Current Events & Christian Expectations

Today we will continue our Books of the Bible study series with Revelation Chapter 4.  As a gentle reminder, we are alternating with our Current Events episodes with this  study series.  In this episode, we move from the things of earth to the things of heaven.  A door opens and we get to experience together what John saw when he stepped through that door!  

In this episode we continue our  study of Revelation by working through chapter 3. We read and unpack the letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—emphasizing repentance, perseverance, and what it means to be "worthy" and to conquer. The episode contrasts Sardis's dying reputation, Philadelphia's open door and protection, and Laodicea's lukewarm complacency.   Tune in and learn how your churc...

Jesus showed us before Taylor Swift. This episode explores why hatred toward righteousness is inevitable. And...rather than answering every attack, how we are called to respond (sometimes in silence....and not in song). Scripture References : Titus 3:1-3; 1John 3:11-12, 13, 14; Proverbs 29:9-11; John 15:18-19; John 15:23; John 15:25; Psalm 69:4; Matthew 27:11-14; Luke 23:6-9; Matthew 27:16-18; Mat...

-The churches and the judge. In this episode we continue our text-centered study of Revelation by examining the first four churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira) in chapter 2. We reveal the principles of judgment, angelic oversight, spiritual warfare, and the call to repent and conquer. We also discuss practical applications to show why judgment begins with the household of God and what re...

— The Vision That Changes Everything This episode walks through Revelation chapter 1 and discusses the authorship, the meaning of "apocalypse", the blessing for those who read and hear the book, and the importance of the public reading of God's Word. This episode sets the stage for the the seven lampstands, seven stars, and Christ's triumphant authority — and frames up the message to set the stage...

This episode examines how the Holy Spirit works through God’s Word to draw people to faith and shape the church.  We use biblical passages and real-life testimonies to illustrate conversion, prophecy, tongues, and the role of the  congregational witness. Scriptures in order of use are: Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 11:9-13; Hebrews 11:6; Acts 17:26-29; Jeremiah 20:8-9; Jeremiah 23:29; Hebrews 4:12; Zechari...

When the apostle Paul writes to Timothy about “the last days,” he doesn’t start by describing earthquakes, wars, or cosmic signs. He starts by describing people. Scripture repeatedly warns us:  The last days will not be marked by less religion, but by more deception.  Not fewer spiritual claims — but more.  Which means those in the churches need to be watchful and aware.  The test is not charisma....

We live in a time where the downfall of others is often celebrated, mocked, replayed, and shared. Social media has turned judgment into entertainment, and death—even of enemies—into spectacle.  But Scripture gives us a very different posture: lament instead of gloating, sorrow instead of satisfaction, humility instead of triumph. This episode asks a hard question:  What does it say about our heart...

The greatest threat is not isolated demonic possession but Satan’s deception within the church itself....and he comes in with me and you. Psalm 106:36-37 Mark 1:32-34 Mark 5:15 1 Corinthians 10:19-21 1 Timothy 4:1 Revelation 16:12-14 James 3:13-16 Matthew 16:21-23 Acts 5:1-3 Acts 5:5 2 Corinthians 11:1-5 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Revelation 2:20-25, 29 2 Timothy 2:23-26 James 4:1, 7-8 1 Peter 5:8-9 E...

Should we pursue awards or rewards and what is the difference?  Tune in to this podcast as we examine the differences and what the Bible has to say about them. A full Scripture list we examine together is listed below: Ephesians 6:1-3; Genesis 15:1; Ruth 2:12; Psalm 18:20; Psalm 19:7, 11; Matthew 7:12; Psalm 62:11-12; Jeremiah 32:18-20; Matthew 5:12; Revelation 11:18; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 5:46; M...

In this episode we ask, "What is the government's top priority?" and "what is the churches responsibility to their own nations government?"   So tune in and let's walk through the Scriptures (as well as a little church history) as we reveal the surprising answers from the Bible.  The truth will surprise you!

In this episode - we tackle the tough question: How many will be saved? We examine key Scriptures from Jesus' teaching on the narrow gate, Paul’s hope for the ages, Old Testament promises, and visions in Revelation. join in as we contrast temporary wrath with everlasting mercy and we consider Israel’s generation and our own present evil age.  So, grab your Bibles and join us as we dig into God’s b...

