The Illuminated Word: Recent Episodes
Chris Jones
This podcast will focus on daily readings from the Bible. We will read the text and then give background information from the text and application.
As we conclude the Illuminated Word podcast, we read from John's encouragement to stay faithful, to allow the Spirit to give discernment and to lead us, and to not be lead by what other's think or feel but be lead by God's Word and the Holy Spirit.
John reminds his readers that if our love is to emulate the Father's we cannot love the way of the world.
John reminds us that as we walk with the LORD, we will sin. When we sin, we have an advocate in Jesus, who is a propitiation for our sins. John points out that part of being an authentic Christian means we obey Jesus and love our brothers and sisters.
The psalmist leads us through a prayer asking for spiritual renewal. Rarely do our lives follow a continual upward trajectory in our walk with Christ. We have plateaus and valleys in our faith. This psalm helps us in times when we need renewal.
When we are called to follow Jesus, we are called to be servants. So how ironic was it that in the upper room, none of the disciples acted like servants! The only one who did was the only one in that room that could've demanded to be served. And yet, he washed their feet...
John speaks to two different groups in his epistle. One group is struggling with their faith. They are wondering if what they received is reliable. Another group is promoting a heresy known as Gnosticism. They are upsetting the faith of others. In this introduction, John lays out important teaching to encourage believers and dispute the false teachers.
The Psalmist inverts how we look at God's providence. God is able to take valleys in life and make them times of fruitful abundance. It is through hardships and trials that God shapes us and molds us.
John the Baptist is described as a witness. We are called, according to God's mission, to witness as well.
John, in his prologue, tells the reader some profound truths. He reveals that Jesus, before becoming a man, was the preexistent logos of God. The Son had always been and had perfect fellowship with the Father. John reveals to us who Jesus really is.
Asaph lists 10 of the great enemies of God's people in this Psalm. He reminds us of God's triumph over his enemies in the past. He gives his readers assurance that God will deliver again. As Christians, we know that we have received the ultimate deliverance of Jesus in his victory over sin, death, and the evil one.
As we continue looking at "Judgement", we come to Jesus' words that can seem harsh at first. But he's really just saying what we've always said - if your actions don't support your words, then it doesn't matter what you say.
In 2 Peter 3, Peter gives his readers an admonition to live their lives with the knowledge that the Day of the Lord will come.
Psalm 82 has been one of the more challenging Psalms for Christians to grasp. Who are the "gods" mentioned in verse 1? We will tackle this question in today's podcast. The biggest takeaway from this passage for us is that the Almighty God has concern for the neglected and at risk of this world. We are called as followers of Jesus to do the same.
Peter has warned his readers about false teachers - what they teach and how they present themselves. But he has another warning, and this one is for those who listen to false teachers.
Peter lays out a simple doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture. He points to the reliability of the testimony of those that saw Jesus. He reminds his readers that he was there at the Mount of Transfiguration.
Psalm 81 probably finds its historical background during the Exile in Babylon. God reminds his people that he has rescued them from Egypt before and he can do it again. The people's proper response is heart-felt worship and listening to the words of God.
As Peter knows his time is drawing near, he writes one last letter warning early believers to watch out for false teachers and also to remind them of the promises they received through Jesus.
Peter's final greetings for this letter is for the church to continue its efforts on building strong relationships among them, to stay watchful for Satan's attacks, and lastly a blessing of peace.
Apologies, this episode was scheduled to post last week when it should have been this week. In keeping with our readings it will be posted here again.
Peter explains to his audience that Christians are "resident aliens" in this world. The proper way to live our lives is to stay holy and pure but also act as a blessing to those around us. Christians are distinct because of their holiness and care for others.
Asaph reminds the people of Israel that God has been faithful through the years even though they have been unfaithful. Their rebellion and disobedience is contrasted with God’s mercy in sending David as his skillful shepherd, and moving the place of his tabernacle from Shiloh to Mt Zion.
We can lose sight of who we are by focusing on what the world thinks of us or what we think of ourselves. But what we should really be focusing on is what Jesus thinks of us.
Peter treats the tricky issue of believing spouses' relationship with their unbelieving spouses. Peter does not recommend giving up on that spouse but rather recommends a life of love and pure conduct so that they might eventually win over their spouse to the Lord.
The apostle Peter gives a doxology of praise for God's plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Asaph cries out in lamentations to God. He remembers God's care and God's power to save.
To say we believe in the power of prayer is one thing, but to actually use it like we believe it is another!
James issued a stern warning to wealthy people that would exploit the poor for the purpose of accumulating riches.
Asaph's Psalm reminds us that God is not hidden but can be known. God once reigned in Zion but now we know as Christians He has taken up residence in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
James begins a short indictment on jealously and pride ending in his exhortation to submit to God.
James' proverbial prose on the practice of right speech is important for Christians. Are we using our words to bless or curse?
Asaph was a Levite that David assigned to be in charge of the Tabernacle choir. He wrote Psalms 73-83 which opens up Book III of the Psalter. In this Psalm Asaph reminds the worshippers that God is the one who judges.
As we continue our look at James 2, we come to Jame's treatment on words vs. actions. What good is it if our actions don't match our words? Our faith, without works, is dead.
James warns his audience that the sin of partiality is really the absence of mercy. If they don't have mercy, no mercy will be shown them on Judgement Day.
James challenges his readers to not show partiality to the rich. He lays out a scenario in which a rich man and a poor man enters their assembly. How should they treat the rich vs. the poor? James gives very specific teaching about partiality in these verses.
Psalm 74 is a cry of lament. God's people have been in exile for almost 70 years and they are crying out to God asking for deliverance.
The psalm writer Asaph informs us through song of the attributes of a pure heart before God.
There is a Christmas lie that we too often buy into, and that's I can fill the hole in my life with more stuff. And yet Jesus' birth was MORE than we could ever imagine. He brings more joy, more love, and more peace into our lives.
Isaiah looks into the future to tell Judah that it is time to rejoice for their savior is coming soon.
Psalm 72 introduces to the king of justice and righteousness. We crave leaders that can be trusted. During this Advent season we celebrate the King who came to us.
As we near Christmas - a time celebrating the birth of Jesus - we jump ahead to a time that John records Jesus' first sign (miracle) in his Gospel. As we celebrate His birth, we can't forget how Jesus' ministry and life was defined by how He gave people something better than they had ever had before!
In Luke 2, we meet two older people who have spent their life waiting on the LORD. They knew the Messiah of Israel would come soon and enter his temple. They were there waiting for him.
In Psalm 71, David once again cries out to God for deliverance. David is now an older man who has experienced many hardships. He has not allowed those hardships to make him cynical and bitter but to help him draw closer to God.
As the angel gives the news to Mary that she will bear the Son of God, it would be easy for Mary to focus on the negatives and the impossibility of what the angel is saying. Yet, her response is quite the opposite...
Zachariah is visited in the temple by an Angel of the Lord and given life-changing news.
Luke as a master historian, writes a detailed introduction to his gospel and the book of Acts. What can we learn from both of these introductions? Today in our podcast we delve into this question.
How are the wise men different from the others in this story? They saw. They were looking and they saw. And when they saw, they were filled with joy.
Joseph contemplates divorcing Mary when he learns she is pregnant, but receives interesting new from an unlikely source that changes his mind.
In the genealogy of Jesus, we learn many things about God's plan of redemption. In the ancient world, one's family tree was like a resume. It opened doors and closed doors. What can we learn about the family tree of Jesus?
In this Psalm, David cries out for help in a time of need. When one reads through this Psalm there is a realization that Jesus is the one that fulfills the longings of David.
As the writer of Hebrews winds down his letter, he has a few last encouraging words for his readers, starting with "Obey your spiritual leaders."
The writer of Hebrews has presented a beautiful argument of the supremacy of Christ - He Is Better! And since we are under the covenant of the cross, we can enter boldly into the presence of God, knowing that we are loved and that He is faithful to His promises!
Psalm 68 was written to be sung as David and the Israelites brought the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed Edom to Jerusalem.
John describes the Bride, which is the Kingdom, as she descends from heaven to meet the earth.
John shares the wonderful vision that he has of the new heavens and the new earth. We get a glimpse of our final home as followers of Jesus.
In Psalm 67, the psalmist riffs off the Aaronic Blessing of Numbers 6 and works into this Psalm. The difference is that this blessing is now for the nations.
Being transformed by the way we think means we see each other differently and we see ourselves differently. That is Paul's warning in the first 12 chapters of Romans 8 - you are a part of the body of Christ, you have a gift to serve with, and no one is better than anyone else!
Jesus gives gifts to his church so that the body of Christ may be equipped and grow to be mature.
The Psalmist relates God's great acts of redemption in the past. God has been faithful through many trials and tribulations. Even though we struggle through tears and pain in this life, God will bring us to a place of abundance.
We can be tricked into thinking that idol worship isn't a temptation for us like it was for the Israelites. While our idol worship doesn't require graven images or statues, what really matters is what do I value most in my life? Because what we value most can easily become our idol.
God's people who have come through the persecution stand victorious with the Lamb on Mt. Zion.
David's own countrymen have betrayed him to King Saul. In this time of betrayal David turns to the LORD for help.
The numbers don't lie: people are less and less interested in church/God/Jesus. But they? Why do they find something that was once so irresistible now totally resistible? Perhaps it's more our fault than anything else.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul uses the motif of the Christian life being like an athlete training. In 1 Cor 10:1-13, he switches his analogy to the Christian walk being like the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites.
David cries out to God to help him as people use words to attack him. People have spread gossip and tried to take down the king with their speech. David teaches us the proper response when people slander us. More importantly, he shows us God's response to words that come at us like arrows.
What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? These are questions that we've all wrestled with at some point or another. Paul understood the purpose of life - he knew the mission he was called to. And there was nothing that could stop him.
Paul encourages Timothy to persevere through affliction knowing that salvation is promised to him.
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul answers, "what type of body will we have in the resurrection?" Will our bodies be ghostly and immaterial, or will they be some type of physical body? What does the word "body" tell us in response to these questions? What does Paul mean by "spiritual body" in 1 Corinthians 15:44?
David is on the run from his son Absalom. David feels like he is in a dry and weary place. The only answer is God's loving kindness to him.
We all have faith in something - friends, family, jobs - but when it comes to faith in God, it's HIS character that should give us hope and encouragement. When all else fails, God's character makes it impossible for Him to fail.
Hebrews reminds us that the animal sacrifices of Israel could not completely take away sin and were a constant reminder of our sinful condition. The sacrifice of Jesus was once and for all. In Jesus, we are completely saved, and God remembers our sins no more.
David reminds us that pain reveals where we go for help. Not only is God our help at our time of death, but He is the one that sustains us through life.
Do you ever fall into the trap of thinking you haven't done enough to be good enough for God? That's exactly what it is: a trap. And the writer of Hebrews wants his audience - and us - to know that Christ's sacrifice was the better sacrifice, the one that was once and for all, so that we don't have to live in the trap of constantly needing sacrifices to be "good enough" for God.
The Hebrews author details the reality of the tabernacle and how defines present and points toward our future.
In Hebrews 8, we see that Jesus is better than the old covenant tabernacle and sacrificial system. Jesus has also inaugurated a new covenant that was the goal and telos of the old covenant.
David cries out to the Lord even though he seems distant. Even though God feels like he is distant and does not come through, David remains confident in God's care.
*In the recording, David accidentally said Acts 8. But the reading is Hebrews 8."
God is not a far off God, a distant God, or a hands-off God. We get a clearer picture of who God is, God comes closer, when we take a closer look at Jesus.
We read Jeremiah's prophecy of the new covenant that the Hebrews writer inserts into his argument regarding how much better the new covenant is than the old one.
When Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, he ushered in something that many had been waiting on and longed to see. He lets the world know that in his blood, the new covenant was finally being established. We, as Christians, are saved utterly and completely by the blood of Jesus. In the new covenant, God renews our hearts. In the taking of the Lord's Supper, the Christian is undergoing a covenant renewal each Sunday.
Edom has attacked David and Israel. David sees this attack as God's judgment, and he goes back to prayer as the true answer for Israel's hope.
As the writer of Hebrews begins to tell his audience how Jesus is the Great High Priest, he goes back to Genesis 14 to talk about Melchizedek. But who is Melchizedek??
We can have true confidence, because God swore to us on his own character, that we who are in Christ Jesus have a mediator and the promise of eternal life.
The writer of Hebrews demonstrates how Jesus can be a high priest even though he is not from the tribe of Levi. He is a priest of even more significant order. He is a priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek was a mysterious figure from the OT whom Abraham paid tithes to, making him greater than Abraham.
David writes this Psalm after having to flee the palace covertly to escape Saul's plan to kill him. David calls out to God, and God delivers him from the hand of King Saul.
When it comes to God, "listening" doesn't just simply mean hearing - "listening" demands obedience.
The Hebrews author gives an exhortation from Psalm 95 to follow the example of obedience set by Christ and not fall into disobedience.
In this short section of Scripture, the Hebrew writer demonstrates how Jesus is much greater than Moses.
In this imprecatory Psalm, David calls for God to bring justice to his enemies. This Psalm challenges our postmodern sensibilities. The only answer to the cycle of human violence and reciprocity is God's final judgment.
When David was facing a very terrifying situation in his life, he knew there was only one place to turn.
David writes a Royal Song meant to inspire the king to live in accordance with YHWH. Christians will notice its explicit references to Jesus.
The Hebrew writer tells us some extraordinary things about Jesus. Jesus was humbled for a short time and was exalted because he suffered. He is a king that cares for his people. He is also our champion that conquers death so we no longer have to fear death.
This Psalm is based on a historic episode found in 1 Samuel 24. Saul is pursuing David in the wilderness of En Gedi, and David has a chance to kill Saul. David shows respect to a man that is trying to kill him. David does this because Saul is God's anointed king. In this Psalm, David cries out to the God that delivers. David celebrates the steadfast love of the LORD.
The image painted in Psalm 45 is of a wedding between a King and his bride. But it doesn't take long before we realize that Psalm 45 is also a Messianic Psalm, painting the same picture of The Bridegroom and His Bride, the Church.
The writer of Hebrews crafts a sermon for the ages in the book of Hebrews. This book is an exhortation for people not to turn away from Jesus. Jesus is preeminent and even the angels worship Him. He has spoken to us and revealed his love to us. God is not hidden but has been revealed in Jesus.
In this Psalm, David reminds us that even though trials will come, God will see us through.
Today we look at the section of scripture where one of the most quoted verses comes from - and also most MISquoted verses!
God speaks the "Ten Words" from Mount Sinai. These words will form the basis of Israelite culture and will change the world.
In a tense interaction with Jesus, we see that the Jews who were following Jesus and believing were offended when Jesus suggested that perhaps they're not as free as they thought. They claim, "We've never been slaves to anyone!" Their problem - they wouldn't admit the truth and instead chose to pretend they were truly free.
YHWH gives his commands concerning how the Israel court systems should handle witnesses.
This Psalm reflects a time in David's life when he was betrayed. He cries to God for vindication. God hears Him and rescues Him.
"For the love of money is the root of all evil." We've heard it time and time again. But how do we avoid the pitfall of being hyper-focused on finances? Paul gives Timothy, and us, some guidelines.
In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides a teaching on placing our treasure in Heaven.
The Ten Commandments serve as God's life-giving word from Mount Sinai. They have formed the backbone of Western society and show us the heart of what God cares about for His people. Followers of Jesus would be wise to order their lives to these "10 Words" from God.
Psalm 53 demonstrates the pervasiveness of sin in people. The problem with sin runs right through the middle of all human beings. God cares about those that are dominated by the powerful and will one day provide salvation from Zion.
After charging Israel with being an unfaithful wife, God is now going to "woo" her, or allure her back. In Hosea's life, we see God's grace poured out on His people!
