Bible 101 @ MSNaz: Recent Episodes
Raul Granillo
A podcast dedicated to helping regular people dig through the depths of the Bible. The goal is simple: to help you become confident in understanding what the Bible has to say.
Pastor Raul Granillo loves the Bible and loves to teach it to anyone who will listen!
In this next message from the Sermon on the Mount series, Pastor Raul share insights about the importance of Praying Perfectly. For more information about this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this bilingual message from Matthew 7:12, Pastor Raul (and Pastor Mimi) share an important message about the requirements to keeping the Golden Rule given to us by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount.
En este mensaje bilingüe de Mateo 7:12, el pastor Raúl (y la pastora Mimi) comparten un mensaje importante sobre los requisitos para guardar la Regla de Oro que nos dio Jesús en su Sermón del Monte.
Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at
www.msnaz.org
In this message from Matthew 6:16-18, Pastor Raul Granillo shares about the true meaning of "hypocrite" and how its misuse has cause many in the church to "keep each other down" rather than "build each other up." For more information about this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this message from Matthew 7:1-5, Pastor Josh McCay shares about the importance of grace and love as we encourage each other toward Christ-like living. For more information about this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this special lecture, Pastor Raul Granillo shares about the purpose behing the Nazarene Church's abstinance stance concerning alcohol.
Most of the material was taken from Dan Boone's "Charitable Discourse."
El pastor Martin comparte una palabra del evangelio de Mateo 6:25-34.
Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en:
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In thise message from Matthew 6:25-34, Pastor Raul shares some insights about how survivalism prevents so many of us from actually living as image bearers of Christ.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at:
www.msnaz.org
El pastor Martín comparte un mensaje sobre la oración de Mateo 6:5-15.
Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en:
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In this message from Matthew 6:5-15, Pastor Raul shares about the importance of individual and corporate prayer that points to God and not to the self.
For more information about this ministry, visit our webstie at
www.msnaz.org
En este mensaje de Mateo 5:38-42, el pastor Raúl explica que Jesús no solo no nos está enseñando a ser pasivos y a tolerar la opresión o la violencia contra nosotros, sino que está llamando activamente a la gente a cambiar el juego.
Dios nos está llamando a cambiar la forma en que nos rebelamos contra los poderes y principados para que nuestras respuestas se parezcan a las respuestas de Jesús y, como Jesús, tengan un efecto real contra el mal en este mundo.
Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en:
www.msnaz.org
In this message from Matthew 5:38-42, Pastor Raul explains that not only is Jesus not teaching us to be passive and tolerate oppression or violence against us, but he is actively calling the people to change the game. God is calling us to change the way we rebel against the powers and principalities so that our responses look like the responses of Jesus and, like Jesus, have a real affect against the evil in this world. For more information about this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
Un mensaje oportuno sobre la limosna de la Pastora Rosa. Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en: www.msnaz.org
Melissa McCay shares a timely message from Matthew 6:1-4. For more information about this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this bilingual message from 1 Thessalonians, Pastor Raul shares some of the characteristics of a healthy church and the importance of the presence of God to attain those characteristics.
En este mensaje bilingüe de 1 Tesalonicenses, el pastor Raúl comparte algunas de las características de una iglesia saludable y la importancia de la presencia de Dios para alcanzar esas características. Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en: www.msnaz.org For more information about this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this bilingual message from Matthew 5:31-32, Pastor Josh McCay shares a powerful word about marriage. (Translation to Spanish by Pastor Mimi) For more information about this ministry visit our website at www.msnaz.org En este mensaje bilingüe de Mateo 5:31-32, el pastor Josh McCay comparte una palabra poderosa sobre el matrimonio. (Traducción al español por Pastora Mimi) Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en www.msnaz.org
En este mensaje de la serie Sermón del monte, el pastor Raúl comparte algunas ideas sobre la lujuria de la humanidad por el sexo y la violencia. La escritura a la que se hace referencia es Mateo 5:27-30 Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en: www.msnaz.org
In this message from the Sermon on the Mount series, Pastor Raul shares some insights about humanities lust for sex and violence.
The scripture being refrenced is Matthew 5:27-30
For more information about this minsitry, visit our website at:
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En este mensaje de Mateo 5:21-26, Sergio Dala comparte la importancia del perdón y la fe en Cristo Jesús. Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en: www.msnaz.org
In this message from Matthew 5:17-26, Pastor Raul shares some insights about what it means that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and how how that should affect the way we perceive the scriptures and apply them in our own lives. For more information about this ministry, visit our website at www.msnaz.org
Pastor Raul Granillo sets the stage so that a gracious and beneficial conversation can take place concerning this controversial topic.
For more information, or to send a message/question to Pastor Raul, please visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
What message are we actually conveying to the community around us.
In this second message from The Sermon on the Mount series, Pastor Raul shares some insights from Matthew 5:13-16.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at:
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En este primer mensaje de la serie "El Sermón del monte", el pastor Raúl Granillo explica la conexión con el gran sermón de Jesús y nuestro esfuerzo evangelizador en este dia.
Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en
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In this first message from the series "The Sermon on the Mount," Pastor Raul Granillo explains the connection with Jesus' great sermon and our evangelistic effort today.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at
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Muchos cristianos están buscando, y están contentos con, un Jesús muerto.
