Podcasts about coming king

In this sermon, Pastor Steven introduces Saul, Israel's first king, and explores the contrast between the leader the people desired and the leader God's people truly needed. Chosen by God and empowered by His Spirit, Saul appears to have every natural qualification for the throne, yet subtle cracks in his character begin to emerge from the very start. As Saul's story unfolds, we are challenged to consider where we place our trust and are ultimately pointed to the greater King, Jesus Christ, whose reign is marked not by outward strength alone but by perfect faithfulness to God. 

Palm SundaySermon: Our Coming KingScripture: 1 Kings 1:28-40Pastor: David Giese

In this sermon, Pastor Steven introduces Saul, Israel's first king—a man who seemed to have everything the people were looking for. Chosen by God yet shaped by the desires of the nation, Saul's rise reveals the difference between the king people want and the king they truly need. As Saul begins his reign with promise and success, the seeds of deeper struggles are already present, pointing us beyond human strength and leadership to the greater King who trusts God perfectly and reigns forever. 

In this sermon, Pastor Steven explores the pivotal transition from the era of the judges to the rise of Israel's monarchy. Through Israel's repentance at Mizpah, Samuel's victory over the Philistines, and the raising of the Ebenezer stone, we see a God who remains faithful to His people despite their weakness and wandering. Yet as Israel demands a king “like the nations,” this message reveals both the danger of rejecting God's rule and the hope of a greater King whom God would provide in His mercy. Ultimately, the story points us to Christ, the faithful King who accomplishes God's good purposes even through human failure. 

24th May 2026 - Dundalk. Ministered by Pastor Jason Cooney.

Monday, May 25, 2026

This week in Daniel 7, we shift from the stories of lions' dens and fiery furnaces into the strange and powerful world of prophecy and apocalyptic vision. As Daniel sees terrifying beasts, arrogant kingdoms, and heavenly thrones, one truth rises above the chaos: God is sovereign over history, nations, and the future. In a world filled with fear, uncertainty, and shifting kingdoms, this message reminds us that Jesus is the eternal King we can fully trust.

Friday, May 22, 2026

In this sermon, Pastor Steven walks through one of the darkest moments in Israel's history—the defeat by the Philistines, the capture of the ark, and the death of Eli and his sons. As Israel treats the presence of God like a tool to control rather than a holy reality to worship, the story reveals both the depth of the nation's spiritual decline and the danger of trying to use God for our own purposes.Yet even in judgment and apparent defeat, God shows His absolute power and sovereignty. From the fall of Dagon before the ark to the return of the ark without Israel lifting a sword, this message reminds us that God cannot be manipulated, defeated, or contained—and that even in the darkest seasons, He remains fully in control of His people's story.

17th May 2026 - Dundalk. Ministered by Pastor Jason Cooney.

Gwen speaks on 'The Coming King'

In this sermon, Pastor Steven contrasts the corruption of Eli's household with the quiet faithfulness of Samuel to show how God begins His work of renewal in seasons of spiritual decline. As the word of the Lord comes to the young Samuel in the silence of the night, we see that God is never absent from His people—even when His voice seems rare.Through Samuel's call, this message explores how God confronts unfaithfulness, raises up new servants, and invites His people to hear and respond to His voice. In every generation, renewal begins when God calls His people to deeper trust, greater faithfulness, and wholehearted service to His kingdom.

10th May 2026 - Dundalk. Ministered by Pastor Jason Cooney.

Date: SUN 7:00pm 10th May 2026Preacher: Rev. David McLaughlinBible Reference: Luke 12:37-40https://carrydufffpc.org/watching-and-waiting-for-the-coming-king/

In this sermon, Pastor Steven begins the story of 1 Samuel with Hannah—a woman marked by sorrow, longing, and faithful prayer. Through her anguish and her desperate cry before the Lord, we see the tender heart of a God who hears the pain of His people and works through ordinary lives to accomplish extraordinary purposes.As the birth of Samuel signals the beginning of a new era for Israel, this message reminds us that God's faithfulness is often revealed not only in grand movements of history, but in His personal care for every tear, every prayer, and every burden brought before Him. 

