biblebase podcasts: Recent Episodes
Ron Bailey
The final hours of Christ’s pre-Calvary life focused on the themes of a new Passover, a new Kingdom and a New Covenant. This New Covenant stands in stark distinction to the Covenant enjoyed by the saints of the Old Testament. It is said to be ‘new’ and ‘better’ and ‘more glorious’ but for many its uniqueness is still an unexplored territory. This podcast attempts a New Covenant perspective on Biblical truth and the implications of this better covenant for a true understanding and practise of daily living as members of the New Covenant.
This is the final study in this series. We compare the temptation in Eden with the temptation in the Wilderness. What is the nature of man? Adam, Eve AND Christ had no 'old man', no resident ruling power of Sin, and yet they all came under temptation. How does this help to understand our temptations and their 'way of escape'?
We examined temptation in the experience of three members of our race who were without congenital/hereditary sin. We saw the 'trap' set by a Satanic mindset that Christ recognised and rejected, and that for all members of the human race... temptation is inevitable, but sin is not.
We examine and contrasted the experiences of Eve and Christ when faced with temptations to satisfy legitimate hungers. We examined the nature of temptation and sin in the experience of a member of the New Covenant community.
Oswald Chambers' phrase becomes our theme for this study. In pursuing it we take a look at 'sinless perfection' and an 'anointing that teaches us. Is the life as depicted in the New Covenant scriptures an illusion or can Christ fulfill his promise?
Colossians: Epaphras relayed the news of the new converts in Colossae to Paul, and Paul concluded that they had "Received Christ Jesus the Lord" What does it mean to receive Christ?
We examine the Last Supper or was it the First Christian Passover? We unpack the unpack the New Covenant truth from its shadows and types in the insitution of the First Passover in Egypt and its signficance.
We examine the implications and consequences of the Indwelling Spirit; God on the inside. And we see again what God has saved us from.. and what he has saved us to.
In this study we examine the extreme ways in which the prophets described the condition of the human heart and the extreme language used to describe God's coming Full Salvation
In this study we read of Melchizedek and saw why he can be used as a symbol of a different kind of priesthood; a king-priest. We saw why the author of the letter to the Hebrews declares so defiantly that the New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant.
In this study... we study the 'pull' of the Temple on believers from a Jewish background and the description of Jesus as a priest-king, and we take a look at a perplexing prophecy.
In this study... We saw how put Paul redefined circumcision in his letter to the Philippines as "no confidence in the flesh", and claimed that it is the New Covenant people and not the Old Covenant people who fulfill the requirements to be regarded as God's people.
In this study we set the scene for a rumbling issue which troubled the early Christians; our relationship to the law of Moses. It still does trouble Christians; what is our right attitude to the Sinai Law. A shorter study to set the scene for a more detai
Paul claims that God has revealed a secret plan (a mystery) hidden from prophets and saints in times past but now revealed. God has removed the barrier between Jew and Gentile... there is no one people of God, without distinction.
We take a look at the life, character and inspiration of Paul. We see that Peter regarded Paul's writing as 'wisdom' that had been given to him, and as scripture. We are poised to examine Paul's revelations.
In this session we suggested a fulfilment of Daniel's 70 Weeks prophecy in Christ's reaching out to the people of the Old Covenant during his life and in the first years of the New Covenant. We traced the widening circle of of the New Covenant.
In this study we discover the links between the promises to 'the house of Israel and the house of Judah', the promise to the house of Israel, and God's plan for all nations
We gather together the expectations of the Day of Pentecost in their emphasis on the newness and freshness of the promised New Covenant that is brought into fulll operation by the sudden coming of the Holy Spirit from heaven.
We examine the simple sentence Jesus answered, ·Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5 NKJV) Simple?!? ...but the implications are immense.
We dig deeper in to the context to discover the relevance of 'you must be born again' into the Jewish beliefs about Baptism and the importance of a conversation between two Rabbis, Nicodemus and Jesus
Back on track with our revisiting of The Better Covenant. Why did Jesus forbid the disciples to preach about him? Our witness is 'additional', the Spirit must bear witness too.
the gospel according to Luke makes a neat connection to the last words of the Old Testament. A messenger will prepare the way and another will bring the promise of of a powerful gospel
There is a lot of groaning going on in this study; the creation groans, the saints groan and the Spirit groans. Our weakness is not our disabilitu but our qualification for the Spirit's help.
