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The Bible teaches us to obey authorities and governments. The Bible also teaches us that God is in control of any earthly government. In the book of Daniel we see Kingdoms rise and fall, on God’s authority. And it’s that same authority that will one day bring in a final and eternal

When Christians think of a God worthy of worship, praise, adoration, submission, service, and imitation, there are certain divine characteristics that are likely more at the top of the list than others. For example, his love, mercy, wisdom, power, justice, kindness, creativity, and generosity. Wrath probably doesn't crack the top ten.

And yet, this commandment is given, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters” (Rev 14:7). Creation is called to worship God because of his coming judgement.

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This conversation was based on two Sunday morning sermons: "Shelter From the Storm (Revelation 6:1–7:17)" and "Responding to God’s Wrath (Revelation 8:1–11:19)".

"Trust the Lord!" "Give him your cares!" "Cast your anxieties on him!"

If you've been around God's people for any amount of time you'll almost certainly have heard statements like these. On one hand, they are all very true and desirable. Many passages of Scripture call, command, and invite Christians to throw themselves on he who is able to help even in their darkest times. Who wouldn't want that!? Of course we want to know that "even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death" he is with us, our Great Shepherd.

But practice is another matter. It's one thing to know that we can and should trust God, it's another to actually do it in times of pain, suffering, hardship, and confusion. However, as Revelation 4 and 5 make clear, he is worthy of that trust. The God of the universe—the King on the throne and the Lamb that was slain—is worthy of our trust because of who he is and because of what he has done. Today we discuss how to practically think through and apply this wonderful truth.

This conversation is based on the September 17, 2023 sermon, "Before the Throne of God Above."

If you were to poll your Christian friends as to what they thought was the most confusing, daunting, or intimidating book of the Bible, the Revelation of Jesus Christ would likely be near (or at!) the top of the list. Maybe it's because of the symbols and prophetic language. Perhaps it's because they've heard some confusing teaching in the past. Or, there's a chance they still haven't recovered from watching Left Behind in Youth Group. Whatever the reason, many of God's people stay away from the end of God's story and this cumulative section of God's word. That's tragic.

Today we're going to try and peel away a layer or two of such impediments by discussing the approachability and understandability of the book of Revelation. Rather than scary and intimidating, we will find that it's awe-inspiring and hope-instilling. Oh, and there's promised blessing.

On this episode, Andrew Longmire returns. While previously serving at Oakridge Bible Chapel as an associate pastor, Andrew has recently accepted the call to a lead pastor position at Community Bible Church in Lucan, Ontario.

Fitting neatly with our current study on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, Andrew explains how it was that he and his family were led, affirmed, taught, and convicted by the Spirit en route to a new home, new community, new church family, and new ministry role. This conversation is a practical look at this desirous-but-often-mysterious work of God in the life of his children.

Every growing Christians wants to know the will of the Lord, to be led by the Spirit, and to be used by God for his glory in the arenas in which he wants to use them. It sounds wonderful! The problem isn't usually one of motivation but of execution. How do we know what way the Lord would have us go? How can we sense and discern the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives? How can we learn to ignore the lures of idolatrous desires and egotistical directions? These are significant questions that we want to tackle today.

Sanctification is a heavy concept, but one with which every Christian must grapple because it is God's will for every Christian (1 Thes 4:3). The Bible declares that all in Christ have been sanctified, set apart, declared righteous (1 Cor 1:30). At the same time, the Bible admonishes all in Christ to actively pursue sanctification (1 Pet 1:15).

So, we are set apart but we are to become set apart. We are holy but must chase holiness. We are and we ought.

Today on the podcast we wrestle with this topic, one that is just as beautiful and freeing as it is complicated and humbling.

George Whitfield was an evangelist and preacher who is often credited with helping ignite the Great Awakening in the 18th-century America. He was a powerful communicator, said to be able to captivate people with his "unrivaled preaching ability, evangelistic fervor, and irregular methods." It's reported that when he was first approached with the idea of publishing his sermons for mass distribution, he agreed, but noted, “You’ll never be able to put down the thunder and lightning on the page." The words, yes. The style, perhaps. But Whitfield knew there would always be a certain je ne sais quoi absent in print, a certain potency, a certain unction, a certain Spirit.

Isn't that how most Christians think about the power, presence, and work of the Holy Spirit? We know he's there. We know he's working. We know he's important. But sometimes it's hard to articulate, understand, and communicate what exactly he's like and what exactly he's up to. Over the next number of weeks we want to discuss the person and work of the Holy Spirit, striving to understand him better. We may not be able to bottle the "thunder and lightning," but we sure can explore it.

This conversation is based on the June 2, 2023 sermon, "Introducing the Holy Spirit."

Speaking of his sheep, Jesus said "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. ... and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:10, 28). It is the Lord's pleasure to irrevocably give to his people a life of amazing quality (abundant!) and quantity (eternal!). Jesus would also describe this gift, saying, "This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (17:3).

The Bible makes it clear: God gives eternal life to all who believe in Jesus for it. It is a gracious gift unwrapped by faith. But eternal life is far more than just eternity in paradise with the Lord, though it certainly is that. Eternal life is the present possession of every believer. What does that mean? How does that work? In what ways should this gift change the way Christians live their lives in the now as they wait for the hereafter?

This conversation is based on the sermon "God's Love Known and Shown" (1 John 5:1–21).

When reading the fourth chapter of John's first letter, it would be tough for the author to be more clear with what he wants God's people to do: "Beloved, let us love one another" (4:7), "we also ought to love one another" (4:11), "if we love one another" (4:12), and "the one who loves God should love his brother also" (4:21). And when the Bible talks about loving others it expects more than warm-fuzzy-feelings. Rather, it's calling for others-focused, need-meeting, self-sacrificial care (as modelled by Jesus, 4:9–10).

Now, that command for God's people to love one another is easier to know than to do, easier to take-in than to live-out, easier to understand than to apply. Why? Because, while we may be saved, we're still a bunch of sinners who hurt each other, disappoint each other, frustrate each other, and disagree with each other. And yet, the command remains the same—love one another. How do we do that with consistency and intentionality? What stops us from obedience? How do we love the sometimes unlovely?

NOTE: This conversation is based on the sermon "Five Good Reasons to Love One Another" (1 John 4:7–21).