Turn Aside: Recent Episodes
The City Gates Church
Turn Aside is a Bible Study Podcast of The City Gates Church in Fairfax, VA. Our desire is for listeners to 'turn aside' from their busy lives and take time to study God's Word. Many of the series on this podcast are produced to accompany our church's Men's & Women's Small Group Bible Studies which have their own books with questions to fill in. You can find those Bible Study resources on Amazon by searching for "Jeff & Madeleine Schlenz".
There are many deep heavenly concepts to be explored in Colossians, so go grab your knitting needles and come nerd out with us on God's Word!
The gospel is meant to impact us every day, the fullness of Him who is the image of the invisible God intersecting our lives in the midst of both our sufferings, and the daily mundane. But He doesn't want us to cling to the guardrails of "rules" but learn to drive in the center of the lane with our affections drawn ever deeper upon Him.
Today we kick off our study on Colossians, and the big question you must ask yourself is "Are you living as a bucket or a hose?" We must shorten the distance in our response to turn to Christ so that we can live in the constant replenishment of His Grace and Peace. Knowing that Hope both clarifies and purifies we can persevere through hardship with Joy because of what He supplies us with.
Do you hear Him call? He calls us to the Eremos, to come to a quiet place, to find rest for our souls, to learn from Him; In silence and solitude, in Sabbath and rest, to battle for the life He calls us to live, in grace and peace that is only found in Him.
As we finish our study through the book of Deuteronomy we are reminded by Moses and the Israelites to "embrace the journey" and to remember that the destination is not the Promised Land but "being with Jesus".
*Note: it was implied on the podcast that they may have read the law every year at Feast of Tabs, but the Scripture says it was every 7 years at the year of release that they were to do this reading.
Some nuggets from today: "What you love transforms what you do", "It's the hard that reveals His good", "Choose to remember". As we survey the blessings and curses from these chapters we are challenged to "Choose life" and live it to the fullest in Christ!
As we finish our journey through the Law we take a few more listener questions, discuss topics like Worship, Sex, Marriage, and God's overall value of life. God's Word truly touches and affects every area of our lives, the more we let Him in the better!
God is in the details... In this lesson we look at a smattering of miscellaneous laws that cover everything from principles of giving and partiality to the details of how to/how not to harvest your crops or care for birds. If God's eye is on the sparrow, you can be sure He cares about the details of your life. Our God is a relational God!
The Bible says that? Today we address some listener questions about obscure laws and practices, and in the process we are forced to deal with our own idols as a society and as individuals. What unclean things are you consuming these days? If we don't take sin seriously, sin will seriously take us.
Have you ever woken up with a stiff neck? If so, be careful as your sponge may just be squeezed that day. Turn your stubbornness over to the Lord and make sure there are no "Off limit areas" of your life to Him. Consider where your attention lies, as it conveys the currency of your love. What is your battle plan? To Plan for Battle!
Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3... how do we pass a test? Humility provides a great path to walk, but we must be careful to not forsake our daily manna in pursuit of tantalizing spiritual junk food. Keep it fresh. Keep it daily. Have an attitude of gratitude as you think of your self less rather than less of yourself. Jesus is better (mic drop).
What trophies of God's grace are in your Rearview Mirror? Looking back at them can help you deal with the fear of what lies ahead. But don't be overwhelmed by the fact that "you have giants", God will help you have full and total victory, though it may come "little by little".
The biblical teaching on Annihilation is one that has stumbled many who have come across it and not been ready to grapple with it in the context of the whole of Scripture. This teaching, given by one of the lay teachers in the women's study, is extremely helpful to see Scriptures like these in the broader context of God's Word and His Character. The transcript is also available in the Notes below.
Fully following the Lord's commands is the only path to experiencing true freedom. So, how do we do that? What does that look like? These are few of the topics we address in todays Podcast.
Today we discuss some fun topics from Deuteronomy 4 & 5. Like: How we can flee to Jesus, our City of Refuge, and find a sanctuary for our soul. And, the law can lead us to the Promised Land but it can't take us in; as well as other "lessons in leadership" from Moses. (i.e. what not to do). So much to consider from these chapters!
Listen! And don't hide like Adam, if you want to know how to have victory when your inner "Og" comes out, you'll want to Shema and Shamar this episode! Come and take the land with us!
Today we dig into the Promises of God, the Character of God, and the Life with God. Things that act as an anchor for our soul through the storms and trials of life. Come taste of His goodness!
Poised on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, the people of Israel are given a powerful reminder from God about who He is and how to walk by faith as they inherit the promised land. As we consider all that they've come through to reach this point, there is much for us to ponder and apply in our own lives.
