Mourning Babylon || Revelation 18:9-19

What does our grief reveal about what we truly value? In Revelation 18:9-19, J. Mark Horst examines the mourning that follows the fall of Babylon and the destruction of its wealth, power, and luxury. Kings, merchants, and workers all mourn because they have lost the riches and pleasures they built their lives around. As we consider their response, we’re challenged to examine our own priorities and ask whether we are invested in the wealth and pleasures of this world but or in the true riches found in Christ.
Who is Jesus? || Mark 12:35-37

Jesus poses profound questions that illuminate His identity and engage us in a thought-provoking exploration. In this episode, J. Mark Horst explores Mark 12:35-37, where we see that Jesus is more than a human descendant of David—He is Lord, fully God and fully man. But “Who is Jesus?” is not merely a theological question, it is personal: Who is Jesus to you?
The Fall of Babylon || Revelation 18:1-8

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.
The Greatest Commandment || Mark 12:28-34

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.”
Mystery Babylon: Part 2 || Revelation 17

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!
The God of the Living || Mark 12:18-27

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.”
Mystery Babylon: Part 1 || Revelation 17

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 […]
Kingdom Currency || Mark 12:13-17

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?
Torments of God’s Wrath: Part 2 || Revelation 16:12-21

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.
Check Your Privilege || Mark 12:1-12

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.