Telling The Truth

Jill digs into the parable of two houses being built—one on sand and the other on the rock. What does Jesus' simple story with a heavenly meaning have to teach us about obeying God's Word? Find out in this powerful message.

Jesus talked a lot about the kingdom of God, and he told stories about it to help us understand its importance. In this message, Jill Briscoe takes us to the parables to explore what Jesus meant when He said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.”

Having explained the lake of fire destiny of those whose names are NOT written in the book of life, John's attention is now directed to what those whose names are recorded might expect in the coming age.

On three occasions in his visions, John has seen the great climax of this world's history (the vision of the seals, trumpets, and bowls). But now he returns to the subject and reveals more details of the events constituting the end of the age.

In his visions of the seals John saw the judgment of God at work in the affairs of mankind. In the trumpets he recognized how God in grace warns mankind of impending judgment. But in the plagues the judgment has finally come. It's the End.

John records various visions that graphically explain why the churches are experiencing hostility, why the hostility will continue, and how it will ultimately be resolved.

Before the scroll outlining God's plan could be opened, the seven seals had to be broken, outlining what must happen before the plan is consummated.

Having seen Christ active in the life of the church, John now has another vision in which he sees Christ at home in heaven. Both visions need to be seen in perspective.

In John's vision, Jesus dictates letters to the churches that are relevant for all ages. He shares insights regarding their church life, including warnings, instructions, and promises.

As we approach Revelation, we should bear three things in mind: It is Apocalypse, a unique literary genre that requires careful study; it is a prophecy which deals with proclamation and prediction; and a letter, which handles pastoral concerns.

If you have little children in your life, you may have heard of “teachable moments.” That's when you take an ordinary occurrence and tie it to a bigger, more important lesson. In this message, Jill shares how Jesus never missed a teachable moment, and we have the opportunity to use them to share Christ.

Have you lost your joy? It can be hard when life is swirling around you and beating you down, but true joy is found in praising God for who He is and what He's doing, even when you can't see it. “'To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?' says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.” Isaiah 40:25-26

In many of the remaining monarchies, the kings and queens are much beloved by their people, but they have very little real power. Sadly, many believers relate to Jesus the same way. They proclaim Jesus to be King of Kings and the Lord of their lives, but they make all the decisions! When we let Christ truly reign, amazing things happen.

Imagine opening a door to heaven and seeing God on His glorious throne. That's something the prophet Isaiah was blessed to see, and it changed his understanding of God forever! In this message, Jill Briscoe highlights God's life-changing character as revealed in Isaiah's heavenly vision—encouraging you to answer His call in faith and worship.

Relationships need nurturing, and that takes time and effort. It's the same with God. You may have been introduced to Him, and even initiated a relationship with Him, but how well do you really know Him? 

In practice, hope orients our lives around a better future. That is not to be escapist about the present but because there is a better future.  And whatever we are going through now, there is a better future ultimately that we are going to experience and enjoy. In this message, Charles Price looks at the hope of heaven and what we know about it—the place, permanence, and perfection of heaven in the little revealed about it in Scripture.

Prayer is an essential part of the Christian life. Jesus made that clear throughout His ministry, as He both actively participated in it and frequently talked about it with His disciples. But how exactly should we pray? And will God even answer? In this message, Stuart Briscoe walks you through the Lord's Prayer in the Sermon on the Mount to explain how to pray and what to pray. This message will give you the confidence you need to step into a vibrant life of prayer and intimacy with Jesus.

Prayer is more than “a shopping list in the heavenly supermarket,” says Jill Briscoe. In this heartfelt message featuring examples from her own experiences in addition to those of Elijah, Jill explains that God wants us to talk with Him, and to ask for things we know He wants to have happen, too. In good times or bad, God loves it when we come to Him in prayer.

Having explained what God was doing in his life and wanted to do in the Ephesians lives, Paul turned to prayer. His concern was that they would discover and experience all that God had in mind for their spiritual growth and development. We need similar concerns today.

While here on earth, Jesus himself sought communion with God through prayer. His disciples were to do likewise. He gave us a pattern to follow. For those who ask, seek, and knock, God is more than willing to answer. He is even more willing than friends or an earthly father, as Jesus explains through the parables. But the Christian's prayer requests need to be in line with Jesus' model prayer.