I am Matthew Podcast: Overcoming Past Mistakes with Spiritual Growth

EP118 Hope in the Revelation: The Silence before the Storm

In this episode of our Revelation series, we step into Revelation 8, where the seventh seal is finally opened — and before anything happens, heaven falls silent. For about half an hour, there is silence in heaven. After all the worship, thunder, voices, and movement throughout Revelation, this silence stands out powerfully. It is the calm before the storm. A holy pause before the trumpet judgments begin. Using insights from the Enduring Word Commentary, we unpack the weight of this moment and what it reveals about the seriousness of what is about to unfold on the earth. We also look at the prayers of the saints rising before God like incense. Even in judgment, prayer still matters. God still hears His people. As the trumpets begin to sound, we see devastation unfold across the earth — affecting the land, the sea, the waters, and the heavens. But through it all, Revelation continues to remind us that none of this is random chaos. God is still sovereign, still just, and still calling humanity to repentance. This chapter challenges us to reflect on: ➡️ The holiness and justice of God ➡️ The power of prayer before His throne ➡️ The seriousness of rejecting Him ➡️ And the hope still available through Jesus Christ Even in the silence before judgment, God is speaking. Scripture Focus: * Revelation 8:1–13 Support & Connect: 🌐 Website: https://www.iammatthewministries.org [https://www.iammatthewministries.org] 💙 Donate on Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/IAmMatthewMinistries 📧 Email: robert@iammatthewministries.org

EP117 Hope in the Revelation: A Pause in the Judgement

In this episode of our Revelation series, we walk through Revelation 7, a powerful pause in the middle of judgment that reveals something incredible about the heart of God: even in the midst of judgment, God is still calling people to Himself. As the world moves deeper into tribulation, heaven is not closed off to humanity. Instead, we see the mercy of God still reaching, still sealing, still redeeming. We unpack the sealing of the 144,000 and then focus heavily on the great multitude standing before the throne — people from every nation, tribe, and language who came out of the tribulation and now stand before the Lamb in worship. One of the most powerful parts of this chapter is the honor given to these tribulation saints. Scripture says they serve God day and night in His temple. Many of these people may have come to Christ later than others, during the darkest days imaginable — and yet they are brought incredibly close to God. This is a powerful picture of Jesus’ words that the last shall be first, and the first last. And that brings hope. Hope for the wayward son. Hope for the prodigal. Hope for the person everyone thinks is too far gone. Hope for the one people have given up on. Because as long as there is breath in someone’s lungs, God is still able to save. This chapter reminds us: ➡️ God’s mercy is still active even during judgment ➡️ No one is beyond the reach of redemption ➡️ Faithfulness through suffering is seen and rewarded by God And through it all, we see the tenderness of the Lamb — leading His people, shepherding them, and wiping away every tear from their eyes. Even in Revelation’s darkest moments, hope continues to shine through Jesus Christ. Scripture Focus: * Revelation 7:1–17 Support & Connect: 📧 Email: ⁠robert@iammatthewministries.org⁠ 🌐 Website: https://www.iammatthewministries.org [https://www.iammatthewministries.org] 💙 Donate on Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/IAmMatthewMinistries

EP116 Hope in the Revelation: The Fifth and Sixth Seals

In this episode of our Revelation series, we continue into the fifth and sixth seals in Revelation 6 — where the focus shifts from what is happening on earth to what is happening in heaven… and then back again. With the fifth seal, we see the souls of those who were martyred for their faith, crying out to God for justice. This moment reminds us that God sees every act of persecution, every sacrifice, and every life laid down for His name. Their cry is not ignored — it is heard. Then, as the sixth seal is opened, everything begins to shake. The earth responds with upheaval, and people from every level of society recognize something sobering — the wrath of the Lamb. We unpack these moments carefully, focusing not on fear, but on truth: ➡️ God does not overlook injustice ➡️ There is a coming day of accountability ➡️ Even in judgment, God is revealing Himself This passage is both sobering and hope-filled. For those who belong to Christ, it is a reminder that suffering is seen and that justice will come. For the world, it is a call to recognize who is truly on the throne. The same Lamb who was slain is also the righteous Judge — and that truth calls us to both reverence and hope. Scripture Focus * Revelation 6:9–17 Support & Connect: 🌐 Website: https://www.iammatthewministries.org [https://www.iammatthewministries.org] 💙 Donate on Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/IAmMatthewMinistries 📧 Email: robert@iammatthewministries.org

EP115 Hope in the Revelation: The First Four Seals!

In this episode of our Revelation series, we walk through the opening of the first four seals in Revelation 6 — often known as the four horsemen. As the Lamb begins to open the scroll, we see the start of what unfolds on the earth: conquest, conflict, scarcity, and death. These aren’t random events — they are released under the authority of Christ, reminding us that even in judgment, God is still in control. We take a careful, Scripture-centered look at each of the first four seals and what they represent, while keeping our focus grounded in truth — not fear. This passage can feel heavy, but it points us to something deeper: ➡️ Nothing is outside of God’s authority ➡️ Judgment is not chaos — it is purposeful ➡️ Even in difficult passages, our hope remains in Christ The same Lamb who was slain is the One opening the seals. That matters. This episode continues to build our understanding of Revelation while keeping our foundation steady — not in speculation, but in the sovereignty of God and the hope we have in Jesus. Scripture Focus * Revelation 6:1–8 Connect With Us! 🌐 Website: https://www.iammatthewministries.org [https://www.iammatthewministries.org] 💙 Donate on Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/IAmMatthewMinistries 📧 Email: robert@iammatthewministries.org

EP114 Hope in the Revelation: The LAMB takes the Scroll!

In this episode of our Revelation series, we step into one of the most powerful scenes in all of Scripture — Revelation 5, where heaven is searching for someone worthy to open the scroll. At first, no one is found worthy… and John begins to weep. But then everything changes. Jesus is introduced — not first as the Lion, but as the Lamb. And not just any lamb… a Lamb that was slain. Using insights from the Enduring Word Commentary, we unpack the depth of this moment. Even in the throne room of heaven, Jesus is revealed in His sacrificial identity. The marks of His sacrifice are not erased — they remain. This points us to a powerful truth: ➡️ Jesus didn’t just die once and move on ➡️ His sacrifice is eternally significant ➡️ Before the Father, He still stands as the Lamb who was slain This doesn’t mean He is continually suffering — it means His finished work is forever present and sufficient. Our hope is anchored in a sacrifice that never loses its power. As heaven erupts in worship, we’re reminded that everything centers on Jesus — the only One worthy to redeem, restore, and bring God’s plan to completion. This episode calls us back to the heart of our faith: our hope is in the Lamb. Scripture Focus: * Revelation 5:1–14 Connect with Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.iammatthewministries.org [https://www.iammatthewministries.org] 💙 Donate on Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/IAmMatthewMinistries 📧 Email: robert@iammatthewministries.org Scripture Focus:Support & Connect: