Welcome back to the podcast! Today, Jen, Lauren, and Tassy are continuing their series on the end times by walking through the script of the Tribulation. Rather than getting bogged down in every minor detail, the team looks at this period as a series of movie scenes, pointing out the moments that make you stop and say, "Wait, that's in the Bible?".

In this episode, we cover:

• Why is it "Great"?: The term Great Tribulation was coined by Jesus in Matthew 24. It is described as "great" because nothing in human history, not the Black Plague, the Holocaust, or even the Flood, will compare to the intensity of God’s wrath during this time.
• The Removal of the Restrainer: We discuss the mysterious "Restrainer" mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2. The hosts share their perspective that this restrainer is the Holy Spirit working through the Church; once the Church is raptured, the global "atmosphere" shifts, allowing evil to escalate.
• The Hero Who Isn't: The Antichrist enters the scene not as a monster, but as a charismatic, brilliant diplomat who "solves" global crises and establishes a counterfeit peace.
• The Third Temple: Prophecy requires a future temple in Jerusalem. We discuss the current efforts in Israel to prepare for this Third Temple and how the Antichrist will eventually enter it to demand global worship, an event Jesus called the Abomination of Desolation.
• The Two Witnesses: Two bold prophets will proclaim truth in Jerusalem for three and a half years, performing miracles similar to those of Elijah and Moses. The Bible describes how the entire world will watch them die and even exchange gifts in celebration of their demise, a feat that seemed impossible in 80 AD but is easily explained by modern smartphones and social media.
• A Sequence of Judgments: We walk through the "movie scenes" of the seals, trumpets, and bowls, including hail fire, a "burning mountain" hitting the sea (possibly a meteor or volcano), bitter water, and demonic creatures.
• 144,000 Jewish Evangelists: After the Church is gone, 12,000 people from each tribe of Israel are saved and sealed by God to serve as radical witnesses to the world during the Tribulation.
• The Battle of Armageddon: This is not a prolonged military struggle. When the nations gather to fight, Jesus returns on a white horse and defeats evil instantly with the sword of His mouth... the literal Word of God.

Our Challenge to You

The goal of studying these events isn't to figure out the identity of the Antichrist, but to know your Shepherd’s voice. This week, seek to deepen your relationship with Jesus so that you won't be susceptible to modern deceptions or counterfeits. Ask yourself: if Jesus came back today, would I recognize His voice?.

Resources & Links

• John Bevere: The King is Coming
• Frank Turek: Examining the Evidence for the Destruction of Jericho and youtube video An Archaeological Bible Study with Frank Turek
• Alan DiDio: They Lied to You About the Rapture.
• Logos Bible Software: An incredible study tool with AI features to help you dig deeper. Use our link to sign up for Logos. You get a 30 day free trial and $10 off your purchase. If you sign, up we get a credit to our account so we can purchase more resources.
• Scripture to Study: Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 7-19, and Daniel 9.

Grab your favorite cool beverage and join us as we remind ourselves that, in the end, it is Jesus over everything, always!

Tassy returns to the studio this week, as they explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of the rapture, emphasizing that for believers, this event is a source of hope rather than fear.

Opening and Ice Breakers

• We begin with Tassy sharing a recurring childhood dream about the rapture where believers were taken up to heaven in a giant pirate ship while non-believers clung to the edges.
• Jen recalls her own childhood anxiety about the rapture, describing how she would listen for sirens or look for planes falling from the sky to see if she had been left behind.

In this episode, we cover:

• Definitions of the Rapture: While the word rapture is not in most English Bibles, it comes from the Latin rapturo, which translates the Greek word harpazo, meaning to seize or snatch away by force.
• The Timing of a Moment: The Greek word atamos, translated as moment, describes the twinkling of an eye as an instantaneous event faster than a biological blink.
• Biblical Precedents: The girls look at historical examples of people being taken into God’s presence without dying, including Enoch, who walked with God and was taken to His house, and Elijah, who was taken up in a whirlwind.
• New Testament Snatching: They discuss the story of Philip, who was snatched away (harpazo) by the Spirit and instantly relocated to a different city after baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch.
• The Prototype Body: Jesus serves as the prototype for the glorified bodies believers will receive in an instant. These bodies will be free from disease and disability, resembling our current forms but in their absolute best, uncorrupted version.
• Pre-Tribulation Perspective: Jen shares why she lands on a pre-tribulation view, citing 1 Thessalonians 5:9, which states that God has not destined His people for wrath. She uses the analogy of Noah and his family, who did not feel a single drop of rain during the flood.
• The Mount of Olives: The rapture and the second coming are described as a two-part event. While the rapture involves meeting Jesus in the air, the official second coming occurs when His feet touch the Mount of Olives, which is built on a literal fault line that will split the mountain in two.
• The Armies of Heaven: Believers in glorified bodies will eventually return with Jesus as part of the armies of heaven, riding on white horses as He reclaims the earth.