Send Us Your Questions/Comments Each week Pastor Mark takes time to go deeper and talk about the week's message!  If you have questions you'd like him to answer or hear more about please send those in by texting us at the link in the show notes!You can also view video of this podcast and our Sunday sermons by visiting our YouTube channel!https://www.youtube.com/@lifehousemot Zechariah 13 and 14 are some of the most intense chapters many of us will ever read, and that's exactly why we wanted to slow down and talk them through. Apocalyptic literature can feel like a riddle, but we're convinced God gives these visions to reveal truth that steadies the church, not to stir panic. We connect the imagery to Jesus' words in Matthew 24–25 and key scenes in Revelation, then keep bringing the conversation back to a simple anchor: God is sovereign, and His plan is not haphazard.We also tackle a major sticking point for end times teaching: tribulation views and the timing of the rapture. We explain the basic differences between pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation perspectives and why people who love Scripture can still disagree. Even if you believe the church won't be present for the tribulation, Zechariah still lands with real force because it reveals God's character, God's judgment, and God's grace. The same mercy God promises to pour out is the mercy that saves us through Jesus Christ.From there, we talk about Israel and why it's so easy to get pulled into two extremes in today's media climate. We push back on both uncritical cheerleading and ugly blame, because Scripture names sin as the true problem. We also discuss false prophets in Zechariah's warning and what that means in an age of YouTube experts and nonstop commentary. The practical takeaway is personal: don't compartmentalize your faith. God calls us to consecration, to real holiness, and to rooting out idols before they grow.If this helped you think more clearly about Zechariah, the end times, and daily Christian discernment, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.New episodes every Mondaywww.lifehousemot.cominfo@lifehousede.comJoin us Sundays at 9 & 11 AMIntro music by Joey Blair

From the restless sea, kingdoms rise like beasts… powerful yet temporary. But above them all, heaven opens—and the Son of Man receives an everlasting kingdom.

In this opening sermon to 1 Samuel, Pastor Steven introduces the story of Israel's transition from chaos to kingship through the lens of the “Ebenezer”—a stone that marks God's faithfulness. Tracing the broader story of Scripture from Judges to the rise of Samuel, Saul, and David, this message shows how God's people, broken and leaderless, are led toward the need for a true king.As the story unfolds, 1 Samuel reveals not only how God has been faithful in the past, but how He will continue to be faithful—ultimately pointing beyond David to the greater King who secures lasting salvation for His people. 

This sermon reflects on Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as both the fulfillment of Old Covenant prophecy and a foreshadowing of His final return in glory, emphasizing the contrast between those who laid down garments and those who offered only palm branches as a symbol of varying degrees of self-surrender to Christ. As Holy Week begins, the faithful are called to move beyond partial devotion and instead offer their whole lives—heart, soul, mind, and body—to the Lord, uniting themselves more fully to His Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. The preacher urges intentional participation in the sacred liturgies of the week, renewed commitment to fasting and repentance, and a detachment from worldly concerns, reminding believers that this sacred time is uniquely filled with grace—enough to sustain the soul for the year—and that through sharing in Christ's suffering, they may also share in His eternal glory.

Pastor Adam Christman / 03-29-26false

Subscribe for FREE at www.patreon.com/faithdialogue  Two new episodes weekly on Sunday and Wednesday at 11 AM

Sunday March 29, 2026. Looking for the True King: Studies in the Life of David. "Last Words: God the Coming King," a sermon on 2 Samuel 23:1-7 from Dr. Sean Lucas. 

Send us Fan MailMark begins his narrative of Holy Week with an account of Jesus entering Jerusalem as King and into the temple as Lord. The King is coming; be ready. (Text: Mark 11.1-25)

Zechariah 9-11

Our Coming King - A Hope for Justice and Rescue

Our Coming King - A Hope for Justice and Rescue

Psalm 132: God's Covenant Promise and the Coming King Series: Walking Through the Psalms Host: Dave Jenkins Date: Friday, February 27, 2026 Scripture: Psalm 132 Show Summary Psalm 132 is one of the most historically grounded and covenant-rich Songs of Ascents. As pilgrims traveled up to Jerusalem, they sang of God's covenant promises, His dwelling with His people, and His chosen King. This psalm looks back to David's zeal to establish the ark in Jerusalem, upward to God's chosen dwelling place in Zion, and forward to the promised King who reigns forever. Ultimately, Psalm 132 finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ—the true Son of David, the eternal King, and the true dwelling place of God with His people. God is not absent. God is not forgetful. He keeps His covenant promises in Christ.

We explore the message of the prophets and their prophecies about a coming king who will restore everything, a true beacon of hope for the nation and the entire world. We see further details about the promised king, describing him as more than just a man, but also God himself. We discuss the future of Israel under the king's reign and the hope in his resurrection. Further, we highlight prophecies about a new covenant God plans for Israel and their return to their land after exile.Bible ReadingsIsaiah 9:2-7Isaiah 53:2-12Jeremiah 31:31-34Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://bibli...

