"Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." - Max Lucado

In this episode, Johan starts by taking a moment to prepare his listeners' hearts and minds to receive what God has for them. He invites them to find a quiet space, free from distractions, and to take a deep breath, giving the Lord their worries, fears, and distractions. He then leads them in prayer, asking that God would speak through his word and reveal more about himself to them.

Johan then turns to Revelation 8 to 13, and reads aloud from the passage. As he reads, he encourages his listeners to engage with the Lord in what he's saying in the passage, and to later list the things that they've heard from him. He then highlights one thing that stands out to him in the passage: the absolute sovereignty of God.

He notes that even in the midst of devastating and awe-inspiring events triggered by an angel's action, God is not only in control of these events, but He is also using them to accomplish His purposes. And even in the midst of judgment, there is a redemptive purpose at work. Johan takes away from the passage that we can be assured that God is in control, and that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, we can trust that He is working all things together for our good and that His plans and purposes will ultimately prevail.

Johan then encourages his listeners to read the passage on their own and ask the Lord to reveal his heart to them. He reminds them that the Beholding podcast is a canvas, and the painting is an ever-expanding portrait of Jesus. He invites them to come with him on this long journey endeavoring to find out what God is like using the Scriptures as his roadmap.

In this episode of Beholding, Johan invites his listeners to take the time to behold God together, to engage with His word, and to allow Him to reveal more about Himself to them. It's a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos, we can trust in God's sovereignty and know that His plans and purposes will ultimately prevail."

Visit: https://beholding.ca

Hey everyone, Welcome to Beholding, I am Johan and I am so happy you joined me. 

 Before we get into the good stuff let’s get all the info out of the way so that at the end of this podcast you can use that time to connect with the Lord’s heart without distractions.

First of all, follow, share the podcast…all those nice things that help spread the word

You can support my ministry as well as the podcast by heading over to beholding.ca

Last episode we read through the beautiful prophesy at the end of Revelation 7. About the over-comers and those that came out of the tribulation. God wipes every tear from their eyes and washes their robes in white to come and serve Him day and night in the temple.

This week we move on to Revelation 8 where we wrap up the discourse on the 7 seal judgments. 

So here we go Revelation 8:1-5

The Passage

When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, 4 and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. 5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings,[a] flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

The List:

1. He is The Lamb 

2. (the lamb) opens the seventh seal

3. There are moments of silence in heaven 

4. There is a measurement of time in heaven

5. There are seven angels that stand before God

6. The Lord distributes trumpets to his angels

7. There is an angel with a censor before the altar 

8. That angel uses the censor to offer our prayers as incense to God

9. Our prayers rise like incense and smoke before God 

10. There is fire on the heavenly altar

11. He assigns an angel to throw fiery judgements to the earth 

12. Our prayers stir up the Lord to release judgments

You are the Lamb 

You (the lamb) open the seventh seal

There are seven angels that stand before you

You distribute trumpets to his angels

You place an angel with a censor before the altar 

That angel uses the censor to offer our prayers as incense to you

Our prayers rise like incense and smoke before you

There is fire on your heavenly altar

You assign angels to throw fiery judgements to the earth 

Our prayers stir up your heart to release judgments

Last week we were in the second session of Revelation 7. We read about the multitude before His throne, the diversity of people worshiping before Him from every nation, tribe, tongue. This week we finish off Revelation 7 with verses 13-17

The Passage

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

“Therefore they are before the throne of God,

    and serve him day and night in his temple;

    and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;

    the sun shall not strike them,

    nor any scorching heat.

For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,

    and he will guide them to springs of living water,

and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

The List

1. He allows the elders initiate conversation
2. The great multitude that is before his throne from every tribe, tongue and nation are the ones that have come out of the great tribulation
3. He washes those from the tribulation in his blood
4. Those he washes in blood makes them white and pure
5. Those who come out of the great tribulation have the privilege of being before His throne, serving God day and night in the heavenly temple
6. He shelters the overcomers with his presence
7. Those who came out of the tribulation shall no longer hunger thirst or be struck by the scorching sun
8. The lamb is in the midst of the throne
9. The lamb will shepard those that came out of the great tribulation
10. The lamb will guide the overcomers to the springs of living water
11. God will wipe away every tear from the eyes of those that came out of the tribulation

The Declarations

You allow the elders initiate conversation before your throne

Those who came out of tribulation are before your throne

You wash those from the tribulation in your blood

Your washing blood makes us white and pure

Those who come out of the great tribulation have the privilege of being before your throne, serving you day and night in the heavenly temple

You shelter the overcomers with your presence

Those who came out of the tribulation shall no longer hunger thirst or be struck by the scorching sun

You are the lamb and you are in the midst of the throne

You, the lamb will shepard those that came out of the great tribulation

You, the lamb will guide the overcomers to the springs of living water

You will wipe away every tear from the eyes of those that came out of the tribulation

Submit feedback or content: 

website: beholding.ca

email: johan@beholding.ca

Last week we began going through Revelation 7 and how the Lord will seal 144,000 Jewish believers from each tribe and nation. This week we continue in the same passge moving to verse 9-12

The Passage

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 7:9-12 (ESV)

The List

1. There is a huge multitude of humans before his throne (he likes humans close to him)
2. Heaven is multicultural He wants people before him that are froml every nation, tribe, people, and language
3. He clothes those before him in white robes
4. Those before him have palm branches
5. The multitude before him all cry out in a loud voice “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb”
6. Salvation belongs to Him
7. He sits on the throne
8. He is the Lamb
9. There are angels standing around his throne
10. There are elders around his throne
11. There are four living creatures around his throne
12. The angels, elders and creatures fall on thier faces before Him
13. The angels, elders and creatures say, ““Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
14. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might is attributed to God forever

The Declarations

There is a huge multitude of humans before your throne - You like humans close to you

Heaven is multicultural. You want people before you that are from every nation, tribe, people, and language

You clothe those before you in white robes

Those before you have palm branches (like the great procession)

The multitude before you all cry out in a loud voice “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb”

Salvation belongs to you

You sit on the throne

You are the Lamb

There are angels standing around your throne

There are elders around your throne

There are four living creatures around your throne

The angels, elders and creatures fall on their faces before you

The angels, elders and creatures say to you, ““Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might is attributed to you forever

Submit feedback or content: 

website: beholding.ca 

email: johan@beholding.ca

The God of Israel is sometimes a God who hides Himself, but never a God who absents Himself; sometimes in the dark, but never at a distance. -Matthew Henry

Last week we touched on the 5th and 6th seal judgements. We see God’s sovereignty over the sky and it’s hosts. We know there will be a number of martyrs crying out for the Lord to avenge the shedding of their blood. And he responds, he is stirred by this and it is manifested in his end time judgements. This week move along in this great end-time story line as we read about the 144,000 sealed jewish believers. In Revelation 7:1-8

The Passage

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:

12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed,

12,000 from the tribe of Reuben,

12,000 from the tribe of Gad,

12,000 from the tribe of Asher,

12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,

12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh, 

12,000 from the tribe of Simeon,

12,000 from the tribe of Levi,

12,000 from the tribe of Issachar,

12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,

12,000 from the tribe of Joseph,

12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.

