The determinetruth Podcast

Rev 6-7 Seals and the 144,000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• After the opening of each of the first four Seals, John says “I heard” (6:1, 3, 5, 7): With the opening of the Fifth Seal, however, he states “I saw” (6:9).
• the account of the Fifth Seal does not include a reference to one of the Four Living Creatures,
• Or, a command to “Come,”
• Or, a description of a rider on a varied colored horse.

“How long?” (6:10)

• Exod 2:23-25

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

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

• The 5^th was the cry of God’s people
• The 6^th is the cry of the nations

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

• At the birth of Jesus, there were “signs” in the heavens: such as a “star” (Matt 2:2).
• At the baptism of Jesus: “he saw the heavens opening” and a “voice came out of the heavens” (Mark 1:10-11; see Matt 3:16-17; Luke 3:21-22).
• At the crucifixion of Jesus we are told that “darkness fell over the whole land” (Mark 15:33; see Matt 27:45; Luke 23:44), “the earth shook and the rocks split” (Matt 27:51), and “tombs were opened” (Matt 27:52).
• At Pentecost: the descent of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:19-20).

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

Mountains: signify kings and kingdoms.

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

• Both interludes between 6-7^th Seal/Trumpet

4 angels holding back the 4 winds

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

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

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

Rev 6: The Seven Seals (part 2)

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Rob’s blogs related to the 7 Seals

7 Seals and Revelation

3rd Seal and Covid 

Are the 7 Seals God’s Wrath? #4

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

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

• Mark 13:5-6
• Matt 24:23-24

There are three basic views as to what this rider represents

• The first two views both contend that the rider on the white horse represents Christ.
  • The difference between these first two views has to do with whether the rider on the first horse represents Christ at His first coming or if it is a depiction of Christ coming in the future.
• The third view suggests that the rider on the white horse represents false Christs and false prophets.

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

• John uses the verb “to slay” eight times.
  • Jesus as the Lamb that was “slain” (5:6, 9, 12; 13:8)
  • People of God the Fifth Seal are those: “who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had” (6:9).
  • 1x: Babylon as the place where one finds “the blood of prophets and of saints and of all who have been slain on the earth” (18:24)
  • “to slay” in 13:3.

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

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

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

Rev 6: The Seven Seals (part 1)

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

 

Show notes:

Rev 6:1-17

Gen 1

• “God said” 10x
• “Let there be” 10x
• “It was good” 7x
• “God” 35x

Gen 1:1 = 7 words

Gen 1:2 = 14 words

• Land 21x
• “And it was so” 7x
• “And God saw” 7x
• “To make” 10x
• “According to its kind” 10x

Mark 10:42-45

Mark 13:5-13

2 things

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

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

Rev 5 The Lamb and the Scroll

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

Notes: 

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

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

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

 

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

1^st John’s use of hearing and seeing

2^nd Jesus is the Lamb/Lion

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

4^th Jesus and death and resurrection are the key!

 

Nations are important to the story

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

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

 

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

Exod 19:4-6

 

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

 

Rev and imagery: Interview with Nelson Kraybill

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

Rev & Justice: interview with Alan Bandy

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

 

Rev 4 God is one the Throne

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

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

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

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

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Show notes: 

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

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

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

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

2 keys:

1. God is one the throne and not Caesar
2. Throne is in heaven but it comes down in chs 21-22

Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven!

Ezek 1:4-14, 26-28

Isa 6:1-8

Ezek 1-3 & Isa 6 are commissioning passages

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

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

“Earthquake” Exod 19:16-25

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

Rev 2-3 Overcome

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie finish their study of the 7 messages by looking at the closing exhortation "to those who have ears to hear" the promises of blessing to those who "overcome." 

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

Notes for today's podcast:

“Let the one who has an ear hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches” (2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).

• Ezek 3:27; Jer 5:21
• Mark 4:3, 9 Hear

“To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (Mark 4:11)

John 6:66-68

“to the one who overcomes” (2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21)

• Thyatira: includes an additional phrase: “the one who overcomes and the one who keeps my works until the end” (2:26).

Psalm 2:8-9

• Jesus is twice described as the one who will “rule” the nations (12:5; 19:15).

Dan 7:18-25

Luke 22:24-30

Morning star is a messianic term

• Num 24:17

3:4 “they will “walk” with me”

• Lev 26:12
• Gen 3:8

Garments are “white” suggests moral purity.

• 4:4
• 6:11
• 7:9, 14
• 16:15

I will not erase their name from BOL

• Dan 12:1-2
• OT –notion of a registry: Ps 87:6; Isa 4:3; Dan 12:1
• Erasing of names: Exod 32:32-33 Ps 69:28

Compare 3:3 and 3:5 in Greek “certainly”

I will confess their name

• Matt 10:32

Name of my God: corresponds with Seal of God in 7:1-8; 14:1: 22:4

Name of the city of My God: Ezek 48:35

My new name: 19:12

Sit on His throne

• What does it mean to overcome?

-What is it that we overcome?

We will/do rule with Christ: 1:6; 2:26; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4, 6; 22:5

• 2 Tim 2:12

 

Understanding Revelation: Interview with David deSilva

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie one of the leading NT Scholars and a leading authority on the book of Revelation, David deSilva. 

David is a New Testament scholar and a professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. He received his PhD in Religion from Emory University and has authored numerous books and articles on the New Testament, including:

An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods & Ministry Formation

Commentary on Galatians

Commentary on Ephesians

Seeing Things John's Way: The Rhetoric of the Book of Revelation

Unholy Allegiances: Heeding Revelation's Warning

Discovering Revelation: Context, Interpretation, Reception

A Week in the Life of Ephesus

deSilva is also an ordained elder in the Florida Conference of the Global Methodist Church.

 

Here is the link to Rob's blogs on Rev 6 and the 3rd Seal 

7 Seals and Revelation

3rd Seal and Covid

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

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

Rev 2-3 Philadelphia and Laodicea

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie continue their discussion of the seven messages by looking at the messages to Philadelphia & Laodicea. The church in Philadelphia was small and of little power yet it is 1 of the 2 churches with only positive features. The church in Laodicea was very wealthy yet it had no positive features. 

Rob and Vinnie then spend a lot of time discussing the importance of all this for the church today. 

Here is a link to an older podcast in which Rob discusses the Rapture  

Here is a link to Rob's book on the end times

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

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