The Back Porch: Recent Episodes
Cruz Chavez
This podcast covers Sunday morning sermons in depth by cohost Gervace Aguila and myself Cruz Chavez. Our online sermons are found on the church website at The Porch, in Inola Oklahoma. Our mission is to dig deeper into the word, and see the world from a biblical perspective, while casually saving the world.
In chapter 23, Paul is on the chopping block before the Roman centurion finds out that Paul is also a Roman citizen. Paul was then taken to Rome and set before Felix, a high government official, but one of the commanding officers finds out that 50 Jewish men planned to ambush and kill their prisoner while on their way to Rome - so the Roman official did what anyone would do, he ordered 475 soldiers to protect Paul from the wolves (very excessive if you ask me). Chapter 23 is interesting in the fact that it pays to be Roman, because other wise Paul would be dead already, and the Roman guards were not letting the Jews over play them. This chapter almost comes off as a political war. Listen and tell me what you think?
In chapter 22, Paul is questioned by the tribune. Just before they beat him Paul pulls out a uno reverse card and announces that he's a Roman citizen, which means it's not lawful for a Roman to be judged or tried without first being convicted, it's why Paul says, "its it legal for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen and is uncondemned?"
I don't think Paul intended to use his rights as a Roman citizen to save his life, but to prolong the final mission, to see it through to the end. I firmly believe Paul was ready to sacrifice his life for Jesus, he just needed a little more time.
Paul goes back to Jerusalem, and it's not pretty. Even though many believers told him time after time to not go back to that city because he would be bound and beaten, but Paul, not afraid, was ready for whatever came his way.
Before he heads to Jerusalem, Paul is wrapping up his ministry in Greece. But before he does, he gives them his final instruction, which is to stay united and be aware of the wolves that claim to be Christ, along with those who join the church and corrupt God's word. A wolf in sheep's clothing is more than a person - I believe a wolf can be a sport, it can be materialistic things, it can our jobs, but Christ says to deny ourselves and the things of the world so we can faithfully and fully devote our lives to him.
Acts 19 is evidence that all nonbelievers, non-Christians, those who have never received the Holy Spirit, do not and cannot have the power and authority that Christ gives to Christians.
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will will enter the kingdom of heave, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in here. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
Matthew 7:21-23
Chapter 18 is a tough chapter for Paul, because he's in a Greek country surrounded by non believers, who for the most part hate him because of the gospel. But the Lord instructs him to keep preaching and that he's protected.
One thing I love most about this chapter is that God told Paul that there were other believers in the city and he calls them, "my people." It reminds me of why I love mission trips, because no matter where God sends us there's always a remnant of "His people," in that city, or town, or foreign country!
Over Spring Break Matthew traveled to Ethiopia, while Cam and I traveled to Dallas, TX for a mission trip. Our main purpose for this episode was to share how God moved over the past week. Even though we were in different countries God used us in different ways, whether praying with the homeless or sharing stories in the Bible with little kids.
God can use you anywhere you are under any circumstance!
Paul begins to visit Greek cities and the first thing he notices are the idols everywhere in the city. The scripture says it provokes his spirit so he began to reason with the Jews and other devout persons. It was through this moment that lead Paul to speak before the Areopagus, where he unashamedly shared the gospel!!
What seems like an ordinary day can lead you unimaginable opportunities to share Jesus. Keep boldly sharing the WORD. God sees you, God hears you, and God is with you!!
Acts 16 we see Lydia and the Philippine Jailer give their life over the Christ. How it came about was more impressing, because it seems as if it was a coincidence that Paul and Silas stumbled upon the moment, but the scriptures shows they were being led by the Spirit even if they had not known it. Today we each are led by the Spirit, and everyday someone has an opportunity to receive Christ for the very first time. The question is will you be obedient when the Spirit speaks? I encourage each of you to listen for the Father and act when He speaks.
In Acts 15 there was much debate about certain customs within Jewish traditions, such as circumcision. The Bible says these men had a long debate over this topic, certain people believed in order to enter into heave they must first be circumcised. There are times we need to be prepared to give an account for what we believe and why believe it (we call this apologetics), and the Apostles set a great example of this because they never once backed away from this conversation. I encourage each believer to know why you believe what you believe, and it's super important to know that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus." Nothing less and nothing more!
Acts 14 reveals how Paul continues to preach the gospel, except he begins to experience for the first time, "how much he must suffer for the sake of my name," as God prophesied in Acts 9. Paul is a great example to the believer that not everyone will respectfully and peacefully listen to the gospel, but he also reveals that we shouldn't be scared or ashamed to entertain those conversations with people who heatedly disagree with our faith. Paul is a great example to all believers to boldly share the gospel!