The law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has freed me from the law of sin and death. Paul declares what God has done and its implications for a life lived in the power of Christ's resurrection life
We have arrived at the troublesome Romans 7 chapter. How are we to understand Paul's testimony here? Is this his current experience or an echo of the past?
we follow Paul's steady pursuit and reasoning in Romans 6 and see his thrilling conclusions. We are free from Sin
We begin a deeper dig into the metaphors of Romans 6. Who does Paul have in mind when he makes the statements? What is ‘the Body of Sin’ and what are our expectations arising from this chapter?
Pressing forward into Romans 6 we uncover the wonders of the effects of Christ's Calvary work on 'Adam, the old man' and see the prospect of a resurrection life and its enjoyment now.
We trace Paul's account of the entrance of Sin onto the world stage. He entered by 'one man'; Adam but its consequence touches the whole race. We re-examine Paul's record to see how God provided 'another' One Man. The Federal Head of a new race under 'one man.
Adam, what have you done? We examine the consequences of Adam's sin on the human race, and prepare for God's remedy in Christ.
From the forensic to the dynamic. We move from the courtroom into the throne room to identify ruling powers in the life of a man or woman
These are the 'bonus' days on our advent calendar. The repercussions for those who lives through these events. We make a historical comparison between two oriental kings and a definition of 'repentance.
These are the 'bonus' days on our advent calendar. The repercussions for those who lives through these events. We make a historical comparison between two oriental kings and a definition of 'repentance.
In a time of decay and declension two bright lights continue to shine; Simeon and Anna. Luke records the wonderful testimony of these two faithful witnesses.
The presence of angels is a constant theme of scripture. There are more than 250 in the Bible to 'God's secret agents'. We identify some key truths and add some warnings.
Just another baby, just another mouth to feed, just the flotsham and jetsham of a mighty empire? The hopes and fears of all our years are found in thee, tonight.
The prophetic silence of 400 hundred years is broken by and old priest, Zacharias. We dig more deeply into this amazing prophecy
Mary and Elizabeth join in their praise of God's wonderful plans, and Elizabeth's baby 'leaps' in the presenc of Mary's. Mary's magnificent magnificat.
Gabriel Gods 'herald-angel' visits Mary with a message that will change her life forever and,,, consequently, ours too.
We examine the silent man of the nativity, who almost unnoticed contribution is a vital ingredient in giving the name of 'Jesus' to the one who would save his people from their sins
We move from the Purple thread of Majesty and Kingship to a Scarlet thread of servanthood and suffering.
Isaiah promises a child who will be wonderful, counseller, might God, the Father of Eternity and the Prince of Peach
Our 6th window opens onto the promise of a virgin birth. We take a brief detour to do a little apologetics in answer to some of the claims of Richard Dawkins, and reach one of the greatest mysteries of our faith... incarnation.
And so the progressive revelation moves on... A seed promised to Eve, a seed promised to Abraham, a Seed promised to Judah, and now a Seed promised to David.
In the third study we 'trace the Seed' in the words of Jacob from his death-bed. Another glimpse of the amazinf 'drama of the ages'... the Seed promise to Judah
We continue to trace the promise of the Seed, moving on to the Promise of the Seed to Abraham. We discover that even though Israel would become God's special people God already had 'the Gentiles in his heart and plan.
The story does not begin in Matthew or Mark but way back in the First Book of Moses. We begin our Bible journey to Bethlehem and to Calvary
The Temple as the place of God's presence and residence. The finality of the end of the Old Covenant and God's abdonment of the earthly Temple
The second half of the 'Three' studies. The cup in Gethsemane, and Calvary, and day by day.
The first of two halves to be followed by Three Cups. Gethsemane. It's Horrors and its glory.
In this chapter we passed from the old Testament to the new and so has John Baptist said about clearing away any debris that might obstruct our view of Jesus Christ. We explored the significance of title, 'The Messenger of the Covenant'
John Baptist steps onto the public stage to make the final preparations for the Messenger of the Covenant
We complete Chapter 11 of the Better Covenant with a study of the Four Messeners of Malachi and concluded that the glorious prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah had only had a token fulfillment. Now almost 100 later Malachi adds the last words of the Old Te
The Exiles in Babylon were strengthened by access to the soaring prophecies of Isaiah, Micah, and later Zechariah and Haggai. What are we to make of these thrilling promises when we consider the history of the Return of the Remnant to their promised land?