The writer of Hebrews gives four specific exhortations on how one should live in the Christian community. How should I treat my Christian brothers and sisters based on living in gratitude? Hebrews 13 gives that answer.
Jesus dialogues with a lawyer about what it means to love your neighbor and who your neighbor is.
In the sixth commandment, we are told plainly, "thou shall not kill." What does this commandment mean? Does this rule out military service? Does this lead to pacifism? What about the death penalty. We will tackle these questions in this podcast.
In Psalm 51, we get a glimpse into the soul of a repentant King David. David realizes that his sin is against God.
In this reading, we get a look at what a Christian culture should look like. As followers of Jesus, we are culture builders due to the mandate to go and disciple the nations. What would that culture look like? We look at some of the answers to that question in Leviticus 19.
Christianity provides an alternative to a confused and angry world. The Bible's view of the family is life-giving and healthy. God wants families where both mom and dad are deeply involved, and children obey their parents.
Moses tells the Israelites in these two scriptures the importance of obeying parents and how the community should respond to those who do not.
In today's podcast, we look at the first five of the 10 Commandments. God speaks these "ten words" from Mt. Sinai. The 10 words of God bring life and structure to God's good world.
God calls Israel into judgment because of their false view of sacrifice. Instead of sacrifices teaching them about their dependence on God, they believed the sacrifices could "buy" God off.
In today's podcast, we compare the story of Mount Sinai with Jesus and the Mount of Transfiguration. There are many parallels and one can better understand the story of Jesus's transfiguration in light of Sinai and Moses.
The writer of Hebrews informs his readers that we have not come to Mount Sinai in fear and in trembling but we have come to Mount Zion to join angels and God's triumphant servants.
The Psalmist reminds us that we cant carry our riches into death. Both wise and foolish and rich and poor all face the same fate. We will all one day enter into death. The only one that has the power to ransom us from death is God. In this Psalm, we get a glimpse into the future hope of the gospel. One day Jesus will experience death so that we may be ransomed from the grip of death.
As Moses continues to lead Israel, he has a visit from his father-in-law, Jethro. Before Jethro gives Moses some advice, he takes the time to praise God for all that He has done for Israel, reminding Moses that while things might be tough, God is still God and is at work, so Praise God!
God intervenes when the Israelites threaten Moses after becoming thirsty in the desert.
This Psalm reminds the reader that the assembly of God's covenant people to worship is important to God and should be important to us.
After being delivered from Pharaoh through the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites stop and give praise and honor to Yahweh. All was well with Israel. But all it took was 72 hours for their tune to change.
God gives the Israelites victory when Moses raises his hands with the help of Aaron and Hur.
God speaks to Moses and the Israelites from Mount Sinia and issues the 10 Commandments. Literally, they are called the "10 words" in the Hebrew text. This podcast looks at the first commandment which calls us to give our total allegiance to God alone.
The Israelites flee Egypt and God gives them instructions on how to memorialize this once-in-history kind of event.
The final plague in Egypt was the death of the firstborn. This was the first plague that impacted both Israel and Egypt. Only the blood of the lamb could rescue God's people from the destroyer.
Psalm 46 is a Psalm attributed to the sons of Korah. In this Psalm calmness amidst adversity is the key concept.
Jesus heals a man that was invalid for 38 years and it brings about a conflict with the religious leaders.
In today's reading, after being challenged by the Pharisees for breaking sabbath rules, Jesus reveals why He has the authority to do such things. The question for us is will we submit to His Lordship?
The most famous verse in all of the Bible appears in the context of a visit to Jesus by NIcodemus. Much can be learned from the overall context of this passage. Why does Jesus tell Nicodemus that he needs to be "born again?" In this episode, we will explore that question.
The Psalmist lays out for the reader a vision of what the perfect leader would look like. In Hebrews 1 we find that this Psalm is about Jesus.
Jesus makes an audacious claim that He is equal with God the Father. He also uses Scripture from Psalm 82 to buttress His claim.
Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. Paul reminds Timothy that regardless, he must stay faithful to the scriptures he was taught!
God has finally and conclusively revealed his will for man in Jesus Christ. Through the eyewitnesses of Jesus's teachings, we get the reliable word of God in the New Testament.
When David is down and despondent his answer is to preach to his own heart. He reminds himself that he should "Hope in the Lord, and praise Him for salvation."
In Genesis 2 we get a zoomed-in view of God's creation of man and woman. God breaths His breath of life into Adam.
Our reading today is the first account of God creating humanity. It's important to notice that God created man in His image because it seems like, more and more frequently, we try to make God into our image.
Today we read about God creating in the third, fourth, fifth, and part of the sixth day.
Genesis 1 tells us that God has taken a world that is formless and void and brings structure and boundaries. He also fills the void world with many living things and heavenly bodies. God has created a three-story world with the heavens above, the earth below, and the waters beneath.
This Psalm was written in exile and looks back at the blessing of the Temple and God’s presence with His people.
Paul is set to appear before Agrippa and the Roman Governor Festus. One will notice the central tenet of what Paul proclaims that Festus focuses on and that is the resurrection of Jesus.
As Paul is still in prison after two years, we still see the same tired routine play out. And yet, Paul still stands firm in his faith, never wavering and taking every opportunity to share the gospel.
Paul appears before the ruling class of the Jewish people. Paul uses his knowledge of the situation and Jewish beliefs to navigate a tough situation.
David describes a situation where people are arrayed against him. They use slander and accusations against him. David is determined to rely on the Lord.
Paul's background is fascinating. He could speak multiple languages, was a Roman citizen, and had been educated in Jerusalem under the greatest teacher in many generations. He gave up all the acclaim to become a follower of Jesus.
Paul finds himself yet again in the middle of a riot! This time, thought, his life is more in danger than before. We continue to look at Paul's journeys as seeks to tell as many people about Christ as possible!
Paul willfully chooses to take the more difficult path in his walk with the LORD. He will go to Jerusalem and face great opposition and it will put his life in danger.
Waiting on the Lord may be the hardest thing to do. David has gone through massive hardship but he knows the way forward is to wait on help from the Lord.
As Paul brings his time in Ephesus to a close, the Spirit is calling him to Jerusalem - where he knows imprisonment and punishment await. But before he begins the trip back, he has one more charge to give the elders of the Ephesian church.
David is contemplating the frailty of life and our sin. And then he breaks out into confession and experiences God's mercy.
We come to a story from Paul's 3rd missionary journey that's, well, quite humorous. But we can't miss the most important part of the story - the power of the name of Jesus.
Paul exercises spiritual disciplines. Priscilla and Aquila speak to Apollos about the baptism of the Spirit.
Paul comes to Corinth to preach the gospel. He is met with some resistance but God reminds him that there are many people in Corinth ready to hear the gospel.
In Psalm 38 David is dealing with massive guilt for his sin. He turns to God for forgiveness and mercy.
We continue looking at Paul's 2nd Missionary Journey as he comes to Athens. Before his famous "Sermon on Mars Hill", Paul takes time to do some sightseeing and being among the people. What he sees drives him to deliver his passionate sermon, but first he had to be where the people were.
Paul and Silas are run out of Thessalonica and into the arms of the intellectually honest Bereans.
In this Psalm, David speaks of the upside way of living life in God's kingdom. Instead of forcing our will, we are to wait on the LORD. Jesus quotes from verse 11 of this passage in the Beattitudes.
Paul and Silas have been beaten and put in jail for casting a demon out of a slave girl. They react to the injustice they have received by singing and praising God. An earthquake occurs in the prison, and in the end, a pagan jailer comes to faith in Jesus.
Why would Paul get annoyed at an evil spirit that is proclaiming the truth? Because "even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light."
Paul comes back on his second missionary journey to visit some of the churches he planted on his first journey. He meets a young man named Timothy that will become part of his missionary team.
David acts as a prophet in this Psalm and expounds upon attributes of God’s unwavering love.
The risen Jesus meets two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They are prevented from seeing Jesus but come to realize His identity. Tune in to find out when they truly recognized Jesus.
As we look at Resurrection account by Matthew, we're forced to ask ourselves: why is the resurrection important? Why does it change lives? Why is it counter-cultural today?
As we continue our readings this week on the resurrection of Jesus we come to John's account of the empty tomb. We meet Mary Magdalenecreation at the tomb of Jesus and we start to see overtones of the creatioin account.
In Luke 24 we run into the story that will change the world. Jesus Christ has risen, He has risen indeed.
David is under attack by evil people that want to do him harm. David has been good to them but in return, they have devised evil against Him. David turns to the only source for help - The LORD.
As Paul and Barnabas set out on their missionary journey, a sharp disagreement separates them and sends them in different directions. And yet, God still does some incredible things through both men.
We read the letter from the Jerusalem church on the guidelines the church sets for new Gentile Christians.
In the Jerusalem council we see and interesting OT propechy come true. What does the tent of David have to do with the gospel?
In Acts 15 a church council is held where a very important decision would be made. How would the Law of Moses apply to the new gentile converts?
As Paul and Barnabas traveled on their missionary journey, they faced opposition at every turn. So made them continue? What made Paul get back up after being stoned and go right back into town? What separates them from many church-goers today? Conviction.
Paul and Barnabas come to Iconium during their first missionary journey. They have great success at first but then face tough opposition. Why did they choose to stay so long in the face of opposition?
David points out to us that God's steadfast love for us is the reason to give Him honor and praise.
The church at Antioch sends out the first mission. Through the Holy Spirit, they send out Paul and Barnabas. Early in this first mission, the mission team runs into a false teacher named Bar-Jesus.
Paul reminds the believers in Galatia no matter how tempting it is to believe those who say that Gentile believers must follow Jewish tradition, he has only ever preached one Gospel to them: the Gospel of grace, forgiveness, and freedom. There is no "other gospel"!
Saul of Tarsus, who we know as the Apostle Paul, had an extraordinary story. He shares that story with the church at Galatia not to impress them or entertain them but to prove the authority of his apostleship and mission.
Paul and Barnabas take the gospel to Pisidian Antioch and Iconium and run into opposition to the message.
In this Psalm, David tells us of the comprehensive nature of our sin. He also describes the grace and mercy of God and how our proper response should be thanksgiving.
There are many misconceptions about the Christian doctrine of the resurrection. In this podcast, we delve into the basics of some of those misconceptions.
In Paul's sermon, he lays out some pretty tough things for his Jewish audience to hear. But then he brings the greatest news they could hear - forgiveness and freedom are found in the One that was killed. What great news!
Paul reminds the church at Corinth that his outward appearance, and what others might be saying about him, does not ultimately matter. What matters is that he and his companions' lives are not their own but dictated by the love of Christ.
Paul gives us early creedal material from the Christian community. Many think that this section of 1 Corinthians goes back to creedal material that was developed between 33-35 AD. This makes this very early testimony about the resurrection of Jesus.
Antioch is a fascinating church that is multiracial and multicultural. They courageously send out Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Paul confronts a false teacher and makes it very clear that false doctrine is not to be tolerated.
Peter finds himself in prison, once again. James has been martyred. Persecution is ramping up. And the church is praying earnestly. Perhaps that's why Peter was more at peace than he should be. And maybe that's why Peter could later write the words in 1 Peter 3:12
As God's Spirit strengthens the church in Antioch, the Jerusalem church sends teachers and prophets to encourage them. In return, the church in Antioch supports the Jerusalem church by sending monetary aid during a famine.
In Acts 11 Peter recounts the story of Cornelius to the Christians in Jerusalem. Some are opposed to Peter's actions because they believe Cornelius and the gentiles were in need of becoming Jews also. How would the early church work out gentiles coming to faith in Jesus? Would they have to take on the "works of the Law" as part of their new faith in Jesus?
In this Psalm, David has overcome a severe illness and is rededicating his palace to the LORD out of a heart of thanksgiving.
The conversion of Cornelius marks a turning point in Acts and salvation history. The gospel now goes to the Gentiles.
Luke is setting us up to see the explosion of the gospel among the Gentiles. But before he gets there, he takes a detour to tell us about 2 miracles Peter performs that sets the stage for what happens in Acts 10.
Saul of Tarsus was on the road to Damascus to persecute the church but Jesus had other plans. Jesus appears to him and because of that history would change. Saul would become the apostle to the gentiles.
David challenges the prevailing pagan worldview of his time by proclaiming that God is overall the "gods" of the pagan nations. God is even Lord over the storm.
Peter gives some challenging teaching to the churches of Asia Minor. Christians are called to be the "best citizens" of their country without capitulating to commands from governing forces that are contrary to God's word. Government and the church is an age-old question and Peter takes it on in a practical manner.
In a world where people yearn to be accepted and "liked", believers must remember what Peter tells us: we are CHOSEN.
After reminding his readers of the grace offered them in Christ, Peter gives four commands that correspond to the holy life Christians are meant to live.
Peter writes to a group of Christians in Asia Minor that was facing difficult challenges. He reminds them of who they are in Christ and he reminds them that suffering refines us and makes us better.
This is a class of Psalm known as an imprecatory Psalm. These Psalms are raw with emotion and can make a modern person flinch at their call for God's justice and vengeance. They are important because they are part of God's inspired word.
Saul is a rising star among his Jewish brethren but Jesus has plans for him. Saul, who we know as the Apostle Paul, will be God's instrument to bring the gospel to the Gentiles.
Philip is a busy man in Acts chapter 8! In our reading today, we see him have a God-ordained meeting with a foreigner - the Ethiopian eunuch.
Simon converts from a life of sorcery to Christianity only to be rebuked by Peter and John for still holding on to desires of the flesh.
Acts 8 acts as a turning point in the book of Acts. Stephen has been killed and now Saul is persecuting the church. The gospel is going into a new region by going to Samaria.
David finds confidence in the Lord even though his enemies are powerful and threatening. He longs to be in God's presence and seeks God's counsel. God's protection and God's guidance give David confidence.
It doesn't take long for division to start in the church in Acts! But thanks to the Apostle's wisdom, the problem was solved and the gospel continued to spread, even converting some priests!
The Apostles are arrested because they won't stop preaching Jesus. An Angel breaks them out only to send them back to the temple to preach.
In the early Christian community, all was not perfect. Many were selling possessions and giving that money to those in need. Ananias and Saphira sold a piece of property and lied about the money that was made. They were dishonest with the Apostles but more importantly, they lied to God.
In this Psalm, David lays out the characteristics of living a blameless life before the Lord.
Peter and John are arrested, warned not to preach about Jesus, and released. The church responded by praying for boldness.
Today we look at one of the most misquoted verses - Romans 8:28. But it's a verse that should give us confidence to see life differently than those who don't follow Him.
Jesus promises that He will send His followers another Helper or Advocate. When Jesus returns to the Father in His Ascension the Holy Spirit will be sent to His follower to comfort, strengthen, and act as an advocate.
After they were arrested and warned Peter and John join the church for prayer. The pray Psalm 2 and they are filled with boldness to preach.
Paul tells us to rejoice always, give thanks in every circumstance, and pray continually. Why? Because it's going to take constant communication with a Father who loves us that will get us to rejoice always, even in the face of life's stresses.
James is beheaded and Peter imprisoned. The disciples of Jesus enter into prayer to request God's hand over Peter. An angel appears to Peter and delivers him from prison. Peter comes to his senses and recognizes that the Lord has saved him.
Peter and John are arrested and appear before the Sanhedrin for preaching about Jesus. In this passage, we learn several things. We learn that the gospel brings boldness to the followers of Christ. We learn that Jesus makes exclusive claims. We also learn a valuable principle when dealing with issues of the government. When should Christians no longer obey the governmental authorities? How do we balance Romans 13 and Acts 4?
In this Psalm we hear familiar language. Some praise songs pick up the words of this Psalm. Join us today as we pray this Psalm along with David.