In this next chapter, we see Paul beginning his ministry as Jesus called him to. Not only does he boldly proclaim the gospel, but he speaks and acts as the spirit commands. This is not an easy task to do, as sometimes anger and jealousy fills our human flesh causing us to lash out irrationally. Paul was on a bigger mission and he wasn't willing to let anyone compromise God's plans. The same can be said for each of us, part of being a shepherd is protecting the flock.
Acts 12, we see government persecute the church - James is killed and Peter is imprisoned. All the while the church was praying that God would somehow free Peter, and when He does Rhoda, a servant girl, is shocked at seeing his appearance and the apostles didn't believe that he was set free. God is our way maker, He's always answering prayers, it's okay to be excited when He answers your prayer, but it's another thing to be surprised when he does because that's who He is - we serve a God who sees you and always hears you, even when He doesn't answer your prayers. God is always deserving of our praise!
Peter is faced with explaining to the church why he spent time with non-believing gentiles. This was the first time the gospel was shared with non-Jews, what excitement, yet it Pete knew he would still need to explain himself to the church, as it was against jewish tradition to speak with gentiles. There are times when God may reveal something to you and you might not understand the message, just remember it took Peter three times before he realized what Jesus was saying - this was a two fold test: 1) to share the gospel with the gentiles, 2) to explain himself to the church. In the end the church praised the Lord because they realized salvation was for the Jew and Gentile! In a sense, this prepared the way for Paul to share the gospel with all gentiles.
Many times Christians think they have arrived, but in Acts 10 we see a great preacher like Peter, who for the first time, God reveals that Jesus death and resurrection was even for the gentiles. Peter was perplexed at his vision in chapter 10, but when God told him to go scripture says he immediately went. The same is told for every believer - when God gives you a vision, a plan, a word to share, a place to visit, or people to see, God commands that we go. James 4:17 says, "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."
As Christians we must be obedient in the things God commands us not to do, but this also includes the things we are commanded to do.
Chapter 9 is very interesting, as this is the famous chapter when Saul meets Jesus face to face. There's another similar encounter in Numbers 22, when Balaam is confronted by "The Angel of the Lord," which people speculate to be Jesus, and is basically tested while on his way to meet the king Balak. Acts chapter 9 speaks to many Christians, because it reveals that God can choose anyone, even the least of these, to play a huge role in the church. Jesus reminds us to never give up hope!
Cam and I briefly cover chapter 7 before jumping into chapter 8, simply because Acts 7:44-53 talks about worshiping God and to the Temple. Jesus said it himself, "the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spite and truth." This ties in with chapter 8, where we see a man named Simon who has a very worldly heart, thinking he can purchase the power of the Holy Spirit, which is not possible and evil to think you can. With that being said, chapter 7 and 8 shows the importance of worshiping God and not the things on earth. Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Do not lap up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
References: Exodus 25:8, 2 Samuel 7, Isaiah 66:1-6, Matthew 6:19-21
God has made many promises, and many of them have been fulfilled. Steven reminds the Pharisees of God's promise to Abraham, His promise to Moses, and now Steven is trying to catch them up on the promise of the coming Messiah. At this point the Messiah has already come and when he came Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit - we see God fulfill that promise in Acts 2. Ultimately, Acts chapter 7 is a reminder that God keeps his promises and we can always trust him.
References:
God promises to send another prophet like Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15-18, John 1:21, John 6:14, Acts 3:22
Prophesies about Jesus birth:
Isaiah 7:10, it was fulfilled in Matthew 1:18-23,
Prophesies about the Messiah being crucified:
Psalms 22:16-18, it was fulfilled in Matthew 27:35
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit:
John 14:26, John 16
We see glimpses of the Holy Spirit come:
Luke 3:21, Luke 1:41-42, then in Acts 2 we see the Holy Spirit rest on the church.
Acts 6 is an amazing introduction to Stephen. This was an ordinary man, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, that God used to share the name of Jesus. Stephens purpose was to relieve the apostles of servitude, because they were becoming busier every day. Yet in Stephens service he still found time to evangelize, and in doing so this angered certain religious leaders. The key takeaway from todays message is that you can be used by God anywhere you are at any moment, even if it seems in the most unlikely of places. The saying is true, that we're all part of the same body of Christ and that faith and works must go hand and hand.
References:
Acts 6, James 2:14-26, Matthew 20:28, 2 Thessalonians 3:10
God sets the standard in Acts 5. Ananias and Sapphire are used as an example for the Christian standard, as they tried to lift themselves up seeking praise from the church yet lying to God about the land they sold - a double No No!! But Peter said it best, "we must obey God," and if there is no punishment for disobedience then Christianity would be filled with hypocrites.