Debido a eso, viven con miedo y carecen de esperanza.
En este mensaje especial, bilingüe, de Pascua, el pastor Raúl aborda esta realidad y comparte una palabra de aliento de Mateo 28.
Many Christians are looking for, and are content with, a dead Jesus.
Because of that, they live in fear and lack hope.
In this special, bilingual, Easter message, Pastor Raul addresses this reality and shares a word of encouragement from Matthew 28.
El pastor Martin comparte una palabra de Lucas 23:32-43.
Para obtener más información sobre este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en:
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In this message from Luke 10:25-37 Pastor Raul shares the expectations that Jesus has for those who would obey God.
Being a neighbor to others is our responsibility.
For more information about this minsitry, visit our website at:
www.msnaz.org
La pastora Rosalina comparte una palabra de Hechos 1:8 sobre el Espíritu Santo.
Para obtener más información sobre este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en:
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En este mensaje muy especial del Salmo 56, el pastor Raúl comparte algunas realidades sobre el dolor y lo que podemos saber en momentos de dolor y trauma.
Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en:
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In this very special message from Psam 56, Pastor Raul shares some realities about hurt and what we can know in times of pain and trauma.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at:
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In this special message, Pastor Raul shares from the scriptures about the importance of being a voice for the voiceless in the conversation about abortion and women's rights.
To learn more about this ministry, visit our website at:
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¿Qué nos enseñan las Escrituras acerca del ayuno colectivo o la imposición de cenizas?
¿Cómo deben responder los protestantes al Miércoles de Ceniza o a la Cuaresma?
El pastor Raúl responde a estas y otras preguntas en este mensaje de las Escrituras.
Para obtener más información sobre este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en:
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What do the scriptures teach us about corporate fasting or the imposition of ashes?
How should protestants respond to Ash Wednesday or Lent?
Pastor Raul answers these, and other questions, in this message from the scriptures.
En este mensaje de 1 Corintios, el pastor Antonio comparte algunas ideas importantes sobre la Santa Cena.
Para obtener más información sobre este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en:
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In this third installation in "The Sanctity of Life" series, Pastor Raul discusses the connection between our sanctity and our intentional practice of justice into the world around us.
To learn more about this ministry, visit our website at:
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In this message, Pastor Raul shares about the importance of recognizing that in the journey from darkness to light, we live our lives in the grey. The mission of God is bring us all back into the light.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at:
www.msnaz.org
In this message from Genesis chapter 1, Pastor Raul Granillo shares what the scriptures teach about the value of human life and the importance of the Imago Dei.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at
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In this message, from Romans 12:1-12, Pastor Raul shares the importance for the Christian believer to maintain a mind that is open to truth. It is so important, especially in today's world where information is so accessible (and currupt), that the Christian not allow the cuture, nor the desire for affirmantion, to keep them from accepting truth.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at
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El pastor Antonio comparte un mensaje oportuno del evangelio de Lucas 14:16.
Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en
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En este mensaje, el pastor Raúl Granillo enseña la conexión entre las escrituras, como Juan 10:22-23, y el Calendario de la Iglesia.
Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en www.msnaz.org
In this message, Pastor Raul Granillo teaches the connection between scriptures, such as John 10:22-23, and the Church Calendar.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at www.msnaz.org
In this Christmas Day message from Luke 2, Pastor Raul shares some insights about who "the favored ones" are, and what that implies for them.
For more information about this ministry visit our website at:
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El pastor Antonio comparte un mensaje alentador, de Mateo 19, sobre el poder y el amor de Dios. Si desea obtener más información sobre este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en: www.msnaz.org
In this message, from Isaiah 7:10-16, Pastor Raul talks about the importance of trusting God with our "impossible" prayers.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at:
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El pastor Martín comparte un mensaje de Juan 7:38-39.
Para obtener más información acerca de este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en:
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In this message from Isaiah 35:1-10, Pastor Raul reminds us that filling our local church is not the commission that Jesus gave us. His commission to the Church is to make disciples. It's easier to tell a Christian why your church is better then it is to share the gospel with an unbeliever. Stop with the former and start sharing the good news with those who need it. For more information about this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this message from Isaiah 11:1-10, Pastor Raul encourages us to look at everything in this world through the divine imagination that brought us the Christ child. After all, that shoot was exponentially better than the original tree was ever capable of.
Be encouraged, the stumps in our lives are potential for a better life—for true peace—if we are willing to be transformed by the mind of Christ—the divine imagination.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at
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What is required of the clergy?
In this message from Malachi 2:1-9, Pastor Raul talks about how important it is for pastors to have an extensive knowledge of the Scriptures so that they can faithfully guide the people in maintaining a strong relationship with God.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at:
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Salmo 91 Un mensaje del pastor Antonio Reyes. Para más información sobre este ministerio, o para contactar a un pastor, visite nuestro sitio web en: www.msnaz.org
How do we value God? How do we value his commands? How de we value the very life Christ calls us to give? Do we trust the things of the world to give us a better rate of return on our investment than we do God? In this message from Malachi 3:6-12, Pastor Raul Granillo addressed these very real and important questions? For more information about this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org Be sure to comment and subscribe!