Series - The Gospel According to Zechariah pt. 16 Text - 9:9-17 by Paul Abeyta, pastor | Midweek Service | 02.11.26

Message from Jeremiah Genin on February 8, 2026

Pastor Don's Books: https://ttwpress.com  Welcome to Through the Psalms, a weekend ministry of TheTruthPulpit.com. Over time, we will study all 150 psalms with Pastor Don Green from TruthCommunityChurch.org in Cincinnati, Ohio. We're glad you're with us. Let's open to the Psalms as we join our teacher in The Truth Pulpit. https://thetruthpulpit.com/ttpw 

Join us in examining the biblical, historical, cultural and literary context of 1-2 Samuel. Gain some new insights into studying Biblical Narrative, and see how God is fulfilling His promises and foreshadowing his Coming King.

Keith Miller Meadowbrooke Church January 25, 2026 Behold Our Great God Revelation 1:1-8 Introduction In a world that exalts earthly power and demands allegiance, the book of Revelation pulls back the curtain and shows us the true throne of heaven. It calls Gods people to place their hope and loyalty not in the rulers of this age, but in Jesus Christthe One who governs history and alone deserves our allegiance. To grasp Revelation rightly, we must consider the circumstances in which it was given. Most scholars agree that the book was written near the end of the first century, likely between AD 90 and 95, during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian. John tells us that he received this revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 1:9). His exile was not a voluntary retreat, but punishment for unwavering faithfulness to Christ. John had lived a long and costly life of discipleship. He had outlived the other apostles, witnessed the rise and fall of emperors, and seen friends and fellow believers martyred for their allegiance to Jesus. He had watched the brutality of Rome unleashedmost notably in the devastation of Jerusalemand he had seen firsthand what happens when earthly powers claim absolute authority. Long before Romes pressure intensified, many Jewish believers in Jesus had already been pushed out of their own communitiesexcluded from synagogues, cut off from family life, and treated as apostates rather than brothers. Faithfulness to Christ often meant losing ones religious home before ever confronting the power of the empire. By the time John was exiled, the pressure on the church had intensified. Under Domitian, emperor worship became a test of loyalty, especially in Asia Minor. For most citizens, participation was routine. For Christians, it was a crisis. To confess Jesus is Lord was to deny Caesar that title, and refusal could lead to social exclusion, economic loss, exile, or worse. This was not a moment of widespread slaughter, but of steady compromise. Christians were not being asked, Will you die for Christ today? They were being asked, Will you bendjust a little? It is into this world that Revelation was given. The very wordrevelationmeans unveiling. God is not hiding His purposes; He is revealing them. This book was written to a pressured church to show who truly reigns, how history is moving, and why faithfulness to Jesus is always worth the cost. And that is where Revelation begins. Behold the Blessing (vv. 1-3) When it comes to Revelation, the book is notRevelations. It is not a series of secret disclosures reserved for the most skilled students of prophetic Scripture. It is not a collection of clues designed to help us identify the next antichristespecially since we are told that many antichrists have already come. It is also not a puzzle to figure out the timing of Christs return, for Jesus even said, But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only (Matt. 24:36). Revelation isarevelationbut more precisely, it isthe Revelation of Jesus Christ. That is how the book begins, and that is what the book is about. So what does Revelation reveal about Jesus? Everything. From beginning to end, Revelation presents Jesus in the fullness of His person and work. He is thefaithful witness, thefirstborn from the dead, and theruler of the kings of the earth(1:5). He is theFirst and the Last, theLiving One (1:1718), theHoly One, theTrue One(3:7), and theoriginator of Gods creation(3:14). He is theLion of the tribe of Judahand theRoot of David(5:5), yet also theLamb who was slainand theWorthy One(5:6, 9, 12). He is theSon of Man(14:14), theWord of God(19:13), and theKing of kings and Lord of lords(19:16). He is theAlpha and the Omega, theBeginning and the End(22:13), theRoot and the Descendant of David, and theBright Morning Star(22:16). For this reason, the book of Revelation may rightly be calledthe most Christ-centered book in the Bible. How can I say that? Because, as Paul tells us,all the promises of God find their Yes in Jesus Christand Revelation is the book that shows us, again and again, how Jesus is Gods Yes to every promise He has ever made. This is the primary reason why we are assured a blessing for all who read, hear, and keep what is written in Revelation. You do know, dont you, that you can read something and not hear it right? You can read a verse in the Bible and not really hear it, just as easily as someone can tell you something and it goes in one ear and then out the other with little to no effect. I believe part of that blessing is reflected in whatThe Center for Bible Engagementdiscovered through a large-scale study on Bible engagement involving more than 600,000 participants. The results surprised many peopleincluding those who conducted the research. The study found that individuals who engaged with Scripture at least four times a week experienced: a30% drop in loneliness a32% drop in anger a40% drop in bitterness in marriage and relationships a57% drop in alcoholism a60% drop in sexual sins, including pornography addiction a62% drop in those who felt distant from God So what does it mean to keep the book of Revelation? It means more than reading it or debating itit means treasuring its words and following the Christ it reveals in obedient faith. The very first sentence of the book gives us this clue:The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His servantsThe word translatedservantsis the Greek worddoulos, a term that speaks of belonging, allegiance, and obligation. A true Christian, then, is not someone who merely speaks well of Jesus, but someone who gladly submits to Himyielding not just words, but life itselfin faithful service to the One who is revealed as Lord. And this is why we are called to read, hear, and keep the words of Revelationnot only because of the blessing it promises, but becausethe time is near.What time is near? Not simply the final return of Christ, though that hope is never absent. Rather, John is pointing to the nearness of pressure, opposition, and persecution that come when allegiance to Jesus collides with the demands of the world. Revelation prepares Gods people to remain faithful when conformity is rewarded and faithfulness is costly. Behold Our Triune God (vv. 4-6) So why