Commuter Bible NT

A deacon by the name of Stephen has been accused of blasphemy and now stands before the court of the Sanhedrin. False witnesses claimed that he had spoken against the law of God. Today, Stephen turns the tables on his accusers and puts them on trial for refusing to acknowledge Christ. Reciting a brief overview of Israel’s history, he plainly shows them that it is Israel who is guilty of rebelling against God and resisting the Holy Spirit. In a rage, they rush to kill him, and Stephen becomes the first known Christian martyr, and as Tertullian later said, “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.” :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Today’s episode is going to be incredibly short and tomorrow’s episode is going to be rather long. Chapter 6 is really just a preface leading into chapter 7, in which Stephen speaks to the Sanhedrin concerning the history of Israel and their resistance against God. Instead of breaking up that speech in smaller pieces, I thought it would be best to keep that sermon in one piece. Having said all that, today’s reading includes the introduction of deacons in the life of the church, whose role is to serve the church and to lead in doing so. Because of their faithful service, those who were called to teach are free to fulfill their role. Stephen is among those mentioned as being chosen as a deacon. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

The early church was unique and attractive for a number of reasons, not least of which were the signs and wonders performed by the apostles as they preached the gospel with power and authority. Another unique characteristic of the early church was having all things in common, as they freely used what possessions they had in order to support one another as any had need. This generosity and the afore-mentioned signs and wonders meet when a couple tries to lie to the church about a donation they were making. When they do so, Peter says that they’ve not only lied to the local church, they’ve lied to the Holy Spirit. What happens next would’ve struck fear in the hearts of the church and the watching world. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Peter and John have just preached the gospel in Solomon’s Colonnade after healing a man who was lame from birth. The priests, the captain of the temple police, and the Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) were annoyed with their preaching, so they seized Peter and John and jailed them overnight. In today’s episode they will stand before the Sanhedrin, a counsel of Jewish religious leaders who held court concerning religious matters. Seeing the healed man, the simply threaten them not to preach in the name Jesus. After they are let go, they only request to preach Christ with greater boldness. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Luke reported in his gospel that the disciples were commissioned by Jesus to preach the coming kingdom, cast out demons, and heal diseases while Jesus was still alive, but today’s reading contains the first detailed eye-witness account of the apostles doing so and the first instance reported after Christ’s ascension. Their fellow Israelites are amazed, and Peter uses the opportunity to preach the gospel, calling them to repent and trust in Christ. By the time they’re finished, they earn the ire of the priests, temple police, and Sadducees, who don’t want the name of Jesus to be proclaimed. The number of those converted included 5,000 men, which may represent only half of those converted. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

The disciples of Jesus have been praying in the wake of their Lord’s ascension and departure, waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. In a magnificent display, the Holy Spirit arrives and the disciples begin to clearly speak different languages. Native-born peoples from various lands hear their own tongues being spoken by these Galileans and are simultaneously amazed and confused. Peter stands to address this crowd of Jews, quoting Scripture and explaining what happened to Christ, God’s Messiah. He calls them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and about 3,000 are added to the number of those following Christ. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

The book of Acts is an account of the beginnings of God’s church written down by Luke; yes, the same Luke who wrote the gospel of Luke. In the first chapter, Jesus promises his disciples that they will be baptized in the Holy Spirit and then he ascends into the heavens where he can no longer be seen. The apostles and other disciples including the women who had followed Jesus spend the following days in prayer. Since Judas Iscariot had betrayed Jesus and died, they elect a new 12th apostle to fill the vacancy. When they have two finalists to choose between, they pray, then cast lots, asking the Lord show them who should be chosen. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

