This is the twenty-third installment in Eric’s series entitled Spiritual Lessons from the Time of Nero. In this episode he explains the profound idea of historical parallels in Scripture, where an event in the Old Testament reoccurs centuries later (sometimes thousands of years later) but in a different more extraordinary way that demonstrates Jesus Christ. In addition to discussing various historical parallels revealed in the Text of Scripture, Eric dives deep into paralleling two particular seasons: 1) the 40 year season in the wilderness under Moses, and 2) the 40 year season following the Cross under Christ. This is a profound puzzle piece of this series, tying quite a few of the previous puzzle pieces together into a whole.

Because of the Gospel, we now have the life of Christ within which will produce a certain kind of fruit. In this message, Nathan talks about the fruit that is produced in one’s life—what we typically call the fruit of the Spirit—and describes the nine aspects to this singular fruit of Christlikeness.

This is the twenty-second installment in Eric’s series entitled Spiritual Lessons from the Time of Nero. In this episode he once again returns to the unsavory topic of Emperor Nero. Nero was a man who behaved like a beast and this similitude has triggered many speculations and prognostications regarding his potential puzzle-like fit with the terrible “Therion” mentioned in the book of Revelation by the Apostle John. The Greek word “therion” translates to “wild animal, beast, or feral creature.” And that was exactly what Nero was. But, could it possibly be that John was referring to Nero when he wrote about the “Beast” in the book of Revelation? Futurists say, “No way!” While Preterists shout, “Look at the facts! It’s obvious that John was talking about Nero!” May we prove strong enough as a church to not allow an evil man who persecuted the church two thousand years ago to persecute us again today by becoming the center of a divisive debate.

This is the twenty-first installment in Eric’s series entitled Spiritual Lessons from The Time of Nero. In this episode he introduces his audience to the infamous Roman emperor, Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. Anyone stuck with such a long name understandably might prove a little grumpy, but Nero’s problems go far beyond being a little grumpy. He seemed to have a problem with everyone in his life. After running out of family members to murder, in 64 AD he turned his angst against the Christians, murdering an immense number of them. But, what is amazing, is that such a disturbed man was still loved by God, and God pursued him, sending Paul the Apostle to stand before him and to testify of the love, longsuffering, and grace of Jesus Christ.  

The Gospel frees us to live in a brand new way—you are not stuck living the way you always have … you are a new creation! This is certainly true with the two defining characteristics of a believer’s life: love and humility. We have been freed from a prideful self-focused love to experience and showcase the love and life of Christ Jesus. In this message, Nathan Johnson examines love and humility as the two chief attributes of a Christian and how the grand and glorious gospel has set us free to live this new incredible life we call Christianity.

In this special halftime episode, Eric and Nathan discuss and reflect upon their two series—Spiritual Lessons from the Time of Nero and The Grand and Glorious Gospel. They also talk about what is happening at Ellerslie, including Inkling Theatre's production of Dragon Mountain.

This is the twentieth installment in Eric’s series entitled Spiritual Lessons from the Time of Nero, he explores the surprisingly good news for Christians that is found in the Book of Revelation. It’s easy to focus on the doom of Revelation and dread the idea of going through “tribulation”. But this extraordinary final book of the Bible was not designed to depress the saints of God, but to exhilarate us. When we as the followers of Christ put on our Nikes, the world will be turned upside down. After all, God built us not to lose, but to win.

This is the nineteenth episode of Eric’s series entitled Spiritual Lessons from the Time of Nero. In this episode he dives into yet another complex mystery, but one that, when solved, should lead us to have great big smiles on our faces.  In Revelation 5:5 we learn that the sealed book (that no one in heaven or on earth can open) can now (as of the work of the Cross) officially be opened up. Most of us don’t get as excited as we should in hearing this bit of information. But, the fact remains (even if we don’t comprehend the significance) that The Lion of the Tribe of Judah has prevailed and the sealed Book can now be opened. 

Too many Christians see holiness merely as a legalistic list of dos and don’ts, but holiness in Scripture is always a positive thing. It is a key attribute of our God and He calls us to be holy because He is holy. In this study, Nathan Johnson explores the beauty of holiness and how we can live holy amidst an unholy world.

This is the eighteenth installment in Eric’s series entitled Spiritual Lessons from the Time of Nero. In this episode he explores the bizarre cultural setting of Rome in 64 AD. Rome’s cultural system centered around The Games, known as the Ludi (or Ludi Circus). The Ludi Circus was a gargantuan spectacle—the ancient equivalent of Hollywood, NASCAR, MLB, The NFL, The NHL, and The NBA all wrapped into one big thing. In the midst of such a strange and frenzied culture of spectacle, Jesus did His Cross-Work and Christianity exploded onto the scene, creating of stunning spectacle of its own. Now, let the real Games begin!