Are you ever disillusioned with God? Do you ever feel like being a part of the church isn't everything you thought it would be? In this message from the prophet Malachi, Pastor Raul talks about the frustration that Christians can feel toward God and how that has affected our worship, walk with God, and even our faith in his justice. To learn more about this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
How different should the Christian battle be than the battle fought in the world?
What does that have to do with rejoicing?
Pastor Raul answers these, and other questions, in this message from Zechariah 9:9-10.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at
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What is the difference between defeating evil and overcoming evil?
In this message, from Zechariah 4:6, Pastor Raul answers this question and shares biblical insights about how obedience to God becomes a light that overcomes the darkness in the world.
For more information about his ministry, visit our website at:
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Un mensaje del pastor Antonio Reyes. Lucas 4:18
Para más información sobre este ministerio, o para contactar a un pastor, visite nuestro sitio web en: www.msnaz.org
In this message from Zechariah, chapters 2 through 4, Pastor Raul shares the evangelical message from the prophet. Mysterious imagery, such as the two olive trees and the measuring of Jerusalem are addressed, compared to other passages (such as Revelation) and applied to our world today.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at:
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Do modern day Christians need the temple? What does it really mean to be the Body of Christ?
In this message from Haggai 2:1-9, Pastor Raul shares about the importance of the temple both before Jesus walked the earth and today.
For more information about this ministry, please visit our website at:
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El pastor Antonio comparte un mensaje importante de Juan 21:15.
Para obtener más información sobre este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en www.msnaz.org
What excuses are you making when you say, "It's not a good time for me to invest that heavily, with my time or energy, in the church because…"? In this message from Haggai 1:1-12, Pastor Raul addresses the decline in churches during this Post-Pandemic time as well as the responsibility Christians have to the local church, according to the Scriptures. For more information about this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this message, from the prophet Zephaniah 3:14-20, Pastor Raul shares an inspiring message about why we should find ourselves rejoicing wholeheartedly as Christians. To support this ministry, or to learn more about us, visit our website at www.msnaz.org
In this message from Habakkuk 2:15-20, Pastor Raul shares about the importance of stepping back and allowing God to reveal the blindspots in our lives that we may not even realize exist.
En este mensaje de Jeremías 31, el pastor Raúl Granillo comparte un poco sobre cómo Dios lo trajo de un drogadicto suicida al lugar en el que se encuentra hoy.
Pastor Raul Granillo shares a message of understanding faithfulness from Nahum 1:12-15.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at:
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Pastor Josh shares a powerful message from Nahum 1:1-11
For more information about this ministry, visit our website:
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Un mensaje del pastor Antonio del libro de lamentaciones.
Para obtener más información sobre este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en:
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In this message from the prophet Jonah, Pastor Raul shares about the commonality of living in chaos and our need to trust God to guide us through it.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at
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What has been taken from you?
Your innocence, your family, your dreams, your health, finances, your security, your faith, your compassion, your love?
The evil powers of this world have taken so many things from us all.
Sin has made us slaves—oppressed us—under the rule of principalities, powers, addiction, poverty, racism, sexism, fears of all types, and hatred that seems to know no bounds.
We have had so many things taken from us by sin that we can't even list them all!
Every. Single. One of us!
In this final message from the book of Obadiah, Pastor Raul shares about the immense hope we find through Christ Jesus for a restoration of all the things that have been lost.
For information about this ministry, visit our website at
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En este mensaje de John 1:43-51, el pastor Raúl comparte sobre la importancia del origen de Jesús y cómo eso debe afectar nuestro llamado al ministerio.
Venir del lado equivocado de las vías, o del lado equivocado de cualquier lugar, no te descalifica, ¡te inicia en el mismo lugar que Jesús mismo!
Para apoyar, o paraganar más sobre este ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web en:
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In this message, from Obadiah 10-16, Pastor Raul addresses the real hurts that we have experienced in our lives and how that hurt, if not dealt with, becomes anger and biterness that causes us to hurt others.
Our desire should never be retribution, it should be restoration.
For more information about this minsitry, or to contact Pastor Raul, visit our website at:
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In this first of three messages from the book of Obadiah, Pastor Raul shares how the pride of Edom is, too often, still practiced by Christians today.
Pride prevents us from allowing the word of God to change our view of God, as if we already know everything we need to and our only task now is to make sure that everyone sees what we see.
Pride causes us to believe that our place of privilage protects us.
Pride causes us to believe that things were better "back in the day."
Pride deludes us.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at
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In this message from Amos 9:11-15, Pastor Raul Granillo shares a bit about the reason that evangelism, commitment, and dedication to the work of the kingdom matters.
To support this ministry, or for more information, please visit our website at ww.msnaz.org
In this message from Joel 2:10-18, Pastor Raul Granillo shares about how our persepctive of God affect how we respond to him. Many, both in the world and in the church, view God as a "judgmental bully" and misunderstand what it means for him to be jealous. The truth is that justice and love are not opposing ideas; true justice requires love and initiates mercy. For more information about this ministry visit our website at:www.msnaz.org
In this message from Joel 2:28-32, Pastor Raul shares some insights concerning Latino and Anglo cultures. En este mensaje de Joel 2:28-32, el pastor Raúl comparte algunas ideas sobre las culturas latina y anglosajona. Your youth are not the church of tomorrow, they are the prophets of today. Tu juventud no son la iglesia del mañana, son los profetas de hoy. As such, we must stop sacrificing our children at the altars of our cultures. Como tal, debemossacrificar a nuestros hijos en los altares de nuestras culturas. For more information about this ministry visit our website: Para obtener más información sobresu ministerio, visite nuestro sitio web:
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What does the Bible say about environmental change and racism? What does God call the people who claim that changes in the environment are natural and that everyone in this nation has an equal opportunity?
