Podcasts about New Jerusalem

Revelation 20:11-21:8: Dive into the final things with this study of the eternal state. Learn about the Great White Throne judgment and the glorious New Jerusalem.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org

In this message from the book of Revelation, Dr. Chris Palmer reveals how God is “closing the loops” of history—and of your life. Through four powerful images—the Faithful and True, the Prison, the Smoke, and the Street—he shows that God sees every detail, remembers every prayer, and will vindicate every act of faithfulness, even when suffering feels unnoticed and prayers seem unanswered.If you've ever wondered, “Does God really see me? Do my prayers matter? Is this suffering worth it?” this sermon invites you to rediscover Revelation as a book of hope, justice, and ultimate glory.KEY THEMES & SCRIPTURESThe Faithful and True – Jesus, the First to Suffer Revelation 1:4–5; 5:6–9 — Jesus, the faithful witness and slain Lamb. Philippians 3:10–11; 1 Peter 2:21–24; Hebrews 12:2–3 — We share in His sufferings and His resurrection.The Prison – Faithfulness in Trial Revelation 2:8–10 — “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” James 1:2–4, 12; Romans 8:17–18; 2 Timothy 2:11–12; 1 Peter 4:12–13 — Suffering with Christ leads to glory with Christ.The Smoke – Where Our Prayers Go Revelation 6:9–10; 8:3–4 — The prayers of the saints rise before God like incense. Psalm 56:8; Luke 18:7–8; 1 John 5:14–15 — God hears, remembers, and will bring justice.The Street – From Shame to Glory Revelation 11:7–8; Deuteronomy 21:22–23 — Public shame and exposure. Hebrews 13:12–13 — Jesus suffered outside the gate. Revelation 21:2–4, 21 — The street of humiliation becomes a street of gold in the New Jerusalem.Loops Closed in Revelation– The suffering Faithful Witness (Rev 1:5) returns as Faithful and True (Rev 19:11), King of kings and Lord of lords (19:13–16). – The devil who throws believers into prison (Rev 2:10) is bound and cast into the pit (Rev 20:1–3; Romans 16:20). – The smoke of our prayers (Rev 8:3–4) becomes the smoke of judgment on Babylon (Rev 18–19). – The street of shame (Rev 11:8) becomes the street of gold (Rev 21:21; Romans 8:30; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18).TakeawaysGod sees your suffering and faithfulness (Revelation 2:9–10; Hebrews 4:13). God remembers every prayer—even the bitter and unanswered ones (Revelation 8:3–4; Psalm 56:8). God will judge evil and vindicate His people (Revelation 18–20; 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10). God will turn shame into glory and sorrow into joy (Revelation 21:3–4; Romans 8:18; Psalm 30:11).Jesus—the Faithful and True—will close every loop in justice, mercy, and glory. Your prayers are not lost. Your suffering is not unseen. Your faithfulness is not in vain.

Part 10. Can Believers Lose Their inheritance? David Pawson regards the book of Revelation as “probably the most important book in the New Testament for the Church to be studying right now for the very practical purpose for which it was written”, namely, to be “a manual for martyrdom”. Jesus provides encouragement to Christians facing persecution, exhorting them to endure and overcome. The book has present and future relevance for believers, and while it is addressed to the believers in the first-century AD, Jesus' words and the prophecies (some yet to be fulfilled) speak just as powerfully to Christians and the Church today. The many competing interpretations have caused confusion, particularly in relation to prophetic symbolism and the timings and nature of future events. If there are “as many riddles as there are words” here, then David demystifies and solves the book's riddle by explaining the more controversial, widely debated, and variously interpreted middle chapters, while also advocating reading Revelation in the plainest sense where possible. Jesus, in his compassion, has warned believers to prepare for his Second Coming. They are to remain faithful by upholding morals, resisting corruption, and identifying and opposing deception (false teaching), and, if necessary, enduring persecution. David unpacks Revelation's symbolism while addressing divisive subjects. Regarding the (Secret) Rapture, he argues that the book prepares believers to live through the Big Trouble (Tribulation), and adopts a pre-millennial position. Jesus promises to return to avenge the blood of the martyrs, while warning that backsliding believers will lose their place in the Book of Life and the New Jerusalem. Yet faithful overcomers will receive their inheritance. God is in control and Christians must ready themselves for Christ's return. Revelation's message is not just that “Jesus wins” but that he wants every believer to win” with him.

Will the New Jerusalem Physically Land on Earth? In this episode of Bible Prophecy Answers, we tackle a key end-times question: Will the New Jerusalem actually descend and be set down on the earth—at the site of present-day Jerusalem? Walking through major prophetic passages in Isaiah, we explore how the Old Testament anticipates the radiant glory, worldwide gathering, and unique light source that closely parallels John's New Jerusalem in Revelation. The post New Jerusalem in Isaiah: Will It Physically Land on Earth? appeared first on Bible Prophecy Answers with Alan Kurschner.