The List:

1. You assign four angels to hold back the four winds and to harm the earth and sea You dispatch an angel with the seal of the living God from the sun to instruct the four angels holding back the four winds
2. There is a seal of the living God 
3. The angel with the seal has a loud voice
4. The angel with the seal instructs the four angels with power to not harm the earth or sea, or trees until God seals 144,000 jewish believers
5. He will put a seal on foreheads
6. God will seal and protect 144,000 jewish believers from each tribe of Israel

The Declarations:

You assign angels for your end time purposes

You will assign angels to bring harm to the earth and sea as part of your plan

You will send angels to hold back the wind from blowing on the earth

You are the living God, and you have a seal with that name on it that you give to jewish believers

You dispatch an angel from the sun to instruct the four angels

You make assignments and involve angels in the process

You give angels loud voices

You will seal and bring divine protection to 144,000 jewish believers from each historic tribe.

The fact is you cannot talk about the love of God. The love of God has no meaning whatsoever unless you understand the judgment of God that all of us deserve. -Robert Jeffress

Last week we began going through the 7 seal judgements of God, the unveiling of God’s battle plan and the riders of the 4 horses. We got through the first four seals which we read were announced by the four living creatures. This week we get the next two seal judgements and then a break in judgments found in Revelation 6:9-17

The Passage

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. Revelation 6:9-17

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

The List:

1. There are souls of martyrs under the altar in heaven
2. The fifth seal releases intercession in heaven crying out for justice through those that have been martyred
3. He gives white robes to those that have been martyred
4. He is sovereign
5. He is holy and true
6. The shedding of blood for His sake stirs up his heart
7. God allows and knows how many are going to be killed for the witness of the gospel
8. There is a tipping point of the number of saints he will allow to be martyred
9. He uses earthquakes as a means of judgment
10. He will darken the sun
11. He will cause the moon to be blood red
12. He will cause stars (also translated asteroids) to fall from the sky
13. He causes the sky to roll up like a scroll 
14. He will cause mountains and Islands to be removed from their place
15. His judgements will strike fear into the hearts of leaders and people of influence in all streams of society
16. His judgments are so great that unbelievers will cry out for death to come upon them
17. His judgements seem unbearable to unbelievers

The Declarations:

You have a space under your altar where the martyrs dwell in heaven

Your judgements cause intercession of the martyrs in heaven

You give those who have been killed for your sake a white robe

Those that are martyred declare your sovereignty 

Those that are martyred declare you holy and true (and we agree)

The shedding of the blood of your saints stirs up your heart, you respond

You know every person, the perfect amount of those that are to be slain for your sake

You have a number of martyrs in mind before you avenge their blood

You bring earthquakes as a form of judgment on the earth

You have authority over the sun, stars and everything in the sky, you will cause fearful things to happen in the sky in the day of judgement

You will remove mountains and Islands from their place

Your judgements will strike fear into the hearts of leaders and people of influence in all streams of society

Your judgments are so great that unbelievers will cry out for death to come upon them

Your judgements seem unbearable to unbelievers

Submit feedback or content: 

website: beholding.ca 

email: johan@beholding.ca

― N.T. Wright

Last week we finished up Revelation 5 where all of the created order shouted out the worthiness of Jesus and the slain lamb. This week we move on to Revelation 6, the seven seals. We must remember that the book of Revelation is about revealing Jesus, so hard or easy passages…they should all lead to us knowing the son better than we do. Here in Revelation 6 I like how Mike Bickle describes this as Jesus battle plan. With all the chaos and things that could be deemed scary, we know the end of the story, Jesus wins. And may he do what he needs to do to accomplish that purpose. We will start with Revelation 6:1-8

The Passage

Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.

When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.

When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius,and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!”

When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.

The List:

1. The lamb is the one opening the seven seal judgements on the earth
2. He assigns one of the four living creatures to announce the first judgment
3. He gives authority (a crown) to this rider on a white horse with a bow to conquer (Anti-Christ’s Politcal aggression)
4. He assigns another one of the four living creatures to announce the second judgment
5. He gives permission to the rider on the red horse to take peace from the earth (war, world war)
6. He assigns another one of the four living creatures to announce the third seal judgment
7. The rider on the black horse with scales in his hand brings economic crisis and famine
8. He assigns the fourth living creature to announce the fourth seal judgment
9. The rider on the pale horse whose name Death and Hades followed with him was given power to kill ¼ of the earth’s population with swords, hunger and beasts.

The Declarations:

Jesus you are the slain lamb that is opening the seals on the scroll and releasing judements

You assign one of the living creatures to announce the first seal

You will give authority (a crown) to this rider on a white horse with a bow to conquer

You assign the second living creature to announce the second judgment

You will give permission to the rider on the red horse to take peace from the earth (war, world war)

You assign a third living creature to announce the third seal judgment

You allow rider on the black horse bring economic crisis and famine

You assign the fourth living creature to announce the fourth seal judgment

You permit the rider on the pale horse to kill ¼ of the earth’s population with swords, hunger and beasts.

Submit feedback or content: 

website: beholding.ca 

email: johan@beholding.ca

Last week we read about the slain lamb that ransomed a people for God. This week we continue on with this story line in Revelation 5:11-14

The Passage

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever”

And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

The List:

1. The voices of thousands upon thousands of angels are around your throne
2. The angels speak in a loud voice and say the same thing
3. The angels call the slain lamb worthy to receive the following…and therefore we agree that He is worthy:
4. To receive power
5. To receive wealth
6. To receive wisdom
7. To receive might
8. To receive honor
9. To receive glory
10. To receive blessing
11. Every creature in all of created order will declare, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever”
12. The four living creatures say “Amen” (Let it be so) in response to this
13. The Elders in heaven fall down and worship Him

The Declarations:

There are thousands upon thousands of angels around your throne

The angels shout in loud voices

The angels that are forever in your presence declare the slain lamb to receive many things and we agree that you are worthy to recieve

All power

All wealth

All wisdom

All might

All honor

All glory

All blessing

Every creature in all of created order will declare to you the lamb who is sitting on the throne…be blessing glory and might forever and ever.

The four living creatures who speak night and day of your holiness agree

The elders respond in worship, falling at your feet

Submit feedback or content: 

website: beholding.ca 

email: johan@beholding.ca

- John Newton

Last week we started in Revelation 5, and we read about Jesus being the only one worthy in all of created order to open the sealed scroll. This week we continue on that same story line of the scroll in Revelation 5:9-11 and we seek to find out what God reveals about himself in this passage.

The Passage

 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll

  and to open its seals,

for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God

  from every tribe and language and people and nation, 

and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

  and they shall reign on the earth.”

