ReDiscovering God: Recent Episodes
Warren Kay and Ian Hartley
In this episode we discover the importance of making a distinction between our identity and our condition. This is life transforming because we tend to look at our condition and form ideas about ourselves - often feeling bad and less than we should. But when we are reminded that our identity is based on what God says about us and who we really are in his sight - our understanding of who we really are takes a whole different perspective and we have so much to rejoice about and celebrate. We are children of the King and joint heirs with Jesus!
There are many Bible verses that say salvation is gift. Then there are other places the Bible talks about a reward based on our behaviour. So which is it? Is salvation a reward or a gift. Join us on this journey as we bring clarity to the confusion.
The pdf is on our website www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
As we complete this series we cover the last four aspects that Jesus brought a newness to our understanding of God that is quite radical. God is placed in a much better light as Jesus reveals an understanding of the devil that was not existent in the old testament times. We also share an amazing statement from Ellen White that gives support for the position we took in a previous episode on Abraham attempting to sacrifice Isaac. Check out the pdf document at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
It is often our idea that Jesus came to reinforce what we already knew about God. However, in this episode we take a careful look at several aspects of God that come from Jesus. For example, Jesus refers to God as Father and even calls Him, Dadda or Abba. He says that if you have seen me you have seen the Father. There is no difference between the two. We continue to unpack these and a total of five areas that Jesus makes a significant contribution to our understanding of God. This is the first of a two part series.
The third in this series of Faith,Hope and Love takes a close look at love and what Authentic love actually is. After defining what this love is we look at how God has lived out that kind of love. He knows the worst about us but thinks the best about us. We then unpack the amazing love that God continues to have for each of us. The pdf for this episode is found on the website. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
There are many things we can do without in life but hope is not one of them. It is essential to have hope for life to be meaningful. In fact many who give up on life do so because they have lost hope. We take a careful look at hope in this episode and differentiate between hope, wishing, false hope and fantasy. God's unfailing love is the source of hope and is a gift from Jesus. Hope comes from hearing the gospel and can be inspired in each other as we notice and comment on the good we see in each other. There is a story in the pdf document that we did not tell in the podcast. Go to the website and download it to enjoy. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
There is a lot of confusion around what faith is and how to define it. In this ReDiscovering God episode we take a serious look at what faith is and what it is not. We uncover the reality that faith is a gift of the Spirit, that is has no merit, its relationship with Works, and that it is grasping God's reality as opposed to our reality. The PDF is found on the website: www.rediscoveringgod.ca
In this final episode on Genesis 22 and the account of Abraham and his attempt to Sacrifice Isaac, Ian, Sascha and Warren provide a alternative way of understanding this troublesome story and suggest that Abraham thought it was God's voice but was deceived by his own devious nature. Join us as we consider the evidence for such a position.
We consider the 5th of the ways to understand this unusual story. We wrestle with the statements in Jeremiah that make it very clear that it never crossed God's mind to command someone to sacrifice their child. So how can we resolve the dissonance that this verse creates? If God was not asking Abraham to do this, how is it that he proceeds to take Isaac and some servants on several days journey to the mountain where he believed he was to sacrifice his son?
As we wrestle with the moral issues of this story we consider four of the five options for understanding this story that places God in a very challenging light if it is understood simply as it is written. There are many passages where God is clear he would not even think of encouraging someone to sacrifice their child. Join us as we continue to prayerfully understand this story.
We take a close look at the difference between tempting and testing in this episode. We discover that while at times God may test he never tempts us to do wrong. That comes from within our selves. This is important to understand as we look closely at what Abraham believed he was asked by God to do. Join us in part one of this careful and prayerful look at this challenging story where Abraham attempts to sacrifice Isaac the son of promise.
In this second part to Genesis 21 Abraham is confronted by Abimelech, who has been generous to allow Abraham and his tribe to live on his land, and asks him for a covenant that he will not turn on the Philistine people and overpower them. We suspect that Abraham's tribe and flocks have become rather large and could become a substantial threat to the people who live in the land.
Finally the promise of 25 years ago is fulfilled and Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah. Abraham is 100 years old and Sarah is 90. There is no doubt this is a miracle child come to fulfill the promise of God. But there is trouble in the camp. Sarah is aware that Hagar's son, Ishmael has been mistreating her child, the child of promise, and she will have none of it. She demands that Abraham send him and his mother out of the camp to ensure that he will not share the inheritance with her son. Abraham must now send them out into the wilderness. His heart is breaking as the next morning he sends them out on their own to fend for themselves. God promises Abraham and later Hagar that Ishmael will be the father of a nation. He ends up having 12 sons to match the 12 sons of Isaac.
Abraham and Sarah have to move and find themselves in a compromised situation where they lie thinking they will protect Abraham's life. But God intervenes and comes in a dream to the pagan King Abimelech and saves him from violating Sarah who had already been brought to his palace. Apparently she is a very attractive woman at the age of 90 that would prompt the king to send for her. This is a very fascinating story of God's intervention on Sarah's behalf. Notice how the innocent seem to get the punishment and the guilty are not reprimanded.
We conclude our study of Genesis 19 as we review the Principle of prediction does not mean causation as it relates to this story and realize that God was aware of what would happen and so warns Lot and his family so they could escape. Even though the Bible writer attributes the cause to God it was most likely an event that was a result of natural causes.
In this episode we address the challenge of seeing God as non violent, and Jesus taught us, in the light of this story where the Bible is very clear that God sent the fire to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. The template we talk about in this episode can be used to explain all other situations in the Old Testament where God is described as violent. It is becoming more and more obvious that Moses, David and the other writers of the Bible describe God in their own image. David was a warrior so he describes God as a mighty warrior. It finally becomes necessary for Jesus to come and give us the most accurate picture of God we have. Join us as we discuss this critical topic in light of this story. You will find our pdf document on the website www.rediscoveringgod.com.
Two angels arrive in Sodom and Lot invites them to his home. He knows it is not safe for them to spend the night in the city square. Sure enough a group of men from the city come to his home demanding that he give them the strangers he had taken in. We discover that this verse that has been used through the recent years to support a condemning stance against homosexuality actually is focused on greater issues that are condemned throughout scripture. Join us as we take a closer look at this story.
A son is promised to Sarah who is by well passed child bearing age. It brings laughter to a mother's weary heart who had given up believing she would ever become a mother.
Abraham urges three guests to stop and take a rest while he prepares a meal for them. In time he realizes he has been visited by God and bargains with him for the lives of those living in the cities of Sodom.
God has reaffirmed the covenant with Abram and changed his name to Abraham. Now he establishes a sign of the covenant with the practise of circumcision to remind him and future generations that God does not need our help to fulfill what He has said He will do. He then gives Sarai the new name of Sarah. The thought of becoming a father at the age of 100 and with his wife Sarah at the age of 90 brings laughter to Abraham as he thinks of the complete impossibility of such an event.
Abraham was circumcised at 99 years old. Ever wonder who performed that ceremony on Abraham? You will need to listen to discover who it was.
This is the first of two episodes on this chapter. Abram is now 99 years old and invites him to be faithful and live a blameless life. The word blameless is not the same as what we understand as perfect. It is to be understood in relational terms rather than transactional terms. God declares a covenant or promise with him that he will be the father of a great nation with countless descendants. As a result he changes his name from Abram to Abraham meaning father of many. God assures him that He will be his God and the God of his descendants.
