WTBS - What the Bible Says

102. What the Bible Says About Life After Death (pt2) - Places

What The Bible Says. Fortnightly bible study. Episode 102 - 05/06/26 Led by Tim Clark In this second part of What the Bible Says About Life After Death, we continue exploring what Scripture teaches about death, resurrection, judgement, and eternity. This study focuses especially on the different “locations” the Bible speaks about in relation to what happens after we die. We begin with the body: from dust we came, and to dust we return. Genesis, Ecclesiastes, the Psalms, and Daniel all help us see that the physical body goes to the grave, the tomb, the dust, or the place of burial. But the Bible also teaches that death is not the end of the person. From there, we look at Sheol in the Old Testament and Hades in the New Testament — the realm of the dead. We consider how Scripture speaks of consciousness after death, communication, waiting, torment, comfort, and the great divide seen in Jesus’ account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. We then consider Abraham’s bosom, Paradise, and what happened before the resurrection of Christ. The faithful dead were gathered to their people and kept in a place of comfort and rest, while the wicked were held in torment. Jesus’ words to the thief on the cross — “Today you shall be with Me in Paradise” — become especially important in understanding this. The study then turns to what changed through the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. We look at passages such as Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 3–4, considering Christ’s descent, His proclamation to the spirits in prison, and His leading of captives in His train. We also ask whether Abraham’s bosom is now empty, and where believers go when they die today. We also explore the Christian hope of resurrection. Passages such as 2 Corinthians 5, 1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 15, and Revelation 6 show that believers who die are present with the Lord, awaiting the resurrection body. Death is not victory over the believer; in Christ, death has been swallowed up in victory. Finally, we look ahead to the final judgement, the lake of fire, the second death, and the New Jerusalem. The Bible ends not with vague ideas of clouds and harps, but with resurrection, renewed creation, perfect bodies, the dwelling place of God with His people, and eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ.

101. What the Bible Says About Life After Death (pt1)

What The Bible Says. Fortnightly bible study. Episode 100 - 22/05/25 Led by Akin George What does the Bible actually say about life after death? In this first part of our study, we look honestly at the subject many people avoid: death. For the Christian, death is not the end, nor is it meant to be faced without hope. Scripture teaches that death entered through sin, but through Jesus Christ we have the promise of resurrection, eternal life, and being with the Lord. Beginning in Genesis, we trace the origin of death and the separation caused by sin, before considering the hope given to believers through Christ. We discuss passages including Hebrews 9, 1 Thessalonians 4, John 11, Luke 23, John 14, and 2 Corinthians 4, exploring questions such as: - What happens when a Christian dies? - Is death really described as sleep in the Bible? - Is there such a thing as reincarnation or a second chance after death? - What did Jesus mean when He told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise”? - How should the hope of resurrection shape the way we live now? This study is both comforting and challenging. Comforting, because those who belong to Christ have a certain hope beyond the grave. Challenging, because Scripture reminds us that “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). For the believer, death is not defeat. Because Jesus died and rose again, those who trust in Him will live, even though they die. #WhatTheBibleSays #LifeAfterDeath #DeathAndResurrection #ChristianHope #JesusChrist #BibleStudy #Resurrection #EternalLife #Heaven #Gospel

100. What the Bible Says - Quiz 2026

What The Bible Says. Fortnightly bible study. Episode 100 - 08/05/25 Led by Tim Clark To mark our 100th What the Bible Says Bible study, we did something a little different: a full WTBS Quiz Night 2026. From questions about the study itself, to surprising Bible details, to a final round of “Bible or AI?”, this was a joyful, funny, and sometimes very humbling evening together. Along the way, we looked at some wonderfully unexpected parts of Scripture, reflected on how carefully we need to read our Bibles, and were reminded that in an age of confusion, imitation, and noise, the Word of God remains trustworthy, living, and true. The evening also included a look back over the journey so far, including the remarkable number of people who have attended WTBS over time. No answers in the description this time — you’ll have to play along properly and see how many you can get before the group does. If you enjoy Bible study that goes beyond the surface, and you want to grow in confidence in what Scripture really says, this quiz is a great reminder that knowing the Bible well matters. #WhatTheBibleSays #BibleQuiz #BibleStudy #ChristianTeaching #Scripture #ChurchBibleStudy #QuizNight #BibleTrivia #WordOfGod #ChristianYouTube