The List:

1. There is a slain Lamb standing between the throne and the four living creatures
2. The lamb has seven horns and seven eyes (representative of the seven spirits of God)
3. There are seven spirits of God
4. The Seven spirits of God are sent out to the whole earth
5. The lamb is able to take the scroll from the one on the throne
6. The four living creatures and 24 elders bow before the lamb
7. The four living creatures and 24 elders are musical, having harps and singing
8. The four living creatures and 24 elders hold golden bowls of incense that represent the prayers of the saints
9. The four living creatures and 24 elders are songwriters and sing in heaven
10. The lamb is worthy to take the scroll and open the seals
11. The lamb was slain and ransomed people for God 
12. The lamb’s people are from every tribe tongue, people and nation
13. The lamb has made people, priests to God
14. He will people kingship

The Declarations:

You stand between the throne and the four living creatures

You are a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes

You have seven spirits that are sent out to the whole earth

You take the scroll from the hand of the one sitting on the throne in heaven

The four living creatures and 24 elders bow before you

The four living creatures and 24 elders play music and sings songs to you

You are the lamb is worthy to take the scroll and open the seals

You are the lamb that was was slain and ransomed people for God 

You were slain for people from every tribe, tongue, people and nation

You have made people priests to be before God

You will make us kings to rule on the earth

Submit feedback or content:johan@beholding.ca

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Last week we finished Revelation 4, what I call the fascination litmus test. John’s encounter in heaven continues in Revelation 5, we will be looking at verses 1-5. This is the first part of a story line involving the scroll.

The Passage

 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Now keep in mind the mystery of heaven, we don’t know how this all works with time and space…John saw it, in it’s context, it is describing a future event when he breaks the seven seals and sets in to motion the final events of this current age. This is again just a note and not a detailed study into that.

The List:

1. He holds a sealed scroll in his right hand, with writing front and back
2. He sits on a throne 
3. He has announcing angels with loud voices
4. From this throne room, there is mysterical access to see what’s going on in heaven, on earth and under the earth (Take note, this is not a flat earth reference, I don’t condone that theology)
5. There is only one person in all created order that is worthy to open this scroll.
6. The elders in heaven are able to respond to what is happening in the throne room
7. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (this literally means he still gives himself ties to the earth and a human bloodline)
8. He is the root of David
9. He has conquered
10. He is worthy to open the scroll and it’s seven seals

The Declarations:

You hold a scroll in your right hand

You sit enthroned in heaven

You’ve created powerful announcing angels with loud voices 

You access from your throne room the goings on in all of your created order

Only one is able to open the scroll

The elders around your throne respond, they are real, they interact with saints

You are the Lion of the tribe of Judah, you keep and acknowledge your human bloodline and ties to the earth

You are the root of David

You have conquered and therefore 

You Jesus are the only one in all of heaven, earth and under the earth that is worthy to open the scroll and it’s seven seals

Submit feedback or content: johan@beholding.ca

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Pope Benedict XVI

Last week we got descriptions of what precede and what is before the throne including the descriptions of the four living creatures and how they never stop saying the glorious Trisaigon chorus. Holy Holy Holy is the Lord god almighty, who was and is and is to come. So today we wrap up Revelation 4 with verse 9-11

The Passage

And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God,

  to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

  and by your will they existed and were created.”

The List:

1. The Four living creatures give God glory
2. The four living creatures give God thanks
3. He is seated on the throne
4. He lives forever and ever
5. The twenty-four elders fall down before him who’s on the throne
6. The twenty-four elders worship him
7. He lives forever and ever
8. The twenty-four elders cast their crowns before him 
9. The twenty four elders say ““Worthy are you, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
10. Jesus is worthy to receive Glory
11. Jesus is worthy to receive honor
12. Jesus is worthy to receive power
13. Jesus created all things
14. Jesus’s will caused things to exist and be created

The Declarations:

The four living creatures around your throng give you glory and thanks

Jesus you are seated on the throne

Jesus you are alive and live forever and ever

The twenty-four elders around your throne fall before you in worship and adoration

You live forever and ever

The twenty-four elders cast down their crowns before you

The twenty four elders cry out““Worthy are you, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Jesus you alone are worthy to receive Glory

Jesus you're worthy to receive honor

Jesus you're worthy to receive power

Jesus you created all things

By your will, your good pleasure Jesus, all things exist and were created

Jesus’s will caused things to exist and be created

Submit feedback or content:johan@beholding.ca

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Louis Berkhof

Last week we started of the glorious passage that reveals aspects of the heavenly throne room. We did verse 1-4 focusing on who and what is on and around the throne. This week we look at 5-8 focusing on what precedes and what’s before the throne (again not a perfect separation). So today we focus on Revelation 4:5-8. This is another really big one with 21 attributes that I listed

The Passage

From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.

And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

The List:

1. From the throne comes flashes of lightning
2. From the throne comes rumblings and peals of thunder
3. Before the throne are seven lit torches of fire 
4. There are seven spirits of god
5. The seven spirits of God are the seven torches around his throne
6. Before his throne is a sea of glass or crystal
7. Around and on each side of the throne are four living creatures - Now in describing the creatures I am convinced it says something about who he is and what he’s like so we will list the creatures descriptions
8. The four creatures are full of eyes, in front in the behind
9. The first living create is like a lion (some translations say the head of a lion)
10. The second like an ox
11. The third like a man
12. The fourth like an eagle
13. The four living creatures each have six wings
14. The four living creatures are full of eyes around and within
15. The four living creatures do not rest day or night
16. The four living creatures never stop saying “Holy, Holy, Is the Lord God almighty, who was and is and is to come” Therefore:
17. The Lord is Holy
18. The Lords is the almighty
19. The Lord was
20. The Lord is
21. The Lord is to come

The Declarations:

From your throne come flashes of lightning with the sound of rumbling thunder

Before your throne there seven blazing torches of fire which are your seven spirits

Before your throne is an expanse, a sea of glass reflecting the sights around you

Around your throne there are four living creatures with eyes all around, one like an lion, one like an ox, one like a man, and one like an eagle. All having six wings and eyes all around and within

These mysterious creatures never stop, they never rest and never cease to say “Holy, Holy, Is the Lord God almighty, who was and is and is to come

Jesus you are is Holy

You are almighty God

You were there in the beginning

You are there now

And you are coming back here!

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Charles Spurgeon

Last week we finished off the seven letters to the churches found in Revelation 2-3. This week we move on to a really big passage. In my opinion this is the litmus test of our dullness towards who God is. We are entering the very throne room in heaven in the chapters ahead.

This one is difficult to break up into a few episodes, but I will do my best attempt. Verses 1-4 has it’s focus, on the throne and around the throne, 5-8 focuses on what comes from the throne and whats before the throne (this isn’t a perfect separation).

So today we focus on revelation 4:1-4

The Passage

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. Revelation 4:1-4 (ESV)

The List:

1. There is door standing open in heaven
2. His voice sounds like a trumpet (one of his voices)
3. He extends invitations to come up into the throne room
4. He reveals future events
5. There is a throne in heaven
6. He is seated on the throne
7. He has the appearance of jasper and carnelian
8. Around his throne there is an emerald rainbow
9. Around his throne there are 24 other thrones
10. Around his throne are 24 seated elders with white garments and gold crowns

The Declarations:

• There is an open door in heaven
• Your voice sounds like a trumpet and beacons me to to come through that door into the holy place
• There is a throne, a ruling center in heaven
• You call us into your throne room to speak about things to come
• You are seated on your throne
• You have the appearance of jasper and carnelian
• There is a emerald rainbow encircling the throne where you are seated
• Around your throne are seated 24 elders on thrones, white garments and gold crown

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Frank Laubach

Last week we got personal. Weread about how he desires us to gain wealth through the things he gives, not what we can produce on our own. And how Jesus disciplines or reproves those he loves. This week we are Finishing off chapter 3 the letter to Laodecia and we are finishing his letters to the seven churches we Revelation chapter 3 verses 20-22

