The Bible frequently uses a particular word—one so important that if we miss its point, we neglect one of the greatest blessings God ever offered. The ramifications are enormous—”to reject it leads either to sadness or to wrath.”*
*J.R.R. Tolkien
Tag: #hellenization
“The 1st Woe: Demons from the Abyss”
The ‘Abyss’—what is it? Where is it? And why are demons terrified of it? Even more, who frees its demons to run amok and who will—and won’t—be tormented by them? Big questions with big answers from Revelation 9.
“The Wrath Escalates”
When Jesus breaks the 7th seal, trumpets begin to blow—and with each blast God’s wrath intensifies. And it’s still just the beginning. It’s coming, and no one can stop it—so what do we do while we wait, and is there an escape-clause?
“Tribulation Saints: Death is not Defeat”
What about the people who ‘come to Jesus’ when God’s Wrath is unleashed on the world—why are they killed, how do they die, and what becomes of them in heaven? The lessons to us living today are huge…
“The 144,000—Who Are These Guys?”
There’s been plenty of controversy surrounding the 144,000 in Revelation 7—here are a few solid answers (and a provocation or two).
“Antichrist: The Ultimate Antisemite”
When Jesus breaks the 5th seal, a strange group of people appear under an alter in heaven. Who are they? More than that—who killed them, and what will God to do about it? Amazing revelations of the past, the future and eternity are popping here…
“The 4 Horsemen: The Wrath Begins”
The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse—they’re widely known, but little understood—that is, until we see them through ancient eyes where The Wrath takes on fearsome new dimensions. It’s coming—so what do we do now? Red alert…
“The Great Tribulation: It Begins”
‘The Great Tribulation’—Daniel’s ’70th Week’—where does it begin, and how? The answer is in Revelation 5, and it’s shockingly simple…
“The Four Living Creatures: Marvelous or Monstrous?”
The ‘Four Living Creatures’ around God’s throne—what are they? Even more—what do they have to say to us today? One thing is sure—it’s bigger than anyone could imagine… (Rev. 4:6-11)
“Postcards from the Throne of God”
The End of the World launches at the Throne of God, and those mysterious twenty-four ‘Elders’ have everything to do with it. Who are they? Why are they there? More than that—what does any of this have to do with the Lord’s Prayer? Much indeed…! (Rev. 4:3-6a)
“Throne of God: Centerpoint of the Cosmos”
The End of the World will begin at the Throne of God, and Jesus showed John what must happen—but he saw more than he could possibly imagine. Us, too—but Jesus dares us to try… (Revelation 4:1-3)
“Sardis: Mediocrity and the Death of a Church” (Rev. 3:1-6)
Prosperous, secure, entitled, mediocre, dead. The church at Sardis was all of that—and though they were the ‘body of Christ’, Jesus told them they were no better than a corpse. I wonder what He would say to the churches today…? Fasten your seat belts…
“To the Church at Thyatira: A Ultimatum”
The Church at Thyatira ‘tolerated’ a prophetess who fostered idolatry among them—after all, how could Jesus have a problem with that—it’s such a small thing and it makes the people happy. The church, however, belonged to Jesus, and He had other ideas about such things—things that sound painfully like an ultimatum to the church today. (Rev. 2:18-29)
‘The Church in Pergamum: Beware When Jesus Says “But…”
The Church in Pergamum was exceptionally faithful to Jesus, but they were also corrupt due to some really bad ideas. Jesus was faithful to them, too—and He rebuked them in order to bless them—along with the rest of the world…
“The Church in Smyrna: Standing for an Uncertain Future””
Jesus told the Church in Smyrna they would suffer, be slandered and dragged to the brink of death—and that He would be with them the whole time. After all, He’d already been down that road before. A great message for those questioning if standing for Jesus is really worth it…
“To the Church at Ephesus: No Love, No Church”
According to Jesus Himself, there is a single qualification to be one of His churches—and considering Who set this standard and from where He said it, every church should stand and listen—or tremble… [Rev. 1:12-2:7]
“The Resurrected: Infinite Humanity”
In the history of the world, only a single individual ever died and came back to life never to die again—a man who beat the menacing fate afflicting all people everywhere—death—just one man who became everything the world ever needed to bring genuine hope for life. And we get to be just like Him forever—but what will that be like? Here’s one of the most mind-blowing messages you may ever hear… [Rev. 1:9-18]
“Loves Us, Freed Us, Crowned Us” (Rev. 1:5-8)
John, Revelation’s scribe, was overwhelmed the moment he began to write it down—and his amazement is highly contagious. A Palm Sunday message from the pages of Revelation. The blessings just keep coming… (Rev. 1:5-8)
“The People Who Can Understand Revelation”
Who can understand Revelation? The answer will surprise you—because you’re part of it. Even more amazing are the blessings that come to those who read it and do what it says— and it’s not even difficult. Grace and peace to you…
“Revelation in a Nutshell” (Chapters 1-22)
What is Revelation all about? Here’s the whole Book—from first to last—in a single message—a great signpost warning us of the approaching wrath of God and the return of the King. Fasten your seatbelts…
“Revelation—Why We Studied Daniel” (Introduction)
Revelation is considered one of the most difficult parts of the Bible, when in fact, a child could understand it. Here is a vital and powerful introduction to this amazing, final book in the Bible. You will be blessed—The Book says so…!
“The Future Daniel Never Saw”
God gave Daniel vast visions of the future, but He didn’t show him everything—and Daniel desperately wanted to know. What was God hiding—and why? The answer is huge, and we need it today. (Daniel 12:7-8)
“Light of the Last Days” (With an important Prophecy Update)
Who are ‘the wise’ in God’s estimation? What does it mean to ‘shine like the stars’ in a dark world—and what does that look like when it happens? An important message for people living in the Last Days (that would be you…) (Daniel 12:3-4)
“Where Will You Be at the End of the World?”
In one little verse Daniel summarizes the fate of the world, the origin of the Rapture and the whole reason Believers believe. Sadly, this greatest end-times event is often preached in whispers and received with rolled eyes, even though it’s the shining jewell of the salvation message. Don’t miss this one—you’ll be blessed—and moved.
“Reasons for the Wrath” (Daniel 12, PART 2)
The Great Tribulation is coming—but why? Is it because God is a mean, angry God, or does humanity actually deserve it? The answer is clear—and it’s shockingly wonderful. (Daniel 12:1-3, PART 2)
“The Great Tribulation: The Worst Days of Planet Earth” (Daniel 12, Part 1)
The Great Tribulation is coming—the most terrible days the world will ever endure are on the way. But why? And what about those destined to endure the horrors—some of them God’s very own people? What is God thinking? So glad He told Daniel…!
“Tomorrow’s News: What Moves You?”
A powerful study of Daniel’s prophecy of the Great Tribulation at the world’s end. But why did God reveal this to humanity? For us to be informed? Or is it for a much greater purpose? (Daniel 11, PART 4)
“Tomorrow’s News: The Devil’s Endgame”
God gave Daniel a glimpse of the “times of the end”, to be passed along to the Jewish people, and eventually to us. It’s among the most vivid and frightening pictures of the coming antichrist’s devastating impact on our future world—with the price of nonchalance too terrible ignore. (Daniel 11, PART 3)
“Tomorrow’s News: Israel and the Antichrist” (Daniel 11, PART 2)
Of the 135 prophesies in Daniel 11, most were precisely fulfilled over 2100 years ago. But a few remain—by far the most chilling—reserved for the end of history as we know it. Why did God revealed these events? The answer is electrifying—and a blessing. (Part 2)
“A Look Back at Tomorrow’s News” (Daniel 11, PART 1)
God revealed a 135 precise predictions to Daniel that came to pass over 2000 years ago—still, hundreds of years after Daniel’s lifetime. Certainly among the most spectacular prophecies in the Bible—and the most telling. Why God revealed these events is even more interesting—and inspiring. (Part 1)
“Spiritual War and the Fate of America” (Daniel 10, PART 2)
What’s happening in America—in the world for that matter— is far more than a culture war—it’s the symptom of a dangerous conflict between holy angels and the demons of hell fought in another dimension of reality—happening now—happening all around us. The question is, what can be done about it? This message is riveting study that unmasks perhaps the church’s greatest strength—and weakness.
“Daniel’s 70th Week: Abomination in The Tribulation Temple” (Daniel 9, PART 5)
Prophecy Update: In Bible prophecy, numbers are language—God uses them to simplify what He wants us to “know and understand”. So—what about those “70 weeks” that Gabriel told Daniel? Simple, terrifying, glorious. Much more than about the “70 weeks”—this update might leave you breathless…!
Special Audio Supplement (below): Daniel prophesied that in the Last Days the Jewish Temple would be rebuilt—but where? The Jews are intent on putting it back on the Temple Mount—which could cause another world war. Today, however, many Christians say that history got it wrong—that the original site was elsewhere and the Temple Mount was actually the Roman Antonia Fortress. Here are my thoughts on the controversy (read from Pastor Jay’s essay, The Controversy of the Jewish Temple Location, which you can also read HERE).