John 2:13-22 Please turn to John chapter 2. Our sermon text is John 2:13-22. Last week Jesus turned water into wine - well, not really last week, but 2000 years ago. You know what I mean. That miracle, or "sign," as the apostle John calls it, (1) revealed Jesus' glory; (2) signified Jesus' cleansing ministry; and (3)  was a foretaste of the blessing that will come at the end of the age. In our reading today, Jesus and his disciples went up to Jerusalem. By the way, travelling to Jerusalem was always travelling up. It didn't matter whether you were coming from the north, south, east, or west, Jerusalem was in the mountains and you would be ascending. Reading of John 2:13-22 Prayer Earlier this week, I scanned through the Old Testament and counted how many chapters focused on the temple. You know, I was curious. I counted 39 chapters spread across 10 Old Testament books. That includes chapters focused on the tabernacle - which was the precursor to the temple. So 39 chapters on the temple and tabernacle. Then I thought I would count the chapters which focused on priests and priestly activity. I counted at least 30 more. I lost my place, actually… and didn't want to start over. So at least 30 more. That's about 70 chapters which focus on the temple or temple activity. And these are not just chapters that only mention the temple or tabernacle or priests, no, these are chapters that describe the construction and the contents of the temple… like the lampstands, the altar, the incense, and the Ark of the Covenant and all the details about the ark. These chapters also describe the different courts and the holy place and the holy of holies… all with specific measurements. We're given details about the priestly vestments and all the different sacrifices and their purposes. The High Priest was to wear special garb with different kinds of gems. The day of atonement is described. We're given details about the priestly activities and roles. The temple was to host annual festivals, such as the Feast of Weeks and the Passover. There's a lot. Furthermore, every temple object and practice was a divinely designed shadow of a greater substance to come. They were all types. They each in some way signified aspects of salvation or worship or God's character including and especially his holiness. When the Israelites travelled to Jerusalem, they were travelling for some activity related to the temple. In some way, they would participate in temple activities that drew them closer to God - those activities would reveal his holiness and the forgiveness they needed from their sin…. and the salvation which God would bring. The temple was the center of their spiritual life. It was a sacred place where God was to be revered and worshiped and where his presence dwelt. That is why the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians was so traumatic. That had happened about 600 year earlier. It's why the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra's day was a great joy. Even despite the second temple's shortcomings, it restored sacrifices and worship. I've had the opportunity to visit Jerusalem twice. And both times, I was able to visit the western wall of the temple mount. Maybe you've heard of it. The temple mount was the massive foundation upon which the temple was built. The temple was destroyed again almost 2000 years ago, but the temple mount is largely intact. The western wall is the closest that a Jew, today, can get to where the original temple used to be. The area next to the western wall is usually packed with people - people praying and rocking back and forth and putting little notes in between the massive stones. You see, even though the temple is no longer there, the location is still sacred and a source of grief for many in the Jewish community. I bring all that up because as the narrative now moves to Jerusalem, we're brought right to the temple. We're brought right to the center of life and activity in Jerusalem. And notice that not only does the temple come into view here, but we're told in verse 13 that the annual Passover celebration was at hand. The Passover was one of the two main festivals that would bring pilgrims to Jerusalem. It celebrated God's deliverance of his people out of Egypt. The whole event took a week and involved meals and rituals. The most important thing was the sacrifice of animals on the temple altar. The normal sacrifice was a lamb, you know a young sheep. However, wealthy families could offer an ox and poor families could offer pigeons. For the Passover, the population of Jerusalem would swell by at least a few hundred thousand people. If you believe Josephus, the Jewish historian, he estimated even higher - he estimated 2.7 million additional people. That's likely an over estimate, but the point is that the city was packed, and especially the area surrounding the temple and temple mount. And since a significant portion of the Passover involved sacrificing animals, families needed to have animals to sacrifice. Some, of course, brought their own, but if you were travelling a long way, that would be difficult. Other families didn't raise animals. And so, the Passover week involved the buying and selling of animals. Thousands and thousands of oxen and lambs and pigeons. Archeologists have found nearby caves with hundreds of bird pens. The birds would be raised and then sold at the Passover. All the buying and selling was, of course, a business. The problem here was not that animals were being bought and sold. No, to some extent, that had to happen. Rather, the problem was that the buying and selling of animals and the currency exchanges were happening in the temple area. Specifically, it was happening in the Court of the Gentiles which was right next to the main temple building. Now, it didn't need to happen there. There was plenty of space in other parts of the city. But, as you can imagine, being right there was very convenient. Right there you could exchange your foreign currency, and then buy your animal, and then you could walk couple hundred steps to the temple altar where the priests would then make your sacrifice. And so, the merchants set up shop right there in the temple courts. The problem was that God had graciously given Israel the temple and its practices as signs of his grace. By abusing them, the people were forsaking God and breaking his covenant promises Let me highlight 4 ways in which all this offended God: 1. First, the worship of God had become transactional. The ceremonies and sacrifices had been established by God as a means to worship him. They were the avenue through which God was revealing his salvation and character. Yet the people had turned true worship into empty worship… into going-through-the-motions worship. Their sacrifices were not pleasing to God. 2. Second, the temple area was to be a sacred place. It was to be where God's glory dwelt. People were to come there to pray and to be instructed by the priests and to commune with the living God. But all of that was disrupted by the merchants and money changers. Think of the disruption that the animals made - thousands of them! And they were doing animal things - you know what I mean - making noise and making a mess. It distracted true worshippers from worshipping the Lord. 3. Third, it was all a racket. It was striking against the very holiness of God. In the other Gospel accounts, Jesus called the traders and money changers a den of robbers. Their fraud and price gouging demonstrated hearts far from God and his ways. If you were to pick one word that described the temple… it would be the word holy. Holy refers to God's set-apart-ness - his pure and utter righteousness. Inside the temple building was the holy place and at the heart of the temple was the holy of holies. All of the temple elements and practices in some way or another demonstrated the holiness of God. That is why this activity was defiling the temple. It was unholy. It was all disgraceful to God. The merchants' unholiness was a stark contrast to the holiness of God. 4. And the fourth problem was that no one was doing anything about all this. The Jewish leaders failed by letting this all happen in the first place…  and they didn't put an end to it as it spiraled out of control. Maybe they were even profiting off of it - that's likely but we don't know. And so, when Jesus arrived, he witnessed the utter desecration of the temple. And notice he called the temple "my father's house." That acknowledged both his identity as the Son of God, and it acknowledged the significance of the temple as where God dwelt. And in response, Jesus "cleansed the temple" as this event is often called. Jesus fashioned whips, as verse 15 says. And he drove the merchants and animals out. He poured out the coins of the money changers. He flipped over their tables. People and animals scattered out of the temple courts in utter chaos. In verse 16, he told those who sold pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade." It was a display of righteous anger. It demonstrated Jesus' authority and his holiness and his justice - attributes, you know, that he possessed as God the Son. And the disciples witnessed it all. They recalled the words of Psalm 69 - those are quoted there in verse 17, "Zeal for your house will consume me." In Psalm 69, King David laments that his zeal for God's house brought reproach on him from his enemies… his enemies dishonored God. That's what was happening here. Jesus had a holy zeal for God's house, but the merchants and money changers were bringing reproach on God. The reference to Psalm 69 revealed that a greater King greater than King David had come. In other words, Jesus' cleansing of the temple was a prophetic fulfillment of Psalm 69. A righteous King had arrived in Jerusalem. I want to make a brief comment here. Sometimes people will use this event as a justification for righteous anger. You know, like when we get mad at sin and evil. But I don't believe that this event is our permission slip for righteous anger. I am not saying that we shouldn't be angry at sin. We should hate sin - first, and foremost, we should hate our own sin and unrighteousness. And we should be angry at oppression and injustice. We should. According, of course, to God's definition of oppression and injustice and not the world's. Ephesians 4 says "be angry and do not sin." So, yes, it is possible to be angry at the right things, but let me say, it is very hard to be angry and not sin. What I am saying is that yes, we should emulate Jesus, however, we should also  recognize that we are not him. His righteous anger here is pure and holy and perfectly justified. Rather, what this event underscores for us is our need to honor the Lord in our worship. We are to come before him in humility with hearts drawn to him. You see, we're the ones in the temple area either buying the animals or worse, selling and exchanging, or even worse than that, allowing it all to happen like the failure of the Jewish leaders. But what does that look like today? Well, perhaps we are treating worship as merely a transactional activity. It's easy to slip into that mindset thinking that all we are called to do is go through the motions in worship. But no, God wants our hearts. We are to come before him in humility and praise his name. Or perhaps, as did the merchants, we are desecrating worship by treating it as a consumeristic man-centered activity and not a God-glorifying one. That's also a trap that we can fall in today. Much of our society revolves around our so-called needs and the things we want to do or buy. Worship can turn into that. Or perhaps, as did the Jewish leaders, we are allowing our worship to be hijacked by these temptations… again, by self-serving practices that focus on ourselves and not on God Almighty in the splendor of his holiness according to his Word. God wants our hearts and minds to be drawn into reverent God-honoring worship through his Spirit, according to his Word. I could say more, but in the interest of time, let's continue on. Because this narrative takes a surprising turn. Of course, when Jesus disrupted the Passover activity at the temple, the Jews took notice. By the way, when John uses the word "Jews" he is most often referring to the Pharisees or the Sadducees, you know, the Jewish leaders. Well, they came at him, and asked, verse 18 "What sign do you show us for doing these things?" There's our word from last week, "sign." In other words, they were asking, "show us by what authority you do such a thing." And Jesus shocked them when he said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." They interpreted those words at face value. They had no sense that Jesus could have been indicating something deeper. To them, it was a ridiculous statement. And you see that in their response. "It has taken forty-six years," they said, "to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?" You see, 46 years prior, Herod the Great began a massive renovation project of the Temple Mount, and the Temple courts, and the Temple itself. Even though Herod had died two decades earlier, those renovations had continued. And they weren't even done. So, to them, it was absurd for Jesus to suggest that he could raise up a destroyed temple in three days. But he did. He wasn't referring to the temple structure, where they were standing. No, as John remarks there in verse 21, he was referring to the temple of his body. He was referring to his resurrection, when he would be raised up from the grave. When the disciples reflected back on Jesus' statement, as verse 22 highlights, they realized what he had been referring to. It was amazingly prophetic. Let's consider the original readers for a moment. It is very likely that John wrote this shortly after the Romans destroyed the temple in AD 70. There are good arguments for that which I agree with. That event was horrible. In Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24, Jesus' called it the abomination of desolation. It was gruesome. Historical records confirm that. Many were killed including women and children. The temple was plundered; its massive stones were toppled; and it was all burned. This was all freshly painful for the original Jewish readers. They were likely without a temple. The very heart of Jewish life had been taken away from them. There was nothing left. No sacrifices. No annual festivals. No Holy of Holies for the High Priest to enter on Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement. Yet, a greater Temple had been raised up. Christ himself had been raised. What Jesus was saying to the Jews was that the Temple would no longer be needed. That is, the physical Temple's purpose would soon be coming to an end. It needed to be destroyed. After Jesus' sacrificial death was accomplished on the cross, and after he was raised from the grave, there was no more need for sacrifices or priests or holy things. Do you remember what immediately happened after Jesus died? The temple curtain was torn in two. The temple curtain was the massive ornate curtain that separated the priests from God's presence in the Holy of Holies. It was torn in two by God! There was no longer a need for sacrifices because the once-and-for-all sacrifice had definitively secured redemption for God's people. Jesus had fulfilled the temple's purpose. He was now the only Temple necessary. And the event that sealed the deal and that fulfilled the Temple's ministry of God's presence, was Jesus' resurrection. And not only his resurrection, but also his ascension. He now lives and reigns in heaven. And because of that, we can commune with him through prayer and through the Holy Spirit. To the original Jewish reader, this would have been a tremendous revelation. The center of Jewish life had shifted from the Temple in Jerusalem to the temple of Jesus Christ. Jesus has fulfilled the Temple's ministry. ·      His sacrifice is the one true and final sacrifice as an atonement for sin. ·      The temple represented the holiness of God, which Jesus perfectly fulfilled as the embodiment of holiness. ·      Jesus is the great High Priest who did and continues to intercede for us. ·      He is the one in whom God's presence fully dwells as God in the flesh. Jesus is the one who came and dwelt among us - as we discussed in chapter 1. ·      Related to that, the temple held the very glory of God. That glory has been fulfilled in Christ Jesus. His glory will shine for eternity. We read earlier in the service from Revelation 21, there will be no temple in new heavens and earth, for the temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. The old Temple has passed. It has been destroyed, but God has raised up the new temple. Friends, you don't need to take a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. You don't need to visit the western temple mount wall. You don't need earthly priests. Sacrifices will not bring you to God. As the author of Hebrews put it, "it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin." Those things have passed away. The temple is no more. In fact, we should not hope for a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. To hope for a rebuilt temple would be to believe that Christ's sacrifice was insufficient. We should not desire that old shadow return… why? because the true substance has come. Jesus has come. The curtain was torn and the temple destroyed. Hoping for a rebuilt temple would be kind of like if you were planning a trip. And you bought a travel book. It had pictures and maps and information on where you are going - like maybe one of our great national parks. But you get there, and the whole time, you sit in your hotel room reading your travel guide. You miss out on the beauty and the wonder of the destination to which that guide was revealing. The temple's purpose was to reveal Christ. The fulfillment of the temple has come. Jesus has come. Through him is full access to God. Our hope should be in Christ and the New Jerusalem in eternity. Multiple times in the New Testament, God's people are called a temple of the living God. That is because when you are united to Christ by faith, God dwells in you. You have all the blessings of communing with God through the Holy Spirit when you are joined to him by faith. When that happens, your sin is atoned for. You can confess your sin in repentance, knowing you are forgiven. You can pray to the God of the universe for your burdens and pain and sickness. And, you can worship him with joy and hope. Are you a temple of the Living God? Do you believe this word? Did you notice that the word "believe" is used again? It's there in verse 22. Jesus' disciples "believed the Scripture", it says. It's a pattern. Last week, the disciples believed in Jesus. At the end of chapter 1, Nathaniel believed. And earlier in chapter 1, we're told that all who believe in his name, God gave the right to become children of God. If you don't yet believe, will you? Because, when you do, you will receive all the blessings and benefits formerly displayed in the temple of old, but now fully realized in Jesus Christ. You will have God's presence through his Spirit, forgiveness through his blood, and his holiness given to you. Come to the true temple.

Are You Ready To Claim Your Land? It's Time!!Scripture References:Psalm 37:1-3Key Points:1.  To trust God means we firmly rely on His integrity and ability to do what He should, so let's allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, then we will be good.Psalm 37:4-5Psalm 119:103Psalm 19:9-102.  The sweeter God's Word taste to us, the easier it will be to digest Him, live Him and receive the land blessings. John 1:1-5Psalm 37:6-9Proverbs 22:24-253.  To obtain your land whatever it may be requires faith, patience and a cool temperment, so be careful, unwise counsel from hot tempered people will lead to many disappointments.Psalm 37:10-294.  We the Godly ones by faith in Jesus Christ will claim many lands, but the Ultimate Land is the New Jerusalem our eternal destination.Psalm 37:30-34Psalm 62:10-12Matthew 6:19-24 & 33Revelation 21:1-8