In this message from Hosea 4:1-11, Pastor Raul talks about some of the things Christians don't like to heart from God and how our lack of knowledge places us in a very dangerous position.
For more information about this ministry, visit our website at:
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In this message, from Hosea 1:1-11, Pastor Raul Granillo shares about the difficulty and importance of empathy. If we struggle so much with empathizing with each other, how much harder is it for us to empathize with God?
To support this ministry, or for more information, please visit our website at:
www.msnaz.org
In this message, from Ezekiel 43:1-12, Pastor Josh McCay shares about the hope that God offers in times of trauma. To support this ministry, or for more information about Mercy Springs Church of the Nazarene, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this message from Isaiah 2:1-10, Pastor Raul shares the importance of being ready to do the work that God calls us to as well as being humble enough to confess our participation in divisive sins.
WARNING: This is not a watered down, feel good message. It is meant to encourage, but it calls out our sins.
For more information about this minsitry, visit our website at:
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In this message from Ezekiel 1:1-28, Pastor Raul Granillo discusses the importance of the imagery found in the Bible, various types of spiritual beings, and what we can learn from the Cherubim. Not to mention we get to see some of his AMAZING artistic ability. To support this ministry, or to learn more, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this 47th, and final lesson, we will review the entire book of Revelation.
G. K. Chesterton once quipped that “though St. John the Evangelist saw many strange monsters in his vision, he saw no creature so wild as one of his own commentators.”
My prayer has been that this study would clarify some of the obvious misrepresentations of John's vision as well as to equip you with hermeneutical tools to help you better read, interpret, and apply the Word of God.
Some of the primary references used in this study include:
Bauckham, Richard. The Theology of the Book of Revelation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
Gorman, Michael J. Reading Revelation Responsibly: Uncivil Worship and Witness: Following the Lamb into the New Creation. Eugene: Cascade Books, 2011.
Johnson, Darrell W. Discipleship on the Edge: An Expository Journey Through the Book of Revelation. Vancouver: Canadian Church Leaders Network, 2021
Metzger, Bruce M. Breaking the Code - Participant's Book: Understanding the Book of Revelation . Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993.
Osborne, Grant R. Revelation: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.
Rotz, Carol. Revelation: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 2012.
Wright, N.T. Revelaiton for Everyone (The New Testament for Everyone). London: Westmister John Knox Press, 2011.
For more information about this study, or to download study materials, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org .
Be sure to subscribe, comment, and share this study so that others can also explore the word of God.
Finally, in this 46th lesson we will finish the book of Revelation. We will discuss John's epilogue as well as revisit the relevance of Jesus as “the beginning and the end” and the “Alpha and the Omega.”
Perhaps most importantly, we will discuss that Jesus' final statement describing himself is as “The bright morning star” points to the hope for the breaking of dawn during the darkest moment of night.
In our next, and final lesson, we will overview the entire study.
For more information about this study, or to download study materials, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org .
Be sure to subscribe, comment, and share this study so that others can also explore the word of God.
In this message from Isaiah 43:16-21, Pastor Raul Granillo shares about the difference between tradition and traditionalism. The latter hinders the work of God while the former, tradition, gives us a foundation to express a living faith through the new things that God is doing. To support this ministry, or for more information, visit out website at: msnaz.org
Finally, in this 45th lesson from the book of Revelation, we are going to explore John's description of the New Jerusalem that God brings from heaven, to earth, as He comes to reside with humanity for ever!
"This is the great new reality, the place of God's dwelling on earth, can never be something that humans make (that takes us back to Babylon, to Babel!), but remains always and for ever the gift of God's love and grace."– N.T. Wright
For more information about this study, or to download study materials, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org .
Be sure to subscribe, comment, and share this study so that others can also explore the word of God.
In this message from Jeremiah 18:1-11, Pastor Raul shares about the grace, power, and love of God for all of us who have felt like their are parts of our lives that are "spoiled" by sin or circumstance.
To support this ministry, or to learn more, visit our website at www.msnaz.org
In this 44th lesson from the book of Revelation, we are going to discuss the judgement of God from the throne. Carol Rotz is correct, “Judgment is the result of human freedom. God does not override that self-determination but allows those who wish to enter the city of God (2:5-7; 22:14) to do so. Those who remain outside it (21:8; 22:15) do so by their choice.”
Let us take advantage of the grace that God has bestowed upon us through this Revelation and desire, with all of our hearts, to enter into the city of God.
For more information about this study, or to download study materials, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org .
Be sure to subscribe, comment, and share this study so that others can also explore the word of God.
