In this episode of The Sidebar, Pastors Richard and Zwai join discipleship director Ansuné to explore the deeper layers of our recent Meeting with God series. Together, they tackle the theological challenges of prayer, such as how prayer functions within God's sovereignty, and examine the Lord's Prayer as a pattern rather than a rigid formula. The conversation also uncovers fascinating insights into biblical textual transmission; explaining why some Bible versions include the doxology ("For yours is the kingdom...") while others do not; and walks through the Lord's Prayer line-by-line to help move your prayer life from duty to delight.

Show Notes & Resources Mentioned:

• Book: The Lord's Prayer: Learning from Jesus on What, Why, and How to Pray by Kevin DeYoung (Crossway)
• Book: Introduction to the Psalms by Eugene Peterson
• Historical Writings: Reflections on forgiveness by Thomas Watson (Puritan writer)
• Key Passages: Matthew 6, Luke 11, 1 Chronicles 29, John 14
• Manuscripts Mentioned: Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, Textus Receptus

In this third episode of Sidebar Zwai, Richard, and Ansune dive into the sobering yet hopeful prophecy of Isaiah 24. A chapter that paints a picture of global judgment and ultimate renewal. They explore the theme of the earth’s curse due to human rebellion, the inescapable judgment awaiting both earthly rulers and spiritual powers, and the glorious promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Drawing connections to Revelation 21–22 and 2 Peter 3, they emphasize that God’s final act is not destruction, but redemption; remaking all things through Christ, the true Curse-Breaker. This is a message of warning, but also of deep hope for those who long for the day when creation is finally set free.

~~~

Recommended Resources:

-The Supreme Malediction by RC Sproul

https://www.renewingyourmind.org/2021/04/01/the-supreme-malediction

-The Unfolding Message of the Bible by G. Campbell Morgan

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/12982162-the-unfolding-message-of-the-bible-the-harmony-and-unity-of-the-scriptu

-The Bible Project content on "New Creation" and "Judgment" for example:

https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/heaven-hell-3-divine-judgment-and-resurrection-hope/

https://bibleproject.com/articles/new-heaven-new-earth/

Welcome back to Sidebar from Rosebank Union Church — where we go deeper into Scripture beyond the Sunday sermon. In this second episode, Zwai, Richard, and Ansuné unpack the dramatic story of Shebna and Eliakim in Isaiah 22. An interlude between prophecies against Jerusalem. Why does God interrupt His oracle to focus on two royal officials? What does it mean to be a true steward of divine authority? We explore: -The arrogance of Shebna, who builds a grand tomb for himself while the city faces crisis-The elevation of Eliakim, clothed with authority and called “a father” to the people-The powerful metaphor of “a peg in a sure place” — and how it points forward to Christ-Connections to Christmas, the throne of David, and Jesus’ promise: “I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David” (Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7)Key Passages:Isaiah 22:1–25 | 2 Kings 18:18–37 | Isaiah 9:6 | Revelation 3:7~~~Recommended Resources:-Preaching the Cross by Mark Deverhttps://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Cross-Mark-Dever/dp/1581348282-The Unfolding Message of the Bible by G. Campbell Morganhttps://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/12982162-the-unfolding-message-of-the-bible-the-harmony-and-unity-of-the-scriptu-Study note on “sons of God” and “Nephilim”https://wordmatterspod.csbible.com/2016/08/08/episode-19-who-were-the-nephilim/https://www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-the-truth-about-satan-and-demons-iain-duguid/