3/1/2026 Revelation 21:1-27 and 22:1-6 The New Jerusalem… Intro: There are many questions about the New Jerusalem of which we don't have many answers but the basics. It's size, It's shape and it's inhabitants. We know the bride of Christ will be there. We think that eventually includes the OT saints and the Tribulation saints. It is described as a bride adorned for her husband and the church is the only bride of Christ. Are the OT saints the church?….Not technically but they will be in heaven with the church…during the Marriage supper of the Lamb……. they are friends of the bridegroom. John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. Are the Tribulation saints the bride? Not likely because most likely the marriage supper of the Lamb occurs in heaven during the tribulation. Be we will look at what we know and use Biblical speculation on what we don't know. Eventually all redeemed with be together or at least be able to fellowship with each other. Got Questions.org--The New Jerusalem, which is also called the tabernacle of God, the Holy City, the city of God, the Celestial City, the city foursquare, and heavenly Jerusalem, is literally heaven on earth. It is referred to in the Bible in several places. Galatians 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all; Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 12:22–23 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect; and Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. It is most fully described in Revelation 21 and 22. Some scholars believe that the new Jerusalem will descend from heaven and hover over the Millennial Kingdom as a satellite city of the glorified church during Christ's thousand-year reign. Scripture offers no evidence for this position. Some believe including me…..that the new Jerusalem is presented in Revelation chapter 21 and 22 is as it will be in the eternal state, not in the Millennial Kingdom. So Paul tells us that the Jerusalem is above. Galatians 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. So right now there is a city of Jerusalem in heaven and that's where it will be during the tribulation when it come down OUT of heaven. Revelation 21:1 which we will see shortly. In Revelation 21, the recorded history of man is at its end. All the ages have come and gone. Christ has gathered His church in the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:15–17). The tribulation has passed (Revelation 6—18). The battle of Armageddon has been fought and won by our Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:17–21). Satan has been chained for the 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1–3). A new, glorious temple has been established in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40—48). The final rebellion against God has been quashed, and Satan has received his just punishment, an eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7–10.) The great white throne judgment has taken place, and mankind has been judged (Revelation 20:11–15). In Revelation 21:1 God does a complete make-over of heaven and earth (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:12–13). The new heaven and new earth are what some call the eternal state and will be “where righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Who are the residents of the New Jerusalem? The Father and the Lamb are there (Revelation 21:22). Angels are at the gates (verse 12). We know the city will be filled with the bride, the Lambs wife. Revelation 21:9 let me show the bride, the Lambs wife.…His church, God's redeemed children. The New Jerusalem is the righteous counter to the evil Babylon (Revelation 17), destroyed by God's judgment (Revelation 18). The wicked had their city, and God has His.

By Ken Loucks - Why does the Bible begin in a garden and end in a city? In this opening message to the Torah Series, we trace the unbroken thread running from Genesis to Revelation—God's desire to dwell with His creation. From Eden to the tabernacle, from the temple to the Church, and ultimately to New Jerusalem

7 takeaways from this study The primary purpose of Israel’s Tabernacle is God's presence among His people — not merely a system for managing sin. Obedience matters more than ritual offerings. Genuine devotion cannot be substituted by outward sacrifices. Rebuilding walls of Jerusalem parallels spiritual restoration (community, family, self). Protect what's inside, and evaluate what you allow in. Boundaries and discernment are essential to guard spiritual life and community health. True renewal is inward. The new covenant promise of a new heart and Spirit as the basis for lasting transformation. Historical context of Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah shows God working through imperfect people and situations to fulfill His purposes. Zion and God's dwelling are ultimately God's work. Holiness comes from His presence and Spirit, not merely human institutions or appearances. As we prepare for Purim and read passages for Shabbat Zachor 1Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1Samuel 15:2–34; 1Peter 4:12–5:11 (Sabbath of Remembrance of what Amalek did to Israel), we focus on the Tabernacle's purpose, the dangers of substituting ritual for obedience, the prophetic promise of inward renewal, and the practical task of rebuilding walls — in community and in the heart. The books of Exodus, Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah provide historical context and spiritual application for believers who want God's presence to be the center of life. “God with us” — foreshadowed in the Tabernacle, brought to life in Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). Why the Tabernacle? Throughout the study we return to a core corrective: the tabernacle's primary purpose is to house God's presence, not simply to manage sin. The tabernacle and temple signify that the Creator dwells among His people. Moses' request, “Show me Your glory” (Exodus 33), captures this longing: what Israel really desires is the presence of the One who goes with them. The Hebrew notion of כָּבוֹד kavod — “glory” or, literally, “heaviness” — points to the manifest presence of God that makes a people heavy, significant, and recognizable among the nations. When the presence departs, the reality is Ichabod (“the glory has departed,” 1Samuel 4:21). Heaven’s kavod departing the Tabernacle is also called the “abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14). Some assume the Tabernacle merely regulated sin — sacrifice as transaction — and that with Messiah these structures became obsolete. The Bible lesson, rather, is ritual without the presence of God is empty. The pattern of festivals — Passover, Yom Kippur, Sukkot — points to a relationship centered on the Mediator and on deliverance, not merely on a mechanical sacrificial system. Passover inaugurates deliverance; Yom Kippur mediates restoration through the high priest; Sukkot celebrates dwelling with God. These feast-days frame a rhythm of presence and renewal rather than a formulaic checklist. Obedience over sacrifice: Lessons from Samuel and Saul The narrative of King Saul and Samuel teaches a crucial moral principle: obedience is better than sacrifice (1Samuel 15:22). Prophet Samuel's rebuke after Saul spared Amalek king Agag and the best animals under the pretext of offering them as sacrifices. One lesson from this is a sacrifice should be something that is actually yours. Devotion must be genuine and owned, not stolen or secondhand. The Hebrew term חָרָם haram and its verbal form harim denote things “devoted” — sometimes to the LORD and sometimes to destruction. Items devoted to destruction cannot be redeemed by substitution. The Jericho example shows that what is set apart by divine command resists human substitution. Aaron and the golden calf exemplify how sacred tools and artisanship meant for the tabernacle were perversely redirected. The episode shows that aesthetics and ritual can be misapplied; crafting beautiful things does not guarantee divine approval if their object is a false center. The text emphasizes accountability: you cannot cover disobedience with external offerings. Aaron's example and the later sons Nadab and Abihu offering “strange fire” (Leviticus 10) — an illustration that parents' compromises influence their offspring. Leaders and fathers should heed how their actions form the next generation. Heavens festivals: Mediation and bookends of deliverance Key festivals of the Bible are bookends in Israel's annual spiritual life. Passover and Yom Kippur present parallel roles of a mediator whose work secures deliverance and atonement. Passover's blood on the doorframe spared households from death; Yom Kippur's high priestly actions mediate atonement for the community. The festivals frame a trajectory from slavery to rest, from exile to dwelling with God. Sukkot pictures the land of rest where the Creator will set His name. This cycle invites us to see the tabernacle and temple as ongoing signposts toward God's dwelling among His people. Esther in the Persian context Esther's historical setting is Persia under Ahasuerus/Xerxes (roughly mid-5th century B.C.). Esther is thought to follow soon after the restoration work of Ezra and Nehemiah. Esther records Jewish life in the Persian court and the precarious state of Jews in exile; Ezra and Nehemiah chronicle the return and the rebuilding enterprise. While some returnees were back in the land, others remained dispersed across the Persian empire. The book of Esther is timely as Purim approaches and as it overlaps the larger narrative of restoration after exile. Rebuilding walls isn’t just for ancient cities Nehemiah's journal reveals a small, determined group rebuilding Jerusalem's walls under constant threat. The repeated detail that many rebuilt “as far as in front of his house” stresses that rebuilding was local and personal. Walls protect community boundaries and homes; they distinguish inside from outside. Rebuilding walls therefore becomes a concrete image for spiritual and communal restoration. It’s analogous to personal boundaries: Walls serve as force multipliers by enabling one person or a small group to hold off greater external pressures. Rebuilding one's family walls — restoring moral and spiritual boundaries inside the household — proves as vital as the city wall. The practical applications include discernment about what to admit into family life, intentional boundaries in relationships, and spiritual vigilance. Aliyah and the upward pull toward God's dwelling Biblical geography is focused on the directive to “go up” — עֲלִיָּה aliyah — toward the dwelling place of the Holy One. Whether in Galilee or the Negev, the spiritual aim points to Jerusalem where God's name dwells. The liturgical and physical act of ascent parallels spiritual ascent: moving toward the center where God's presence resides. Boundaries, ‘foreign’ wives & community identity The census and the question about foreign wives in Nehemiah expose tensions about identity and purity after exile. There are distinctions in Scripture between sojourners who embrace Israel's God (e.g., “Your God is my God,” Ruth 1:16) and “foreign” wives brought in via political marriages who often imported foreign deities and practices (as with Solomon, 1Kings 11:4–6). The concern during the restoration period focused on wives who introduced foreign cult practice and morally compromised the community's covenantal life, not on genuine converts. This is a warning against syncretism and about how cultural practices can redefine communal priorities. That calls for a careful balance: hospitality and inclusion for those who embrace Israel's covenant, and discernment against practices that would erode the community's spiritual center. Borders of the Promised Land: How big? Promised to whom? Biblical descriptions of Israel's borders — Genesis 15:18–21, Exodus 23:31, Deuteronomy 11:24, Joshua 1:3–4, Numbers 34:1–12, and Ezekiel 47:13–20 — vary in scope and purpose. “The river” references often point to the Euphrates River. Interpretations of these passages have varied over the centuries. Earth church fathers often allegorized these descriptions and transferred their fulfillment to the global work of Christianity. And controversy has arisen in recent months as prominent public voices have challenged the view that the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948 was an outgrowth of these prophecies. The borders of Genesis 15 range over a wide region, encompassing modern-day Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and (depending on interpretation of Euphrates and “river of Egypt”) parts of Egypt and Iraq. Yet the borders given for ancient Israel to occupy after the exodus in Numbers 34 resemble the outline of modern Israel. Prophetic texts like Ezekiel and Revelation expand the vision of the dwelling place beyond ancient or modern Jerusalem to a giant area and even beyond Earth’s atmosphere (Revelation 21:15-16). The foretold “third temple” (Ezekiel 40–48) and the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21–22) are grand visions of God's dwelling among humanity. Ezekiel’s temple would require major earthmoving (Zechariah 14) far beyond the footprint of Jerusalem today. The New Jerusalem pictures a realm that spans heaven and earth — a dwelling place that offers vertical connection (the 1,500-mile height would extend beyond the atmosphere, Revelation 21:15–16) and horizontal presence (the 1,500-mile length and width would span much of the Middle East, hence, dwelling in the midst of many peoples). The city imagery communicates God's intimate settlement with His people and the restoration of creation's intended order. This illustrates a common feature in Scripture, the merism. It’s the term for a pair of words like “heaven and earth” functions as a biblical figure of speech to describe totality. Is modern Israel really an act of Heaven? When critics dismiss modern Israel because of variegated human origins (atheist communist founders) or moral failures (e.g., Tel Aviv pride parades), Ezekiel 36 to correct the charge. Ezekiel 36:16–23 clarifies that God acts “not for your sake” but “for My holy name's sake” to vindicate His reputation among the nations. Ezekiel 36:24–28 promise gathering, cleansing, and a renewed heart: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:26–27 NASB95). God's work focuses on His covenantal purposes and on restoring relationship, not on human merit. Ezekiel rebuts the modern polemic against modern Israel being prophetic because it’s not Zion-like. God's purposes transcend human failures. The LORD preserves and restores for the vindication of His name, and He can work through flawed human histories to fulfill covenant promises. This is consistent with biblical patterns where God chooses unexpected instruments — second- or late-borns (Isaac vs. Ishmael, Joseph vs. Reuben, David vs. Eliab), humble vessels, and historically diabolical Gentile “messiahs” (e.g., Cyrus in Isaiah) — to accomplish redemption. The new covenant, Messiah & Spirit Ezekiel's and Jeremiah's new covenant prophecies (Ezekiel 36:25–27; Jeremiah 31:31–34) foreshadow the fulfillment of Zion: The Messiah inaugurates the new covenant at Passover (“This is the blood of the new covenant”). The final discourse of Yeshua (Jesus) John 13–17 and Paul's teaching in Romans 8 illustrate how Messiah and Spirit cooperate to enable Torah-observant life from the inside out. The study argues that legal adherence without Spirit-led renewal produces brittle religiosity; the Spirit empowers obedience and life transformation. Practical spiritual disciplines: Filtering thoughts and guarding the heart A vivid practical principle is in Paul's exhortation to “take every thought captive” and bring it into submission to Messiah's teaching (2Corinthians 10:5). Priestly consecration imagery — ear, thumb, toe — to stress hearing (שְׁמַע shema), doing (עָשָׂה asah), and walking (הָלַךְ halach). These form a triad: listen, act, and walk. Believers need filters — discernment practices, boundaries, and spiritual disciplines — to protect their families and communities from corrosive influences. Call to rebuild and fortify We believers must be attentive to build or rebuild appropriate (not cold-heartedly exclusionary) barriers around our communities, families and interior lives. We must orient ourselves around God's presence more than ritual forms, choose obedience over merely cosmetic offerings, reestablish boundaries that protect what belongs inside and welcome the Spirit's transforming work promised in Ezekiel 36 and Jeremiah 31. Be intentional: Rebuild your walls, train your children by example, filter thoughts and actions with spiritual disciplines, and pursue aliyah of the heart — ascent toward the dwelling place of God. Trust that God, not human perfection, makes Zion. Scripture and history show that God acts through imperfect people to restore His dwelling in the midst of the nations. 1 Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1Samuel 15:2–34; 1Peter 4:12–5:11The post From captivity to new covenant: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther and the how of return (Exodus 33; Ezekiel 36) appeared first on Hallel Fellowship.

Did you know the Bible is one perfectly closed loop? In this special episode, we compare the beginning of all things in Genesis with the final restoration in Revelation. From the Tree of Life lost in Eden to the Tree of Life restored in the New Jerusalem, discover how God's plan never failed—it only grew more glorious. Join Bro. Emerson Devaraj as we see how the "Paradise Lost" of Genesis becomes the "Paradise Regained" of Revelation. #GenesisVsRevelation #AlphaAndOmega #BibleStudyTamil #ParadiseRestored #BroEmersonDevaraj #WayToLife #TheGospel #BibleProphecy #FullCircle

Part 9. Happy Ever After David Pawson regards the book of Revelation as “probably the most important book in the New Testament for the Church to be studying right now for the very practical purpose for which it was written”, namely, to be “a manual for martyrdom”. Jesus provides encouragement to Christians facing persecution, exhorting them to endure and overcome. The book has present and future relevance for believers, and while it is addressed to the believers in the first-century AD, Jesus' words and the prophecies (some yet to be fulfilled) speak just as powerfully to Christians and the Church today. The many competing interpretations have caused confusion, particularly in relation to prophetic symbolism and the timings and nature of future events. If there are “as many riddles as there are words” here, then David demystifies and solves the book's riddle by explaining the more controversial, widely debated, and variously interpreted middle chapters, while also advocating reading Revelation in the plainest sense where possible. Jesus, in his compassion, has warned believers to prepare for his Second Coming. They are to remain faithful by upholding morals, resisting corruption, and identifying and opposing deception (false teaching), and, if necessary, enduring persecution. David unpacks Revelation's symbolism while addressing divisive subjects. Regarding the (Secret) Rapture, he argues that the book prepares believers to live through the Big Trouble (Tribulation), and adopts a pre-millennial position. Jesus promises to return to avenge the blood of the martyrs, while warning that backsliding believers will lose their place in the Book of Life and the New Jerusalem. Yet faithful overcomers will receive their inheritance. God is in control and Christians must ready themselves for Christ's return. Revelation's message is not just that “Jesus wins” but that he wants every believer to win” with him.

Ryan Gable explores the startling synchronicities between the approaching 3I/ATLAS interstellar object and the sudden political disclosure of interdimensional entities. In this episode, we decode why the search for "aliens" and "gods" may be focused on the wrong horizon, while the true shift occurs through the integration of AI and ancient messianic prophecy.From Harvard's Avi Loeb and his "Messianic Era" predictions to Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna's recent 2025 testimony on beings outside of time and space, we analyze the symbolic names—Luna, Kratos, and Atlas—that mirror our modern push for global power. We further examine the escalating reports of the red heifer sacrifice in Israel, the cube-like anomalies near the sun, and the rise of AI development in Herzliya as the potential "Mechanical Elf" of the celestial regions. Is the New Jerusalem a masonic metaphor or a literal interstellar arrival? *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.

This Sunday, we stepped into Acts 21:17–26, a passage that beautifully shows Paul navigating the tension between gospel clarity and cultural difference. It raises an important question for every believer: How do we hold fast to the uniqueness of the gospel while celebrating the beauty of the diverse peoples Christ redeems? Scripture gives us a breathtaking picture of this. In Revelation 21, John sees the nations bringing their glory into the New Jerusalem—their redeemed beauty, their distinct cultures, all gathered around the Lamb. And in Revelation 5, heaven erupts in praise because Jesus has ransomed people from every tribe, language, and nation and made them one kingdom. That's our future: a redeemed, diverse family joyfully united in worship. And that vision shapes how we live now. Christ didn't come to create a single, uniform culture—He came to redeem people in all their God‑given distinctiveness. This is exactly the challenge and the joy we see in Acts: holding out the gospel with clarity while honoring the cultures of those Christ is calling to Himself. In a world full of confusion and division, we need this vision more than ever. I'm looking forward fixing our eyes on Jesus together each Sunday at 9 &11AM. Hope you can come and will invite others to worship our Savior and King together.

2/22/2026 Revelation 21:1-27 and 22:1-6 The New Jerusalem… Intro: There are many questions about the New Jerusalem of which we don't have many answers but the basics. It's size, It's shape and it's inhabitants. We know the bride of Christ will be there. We think that eventually includes the OT saints and the Tribulation saints. It is described as a bride adorned for her husband and the church is the only bride of Christ. Are the OT saints the church?….Not technically but they will be in heaven with the church…during the Marriage supper of the Lamb……. they are friends of the bridegroom. John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. Are the Tribulation saints the bride? Not likely because most likely the marriage supper of the Lamb occurs in heaven during the tribulation. Be we will look at what we know and use Biblical speculation on what we don't know. Eventually all redeemed with be together or at least be able to fellowship with each other. Got Questions.org--The New Jerusalem, which is also called the tabernacle of God, the Holy City, the city of God, the Celestial City, the city foursquare, and heavenly Jerusalem, is literally heaven on earth. It is referred to in the Bible in several places. Galatians 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all; Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 12:22–23 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect; and Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. It is most fully described in Revelation 21 and 22. Some scholars believe that the new Jerusalem will descend from heaven and hover over the Millennial Kingdom as a satellite city of the glorified church during Christ's thousand-year reign. Scripture offers no evidence for this position. Some believe including me…..that the new Jerusalem is presented in Revelation chapter 21 and 22 is as it will be in the eternal state, not in the Millennial Kingdom. So Paul tells us that the Jerusalem is above. Galatians 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. So right now there is a city of Jerusalem in heaven and that's where it will be during the tribulation when it come down OUT of heaven. Revelation 21:1 which we will see shortly. In Revelation 21, the recorded history of man is at its end. All the ages have come and gone. Christ has gathered His church in the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:15–17). The tribulation has passed (Revelation 6—18). The battle of Armageddon has been fought and won by our Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:17–21). Satan has been chained for the 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1–3). A new, glorious temple has been established in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40—48). The final rebellion against God has been quashed, and Satan has received his just punishment, an eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7–10.) The great white throne judgment has taken place, and mankind has been judged (Revelation 20:11–15). In Revelation 21:1 God does a complete make-over of heaven and earth (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:12–13). The new heaven and new earth are what some call the eternal state and will be “where righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Who are the residents of the New Jerusalem? The Father and the Lamb are there (Revelation 21:22). Angels are at the gates (verse 12). We know the city will be filled with the bride, the Lambs wife. Revelation 21:9 let me show the bride, the Lambs wife.…His church, God's redeemed children. The New Jerusalem is the righteous counter to the evil Babylon (Revelation 17), destroyed by God's judgment (Revelation 18). The wicked had their city, and God has His.

The sermon centres on Revelation 3:7–13, highlighting the faithful church in Philadelphia as a model of enduring loyalty amid a hostile, pagan world. Christ, portrayed as holy, true, and sovereign with the key of David, affirms His authority and opens doors of opportunity that no one can shut, commending the church for its small strength, steadfast faith, and refusal to deny His name. Despite persecution and opposition—particularly from those who claim Jewish identity yet reject Christ—the church is assured of divine vindication, as even their enemies will one day bow in worship, recognising God's love. The Lord promises protection from the coming hour of trial for those who remain patient and faithful, urging believers to hold fast to their spiritual blessings, knowing that while salvation is secure, the rewards of faithfulness are not guaranteed. Ultimately, the faithful are promised eternal honor as pillars in God's temple, bearing the names of God, New Jerusalem, and Christ's new name, symbolizing their eternal union with the heavenly city and their victory through Christ. The message concludes with a solemn call to listen to the Spirit's voice, urging continual vigilance and faithfulness in a world that demands allegiance to Christ alone.

What does the Bible say about the Bride of Christ?  How did Christ love the Church?  Bonus question: What people will populate the Holy City, New Jerusalem?Scriptural references: Revelation 21:1-5, Ephesians 5:22-33, 2 Corinthians 11:1-4Program: Biblically SpeakingAired: December 20, 2014

Where Is the New Jerusalem Today? (Heavenly Jerusalem Explained) In this episode of our New Jerusalem / New Creation series, we tackle a question that Christians often wonder about but rarely explore in depth: Where is the New Jerusalem right now? Drawing from key passages in Hebrews, John, Galatians, Isaiah, Genesis, and Revelation, we build a biblical case that the New Jerusalem presently exists in heaven as a real, God-built city—awaiting the day it descends to the earth at Christ's return. The post Where Is the New Jerusalem Today? appeared first on Bible Prophecy Answers with Alan Kurschner.