God expects perfection, but because of his grace and mercy He knows we aren't perfect so instead asks that we strive for perfection by "walking in the light." Our role as Christians doesn't stop there, as we must also spread the gospel - in everything we do, in every encounter, and in every time God performs miracles in our lives. Join us as we dive into God's standard for our lives.
References:
Matthew 6:1-18, 1 John 1:1-5, Luke 5:21-22, John 9:2
In the book of Acts chapter 4, Peter and John face persecution from the exact same religious leaders who murdered their Messiah. And with no hesitation and being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter speaks boldly about the events that occurred the day of Christ crucifixion. The purpose of the believer is to speak boldly about Christ, regardless if you face persecution, and the second is too love others that share the same passion for the Messiah. In the second half of the chapter we see the church give to meet each others needs - this is why I love house church, because it's filled with people who love one another and go out of their way to meet others needs. It's in church or a small group that people come together to share the love for humility and their love for Jesus!
Join us as Matthew, Cam, and Cruz, break down Acts 4 in this next episode of The Back Porch.
In Acts chapter 3, we see Peter and John, fulfilling their mission by taking the torch that Jesus passed to them to perform healings and preach repentance and salvation. This wasn't the first time healing and teaching was done in the same day, as we see many times in previous books where Jesus heals the sick and lame just to teach the people of Israel a new lesson. Join us as Matthew and I break down chapter 3 to discuss the physical
and spiritual blessings found in Jesus.
Acts 2 is considered one of the greatest sermons of all time, and if you really think about it Peter does a great job sharing the gospel of Jesus. He not only talks about the resurrection, but he even references Joel and David, which are prophesies about Jesus.
In this chapter we see the fulfillment of the Holy Spirit come, and we see many people added to the church. If you ever have questions about the purpose of church read the book of Acts because they are a perfect representation of God's church!
The book of Acts is probably one of the biggest turning points for the church. This is where Jesus not only gives the apostles a plan and purpose, but power to fulfill that purpose! We don't see the Holy Spirit come till chapter 2, but what great anticipation and planning there is just in chapter one. This is where we see the church first gather together and receives the power of God!
If I could leave you with something from chapter one, it's that there's power in the waiting. Chapter one, Jesus tells his disciples to wait before they receive their purpose and power. So I encourage you today to wait on the Lord.
In the last chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul really closes in on two things: False knowledge and finding contentment. We live in a generation where we have access to almost anything, if you want to do a quick Google search it takes 10 seconds, if you want to fly to another state or country you can board a plane and be there within a day or two. Because we have such easy access to everything it can be easy to get lost in what Paul calls false knowledge, and much more not finding true contentment. This is why as Christians we much guard our heart and in most cases stand firm in our faith through the unknowns in our life, when things aren't easy, and when we feel burdened. "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:30) God says stand firm in Him because in Him we have strength, power, and he promises to never let you be tempted beyond your ability to over come that temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Lean on Jesus today!
As the body of Christ it can seem like most things tend to be the church's responsibility such as, providing child care, visiting widows, feeding and clothing local families in need. The list goes on, but in most cases resources are always limited whether it's, people, clothing, food, etc. Paul addresses instructions for the church and gives logical yet spiritual reasoning of how to go about providing for these families. Like most pastors, Paul doesn't want to see a family go hungry or stay in need but he also knows there are certain things that each family can do to provide for each other. This letter is intended for encouragement and direction and it ultimately eases the burden of the church.
We live in a time where we have access to so much knowledge and wisdom, but sometimes the things we learn are not beneficial to our faith. Paul addresses these same concerns in the church and even cautions Timothy to keep a close eye on himself and his teachings, as it can have an impact on his salvation and the salvation of others. The same still applies today, we need to be careful on what we believe because it can hinder our faith and confuse others around us. The best way to discern false teachings is to compare it to what God says in the Bible.
Timothy, is a young pastor who was appointed by Paul, to take his place while he was in prison. Even though he was young, Timothy still possessed traits to be a great leader in the church it's why there was so much trust placed in him to lead the church of Ephesus, but Paul knew Timothy was not quite ready to do everything alone, it's why there are letters addressed to Timothy, to assist him in ministry. Paul knew that Timothy would need help, but how would Timothy know who to appoint? Chapter 3 is about traits a leader must possess in order to be appointed overseers and deacons in the church. Even though these letters were written thousands of years ago, I believe these same qualifications apply today, not to steer others away from serving in the church but to help the church be most effective, but these same qualifications also help young men know what God expects from your life. This letter is addressed to deacons and overseers in the church, but is also addressed to all the men who are in the church regardless of their title.
