Dwell On These Things

1 Samuel 16 begins with grief. Samuel is mourning over Saul, the king God has rejected because of his persistent disobedience. Saul remains on Israel’s throne, but God has already announced that his kingdom won’t continue. Israel’s first king looked impressive, began with promise, and experienced significant victories, but his heart repeatedly turned away from God’s word.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In 1 Samuel 11, Saul’s reign begins with a rescue. Nahash the Ammonite surrounds Jabesh-gilead and offers its people a cruel choice. They can surrender only if he gouges out every man’s right eye and brings disgrace upon all Israel. The elders ask for seven days to seek help, and messengers carry the news through Israel. When the report reaches Gibeah, the people weep out loud. Their tears reveal how helpless they feel. Israel has asked for a king who will fight its battles, and now an enemy has arrived to test both the nation and its newly chosen ruler.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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1 Samuel 8–10 records Israel’s transition from the leadership of judges to the establishment of a monarchy. The people asked Samuel to appoint a king, God warned them about the consequences, and Saul was eventually chosen and publicly presented. These chapters expose Israel’s misplaced desire for security while also showing God’s sovereign hand at work. Israel wanted a king who would make them like the surrounding nations, but God was already advancing His plan to provide a King far greater than Saul.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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The opening chapters of 1 Samuel present two very different responses to God. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, served as priests but treated God’s commands with contempt. Samuel was still a boy, but he learned to listen when God spoke. One group possessed religious authority without knowing God, while Samuel came to know God through His revealed word.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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The book of 1 Samuel begins during an important transition in Israel’s history. The period of the judges is coming to an end, and Israel will soon begin asking for a king. Before the book introduces us to Samuel, Saul, or David, however, it introduces us to a woman named Hannah. Her story begins with sorrow, moves through prayer and faith, and concludes with one of the great songs of praise in the Old Testament.

Hannah was married to Elkanah, but she was unable to have children. Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, had sons and daughters, and she regularly provoked Hannah because of her barrenness. This was more than an occasional irritation. Scripture tells us that this happened “year by year” (1 Samuel 1:7). Hannah carried this burden for a long time.

Elkanah loved Hannah and attempted to comfort her, but he couldn’t give her what she wanted most. When the family traveled to Shiloh to worship, Hannah’s grief became particularly intense.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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Every believer lives with a tension between what is and what will be. We know Christ has saved us, yet we still live in a world marked by sin, grief, sickness, conflict, disappointment, and death. We experience God’s presence, but we don’t yet see Him face to face. We enjoy His blessings, but we also feel the limitations of life in a fallen world.

Revelation 21 and 22 take us to the end of that tension. They show us where the story of redemption is going. Several months ago, we finished a lengthy study on the book of Revelation, and I wanted to bring us back to the book one more time as we conclude this series as well because there’s a lesson for us that I hope we’ll see.

God isn’t just rescuing individuals from judgment. He’s bringing His entire redemptive plan to completion. He will renew creation, dwell with His people, remove every trace of the curse, and allow those who belong to Christ to enjoy His presence forever. This is actually where the theme of glorifying God and enjoying Him forever reaches its fullest expression. We were created to live in fellowship with God, and one day that fellowship will be unhindered by sin, sorrow, distance, or death.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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Most people like the idea that their lives have purpose. We want to believe that our abilities, experiences, opportunities, and relationships can contribute to something larger than ourselves. Scripture affirms that desire, but it also redirects it. Our gifts weren’t given primarily so we could build our own reputation. They were given so we could serve others and bring glory to God.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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One of the clearest signs that we understand the heart of God is the way we treat people. It’s possible to know a great deal about theology, attend church faithfully, memorize Scripture, and still struggle to love others well. We can become skilled at discussing truth while remaining impatient, harsh, unforgiving, or self-centered.

I recently read an account of a man who was telling an employee at a Christian Bookstore all about his thesis. He had just finished earning a Master's in Divinity degree and was planning to serve in some form of vocational ministry. During the conversation, his son asked him a simple question, and the man responded so harshly and hurtfully to being interrupted by his child that it made those around him question whether he really had the temperament to serve in church leadership.

Jesus never separated devotion to God from love for people. In Matthew 22, He brings those two responsibilities together and shows us that they stand at the center of a life that honors God. We were created to glorify God, and we glorify Him by loving Him with our whole being and by loving the people He has placed around us.

Matthew 22 takes place during the final week before the crucifixion. Religious leaders repeatedly approached Jesus with questions designed to trap Him. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and other leaders were trying to expose some weakness in His teaching.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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Many people think of obedience as the opposite of joy. Obedience can sound restrictive, demanding, or burdensome. Joy, by contrast, sounds freeing and satisfying. Our culture often teaches us that happiness comes from following our desires, resisting limitations, and choosing our own path. Jesus presents a different vision.

In John 15, He teaches that obedience doesn’t rob us of joy. Obedience leads us into joy because it keeps us close to Him. God’s commands aren’t designed to keep us from flourishing. They guide us toward the life for which we were created.

We were created to glorify God, and one of the primary ways we glorify Him is by obeying His Word.But Christian obedience isn’t cold rule-following. It grows from union with Christ, rests on His grace, expresses our love, and produces lasting fruit.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Most people are attempting to find joy, but I don’t think they really understand what they’re looking for.  Real joy is a sincere contentment in Christ regardless of our circumstances.  Happiness isn’t the same as joy.  Happiness is dependent on what’s going on around us.  I’m not opposed to being happy, but if I had to pick between happiness and joy, I’d select joy every time.