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Revelation 3:20-22 (ESV)

The List:

1. He wants us to be aware that he is knocking at the door 
2. He stands behind a door 
3. He knocks on doors
4.  He speaks from behind the door
5. He will commune with those that open the door for him
6. He wants to dine with us
7. The Lord eats
8. If we conquer we will sit with him on his throne
9. He sits on a throne
10. He has conquered
11. He sits with the Father on his throne
12. The Father sits on a throne
13. He wants us to hear what the Spirit says to the churches
14. The spirit is speaking to the church

The Declarations:

• You want us to be aware that you’re behind that door
• Behind the door you stand, knock and wait for us
• You speak from behind the door, loud enough for us to hear
• You stand waiting to come in and feast with us
• You desire to dine with us at a table of food
• If we conquer or overcome, we will sit with you and your father on your throne
• You desire for us to hear what you are speaking to your church

Song:

Dine With Me

This one thing I ask

One thing I desire

Is to be with you

II just want to be with you God

Because a thousand elsewhere

Is not as good

So I'm setting myself

Before you Lord

To meet with You

To dine with You

To agree with Your heart

To hear what You're saying

To gaze upon your beauty

To spend time with You

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Last week we started reading the letter to the church of Laodicea. How Jesus wants us hot or cold, not lukewarm. This week we are moving on the the church of Laodicea, with Revelation chapter 3 verses 17-19

The Passage

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelation 3:17-19 (ESV)

The List:

1. He sees through us, when we prop ourselves up with identities of being rich
2. He sees through us when we say we are in need of nothing
3. He sees us for what we are in this state as wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked
4. He is a helps us out of this state
5. He is a counselor
6. He asks us to buy refined gold from him to be rich
7. He asks us to buy white clothes from him so we are not shamed or naked
8. He asks us to buy salve from him to cleanse our eyes to see
9. He rebukes and disciplines those he loves
10. He wants us to be earnest and repent

The Declarations:

You see through us, when we call ourselves rich and think we have anything apart from you, being our own dependants

But you see right through us, you see our weakness when we say we are in need of nothing

Without your true riches we are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked

But you are the way out

You Jesus are a counselor

You ask me to buy true pure gold from you, refined in the fire

To buy pure spotless clothing from you, covering my shame and nakedness

You have salve to purify my sight, that I may see clearly

You rebuke and discipline those you love

You want us to repent, and be eager to pursue holiness

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-John Piper

Last week we finished off the Church in Philadelphia. How the Lord makes the ones who are victorious, pillars in his temple.

This week we are moving on the the church of Laodicea, with Revelation chapter 3 verses 14-16

The Passage

And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. 

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:14-16 (ESV)

The List:

1. He sends angels to the churches
2. He is the Amen (or the firm, perfection)
3. He is the true and faithful witness
4. He is the beginning of God’s creation
5. He knows our works
6. He see when we are hot or cold in our faith
7. He sees when we are lukewarm in our faith
8. He wants us to be hot or cold
9. He will spew those that are lukewarm out of his mouth

The Declarations:

You send angels, messengers to your church

You are the Amen, the perfection, the one who is firm and established

You are the true and faithful witness

You are the beginning of God’s creation

You see and know all of our works, all that we do

You see when we are hot and cold, when we are burning brightly with faith, and you see when we are cold in the desolate place of weakness and desire faith

You see when we are lukewarm, when we profess your name be it holds no action or no heart

You desire that we would be hot or cold

You will spew the lukewarm out of your mouth

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-Arthur W. Pink

The Passage

The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'

Revelation 3:12-13 (ESV)

The List:

1. He will make the victorious ones pillars in God’s sanctuary 
2. He will write on the victorious the name of God and the name of the city of God-the New Jerusalem
3. God has a city, the New Jerusalem
4. God’s city will descend out of heaven.
5. God’s city is in heaven
6. To the victorious Jesus will write his name on us
7. His Spirit speaks to whosever heart is open
8. He is specific and ask us to listen carefully to get the message right (You care that the message is clear and right)
9. His Spirit is speaking to the churches

The Declarations:

You will make us pillars in the temple of God if we are victorious

You will write the name of God, His city - the New Jerusalem, and Jesus you will write your name on us if we are victorious. 

You have a city, the New Jerusalem there in the sky, but it will come down from heaven to rest on the earth.

You speak to open hearts and ask us to listen carefully. It’s important to you that the message is heard and conveyed with clarity and understanding.

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-Matthew Henry

The Passage:

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 

Revelation 3:10-11 (ESV)

The List:

I’m going to state an obvious one, Jesus has commands for his church.

There are rewards for those that keep Jesus’ commands

Those obedient to his commands he will keep (or another word you could use is “protect” in the hour of trial

He is going to allow a time of trial to come on the whole earth

He allows trial to test inhabitants of the earth

He tests (to me this also means that he is involved and cares)

He is coming soon

He desires that we would hold on to what we have (or the righteous things)

He gives us crowns (as you will see in another translation you can use the term, “crown of victory”.

He will allow our crowns he gives to be taken

The Declarations:

You have commands for your church

There are rewards you have in store for us when we keep your commands

If we are obedient you will protect me from great trial that is ahead for the whole earth. You will preserve me.

You will allow times of trials, even for the whole earth. 

You test us.

Jesus, you are coming soon

You desire for us to hold on and cling to the good things, the righteous things

You distribute crowns, you give us victory

You allow our crowns to be taken if we don’t cling to what is good and righteous.

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-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Last week we we continued in the Church of Sardis found in Revelation 3:4-6

We learned how the Lord will acknowledge us before the father and his angels if we remain faithful and pure, overcoming the world.

This week we are moving on to verse 7-9, Where The Lord is sending his messenger to deliver the letter to the church in Philadelphia.

The Passage:

 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Revelation 3: 7-9 (ESV)

The List:

He sends messengers/angels to the church

He is the holy one

He is the true one

He has the key of David 

He opens doors that no one opens, and shuts what no one shuts

He knows our works (all that we’ve done)

He sets before us open doors (that no one can shut)

He knows how powerless we are

He acknowledges those who have remained faithful though they are powerless

Those who falsely proclaim to be Jew’s, he categorizes as in the synagogue of satan.

He humbles those who falsely proclaim to be Jews 

He loves the church that recognizes his chosen people and the unrighteous will know it

The Declarations:

You send messengers to your church

You are the holy one

You are the true one

You have the key of David

You open doors no one else opens

You close doors no one else closes

You set before us open doors

You know and see everything we do,

You know and see our weakness and how powerless we are

Yet you acknowledge us when we remain faithful, even in our weakness

You are committed to your Jewish people and the promises, you will not let your people be compromised

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Last week we started Revelation chapter 3, Jesus sends a messenger to the church of Sardis. He addressed how they give a false representation of themselves, how he sees right through it all. To me, it felt like a relevant passage for where a lot of the North American church is today. With churches going online, present on social media, running ads and promotions; It’s easy to misrepresent the sum of our parts. We can make ourselves look so much better and alive than we actually are. Lord wake us up!

