http://biblestudying.net: Recent Episodes
http://biblestudying.net
In-depth bible studies from biblestudying.net. Videos of these podcasts are available on our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/biblestudying/playlists.
In this final segment of our study on the Seven-Headed Beast, we focus in on the final/seventh empire in the series of earthly world powers who had dominion over Israel when God's people were/are in their land with a Temple in Jerusalem. We know this seventh empire has "two horns" and that it is an end-times empire. Since all of the seven empires have had their own great Harlot cities, what can we learn about the seventh empire itself from Revelation 17's description of its great harlot city which employs biblical allusions to the ancient Phoenicians? Can we learn more about the geographic origin or location of the seventh kingdom? Can we learn anything about the people group(s) it emerges from? Is there information about its governmental type or other major features or characteristics?
In part five, we delve a little deeper into our exploration of biblical indicators of the geography of the ten-horned empire. After this, we turn our attention to additional scriptural details about the characteristics and possible location of the two-horned empire. Passages such as Isaiah 23, Ezekiel 26-28, and Daniel 11 all somehow connect the ancient Phoenicians with Revelation 18's lengthy description of the Harlot which is likely to be the great or leading city of the two-horned empire.
In episode 4 we focus in on the sixth and seventh angelic kings and their earthly, political kingdoms in the final years before Christ's return. We will return to our examination of Revelation 17:8-11 as well as Revelation 9:11 and 11:7 to help identify the "healed head" as the angel who once ruled over the ancient Roman Empire. We will then discuss the identify and timing of the seventh angelic king and his kingdom in relation to the symbol of the two-horned beast of Revelation 13:11-12 as well as the casting out of the cheif adversary in Revelation 12 and the clay of Daniel 2's statue. The last segments of this session include some consideration of the geographic location of the ten-horns as well as a look at the larger biblical use of the symbol of a harlot to describe the seven leadings cities of each of the seven empires.
This week in our study series we discuss the significance of the bible's indications that wicked angels rule over Gentile nations in relation to the series of beastly empires discussed in Daniel and Revelation. Who are the ten horns? Are they a world-wide or global political system? Are they centered in Rome, Italy? Or, does the bible allow for or point to other options? Which beastly king in the series of seven is restored to rule for a second period of time? How does Revelation 13's two-horned beast fit in with the other beasts (heads) of Daniel 7 and Revelation 13? We will also consider some possibilities for how the specific kind of beast used to symbolize each empire may relate to the angels who preside over them.
In week two of our study, we continue our look at key passages from Revelation 13 and 17 along with Daniel 7 and 8. In this episode we posit our theory that the second beast of Revelation 13 which has two horns is, like the first beast and the beasts of Daniel 7 (and 8), is or includes an earthly empire of kingdom. This would mean that the bible prophesies that in the end times there will be a short period with two major world political powers: the ten-horned beast and the two-horned beast. We also consider connections to Daniel 2's statue as well as strong indications from Revelation 17:8-11 that each of these earthly kingdoms is presided over by an angelic king (or prince in accordance with Daniel 10). There is also some discussion of the historical identification of the first six beastly empires and their satanic angelic patrons.
In this study series we take a look at the symbol of the seven-headed beast of Revelation 13 and 17:3, 8-11 using precedent from the Book of Daniel to understand the large-frame geo-political picture of the world during the end-times. The model that we put forward was developed in 2000 and early 2001. By focusing on hermeneutic principles we hope to derive an exegetically-driven interpretive model that bypasses generationally trendy speculation and instead provide reliable guidance for the eventual identification of the times and nations described in these important prophetic texts.
In the final week of our four-part series on the Four Horsemen we continue to discuss the role of these four satanic angels and their armies during the seals and trumpets. We will take a closer look at the "the third part" and "the fourth part" mentioned in Revelation 6 and 8-9 and connect them to the four quarters or corners of the earth (north, south, east, and west) that where the devil and his angels have authority. The study ends with additional consideration of the trumpets as symbolic language for the Falling Away that Paul mentions in 2 Thessalonians 2.
