The determinetruth Podcast

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie discuss in more detail why Rob believes that the 7 Trumpets are not God's wrath, but are instead a description of what happens to the creation when humanity remains in power. Rob also explains why he believes that the 7 Trumpets are a prelude to both the destruction of Rome's economy (the world's economy) and why the 5th and 6th Trumpets are to be understood in light of the war of "Armageddon." 

Understanding Rev 8-9 is critical for discerning the meaning of the book of Revelation especially in contrast with the popular readings of Revelation. 

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Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on google searches.

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.

Here is Rob's blog on Global Warming and the book of Revelation 

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie look at the 7 Trumpets in Rev 8-9. Rob argues that the 7 Trumpets do not relay God's end-times wrath but that they set forth what happens to the creation when humanity is allowed to remain in power. 

Rob identifies several keys in the text that indicate, contrary to what many have suggested, that Revelation 8-9 is not setting forth God's end times wrath, but what happens to the creation when humanity is allowed to remain in power. 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

Also, our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on google searches.

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.

Rev 8-9: 7th Seal and the 7 Trumpets

8:1 the narrative resumes and the Seventh Seal is broken.

1. 7th Trumpet 11:15-19: the statement in 11:18 “destroy those who destroy the Earth”

John is advancing a narrative:

• The clear literary progression that occurs in the accounts of the Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls

Theophanic Manifestations

4:5

8:5 adds “earthquake”

11:19 adds “hail”

16:17-21

8:1 7th Seal

8:2 Intro 7 Trumpets

8:5 end of the 7th Seal

8:6 7 Trumpets

An angel with a censer in the middle of this (8:3-4)

The relationship between the Seals and Trumpets is seen in that both have a 4-3 pattern

Another link between the accounts of the Seven Seals and the Seven Trumpets is that John includes an interlude in the midst of each series.

• the interlude occurs after the account of the Sixth and before the Seventh item in each corresponding series.

They are also related in that they complement one another

• The 1st 4 Seals affected humanity: deception, war, famines—inflation; and death

Then how are they redeemed?

The scroll will reveal how the nations will be redeemed.

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie look at Rev 7. Who are the 144,000? Who are the Great Multitude? Rob will argue that the 144,000 and the Great Multitude are the same group. John presents them as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that from your seed all the nations will be blessed and they will become as numerous as the stars and the sand. The main point of Rev 7 is to remind God's people that they have the Holy Spirit so that they may endure the time of suffering and to give them a glimpse of the reward that awaits those who overcome. 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

Also, our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on google searches.

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.

Show notes: 

Rev 7:1-17

• 4 corners: 2x Rev 7:1; 20:8

2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13, 14

2 Tim 2:19

Rev 3:10; John 17:15

Gen 15:5

Gen 17:4

Deut 10:22

Servant (14x) 1:1*; 2:20; 6:15; 7:3; 10:7; 11:18; 13:16; 15:3; 19:2, 5, 18; 22:3, 6

Rom 4:11-13

Gal 3:28-29

7:15-18 corresponds to the description of the New Jerusalem 21-22

Hears 144,000

Sees GM

19:13 Blood on His garment before He comes down!

Holy Warriors

• 144,000 counted

GM Rev 7:9 waving palm branches

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie address the 5th and 6th Seals and begin a look at the 144,000 of Rev. They discuss the importance of the "prayers of the Saints" (6:9-11) for the overall narrative as well as what it means for that the people of God are "sealed." 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

Also, our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on google searches.

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.

5th Seal the souls under the altar 6:9-11

• After the opening of each of the first four Seals, John says “I heard” (6:1, 3, 5, 7): With the opening of the Fifth Seal, however, he states “I saw” (6:9).

“How long?” (6:10)

• Exod 2:23-25

“They should rest for a little while longer” (6:11)

6th Seal: the nations and the final judgment 6:12-17.

• The 5th was the cry of God’s people

The imagery of earthquakes and signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars is common apocalyptic imagery (Isa 34:4 LXX; Isa 13:10-13; 24:1-6, 17-23; Ezek 32:6-8; Hos 10:8; Joel 2:10, 30-31; 3:15-16; Hab 3:6-11; Mark 13:24-26; Acts 2:19-20)

• At the birth of Jesus, there were “signs” in the heavens: such as a “star” (Matt 2:2).

Earthquakes signify the presence of God. Exod 19:18; Isa 24:18-20; 29:6; Joel 2:10; 3:16.

Mountains: signify kings and kingdoms.

7:1-17 is an interlude (a pause) See also: 10:1-11:14

• Both interludes between 6-7th Seal/Trumpet

4 angels holding back the 4 winds

• “4 corners” occurs only here in 7:1 and 20:8

The OT context is found in the “marking” of the people of God in Ezekiel 9:4-6

In the NT, the Holy Spirit is called the Seal of God. (2 Cor 1:21-22; Eph 1:13, 14)

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie look at the 1st four Seals of Rev 6:1-9. This passage is commonly viewed as a series of events that begin in some future time and mark the beginning of the "end times." Instead, Rob and Vinnie note that the Seals relay the devastating effect that the nations bring upon the world when God allows them to remain in power. In addition, they note that the effects of the Seals are felt more deeply by the poor and the marginalized. The fact that most Christians were members of the lower class means that they too are impacted. In fact, a key element of John's presentation of the Seals is that the people of God are impacted by each of the first four Seals.

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

Also, our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on google searches.

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.

