Message to Kings - A Biblical History of Man

When Mary arrives in Nazareth, Joseph is shocked and he decides to quietly end the engagement, but the angel Gabriel shows himself and reveals God's plan. As the due date for Jesus' birth approaches, Caesar Augustus issues a census calling everyone to return to the place of their birth. Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem where Jesus is born. In this episode, we cover our Christmas traditions and reveal how one of them could be more true than we ever imagine. Matthew 1:18-25Luke 2:1-38www.messagetokings.com

After Mary discovers she is pregnant with the Son of God, she rushes to see Elizabeth, who is six months pregnant with John the Baptist. When they come together, the Spirit of Elijah comes into proximity with the actual Spirit of God. In this episode, we cover the birth of John the Baptist and these occurrences in the spirit and their profound meaning to us today. Luke 1:26-80www.messagetokings.com

The Book of John begins with IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD. John's introduction in many ways is the fulfillment of the philosophical thought of the Logos. In this episode, we cover the concept of the Logos concluding with the reward of believing. Zechariah goes mute, while Mary receives the promise of promises. John 1:1-14Luke 1:1-25, 34, 38Philippians 2:6-7Hebrews 4:12www.messagetokings.com

We have arrived at the New Testament. In this episode, we cover additional background historical accounts, the distinct differences between gospel writers, touch-on additional context, Jesus' ministry, and the format of the future podcasts. Leviticus 23:3Matthew 12:11John 5:19Matthew 4:23John 21:15Ephesian 6:12John 1:1Colossians 1:15-20www.messagetokings.com

In ancient times, the scrolls of the torah and prophets were only available to the wealthy and the religious authorities. While the Greek education system of the day emphasized the gymnasium approach to learning, the Hebrew system placed significant emphasis on the memorization of the Torah and the books of the prophets. This filling of the word of God was tantamount in the education of youth.In this episode, Jannel Heaston and Rose Wittenmeyer (founder of memorize by the book - https://bythebookthebible.com) discuss the Hebrew culture and education of the youth in the ancient days and the power of memorizing the word. www.messagetokings.com

While Herod's reputation increases with Caesar Augustus and Rome, his reputation in Jerusalem deteriorates and intrigues within his family result in a murderous consuming fire of jealousy. In this episode, we cover the intrigues in the court of Jerusalem and the devastation Herod brings upon his own family and his people. Proverbs 10:6-8www.messagetokings.com

In the year 12BC, a blazing comet appears in the night skies. Its Haley's comet which appears every generation. We know the Magi have been watching the skies for a sign, a sign in the heavens, pointing them toward a new king. Haley's comet will not be the sign they are looking for, but they are looking... In this episode, we cover the history of Haley's comet throughout history and its parallels to changes in principalities, the events of Rome, and a modern Christmas Star that will show its brightness on the evening of December 21, 2020. Psalm 8:1-5Genesis 1:14Psalm 19:1-4Number 6:23-27www.messagetokings.com

Around this time, a baby is born in Bethlehem named Joseph. He will eventually move to Nazareth and live west of the Sea of Galilee. In this episode, we cover village life in Nazareth and the feasts of Israel and their meaning. Deuteronomy 16:16-17Romans 5:6Hebrews 10:4-10Daniel 11:32Mark 16:15-18John 14:121 John 4:4www.messagetokings.com

Once Herod established his rule in Jerusalem, he pursued a massive building campaign erecting palaces, fortresses and harbors. His grand project was the beautification of Jerusalem, the terraforming of the city and the rebuilding of the temple mount. 2 John 2:20www.messagetokings.com

After the death of the assassins of Caesar and the Battle of Philippi, the 2nd Triumvirate divides up the Roman world. Lepidus repetitively gets sidelined and a power struggle erupts between Octavian and Marc Anthony. The clash not only decides the first man in Rome, but also sets in motion monumental changes to Roman society. In this episode, we cover the death of the republic and a warning for America. www.messagetokings.com

The Second Triumvirate is formed to hunt down the assassins of Julius Caesar. The entire Roman world becomes engulfed in a Civil War and chaos reigns in Jerusalem. Herod Antipitar is poisoned and Parthians invade Judah. Herod Antipitar's son named Herod as well flees to Rome. In Rome, he is named 'King of the Jews' by the Roman Senate and with Roman support retakes Judah. Matthew 2:2John 19:20www.messagetokings.com

