Relentless Truth with John Warren

John Warren

John extracts the truth from a wide range of topics revealing who God is, who we are and how we relate to each other.

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270 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes270

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Saturday · 38 min
They Did Not Repent and Give Him Glory
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes We continue to see the word “repent” in our study of Revelation. Even in the face of God’s wrath, those who reject Jesus Christ continue to refuse to repent. This hardness of heart is true of many today who reject Christ entirely and resolutely. In our eschatological section of Revelation, they actually blame God and curse Him. This isn’t passive opposition or apathy. This is aggressive, hardcore opposition to God. Repent The plagues that God uses to pour out His wrath on the earth include sores, the ultimate pollution of all water, darkness, an earthquake, and large hailstones. This is the wrath of God demonstrated in ways the earth has never seen. “It Is Done” After the seven plagues or bowls are poured out, God announces that “it is done.” This war to end all wars seems to end rather quickly. The plagues seem to come quickly – one after another. This period is unimaginable to us. It is filled with horror, and yet, God will protect those who are His. Praise God for His faithfulness to His nature even in the context of the pouring out of His wrath. God doesn’t suspend His love, mercy, and grace, but He demonstrates His just wrath. It is important for us to think about God rightly even as we consider this prophetical section of Scripture. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “As we continue our study in Revelation, we see the word “repent” repeated. However, even in the face of God’s wrath, those who reject Jesus Christ refuse to repent.” John Warren
July 28 · 15 min
Relentless Truth Extra-5-The Economy
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes Welcome to our fifth “extra” edition of Relentless Truth. The U.S. Economy is adjusting or resetting, and the data can be confusing. We unravel some of the mystery of the economy and talk about where we are headed in this midweek episode. God is sovereign over all disciplines, including the economy. But we are responsible for prudent planning and stewardship. We look at the primary economic indicators and interpret recent trends in this important episode of Relentless Truth. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview
July 25 · 44 min
God’s Truth Prevails
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes We look at Revelation 14 and 15 in this episode of Relentless Truth. God’s wrath is poured out on the earth, but those who are in Christ prevail in Him. The Gospel is eternal, and this section makes it clear that it endures forever and is unchanged. The Gospel Endures Forever We sometimes think of the study of eschatology as beyond the Gospel. This passage, and countless others, make clear the fact that the Gospel permeates all of time and all of Scripture. If you have heard the term “the Gospel” and don’t know what this references, please listen to this episode. I explain the Gospel clearly near the end of this episode. The Immensity of God’s Wrath Revelation 14 mentions blood flowing from the winepress as high as a horse’s bridle for 1600 stadia. I said early in the episode that I would explain this but failed to circle back to it. This appears to be a metaphorical reference to the earth’s bloody judgment. A stadia is about 600 feet. So, this reference is to blood flowing as high as a horse’s bridle for 184 miles. There has been much speculation about this – whether it references a river or boundary or the distance between two prominent points. But our understanding of this is limited. I believe this reference is designed to communicate the immensity of God’s wrath poured out on the earth. I don’t believe it provides enough detail to fully unpack. The Gospel of Jesus Christ and its simplicity are addressed clearly in the last few minutes of this episode. Please read Paul’s letter to the Romans and John’s Gospel for the biblical basis for my explanation of the Gospel. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “As we look at Revelation 14 and 15, we see God’s wrath poured out on the earth, but those who are in Christ prevail in Him.” John Warren
July 18 · 43 min
The Beast is Unveiled
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes In Revelation 12 and 13, we get a behind-the-scenes look at apocalyptic eschatological events. Seven characters are revealed, and John explains them rather clearly. The focus of these chapters includes Israel, Jesus Christ, Satan, the Beast, and the False Prophet. Seven Characters We see the beauty of God’s character even in this dramatic narrative. We see Him holding fast to those who are in Christ from before the foundation of the earth through the end of the earth and beyond. We see His justice and His victory over sin. The Power of Sin Sin’s control over this earth is temporal and fleeting. God is on the throne even when we feel as if we are surrounded by chaos. This behind-the-scenes look reveals the awfulness and power of sin, and it reveals the power and ultimate control of God. We can find comfort in this assurance. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “Revelation 12 and 13 presents 7 characters that John explains clearly. We see the beauty of God’s character even in this dramatic narrative.” John Warren
