In this episode, we walk through the letter to Smyrna — the persecuted church. Unlike other churches in Revelation, Smyrna receives no rebuke — only encouragement to remain faithful in suffering.

We unpack what Jesus says to believers who were facing poverty, slander, imprisonment, and even death. And yet, in the middle of that pressure, He reminds them that they are spiritually rich.

This letter reminds us that hardship is not proof of God’s absence. Sometimes it is the very place where hope is refined. Jesus doesn’t promise comfort to Smyrna — He promises Himself. And He promises a crown of life to those who endure.

If you’ve ever felt opposed, rejected, or worn down for your faith, this message is for you. Hope is not canceled by persecution. It is strengthened through it.

Scripture Focus:

• Revelation 2:8–11

  
  

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Can you be doctrinally correct… and still spiritually drifting?

In Revelation 2, Jesus confronts the church of Ephesus — a strong, disciplined church that had one fatal flaw: they left their first love.

In this teaching, we break down:

• What “first love” really means

• Why spiritual routine can replace relationship

• The warning about the lampstand

• The hope Jesus offers before judgment

This isn’t just history — it’s a mirror.

If you feel spiritually busy but relationally distant from Christ, this message is for you.

Jesus always corrects with the goal of restoration. The call is simple: Remember. Repent. Return.

Ministry Link:
https://iammmatthewministries.org

YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@IAMMatthewMinistries

Before Adam ever took a step, God’s plan was already written—and in Revelation 1, we catch a glimpse of its fulfillment. In this first episode of our Hope in the Revelation series, we dive deep into Chapter 1 and explore:

• Jesus as the Aleph and Tav, the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet, representing the fullness of God’s plan.

• How these symbols echo throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Zechariah 12:10, revealing God’s unwavering purpose.

• A comparison of John’s vision of Jesus with the appearance of a man in David, highlighting the continuity of God’s promises across time.

• How these glimpses of Christ give us hope for the future, reminding us that the One who was, is, and is to come is faithful and victorious.

Join us as we uncover the hope, the promise, and the awe-inspiring truth of Jesus in Revelation 1.

In this final installment of our Foundation of Hope series, we anchor ourselves in one of the greatest promises Jesus ever gave us — He is coming back.

I talk about the moment Jesus told His disciples that in His Father’s house are many rooms, and that He was going to prepare a place for us. And if He goes to prepare a place, He will come again and take us to be where He is.

That promise changes everything.

Our hope isn’t just about surviving today.

It isn’t just about getting through hard seasons.

It’s about the certainty that this world is not the end of the story.

Jesus didn’t leave us with uncertainty — He left us with assurance. The same Savior who came once in humility will come again in glory. And that future reality gives us stability, courage, and peace right now.

This episode closes the Foundation of Hope series by reminding us that our hope is not wishful thinking — it is rooted in the words of Christ Himself.

And it also sets the stage for what comes next.

In our upcoming series, we will walk through Revelation and carefully unpack what God has given us in the Revelation of Jesus Christ — not speculation, not fear-driven headlines — but what Scripture actually says and what it means for believers today.

The foundation has been laid.

Now we begin to build.

Scripture Focus:

John 14:2–3

Support & Connect:

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Before Adam ever took a breath, God already saw you.
He saw me.
He saw the ones who would bring Him joy — and the ones who would break His heart.

And knowing all of it… He still said, “I want them.”

In this episode, we talk about why any of this matters to God — why we matter. John 3:16 isn’t just a verse we memorize; it’s the heartbeat of God. He didn’t send His Son because humanity earned it. He sent Him because love moved first.

We unpack the truth that God never viewed the world as disposable. He saw people worth rescuing, worth redeeming, worth dying for. And if there’s one thing I want you to hear clearly in this episode, it’s this: you have a God in heaven who longs for you.