Peter is once again given the opportunity to preach to a crowd. He and John have just healed the lame man and, as the crowd looks at them in amazement, he starts by asking them, "Why are you looking at us?" And then he points them to The One who healed this man - Jesus of Nazareth, the one they killed.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us of the great privileges we have in Jesus Christ. We have access to God and can come boldly into His presence. He also gives us three exhortations or responsibilities that we have because of our privileges. Listen along as we discuss the privileges and responsibilities that we have in Jesus.
We are reminded that through Jesus Christ we have a wonderful blessing. We have access to the Lord of Glory.
In Acts 2 we witness the first gospel sermon, the first Christians, and the first church. The first church is marked out by devoting themselves to the Apostles' teaching, fellowship, prayer, the Lord's Supper.
Peter finishes his sermon on the Day of Pentecost and his audience is stunned - "what should we do? Is there any hope for us?" And if it was in a modern day church, this is when you'd cue the invitation song!
Peter stands up at Pentecost to preach the first gospel sermon. He begins his sermon by going back to the prophet Joel to demonstrate that Pentecost was part of God's great plan.
In Acts 2 we witness the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost. Jesus was crucified on Passover infusing that feast we new meaning. Now the new covenant people of God is born on the feast day when Israel remembered God forming a covenant with them at Mount Sinai.
Jesus has resurrected and ascended - so what now? What do the disciples do?? They are obedient, they spend time in prayer, and they fellowship with one another until the promised Holy Spirit comes. But there's a big task before that happens - replacing Judas.
Comparing the beginning of Luke and Acts, we can see that Acts is truly about the Acts of the Holy Spirit. After he is poured out on believers they carry out the message of Christ's enthronement and role as Judge of the Universe. This is our message too.
Jesus takes His disciples to Caesarea Philippi and it is there that Peter makes the good confession. This passage also has connections to Isaiah 22. We tackle several questions in this podcast such as questions over apostolic authority and the papacy. What is the authority over the church today? Was Peter the leader of the early church?
In Psalm 22 we get a prophetic picture of the crucifixion of Jesus 1000 years before the event.
As we begin a new sermon series in Acts on Sunday mornings, it's only fitting that we take a moment to look at the final words of Jesus as He gives His disciples the "Great Commission".
In this Psalm, we are challenged to see the Lord as one full of joy. Do our lives reflect the joy of heaven?
Psalm 2 is a royal Psalm that points us towards the Lordship of Jesus Christ as the true King.
He was more than just a baby - His birth was the one event in history that changed the way we look at time.
YHWH speaks to the prophet Nathan regarding the everlasting kingdom that will come through David.
This episode focuses on the prophecy that the Messiah will come from the tribe of Judah. Why did God bestow such a blessing on this tribe?
Many readers misunderstand Psalm 20 to be teaching some type of health and wealth view of salvation. This Psalm was written for a king about to go to war. Join us as we delve into the meaning of this powerful passage.
By the decree of Caesar Joseph had to return to Bethlehem. What does Luke 2 have to do with how the books of Acts ends?
Through the story of Jesus' birth, the dream Joseph has to flee to Egypt to avoid Herod's order to kill, and their return to settle in Nazareth, Matthew wants to make it clear to his readers: The anticipated plan of salvation has begun!
An Angel comes to Joseph to reassure him that Mary's pregnancy is a work of God and that there a big plans for his future son.
It is fascinating to study one's family tree. The family tree of Jesus has many great characters from the OT. People like Abraham and David signal to the reader that Jesus is the fulfillment of great OT prophecies. Also, Jesus has some people in his family tree that many would think are embarrassing. What does the family tree of Jesus teach us?
Psalm 19 invites the reader to observe the heavens and the created order as evidence for God.
Today we look at Elizabeth and the role she played in God's plan of redemption. Though there's not much about her in scripture, we know that she was a willing participant in that plan, that she praised God not only when she became pregnant in her old age but also when her relative Mary became pregnant, and that she saw God do what He does best - make the impossible possible!
Just like Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, & Joseph, John the Baptist had his part in God's plan of redemption. Although we don't talk about him much around the Christmas season, John played a major role - a role prophesied hundreds of years before he was born - and he fulfilled that role willingly.
(This podcast didn't post on it's actual date, so we're posting it today, 12/8). As we look at the Advent season, we have to take a moment and go back and look at the promise made to David thousands of years before the arrival of Jesus.
A voice in the wilderness, which both applies to God and John the Baptist, calls out for his people to listen. The Lord is coming and everyone will experience his glory.
A lenghty Psalm dedicated to God by David that praises YHWH for delivering him from his enemies.
Our reading today looks at Zechariah and the moment that the angel Gabriel appeared to him. When hearing that his wife would give birth in her old age, Zechariah's first response was "Impossible!" And that's a word that the messenger of God doesn't like!
God comes to Abram and makes promises that counteract the curses brought to mankind in the garden.
YHWH confronts Adam, Eve, and the Serpent in the Garden after Adam and Eve have taken the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and eaten it.
David speaks to God about those who have abused him while crying out for God's justice.
Jesus gives the Great Commission to His followers. We are called to disciple the nations and call them to allegiance to Jesus.
Today we'll look at a section of scripture that shows Paul at his missionary finest - taking cultural norms and turning them upside down. Paul reminds us that it's not about how persuasive, how powerful, or how impressive we are. What matters is does Christ's love compel us and do we have sincere hearts?
Mark's ending validity is contested by many, but that doesn't mean its message isn't biblical.
In this reading, Jesus gives final instructions to His followers before He ascends in victory to reign at the right hand of the Father.
This Psalm is quoted by Peter at Pentecost.He uses it to make his case for the resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus appears to his disciples in Galilee. In this episode Jesus is cooking breakfast for His disciples and when they realize who He is Peter jumps in the water and swims to Jesus.
After Jesus' resurrection, Thomas needed to experience Jesus for himself. And Jesus didn't judge him for needing that proof - instead he gave Thomas what he needed so that he would believe.
Jesus makes another appearance in his resurrected form to the disciples. He shares a meal with them and opens their eyes to his fulfillment of the scriptures.
The risen Jesus breaths upon his disciples (think Genesis 2:7) and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit. He then commissions them by saying, "As the Father has sent Me, I now send you."
David explains what God really cares about when we prepare to come into His presence for corporate worship.
Here we see an encounter with Jesus that Peter needed desperately, as Jesus restores Peter and then gives him a renewed purpose.
In this passage, Paul passes onto the Corinthians an early creedal formula that tells them what is most important. What is most important to the Church? It is this - Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised.
In this Psalm, David addresses people that appear that they believe in God but in their hearts they live in unbelief.
Jesus shows up on the road to Emmaus after He is resurrected and converses with two disciples that do not recognize him. In this story, we get the key to reading Scripture and where one truly has their eyes opened to the reality of Jesus.
The resurrection is the center, the crux, of our faith. Without it, we have nothing. It changed everything. So do we believe it?
Luke's account of Jesus' resurrection and the women coming to the tomb and speaking with two angelic beings.
David asks some tough questions in today's Psalm. He feels that God has abandoned him but in the end, he puts his faith and trust in God to deliver him.
Matthew records the details of Jesus's crucifixion. We also explore how Psalm 22 was fulfilled in this passage.
There was so much that happened on that day Jesus died - from the trial to the crucifixion, to the midday darkness to the tearing of of the temple curtain. There was no way that anyone that was there that day didn't believe something supernatural had just occurred.
John gives his account of Jesus's crucifixion. John shows how Psalm 22 is being fulfilled and how Jesus cared for his mother at the time of His passion and sorrow.
In this Psalm, David points out that people rarely speak what they think. People lack true integrity of speech. The only true source of integrity is God. God is consistent in everything He does and says.
These two passages go hand in hand, as Peter is referring, and sometimes quoting, Isaiah 53. When reading these two passages together, we see Jesus' response to pain and suffering in, in return, how we should model our responses to be more like him.
David does not like the advice his advisors bring to him. David is resolute to rest in the Lord and in His protection
All of the preparation put into the "Last Supper" should indicate to us how important it was to Christ and, in return, how important it should be to us.
God gives Moses and Aaron directions on how the Hebrews can save themselves from the coming Destroyer.
Paul warns the Corinthian Church that their situation was so bad that they were making the Lord's Supper a spectacle. They were actually sinning against the body and blood of Christ.
The Psalmist cries out to the Lord to intervene even though it seems He is hidden at times.
The Sadducees do not believe in the resurrection. They try to trap Jesus with a logical conundrum. Jesus not only answers their question but exposes the major flaws with their question.
It's a parable that we don't love all that much because it challenges us to ask the question: has following Jesus really changed my life?
Jesus relates two parables to the Chief Priests and Pharisees that condemns them for their unrepentant lives.
Jesus comes into Jerusalem and cleanses the Temple. The Temple is judged because it has become a "den of robbers." Jesus also curses the fig tree as a symbolic action to show Israel's lack of fruitfulness.
Only God can rightly judge. David makes the point that God’s judgments are just and good.
Jesus issues dire warnings and predictions of judgment. He predicts the destruction of Jerusalem that will come in 70 AD just forty years later.
Jesus once again fulfills a messianic prophecy, entering Jerusalem riding a young donkey as the crowds chant "long live the King!"
Luke records Jesus' parable of the Unfaithful Servant. Being faithful with what we are given while we wait for Jesus' return is central to many of the Christ's messages.
Jesus goes to the house of the chief tax collector Zaccheus. Zaccheus's faithful response challenges our categories of who is redeemable and who is not.
The resurrection is central to the Christian faith. So if there is no resurrection, then there is no Christianity. Maybe we don't struggle with believing in the resurrection but, more often than not, we probably struggle with living in the light of the resurrection.
This is a great combination of scriptures that show us Christ's authority in calling the dead to rise and bring all humans into either the resurrection of life or the resurrection of judgment.
Jesus teaches in Matthew 6 about anxiety and worry and how we should seek His kingdom first. In Luke 10 Martha is anxious and concerned about many things while Mary has prioritized discipleship in Christ.
David in this Psalm focuses on the righteousness of God in his judgments and how God is our refuge.
In this passage, Paul points out that we should pray for all people, especially our leaders. He also teaches young Timothy that God desires ALL to be saved.
Jesus compares his eating with sinners to The Shepherd who has come out to seek after the lost.
Are we called to be the judges of who is "in" and who is "out"? Not according to Jesus.
Jesus quotes Isaiah 6 to give the disciples some more context on the purpose of his parables.
David in a time of trouble turns to God and cries out to Him. David reminds the Lord of His covenant faithfulness.
The cross was always the plan for Christ. The good news is that He would be raised after the third day.
We look at the closing words of the Old Testament and how they tie to the Transfiguration
Jesus reveals who John the Baptist was in the scheme of redemption and warns them of his coming fate as the Son of Man.
Jesus goes on a high mountain and takes Peter, James, and John with Him. Before them, He is transfigured and Moses and Elijah appear with them on the mountain.
Looking at Peter's response to Jesus walking on the water, we see that faith requires risking failure but it can result in some remarkable things!
Herod Antipas allowed his lust and sin to lead to two horrible sins. In this reading, we learn of the martyrdom of John the Baptist.
Psalm 3 - the Lifter of My Head - A king would lift someone's face to show favour to that person.
Jesus reminds his listeners that the physical bread can only satisfy temporarily. Jesus brings a type of bread that will feed people eternally.
We compare John's, Matthew's, and Mark's accounts of Jesus coming to the disciples on the water.
Jesus multiplies the loaves and the fish in this story. Jesus wants to accomplish something but can His disciples see it? Can we see what Jesus wants to accomplish around us?
In the region of the Gerasenes Jesus comes into contact with a man that has been possessed by many demons. Jesus demonstrates his ability to overcome evil when he casts the demons out of this man.
David is hiding out in a cave when Saul comes to seek his life. David writes Psalm 57 in the midst of this time of struggle.
When Jesus says, "I am the Good Shepherd", his audience might have heard it differently than we do as they interpreted it through Isaiah 53.
In today's Psalm, David goes from fear to faithful trust. He is being pursued by his enemies but in his lowest state, he finds a way to have confidence.
The Emmaus Road story is one of the more mysterious places in the Bible. The risen Lord joins two followers who have no idea who He is. Tune in with us to see how this story ends.
In the Sermon on The Mount, Jesus talks about three acts of righteousness - giving to the needy, praying, and fasting - and challenges us to check the motives of our act first and foremost. Are we seeking the praise of people or are we seeking to please God?
In this teaching, Jesus gets to a root problem that all people have. Whether you are rich or poor we all struggle with greed. When it comes to possessions we can be guilty of two sins - we can be anxious about not having enough or we can be greedy about what we have.
Jesus tells a parable of a widow who persistently comes before a godless judge - who eventually gives in. Jesus says if that godless judge will eventually listen, how much more does our loving and gracious God listen to us? The key - persistence.
Jesus continues his teaching on prayer through analogy and the infamous "ask, seek, knock" command.
While a near duplicate of Pslam 14, this song has great theological implications for us as Christians.
David writes a Psalm in response to the treachery of Doeg the Edomite. In this Psalm, we see the contrast of the one uprooted and the one firmly planted in the grace of God.
Jesus gives a teaching on what it looks like to be a disciple as it relates to the Old Testament.
Jesus gives his disciples warning if their lives are not aligned with the Kingdom Ethic outlined in verses 3-12.
The beatitudes are a very familiar set of passages in Scripture. What some fail to realize is that Matthew 5 ties together with Isaiah 61. Jesus quotes Isaiah 61 as his ministry mission statement when he begins His public ministry.
Jesus and his disciples come upon a man born blind and there are big questions being asked about the reason for this man's misfortune.
Jesus heals a man that had been born blind and the reaction by the Pharisees is very shocking.
Jesus discusses the causal link between sin and suffering and confirms that he is the light of the world.
In the very place in the Temple courts where the Jews lit the large candelabras to celebrate God's leading in the wilderness Jesus stood up and said, "I Am the Light of the World."
The Psalmist reminds us that all people have the same destination. Whether we are poor or rich, foolish or wise we all have an appointment with death.
Jesus comes and heals a man on the Sabbath. Some of the Jewish authorities totally miss the point of what just occurred by fixating on their own man-made tradition.
In a pivotal moment in John's gospel, Jesus sets himself against the Jewish leaders by not only declaring himself the Son of God, but also as Judge of all the living and dead.
Jesus heals the paralytic man on the Sabbath and controversy erupts over the healing. Jesus's response to his antagonizers reveals his unique relationship with the Father. Because he claims to be equal to God they seek to kill him.
Jesus heals a paralytic man on the Sabbath at the Pool of Bethesda and controversy erupts.
Psalm 48 gives us a window into Jehosphat and how God used Israel's worship to wage war.
Jesus displays His power by healing a woman with an issue of blood and raising a little girl from the dead.
Join us as we compare the stories of the woman with chronic bleeding and the 12 year old girl dies and how faith played in each.
Jesus goes with His disciples to the other side of the sea of Galilee and is confronted by a man that is demon-possessed.
Psalm 47 displays the great hope of Israel that one day Yahweh would reign over all the nations.
We do what we're supposed to do because we're supposed to do it! Because we're servants, not the master.
In this short teaching, Jesus gives warnings about leading people into temptation and about forgiving those that have wronged us.
The Psalmist talks about the hope and anchor we have in God. No matter if the world dissolves around us God will be our refuge and strength.
Jesus meets the woman at the well and she has a transformation in how she views Jesus. She begins calling him a "Jew" progresses to Jesus is a prophet and finally realizes He is the one hoped for - the coming one.
We continue looking at the interaction between Jesus and the woman at the well - specifically how Jesus knew this woman and all she had done, and yet still chose to meet her.
