Podcasts about new creations

*This episode was originally published on 9/9/2025. In this week's episode, Dr. Jared Bumpers is joined by Dr. Tom Schreiner discussing “New Creation Millennialism.” Dr. Schreiner is an Associate Dean The post New Creation Millennialism appeared first on Preaching and Preachers Institute.

In this Christmas message, we unpack the line “He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.” From Eden to Bethlehem, Calvary to the New Creation, we see how Jesus breaks the curse of sin and brings restoration to every corner of creation. This sermon will deepen your understanding of the gospel story and renew your hope as we look toward Christ's return.

This sermon explores the deep longing for God's presence and the obstacles that obscure it. While we often associate God's presence with emotional experiences—tears or goosebumps—He is a constant reality. "Emmanuel" (God with us) is not merely a seasonal Christmas theme; it is the entire storyline of the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to the New Creation. God's relentless pursuit is defined by the promise: "I will be your God, you will be my people, and I will dwell in your midst." However, significant barriers often keep us from experiencing the face of God.Scripture ReferencesGenesis 3:1-13: The Fall, introducing disobedience and hiding.Psalm 51: David's plea not to be cast from God's presence.Isaiah 6:1-5: The confrontation between human sin and God's holiness.Luke 2:41-52: Jesus' parents losing Him by assuming He was in the crowd.Key PointsThe Narrative of Presence The Bible is bookended by God dwelling with man. It begins in Eden, moves through the Tabernacle and Temple, finds its fulfillment in Jesus, continues in the Church through the Holy Spirit, and culminates in the New Creation where no temple is needed.Seven Barriers to IntimacyDisobedience: Sin naturally creates distance.Hiding & Shame: Guilt says "I did something bad"; shame says "I am bad," causing us to hide from God.Lies: The enemy deceives us about God's character and the severity of sin.Holiness: God's unapproachable light exposes our darkness (Isaiah 6).Unforgiveness: Jesus teaches that holding grudges hinders our prayers.Busyness: Prosperity often leads us to forget the God who blessed us.Presumption: Like Mary and Joseph, we can travel days assuming Jesus is with us in the "religious crowd" without actually consulting Him.ConclusionDuring the holidays, we celebrate God being with us, but the pressing question is: Are we with Him? It is dangerous to assume His presence while living distracted, disobedient, or unforgiving lives. Jesus came to remove every barrier—sin, shame, and separation—so that we could once again walk face-to-face with God.Calls to ActionStop Hiding: Come out of isolation. Confess your sin and let God cover your shame.Check Your Assumptions: Don't assume God is with you just because you are at church. Actively seek His face daily.Release Unforgiveness: Let go of grudges that block your experience of God's nearness. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Pastor Peter Morton brings the second part of the series 'Overcomer' - looking at how our status as a new creation sets us free from our old lives, and the victim mindset. 