This We continue on with the Revelation 3:4-6

The Passage

Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 3:4-6 (ESV)

The List

1. The Lord recognizes (even knows the names) the faithful worthy among the who are not in right standing
2. Those who remain righteous (not soiled garments) will walk with the Lord (in white)
3. He calls the righteous worthy (worthy of what? Being close to him?) meditate on this one
4. For those who conquer or overcome they will be clothed in white garments
5. Those who conquer are secured in the book of life. (Which brings me to a sobering #6)
6. He will blot names out of the book of life
7. But again for the faithful, he will recognize and confess their names before the Father and his angels
8. He wants us to hear what he is saying to this church
9. The Spirit speaks to the churches
10. 
    

The Declarations:

You see or recognize the few righteous among the unrighteous. 

If I remain righteous in your sign I will walk with you, clothed in beautiful unsoiled garments, walking with you in brilliant light.

If I remain righteous and pure, you will count me worthy. Jesus, what does that mean? Reveal more.

If I conquer, if I overcome the unrighteousness of a fallen world around me, you will clothe me in white garments. You will secure my name in the book of life.

You will blot names out of your book of life, God this is sobering…Keep my heart steady, and faithful to you Jesus.

You see, you recognize the faithful ones, they excite you enough that you would announce their names before your father and a host of his angels

Lord let us hear the message you have for the church, we want to be running with you

We know you are speaking to the churches

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David K Bernard

The Passage

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Revelation 3:1-3 (ESV)

The List:

1. He sends messengers to His churches with specific messages
2. Jesus has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars (and God saw it fit and important for His church to know this)
3. He knows our works or all that we do
4. He sees our reputation, and sees through our reputation
5. He recognizes when we exhibit false images of ourselves or misrepresent ourselves or I’ll add
6. He sees us like we are, not how we try to appear
7. He calls dead churches to wake up
8. He calls us to strengthen what we have that is good
9. He sees when our works our our ways are not right in his eyes
10. He points out to us when we are not in right standing
11. He calls us to remember the good things we have received and heard
12. He calls us to repent
13. He warns us that if we are not awakened, that he will come agains us as an unannounced thief.

Declarations:

You send messengers to your church, you know what we need to hear.

Jesus you have the seven spirits of God and the Seven stars.

You know all that we do, our works and deeds.

You see right through us, how we represent and usually misrepresent ourselves, the persona we put on and you see the hiddenness and what’s dead. 

But you call us out, you point it out and don’t leave it, you call us to wake up. 

You call us to strengthen that which is good and that which we have left, to repent of the things that are not right in your eyes.

You will come against us if we don’t wake up because you are committed to righteousness

Song:

You see it all

Every mask that I put on

You see through it all

Who I am and who I pretend to be

But you love me anyway

You still call me your own

Your beloved friend

Your inheritance 

You took what was dry and dead

And brought it to vibrant life

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-David Jeremiah

The Passage

The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 2:26-29 (ESV)

The List:

1. For those who conquer or are victorious and does His will until his return: He gives us governmental authority over nations (Which leads us to #2 to state the obvious)
2. He will return
3. He has authority to hand out governmental power
4. His rules and distributes governmental power to rule with a rod or iron (to me that really feels like a lot of power) as a clay pot doesn’t stand a chance 
5. He will allow the nations to be ruled by his people and dashed to pieces
6. Brining Psalm 2 into the mix (He brings us along side Him to rule and we will rule the way he does)
7. He has received this power from his Father
8. He will give the morning star to these ones (this speaks of Jesus again, and revelation of Him in dark times, but don’t take my word for it, go meditate, study, ask the Lord about it).
9. And once again, His spirit speaks and ministers to the churches 

Declarations:

You distribute government, ruling power to those who remain faithful to the end. 

Jesus You will return, there is a point where the striving ends

You have all authority and you distribute it to your faithful ones

The way you rule is perfect, nothing can stand against the rod of iron. You have all authority and you rule with us

You will allow your people to rule along side of you and to judge the nations, they will be broken

You bring us along side of you to rule the way you do, this is our desire to be in alignment even now on how you rule and reign

You received power from your Father, the creator the all powerful, there is no one higher

To your faithful ones you give yourself, the morning star, revelation of the brightest one in the darkest night. You are the inheritance for those that are victorious. And we love itYou speak to your churches, you are not silent

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AW Tozer

 Last week in Revelation 2:20-22

We talked about some of the things the Lord takes issue with, and the spirit of Jezebel and how many believers of that day were seduced by it, we saw that the Lord will not allow those who reject his mercy to go on committing sin. He see’s the big picture and disrupts sinful patterns for the sake of future generations.

Today is the continuation of this discourse found in Revelation 2:23-25

Continuing in reference to those who refuse to repent of this wicked Jezebel spirit of the day, we will start with verse 22 from last week:

Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. But to the rest of you in Thyatira who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come.

Revelation 2:22-25 (ESV)

The List:

1. He would take lives of even children for the sake of t

2. He is committed to having all the churches recognize that He is paying attention.

3. He searches the minds of all believers.

4. He searches the hearts of all believers.

5. He will give each of us what we are deserving of according to our works…This could be good or bad for us depending on our works.

6. Those who are not following the wicked teaching or the Deep things of Satan, He will not give additional burden

7. He has advice for those that are not following wickedness which is, HOLD FAST to what we have or don’t let what you have be taken

8. He is coming back. He is the rescuer and answer to the wickedness. 

Declarations:

Jesus, we trust you.

You would take the lives of even children to pull your bride from satans clutches of hell.

You are committed to getting the attention of your church

You search my mind, you know my thoughts Jesus

You search my heart, you know the deep things, what moves me, my emotions and responses

You will give each person according to our works.

You do not add burden to us for the sins and wickedness around us

You want us to Hold fast to all you’ve given us, especially when our surroundings are difficult.

You are coming back, you are the rescuer, the answer to all the wickedness and the satanic, jezebel spirit, the spirit of this age. You are the answer 

Song: 

You’re Committed To Me

You are committed to getting my attention

You are committed to me (repeat)

You search my heart for wickedness

You search my mind for unrighteousness

You are committed to me 

You’re committed to me

You won’t leave me in my sin

But you’re pulling me through

You’re pulling me through (repeat)

Rescuer, you’re the answer to my sin

Come Lord soon, you are the answer to what’s going on

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- Tim Keller

Last Time we had a Christmas Episode. Weare going to pick up where we left off before then in Revelation 2:18,19

We talked about the one with Eyes of fire…burning with passion and sees and acknowledges how we honour him in our lives. He sees the fruit of our lives.

Today we are going to continue in the church of Thyatira with verse 20-22

But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman tJezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants uto practice sexual immorality and uto eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but vshe refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.  Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works. Revelation 2:20-22 (ESV)

The List:

1. He is against or takes issue with some things in his church
2. He takes issue when we tolerate false prophets and teaching
3. He takes issue when we tolerate seduction of his people
4. He takes issue when we tolerate sexual immorality 
5. He takes issue when we consume food sacrificed to idols
6. He gives time for the most wicked to repent
7. He is Patient with sinners for the sake of turning
8. He will punish those that reject his abundant mercy and choose wickedness
9. He will give tribulation those who reject his abundant mercy and tolerate wickedness.
10. Despite our wickedness and tolerance of wickedness among us…he still calls us to repentance and will relent from sending trouble.

