The Voice of Hope

In this episode, J. Mark explores Revelation 5:1-7, where the sealed scroll is revealed by the Sovereign God. This scroll is God’s complete plan for history and redemption, and no one is worthy to open its seal. As John weeps over humanity’s hopelessness, Jesus—the Lamb who was slain—steps forward as the only One worthy to open the scroll. Join us as we see how Christ’s victory qualifies Him to unfold God’s plan, bringing judgment, redemption, and the promise of Eden restored.

John is given a glimpse of heaven in Revelation 4:1-11. In this episode, the scene shifts from Christ’s messages to the churches to John’s glimpse into God’s throne room and unsurpassed glory. J. Mark walks through John’s encounter by examining its purpose, its perfection, and its participants and reveals why it matters to us today. Transcript My wife, Joyce, and I enjoy traveling. We’ve visited many states in the US and a few provinces in Canada. We’ve also traveled to other countries. We’ve marveled at the beauty of the Himalayas in Nepal, the seashore in Ghana, and Iguazu Falls in Brazil. […]

In this second part of “The Church of Dangerous Delusion”, we continue our study of the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22. Though this church is lukewarm and blind to its own spiritual condition, Jesus provides a path forward to restoration, which is outlined in his exhortation and compensation. In this last episode examining the churches in Revelation, we are called to reflect on our own spiritual temperature and the promise given to those who overcome. Chapters (00:00:00) - Revelation: The Voice of Hope(00:02:19) - the Church of the Laodiceans(00:03:56) - Message of Exhortation to the Church at Laodice(00:12:13) - Jesus at the Door(00:21:18) - 7 Letters to the 7 Churches of Revelation(00:27:03) - The Door of My Heart

How does someone become spiritually delusional? In this episode, we turn to Revelation 3:14-22 and Jesus’ sobering message to the church in Laodicea. In this episode, we see a church trapped in a dangerous self-deception having turned away from the truth. They found comfort in materiel wealth and were in danger of rejecting Jesus. In this first part of the study on Laodicea, J. Mark reflects on Jesus’ accusations and the danger of becoming lukewarm in your faith.

Our study today comes from Revelation 3:7-13, Jesus’ message to the church in Philadelphia. Unlike most of the other churches in Revelation, Jesus offers no condemnation, only praise. Despite their small numbers and limited influence, the believers in Philadelphia were commended for keeping His word and remaining loyal to His name. This passage powerfully highlights the enduring importance of devotion and faithfulness to Christ.  Chapters (00:00:00) - The Church of Notable Devotion(00:05:05) - Crucified Words of Jesus to the Church(00:06:33) - The Message to the Church in Philadelphia(00:12:24) - Jesus' Words of Commendation to the Church at Philadelphia(00:22:10) - The Overcomers(00:25:33) - In a Little While We're Going Home

In this episode, J. Mark explores Jesus’ message to the church in Sardis from Revelation 3:1-6. He unpacks the historical and spiritual context of the church and explains what Jesus’ words would have meant to the believers there. Sardis was a wealthy city, and the church had a strong reputation for good works, but Jesus saw beyond the outward appearance and declared that the church was spiritually dying. This lesson challenges us to reflect on how Jesus’ evaluation of Sardis applies to our own lives today.

In this episode, J Mark examines Jesus’ letter to the church at Thyatira found in Revelation 2:18-29. Although this church was known for its love and perseverance, some believers had become captivated by deception and were drifting toward spiritual danger. Jesus addresses the seriousness of their compromise, warning them of judgment if they do not repent, while also encouraging those who remain faithful. This lesson explores Christ’s message to Thyatira through four key elements: the commendation, the accusation, the exhortation, and the compensation.

Merry Christmas! During this special time of year, we worship God for sending his Son to live among us—”The word became flesh and dwelt among us.” In this episode, we celebrate the birth of the Savior with a variety of musical selections that focus on different aspects of His coming to earth as a baby. So, I invite you to sit back, worship, and ponder the meaning of the Incarnation. Transcript Bold titles are song titles. Tiny King Thank you, men. Music is a wonderful gift that God has given to us. Music expresses the whole range of human emotions, […]