On March 27, 2020, the astronomical telescope Neowise discovered a comet approaching our solar system. The comet was named after the telescope and continued toward the sun. On July 3rd, it was expected to burn up as it rounded the sun. Instead, it continued its orbit and continues on its path. Today, it is visible in many parts of the earth. In this podcast, we consider the potential of this comet being a sign and its meaning to us today. Could it be God is calling out for us pray for new wisdom?Psalm 19:1-4Genesis 1:14James 3:17James 1:5Mark 2:22Matthew 13:52Proverbs 1:20Ephesians 1:17www.messagetokings.com

Civil War breaks out over the Roman Republic between Julius Caesar and the Republicans. Julius Caesar defeats Pompey and chases him to Egypt where he is saved by Herod, who receives great favor and honor. In this episode, we cover the Roman Civil War, the Rise of Herod and Caesar's eventual assassination. Matthew 1:16www.messagetokings.com

Julius Caesar forms the first triumvirate and partners with Crassus and Pompey and wins the consulship of Rome in 59BC. His actions during his consulship earn him many enemies. To avoid legal action, he takes on a proconsulship of Northern Italy and invades Gaul. In a campaign that will last eight years, he takes Gaul, modern France, for Rome. Meanwhile, the Parthians defeat Crassus and the Parthians advance towards Jerusalem and Herod rises in power. We conclude this episode with a comparison of the Roman quest for power to the humble state of our savior. Luke 2:25-37Psalm 37:35-36Galatians 5:19-26www.messagetokings.com

In this episode, we layer in the characters of the first triumpharant and the decline of the Hasmonean kingdom. Caesar rises in influence and bows his knee to ambition. Crassus destroys the armies of Spartacus and Pompey takes Hispania, Pontus, and Judah for Rome. www.messagetokings.com

In light of current events, we are pausing our standard broadcasts to give a Christian Historical response to the Coronavirus or COVID-19. Join us as we cover Biblical and historical examples of viruses and plagues and how David and others in the word have stood firm in the midst of these trials.Psalm 91:1-7Philippians 4:82 Timothy 1:7Romans 12:2John 10:10Numbers 16:48Ezekiel 22:30www.messagetokings.com

In this episode, we cover the Hasmonean Kingdom and its first kings and we shift our accounts to cover the greater geopolitical scene. The Kingdom of Pontus is on the rise, the Seleucids are losing power and Rome faces its greatest internal threats with the fractious events between Marius and Sulla which provide the blueprint for the destruction of the Roman Republic. www.messagetokings.com

Judas Maccabee counter-attacks and expands the Jewish borders, but the Seleucids keep coming. Year after year, war exhausts the nation and the people. Judas approves a treaty with Rome in order to prevent the invasions. Unfortunately, the treaty backfires and the Seleucids invade and Judas dies in battle and the Roman alliance remains. In this episode, we cover the start of the Hasmonean Kingdom and the Alliance with Rome. www.messagetokings.com

Happy HanukkahAfter a failed campaign against the Romans, Antiochus Epiphanes burns with anger and takes his anger out on the Jews. He defiles the temple and abuses the Jewish people which leads to an uprising. In this episode, we cover the revolt led by Judas Maccabee and his recapture of Jerusalem and the cleansing of the temple. Daniel 11:29-321 Book of Maccabees

Upon the conclusion fo the First Punic War, Hamilcar Barca forces his son Hannibal to swear his vengeance on Rome. He gets his vengeance when he attacks Saguntum in Iberia, modern Spain. In turn, Rome declares war on Carthage and Hannibal marches on Rome. In this episode, we cover Hannibal's crossing of the Alps, the Battle of Cannae and the 2nd Punic War. www.messagetokings.com

With the evacuation of Pyrrhus from the Italian Peninsula and Sicily, the inevitable conflict breaks out between Carthage and Rome. The conflict rages for over 20 years and the loss of life and naval forces only shows the great power, wealth and persistence of Rome and the inevitable destruction of the descendants of Jezebel.

To the west, a powerful nation state was coming into being. In this episode, we cover the rise of the Roman Republic, the Samnite Wars, the innovation of the legions and the Wars with Pyrrhus. Daniel 2:31-43www.messagetokings.com

After the death of Alexander, four of his generals and their descendants split his empire. One of them, Ptolemy, founded a great library in Alexandria. The library had the goal of collecting all of the known literary works of Antiquity. One of their projects was the Septuagint, the translation of the Hebrew Old Testament scrolls into Greek. By the time of the New Testament, the Septuagint will become the scripture of choice for the New Testament writers. Daniel 8www.messagetokings.com

After the collapse of the Athenian Democracy, innovation moves north. In the state of Macedon, King Philip grows in power and innovates his military. He has a son whose name is Alexander and he is a genius. In a remarkably short amount of time, Alexander becomes King of Greece and invades Persia and becomes the Goat and first king of Daniel Chapter 8.Daniel 8:2-21