The Declarations

Jesus you are against and take issue with some things in your church

You do not want us to tolerate false prophets and teaching, those that would speak deceitful things concerning you and your word

You take issue when we tolerate your people being seduced, when stumbling blocks are put in the way of your bride

You take issue when we tolerate sexual immorality…You see the poison it is to your beloved bride

You take issue when consume that which was created for idols

You give time… The most wicked person, you give time to turn from wickedness and repent

You are patient with us, you know we are slow to turn..but you wait for the sake of mercy

But you are just and you will punish those that reject your abundant love and mercy

You give tribulation to those that follow the seduction of wickedness and choose to continue to walk in it

But you say it again…despite our choosing and tolerance, you are patient and you still call us to repentance, and you will relent and pour out mercy over judgment if we want it If we turn

Song:

You give Time

You are patient

And you give time

So you pour out your mercy

You pour out your mercy

You have love

And you are kind

So you pour out your mercy

You pour out your mercy

Even though I sin and have wickedness

You help me to figure it out

Although all I’ve done is often wrong

You come and heal me, You come redeem me

You give me time

To turn my eyes

And you pour out mercy every time

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These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

Revelation 2:18-19

 The List:

1. He sends angelic messengers to his church
2. He tells his messengers to say whose words are being spoken (this is a good way to add credence and authority to the letters)
3. He is the Son of God
4. His eyes are like blazing fire 
5. His feet are like burnished bronze
6. He knows our deeds
7. He knows our love
8. He knows our faith
9. He knows our service
10. He knows our perseverance
11. He sees the increase in our work
12. 
    

Here we go:

You Jesus, who sits enthroned in heaven send angelic messages to your church

You have specific words you convey to your churches, you are specific even with your messengers, they don’t just convey their own ideas

You Jesus, who came in the flesh and are now in heaven are the Son of God

Youre eyes are like blazing fire, burning with passion

You feet are like burnished bronze

And yet, you see us. You’re interested.

You see our deeds

You You see our love, our faith

You see our work and service

You see our perseverance through trials

You see when we expand our work 

This weeks song:

Son of God

Son of God

You see it all

Son of God

You’re watching closely

Desire in your eyes

Fire in your eyes

You see me closely

Desire in your eyes

You know my deeds

You see my love

You know my faith

When I increase my work

You see

Perseverance

You see it all

You see it all

And you’re looking with desire

Staring with eyes of fire

You’re looking with desire

Son of God

You’re looking down

On the children of men

Son of God

You’re very interested

Not far away

You’re engaged

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Steven J Lawson

Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’

The List: 

1) His response to following false teaching/doctrine is repent

2) He will Come and war against sin on our behalf

3) He wages war on sin with the sword of his mouth

4) He wants us to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches

5) This means the Spirit is speaking to the churches

6) If we conquer or overcome, he rewards us with hidden manna. 

7) If we conquer or overcome he will give us a white stone, which holds a special name on it that only we know

8) He has a name he calls us that others do not

This means:

9)He knows us better than anyone else to the point that he has a special name for us that no one else would call us

Declarations:

Your call to us living in false teaching and, blindness is to Repent…to turn

You are so committed to me not living in sin that you, You wage war against it on my behalf, even when I’m stubborn and have trouble turning. 

You wage ware on sin with the sword of your mouth. With your words, speaking truth and life, breaking the back of the lies.

You desire for us to hear what your Spirit is saying to the churches. You want us to hear your strategies from heaven.

You are speaking to the church, you are not silent!

You give hidden manna, bread and sustenance from heaven when I overcome, when I conquer and repent

You have a white stone for those who overcome, you have a name that only you know and it’s a secret that only I would understand. You know more about me than anyone including myself

 Song:

If I should Overcome

Dealing with struggles of day to day

Is it a flaw in my character or just sinful nature?

Is there a way out?

What is the pathway forward?

But you’ve given me repentance

And you’re waring for me on my behalf

And if I should overcome                

You will give me a ton with me name only I know

And if I should overcome

You will give me the manna that’s hidden from heaven

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-George Whitfield

This Week's Passage: Revelation 2:12-15

“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 

This List:

1) He sends angelic messengers to His church

2) He wants stuff written down. 

3) He has a sharp two-edged sword.

This is an intense way to start a letter. It says something about both him and the tone in which he is writing this letter.

4) He knows where we dwell. He is interested, he pays attention to where we are.

5) He knows where Satan is. What does this say about Him? Satan can’t hide from Him. The Lord knows where the enemy is.

6) He recognizes when we don’t lose faith in difficult circumstances even in the midst of a demonic atmosphere.

7) He recognizes by name those who are faithful witnesses even unto death.

8) There are things in the church that He is definitely against

9) He points out the things that are not right in His church...he’s committed to seeing his bride righteous

10) He points out false teaching

11) He is looking out for Israel and those that would try to make her stumble with bad teaching.

Declarations:

You send messengers/angels to your church...you send help

Your words are important and you want us to understand them so you have them written down. Writing is a gift from you to us

You have a sharp-two edged sword

You know where we are, where we live work and where we dwell and spend our time..you’re paying attention

You know where satan is, there is no where he can go that he can Hide from your overpowering presence

You recognize steadfast faith, even in the most difficult places and situations

You see those who have given their lives unto death

You see things that are not right with your church

You point out the things that are not in line with your heart

You are committed to good teaching and theology and you point it out when we are off track

You are deeply in love with Israel and are committed to seeing her come into the fullness and committed to opposing those who oppose her

You are interested in Good theology

Song: Good Teacher

For you don’t leave us on our own

When we’re wrong you open up our eyes

When I’m walking the wrong path

You direct me to the right way

You won’t leave me on my own

To figure out what you have to say

Because you are a good, good teacher

You are a good good leader

You are fierce when it comes to speaking your word

Speaking of you rightly

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‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.

Revelation 2:9-11 (ESV)

The List:

1) He does not want his people to fear tribulation and he tells , you can bracket this and say

2) He speaks words of comfort

3) He has a solution to tribulation and suffering

4) He will allow his people to suffer (we heard this a few times in revelation already

5) He allows Satan to persecute his people, specifically allowing believers to be put in prison

6) He tests his people, and allows persecution for testing

7) He is gives us insight into future suffering, This is actually his love and gracious heart to give us insight and even specifics to help us endure

8) He calls us to faithfulness, even unto death

9) He will allow his to be persecuted to the point of death

10) He rewards us for this, specifically he has a crown of life he wants to give us

11) He wants us to not be ignorant to what the Spirit is saying…let us hear!

12) Which means the Spirit is speaking and has messages for the churches

13) If we conquer or endure we will not be hurt by the second death

Declarations:

You tells us “ do not fear” you speak words of comfort

You have a solution to our tribulation and suffering 

You allow your people to suffer for your name

You allow satan to persecute your people and be thrown in prison

You test your people and allow persecution for testing

You give us insight into future suffering

You call us to faithfulness, even unto death (such was the portion of many throughout history)

You reward us for our persecution and suffering, you have eternal rewards in heaven, even a crown that you will place on the heads as a reward for thise who have endured

You don’t want us to be ignorant to what your spirit is speaking to the Church, which means you are speaking, you have things to say regarding you beloved church

And if we endure, death will not touch us. We have eternal life beyond this side of eternity

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Arthur W. Pink

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.