John 4 gives us a geographical oddity in that it tells us that Jesus "had" to pass through Samaria. What is going on in this passage? Why would Jesus go through an area where he was hated already because of his ethnicity and beliefs?
Paul makes the point that freedom from sin is all about grace. Even our baptism is a grace-centered and grace-saturated event.
We know what "The Gospel" is - but what is MY role in the Gospel? There's a few lessons we can learn from John The Baptist as we consider that question.
A look into the salvation and condemnation that is presented to us through the unique son of God.
Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night and Jesus tells this learned teacher of the Law something shocking - you must be born again.
The Psalmist is in a low place but ends up in a state of praise. He follows a progression of letting God lead him, going to the assembly, and sacrificing to the Lord.
Jesus is rejected violently in His hometown of Nazareth after teaching in the synagogue.
The Anointed One speaks of the salvation and righteousness brought to us through him by YHWH.
This passage in Isaiah identifies the Messianic figure that will be anointed with the Spirit. Jesus will quote this passage in Luke 4 when he reads from the scroll in the Nazareth synagogue. Jesus will proclaim that this passage is about him. Some have called this the "Nazareth Manifesto."
The Psalmist is in exile and he misses the days of Temple worship. He misses the days when he was with God's people singing His praises.
Jesus is able to make clean what is unclean. Jesus takes the place of this man who was once the outcast.
Solitude - Quiet - Prayer...3 things we don't practice near as much as we should. And yet, they were important to Jesus so they should be important to us.
Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law as well as exercises authority over other illnesses and demon-possessed.
Jesus comes to the synagogue on the Sabbath in Capernaum. He teaches as "one with authority" and the people are in amazement. To top it off, Jesus casts out an unclean spirit from a demon-possessed man that showed up for "church" that day. The fame of Jesus spreads throughout Galilee.
Sometimes it seems like the whole world is crashing down on us. In this Psalm, David cries out for help as his foes are coming against him.
Jesus prayed all night before he made a big decision about the 12 men that he would choose to be His apostles. The apostles would become the foundation of the church.
"The single greatest cause of atheism in the world today is Christians..." What do others see in you? A perfect life? Someone who has it all together? Someone with no struggles? Be careful - you might be the one thing standing between them and Christ.
Paul compares the wisdom of man to that which is found in Christ - the revealed power and wisdom of God.
Jesus tells Simon to let down his nets in the deeper water and Simon, James, and John witness a miracle. After fishing all night and catching nothing they catch so many fish their nets are breaking. Simon realizes he is in the presence of someone great and holy. His response to Jesus is much like Isaiah and his vision of God in Isaiah 6. Jesus calls Simon and his friends to put their nets down and become fishers of men.
Today's Psalm may be one you can identify with as you deal with difficulties. Maybe you find yourself in the pit of despair and need God's rescue. Once that rescue comes we cry out to God "Great is the Lord!"
John tells the reader that Jesus has come from heaven to earth to reveal the things "from above." Jesus, being the perfect God-man, reveals the will of the Father to us and shows us what it means to be "authentically human." The Son came to do the will of the Father. The Father loves the Son and has given all things to Him.
John the Baptist had to remind his disciples what his life - his ministry - was all about. We, too, need to be reminded that "He must increase and I must decrease" isn't just a good saying that looks cool on a t-shirt - it's truly the only way for a Christian to live.
The Lamb of God brings us into right standing before our Father as he substitutes himself in our place, to incur the wrath of God.
John the Baptist bears the important testimony that Jesus Christ is the "Lamb of God who comes to take away the sins of the world."
David is silent and considers his sin. He then considers the frailty of life. He confesses and acknowledges his sin and then he cries to God for deliverance from his condition.
Paul likens the Christian's baptism to the Red Sea crossing of Israel and the Lord's Supper as God's food for the journey. Paul reminds us that God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can withstand.
Although their accounts may be different Matthew, Mark, and Luke all want us to know two things - Jesus being tempted was God's plan and, no matter what we're going through, God is with us.
Jesus goes into the wilderness after His baptism to be tempted by the Devil. He faces some of the same temptations that Adam and Eve faced and Israel faced during the Exodus except he passes His text. Jesus is triumphant over temptation.
David tells us not to fret about the evil people that prosper. Instead, we are to trust in the Lord, dwell in Him, delight in God, and commit ourselves to His ways.
The Roman Christians were abusing grace. They had a belief that the more they sinned the more grace abounded. Paul shows them the folly of thinking that way and the absurdity of abusing grace. He reminds them of an important event in their lives - their baptism.
Today we look at the moment of humility that begins Jesus' ministry in Matthews Gospel as well as the moment God publicly declares Jesus' identity. And ultimately, we're reminded of God's love for us.
John rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees for coming to his baptism by reminding them of what repentance really means and a warning if they are unwilling.
John the Baptist shows up on the biblical scene calling people to repent and be baptized? What is all that about? Today we take on that question in our podcast.
The Psalmist describes the state of wicked as beginning with a lack of fear of God. Then he describes God in four ways. God is full of covenant love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice. In our podcast, we describe what it means to be a person of righteousness and justice.
Luke sets us on a journey where we will see Jesus accepting the obligations before Him and those surrounding Him continually missing it. And Luke starts it with a 12 year old boy left behind at the temple...
Joseph, at God's command, takes Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod. This leads to three different prophecies from the Old Testament prophets being fulfilled. God's hand is in every moment to bring about salvation for all people!
In our reading today we learn of Magi that come from the East. The Magi were the educated elite of the time of Christ. They were well connected, wealthy, and practiced astrology. In our story, we look at the strange idea of pagans coming to worship the new king of Israel.
On Pentecost, a great miracle occurs. The Holy Spirit comes and we witness the birth of a new time in the history of God's people. This event is tied together with great events in the past in Sacred Scripture but it looks ahead to a new dawning of hope for man.
The task before the Apostles was massive! Jesus had gone up into heaven and they were waiting for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus had promised. Oh, and they needed to select someone to take the place of Judas! But they started with something we so often neglect - Prayer.
Jesus responds to his disciple's last question before ascending into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.
Luke wrote the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts as a two-volume set. In Luke, he begins with the life of Christ, and by the time we get to the end of Acts the Jesus movement (the church) has reached Rome.
In this hymn of David, we meet David in a very low time of his life. He is on the run for his life but he still puts his trust in God. David praises the Lord and invites the reader to taste and see that the Lord is good.
The Christ-child has been brought to the Temple by His parents to be dedicated to the Lord. The Holy Family meets two people that are only mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. Both Simeon and Anna are advanced in years and have been waiting for the coming of the Messiah.
Simeon waited his whole life to see the Messiah. Not only did he get to see Him, he got to hold Him! So what is it we long for in our lives?
We read of Mary's piety and devotion to the Law as she takes Jesus to be circumcised and participate in purification rites after Jesus' birth.
Angels make an appearance to shepherds in the field to announce the birth of Jesus. In our podcast, we will also notice the parallels between the story of Jesus and the Exodus.
David gives an invocation to praise and gives us three reasons why we should praise God.
Caesar Augustus issues a decree that everyone should return home for a census. Joseph and Mary have to come to the city of Bethlehem and the House of David. Jesus who is the bread of life will be born in the "House of Bread" (Bethlehem) and he will be laid in a feeding trough. Early we see that Jesus will offer up His body for us. Luke will end his two-volume set with Paul in the city of Rome preaching under Caesar's nose.
Even though we don't know everything that the future holds, or everything that God us up to, HE is still worthy of our praise.
Mary's great confession of servitude to God is followed by her first encounter with Elizabeth since they have both become pregnant by the power of God.
The angel Gabriel comes to announce to the young girl Mary that she will be with child and give birth to the Savior. Jesus is the fulfillment of many prophecies such as Isaiah 9:6-7.
The Psalmist reminds us of the blessing we have in forgiveness. Confession is key to a healthy spiritual life before the Lord.
Zechariah's prophecy ties together many loose ends that were left at the end of the OT. John the Baptist will be the prophet God's people have been waiting for and he will come to prepare the way for the coming One.
In response to the birth of his son, John the Baptist, Zachariah breaks forth in praise and prophecy. His prophecy weaves together many OT passages and he builds a theologically thick foundation for the purpose of his son John.
John, the cousin of Jesus, is born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. They name him John to the chagrin of their neighbors and family. The mute Zechariah communicates that is name is John to then receive his voice back.
While Zechariah is ministering in the Temple he is visited by the angel Gabriel with an important message. He will have a son that will have a very important mission. The Messiah is coming and his son, John the Baptist, will be the Elijah that is to come to prepare the way.
David begins this Psalm with a prayer. He is hemmed in by his enemies. He is seeking God's help. His hope is summed up in the statement, "into your hands I commend my spirit."
In our reading, we learn of the great exchange that takes place. We put our faith and trust in Christ and we receive the gift of his perfect righteousness.
The cross of Jesus is more potent than the sin of Adam. Some would call the word of Jesus "original grace." The grace of Jesus comes into our lives and overcomes the curse of sin.
If we pay attention to Paul's argument in these verses we quickly realize this is not an argument informing us on the concept of original sin, rather, arguing the power of the atoning death of Jesus Christ.
In the family tree of Jesus,2 we find some significant things. Jesus is the 77th person mentioned in the family tree. Luke wants us to realize that Jesus is the new Adam and is the savior of all humanity.
David probably wrote this Psalm when he brought the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed Edom to Jerusalem. This Psalm highlights how we go through low points in life and many troubles. Scripture reminds us that these afflictions are like a light momentary affliction compared to the weight of glory that awaits us.
Daniel receives a final message of hope from two heavenly messengers. This message is enigmatic and is hard to figure out. The message focuses on the oppression of Judah under Antiochus in 167 BC and the coming Messianic age.
The messenger gave Daniel a message that's just as important to us today as it was to Daniel - you are precious to God, so remain faithful.
Daniel is approached by another spiritual being who wishes to inform him of a vision concerning the future. But not before letting Daniel catch a glimpse of what is going on in the spiritual realm between the earthly kingdoms.
Daniel has seen a vision that has really shaken him to his core. God dispatches a heavenly visitor with an answer to this vision but the experience of seeing this spiritual being is a bit unnerving too for Daniel.
David reminds us in this Psalm that God is Lord over the waters and the storm. His voice is like powerful lightning and thunder.
Daniel's vision has really disturbed him. The angel Gabriel comes to give him the answer to his vision. Daniel's vision looks forward to the end of the age and big events for the future of God's people.
In this vision of Daniel, we get a prophecy about the rise of the Persians and the Greeks. Daniel also predicts the coming of Alexander the Great and the oppression of Antiochus Epiphanes.
It is Daniel's turn to need his visions interpreted. He asks for help from a divine figure who explains to him who the Beast from his vision is.
The kingdoms of this world will come and go but God's kingdom will stand forever. In Daniel's vision, we get a peek into the ascension of Jesus once He has conquered death.
The imprecatory Psalms are embarrassing to some people but the Christian should not shy away from these Psalms. Sometimes our prayer lives are too puny and we need to bear our hearts to God. God invites us into His presence to share with him our hurts.
In today's podcast, we turn back to the question we picked up yesterday with the question - Why Christianity. Today is part 2 of our discussion.
Today and tomorrow we have special podcasts that are a bit off the beaten path. We ask the basic question "why Christianity?"
King Darius is tricked into getting Daniel thrown in a lion's den due to his continued persistence in praying to God.
In our reading today we see a transition of power from the Babylonians to the Persians. We also see through God's judgment of Belshazzar that we are without excuse before the Lord.
In this Psalm, David invites God to search him out and judge him. David then gives us the keys to living blamelessly before the Lord.
Daniel interprets the hand writing on the wall for King Belshazzar. It is time for God's judgement to be delivered.
Belshazzar is a ruler that will let his pride lead to his downfall and the demise of his nation. 25 years before Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God and responded accordingly. Belshazzar has blasphemed the God of Israel and now his time is up.
The Babylonian Queen suggests to Belshazzar that he should summon Daniel to come and interpret the writing on the wall.
The end is near for Belshazzar but he is in denial of the severity of his situation. Belshazzar throws a party and profanes the holy vessels of God's temple.
David shows us a wonderful model of how he is willing to be taught by God's word, he is aware of his own sinfulness, and he is totally reliant on the mercy of God.
Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed a belief in God but he truly did not "know" God. God humbles him to teach him and to bring him to the knowledge of God.
Nebuchadnezzar's pride has brought about the judgment of God. Pride leads one to act as a best and only look out for their own interests. Nebuchadnezzar's punishment is that God shows him where pride takes you - reduced to being a beast.
Daniel interprets the dream of the tree for Nebuchadnezzar that foretells of his destruction if he does not reform and display personal righteousness and show mercy to the oppressed.
King Nebuchadnezzar is the master of his world. He has everything but he is troubled by a dream. Daniel is the only one that can provide an answer to the king's strange dream. In this podcast, we see that all the possessions and the power in this world cannot bring you contentment.
The Psalmist reminds us that God is the creator, sustainer, and ruler over everything. He then challenges those that would want to enter God's presence. We are called to have pure hands, pure hearts, and a life of integrity absent of idol worship.
Even in the midst of the flames of life, God goes with us. God is already there waiting for us and will never forsake us.
The three Hebrew boys Shadrach, Meschach, and Abendigo show amazing courage and faith amidst pressure to worship the image created by Nebuchadnezzar. Once they are thrown into the furnace they are accompanied by a divine visitor. Who is this enigmatic "fourth" person in the flames with the boys?
Nebuchadnezzar has raised up a new statue that will act as a symbol of unity in his kingdom. However, Nebuchadnezzar has placed his faith in the wrong thing. YHWH is the only entity that can unite, bring peace, or prevent a kingdom from toppling.
Daniel steps forward to provide an interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's strange dream. God will establish His kingdom and it will not be shaken.
Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar passages in the Bible. Today we go through this passage verse by verse to find the meaning for us.
Daniel interprets the dream of the king and reveals that there is a kingdom coming that will supersede all other kingdoms. A stone will destroy the other kingdoms and grow into a mountain the fills the earth. Daniel is reminding us that what matters most is the kingdom of God.
Nebuchadnezzar has had a disturbing dream and he has demanded that his wise men and magicians interpret his dream. To make matters worse he is demanding they give him the contents of his dream. He has commanded that they be put to death if they cannot both give the contents of his dream and provide an interpretation. Daniel will come to the king's aid and once again show the power of God at work in his life.
Nebuchadnezzar begins having troubling dreams and seeks out counsel on what to make of them. However, his Diviners, Enchanters, Sorcerers, and Chaldean wise men are not much help and he threatens their lives if they cannot solve his problem.
God grants the four Hebrew boys in Exile wisdom beyond their peers. Daniel will serve in the Babylonian court into old age and he will do so without compromising his faith.
The four Hebrew boys have been sent into Babylonian captivity. Intense pressure has been applied to them to change. Their identity has been stripped. The Babylonians are attempting to indoctrinate them and the King wants them to depend on him for their sustenance. God will see them through as they stand strong for their faith.
Isaiah prophecies of a new day when God will bring about His new creation. God will draw all nations to His holy mountain and he will punish the evildoer.
Isaiah predicts a day of comfort is coming for God's people. In Isaiah 40 we see the prophecy of the coming of John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Lord and the gospel being proclaimed from Zion.
Paul encourages the church at Colossae with the fact that Jesus is completely sufficient in all things. Christ completely saves. We do not need to add other elements to our faith in Christ to bring us closer to God. Jesus and his perfect work of redemption on the cross brings complete salvation to us.
Paul encourages the Colossian church to stay rooted in their faith in Jesus. They are in jeopardy because of a vain philosophy but he reminds them of what they have in Jesus.
Paul writes a beautiful poem/hymn regarding the deity of Christ, is involvement in creation, and Lordship over our lives through the reconciliation that occurred on the cross.