We have reached the final chapter of the book of Luke, and in our last episode Christ was crucified and buried. In an effort to prepare the body of Jesus for a proper burial, some of the women among Jesus’s disciples approach the tomb with spices in hand. Much to their surprise, they meet an angel who announces that he is no longer there. Jesus has risen from the dead just as He had prophesied way back in Galilee. Reappearing to his disciples at different times and in different places, Christ opens their eyes to the many things they had not previously understood, and the kingdom of heaven begins to spread in the hearts and minds of Christ’s disciples. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Among the many things that Luke illustrates in his record of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, is that all of it was in fulfillment of Scripture, including a number of references to Psalm 22. That psalm begins with “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” and when Jesus says this, he is knowingly quoting the psalm, pointing us to it as he endures the torture of the cross. Men mock him, scorn him, and beat him. They divide his clothes while he hangs between evildoers. While sinful men sought to snuff out this king and his message about a coming kingdom, we know that, in fact, they are unwittingly helping to usher in the new kingdom by crucifying the Son of God. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In our last episode, Judas Iscariot agreed to betray his teacher so that he might be handed over to the chief priests and scribes who were afraid of the people. When we last left Jesus and the apostles, they were celebrating the Passover, and it’s a historically significant celebration, for Jesus has come to be the greater fulfillment of the Passover. He is the perfect lamb who is slaughtered so that his blood might cover God’s people. He is also the firstborn who dies under the wrath of God. Our episode today continues in the upper room, where we left off, but they make their way to the Mount Olives to retire for the night. Jesus spends the night in agony, for he knows what lies ahead. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In his final days of teaching, Jesus takes time to teach his disciples the signs that point to the end of the age. Natural disasters will grow in frequency and the church will face persecution and prosecution. Jesus tells his followers that this will be an occasion to bear witness. The powers of the heavens will be shaken and the Son of Man will come in a cloud with power and great glory. He tells them to watch for these signs to know when the kingdom of God is near. This requires a sense of expectation and watchfulness on the part of those who trust in Him. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Jesus is now in Jerusalem, having been welcomed with honor and cries of Hosanna, befitting for the entry of a king. This welcome has not gone unnoticed by the chief priests scribes, and elders who live and work in Jerusalem and in the Scriptures. They are jealous of the attention Jesus gets and doubt that he is the Messiah. In their interactions, Jesus doesn’t cut them any slack, but instead, puts their hypocrisy on display and embarrasses those who consider themselves wise. They respond, not with humility and repentance, but with anger. Later, the Sadducees try to troll Jesus concerning the resurrection, but he gives them an authoritative answer that puts them in their place. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Looking back from our position in history, we have the advantage of considering the kingdom of God through all of the teachings of Jesus and through the lens of Scripture as a whole. During his time of ministry on earth, however, things weren’t so clear for His original audience. When the crowds thought about the Son of David, they assumed that he would be a king in the traditional sense. The Jews were excited that this king had finally arrived, and upon entering Jerusalem they erupted with praise & excitement. Little did they know that Christ’s kingship would establish eternal authority over the souls of men or that victory would come by way of the cross. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In the parable of the unjust judge, Jesus teaches his disciples to be persistent in prayer, arguing that if an unjust judge will grant justice through one woman’s persistence, how much more so will a perfect and infallible judge grant justice to those who ask? He also tells a parable to those who thought they were righteous, concluding the story with what would have been seen as a twist: the sinner who repents is justified, not the self-righteous man who brings his works before God as his justification. Later, Jesus predicts his death a third time as they continue toward Jerusalem. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In the first half of this chapter, the teachings of Jesus in this chapter are numerous and short. Luke transitions from one teaching to another, sometimes without any indication as such. Jesus warns against causing children to stumble, then tells his disciples to be on guard when it comes to the sins of a brother in Christ. Next he teaches about faith, swiftly transitioning to a comparison about what it means to be a servant. In the second half, Jesus heals ten men, but only one man, a Samaritan, returns to offer thanks. Finally, Jesus tells his disciples about the kingdom of God and the days of the Son of Man. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