As Abram and Sarai struggle with the reality that they have no children to carry on their legacy, they devise a plan that involves their servant girl, Hagar. In this lapse of faith in God's ability to provide, they head down a path that will not only bring pain and sorrow to them, but is still felt today in the unrest between these descendants in the Middle East. In this story we are introduced to the first mention of many references to the Angel of the Lord who we discover to be the presence of Jesus in the Old Testament.
In this episode God comes to Abram and reaffirms his promise that he will become a great nation even though he is without a child and is a wonderer in a country that is not his own. God "cuts" a covenant with him and promises that if he is not faithful to this covenant He will be cut in two. This is a fascinating ritual that they practiced in Abram's day to show the seriousness of the agreement they were making. And so God makes this covenant with Abram to demonstrate the seriousness with which God is making this promise.
As Abram rescues Lot who has been captured by an army from the north, he acquires vast wealth as he takes the spoils these 4 kings had take in their mission to plunder the inhabited cities. He also meets Melchizedek. And meet Melchizedek, a King and a Priest. Jesus was also a priest after the order of Melchizedek.
In the conflict between Abram and Lot we discover some important insights into conflict resolution and the cost of being a peacemaker. Having completed the 7 signs of John we are now back in Genesis and pick up the story of Abram the 13 the chapter.
In the last sign we discovered a principle that enables us to understand the book of Revelation. When Jesus does exceptional miracles there is a response that reveals the wickedness of mankind. This happens many times in the gospels and then again in Revelation when the 7 bowls are poured out and the response is recorded that casues distruction. Without understanding this principle people conclude that it is God sending the destruction when it is the response to His goodness.
The last of the seven signs is the capstone of them all as Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. This sign was a definite statement that He was the Messiah.
In the second part of this story we discover a God that is eager to open our eyes and discover the joy of being in a relationship with Him rather than being shackled by the rules surrounding the Sabbath.
In this sixth sign Jesus heals a man that had been born blind. Follow closely and you will discover that most translations would lead you to believe that God made him blind so that Jesus could heal him and bring good into his life. Is that what God does? Listen and find out.
John shares this fifth miracle of Jesus walking on the water and Peter asked to join Him to be sure it was really Him. How reassuring of Jesus to respond to their fear and uncertainty of seeing this form walking on the water in the midst of the storm that is threatening their lives with the words don't be afraid. These are the words we need to be reminded of as we encounter the storms of life. Don't be afraid.
The Fourth Sign in the Gospel of John is the feeding of a great crowd of people who had shown up and interrupted Jesus time alone with the disciples when they wanted to process the news about John the Baptists death. Jesus is concerned about these people and their need for food while they are still in the distance. The abundance that Jesus provides is consistent with he abundance of wine for a wedding and grace for all who desire it.
The third Sign that reveals Jesus as the Messiah is in John 5. Here Jesus "violates" the Sabbath and heals a man that has been an invalid for 38 years! What an amazing story of deliverance as Jesus does for this man what he cannot do for himself. Just as He does for us all as our Saviour - doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
The third Sign that reveals Jesus as the Messiah is in John 5. Here Jesus "violates" the Sabbath and heals a man that has been an invalid for 38 years! What an amazing story of deliverance as Jesus does for this man what he cannot do for himself. Just as He does for us all as our Saviour - doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
We review the four series of four that we find in John's Gospel. Then we take a closer look at the second miracle as Jesus heals a man's son who was dying. As a result the man moves from believing in Jesus's power to believing in his word to eventually he and his whole family come to believe in Jesus. It is a journey of faith that we all must take.
John's gospel focuses upon seven signs that Jesus performed that would enable people who had never seen Jesus to believe he was the Messiah. The first of those signs was the turning of water to wine at a wedding in Cana. It was something that would save the couple and their family from tremendous embarassement but also legitimize Mary's story about his miraculous birth and help her regain credibility in the community.
We now begin the story of Abram. His family's story comprises the remainder of the book of Genesis. What we have covered up to now has set the stage for the family of Abraham, the Hebrew people. Already we find God making him a promise and not changing that, even when he is unable to trust in God's protection and lies about his relationship with Sarai. Yet God remain faithful.
In looking at the Tower of Babel story we are reminded that even though the bible says that God did the confusing of the languages we realize that all supernatural events were attributed to God because of a lack of understanding of the devil. Jesus opened our eyes to that reality and so we can attribute this event to the devil who is the one that brings confusion. It is interesting to see how the ancestors are mentioned for the purpose of highlighting Abraham who what the friend of God and the Father of the Hebrew nation. His life and that of his descendants, will be the focus of the remaining book of Genesis.
In this episode we take a close look at the descendants of Noah and discover that although he had many descendants only 70 are mentioned. We discover the interesting use of the number 70 throughout Scripture and are reminded that this is a history of Abraham and his ancestry as God reveals the beginning of the Hebrew people.
This episode looks carefully at Noah's sons and a rather perplexing incident that happens between Noah and his sons that results in a curse being placed on a descendent of one of those sons. As a result a disturbing fable has developed from this story that for centuries was given as justification for the enslavement of people of colour. This was used by many to justify the mistreatment of people for a very long time. Eventually there was a change and slavery was abolished. Join us as we conclude chapter 9.
In this podcast we review the many covenants that God has made with his people. We discuss the importance of blood as well as the rainbow that God used to assure his people that he would never again destroy the world with a flood.
As the flood waters recede and Noah and his family are able to leave the ark he makes a sacrifice to God in an attempt to prevent God from destroying the earth again and God assures him that no matter how evil the people may become he will never again destroy the ground or strike down every living creature. What an amazing covenant God makes with Noah and the rest of mankind.
As we move now from Noah to the story of the Flood we discover that the author of Genesis, understood to be Moses, tells the story three times in this chapter, adding more detail with each telling. We note that this was a typical part of a verbal society. We also make note of the many references to 40 days in scripture and realize it is not to be understood as a literal number but a figure of speech. Given this destruction of the inhabitants of the earth God in mercy manages to save all who chose to be saved.
As we continue with the story of Noah we discover the principle of Prediction does not mean Causation which becomes critical to understanding this story and the Bible. Join us as we endeavour to make sense of the story of Noah and the flood in light of the life and teachings of Jesus.
We usually attribute the destruction of the flood to God as His attempt to deal with the violence that pervaded the world at that time. However, a closer look at the character of God we discover that is virtually impossible because it is so contrary to who He is. Join us as we consider who the real destroyer actually is. The pdf document is available at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
In Genesis 5 are the genealogies of Adam and Cain. Be amazed with us with the many nuggets of insight we discover hidden in what is usually a very boring chapter. Methuselah lived longer than anyone else has ever lived with an age of 969 years. His name means "When he dies it will happen". Sure enough the year he died the flood came. The fact that he lived so incredibly long suggests that God was restraining the catastrophic flood from happening as long as he could, hoping that more than just Noah and his family could be saved. Check out our pdf at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
In Genesis 4 we discover a God that is lonely for his child, Abel, who has just been murdered by his brother Cain. My how rapidly the venture with the devil away from God results in such a tragic event. It is hard for us to imagine what this was like for people who have yet to experience the death of another human being. Yet God puts a mark on Cain to protect him from further danger. God's mercy rises above the tragic results of sin. check out the pdf and link for the Youtube dialogue at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
As our series in Genesis continues we look at chapter 3 where the story takes a sudden twist. Adam and Eve transition from following God to following Satan and the tragic consequences that come as a result. How this sad turn of events must have broken God's heart as His children, his creation, have been deceived and no longer understand and trust Him. He has a problem to which Jesus is the answer. What Good News He was when He arrived and revealed the true character of God once again. The pdf of our podcast is available at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
The second account of creation is amazing, as God gets His hands dirty forming Adam and then also the animals from the ground. It just becomes so real as we discover things that were not good. The intimacy of God "kissing" Adam into life - breathing or inspiring him to come alive just like Jesus did as he breathed on the disciples and as God is doing for all mankind, today and every day. What a beautiful summary of the account of creation. Join us on this journey as we see a very intimate picture of our Creator God. The pdf is available at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
Join us as we explore the very first chapter of Genesis and discover a picture of God that is non-violent. How very fitting that this is the only story of creation that has no violence in it. All the other stories of creation grow out of some kind of violence. It is a consistent picture of God. In this account of creation God is transcendent and merely speaks the world into existence. Next time we will discover the second description of creation where God is intimately involved with His creation. The pdf of our podcast is available at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
I am sure you have pondered the idea of creation verses evolution. In this podcast we look at it from a very different perspective. Jesus in his miracles actually repeats the miracles of creation as he ministers to people. If He is able to do that, there need be no question he could do it at the beginning of life on this planet. The pdf document is at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
Join us as we struggle to understand this story recorded in Numbers 5 of how they determined if a woman had been unfaithful to her husband. It raises many questions on how we understand inspiration. Thankfully this is not still in practice. The history is fascinating of the many varieties of trial by ordeal there have been down through the ages.