The church at Colossae was under intense pressure to give up on their faith in Jesus. Paul reminds them that the most important thing about them is their identity in Christ.
This Psalm was meant for preparation for the battle for the armies of Israel. Imagine this Psalm being read to the King in the temple with his soldiers present before a major military campaign.
Merry Christmas from the Illuminated Word podcast! Today we look at how the coming of the Messiah signaled the reversing of the curse and an advanced sign of God's perfect future.
Isaiah looked ahead to a time when hope would come from the family of Jesse. A new king would arise and his reign would bring a reversal of the curse upon this world. We know as Christians that this new king is Jesus.
A messianic prediction from Isaiah gives us the now-famous lyric, "Unto us, a child is born..." In context, this really is speaking centuries before Jesus incarnates himself on earth to save us from death. The same death the Israelites feared from the Assyrians at the time of Isaiah's writing.
Isaiah 2 is a very familiar passage to many. Isaiah prophecies that a faithful remnant will be found in Jerusalem and that Mount Zion will be raised high above all other mountains. The nations will flow to Zion and peace will come to this world.
Psalm 19 tells us that God communicates through three "books." God communicates through the following: the heavens declare His glory, His Law is good and perfect, and our conscience bears witness to the truth of God. The psalmist reminds us that there is a general revelation of the created order and also the special revelation of God's word.
Micah has prophesied against the people of Judah and Israel. The common man is exploited by his wealthy neighbors. The people feel the pressure of the coming Assyrian invasion. Their world is filled with strife and pain. Micah prophesies of a coming day when peace will come. God will set all things right and the implements of war will turn into implements of food production and peace.
Through the prophet Micah the Lord warns Israel with a chilling assessment that they "hate good and love evil." God tells the leaders of Judah that since they perverted justice and made the straight paths crooked he will come in judgment.
Micah accuses unjust rulers, corrupt Israelites taking advantage of their poorer neighbors, false prophets, and even the victims of these false teachers. Micah ends the chapter by drawing out the New Testament confession of Jesus being our Good Shepherd.
Micah comes during a time when Assyria is a threat to the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. His warning is dire and God has come to judge both Samaria and Jerusalem. Micah repeatedly tells the people that God cares for the poor, for truth, and for human rights.
David is calling to the Lord for deliverance. What is most striking about this Psalm is the integrity of the Psalmist. When people are fully integrated with their beliefs and they practice what they preach they tend to be happy and fulfilled people.
The people have returned from Exile but they have not put their whole hearts into rebuilding the Temple. They have failed to realize the importance of God's presence in their lives. The Temple was God's dwelling and they are missing out on the blessings of God's presence with His people.
The Israelites, because they were focused on their own homes and lives, have neglected to complete the temple of the Lord. Through Haggai, God calls His people to "Work!", and that His grace is greater than their sins and failures.
Haggai delivers his message from the Lord. THe people of God have not placed Yahweh as their center and first priority and so God has shut up the heavens in response. The people respond to recommit and God gives them the spirit to do so.
Haggai prophecies to Israel once they have returned home from exile. It is the year 520 BC when he begins his prophecy. The theme of today's podcast is "Where do you put your priorities?"
David rests securely in the Lord. He gives three reasons for his security. First, God will raise us from the dead. We don't have to fear death. Second, God guides us through His word. We don't have to try to figure everything out on our own. God guides us. Last, God is with us through His divine presence. In the toughest of times, God will go with us.
Israel had returned home from exile but things were not as expected. Zechariah lays out a future hope of God's presence and a reversal of fortune for His people.
We may not understand all the things that happen to us but we can have faith that God will always remain true to His promises. When things are difficult in our lives we can put our trust in God and his lovingkindness and faithfulness.
Zechariah begins to receive his night visions from Yahweh. Angels moving about the earth, concerned for its well-being and the well-being of Jerusalem. Being of the intercessory actions of the angel of the Lord it seems, Yahweh is willing to establish his throne again in Jerusalem!
Israel has returned from exile and God is calling to His people to come back to Him. God has always wanted to have a relationship with His people. Now that they are back home they must make a choice to live in covenant with Him.
Psalm 15 is a Psalm that was read and sung before a person went into God's sanctuary. It was meant to prepare a person to be the kind of individual that God allows into His presence. The person described in Psalm 15 is a person of integrity through and through.
Malachi foretells of a time when God's messenger will come and then the Lord will quickly come to the Temple. We know that Malachi is referring to John the Baptist and the coming of Jesus. We learn from Malachi that great and wonderful changes are coming in the future.
The men of Israel had broken the covenant with God by mistreating their wives and being faithless. God calls them to repentance. The men of Israel were not only divorcing their wives but were remarrying to pagans. God wants a strong commitment to the covenant of marriage and he wants us to raise faithful children.
The Levitical Priesthood has failed the people of Jerusalem, and on a larger scope the people of Israel, miserably. They are conniving, self-interested "men of God" who have placed on God as their lowest priority. Malachi's disputation against them from Yahweh is nothing short of holy wrath. Blessed are we who live in an age where our Priest is not man, but King Jesus!
Israel had returned home from Babylonian Exile but things were in a bad place. Had Israel learned anything from their exile? Malachi comes on the scene 100 years after their return and challenges the people with six disputations from God. The book of Malachi is just as relevant today to an American Church that is in a spiritual condition similar to Israel during the time of Malachi.
David's Psalm is about those that appear to go through the motions of religion but in their hearts, they do not believe. In their life, they are "virtual atheists."
Elisha comes to Damascus to fulfill what was spoken to Elijah in 1 Kings 19. He will come to anoint Hazael as king over Syria. In doing this we get a picture into the untested heart of a man that will do evil things. Elisha carries out God's command but he does so weepingly.
In this week's podcast, we see King Jehoram restoring land to the woman who had formerly had the life of her son restored by Elisha. Due to the mediation from Gehazi this woman is continually being restored by God and gives further evidence that God cares for all his children.
King Jehoram wants Elisha dead because of a famine Elisha "brought" upon Israel. Elisha tells the commander of Israel's armies that it will end the next day but he won't be alive to enjoy it. Four lepers, in the meantime, discover the Syrian army has fled and they bring the spoils left behind back to Israel which ends the famine.
In our reading, the King of Israel places the blame for the siege of Samaria on Elisha the prophet. In reality, it is his sin and the sin of the people that brought about the calamity. Today in America we tend to place blame on things that have nothing to do with our problems. In this story, we see how this mistake can lead to destruction.
When we are struggling with the hiddenness of God the one thing we can turn to is the character of God. God is always faithful and true. His lovingkindness for us is something we can anchor our lives in.
Today we compare the stories of blindness and sight in Elisha and the ministry of Jesus.
In both of our readings, we meet lepers that needed healing. One theme that is found in both of these readings is the need for humility. God calls us to humble ourselves under His mighty hand.
Looking at a comparison of Elisha's multiplication of food in 2 Kings 4:42-44 and Jesus' similar miracle in Matthew 14:13-21 allows us to draw out some interesting parallels. The big take-a-way? In the hands of God, our incapability becomes his power.
In this episode, we explore the connections between the passing of the mantle between Elijah and Elisha and the story of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.
David tells us that all those around him speak receipt. They use eloquence to speak lies. They are duplicitous and untrustworthy. But in contrast, God's word is trustworthy and God will not forsake the righteous.
The prophet Elisha is about to die after a long career as Israel's prophet. He is giving words of encouragement and life to King Joash. King Joash is half-hearted in this commitment to God's promise. We find that the prophet Elisha still brings life even after he is dead.
Jehu is anointed as King over Israel and God brings final judgment to the household of Omri through the death of the evil queen Jezebel.
Elisha accepts Naaman's context but not his gift, so Gehazi takes things into his own hands. However, because Gehazi lusts after the wealth and monetary security of the Gentiles he also incurs their diseases.
Naaman is a leader in the Syrian army who has one great problem and that is leprosy. Naaman begins our story as a pagan but he humbles himself, is cleansed of his leprosy by the waters of the Jordan and he puts his faith in the God of Israel. An early Christian named Irenaeus saw a connection between Naaman's cleansing of his leprosy by water and our baptism. We will explore that connection in this podcast.
David gives us timely teaching in this Psalm. You may feel like the foundations of our society have eroded and your values are no longer championed by your neighbor. David felt the same way and gives us instructions. We are to take refuge in the Lord and stand strong. In the end, we will win in Jesus Christ even if the world turns against us.
Elisha promises a son to the Shunammite woman and the son tragically dies. Elisha heals her son and works a wonderful miracle.
Elisha is continuing his ministry to Israel in this chapter. His miracles take the form of sustaining life through the giving of oil and food as well as giving a child to a couple who were barren.
After Elijah has been taken up, Elisha's new status is put to the test not just by the sons of the prophets - people "on his side," - but by a group of young boys who doubt his authority from Yahweh.
Elijah is at the end of his prophetic career and he is passing the mantle onto his understudy Elisha. Elisha will prophesy in challenging times but God has raised up a remnant. God is working a renewal movement in the midst of faithlessness.
The antipode to suffering is to remember God's goodness. Thanksgiving is the key to getting through adversity. David reflects on the past deliverance of God when he looks ahead to hard things to come.
Ahab was warned by God that he would die and he was under God's judgment. Ahab was warned by the prophet Micaiah that he would die in battle but he spurned the counsel of God's prophet. In this story, we see the death of an evil king and the sovereignty of God at work.
Ahab receives Micaiah's true prophecy yet disregards its message as from Yahweh. Ahab and Jehoshaphat still go into battle and the prophecy comes true - Ahab dies in battle. Jehoshaphat lives on though and appears to receive glowing remarks from the narrator.
Ahab calls on Jehoshaphat to fight a battle at Ramoth-Gilead. Before doing so, Jehoshaphat asks to hear from a prophet from the Lord only to hear from 400 false prophets. He discerns this and asks to hear from another before going to battle with Ahab.
After Elijah's experience with God on Mount Horeb, he is commissioned to go and select his replacement. Elijah calls Elisha to come and follow him as his apprentice. Elisha will one day become a great prophet of God much like Elijah.
In this Psalm, we are reminded of the majesty of God, our frailty as humans, and how God has exalted us by His grace. God has given us the dominion mandate to go into the world as His co-regents and representatives.
Elijah the prophet had a zeal for God but lacked focus. In our reading, he heeds the words of the wicked queen Jezebel and runs from his life. Just the chapter before the prophet was victorious but now he is running and hiding in fear.
Jesus is teaching in his hometown synagogue and when he is asked to work miracles as he did in neighboring Capernaum he tells them the story of Elijah and the healing of the Sidonian widow's son. He points out that God had worked miracles among the Gentiles.
Just before Joshua dies he serves as a mediator of a covenant between God and the people of Israel. He sets the stipulations for the covenant as devotion to God, but the people fail to carry it out. We also see many applications in this passage to our Christian context.
Moses warns the Israelites when they enter the promised land to remain faithful. They are to be obedient to the Law and remember the great things God has done for them.
David is languishing in sickness and he is asking for God's deliverance. David appeals to God's steadfast love and he has confidence that God hears his pleas.
On Mount Carmel, Elijah was in a place of victory and vindication. Not long after this he was running for his life and was living in fear. Elijah went from having the 'hand of the Lord' upon him to listening to the words of an evil queen.
Elijah has issued a challenge to Israel. It is time for them to chose between the Lord God and the false gods that have been serving. In this reading, God provides conclusive proof that He is the great almighty and Baal is a flimsy false god.
Elijah returns from exile to bring an end to the 3-year famine over Israel. Obadiah in the meantime has been protecting the prophets of Israel and subverting the evil deeds of King Ahab. Elijah and Ahab confront one another for the last time before the epic battle at Mount Carmel.
When Elijah raises the widow's son there is a lot more going on in the story than meets the eye. God is demonstrating his sovereignty over the false pagan gods Baal and Mot. Baal was supposedly the god of life and Mot was the god over death. Many times Mot would prevail over Baal. Elijah demonstrates that the God of Israel is Lord over death and life.
David comes to the Lord with the inner groaning of his heart. David wants the Lord to judge rightly and to take down the deceitful and the bloodthirsty. David knows the righteous can rest in the Lord and the Lord will act as his shield.
God brings judgment to Israel in the form of Elijah's prophecy of the coming drought. Israel has sinned previously and God is bringing judgment. God also shows amazing grace to a pagan woman living in Sidon.
Ahab comes to power as the king of Israel. He and his queen Jezebel further degrade the spiritual life of Israel with Baal worship and paganism. The sin of the people and the king have reached a tipping point. We learn throughout Scripture that sin has consequences.
In this chapter, we have a quick (60 years) overturning of Israelite kings who all ascend the throne through bloodshed and conspiracy. From Baasha to Omri, evil kings bringing Israel further from God at every turn. All of this leads to King Ahab taking the throne and being the worst Israelite to have ever reigned in Israel.
In today's reading, we see the effect of paganism on a culture. Israel has devolved into a violent and unstable kingdom because they have turned their back on God.
Psalm 4 is known as an evening prayer. David is in distress and cries out to God. David admonishes those that have broken the covenant with God through the worship of false idols. He informs the reader, "Be angry and do not sin." We are called to contemplate good things and practice self-reflection on our beds at night. David can go to sleep in peace at night because God is faithful.
David's mighty men fight for him and do great and courageous acts. Jesus on the other hand fights for his people. Jesus went into the valley of the shadow of death and came out victorious for his people. Jesus is the true Mighty Man.
In this chapter we get one of the final speeches of David. David was a man that was valiant and faithful in many ways but he was also a man of great failure. Despite David's personal failures God was faithful to his promises that he made to him.
David has a final interaction with the Gibeonites. Although Saul dealt with them harshly David acts as a gracious king. This one of the final kingly acts of David.
In chapter 20 there is a new rebellion led by a man named Sheba. David has lost his grip on his kingdom and it has allowed Joab to gain power. Joab will act in vengeance by killing Amasa and then in turn lead the army in its quest to stop the rebellion of Sheba. More and more we notice Joab taking a lead in the kingdom.
Psalm 90 is one of the oldest Psalms in the Bible. It was written by Moses and it teaches us the brevity of life. We also learn about the serious nature of sin. In the end, Moses encourages us to be wise and number our days.
David is still experiencing guilt after the death of Absalom to the chagrin of Joab. It requires a confrontation from Joab for David to snap out f it and give thanks t his army for the battle they just fought. David continues to make bad decisions and fails to be the leader Israel needs him to be.
This chapter is one of the more gutwrenching parts of the book of 2 Samuel. In this chapter, we get a great window into the perplexing issue of justice and love.
Ahitophel gives Absalom counsel to go out and strike David with a smaller force and only take David. Hushai is acting as a spy for David and subverts the advice of Ahithophel and saves the life of David.
David's life seems to be unraveling. There is a reversal going on in the narrative in 2 Samuel 16. It appears that David's life is going back to where it started with him fleeing from Saul in the wilderness.
David has been delivered by God and gives God praise. It seems that David was very sick, almost to the point of death, but God has heard his prayer. David reminds us that we are frail without God's intervention and our proper response is to give him praise.
David's lack of discipline in his family has led to a complete breakdown in his household. His dereliction of parental duties has now spiraled into a full-fledged rebellion by Absalom.
Our narrative journey with David has taken a turn for the worse. Absalom's revenge has spiraled into a conspiracy to take down his father. He is plotting to overthrow David and David is oblivious to the ongoing intrigue of his son.
In this podcast, we conclude the awful incident between Amnon and Tamar. Tamar is violated by her brother and Tamar's full brother Absalom is seething with anger. David shows a total lack of leadership and in the void of his leadership, Absalom strikes and kills his half brother Amnon. Now the crown prince is dead and David's kingdom is in turmoil. The bad news is that things are going to get much worse.