This episode examines what it means to belong to God’s family. We discuss how Jesus redefined family and how believers are adopted as sons and daughters and are given a new identity.  We then see how that new identity reshapes our priorities, loyalties, and love.  

In this episode we explore famous last words.  Let's move together from secular examples to a close study of the seven last sayings of Jesus on the cross (Samson, Stephen, the thieves, and early martyrs). You can tell a lot from someone's life in their final words.  From forgiveness to reconciliation, to moments of forsakenness to the final cry of victory we will be showing how last words can poin...

Good day to you, brothers, sisters, friends, and new faces, and welcome to this episode of Current Events and Christian Expectations. We explore "the one thing": seeking God above all through scripture, testimony, and life examples. Using passages from John, Luke, Matthew, Paul, and personal stories, the episode shows how focusing on the kingdom of God simplifies life, eases anxiety, and brings th...

In this episode, we explore women’s roles in church leadership and the family. Join us as we walk through Old and New Testament cases (Miriam, Deborah, Anna, Lydia, Phoebe). We discuss 1 Timothy 2:11–15 and other related texts to more fully explain qualifications for elders and deacons. We use Scripture to show the distinction between teaching authority and public ministry and see how God uses the...

This episode uncovers the joyful and surprising moments in Scripture where God uses humor to teach, challenge, and comfort us. Listen as we showcase how laughter can be a divine tool for healing and understanding, echoing the enduring truths of God's Word. Engage as we see why holy laughter might be exactly what the world needs now. Grab your Bibles and let's laugh together in God's presence!

In this episode, we delve deep into the complexities of sacred objects and their roles in the Christian faith. Join us as we dissect the fine line between reverence and idolatry, questioning what happens when objects meant to guide us towards God become distractions.  Or worse - idols themselves. From biblical examples of relics like the Ark of the Covenant and the bronze serpent to more modern ex...

This episode delves into the spiritual dimensions of reading scripture and how it transforms from a passive act to a pursuit of divine wisdom and victory! Join us as we journey through the scriptures to discover how intentional reading can enrich our lives and deepen our faith. Hear how influential figures (both historical and contemporary) have experienced the Bible's transformative power, and le...

Can you be spiritual but not religious? In this episode, we delve into the connection between spirituality and religion and discuss how both commitment and obedience are essential aspects of our faith. Whether you're a believer or a seeker of truth, in this episode you will learn why a blend of spirituality and religious practice is crucial for a complete faith journey. Grab your Bibles and let's...

In this episode, we explore the Book of Revelation (in part) - specifically the 5th seal and the souls crying out from under the altar. We will dive into the complexity of persecution and together we will discover how the church (past and present) faces it. Sit down with us as we explore the resilience of faith by examining real current Christian persecutions from around the world.  As we do, we w...

Is the Pope Catholic? What seems like a simple, almost rhetorical question, opens up a broader discussion on what it truly means to be a Christian. Join us as we explore the essential tenets of Christianity that connect believers across various denominations, including Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. We revisit historical creeds to understand the foundational beliefs that unite different Chris...

In this podcast, we compare two unique perspectives: the overview effect and the underview effect. The overview effect is a transformative cognitive shift experienced by astronauts viewing Earth from space.  We compare it with what we call the underview effect, which is based on earth bound views. We explore how our personal experiences impact our understanding of faith, humility, and God's creati...

This episode dives into understanding how to cultivate self-control in a culture that glorifies being out of control. Self-control is vital to maintaining spiritual balance. Self-control undergirds other spiritual fruits and is the cornerstone of our spiritual life.  So, let's discuss what the Scriptures have to say about it.

Welcome to the latest episode of "Current Events and Christian Expectation," where we delve into the intriguing topic of schadenfreude. Have you ever found satisfaction in someone else's misfortune, especially if they wronged you? This episode unpacks whether this feeling of quiet satisfaction aligns with God's will. We explore biblical teachings, from the book of Obadiah to Paul's letters, as we...