A PREGNANT SILENCE Many times, God has spoken after long periods of silence. There were 400 years of silence after the prophet Malachi spoke in the last book of the Old Testament, and then John the Baptist and Jesus were supernaturally born into the earth. there were also 400 years of silence during the time of Israel's slavery in Egypt under Pharoah until God spoke to Moses to set his people free and prepare to journey into the promised land. The number 400 in the Bible speaks of these seasons of Pregnant Silence, which can be described as a time of silence when all communication is suspended and that time feels both empty and yet strangely full, filled with anticipation that something important is about to be spoken or revealed. For about four thousand years after Adam when Jesus was born the earth had suffered under the weight of its brokenness. Humanity was lost, unable to heal itself. Suspicion and hostility toward Father God, sown by Lucifer, had led to a distorted view of God in the earth, and many saw Him as distant and judgmental, and even Judaism opposed itself from within through doctrines of legalism and hypocrisy and pride. This distancing of Israel from the love and grace of God caused Jesus to tell them at that time that they had ‘missed their day of visitation' (Luk 19:44).  Galilee of the Gentiles was the battlefield of good against evil and of light against darkness, as Isaiah had prophesied concerning the birth of Jesus as the light out of darkness and the new birth of life out of death. In Galilee of the Gentiles the people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. (Isaiah 9:1-2.  God had a greater answer—not a set of rituals or rules, but Himself. Jesus, as God and man, would bridge the gap between heaven and earth. He would step out of eternity and into time, exchanging pure Spirit existence for divine/human existence as the first New Creation Being in the earth. In this great mission, the Holy Spirit played an essential role. The Holy Spirit partnered with Jesus, sharing every moment of His earthly life. This partnership ensured that the Holy Spirit too would intimately experience human existence. After Jesus completed His mission, the Holy Spirit would continue the work of revealing God's love - and drawing humanity into communion with the Divine so that we too could become a New Creation in Christ. To begin this new chapter, God sent a divine Spiritual seed into the earth, choosing Mary, a young and humble woman, to receive it. The angel Gabriel appeared to her, announcing that she had been chosen to become pregnant and bear the God-child Jesus, and he reassured her that this was God's will. Although Mary was initially confused, having never been with a man, Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her, and she would conceive a child by divine power, and Mary, in faith and humility, responded, “Let it be done unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary was betrothed to a man called Joseph and in the cultural context of Mary and Joseph, betrothal was a formal, legal agreement between families, often formalized with a written contract (ketubah) and the couple was considered legally married, but if there was a breach of honour to that contract, either party could initiate divorce proceedings.  When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant with child, he was deeply troubled, but he resolved to act with compassion, planning to quietly divorce her (Matthew 1:19). However, the angel Gabrielle also appeared to him in a dream, telling him that Mary's child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would save His people from their sins. Joseph obeyed the angel's command, and he took Mary as his wife. Six months earlier a priestly prophet named Zechariah was told by the same angel Gabrielle that his wife Elizabeth who was beyond the age of childbearing, would also supernaturally give birth to a child and the child would be called John.  Luke 1:17-20 … a child who would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, and to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.  However, Zechariah could not believe this, so the angel said I am Gabriel, I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.  This was another supernatural pregnancy and from this moment a supernatural pregnant silence occurred as the priestly prophet was struck dumb until the pregnancy was over and the baby John was born. Zecharia the priestly prophet being struck mute for a season of time was symbolic of Israel, who had not heard a prophetic voice since the prophecy of Malachi, the last prophet to speak until both John the Baptist and Jesus came to proclaim the supernatural birth of the Kingdom of God in the earth.  Following Gabriel's announcement to Zechariah and Mary and Joseph, Mary journeyed to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who had been with child for six months, the baby John, who would prepare the way for Jesus. And the baby leaped in Elizabeth's womb as the two sisters shared the wonder of their supernatural pregnancies. Elizabeth finally gave birth to her son, and it was assumed the child would be named Zechariah, after his father. However, Elizabeth insisted he be named John, and when questioned, Zechariah, who had been struck mute for doubting Gabriel's prophecy, wrote the name John on a clay tablet and immediately, his voice returned, and he praised God. The silence was broken for all the world to hear God and have his presence amongst them. When John the Baptist began his ministry of preparing the way for Jesus, many in Israel believed that he was Elijah whom Malachi had prophesied about. The final words of Malachi's prophesy came from the last verse of the last chapter of the last book of the Old Testament, and they declared that God would send the prophet Elijah before the coming of the Messiah and that he would turn the hearts of the children to their fathers and the hearts of the fathers to their children.   and even Jesus said that John had come in the spirit of Elijah - This is the one about whom it is written: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. (Matthew 11) And today, we find ourselves in a similar season of pregnant silence from Heaven upon a world that is rife with uncertainty, division, and spiritual disconnection. Many voices in this global culture clamour for attention yet rarely do they bring clarity or wisdom. But in the midst of this time of empty-but-full silence, God's people wait with expectant hope as God is stirring the hearts of His people to hear his voice and to awaken others and turn their hearts back to him. Just as John's mission was to prepare the way for Jesus, the Holy Spirit is working in us who believe, to bring light and hope to the world.  This preparation doesn't rely on loud proclamations or dramatic gestures but on God's people hearing his voice and responding with consistent acts of love and faith as he moves through our everyday lives inspiring us to reflect God's mercy and truth in our daily interactions. Zechariah's regained voice reminds us that God's word always comes at the appointed time. As we await a fresh movement of the Spirit, we can take comfort in knowing that God is never silent without purpose. Our silence can also be purposeful, and our waiting can be with hope and faith that God is at work in the world of the unseen on our behalf. The Bible says Whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1John 5:4) We wait in silence, but that silence is pregnant with the faith of bringing to birth God's will in our lives and in the Church. When His voice breaks through, it will be with clarity, cutting through the confusion of the world. We wait to hear and God waits to speak. Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you;                                                                                                                                                                                                                Malachi prophesied before the 400 years of silence that God would turn the hearts of the children to their fathers and the hearts of the fathers to their children before his return – in the days his first coming to Israel - and in the days of his second coming into the world. Today this means that there will be a grace upon families that will become reunited in the love of God and one another. This promise remains true for us today. In the midst of the darkness of today's world of chaos, the light of God's love is beginning to shine. As we choose to live in that love and its light, we will witness the hand of God bringing order out of chaos and bringing unity, hope, and peace to people in our own personal world. Amen Paul O'Sullivan – pauloss@me.com    