9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander[a] of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

The List:

1) He sends angels to give words

2) He is he first

3) He is the last

4) He died and came to life

5) He addresses his persecuted (he’s giving a message to a persecuted group and one that will suffer more) church by revealing his transcendence and his suffering unto resurrection….

6) He knows/acknowledges tribulation

7) He knows/acknowledges poverty

8) He calls us rich 

9) He knows/acknowledges when we are slandered

10) He knows everything about the ones that slander his beloved ones

11) He sees the persecution, tyranny, and slander as Satanic

Declarations

You send help. Angels to give your words of life and wisdom

You are the first 

You are the last…you are everlasting to everlasting

Your flesh came and died and under your own power you came back to life

You know exactly what to say to your persecuted ones to bring comfort, and it starts by hearing who you are

You see and acknowledge when we go through tribulation

You see the poverty

You see the slander and all the hurt that comes with these things. You see the ones slandering…this is a fearful thing.

You are a jealous God and care deeply for how your bride is treated, and abuse of your bride is evil

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-J.R.R. Tolkien

Last week we looked at Revelation 2:4-5. The Lord shared his heart to the church in Ephesus that he actually wants the same love that they had with Him when they first met. The loving zeal that was in their heart in the beginning. He remembers and asks them to recall that love and repent and return to it….Just so good! And the fact that we occupy space and time in the mind and memory of the living God is unfathomable!!!

We will finish the letter to the church in Ephesus with verse 6-7

Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

The List:

1) The Lord points out what he admires (Yet this you have)

2) The Lord hates things. Specifically here the work of the Nicolaitans (heretical teaching/false gods)

3) He loves it when we hate what he hates

4) He wants us to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches (and the Spirit is speaking to the churches)

5) He requires us to overcome or conquer in areas of life..n

6) He rewards those who overcome to eat of the tree of life

7) There is a tree of life in paradise (see #8)

8) God’s dwelling is a paradise

9) He wants us to eat and dwell in the paradise of God

Declarations:

You tell us things that you love about us

There are things, works that you detest and hate hate

You love when we hate what you hate

You allow us and desire for us to hear what your Spirit is saying

You ask us to overcome in some areas of life. To conquer and persevere.

You reward us when we overcome…You reward us to eat of the tree of life

You dwell in paradise and there is a tree of life in paradise

You want us to eat and dwell with you in paradise

This Week's Song:

With You

Want to hate what you hate

Want to love what you love

Want to be with you

Where you are

In paradise I want to eat from the tree of life

here will be hardships

There will be struggle

But in the end I will be with you

Eating of that tree (of life)

In paradise

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-AW Tozer

Last week we started on Revelation 2.: 1-3 where he was speaking to the church of Ephesus. I found a lot of comfort knowing that he sees our struggles, our tribulations and he recognizes when we go through those trials for His name sake. Today we will be looking at Revelation 2:4-5

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV)

The List:

1) The Lord opposes us in some areas

2) The Lord opposes those who move on from Him being their first love

3) He doesn’t leave us to figure that out…He tells us what he opposes when we listen.

4) He gives us a path forward

5) He desires that we remember the history of our relationship

6) Which means he Remembers remember as well

7) He desires that we would have repentant hearts and turn from our sin

8) He delighted in the work that we did with zeal and remembers every good work we did.

9) He has a great memory, and we occupy his memory…He remembers

10) He actually removes lamp stands (which were again the churches according to chapter 1)

11) He has conditions on whether a lamp stand remains

Declarations:

You oppose us in things not according to your heart.

You oppose those that have hearts that have grown cold to you

You highlight the areas you oppose

You give me a path forward

You love when we remember and celebrate our new love…when we first accepted you and burned with desire.

That means you remember it too!!

You want us to repent, to turn from our sin

You actually like and enjoyed the work that we did with zeal and you want that continue.

You remember…I occupy your memory, your thoughts, your desires

You remove remove lamp stands

The lamp stands you have given, have conditions

This Week's Song:

Stir The Burning

The love you had for me

I was burning with desire

It was a fire in me

You remember

The moment I said yes

Stir up the fire that burned inside of me

Stir up the flame that burned inside when we met

You don’t want a dull heart

You want abandon love I won’t regret

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Oh what a joy it is!

Too think the thought, to breathe the name

Earth has no higher bliss

-Frederick William Faber

This Week's Passage:

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. -Revelation 2:1-3

1) He appoints angels to churches

2) He holds seven stars in his hand (the seven angels)

3) He walks among the seven golden lamp stands (the seven churches)

4) He knows our works (he sees it all)

5) He sees our hard work (toil)

6) He sees patient endurance

7) He sees our our handling of evil

8) He sees our discerning 

9) He knows and sees our enduring patience

10) He allows us to go through trials for His name sake

11) He sees our overcoming and endurance for His sake

Declarations:

You appoint angels to specific regions to serve the saints

You have seven stars in your hand

You walk among the seven golden lamp stands

You see our works

You see our hard working our toils

You see our patient endurance

You see our handling of surrounding evil 

You see and give feedback our stewarding of discernment

You know and see our enduring patience

You see our overcoming and endurance for your sake

He allows us to go through trials for His name sake

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-AW Tozer

Today we look at Revelation 1:17-20

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 

 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

The List:

1) He is able to be seen (when I saw Him)

2) People fall at his feet (first of all we are able to get close enough to fall at his feet)

3) Coming close to him can be debilitating. This is a response to being close to Him

4) He lays his hand on people. God actually stoops low enough to touch John here. 

5) He does’t want us to be fearful of Him ( there is a holy fear that is reverence and then there is the fear that causes us to run away, I believe the later is what he’s referring to here.)

6) He is the first (since the beginning)

7) He is the last (speaks of his transcendence)

8) He is living

9) He physically died

10) He wants us to see or behold him in his resurrected state

11) He is and forever will be alive

12) He holds keys to death and hades…he is deaths gatekeeper even to hell itself

13) He has mysteries ( Love that about Him!)

14) He appoint angels to the church

15) Angels are sent from His hand

16) He calls the churches lamp stands or likes to the church to represent lamp stands. (Which remember he walks among) 

Declarations:

You are able to be seen

You allow me close enough to be before your feet

I cannot stand in your presence

You lay your hand on me

You do not want me to be fearful of you

You are the first

You are the last

You are living…you are alive

You actually died

You want me to see you in your resurrected state

You are alive and will remain alive forever

You hold the keys to death and Hades

You have mysteries

You appoint angels to the church

You send angelic help from your hand to the church

You call us, the church, to be lamp stands. 

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Johan Heinrichs

This Week's Passage: 

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. Revelation 1:12:-16

 The List:

1) God speaks among seven golden lamp stands. (Scripture defines this as the seven churches. God’s not silent he’s speaking in the midst of the churches)

2) He actually walks among the seven golden lamp stands

3) He is one like a son of man (one of Jesus’ favourite descriptions of himself in the gospels)

4) He wears a long robe

5) He has a golden sash around his chest

6) His hair is white like wool or snow

7) His eyes are like flames of fire

8) His feet are like burnished bronze refined in the furnace (burnished means polished by rubbing)

9) His voice sounds like the roar of many waters

10) He holds seven stars in his right hand. (Seven angels sent to the churches)

11) Out of his mouth comes a sharp two-edged sword

12) His face is like the full intensity of the sun

Declarations:

You speak among the golden lamps stands

You dwell and walk the seven golden lamp stands

You are one like the son of man

You wear a long robe

There is a golden sash around your chest

Your hair is like white wool, as white as snow

Your feet are like burnished bronze refined in the furnace 

Your voice sounds like the roar of many waters 

You seven stars in his right hand. 