In this message from Isaiah 55:1-9, Pastor Raul Granillo shares some insights about our desire to do things our way. The Lord's ways are truly different than ours, but they are also the right way. Although there are many ways to start a jeep, there is only one way to bring order from the chaos--that is through the Lord Christ Jesus. For more information, or to support this ministry financially, please visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
Well, here we are at chapter 20 where we are going to talk about the infamous “millennium” that has caused so much controversy in the Christian Church. In this 43rd lesson, we are going to talk about the three primary interpretations, pre, post, and amillennialism. We are also going to discuss other different possible meanings or aspects of this pericope.
For more information about this study, or to download study materials, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org .
Be sure to subscribe, comment, and share this study so that others can also explore the word of God.
In this 42nd lesson we are going to take a look at the two great feasts at the eschaton. One is the feast of the saint with the Lamb at the great Wedding Feast, the other are the carrion birds upon the flesh of the sinners.
Pastor Raul will also discuss the implications of terms such as “Hallelujah” and “righteous” as they pertain to the scriptures.
For more information about this study, or to download study materials, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org .
Be sure to subscribe, comment, and share this study so that others can also explore the word of God.
In this message from Jeremiah, Pastor Raul shares the problem with settling for the status quo.
God calls us to run with the horses. Are you ready?
For more information about this minsitry, visit our webstie at:
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In this 41st lesson we are going to take a look at the imagery in chapter 18.
There we find God calling his people to flee from participating in the satanic systems of Babylon. Those systems, while attractive and intoxicating, are also toxic and will collapse upon themselves.
Carol Rotz points out that, “God's people are called to renounce the idolatrous practices of pagan society and to separate themselves from a corrupt though seductive socioeconomic system.”
Our task today, is to be aware that such systems continue to exist in our world and, very often, we pretend that they don't because they benefit us. Let us flee the Babylons of our modern world.
For more information about this study, or to download study materials, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org .
Be sure to subscribe, comment, and share this study so that others can also explore the word of God.
What does Isaiah teach us about "the Gospel?"
What does it imply for us today and what does that have to do with Communion?
To learn more about this minsitry, visit our website at www.msnaz.org
Hello and welcome to Bible 101 @ MSNaz. I'm your host Pastor Raul Granillo.
Michael Gorman writes:
"Babylon makes promises, demands, and claims that are appropriate only for God to make. It sacralizes, even divinizes, its own power, and then it requires absolute allegiance to that power."
In this 40th Lesson we will talk about John's vision of the prostitute on the beast from chapter 17.
We will explore the identity of the seven heads/kings as well as the ten powers and, of course, the eighth king “which also belongs to the seven.” We will also discuss the seductive power of the woman on the beast and what that means for us today.
For more information about this study, or to download study materials, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org .
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How does our thinking affect our actions? What does God have to say about our mindset? Pastor Raul shares insights to these questions from Jeremiah 17:5-11.
Carol Rotz writes:
"Heavenly praise vindicates God's judgements, which show unfortunate but inevitable results of stubborn opposition to God and the persecution of God's people. The suffering brought by the bowl plagues are not the result of a capricious and vengeful god but the only just and true response of a holy God to intractable sin."
In this 39th Lesson we will discuss the wrath of God that is poured out in the last three bowls upon the throne of the beast. We will see that the principalities and evil aspects of our world have no lasting power—only God does. Evil will consume evil and the kingdom of the beast will collapse upon itself.
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Pastor Raul shares a powerful message of belonging from Isaiah 6:1-8. For more information, or to support this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
Pastor Josh McCay brings an encouraging message about God's call upon us from Jeremiah 1:4-10.
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N.T. Wright says, “The ‘wrath' of the creator God consists of two things, principally. First, he allows human wickedness to work itself out, to reap its own destruction. Second, he steps in more directly to stop it, to call ‘time' on it, when it's got out of hand. If we knew our business, we would thank God for both of these, even though both can appear harsh. They need to be. If they were any less than harsh, the wickedness in question would merely pause, furrow its brow for a moment, and then carry on as before. What we see here, in the first four plagues, is a mixture of both types of ‘wrath'. – N.T. Wright
In this 38th Lesson we will discuss the wrath of God that is poured out in the first four bowls. We will discuss the connection to the plagues with those of Exodus and with the empires that humanity has bowed before for millennia.
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In this message Pastor Raul shares some of the attributes from the prophets in the Old Testament.
The world is in need of a prophetic voice and the disciple of Christ should consider the prophets as a resource for their own calling.
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In this message, from Romans 10:13-15, Pastor Raul talks about the importance of inentionally living out the gospel so that it can become a beacon of hope at just the right time. For more information, or to support this ministry financially, please visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this 37th Lesson we will go through all of chapter 15 and discuss the righteous judgement of God. John's reference to the Exodus account, including the plagues and Moses' song, will help us see that righteous judgment brings liberation.
N.T. Wright is correct when he says, “When the Bible speaks about God ‘judging', or putting into effect his ‘judgments', it is just as much a cause for celebration as for anxiety.”
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In this message from Luke 3:21-22 Pastor Raul shares about the importance of bringing the spiritual and the physical together through worship as God's chosen method for maturing us as disciples. The lack of discipleship has left our churches anemic and sucseptible to the enemy.