What does grace change in your life? In this episode of Charis Daily, Daniel Bennett explores seven profound transformations that occur when you're born again—moving from death to life, and from despair to hope.

If you are a New Creation in Christ, the Life of Christ belongs to you meaning Matthew, Mark, Luke and John belong to you - If you're Born from Above you are not of this world but you are in this world, stop talking and believing like this world - Life is short; make sure you make the most of it for the Kingdom of Heaven and of God - We have Matthew, Mark, Luke and John writing what they heard and saw because Jesus was too busy healing the sick, casting out demons, dealing with hypocrites, feeding the poor supernaturally, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and preparing Himself for what was ahead and was awaiting Him regarding the Cross. Thank You Jesus!

Êtes-vous prêts pour la parole de Dieu ? Très bien, je vais vous dire quelque chose, d'accord ? Aujourd'hui, je vais vous partager quelque chose de très glorieux. Souvenez-vous de ceci quand vous lisez votre Bible. L'Ancien Testament est en réalité le Nouveau Testament caché. Le Nouveau Testament est en...

In Christ, we are a new creation! All old things have passed away and we are completely new. A fresh start, a new beginning in Christ!The Bible says that “as a man thinks so is he.” What you think is based upon what you believe. What you believe is based upon what you hear - for faith comes by hearing! As we embark on this brand new study, we will see who we are in Christ! To know who you are in Christ is ALL that matters. Once you know who you are in Christ, the lies of the devil and the opinions of man (including your own) fall to the wayside. If you prayed the prayer of Salvation please fill out this form so that we can mail you a free gift!https://gospeltabernacle.breezechms.com/form/salvationIf you would like to check out all our resources, send a message, or sow a seed into the ministry work please visit: https://www.faithformygeneration.com

Ps Peter Morton begins our series 'Overcomer' - looking at how our status as a new creation sets us free from our old lives, and the victim mindset.  

In this sermon on the second Sunday of Advent, pastor Joel connects Ezekiel's vision of two sticks joined together to the Christmas story, showing how Jesus is the Shepherd King who comes to stay. This message shows us how only Jesus Christ heals division and offers true belonging, and it encourages Christians to live in unity, holiness, and hope as they wait for the New Creation.

Discover the power of a joyful sound! Daniel discusses how true worship arises from a heart filled with grace, supported by scriptures like Colossians 3:16 and Psalm 89:15.