How Thucydides Saved AmericaThe Golden Age of Greece is marked by great innovation. We cover a list of Greek accomplishments and the rise of Athens as the leading power in Greece leading into the Peloponnesian War and its devastating fall. Thucydides is our chief historian of the war and his histories educate future students of history on the lessons of the rise and fall of the first democracy. www.messagetokings.com

Without a king, the Levitical priest becomes a target of corruption. Continuing the poor trend in the book of Ezra and Nehemiah, the Levites continue twisting the Law of Moses. Malachi concludes the Old Testament with the promise of John the Baptist and a day of judgment. The Book of MalachiExodus 20:12www.messagetokings.com

Join us for a special listener supported audio drama on Nehemiah and the Walls of Jerusalem Aftershow. Credits:John Gillis: NehemiahBrett Heaston: Haniah, King ArtaxerxesJannel Heaston: King Artaxerxes' WifeMadelyn Heaston: Shallum, ElizabethRuss Stewart: Captain Gersheb, GeshemJoshua Taylor: Hanun, Shemaiah, Sanballat, Trumpeteer, MessengerMr Harris: ShallunRenee Harris: Shallun's WifeSimeon Harris: SimeonDan Tomandl: Ezra, TobiahSpecial Thanks to Ryan Amon of City of Fallen for his use of tracks from his Divinus Album on this podcast special.

Join us for a special listener supported audio drama on Nehemiah and the Walls of Jerusalem. Credits:John Gillis: NehemiahBrett Heaston: Haniah, King ArtaxerxesJannel Heaston: King Artaxerxes' WifeMadelyn Heaston: Shallum, ElizabethRuss Stewart: Captain Gersheb, GeshemJoshua Taylor: Hanun, Shemaiah, Sanballat, Trumpeteer, MessengerMr Harris: ShallunRenee Harris: Shallun's WifeSimeon Harris: SimeonDan Tomandl: Ezra, TobiahSpecial Thanks to Ryan Amon of City of Fallen for his use of tracks from his Divinus Album on this podcast special.

Join us for a special listener supported audio drama on Nehemiah and the Walls of Jerusalem. Credits:John Gillis: NehemiahBrett Heaston: Haniah, King ArtaxerxesJannel Heaston: King Artaxerxes' WifeMadelyn Heaston: Shallum, ElizabethRuss Stewart: Captain Gersheb, GeshemJoshua Taylor: Hanun, Shemaiah, Sanballat, Trumpeteer, MessengerMr Harris: ShallunRenee Harris: Shallun's WifeSimeon Harris: SimeonDan Tomandl: Ezra, TobiahSpecial Thanks to Ryan Amon of City of Fallen for his use of tracks from his Divinus Album on this podcast special.

Join us for a special listener supported audio drama on Nehemiah and the Walls of Jerusalem. Credits:John Gillis: NehemiahBrett Heaston: Haniah, King ArtaxerxesJannel Heaston: King Artaxerxes' WifeMadelyn Heaston: Shallum, ElizabethRuss Stewart: Captain Gersheb, GeshemJoshua Taylor: Hanun, Shemaiah, Sanballat, Trumpeteer, MessengerMr Harris: ShallunRenee Harris: Shallun's WifeSimeon Harris: SimeonDan Tomandl: Ezra, TobiahSpecial Thanks to Ryan Amon of City of Fallen for his use of tracks from his Divinus Album on this podcast special.

The work on the wall continues. Despite opposition and death threats on every side, Nehemiah pressed toward his great engineering work and completion. Remember me with favor, oh God. Nehemiah 4-12John 14:12www.messagetokings.com

When the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes learns that his homeland has lost its autonomy and it is being overlorded by local kingdoms, he mourns for his nation and intercedes for his people. The result is Nehemiah's commissioned journey to Jerusalem and his assignment to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In this episode, we cover Nehemiah's assignment and the concept of city walls to us today. Nehemiah 1-3Proverbs 4:23Matthew 5:82 Timothy 1:6www.messagetokings.com

The Priest Ezra led another thousand Jews back to Israel from Babylon. In addition, he carried millions in treasure unarmed across the wilderness. In this episode, we cover the priest Ezra, his journey and his public repentance for the sin of Israel. Ezra 7-10www.messagetokings.com

In the second part of his life, the prophet Zechariah had profound visions and encounters regarding the Messiah. In this episode, we discuss prophecy and his profound revelations. Zechariah 9-14www.messagetokings.com

