by OrlandoGrace

2025-11-23 - WEEP NOT, BEHOLD CHRIST! ⧸⧸ REVELATION 5 [Ej4TRR8p6C4] by Salvador Flores III

Send us a textWhen did Christ's reign begin—and what does it mean that Satan is “bound”? In Revelation 20, we see D-Day at the cross and V-Day at Christ's return. Pastor Timothy unpacks the millennium with humility and clarity, showing why believers are already seated with Christ, called to open our mouths, and advance the gospel as royal priests.Key themes: • Binding vs. defeat of Satan • The millennium and the church age • Seated with Christ (Eph. 2) • Gospel as announcement, not advice • Great White Throne & the Book of Life • Run to the cross; reign with ChristScriptures: Rev 20:1–15; Matt 12:28–29; Luke 10:17–20; Col 2:13–15; Eph 2:1–7; 2 Cor 4:3–6Connect: Vintage Church, Lodi, CA • Sundays 10am Subscribe for more messages in More Than Conquerors: A Revelation of the Resurrected King.Tags: Revelation 20, millennium views, amillennial, premillennial, postmillennial, inaugurated eschatology, spiritual warfare, seated with Christ, Book of Life

As I've shared this progression idea of, “Father in the home to elder in the city to ruler in the Kingdom,” I keep getting the same question. They say,“Tim, I get the ‘father in the home' part, but elders and ruling part doesn't make sense.”Yeah, I understand why. Most people think “elder” means church board member, and “Kingdom of God” means an eternal vacation in heaven. There's some truth to these perspectives, but neither are completely biblical.The Biblical Progression for MenWhile society may have lost this “noble task” of aspiring to be an overseer, Scripture hasn't. Its vision for men is this:* Fatherhood in the home is training for eldership in the city.* Eldership in the city is training for ruling cities in the Kingdom.The framework comes directly from 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.When discussing the qualifications for an elder, in 1 Timothy 3:4 Paul says:“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity, keeping his children submissive. For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?” (ESV)The principle seems to be this: managing my home well qualifies me for broader leadership to help others manage their homes and affairs.It's the same principle we see in Proverbs 31:23, where the husband of the excellent wife has an outstanding reputation and sits as an elder at the city gates. The whole chapter describes her household management, and that qualifies him to sit among the leaders of the city. (Why our communities desperately need this elder role and the impact of its absence is a topic for a future post.)Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).But how does that connect to ruling in a Kingdom?Let me unpack these two ideas a bit more from a biblical perspective. I'm honestly still wrestling with how to articulate this well, so please help me here as this (hopefully) starts to click for you.First Objection: “Tim, isn't 1 Timothy 3:4 about church eldership, not the city?”Yes. Kinda.“…for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?”The confusion comes because we read “church” and think of our modern experience and understanding of “church.” This isn't just talking about the guy who passes offering plates on Sunday mornings. Church leadership is included here, but there's more to it than that.Every biblical example of eldership we have points to governing in a city, not just religious functions. When Scripture talks about elders, they're sitting at city gates (Proverbs 31, Ruth 4), making community decisions, settling disputes, serving people, and managing the common good of their city.The word “church” (ekklesia) in 1 Timothy 3 is the same word used throughout Scripture for assembly or gathering. It's a community of people, not just a Sunday service. I think we've domesticated this concept by limiting “elder” to church committees when the biblical vision is far broader: proven household stewardship qualifies men for civic influence and leadership in the community of faith.Think about Boaz. He goes to the city gate, gathers the elders, and facilitates a legal transaction for Ruth and Naomi. That's not church leadership—that's civic eldership. These guys are known, respected, and trusted with community decisions because they've proven faithful in stewarding their households and businesses well.This is why, in Titus 1:5, Paul says:“…I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…” (ESV)Paul directs Titus to appoint city elders for the sake of the body of believers (i.e. the church) there.This coincides with Paul's understanding of the church (body of believers) being city-wide communities, not the isolated church corner buildings we have today. Paul writes “to the church in Ephesus, Corinth, Colossi, Philippi, etc.” Jesus does the same thing in Revelation 1 when he writes to the church in Laodicea, Smyrna, Sardis, etc.So, yes, I think, “…how will he care for God's church,” is more accurately understood as, “…how will he care for God's people in that city?”Second Objection: “Ok, but how do you get to Kingdom rule?”Good question! And it's a result of the same issue as before: we read our preconceived ideas into the text. In this case, it's whatever one thinks of when they think of the Kingdom of God.Stay with me here. This is important.In Genesis 1:28, God creates mankind as His image-bearer and blesses them with a clear mandate:“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion...” (ESV)We were created to rule and reign with Him over His creation. This blessed authority was the original design.In some ways, The Fall broke our ruling, but redemption doesn't erase the original purpose — it restores it. Jesus didn't come to evacuate us from earth; He came to restore earth under God's rule with us as His image-bearing representatives.Subscribe to join me and other Christian men in pursuing the noble task of eldership (1 Tim 3:1).This is where Luke 19 becomes critical. In the parable of the ten minas, the nobleman gives each servant one mina and says, “Engage in business until I come.” (More on this command to engage in business is coming in a future post, too.) When he returns, he evaluates their faithfulness with what they were given. The faithful steward who turned one mina into ten receives authority over ten cities. The one who turned one mina into five gets five cities.Notice what the reward is: authority over cities. Not harps in heaven. Not eternal singing. Not floating on clouds. Actual governing responsibility in God's Kingdom.The point?Fruitful management now qualifies you for greater management later.Jesus isn't just testing their financial skills, although that's probably part of it. He's showing that the way we handle what God has entrusted to us right now—our marriages, our children, our businesses, our communities—is preparation for ruling and reigning with Him in His Kingdom.Paul echoes this in 2 Timothy 2:12: “If we endure, we will also reign with him.” The writer of Hebrews says Jesus is bringing “many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10). Revelation describes believers as those who will reign with Christ (Revelation 5:10; 20:6; 22:5).“…and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:10 (ESV)This isn't fringe theology. This is the biblical narrative arc:God created us to rule with Him, sin broke that, Christ redeems us and is preparing us now for our eternal role as co-rulers in His Kingdom.