A new thing, a new covenant, a new heart. We combine the testimonies of three great Old Testament prophecies as they set the scene for The Better Covenant. A New Thing, a New Covenant and a New Heart.
We introduce the theme of 'The Remnant', a new colour to our palette. When everything has become a smouldering ruin, can God start again? Can cause 'old things to pass away' and 'all things become new'?
If God is all loving, and all knowing and all powerful... why do bad things happen to good people, and why do good things happen to bad people? A brush with 'intrusion ethics' and my own answers to our question.
In 'The Better Covenant' Chapter 8, and in our study guides 22 and 23, we examined the issues at stake when covenants seem to be contradictory and discovered a vital lesson that all God's promises are 'conditional' even those which seem to be unconditional. And we discovered that there is a place of separation from God which is irreparable and the terrible prophecies that provided the model for Christ's teaching.
Chapter 8 of The Better Covenant: We trace the progress and decline of the Monarchy and witness a surprising twist to the story.
In Study 21 we add yet another covenant to our palette, the Covenant of David. We trace the transition between different eras of the Covenant Nation and note the underlying foundation of the Sinai Covenant.
In the last moments of the last day of the life of Moses, we study his 'last words' to the Covenant people. Chapters 31-34 are the explanation for the rest of the Old Testament scriptures. We see how the Sinai Covenant provided the constant link between the different eras of Israel's history and we try to identify the 'Coming Prophet' of Moses' prophecy.
We move forward through 40 troubled years to Mount Nebo and Moses' last day. We study the significance of this Covenant Renewal event and its vital link with the conquest and defence of the Promised Land
In this study we complete Chapter 6 of "The Better Covenant: the Covenant of Levi. We watch the Covenant with Levi in its death throes and see its full and perfect fulfillment in the death of Christ.
The Old Covenant Priest, the Covenant of Levi, was an integral part of the Sinai Covenant. In this first study we examine some the types of the Old Covenant that pointed to the New Covenant.
Welcome to the key event in Israel's beginnings. The wedding covenant, its preparations and its conditions.
We conclude our examination into Abraham's Longest Day and worship. Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan, Oh the grace that brought it down to man.
A whistle-stop tour through Israel's chequered history. Why does the New Testament call the Sinai Covenant the Old Covenant?
Finally, the Covenant is Sealed and the 'children of Israel' become the 'people of God', His own possession, a holy nation.
We pause in the midst of covenant making at Sinai to examine a single word - a jewel of a word. Chesed - covenant faithfulness
Moses having served as a Deliverer now takes on the role of Mediator. In several ascents and descents of Sinai he acts as the ‘middle-man’ faithfully relaying the words of Jehovah to the children of Israel and returning their responses to God. This scene is recorded with meticulous detail. It is key to the whole of the rest of the Old Covenant period stretching from Sinai to Calvary.
We have arrived at the Red Sea crossing. In his letter to the Corinthians Paul describes this event as a 'baptism' although no one got wet! We add yet another colour to our the mix on our palette. We discover that a 'baptism' can create a new union in the
The institution of the Passover marks a new beginning for the children of Israel. The first Passover was instituted by faith, by Moses (Heb 11) and provides a template for another Passover instituted by Christ in the Upper Room. In the Upper Room celebrated the Last Old Covenant Passover and the First New Covenant 'Passover'. An institution that followed the pattern of the Old but soars into New Covenant revelation.
In the epistle to the Romans Paul makes reference to God's dealings with both Israel and Egypt.
For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” (Rom. 9,17 NKJV)
Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. (Rom. 11,22 NKJV)
In this study we ask 'what, on earth, is God doing?'
We are about to leave Egypt in the strength of a unique promise. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been promised the land, but now God promises a covenant that is much more than real estate. He promises a unique covenant relationship that will set them apart from all other peoples of the earth for a unique relationship and a unique destiny.
Destination - Sinai Study 05 Our destination is Sinai, and the Sinai Covenant, often called the Mosaic Covenant. But the distance from Gen 15 to Exodus 1 is the best part of 430 years. This study fills in some of the spaces in preparation for our Destination.
We examine the account of Noah's flood to pick up some more colours on our palette, examining Peter's reference to the Flood as an antitype of baptime. We discover the 'one man standing' who carries forwards the promises and purpose of God forward...
We begin to prepare our artist's palette with the mix of colours that will enable us to paint the New Covenant in some measure of its wonderful colour. Here the trail beguns as we examine the way in which the Bible speaks of covenants. We begin with the earliest examples of 'Covenant' in Eden.