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In this 36th Lesson we will finish up chapter 14 by discussing the harvest of the grain and of the vintage. The book seeks to reveal the God's justice comes in both the forms of everlasting life for the follower of Christ, and the wrath of God for the follower of Babylon.
Through the prophets and New Testament examples, we will learn how the first century person might understand the harvest of the grain and the harvest of the vintage.
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In this powerful message from John 1:1-14, Pastor Raul answers the question, "Why should I trust Jesus into my world?"
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What can we learn about our role as Christians and the methods of being discipled from Luke's account of 12-year-old Jesus at the temple? Pastor Raul addresses this questions in this message from Luke 2:41-52. For more information, or to support this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this message, from Micah 5:2-5a, Pastor Raul shares an encouraging message about God's sufficiency to do great things through us, even when we feel beaten, broken, and insufficient. For more information, or to support this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz.org
In this 35th Lesson from chapter 14:6-13, we discuss the gospel message that the angels share with the world. To understand this portion of John's revelation, we have to take a trip back to the prophet Isaiah and the gospel that the Lord shares through him.
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During Advent, we take the third Sunday to celebrate Joy--Something we may be struggling with during hard times. In this message from Zephania 3:14–20, Pastor Raul shares how we can find Joy during the darkest moments of our lives. For more information, or to support this ministry, visit our website at: www.msnaz,org
What can our Church today learn from the warnings given in Malachi 3:1-4 to the Israelites? Pastor Raul Granillo explains the background and helps us understand why it is pertinent today as we, the Bride of Christ, prepare the way of the Lord! To support this ministry, visit our website at www.msnaz.org BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE!!!
Now that we've addressed the mark of the beast, John wants us to contrast it with the followers of Christ who are marked for God. These are the faithful who were purchased by the blood of the Lamb. They follow him as he leads.
In this lesson from 14:15 we will not only discuss this aspect, but Pastor Raul will walk us through some steps for properly interpreting scripture.
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The mark of the beast is likely the most intriguing aspect in the book of Revelation. From tattooed barcodes, digital currency, or—most recently—injected microchips, people have speculated countless ways that the mark 666 would be applied to people. This obsession with the mark of the beast has caused many Christians to take their focus off what it means to be marked for God.
In this 33rd lesson, Pastor Raul will carefully layout the mark of God mentioned in Revelation 7, its correlation to the priestly mark found in Exodus and Deuteronomy, and how the mark of the beast is a perverted parody of the true mark of God.
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Pastor Raul Granillo shares some insights from the 16th Psalm.
Live worship service. November 14, 2021
Mercy Springs Church of the Nazarene
1238 Santa Barbara Dr.
Los Banos, CA 93635
In this message, from Psalm, 127, Pastor Raul shares his own experience with God building a house.
In this 31th lesson, from Revelation 12:18-13:10 we discuss the identity and significance of the mysterious beast that rises out of the sea.
We continue to draw out the relationship between the spiritual realm and the physical realm where the fear that the dragon has imposed upon humanity has led them to participate in the creation of this beast. The beast has characteristics that are meant to mimic those of God and, specifically, of the slaughtered Lamb. This deception play a huge part in the beast's ability to survive fatal blows to its heads.
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In this 30th lesson, from Revelation 12:7-17, we discuss the battle between the archangel Michael and the dragon as well as the significance of the dragon being cast down to earth.
Chapter 12 is a hinge point in Revelation where John reveals the relationship between the spiritual realm and the physical realm. The war is won through the blood of Christ, that dragon is angered because he knows that he is defeated and the modern Church is assured of their ability to persevere by the grace of God.
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In this 29th lesson, from Revelation 12:1-6, we discuss the woman, her child, and the dragon.
Who is the woman and who does she represent? Who is the infamous red dragon and why seven heads and ten horns? What do they mean? And finally who is this child that causes so much reaction from the dragon? These, and many other questions, are addressed in this episode.
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In this lesson, Pastor Raul takes some time to simply summarize chapters 1 through 11. This summary is super important to help bring together all of the studies thus far.
If you are new to the study, or want to get caught up, this particular lesson is going to be super helpful.
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In this 27th lesson, also from Revelation 11:15-19, we will talk about John's vision upon the blowing of the 7th trumpet. We will learn that this is not just a step in the unfolding of God's will, but that it is a perspective of the fulfillment of God's will as heaven is opened and God's kingdom comes just as Jesus prayed it would.
On a side note, we will, very briefly, discuss the idea of jousting with God while riding an ostrich.
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In this 26th lesson, also from Revelation 11:1-14, we address the fate of the two witnesses and possible reasons that they are overtaken. We also discuss the beast, or more specifically, the actions of the beast.
The task of the Church is to give testimony to the kingdom of God through the cruciform life patterns of her members. sadly, This act will often lead to the martyrdom of the faithful. What we can lean upon, however, is that we are safe in the presence of Jesus.
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In this 25th lesson, from Revelation 11:1-14, we are going to address the identity of the two witnesses. The vision is grounded, carefully, in the Old Testament prophets and the identity of the two witnesses must found there and in the first chapter of Revelation.
The task of the Church is to give testimony to the kingdom of God through the cruciform life patterns of her members. In this is the key to interpretation.
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In today's lesson, from Revelation 10:1-11, we are going to address the mighty angel that came down from heaven that gave the scroll the John.