I also address something many of us wrestle with — the way we tear ourselves down, speaking over our lives in ways we would never speak about someone else. God never asked for perfection. He already knows your flaws, your failures, and your struggles — and He still chose you. Still loves you. Still calls you His. We don’t honor God by hating ourselves; we honor Him by believing what He says about us.

We talk honestly about hell — clearing up the misunderstanding that God is eager to send people away. Scripture tells us it wasn’t created for humanity, and God’s heart has always been rescue, not destruction. From the beginning, His desire has been clear: that none would perish, but that all would turn and live.

And finally, we look forward — to the hope Revelation gives us. A new heaven. A new earth. God dwelling with His people. Every tear wiped away. Death gone. Grief gone. Pain gone. Not because we escaped reality — but because God makes all things new.

This isn’t just future hope.
It’s the hope we live from right now.
And no matter what you’re carrying today — it will not have the final word.

Scriptures Mentioned (CSV):

• John 3:16

• 2 Peter 3:9

• Revelation 21:1–4

  
  

  Connect:

🌐 Website: https://www.iammatthewministries.org
💙 Donate on Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/IAmMatthewMinistries
📧 Email: robert@iammatthewministries.org

In this episode, we explore what it really means to trust God beyond our understanding — not as a theory, but as a living, breathing faith that changes everything.

I share the story of Jesus providing coins in a fish to pay the temple tax — a moment that seems impossible on paper, but shows exactly who God is. This isn’t just a story from the past; it’s a reminder that God still specializes in the impossible today.

Faith isn’t a transaction. It isn’t, “Do this and get that.” Faith is trusting the One who loved you before your mistakes, before your future sins, and who still makes a way when it seems hopeless. When we obey even when the numbers don’t add up, God shows up.

We also talk about trusting God when life doesn’t go according to plan — when jobs, resources, or relationships don’t match our expectations. True faith isn’t ignoring reality; it’s choosing to lean fully on the unchanging God, not on the temporary things of this world.

This episode challenges us to step into obedience, trust God’s plan, and experience the peace and provision that comes when we give Him full control.

Scripture Focus:
Proverbs 3:5

Support & Connect:

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In Episode 101, we continue building our Foundation of Hope by talking about prayer — not as a religious routine, but as a living, breathing connection with God.

I share how prayer changes the atmosphere when we surrender to Jesus, especially in moments of anger, frustration, confusion, or emotional overload. Even when everything in us wants to stop praying, choosing to keep going invites the presence of God — and His presence changes everything.

We talk about the truth that God sees you and loves you, even in moments when you’re frustrated with Him or feel completely alone. Prayer doesn’t require perfect words — it requires honesty. Sometimes prayer simply starts with, “Jesus, I hope You’re there… please hear my heart.”

This episode also challenges us to pray not only for the people we love, but for the people we struggle with — the ones who frustrate us, reject us, or make life difficult. Scripture reminds us that prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings are meant for everyone.

Just like any relationship, our relationship with God grows when we spend time talking with Him — airing out what’s going on in our lives and drawing near with open hearts. Prayer becomes both the place where hope is restored now and where we’re reminded of the eternal hope we have with Him forever.

Scripture Focus:

1 Timothy 2:1

Support & Connect:

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📧 Email: robert@iammatthewministries.org

Episode 100 is a milestone — and in this episode, we pause to set a remembrance stone.

Just as God’s people would stop and mark what the Lord had done, this episode reflects on the journey of the I Am Matthew Podcast — where it began, how God has carried it through, where it stands today, and where we believe He is leading it next.

I look back over the last 100 episodes and the faithfulness of God in every season — the growth, the struggles, the unanswered prayers, the open doors, and the moments where hope carried us forward. This episode isn’t about numbers or accomplishments — it’s about remembering what God has done and trusting Him with what’s still ahead.

This remembrance stone is both a testimony and a declaration: the same God who brought us this far will lead us forward.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

🌐 Website: https://www.iammatthewministries.org
💙 Donate on Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/IAmMatthewMinistries
📧 Email: robert@iammatthewministries.org