Last week discussed how each of the four rider's horses corresponded in color to the breastplates of the armies mentioned at the Fifth and Sixth Trumpets. And we discussed ancient associations of the "four winds" as horseman associated with the four directions north, south, east, and west which also matched the colors of the four horsemen and the breastplates of Revelation. (White horse, silvery-gray iron breastplates, and the west; red horse, fiery red breastplates, and the south; black horse, dark purply-black breastplates, and north; and pale greenish-yellow horse, greenish-yellow breastplates, and east.) This week we continue to explore the rest of the Seven Trumpet for more possible indications about the activity of these satanic angels.
In week two of our series we explore the possible connections between the Four Horsemen of Revelation 6's seals with the four winds of Revelation 7 and Daniel 7:2 and the four angels mentioned at the sixth Trumpet. We also return to our consideration of the significance of the colors of the horses and whether Hades (Hell) is one of the first three riders.
Join us for our new study series on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as we do an in-depth examination of these iconic riders. In the weeks ahead we will attempt to answer interesting questions like: Are the four horsemen just a figurative way for the bible to tell us about coming war, famine, and death in the end-times? Is the first horsemen the Jesus Christ, or the Antichrist, or someone else? What is the significance of the bow, the crown, the balances, and the sword? Is there meaning to the color of the horses? Why is the fourth horseman called Death? Why is Death capitalized? Why does it say Hell followed with him? Does Hell just mean "hell on earth"? Are there four riders or five? How do these seals relate to other parts of John's vision?
The final week of our five-week study. This week we take a look at the legacy of Simon Magus from Acts 8 and the possible implications and connections it may have to understanding Revelation 13's the False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast. And, we explore the potential significance of the inclusion of "small and great, rich and poor, bond and free" within the possibility that the mark may not involve any real-world, financial system.
Week Four of our Mark of the Beast series. This week we continue to examine earlier biblical use of language related to buying and selling that may be informative about the Mark of the Beast. The New Testament teaches that Jesus sent out apostles to proclaim the gospel. When people accepted the gospel they were bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. This redemptive purchase was then sealed by the Holy Spirit whom they received by the laying on of hands by apostles and elders. When someone became part of the Jewish church community, they were given and received the right hand of fellowship. Could the Mark of the Beast simply be a counterfeit of this without involving a worldwide economic system?
This week we continue to discuss important biblical details about the mark of the beast. Can something be the mark of the beast if there is no figure associated with it whose name equals six hundred sixty six associated with it? Will people take the mark of the beast without realizing they are accepting someone else as Christ besides Jesus and without any overt act of religious worship? Will there be a one world government in the end times? How does the mark compare to the seal of the 144,000? What is bought and sold with the mark? Is buying and selling a straightforward, plain-reference to all financial transactions? Or is it a more specific set of transactions or a symbolic reference that isn't really about economic activity at all?
Week Two of our Mark of the Beast study. People are put to death for not worshipping the beast. But, if you're dead, you already can't buy or sell. So, what is the purpose of the mark of the beast? Also, what is the significance of the number? Is there a difference between six, six, six or six hundred sixy six? Is the number representative of an amount, a means of identifying someone, or just a symbolic reference to man in general? Join us as we consider these questions and the possibility that the mark of the beast doesn't involve any actual, commercial system at all. Is it possible that those who take the mark are simply the miracle working false apostles spreading the religious worship of the beast and his image?
Is the Mark of the Beast a UPC code? A vaccine? A computer chip? A smart card or smart phone? Or something else? Over the course of the weeks ahead, our new study on the Mark of the Beast will take a look at popular, conventional understandings as well as considering less traditional understandings as we discuss the exegetical data provided in the bible as well as what we can reasonably deduce from it.
The final episode of our Abomination of Desolation Study. This week we take a look at biblical and historical events including Ezekiel 8, King Uzziah, King Ahaz, Alexander the Great, Pompey, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, and Titus to see to what extent any of these events may inform us about the end-times' Abomination of Desolation.
Part 4 continues our group discussions from part 3. Is the term Beast a reference to the angel known as Apollyon (Abaddon) or is the Beast a reference to the man known as the Antichrist? Is Image of the Beast an idol that is brought to life or is it a reference to the Antichrist? If the Image is an idol that is brought to life, does it involve robotics, DNA, cloning, or Artificial Intelligence? Can the devil actually give life to something that is not alive? Will the Antichrist actually be the physical offspring of a satanic angel or demonic spirit? Who is the False Prophet?
