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.

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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/

Welcome to the Sidebar, a new podcast where we go deeper into Scripture beyond the Sunday sermon. In this episode, hosts Zwai Zulu, Ansuné Schoeman, and Richard van Lieshout unpack the poetic taunt in Isaiah 14 and explore a compelling question: Is this passage only about the king of Babylon, or is there a deeper, spiritual reality at play? We journey from Genesis 10–11 through Isaiah, Daniel, and the New Testament, connecting biblical dots to reveal how the origin of Babylon, founded by Nimrod, is entwined with ancient spiritual rebellion. Could the pride of the Babylonian king mirror the fall of a heavenly being? We examine the Nephilim, the "sons of God," the meaning of Rephaim, and how ancient language points to a cosmic battle behind human tyranny. ~~~Recommended Resources:-The Bible Project – “Spiritual Beings” serieshttps://bibleproject.com/videos/collections/spiritual-beings/-Word Matters – Episode on Genesis 6https://wordmatterspod.csbible.com/2016/08/08/episode-19-who-were-the-nephilim-Expositional Leadershiphttps://www.crossway.org/books/expositional-leadership-ebook/-The God Who Is There by D.A. Carsonhttps://www.amazon.com/God-Who-There-Finding-Place/dp/0801013720Additional Articles:https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/satan-world-providence-christhttps://wordmatterspod.csbible.com/2016/08/08/episode-19-who-were-the-nephilim/In this, they talk about 3 possible views on who the Nephilim were in a really helpful way. The two hosts share their own views, which also models charitable discussion when there are different ways of understanding something in Scripture.https://www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-the-truth-about-satan-and-demons-iain-duguid/In this they talk about not overestimating or underestimating the impact of the enemy. It's got a couple of useful parts! https://www.crossway.org/articles/why-we-should-not-fear-satan-and-demons/