When we take a close look at the character of God we realize there is much in the Bible that needs to be better understood. Today we look at a story in the New Testament that when understood in the traditional way, gives a picture of a scary god that will lash out with vengeance over a rather trivial indiscretion. Yet there are many people in Biblical history that are far more wicked than Ananias and Sapphira. Nothing happens to them. They are allowed to live out their lives with no repercussion. So how fair is that? What we discover is that perhaps the one who is the author of death causes more people to die than meets the eye. It would be impossible for the One who is the author of life to cause their death because that simply goes against His very being. You can find the pdf on our website. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
When we take a close look at the character of God we realize there is much in the Bible that needs to be better understood. Today we look at a story in the New Testament that when understood in the traditional way, gives a picture of a scary god that will lash out with vengeance over a rather trivial indiscretion. Yet there are many people in Biblical history that are far more wicked than Ananias and Sapphira. Nothing happens to them. They are allowed to live out their lives with no repercussion. So how fair is that? What we discover is that perhaps the one who is the author of death causes more people to die than meets the eye. It would be impossible for the One who is the author of life to cause their death because that simply goes against His very being. You can find the pdf on our website. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
What does it actually mean when we say "God is in Control?" We take a close look at a series of terms that help us understand if we are experiencing natural consequences or the reward or punishment of someone who is exercising their control over us. We look at inherent law, consequences, imposed law, punishment, power, authority, abuse, control, our will or choice, will power and free choice or free will. We think this will bring clarity to these terms and what is meant by them, as well as clarity to how God functions and how much he is able to control, given that he loves us and is especially fond of us. The pdf document is available at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
When we take a close look at the character of God we realize there is much in the Bible that needs to be better understood. Today we look at a story in the New Testament that when understood in the traditional way, gives a picture of a scary god that will lash out with vengeance over a rather trivial indiscretion. Yet there are many people in Biblical history that are far more wicked than Ananias and Saphira. Nothing happens to them. They are allowed to live out their lives with no repercussion. So how fair is that? What we discover is that perhaps the one who is the author of death causes more people to die than meets the eye. It would be impossible for the One who is the author of life to cause their death because that simply goes against His very being. You can find the pdf on our website. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
Have you ever wondered what God's plan for us would have been if sin had not entered this world? In this episode we take a careful look at what scripture says and discover that His PLAN was absolutely amazing. So good that it is hard for us to believe. Imagine, He planned all along to adopt us into the family of God, to become part of the royal family. That will still become a reality in spite of sin not because of sin. One day God will make his dwelling with us and we will be His people and He will be our God. Check out our website to find the PDF for todays episode. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
If all that was needed for God to save sinners was the death of Jesus then why was he tortured to such an extent before He died? This episode reveals the difference between the sacrifice and the slaughter of a victim. In doing so, we understand the reason Jesus suffered so much and what that means to not just us, but to the whole universe. God was dealing with a bigger issue, the controversy surrounding His character, in sending Jesus to this earth to love and serve us and we in turn tortured and killed Him. God's love allowed us to do the unthinkable so the universe would know forever that God is not selfish but loved to the very end. The document for this episode can be found at www.rediscoveringgod.ca
Ever wonder what texts Jesus used in his Bible Study with the two on the Road to Emmaus or the rest of the disciples later? In this podcast we share what we think he showed them because they were blind to what was hiding in plain sight. Makes us wonder what we might still be missing. Come and join us as the adventure continues. The Pdf is at www.rediscoveringgod.ca
Of the many options Jesus had he chooses the sign of Jonah to illustrate what he was about to experience in his death and resurrection. Come on this journey with us as we uncover what is behind this story that sheds light on Jesus and his experience. You will be fascinated as the takes on so much more meaning that it ever has before. Get the pdf at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
Join us as we take a close look at what it meant for Jesus to die the second death and discover the power of the resurrection. You can find the pdf at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
In looking carefully at the first and Second Adam today we discover the importance of the free choice that we enjoy. No choice that has a punishment attached is a free choice. Too often the way Christianity has describe salvation is actually a forced choice and leaves God in a very negative light, who to destroys those who exercise their freedom and decide not to follow Him. Check out the website for the pdf we are following. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
Have you ever considered that the way the Bible portrays God is very immoral. If you carefully read the stories you find that God is attributed to doing things that if anyone else did them we would declare that person immoral. Yet of course we believe God is moral. So the challenge is how do we understand these stories of the Bible. We look closely at some of these stories and endeavour to provide a way to understand them and yet show that God is indeed moral as Jesus reveals. You can find the pdf document at our website: www.rediscovergod.ca.
Look with us at the scriptural evidence that reveals that Jesus is not just a great one but is the greatest ONE. We brag about Jesus and how he stands head and shoulders above everyone prophet in every way. What He tells us about God carries more weight than anyone else in the Bible. God himself says listen to Him. www.rediscoveringgod.ca has the pdf document we are referencing.
These seven last words of Jesus are probably not the most memorized words of Jesus and yet they give us tremendous insight into the very heart of God and reveal his amazing love for each of his children that exist on this earth. May your heart be encouraged as you listen. www.rediscoveringgod .ca has the pdf document with the verses were talked about today.
We conclude our series on Idioms and Symbols of the Bible. Reimagine what you understood John the Baptist meant when he introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God. This idiom has far reaching implications. The Bible is an ancient document that was written in another language and needs careful thought to understand what is really being communicated. We hope you will be blessed and enabled to see a better picture of our amazing God. www.rediscoveringgod.ca for the pdf document.
There are some things in the Bible that just don't make sense if taken literally. This episode helps us make sense of the Bible when we understand the idiom used and we realize what is actually being communicated. We talk about a few and will continue next week with some more. These will serve as examples that will help you when you discover other sayings in the Bible that seem a bit extreme or misplaced and realize you are probably looking at an idiom. On the website www.rediscoveringgod.ca you will find the pdf document.
