Expedition 44

Christians are called to care for the vulnerable, but churches have not always led the way in becoming places safe from abuse. Increasingly, organizations and churches are recognizing the importance of the field of safeguarding: training and equipping people to prevent abuse, act when abuse happens, and promote healing for survivors.Lisa Compton and Taylor Patterson have edited the first textbook on safeguarding designed specifically for faith-based ministries, churches, and seminaries. In Skills for Safeguarding, experts from universities around the world have contributed on topics in their areas of expertise. This bookprovides an understanding of trauma and abuse from a Christian integration perspective;gives insight into perpetrator dynamics and systems that enable abuse;teaches skills necessary to interact with victims and their families;includes questions for self-reflection and discussion; and more. Safeguarders can be individuals hired by the church in a vocational role, but they can also be pastors and other church leaders, laypeople, mental health professionals, and anyone who desires to promote a safe environment. Ideally, every adult in the church should recognize their responsibility to safeguard and seek to grow in skills to better serve abuse survivors and cultivate a culture that protects the vulnerable. This book provides the essential starting place.Buy the book: https://a.co/d/bBHkla0

Grow in Your Leadership Calling Through the Example of JesusDiscover the profound impact of spirituality on leadership with Formed to Lead, a compelling exploration of how the Holy Spirit shapes effective leaders. Guided by Jason Jensen, a seasoned leader in spiritual foundations, Formed to Lead takes you through an inspiring narrative that bridges divine guidance and practical leadership. You'll uncover the nature of Christian leadership by examining Jesus' leadership in Luke 3-4. Each chapter offers insights into the temptations of leadership, learning humility through discipleship, and encountering God in vulnerability. With group Bible studies and discussion questions, it’s perfect for individuals or groups seeking a deeper and more faith-driven approach to leadership. Formed to Lead shows leaders how to: examine how a combination of tender humility and bold faith enhance faithful Christian leadership explore the connection between spiritual discipline and strong leadership qualities learn strategies to overcome common leadership challenges by drawing from Jesus' example discern the Holy Spirit’s movement in your own growth and in your leadership calling reflect on personal leadership journeys through guided discussion questions Ideal for readers of Ruth Haley Barton and Henri Nouwen, Formed to Lead is a guide for aspiring leaders committed to following Jesus’ example. Join a community of like-minded individuals who are reshaping leadership through spirituality. Transform your approach and lead with humility, character, integrity, and discernment by reading Formed to Lead.Buy the book: https://a.co/d/3JO6um9Website: https://formedtolead.com

In this class Dr. Matt covers topics in Revelation 16-22. At the end of the episode he is joined for a Q&R session with Pastor Jon Gibson of The Point (Seymour IN www.gotothepoint.com)Topics covered:- The Characteristics of Babylon - Armageddon - Gog and Magog-The Millennium -The Final Judgement-The New Creation 

In this class Dr. Matt covers Revelation 12-15. Topics covered:- The Dragon-The Beasts-The Mark of the Beast-The Number of the Beast 666/616-The Mark of The Lamb-The WinepressConclusions:The first Beast in Revelation is Rome, but it is more than Rome. It is all who embody the Beast in every generation.The second Beast is Nero, but it is more than Nero. It is all who embody Nero and the way of the first Beast in every generation.All Empires are controlled by the hostile spiritual powers of Satan.The church is to have an Exile mindset in this age (Jeremiah 29:4-11)How do we slay the Dragon? With a whole life witness that mirrors the life of Jesus!