In the third episode in the series, Beloved: The Journey of Leaving Egypt, Entering Wilderness, and Awakening as New Creation, our host, Donald E. Coleman, reveals how Abraham's journey is the archetype for every believer's spiritual path. What Abraham walked physically, we now walk spiritually.From famine to Egypt, from wilderness to promise, Abraham's story uncovers the hidden rhythms of God's Agape, leading us from old identities into new creation. With deep spiritual insight and contemplative tenderness, Donald helps listeners understand modern Egypt—the systems, pressures, and saboteur-driven identities shaping the soul today—and invites them to walk the same faith-filled journey Abraham walked.Prepare for a teaching that connects ancient Scripture to your present moment with unusual clarity and compassion."Have Questions, Send us a Message" This podcast is a production of The Center for Biblical Coaching and Leadership. If this episode has been useful or inspiring to you in any way, please share it with someone else. Lastly, please follow the show and write a review.If you want to go deeper on this journey, visit www.tcbcl.org to learn how we're walking this path together through biblical coaching, spiritual formation, and the ROOTED Global Movement.

Matthew 1 opens with a family tree full of broken stories, showing us that God is launching a new Genesis in Jesus, and everyone - no matter their past is invited in.

This sermon addresses the deep ache for "home" we feel during the holidays—a longing for the permanent and perfect that the world cannot satisfy. This desire points to the central theme of Scripture: Emmanuel, God with us. This is not just a Christmas slogan; it is the entire storyline of the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem.Scripture ReferencesGenesis 1-3: Eden, the first temple where God walked with humanity.Exodus 25:8 & 29:45: God commands a sanctuary be built so He may dwell among His people.1 Kings 8:10-11: The glory of the Lord fills Solomon's Temple.John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."1 Corinthians 3:16: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?"Revelation 21:1-27: The New Creation, where God dwells with man permanently.Key PointsThe Journey of God's Presence The Bible traces God's dwelling place through history:Eden: The original design where God walked with man.The Tabernacle/Temple: "Mini-Edens" where God's glory dwelt, guarded by boundaries.Jesus: The true Temple; God in the flesh.The Church: Today, the Holy Spirit fills believers. We are the temple of God.New Creation: The final stop where heaven and earth merge, and there is no temple because God's presence is everywhere.You Are a Priest on Duty Just as Adam was called to "work and keep" the garden, and priests were called to minister in the temple, believers are a "priesthood" called to keep and cultivate the presence of God. Every believer houses the Holy Spirit and has a ministry to the Lord that will last forever.Longing for Home is Longing for God Our holiday homesickness is actually a spiritual longing for the New Creation. Earthly pleasures are just appetizers (or "little pink spoons") meant to arouse our desire for the real thing: face-to-face communion with God.ConclusionWe are currently living as temples of the Holy Spirit, the "embassies" of the coming Kingdom. The next event on God's timeline is the return of Christ and the establishment of the New Jerusalem, where we will finally be "home" with Him forever. Until then, our purpose is to house and cultivate His presence in a world that desperately needs Him.Calls to ActionCultivate His Presence: Ask yourself, "How am I tending to the presence of God in my life?" Make time for "face time" with Him amidst the holiday busyness.Be Filled with the Spirit: Instead of being filled with wine, fear, or greed this season, intentionally ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).Clean House: Remember you are God's temple. If there are habits or thoughts that grieve the Spirit, clean them out to honor His presence. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Christmas isn't just the story of a baby in a manger. It's the story of a God who refused to give up on Eden. In Eden, we lost access to the Tree of Life. In the temple, we only saw glimpses of it. At the Cross, the true Tree of Life hung on a tree of death. And in the New Creation, the Tree of Life stands at the center of the world Jesus will restore. This message walks through the entire story—from Genesis to Revelation—to show how Christmas is God stepping into our exile to bring us home. #TreeOfLife #TreesOfChristmas #TheGreaterStory #JesusIsLife #ChristmasAtPCC

Paul writes in his own hand

Paul writes in his own hand

Oh oh oh ! Je ne suis pas le Père Noël. Gloire à Dieu. Merci Seigneur. Prenez un instant pour saluer ceux autour de vous. Amen. Parce que pendant les trois heures qui viennent... Non, je plaisante. Je vais conclure rapidement. Ce sera probablement l'un des sermons les plus courts...