July 15 · 28 min
Technology is Destroying Us
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes This is our fourth midweek shorter-episode release. Our topic today sounds old-fashioned, but it is profound. Our relationships are hindered by technology, driving us into increased solitude. While we previously went to experienced, seasoned, and hopefully wise people for advice or information, we can now click on an app and at least get the technically correct answer. Sadly, we often miss the nuance and sometimes don’t even understand the solution. We are built for relationships. Even introverts starve for human interaction, whether they know it or not. We are built for community, and we both contribute to the well-being of others and are uplifted ourselves when we engage with people. Technology is a wonderful tool, but it is incomplete. Paul explains the role we play in each other’s lives in Romans 12. We can’t outdo each other in showing kindness if we aren’t interacting. I hope this shorter mid-week episode is encouraging. Let’s reach out to family and friends and communicate directly. Our wisdom and fulfillment will grow as a result. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview
July 11 · 39 min
Do We See the Majesty of God
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes Thank you for continuing to pray for my recovery from coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Recovery is going well, and God’s faithfulness is evident to us. Your encouraging notes and comments are a rich blessing. The Mystery of God We look at the mysteries of Revelation 10 and 11 in this episode of Relentless Truth. The passage begins with the description of a “mighty angel.” This ominous angel is described as wrapped in a cloud with a rainbow over his head. The metaphors in this passage suggest that this is a very large angel. A voice from heaven tells John not to write about the voice of the seven thunders. We don’t know what this is because John obeyed the voice from Heaven. John goes on to reference the mystery of God being revealed. This reminds us of Colossians, where Paul writes about the mystery of the Gospel being revealed to the Gentiles. There is much mystery, however, that isn’t as clear in eschatology. The Majesty of God We see the majesty of God in this two-chapter parenthetical section of Revelation. The beautiful plan of God, even in the display of His wrath against sin, is majestic. We see His glory as we make our way through this important but mysterious book of the Bible. The two people who prophecy on the earth during this time are raised from the dead after having been dead for several days. We see God’s immense power, and specifically, His power over death in this resurrection. Even death cannot thwart the purposes of God. Even death does not have control over His essence and attributes. The nations are judged, the heavenly Temple is opened, the kingdoms of the world have fallen, and the Lord. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “Revelation 10 and 11 is full of some mysteries of God as well as the glorious majesty of God. We see God’s immense power and specifically, His power over death.” John Warren
July 4 · 44 min
God’s Justice and Wrath
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes Revelation 9 continues the narrative given to John on the end of the world. This difficult section of Revelation has been interpreted in many ways over the years. Today, we discuss some of those theories, but we focus on the powerful truths of God’s character and plan as revealed in Scripture. God’s Character Clearly, some of the activity referenced in chapter 9 or Revelation is demonic. And it appears that John is trying to describe the scene that is revealed to him in terms he can process. Many commentators believe he might be seeing military equipment and technology, and he uses metaphorical language informed by his environment. I can’t imagine seeing modern tools of warfare in the first century. Nonetheless, we see a clear picture of God’s Justice and Wrath in this section. God will judge the world, and this prophecy is a warning to mankind. It reminds me of the warning to those who lived on the earth prior to the Noahic flood. I have to wonder if our culture is any less corrupted by sin. God’s Plan For those who are frustrated that God doesn’t judge sin sufficiently, this chapter is encouraging. God is not bound by time, and He has a plan that includes the judgment of the sins of the unrepentant. We can rest in our salvation and even find comfort in the fact that God is both just and wrathful. His justice demands His wrath. Praise God for his matchless character and His plans that will not be thwarted by evil! Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “Revelation 9 continues the narrative given to John on the end of the world. Today, we will focus on the powerful truths of God’s character and plan as revealed in Scripture.” John Warren
July 1 · 23 min
Relentless Truth Extra-3-Iran
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes This special episode of Relentless Truth is an overview of my thoughts on the religious background in Iran that will preclude the U.S. and the rest of the free world from having a normal relationship with that country. I don’t believe Iran will sign or comply with an agreement that accomplishes any sort of lasting peace. The reasons for this deadlock are religious and go back to the founding of Islam and a division that occurred after the death of Muhammad. Muslims in leadership in Iran are not like other Muslims, and it seems that our negotiators are unaware of this. This is our third short, mid-week episode. We will release others as current events unfold that might be of interest to this audience. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview
June 27 · 40 min
The End of the World
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes Thank you for praying for my recovery from open-heart surgery. I’m recovering well, and I’m grateful for God’s faithfulness in answering prayer. Revelation 8 is “brutal” in modern human terms. It erases all doubt that God will judge the earth. It describes the elements of this judgment in very clear, dramatic terms. Judgement Today, I simply read and comment on the text of Revelation 8. It would be conjecture for us to speculate about the precise timing or nature of the events described here. But one thing we can do is understand that they are destructive and ominous. All of the grass on earth is burned, and the sun and stars are altered materially. Whereas this apocalyptic language might have been difficult to visualize before modern warfare, we can now imagine these events in very human terms. But it is important to note that these judgments come from God. He certainly might use human instruments in carrying out these judgments. Worship in Heaven Perhaps, like me, you struggle to be still and worship God. Revelation is full of passages that describe worship in Heaven, and I think this gives us a picture of God’s view of worship. It isn’t entertainment, and it focuses reverently on the character of God. Jesus is Lord, and He is eternal. We can celebrate the Gospel in our worship even as we read the apocalyptic language of Revelation 8. I close this episode with the Gospel itself. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “Revelation 8 is “brutal” in modern human terms. It erases all doubt that God will judge the earth.” John Warren
June 20 · 38 min
God’s Plan Reveals His Character
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes We discuss Revelation 7 in this episode. God’s character is revealed through His Word. We can trust Him, for example, because he doesn’t change. The vision John saw and described here will, in fact, unfold. God’s attributes can be seen on every page of Scripture. Doxology There is a beautiful doxology in verse 12 of this chapter. This is a theme of Revelation – God is worthy, Christ is worthy and deserving of our worship. God’s justice and mercy go together here and elsewhere. His wrath and love fit beautifully together. We probe issues such as the tribulation, the rapture of the church, and the millennium because they are addressed in this chapter. My views on these topics have changed in recent years, and I clarify that they are not topics we should separate over. I hope this discussion will be of value as we study Revelation together. The Church The church is the object of God’s love, and that informs my view of the apocalyptic prophecy in this section of Revelation. I would urge you to read these chapters carefully and interpret the language literally. Further, I believe we must be comfortable with the mysteries that will remain so until God reveals to us truths not yet revealed. Speculation and dogmatism about unclear subjects are not helpful to our maturation in Christ. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “The church is the object of God’s love. As we look at Revelation 7 we must be comfortable with the mysteries that will remain so until God reveals to us truths not yet revealed.” John Warren
June 13 · 44 min
God’s Ultimate Justice and Love
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes Revelation 6 through 19 contains mysteries communicated in symbolic language that is challenging for us to understand. Nonetheless, there are beautiful truths in this section that we can understand clearly. Apocalyptic Events An objection that we hear often to Christianity or to the existence of God is that God isn’t just because he allows bad things to happen. The argument is that if God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does he allow these events? Therefore, God doesn’t exist. This chapter begins a narrative describing apocalyptic events that provide clear evidence of God’s judgment of the earth. When we look at God in terms of a long time horizon, we see that He is entirely just. God’s Character It is essential that we also understand the character of God as we study this section of Revelation. It is helpful for us to recall that God’s righteousness, His justice, His love, His immutability, and all other attributes don’t conflict. In fact they are all one in substance. They originate in Him alone, and no part of them are acquired outside of Himself. God never violates His essence or character. We discuss the following truths in today’s episode. In my opinion, the events described here will occur in the future. It appears from this section that there is both a rapture of the church and a tribulation period. I have not always embraced this view, but this text seems to teach that these events are real and are to occur in the future. Daniel 9 and this section of Revelation seem to have important parallels. There is also a relationship between Christ’s sermon in Matthew 24 and this section of Revelation. I believe Scripture coheres, and although we can’t fully explain every reference and every symbol, the eschatological references in Scripture don’t conflict but cohere. We also walk through some of the truths we can discern from the seven seals, the four horses, and other symbols. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “Revelation 6 begins a narrative describing apocalyptic events that provide clear evidence of God’s judgement of the earth. It is helpful for us to recall that God’s righteousness, His justice, His love, His immutability, and all His other attributes do not conflict.” John Warren