In this sermon, we study the Scriptural warnings of Revelation 2:12-17 concerning the church in Pergamum and the dangers of compromise. Learn how Jesus, who identifies Himself as the one with the sharp two-edged sword representing the power of His Word, calls the congregation to repentance away from the teachings of the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, promising the hidden manna and a white stone to those who overcome. Transcript Some of you from my generation (I was born in 1958) recognize the name, Keith Green. Before his conversion, his life was characterized by sex, drugs, and rock and […]

Persecution of those who are godly goes all the way back to Cain and Abel. While persecution of believers has ebbed and flowed throughout history, it has always been a constant reality. Our episode today, “The Church of Faithful Endurance,” focused on the text, Revelation 2:8-11. In this study, we come to the words of Jesus addressed to the suffering saints in the church at Smyrna. These words were an encouragement to the believers in Smyrna and can be an encouragement to us today. Transcript It’s winter, January 23, 1539, and Anna Jansz and a female companion had been accused […]

Small instances of neglect, disrespect, and a lack of meaningful communication can bring a marriage to a breaking point. What is true of marriage is also true in our relationship with Jesus. It takes daily care, attention, and discipline to develop a growing, lasting, life-giving connection. If we neglect these things, we will find the relationship withering on the vine. That’s what happened to the group of Believers in ancient Ephesus. They left their first love. Their predicament is presented to us in Revelation 2:1-7, the text for our study today. Today’s teaching is titled “The Church of Vanishing Affection.” […] Chapters (00:00:00) - The Church of Vanishing Affection(00:09:23) - Jesus' Commendation at Ephesus(00:13:11) - The Leaving of First Love(00:16:37) - The Words of Exhortation in the Gospel(00:21:07) - The Letter to the Church of Vanishing Affection

Jesus instructed John to “write the things which you have seen, the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” In today’s section of Scripture, John sees Jesus manifested in several different ways—he sees Christ in glory. The glory of Christ is a main theme in the Book of Revelation, and it is the focus of today’s teaching. In Revelation 1:9-20, we are given a picture of “The Glorified Christ.” Together, let’s observe the several manifestations of that glory and bow before Him in worship. “When all else fails, read the instructions.” This well-known saying reveals […] Chapters (00:00:00) - The Book of Revelation(00:05:34) - The Glorified Christ(00:12:40) - The Message of Revelation(00:13:54) - Revelation 3, Symbolism(00:21:31) - 7 golden lampstands in Revelation(00:26:38) - Behold, What A Way of Man Is He?

Take a moment to think about your possessions. What is the most enduring tangible thing you own? How long will it last? In 2 Peter 3:10, we’re told, “both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” In contrast, the Psalmist stated, “Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven.” That is the nature of God’s Word. As Christ-followers, we can have absolute confidence that we truly have “A Word from God.” That is the title of my teaching on Revelation 1:4-8. Transcript John is writing a letter to seven churches in Asia Minor. […]

Thinking about the book of Revelation, God’s last book, reminds us that last words are often cherished words. As Believers, we revere Jesus’ final words after His resurrection but before He ascended to heaven. In the book of Revelation, we find the final words of Jesus, included in the canon of Holy Scripture. They are words given to us after His earthly ministry was completed and He had ascended to His Father. In Revelation, He has a final message for us. The opening verses are a fitting introduction to “God’s Last Book.” Revelation 1:1-3 offers us several insights into the […] Chapters (00:00:00) - Beautiful Words, Wonderful Words of Life(00:03:44) - The Book of Revelation(00:08:47) - The Revelation of Jesus(00:15:12) - The Book of Revelation(00:24:36) - Revelation: The Last Book(00:25:11) - Revelation: My World, the World of Sam

With this episode of The Voice of Hope, we’re beginning a new series of study from the last book of the Bible, the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Some people are intrigued by the Book of Revelation; some are scared by it. Others, because they’re not sure what to do with it, ignore the book completely. In this episode, J Mark introduces Revelation, defines key terms, and discusses how many people interpret it. Join us in “Introduction to the Book of Revelation.” Transcript With this episode of The Voice of Hope, we’re beginning a new series of study from the last book of […] Chapters (00:00:00) - I'm On The Intangible Rock(00:01:39) - End Times in the Book of Revelation(00:03:05) - Prophecy and The End of the World(00:10:48) - Six Views of Eschatology in Christianity(00:12:27) - Millennialism, Historical Premillennialism and Postmillennial(00:21:26) - Are You Ready for the Wedding?(00:24:53) - Be Strong In The Faith