Out of your mouth comes a sharp two-edged sword

Your face is like the full intensity of the sun

This Week's Song:

The Voice Among Lampstands

I turned to see a voice speaking to me

And there seven golden lamp stands

I heard the voice

In the midst of the seven lamp stands

And there he was…

There he was…

Clothed with a long robe

A sash made of gold

Hair like wool

White as snow

His eyes like fire

His feed like bronze

His voice like waters

And seven stars in his hand

Out of his mouth

A double-edged sword

His face was shining

Like a thousands suns

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-Jonathan Edwards

Last week we looked at Revelation 1:7-8.We got a bit of a glimpse about how he feels and does things when we are talking about his return. I found that it is through years of meditating and thinking on these things that help get me to the place where I can begin to believe them. It’s so far out of our normal experience to think of a man riding on clouds. It’s fascinating for sure…which is one of the reasons why doing this exercise and declaring the truths of these things even in list form can be such a powerful too.

Todays Passage:

I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” Revelation 1:9-11

1) He has patient endurance (and for us to have it, it's only found in his person)

2) He allows his people to be persecuted and emprisoned on His account

(John was on Patmos on the account of God’s word) Which leads us into the third and fourth on the list:

3) His Word is offensive to many. 

4) The testimony of Jesus in our lives is offensive to many.

5) He allows us to enter into something called “The spirit” (John said, “I was in the Spirit", some may say its the “heavenly realm”)

6) He is behind us “And I heard behind me” 

7) He speaks

8) He has a loud voice (We will learn that he uses many different voices) 

9) He actually told people what to write down. (The connotations of this: The word is God Breathed. He inspires us to write. He makes us messengers. You cold probably put those things down on the list separately but, I’ll keep it as #9)

10) He wanted it written for the seven churches (which means, He actually cares and has instructions for His church)

11) God isn’t vague (He tells Him which churches.)

Declarations:

You Jesus, have patient endurance

You allow those you love to be persecuted

Your Word is offensive to many. 

The testimony of you in my life is offensive to many

You take people up in the spirit 

You are behind me, you have my back

You speak and give instruction

You have a loud voice Jesus

You inspire writing, you’ve instructed your people what to write in the past

You care and have instructions for your church

You have specific plans that you want to reveal to us and your church

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― N.T. Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense

Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”Revelation 1:7-8 (ESV)

 The List:

1) His coming is meant to fascinate us. It’s not a secret and not meant to be kept a secret.

2) He is coming (Jesus will be returning) 

3) He is coming with the clouds. Clouds are his mode of transportation

4) He wants to be seen.

5) He won’t exclude anyone from this even…not those that pierced Him…not the tribes of the earth.

6) He already knows the story, it’s already written. (there are a lot of, “wills” in this passage or concrete language.) 

7) Not everyone will be happy with His return ("wail on account of him")

8) He is the Alpha (beginning) This is speaking of the son

9) He is the Omega (He is the End). The climax and best part of the story is the end and it’s just HIM. 

10) And we see a repeated verse from our first episode which again could be split up into 3:

a) He is

b) He was

c) He is to come

11) He is the Almighty (no one is stronger, no one is mightier)

Declarations: 

You want us to behold your return

You are coming back to us and for us

You are returning on the clouds and you will ride them down to the earth

You want it to be seen by everyone

You want all to experience your return

You know the end of the story

Many will not welcome your return

You are the alpha beginning

You are Omega, the one 

You are who IS AND WHO WAS AND WHO IS TO COME

You are the Almighty

This week's song:

Dwelling Place - Exclusive Feed Only

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― Isaac Newton

So last week we started our journey in Revelation 1:1-4. Today we are going to focus on Revelation 1:5-6

and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. -Revelation 1:5-6 (ESV)

The List:

1) Jesus is the faithful witness. 

2) Jesus is the firstborn of the dead

3) Jesus is the ruler over the kings of the earth

4) He loves us

5) His blood has freed us from our sins

6) He has made us a Kingdom (Jesus made a Kingdom order)

7) Again he has made us.  (Jesus included us as a part of his Kingdom)

8) We are priests in Jesus kingdom

(Our role in the kingdom is that of a priest, that is a huge topic. But the general idea is…we get to be close to the King and love on and minister to Him)

9) Jesus answers to God ("Priests to his God") 

10) God is Jesus’ Father (“God and Father”)

11) Jesus is gets the Glory Forever

12) Jesus has dominion (or some would say ruling power forever)

Declarations:

Jesus, you are the faithful witness.

You are faithful 

You are the firstborn from the dead

You rule over the Kings of the earth…from Kings past to to rules now and not yet

Your shed blood has freed me from my sins

You created a Kingdom

You made me part of that Kingdom

You made me a priest in your Kingdom

You submit to God’s will

God is your father

You will get all the glory forever.

You will rule and reign 

Your dominion will last forever.

This Week's Song:

You loved us

Your blood has freed us

You loved us Your blood has freed us

You have made me a priest

In your kingdom Forever, giving you the glory

You have dominion forever

This is your eternal pleasure

You will get the all the glory forever

You will reign

Your dominion will last forever

You built your kingdom

You brought me in

To worship to the King

To love you without ceasing

Jesus You are King of Kings

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― A.W. Tozer

We are starting out in the most natural place in scripture I can think of when studying what God is like, things he does, things he surrounds himself with. So naturally, let’s start with The Revelation (or the revealing) of Jesus Christ which is found in the book of Revelation.

This also happens to be the most attribute heavy book I’ve found so far in the bible, so it may take a while to get through this one. But we’re going to start with verses 1-4.

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne 

-Revelation 1:1-4 (ESV)

This Week's List:

1. God has servants

2. God shows his servants future events

3. God sends angels

4. He gives favour or blessing when you read Revelation out loud

5. He gives favour or blessing when you listen to it being read.

6. He gives favour or blessing when you take heed of the words, or live a your life in a way that reflects what is contained in the book of Revelation

7. He distributes grace and peace

8. He was and is and is to come (This could probably be broken up into 3 if you would like. This will also be the focus of my song of the week)

9. There are seven spirits before His throne.

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An audio journey into discovering the attributes of God found in the Bible. Each week we will take a passage of scripture and list everything that we can find that reveals what God is like, what he does, where he goes. What are his likes and dislikes? What does he think and feel? What and who does he surrounds himself with?...basically anything that gives us insight into who he is.

Visit the website: https://beholding.ca

Find Johan's music for future episodes right here on the blog or get it delivered to your podcast player through the premium feed.

Participate by submitting comments/audio or whatever helps you to engage in the process with me. beholding.ca

email: johan@beholding.ca

Get the Premium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode. Use the following link:

beholding.ca

Premium feed to support the show and get future music and bonus content sent right to your podcast player as an episode.

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Participate by submitting comments/audio or whatever helps you to engage in the process with me. https://www.beholding.ca/participate.html?r=20210710130824