Revelation 17. Day 255 - The New Testament in a Year

Symbols of Deception.  Babylon.  The Lamb Prevails. 

"These will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.”  Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17 challenges us see through the glitz and glamour of worldly power and understand the spiritual forces behind it.  In this episode, we walk through Revelation 17, a chapter that unveils the deceitful systems masquerading as truth and examines how God’s ultimate justice will prevail. By identifying the symbols of spiritual deception, the mystery of Babylon, and God’s unstoppable victory, we are better equipped to remain faithful when we face the false promises of evil.

As we consider the takeaways and the “look-fors,” we find a roadmap to resist deception and trust God’s sovereign plan in our own lives. We see that even in a world distracted by wealth and influence, the Lamb stands victorious, pointing us toward a life of confident hope. Our hearts can stand firm, knowing that God is both just and wise, and that every worldly empire eventually falls before His unstoppable truth. In this episode, we strengthen our resolve to embrace Christ’s triumph, live courageously, and remain loyal to the One who has already overcome.

Revelation 16. Day 254 - The New Testament in a Year

The Seven Bowls.  Refusal to Repent.  Armageddon. 

"I heard the altar say, Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and just are your judgments." -Revelation 16:7

Revelation 16 is a dramatic reminder that final judgment is not random but follows a divine pattern of justice. In this episode we will observe how these final bowls align perfectly with the look-fors: watching how rebellion persists even under severe judgment, understanding that God’s righteousness and holiness are displayed through these acts, and realizing the urgent call for us to stay alert. We note our takeaways that guide us toward repentance, trust in God’s justice, and maintaining spiritual readiness. In this episode, we examine the depth of human stubbornness as the world faces God’s final judgments, and we are encouraged to remain faithful in light of God’s ultimate victory.

As we continue, we see how this passage motivates us to confront areas of hardened hearts in our own lives. By looking closer at these judgments, we understand that staying spiritually alert and trusting God’s eventual justice are not abstract ideas—they are daily commitments that shape us into the believers God wants us to be. Understanding the intensity of these events encourages us to appreciate the hope found in Jesus, prompting us to take active steps toward a more faithful and alert Christian walk.

Revelation 15. Day 253 - The New Testament in a Year

A Great and Awe-inspiring Sign.  The Song of God’s Servants.  The Heavenly Temple Opening.     

"Then I saw another great and awe-inspiring sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven last plagues; for with them God’s wrath will be completed." -Revelation 15:1

You stand at the threshold of Revelation 15, a chapter that sets the stage for the final acts of God’s righteous judgment. We witness the faithful worshipers singing praises to the Almighty, the holy temple opening, and the last plagues about to be released. We notice God’s justice, His fairness, and His unwavering commitment to truth as we prepare to see His ultimate plan unfold. 

As we absorb these truths, we focus on three specific takeaways that encourage us to trust God’s justice, worship Him more deeply, and pursue purity in our lives. We discover that what we observe here isn’t distant or abstract; it applies to our daily lives, strengthening our faith and enlarging our understanding of God’s character. By looking for these key themes and committing to actionable steps, we step into a closer walk with Christ.

Revelation 14. Day 252 - The New Testament in a Year

God’s Faithful Remnant.  The Angelic Announcements.  The Harvest. 

"Then I looked, and there was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads."  Revelation 14:1

Have you ever wondered what it means to remain faithful when the world seems to offer so many attractive substitutes? In this episode, we journey into Revelation 14, a chapter that highlights God’s faithful people, the clear messages of warning and hope delivered by His angels, and a dramatic picture of a final harvest. We look for the faithful remnant who stand with the Lamb, the angelic announcements that tell us to keep our worship pure, and the coming harvest that reminds us God’s timing is never off. Our takeaways encourage us to endure in faith, worship God alone, and trust His perfect justice, providing practical ways to live out these truths.

We see that understanding God’s character—His holiness, faithfulness, righteousness, sovereignty, mercy, and truth—helps us draw closer to Him, inspiring us to stand firm and walk in obedience. As we continue to read, we recognize the significance of God’s ultimate plan and the importance of living in a way that honors Him. Each step we take in comprehension moves us closer to a life marked by eternal perspective and unwavering devotion.

Revelation 13. Day 251 - The New Testament in a Year

The Beast from the Sea.  The Beast from the Earth.  The Mark of the Beast. 

"This calls for endurance and faithfulness from the saints." -Revelation 13:10

Feel the tension as we encounter beasts rising from the sea and earth, challenging our understanding of loyalty and worship.  We explore the symbolic power of these forces and the meaning behind the mark that they insist we carry. The Scripture we encounter in Revelation 13 opens our eyes to the spiritual battle waged through political, religious, and economic pressures.