When the world feels chaotic, Revelation 20 reminds us that Satan is restrained and Christ reigns. Pastor Mark Groen helps us see that the leash of the enemy is in the Lord's hand and that believers share in the King's ongoing reign. Listen and be encouraged to stand firm in faith, trusting the sovereign hand of God.

1. Satan will be restrained (v. 1-3).2. Jesus will reign on the earth (v. 4-6).3. Satan will be defeated once and for all (v. 7-10).

Scripture: Revelation 20:1-15Visit us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://christchurchbham.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Connect with us on social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/christchurchbham/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast is in Revelation chapter 21. Dr. Mitchell will be taking us through various themes found in both chapter 21 and 22 together. But in this lesson, he takes us into chapter 21 beginning at verse 5. Here it speaks of God making all things new.In verse 7, Dr. Mitchell speak to the issue of who is the overcomer. The Lord speaks of overcomers earlier in this book. Are you an overcomer? Let's join Dr. Mitchell here in Revelation chapter 21 verse 5 to explain.

This week, is the first of a couple of month series through the seven churches in Revelation. These are sermons first preached at Freedom Baptist Church and I hope they will be a benefit to a broader audience as well. In Revelation 2-3, Jesus speaks to seven churches. He commends them for genuine faith, challenges them because of sin, and calls them to overcome by faith in Him. But before any of that, Jesus shows John a glorious vision of himself in Revelation 1.

Join Pastor Derek Neider in this inspiring episode of The Daily Devotional as he kicks off a powerful new series on the book of Romans. In today's devotional, Derek introduces us to one of the most theologically rich books of the Bible, unpacking the significance of the apostle Paul's words and the gospel's eternal message.In this first chapter, Derek dives deep into Paul's self-description as a servant of Christ and a chosen messenger of God's good news. Through thoughtful reflections, Derek encourages us to embrace our calling to serve Christ wholeheartedly and live out our faith with purpose and surrender.Tune in for insightful teachings, practical application, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live as servants of the gospel. This is just the beginning—there's so much more to come as we journey through Romans together!Thank you for listening! Here are some ways to learn more and stay connected!New to faith? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Pastor Derek Neider⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Derek on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the daily devotional⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore recent messages!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was created by Pastor Derek Neider as a ministry of Awaken Las Vegas.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our website. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We are located at 7175 W. Oquendo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113.  Our gathering times are 9am & 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Thursdays.

