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Session 1, A Study in Revelation; Apocalyptic |
01/07/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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Mark began the New Year with a new series on The Study of Revelation, a focused study. The book
has varying points of view, but Mark will teach from his perspective after life long study. Revelation is
a part of the apocalyptic genre, a type of writing, that involves discerning divine secrets by dreams,
visions, and/or angelic explanation.
Mark had three points in todayâs lesson.
1. Apocalyptic overview: deals with the past, present, and future, and features symbolism,
numerology, warring angels and demons, end times, and new age.
2. Apocalyptic books:
Biblical and pseudepigraphal.
3. Points for home:
a.There are treasures in Godâs Word
b.We seek knowledge and understanding
c.God loves you
Listen to Mark begin to explore the apocalyptic genre, what it means, and what we can look forward
to in future lessons. |
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Session 2, A look at Daniel as a Key in understanding Revelations |
01/21/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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Listen to Mark explore the Old Testament and other writings that show the ancient peoples' understanding of apocalyptic writing.
Mark continued with a Study in Revelation sharing a brief review of the foundation class from two
weeks ago. He encouraged the class to not be afraid of Revelation; we have this. The book of
Revelation is apocalyptic, which means it uses
dreams, visions, and symbols. Mark expanded on
typical features of apocalyptic writings both Biblical and non
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biblical writings including those
contemporary with the time of Jesus.
Points for home:
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Christ is the center of life
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Understanding this book co
mes with a blessing
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We rightly praise Jesus as we read and understand this book
Listen to Mark explore the Old Testament and other writings that show the ancient peoples'
understanding of apocalyptic writing |
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Session 3, Study in Revelations continues |
01/28/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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1/28/24 Biblical Literacy
Mark continued with Lesson 3 in the Study in Revelation series setting the stage to dig deeper in
study. He divided the lesson into three sections then share some Points for home:
1. Review of past two lessons: the Bible as a library, the apocalyptic genre, and apocalyptic traits.
2. Approach to studying Revelation: how to understand symbols and how the book flows.
3. Study of first 3 verses of Revelation 1:1-3: an uncovering or revealing of Jesus Christ by Jesus.
Points for home
ďˇ God is bigger than I realize
ďˇGod cares
ďˇLetâs enjoy the blessings
Listen to Mark review the foundation of studying Revelation by introducing a literal and symbolic
approach. |
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Session 6 , Revelation Chapter TWO |
02/18/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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2-18-24 -Biblical-Literacy
Mark continued in the series A Study of Revelation which was a comfort to the church in its struggle against the forces of evil. Christ wins over Satan.
1. Symbolism -a quality or an idea that showed the church how God desires a complete relationship with them. Not all images are symbols. Never lose focus of the message.
2. The Letters -content structured in similar way for each.
The symbolism of the number 7, which means completion.
Ephesus -You have abandoned your first love.
Smyrna -No condemnation but a warning of what the devil will do. Be faithful.
3. Points for home
â˘Christ is with us
â˘Love is the key
â˘Be always faithful
Listen to Mark discuss the symbolism in Revelation and the meaning of the number 7 in the setting and letters to the 7 churches. Listen also to the accounting of Polycarpâs faith through arrest and execution. He was Bishop of the church in Smyrna.
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Session 4, Study in Revelations continues with Chapter 1 moving into Chapter 2 |
02/04/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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02/4/24
Mark continues the study of Revelations by going into detail
about how decisions were made about which scrolls and
writings were to be put into the Bible Library as we know it.
Mark discussed the meaning of Canon and Canonization of the
bible.
Was Canon to Jesus and the Apostles?
Mathew 15:3
Was Canon to the Church?
Mathew 15:6
The Churchâs recognition of the Canon.
Acts 15
Mark then discusses the history of the Canon in some detail
Mark reviews in detail:
Symbolism
Use of numbers 3 and 4 and 7 and 12
Angels and Demons
Mark reviews Rev: 1-1-2
Points for Home:
We can rely on Scripture for life
God reaches all of you Rev 1:8
Let's serve our King Rev 1:6 |
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Session 5, Continued and deeper look at Revelation |
02/11/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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2/11/24. Biblical
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Literacy
Mark continued in The Study of Revelation series with a study of the first chapter in Revelation.