Esther runs to the throne of King Xerxes to petition for her people. She receives not only her heart's cry, but favorable justice and favor and blessing and honor. In the episode, we conclude the story of Esther and parallel her petition with other Bible heroes. Esther 5-10www.messagetokings.com

After the Persian Wars, Xerxes returned to Susa. Soonafter, he divorces his wife and he issues a decree to find a new wife. The result was Esther, a Jew, becoming Queen of Persia. Unaware of her heritage, Haman, the Grande Vizer, devises a plan to conduct a genocide of the Jewish people. Esther conducts a fast and prepares to confront the king. Ester 1-4www.messagetokings.com

While Israel was being rebuilt as a nation, the second phase of the Persian Wars continues. In this episode, we cover the battles of Salamis and Plataea.www.messagetokings.com

King Xerxes of Persia starts the second round of the Persian Wars. King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans conduct a last stand at Thermopylae. In this episode, we cover one of Ancient History's most famous battles and discuss historical parallels and principals of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10-17Psalms 91:7Psalms 23:4-5Romans 8:35-39www.messagetokings.com

Near the end of the reign of Darius of Persia, he commands one of his armies to invade Greece. Darius landed one of his armies at the Bay of Marathon and the Athenians marched out to confront them. The result was the battle of Marathon, an embarrassment to the Persians and the beginning of a generation of hostilities between the Persians and the Greek city-states. Guest Messenger: Joshua Taylorwww.messagetokings.com

During the same time as the invention of Democracy, the concept of self-governance is spreading throughout Europe. Rome overthrows its king and invents its own form of government with checks and balances. In this episode, we cover the history of Rome until this time period and the invention of the Republic. Guest Messenger: Brant Frostwww.messagetokings.com

The Persian Empire and the city states of Greece are about to be involved in an all-out war. This all-out war will leave a very rich historical trail with references even into our modern day. Leading up to this conflict, we discuss the history of Greece, specifically Athens, and the invention of Democracy. Guest Messenger: Brant Frostwww.messagetokings.com

During the resettlement, God sent another prophet to Israel. His name is Zechariah and he brings great encouragement, vision and revelation to Israel. In this episode, we cover the early prophecies of Zechariah. Zechariah 1-8www.messagetokings.com

Six years into the temple project, the Jews faced legal opposition. This legal opposition occurred at the time of the death of Cyrus by Queen Tomyris of the Massagetae. In this episode, we cover the death of Cyrus, the opposition to the building project and the completion of the second temple. Ezra 4-6www.messagetokings.com

On the day of Cyrus' decree, the nation of Israel was reborn. Beginning with the resettlement of the nation by over forty-thousand, Ezra recounts their story with the voice of prophets dispersed all along the length of the resettlement time period. The first of the prophets was Haggai and his message starts with the rebuilding of the temple as a highest priority. Ezra 1-3The Book of Haggaiwww.messagetokings.com

At the end of Daniel's life, he had an extensive vision and encounter and prophecy of the inter-testament time period and a parallel of the end of the age. Daniel 10-12www.messagetokings.com

After seventy years of exile, Daniel recognized the prophetic time he lived in. Praying God's promises and repenting for the sins of his people, Daniel demonstrates what national intercession and standing in the gap looks like. Daniel 9Jeremiah 25:9-142 Chronicles 36:22–23www.messagetokings.com

King Darius had in mind to appoint Daniel as the chief administrator of the Persian Empire. The other administrators and satraps were jealous of Daniel. Tricking King Darius, the administrators and satraps got him to agree to a law to have anyone who worshipped anyone besides the king to be put to death. In this episode, we cover what happens when Daniel refuses to worship anyone but God. Daniel 6Isaiah 54:17Matthew 23:12Philippians 1:12Psalms 23:5

Five years after the capture of Lydia, Cyrus invades Babylon. He is stopped by its enormous city walls. As documented by Herodotus, Cyrus makes a bold move diverting the Euphrates River. During the attack, Daniel documents the events surrounding the King of Babylon's feast and the writing on the wall. Daniel 5Isaiah 47Isaiah 44:27www.messagetokings.com

In the location of modern Western Turkey, the Kingdom of Lydia bordered the Empire of Persia. Its ruler was Croesus and he was world renown for his wealthy and happiness. In this episode, we see what worldly wealth and happiness does in the hands of a man submitted to idols and their prophecies. Proverbs 16:18www.messagetokings.com

In the third year of King Belshazzar, Daniel had a vision. In this vision, Daniel sees a vision of a Ram and a Goat. The Ram represents Persia and the Goat represents Greece. In addition, we are introduced to another end times parallel. This time, the parallel is the antichrist himself. Daniel 82 Corinthians 12:2www.messagetokings.com