Earthly happiness is real, but it’s limited. It changes and fades. Earthly happiness can be lost. Even the best experiences eventually come to an end.

Psalm 16 points us toward a joy that isn’t dependent on perfect circumstances. It’s a psalm that was written by King David, and it shows us that true and lasting joy is found in the presence of God.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One of the greatest misconceptions about Christianity is that it's primarily about learning a set of beliefs or following a list of rules. Biblical truth and obedience to God’s Word absolutely matter, but there’s more to the Christian life than some people realize. The Christian life isn't just about acquiring information and doing the right things. At its core, it’s about entering into a relationship with the living God.

That's what makes the words of Jesus in John 17 so fascinating.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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There are few questions more important than this: Why am I here? Every generation wrestles with that question. Some spend their lives pursuing success, believing they'll find purpose through achievement. Others chase wealth, relationships, influence, or experiences, hoping one more accomplishment will finally satisfy the longing inside their hearts. Yet even after reaching their goals, many discover that something still feels incomplete.

The Bible gives us a remarkably clear answer to the question of our purpose. We weren't created merely to exist, survive, or accumulate things. We weren't designed to make ourselves the center of the story. We were created by God, for God, and ultimately to display His glory.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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The book of Revelation is the grand finale of Scripture. It makes known to us God's sovereign plan for history and assures believers that Jesus Christ is and will be victorious.

The book was written by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It’s a book that was given to help strengthen persecuted believers while at the same time remind every generation that no matter how dark the world becomes, God's purposes will not fail.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Luke 15 contains three parables that reveal God's heart for lost people. Jesus tells of a lost sheep, a lost coin, and finally a lost son. The third story is often called the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but it could just as accurately be called the Parable of the Loving Father. And even though the younger son in this passage usually receives the bulk of our attention, Jesus intentionally highlights the attitudes of three people: a rebellious younger son, a resentful older son, and a compassionate father.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Bible begins in a garden. It ends in a city. Between those two settings, the story of humanity unfolds. Sin enters the world, relationships fracture, creation groans, death spreads, and people spend their lives longing for something better. Every single one of us knows instinctively that things aren't the way they're supposed to be.

Revelation 21 gives us a glimpse of the day when God will make everything right.

Revelation 21 follows the events of Christ's thousand-year reign on earth described in Revelation 20. Satan has been defeated permanently. The Great White Throne judgment has occurred. The present heaven and earth have passed away. Then comes the eternal state, when God creates a new heaven and a new earth and dwells forever with His redeemed people.

This isn't symbolic wishful thinking. This is our future. It's the destiny Jesus purchased for everyone who trusts in Him.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you could ask God one question, what would it be?

Revelation 20 brings us to one of the most significant prophetic passages in all of Scripture. After Christ's glorious return in Revelation 19, John is shown what follows: Satan's imprisonment, Christ's thousand-year reign on earth, Satan's final rebellion, and the Great White Throne Judgment. These verses answer some of the biggest questions people ask. What happens to Satan? Will evil finally be defeated? How will God judge the world? What awaits those who belong to Christ?

For believers in Christ, this chapter isn't meant to produce fear. It's meant to inspire confidence. Jesus wins.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today, I’m excited to welcome a very special guest to the podcast, Paulo Silas Pereira, known to soccer fans around the world simply as Silas.

Silas rose from very humble beginnings in Brazil, overcoming childhood sickness and poverty to eventually represent Brazil in two World Cups, in 1986 and 1990. Over the course of his remarkable career, he played professionally across four continents, became a respected coach, and now serves as an international broadcaster with ESPN.

But what makes his story especially compelling isn’t just the success he experienced on the field. It’s the deeper story behind it all, how his faith in God shaped his decisions, sustained him through challenges, and helped him understand that identity and purpose go far beyond athletic achievement.

His new book,Beyond Success: One Athlete’s Outstanding Pursuit of Goals, God, and Glory, was just released by Harvest House Publishers, and today we’re going to talk about his journey, his faith, the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime in professional soccer, and what true success really looks like.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In our culture, we tend to call marriage suppers “wedding receptions.” In recent weeks, I have been to several, and they’ve all been beautiful. The food was great. The music was festive. The conversations were cheerful, but our greatest joy was in who was there. 

Just imagine, according to Revelation 19, there is going to be a day when we will experience a festive, joyful meal with Jesus. The story of redemption culminates in a wedding celebration between Jesus and those He has redeemed.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Revelation 18 presents one of the most dramatic scenes in all of Scripture. Babylon, the great world system that has exalted itself against God, is suddenly destroyed. Its wealth collapses. Its influence disappears. We’re told that its power evaporates in a single hour. The kings of the earth mourn. The merchants weep. The nations stand shocked at the speed of its downfall.

But while the world grieves Babylon’s destruction, heaven rejoices.

This chapter reminds us that every kingdom built in rebellion against God eventually falls. Human pride doesn’t last forever. Corrupt systems don’t endure forever. Earthly wealth isn’t eternal. Political power isn’t ultimate. Only Christ and His kingdom remain.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One of the most touching moments in the earthly ministry of Jesus involves a desperate mother who refused to stop praying for her child.

She wasn’t famous, powerful, or even part of the nation of Israel, but she loved her daughter deeply, and she believed Jesus could help.

In many ways, this passage reminds us of the kind of strength God has often placed within mothers. Long before others recognize what they’re carrying emotionally or relationally, mothers are usually already praying, sacrificing, nurturing, encouraging, and fighting spiritual battles on behalf of the people they love.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

You can listen to the "Chapter-A-Day Bible Study" via every major podcasting app.  I'm also including a link below that will take you directly to it.