Send a textAfter the Second coming of Christ, Jesus will set up His one thousand year reign over planet earth. Think of it. He will be in bodily form ruling he world and we, as His Bride will be right beside Him.The time of this reign is like a return to the Garden of Eden. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you will be reigning right along with Him and licing in the Holy City the New Jerusalem.Pay lowe attention to this message and see what is on the horizon.

Part 8. Will Christ Reign Here? David Pawson regards the book of Revelation as “probably the most important book in the New Testament for the Church to be studying right now for the very practical purpose for which it was written”, namely, to be “a manual for martyrdom”. Jesus provides encouragement to Christians facing persecution, exhorting them to endure and overcome. The book has present and future relevance for believers, and while it is addressed to the believers in the first-century AD, Jesus' words and the prophecies (some yet to be fulfilled) speak just as powerfully to Christians and the Church today. The many competing interpretations have caused confusion, particularly in relation to prophetic symbolism and the timings and nature of future events. If there are “as many riddles as there are words” here, then David demystifies and solves the book's riddle by explaining the more controversial, widely debated, and variously interpreted middle chapters, while also advocating reading Revelation in the plainest sense where possible. Jesus, in his compassion, has warned believers to prepare for his Second Coming. They are to remain faithful by upholding morals, resisting corruption, and identifying and opposing deception (false teaching), and, if necessary, enduring persecution. David unpacks Revelation's symbolism while addressing divisive subjects. Regarding the (Secret) Rapture, he argues that the book prepares believers to live through the Big Trouble (Tribulation), and adopts a pre-millennial position. Jesus promises to return to avenge the blood of the martyrs, while warning that backsliding believers will lose their place in the Book of Life and the New Jerusalem. Yet faithful overcomers will receive their inheritance. God is in control and Christians must ready themselves for Christ's return. Revelation's message is not just that “Jesus wins” but that he wants every believer to win” with him.

Some names in Scripture roar like thunder. Others move like steady footsteps on a quiet road.This message dives into James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Thaddeus — three apostles barely mentioned in the Gospels, yet eternally remembered in heaven. While Peter preached at Pentecost and John leaned close at the Last Supper, these men walked faithfully without headlines, hashtags, or historical fanfare.And yet Jesus chose them.In Matthew 19:28 (ESV), Jesus promised that all twelve would sit on thrones judging the tribes of Israel. In Revelation 21:14 (ESV), the twelve apostles' names are written on the foundations of the New Jerusalem. Not just the famous ones. All of them.This sermon explores:• James the Son of Alphaeus — called “James the lesser” (Mark 15:40). No recorded sermons. No spotlight moments. Yet faithful to the end. A reminder that heaven measures devotion, not platform size. • Simon the Zealot — once aligned with Jewish nationalist zeal, possibly even revolutionary movements (Luke 6:15). Jesus transformed his political fire into gospel flame, uniting him with Matthew the former tax collector under one King. • Thaddeus (Judas, not Iscariot) — a man of three names who asked one recorded question (John 14:22). He expected a visible kingdom. Jesus revealed a deeper one — an indwelling presence (John 14:23).In a world obsessed with recognition, likes, and visibility, this message reminds us:Heaven does not count followers. Heaven counts faithfulness.We examine:• Matthew 6:4 — The Father who sees in secret rewards openly. • 2 Corinthians 5:10 — The Bema Seat of Christ, where believers are evaluated not for salvation, but for stewardship. • 1 Corinthians 3:12–15 — Works tested by fire. Gold remains. Straw disappears. • 2 Corinthians 4:5 — The messenger is never the focus. Christ is. • Matthew 28:19–20 — The mission was never about building apostle brands, but making disciples.Some applause on earth may be silence in eternity. Some quiet obedience here may echo forever.If you have ever felt unseen, overlooked, or “lesser,” this sermon will encourage you. God sees. God remembers. God rewards.Faithfulness, not recognition, is what heaven celebrates.

A weekly class at OAG taught by Chaplain Lou Parker.** Edited to remove personal information shared in the class and extended pauses **Title: The River, The Tree, and The Prophets: Revelation 22 and the Completion of ScriptureSummary: Revelation 22 brings the full arc of Scripture full circle — from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem — and explores the compelling possibility that the seven angels of Revelation may actually be the Old Testament prophets who first foretold its judgments.Approximate Lesson Outline:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction01:04 - Revelation 22: Scripture's Grand Finale02:29 - The River of Life & Garden of Eden Connection07:09 - Living Waters in Prophecy10:22 - The Tree of Life & Eternal Fellowship12:07 - Who Is the Angel Talking to John?17:07 - Perry Stone's Theory: Prophets as Angels21:02 - Seven Prophets, Seven Judgments25:07 - Why Satan Hates Prophecy27:32 - Angels, Witnesses & the End of the Tribulation

Season 20: Praise & Adoration / #12Scripture: Revelation 21:9-27 Title: The New CitySHOW NOTES: For encouragement on your spiritual journey, we invite you to visit our ministry website, Discover God's Truth, where you can access additional resources to enrich your Walk with God.Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.Revelation 21:1-2 God will make all things new—a new heaven and a new earth. The holy city, New Jerusalem, will be filled with God's glory and its brilliance. John describes the city's magnificent beauty.And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.Revelation 21:10-11To be gathered with all believers, people from every nation, tribe, and tongue—the Lamb's bride. What a glorious sight! God's Holy Presence in the New Jerusalem. John warns his readers that only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will enter the New Jerusalem. We must choose to follow the Lamb—accept His gift of salvation—today.Head to Heart: What will that beautiful gathering of the Lamb's bride be like? The description John gives falls short of its glory and magnificence! Still, these verses should fill our hearts with great hope and anticipation.Song: The Holy City - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SokCt9iTGqU&list=RDSokCt9iTGqU&start_radio=1

When an entrenched oligarchy and a cynical revolution go to war with one another, what happens to all the people in the middle?  Some may be victimized, others silenced, and yet others swept up in the churn of events.  In Giacomo Meyerbeer's Le Prophète, Jean of Leiden finds himself assuming the mantle of prophet and messiah, setting up expectations for himself that he can never fulfil.  This epic French Grand Opera, loosely based on a real historical figure who came to be known as “King of the New Jerusalem,” was a spectacular success.  However, for many reasons, not least of them the jealousy and resentment from composer Richard Wagner, Meyerbeer is not well-known today.  Nevertheless, his works offer many delights, as well as heart-rending drama.  Join host Pat, along with guest co-host Gerald Malone for a close look at Meyerbeer's Le Prophète. Gerald Malone's website, TheRestIsOpera.com is brimming with commentary on opera productions that he has seen around the world, as well as “scuttlebutt” about opera from a suspiciously well-informed little dog.

Part 7. Hallelujah Chorus David Pawson regards the book of Revelation as “probably the most important book in the New Testament for the Church to be studying right now for the very practical purpose for which it was written”, namely, to be “a manual for martyrdom”. Jesus provides encouragement to Christians facing persecution, exhorting them to endure and overcome. The book has present and future relevance for believers, and while it is addressed to the believers in the first-century AD, Jesus' words and the prophecies (some yet to be fulfilled) speak just as powerfully to Christians and the Church today. The many competing interpretations have caused confusion, particularly in relation to prophetic symbolism and the timings and nature of future events. If there are “as many riddles as there are words” here, then David demystifies and solves the book's riddle by explaining the more controversial, widely debated, and variously interpreted middle chapters, while also advocating reading Revelation in the plainest sense where possible. Jesus, in his compassion, has warned believers to prepare for his Second Coming. They are to remain faithful by upholding morals, resisting corruption, and identifying and opposing deception (false teaching), and, if necessary, enduring persecution. David unpacks Revelation's symbolism while addressing divisive subjects. Regarding the (Secret) Rapture, he argues that the book prepares believers to live through the Big Trouble (Tribulation), and adopts a pre-millennial position. Jesus promises to return to avenge the blood of the martyrs, while warning that backsliding believers will lose their place in the Book of Life and the New Jerusalem. Yet faithful overcomers will receive their inheritance. God is in control and Christians must ready themselves for Christ's return. Revelation's message is not just that “Jesus wins” but that he wants every believer to win” with him.

A Sermon for Sexagesima Luke 8:4-15 by the Rev'd Dr. Matthew Colvin Inspired by Pastor Bill's saga of his war against the churchmice, I will now confess my sins to you all in the matter of my backyard, with apologies to Isaiah the prophet. In 2021, we bought a house in Port Alberni. It met all my criteria: lots of room inside, an attractive appearance, a good view of the valley, and the tiniest yard of any house on the block. Because I am not a gardener. But when I moved in, I discovered that it has five fruit trees at the top of a very sloping yard. But did I dig around them or make a wall or a winepress or a tower, like the song of the Vineyard in Isaiah chapter 5? No, I neglected them and let a huge mass of Himalayan blackberry brambles grow up around them. And I let the pear tree get so heavy with fruit that one of its main branches snapped off in the wind. And I didn't do a good job of picking the fruit, so that many apples and pears and plums fell down among the blackberries to become attractants for raccoons and bears. And what did I do instead? I bought solar panels for my house, and tile and hardwood floors, and a light-up number sign that doesn't even work properly. Judge now, between me and my fruit trees. What more could have been done for them that I have not done? Well, quite a lot, actually, and Lord willing, this will be the year to eliminate the blackberries. I have sinned against heaven and against my fruit trees. Our gospel lesson this morning is the parable of the soils. The term parable is from the Greek παραβάλλω, to put side by side for comparison, to make an analogy. It is one of about forty that Jesus tells in his public ministry, and indeed, the telling of parables seems to have been Jesus' signature or hallmark device. It is a form of speech that has its origins in situations where the teller needs to speak carefully because he faces danger from someone powerful. Aesop's fables were originally devised as a way for a slave to speak to his master: “No, sir, I wasn't talking about you and your slave. It was just a story about a lion and a fox.” Telling parables is therefore a valuable tool in Jesus' toolbox as he is leading a kingdom movement that is an affront to the authorities. He has a fine line to walk: how to attract followers of his movement while not bringing the authorities down on him until his hour has come. Doing miracles is always somewhat risky for this reason: indeed, his first miracle at the wedding of Cana is wrung out of him by his mother, and he rebukes her with the words, “τι εμοι και σοι” — which is best translated, “What do you have against me?” Why are you trying to get me in trouble by making me reveal myself by doing a miracle. In order to launch his kingdom movement and win followers before laying down his life in Jerusalem, Jesus has to be careful and speak in such a way that he doesn't give any rope to the spies that might hand him over to Herod and the Romans. So Telling parables is a way to do that. Notice that after he tells his parable of the sower, Jesus' final words to the crowd are, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” – a challenge to the listeners, implying that if you do not have understanding, it is because you are lacking “ears”, i.e. the ability to understand. It punctuates the parable with a finality and a challenge. It is rather similar to the challenge in the book of Daniel “Let the reader understand” – the astute reader, the gleg reader, the reader who can read between the lines. Now, to the parable. It is a parable about plants. Ever since the last chapter of the book of Jonah, plants have been a treasured object lesson for the people of God. There are many features that makes them an attractive metaphor: their slow growth, their dependence on their environment, the patient work with which they must be reared and cultivated, their greenness as a manifest index of their health, their relation to water and to soil, their ability to suffer cutting and burning, and above all, the fruit they bear. For plants are in many ways like human beings: both have the ability to flourish and to be productive, and that is the goal, the well-being, the health and salvation of both plant and human. In the Bible's stories about fruit and crops, it is always God who figures as the farmer or gardener or landowner. He is the one who plants the vineyard, sows the seed, grafts wild branches, and prunes to encourage more fruit. And it is always Israel that is his “pleasant plant”, his field of wheat, his fig tree, his vine which he brought out of Egypt and planted, his trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord. In nearly every God-and-Israel plant image, there is a focus on the necessary and vital connection between Israel and her Lord. The righteous Israelite is like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf does not wither. You do not support the root, but the root supports you, says Paul in Romans 11. There is a theme in the Bible that runs from the garden of Eden with its four rivers and its tree of life, to the trees planted by the rivers in the New Jerusalem in Revelation 22, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. The plant near the river - in Eden, in the New Jerusalem, in Psalm 1, in Jeremiah 17 - is Israel connected to her God, nourished on his kindness and hesed as a plant sucks up life-giving water with its roots. And the parable of the sower is another of these agricultural metaphors. But it is best understood in connection with three other parables — two others by Jesus (the Wheat and the tares and the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers), and one from the Old Testament, Isaiah 5's song of the vineyard. To help you see the repreated pattern here, I'd like to show you some diagrams that express the plot of these stories. First, the parable of the soils from today's gospel reading: farmer —->   fruit ——> himself                        | fertility —> seed   fruit ——> himself                        | tower, etc —> vineyard     fruit ——> himself                                 | messengers —> tenants     fruit (grain) ——> himself                                 | planting —> harvest

The bride

The bride

In this fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes the study of the Book of Tobit, focusing on chapters 13 and 14. He explores Tobit's life during the Assyrian captivity, his blindness, and the journey of his son Tobias accompanied by Archangel Raphael in disguise. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual symbolism of the story, relating it to the Church's salvation through Christ as the bridegroom. The discussion delves into Tobit's prayer of praise, emphasizing God's eternity, mercy, and chastisement as a form of divine love. Fr. Matthias highlights themes of faith, repentance, suffering, and hope, addressing how believers should balance acknowledging their sins with trusting in God's mercy. The talk also covers the prophetic elements in Tobit about Israel's exile, Jerusalem's restoration, and the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan of salvation. Finally, Fr. Matthias discusses the canonical history of Tobit, the Septuagint's role, and how the Old Testament prophecies point to Christ and the New Jerusalem. Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

A weekly class at OAG taught by Chaplain Lou Parker.** Edited to remove personal information shared in the class and extended pauses **Title: The New Jerusalem: Our Eternal Home and Foundation in ChristSummary: An exploration of Revelation 21 describing the New Jerusalem as the eternal dwelling place for believers, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, where God's presence fills a magnificent city without temples, darkness, or evil.Approximate Lesson Outline:00:00 - Introduction to Revelation 2103:30 - The Great City and the Bride07:15 - Built on Apostles and Prophets12:00 - Members of God's Household16:45 - God's Shaping and Refining Work20:30 - Measurements of the New Jerusalem25:00 - No Temple in the City29:15 - Nations and Kings in Glory33:00 - Closing Thoughts and Next Week

Part 6. Is There a Secret Rapture? David Pawson regards the book of Revelation as “probably the most important book in the New Testament for the Church to be studying right now for the very practical purpose for which it was written”, namely, to be “a manual for martyrdom”. Jesus provides encouragement to Christians facing persecution, exhorting them to endure and overcome. The book has present and future relevance for believers, and while it is addressed to the believers in the first-century AD, Jesus' words and the prophecies (some yet to be fulfilled) speak just as powerfully to Christians and the Church today. The many competing interpretations have caused confusion, particularly in relation to prophetic symbolism and the timings and nature of future events. If there are “as many riddles as there are words” here, then David demystifies and solves the book's riddle by explaining the more controversial, widely debated, and variously interpreted middle chapters, while also advocating reading Revelation in the plainest sense where possible. Jesus, in his compassion, has warned believers to prepare for his Second Coming. They are to remain faithful by upholding morals, resisting corruption, and identifying and opposing deception (false teaching), and, if necessary, enduring persecution. David unpacks Revelation's symbolism while addressing divisive subjects. Regarding the (Secret) Rapture, he argues that the book prepares believers to live through the Big Trouble (Tribulation), and adopts a pre-millennial position. Jesus promises to return to avenge the blood of the martyrs, while warning that backsliding believers will lose their place in the Book of Life and the New Jerusalem. Yet faithful overcomers will receive their inheritance. God is in control and Christians must ready themselves for Christ's return. Revelation's message is not just that “Jesus wins” but that he wants every believer to win” with him.

The end times

The end times

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (01/19/26), Hank shares on how to find a good church.Hank also answers the following questions:I started attending a new church with my son. The pastor supports the ordination of homosexuals. Should we leave? James - Pittsburgh, PA (3:20)Can you explain women praying with head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11? Lisa - OH (15:12)Why did God accept Abel's offering but not Cain's offering? Lisa - OH (17:33)Is the New Jerusalem totally new or a renovated Earth? In Genesis, was water the first thing that existed? Juanita - OH (18:21)Are all traces of the demonic births in Genesis 6 wiped off the face of the Earth, or are there still giants? Juanita - OH (22:07)Is there more than one baptism of the Holy Spirit? Leonard - Garden City, KS (24:33)

You shall be a “crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God” (Is. 62:3). The prophet Isaiah spoke these wondrous words over Jerusalem, revealing the ultimate state of this eternal city in the New Creation to come. However, Revelation 21:9 reveals that New Jerusalem, is a symbol for the eternal bride of Christ, so this title belongs to you. Such a rich revelation. Your coronation awaits!Ministry website: www.shreveministries.org Comparative religion website: www.thetruelight.net The “Catholic Project” website: www.toCatholicswithlove.org Video channel: www.YouTube.com/mikeshreveministries All audio-podcasts are shared in a video format on our YouTube channel.Get Mike Shreve's book revealing the spiritual identity of the sons and daughters of God: WHO AM I? Dynamic Declarations of Who You Are in ChristMike Shreve's other podcast Revealing the True Light—a study on comparative religion subjects, as well as mysterious or controversial biblical subjects: https://www.charismapodcastnetwork.com/show/revealingthetruelightOffice phone: 423-478-2843

Part 5. Big Trouble chapter 4 to chapter 16 David Pawson regards the book of Revelation as “probably the most important book in the New Testament for the Church to be studying right now for the very practical purpose for which it was written”, namely, to be “a manual for martyrdom”. Jesus provides encouragement to Christians facing persecution, exhorting them to endure and overcome. The book has present and future relevance for believers, and while it is addressed to the believers in the first-century AD, Jesus' words and the prophecies (some yet to be fulfilled) speak just as powerfully to Christians and the Church today. The many competing interpretations have caused confusion, particularly in relation to prophetic symbolism and the timings and nature of future events. If there are “as many riddles as there are words” here, then David demystifies and solves the book's riddle by explaining the more controversial, widely debated, and variously interpreted middle chapters, while also advocating reading Revelation in the plainest sense where possible. Jesus, in his compassion, has warned believers to prepare for his Second Coming. They are to remain faithful by upholding morals, resisting corruption, and identifying and opposing deception (false teaching), and, if necessary, enduring persecution. David unpacks Revelation's symbolism while addressing divisive subjects. Regarding the (Secret) Rapture, he argues that the book prepares believers to live through the Big Trouble (Tribulation), and adopts a pre-millennial position. Jesus promises to return to avenge the blood of the martyrs, while warning that backsliding believers will lose their place in the Book of Life and the New Jerusalem. Yet faithful overcomers will receive their inheritance. God is in control and Christians must ready themselves for Christ's return. Revelation's message is not just that “Jesus wins” but that he wants every believer to win” with him.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (01/23/26), Hank answers the following questions:What are the major fallacies of the Jehovah's Witness religion? Troy - Kansas City, KS (0:50)What about God being timeless and linear, so God the Father created the Son and through His crucifixion the Holy Spirit was given to us? Don - Kansas City, KS (4:18)How can the Lord send non-physical demons into physical pigs? Kevin - Charlotte, NC (9:03)Can you explain women praying with head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11? Lisa - OH (15:12)Why did God accept Abel's offering but not Cain's offering? Lisa - OH (17:33)Is the New Jerusalem totally new or a renovated Earth? In Genesis, was water the first thing that existed? Juanita - OH (18:21)Are all traces of the demonic births in Genesis 6 wiped off the face of the Earth, or are there still giants? Juanita - OH (22:07)Is there more than one baptism of the Holy Spirit? Leonard - Garden City, KS (24:33)  