Our Challenge to You

The only question that truly matters regarding the rapture is not when or how it happens, but what side of it you are on. This week, ask yourself: If you knew that Jesus was going to come back today, would you be living any differently than you are right now?

Resources & Links

• Alan DiDio: They Lied to You About the Rapture.
• Bible Recap: An online resource and podcast by Tara-Leigh Cobble that helps believers understand the Bible's overarching story, context, and timelines by clarifying connections. She has an excellent plan for reading through the Bible chronologically in a year.
• The Confessionals: Jen’s recommended podcast for deeper dives into supernatural topics.
• Scripture to Study: 1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 15, Zechariah 14, and Revelation 19.
• Logos Bible Software: An incredible study tool with AI features to help you dig deeper. Use our link to sign up for Logos. You get a 30 day free trial and $10 off your purchase. If you sign, up we get a credit to our account so we can purchase more resources.

Grab your favorite cool beverage and join us as we remind ourselves that, in the end, it is Jesus over everything, always!

Welcome back to the podcast! Today it is just a duo as Jen and Lauren hold down the fort while Tassy is away for some Summer fun. We are diving into what is known as the Olivet Discourse, Jesus' longest teaching on the end times, delivered right before he went to the cross.

Hot Takes and Rapid Fire

Before getting into the theology, we share some random hot takes and pet peeves. Jen is passionate about people using their blinkers on the highway, while Lauren stands firm that local coffee shops are always better than Starbucks. We also play a round of rapid fire Would-You-Rather.

In this episode, we cover:

• Preparation over Information: When the disciples asked Jesus for a timeline of the end, He responded with instructions on how to be prepared. We discuss how we often seek information when Jesus is actually looking for transformation.
• Don't Be Deceived: Jesus’ first warning was about deception. We unpack the difference between "wilderness" deceptions (seeking nature/solitude over Christ) and "inner room" deceptions (exclusive, secret knowledge).
• Don't Be Afraid: We talk about birth pains... the wars and rumors of wars that indicate the end is near but aren't the end itself. We discuss how fear paralyzes our witness while peace enables our mission.
• Stay Awake and Be Ready: Using the Parable of the Ten Virgins, we explore what it means to have oil in our lamps. This oil represents our personal spiritual depth, prayer, Bible study, and relationship with the Holy Spirit, which cannot be borrowed from anyone else.
• Keep Working: Through the Parable of the Talents, we learn that waiting for Jesus isn't passive; it’s active stewardship. We are called to manage the gifts, time, and influence God has given us rather than burying them in fear.
• The Sheep and the Goats: We conclude with Jesus' final illustration of judgment, where he separates people based on their faithful obedience and how they responded to human need.

Our Challenge to You

This week, read Matthew 24 and 25. Instead of looking for headlines or dates, look for the heart of Jesus. Ask yourself: If I truly believed Jesus could return at any moment, what would I change about my life tomorrow morning?

Resources & Links

• John Bevere: The King is Coming (Book and Study Guide).
• Tim LaHaye: Understanding Bible Prophecy for Yourself.
• Logos Bible Software: An incredible study tool with AI features to help you dig deeper. Use our link to sign up for Logos. You get a 30 day free trial and $10 off your purchase. If you sign, up we get a credit to our account so we can purchase more resources.
• Scripture to Study: Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

Grab your favorite cool beverage and join us as we remind ourselves that, in the end, it is Jesus over everything, always!