David's sin has filtered down to his children. David's oldest son Amnon shows some of the same character flaws of David in his dealings with his sister Tamar. In this episode, we will see the level of depravity of sin and what it has done to David's family.
Absalom has led a revolt against David and now David is running for his life. He is in the Judean desert and this Psalm likens the desire for water in a dry place to a desire for God's presence and deliverance.
Nathan the prophet tells David a parable of how a rich man takes advantage of a poor man. David is incensed by this story and wants justice for the poor man. Nathan informs David that he is the oppressor. He took the wife of Uriah and God is not pleased. David was not content and wanted what was not his and now he will be punished for his sin.
David has tried to cover up his sin by duplicity and treachery. The phrase in this chapter is, "the Lord was displeased." God will hold David accountable for his actions and the life of David will never be the same again.
In this episode, we see a sin that will cast a shadow over the entire reign of David. We will witness how sin makes a wise king a fool.
Just as in 2 Samuel 9, David wants to show love and compassion to someone for the sake of how their father treated David. Nahash was the king of the Ammonites and Nahash had given refuge to David when he was pursued by Saul. David wants to show compassion to Nahash's son Hanun but Hanun rejects David's kindness.
Psalm 51 bears out a man's heart that is broken by sin. David has been confronted by Nathan the prophet for his mighty transgression. David is seeking forgiveness, cleansing, and renewal. This is one of the most powerful confessions in all of Scripture.
In this reading, David shows unusual kindness to the son of Jonathan. David's covenant kindness to Mephibosheth is a picture of God's love for us.
David brings the Ark of God into Jerusalem and totally transforms the worship of Israel to focus on remembrance and thanksgiving. These two themes of remembering and thanksgiving are part of the heart and soul of Christian worship.
In this chapter, David defeats all the enemies that surround his kingdom. The key phrase in this chapter is "the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went."
In Acts 15 we see the promises made to David coming to fruition in the church. When the Gentiles and Jews come to faith in Jesus God is building the house of David. We are connected to and part of the magnificent promises made to David almost 3000 years ago.
In this Psalm, we learn that a just and good king has a palace filled with integrity. He puts God's law first in everything he does. He celebrates the good and punishes the bad. He only listens to advisors that are righteous and he is determined each day to rule justly.
David is living in a house made of cedar with opulence while the Ark of God is in a tent. David desires the build a 'house' for the Lord but God turns the tables on him. God instructs David that he will build a 'house' for him.
David is a king that wants to live his life fully in the presence of God. Michal his wife does not live by the same standard and is angry with David for belittling the office of king by dancing and worshipping. David shows us a wonderful example of how we should know our place in the universe - God is sovereign and we are not.
Deuteronomy 17 instructed the kings of Israel to remain humble in their attitude toward their people. David displays his humility by stripping off his kingly garments. He dances before the Lord and shows his love and devotion to God.
When David endeavors to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem he learns a valuable lesson about the holiness of God. David is taught that God is ultimately pure, good, and holy and we are sinners in need of grace.
God's anointed will be enthroned upon Zion but the nations will plot against Him. In vain they will try to conspire to rebel against His good rule. In Acts 4 we witness the fulfillment of this prophecy when Peter explains how the plot to kill Jesus was part of this rebellion spoken of in Psalm 2. Jesus was victorious by His resurrection and will ultimately bring all nations into subjection when He returns again.
In today's reading, we are reminded that David lived in a world that was violent and reciprocity was the norm and not the exception. We also descend into a world where women were treated as property. We will examine the idea of forgiveness and how Jesus elevates the place of women in the New Covenant community.
The beginning of David's reign was a rocky and intriguing time. Abner, the captain of Saul, placed Saul's son Ishbosheth on the throne of Israel to oppose David. David ruled over the tribe of Judah for a short time until he could unite all Israel under his kingship. This chapter marks out the brewing conflict between David and Ishbosheth.
David gets word of Saul and Jonathan's death from an Amalekite messenger. This Amalekite claims to have killed Saul and the reaction that David has is not what he expected. David grieves over the loss of Saul and Jonathan. Instead of glorifying for the demise of his enemy David is deeply troubled. David shows a love for his enemy that is rarely witnessed.
Saul's reign started with promise but it has ended in horrible defeat. Saul's life is marked by a path of self-destruction that ends with him taking his own life in battle. The demise of Saul leads to the glorious ascension of David to the throne.
Psalm 132 is a Psalm of Ascent that the Israelite people sang as they approached Jerusalem for their pilgrim feasts. These Psalms marked a time of great hope and expectation. They denoted a powerful hope of God's presence among His people.
David has another opportunity to strike down his enemy Saul but he refuses to do so. David will not strike down God's anointed. Almost 1000 years later sinful people will stretch out their hand and truly strike down God's anointed.
Abigail brings wise counsel and glory to the situation with David. David starts to manifest some of his character flaws in 'taking' Abigail to be his wife. This pattern of 'taking' will follow David as he becomes king.
Nabal is a foolish rich man that treats David with contempt. David and his men are ready to destroy Nabal but Nabal's wise wife intervenes in the situation. Abigail shows great wisdom and acts as a shrewd advisor for David when he needs it most.
In our reading, David has a chance to kill his enemy King Saul. Saul has set out to destroy David but instead of lashing out at Saul David shows forgiveness and restraint.
Judah has returned from exile but things are not going well. Sin has entered into the nation again and the Psalmist cries out for forgiveness and restoration. God is the only one that can bring an answer to their situation. In this Psalm, we learn that God about God's covenant love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace.
David saves the city of Keilah from the Philistines and Saul finds out David is at Keilah. Saul is going to surround David at Keilah and kill him but David consults the ephod and is told that the people of Keilah will deliver him over the Saul. David flees and escapes from Saul's plan. His friend Jonathan meets up with David and reassures him that he will be king and not to fear.
In this passage, there is a realization between Jonathan and David that Saul is determined to have David killed. This meeting marks another realization that things will never be the same again. The beauty of the passage is found in the commitment between the two friends to remain faithful to the covenant they made with one another.
Jonathan is an extraordinary man. He is loyal to his friend David but he also acts as a trusted advisor for his flawed father Saul. Jonathan is a man that can sleep well at night because of his integrity.
Jonathan and David's friendship is one of the greatest examples of friendship found in the Bible. They are committed to one another and their friendship is not based on some type of 'user' mentality. Jonathan will have to sacrifice greatly because of his commitment to David and his father Saul.
David is crying out to God to intervene on his behalf. Men, acting like dogs, try to ensnare him. They want to do him bodily harm and they slander him. David knows that God is faithful and God will be his fortress during this time of distress.
David finally get an opportunity to go to the front lines of the battle against the Philistines. He was suppose to bring supplies to his brothers but instead gets caught up in a possible reward for killing the giant named Goliath. David's brother, Eliab, hears about him asking about the reward and reprimands him for doing so. Saul hear him on the other hand and offers him a chance at the reward.
After David's anointing and his subsequent "adoption" by King Saul, David is back in the fields caring for the sheep. Meanwhile, Israel has found itself at a stalemate when the Philistines bring the front of the battle a giant of whom the whole army of Israel - including Saul - are afraid. This giant wears over 100 lbs of armor and carries a magnificent javelin and sword but David shows no fear.
David has just been anointed as the "prince" of Israel and immediately the Spirit of God leaves Saul and comes to David. IN the absence of this Spirit, an evil spirit comes and invades Saul. Seeking out some distraction from this spirit, Saul calls David into service as one who can play the harp so that he might drive this spirit out in times of distress and anxiety. What does all all of this tell us about the Old Testament's view of the Spirit of God and how does it contrast with what we find in the New Testament scriptures?
Saul has been an unmitigated disaster as the new king. God has sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king named David that will change the course of Hebrew and biblical history. We learn in this story to see with the eyes of God and not the eyes of this world.
This Psalm is about God's saving events in the Exodus and his giving of the Law at Sinai. The Psalmist views these events as two of God's great acts.
Paul had plans to come to Rome and eventually use Rome as a launching point for his mission to Spain. Paul would end up in Rome and the gospel would be successful but it would occur in a way that Paul did not imagine.
Paul wants Rome to be his launching point for further missions westward. Part of his reason for writing this letter was to strengthen Rome so that this church could be a hub of missions.
Paul pauses his argument for a song of praise. In this song of praise Paul quotes from five different OT passages and the common theme of all these passages is that God's plan always included the Gentiles. Paul makes it clear that the promises made to Israel were eventually going to be promises that would bless the entire world.
The Son of God came to this earth and took on flesh. He died for our sins and bore our reproach. He was here to serve and care for us. Paul instructs the Roman Christians that despite their differences and issues they should welcome one another as Christ welcomes them.
The Psalmist marvels at how God is so great and majestic and yet He still exalts man and cares for us. We are called to be God's co-regents and to take the dominion mandate into the world. The dominion mandate has been restored in Christ in what we call the Great Commission.
Paul explains that as Christians we should never want to destroy our brother or sister in Christ. We do not want them to stumble until they fall from the faith. So how do we differentiate between issues that are real stumbling blocks and issues of simply hurting someone's feelings? We discuss that question in today's podcast.
In our passage today Paul deals with the complex issue of dealing with difficulties and disagreements in the church. How do we deal with topics of opinion and conscience in our churches? Paul lays out a way forward today in this reading.
Paul explains to the Christians in Rome that loving our neighbor fulfills the Law. We find that in Romans 8 Jesus fulfilled the Law for us and in Romans 13 Jesus fulfills the law through us. Also, we are living in the in-between time of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ. Because we are living in the 'in-between' time we are to conduct ourselves as children of light.
In our passage today we find one of the more comprehensive treatments of the idea of God and the role of government. How should Christians think about government? Is it okay for Christians to be anarchists and disruptors of society? We will tackle these issues in today's podcast.
This Psalm is one of the most comprehensive pictures found in Scripture of the character and nature of God. God is the giver of all good blessings and our proper response is to praise him with every bit of our lives.
Paul succinctly and clearly lays out a truly Christian ethic. If you are a Christ-follower and you want to truly know in a simple and concise way what it looks like to follow Him you can't find a better passage.
It is by grace that God has gifted the church to be able to grow up into maturity. The members each have God-given gifts that allow the body of Christ (the church) to fully function as a unified whole.
Paul tells the Roman Christians that the logical response to God's mercy is an entire life of self-sacrifice and worship. We are called to constantly renew our minds so that they are in line with God's will.
After Paul went through his belief about his fellow countrymen one day coming to faith in Jesus he launches into a time of praise and worship. In this reading, we see an exalted view of God and the reasons He should be praised.
David is being surrounded by his enemies. They try to strike fear in his heart. He relies on God to be his shield and the lifter of his head. He cries out to God to be his deliverer.
Paul's prayer is for ethnic Israel and their salvation. He makes it clear that their salvation will be by faith in their Messiah Jesus. He also points out that there will be a future time when the Israelites will turn to faith in Jesus and once again be grafted into the olive tree of God's family. This future component is a mystery but it is based on God's mercy.
Here is the link to Philip's blog that we discussed in the podcast: https://philsfiction.com/blog/
Paul tells the Gentiles that they have been grafted into the olive tree of God's people. There is no reason to boast or glory about this because it is by God's grace that He has done this. Paul also tells us that this grafting of the Gentiles may lead Israel to faith in Christ through their jealousy.
Paul asks the stinging question, "Did God reject His people?" Paul goes on to remind the reader of Romans that there have been other times in history when Israel was faithless while He was faithful. There were times when God preserved a remnant that stayed faithful.
Part of God's plan from all time was the inclusion of the Gentiles into God's people. In this passage, Paul draws from Deuteronomy 32 and Isaiah 65 to remind his Jewish brethren that they should not be shocked by the Gentiles coming into God's new covenant people. This was part of God's plan from the time of Abraham in Genesis 12 and Genesis 15.
Israel had wept and had a time of great sorrow during their exile. God brought them home and their sowing of tears became a reaping of joy.
Many people misunderstand what Paul means by 'calling on the name of the Lord' and just how faith and obedience work in his writings. In this podcast, we clear up some misunderstandings and try to provide some clarity on the issue of hearing, faith, and obedience.
Paul builds on the idea that the word is near us and tells his readers that with our mouths we confess Jesus as Lord and with our hearts, we believe in the resurrection. The result is the salvation of the Roman Christians.
Paul demonstrates that a righteousness based on the observance of the Law is not possible. God, in Christ, has brought about our rescue by Jesus doing for us what we could not have accomplished. The word is near us and it is accessible because of what Jesus accomplished for us.
In this passage, Paul explains how his Jewish brethren had a zeal for God not based on the knowledge of Jesus. He desired that his countrymen would see that Jesus was the true Messiah of Israel and was their final hope.
The Psalmist cries out from the depths of guilt and shame. He cries out to God for mercy and redemptions. God hears his cry and gives him plentiful redemption and assurance.
In today's episode, we explore the big question, "What about Israel?" Paul informs us that there is a remnant of Israelites and Gentiles that are saved by grace. God has been faithful to HIs promises and the true Israelites are not Israelites of the flesh but they are Israel of the promise. In other words, the true Israel is the people that have put their faith in Jesus the Lord and Messiah of Israel.
This is an extra podcast in which we explore the cross of Christ from Romans 8:1-14 in a sermon at Westgate.
Paul continues his discussion on Israel and is asking the question, "Is God unjust?" Paul goes on to show that the created has no right to accuse the Creator in his dealings with mankind.
Paul is answering the question, "What about Israel?" Israel had all the advantages but it seems that by her unfaithfulness God was somehow impugned. Paul makes it clear that there is an Israel according to flesh and an Israel according to the promise.
This is an extra podcast on Romans 8:1-4. This is a sermon from Westgate Church of Christ in which we explore how we have gone from condemned in sin to free in Christ.
Paul shows great pathos for his people. He goes so far as to say that he would rather be accursed than to see his people not saved.
Asaph begins this Psalm in a state of self-centeredness. He makes a transition in his perspective when he goes before the Lord in worship. When he comes into God's presence his perspective changes. His message to us is this - it is not about your circumstances it is about your attitude.
In today's bonus podcast I am joined by Bible scholar David Stark from Faulkner University. Dr. Stark discusses new research on the intended audience for the book of Romans and the doctrine of predestination.
Dr. Stark is a professor and research fellow in biblical studies. His complete bio can be found here: https://www.faulkner.edu/directory/david-stark/
Dr. Stark also has his own educational biblical studies website found here: https://www.jdavidstark.com/
Dr. Stark created a sentence reader guide for the Bible for our Illuminated Word listeners and it can be found here: https://www.jdavidstark.com/subscribe/sentence-reading-guide/
If you want more information on what Dr. Stark said concerning predestination you can find more information in this scholarly article that he produced at this site:http://www.preciousheart.net/ti/2009/24-040_Stark_Israel_Individual_Corporate_Election.pdf
Dr. Stark has an exciting project coming up with a series of essays that can be found here:https://www.amazon.com/Scripture-First-Biblical-Interpretation-Christian/dp/1684260914/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=jdavidstark-20&linkId=ecbc5836ec4a377de7e65bc5ac9d640d&language=en_US
Paul describes to us the state of man without the intervention of God. Without the cross of Jesus and the gift of the Spirit, we would truly be wretched and condemned.
Paul makes it clear that the Law is like a spotlight on sin. Many people understand sin but the Law takes it a step further by showing us that our sin is actually a transgression against God's will. This leads to the cycle of Law-sin-death that only Jesus can release us from.
Paul tells us that we have died to the Law through our union with Christ. In Christ, we have died and been raised up with Christ. We are no longer under the Law but we belong to Christ.