should we press on in light of what is coming? Why read, hear, and keep the words of this book? Because of who God is. Our God is the LORD AlmightyYahwehand there is no one like Him. He is the One who greets His people and extends grace and peace to those who belong to Him. Johns greeting is not casual; it is deeply theological and addressed to the seven churches. These were seven real, historical congregations located in strategic cities of Asia Minor. Yet because the number seven signifies fullness and completeness, they also represent the church as a wholeGods people in every generation and in every place. In that sense, the seven churches represent us. And it is to this churchthen and nowthat grace and peace are given. They come first from the eternal, self-existent God, the One Isaiah proclaimed when he said,Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god(Isa. 44:6). This is the God who stands at the beginning and the end of historythe God who is never threatened, never surprised, and never displaced. This God is also all-sufficient and unchanging. James calls Himthe Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change(Jas. 1:17). In a world where rulers rise and fall and circumstances shift, God remains the same. That is why His grace does not fade and His peace does not fail. In Revelation 1:4, He is described as the Onewho is and who was and who is to come.This is God the Fatherthe great I AMwho once set His people free by crushing Pharaoh and now meets His suffering church with grace and peace. This grace and peace also come from the sevenfold Spiritthe Holy Spirit. The language of seven spirits speaks not of multiple beings, but of the fullness and perfection of the one Spirit who proceeds from Gods throne. It is the Holy Spirit who applies Gods grace to our hearts, sustains us in suffering, and empowers faithful witness. And finally, this grace and peace come from Jesus Christ, the Son. John describes Him asthe faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.Jesus is the faithful witness because He perfectly revealed God and bore faithful testimony to the trutheven unto death. As the firstborn from the dead, He conquered death on our behalf, guaranteeing resurrection life for all who belong to Him. As Paul declares,Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep(1 Cor. 15:20), and again,He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent(Col. 1:18). Our risen Lord is not waiting to ruleHe already reigns. He is not described as one whowill bethe ruler of the kings of the earth, but as the One whoisthe ruler of the kings of the earth. Having lived the life we could not live, died the death we deserved, and risen in victory, Jesus is now exalted at the right hand of the Father. As Scripture declares,At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father(Phil. 2:911). But thats not all, dear brothers and sisters. Scripture tells us that truth is established by two or more faithful witness. Again and again, God confirms His testimony through two witnesses. And in Revelation 1:56, John gives us exactly that. Christ bears witness to His love for us in two unmistakable ways:He has freed us from our sins by His blood, and He has made us a kingdompriests to His God and Father.These two witnesses proclaim one glorious truthnot merely what Christ has done, but who we are to Him. They testify to this above all else:He loves us. He loves us. The love of Christ is never passive. The One who loves us frees us, and the One who frees us forms us into something new. Revelation does not simply assure us that we are lovedit tells us who we now are because we are loved. And that is where John now turns our attention. Behold the Coming King (vv. 7-8) Where is the love of Christ leading us? What was it in these words that was meant to encourage John and the seven churches? Jesusthe faithful witness who lived the life we could never live, the firstborn from the dead who died the death we deserved, and the ruler of the kings of the earth who has made us a kingdom of priestsis coming back for us. How is He coming back? He is coming to be seen, and He is coming in glory. Long before John ever saw this vision, the prophetDanielwas given a glimpse of that day when he wrote,I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away(Dan. 7:1314). When Jesus returns, every eye will see Himincluding those who pierced Him. Jesus Himself described what John records in Revelation 1:7 when He said,Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matt.24:30). At His appearing, the tribes of the earth will mournthose who rejected Him, mocked Him, and sought to silence Him by silencing His church. But not all tears will be tears of grief or fear. For those who belong to Christ, for those who have longed for His appearing, our tears will be tears of joy, relief, and celebration. Throughout the book ofRevelation, Jesus promises His coming again and againno fewer than seven times (2:25; 3:11; 16:15; 22:7, 12, 20). This is the first of those promises, but it will not be the last. So what confidence do we have that this will happen? What guarantee do we have that Jesus is truly coming back? Our assurance rests not only in the empty tomb He walked out of, nor only in His promise as the faithful and true witness, but in God Himselfthe One who declares,I am the Alpha and the Omega.He is the great I AM. He is the Lord Almightythe One who is and who was and who is to come. Because He does not change, His promises do not fail, and it is this unchanging God who has guaranteed that these promises belong to His redeemed sons and daughters. Conclusion Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, devote yourselves wholeheartedly to the risen and reigning Christ, rather than to the temporary powers and fleeting trends of this world. Anchor your plans, your hopes, and your very lives in Him alone. Let your hearts rest in the deep assurance of His unfailing lovethe love that has freed you from your sins by His precious blood and has made you a kingdom of priests to His God and Father. As you await the glorious appearing of the King who will come with power for all to see, endure the pressures that seek to silence your testimony, resist the subtle temptations to compromise, and hold fast to the blessing promised to those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy. Do all this with unshakable confidence and living hope, for the One who calls you is faithful, and He will surely fulfill all that He has promised. So here is what I want to leave you with. If you would remember what it means to read, hear, and keep the words of the book of Revelation, remember this one word:HEAR. H Hold fastto the blessing promised to those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy. E Endurethe pressures that seek to silence your testimony. A Anchoryour plans, your dreams, and your hopes in the incomparable Christ. R Resistthe subtle temptations to compromise, trusting that God will fulfill all His promises.