A gentle start to our new 'broken bread' series on my book "The Better Covenant" We explore the way in which God created a pallet of colours to paint the pictures of the New Covenant, and explore the Bible's use of key words.
Our final study in our studies of the epistle to the churches aof Galatia. We pursue Paul's final admonitions to "bear one anothers' burden" and explore his final prayer of blessing for 'the Israel of God'.
How does God's love show itself in the lives of his people? How do we care for those in need? How do we bear their burdens and how do we bear our own?
The outward expression of our lives manifest the true inward states of the heart. We study the life that shone out / was manifested in Christ and see the intolerance of the writers of the epistles to any compromise. In Him there is no darkness
We speak and sing much about the cross but what do we mean by that phrase? What is The Cross and what was accomplished there? We examine Christ's cross and then, ours. Who is the agent of our crucifixion and why is it necessary to 'take up my cross daily'?
At last we arrive on the battlefield to observe the nature of the daily battle between the strong desire of the flesh and the contrary strong desire of the Spirit. Who will win this encounter?
Comments: Before we study the next section of Galatians let·s be sure we are ·Battle Ready· in our thinking. What do you expect when temptation comes? We turn to the Epistle to the Hebrews for a reminder of why we can face the battle with confidence
A longer look at the Big Picture. This shared with the Evening meeting of the Earley Christian Fellowship some years ago, and surfaced as I was tidying my hard drive. We scan the Mission of God for the human race, through its new beginnings and disappointment. This could change the way you see everything.
The final 6 of 6 in this mini series. We borrow from Paul's defintions 'love' in Galatians 5. This is agap· the love 'that seeks not its own'. Not my desire but yours be done.
Peter's confession of Jesus of Nazareth as "the Christ, the Son of the Living God" is followed by the fuller revelation of the coming Cross and its consequence. Peter's affection for his master expresses itself in a protest that draws, from Christ, a fierce rejection of Peter's counsel.
Why so fierce? This is the Battle of Caesarea Philippi where Satan tempts Christ to a destiny that avoids the cross. His disciples, then and now, will often face the same temptation.
The Second Man, as did the First Man, must now face the Enemy of our Race in the Judean Wilderness. The Temptation in the Wilderness has 4 contexts and 3 targets.
The Scriptures speak of the "SECOND Man" and the "LAST Adam" but hymns, ancient and modern, and an army of preachers, speak of the "SECOND Adam". Are we missing something?
Christ's genealogy reaches back to Adam but he did not share Adam's condemnation. He is the "SECOND Man", a NEW Man, the beginning of a New Creation. 2 Cor 5:17.
Satan's war is not against God, but against the image of God in man. We trace the conflict between man and Satan from its earliest encounter.
Satan's war is not against God, but against the image of God in man. We trace the conflict between man and Satan from its earliest encounter.
Oops, tech difficulties. The promised victory of a walk in the Spirit over the works of the flesh. First steps
Study 24. In most versions, Galatian 5 begins 'Stand fast, therefore...' Paul's injunction is based on what has gone before.
We take a whistle-stop tour through the previous 23 studies and are now poised to move into chapter 5...
There are two covenants...Jerusalem above.. the mother of us all. Paul contrasts the New Covenant with the Old Covenant. We find the same contrast in the Psalms and the Prophets. How then shall we live?
Presenting the New Covenant as a Paradigm Shift.
Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Cor 5:16–17 NKJV)
- Incompatible operating systems and the 'Two Covenants'.
- These covenants are mutually exclusive and cannot function together.
- Paul turns the account of Abraham's sons into a compelling allegory.
- Getting ready for the battle.
Paul, as seen by his critics and friends. The 'not-so-secret power of the early churches.
In Romans 5 Paul refers to an 'access by faith into this grace in which we stand.' We follow the trail of prevenience, from Grace to faith to access into More Grace
God revealed it to the Son, the Son to His angel, the angel to John and John to the seven churches of Asia Minor, but this is relevant to all in every place and time.
Writing to the churches of Galatia, Paul, explains that God made a promise in Genesis 15. To whom? Why? How? Another dip into Bible space-time anomalies.
Three nails pinned Christ to the cross, but in Colossians we read that Christ has removed the record of our cancelled debt and 'nailed it' to the cross. How? When?
The Bible says Christ became sin, and that he was made to be the Curse. How can these things be?