N.T. Wright returns to the podcast for round three—no Malibu rooftop this time, but plenty of theological fireworks. We dig into Tom's new book on Ephesians, starting with why he thinks the scholarly consensus dismissing Pauline authorship is more about 19th-century German liberal Protestant hangover than good historical work. From there, we get into the real meat: Ephesians isn't answering the question "how do I get to heaven?" It's painting this massive cosmic picture of God's plan to unite heaven and earth in Christ—and the church's wild vocation to be what Tom calls "a small working model of new creation." We talk about how Western Christianity has shrunk Paul's vision into individual soul-sorting when the text is way more interested in what it looks like when formerly irreconcilable people come together as one new humanity. Tom pushes back on how both conservatives and liberals read their politics into the text, and we wrestle with the marriage passage in chapter 5 as the theological climax of the letter (not the culture war flashpoint we've made it). We close with a beautiful reflection on Ephesians 6 as an Advent text—the church holding the line between Christ's victory and his return. Plus, Tom's grandson sings in the New College Oxford choir, and honestly, that's the kind of intergenerational beauty Ephesians is pointing toward. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Prof. N.T. (Tom) Wright is Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. He is one of the world's leading Bible scholars, with expertise in Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity, the New Testament, and Biblical Studies. He is also Emeritus Professor at the University of St. Andrews and the former Bishop of Durham. Tom's Previous Visits to the Podcast Devilpalooza NT Wright Talks Jesus and the scholars who discuss him UPCOMING ONLINE ADVENT CLASS w/ Diana Butler Bass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join us for a transformative four-week Advent journey exploring how the four gospels speak their own revolutionary word against empire—both in their ancient context under Roman occupation and for our contemporary world shaped by capitalism, militarism, and nationalism.  This course invites you into an alternative calendar and rhythm. We'll discover how these ancient texts of resistance offer wisdom for our own moment of political turmoil, economic inequality, and ecological crisis. This class is donation-based, including 0. You can sign-up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.HomebrewedClasses.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are new creations in Christ, and that means we will use tech differently. The question is, which tech needs to be redeemed, and which needs to be removed?Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3LSF1Qk 

Brett Vanderzee preaches a sermon on Galatians 6:1-18 in a series entitled "Galatians: Faith Working Through Love."

Comment allez-vous ? Vous savez tous que nous vivons dans les derniers temps, n'est-ce pas ? Et nous attendons avec impatience la venue de notre Seigneur Jésus. Dans la Bible, dans les Écritures, dans le Nouveau Testament, c'est l'espérance biblique. Elpis, en grec. Alors le terme biblique, l'espérance biblique, désigne...

Mary the mother of Jesus isn't just a decoration to the story of Christmas. She is the first disciple of Jesus, the first to hear and receive the good news of God breaking into our world. Her journey in receiving the good news and making room for Jesus serves as a template for our journey of discipleship through the season of Advent.

This morning begins the Season of Advent as we light the candle of Hope. This podcast begins with a brief Parish finance update from Jordan, and a homily is then shared by Ansley Thompson.

New Creation | Pastor Matthew Medick | 11/30/2025 by Redeeming Love Church

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE COMMENTS, ?? or prayer requests send a textDo you live on earth or in the heavenlies in Christ? Have you staked your claim to the blessings that are in Christ? Does your life show your victory in Christ? Welcome to yesterday ended, healing the traumas of life. Do you know what it is to be in Christ? I'm your host Dennis Dobbin and I'm here to teach you about your territory of supremacy that you have in Christ. Give a listen.

Message by Daniel Broyles, Paul Mermilliod, and Mike Laughrun.