Listen Here:  https://cadbiblestudy.podbean.com/

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Revelation 16 brings us to an unmistakably clear moment in the unfolding of God’s prophetic plan, and it’s certainly interesting to observe the ways people choose to respond. The seven bowls of God’s wrath are poured out on the earth, completing the judgment that began with the seals and intensified with the trumpets. These judgments aren’t symbolic of general hardship. They are real, future events that take place during the Great Tribulation, just prior to the return of Jesus Christ. This chapter shows us the final phase of God’s wrath before Christ establishes His kingdom on earth.

There are some heavy things referenced in this chapter, but this passage isn’t meant to leave us in fear. It’s meant to remind us of God’s holiness, His justice, and the urgency of responding to His grace while there’s still time.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

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Victoria Jackson's book, NOT DEAD YET:  https://amzn.to/4sU8pp8

SNL alum (1986-1992) Victoria Jackson has assembled her lifetime collection of handstand photographs, age 5 to age 65, her original poetry that began at age ten and continued through her TV years where she sang her original songs on Johnny Carson, Saturday Night Live, numerous talk shows and movies, and her original art rarely seen. She dots the collections with personal stories, detailing the highs and lows of her show biz career, marriages, and home life, sprinkling the colorful tales with favorite Bible verses that kept her strong in the face of adversity.

Her recent diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer was the instigator that led her to comb through boxes and boxes of treasures and pick the ones she wanted to share with the world. Like the story of Hezekiah in the Bible when God said, "Get your things in order because you are going to die soon," Victoria is doing just that. Make a will, buy a cemetery plot, and finish your book.

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Revelation 15 is a short chapter, but it carries tremendous weight. It serves as a transition between what's already been revealed and what's about to unfold. The judgments of God are about to reach their final expression in the bowl judgments, and before that happens, there's a noticeable pause in Heaven that points us directly to Jesus.

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Revelation 14 feels like a breath of fresh air after the intensity of chapter 13. In that chapter, the beast rises, deception spreads, and the pressure to compromise grows heavy. Then suddenly, the scene shifts. John looks again, and what he sees is a picture of clarity, victory, and Jesus reigning.

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John 20:1–10 brings us to a moment that literally shifts the course of human history. It begins in the early hours of the morning, while it’s still dark. Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb, struggling with grief, confusion, and a heavy heart. Just days earlier, she had watched Jesus die. The one she trusted, the one she believed was the Messiah, had been crucified. And now, as she approaches the tomb, she notices something unexpected. The stone has been taken away.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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Revelation 13 is one of the most intense and often talked about chapters in all of Scripture. It shows us what the world will look like during the future Tribulation, particularly under the rule of the Antichrist and his associate, the False Prophet. I believe this chapter describes real events that will unfold during a literal future period of judgment on the earth.

But even as this chapter reveals darkness, it ultimately points us to something greater. It reminds us that Jesus is still King, His authority is never threatened, and His people are never forgotten.

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When we face spiritual battles in our own lives, we don't fight for victory. We fight from victory.

Our confidence isn't in our strength. It's in Christ.

He shed His blood for us.
He defends us against every accusation.
And He will one day bring this conflict to its final end.

Until that day, we keep holding onto the testimony of Jesus.

Because the Lamb who was slain is also the King who reigns.

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Life has a way of introducing us to suffering whether we want that introduction or not. None of us plans for hardship. We don’t pencil it into our calendars. Yet every believer eventually encounters seasons of pressure, grief, disappointment, or fear that feel heavier than we imagined we could bear.

The apostle Paul understood that kind of experience. When he wrote 2 Corinthians, he wasn’t writing from a place of easy comfort. He had endured persecution, danger, rejection, and physical suffering for the sake of the gospel. Yet in the opening words of this letter, he begins with praise. Not because life had been easy, but because he had come to know God in the middle of difficulty.

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 I recognize that this may be a subject that well-meaning Christians debate for many years to come.  At this point, however, this issue is settled in my heart.  As far as I can see in the Word of God, the One who gave me salvation as a gift has also promised that He won't be taking that gift back.  His promise is the same for you.  If you genuinely trust in Jesus, you will remain united to Him as part of His eternal family forever.

 Having been graced with this blessing, let us live lives that testify to the Lord's goodness to us.  With humility, let us admit that we are undeserving of this great blessing.  Let's continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes, ears, and hearts of those who presently do not believe in Jesus so that they will learn to trust Him as well.  And as we serve Jesus with our lives, let's also rest in the peace of knowing He loves us just as much on our worst days as He does on our best days.

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There are moments in life when it feels like chaos is winning. Nations rage. Leaders posture. Cultures drift. Personal trials stack up. And if we’re honest, there are days when we may start to wonder, Who’s really in charge here?

Revelation 11:15–19 answers that question with thunder.

“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 shall reign forever and ever’.” (Rev. 11:15)

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Revelation 11 drops us into the middle of intense prophetic action. Trumpets are sounding. Judgment is unfolding. The nations are restless. And right in the middle of all of it, God does something that feels rather personal. He measures. He appoints witnesses. He protects His purposes. And He makes it unmistakably clear that He isn't finished with this world, with Israel, or with His plan of redemption.

In this passage, there are numbers, symbols, judgments, and deaths. But beneath all of that is a very hopeful message. God knows what belongs to Him. God speaks even when the world refuses to listen. And God always vindicates His truth.