Keith Miller Meadowbrooke Church January 25, 2026 Behold Our Great God Revelation 1:1-8 Introduction In a world that exalts earthly power and demands allegiance, the book of Revelation pulls back the curtain and shows us the true throne of heaven. It calls Gods people to place their hope and loyalty not in the rulers of this age, but in Jesus Christthe One who governs history and alone deserves our allegiance. To grasp Revelation rightly, we must consider the circumstances in which it was given. Most scholars agree that the book was written near the end of the first century, likely between AD 90 and 95, during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian. John tells us that he received this revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 1:9). His exile was not a voluntary retreat, but punishment for unwavering faithfulness to Christ. John had lived a long and costly life of discipleship. He had outlived the other apostles, witnessed the rise and fall of emperors, and seen friends and fellow believers martyred for their allegiance to Jesus. He had watched the brutality of Rome unleashedmost notably in the devastation of Jerusalemand he had seen firsthand what happens when earthly powers claim absolute authority. Long before Romes pressure intensified, many Jewish believers in Jesus had already been pushed out of their own communitiesexcluded from synagogues, cut off from family life, and treated as apostates rather than brothers. Faithfulness to Christ often meant losing ones religious home before ever confronting the power of the empire. By the time John was exiled, the pressure on the church had intensified. Under Domitian, emperor worship became a test of loyalty, especially in Asia Minor. For most citizens, participation was routine. For Christians, it was a crisis. To confess Jesus is Lord was to deny Caesar that title, and refusal could lead to social exclusion, economic loss, exile, or worse. This was not a moment of widespread slaughter, but of steady compromise. Christians were not being asked, Will you die for Christ today? They were being asked, Will you bendjust a little? It is into this world that Revelation was given. The very wordrevelationmeans unveiling. God is not hiding His purposes; He is revealing them. This book was written to a pressured church to show who truly reigns, how history is moving, and why faithfulness to Jesus is always worth the cost. And that is where Revelation begins. Behold the Blessing (vv. 1-3) When it comes to Revelation, the book is notRevelations. It is not a series of secret disclosures reserved for the most skilled students of prophetic Scripture. It is not a collection of clues designed to help us identify the next antichristespecially since we are told that many antichrists have already come. It is also not a puzzle to figure out the timing of Christs return, for Jesus even said, But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only (Matt. 24:36). Revelation isarevelationbut more precisely, it isthe Revelation of Jesus Christ. That is how the book begins, and that is what the book is about. So what does Revelation reveal about Jesus? Everything. From beginning to end, Revelation presents Jesus in the fullness of His person and work. He is thefaithful witness, thefirstborn from the dead, and theruler of the kings of the earth(1:5). He is theFirst and the Last, theLiving One (1:1718), theHoly One, theTrue One(3:7), and theoriginator of Gods creation(3:14). He is theLion of the tribe of Judahand theRoot of David(5:5), yet also theLamb who was slainand theWorthy One(5:6, 9, 12). He is theSon of Man(14:14), theWord of God(19:13), and theKing of kings and Lord of lords(19:16). He is theAlpha and the Omega, theBeginning and the End(22:13), theRoot and the Descendant of David, and theBright Morning Star(22:16). For this reason, the book of Revelation may rightly be calledthe most Christ-centered book in the Bible. How can I say that? Because, as Paul tells us,all the promises of God find their Yes in Jesus Christand Revelation is the book that shows us, again and again, how Jesus is Gods Yes to every promise He has ever made. This is the primary reason why we are assured a blessing for all who read, hear, and keep what is written in Revelation. You do know, dont you, that you can read something and not hear it right? You can read a verse in the Bible and not really hear it, just as easily as someone can tell you something and it goes in one ear and then out the other with little to no effect. I believe part of that blessing is reflected in whatThe Center for Bible Engagementdiscovered through a large-scale study on Bible engagement involving more than 600,000 participants. The results surprised many peopleincluding those who conducted the research. The study found that individuals who engaged with Scripture at least four times a week experienced: a30% drop in loneliness a32% drop in anger a40% drop in bitterness in marriage and relationships a57% drop in alcoholism a60% drop in sexual sins, including pornography addiction a62% drop in those who felt distant from God So what does it mean to keep the book of Revelation? It means more than reading it or debating itit means treasuring its words and following the Christ it reveals in obedient faith. The very first sentence of the book gives us this clue:The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His servantsThe word translatedservantsis the Greek worddoulos, a term that speaks of belonging, allegiance, and obligation. A true Christian, then, is not someone who merely speaks well of Jesus, but someone who gladly submits to Himyielding not just words, but life itselfin faithful service to the One who is revealed as Lord. And this is why we are called to read, hear, and keep the words of Revelationnot only because of the blessing it promises, but becausethe time is near.What time is near? Not simply the final return of Christ, though that hope is never absent. Rather, John is pointing to the nearness of pressure, opposition, and persecution that come when allegiance to Jesus collides with the demands of the world. Revelation prepares Gods people to remain faithful when conformity is rewarded and faithfulness is costly. Behold Our Triune God (vv. 4-6) So why should we press on in light of what is coming? Why read, hear, and keep the words of this book? Because of who God is. Our God is the LORD AlmightyYahwehand there is no one like Him. He is the One who greets His people and extends grace and peace to those who belong to Him. Johns greeting is not casual; it is deeply theological and addressed to the seven churches. These were