June 6 · 36 min
My Unexpected Health Journey
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes I awakened on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, and thought about my plans for the day like any other day. What I didn’t realize was that life for my wife and me would take a dramatic turn that afternoon. I went to physical therapy for my recently replaced left shoulder early that morning, and I was pleased to learn that the physical therapist was going to allow me to do some harder work since I had just passed the six-week mark from surgery. The day began to change, however, when I stood to leave at the end of the session and felt as close to fainting as I had ever felt. Discovery and Surgery In this atypical episode of Relentless Truth, I tell the story and convey some of the perspectives we gained from discovering significant arterial blockage that day to open-heart surgery and recovery. Previous cardiac tests had not revealed this very dangerous blockage, and physicians called it “hidden” when they discovered it. God spared my life through this discovery and surgery, and although I can’t quite process all the lessons to be learned at this point, I prepared this episode in an effort to capture my thoughts at this stage. God’s Tender Mercies I hope you find it encouraging and reassuring, and that I conveyed God’s tender mercies and provision through this most peculiar series of events. I find myself reliving the days in the hospital as testing was occurring, and thinking, “What if, after several indications that nothing was wrong, the physicians had sent me home?” Like you in your own trials, I look back and see God’s rich provision at every turn. Many sections of Scripture stand out as I contemplate these things. 1 Peter 5:6-7 is particularly sweet to me during this season. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV Romans 8:28 also comes to mind. 8 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28, ESV The entire chapter 8 of Romans is particularly comforting when we suffer or encounter trials. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV
May 30 · 50 min
Engage and Stand
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes It is too easy to hide or otherwise hunker down and let others carry on in standing for the truth. The Apostle Paul addresses challenges in his letter to the Ephesians. And in doing this, he gives us some tools to use in our lives today. Engage Paul tells us to work as to the Lord. That means we perform to God’s standard regardless of the work that we do. Work is a calling by God, and He expects us to do it well, as unto Him. Our motivation is to work as unto the Lord because He first loved us. Paul says that God doesn’t have partiality. That means that we aren’t better than those whom society judges as inferior to us. What a different world we would live in if we treated every human as equal. This would be life changing. Stand Paul addresses several points of application in Ephesians 6. He tells us that Satan schemes against us, and our only defense is the armor of God. We tend to put on our own armor rather than God’s. We discuss what it means to put on God’s armor in this very practical, powerful episode. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “It is too easy to hide and let others carry on in standing for the truth. Paul addresses this challenge in Ephesians and gives us some tools to use in our lives today.” John Warren
May 23 · 47 min
Unity, Truth, and Forgiveness
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes Paul often wrote about the complex tension between Jews and Gentiles. This gives us the opportunity to learn relationship and conflict-resolution skills, as we have discussed. We can sometimes read about these conflicts in antiquity in the abstract, but they have application for us. Paul gives the Ephesians instructions on how to live. He specifically refers to living according to the standard God has communicated. Paul explains that we do this only as we focus on who God is. God’s character, including His grace, equips us for the lives we are to live. God’s Character When we struggle to apply biblical truth to our lives, Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians provide the link for us. Simply put, speaking the truth in love and living a life of forgiveness are keys, according to Ephesians 4. If, like me, you have felt that your life is going nowhere, Ephesians 4 offers important guidance. These truths Paul shares are counterintuitive to our culture. They were counterintuitive in Paul’s day. But God is unchanging, and Paul gives us the critical keys for living life well. As simple as it sounds, the careful study of God’s Word is the starting point for living the sort of life Paul describes here and in Romans 12:2. Living Life Well In this important episode, I share the implications of lying, anger, unforgiveness, and selfish living. The truth in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians provides granular guidance that will transform our lives and equip us for success in accordance with God’s imperatives. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “When we struggle to apply biblical truth to our lives, Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians provide the link for us.” John Warren