In this class Dr. Matt gives an overview of Revelation 4-11 showing the way that the church wins is by following the way and witness of the Lamb!Revelation 4:1-11Who is God?V8• Holy, holy holy- the set apart one• Lord, God Almighty- the sovereign one• Who was and is and is to come- the eternal oneV11• Creator• Sustainer“Flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder.”1. Seals = Revelation 8:52. Trumpets = Revelation 11:193. Bowls = Revelation 16:18Even when the world seems like it is spinning out of control, God is in control.Revelation 5• Lion of Judah- Gen 49:9-10• Root of David- Isaiah 11:1• Revelation uses “hearing” and “seeing” to interpret images and flip their meanings.• Jesus rules as a lamb (Rev 5:6)- Power under vs. Power over (Babylon)God’s wrath• God’s character: Exodus 34:6-7• God’s anger in the Bible is His removal of protection and handing people over to naturalconsequences of their choices.• Romans 1:18-32The “Judgements”Seals (Revelation 6:1-17, 8:1-2)Come = reveal yourselfSeals 1 and 2: The Pax Romana (false peace through violence/strength)Seal 3: Economic injustice of Rome.Seal 4: conquest → war → famine → death (Zech 1:8-17; 6:1-8; 2:6)Seal 5: KEY QUESTION: What happens to Christians in the middle of this Roman conquest?ANSWER: Christians die—and that’s how we win (witness). And the prayers of God’s peopleimpact heaven.Seal 6: Lights out for Empire (Isaiah 13:9-10; Ezek 32:7-8; Isaiah 34:4-5; Amos 8:9; Psalm 18)Seal 7: Eschatological peace (and the 7 trumpets)Trumpets (Rev 8:2-9:21, 11:15-19)The judgement is 1/3- still partial (Rev 12:12)Trumpets were used to warn and to worship in the OTThe Trumpets echo the 10 plagues of the ExodusThe purpose of the Exodus:1. Expose – to expose the gods and judge them2. Unveil – to unveil God’s glory and grace3. Repent – to lead God’s enemies to repentance (Rev 9:21)• The goal of the trumpets is to unveil evil, empire, and satan’s kingdom for what it is.• In the trumpets hell imploding on itself, this is not God being vindictive. Hell attacks its own here, itknows no loyalty or fidelity. You get the consequences of what you attach yourself to.• God is different, even when they refuse to repent from allegiance with Kingdom of Satan, God stillpursues His creation.Bowls (Rev 16:1-21)If the seals expose empire’s logic and the trumpets warn of its consequences, the bowls show evil collapsing under its own weight.Key Point: The bowls show the inevitable end of Empire and Evil—it destroys itself.The InterludesBetween the 6th and 7th in each of the 3 cycles there is an interlude which explains what God’s peopleare called to know and do.Seals Interlude (Rev 7:1-17)The message of the Seals= You are spiritually secure!• John hears 144,000 but sees every tribe, tongue, and nation worshipping the Lamb= the church• The Q: Who can stand? The Answer: God’s people can!Trumpets Interlude (Rev 10:1-11:14)The message of the Trumpets= Go witness! (like the faithful witness Rev 1:5)• 2 witnesses- killed in Jerusalem, dead for 3 days, came back to life, ascended to heaven = Jesus,but it is also the church (his body).• Olive tree and Lamp stand (Zech 4:14): This was the priest and king (Jesus) but in Revelation thechurch is a kingdom and priests to God (Ex 19:6; Rev 1:5-6; Rev 5:9-10; Rev 20:6) and the churchesare called lamp stands- we hold the light (Jesus- Rev 1:12-13. 20; Rev 2:1,5; Rev 21:23; Matt 5:16;John 8:12, 9:5, 12:46)Bowls Interlude (Rev 16:15)The message of the Bowls= Witness by what you do (deeds matter)!• White Clothes = deeds and purity (Rev 19:8; 2:4; 3:2; 14:13; 22:12)• To 5 of 7 church Jesus says “I know your deeds”• What we do (and don’t do) matters!We do not own the rights to the Revelation 1-11 video by Bible project and are using is with permission.