seven real, historical congregations located in strategic cities of Asia Minor. Yet because the number seven signifies fullness and completeness, they also represent the church as a wholeGods people in every generation and in every place. In that sense, the seven churches represent us. And it is to this churchthen and nowthat grace and peace are given. They come first from the eternal, self-existent God, the One Isaiah proclaimed when he said,Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god(Isa. 44:6). This is the God who stands at the beginning and the end of historythe God who is never threatened, never surprised, and never displaced. This God is also all-sufficient and unchanging. James calls Himthe Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change(Jas. 1:17). In a world where rulers rise and fall and circumstances shift, God remains the same. That is why His grace does not fade and His peace does not fail. In Revelation 1:4, He is described as the Onewho is and who was and who is to come.This is God the Fatherthe great I AMwho once set His people free by crushing Pharaoh and now meets His suffering church with grace and peace. This grace and peace also come from the sevenfold Spiritthe Holy Spirit. The language of seven spirits speaks not of multiple beings, but of the fullness and perfection of the one Spirit who proceeds from Gods throne. It is the Holy Spirit who applies Gods grace to our hearts, sustains us in suffering, and empowers faithful witness. And finally, this grace and peace come from Jesus Christ, the Son. John describes Him asthe faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.Jesus is the faithful witness because He perfectly revealed God and bore faithful testimony to the trutheven unto death. As the firstborn from the dead, He conquered death on our behalf, guaranteeing resurrection life for all who belong to Him. As Paul declares,Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep(1 Cor. 15:20), and again,He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent(Col. 1:18). Our risen Lord is not waiting to ruleHe already reigns. He is not described as one whowill bethe ruler of the kings of the earth, but as the One whoisthe ruler of the kings of the earth. Having lived the life we could not live, died the death we deserved, and risen in victory, Jesus is now exalted at the right hand of the Father. As Scripture declares,At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father(Phil. 2:911). But thats not all, dear brothers and sisters. Scripture tells us that truth is established by two or more faithful witness. Again and again, God confirms His testimony through two witnesses. And in Revelation 1:56, John gives us exactly that. Christ bears witness to His love for us in two unmistakable ways:He has freed us from our sins by His blood, and He has made us a kingdompriests to His God and Father.These two witnesses proclaim one glorious truthnot merely what Christ has done, but who we are to Him. They testify to this above all else:He loves us. He loves us. The love of Christ is never passive. The One who loves us frees us, and the One who frees us forms us into something new. Revelation does not simply assure us that we are lovedit tells us who we now are because we are loved. And that is where John now turns our attention. Behold the Coming King (vv. 7-8) Where is the love of Christ leading us? What was it in these words that was meant to encourage John and the seven churches? Jesusthe faithful witness who lived the life we could never live, the firstborn from the dead who died the death we deserved, and the ruler of the kings of the earth who has made us a kingdom of priestsis coming back for us. How is He coming back? He is coming to be seen, and He is coming in glory. Long before John ever saw this vision, the prophetDanielwas given a glimpse of that day when he wrote,I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away(Dan. 7:1314). When Jesus returns, every eye will see Himincluding those who pierced Him. Jesus Himself described what John records in Revelation 1:7 when He said,Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matt.24:30). At His appearing, the tribes of the earth will mournthose who rejected Him, mocked Him, and sought to silence Him by silencing His church. But not all tears will be tears of grief or fear. For those who belong to Christ, for those who have longed for His appearing, our tears will be tears of joy, relief, and celebration. Throughout the book ofRevelation, Jesus promises His coming again and againno fewer than seven times (2:25; 3:11; 16:15; 22:7, 12, 20). This is the first of those promises, but it will not be the last. So what confidence do we have that this will happen? What guarantee do we have that Jesus is truly coming back? Our assurance rests not only in the empty tomb He walked out of, nor only in His promise as the faithful and true witness, but in God Himselfthe One who declares,I am the Alpha and the Omega.He is the great I AM. He is the Lord Almightythe One who is and who was and who is to come. Because He does not change, His promises do not fail, and it is this unchanging God who has guaranteed that these promises belong to His redeemed sons and daughters. Conclusion Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, devote yourselves wholeheartedly to the risen and reigning Christ, rather than to the temporary powers and fleeting trends of this world. Anchor your plans, your hopes, and your very lives in Him alone. Let your hearts rest in the deep assurance of His unfailing lovethe love that has freed you from your sins by His precious blood and has made you a kingdom of priests to His God and Father. As you await the glorious appearing of the King who will come with power for all to see, endure the pressures that seek to silence your testimony, resist the subtle temptations to compromise, and hold fast to the blessing promised to those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy. Do all this with unshakable confidence and living hope, for the One who calls you is faithful, and He will surely fulfill all that He has promised. So here is what I want to leave you with. If you would remember what it means to read, hear, and keep the words of the book of Revelation, remember this one word:HEAR. H Hold fastto the blessing promised to those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy. E Endurethe pressures that seek to silence your testimony. A Anchoryour plans, your dreams, and your hopes in the incomparable Christ. R Resistthe subtle temptations to compromise, trusting that God will fulfill all His promises.