Most Christians know the importance of prayer, but Paul gets very specific about his prayer life. He states that we should pray for the leaders in our country and in our towns, even if those leaders are not worthy of prayer. I think we can all agree that we don't love hostility but rather peace, that we can live a "quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." This is what Paul envisions for the future, a life without persecution, a life where we can worship Jesus freely. God wants us to understand that prayer is not just for us, but is for all people, His desire is that everyone would come to know and worship Jesus.
We all struggle at times with reading our bible on a consistent basis, and sometimes when we're in the groove of reading our bible Satan finds a way to distract us pulling us away from our alone time with God. In 1 Timothy Chapter 1, Paul is writing to Timothy, encouraging him to remain in Ephesus so that he can keep certain people from teaching false doctrine and their strange devotions to myths and endless genealogies. Paul encourages Timothy, to teach the church the purpose of the law and the purpose of salvation, which translates to the importance of knowing God's word. The gift of reading is a blessing and understanding God's word is spiritual revelation, but if we never read or hear His word for ourselves how will we know if our pastor or other leaders in the church are speaking from Truth? This is why Paul encourages Timothy to remain in Ephesus to keep the others accountable, so today I encourage each of you to do the same.
Most people in our world avoid confrontation at all cost, even if we know someone we love is making a big mistake. Because we would rather keep our mouths shut than to speak up. In the letter to Philemon, Paul does the complete opposite because he knows the importance of holding each other accountable, and that it takes courage, love, and the right words, when addressing the issue. This letter is not just about Paul, because it also takes spiritual maturity from Philemon to hear these words and follow through with the advice he was given. We can learn a lot from both Philemon and Paul in these last few verses.
Philemon 1: 21-25
Most people in our world live by a moral code and usually these people stand by their word. Paul was a man who stood by his word stating that he would indeed repay another mans debt. We live in a selfish time where most people are would never think to pay off another person's debt, but the truth is because of the sin in our lives we owe God much more than we could ever repay, which is why He sent Jesus Christ to die for our sin so that our debt would be repaid. Once you receive Christ as your Lord and Savior it is then your obligation to share his love and testimony, but it's also our obligation to begin forgiving those who might owe you something or those who wronged you.
Philemon 1: 17-22
All throughout the Bible God has appointed many people to accomplish his will. Most of the time these were unlikely people who would not stand out among a crowd, but God raises these men and women up to do might things to reveal how powerful He actually is. In Jeremiah 38:1-13, there is a man names Embed-melech, who God appointed to save Jeremiah, the prophet, from a cistern he was thrown into. Jeremiah was left for dead, but because of Embed's bravery he was able to gather 30 mighty men to pull Jeremiah out of the muddy death trap, saving the prophet and more importantly obeying God's divine will. No one is perfect, but God can use anyone to accomplish His will, that includes the least of these here on earth.
One of the greatest joys I receive in ministry are the people that I meet. I love how God brings together amazing people from all over the world, and lucky for me I've had the privilege to serve along side some of the most amazing people, whom by God's divine will brought us all together. Our lives are designed to fellowship with one another, serve with one another, and help each other in times of need. This message is about when Paul's first met Onesimus, a former slave to Philemon, but is now a changed man. Paul suggests that maybe it was God's design that Onesimus should run away from Philemon just to return back to him forever.
Most adults know what it's like to be forgiven, even more so if you're a believer in Christ as he paid the ultimate price to forgive us for all our sin, but what most adults struggle with is how to forgive others. Paul writes a letter to Philemon addressing his leadership but before he addresses the issue Paul begins his letter with love and encouragement. In this episode Matthew and I discuss the importance of forgiveness and we begin with a short story from Genesis where Jacob and Joseph experience forgiveness for themselves.
Paul writes this letter to a fellow worker in Christ, but he also addresses the wife, son, and house church of Philemon. From what we understand this is an important letter to a man who God knows is not perfect but needs some guidance. God knows our lives will not be perfect, even though we should strive for perfection each day, which is why He places certain people in our lives to hold us accountable. For you it might be a mentor, a best friend, or a spouse - "As Iron Sharpens Iron," I believed God designed us that we may do life together and do ministry together, and what better people to serve with than with than your own family!