In Part 3 of this series, we take a look at Revelation 13 with particular interest in the "image of the Beast" asking questions like "Is the Beast a human or angelic figure?", "Is the image an idol statue that comes to life?", and "Is it possible that the Image of the Beast is a reference to the Antichrist and not to a man-made object?"
biblical texts from Daniel, the Olivet Discourse, and 2 Thessalonians asking critical questions including: What does the Hebrew term "shiqquts" which is translated as "abomination" in Daniel, mean in its general Old Testament use? Will there be a man-made idol or statue placed in the Temple or just the presence of the Antichrist? Will the Antichrist actually sit in the Temple? Will the Antichrist go into the inner room (the Holy of Holies) of the rebuilt Temple?
Part One of our study on the Abomination of Desolation. Our opening week includes a larger discussion of related end-times issues, setting the stage for a more in-depth examination which will follow in later installments. As we continue ahead, this study will look at the biblical terms used to describe this event, the historical precedents, and what may be involved.
In Episode 11 we tackle the question of whether the Two Witnesses will be of Jewish or Gentile descent. There's good reason to think they may be Jewish, after all from Moses to John the Apostle, all of the prophets were Jewish. But, there is also sound exegetical grounds to consider that they may be Gentiles. In this week's episode we explore a number of biblical passages that could help inform our understanding of this topic.
In Part 10, we investigate what kind of Temple activities may be going on in the lead up to the Abomination of Desolation. We take a look at Daniel 9:27, Revelation 11:1-2, and other passages in Daniel to understand the Hebrew terms, Mosaic Law, and other factors can inform us of whether animal sacrifices will be part of the end times and whether a rebuilt Temple will have to be attended by Aaronic priests from the Tribe of Levi.
Part 9 of our Two Witnesses Study. In this week's episode we spend some time in Daniel 9 exploring the possibility that verse 27 does not speak of a Peace Treaty or Covenant between the Antichrist and Israel and the implications this would have for the first half of the final seven years. (Another theory worth considering is that Daniel 9:27 is discussing God's Covenant with His people Israel.)
In Part Eight of our study on the Two Witnesses, we return to our look at the symbols of olive trees and candlesticks in relation to the menorah's seven lamps and seven bowls and the seven angelic spirits identified as the eyes of the Lord who intently watch and attend to Temple reconstruction and service and who coordinate with the two olive trees (the two witnesses) in pouring out plagues on the beast, his kingdom, and those who worship him and take his mark.
Part 7 of our Two Witnesses Study finishes up our look at the chronology of major events during the final seven years as we focus on whether the Two Witnesses' 1,260 days of prophecy, testimony, and plagues are in the first or second half and whether these two men die at the midway point or the end.
In Part Six of our Two Witnesses study we begin our examination of the Chronology of the final seven years as we try to understand whether key, end-times events occur and when major figures are active in the first half, the second, half, the midway point, or the end. (NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, Part Six includes 2 videos: 6a and 6b.)
Part 6b of our Two Witnesses study continuing our examination of the Chronology of the final seven years as we try to understand whether key, end-times events occur and when major figures are active in the first half, the second, half, the midway point, or the end. (NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, Part Six includes 2 videos: 6a and 6b.)
In this Fifth Part to our Two Witnesses study, we continue to go verse by verse examining and considering possible information contained in Revelation 11's presentation of the two witnesses, their work, and their role. Does fire actually come out of their mouth and kill people? When does the beast that kills them first presented in the Book of Revelation?
In Part Four of our study of the Two Witnesses, Scott takes does in-depth examination of Revelation 11 considering biblical information that each verse may provide about the role and work of the Two Witnesses.
This week we take a look at Zechariah 4 in connection with the imagery of Revelation 11 and what it means for who the two witnesses are. We also consider the question of whether the two witnesses will be historical figures like Elijah and Enoch or two men from the final generation before Christ's return and we discuss how Revelation 11 indicates that only the Temple House and the items inside the Holy of Holies will be rebuilt NOT any of the courts or the brazen altar of animal sacrifice in the court of the priests.
Scott from biblestudying.net continues through the opening question (are the two witnesses two individuals or two groups of people?); takes a look at the four terms used in Rev. 11 to identify them: olive trees, candlesticks, witnesses, prophets; and outlines the issues and questions we will eventually cover in this study series.
An in-depth look at the two intriguing figures presented in Revelation 11. We try to go beyond the surface to consider any additional insight the bible may offer on this end-times topic. (A multi-part study series.)