In this study of Revelation 18:1-8, J. Mark Horst examines the fall of Babylon, a city that represents corrupted world systems. This episode outlines the processes God will use to accomplish Babylon’s ultimate destruction. We see how God’s patience and mercy extend to all people, calling everyone to turn to Christ and separate from the world’s corruption.
In this episode, J. Mark Horst examines Jesus’ interaction with a scribe in Mark 12:28-34 and explores the greatest commandment: to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbors as yourself. Rather than reducing faith to a list of rules or religious duties, Jesus shows that God wants a relationship with us that transforms our lives. J. Mark also considers how our love for God flows into love for others. This episode reminds us that our hope is found in Jesus, the One who selflessly fulfilled “The Greatest Commandment.”
In part 2 of studying Revelation 17, J. Mark outlines the succession of world kingdoms leading to the final earthly kingdom and the relationship between Mystery Babylon and these kingdoms. Throughout history, this woman, the purveyor of false religion, has empowered the empires of the world. In the end, those she had nurtured turn on her with vicious hatred that is divinely placed in their hearts. This passage reveals how false religion will be eradicated once and for all!
What happens after we die? In this episode, J. Mark Horst studies Mark 12:18–27, where the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, try to trap Jesus with a question about marriage in the afterlife. Instead, Jesus exposes their faulty beliefs through the testimony of Jesus and the testimony of Moses. He reveals the truth of the resurrection and points to God’s declaration that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, declaring that He is “not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.”
In this episode of The Voice of Hope, J. Mark Horst begins an in-depth study of Revelation 17:1-18, where we see the mystery of Babylon. J. Mark explores why Babylon is depicted as a harlot and examines the history and symbolism behind this image. He explores the relationship between false religion and the world’s political […]
In this episode of Hope for Today, J. Mark Horst explores Jesus’ encounter with the religious leaders that led to His statement, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Looking at Mark 12:13–17, J. Mark examines three dangerous aspects of misplaced loyalty to earthly kingdoms: political expediency, willful disobedience, and divided allegiance. While we live in earthly kingdoms, followers of Christ belong to a greater Kingdom. How should we respond when the values of this world conflict with the priorities of God’s Kingdom?
In this second part of studying Revelation 16, J. Mark Horst examines the final two bowl judgments poured out during the Great Tribulation. In Revelation 16:12–21, we see the Euphrates River dry up, and the nations gather at Armageddon for “the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” J. Mark explores the meaning of these final judgments as God brings them to completion with the declaration, “It is done.” This passage reveals that the world is being brought before Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, for His righteous judgment.
In this episode, J. Mark studies Mark 12:1–12 where Jesus tells the religious leaders the parable about the wicked tenants. Through this parable, Jesus exposes the religious leaders’ rejection of God’s authority and warns them of the consequences of their rebellion. This passage calls us to examine our own privilege, checking if we respond to His goodness with humble obedience, or if we are complacent and ungrateful.
In this episode, we study Revelation 16:1-11, the account of God’s messengers pouring out the bowl judgments onto those who worship the beast. In Part 1 of our study in Revelation 16, J. Mark Horst examines the first five bowl judgments and explains why God’s wrath is always righteous and just. As painful sores, blood-filled waters, scorching heat, and darkness and agony cover the earth, humanity continues to reject God rather than repent. This episode will challenge you to consider God’s judgment and the mercy He extends today through Jesus Christ.
Who has the authority to define truth, forgive sin, and call us to obedience?
In Mark 11:27-33, the religious leaders challenge Jesus with a simple question: “By what authority are You doing these things?” J. Mark explores what this encounter reveals about the foundation, delegation, and determination of true authority. We discover why all authority belongs to God which He entrusted to Jesus. This episode challenges us to reflect on if we have given Jesus authority over our lives.