Have you ever been confused by the idea that if the Holy Spirit is guiding our conscience why do we at times arrive a very different opinions as to what is the right thing to do? It appears that someone is not really listening to the Holy Spirit. Then comes the enlightening idea that perhaps the conscience cannot be equated with the Holy Spirit. So what is the role of the Holy Spirit? Come and join us as we discover the role of the Holy Spirit is the same as that of Jesus, which was to bring joy and abundant life. So the idea that the Holy Spirit makes us feel guilty for the things we do is not correct. Discover where those feelings of guilt and shame actually come from and that the Spirit is intent on bring the fruits of the Spirit into our lives. Amazing! The pdf document can be found at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
We conclude this series on the government of God as we look at the grand choruses in Revelation 4 and 5 to discover what had been finally revealed that caused them to break into songs of praise and adoration for Jesus, the Lamb that was slain and is now able to open the scroll and reveal the other side of suffering. May your hearts be moved as ours were as we once again come to see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly and follow Him more nearly.
The pdf document is available at www.rediscoveringgod.ca
In part one we looked at what the government of God could look like. Then in this part two we look at the Romance Model of the Government of God that seems to fit better than any other model considered. We invite you to join us as we consider what Jesus said about his kingdom and a couple of observations of Paul. The pdf document is available on our website. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
Have you ever wondered about God's government? The way our government works is the one with the most power carries the day. But God's government is very different because God is love and gives free choice to us. People can choose to not follow him. What then are the consequences? It this first part we review the typical ways if thinking about government. In part two we will propose a way of understanding God's government. See our website for the pdf document to follow along. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
We usually think of the gospel as something that God initiates in response to the entrance of sin. Join us as we pursue the idea that the Gospel, the Good News has always been from before creation and will continue into the world to come. It describes Gods unwavering commitment to love no matter what happens because that is who he is - love. On our website is the pdf with all the verses we will be discussing in the podcast today. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
We conclude our two part series with this eye-opening lens to see the God of the Old Testament in a way that is more consistent with the way Jesus understood the character of God. It is so very helpful to realize the Hebrew writers didn't have an understanding of the devil that Jesus gives us in the New Testament. With that understanding it is necessary to go back into the Old Testament and clarify what is actually happening in many situations when evil is attributed to God. The pdf document is available on www.rediscoveringgod.ca
Checkout our YouTube channel as well.
There are definite challenges when we try to reconcile the way God is portrayed in the Old Testament as opposed to the picture of God Jesus had. Christianity has not done a good job in answering the accusations made about God by Richard Dawkins that place God in an extremely bad light. In this podcast we reveal a paradigm that provided a framework to unify the God of the Bible. It is incredibly simple when we realize that the Hebrews who wrote the Bible, and even still today, have no understanding of the devil. As a result, everything supernatural was attributed too God, both good and bad. So come and join us on this exciting journey as we remove the veil that clouds our understanding of God. On the website you can find the pdf document that will give you all the passages we look at as well as the link to this presentation on YouTube. www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
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Join us as we take a closer look at this chapter in the book Great Controversy written by Ellen White on the topic of the Investigative Judgement. This chapter and the teaching of this judgement has troubled many people and traumatized some with a picture of God that does not seem to fit with the picture Jesus portrays as he said, "if you have seen me, you have seen the father." We hope that this closer look will remove your fear of the end time and enable you to face it with hope, having the confidence that your Father has done everything He can to be sure you are with Him in heaven. Better yet He wants you to know that now and not have to wait in suspense to see if you made it. In the Investigative Judgement He refutes the accusations of the enemy and clothes you with His Righteousness. The pdf of this podcast is found on our website as well as this presentation on YouTube. www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
Could it really be that simple to just believe? What does it mean to believe and what should we believe? This episode addresses these questions and makes it very clear that we can live with confidence having believed in Jesus. Listen and discover what we have the privilege to believe as a result of His amazing love for us, that continues even when one may choose not to believe. See the pdf at www.rediscoveinggod.ca.
We conclude our series on how to understand God as as consuming fire as we continue to look carefully at the passages that describe this situation. It is very important to look at the context of the passages to determine what is being communicated as well as to determine if this is literal or a metaphor. This journey has been very enlightening and has enabled us to see God as the One that Jesus came to reveal, a God of love for all His people. The One who is Light, Life and Love. Who brings light by His presence, which makes life possible so that we can experience His undying love for us. The One who burns away our fear with His love. The pdf document for this podcast is available at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
Jesus could have come to this earth in any form He might choose, so why would He come as a baby? As we track the reaction of people when God showed up we discover that they are all afraid and so how can God get close to His children once again? How can we come to love Him to the point of trusting Him? This is what He longs for. So He comes and is born as a baby, because no one is afraid of a baby. For 33 years He makes His home with us and we fall in love with Him and then he dies and is resurrected and we realize we have come to love God and need not be afraid of Him ever again. Blessings as you celebrate His coming this Christmas. The pdf is at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
The Bible refers to God as a consuming fire. How is that to be understood in light of a nonviolent God? Is it true that in the end God is as a consuming fire literally consumes the wicked with His presence. Join us in discovering what this means in light of what Jesus knew about God. The pdf document is on the website rediscoveringgod.ca.
We conclude our series on sacrifices with a very eye opening look at the evidence in scripture that reveal God's attitude toward sacrifices. We discover that the whole sacrificial system was not God's plan but simply God's way of relating to us in a way we could understand. He did not want their sacrifices. We thought He did, and so we have built a whole theology around why Jesus came that fit that view but discover it was incorrect. Jesus came to love us and serve us. He did not come to die. In fact, we are the ones that killed Him in such a violent way as He was intent on loving us. He did not need to die in order for God to forgive us. He loved us and we killed us as he was trying to communicate to us that we were already forgiven. What an amazing picture of God Jesus reveals to us. The pdf document is at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
We continue on our series as we look more closely at sacrifices in Israel and the five basic types of sacrifice they made. Then next week in the third episode in this series of three we will conclude and look at how God relates to the tradition of sacrificing animals at the temple. We discover that what Christianity has taught for years may in fact not be the case. Join us as we continue on this journey. You will find the pdf document to follow the many verses we refer to at www.rediscoveringgod.ca
Join us as we take a closer looks a human sacrifices in the Bible and discover that there is ample evidence that Israel was sacrificing more than just animals but also their very own children. God says he would never think of requiring such a thing. So how does that fit with he idea that God requires the death of His first born son before he is able to save us and forgive our sins? We begin this journey in this episode and will continue for a few more as we struggle to see the God that Jesus knew in the whole idea of sacrifices. The pdf document can be found at www.rediscoveringgod.ca
As we take a closer look at the book of Hebrews we discover it was written to a group of people who had left the temple worship with its traditions, ceremony and ritual to meet in a house church and follow Jesus. But now they were having second thoughts and are considering returning to the worship at the temple and all they were accustomed to. The book of Hebrews reminds them that Jesus Christ is supreme and greater then all the temple holds important. What ever you can name Jesus is greater: Angels, Moses, the High Priests, Abraham, Sacrifices - Jesus is greater than them all. Come and join us on this journey as we celebrate Jesus.
We concluded this three part series of the Judgement of the Saved. Wow what a journey into the heart of God as we realize while He is the Judge - He does not condemn. His role is to preside over the judgement while the enemy and accuser brings his accusations and initiates the judgement. Discover several aspects to judgement as we look at several case studies. Our hearts burned within us as we were reminded of this amazing God that loves us more than we can comprehend. We trust your heart will be drawn to Him as well. Check out the website www.rediscoveringgod.ca for the show notes and pdf of our material.
Join us as we discover that the judgement has often been very misunderstood. We realize that God as judge does not initiate the judgement but the accuser - Satan and at times it is God who is being judged. Prepare to discover that we have nothing to fear in the judgement. So much Good News. Check the www.rediscoveringgod.ca website for the pdf document.