Lots of things have changed in our world since Christ, like technology, vehicles, and jobs, but some things will never change they just look different. In this episode we are going through a new series that covers the book of Philemon, who was a slave owner. Although, slaver doesn't look like what is use to 2000 years ago it still exists, so me and Matthew do our best to explain what is looks in today's society and how there are wright ways and wrong ways to treat a person. I know this is a strange topic, but as you listen in I pray the Lord can reveal to each of us what our roles are knowing slavery still exist.
This episode covers weeks 3 and 4 of the Four Fields. Discipleship is important for many reasons, as it's how the gospel of Jesus is passed on from generation to generation. In some way we all disciple others around us, but to be a disciple of Jesus holds great responsibility. Many of us became disciples in the church, but what exactly is the church? Join us in this episode as we discuss discipleship and the purpose of church.
The field with seed is the most important field, simply because it's the Lord who commands each of us to go out and share the gospel regardless of who the person is, what they look like, and where they're from. Obedience is the key because whether the seed falls along the path, or the rocky ground, or the thorns, or the good soil, it's our job as Christians to listen to His voice and trust that He will provide the growth. We are not the ones to decide who should hear the gospel so, and when we don't know what to say or how to start the conversation we should trust the Lord will fill us with the Spirit to help guide our conversations. It's in Christ that amazing things can happen when we're obedient to His voice, apart from Him we can do nothing.
Christ has called everyone to advance the gospel, but sharing the gospel looks different for everyone. The Lord wants to use you where you are to share the gospel, but He wants you to do within your field. This may be sharing with your neighbor, a cowoker, brother or sister, or as a pastor of some sort. The bigger question is will you be obedient to His voice?
We all know serving in God's kingdom comes in many fashions, one of those were a group of Porch students who were sent to Ethiopia, where they fellowship and shared the gospel boldly to students in Kalala. God is wanting to use each of us and can inspire us to lead in different way within the church, but sometimes that requires us stepping outside of our comfortable little box and stepping into the mighty plans God has set out for us!
As Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, there were ten men who were covered in leprosy begging Jesus to have mercy on them and bring healing, but Christ response was to see the priest, as this was custom for the people to do but only if they could prove the disease was gone. Scripture says as they went the men were healed, in the end only one man returned to Jesus to give praise to God. This story proves that obedience to God is important even when it feels like all hope is lost. Let us not only give God the praise in our best moments, but also in our worst because He's deserving of it all!
In this episode the gang talks about the importance of spiritual gifts. God gives us different gifts to use to further his kingdom, but we discuss the importance of complete obedience to God when using our gift. Follow along to gather a better understanding of your spiritual and how you can be obedient to His calling!
This episode is about receiving spiritual gifts and using those spiritual gifts in and out of church. God has gifted each person with a unique talent to help further his kingdom, and the amazing thing is some have more than one spiritual gift. We cover each spiritual gift and give examples of how to use those gifts everywhere you go.
This week TJ covered the Roman Road. Gervace, Matthew, and I, briefly gave a historical description what Paul was trying to convey to the church in Rome. Join us for another podcast filled with God's word and wisdom.
This episode is strictly about the vision. God gave TJ a vision for The Porch, 8 years ago so we wanted share that same vision with our listeners. Join me and G, as we discuss the importance of house church, missions, and the weekly functions of The Porch.
This episode is led by Gervace, Matthew, and Cruz. During our session we cover the lukewarm Christian, as is seem the US is becoming more and more worldly as if there is no God. This causes many people to be led astray, but we offer biblical ways on how to combat our selfish desires and stay united with Christ.
In this episode Matthew, Micah, and Trevor, join as guest speakers to discuss our family Christmas traditions. Each family looks different so it's kind of nice to learn about the things that actually make us different. Christmas is a time for all nations to stop and celebrate this day of gift giving, but for Christians we see it as a day to gather with friends and family to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!
This episode is all about Jesus. Since we're in the holiday season, G and I began to discuss the purpose of Jesus dying on the cross and why we cannot buy or earn our way into heaven. His death is first explained in the book of Genesis, then further explained in Leviticus, and his coming was prophesied about many times in the Old Testament. Join us as we explain why Jesus was the ultimate Gift!
This is the final chapter of Revelation. This chapter is about eternity, as it describes what heaven will be like and who all will dwell with Jesus in His new Kingdom. Join us as we discuss this final chapter!
Revelation chapter 21 is about the New Heaven, the New Earth, and the New Jerusalem. God will do away with the old and bring in the new, so that all who are written in the Lambs Book of Life may have an eternal home, and this home is far more beautiful that any human eye can comprehend.