Travis Rymer preaches "New Creations" from Colossians 3:5-17, in this Sunday morning gathering of Grace Harbor Church.

Pastor Mike Prince

 In this closing message of The Game of Life series, discover how resurrection hope speaks into our deepest grief. When life feels like “checkmate,” God is not finished—the King always has one more move. 

A study on the reality of Christianity. Is Christianity a fable, a man-made story or someone's innovation? Rev. Gilbert Ossei teaches in-depth, the reality of who the believer is and all that the believer has in Christ; because Christianity is real.

A study on the reality of Christianity. Is Christianity a fable, a man-made story or someone's innovation? Rev. Gilbert Ossei teaches in-depth, the reality of who the believer is and all that the believer has in Christ; because Christianity is real.

A study on the reality of Christianity. Is Christianity a fable, a man-made story or someone's innovation? Rev. Gilbert Ossei teaches in-depth, the reality of who the believer is and all that the believer has in Christ; because Christianity is real.

A study on the reality of Christianity. Is Christianity a fable, a man-made story or someone's innovation? Rev. Gilbert Ossei teaches in-depth, the reality of who the believer is and all that the believer has in Christ; because Christianity is real.

A study on the reality of Christianity. Is Christianity a fable, a man-made story or someone's innovation? Rev. Gilbert Ossei teaches in-depth, the reality of who the believer is and all that the believer has in Christ; because Christianity is real.

A study on the reality of Christianity. Is Christianity a fable, a man-made story or someone's innovation? Rev. Gilbert Ossei teaches in-depth, the reality of who the believer is and all that the believer has in Christ; because Christianity is real.

A study on the reality of Christianity. Is Christianity a fable, a man-made story or someone's innovation? Rev. Gilbert Ossei teaches in-depth, the reality of who the believer is and all that the believer has in Christ; because Christianity is real.

A study on the reality of Christianity. Is Christianity a fable, a man-made story or someone's innovation? Rev. Gilbert Ossei teaches in-depth, the reality of who the believer is and all that the believer has in Christ; because Christianity is real.

Summary: This message invites us to see communion as a joyful thanksgiving feast where we gratefully remember the costly sacrifice of Jesus, receive forgiveness and freedom, embrace our new identity in God's family, and look forward with hope to His return.Title: The Great ThanksgivingDate: 11/23/25, 10am, Sunday SermonSpeaker: Pastor Tom Van KempenApproximate Outline:00:00 – The Table Is Not a Funeral03:25 – Snoopy, Turkey & Perspective06:40 – Eucharist Means Thanksgiving09:55 – Food Sets the Stage for Celebration13:20 – The High Cost of Communion16:45 – You're Invited Into God's Family20:10 – New Creation & True Freedom24:05 – One Loaf, One Body28:15 – From Mourning to Celebration32:40 – Preparing Hearts for Communion

As we reach the climactic conclusion of Revelation, we encounter something breathtaking: the consummation of all things, where every dream finds fulfillment and we live eternally with Christ. This isn't just about destruction and recreation—it's about restoration and renewal. The Greek word 'kainos' reveals that God isn't creating all new things, but making all things new. Like a master craftsman taking what exists and intensifying, glorifying, and customizing it beyond recognition, God is preparing to transform both us and all creation. Christ's resurrection body gives us a preview—recognizable yet capable of extraordinary things we never imagined possible. Our own bodies will be transformed to be like His glorious body, and all creation groans in anticipation of this renewal. The new creation will be both garden and city, combining the best of peaceful paradise and vibrant culture. Nations will bring their glory into it, suggesting that the unique gifts of every culture and people will be preserved and perfected. This vision challenges our shallow notions of heaven as ethereal cloud-sitting. Instead, we're promised a tangible, physical, relational reality where there's no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. The question that pierces our hearts is this: Would we be satisfied with a perfect heaven if Christ weren't there? Our honest answer reveals the true condition of our souls and whether we treasure the Giver more than His gifts.

