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.
As we continue in our study of Revelation, we come to Revelation 15, which offers a glimpse behind the curtain of the preparations before the bowl judgments occur. J. Mark studies this passage, examining the scenes of the seven angels preparing God’s final judgments, saints worshipping the Lamb through meaningful song, and the glory of God filling His temple. Through these dramatic scenes, we discover God’s solemn warnings to repent and hear a call to worship the King before the day of His judgment arrives.
In this episode, J. Mark dives into Mark 11:22-26, where Jesus commands His disciples to “have faith in God.” Discover the essential components of effective prayer: making God the object of your faith, trusting His will with authentic belief, and maintaining a heart that freely forgives. This passage challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith and how it shapes our prayer life.
In this episode, J. Mark explores Revelation 14, where we see the Bible’s picture of the coming harvest. He explains the significance of the 144,000—firstfruits of the redeemed, the messages of the three angels, and the final harvest of the earth. Throughout this passage, we see how God preserves His people while extending one final call to repentance before His judgment comes. This episode challenges us to consider which harvest we will be a part of.
Why were the Pharisees threatened by Jesus? In this episode, J. Mark studies Mark 11:12–21, where Jesus repeatedly confronts the religious system of His day. Through the cursing of the fig tree, the cleansing of the temple, and the religious leaders’ plot to kill Him, Jesus exposes a fruitless religion that looked righteous on the outside but lacked true devotion to God. This episode challenges us to examine our own faith and ask whether our religion is merely outward or reflects genuine obedience to Christ.