Paul lays out two paths for the Roman Christians. They can choose to remain in their sins and be in the bondage of sin and death or they can choose grace. Grace releases them from them the bondage of sin and makes them servants of righteousness in Christ.
David is going through a time in his life when friends and foes alike are using the power of words to take him down. He is sick and others are taking advantage of his weakness. God will rescue Him and vindicate him in his weakness.
Paul makes it clear to the church at Rome that they have a choice. They have been freed from the bondage of sin and they are to think this new reality through. This freedom from sin is factual and real.
Because Jesus died and was resurrected, those in Christ are no longer under the dominion of death. He conquered sin and death so that we can have eternal life.
Paul tells us that because of Jesus's death and resurrection we have been freed from the bondage and grip of sin.
After Paul explained the extravagant grace that God bestows on us one could get confused and believe that one could remain in their sin so that they could get more grace. Paul reminds the Roman Christians that in their past they were baptized into Christ and their baptism signaled a break with the bondage of sin. It also signaled a resurrection future for them.
David is patiently waiting on the Lord. He is able to wait on the Lord's help because he is confident of the Lord's care, provision, and truth based on his past experience with God.
James Dunn comments that Romans 5:12-17 is about original death. This passage reminds us of the serious nature of 'total death' that we experience because of sin and the complete redemption that we have in Jesus. The life we have in Christ is based solely on grace.
Through the death of Jesus we are saved from the wrath of God. We have been reconciled to God by what was accomplished by Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and the love of God is poured into our lives. The centerpiece of God's love for us is the cross of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
Paul establishes that we no longer stand under the wrath of God but we are justified by faith. In chapter 5 he transitions to make the point that we have assurance in Christ and that we stand in grace.
David describes how the wicked have no fear of the Lord before their eyes. The faithful person always has the Lord before them. Even when mankind is unrighteous God will always be loving, righteous, and faithful.
Paul demonstrates that the same faith that justified Abraham justifies the believer in Christ. We are declared righteous by God as a gracious act. God credited to us righteousness based on our faith and not on our works.
Abraham believed in the promises of God even when the promises seemed impossible. The strength of Abraham's faith is amazing and inspirational. He believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.
Paul tells us that Abraham was justified by faith well before he was circumcised. Our passage makes it clear that the chief identifier of being righteous is our faith in God and in the work of Christ.
Paul tells us in this passage that our salvation is based on the gracious actions of God and not on our work or performance. Abraham believed and trusted God's promises. We are called to live a life of faith and it is the life of faith that pleases God.
This Psalm of David is a teaching on the heinous nature of sin and the superabundant grace that God bestows upon us.
Paul informs us that there is no room for boasting because salvation is a gift. We are justified by faith and not based on the works of the law.
Paul tells his readers that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. The answer to our predicament is the propitiation of Jesus. The blood of Jesus is our answer.
Paul explains in our passage why radical secular humanism is a bad idea. He lays out the universal nature of our sin and our dependence on God. No one is righteous before God and all are in need of mercy and grace.
In our reading today Paul discusses the advantage of being a Jew. They were entrusted with Scripture and the covenants. In this section, Paul lays out the faithfulness of God to His promise in the face of our unfaithfulness to Him.
In our Psalm today David is going through a major trial. His son Absalom has rebelled and is marching on Jerusalem. At this time David cries out to God and with confidence can say, "into your hands I commit my spirit."
Paul reproves a person that commands others to do things but then fails to live up to that teaching. This commonly called practicing what you preach. At the end of chapter 2, Paul comes to the conclusion that God wants our hearts.
In our reading today Paul takes up the difficult topic of how some Gentiles seem to have obeyed God's law more than the Jews even though they do not have the law. How do we deal with this idea of the "Law written on their hearts?" In today's podcast, we take up this difficult passage.
Paul's main point in our reading for today is that God is impartial. God judges all people groups the same. Paul is leading the reader of this book to the point that we know that we must have Jesus to be saved.
Paul switches gears in Romans 2. In chapter 1 he had addressed the Gentiles and their idolatry. In chapter 2 he addresses Jews that used hypocritical judgment against the Gentiles. Once Paul is done with his overview of the human condition we realize that without Christ we are hopeless.
David has a near-death experience due to illness and God rescues him from his distress. David gives praise to God for His mercy and rescue. David also reminds us that in times of our hubris we can be humbled and reminded of our total dependence on God.
When people worship the created order it warps them into something God never intended for them. God has a plan for us and that plan leads us to flourish and to fully live. The pagans at Rome had forfeited that plan and it led them to the slavery of sin.
Paul gives his thesis statement for the book of Romans by proclaiming what God has done in the gospel. The gospel is God's power to save us. The proclaimed gospel does not tell us to lift yourselves up but it does the lifting.
We continue working through Paul's introduction to the Roman church. Paul longed to come to Rome to visit this church. It was a church that Paul did not plant but he prayed for them daily. Paul knew that his preaching would bless this church and their faith, in turn, would bless him.
Today we start our new podcasts on the book of Romans. Paul always packs the introductions of his letters with theological information and he sure doesn't disappoint in the book of Romans.
David reminds us of the ultimate holiness, power, and glory of God in this Psalm. David takes us from the heavenly realm where God is due all honor and praise, to a thunderstorm coming from the sea, and to the peace of God's people who dwell in God's strength.
In our reading Jesus commissions Peter and reminds him that his primary worry is to follow Jesus. In our podcast, we look at John as the exemplar of discipleship in Christ.
I am joined by special guest Devin Morris as we explore how to read the bible effectively. Today we ask two basic questions. Why is studying the Bible important? What is the Bible?
I am joined by special guest Devin Morris as we explore how to read the bible effectively. Today we ask two basic questions. Why is studying the Bible important? What is the Bible?
In John 21 Jesus shows extreme mercy to Peter after his denial of Him. Jesus gets to the root fo Peter's denial. Jesus not only forgives Peter but commissions Him to be a leader in the church.
Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection and performs a miracle that hearkens us back to a miracle he worked in Luke 5. What is it about Jesus that causes Peter to respond to Him in John 21:8 as he does?
In our reading today John gives us the purpose for writing this Gospel. He tells us that this is written so that we may believe in Jesus and have life in HIs name.
In this Psalm King David cries out for justice. He calls forth for God to punish the wicked and exalt the righteous.
John's gospel gives us one of the most detailed accounts of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. Despite the fear and despondency of His followers, Jesus comes to bring peace and joy.
Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb of Jesus early on Sunday morning and realizes that the tomb is empty. Peter and John come to investigate and they both believe because of the evidence they see. What evidence convinces them? We explore that in our podcast today.
Joseph of Arimathea comes to Pilate and takes a great risk by asking for the body of Jesus. Joseph and Nicodemus had followed Jesus from afar throughout John's gospel but now they come out in the open and identify with Jesus by helping give Him a burial fit for royalty.
In today's reading, we see the picture of Jesus being the willing sacrifice for our sins. He is the perfect and blameless Lamb of God who lays down His life for His sheep.
In this Psalm, we are reminded that Jesus descended into the abode of the dead but His stay was not permanent. He was vindicated and victorious by his bodily resurrection. It is in His resurrection that we take hope.
Peter denies Jesus three times while warming himself at a charcoal fire outside the residence of the High Priest. A few days later after the resurrection of Jesus, the Lord will have a conversation with Peter about Peter's new mission over a charcoal fire.
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In today's reading, Judas brings the soldiers to arrest Jesus. Jesus gives them a glimpse of His glory when He states, "I am He." When he says this the hardened soldiers fall to the ground in the presence of the incarnate Lord.
In the final portion of Jesus's High Priestly Prayer, he turns his attention to us. He turns His attention to those Christians that will come from the testimony of the Apostles. He prays that we will be unified and filled with God's glory. He prays that we will understand the full weight of the unity that we have with He and the Father. We know that this unity is achieved by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is giving his last instructions to His followers. We get a window into his deepest thoughts as we get to witness His longest prayer in the Bible. He has come to accomplish the will of the Father and now HIs hour has come.
Psalm 22 was written a thousand years before Christ was born but in this Psalm, we get a striking prophecy about the crucifixion of Jesus in detail. This Psalm follows the entire cycle of Jesus's death and subsequent victory through His resurrection and deliverance.
Jesus gives His followers a new commandment to love one another. The newness of this command is found in that He tells them that they are to love one another as He has loved them. The example of love that we are to have is the self-giving sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
If you are at home and are looking for a sermon and worship we would love for you to tune in with us at Westgate. In our sermon, we will continue in our study of the Gospel of John. Our passage will come from John 14:16-26 and we are asking the question, "Who is the Holy Spirit?"
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In our reading today Jesus does something shocking by washing the feet of His disciples. This task was reserved for the lowest of His society. Jesus reminds us that we are to be humble servants.
In today's reading, Jesus makes His Triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowds will cry out Hosanna which means "save us today"!
In today's reading Mary of Bethany gives Jesus an extravagant gift by anointing him with nard ointment. Jesus's death was at hand and she gave the greatest gift she had to show honor to Jesus.
In this Psalm, we learn we have a champion that ascended the hill of God on our behalf. Because of this we can enter into God's throne room because our champion, Jesus, is the great High Priest who intercedes for us.
Jesus displays the glory of God by raising Lazarus from the dead. John 11 is the last of the seven signs of John's Gospel.
Jesus claims to be equal with God. He shows that His great works and signs point to this reality. We also tackle the difficulty of Jesus's quotation of Psalm 82 in this passage.
In our reading today Jesus speaks to us to give us assurance. Assurance that if we are in Him nothing can take us away from His love. He knows us and we know Him and we listen to the words of our shepherd. Our assurance is based on the bedrock of the gospel and His promises to us.
Jesus was not forced to die for us. Jesus willfully lays down His life for us. Jesus makes it clear that His mission was to die for us and be raised again. He did this out of love.
In our reading today David gives a powerful and moving picture from his own experience of shepherding. David tells us that God leads us through the best of times and the worst of times. We can trust in God's loving shepherding and in the end, we will dwell with Him for eternity.
Jesus proclaims that He is the good the shepherd. The good shepherd knows His flock by name and loves us so much that He willingly lays down His life for us.
As the Light of the World Jesus comes to bring sight to those that are spiritually blind. Those that live in self-righteousness and pride are blinded by the light of Christ because they cannot admit to the sin that has enslaved them.
Jesus heals the man born blind and this man comes under fire from the Pharisees. What did he do wrong? He only acknowledged that Jesus had to come from God to be able to work such a miracle. We find out in today's reading that if you take a stand on Jesus you may suffer persecution and ridicule.
In our reading, we learn that part of the work and glory of Jesus is to bring sight to the blind and release of the captives. Jesus's mission manifests itself in this powerful miracle of the man being healed of his blindness.
The heavenly bodies in all their power and grandeur pour out speech about God. They tell us that our God is glorious and powerful. When we look up at a starry night or feel the consistent warmth of the Sun we are reminded of God's power and provision.
In our reading, we have a paradox. Jesus, on one hand, says that a disciple must abide in His word but on the other hand He says that we will be set free. This text challenges the common understanding that freedom is found in doing what I always want to do. Jesus came to free us from the prison of our own sinful hearts.
In today's reading, Jesus tells the crowd He is going away. They are confused by His statement and cannot understand that He is speaking of the hour of His glorification. Jesus will go to the cross, He will be resurrected, and He will ascend back to His Father in glory. This fact of history will change the world forever.
Jesus says at the feast of Tabernacles, "I am the Light of the World." During that feast, they celebrated God leading them in the darkness by the pillar of fire during the Exodus. Jesus reveals that He is the true light that illuminates the way forward.
In our reading today the Jewish authorities are trying to trap Jesus. They bring a woman before Him who has been caught in adultery. This group does not care about the woman but wants to use her as a pawn against Christ. Jesus gives us some powerful lessons for today's outrage culture in which we condemn people for past mistakes and circle around them to try to destroy them.
David cries out to the Lord for help and He takes confidence in that God is his refuge. Our Psalm today reminds us that even though life can be difficult God will bring us through safely and not even death can separate us from God.
John warns us about loving the things in this world that are in opposition to God's will more than we love the Lord. He gives us the strategy that the evil one uses against us to lure us into sin. Satan uses the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life to entice us to sin against God.
Jesus informs His followers that when you follow Him you will face great opposition at times. We are called to love others but sometimes the response of the world will be hatred toward us. As followers of Jesus we are called to be compassionate and kind but at the same time to take a stand on the truth of Jesus.
In the reading, today people are divided over the identity of Jesus. The most important question one can answer is, "who is Jesus?"
Jesus and His mission sometimes will be at odds with the world. Wherever the gospel goes it will challenge some of the norms of that culture. If we are truly following Jesus we will be hated by some. Jesus challenges us to follow Him and put our trust in His plan no matter what the world may say.
David asks an important question in this Psalm, "who can dwell with God?" He gives a very challenging answer and ends his Psalm with a powerful promise.
The Bible uses three nouns to describe God and they are light, life, and love. God in His very nature is love. God manifests His love for us in the giving of His Son. The death of Jesus on the cross on our behalf is the ultimate sign of God's love for us.
Christians are called to exhibit a type of love the world cannot understand. We are called to display the love that Jesus displayed to us by giving His life as a sacrifice.
Jesus tells his accusers that He has the power to raise people from the dead. In this passage, He makes fantastic claims that make Himself equal with God. Jesus gives us comfort that if we are in Him we have passed from death to life. One day we will hear His voice and be raised from our tombs.
In this passage, Jesus heals a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Jesus works this miracle on the Sabbath and this healing brings about brutal opposition. Jesus lets this man know that there something worse than being sick or paralyzed - that is being lost in your sin. Jesus demonstrates to us He is the Lord and is Lord even over the Sabbath.
David explains the dangers of virtual atheism. Many Christians today live their lives as virtual atheists. They come to church on Sunday but live the rest of the week as if there were no God.
In our reading today Jesus informs us that He is the bread of life that comes down from heaven. When we eat physical food that food is transformed into our body and into ourselves. In contrast, when we spiritually commune with Christ and feed on Him we are transformed into Him.
Jesus challenges us in our reading to put our total faith and trust in Him. If we want to do something that pleases God and leads to eternal life then Jesus gives us a simple answer - believe in Him.
In our reading today we get another glimpse of the glory of Jesus. In Job 9:8 we are told that only God strolls on the waves of the sea. In John 6 we witness Jesus walking on the stormy water. Jesus calms His disciples' fears by telling them "I AM - Do not be afraid!" That is a message we all need to hear today!
In our reading, we find that Jesus provides just enough when we need it the most. We are called to trust in God for His provision. Jesus takes bleak situations and transforms them into a superabundance of grace.
In our reading today David is experiencing a great danger to his life and he is getting bad advice from his advisors. He reminds us that God is our refuge and foundation. As long as God is enthroned in His Holy Temple then we are going to be okay. David reminds us to trust God in our circumstances not trust God because of our circumstances.
Jesus demonstrates to us in our reading that the deeper truths of God and His will for our lives should be the most important thing to us. Also, we should see that sharing our faith is an ultimate priority and is as simple as saying, "come and see!"
In the reading today Jesus challenges the concept of sacred space. Because of his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension His people will be able to connect in worship with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Because we have the gift of the Spirit we can come into God's presence.
Jesus invites the Samaritan woman to the living water that He will give. We find out from John's gospel that 'living water' is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would be given when Jesus had been crucified, resurrected, and ascended back to His Father in glory.
In today's reading, Jesus comes into contact with someone that is the ultimate outsider. In chapter 3 we met Nicodemus who was the ultimate insider and he did not understand the new birth. In John 4 the Samaritan woman, the outsider, understands the mission of Jesus and is transformed by her encounter. Jesus comes to give 'living water' which is the Holy Spirit.
In our, Psalm David praises God for His character and deeds. God is the righteous judge that will one day set the nations right and punish the wicked.