Join us as we discover that the judgement has often been very misunderstood. We realize that God as judge does not initiate the judgement but the accuser - Satan and at times it is God who is being judged. Prepare to discover that we have nothing to fear in the judgement. So much Good News. Check the www.rediscoveringgod.ca website for the pdf document.
Discover what was actually nailed to the cross and how that impacts our lives. Learn what Jesus accomplished when he rose from the dead and what it means to be raised with Christ. You can find the PDF on the website www.rediscoveringgod.ca
Not one of us chose to live on planet earth. It was thrust upon us with all the sadness and sorrow of living and dying here. Not one of us condemns a child born blind or deaf , afflicted with some dreadful syndrome. We are not kinder than God. We can make the best of our sorry situation but it is not fair.
We can bravely say that at the Second Coming all will be righted but what about the present? Does a good future justify a sorry present? Some situations do. Enduring the work of the dentist for a pain free future is worth it. However, in the moral mess we are in, there is no advantage to suffering and finally dying.
What about vindicating God?
Of course, God knows all the above. He sees us with eyes of compassion and understanding. He understands the unfairness of the suffering on the planet. He was the innocent one who was tortured, abused, and executed 2000 years ago. This is the only understanding that makes God moral. He has suffered more than all of us put together. Every human pain is his pain for he loves us as if we were the only person on the planet.
Because God is fair (Romans 3:26) and understands the unfairness of our situation, he has gone to great lengths to correct the consequences of Adam’s choice in our lives. The miracles he performed 2000 years ago demonstrated his desire and ability to save or heal us of our hungers, our afflictions, our sadness’s, and our eventual death.
Join us as we look at the evidence to support these claims. www.rediscoveringgod.ca has the PDF document with all the verses.
Jesus realizes he has so upset the religious leaders they are going to take his life. As before his ministry began he goes to the desert to pray, he now goes up a Mountian to be with God. He takes three of his disciples go be of encouragement but they fall asleep, only to discover that God has show up to encourage Jesus himself through the presence of Moses and Elijah who were both in heaven, even though they had sadly fallen short of the idea and failed in their mission. Yet here they are encouraging Jesus. God speaks a message to the disciples, who were thinking that Moses, Elijah and Jesus were to be taken with the same weight of importance. Don't miss what God says. Check out the web site www.rediscoveringgod.ca for the pdf document and show notes.
As we continue to look at the Kingdom of Heaven we discover the gradual transition begun by John the Baptist that was continued by Jesus. John the Baptist moved the centre of Judaism from the temple to the Heart and Jesus moved it from the Law to Love. The shift has a cataclysmic effect on Judaism and resulted in the beginning of Christianity. Join us as we conclude this series. The PDF is found at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
As we continue to look at the Kingdom of Heaven we discover the gradual transition begun by John the Baptist that was continued by Jesus. John the Baptist moved the centre of Judaism from the temple to the Heart and Jesus moved it from the Law to Love. The shift has a cataclysmic effect on Judaism and resulted in the beginning of Christianity. Join us for the two part series. The PDF is found at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
Discover the Kingdom of God or Heaven that Jesus came to establish is very different than the kingdom of this world. It is a Kingdom where the first will be last and the last will be first, where love and service are supreme and lordship disappears, where the Good News of the Gospel is this Kingdom that had already become a reality before Jesus had died on the cross. So much to understand as we become citizens of this Kingdom. Check out the website for the pdf document. www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
Willie shares his journey of experiencing excruciating loss and how he dealt with it. As a young Pastor in South Africa he and his family are in a terrible car accident and his 16 month son is killed. Then he has a heart attack and gets diabetes. Years later while living in Canada his wife is diagnosed with a brain tumour and three months later she passed away. Learn how your picture of God enables you to deal with excruciating loss as you listen to Willie share his story as he discovers that God is not the cause of his loss and pain but is also experiencing the loss and feeling his pain with him.
Catch a glimpse of God through the lense of the colours personality profile. Understand the importance of making a distinction between your identity in Christ and our condition.
So if God sent Jesus to save us instead of judge or condemn us why do we experience so much guilt? Discover the source of guilt and shame and how to deal with it. God is just so amazing when seen through the eyes of Jesus. The pdf is available at www.rediscoveringgod.ca
This podcast takes a closer look at the verse following John 3:16 which we are all familiar with and know so well. But in this next verse is a picture of God that is just amazing. If you want to be free from guilt and shame then this one is for you. Catch a glimpse of a God that did not come to judge or condemn but to save. Learn the importance of trusting His heart rather than your own. There is so much Good News. Come and enjoy the journey. The pdf document can be found at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
Come and bask with us in the wonder of God as described by Jesus in this well known verse, John 3:16. You can find the PDF at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
Join us as we conclude our close look at the Millennium in Revelation 20 and discover the vulnerability of God. In this episode we look closely at why God would raise the wicked back to life after they have been destroyed. What purpose does that serve? www.rediscoveringgod.ca has the pdf document for your reference.
Join us as we continue our close look at the Millennium in Revelation 20 and discover the vulnerability of God. www.rediscoveringgod.ca has the pdf document for you reference.
Join us in a close look at the Millennium in Revelation 20 as we discover the vulnerability of God. www.rediscoveringgod.ca has the pdf document for you reference.
Join us as we look at Jesus' best description of the heart of the Father and let it change your life forever. Our prayer is that you too will believe what the Father says about you and see yourself as a son or daughter of the Father, no longer a slave that needs to repent or change in some way.
Come and join in the celebration and experience joy everlasting. www.rediscoveringgod.ca has the pdf for you to download.
Join us as we look at Jesus' best description of the heart of the Father and let it change your life forever. Our prayer is that you too will believe what the Father says about you and see yourself as a son or daughter of the Father, no longer a slave that needs to repent or change in some way.
Come and join in the celebration and experience joy everlasting. www.rediscoveringgod.ca has the pdf for you to download.
Join us as we endeavour to understand a tragic story in the Old Testament. We catch a picture of how they understood God and how it appeared He functions. See the website for the pdf document. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
The Three Angels messages of Revelation 14 have been central to Adventist belief and teaching for many years, at times creating more fear than assurance. Join us in a closer look at what these angels have to say about the importance of worship and a clearer understanding of the God that Jesus knew. On the website is the pdf document for the information we are talking about. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
The Three Angels messages of Revelation 14 have been central to Adventist belief and teaching for many years, at times creating more fear than assurance. Join us in a closer look at what these angels have to say about the importance of worship and a clearer understanding of the God that Jesus knew. On the website is the pdf document for the information we are talking about. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
What is the Wrath of God? For centuries we have thought it was God finally getting back at those who had rejected Him and responding in some retributive way. We discover in this two part series that since we think that is how justice comes about and that we would get revenge if we had the chance, we seem to have placed that on God and assume that He does that as well. We have these phrases like, God says, "vengeance is mine" and this is God's "strange" act that if you join us on this journey will take on a different perspective that is consistent with the God that Jesus knew and revealed to us in His life. The pdf of this presentation is available at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
What is the Wrath of God? For centuries we have thought it was God finally getting back at those who had rejected Him and responding in some retributive way. We discover in this two part series that since we think that is how justice comes about and that we would get revenge if we had the chance, we seem to have placed that on God and assume that He does that as well. We have these phrases like, God says, "vengeance is mine" and this is God's "strange" act that if you join us on this journey will take on a different perspective that is consistent with the God that Jesus knew and revealed to us in His life. The pdf of this presentation is available at www.rediscoveringgod.ca.