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Revelation 10 is certainly an interesting chapter to study, not only because of what it contains, but also because of what came before it.

Up to this point, John has been shown trumpet judgments that shake the earth, darken the skies, and bring humanity face to face with God’s authority. Now, before the seventh trumpet sounds, we see something new inserted. God offers a moment of explanation, reassurance, and recommissioning. Revelation 10 isn't about new judgments as much as it's about renewed confidence in God’s purposes and renewed responsibility for God’s servants.

This chapter reminds us that even in seasons of upheaval, confusion, or waiting, the Lord is still in control. His Word is still open. His plan is still moving forward. And His servants are still called to speak.

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This morning, as we deal with the reality of being snowed in, and hunkered down in our homes, I thought it might be interesting to take a quick pause from our study of Revelation to look at one of the most overlooked chapters in the New Testament, Romans 16. Romans 16 doesn’t get quoted very often. It doesn’t contain a famous doctrinal statement or theological argument. And at first glance, it looks like it's just a long list of names, greetings, and personal notes.

But Romans 16 is a lot more interesting than that, and you don't have to look far to figure that out.  That passage of Scripture actually opens a window into how the early church lived.  They enjoyed patterns and practices that our present-day church can absolutely benefit from.  And, on a day when we're all stuck inside, I wanted to take a quick moment to show you a few things.

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From a pastoral perspective, I think the easiest portions of Scripture for me to preach through are the New Testament epistles.  Those passages include a lot of direct language that's highly practical in nature.  They basically say, "Here's what to believe and what to do.  Now, live it out."

Revelation isn't that kind of book, and for that reason, many pastors choose not to preach on it during Sunday morning services.  I suspect that if they choose to teach through its content, they probably elect to reserve it for mid-week Bible studies and other similar contexts.

Admittedly, the portion of Revelation that we're looking at today (Revelation 9:1-11), is a challenging passage to wrap our minds around.  It includes futuristic and apocalyptic language, some of which might leave us scratching our heads a little.

But even as we examine this passage that speaks of future things, please also allow it to remind us that God is patient, purposeful, and just. It also reminds us that rebellion against Him has real consequences, and that this season of divine patience that we're currently living in the midst of will not last forever.  A reckoning is coming.

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There’s a noticeable shift when we move from Revelation 8:1–5 into Revelation 8:6–13. The silence in heaven has passed. The prayers of the saints have risen before God. The censer has been hurled to the earth. And now, the angels prepare to sound their trumpets.

John writes, “Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them” (Revelation 8:6, ESV). John's choice of the word “prepared” tells us something important. What follows isn’t random chaos or uncontrolled destruction. It’s measured, intentional, and purposeful judgment from a holy God who has already shown incredible patience.

I believe these trumpet judgments occur during the future Tribulation. The church has already been removed at the rapture, and God is now dealing directly with a rebellious world and, ultimately, restoring Israel. This passage doesn’t describe symbolic struggles inside the human heart or vague cycles of history. It describes real judgments that will one day fall on a real world that has persistently rejected God’s truth.

And yet, even here, the gospel still shines.

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Some moments carry so much weight that words can’t do them justice. We’ve all experienced times like that. A diagnosis changes everything. A phone call stops you in your tracks. A moment arrives when conversation fades, and silence takes over, not because nothing matters, but because everything does.

Revelation 8 opens with one of those moments.

“When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour” (Revelation 8:1).

The emphasis on silence in this verse gets my attention.  Heaven has been filled with worship, singing, thunder, and praise. Suddenly, it goes still. This isn’t awkward silence. It isn’t confusion. It’s reverence. It’s anticipation. Something decisive is about to happen.

This silence marks a turning point during the future Tribulation period. The seal judgments have unfolded, and the seventh seal now introduces the trumpet judgments. God’s righteous judgment on a rebellious world is about to intensify. Yet even here, the focus doesn’t drift away from Jesus. The silence comes when the Lamb opens the seal.

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I have always enjoyed the pace and the feel of Christmas Eve. I enjoyed it as a child and I still enjoy it as an adult. The evening has a way of slowing us down, at least for a moment. The lights are a little softer. The songs feel heavier with meaning. Even people who rarely think about spiritual things tend to pause and reflect. There’s something about this night that invites us to consider the reality that God might actually be nearer than we think.

That’s why John 1:14–18 is such a powerful passage to sit with on Christmas Eve. It doesn’t begin with shepherds or angels or a manger. It walks us through some of the deeper aspects of Christ’s divine mission to rescue lost humanity. In a way, it pulls back the curtain and shows us what was really happening behind the scenes when Jesus was born.

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When John describes Jesus as the “true light” in John 1:9, he isn’t just offering poetic language or an interesting metaphor. He’s making a bold, theological declaration about the identity of Christ. He’s saying that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything God hinted at throughout the Old Testament. Every glimpse of light, every shadow of hope, every prophecy that promised redemption, finds its substance in Him. John wants us to recognize that Jesus didn’t appear randomly. He came as the long-promised light who would shine on people sitting in darkness.

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Today’s guest is someone whose voice has shaped the soundtrack of Christian rock for more than four decades. You probably know John Schlitt as the lead singer of Petra, one of the most influential Christian bands of all time. But his story is much bigger than chart-topping albums and sold-out concerts. It’s a story about redemption, calling, and discovering that God has a purpose for every season of your life. As someone who has been listening to and enjoying Petra's music for quite some time, I am extremely excited to welcome John to the show today.