In our passage today Ezekiel tells us about God's plan to cleanse us with water and give us a new heart. The way God will change our hearts is through the Holy Spirit.
In today's reading, we find the greatest example of how we should relate to Jesus. John the Baptist tells us that Jesus must take first place in our lives. John says, "He must increase and I must decrease."
Jesus continues his conversation with Nicodemus in our reading today. Nicodemus does not understand that we must be born of above or born again to be saved. John informs us that God's greatest gift is the sending of His Son that we may be saved.
Nicodemus was a teacher of the Jews and he came to Jesus in the cover darkness. He had a very surface-level belief in Jesus. Jesus challenges him and all of us by telling Nicodemus that we must be born from above. Many people call this being 'born again.' God doesn't need to do a reformation project on our lives but He calls us to a new form of existence with supernatural life from above.
David comes to God with his petition in the morning. He has offered a sacrifice at God's house and now brings his prayer and anxiously awaits for God's response.
Isaiah paints a picture of a future time when God will invite His people to a grand feast of good food and wine. While we feast with God He devours death so that we may have eternal life. On that day the specter of death will be destroyed and we will live forever with Him.
In our reading today from John's Gospel we are reminded that simply believing in Jesus is not enough. Jesus calls us to a deep trusting faith that will follow Him. Jesus wants us to surrender our lives to Him and accept Him as our Lord and Savior.
In today's reading, Jesus comes to the Temple and does not like what He sees. People have turned the court of the Gentiles into a house of merchandise instead of a house of prayer. Jesus violently drives the moneychangers and animals from the Temple. Jesus reminds us that He is the true temple of God because he is God with us.
In our reading today John reveals to us the first miracle or sign that Jesus performs. Jesus changes water to wine at a marriage feast in Cana of Galilee. In this sign, we see that just at the right time God saves His best for last.
In Psalm 4 David is expressing his anxiety and anger and how he turns it over to the Lord. He rests on God's righteousness and knows that He can trust him. David advises his readers to not allow anxiety to overcome us in the evening but to turn it over to the Lord.
In today's podcast we explore how we are inadequate when we are faced with the prospect of coming into contact with an all holy and powerful God. Peter feels that way when he gets a glimpse of the glory of Jesus. Also, we see in Luke's gospel a universal call of the gospel that is to go to all the nations.
In our reading today Jesus calls His first disciples. In Mark's gospel, we will find that Jesus is "on the way" and He calls His disciples to go along with Him. Jesus's way is the way of suffering, sacrifice, and death. Jesus calls His followers to be a part of His Kingdom and part of that calling involves suffering along with Jesus.
Matthew tells us that Jesus came proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven. We see that Jesus has come to bring God's just kingdom rule to this earth and part of that mission is to claim a people as His own.
In our reading today we are presented with a picture of Jesus you don't see very often. John tells us that Jesus is the fulfillment of Jacob's ladder which we find in Genesis 28. Jesus links Heaven and earth and brings us a revelation of God.
David tells us the Law of God is perfect in every way. But what about Paul's seeming negative statements about the Law of Moses? Are Paul and David contradicting one another? We tackle this question today in the podcast!
Today marks our 100th episode of this podcast! Today we are told by John that Jesus is God with us. He is the embodiment of the glory, grace, and truth of the God of Israel. God comes to us to rescue us in our inability to fulfill our end of the covenant. God is not only faithful to the covenant he makes- He comes and takes on the penalty of our covenant disobedience so that we may live.
John the Baptist came to bear testimony to the coming of the Messiah. When John sees Jesus coming to be baptized he declares, "Behold the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sin of the world."
Many times we say Christmas is the reason for the season. John the Apostle is telling us in our reading today that Jesus is the reason for everything.
In our podcast today we look at how Jesus illuminated a dark and dying world. The light of Jesus is available to all. Some receive the light of Christ while others reject the light.
The Psalmist tells us that the created order cries out speech about the existence and power of God. We are called to worship God because of the power of His might as deplayed in the beauty, wonder, and splendor of nature.
In this episode, we explore the concept of what God has done to us in our baptism. Our baptism was a funeral and a resurrection event.
We have died and been raised up in Christ.
In this episode, we learn that God sent His Son to die for us while we were still sinners. The cross is the ultimate sign of God's love for us. Christ's death justifies us and also saves us.
In this episode, we explore how God breathed the breath of life into Adam and he became a living person. Because of Adam's disobedience, the human race will be cursed with death. Later Jesus will come and as the 2nd Adam, he will give us eternal life.
In our episode today, the Psalmist poses the question, "Why is God so mindful of man?" The answer is that he gave given us dominion over the earth.
I today’s episode we witness David bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem in joy and thanksgiving. We are reminded to be people that praise God for His salvation.
This passage is part of Samuel's farewell speech as Saul is not taking over as the King of Israel. Samuel rebukes them for wanting a king but also extends to them the mercy and grace of God.
Psalm 96 was sung when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to rest in Jerusalem. There was a prophecy from the prophet Amos that one day the nations would stream to Mount Zion (where David brought the Ark) and this was fulfilled by the gospel of Jesus Christ. This Psalm has also been attached to that promise of the gospel going out from Mount Zion.
In our passage today we read about an awful time in Jewish history when Jewish children were ripped from their parent's arms and deported to Babylon. There was a cry and wail that went up because of this. Matthew 2 quotes this passage when it talks about Herod's slaughter of the innocents.
Numbers 24 prophesies about a coming ruler of Israel. That ruler will be signified by a star. This prophecy looks ahead to the astral event that will lead the wise men on their visit to see the Christ child.
Micah prophesies against exploitation and evil among God's people. The irony of this is that Micah 5 is the passage the scribes use to guide the wise men to Bethlehem when the wise men come to visit King Herod. King Herod was the embodiment of all the things Micah prophesied against.
Psalm 72 is one of the two Psalms written by Solomon. He gives us a picture of the Messiah that is to come. The Messiah will be a King that is worshipped by all people and who cares for those who are weak.
Isaiah tells us that the long-awaited king from the line of Jesse will come. He will have wisdom and understanding to rule his people. He will have counsel and power to execute his plans. His coming will signal an overturning of the curse and a new and better Eden on the horizon.
Jeremiah prophesies in bleak times. Even amidst the unfaithfulness of His people, God will remain faithful to His promises.
Isaiah the prophet tells us a child will come to us. This child will be God in flesh and he will bring peace that we so dearly crave.
Micah the prophet lives in bleak times but he looks forward to a new day. Micah prophesies of a coming King that will come from Bethlehem.
Solomon brings us a coronation Psalm that tells us about a king that will bring peace to his dominion.
In our reading today we see the Mary is the fulfillment of the Ark of the Covenant. You may ask, "how can a young Jewish girl be the fulfillment of a golden box in the Temple?" Tune in today and find out.
The angel Gabriel brings good news to the priest Zechariah that he and his wife will have a son. The boy, John, will pave the way for the coming of the promised Messiah of Israel.
Malachi prophesied that one would come in as a messenger for the Messiah. This messenger would be like the prophet Elijah and prepare the way of the Lord (Isaiah 40).
David implores us to cling to God's truth and to realize that God is merciful and loving from eternity.
Jesus came to this world to be the King and to reveal the truth. He came to reveal the truth of who we are and the truth about the world. His Kingdom is not of this world but has broken into this world. The Kingdom of God has value systems that some would call upside down. God's kingdom values the weak and upholds those that have no power.
John reminds us that doctrine matters. What we believe about Jesus truly matters. He encourages his readers to understand that God became flesh in the person of Jesus. He also encourages us to remember that we have the gift of the Holy Spirit living in our lives.
In today's episode, we get a look behind the scenes concerning the real identity of Christ. He is the preexistent Son of God who came to us and took on flesh to show us the way forward and give us the right to become children of God.
In our reading today we explore how God has liberated man from the slavery of sin, death, and the law by sending His Son.
In this episode, we explore Psalm 16 and discuss how this Psalm points us to Jesus. This Psalm prophecies of the resurrection of Christ and His ascension to the right hand of the Father.
In this episode we discuss how the phrase Son of Man relates back to Daniel chapter 7. Daniel seven is giving us a peek into the ascension of Jesus Christ.
Today we examine one of Paul's greatest treatises on the resurrection from the dead. If Jesus has not been raised then we are hopeless. The resurrection of Jesus means that one day we will be raised and have new life in Him.
In our podcast today we explore how Jesus was crushed for our sins. The part that makes this so amazing is the Jesus was God in flesh. God became human and died for our sins.
Paul gives us an early creedal statement of the church. He tells us the bedrock of the church is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead.
In this episode, we discuss how we should be thankful for the great things God has done for us. David writes Psalm 138 and he is offering God a thanksgiving Psalm.
Today we meet two characters that we normally don't talk about in Scripture. Their names are Oholiab and Bezalel. They were gifted as master craftsmen by the Holy Spirit to help build the Tabernacle.
Peter tells us in this passage that God has gifted each of us in order to serve one another.
In this episode we explore the spiritual gifts of perception, service, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leading, and mercy.
In this episode, we talk about God's gifting in the church. God has gifted his church with wonderful gifts so that we can minister to one another.
I this episode we look at Psalm 126. In this Psalm the Psalmist cries out for help but remembers the great things God has done.
In this episode, we look at the church at Thessalonica. Pau is thankful for their faith, hope, and love. He is also thankful that the power of the gospel has brought them from idol worship to the worship of the true and living God.
Paul is thankful for the faith and love of the church at Ephesus. He reminds us that the same power that was at work in raising Jesus from the dead and exalting Him to the right hand of the Father is at work within us.
In this episode, we discuss how Paul is thankful for the church in Rome. It is amazing that in the capital of the pagan Roman Empire there is a growing community of faith. The faith of the Roman church gave Paul reason to give thanks.
Paul tells the Colossian Christians that he is thankful for them. Particularly, he is thankful for their belief in the gospel and how that has created hope and love in that community.
The Psalmist challenges us to be thankful in the Lord. He calls us to remember the mighty deeds of God and to rejoice in them.
In this episode, Jesus challenges us to put our treasure in what God wants and not in our earthly possessions.
In today's episode, we discuss the story of the Widow's mite. In this story, Jesus points out the heart of a widow who did not give out of her abundance but gave everything she had.
In this episode, we discuss the proper disposition of those whom God has blessed with wealth. The wealthy are called to put their trust in the one who gave them gifts and not put their confidence in their possessions.
Jesus challenges us to be merciful to those who are in need. We are not hoard wealth and hold so tightly to our possessions that we are not willing to help the poor.
In today's podcast, we turn our attention to how mature followers of Jesus should always be mindful of those that are less fortunate and at risk.
In this episode, we explore the power of the gospel. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knew its power and how the truth of the gospel could change lives.
In today's episode, Jesus challenges us to have compassion for those that need to hear the good news of the Kingdom of God.
In today's episode, we discuss how we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation. We are a new creation in Christ. God has brought us into communion through the cross of Jesus. Therefore, we are called to tell others this news.
In this episode, our reading challenges us to be ready to give an answer for the reason for our faith. We are to be civil and kind in our speech when sharing the reason for our hope in Jesus.
In this episode, we look at the invitation to come and taste and see that the Lord is good.
In the reading today we discuss who is the greatest in the kingdom of God. Jesus has told His disciples that He must die and immediately after He teaches them this they are arguing about who will be the greatest in the kingdom.
In today's episode, we are challenged to have the heart of a servant like Jesus. Jesus humbled himself and did the most menial task one could do in the ancient world by washing His disciples' feet.
In this episode, we get a picture of the final judgment. Those that are condemned are not condemned for what they have done wrong but what they have not done. We are called to minister and show hospitality to our brothers and sisters.
In this episode we explore how life is to be lived in the Kingdom of Christ. Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for the many and we are called to live to live a life of service.
In this episode, we are exploring how the new covenant community in Christ is bonded together by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In this episode, we discuss how each member of Christ's body is gifted with a role to play. We are so deeply connected to one another that Paul says we are "members of one another."
In today's episode, we discuss how the church is the body of Christ. Part of being the body means that there is a diversity of parts but one body.
In today’s episode we explore the love of Jesus and how he has called us to love one another just as he has loved us.
In this episode, we discuss Psalm 133 and the blessedness of living in unity as believers in Jesus Christ.
In today’s episode we explore how God calls us to glorify him with our bodies and to live holy.
In this episode we discuss how we are called to put off the old man, renew our minds, and put on the new self.
In this episode, we discuss how Peter calls us to 'gird up the loins of our minds' and to be sober-minded. We are called to not be conformed to the patterns of fleshly desire but to be holy and set apart in Jesus.
In this podcast, we talk about the sexual ethics of Christians. We are called to live holy and pure lives and not be controlled by our sinful passions. Holiness is expected from a Christian.
In this episode, we look at the holiness of God. God's holiness means that He is utterly unique and powerful. Our proper response is reverence and awe.
In this episode, we discuss how we are called to have the same mind as Christ. He was fully God and fully man but emptied Himself and died for us. We are called to be obedient and to work out our salvation with fear and trembling because God is at work in us.
In today's episode, we discuss the blessedness of the righteous. The righteous do not listen to the advice of the world, follow the way of the world, or scoff at God's instruction. The righteous are planted in God's truth and are vibrant with growth.
In this episode, we discuss how we are to grow up in our faith and move on from immaturity. God wants us to learn obedience through suffering and to understand our faith.
In this episode, we discuss how we are called to crave the spiritual milk of God's word. God is good and His word is good. We grow by reading His word, hearing His word, and growing up in the understanding of His word.
In this episode, we discuss how we are called to grow in Christ. Peter tells us we have been delivered from the bondage of sinful passions. God expects us to expend effort in our salvation to grow in piety and devotion to Him.
In today's podcast, we discuss how God has saved us in Christ to make us his masterpiece.
In today's episode, we discuss how Jesus calls us to radical abandonment in following Him.
In today's podcast, we discuss the fact that we are saved by grace through faith and God saves us for good works.
In today's podcast we discuss how maturity in Christ is expected for all Christians. God wants us to grow wise in Christ and be mature followers of Him.
In today's podcast we discuss the importance of teaching others about Jesus and passing down your faith. The model of discipleship found in the Bible is that people teach their faith to others and in turn those people go and replicate the process. In our reading we see Paul give this instruction to the young minister Timothy.
In today's podcast we discuss John's Great Commission. We notice how we are challenged to go about mission as Jesus did. We also see deep connections between the creation account in Genesis and John's new creation.
In this podcast we discuss how proper behavior and action should be based on the truth about Jesus. Peter reminds us that truth has been preserved by the Apostles.
In today's podcast we will explore John's teaching in 1 John 4:1-6 in discerning truth from error. Who do we know that something is truly a teaching from God? John reminds us that the Holy Spirit will always point us to a proper understanding of who Jesus is.
In this episode we will explore the qualities of godly leaders in Christ. These qualities are things that all Christians should aspire to. In particular, we explore the qualifications of elders/bishops/pastors as well as deacons.
The writer of Hebrews calls us to come to Jesus and to offer up the sacrifice of praise with our mouths and to do good works for others. We are also called to submit and obey our spiritual leaders because they have been give charge over our souls. The work of spiritual leaders is to equip and build up the church so that we can accomplish good works in Christ.
In today's podcast we will examine Paul's farewell speech to the elders at Ephesus. He encourages them to shepherd the flock and guard over their lives and doctrine.
Today's reading comes from Revelation 19:1-19. We will discuss the marriage supper of the lamb and future glory of the church.
In this episode we will explore the connection that Christ has with His church. We will find that the church is to be Christocentric and to be closely connected to one another and with Christ.
Today we looked at the reading from the Westgate Church bulletin. Our passage was Ephesians 4:1-7 and we discussed unity in the church.