His lesson had three areas of focus:
1.The Exalted Christ is depicted as the Alpha and the Omega. We find that He is
referenced
throughout the Old and New Testaments.
2. The Setting of the Book of Revelation is more than a book John wrote on the island of Patmos,
but itâs an accounting of God who was, who is, and who is to come.
3. Points for home:
a.The Exalted Christ is in the center of life
b.Fear is a liar
c.Itâs not over so live the promise
Listen to Mark talk teach how the human mind cannot comprehend the depth of Godâs truth, power,
sovereignty, and characteristics. He highlights and expands on various passages throughout the
Bible that link to the Book of Revelation.
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Session 7 , Revelation Chapters 2 through 3:4 |
02/25/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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Mark continued in the Study of Revelation with Chapters 2 through 3:4. Today
continued with the study of the letters to the 7 churches. Each church had specific
instructions to strengthen them for their mission.
1. Letters:
The letters are written to the 7 churches structured in 7 parts but for all
churches for all time.
2. Examine the letters to: Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis.
3. Point for home:
Wake up and grow!
Listen to Mark provide insight to the people, culture, political, and spiritual
atmosphere of the churches during the time of the writing of each letter. We must grow past where we are today. |
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Session 8 - A Study in Revelation; Rev: 4, 5 |
03/10/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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Mark continued teaching in the series on Revelation in three sections:
1. Two remaining letters to the churches - Philadelphia & Laodicea.
The church of Philadelphia receives commendation.
The church of Laodicea is warned about its lukewarm status.
2. Two different ways to read Revelation:
Timeline reading: Chronological
Vignette reading: Vision, story, ending, and repeat
3. Revelation worship scene as described in Chapters 4 & 5
Not all images are symbols
Never lose focus of the message.
All space all time and all there is has God in the center - Theocentric.
Perfect divine praise in 3âs
Points for Home:
ďˇ Take comfort God reigns.
ďˇ What are you worried about?
ďˇ Pray.
Listen to Mark teach how Revelation comforts the church in its struggles
against the forces of evil then, and now.
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Session 9 - A Study in Revelation Approaches |
03/17/2024 |
Pastor Dr. David Fleming |
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March 17, 2024 Pastor Dr.David Fleming
Revelations
Pastor Fleming opens the class by explaining the effect of how we approach the study of Revelations.
Approaches to the study of Revelations include Views, Genres and Interpretation.
He goes into detail on how we approach the text of Revelations can determine what we see when we get there.
For example, we tend to see what we want to see in the scripture.
He refers to this as Confirmation Bias and discusses the meaning of that in great detail.
The Road map for the lesson:
1.Johnâs approach to Revelations
a.Looking at Revelations from Rev. 1:1-1:3 and then to
Rev 22: 18-21
b.Influences on our approach
1.Example: The Bible, Holy Spirt, Favorite Author, Pastor
c.Various approaches that others are taking
1. How we read and interpret the text.
a. Example: Linear, Circular Progression, Alternating Pattern
b. How are you interpreting the text
c. How do we organize the events referred to in Revelations
d. Points for home
a. Systematic Approaches are helpful
b. Keep an open mind
c. Jesus is coming again
d. Live with that reality in mind
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Session 10 - John's vision in chapters 4-7 of Revelation |
03/24/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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Mark continued the Study of Revelation, Part 10, with a focus of Revelation in Context. Mark begins with an overview of Apocalyptic literature and continues with three points.
1.Revelation in context: type of literature, time of literature, and intense persecution of Christians. Two themes in Revelation: comfort the church in its struggle of evil, and Christ wins over the dragon or satan.
2.Reading Revelation in time: some read the book chronologically. Mark recommends reading it as 7 vignettes or parallel reading, much the way Daniel is read. The Bible teaches us how to read the Bible. Daniel: repeated dreams and visions that show what God is about to do. In Revelation we find three terminal time periods: first coming, age of the church, and the 2nd coming or age to come.
3.Revelation 4-7: Godâs plan in history.
Points for home:
1. Do not fear
2. Satan is foiled by his own weapons
3. God will wipe away every tear
Listen to Mark explain how the Bible teaches us to read the Bible by understanding the way God speaks to us through dreams & visions, in history and the future. |
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Session 11 - Study of Revelation continues, hear about the seals and the trumpets!!! |
04/07/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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4-7-24 Biblical-Literacy
Mark continued in our class study of Revelation with a reminder that what God says is reality. Mark's lesson had three areas of focus:
1. Reading Revelation in time: The reader is encouraged to understand literature during the time of writing Revelation.
2. Deeper study of Revelation 4-7 and the seven seals: We see heaven's perspective of earth. We must remember that God is the center of the universe, all things.
3. Revelation 8-11 can be read as a parallel passage with seven horns. Mark will dig deeper into this study next week.
Points for home:
⢠Donât be afraid; God is in control.
⢠God sees our tears.
⢠Prayer makes a difference.
Listen to Mark reveal the meaning of the visions and seals in Revelation 4-7. A seal protects against tampering. It marks ownership. Certified genuineness. God has a plan for eternity as shown in Jesusâ first coming, the age of the church, and Jesus' second coming. |
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Session 12 - Seven Trumpets of Revelations |
04/21/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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4-21-24 Biblical Literacy
Mark continued in A Study in Revelation expanding the theme of visions. Revelation replicates the same visions in different ways. Todayâs agenda focused on Revelation 8-11: the 7 angels and 7 trumpets, similar to the 7 seals in Revelation 4-7.
We learn that:
1.The visions are happening at the same time.
2.Bible trumpets are the sound of the warning of Godâs judgment. God is at work.
3.Many of the trumpets came out of the plagues of Egypt.
Points for home:
1.God is in control
2.Jesus is our prayer partner
3.Heed the warning
Listen to Mark teach God is continually at work in a beautiful but fallen world that is not what it should be. |
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Session 13- Revelations, Blow the trumpets!!!! |
05/05/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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5/5/24 Biblical-Literacy
Mark continued in The Study of Revelation with a comparison of chapters 4:7 and 8:11
The lesson showed how Johnâs two visions compare and relate to the people at the time of writing and those
living in the age of the church.
Revelation 4-7: The 7 seals,what each signify and there effect on believers and unbelievers
concluding with Jesusâs second coming.
Revelation 8-11: The 7 trumpets parallel the 7 seals and occur at the same time. Trumpets refer to
warnings and judgment throughout the Bible.
Points for home:
God is in control
Jesus is both our savior and judge
He is our peace
Listen to Mark teach God is always at work and remains in control. There is nothing pretty about evil,
but thankfully Satanâs powers have limits. |
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Session 14- Revelations, God is already at work!!! |
05/19/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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5-19-24 Biblical-Literacy
Mark continued in The Study of Revelation with the 7 visions that happen in parallel construction.
The focus of todayâs lesson is the interlude period: the sixth seal and the sixth trumpet prior to the second coming. This age of the church period is a call and a warning for people to repent before it's too late.
Mark also taught about the âlittle" scroll that the angel of God shows to John and asks him to eat it.
The scroll tastes like honey in his mouth but becomes bitter in the stomach, symbolizing that following Jesus is sweet but the world turns against the Christian.
Points for home:
ďˇ God is in control
ďˇ Let us be witnesses
ďˇ Be at peace
Listen to Mark talk about how Godâs justice is coming with a reminder there are things at play in the universe that we donât understand. Mark shares the biblical meaning of symbols and what it meant to a church who faces persecution then and today. Be encouraged. |
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Session 15- Revelations vignette, bowls of wrath! |
05/26/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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05/26/2024 Biblical-literacy
The lesion begins with Mark talking about where we are so far in the book of Revelations and then talks about the persecuting Dragon, which starts in Revelations Chapter 12.
Where are we so far in Revelations?