Today we continue to look carefully at more scripture to better understand the most important event in Jesus life. His death on the cross reveals the heart of God as He longs to convince us of His everlasting love for all His children. Check out the website for a PDF of this material. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
Join us for a quick overview of some of the more popular atonement theories (understandings as to why Jesus had to die) and then we begin to look carefully at scripture to understand who killed Jesus. Check out the website for a PDF of this material. www.rediscoveringgod.ca
Join us as we look carefully at what the various pieces of armour actually are as described in Ephesians 6 and how they will protect us against the enemy that is out to steal, kill, and destroy.
Come and be reminded once again of the amazing, unconditional grace that God gives to all mankind. It is life changing as we come to see Him more clearly, we are drawn to love Him more dearly, and enabled to follow Him more nearly.
Discover why Ian is a Seventh-day Adventist. There are several factors. The PDF of this episode is available on the website: www.rediscoveringgod.ca
We conclude our look at God's sovereign forgiveness and reveal how an often used verse that appears to give a condition for forgiveness is so terribly misunderstood, even today. Our prayer is that as you are immersed in the amazing forgiveness of God your life will be transformed.
Come and join us in a journey through scripture to discover the forgiveness of God for all people. We will continue with part two next year.
It seems most people want justice and a bit of revenge on those who have hurt us. Discover the difference between Punitive and Restorative Justice and which of those God asks us to join Him in giving it liberally.
Discover that the Gospel is better than you have probably imagined. It really is so good that it seems too good to be true. Yet God is so amazing that He actually has forgiven and saved everyone. Join us as we look at the Biblical evidence.
Discover the difference between guilt and shame so that you can experience the freedom God desires for you from both.
Discover the difference between guilt and shame so that you can experience the freedom God desires for you from both.
Prayer is so much more than asking God to do things for you. Discover an aspect of prayer that will enable you to have a relationship, with the One who has been pursuing you your whole life.
Prayer is so much more than asking God to do things for you. Discover an aspect of prayer that will enable you to have a relationship, with the One who has been pursuing you your whole life.
Discover what it means to build your house on the Rock instead of the shifting sands.
Building on a Solid Foundation Matthew 7:24-28
Peter’s Declaration about Jesus Matthew 16:13-19
Petros or Peter is man at his best recognizing that Jesus is Messiah.
Messiah = Anointed One = the King = Saviour = the One who does for you what you cannot do for yourself. Messiah does help you but he is far more than a helper.
Your birth mother is your saviour. You could not birth yourself. Your mother did not need your help. You had no part in the process.
The airline pilot is your travel saviour. They do not need your help. Your part is to get to the airport.
The neurosurgeon is your saviour if you have a brain tumour. Your part is to show up! He/she does not need your help.
Paul’s identifies the Rock 1 Corinthians 10:1-5
The rejected Rock Matthew 21:42-44
The great longing of the human heart is for more than we are.
When the princess kisses the frog he turns into the prince.
The prince kisses sleeping beauty and she awakes to a wonderful life.
The prodigal son plans to be a servant. His father planned for him to be his son.
Those who are victorious (over their pathetic failure of imagination—Revelation 21:8 cowards outside the city) will sit on the throne with Jesus
Revelation 3:21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.
Romans 8:14-17For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children[a] of God.
Galatians 3:29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children[a] of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
Galatians 4:7 Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.[a] And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.
Jesus knows me by name.
I am precious to him. He has forgiven all my sins and written my name in his book of life. I am his royal brother, we are heirs together of God’s glory. My failures are not the interest of Jesus. His interest is that I learn to think the way he does about myself and others. He wants to inspire and fire my imagination with wonder.
In the movie, “The Chosen” when Jesus invites Matthew the tax collector to become a disciple Peter is most upset with Jesus. Peter’s imagination was pathetically poverty stricken. O Lord fire my imagination. Let me dare to think as you do!
Join us in discovering what Paul says was nailed to the cross in Colossians 2:13,14 as Ian exegetes this passage. Rejoice with us as we realize we can live each day with absolute confidence.
Col. 2:4,8,11,16-17,18a, 18b
Col. 1:13,14; Col.2:2-3, 9-10, 12
Col. 1:27; 2:13
Gen. 17:3
Micah 7:19
Col. 2:14
2 Cor. 5:21
Col. 2:16
Col. 2:8,20,21,22,23
Col. 3:12-14
Col. 4:2,6
Jesus understanding of God is radically different than that revealed by the Old Testament Writers. No wonder the disciples asked Him to show them the Father. Fortunate for us, He shares with us the God that He knew and revealed Him through His life and teachings.
Jesus arrived two millennia ago and completely negated this view of God.
Jesus came to show that God is represented by the Tree of Life not the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil. This picture of God was completely new for our suffering planet (John 13:15). It was not a magnification of something Moses or Elijah or Isaiah or Jeremiah had said. Jesus is the most creative being who has ever existed. He is unique. He is not an improvement of the Old Testament prophets but God himself. He is the only eyewitness we have of God (John 1:18), and his testimony about God is more accurate than any other prophet’s testimony.
Hebrews 1:1-3
Here are some of the unbelievable statements made by Jesus which contradicted long held beliefs by God’s chosen people.
Matthew 5:27-28
Exodus 20:14)
Matthew 5:31-32
Matthew 5:38
Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus Christ claimed that he and God are congruent in character, this means that they are alike in every aspect of character. Jesus portrays the whole character of God not only one aspect of his character. Some say that Jesus came to show the love of God with his first advent and at the second advent he will show the power of God in executing unrepentant sinners. Here is some of the evidence Jesus gave that his revelation implied he embraces all of God character:
John 1:1
John 1:18
John 12:45 NLT When you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.
John 14:8-10
What ever we say about Jesus we can also say about God. What ever we say that is true about God we can also say about Jesus. We cannot provide contradictions between God and Jesus Christ. If there are apparent contradictions the contradiction indicates some truth about God or Jesus is misstated.
We take a look at the two trees in the Garden of Eden and discover how they symbolically represent two views of God. One view is held by the Old Testament writers and the other by Jesus who has seen God and knows God's heart.
Many Old Testament writers and characters portray God as the source of both Good and Evil.
The Garden of Eden
The two significant trees in the garden were the Tree of Life and the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil. This second tree represents the belief that both good and evil come from God. Eating from it means one has subscribed to this dualistic view of God.
The Serpent makes this dualism plain when he says, “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good from evil” (Genesis 3:5 NLT). “Knowing” is from Hebrew yada which implies experience rather than information. The serpent is implying that God experiences both good and evil in himself.
This picture of God results in an unhealthy fear of God and a suspicion that he does not always have one’s best interests at heart. This means one has to negotiate the favour of God with acts of penance and sacrifice to please him to ensure a happy life.
This picture of God has permeated human perception to this very day since this picture is so pervasive. Jesus, it seems, is the only one who knew this picture to be false. He came to correct the picture of his Father and give us the truth about the Father’s heart.
First, we will notice the violent picture of God that was common in the Old Testament.