The discussion explores understanding God's will, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the necessity of being yoked to Christ for spiritual growth. It emphasizes separating human and divine nature, the sanctification process, and overcoming fleshly desires. The group reflects on spiritual warfare, divine dependence, and the importance of fellowship, concluding with hopeful anticipation for a new gathering space.Understanding identity in Christ is crucial for spiritual growth and avoiding blameOlder believers should deepen dependence on Christ and the Holy SpiritSpiritual warfare affects those in high positions in Christ (Ephesians 6)Metaphor of not mixing oil with water stresses separation of human and divine natureGrace and humility needed to receive Christ's love and truth (1 Peter 3:18, John 1:14)Sanctification involves separating fleshly desires; trials refine believers (Romans 8:28)Being yoked to Christ contrasts with being yoked to the flesh, which leads to blame and spiritual failure (Genesis 3, Matthew 6, Revelation 3)God's love and teaching protect believers from negative influencesThe struggle between flesh and spirit requires Holy Spirit guidanceOvercoming distractions and fleshly desires is essential for intimacy with Christ (Revelation 2:17, John 16:1)Lukewarm Christianity described as trying to be yoked to two masters simultaneouslySpiritual maturity increases dependence on God and intimacy with Him (Hebrews 4:1-3)Fellowship nurtures growth; group anticipates a new meeting space fostering communityClosing prayers reflect gratitude for Christ's sacrifice and ongoing spiritual journeyKey Scriptures: Ephesians 6, Hebrews 4 1-3, 1 John 3 1-3, 1 Peter 3 18, John 1 14, Romans 8 28, Genesis 3, Matthew 6, Revelation 2 17, John 16 1, Revelation 3, John 17 11-22, Ephesians 4 4-6

Jesus, the King of Kings, is victorious over all forces of darkness. Revelation 17:14 declares the final triumph of those who stand with Him. Experience the promise of victory through faith!

Chapter 3 completes Peter's 2nd letter. The first 13 verses tell of the coming day of judgment. Verses 1-5 speak of the wilful ignorance – ie by deliberate choice – of the coming judgments upon the wicked. The Apostle shows that despite warnings given to Noah and to those of his generation for 120 years (see also Hebrews 11 verse 7) those who had once been believers had chosen to abandon their faith. Though punishment seemed slow in coming it was certain. The slowness was to give time for people to repent and turn to God. Our God is not willing that any should perish (verses 8-9). Opportunity must be seized now as there will not always be opportunity. Like unsuspecting individuals those who are unready for the Lord's return will find themselves suddenly ensnared (like a thief in the night surprises those who are not prepared). Our Lord Jesus Christ describes this in Luke 21verses 34-36. Paul likewise speaks of this time in1 Thessalonians 5 verses 1-9. The dissolution of the Mosaic order is described as the heavens and earth being dissolved. This is a common Biblical figure of speech (see Deuteronomy 32 verse 1 and Isaiah 1 verses 2 and 10). Seeing we are certain of the coming of the heavenly kingdom (Revelation 4 and 5 describe this time) Peter quotes from Isaiah 65verses 17-25) that we must live righteously and in readiness for our Lord's return. So the life and behaviour of the believer must be fashioned in conformity with our desire to be part of the kingdom of our Lord and Christ (Revelation 11:1-9). Final words from Peter finish the letter in verses 14-18. The Apostle commends them to pay heed to the writings of Paul. The two great Apostles – Peter and Paul – stand shoulder to shoulder in their teachings and in their believing of and living the Truth. Peter's concluding words in verse 18 should be read aloud slowly and pondered.

Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, we're wrapping up our series, "How Stuff Works", with a topic that has many different opinions on it in today's culture: the Church. The Bible is clear on this, though, and today we'll see what is has to say!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --How the Church WorksBig Idea: God designed his Church to involve his people in key purposes that bring about his plans in this world.No other organization on earth compares to the Church. It's not simply a building or a weekend service. It's the living body of Christ, chosen and designed by God to carry out his mission in the world. From the very beginning, Jesus made it clear that he would build his Church—and not even the powers of hell could stop it. (Matthew 16:18)Let's unpack how the Church works by looking at four core truths from Scripture.1. There Is One True ChurchWhen Jesus spoke of “my church” in Matthew 16:18, he wasn't referring to a specific building or religious organization. The Greek word for church is ekklesia, meaning “the called-out ones”—a gathering of people summoned for a purpose. The Church Jesus established is the community of all true believers in Jesus throughout history. This is sometimes called the “Universal Church.”It's important to understand that the Universal Church transcends denominations, traditions, and geographic locations. No single church or association can claim to be “the one true Church.” The true Church consists of everyone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.The Bible uses powerful imagery to help us understand the nature of the Church:The Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7) reflects the intimate and loving relationship between Jesus and his people.A Spiritual Family and Nation (Ephesians 2:19) shows how believers belong to one household, united under God's rule.A Temple and a House (Ephesians 2:20-21) describes how we are being built together as a dwelling place for God's Spirit.2. Jesus Is the Head of His ChurchColossians 1:18 makes it clear: Christ is the head of the Church, which is his body. This means Jesus himself is in charge. He leads through the truth of the Bible, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and through biblically qualified leaders like elders and pastors.Jesus guides the Church like a shepherd leads his flock. In 1 Peter 5:1-4, elders are instructed to care for God's people with humility and a servant's heart, always pointing back to the Chief Shepherd—Jesus.While the Universal Church is invisible and eternal, it takes visible form through local churches. These are the communities where believers gather for worship, teaching, fellowship, and mission. Though no single local church represents the entirety of the Universal Church, each one is a part of the larger body of Christ, carrying...