John Schlitt: https://johnschlitt.com/

Petra: https://petraband.com/ 

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Most people start the Christmas story in Bethlehem. The apostle John doesn’t. He doesn’t begin with a manger or a star. He forces you to see Jesus as He truly is. Not just a child born to Mary, but the eternal Son of God who existed before time. Not just a baby wrapped in cloths, but the Creator who designed everything you’ve ever seen.

John 1:1-5 isn’t soft or sentimental. It’s strong, clear, and unapologetic. John wants his readers to understand without a doubt that Jesus is God. Jesus created everything. Jesus is life. Jesus is light. Darkness cannot overcome Him, no matter how hard it tries.

If you want to read a passage that cuts through confusion about Jesus, here it is. Let’s walk through it with the same clarity John uses.

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The Lord knows what our hearts are longing for, and multiple times in Scripture, we’re shown that He intends to satisfy our deepest longings. Revelation 7:9-17 is one of those moments. It shows us a scene that feels almost too beautiful to take in, yet the Lord wants us to see it clearly. He wants us to let this picture shape the way we live right now.

The apostle John has been walking us through terrifying judgments in earlier portions of Revelation 6. The seals are being opened, the world is trembling, and humanity is facing the consequences of long-rejected mercy. But before we continue with more judgment in Revelation 8, God gives us a pause. It is a pause full of grace. It is as if the Lord says, "Before you see what comes next, I want you to know how my story ends for my people. I want you to see the future I have prepared."

That is where Revelation 7:9-17 comes in. It shows us a redeemed family, a victorious King, and a hope that never fades.

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You can order a copy of "Making Faith Magnetic"on Amazon at this link:  https://amzn.to/48qP9aO

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There are moments when a passage of Scripture grabs you by the shoulders and refuses to let you drift into comfortable reading. Revelation 6:12-17 is one of those moments. It pulls back the curtain on the future and lets us see what the world will face when the Lamb (Jesus) opens the sixth seal. It’s dramatic, it’s intentionally unsettling, and it’s meant to awaken something inside us. As the apostle John describes these events, we’re meant to feel the weight of what’s happening. We’re meant to let the words sink in until our hearts start to say, “This is real, this is coming, and Jesus is at the center of it.”

This section of Revelation takes place during the future seven-year Tribulation, a time Scripture describes as unlike anything the world has ever seen. Jesus called it a period of great tribulation in Matthew 24:21. Daniel wrote about it in Daniel 9:27 when he spoke of the final week in God’s prophetic timeline for Israel. These chapters in Revelation let us see the judgments God will pour out on the world as He prepares the earth for the return of Christ and the establishment of His millennial kingdom.

And here, in the sixth seal, Creation itself begins to crumble.

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When we read Revelation 6, we’re shown a fascinating glimpse of future days. The Lamb (Jesus), who alone is worthy to open the scroll, begins to break its seals. What follows isn't random chaos or meaningless destruction. It’s the righteous unfolding of God’s plan for the world. Every seal opened is a step closer to the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

From the theological perspective I lean toward, these verses describe the beginning of the tribulation period. This is a future time when God’s judgment will be poured out for 7 years upon this world that has rejected Him. But even as we see the judgments begin, we can’t miss the central truth: Jesus, the Lamb, is still in complete control.

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When I attempt to picture what heaven looks like, there are multiple images that come to mind.  When I ask others to tell me how they envision it, I'm often told that they imagine things like clouds and harps, reunion and rest. But Revelation 5 shows us something far greater. It gives us a picture of worship that’s full of life, sound, and awe. It’s the scene that defines eternity. It’s where the entire created order joins in one song, declaring that Jesus, the Lamb of God, is worthy of all praise.

What we see in these verses isn’t just a picture of heaven’s worship. It’s a glimpse of God’s ultimate plan being fulfilled. Everything that exists, everything that’s ever been made, finds its purpose in recognizing and glorifying Jesus Christ. This passage brings the story of redemption to its crescendo.

I also believe that reflecting on what the apostle John saw as he witnessed this scene of heavenly worship can shape the way we see our lives, our struggles, and the nature of our hope in Christ.

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When John was given a glimpse into the throne room of heaven, what he saw filled him with awe, wonder, and deep emotion. In Revelation 5, we move from the heavenly worship scene of chapter 4 to a moment that feels like the very center of all redemptive history. The apostle is caught up in a vision where the eternal plan of God is held in His hand, written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. The scene is mysterious but meaningful, full of anticipation and tension. It reveals who alone is worthy to bring history to its rightful fulfillment.

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There are times when Scripture doesn’t just tell us about God, it lets us see Him. Revelation 4 is one of those moments. John isn’t describing a symbol or a parable here. He’s describing reality. He’s been invited into the throne room of heaven to witness what’s happening around God’s presence right now.

It’s hard to picture, isn’t it? The colors, the sounds, the movement. It’s a scene that stretches our imagination to the limit. Yet what stands out most isn’t necessarily the mystery of it all, but the worship that fills the room. The closer anyone gets to God, the more worship naturally overflows from them.

This passage isn’t just meant to inform us about heaven. It’s meant to transform how we think about worship, purpose, and the glory of Jesus Christ. The vision John saw wasn’t meant to stay locked in the pages of Revelation. It’s meant to awaken our hearts to the same reality right now, that God reigns, and that all of creation exists to honor Him.

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There are moments in Scripture where heaven seems to peel back its curtain and give us a glimpse of realities our minds can hardly contain. Revelation 4 is one of those moments. The apostle John, exiled on the island of Patmos, is invited to look through an open door into heaven itself. What he sees isn’t just meant to satisfy curiosity about what heaven looks like. It’s meant to reframe how we live on earth. It reveals the majesty, holiness, and sovereignty of God, all centered on the glory of Jesus Christ.