In this podcast, Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird explores the crucial sociological context that often influences human interpretation of Scripture along with the complexities involved in reading passages from Paul who is considered both the ally of both egalitarians and complementarians. Spending significant time on Paul's reference to Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2) as deacon in the church of Cenchrea. Too often we allow Paul's passages that appear to silence women for all time (1 Timothy 2:11-15, Ephesians 5:22&FF and 1 Corinthians 14:34–36 ) overlooking the many women speaking, teaching and leading in the OT and NT, especially beside Paul and throughout Church History.  Mike considers the impact of sin on God's original design for women and men in Gen 1:26–31. Because of sin, the mutuality enjoyed by women and men deteriorates into the male rule noted in Gen 3:16.   Supremely, Mike notes the victories of Christ in conquering sin on Calvary, along with the many passages in the New Testament that speak of the ontological mutuality and equal service of women and men, such as Proverbs 31, Galatians 3:28 but also a passage heavily cited by the Abolitionists that reads: “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands,” Acts 17:26. Read full chapter.  Mike masterfully integrates biblical theology, church history, theology, and culture as he explores key topics impacting women, marriage, and service. His sense of humor, use of metaphor and his experiences working in the church and academy brings keen insights into the egalitarian conversation today. We hope you enjoy this episode with Dr. Mike Bird, a dear friend of CBE.     Guest Bio: The Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird:  Mike is Deputy Principal and Lecturer in New Testament at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He is an Anglican priest and is married with four children. He is the author of several books including the awarding winning The Gospel of the Lord: How the Early Church Wrote the Story of Jesus and with N.T. Wright, The New Testament in its World.    Books published by Michael F. Bird:  Whispers of Revolution: Jesus and the Coming King.  Romans: Greek-English Interlinear Paraphrase Study Notes    Books published by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird:  The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of First Christians.  Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terro and Dysfunctional Democracies.  The New Testament in Its World Workbook: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians.  The New Testament You Never Knew Bible Study Guide: Exploring the Context, Purpose, and Meaning of the Story of God.  The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians. The Gospel of the Lord: How the Early Church Wrote the Story of Jesus, by N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird.  Related Resources: The Invasion of the Homoians: Trinity and Gender, Again! Fretting Over Phoebe