Satan: Job 1:11; Job 2:5
Job: Job 1:21; Job 2:10; Job 6:4; Job 10:2-3 (Cf. 13:21; 16:7-9; 17:6; 19:6, 22)
Moses: Genesis 6:7; Genesis 18:7; Exodus 3:20; Leviticus 26:16; Deuteronomy 32:39 NLT
Joshua: 11th century B.C.E. Joshua 6:17
Writer of Samuel: 1 Samuel 16:14; 1 Samuel 16:23; 1 Samuel 18:10; 1 Samuel 19:9; 2 Samuel 12:11
King David: (reigned 1010-970 B.C.E.) Psalm 58:6; Psalm 58:10; Psalm 59:13;
Isaiah, 8th to 7th century B.C.E., is of the same opinion as Moses about God being the source of both good and evil. Isaiah 45:7
We take a closer look at the verses in Revelation that talk about the end of the wicked. Discover what happens when God is forced away.
The End of Sinners in Revelation:
The Sixth Seal Revelation 6:12–15 (NIV84)
Sinners would prefer to die rather than meet Jesus the Lamb of God. This is a wish for universal suicide.
The Destroying Winds Revelation 7:1–3 (NIV84)
God’s angels hold back the destructive winds of earth until God’s people are sealed. These angels harm the earth by letting go of the winds. They do not create the winds.
The Torment of Fire and Burning Sulphur Revelation 14:9-11 (NLT)
Even the holy angels and the Lamb cannot protect them from their fate. This is what it means to have God’s wrath at full strength. God’s wrath is letting people experience the consequences of their choices. “Forever and ever” means nothing is left when the fire ends (Isaiah 34:10)
The Seventh Bowl Revelation 16:18–21 (NIV84)
No living thing can survive this plague or bowl. It is the ultimate ecological destruction of the planet.
The Punishment of the Prostitute Revelation 17:16 (NIV84)
This is cannibalism. This is the end of the kingdom of selfishness or hedonism or the kingdom of this world. It is self-destruction. Jim Jones is prophetic of the end of sin with the mass killing of his followers. The end of the Jews in 70 AD with the destruction of Jerusalem because of the hardness of their hearts is also prophetic of what will happen on the planet. Hitlers miserable end echo’s this final destruction. The armies which turned on each other rather than attack Jerusalem in King Hezekiah’s time mirror this final destruction (2 Chronicles 20:22-24).
The Fall of Babylon Revelation 18:8
17:16 makes it clear that the beast and the ten horns do the burning.
The Battle with the Rider on the White Horse Revelation 19:19–21 (NIV84)
The rider has blood on his robe before the battle begins. No soldier holds a sword in his mouth. This symbolic picture is telling us again that Jesus won the battle at Calvary (John 12:31, Revelation 5:6-10).
The Doom of Satan Revelation 20:7–10 (NIV84)
The End of Death and Sinners Revelation 20:14–15 (NIV84)
A literal fire cannot destroy death and the grave (Hades). The meaning is that death and the grave are destroyed.
Judas’ life and death are prophetic of the end of sinners. Judas threw away his money and confessed he had betrayed an innocent man and ended his life. At the end of time sinners have no use for their possessions, and they confess they are wrong and they corporately wish for death (Revelation 6:15-17).
In this podcast we look at the verses in Isaiah and Ezekiel that talk about how the devil is destroyed. Here are the verses we looked at.
11. The Destruction of the devil, the most important wicked being:
Isaiah 14:12
First application
Second application
Isaiah 14:9-20 predicts his death with absolute certainty
Ezekiel 28:18-19 indicates that this destruction is a consequence of sin within. There is a Afire from within@ that destroys this being and his end is Ahorrible.@
Matthew 25:41 Then he will say to those on his left, >Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.=
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Hebrews 2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death‑‑that is, the devilB
Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short.
Revelation 20:10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Revelation 20:9 They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God=s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.
Ezekiel 28:18 By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So, I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. 19 All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.
Philippians 2:10-11
In this episode we look at Jesus role in the destruction of sinners at the Second Coming and the end of time.
The role of Jesus Christ in the destruction of sinners at the Second Coming.
1. His presence did not destroy sinners before or after His resurrection and the angels promised that this same Jesus would return in the same way (Acts 1:11).
There were angels in attendance when He ascended to heaven and this is the meaning of the Acloud@ that received Him (Matthew 24:30-31; 25:31; 26:64; Luke 9:26; Daniel 7:13; Revelation 1:7; 19:14).
2. At the end of the Millennium Jesus= presence does not destroy the wicked who surround the city.
Revelation indicates it is a Afire@ which does the destroying (20:9-10, 14-15). If it was the presence of Jesus at the Second Coming, then it would also occur as soon as the wicked are raised at the end of the millennium for King Jesus is present on the planet too.
3. The Second Coming occurs during the sixth plague or the battle of Armageddon
Rev 16:16-21
4. Jesus is the Saviour not the destroyer of the world.
1 Tim 2:4; John 10:10; Revelation 7; Jer 49:36; Ezek 37:9; Dan 7:2; 8:8; 11:4; Zech 2:6; Mat 24:31; Mark 13:27; Rev 7:1; Isaiah 57:20-21:John 3:16; 1 John 1:5.
5. Sinners cry out for death when Jesus comes. Rev 6:15-16.
6. The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23).
7. Killing sinners is only necessary if they have immortality 1Tim 6:16; Matthew 10:28; Matthew 11:29; John 8:44-45; 10:10; Matthew 10:25; Mt 12:24-32
8. Killing sinners would be an acknowledgment of defeat by God.
(Lev 19:18,34; Deut 4:37; 7:7,8,13; 10:15; 23:5; 33:3; 2Sam 12:24; 1Kings 10:9; 2Chron 9:8; Ps 78:68; Isa 43:4; 63:9; Jer 31:3; Ezekiel 16:60-63; Hosea 3:1; 11:1,4; 14:4; Zeph 3:17; Mal 1:2; Mark 10:21; Lk 6:35; John 3:16; 11:5,36; 13:1,23,34; 14:21,23; 15:9,12-13; 16:27; 17:23,26; Rom 5:5,8; 8:35-39; 2Cor 5:14; 13:11,14; Gal 2:20; 5:22; Eph 2:4; 3:18,19; 5:2,25; 6:23; 2Thess 2:16; 3:5; 1Tim 1:14; Tit 3:4; 1John 3:1,16; 4:7-12,16,19; Jude 21; Rev 1:5; 3:9,19). Clearly, from these passages, God loves all people.
9. Burning is one of the cruellest methods of execution. Ex 33:19; 34:6.
10. Will God burn some longer than others?
We have been raised to believe that it is God that destroys the wicked at the end of time. Join us as we consider what that is saying about God and is that consistent with the God that Jesus knew? If it is not God, then who would bring about such a complete destruction? Here is a list of most of the verses that are included in this podcast.
Some of the evidence given for believing God exterminates sinners at the end of time.
Malachi 4:1 summarizes the Old Testament view of the end of sin and sinners.
Matthew, Mark, Luke—Jesus parables indicate the fate of sinners which include: a fiery furnace, torture by jailers, a wretched end, cut in pieces, thrown into the darkness, burned in the eternal fire, destroyed by an army. There is also weeping and gnashing of teeth.
2 Thessalonians 2:8 Sinners are killed by the brightness of his (Jesus) coming.
Revelation 14:9-11 Sinners are tormented forever and ever in fire.
Revelation 18:8 Babylon completely consumed with fire
Revelation 19:20-21 Rider on white horse (Jesus) kills them with the sword in his mouth.
Revelation 20:7-10 Fire from heaven (NLT) destroys sinners.
Revelation 20:14-15 Death, the grave and sinners end up in the lake of fire.
Certainty of the annihilation of sin and sinners.
We examine some of the passages which indicate the destruction of sinners.