When we slow down to take in this vision, we find hope for weary hearts, perspective for confusing times, and worship that lifts us above fear. Let’s walk through it piece by piece.

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I find the words of Christ to the churches in Revelation to be both convicting and encouraging. They remind us that the risen Savior knows His people intimately, He sees what is hidden from human eyes, and He calls us to live faithfully in light of the gospel. In Revelation 3:1–13, we hear His message to two very different churches; Sardis and Philadelphia. One receives a warning; the other, a commendation. Taken together, these passages confront us with the dangers of spiritual complacency and the beauty of gospel perseverance.

Let’s walk through this passage carefully, asking the Lord to both awaken and encourage us.

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The book of Revelation can feel intimidating, filled with vivid images, heavenly visions, and prophetic words. Yet at its heart, it is a letter from Jesus to His church. Revelation 2:12–29 records two of His messages, one to the church in Pergamum and one to the church in Thyatira. Both communities of believers faced tremendous pressure to compromise their faith. Some were tempted by false teaching, others seduced by cultural practices, and many felt the daily weariness of living faithfully in a hostile world.

But in verse 25, Jesus gives a simple and powerful exhortation:

“Only hold fast what you have until I come.”

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The opening chapters of the book of Revelation contain seven letters dictated by the risen Christ to seven churches in Asia Minor. These were real churches, with real people and real struggles, yet the Spirit intended their messages to echo across the centuries into the life of the global church. In each letter, Christ examines the heart of His people, commends what is commendable, warns what is dangerous, and promises eternal reward to those who endure in faith.

Revelation 2:1–11 addresses two congregations, Ephesus and Smyrna. Both faced spiritual pressures, yet their challenges differed. The Ephesian church was orthodox and disciplined but spiritually drifting. The Smyrna church was persecuted and poor but spiritually rich. Taken together, these letters remind us of the deep concern Christ has for both the truth we proclaim and the love we cultivate.

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Every one of us walks through seasons of grief. Sometimes it comes suddenly, like the loss of a loved one, the collapse of a dream, or the breaking apart of something we thought would stand forever. Other times, grief settles over us gradually, through the slow erosion of hope, the growing weight of discouragement, or the heaviness of living in a broken and sinful world.

But Scripture assures us that the God who created us is not distant from our grief. He sees it. He feels it with us. He promises to meet us in it. The psalmist declares in Psalm 147:3:

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”  (Psalm 147:3)

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Revelation is, at its core, a Christ-centered and hope-filled book of prophecy. It reveals Jesus as the risen, glorified Son of God, King of kings and Lord of lords, who holds authority over history, defeats Satan, and ushers in the new heavens and new earth. The book emphasizes that all of history is moving toward the day when every knee will bow before Christ. Its primary theme is the triumph of Jesus and the call for believers to persevere in faithful worship and witness until His return.

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A few years back, we decided to make some updates in our kitchen.  After replacing the cabinets, floors, and appliances, it was time to paint and decorate the walls.  For a little while, we weren’t sure how we wanted the decorations to look, but then I suggested an idea to my wife that we both were in favor of.  I suggested placing a verse from Scripture on the wall that we face while we’re at the table eating.  I wanted the verse to be a powerful reminder of God’s nature, as well as His love for us and presence with us.  We agreed that Zephaniah 3:17 would be a great verse to begin and end our days reading, and that verse has been featured prominently on our kitchen wall ever since.

Zephaniah 3:17 is an encouraging verse that shines with warmth and tenderness, speaking of a God who is not distant, not indifferent, but present, mighty, and filled with joy over His redeemed people.

It’s also a verse of contrasts. Just a few lines earlier, Zephaniah was pronouncing judgment on nations steeped in rebellion. But then here, we find a picture of intimacy and delight.  We’re reminded of a God who saves, rejoices, loves, and sings. It’s a reminder that judgment is not God’s final word for His people. Redemption is.

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“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”  (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

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Some passages in Scripture have such profound theological and practical significance that they form the very heartbeat of God’s people across generations. Deuteronomy 6:4–9 is one of those passages. Known as the Shema (from the Hebrew word shema, meaning “hear” or “listen”), these verses have been recited daily by devout Jewish people for centuries. Jesus Himself identified the command to love God with all our heart, soul, and might as the greatest commandment (Mark 12:29–30).

In these verses, we are invited into a life that is centered fully on God in our heart, mind, body, home, and community. This passage calls us to a faith that isn’t compartmentalized but all-encompassing. 

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Proverbs 3:5–6 is really a call to a Christ-centered life. It’s an invitation to trade the uncertainty of self-reliance for the security of God’s wisdom. It asks for total trust, continual acknowledgment, and a willingness to follow His lead. And it holds out a beautiful promise: when we do, He will guide us faithfully.

Picture your life like a journey through unfamiliar terrain. The road may twist and turn, but you walk with a Guide who knows every step ahead. You don’t have to figure it all out; you simply trust Him, listen for His voice, and follow where He leads. That’s the essence of these verses, and the pathway to peace.  And for this reason, many believers throughout the centuries have committed the words of this proverb to heart.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
(Proverbs 3:5–6)

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Is there someone you need to forgive, again? Someone who has let you down, but is seeking restoration? Ask God for the grace to reflect His mercy, and remember that persistent forgiveness is the mark of a heart that understands the gospel. We forgive, because we’ve been forgiven.