The first parable in today’s reading is quite different from the majority of parables that Christ tells, because in it, Jesus points to a sinful man to highlight that which is good, which is confusing on the face of it, but let me explain. In the parable of the dishonest manager, Christ’s goal is to show his disciples how to think about wealth and earthly possessions: namely, that we are to use them to win favor with others while we still have them. Later, we’ll hear the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where we catch a rare look at the post-mortem experience of one who ignored the law and the prophets during his lifetime. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Today’s reading is one of the shorter chapters in Luke’s gospel, but it contains some Christ’s most well-known parables. When the Pharisees and scribes complain about Jesus welcoming sinners, he tells the parable of the lost sheep, emphasizing the joy in heaven that follows repentance. Similarly, a woman who loses one valuable coin among ten will look for the coin diligently until she finds it. Finally, Jesus tells the parable of the lost son who returns home after squandering his inheritance, to the joy of his father and to the chagrin of his brother who remained faithful. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Among today’s teachings, Jesus says that one shouldn’t prioritize those who can pay you back. Rather, do good to those in need who cannot pay you back. He goes on to tell a parable about one who gives a banquet and invites others to join him. Those who are on the guest list give excuses for why they are unable to attend, but in the end, they are all distracted by things they deem more necessary or more exciting. The one who holds the banquet then invites those who are needy, and they come to the table to feast. Finally, Jesus warns his disciples to count the cost of following him. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Jesus continues healing and teaching, focusing on fruitful labor for the Lord and the nature of the Sabbath. When Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath, the leader of the local synagogue scolds the crowd, but in the end his adversaries are humiliated by the teaching of Jesus. He tells His disciples to enter by the narrow way, because the door to God’s household will soon be shut and those outside will be turned away regardless of their proximity to Jesus. Later, Jesus is warned that Herod is trying to kill him, but Jesus explains what the path ahead of him looks like with certainty. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In our last episode, Jesus encouraged his disciples to forget about storing up treasures in this life, but to store up treasures in heaven instead. With this in mind, he also teaches them to stop worrying about the future, for the future is in God’s hands. He is able to provide for all of creation, and if he is able to do that, he is also able to give the kingdom to his people. Later, he encourages his disciples to remain ready for their master’s return, faithfully serving the Lord at all times. Those who have been given much will have much required of them, and likewise those who have been entrusted with much, even more will be expected. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In today’s reading, Jesus accepts an invitation to a dinner party from a Pharisee and while they are having dinner he rebukes the Pharisee and his friends. As he does so, he uses the word “woe” to direct them to a posture of repentance and humility, rather than simply condemning them. Even so, he doesn’t pull any punches as he skewers them for neglecting justice and love for God, for loving attention, and for being a source of defilement that goes unnoticed. He extends his rebukes to the experts in the law for burdening people with the law, for honoring prophets once they dead (rather than when they were alive and speaking), and for mishandling the Scriptures, which are the key to knowledge. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

We are almost halfway through the book of Luke, and Jesus and His disciples are on their way to Jerusalem which also means that Christ is making his way to the cross. On the way he teaches His disciples how to pray to God the Father, encouraging them by way of a parable to be persistent in prayer, trusting that the Lord will give them good gifts. Jesus’ power cannot be denied, so if it can’t be denied, those who are offended by him must come up with a way to denounce him. So when the crowds demand a sign and accuse him of using demonic power to cast out demons, he explains why Satan driving out Satan is a ridiculous premise. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In our last episode, Jesus sent 72 disciples ahead of him to the neighboring towns so that they might heal the sick and declare the coming kingdom of God, and today they return. He urges them to be encouraged, not in their power over the spirits, but that their names are written in heaven. On the road to Jerusalem, when asked to define what it means to love your neighbor, Jesus tells a parable that would have shocked his audience, as he makes a Samaritan, whom the Jews despised, the champion of his story. If that weren’t enough, he portrays upright, religious Jews in the story as loving their neighbors inadequately. Finally, a busy and distracted Martha wants help from her sister, but receives a soft rebuke instead. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Our passage begins with Christ’s second prediction of his death as he tells his disciples that he will be killed by the religious authorities but will be raised from the dead on the third day. After the disciples argue about who is the greatest and complain about someone driving out demons in the name of Jesus, the Messiah’s journey turns toward Jerusalem where He will face the agony of the cross, but he has much to say and to teach before that hour arrives. Later, Jesus sends 72 disciples ahead of him to the neighboring towns so that they might heal the sick and declare the coming kingdom of God. If you’re reading along, don’t forget that we’re beginning in the second half of verse 43. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Jesus grants his 12 apostles power and authority over demons and diseases and send them out with the good news of his coming kingdom. When the 12 return, he welcomes the crowds and tells the disciples to give them something to eat. They don’t know what to do, so Jesus feeds five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. Later, Jesus tells the disciples that he will be killed by the religious authorities but will be raised from the dead on the third day. Peter, James, and John get a glimpse of Christ’s glory as they spend time with him on a nearby mountain, but they are instructed to tell no one at that time. On a technical note, we’ll end halfway through verse 43 as delineated in the CSB translation. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Jesus continues to exhibit signs and wonders, casting out demons, healing the sick, and raising the dead. In all of these things, Jesus clearly shows himself to be God in the flesh. In today’s reading, a teacher from the synagogue named Jairus begs Jesus to come to his house and heal his 12 year old daughter. On the way there, a woman reaches out to touch the end of Christ’s robe and is instantly healed. During that interaction, someone from Jairus’s house arrives to announce that his daughter has died. In the midst of their grief and mourning, Jesus enters the house to perform a miracle that would have perplexed everyone who bore witness to it. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Today, Jesus tells the parable of the sower to a large crowd, but only reveals its meaning to his disciples. Take note that it isn't whether or not the seed grows, but whether that seed endures and produces fruit. Later, Jesus takes a nap during a storm, and only wakes up when the disciples panic and ask Him to do something about it. He gets up and stops the wind and the waves with a word. It brings to mind that Jesus is a better prophet than Jonah, who slept through the storm but could do nothing about the wind and the waves. But with with Jesus, a mere word will put it to an end. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Jesus continues to exhibit his power over illness, demons, death, and over the created order. Those who witness his power, including the disciples who are with him daily, continue to be awestruck by what they see. Make no mistake: the people in Jesus’ day were not simpletons who would simply believe anything. Like you and I, they knew that what Jesus was doing seemed impossible, and they all had trouble wrapping their minds around it. In addition to these miraculous feats, Jesus seems to prioritize faithful foreigners and repentant sinners above those who felt they were already righteous. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Today’s reading is full of the teachings of Jesus, and Luke begins with accounts highlighting the manner in which Jesus approached the Sabbath. While the Pharisees viewed it as a means of performance and merit, Jesus views it as an opportunity to please God through restoration, whether that be through rest, replenishment or miraculous healing. We’ll also encounter the Beatitudes in today’s text, followed by some parables, all of which point the hearer to humility of heart and dependence on God to sustain and provide. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