Who is this angel, why is he described with such detail? As we uncover the meaning of the description, we will also learn the purpose of the scroll and why it is given to John to eat. The Church, it seems, has a great part in conveying God's prophetic word to the lost world.
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In today's lesson, we are going to address the fiery riders from 9:13-21
What we learn is that God's grace and his judgement are tied together. God's wrath is aimed at repentance.
“Repentance is more than just expressing regret for a few peccadilloes. It is a radical, heartfelt, gut-wrenching turning away from the idols which promise delight but provide death. God longs for that kind of repentance. He will do anything, it seems, to coax it out of his rebellious but still image-bearing creatures” (Wright 92).
God's grace, we will learn, is bigger than we might have imagined.
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In today's lesson, we are going to talk a lot about the locust that come out of the bottomless pit, in chapter 9, when the shaft is opened.
At their very core, who or what are the locust? What do they represent? What does that have to do with the Church today?
The Church must be alert, because the evil forces of this world attempt top mimic God. Listen to this lesson to learn some of the ways that this happens, even today.
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This is our 21st lesson from the book of Revelation. In this lesson, we will discuss the imagery that is connected to the first four trumpet blares by the angels in chapter 8.
Using scripture, we will uncover the identity of images such as the mountain and the falling star.
Questions and comments from the live audience are addressed toward the end and, unfortunately, their voices may be a bit hard to hear, but the responses should still make sense.
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In this lesson, from Revelation 8, we discuss the identity of "the seven angels," and their connection to ancient writings such as the book of Enoch and Tobit.
We will also discuss the huge place that the prayers of the saints have in the throne room before God and how those prayers seem to participate in God's final justice.
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This is our 19th episode from the book of Revelation Study. In this session, we are going to recap what has been revealed in the first 7 chapters of the book. We will run through the 7 seven letters to the churches and talk about how those spirits can be seen in today's church; we will discuss the imagery of worship in the throne room, and finally, we will address what was recorded as the first six seals were opened.
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In this session, we are going to compare and contrast the 144,000 from the 12 tribes that John hears about with the diverse multitude that he sees before the throne.
Topics such as the tribulation and perseverance of the saints will be discussed as well as the strange concepts of blood being used to wash a garment white or the Lamb becoming the Shepherd.
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In this 17th lesson from the book of Revelation, we are going to dig into chapter 7. In this section, we discuss the 144,000 that are sealed, as God's people Israel, with the mark of the Lord. We will even begin to compare it with the mark of the beast.
Questions such as, who are the 144,000, what is the mark of God, who is Israel, and what tribes are missing from the list, will be addressed.
What does this imagery mean? What does it not mean? How do we apply it today? Listen to find out.
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In this 16th lesson from the book of Revelation, we will discuss the imagery that accompanies the breaking of the 5th and 6th seals.
As if in response to the imagery of the four horsemen, martyrs from under the altar cry out for justice and are told to wait a little longer. With the breaking of the 6th seal events take place that are meant to get our attention and point out that the most powerful and privileged people will find themselves hiding from the wrath of the Lamb.
What does this imagery mean? What does it not mean? How do we apply it today? Listen to find out.
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We are now in the 15th lesson from the book of Revelation and we are about to get into some serious symbolism and some really strange visions. In this lesson we are going to focus on the four horsemen.
We are going to, from the scriptures and through reason, learn why the four horsemen might speak most clearly to our world today. We are going to address some questions like, “Is Jesus the rider on the white horse?” Are the horses and the riders angels or demons that are sent by God?” When will they come?
The theologian N.T. Wright is correct and we need to understand the four horsemen because, “Unless we lay out the problems to their full extent, no real healing can take place. Unless the ills of the world are brought out, shown up in their true colours, put on display and allowed to do their worst, they cannot be overthrown. Unless the four horsemen ride out and do what they have to do, the scroll cannot be read. The victory of the lion-lamb will not be complete. (Wright 60)
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In this 14th lesson from the book of Revelation, we are going to dig even further into the imagery of the Throne room from chapters 4 and 5.
In chapter 5, verses 8 through 14, John continues to drive home the importance of the slain Lamb as the image that God wants his church to understand about him and his will. “John does not wish to represent Jesus as an alternative object of worship alongside God, but as one who shares in the glory due to God. He is worthy of divine worship because his worship can be included in the worship of the one God” (Richard Bauckham, 1993. 60)
We will also discuss the connection between worship on earth and worship in heaven and why this matters to our creedal confession of “communion of the saints.”
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In this 13th lesson from the book of Revelation, Pastor Raul leads us even further into the imagery of the Throne room from chapters 4 and 5.
In chapter 5, verses 1 through 7, John introduces us to the image of the scroll with the seven seals and the “having been slaughtered Lamb” that conquered through his sacrifice. We will discuss the possible contents of the scroll, the significance of the seals, and—perhaps most importantly why “the Lion of Judah” that John hears about turns out to be a “Having been slaughtered Lamb.”
It is likely that many times in our lives we will find that what we thought about scripture and God is not actually what the Bible teaches. It is at these junctures in our walk with God that we must allow the scripture to recreate our image of God and His will. The juxtaposition between the lion and the lamb is meant to have that effect.