Revelations was the type of writing that was common 2000 to 2500 years ago that Scholars today call apocalyptic.
The writing was rich in:
Symbolism
An age to come
Peculiar use of numbers
Visions and Dreams
Coming Cataclysm
Angels and demons
Mark singles out one of these writings that is important to us today which is,
Peculiar use of numbers, defining their different uses inside Bible verses and outside the Bible
Example:
The number 3:
Daniel 6:10 â Daniel kneels and prays three (3) times a day.
1 Samuel 3, Numbers 6:24-26, Jeremiah 22:9, Isaiah 33:10
Outside the bible:Â Pathway of the sun was divided into divisions
each associated with a separate deity.
The number 4:
Genesis 2:10 â The river from Eden was divided into four (4) to
encompass the land. Isaiah 11:12, Acts 10:11, 11:5, Ezekiel 7:2
The Number 7:
Proverbs 24:16 â The righteous fall seven times but get up again.
Exodus 25ff, Matthew 18:21
Outside the Bible: The penitent offered the prayer, My God my sins
are seven times seven, pardon my sins.
Mark then explains the 7 parts of Revelations which are:
Christ In the Lampstands (1-3) (w/7 letters)
Heaven and the 7 Seals (4-7)
The 7 Trumpets (8-11)
The persecuting Dragon (12-14)
The lesson continues with greater detail relative to the persecuting Dragon, referring to Revelations 4-7 and Revelations 8-11, Age of the Church â Vision Span - 2nd Coming
The theme continues with the victory of Christ and his church over the Dragon and his minions.
Revelations 12:1 is discussed in detail relating to âThe women is the âChurchâ.
The lesson continues with discussion of Revelations 12:4 and the conflict between the woman, about to give birth, and the Dragon. Revelations 12:6 sheds lite on the actions of the woman and the results of her actions.
Godâs power and rule in our hearts is vindicated! Luke 10:17-20
See Rev 12:17 and see the reaction of the Dragon.
Bottom line, Satanâs wiles against the Church continuesâŚâŚ
Points for Home:
We are not helpless paupers!
A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars
The accuser is defeated!
â the accuser of our brothers has been thrown downâ
Weâve been more than conquerors!
âthey have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb" |
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Session 16- Revelations vignette, continues with more Dragon |
06/02/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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Mark continued with Lesson 15 in A Study of Revelation. This weekâs focus was on the dragon,
the beast, and other things.
The persecuting dragon in Revelation 12-14 shows a spiritual war.This occurs during the age of the church through the second coming.
The dragon: Satan, the deceiver, accuser, devil.Two different beasts are sent to plague the
world: sea and land.
The beast from the sea represents earth's history, nations, and government. The best of the land
represents the mind.
Points for home:
ďˇ Weâve been made more than conquerors
ďˇ Be wary of the enemyâs wiles
ďˇ Endure
Listen to Mark continue with the theme from Revelation: The victory of Christ and His church
over the dragon and his minions. The church is afflicted but not destroyed. Beware of wors
hiping governments instead of God |
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Session 17- Revelations vignette: The Dragon, the Beasts, and The Future |
06/09/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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6-9-24 Biblical-Literacy
Mark continued with lesson 17 in his Study of Revelation starting with a reference to The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis which shows how Satan instructs his demon with eight ways to shake and destroy our faith. Satan uses the church, ourselves, Christian life, prayer, focus, all to pull us away from God. Mark then expanded on this from Revelation 12 - 14.
1. The Reality of Satanâs Assaults - We learn:
He is real and hides himself.
Can be a frontal attack or more subtle.
We are part of an ongoing war.
The mark of the beast - 666, is the number of man.
2. Placed into Revelationâs Larger Context - We learn:
All the visions and vignettes begin and end with Jesus.
The blessedness of the redeemed.
The warnings of humanity.
The harvest of mankind.
Listen to Mark teach how Satan (Dragon) has been trying to destroy Christ and His people since Christ entered the world and will continue until the second coming. Beware of false teachers and false teachings that are not from God. Anything that puts something other than God on the throne leads to death.