As the crowds begin to gather in greater number, Jesus gets in a boat, pushes out a little, and preaches to his followers; this would have helped to amplify his voice and give him a little space from the those who were pushing in on him. As Jesus performs miracles and signs that highlight his divinity and his power over the created order, he gains more followers, for they begin to see that he is more than just a gifted speaker. The Pharisees are upset and confused about the way Jesus acts, and they question what he teaches, being especially incensed that he would declare that a man’s sins would be forgiven. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

After being baptized by John, Jesus enters the wilderness where he fasts for 40 days. At the end of the 40 days, Jesus is hungry, as you might expect, and it is then that the devil comes to tempt Jesus. These forty days and these temptations are a parallel to Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness. However, where Israel fails, Jesus succeeds, resisting those temptations to rebel against God the Father in order to honor and glorify himself. Later, Jesus returns to his hometown where he begins to teach in the synagogues, and while they are amazed at his teaching, they are infuriated at the suggestion that God might work wonders for foreigners instead of for them. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

When we began the gospel of Luke, we learned about the conception of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus who would prepare the way for his coming. John’s prophetic preaching in the wilderness drew a crowd. If you’re familiar with the old testament prophets, you’ll notice that John’s candor and style of speaking reflect that of prophets who have gone before them. Along with the exhortations and commands to repent, John good news to the people, for one more worthy of attention was coming. Jesus visits John to be baptized and as he prays, a miraculous sign occurs. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Today we’ll read the passage that so many of us have read and cherished year after year in celebration of Christ’s birth during the Christmas season. During a government-mandated census where the population of the Roman empire is required to present themselves to be counted, Joseph travels with his very pregnant fiancée to Bethlehem. The Christ is born to humble parents in a humble place under humble circumstances. The angels announce his birth to humble shepherds who hurry to see what has happened, and they leave praising God and telling others the remarkable news. All of this is even more remarkable, when we consider that our sovereign God chose these circumstances for his incarnation. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In our last reading the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah to announce the conception of his son, whom we know as John the Baptist. Gabriel also appeared to Mary to announce that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit who would be the promised Son of David, Jesus the Christ. In today’s episode, when Mary goes to visit Elizabeth an unexpected interaction takes place, and both women praise God in response. Later, when John is born, Zechariah’s tongue is loosed and he prophesies concerning his son. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Luke, the physician, sets the stage for his gospel account by telling his friend that his goal in writing is to compile an orderly narrative of the accounts he has accumulating concerning Jesus. He begins by retelling what happened to Zechariah and to Mary when each was visited by the angel Gabriel. This messenger from the heavens announces the conception of two different babies: one born to Elizabeth would who would go before the Messiah, and one born to Mary who be that promised Son of David. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