This is a recording of a 4 week class Dr. Matt is teaching on the letter of Revelation at The Point (www.gotothepoint.com). What lenses do you read Revelation with? Revelation 1:1The letter of Revelation is the revelation of Jesus Christ, not a revelation of fear and speculation about the the end of the world.Interpretive Assumptions and MistakesAssumption #1: Revelation is primarily about the “end times”.Assumption #2: What Revelation reveals is a chronological roadmap of the future. Assumption #3: Revelation is about us.How to avoid interpretive mistakes…Step 1: Consider the literary contextGenreEpistle (Rev 1:4, 1:11; Rev 2-3)The Bible (and Revelation) was not written to us, but it was written for us. Prophecy (Rev 1:3, Rev 19:10)17% of the time the words “prophecy”, “prophesy”, or “to prophesy” are used, the verses are in the context of a prediction. (Often about judgement events that will come if people don’t repent)83% of the time the words “prophecy”, “prophesy”, and “to prophesy” refer to something else besides prediction. Prophecy does 3 things… It reveals: Who God isWhat God desiresWhat God demands from His peopleApocalypse There are 404 verses in Revelation which contain over 800 Old Testament allusions. So, we must understand the Old Testament to interpret Revelation correctly. Apocalyptic genre is like a political cartoon. It is the writing of oppressed people under the foot of the empire. Apocalypses are overtly political and are meant to critique to governments of this world and call God’s people to faithful allegiance to the kingdom of God. Step 2: Know the historical context Struggle and Conflict in Revelation: Kingdom of God vs. Kingdom of Satan, Jesus followers vs. unbelieving Jews, Empire vs. The Church, Truth vs. liesTeam Lamb or Team Dragon?Revelation 1Jesus reveals God to us Jesus reveals us to usYou don’t just read Revelation, it reads you!Revelation will reveal the God you worship or your cultural assumptions about God. We become like the god(s) we worshipLet Jesus unveil God and His character to us (The Jesus of Revelation shouldn’t look different than the Jesus of the gospels or the Sermon on the Mount)7 Churches (Revelation 2-3)Summary:As a letter, Revelation was written to seven real churches, which implies that its message was understandable to its original readers. As an apocalypse, Revelation uses symbolic language to reveal a God’s-eye perspective for the encouragement of Christians living in Caesar’s empire. And as a prophecy, Revelation warns the churches against idolatry (Rev 2:14–15). This makes sense given how idols and temples peppered the Asian landscape.Revelation encourages Christians to remain faithful in trials (Rev 2:10, 13). It’s no wonder that Revelation would include this, as the threat of persecution was constant.Revelation tells the story of how Satan has inspired an evil, beastly kingdom but that one day the Lamb will rescue the world from it (Rev 12–13; 17–22). That such a story is included is not at all surprising given that the message of the idolatrous empire was etched on every official document and ingrained on every temple.Revelation identifies two groups of people who have been marked out as either Lamb people or Beast people (Rev 7; 13–14). This makes perfect sense because, in the first century, there was only one choice: pledge loyalty to either Christ or Caesar.

Dr. Ryan and Dr. Matt have a conversation with Dave Ripper about his new book Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus: Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard .Bio:Dave Ripper is the lead pastor of Crossway Christian Church, a multi-congregational church in southern New Hampshire focused on spiritual formation. He earned a Doctor of Ministry in spiritual direction from Fuller Theological Seminary and the Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture and Dallas Willard Research Center at Westmont College. He’s the author of “Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus: Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard and coauthor of The Fellowship of the Suffering.”About the Book:Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus offers a unique pathway to deeper spiritual engagement, using Dallas Willard's revolutionary approach to reading the Bible. More than a study tool, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus invites you to transform your encounters with Scripture from mere information gathering to profound spiritual experiences. Using primary source material and insights from Willard, Dave Ripper takes you on an immersive exploration of Scripture that mirrors the intellect of a philosopher and the heart of a mystic.You'll find experiential exercises designed to prompt reflection and foster enriching group conversations, helping you not just to read, but to truly know the God of the Bible. Perfect for pastors, ministry leaders, and spiritual seekers shaped by voices like Eugene Peterson and Richard Foster, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus offers a call to experience God’s presence in new and vibrant ways.Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and connection with Scripture as a disciple of Jesus. It offers practical tools, insights, and exercises that can be applied both individually and in group settings. By incorporating the teachings of Dallas Willard, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus provides a unique perspective on reading the Bible that goes beyond simple information gathering.Buy the book: https://a.co/d/4IN81Nz