Welcome back to the podcast! After a one week break, Jen, Lauren, and Tassy are back in the studio singing the "Golden Girls" theme song and ignoring their feral kids running around in the background. Today, we are moving past genealogy charts to explore the beautifully woven pattern of the 12 tribes of Israel and how their stories are actually our stories.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Significance of 12: We look at why the number 12 is riddled throughout Scripture, from the 12 loaves of bread in the Tabernacle to the 12 foundations and 12 gates of the New Jerusalem. In biblical patterns, 12 represents God’s covenant people.
• Prophecy vs. Blessing: When Jacob was on his deathbed in Genesis 49, he wasn’t just blessing his sons; he was speaking a prophecy that would play out over thousands of years.
• The Shifting Lists: Have you ever noticed that the list of the 12 tribes changes throughout the Bible? We discuss why Levi didn’t receive land, how Joseph received a "buy-one-get-one-free" double portion through his sons, and why Dan mysteriously disappears from the list in Revelation.
• Meet the Family: We walk through the character traits and legacies of each tribe.
• Modern Day "Dan behavior": We tackle what alternative worship looks like today. It isn't a statue in the yard; it’s when our hobbies, finances, or success consistently come before our time with the Lord.
• The Eternal Gate: We discuss the mind-blowing reality that the names of the 12 tribes are etched over the gates of the New Jerusalem, and we will all one day walk through one of them.

Our Challenge to You

This week, pray about which tribe’s story God is telling through your life right now. Look at the traits, both the gifts and the "shadow sides", to see how God wants to use your unique personality and history for His glory.

Resources & Links

• Scripture to Study: Genesis 49, Joshua 13–19, and Revelation 7 and 21.
• Logos Bible Software: An incredible study tool with AI features to help you dig deeper. Use our link to sign up for Logos. You get a 30 day free trial and $10 off your purchase. If you sign, up we get a credit to our account so we can purchase more resources.

Grab your favorite cool beverage and join us as we remind ourselves that, in the end, it is Jesus over everything, always!

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, Jen, Lauren, and Tassy are diving into the rich, interwoven story of the Old Testament to show how it truly was all about Jesus from the very beginning. We’re looking at how the scriptures point to Christ not just through promises, but through patterns and physical appearances.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Road to Emmaus: We start with the story in Luke 24 where Jesus walks with two disciples who don’t recognize Him. He spends hours walking them through the Old Testament to show how the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms all pointed to His suffering and resurrection.
• Literally vs. Literarily: We discuss how the early church interpreted the Bible. "Literally" means everything is true, but not everything is expressed as a literal object. "Literarily" means seeing characteristics and themes that foreshadow Christ throughout history.
• Theophanies: These are visible, tangible manifestations of God in the Old Testament. We look at examples like the "angel of the Lord," the burning bush, the pillar of cloud and fire, and even Jacob wrestling with a man who was likely a theophany of Jesus.
• Typology (God’s Promised Patterns): We zoom in on several Old Testament figures who serve as "types" of Jesus:
• Joseph: The beloved son who was rejected by his brothers, sold for silver... by a brother named Judah, the Greek for Judas, and eventually exalted to the right hand of the King to save both Jews and Gentiles.
• Moses: A mediator and lawgiver who survived a death decree at birth. While Moses (representing the Law) could only lead people toward the Promised Land, Jesus (the fulfillment) leads us into it.
• Joshua: His name is the Hebrew form of "Jesus." As a conqueror, he represents Christ’s second coming. Joshua did what the Law (Moses) couldn't do, he actually brought the people into their inheritance.
• The Scarlet Cord and Rahab: We dive into the story of Rahab, the Gentile prostitute whose house was marked by a red cord for protection during the fall of Jericho. We discuss the mind-blowing reality that she is part of Jesus' direct genealogy.
• Legacy and Generational Cycles: Tassy shares a powerful thought on how one person’s "yes" to God—like Rahab or Tassy's husband, Matt—can break generational curses and change the entire trajectory of a family legacy.

Our Challenge to You

This week, grab your Bible and go on your own "Emmaus Road" journey. Look for Jesus in the Old Testament stories you think you already know. Ask yourself: what legacy am I leaving behind through the decisions I make today?.

Resources & Links

• Frank Turek: Youtube Video about the Hidden secrets of Jericho.
• Scripture to Study: Luke 24, Psalm 22, Psalm 82, and the book of Joshua.
• Logos Bible Software: An incredible study tool with AI features to help you dig deeper. Use our link to sign up for Logos. You get a 30 day free trial and $10 off your purchase. If you sign, up we get a credit to our account so we can purchase more resources.

Grab your favorite cool beverage and join us as we remind ourselves that, in the end, it is Jesus over everything, always!