When sincere faith in Jesus meets generous, gospel-saturated forgiveness, mountains really are moved.  It’s a miraculous thing to witness, and only the Lord Himself could inspire such a thing.

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Jesus made it clear that the peace He gives is not like the so called “peace” this world attempts to offer. The world’s peace depends on circumstances.  It’s a circumstantial peace that only works when when things are going well, when there’s money in the bank, when everyone is healthy and happy. But that kind of peace disappears the moment something goes wrong. The peace Jesus offers isn’t based on what’s happening around us; it’s based on who He is. It’s a peace that stays with us even in the midst of uncomfortable or unpredictable circumstances.

Jesus also tells us, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” That’s not just wishful thinking; it’s an invitation to trust Him. He’s not asking us to ignore our fears or pretend everything’s fine. He’s asking us to hand our fears over to Him.When we remember that Jesus is in control, that He’s present with us and for us, our hearts don’t have to be overwhelmed.

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What is real freedom according to God’s word?  How should we define it?  In just a moment, I’m going to show you four specific ways our freedom in Christ should be applied to our life, calling, and relationships, but allow me to share a helpful, biblical definition of freedom first.

According to God’s word, freedom is not merely the ability to do whatever one wants. Instead, it is the liberation from sin, death, and the law’s condemnation, made possible through Jesus, so that we can live in a right relationship with God and walk in obedience, love, and purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Now, let’s look at how that freedom is meant to be lived out in our daily lives…

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To learn more about Gretchen Keskeys, her music, and her ministry, please visit:  https://gretchenkeskeys.com/

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Earlier in my Christian walk, I had the mistaken impression that I would experience fewer trials and less difficulties once I followed Jesus, but that’s not accurate.  I don’t think I’ve experienced fewer difficulties, just different ones than I would have experienced if I was attempting to live without Him.

 And the beautiful part of the difficulties I’ve faced is that I can be confident that I don’t face them alone.  Christ is with me.  He is with each of us who trust in Him.  And in Him, we can experience true contentment no matter what takes place in life.  We can be content in Christ when our weaknesses become obvious to us.  We can also be content in Christ when we’re insulted, face hardships, experience persecution, or endure unexpected calamities.  

 The grace of God is truly sufficient for us.  It took Paul much of his life to learn that lesson, and it may take us a while to fully appreciate that trust as well, but our human limitations and unforeseen trials really do provide the perfect opportunity for Jesus to display His power and presence in our lives.

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As a father, it has always been my desire to reflect the heart of God the Father in my parenting.  I don’t have the capacity to do so perfectly, but I’m grateful for the Lord’s guidance and instruction as He continues to teach me what reflecting His heart really looks like.  His word is filled with helpful counsel.

The final chapter of the prophetic book of Hosea offers a powerful example of our Heavenly Father’s heart toward His children.  It’s an example worth emulating, and in Hosea 14, we’re shown at least eight significant ways a father can demonstrate sincere and genuine love.

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Jesus humbled Himself to rescue proud sinners, and He didn’t rescue us for us to return to the pride and arrogance that led to our experience of death in the first place.

As men and women who have been redeemed from death by the power of our Savior, Jesus Christ, let’s resist the temptations of arrogance and pride.  Let’s see those conditions for what they really are; the fruit of a hopeless heart, and let’s walk in the joyous condition of our redeemed lives in Jesus.

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If you want to grow adept at hearing God speak to you, don’t follow the example of ancient Israel.  Don’t harden your heart against His counsel.  Don’t ignore His Son through whom we receive redemption and forgiveness.  Don’t walk out of step with His Spirit who is intentionally attempting to point you toward Jesus.

When we ignore God’s voice, we invite conflict, confusion, and depression into our lives.  When we listen to God’s voice, we welcome His peace and guiding presence into our day-to-day journey through this world.  Though Jesus, we’re granted a peace that surpasses our natural understanding, and in Him, our minds and hearts find rock-solid guidance to face whatever trials or opportunities may come our way. 

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When God transforms Israel and brings them back to Him, He alone will deserve the glory for that miraculous act.  He deserves the glory for the transformation that took place in Paul’s life, in my life, and in your life.  And as our minds think about some of the rebellious children in this world who at present are trying to run from God instead of running toward Him, He will receive the glory for their repentance and transformation as well.

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I desire to see our nation avoid the mistakes of our predecessors who rejected the rain of God’s righteousness through Christ.  For that reason, I’m praying that we will sow righteousness, reap steadfast love, break up our fallow ground, seek the Lord, and welcome the life and forgiveness we can only truly obtain through Jesus.

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God is not unjust.  He knows what He has called us to do, and His eyes see our obedience to His leading and our love for His people.  As you serve Him in what may at times feel thankless, please know that He has greater rewards in mind for His children than the human mind can conceive.

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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Life is busy.  Your responsibilities are many.  You may have more things on your mind than you can naturally count, but in the midst of it all, don’t forget your Lord who loves you.  In Christ, you find the ultimate relationship, the perfect King, and an eternal home.

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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Click here for biblical coaching with John Stange:  https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/coaching

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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When Christ saved us and made us alive in Him, we died to sin. Sin no longer has mastery over us. Our greatest pleasure is not derived from indulging in it. Our hearts are not satisfied by embracing it.

When we trusted in Christ, we were baptized by the Holy Spirit and united with Him. In obedience, we then followed that up by being baptized with water, which serves as a visible illustration of this spiritual reality. Paul tells us here that we were baptized into His death. Christ died for our sins, and baptism shows that we openly identify with what He suffered on our behalf. And we were raised out of the water of baptism to display the fact that we who were dead and buried have now been raised to life. Christ has accomplished this for us spiritually, we have identified with His work publicly, and now we have been set free from sin's bondage to live a new life.