“Specter of the Antichrist” (Daniel 8, PART 2)
(PART 2) Before Jesus returns, the Bible says the Antichrist will ravage the world. But the Bible also tells us what he’s like in specific terms—that he’s a master deceiver and that God doesn’t want the world—or the Jewish people—to confuse this ‘Beast’ with His Son. And Daniel’s visions are the key… (Includes Afghanistan-in-Prophecy update)
“Shadow of the Antichrist” (Daniel 8, PART 1)
Before Jesus returns, the Antichrist will afflict the world—the Bible says so. But the Bible also tells us what he’s like in specific terms—that he’s a master deceiver and that God doesn’t want the world—or the Jewish people—to confuse this ‘Beast’ with His Son. And Daniel’s visions are the key…
“God and Monsters: Destruction of the 4th Beast” PART 3
To understand the Book of Revelation, the Antichrist and the Return of Jesus Christ, you need to understand the Book of Daniel. This message is a thrill-ride through the most terrifying parts of the end of the world. Fasten your seatbelts…!
“God and Monsters: What is The Son of Man?” PART 2
Why did Jesus refer to himself as the “Son of Man”? Daniel tells us—and the Gospels and Jesus shine in a whole new light. Why is this important? It points to the judgment of the Antichrist by the True Christ. (Daniel 7, Part 2) [Edited]
“Daniel’s Night at the Zoo” (PART 2)
Daniel was a man who couldn’t be cancelled—and for good reason. Who knows? —for the same reasons people thousands of years from now may be praising God for you, too…
“Daniel’s Night at the Zoo” (Part 1)
A mighty king was tricked into condemning Daniel for doing what he did every day for last 70 years—praying to God and living a life of integrity. It was politics it its most insidious and lethal—until God showed up again. The lessons here are life-altering and powerful—and more relevant than ever. Listen carefully… Pastor Jay | Daniel 6, Part 1
“What Would God Write on Your Wall?”
God loves us, but He won’t be trifled with. In Belshazzar’s case, God put it in writing—and that same night both Belshazzar and Babylon fell. The question now is what would He write to us? Pastor Jay McCarl | Daniel 5
“Descent into the Madness of Pride”
A message in Nebuchadnezzar’s own words… | Pastor Jay McCarl | Daniel 4
“Servant Messiah” (Pastor Brit)
Another fantastic message by Pastor Brit Grim. Enjoy! | Isaiah 42:1-13
“In the Furnace: When God Ordains Suffering”
Pastor Jay McCarl | Daniel 2:46-3:30 | Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were facing immediate, brutal execution. God could have stopped it, but let it proceed instead. Then Jesus stepped in…
“Vision of the World’s End”
Pastor Jay McCarl | Daniel 2:22-46 | Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dream was a vision of the world’s political future—and his own; and though he didn’t like it, he discovered the God of the universe—Who, to his surprise, had already discovered him…
“Nebuchadnezzar’s Nightmare”
Pastor Jay McCarl | Daniel 2:1-23 | God wants to heard and clearly understood—so He gave Nebuchadnezzar a nightmare that could only be answered by a young captive from Judah. God uses the smallest people to broadcast His intentions—even to a very dangerous king…
“God Just Rang Your Bell”
Pastor Jay McCarl | Daniel 1:11-21 | In their futile attempt to assimilate four young Jews, Babylon rang a bell that still resounds today. God arranged the whole thing, of course—and He’s doing it with you, too—right now. Here’s how…
“The Fall of the Cancel Culture”
Pastor Jay McCarl | Daniel 1:3-16 | For thousands of years, many have tried to cancel God, His Word and His people—but they only grow more memorable in the fray. Here’s why the ‘cancel culture’ has always failed…
“The Coming Christian Catastrophe”
Pastor Jay McCarl | Daniel 1:1-2 | The events that brought disaster upon Judah in Daniel’s time are being repeated today—and Daniel’s Book stands as a warning—perhaps an indictment—of the 21st century church…
“Another Fine Mess” (Book of Daniel Introduction)
Pastor Jay McCarl | Deut. 28, 2 Kings 24-25 | The tragic story of a disaster that led to a tremendous cure for God’s people…
“Therefore—What Are You Here For?”
Pastor Brit Grim | Galatians 6:1-16 | You gotta hear this one…
“For Those Who Can’t Walk on Water”
Pastor Jay McCarl | Acts 27 | Paul got shipwrecked three times yet never once walked on water. What about that—and why can’t we when our ships go down?