This episode wraps up our study of Jonah, and the theme has been the hearts. We have reflected on the heart of God, the heart of the sailors, the heart of the Ninevites, and the heart of Jonah. Today, we turn our gaze inward and look at our own hearts. The author of this book does a fantastic job of grabbing the person reading and giving them a good shake. We look at the lessons that Jonah has for us as a church and ask ourselves some questions: What about me? Is my heart like God’s? What has captured my […] Chapters (00:00:00) - When the Glory of the Living God Breakthrough Through the Tomb(00:03:24) - The Book of Jonah(00:06:27) - God's Heart in the Book of Jonah(00:09:39) - Applying the Words of Jonah to My Heart(00:10:35) - What Has Captivated My Heart?(00:13:38) - Jonah's Ninevites(00:16:55) - The Book of Jonah(00:18:35) - Book of Jonah(00:21:41) - The Call to Repentance in The Book of Jonah(00:24:07) - The Book of Jonah

In this passage of Jonah, we see the prophet furious that God forgave the Ninevites. In contrast, we see God respond with patience and compassion toward Jonah. What was going on in Jonah’s heart in Jonah 4:1-11 ? It seems Jonah believed he had been forgiven only a little. Like Jonah, we tend towards self-justification. But the truth is that our sins are great, and we have all been forgiven much. The question is: do I believe I’m not that bad and have only been forgiven a little? Or do I recognize that I’ve been forgiven a lot? Transcript Remember […] Chapters (00:00:00) - What Jesus Did For the Soul(00:05:48) - Jonah 3: How Much Have You Been forgiven?(00:10:04) - Jonah's Angry Reaction to the Forgiving of Nineveh(00:16:21) - God's Attempt to Reach the Hard Heart of Jonah(00:22:05) - The Book of Jonah(00:24:17) - How Much Have You Been Forgiven?(00:26:11) - Herald of Hope Mission(00:27:15) - Pilgrims

Have you ever found yourself wondering if God hears? This is a question that reaches to the core of who we are. Does God hear? Nineveh, a wicked city, gets God’s attention, and He hears. They cried out to God, and He showed them His incredible, life-changing mercy. What did the Ninevites do to get God’s attention? As we look at Jonah 3:1-10, I see four things they did which we still need to do today.  These actions—believing, humbling, crying, and repenting—are things we need to continue doing all our lives. Transcript Have you ever found yourself wondering if God hears? This is a question that reaches to the core of who we are. Does God hear? Does God […] Chapters (00:00:00) - The People of Nineveh(00:03:49) - Jonah(00:07:46) - Jonah Go to Nineveh(00:14:41) - The Ninevites: Humility(00:20:21) - Crying'mightily' unto God(00:21:37) - Reverend Arlan

Are you in a pit? We all go through hard times, and being in a pit is challenging. These seasons test our faith and prompt us to wrestle with profound questions about God and ourselves. In Jonah 1:17-3:1, Jonah is in the belly of the fish—his pit. He is at his lowest point, physically and spiritually. He chose a path away from God. The good news is that God’s heart is for all people, and he wasn’t out to destroy Jonah. In Jonah’s pit, God gets Jonah’s attention, and his response shows us what we should do when we are in a pit. We […] Chapters (00:00:00) - As I Went Down in the River to Prayer(00:03:57) - Jonah's Response to His Pit(00:08:43) - Jonah's Prayer in the Storm(00:15:04) - Jonah the Tankard: Believe!(00:20:25) - Jonah's Second Refusal(00:26:48) - Voice of Hope: The God of the Good Times

Throughout Jonah 1:5-16, we see how the prophet Jonah said one thing but lived another. However, the pagan sailors, who did not know God, were sensitive to Him and worshipped him genuinely. On this episode, “The Heart of the Sailors,” we see how the sailors’ response to their fears shows Jonah who He should be. It challenges us to be authentic and to ask ourselves the question, “Who really am I?” Transcript We’ve been journeying through the incredible book of Jonah, and today, is our third episode. Our focus today is a deeply personal and a somewhat uncomfortable question: Who […] Chapters (00:00:00) - Jonah Gets Called Out(00:02:59) - Jonah: Who Really Are You?(00:05:23) - Jonah(00:10:17) - Jonah's Fall from Grace(00:16:23) - Jonah vs the sailors(00:22:14) - The Three Fears of God(00:25:02) - Jonah, Real Enough for God(00:27:33) - Heralds of Hope