::: Christian Standard Bible translation. All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross. Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible facebook.com/commuterbible instagram.com/commuter_bible twitter.com/CommuterPod patreon.com/commuterbible [email protected]

Friends, we’ve reached the final chapter of the final book of the New Testament, which means we have also reached the end of our reading plan for the year. Today, John sees the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Whereas the first Adam fell into sin and death by eating from a tree, the second Adam from above provides a tree of life which heals the nations. John hears the Lord say that he is coming soon, and that his reward is with him. He declares himself to be the Alpha and the Omega, the root and descendant of David, and the bright morning star. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

While the message of “Immanuel, God with us” is rightly accented at Christmastime, it is neither the beginning nor the end of the idea. In fact, God’s presence with his people is a story arc that begins in Genesis and finds it fruition here in Revelation. In the new heaven and the new earth the Lord will be with his people in the fullest and more final sense. A new Jerusalem appears with massive walls but with 12 open gates named after the 12 apostles of the Lamb. The walls and streets are made of transparent gold, and even the foundations are adorned with jewels. All of this imagery connotes that this city is secure, beautiful, and wanting for nothing. There is no temple in this city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are it’s temple. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

There are many things written in the book of Revelation that are confusing and sometimes even scary, but one truth shines brightly throughout the message of this book: in the end Christ is unfathomably glorious and eternally victorious. In our last episode, Babylon the Great fell and the world mourned. Today, the vast multitude of heaven cheers that God’s righteous judgment is begin executed. Christ appears as a rider on a white horse whose robe is dipped in blood, and the sword from his mouth will strike the nations who refused to repent. The beast and its armies will be slain, and Satan will be bound. The slain in Christ who had not submitted to the beast are raised from the dead to reign with Christ for a thousand years. Ultimately, Satan is thrown into the lake of fire, along with all of those whose name is not found in the book of life. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In our last episode, an angel escorted John to a wilderness where he saw a woman on a scarlet beast. That woman has “Babylon the Great” written on her forehead. Today, another angel with great authority proclaims that Babylon has fallen. This lament is modeled after the lament found in Jeremiah 51, one of the longest chapters in Scripture, which declares the fall of the historic Babylon. Since Revelation is a book about the future, we don’t know exactly what this represents, but it is likely that Babylon is representative of a global power in rebellion against God. Merchants mourn her demise, for they had grown rich from her. Finally, a mighty angel hurls a large stone into the sea, saying that Babylon will fall like this, never to rise again. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Seven angels have poured out seven bowls of wrath, and today, one of them approaches John and carries him away in the Spirit to a wilderness. There, he sees a woman sitting on a scarlet beast. The woman is clothed in lavish and expensive attire, but holds a cup with every detestable thing. Moreover, she is drunk on the blood of the saints and the witnesses of Jesus. “Babylon the Great” is written on her forehead. The angel then explains the beast and its seven heads, stating that they represent seven mountains and seven kings. The beast itself represents an eighth king. It’s ten horns also represent ten kings which reign briefly, give their power and authority to the beast, and who unsuccessfully wage war with the Lamb. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

In our last episode the Son of Man appeared, seated on a cloud with a sickle in his hand. He harvested the earth with a single swing, and with a second swing he gathered the grapes for the winepress of God’s wrath. Today, the heavenly temple, also called the tabernacle of testimony, opens. Out of this temple, seven angels come forth to retrieve 7 golden bowls which are filled with God’s wrath. The first bowl produces painful sores for those who served the beast. The second bowl turns the sea to blood causing all life in the sea to die. The third bowl, likewise, turns the rivers and springs to blood. The fourth bowl intensifies the sun’s heat. The fifth bowl is poured on the throne of beast, plunging its kingdom into darkness. The sixth bowl dries up the Euphrates. The seventh bowl brings a number of natural disasters. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