Dr. Will Ryan and Dr. Matt are back! In this episode we discuss an article we wrote on expedition 44's website about what the Bible tells us about the fall of spiritual beings, specifically in the Genesis 1-3 narrative. read the article here: https://expedition44.com/2025/05/02/did-satan-and-the-other-spiritual-beings-fall/

In this episode we talk with Shane about his forthcoming book Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation.Bio: Shane J. Wood (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is professor of New Testament and Its Origins at Ozark Christian College. In addition to speaking at churches and conferences worldwide, Shane produces a variety of audio, video, and written resources available at shanejwood.com. He is the author of Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life and The Alter-Imperial Paradigm: Empire Studies and the Book of Revelation. Shane and his wife, Sara, have four children and live in southwest Missouri.Buy the book: https://a.co/d/9VRA0ZCAbout the book:The Biblical book of Revelation―a text that, for many, remains shrouded in mystery and confusion. The cryptic symbols and visions of the end times often evoke anxiety among believers. Is it even possible to find hope and spiritual growth within its pages? Thinning the Veil is not just a book; it's a spiritual guide that combines Biblical scholarship with personal reflection, making the study of Revelation accessible and enriching. You'll discover that the heart of Revelation lies in its opening words―"the revelation of Jesus Christ." It's a powerful and personal unveiling, designed to bridge the gap between heaven and earth, bringing God's presence into our lives in a very real and transforming way.Authored by renowned Biblical scholar Shane J. Wood, Thinning the Veil provides a fresh perspective on Revelation, aiming to transform our understanding of this profound text. Wood invites readers to see Revelation not as a daunting puzzle but as a revelation of Jesus, meant to inspire divine intimacy and spiritual renewal.Each chapter of Thinning the Veil is crafted to deepen your engagement through:Interpretation Tools: Engage with exercises that explore different principles of Biblical interpretation, helping you unlock the deeper meanings within Revelation.Scriptural Insights: Delve into thorough textual studies that illuminate the complex passages, unveiling the profound messages they contain.Spiritual Takeaways: Reflect on spiritual practices and thought-provoking questions designed to invite the Word to transform your soul, just as it did for its original audience.Are you ready to dispel the mystery and uncover the hope that lies within the book of Revelation? Thinning the Veil is your guide to experiencing Revelation’s hopeful and transformational message.

Today Dr. Will Ryan and Dr. Matt talk with Dr. John Walton about his new book which expands on The Lost World of Genesis and The Lost World of Adam and Eve. Buy the Book: https://a.co/d/dnA0ylPDescription:Updating and expanding upon his previous work on origins, this riveting volume from John H. Walton marks the eighth entry in his bestselling Lost World Series, which has sold more than 125,000 copies.For over a decade, John Walton's books The Lost World of Genesis One and The Lost World of Adam and Eve have shaped readers' understanding of the ancient Near Eastern world and its implications for modern scientific origins debates. But more than simply engaging the creation/evolution debate, these works explored questions related to interpretation of Genesis through ancient eyes, the theological purpose of a seven-day creation account, the historicity of Adam and Eve, and the history of interpretation of the creative narratives.In New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis, Walton provides comprehensive and timely updates on the latest developments and research, including:a summary of positions addressed in his previous books on originsnew insights, clarifications, and illustrations based on current scholarshipanswers to frequently asked questionsEngaging the latest scholarship as well as questions that his proponents and critics alike have raised, New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis provides a relevant update that will benefit students, professors, and pastors as they continue to explore questions of origins and their implications for the Christian life