Revelation chapter 20 covers the 1000 year reign with Christ and all Christians. During this reign Satan is thrown down into the abyss until the end of the period, but once he is released for a short time he begins to deceive the nations on the earth one last time. The big question here is, how is it possible for those following Christ to turn away from him and turn to sin during the 1000 year reign? Join us as we discuss this chapter and this huge mystery.
This episode covers almost too many topics, but that's okay because we like to keep things somewhat interesting. From Oklahoma sports, to Salvation, to the rejoicing in heaven in Revelation chapter 19. Join G, Matthew, and I, as we discuss the important things of life and figure out a few mysteries of Revelation!
This episode covers the great prostitute, the beast, and the fall of Babylon. These three things represents something during the great tribulation, the woman is speculated to represent one world power, religion, and government. The beast represents Satan, and Babylon is the great city that once was that will eventually be rebuilt but destroyed to never be rebuilt again. G and I, interpret what this time will like as all three play a huge role in the last half of the tribulation.
This episode we have special guest Matthew Trolinger, as we cover the last half of the Tribulation period. Chapter 15 prepares the Bowl Judgment and chapter 16 is God's judgment poured out on the earth. These two chapters prepare us for the battle of Armageddon.
This chapter G and I cover the 144,000, but is this the same 144,000 from chapter 7 or is this a different set of people? This chapter also reveals how the gospel will be shared during this dark time to a people that worship idols, and "Drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality." This chapter is about judgment on God's people and those that want nothing to do with Jesus.
This episode covers two chapter that reveals the women, the child, the arch angel, and the dragon. These are four major characters that play an important role during this dark time, but as always God remains in control.
In these two chapter, we are discussing events that occur during the first three and a half years of the tribulation period. John is called back down to earth to receive a little scroll from this angel whose foot on land and sea, then these two witnesses appear and are given great authority to perform miracles like we haven't seen, then worship breaks out in heaven because all people give glory to God. This episode is packed full of great events and you aren't going to want to miss it!
These two chapter explain the Seventh Sean and the Golden Censer, along with the the Seven Trumpets. As the trumpets are blown, each event that occurs only makes life more miserable on the Earth. But the beautiful thing about these two chapter is Satan and his demons will not be allowed to harm God's people who have His seal on their foreheads. Though this is not easy to talk about, I still invite you to listen and read along as we talk about God's prophecy.
In this episode G and I, talk about the 144,000. This 144,000 is important because God will use His chosen nation once again to do a mighty thing on the earth. There will be a huge wave of believers like we've never seen before that come to worship God during this 7 year Tribulation. Join us as we talk about scripture, theology, and God's glory.
Scripture References: Revelation 7
In this episode G and I, talk about the seven seals (Dun Dun Dun!). This is God's judgment on the earth but there is only one who is worthy to open the scrolls and have access to God's people and the wrath that is poured down on the earth. Join us as we dive deep into the first 6 seals and discuss what each mean.
Revelation 6
In this episode G and I, walk through a moment in heaven when John was called up to heaven and began to write down the scroll and its seals. Up until this moment, no was was worthy to open the scroll, then one of the elders said " weep no more; the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals." As you listen and read you will begin to see all of heaven and earth worship the throne.
Scripture References: Revelation 5
In this episode G and I, cover in great detail what John sees while ascending up to heaven. The focus of this chapter is about the throne, and Jesus wanted to make sure John wrote it all down for the world to hear. Join us as we walk through the beauty and mysteriousness of heaven, and "what must take place after this."
Scripture References: Revelation 4
In this episode G and I, go through the letter written to the church in Laodicea. Jesus sees this church as lukewarm, as "neither cold nor hot," because they were never in need of anything, so they never needed God. To be a Christian is to constantly lean on God and seek His will, but this church was missing the mark. Join us as we dig into TJ's sermon and the letter written to the church in Laodicea.
Scripture References: Revelation 3:14-22
In the episode G and I cover the letter to the church in Philadelphia. Jesus had many great things to say to this church, and this is the second letter that did not include threats or warnings of the removal of their "lamp stand." This church was doing mighty things in the name of Jesus, that includes bearing his name even under the pressure of many false Jewish leaders. G and I talk about crowns, pillars, and God's everlasting promises.
Scripture References: Revelation 3:7-13, 2 Samual 7:12-16
In this episode, G and I cover the letter to church in Sardis. This is one of the shortest letters written to the churches, but what Jesus had to say was not so good. Even though the letter starts off rough Jesus sees there is still hope telling them to "Wake up and strengthen what remains...Remember then, what you received and heard." Join us as we breakdown each verse and compare this letter to the modern day church.