May 16 · 45 min
Relationship Relief in Christ
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes We struggle to place ourselves in the position of the readers of Paul’s letters. We need to do this as we study the book of Ephesians. This letter was written for specific reasons, and our understanding of it is enhanced by understanding the environment in which it was written. Today, we look at our relationship with conflict. How should we address conflict? What is our source of real unity? I grew up, probably like some of you, learning to avoid conflict at all costs. I meandered into adulthood with weak conflict-resolution skills. Conflict Paul says that Jesus Christ is our peace. This truth is powerful and life-changing. Our peace is in Christ. He is our source of comfort, peace, and calm. We are members of the household of God. Our unity is in Christ. Conflict is resolved in Him. Our eternal inclusion as members of the household of God is the basis for our unity, and it informs our conflict resolution. We are being built together, and God is dwelling in us. Unity in Christ We can encourage each other with these truths. It is our focus in Christ that equips us for healthy relationships. Being “fellow heirs” is encouraging and reduces relationship anxiety. My prayer is that we focus together on the one whose name is above every name as we glorify Him together. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “Today, we look at our relationship with conflict, and our real source of unity-Jesus Christ.” John Warren
May 9 · 34 min
Jesus The Lamb Who Was Slain
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes Today’s episode focuses on John’s description of Jesus in Revelation 5. God the Father and God the Son are the same in substance, in essence and nature, according to Scripture. God the Creator Chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation are among the most beautiful in all of Scripture. To grasp the fact that God created everything by his will is difficult to process. To first think creatively, and then to make it happen by virtue of will, is something we should ponder when we think about God. The power of God is something we can observe and describe in part, but not fully comprehend or explain. David describes the attributes of God in Psalm 51. We see God’s attributes in Genesis in the creation account. We see God’s attributes in Romans from Paul’s perspective. And we see God’s attributes in the person and work of Jesus Christ our Lord. The Lamb of God Jesus is referred to throughout the Revelation as the Lamb of God. His value or worthiness is discussed in Revelation 5. He is worshipped in heaven. He is worthy. A.W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, being of the same substance, are one God in three persons. The phrasing in which John explains the worship of Jesus is derived from various Old Testament passages. The unity of Scripture, the centrality of Christ, and the immense worth of Christ are explained in this important episode. “The power of God is something we can observe and describe in part, but not fully comprehend or explain.” John Warren
May 2 · 39 min
A Look At Heaven
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes In Revelation 4, John begins to explain what he sees in heaven. He enters the throne room of God and describes things that are spectacular and also mysterious. I heard a lot of teaching as a young person by people who claimed they understood all of the symbols in Revelation. This chapter contains the most incredible, majestic views of heaven expressed in Scripture. It is jaw-dropping and included in Scripture so that we can focus on our eternal hope. This isn’t just a puzzle to be solved. It is a beautiful description of heaven that should captivate us as we live our lives on this earth. God and His Holiness Our focus in this episode is on God and His holiness. We see His character in these mysterious elements in Revelation 4. Rather than speculating on the precise interpretation of each of the symbols referenced, it appears that the intent of the passage is to focus us on the beauty, the glory, the immenseness of God. Next week, we will look at Revelation 5, which is about our Lord Jesus Christ. The beauty of these two chapters is their focus on the Father and Son. It is important for me to keep my focus on God rather than anguishing over myself and my weaknesses. Focusing on Him and His love for us causes us to live the sort of life described in Scripture. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “In Revelation 4, John begins to explain what he sees in heaven. He enters the throne room of God and describes things that are spectacular and also mysterious.” John Warren
April 25 · 34 min
Rich But Naked
