Acts242: Devoted to the Apostles' Teaching

Over the past several years I have had more discussions with people on this subject than on any other. In this episode I want to simply set the stage for what Calvinism and Arminianism are and why it is even worth discussing.

Why is reformed theology sometimes called covenant theology? Why do they believe in Amillennialism? What is post millennialism and why are there two different forms of premillennialism? These and other questions are addressed in this episode of Acts 242 Podcast.

I have now finished the book of Zechariah and wanted to at least make a reference to the subject of Covenant Theology and explain how an Amillennialist would interpret the book of Zechariah generally and a few verses in chapter eight or chapter fourteen in particular.

The final chapter of Zechariah! A scene of chaos and yet beauty too. Of the most terrible disease yet unknown to man, yet the most blessed stream we have ever read of too. 

How will the Lord Jesus respond to this mourning as the people realize that they crucified the Son of God? They will be mourning, but He will be repairing and providing a way even at that time for their salvation.

Chapter 12 starts the final portion of the book of Zechariah. In this chapter we find the Lord Jesus coming at the second advent and delivering his people first defensively, then offensively, and then the mourning that results as the people of Israel realize who the Messiah is...

Zechariah chapter 11 takes a turn in the book to remind us that there is a negative future for Israel as well as a positive. As they reject their Messiah He will reject them and will further raise up for them an unprofitable shepherd that will harm them - the man we know as the False Prophet.

The second part of God's direct call to His people to return. Here he calls them and then begins to tell them of a time when He will call them all back such that the land cannot even fit them all. What is the practical word to you and to me?

In Zechariah chapter nine we have a prophecy of the future of the land around Israel and a very direct call of God to the people of that day to return to the land of Jerusalem. People were living in other places in cities and different areas where they could make a comfortable living.

Zechariah chapter eight closes the period of answering that the Lord gives to the people as to what they were supposed to do about fasting. He shows the people again His grand vision of the future and reminds them to be righteous, not to fear, but to be strong. He doesn't directly answer the question about fasting, but he does set before them His heart and leaves their response with them.

Zechariah chapter seven begins the second part of the book. The Jews from Bethel ask whether they should continue to fast or if they could stop. It opens up the subject of fasting generally and allows us to see what God has to say about the subject.

Here is the final close-out of the eight visions of Zechariah with a final sign to be given in this most important year of Israel's history - the second year of Darius king of Persia.

Zechariah chapter five - a scroll flying through the air that also consumes houses...and a tiny lady in a basket with a lead cover that is carried off by two other women who have wings like a stork....what could it all mean? 

Have you ever had a "great mountain" in your life which just seems totally impossible to get through? Ever heard of a "mountain of laundry" even? The people of Israel faced a great mountain trying to get this temple built and this is a prophecy is aimed to encourage them that the Spirit of God is going to help them build this temple.

In Zechariah chapter three we have a bit of a movie scene with the shot panning out and around. It starts in tight with Joshua - a figure of Jerusalem, then it pans out to include angelic beings, and his friends, and ultimately...the stone with seven eyes. Jerusalem is made clean, the Branch is brought in, and all is at peace.

Zechariah Chapter 2 - the plans that the Lord has for his holy city.

Zechariah prophecies during the second year of the reign of Darius the king. This podcast covers a basic thumbnail sketch of the history between the carrying away captive and the return of the people of Israel and then goes through briefly the meaning of the three prophecies contained in chapter one of Zechariah.

John 6 gives us a contrast between the crowd who believed a fact about Jesus with faith in Jesus Himself.

This is the final installment of Daniel's visions. It covers Daniel chapters 10-12 - some of the most specific of Daniel's prophecies and one that gives atheists a fair amount of trouble because of how accurate it predicts the future.

This is part 2 of Daniel's visions and just goes through Daniel 9 and the famous Daniel's 70 weeks and the even more famous 70th week - which is the tribulation period of 7 years. 

This is a high level look at the first three of the five visions in the book of Daniel. *Note brief history correction, Alexander the Great died not in the field, but in a palace in Babylon. 

This episode goes through the background and reason that I am putting this podcast together.