Rob’s blogs related to the 7 Seals

7 Seals and Revelation

3rd Seal and Covid 

Are the 7 Seals God’s Wrath? #4

Are the 7 Seals God’s Wrath? Part 2 #5 

First Seal: the rider on the white horse (6:1-2)

• Mark 13:5-6

There are three basic views as to what this rider represents

• The first two views both contend that the rider on the white horse represents Christ.

• The difference between these first two views has to do with whether the rider on the first horse represents Christ at His first coming or if it is a depiction of Christ coming in the future.

Second Seal: the rider on the red horse 6:3-4

• John uses the verb “to slay” eight times.

• Jesus as the Lamb that was “slain” (5:6, 9, 12; 13:8)

Third Seal: rider on the black horse 6:5-6

• The Third Seal depicts a world of inflation in which the poor are disproportionately affected

Fourth Seal: Rider on Pale Horse—Death 6:7-8

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie begin a look at the 7 Seals of Rev 6. Are they the "wrath of God" in the last days? Rob argues that the idea that the Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls are God's end-times wrath which is designed to bring the nations--at least those who survive--to repentance is a major misreading of the book of Revelation. Instead, he argues, the Seals (and later the Trumpets, and Bowls) represent what happens when God graciously delays the final judgment. By delaying the end, God allows human governments to remain in power. And human rulers bring deception, war, famine, pestilence, and death. Rob further argues that the devastation that results from human rule also affects the people of God. That is why, he suggests, the 5th Seal is the people of God crying out "How Long."

Show notes:

Rev 6:1-17

Gen 1

• “God said” 10x

Gen 1:1 = 7 words

Gen 1:2 = 14 words

• Land 21x

Mark 10:42-45

Mark 13:5-13

2 things

1)those who suffer the most from the destructive behaviors unleashed by human rulers and their lust for power are the poor and marginalized.

2) There is this mistaken notion that the people of God are exempt from this suffering

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie explore Rev 5. It is at this point that the main story of Revelation begins to unfold. Jesus is Lamb who was slain and He is worthy to take the Scroll and to open it! What's on the Scroll? It is God's will and His plan for redeeming the creation. 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

Also, our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on google searches.

Notes: 

“strong angel” 7x (5:2; 10:1, 5, 8, 9, 10; 18:21)

Scroll: “the content of the scroll is God’s redemptive plan”

“Servant songs” Isa 42:1; 44:1; 49:1-6; Isa 52:13, 14-53:12; Acts 8:25-35

5:5-6 is critical for understanding the book of Revelation

1st John’s use of hearing and seeing

2nd Jesus is the Lamb/Lion

3rd This becomes the major source for understanding what “overcome” looks like.

4th Jesus and death and resurrection are the key!

Nations are important to the story

5:9; 7:9—the people of God come from the nations

            21:24, 26; 22:2—They walk in the New Jerusalem

The people of God have been redeemed in order that we might reign!: “reign upon the earth” (5:10

Exod 19:4-6

A proper understanding of Revelation’s narrative begins with recognizing the centrality of Jesus as the slain Lamb.

On today's episode, Rob and Vinnie interview Nelso Kraybill, the author of Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the book of Revelation. We discuss the book of Revelation and John's use of images and what it means for the church today.

Nelson Kraybill is an ordained minister who served as President of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Indiana (1997–2009) and President of Mennonite World Conference (2015–22). He was scholar-in-residence at Bethlehem Bible College in Palestine (2022–23) where his work included recording ten short films on peace themes related to biblical sites. Nelson received an M.Div degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D in Biblical Studies from Union Presbyterian Seminary. He was co-founder of Bridge Builders Mediation Service in Britain, and his publications range from the feature articles in Christianity Today (1999) to his book Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the Book of Revelation (Brazos Press, 2010). He has recently published a new book Stuck Together: The Hope of Christian Witness in a Polarized World (Herald Press, 2023).

His blog www.peace-pilgrim.com features popular-level articles on biblical sites, and he has led study tours to Bible lands since 2008.

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

Also, our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on google searches.

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie interview NT scholar Alan Bandy (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary). Alan is a Professor of NT and Greek and the Associate Dean of Research and the Doctoral Programs at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Alan is the author of numerous works: including, An Illustrated Guide to the Apostle Paul

The conversation with Alan focuses on the theme of justice and the use of the Lawsuit motif in the Prophets and the book of Revelation. Much of this conversation focuses on what it means for us today. 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

Also, our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on google searches.

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie discuss Rev 4:1-11. This scene is central to the Book of Revelation. Contrary to public opinion, it is God who sits on the throne and not Caesar. 

NB: You won't want to miss the singing at the end! 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way toward helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

Also, our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Show notes: 

The first scene occurs with John “in the Spirit” on Patmos (1:9)

In the second scene, he is “in the Spirit” and taken to heaven (4:1-2)

In the third scene, John is “in the Spirit” and taken to a wilderness (17:3)

In the final scene, John is “in the Spirit” and taken to a great and high mountain (21:10)

2 keys:

1. God is one the throne and not Caesar

Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven!

Ezek 1:4-14, 26-28

Isa 6:1-8

Ezek 1-3 & Isa 6 are commissioning passages

24 Elders: (12x) 4:4, 10; 5:5, 6, 8, 11, 14; 7:11, 13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4

Zech 4:2, 3, 6, 10: in Zech it is the Spirit! (4:6)

“Earthquake” Exod 19:16-25

‘The one who sits on the Throne’ (7x: 4:9; 5:1, 7, 13; 6:16; 7:10; 21:5)