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Genesis 49:1–27. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional at https://www.crossway.org/books/daily-strength-hcj/. Browse other resources from R. Kent Hughes. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Revelation 19d – Final Victory of the Returning King Revelation 19:17–21 Psalm 2:1–2, 4–6 1. The Summons of the Scavengers - Judgment Announced Revelation 19:17 Matthew 24:27–28 Revelation 14:20 Ezekiel 39:17–18 Ezekiel 39:12 Two suppers in Revelation 19 Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9): joy, reward, celebration for the saints Supper of the Great God (Rev. 19:17): judgment, death, devastation for sinners 2. The Scope of the Slaughter - Judgment Without Exception Revelation 19:18 3. The Stupidity of the Soldiers - Judgment Defied Revelation 19:19 4. The Seizure of the Sovereigns - Judgment Defined Revelation 19:20 5. The Silencing of the Sinners - Judgment Vindicated Revelation 19:21 What Is a Believers' Response to the Objection of the Coming King? ● Scripture. 2 Peter 3:2 ● History. 2 Peter 3:6 ● Eternity. 2 Peter 3:8 ● Grace. 2 Peter 3:9

Our King has come, is coming, and will come again. What does it mean to think of Jesus as "our coming King"? In this first lesson of the series, I ask us to consider the conversations before creation.The sermon today is titled "The Return of the King." This sermon is the third installment in our series "The Coming King." The Scripture reading is from Daniel 7:9-14 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 21, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):J. R. R. Tolkein, The Return of the KingN. T. Wright, When God Became KingN. T. Wright, The Old Testament & The People of GodN. T. Wright, Jesus & The Victory of GodI'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Join us as our lead pastor Jeff Martin continues our Advent series with 2 Chronicles 34. As we make our way through this series, please feel free to email ⁠info@rccjc.church with any questions you may have. Thanks for listening!Be sure to check out our website: ⁠https://www.rccjc.church/Find us on social media:Instagram: ⁠redeemerjc⁠Facebook: ⁠Redeemer Community Church⁠Youtube: ⁠Redeemer Community Church⁠

Christmas Candlelight 2025 | The Coming KingSubscribe to Grace on Youtube

December 21 | Zechariah 9:9-17; Revelation 17:9-18; Ps. 145:8-21; Prov. 30:17 For more on the book of Revelation and understanding end times, check out the Wisdom Words podcast with Pastor Dale and Pastor Joel. lifereachresources.com/wisdomwords   To follow along with us this Advent season, download "A Guide to Advent" at lifereachresources.com/theguidetoseries.    Join us in person or online on Christmas Eve for a Communion and Candlelight service at New Song Nashville as we Come to the Table of the Lord together! December 24 @ 4:00 p.m., 316 Southgate Court in Brentwood. newsongnashville.com     

December 21, 2025 Zech. 9:9-17; Ps. 145:8-21; Prov. 30:17; Rev. 17:9-18

Discover how the entire Old Testament points to Jesus Christ in this deep dive into biblical prophecy and the grand narrative of Scripture. From Genesis 3:15 to the prophets, learn how every story anticipates the coming King.KEY TOPICS COVERED:The Road to Emmaus encounter (Luke 24) and why it mattersGenesis 3:15 - The first Messianic prophecyTracing the "seed" promise through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and JudahWhy First and Second Kings matter in the biblical narrativeHow Matthew 1's genealogy connects 42 generations to JesusUnderstanding the Bible as one cohesive story, not isolated booksSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:Luke 24:13-27 | Genesis 3:15 | Genesis 12, 15, 26, 35, 49 | 2 Samuel 7 | Zechariah 9:9 | Matthew 1Whether you're struggling through your Bible reading plan or wanting to understand how the Old and New Testaments connect, this episode will transform how you read Scripture. Learn to see Christ in all of Scripture and understand the dramatic storyline from creation to redemption.

A study of Luke 1:67–79Subscribe to Grace on Youtube

Psalms - Songs of the King "Our Coming King" (Psalm 110) Sermon Notes December 7, 2025 Cary Robinson • Adults 55+ Pastor   Presented by McGregor Podcast 2025 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com

A study of Luke 1:5–25; Luke 1:26–38Subscribe to Grace on Youtube