Scripture References: Revelation 3:1-6
In this episode G and I discuss what advancing the gospel looks like from a missionaries point of view. Nathan Shank spoke last Sunday and walked us through 15 different bible references, with the primary being Acts 13:42. Nathan helps us understand the primary purpose of the gospel is to advance, that God's word only knows how to grow. This is a great thing for for all gentiles like you and I!
In this episode, G and I talk about the letter to the church in Thyatira. This is the longest letters to the smallest church, and we want to know why! Join us as we discuss modern day idolatry, sexual immorality, symbolism, and God's divine mercy and grace.
Revelation 2: 18-29
In this episode G and I, discuss Coach Dixon's sermon last Sunday. Jonah was a prophet by God who was commanded to visit and save the city of Nineveh, but refused because he completely disliked this wretched city. Finding himself tossed into the ocean and swallowed by a massive fish, Jonah finally gave in to God's will and ultimately leading the city of Nineveh too repentance. Coach Dixon asked the question "What is your Nineveh"? Join us as we discuss, evolution, abortion, and the book of Jonah.
In this episode, G and I walk through the letters written to the church in Smyrna and Pergamum. Both letters are very much different, as the Lord was commending the church in Smyrna but warning the church in Pergamum. Both were persecuted but one church stands to this day, while another perished. Join us as we talk about the historical account of both churches!
Scripture References: Revelation 2:8-17, Numbers 22-31
Welcome to The Back Porch Podcast. In this episode we read through the letter written to the church in Ephesus. We know this letter was written to the church by John and was from Jesus Christ. John was on the Island of Patmos when he received a vision and wrote this letter. The church of Ephesus no longer exist to this day, but we know it was in modern day Turkey, and that this letter was written to them as a warning. Please follow along as we discuss what the church of Ephesus and our generation all have in common!
Scripture references: Revelation 2:1-7
In this episode G and I, have special guest Chad Patterson, who joins us as we walk through Revelation 1:7-20, which is composed of a vision John, an apostle of Jesus Christ, had when Christ visited him on the Island of Patmos. Join us as we discuss in detail what these descriptions mean and what is to come when Jesus returns.
Welcome to The Back Porch podcast. In this week we have guest speaker TJ Helling, who helps G and I speak about week two of Revelation! This week was recorded in Davis, OK at Falls Creek, so this is a very special episode for us. Join us as we talk about "The Big Picture", the meaning of the number 7, the meaning of being a bond servant, and the blessings of God in Revelation.
Scripture References: Revelation 1:1-3, Exodus 2:5-6, Matthew 13:11-15
In this episode G and I, give an introduction to Revelation. TJ helped us answer two questions this past Sunday - who wrote Revelation and when was it written? Follow along to learn more about John, Jesus, and the end times.
Scripture References: John 19:26-27
Guest speaker Matthew, and cohost Cruz, speak on some pretty interested questions this week. TJ goes over two questions, How did Satan fall and why? Matthew and I do our best to dig deeper into the verses that gives evidence of who Satan was before and after his great fall. Join us as we use God's word to piece together what really went down thousands of years ago!
Scripture References: Job 1:6, Revelation 12:9, Isaiah 14:12, Ezekiel 28:12, Jude 1:6, 1 John 3:8, John 8:44, Luke 10:17.
In this episode we have guest speaker Tyler, cohost G, and other cohost Cruz Chavez. In honor of Mothers Day, we celebrate all moms across the world by starting off in Romans 12:9 "Let love be genuine." In verses 9 through 21, Paul teaches us how to love someone even when we find it difficult to get along with them. Paul even goes through the depths of how not to love someone and describes for us what love isn't.
Scripture References: Romans 12:9-21
This episode focuses on our high school seniors across the world. G and I talk about how "The Great Commission" resembles how high school seniors are sent out just like Jesus sent out the disciples. My hope for all believing students that are transitioning from high school or college into a new chapter is that they seek God everywhere they go. That just by allowing Him to have His way in your life can take you to pretty amazing places or even lead back home to do something amazing for your community. God is calling each of us, but will you be still enough and obedient enough to listen to His voice!
Scripture References: Matthew 28:16-20, John 17:1-3, Proverbs 16:9, Romans 12:2
In this episode we have guest speaker Micah Bynum, who helps G and I take a deeper look into the second half of the week leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this episode we describe and explain the the last events that occurred during The Last Supper, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday.
Scripture References: Mark 14:12-72, John 16:16-24, John 16:32-33, Psalm 41:7-13, Zechariah 13:7, Mark 15:1-47, Isaiah 52:13-15, Isaiah 53:1-7, Matthew 27:62-66, Luke 23:54-56, Isaiah 53: 8-12, Luke 24:1-49, Psalm 16:9-11.
This episode is about Holy Week. In the podcast we cover four things: Pal Sunday, Jesus Cleanses the Temple, Jesus Teaching in the Temple, and Jesus Anointed for Burial. Cohost G, guest speaker Tyler Gleason, and cohost Cruz Chavez, do their best to dive deep into those four out of eight things leading up to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Follow along as we look at the final week of Jesus Christ that lead to his death, resurrection, and fulfillment of many prophesies!
Scripture References: Luke 19:28-44, Psalm 118:25-29, Zechariah 9:9, Mark 11:12-19, Isaiah 56:1-8, Luke 21, Luke 22:1-2, Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:3-11, Luke 22:3-6, Zechariah 11:12-13.
In this episode, we have a guest speaker Tyler Gleason (student/worship leader), who helps us talk about four topics within the Bible. These topics are, tattoos, alcoholic beverages, living together before marriage, and homosexuality. Are these okay to do, and what does the Bible say about them? These are not easy conversations, but we know all people have fallen short of the glory of God and that all need repentance and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. My job as a Christian is to help lead others to Christ by having these serious conversations. We pray the Lord lead this conversation and that His message be clear and not added or taken away from.
Scripture References: 1 Kings 18:28, Genesis 9:20-27, Genesis 19:30-36, Genesis 2:20-25, Romans 1:21-25, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Genesis 1:27, Mark 10:6-9, 1 Corinthians 7:1-3, Proverbs 14:12, Jeremiah 17:9, 1 Corinthians 6:12, James 1:13-15.
In this episode G and I, talk about two new questions from this past Sunday. When is the Sabbath? Why was the Sabbath made? Follow along with us as we talk about the importance of the sabbath, when, where, and why it all started. We ultimately end this episode with how the sabbath applies to our generation.
Scripture references: Exodus 31:15, Deuteronomy 5:15, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16, Mark 2:27, Hebrews 10:12, Colossians 2:16, Hebrews 4:9.
This week, G and I are diving deeper into what actually happened the day of "The Fall," did Eve actually eat fruit from a tree that caused sin to enter into the world? The second question was, how did the world get populated by just Adam and Eve. The third questions was, why did God regard for Abel's gift but not Cain's?
Follow along as we seek out the truth behind these questions and try to better understand these events that occurred hundreds of years ago!
Scripture references: Acts 17:24 | Genesis 3:1 | Romans 5:12 | Genesis 4:1-8 | 1 John 3:11 | Matthew 5:23
In this episode we dive deeper into two questions: 1) Is the book of Isaiah a reflection of Revelation? 2) What happened to John 5:4? Because it's not there in the ESV version of the Bible.
We know there are many questions like this, but even if we search to the ends of the earth for these questions and God decides not to reveal them to us, we can only believe its for our good. For 1 Corinthians says "God is not a God of confusion but of peace." So let us have peace that God knows all things and we can trust him not only with our soul but also with the unknown.
The Porch is starting a new series called Questions! In this series TJ covers many questions that many christians might have in their walk with Christ. This week G and I go deeper into the three questions we covered on Sunday, "Why did Jesus say he came only to gather the lost sheep of Israel", the second was "Did Jesus call the Canaanite woman a dog", and the third is "Where is the Ark of the Covenant?" Scriptures used: Deuteronomy 7:6-9, Genesis 12:1-3, Matthew 15: 21-28, John 18:28, Hebrew 9:3-4.
TJ talks about this idea that love never ends. When the world has come to an end and we're in heaven we will no longer need hope or faith, but love will still be around. The Apostle Paul is talking to the church of Corinth about what love is, because this was a church filled with talented and probably wealthy people, but they had a bragging issue. We know this is not love, but the ultimate truth is anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
We are in our third week of love. We focus on what love is NOT, because the world tells us to hate those who are in the wrong when in fact scripture tells us to love the sinner but NOT the sin. The hardest part to this is turning away from rejoicing in sin, especially when its our best friends or family members. We learn how to love someone who is in the midst of living in sin.
In this episode, G and I talk about how the church is more than a church. It's a place where we meet some of our life long best friends, a place where the community can be thicker than blood. But people will always be people and sometimes it's hard to love those who don't often deserve it. We talk about what love is and what love isn't. Bible verses - 1 Corinthians 13:4, Matthew 5:38, 1 Samual 20:17
This is our very first podcast, and we are super excited to have you tune in. This episode helps us dig a little deeper on love, not just the kind of love you have for your significant other, but different kinds of love. In this episode we talk about what it looks like to truly love the people in and around our lives.