Today,we're looking at Luke16:22-26, and we're talking about the subject of hell.Unless the rapture takes place first, everyoneon planet Earth will die. We will all face judgment and the Bible teaches wewill either go to a place of eternal torment, a literal hell, or to wonderfulplace of paradise called heaven. Jesus spoke about a literal hell on manyoccasions. Goddid not create hell for human beings. He created paradise, heaven for humanbeings. Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14). Buthell was created for the devil and his angel, as Matthew 25:41 explains, whereJesus speaks to those on the left, saying, "Depart from me, you cursed,into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Thispassage in Luke 16, from the lips of Jesus refutes so-called "soulsleep," for both the rich man and Lazarus were conscious, one enjoyingcomfort and the other suffering torment. It is a solemn thing to ponder one'seternal destiny and realize the reality of divine punishment. Itappears from reading the context of the whole Scripture that there is a place,somewhere in the heart of the earth today, called Sheol or Hades, and it's theplace of the departed dead. In this passage of Scripture, and what I believefrom reading all of Scripture, in the Old Testament, before the resurrection ofChrist, everyone went to this place called Sheol, which had two compartments,as Jesus points out here, with a gulf fixed between them so you couldn't passfrom one to the other. One part was a place we call hell, a place of fire andtorment. The rich man died, and in this place of torment, he lifted up hiseyes, and he was in torment. Four times in this passage, the word"torment" is used. It's a place of flame, a place of pain, a place oftorment, and a place where you still have your feelings. Inthe Old Testament, everyone who died either died in faith, looking forward tothe death of Christ on the cross through the sacrifices, or they died and wentto the hell side. This was up to the cross and the resurrection of Christ. Webelieve that when Jesus died and was buried, during that time, He emptied theparadise side, bringing those souls to the third heaven. Paul talked abouthaving an experience where he was caught up to the third heaven (2 Corinthians12:2). He says in the epistles, "To be absent from the body is to bepresent with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Remember Stephen, when hewas being stoned to death, saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts7:55-56). Remember Jesus said, "You will be with me" (John 14:3). Iam convinced today that when believers die, they go to the third heaven (2Corinthians 12:2). Because, “to be absent from the body is to be presentwith the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).  When lost people die, they still go to thisplace called Hades, the place called hell, where there is torment. I'mconvinced that, according to Scripture, one day hell will give up the dead thatare in it. There will be the Great White Throne Judgment at the end of themillennium, and the devil, his angels, and everyone who rejects Jesus Christ asSavior, will end up in what is called “the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:11-15).That's where the false prophet and the beast were cast just before themillennial reign of Christ (Revelation 19:20). Myfriend, God didn't create hell for you and me. He created heaven for us.Eternity is in our hearts, and today we can, by faith, receive Jesus Christ andnever have to fear going to this place of torment because we have a placeprepared for us in heaven by the Lord Himself. We must make a choice. Goddoesn't send people to hell. They send themselves to hell when they rejectJesus Christ. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11).  Jesusloves us and died for us and Scripture tells us, "Today is the day ofsalvation; behold, now is the accepted time (2 Corinthians 6:1-2). Please trustHim today to be your Savior!

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Paul Axton Preaches: Romans 3:25 is a key verse in determining Christ's relationship to the Temple. Is he a sacrifice of atonement to be fit into the Temple and Law, or is he the (hilasterion) Mercy Seat providing access to revelation of righteousness which is salvation?   If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider donating to support our work. Become a Patron!

Hope this free Christian sleep meditation helps you get some rest, but more importantly, that it strengthens your faith and endurance in Christ.Tonight, we reflect on Revelation 2:24-29, where Jesus encourages those who remain faithful and resist the deep darkness around them. If you're struggling with spiritual exhaustion, anxiety, or feeling weighed down by the world, let this meditation remind you of God's promise to His faithful ones. May His Word bring you peace, renewal, and deep, restful sleep as you rest in His strength and victory.If you would like to donate to help me keep producing these episodes, you can do so here: ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/truesleep. Monthly supporters receive a written devotion for the morning.

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