The last few chapters have been focused on the dragon and the two beasts that arose from the sea and from the earth. In our last reading, we learned that the number of the beast is 666 and that this number or the beast’s name were to be marked on the right hand or on the forehead of everyone one earth. Today, the focus switches from the dragon to the Lamb who stands on Mount Zion with the 144,000. They have the Father’s name on their foreheads, and stand aloft, unharmed by the dragon or the two beasts. Three angels fly high overhead warning of judgment on Babylon and those who worship the beast and its image. The Son of Man appears, seated on a cloud with a sickle in his hand. He harvests the earth with a single swing, and soon thereafter the rest of the earth harvested for wrath. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

As the dragon stands on the shore, a beast comes out of the sea. It has ten horns and seven heads, each horn has a crown and each head has a blasphemous name. One head appears to have been fatally wounded, but has since been healed. The earth is enamored with the beast and worships the dragon, who gave the beast authority. The beast speaks blasphemies against God and wages war against the saints. Another beast comes up from the earth whose two horns are like that of a lamb, but whose voice is like that dragon. It exercises the authority of the beast on it’s behalf and makes everyone on earth receive a mark on their right hand or forehead. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

The book of Revelation is full of imagery and prophecy, which means that as we read there will be many confusing passages that Christians may disagree on and which I will not be able to cover at length here. Some see this next section as an overlap, sort of a call back to what has already been described at a different angle. The sign of the woman that gives birth to a child who will rule the nations is full of references to Psalm 2 which in turn is full messianic promises. The dragon is a reference to Satan, who sought to annihilate this promised child through Herod. The woman is later supernaturally sustained for 1260 days, which is the exact amount of time that the two witnesses were protected. Unable to harm the woman, the dragon wages war against those who keep the commands of God. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

Thus far in our reading of Revelation, the lamb has opened the seven seals on the scroll and seven angels have come forward to blow trumpets. At this point, only six of the seven trumpets have been blown. Today, a mighty angels appears with a small scroll, which John commanded to eat; it tastes as sweet as honey, but it makes his stomach bitter. Two unnamed witnesses appear and are given authority to prophesy and to declare plagues. When their time is complete, the beast will arise to kill them. Though they will lay slain in street for three and a half days, at which point the breath of God will enter them and they will rise to their feet. When the seventh trumpet is blown, the 24 elders declare that “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

The lamb has taken the scroll from the one seated on throne and has opened the first six of its seven seals. Today, the lamb opens the seventh seal. After a period of silence, seven angels with seven trumpets appear. With each successive trumpet blast a series natural disasters and plagues occur reminiscent of the plagues released upon Egypt in the time of Moses. After six of the seven trumpets have been blown, we are told that those who survived these plagues remain unrepentant of their works of lawlessness. As we read, keep in mind that the number seven often represents perfection or completion in Scripture. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

When we last read from Revelation, we were in the throne room of God and the Lamb approached to open the seals of a scroll. Today, the Lamb opens the seals. We see a pattern in the first four seals that includes the opening of a seal followed by one of the four living creatures saying “Come!” In each instance a horse and a rider appear, sometimes appearing in surreal forms. The fifth seal prompts distribution of white robes to those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God as they cry out for judgment and holy vengeance. The sixth seal prompts violent natural disasters. Later, John sees the sealed of Israel, 12,000 from each tribe. After this, the apostle sees a vast multitude from every tribe, nation, people, and language crying out in worship before throne. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

The letters to the seven churches have concluded, and in today’s episode the apostle John sees a vision of the throne room of heaven. The hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” harkens back to this seen where 24 elders cast their crowns before the throne as a sign of humility and submission. To say that God is thrice-fold holy is to say that he is perfect in his holiness. The four living creatures bring to mind the angels seen in the visions of Ezekiel, representing God’s power and authority. One like a slaughtered lamb appears to take the scroll from the one seated on the throne, causing those who had gathered to bow before the lamb. A congregation of thousands upon thousands rise up to declare the praise of the one on the throne and of the lamb that was slain. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]

John is receiving direct revelation from Jesus Christ concerning what he should write to seven churches of his day. In our last episode we covered the churches at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. Today we’ll cover the churches of Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Sardis was known for being alive in Christ, but in reality they were dead. The Lord discerns between those who have kept their way pure and those who have defiled themselves. The church in Philadelphia is commended for enduring in faithfulness even though they has but little power; to them belong the promise of a new Jerusalem. The church in Laodicea is compared to the luke-warm water that was piped into the city: neither cold and refreshing nor hot and therapeutic. Their riches had deceived them into thinking they didn’t need to rely on the Lord. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/[email protected]