This powerful exploration of Revelation 21-22 challenges us to rethink everything we thought we knew about heaven and our eternal destiny. Rather than a distant escape plan, we discover that God's ultimate vision is restoration, not evacuation. The Greek word 'kainos' reveals that God isn't making all new things, but making all things new—like refurbishing that old Camaro or restoring vintage furniture. This isn't about abandoning creation; it's about God finishing what He started in Genesis. We learn that earth, not heaven, is our true home—not as it is now, but as it will be when heaven comes down. The imagery of New Jerusalem as both bride and city shows us we're not just saved, we're wanted in covenant love. God personally wipes away our tears, dwells among us, and invites us into the restored Holy of Holies where we become a royal priesthood. The Tree of Life, once forbidden, becomes ours for healing. Most remarkably, we don't retire in paradise—we reign with Christ. This gives us both a future hope that sustains us through life's plot twists and a living hope that empowers us to bring heaven down today. Our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life aren't an honor roll but a paid debt, reminding us that heaven is for the purchased, not the perfect.

The Story of Redemption | The New Creation

In Christ we are new creations (2 Cor. 5:17), and that must change the way we parent our children. We must speak gently, act rightly, be generous with our time, energy, and resources, and think of our children the way God thinks of us. This is an act of the will, for sure, but it's only truly possible through the active working of God's Holy Spirit giving us the heart and will to love as he calls us.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/49fQFyl 

Pastor Levi Matteson starts a miniseries, "The Welcoming Table," leading into Thanksgiving and starting with a talk about Hospitality, including: 1) The Call of Romans 12 (Romans 12:1-2), 2) Why Hospitality Feels Hard, 3) From Eden to the New Creation, God is the ultimate Host (Genesis 2, Luke 15, Revelation 19), 4) The Shape of Gospel Love, devotion Honor, sharing, hospitiality (Romans 12:9-13), 5) Receiving Hospitality, and 6) Why Hospitality Matters. This episode of the Evangel Houghton podcast is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, November 16, 2025.

Notes Luke 21:5-19 Isaiah 65:17-25 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy explore the themes of apocalyptic literature, the signs of the times as presented in Luke 21, and the hopeful message of Isaiah 65. They discuss the importance of community, faithfulness, and the ongoing work of God in creating a new heaven and earth, while also addressing the challenges of undisciplined lives as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians. The conversation emphasizes the need for hope and action in the face of adversity, encouraging listeners to participate in God's work of justice and renewal. Takeaways The destruction of the temple is a significant event in the Gospels. Apocalyptic literature often arises in times of despair and upheaval. Jesus' prophecy offers a radical reinterpretation of destruction as fulfillment of God's plan. God's faithfulness remains despite signs of disaster and destruction. Isaiah 65 presents a vision of hope and renewal for the future. The ongoing creation of a new heaven and earth is a present reality. Community building and justice are essential in participating in God's kingdom. The message of 2 Thessalonians addresses the importance of work and responsibility. Faithfulness is required in the midst of societal challenges. Love and compassion should guide our interactions with those who struggle.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 01:19 Reflections on Past Events and Community 04:51 Exploring Luke 21: Signs of the Times 06:30 Apocalyptic Literature and Its Relevance 09:40 The Role of Hope in Dystopian Narratives 11:08 Understanding the Context of Jesus' Prophecy 13:42 Reframing Destruction: God's Faithfulness Amidst Chaos 18:10 The Widow's Offering: A Symbol of Hope 22:03 Compassion for the Vulnerable in a Corrupt System 24:37 Engaging with the Present: Avoiding Escapism 27:25 Long-Term Faithfulness in Times of Crisis 29:36 A Vision of Hope and Renewal 30:39 God's Response to Rebellion 34:09 The Promise of New Creation 37:33 The Ongoing Work of God 42:38 Justice and Community Care 49:33 Living in Faithful Community 56:07 Love and Accountability in Community