Unbinding the Bible

In this episode, I'll read Revelation 21-22 aloud so that we can fully experience John's final vision: a vision of the presence of God dwelling with his people. A fitting end not only to the book of Revelation but also the entire Bible, these final two chapters of Revelation root our hopes firmly in the God who has revealed himself in the person of Jesus Christ. 

Unbinding the Bible Video - https://vimeo.com/381235030/868320d094.

Email comments/questions to: [email protected].

This episode is a By the Book conversation with Justin Bailey on his book, Reimagining Apologetics: The Beauty of Faith in a Secular Age. Justin's approach to apologetics for our day is such a breath of fresh air! It's all about the imagination, both what it is and why it matters that we engage people imaginatively. Holding in perfect tension truth, goodness, and beauty, Justin's book addresses how our imaginations can and need to be engaged at all three levels. This is a conversation you don't want to miss!

Justin's website: www.pjustin.com; or follow him on Twitter: @jarielbailey

In this episode, we'll look at Revelation 21:1-4, paying particular attention to God dwelling with his people. We'll see that the holy city, new Jerusalem (which represents the people of God) comes "down" out of heaven from God, not, as is often imagined, people going "up" to heaven. This insight, coupled with Jesus' teachings about his Father's house from John 14, can reorient us to see the hope of Jesus as truly good news. 

Unbinding the Bible Video - https://vimeo.com/381235030/868320d094

Email comments/questions to: [email protected]

In this episode, we'll look at Revelation 20:7-15, paying particular attention to the one seated on the throne as well as the fire and his perfect judgment that issues from his throne. We'll highlight why final judgment is hopeful for those who've been tormented by sin and death and how having our names written in the Lamb's book of life is meant to transform us while we await that glorious day. 

Unbinding the Bible Video - https://vimeo.com/381235030/868320d094. 

Email comments/questions to: [email protected].

In this episode, we'll look at Revelation 20:1-6. We'll focus in on the "meaning" of the millennium and the function it serves for the book as a whole, particularly the hope it gives those who've lost their lives at the hand of the beast.

This episode is a sermon I preached May 24, 2020 (during an outdoor worship gathering) on Jesus' prayer for his followers from John 17. I'm inserting it here on the podcast as a reminder that the biblical storyline is aimed at God once again dwelling with his people. As we near the end of the book of Revelation, it's important to remember these final chapters are describing the shalom between God and his people; people from every tribe, language, people, and nation. The "gift" we receive in salvation is the person of Jesus, for life is found only in him. I hope you'll find this sermon an encouragement. 

Unbinding the Bible Video - https://vimeo.com/381235030/868320d094.

Email comments/questions to [email protected].

In this episode, we'll look at Revelation 19:11-21, hoping to rightly understand what Jesus judging "in righteousness" means. This passage, perhaps more than any other in Revelation, forces us to confront whether we are imposing our own ideas onto Jesus about what his judgment will look like or allowing Jesus to define for us what his judgment will look like. But if we remain open to Jesus defining for us what his judgment looks like, we will be transformed both in how we see him as well as how we live. 

Unbinding the Bible Video - https://vimeo.com/381235030/868320d094

Email comments/questions to: [email protected]

In this episode, I'll give a brief update regarding recent developments in my life and ministry, and ways for listeners to pray with and for me. 

Over the remainder of the episode, we'll look at Revelation 19:1-10, the marriage supper of the Lamb. Drawing our attention to history's close, John paints a beautiful scene of the Lamb with his bride; a bride who has made herself ready by clothing herself "with fine linen, bright and pure," which John tells us are "the righteous deeds of the saints" (v. 8). 

Unbinding the Bible Video - https://vimeo.com/381235030/868320d094. 

Email comments/questions to: [email protected].

This week's episode is a By the Book conversation with Chuck DeGroat about his book, When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse. Chuck is a gifted counselor whose insights into the insecurities and fears of narcissists can breathe new life into the church. Writing to both the abusers and the abused, Chuck's heart for human flourishing comes out on every page. His voice is one you want to start listening to. 

You can connect with Chuck on Facebook or visit his website at: www.ChuckDeGroat.net.

In this episode, we'll look at Revelation 18:9-24, the destruction of the great city, Babylon. We'll see the main differences between the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom of God as well as why and how judgment for one is salvation for the other. 

Unbinding the Bible Video - https://vimeo.com/381235030/868320d094. 

Email comments/questions to: [email protected].