This week, Steve and Rich take another deep dive into a previously covered topic: the Judgment Seat of Christ—an area many believers still wrestle with. Right from the start, Steve clarifies an important truth: believers will not stand before Christ to give an account for their sin, but rather for how they lived their lives. One key aspect of this judgment is the opportunity for believers to receive rewards based on their faithfulness. Rich highlights passages such as 2 Corinthians 5, 1 Corinthians 3, and Romans 14 to unpack this concept, emphasizing that the Judgment Seat of Christ is not about salvation or entry into heaven, but about reward. Jesus frequently referenced this idea in His parables, underscoring the importance of living in alignment with truth and being a good steward of what God has entrusted to us. With this in mind, Rich urges believers to recognize that the life lived between salvation and Christ’s return truly matters. Steve adds that the ultimate motivation should be hearing the words of Jesus: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Check out episode 44 for more discussion on the judgement seat of Christ on Resident Strangers

The Now Life podcast

For information on the November 2025 trip to Israel email Steve Engram at pastor@dscchurch.com

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Today’s episode kicks off with some exciting updates about what’s ahead for Resident Strangers—big things are coming, and you’ll literally see them soon! Sarah and Rich also take a moment to celebrate a huge milestone: Steve’s 30 years of ministry at Desert Springs. Considering the average tenure of a pastor at a single church is less than five years, this is truly remarkable. Steve and his wife, Tami, have been an incredible blessing, and we’re grateful for all that’s ahead in their ministry. After that, Rich and Steve dive into today’s topic—the second coming of Christ. Steve encourages listeners to read through Revelation 19 for a deeper understanding of the events surrounding His return. He also points out that when Jesus first came, many were confused because they expected Him to establish a new kingdom immediately. However, that kingdom will come with His second coming. Rich makes an interesting connection, noting that believers today may feel the same anticipation as those in Jesus’ time, eagerly awaiting His arrival. This should inspire us to live ready and expectant for Christ’s return. As always, Steve and Rich bring plenty of scripture to support their discussion, reminding us that the second coming of Christ is a reason for great joy and excitement. While Jesus has not yet arrived on the white horse, He stands with open arms, ready to embrace all who come to Him by faith.

For information on the November 2025 trip to Israel email Steve Engram at pastor@dscchurch.com

30th Anniversary Celebration for Pastor Steve + Tami (February 16th)

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Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you’d share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” — Revelation 1:3

Welcome back to another deep dive on Resident Strangers! The tribulation is a period of judgment on the earth, preparing the way for the coming kingdom of Jesus. How one understands this event largely depends on how the book of Revelation is read and interpreted. In this episode, Rich breaks down four key perspectives on the tribulation—the historicist, preterist, idealist, and futurist views (explained below). Steve connects Revelation to the book of Daniel, showing how the two come together to reveal God’s plan. He also highlights a significant prophetic marker: Israel’s reestablishment as a nation in 1948, a fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy and a sign that we are living in the final days. The conversation also explores the various judgments described in Revelation, painting a vivid picture of Christ’s second coming. Beyond these events, Jesus makes it clear that the end will not come until the gospel has been preached to all nations, leading to a great harvest of souls. Understanding Revelation—and the Bible as a whole—requires discerning when Scripture speaks figuratively and when it speaks plainly. This distinction is crucial for sound interpretation. Ultimately, as Rich reminds us, this knowledge isn’t just for study—it should compel us to live on mission, sharing who Jesus is and what awaits those who put their faith in Him.

•Historicist View – Interprets Revelation as a record of historical events, specifically the history of the Western Church rather than history in general.

•Preterist View – Argues that everything in Revelation has already taken place, culminating in the destruction of the temple in 70 AD.

•Idealist View – Sees Revelation as entirely symbolic, representing timeless spiritual truths rather than specific historical events.

•Futurist View – Understands Revelation as a prophecy of future events yet to unfold.

Check out episodes 20, 21, 78 + 79 for more discussion on the rapture and the tribulation on Resident Strangers

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Would you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We’d love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.