Points for Home:
God keeps all his people.
We sing a new song.
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Session 19- Revelations vignette; #5 The 7 Bowls |
06/23/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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6-23-24 Biblical-Literacy
Mark continued A Study in Revelation with lesson 18 in this series. As an intro to the lesson, Mark shared a rendition of the âBattle Hymn of the Republicâ whose lyrics, written by Julia Ward Howe, were partially based on passages from Revelation. Mark then continued the lesson with three parts emphasizing the fundamental and biblical truth that Jesus will come again!
1. Earlier Vignetteâs - a recap from Revelation: 1-16 show the age of the church to the second coming. Themes include: The world is in darkness; The church is light; Jesus is ever present; live like it. The church is persecuted by the world, but God wins in the end. Warnings to the world of coming judgment to cause repentance. Thereâs a spiritual war ongoing.
2. The 7th Bowl - an angel poured out His bowl of wrath followed by Jesusâs return.
3. Points for home:
Trust and obey
Wait in hope
God will finish His work
Listen to Mark expound on Revelation 1-16, referring to apocalyptic writings from 4th Ezra and Biblical Scripture. |
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Session 18- Revelations vignette: Bowls of Wrath |
06/16/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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Mark continued in his Study of Revelation with lesson #18 with a refresher of material covered to-date.
The setup: Review of the previous lessons, Revelation 1-14, from the age of the church to the second coming in parallel series of vignettes.
The text: Chapters 15-16 mirror Exodus when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. God is full of righteousness and wrath.
Points for home:
God's works are great, amazing, awesome, and wonderful
God judges as The King of nations
Who are you listening to?
Listen to Mark teach how Revelation 1-16 shows how the church age through the second coming parallels the book of Exodus with the Lamb of God as the victor. |
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Session 20- Revelations vignette: #6 Judgment and Babylon |
09/15/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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9-15-24 - Biblical-Literacy
Mark returned to the Study of Revelation starting with a fast but important review of chapters 1-16 noting that we need to go back in time to fully understand the writings. Understanding the aspects of apocalyptic literature changes how we read & understand Revelation. Marks explains it as a series of vignettes that reflect the age of the church to the second coming. Mark then shifted attention to some highlights of the ending chapters asking the question:
So how do we live?
With open eyes
With godliness
Remember who wins
See what awaits the family of God
See what awaits the world
Points for home
See truth
Live right
Donât lose heart
Listen to Mark show how Revelation is written like Daniel and the vignetteâs meanings. We can be confident that Jesus is coming back, and He wins. |
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Session 21- Revelation-Tribulation |
09/29/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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9-29-24 Biblical-Literacy
Mark continued A Study of Revelation acknowledging controversial viewpoints about the
tribulation with a focus on the seventh or final vignette from Revelation 20:1-6. The
context deals with Satan and his symbolic âbindingâ for a thousand years. We hear about 3
views of the Millennium, premillennial, postmillennial, & amillennial which is described as
Satan bound for church age, a coming tribulation, and a 2nd coming.
Points for home: Regardless of our millennial view, we should 1) live like the redeemed, 2)
spread the word and 3) be confident that Glory is assured.
Listen to Mark review the history of apocalyptic literature written in cycles and symbolism
for all time, the advent of Jesus in a dark world and why Satan can never destroy the church |
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Session 22: Revelation The End - Part 2 |
10/06/2024 |
Mark Lanier |
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10-6-24 Biblical-Literacy
Mark completed A Study of Revelation with a focus on The Great News in Revelation 22. This final lesson closed out the study of Apocalyptic Literature and recapped the 7 vignettes each covering a segment of the age of the church to the 2nd coming.
Mark revisited the 7th vignette acknowledging varied interpretations of the millennium, the binding of Satan, and Jesusâ 2nd coming where He will judge all humanity on the Great White Throne and create a new heaven and a new earth.
Points for Home:
1. Revelation speaks to us.
2. Live in Faith.
3. What a great ending.
Listen to Mark read Revelation 22 with insight and wisdom concluding with âSurely I am coming soon.â Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen |
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