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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Christians tend to refer to the events that events recorded in John 12 as having taken place on Palm Sunday.  We may be familiar with some of the details of the story, but do we understand the significance of what Jesus was doing and the message He was attempting to convey through the actions He took?

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It wouldn't surprise me to learn that there may be someone in your life that you're presently praying for right now.  Someone who is on a journey of attempting to run from the Lord when what they really need to do is repent and return to Jesus.  There are certainly people in my life that I'm praying for right now who seem to be on that kind of path.

In Hosea 6, we read the words of the prophet as he prayed for the repentance of Israel during one of their severe seasons of rebellion against the Lord.  The words of his prayer and the subsequent response of God are both insightful and encouraging as we lift up our heartfelt concerns for others to the Lord as well.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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Depravity among spiritual leaders was a common issue in Hosea's day.  For starters, they had drifted from the clear teaching of the word of God.  As a result, the Lord revealed through Hosea that His people were "destroyed for lack of knowledge."  

The spiritual leaders weren't teaching God's word.  They also weren't modeling it.  Instead of feeding the people life-giving spiritual nourishment, they were feeding on the sin of the people and effectively encouraging more of it.  The Lord describes these spiritual leaders as greedy and enamored with iniquity.  It's a horrible image to picture.

God will hold spiritual leaders accountable for the lives they live and the nature of their influence on the lives of others.

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If you find it particularly difficult to extend forgiveness, please understand that the Lord isn’t asking you to do something He wasn’t willing to do first.  There is no greater example of forgiveness than the forgiveness we’ve been offered through the Son of God, Jesus Christ.  Jesus who had done no wrong bore our sin on the cross so that we could be indwelled with His presence, gifted with His righteousness, and forgiven us of every wrong we’ve ever committed in act, attitude, or nature.

The third chapter of the book of Hosea illustrates the relational and eternal power of forgiveness in a way that can’t help but impact us.

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I’m grateful that when I observe the hand of God in my life and in the lives of those I love, that He doesn’t quit too soon.  Even though I wouldn’t blame Him for wanting to give up on us, that isn’t His pattern.  And if you’ve been personally wondering if God has given up on you, I’m confident He hasn’t.

We are given a powerful example of God’s patient, long-suffering nature in the second chapter of the prophetic book of Hosea. 

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Feeling distant from God?  Please take a look with me at what we're told in the book of Hosea about this very concept.

Hosea was a prophet in Israel who served in his role for roughly 60 years.  His book was written sometime between 755 B.C. and 725 B.C. during a very spiritually dark season in Israel's history.

 During that era, Israel was consumed with idolatry, and the nature of their idolatry was both vulgar and blasphemous.  Like many people in our own generation, the people of Israel were highly consumed with the desire to gain the best of what this world can offer.  It was a common belief in the paganism of the day that material prosperity and fruitful crops could be obtained by worshipping the false god Baal and participating in vulgar activities with temple prostitutes.

 I can only imagine how it must have felt for God to witness this spiritual unfaithfulness among the very people He had rescued, redeemed, and called unto Himself.  Sometimes, people picture God as unfeeling and distant, but that's not the image of Him that's painted for us in Scripture.  We're told that He rejoices over His people.  We're also told that His children can grieve His heart.  The book of Hosea reveals the depth of God's emotions toward those He loves.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to biblestudyheadquarters@gmail.com.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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One of the most frequently asked questions among Christians is the question about whether or not it's possible for us to lose our eternal salvation.  Some Christians believe it's possible while others do not.  My personal belief on this subject has drastically changed throughout the course of my life.  The beliefs I held on this subject when I was new to the Christian faith are significantly different from the beliefs I hold at present.

Even before explaining what I presently believe or offering the Scriptural basis for these beliefs, I also want to acknowledge that I have several close friends who serve in various ministry roles who hold views that differ from mine.  I'm grateful for them, and while I consider this a major doctrinal issue with hefty theological and relational consequences, I still consider these friends true brothers in Christ.

So, what do I believe about this issue?  Or better said, what do I believe God's word teaches about the question of whether or not it's possible for a genuine believer in Jesus to lose their salvation?  With all sincerity, I do not believe it is possible for someone who has been brought to a saving relationship with Jesus to lose the gift of salvation.  Please allow me to explain why I have come to this belief.

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What do you think Heaven will be like?  Do you ever wonder what you’ll be doing there, or what your loved ones who have gone there before you might be doing?  Have you ever looked into some of the details we’re given in Scripture about life in Heaven?

There is a mistaken notion in the minds of many people that Heaven might be somewhat boring.  It seems that some people think of Heaven as a place where we'll sit around all day, playing harps, floating on clouds, and engaging in repetitious religious ceremonies.  That couldn't be further from the truth.

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There is no shortage of things to be praying about. There is no wrong time to pray. The Lord delights to welcome His children into His presence through prayer.

Prayer helps us express our trust in God.

Prayer is an effective way to confess our sins.

Prayer allows us to access God’s divine power.

Prayer prevents us from wandering from the truth.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The"Desire Jesus One Year Devotional"can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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In the church, we all have an important function, even if we feel like we play a smaller role. If any one of us is missing, the entire body is going to be impacted. All believers have been set apart or anointed for the work God wants to accomplish through our lives, and we all play a valuable role in the great work He's doing.

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