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes The Laodicean church, referenced in Revelation 3, is the last of the seven churches discussed by Jesus and recorded by the Apostle John. This church has been misunderstood by many over the years. If you can recall teaching you have received from this passage on this church, you might recall learning that it is better to be cold or hot rather than lukewarm. This is a metaphor Jesus uses in Revelation 3:16 to make a profound point. The Church in Laodicea The real issue at the church in Laodicea is their arrogant blindness. They are wealthy because of the wool they produce, and they are suffering from the sin of self-reliance. Jesus says that they are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. He tells them He reproves or corrects them because He loves them, and He instructs them to repent of their self-sufficient arrogance. He references this as a cure for their blindness. In 3:20, Jesus says that He wants to initiate fellowship with those who respond to Him. His offer of repentance is generous, but His condemnation of their self-reliant sin is harsh. Sin of Self-Reliance The Apostle Paul similarly addresses this underlying sin in his New Testament literature. He urges the Romans, for example, to repent from their sins in Romans 1, and then he condemns self-sufficiency altogether in chapters 2 and 3. He then explains the sufficiency of Christ rather than man in 3:21 and following. He says “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” in 3:22. Like the Laodiceans and Romans, we can rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ our Lord by faith rather than our own sufficiency. In doing so, we go from the frustration and misery Jesus describes in Revelation 3 to fulfillment in Him alone. As we saw in last week’s episode, He says that we can be overcomers by relying on Him. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “Jesus’ message to the church of Laodicea is His desire to fellowship with those who respond to Him. His offer of repentance is generous, but His condemnation of their self-reliant sin is harsh.” John Warren
April 18 · 34 min
When We Are Weary
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes What do you think about, what do you do, when you are weary, when you are attacked or persecuted? When do you feel like the world is getting the best of you? When you feel tired and like life is handing you adversity on many fronts? I tend to become inwardly focused. What am I doing wrong? What can I work harder to accomplish? Why does this happen to me? While some introspection is healthy, I cross a line and become a secularist, and act as if I am on my own, and all outcomes are dependent on me. I can become weary, tired of the struggle, and frustrated that my prayers aren’t answered as I would like. The Church in Philadelphia Jesus’ instructions to the church in Philadelphia give us a helpful perspective as we face these circumstances. This perspective is assuring, secure, and forward-looking. The city of Philadelphia was 28 miles southeast of Sardis. It was in an area noted for its agricultural products but afflicted by earthquakes that destroyed the city several times, most recently around AD 37. The city was named for the king of Pergamum, Attalus Philadelphus, who had built it. The church in Philadelphia has endured persecution. They have been faithful, but they are weak and weary. Jesus promises them retribution against the synagogue of Satan, which says that they are Jews and are not. (Judaizers). Rest in Christ We should therefore know and keep the word of God. His word teaches that we can rest in Christ. He has conquered, so we can overcome the world even in the face of opposition. When we are weak and weary, we can look to Him. He has already conquered. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “Jesus’ instructions to the church in Philadelphia give us a helpful perspective as we face weariness, persecution, and adversity.” John Warren
April 11 · 37 min
Act Like an Overcomer
Subscribe ▼ Show Notes This episode of Relentless Truth isn’t what you think it is. It isn’t about a feeling of euphoria that you work yourself into every morning. It isn’t about the feigned sense of friendship with everyone that some employ. It isn’t about persuading yourself that this isn’t so bad. The Church at Sardis Today’s episode features the church at Sardis in Revelation 3. This church is lesser known among those referenced in the New Testament. Jesus calls them dead and tells them to wake up. He tells them that only a few of them haven’t soiled their garments. Then he tells them to remember the truth that have received and to repent. Near the end of this short section, Jesus says that the one who conquers will be clothed in white garments. Without consulting commentaries and sermons on this paragraph in Revelation, we can see that Jesus is referencing the Gospel. This clothing metaphor has been used in several places in the New Testament to refer to the work of Jesus Christ through the Gospel. The Work of Jesus Christ The point of application in this passage is it is Christ who has overcome the world. John 16:33 states this explicitly. He defeated Satan (Colossians 2:14-15). He conquered death (1 Cor. 15:54-57). And we overcome through Him (1John 4:4; 1John 5:4-5. We see the significance of this clearly in Romans 8:35-39. Nothing will separate us from Him, and we are surpassingly overcomers through Him. Thank you for listening to Relentless Truth. Please share this episode with your friends and family. Please share our work on social media. Your endorsements have been incredible in expanding our reach worldwide. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at john@johnwarrenmedia.com, and please visit our website for more information about our work at johnwarrenmedia.com. #theology #christian worldview “This episode features the church in Sardis from Revelation. This is a call for this church to remember the truth that they received and to repent.” John Warren