As we finish reading, we walk away with "takeaways" that invite us to be grounded in truth, bold in resisting falsehood, and filled with a confidence rooted in God's eternal perspective. In a world that fights for our attention, we stand equipped with practical steps to strengthen our walk with Christ. We stand together, uplifted by the hope that emerges through understanding Scripture. We look ahead with expectation, ready for the next chapter’s vision of the Lamb’s victory.

Revelation 12. Day 250 - The New Testament in a Year

The Woman and the Child.  Satan’s Defeat.  Spiritual Conflict on Earth. 

"She gave birth to a Son, a male who is going to rule all nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and to his throne."  Revelation 12:5

In this episode we enter Revelation 12, and we witness a dramatic, cosmic battle that exposes the spiritual realities behind our earthly struggles. We see the symbolic woman, the child who represents Christ, and the dragon who stands as Satan, determined to harm God’s people.  We explore how God’s people overcome by the blood of the Lamb and learn that even when pursued by evil forces, we are never abandoned.

As we read, we discover practical takeaways: we commit to seeking God’s daily refuge, resting in Christ’s victory, and standing firm against spiritual opposition. We come away encouraged that hardship can deepen our trust in Jesus, and we strengthen our faith with tangible steps—prayer, Scripture, and community. In doing so, we gain clarity that our struggles have deeper meaning and that, as God’s children, we stand under His unwavering protection and provision.

Revelation 11. Day 249 - The New Testament in a Year

Measuring of the Temple.  The Two Witnesses.  The Seventh Trumpet. 

15 The seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying,  The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.  Revelation 11:15

Prepare to enter a chapter where faithful witnesses rise above death and God’s eternal kingdom is announced with thunderous joy. In Revelation 11, we explore the significance of God’s measuring rod, His empowering of two faithful witnesses in a hostile world, and the triumphant sound of the seventh trumpet. We examine these moments, watching for the temple scene, the courage of the two witnesses, and the final trumpet blast. Through these signs, we understand that God watches over His people, values bold testimony, and guarantees a victorious end to history.

As we move through this episode, we grow in trust, resilience, and eternal perspective. We allow the text to shape us—knowing God’s sovereignty guides us, the courage of faithful servants encourages us, and the certainty of Christ’s kingdom stirs fresh hope within our hearts. The look-fors highlight God’s protection, inspire our own faithfulness, and remind us of the eternal reign of our Savior. The takeaways encourage us to trust in God’s perfect plan, stand firmly in our witness, and live with eyes fixed on eternity. This episode brings comfort and strength, encouraging us to respond with faith, hope, and love as we follow our King.

Revelation 10. Day 248 - The New Testament in a Year

The Mighty Angel.  The Mystery of God.  John’s Commission. 

"So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take and eat it; it will be bitter in your stomach, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”  Revelation 10:9

 In Revelation 10, we encounter a mighty angel, a mysterious scroll, and a message that is both sweet and bitter. This chapter reminds us that while some of God’s purposes remain hidden, His ultimate plan will be fulfilled perfectly and on time. As believers, we are encouraged to trust in God’s timing, receive His Word, and find peace in His sovereignty.

Join us as we explore the meaning behind John’s vision, focusing on God’s power, authority, and eternal purposes. We’ll learn how to stay faithful in uncertain times, share God’s truth with boldness, and rest in His divine plan. No matter what the future holds, we can be confident that God is in control and working all things for His glory.

Revelation 9. Day 247 - The New Testament in a Year

The Fifth Trumpet.  The Sixth Trumpet.  Refusal to Repent. 

"The rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or walk." -Revelation 9:20

The judgments of Revelation 9 are intense and sobering, yet they reveal profound truths about God’s justice, sovereignty, and mercy. As the fifth and sixth trumpets sound, we witness terrifying forces unleashed on the earth, symbolizing both spiritual and physical destruction. God’s control over every event reminds us that He reigns even in the midst of chaos.

In this episode, we’ll explore how God’s patience offers humanity opportunities to repent despite overwhelming judgment. We’ll learn how to remain spiritually alert, trust God’s justice, and respond with genuine repentance. These truths challenge us to strengthen our faith, trusting in God’s ultimate victory.

Revelation 8. Day 246 - The New Testament in a Year

Silence in Heaven.  Prayers of the Saints.  First Four Trumpet Blasts.

"The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up in the presence of God from the angel’s hand."  Revelation 8:4

Have you ever experienced a silence so profound that it felt like something significant was about to happen? In Revelation 8, heaven itself falls silent as God prepares to unleash a series of trumpet judgments on earth. This moment of holy pause sets the stage for some of the most intense events in the book of Revelation, revealing God's sovereignty, justice, and compassion even amid His judgments.

Together, we explore the prayers of the saints rising like incense, reminding us that every prayer you offer matters to God. We also witness how God’s actions, though severe, are driven by His desire for repentance and restoration. This episode challenges us to trust God’s timing, pray with confidence, and share the hope of the Gospel while there is still time.