The Yellow Balloons Podcast

In this episode, we continue to explore the function of biblical prophecy. Too often, prophecy is repackaged for a specific agenda rather than the truth for which it was designed. The Pharisees misinterpreted the prophetic literature about Jesus. How can we learn from their mistakes? Our agendas of interpretation and desire for control can become obstacles for seeing the true message of prophecy. True prophetic interpretation is our ability to see past what we want the prophecy to say in order to see what it was intended to say.

In this episode, we explore what Biblical prophetic messaging reveals about the concept of hell. The world has created its own caricature of hell. It is prevalent in today’s culture. How does this stack up with the Biblical view? Scripture is diverse in its treatment of the concept of hell, using various words and ideas to describe the place we think of as hell. Where is the truth and what can we learn by exploring the prophetic descriptions in the Bible?

In this episode, we continue to explore the language and ideas The Bible uses to describe hell, particularly in the New Testament. Then we move on to investigate how personal sin interacts with these ideas. Sin is a bad idea. It is not productive. it leads to death, in many forms. Much of the Biblical history of prophecy is to warn us of the dangers and inefficiency of sin. And to present us with a better way.

In this episode, we continue to explore the description, imagery, and teachings of spiritual realms. We begin with a focus on the use of “hades” and “sheol” in the Biblical text. Then we explore the modern notion of heaven as a golden ticket to paradise. How do the modern notions compare with Biblical reality? We will talk through the differences, the similarities, and the lessons therein. The way we perceive these heavenly realms impacts the way we live our daily life on this Earth, the most immediate of the spiritual realms.

In this episode, we continue our study on how The Bible talks about hell. We begin by exploring the usages of fire and the lake of fire. Fire is often associated with a process of purifying. Ultimately, we conclude that sin does not pay––now or in eternity. God will purify us of all unrighteousness, either now or at his throne. The main point of all Biblical prophecy is to make us aware of this reality, allow God to change us now, and encourage us to choose God in this life rather than face Him unprepared in the next.

In this episode, we conclude our overview of the way Scripture treats the concept of Hell. We address some big and weighty topics, including universalism, the current state of Sheol, and Heaven as a real place. We will also talk about the rapture, looking closely at the book of 1 Thessalonians in which the apostle Paul tells the church about what is coming and how to be prepared for it. We conclude with a discussion on the will of God and how all of these things work toward an invitation to participate in God’s deep desire for us.

In this episode, we continue to study the epistles to the Thessalonians, with particular attention on how they relate to the afterlife and the rapture. We discuss Paul’s source of knowledge and inspiration. These prophetic lessons and imagery are tools. They are meant to encourage us all to live lives full of urgency, taking every day as an opportunity to live by faith.

In this episode, we turn to the book of Revelation to uncover some surety in the midst of a lot of mystery. As we continue our look into the history of prophecy, we explore what it looks like to discern and steward what we can and trust God with what we cannot. Unpacking the scriptures in Revelation, we find that we can be sure about what it means to overcome. Beyond that, we can trust that God is in control and his justice will prevail. The aim of prophecy is not to tell us what we cannot know but to help us steward what we can.

In this episode, we continue to explore future events as revealed through the pages of Scripture, focusing on what we can be sure about. We discuss the rejuvenation of Jerusalem, the keeping of God’s promises to the Jewish people, and the millennial kingdom. If we read, hear, and do we shall overcome whatever trials, temptations, and uncertainties might otherwise plague us. Prophecy is a great gift for clarifying what is ours to steward.

In this episode, we begin to explore what The Bible says about the coming of the New Jerusalem. What does it mean for heaven and earth to pass away  and what will come in its place? As we answer this question, we will unpack how the New Jerusalem relates to the bride of Christ. We will examine, to the best of our ability, the physical realities of the new heaven and the new earth. Finally, we wrap up by looking at the role of the temple in the newness to come and what all of this means for our present age.