99. What the Bible Says About The Exiles

What The Bible Says. Fortnightly bible study. Episode 99 - 24/04/25 Led by Tim Clark Israel’s story is marked by exile, judgement, mercy, and restoration. In this WTBS study, we trace the major exiles of Israel through Scripture — from Egypt, to the wilderness, to Assyria, Babylon, and the later Roman dispersion — and explore how each one reveals both the seriousness of sin and the faithfulness of God. We examine why these exiles happened, how they were foretold generations in advance, and how God continually preserved a remnant for Himself. From the Exodus to the Babylonian captivity, the Bible shows that God is never out of control, even in judgement. Every exile carried both warning and promise. The study explores the exile of the Northern Kingdom under Assyria, the destruction of Jerusalem under Babylon, and the later worldwide scattering of the Jewish people after the rejection of the Messiah. Along the way, we look at passages from Genesis, Kings, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Luke, Romans and Amos to see how exile and restoration form a major thread running through the whole Bible. We also consider the deeper spiritual meaning behind exile in Scripture. Egypt becomes a picture of salvation and deliverance. The wilderness becomes a picture of unbelief and testing. The return from exile becomes a picture of restoration, mercy, covenant faithfulness, and ultimately the kingdom of God itself. Special attention is given to the prophetic promises concerning Israel’s future restoration, the rebuilding of the “tabernacle of David,” the inclusion of the Gentiles, and the relationship between Israel, the Church, and the return of Christ. Romans 9–11 and Acts 15 are especially important in understanding how these themes fit together. This study also reflects on God’s sovereignty in history. Nations rise and fall, empires come and go, but the Lord remains faithful to His covenant purposes. The exiles of Israel were never random events — they were foretold, governed by God, and used to point ultimately toward Jesus Christ and His kingdom. As always, this is an open Bible study discussion with questions, interaction, Scripture reading, and practical application throughout. *Key passages include:* Genesis 15:13–16, Exodus 6:5–8, Numbers 14:26–35, 2 Kings 17, 2 Kings 24, Isaiah 11, Jeremiah 25, Jeremiah 29, Ezekiel 37, Luke 19:41–44, Luke 21:20–24, Acts 15:13–18, Romans 11:25–32, Amos 9:11–15 #BibleStudy #Israel #Exile #Prophecy #JesusChrist #Romans11 #Babylon #Assyria #EndTimes #KingdomOfGod #WTBS #Christianity #OldTestament #NewTestament #Messiah #Restoration #BibleProphecy

98. What the Bible Says About the Tabernacle.

What The Bible Says. Fortnightly bible study. Episode 98 - 10/04/25 Led by Graeme McPherson This study takes up the tabernacle as a deliberate picture of the gospel and of Jesus Christ. Right at the outset the group is careful not to run wild with symbolism, but to let Scripture itself govern the links that are made. The aim is not to invent meanings, but to see how Exodus 25–26, read in the light of the New Testament, shows God’s redemptive purpose and His desire to dwell among His people. A major theme is that the tabernacle reveals the heart of God: “that I may dwell among them.” The discussion repeatedly connects this with Eden, with John 1 where the Word “tabernacled” among us, and with the final fulfilment in Revelation where the dwelling place of God is with men. The tabernacle is therefore treated not merely as ancient furniture for worship, but as part of the Bible’s great storyline of God coming to dwell with His people through Christ. The group also gives significant attention to the willing offerings used to build the tabernacle. This becomes an exhortation about worship, gratitude, and stewardship. Israel had been rescued from Egypt entirely by God’s power, and so their giving is read as the grateful response of a redeemed people. From there the study presses into application: what we do with our resources shows what we worship, and what is not yielded to God can easily be turned toward idols. The ark and mercy seat form the theological centre of the discussion. The mercy seat is seen as the meeting place between God and man, the place of atonement, and a powerful picture of mercy standing over law. The group reflects on the cherubim guarding the way to God, the law inside the ark condemning sinners, and the mercy seat above it all, covered by sacrificial blood. From this they move naturally to Christ: the better sacrifice, the true meeting place with God, and the reason believers can now approach boldly. The table of bread is read as a picture of fellowship, provision, and communion. Bread, wine, and the setting of a table point the group toward the Lord’s Supper, the Emmaus road, and Jesus as the bread of life. At the same time, the discussion keeps pressing into discipleship: believers are not only recipients of grace, but vessels through whom the bread is served. The tabernacle therefore becomes a pattern for ongoing communion with Christ and for a life that ministers His provision to others. The lampstand then opens up the theme of light, holiness, and the work of the Spirit. Its beauty, purity, and hammered construction lead into reflection on how God forms His people through suffering and shapes each one distinctly for service. The oil is understood as pointing to the Holy Spirit, so that shining for God is never a matter of natural strength or outward impressiveness, but of divine life within. The wider discussion reinforces this by insisting that God’s presence does not rest on equipment, atmosphere, or externals, but upon consecrated people. Overall, the study presents the tabernacle as both Christological and pastoral. Christ is shown as the true tabernacle, the fulfiller of the law, the mercy seat, the bread, and the meeting place with God. Yet the study does not stop there: because believers are united to Christ, the church itself is spoken of as God’s dwelling place, a royal priesthood called to holiness, worship, service, and witness. The result is a study that is rich in biblical theology, but also full of practical exhortation toward reverence, gratitude, godly character, and Spirit-filled ministry.