  GET THE JANET WILLIS'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3YqWCSs Ezekiel's city and John's city:    • Ezekiel's City DESCRIBED as John's New Jer...   SUPPORT OUR FREE CONTENT: https://www.alankurschner.com/partner/ GET OUR BOOKS: https://amzn.to/43pbG6b GET OUR EMAIL UPDATES: http://eepurl.com/bCU7qT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST:    / @bibleprophecyanswers     New Creation Premillennialism: A Fresh Look at the New Jerusalem, New Heavens, and New Earth In this episode, the host introduces what he calls New Creation Premillennialism, a framework for understanding how the new heavens, new earth, and New Jerusalem relate to the millennium. The conversation centers on a newly published book by Janet Willis, titled What on Earth Is Heaven Like? The New Creation and the New Jerusalem?—a work the host calls the best Bible prophecy book written in the past year. He emphasizes his strong endorsement by noting that he personally wrote the foreword to the book and believes it offers a well-researched, biblically grounded contribution to eschatology (end-times theology). What Is “New Creation Premillennialism”? The host explains that “new creationism” is becoming more popular, but it is often expressed in different ways. He contrasts two commonly held positions with his own view. View 1: “No Historical Millennium” New Creationism One perspective he mentions is a form of millennialism that denies a historical millennial period after Christ returns. In this view, when Jesus comes back, the New Jerusalem, new earth, and new heaven are fully realized immediately—without any intervening millennium. The host notes that while this approach affirms new creation realities, it rejects a distinct future era in which Christ rules the nations on earth. View 2: Traditional Premillennial Timing After the Millennium A second view comes from more standard premillennial interpretations. Many premillennialists place the new heavens, new earth, and New Jerusalem after the millennium. In other words, Christ returns, then the millennium occurs, and only afterward do the final new creation realities arrive in full form. The Host's Position: New Creation During the Millennium The host disagrees with both approaches and proposes what he labels New Creation Premillennialism: the belief that the new heavens, new earth, and New Jerusalem are established when Jesus returns and are experienced during the millennium, not before it and not after it. For him, the millennium is not merely a transitional footnote—it is the period when the New Jerusalem descends and the renewed creation is actively integrated into Christ's Davidic reign over the nations. Why the Details Matter: “Where” and “How” We Live With the Lord Drawing from his foreword, the host highlights a pastoral and devotional motivation for studying these themes. He references Paul's teaching that believers will “always be with the Lord” (from 1 Thessalonians), and observes that many Christians are content to stop there. But he argues Scripture invites deeper understanding: Where will believers live with the Lord? How will life function? What will believers be doing? What is the relationship between God's people and the nations? To illustrate the point, he compares this future-focused study to how intensely people research temporary homes—spending hours browsing listings and visiting houses they may live in for only a few decades. If people can be that invested in short-term housing, he suggests, believers should be far more eager to explore what the Bible reveals about an eternal home with Jesus on earth. Janet Willis' Book: Three Major Contributions The host argues that Willis' book doesn't merely recycle familiar prophecy talking points. Instead, he claims it reshapes the discussion by challenging long-held assumptions and weaving biblical data into a coherent narrative of the millennial kingdom. He highlights three specific strengths.

 GET JANET WILLIS'S BOOK: https://amzn.to/3YqWCSs Ezekiel's city and John's city:    • Ezekiel's City DESCRIBED as John's New Jer…   SUPPORT OUR FREE CONTENT: https://www.alankurschner.com/partner/ GET OUR BOOKS: https://amzn.to/43pbG6b GET OUR EMAIL UPDATES: http://eepurl.com/bCU7qT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST:    / @bibleprophecyanswers   Why There Is No Temple in the New Jerusalem City This episode of Bible Prophecy Answers tackles a focused question many readers of Revelation ask: Why is there no temple inside the New Jerusalem? The host frames the discussion around Revelation 21:22, where John describes the climactic city of God's future kingdom and makes a startling observation—he “saw no temple” in the city. Rather than treating that detail as symbolic filler, the episode argues it is theologically intentional and prophetically consistent with the Old Testament, especially Ezekiel's end-times vision. From the start, the host notes that the series is exploring themes like new creationism, premillennialism, the New Heaven and New Earth, the millennium, and the New Jerusalem. The goal is not to avoid prophecy details but to interpret them carefully—“nothing more or nothing less”—because God includes details for a reason. Revelation 21:22: The Lord God and the Lamb Are the Temple The core text is Revelation 21:22, where John says the New Jerusalem contains no temple, “for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” That statement becomes the foundation for the episode's primary answer: Why no temple? Because a temple is not needed in the New Jerusalem. In the biblical storyline, a temple functions as a sacred space that mediates God's presence among His people. But in the New Jerusalem, God's presence is immediate and direct. The city does not require a separate structure to represent or localize God's dwelling, because God Himself—Father and Son—fulfills what the temple always pointed to. This interpretation highlights a major biblical theme: the movement from limited access to God's presence toward full access, culminating in the restored and permanent fellowship between God and humanity. Ezekiel's Vision Supports the “No Temple in the City” Detail A major argument in the transcript is that Ezekiel and John are not contradictory; instead, Ezekiel provides a background framework that helps explain John's description. Ezekiel separates the temple from the city The host emphasizes that Ezekiel distinguishes the temple from the city. In Ezekiel's prophetic tour, the angelic guide shows a structured sacred region that contains multiple elements in relationship—but not identical location. This matters because it supports the idea that even if a temple exists in Ezekiel's vision, it is not necessarily inside the city itself, which aligns with John seeing “no temple in it” (in the city). In other words, the “no temple” detail is not a problem to solve by dismissing Ezekiel or spiritualizing John. Instead, the episode proposes a straightforward reading: temple and city are distinct but near each other. The Holy Allotment: Ezekiel 45 and the End-Time Sacred Plateau One of the transcript's most important concepts is the Holy Allotment (referencing Ezekiel 45:1–7). Ezekiel describes a large square portion of land—notably described as being on a plateau—set apart as uniquely holy. Within this Holy Allotment, Ezekiel's vision includes both sacred and civic components. The city structure and its tribal gates Ezekiel describes a city-like structure with three gates on each side, named for the twelve tribes of Israel. This echoes the broader biblical theme of covenant identity and God's faithful restoration of His people. The host notes that the city aspect in Ezekiel often gets overshadowed by the heavy attention given to the temple measurements, but it should not—Ezekiel's city has a function, and that function ties into end-time governance and God's dwelli...

We can plan for our immediate future and we can contemplate our earthly calling, but as believers, we can't talk about our ultimate destiny without talking about heaven. This week on The Bible Study Hour, we'll learn all about the “New Jerusalem” - a city that is defined by God's presence, characterized by peace, and secured by the same one who grants us access to it - Christ himself! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111

This episode of Bible Prophecy Answers tackles a focused question many readers of Revelation ask: Why is there no temple inside the New Jerusalem? The host frames the discussion around Revelation 21:22, where John describes the climactic city of God's future kingdom and makes a startling observation—he “saw no temple” in the city. The post Why There Is No Temple INSIDE the New Jerusalem City appeared first on Bible Prophecy Answers with Alan Kurschner.

Ezekiel's City and Revelation's New Jerusalem One of the most significant theological claims highlighted is Willis' argument that Ezekiel's millennial city is the same city John describes in Revelation as the New Jerusalem. The host calls this identification crucial, because it strongly affects the timing of the city's descent and its role in the millennium. He mentions he devoted an entire previous episode to defending this connection and intends to continue expanding the argument. The post New Creation Premillennialism appeared first on Bible Prophecy Answers with Alan Kurschner.

Part 4. How is it Interpreted? David Pawson regards the book of Revelation as “probably the most important book in the New Testament for the Church to be studying right now for the very practical purpose for which it was written”, namely, to be “a manual for martyrdom”. Jesus provides encouragement to Christians facing persecution, exhorting them to endure and overcome. The book has present and future relevance for believers, and while it is addressed to the believers in the first-century AD, Jesus' words and the prophecies (some yet to be fulfilled) speak just as powerfully to Christians and the Church today. The many competing interpretations have caused confusion, particularly in relation to prophetic symbolism and the timings and nature of future events. If there are “as many riddles as there are words” here, then David demystifies and solves the book's riddle by explaining the more controversial, widely debated, and variously interpreted middle chapters, while also advocating reading Revelation in the plainest sense where possible. Jesus, in his compassion, has warned believers to prepare for his Second Coming. They are to remain faithful by upholding morals, resisting corruption, and identifying and opposing deception (false teaching), and, if necessary, enduring persecution. David unpacks Revelation's symbolism while addressing divisive subjects. Regarding the (Secret) Rapture, he argues that the book prepares believers to live through the Big Trouble (Tribulation), and adopts a pre-millennial position. Jesus promises to return to avenge the blood of the martyrs, while warning that backsliding believers will lose their place in the Book of Life and the New Jerusalem. Yet faithful overcomers will receive their inheritance. God is in control and Christians must ready themselves for Christ's return. Revelation's message is not just that “Jesus wins” but that he wants every believer to win” with him.

We can plan for our immediate future and we can contemplate our earthly calling, but as believers, we can't talk about our ultimate destiny without talking about Heaven. This week on The Bible Study Hour, we'll learn all about the “New Jerusalem” - a city that is defined by God's presence, characterized by peace, and secured by the same one who grants us access to it - Christ himself! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Revelation 21 We can plan for our immediate future and we can contemplate our earthly calling, but as believers, we can't talk about our ultimate destiny without talking about heaven. This week on The Bible Study Hour, we'll learn all about the “New Jerusalem” - a city that is defined by God's presence, characterized by peace, and secured by the same one who grants us access to it - Christ himself! 

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (01/14/26), Hank answers the following questions:Several passages in the Book of Mormon are from the Bible. How could it not be from God? Doug - Oklahoma City, OK (0:50)Why do Mormons believe they can become gods? Marty - Springdale, AR (3:52)What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Is it healing and speaking in tongues? Marty - Springdale, AR (6:07)Is the kingdom of God on Earth in the Apocalypse? New Jerusalem coming down from heaven? Tad - Louisville, KY (15:11)Is having proof necessary for genuine faith? The same type of evidence used to support the Bible can be used to support the Book of Mormon. Dennis - Orlando, FL (19:34)

Each week, Pastor Keith Foskey and is wife Jennifer answer email questions about ministry, the bible, and theology from all around the world as well as engaging with their live audience in the comments. Come join the fun! Questions and Timestamps:Any upcoming debates and question about penal substitutionary atonement 20:00Question about churches in Navarre, Florida 26:26Dealing with Social Anxiety 27:30How do you choose a text when preaching a single sermon? 37:09On the death of Scott Adams 46:10Sermon Preparation Question Regarding Commentaries 53:06How much time should a pastor take off with a new baby? 1:07:32Question about the frequency of the Lord's Supper 1:14:50Question about the First London Confession 1:27:20Thoughts on Mike Winger's issues with Calvinism 1:30:30What makes something a command in scripture? 1:44:45Question about the New Jerusalem 1:50:05What does covenant theology make of the tree of knowledge as it relates to the covenant of works? 1:54:39Support the Show: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/Yourcalvinisthttps://www.TinyBibles.comYou can get the smallest Bible available on the market, which can be used for all kinds of purposes, by visiting TinyBibles.com and when you buy, use the coupon code KEITH for a discount.Love Coffee? Want the Best? Get a free bag of Squirrelly Joe's Coffee by clicking on this link: https://www.Squirrellyjoes.com/yourcalvinistor use coupon code "Keith" for 20% off anything in the storeDominion Wealth Strategies Visit them at https://www.dominionwealthstrategists.comhttp://www.Reformed.Moneyand let them know we sent you! Spiraling Impressions — Custom Stickers — Facebook: Spiraling Impressions Website: spiralingimpressions.com.COUPON CODE: YourCalvinist (gets 10% 0ff)https://www.HighCallingFitness.comHealth, training, and nutrition coaching all delivered to you online by confessionally reformed bodybuilders and strength athletes.Visit us at https://www.KeithFoskey.comIf you need a great website, check out https://www.fellowshipstudios.com

The Destruction of the Temple (Mark 13) Culture of Gospel Share this with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus Jesus didn't predict the end of the world to scare people—He predicted the collapse of a broken religious system to invite the world into something better. When everything people trusted fell apart, Jesus was revealed as trustworthy, alive, and open to all who would follow Him. Big Idea of the Message Coleton's central aim is clarity: Jesus is not predicting the end of the world in Mark 13, but the end of Jerusalem's temple-centered way of life. When people misunderstand passages like this, they tend to get fearful, obsessive, or strange. Jesus' goal, however, is not panic—but faithfulness. Introduction: Why End-Times Passages Make People Weird Coleton begins by showing how historically, Christians (and quasi-Christians) have often reacted badly to apocalyptic passages: Historical Examples of people acting weird about end time's theology: Münster, Germany (1534) – Anabaptists declared the city the New Jerusalem, enforced polygamy, abolished private property, and executed dissenters. Skoptsy (18th–19th century Russia) – Believed sexual desire was tied to the Antichrist; practiced self-mutilation. Heaven's Gate (1997) – 39 people committed suicide believing a UFO would usher them into salvation. Harold Camping (1994, 2011) – Predicted rapture dates; people sold homes, quit jobs, stopped medical care. Coleton's Point: “Passages like the one we just read lead people—especially Christians—to get weird and do weird stuff.” What's striking is that the disciples didn't react this way. Jesus' original audience didn't panic, speculate, or obsess. That tells us we're probably misunderstanding something when we do. What Is Jesus Actually Doing? (Mark 13:1–2) Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple Mark 13:2 – “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Coleton explains that Jesus is not talking about the end of the universe, but the coming destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. Why the Temple Matters The Temple was meant to lead people to God Jesus cleansed it and called it back to its purpose The leaders rejected Jesus—and therefore rejected God Himself Conclusion:  Because the Temple no longer served its God-given purpose, it would be judged and removed. When Will This Happen? – Part 1 (Mark 13:4–13) What Happens Before the Destruction The disciples ask when this will happen. Jesus responds with signs—not of immediacy, but of delay. Mark 13:7 – “Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” Key Points Coleton Highlights This will not happen immediately Followers of Jesus will face persecution The gospel must be preached to all nations Important Clarification:  “All nations” does not mean every modern country—it refers to the Roman world. This was fulfilled when Paul brought the gospel to Rome (AD 60–61). Application Jesus Gives: “Stand firm. Be patient.” When Will This Happen? – Part 2 (Mark 13:14–23) The Abomination That Causes Desolation Mark 13:14 – “When you see the abomination that causes desolation… then flee.” Coleton explains this phrase using Daniel 11–12 and historical context. Scholarly Insight “The ‘desolating abomination' refers to pagan powers invading Jerusalem, stopping Temple worship, and committing sacrilege.”  — N.T. Wright Historical Fulfillment (AD 66–70) Zealots occupied the Temple Murder occurred inside the Holy of Holies A clownish figure, Phanni, was installed as High Priest William Lane:  “These acts of sacrilege likely signaled to Jewish Christians that Jesus' warning had come true—and they fled.” Meanwhile, false messiahs arose promising miraculous deliverance. Some stayed and believed them. That decision proved fatal. N.T. Wright:  “More Jews were killed by other Jews than by the Romans.” Outcome #1: The End of Their World (Mark 13:24–25) “The sun will be darkened… the stars will fall…” Coleton emphasizes this is Old Testament judgment language, not cosmic destruction. Biblical Background Isaiah 13; 34 – Used similar imagery to describe the fall of nations, not the universe Mark Strauss & N.T. Wright:  “This is not the end of the world—but the end of their world.” What Ended? Temple sacrifices Priesthood Festivals and pilgrimages The entire religious system Israel had known for 2,000 years Coleton compares it to losing power permanently—not a temporary outage, but a total restructuring of life. Outcome #2: Jesus Is Vindicated (Mark 13:26) “They will see the Son of Man coming in clouds…” This comes from Daniel 7, and Coleton stresses: This is not Jesus' second coming to earth  It is Jesus being vindicated—proved right and enthroned by God N.T. Wright:  “This is about Jesus' triumph after suffering—not His return.” The Temple fell.  Jesus rose.  The rejected stone became the cornerstone. Outcome #3: God's People Expand to the Nations (Mark 13:27) The Temple excluded Gentiles. Jesus includes them. Inscription on the Temple wall:  “Any foreigner who enters… will have himself to blame for his death.” But now: Ephesians 2:14–21 –  “Jesus has destroyed the dividing wall… creating one new humanity.” What the Temple couldn't do, Jesus did.  God's presence is no longer confined to a building—but embodied in His people. Final Teaching: What Do We Do Now? (Mark 13:28–37) “Keep watch. Stay alert.” Jesus tells them: It will happen in this generation (fulfilled in AD 70) No one knows the exact day Don't speculate—be faithful Final Applications from Coleton 1. Don't Be Weird About the End Times The disciples didn't: Predict dates Panic at disasters Follow false prophets Obsess over signs Because Jesus told them not to. 2. Be Bold in Sharing Jesus Knowing judgment was coming didn't lead the early church to despair—it led them to mission. 3. Stay Faithful They lived visibly transformed lives. Alan Kreider:  “Christianity's truth was visible because it was embodied.” People weren't drawn by fear—but by love. Final Summary Jesus predicted the fall of a broken system that rejected Him—and history proved Him right. The Temple fell, Jesus was vindicated, and God's family expanded to the world. So don't panic, don't speculate, and don't get weird—stay faithful, love boldly, and trust Jesus.

 GET JANET WILLIS' BOOK: https://amzn.to/3YqWCSs SUPPORT OUR FREE CONTENT: https://www.alankurschner.com/partner/ GET OUR BOOKS: https://amzn.to/43pbG6b GET OUR EMAIL UPDATES: http://eepurl.com/bCU7qT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST: / @bibleprophecyanswers GO TO OUR WEBSITE: https://www.BibleProphecyAnswers.com/ DESCRIPTION: Ezekiel's City and John's New Jerusalem: Biblical Prophecy Explained Discover the striking parallels between Ezekiel's millennial city and John's New Jerusalem in this in-depth biblical prophecy analysis. This episode explores why God chose Jerusalem as His eternal dwelling place and what the prophets reveal about the future city. Topics Covered: Ezekiel's millennial city vs. John's New Jerusalem New Creation Premillennialism explained Biblical evidence for Jerusalem's eternal significance Zechariah's Plateau and geographical prophecy Detailed comparisons of Ezekiel 40-48 and Revelation 21-22 Why predictive prophecy matters The 12 gates, square base, and architectural parallels Recommended Reading: "What on Earth Is Heaven? Like The New Creation and the New Jerusalem" by Janet Willis Available on Amazon: [link] Key Scripture References: 2 Chronicles 6:6 | Psalm 132:13-14 | Jeremiah 30-31 | Zechariah 14:10-11 | Ezekiel 40-48 | Revelation 21-22 The episode's central argument compares two prophetic visions with remarkable parallels: Both Ezekiel and John were transported to the future by angelic guides Both received detailed measurements via measuring rods Both witnessed a square-based city with twelve gates (three on each side) Both identified the city as holy and as God's throne Both emphasized the city's perpetual significance Neither city contained a temple Ezekiel describes the city in chapters 40-48, while John's vision appears in Revelation 21-22. The identical architectural details—square base, twelve gates with tribal names, holy designation, and God's throne—strongly suggest they describe the same physical location. Emphasis on Literal Interpretation The speaker stresses trusting the biblical text literally rather than spiritualizing prophetic details. He critiques amillennialists, preterists, and reformed theologians who struggle with Zechariah 14's specificity, noting they attempt to allegorize clear geographical language. The speaker advocates for accepting God's prophetic word at face value, trusting the text's plain meaning rather than conforming it to theological systems. The episode concludes by previewing future discussions about why the New Jerusalem contains no temple, inviting deeper exploration of this remarkable prophecy. https://www.alankurschner.com/partner/

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Revelation 21 John sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth have passed away. The holy city, the new Jerusalem, comes down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride for her husband. A loud voice declares that God now dwells with His people. He will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. God declares, “I am making everything new.” He promises the water of life to the thirsty and an inheritance to the faithful. The cowardly and wicked will face the second death. An angel shows John the radiant beauty of the new Jerusalem, with its gates, foundations, and streets of gold. God's presence fills the city, and the Lamb is the lamp that illuminates all things.   God reveals a future filled with beauty, peace, and unshakable hope. The new heaven and new earth will be free from death, sorrow, pain, and tears. God Himself will live among His people, restoring perfect fellowship. This promise is not only a future hope but a present call to live with purpose. We are to seek holiness, love truth, and walk in faithfulness. Jesus is the one who makes all things new and offers the water of life to the thirsty. Our identity, hope, and future are found in Him. While the world around us may fade, His promises remain. Let us live as people of the new creation, trusting God's word and preparing our hearts for eternity in His presence.  Exalted God, we praise You for the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where You will dwell with Your people forever. Thank You for wiping away every tear and ending pain, sorrow, and death. Help us live with hope and holiness as we look forward to that day. We thank You for Christ, the Lamb who made this future possible through His sacrifice. He is our light and our life. Keep our hearts focused on what is eternal. Teach us to live each day in joyful anticipation, faithful to Your call and free from destructive sinfulness.  Thought Questions: Whether the New Jerusalem is the present church or the eternal heaven, what kind of people will never be allowed into it? If you want to be the bride of the Lamb in the glorious city, what are the moral and faithful choices you need to be making today? What do you imagine it will be like to live in a place where the illuminated Lamb replaces the sun? How can such images motivate you to faith?

Today's Scripture passages are Proverbs 6:12-19 | Daniel 12:5-13 | Joel 3 | Revelation 21:9 - Revelation 22.Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.