Welcome back to Altar’d Reality! Today, the "Three Amigos"—Jen, Lauren, and Tassy—are getting a little "conspiratorial," but don’t worry, we aren't going down a rabbit hole without our Bibles. We’re looking at the recent government disclosures and supernatural encounters through a strictly biblical lens.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Spiritual Craving: We discuss why people are so obsessed with aliens and the supernatural. As spiritual beings, we are part of God’s massive family, and we have an innate curiosity about that family and a built-in desire to worship.
• The Case of Chris Bledsoe: We unpack the modern story of a man whose encounters with "orbs" and a feminine entity called "The Lady" have drawn government investigation. We discuss the danger of "peaceful" experiences that don't align with Scripture and why we must test every spirit.
• Angel of Light Masquerade: Scripture warns us that Satan and his servants disguise themselves as angels of light and servants of righteousness. We talk about how easy it is to be deceived if you rely on feelings or "pleasant" experiences rather than the Word of God.
• As in the Days of Noah: Jesus told us his return would be like the days of Noah. We look at the parallels between the pre-flood world—spiritual corruption, DNA contamination, and obsession with hidden knowledge—and what we are seeing in our culture today.
• Issachar and Simeon Discernment: We contrast the "intellectual thinking" of the Pharisees with the "spiritual discernment" of the Sons of Issachar and Simeon. One group missed the Messiah standing right in front of them, while the other recognized him as a 40-week-old baby.
• 10 Practical Steps to Guard Your Heart: We wrap up with a massive list of ways to stand firm, including knowing your Bible better than the internet, stopping the "doom scrolling," and staying in a healthy, accountable Christian community.

Our Challenge to You

This week, evaluate what is shaping your worldview. Is it your social media algorithm, or is it God’s Word? Take seven days to turn off the noise—maybe even quit social media for a week—and "touch grass" while you lean into the Holy Spirit.

Resources & Links

• Larry Raglin: The Final Flood
• Scripture Chapters to Study: Matthew 24, Genesis 6, Luke 2, 1 John 4, and 2 Thessalonians 2.
• Blurry Creatures Podcast
• Stranger Theology: Joel Mudamal’s resource for "humble theologians".
• Logos Bible Software: An incredible study tool with AI features to help you dig deeper. Use our link to sign up for Logos. You get a 30 day free trial and $10 off your purchase. If you sign, up we get a credit to our account so we can purchase more resources.

Grab your favorite cool beverage and join us as we remind ourselves that, in the end, it is Jesus over everything, always!

Welcome back to Altar’d Reality! We are so excited to introduce you to our dear friend Cara, an attorney and fellow life-group member who has been on an incredible journey of discovering her true identity in Christ.

In this episode, we explore:

• Meet the "Happy Attorney": Cara shares how she transitioned from studying psychology and counseling to becoming an attorney who specializes in estate planning rather than the courtroom. She explains how her legal work allows her to provide counsel and help people through challenging seasons of life.
• The Trap of False Humility: We discuss how growing up in the church can sometimes lead to a misunderstanding of pride. We often think that dismissing compliments or thinking negatively about ourselves is humble, but it can actually be an insult to the Creator who made us as His masterpiece.
• A Practical Identity Framework: Cara walks us through a powerful exercise she used to reclaim her identity. Using Philippians 4:8 as a guide, she created a notebook with categories for things that are true, noble, right, pure, and lovely about herself, underlining the specific traits God has uniquely placed in her.
• Preaching to Your Soul: Drawing from Psalm 42:5, we talk about the importance of leading your own soul and telling yourself what you need to know until your feelings catch up with the truth of God’s Word.

Our Challenge to You

This week, pick up a notebook and start your own Philippians 4 exercise. Don't let your own opinion of yourself be louder than God's. Start by writing down what is true about you based on Scripture and what unique gifts the Lord has given you.

Resources & Links

• Scripture References: Philippians 4:6-8, Ephesians 2:10, and Psalm 42:5.
• Gallup StrengthFinder: A research-based tool to help you identify and celebrate your top natural strengths.
• Working Genius: An assessment tool to help you understand your areas of natural productivity and joy.
• Logos Bible Software: An incredible study tool with AI features to help you dig deeper. Use our link to sign up for Logos. You get a 30 day free trial and $10 off your purchase. If you sign, up we get a credit to our account so we can purchase more resources.

Grab your favorite cool beverage and join us as we remind ourselves that, in the end, it is Jesus over everything, always!