Isaiah 14:18-20
Isaiah 24:1
Jeremiah 4:23
1 Thessalonians 5
2 Thessalonians 1:7
Revelation 18
2 Thessalonians 2:8
2 Peter 3:7
If Jesus is not violent what do we do with the time that He cursed the fig tree? Join us to discover what Jesus was really endeavouring to accomplish in this story about the fig tree.
Join us as we look carefully at the cleansing of the Temple and discover why the sellers left the temple area afraid of Jesus and yet the children and those in need of healing came to Jesus and were apparently not afraid. Many look casually at this story and conclude that Jesus used violence to clear the temple, a conclusion that is far from the truth.
Join us a we take a careful look at the story of the Flood through new lenses that Jesus enables us to wear. Discover where the natural cause of the flood could have originated, resulting in an event that God was unable to prevent from destroying the earth.
Join us a we take a careful look at the story of the Flood through new lenses that Jesus enables us to wear.
The Mystery of God as explained by Paul in Romans 5 is so good, it seems too good to be true. It is truly the Good News of what God has already accomplished, in Christ, for each person that gets born on this planet. It doesn't get any better than this.
In Ephesians, Paul shares the Mystery of God and then unpacks it fully in Romans 5. Fasten your seat belt because his explanation is an amazing picture of the grace and generosity of God that Christianity has failed to embrace. It seems too good to be true. Yet it is better than good advice, it is Good News. This is the first of a two part series. We will continue unpacking Romans 5 next week.
This story has been a puzzle for many. With the view that Jesus gives us of God, we are enabled to see the story through different lenses and discover who really killed Uzzah.
In this episode we look at a story that can be understood very differently when you look at it through the lens that Jesus gives us about God. In the future we will look at a few other situations in the Old Testament - we would like your input as to which of the following (or others that you may have) that you would like us to discuss. Send us an email and let us know. iangreyhartely@gmail.com or wkaysix@gmail.com
God and infertility Genesis 16:2 The LORD has kept me from having children Gen 20:18
God tempted people to do evil Genesis 22:1; 2 Samuel 24:1
God hardened Pharaoh’s heart Exodus 4:21; 10:1; Josh 11:20; Isa 6:10; Rom 9:18
God commanded stoning and burning as punishment Exodus 19:13; Lev 20:2,27; 24:14,16,23; Num 15:36; Dt 29:23; Joshua 7:25
God sent snakes to bite His rebellious people Numbers 21:6
God sent evil spirits to torment people Judges 9:23; 1Samuel 16:14-16, 23; 18:10; 19:9
God prevented women from having children Gen 16:2; 20:18; 29:31;1 Samuel 1:5,6
God creates good and bad 1Samuel 2:6,7; Job 1:21; 2:10; Isaiah 45:7; Amos 3:6
God sent lying spirits out who speak evil 1Kings 22:22,23; 2Chronicles 18:21
God sends a strong delusion 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
God killed people who disobeyed Him 1Chronicles 10:14; Judges 4:1
God destroyed a friend with fire at the instigation of Satan Job 1:16
God killed Ruth’s family members Ruth 1:11,20,21
God killed the young and the weak Ezekiel 9:5,6
God commanded idolatry Ezekiel 20:39
God destroyed and burned the cities of His enemies Matthew 22:7
God is guilty of genocide Num 31:7; Deut. 7:1,2; 20:17; 25:19; 1Sam 15:2-3
God punishes those who reject Him Revelation 20:15
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah Genesis 19:24-26
God drowned men, women and children in the flood Genesis 6:5-7
God executed 185,000 Assyrians in one night 2Kings 19:35
Jesus rescues us from the coming Wrath 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Discover how to apply the lens Jesus gives us which enables us to understand the God He knew instead of the God so often portrayed in the Old Testament.
Discover the truth about the end time master deception that will be so convincing that even God's people will be challenged to now the truth until something happens and it will be clear to the followers of Jesus.
Discover the message that is in each of the four interludes that reveal the secret to surviving the total destruction that comes at the end of time.
The Character of God becomes very clear as we understand the true initiator of the Seven Last Plagues. It builds on each presentation of the Suffering in Revelation Series and has been a life changing understanding for both of us.
The Character of God becomes very clear as we understand the true initiator of the Seven Last Plagues. It builds on each presentation of the Suffering in Revelation Series and has been a life changing understanding for both of us.
Discover the series of Battle Scenes where the Destroyer consistently opposes God and His people, creating suffering in this world.
Our journey in Revelation continues as we discover who the active agent is behind the Seven Trumpets as they describe the terrible destruction that comes to the earth. It's not who you might have thought!
Our journey in Revelation continues as we discover who the active agent is behind the Seven Trumpets as they describe the terrible destruction that comes to the earth. It's not who you might have thought!
The theme of suffering continues in the seven seals as God is asked when He will finally make things right.
With this episode we begin a series on the Book of Revelation. We begin by discovering the common thread of Suffering in the Seven Churches.
Discover the insight Jesus gives us on suffering and the perspective that apocalyptic literature provides.
Join us in looking carefully at something we have all experienced, suffering. This is possibly the one thing more responsible than anything else for a person becoming an agnostic or atheist: The Problem of Suffering.
Discover what Jesus said about the judgement and be able to rejoice in the amazing advantage you have.
While some suggest that this virus is being sent by God to warn those who have betrayed His teachings, discover who is actually assaulting this world with a deadly Coronavirus Pandemic. Also discover the means God uses to influence mankind.
As we enter into this Corona Virus Pandemic we have no idea how bad this will be or how extensively we will be affected. However in today's podcast you will find hope in knowing how captivated God is with you. So, "Let not your heart be troubled. . . "
Discover insights into our Spiritual rebirth as we look at Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3.
Discover how incredibly powerful words are.
Connect with us by email: rediscoveringgod20@gmail.com or at ReDiscovering God on Facebook and Instagram.
Ian's website is found at: www.ian-greyhartley.com.
Discover the importance of understanding idioms that help you understand the Bible is saying. With that insight you will catch a glimpse of what is really happening with Pharaoh's heart.
Connect with us by email: rediscoveringgod20@gmail.com or at ReDiscovering God on Facebook and Instagram.
Ian's website is found at: www.ian-greyhartley.com.
Discover how central the aspect of forgiveness is to life. Learn what forgiveness is not, what it is, as well as the importance of forgiving each other, ourselves and ultimately God.
Connect with us by email at: rediscoveringgod20@gmail.com or ReDiscovering God on Facebook and Instagram.
Ian's website is found at: www.ian-greyhartley.com.
Understand what the Bible actually says about Women in Ministry.
Connect with us by email at: rediscoveringgod20@gmail.com or ReDiscovering God on Facebook and Instagram.
Ian's website is found at: www.ian-greyhartley.com.
Jesus in the New Testament reveals the answer to what is described in the Hebrew Scriptures of the Old Testament of the dual personality, the good and the bad of God. Any supernatural event in the Old Testament is ascribed to God, but Jesus reveals what is really happening.
Connect with us by email at: rediscoveringgod20@gmail.com or ReDiscovering God on Facebook and Instagram.
Ian's website is found at: www.ian-greyhartley.com.
Discover God's heart as we listen in on this prayer Jesus prays to the Father.
Connect with us by email: rediscoveringgod20@gmail.com or at ReDiscovering God on Facebook and Instagram.
Ian's website is found at: www.ian-greyhartley.com.
Discover how to read scripture with the intent of learning what the writer is meaning to say.
Jesus is very gentle as he introduces himself as the Messiah to this Samaritan woman. It transforms her life as it does ours.
At Jesus baptism He hears God's voice from heaven with a message that is for you as well.