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In this 12th lesson from the book of Revelation, we are going to dig even further into the imagery of the Throne room from chapters 4 and 5.
In the verses 6 through 11, we find four very peculiar living beings that surround the throne and worship the One Sitting Upon the Throne. Their act of worship, as well as the response from the 24 elders remind us that “true knowledge of who God is is inseparable from worship of God.” - Richard Bauckham
The stage is being set to reveal what things in heaven look like so that we might better understand our Lord's prayer, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
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In this 11th lesson from the book of Revelation, we are going to dig into the imagery of the Throne room from chapters 4 and 5.
In the first 6 verses, we find a great deal of imagery that attempts to describe this awesome, sovereign, intimidating, and yet loving, and intimate God. We will discuss the meaning of the open door, the 24 elders, the one seated on the throne, and the significance of the sea of glass.
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In this 10th lesson from the book of Revelation, we are going to discuss the letter to the church in Laodicea from Revelation 3:14-22.
The church is Laodicea suffered from a spirit of self-sufficiency. They had everything they thought they needed. Jesus compares their disconnect from the very source of water that was piped into the city with their disconnect from Jesus who, sadly, is found outside of the church knocking to come back in.
Even in our world today, we can find ourselves being self-reliant and disconnecting from Jesus. Sadly, there are churches today that exist without being the refreshing cool drink of water, or the healing hot water. When the church is no longer a place of rest nor healing, it is functionally useless and God will vomit them out.
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In this 9th lesson from the book of Revelation, we are going to discuss the letter to the church in Philadelphia in chapter 3:7-13.
The local Jews, in fear of losing their status with Rome, closed the doors on the Christians and, in turn, on their own relationship with God. For this reason, Jesus calls them a "synagogue of Satan."
The commendation for the church in Philadelphia is due to their perseverant faith in Christ. They are encouraged by Jesus to not see their circumstances and obstacles, but rather as opportunities. The modern church should also persevere while finding opportunities, rather than obstacles, in our circumstances.
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In this 8th lesson from the book of Revelation, we are going to discuss the letter to the church in Sardis from Revelation 3:1-6. Apathy and complacency had become the norm for this church. Since everything seemed to be going great for the church, they had no reason to rock the boat by engaging in the actual mission of the Church.
This sense of apathy continues to plague modern churches as many ignore issues of justice in favor of protecting what they already have.
The missional, and living church, is constantly seeking to do more in the kingdom of God.
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In this 7th lesson of the book of Revelation, we are going to discuss the letter to the church in Thyratira from Revelation 2:18-29. The church in Thyratira, like many modern churches, engaged in compromise was justified by polarizing the spiritual from the physical—a concept that is common today, but is founded in Platonism, not the Holy Scirptures. This division led to a privatized that had corrupted the church.
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In this 6th lesson of the book of Revelation, we are going to discuss the letter to the church in Pergamum from Chapter 2 verses 12-17.
Pergamum might be considered the center of imperial worship in Rome. The temples to Zeus, Roma, and to Augustus were clear reminders of this. Christians, like Antipas, were commended for their faithfulness to God, even as to death; but the church, as a whole, was rebuked for holding to the teaching of Balaam.
The church in Pergamum engaged in hypocrisy as they allowed the culture, the empire, and the imperial cult dictate how they would live as Christians. God would be faithful to his people; sadly, too often we are not faithful to him. So it happened in Pergamum.
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In this 5th lesson of the book of Revelation, we are going to discuss the letter to the church in Smyrna from Chapter 2 verses 8-11.
As a neokoros to the goddess Roma, Smyrna held the distinction of being a city whose loyalty to Rome and to the emperor were unquestionable. In this lesson, we will learn how that culture, and betrayal from some of the Jews, led to the persecution of the faithful Christians.
Compromising with the culture, in order to protect ourselves from physical, legal, or even financial harm, is a temptation that Christians continue to face even today.
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In this 4th lesson of the book of Revelation, Pastor Raul discusses the letter to the church in Ephesus from Chapter 2 verses 1-7.
We will touch on the significance of the relationship between orthodoxy and orthopraxy.
Because this relationship was not considered, the church in Ephesus engaged in loveless worship. This is a reality that can plague our local churches even today.
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In this lesson, Pastor Raul guides us through Revelation 1:9-20 and discusses the parallels to Old Testament prophets such as Ezekiel and Daniel. Imagery such as Jesus as king and as priest are presented in these verses. “The triune God, whose being has been pondered for centuries, is encountered rather than discussed.” – Carol Rotz For more information about this study, or to download study materials, visits our website at: https://www.msnaz.org/revelation-study
In this lesson, Pastor Raul leads us through the first 8 verses of the prophetic book. We will touch on the significance of the relationship between heaven and earth, the implications of the Alpha and Omega, and the Trinitarian language that John uses.
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In this lesson, Pastor Raul explains a bit about the necessary context for interpreting the book of Revelation. We also discuss the definition and function of apocalyptic and prophetic literature. "The point is not to predict a sequence of events. The point is to evoke and to explore the meaning of the divine judgment which is impending on the sinful world." - Richard Bauckham For more information about this study, or to download study materials, visits our website at: https://www.msnaz.org/revelation-study