Today we take a deep dive into Paul's prayers and discuss some various tools that can help us develop a healthier prayer life. We also discuss how to deal with the disorderly and perhaps even harder, to love those who are difficult to love. But we end just where the book opens, with Grace and Peace... some profound thoughts on some common words.
Paul's clarification to the Thessalonians about the day of the Lord may raise many more questions for us, but in the end we must examine our conduct. Along the way we'll share some helpful insights and help keep you on the right path.
Today we dig deep into 2 Thessalonians Chapter 1 with special guests Peter and Michelle Jo.
Today we dig deep into the final chapter of 1 Thessalonians, chapter 5, with special guests Keny and Tane Ruffin.
Today we dig deep into understanding Sanctification; And as a "Bonus" you'll learn how to compost your trials, producing personal growth in Christ so that we can be a blessing to others. Finally, "In acceptance lieth peace" when you have a resurrection perspective. If you find yourself ignorant of any of these things... just Turn Aside and tune in!
Today's soundbites: It's all about relationship, Crossing the swamp, Presence matters, & Perspective is everything. Listen in to find out more.
Conduct matters. Gushing is okay. Gaining God's Word through Osmosis? And navigating Spiritual Warfare. Chapter 2 of 1st Thessalonians covers a lot of territory and we do our best to discuss it all.
Kicking off a new Study we dive head-first into the richness in 1st Thessalonians 1! Don't overlook a greeting, Triads that work, and weighty words like Election & Wrath. These are just a few of the things touched upon in todays episode.
"It all comes down to this." As we wrap up this study in Exodus, today we explore the importance of Rest (yet again), how to cultivate willing hearts in worship to God, and how His presence makes all the difference. (i.e. we can't do it on our own). So bring out your bronze mirrors and come reflect His glory!
"Please Sir, may I have some more?"
Moses teaches us a valuable lesson about pressing in and desiring more of God. God warns us that His blessing devoid of His presence will not bring the satisfaction we are longing for. So much to unpack in these 2 chapters!
Anointed shovels & wick-trimmers? Smelly servants? Brandishing Priests! There's a lot to unpack in these chapters, but "rest" assured, we'll get to it all.
We worship a God of detail! Today we dive into the details of the Tabernacle, the priestly clothes and other aspects of worship and each gives us a greater picture of our Savior and a call to deeper fellowship in Him.
"Take me into the Holy of holies!" Today we begin our exploration of the tabernacle and get deeper glimpses of our God's heart, as well as a better picture of the kind of worship He desires from us.
A major theme in Exodus is God saying "Come out and be with me!" Today this theme is explored through the 3 feasts, the ratifying of the covenant, and a celebratory diner with Him. And yet because of Christ, the fullness and richness of this message is even deeper and more profound for us today!
Livestreaming at your "earthen altar" is not God's heart... but as you dig into His laws you'll discover what His heart is! Today's a deep dive into some of the more obscure and nitty-gritty laws that pop up in Exodus and how we can discover God's heart through them.
How does keeping the Sabbath affect our ability to walk out the last 6 commandments?
We'll get to the "heart" of the matter as we discuss these last 7 commandments and take a deep dive into some of the complexities of living them out.
Today we begin to explore the 10 Commandments, specifically looking at the first 3 in detail. Come and discover why the timing of when these commands were given, and the order in which they were given, is significant.
Humility & Holiness are our two themes today. Moses demonstrates humility as he receives advice on leadership from his father-in-law Jethro. And God's holiness is on display at Mt. Sinai with severe consequences for those who don't follow his commands. Jesus is our ultimate example of humility and holiness, making the way to access Him through the cross.
Join us today for some Thought Replacement Therapy as take a journey to The Rock, that is Christ, receiving from Him the Living Water, and finding strength in the battles as we look to the LORD our Banner.
From Praising to Complaining, how quickly we can forget God's works. Yet the Good Shepherd is patient with us through it all. Join us as we daily learn to say "What is it" Lord that you want today?
One small step for God one giant leap of faith for the Israelites. Today we cross over the Red Sea and explore all that might have been going on in the hearts and minds of the Israelites in this momentous occasion.
Today we explore the feast of Unleavened Bread, The Law of the First Born and Strange paths through the wilderness. In it all, God is faithful to meet us and reveal Himself to us.
Pumped for Passover. Today we explore God's Passover instructions so that "No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt."
Walk in the light...unless you're a cockroach. Today we explore the changes in Pharaoh, Moses and Aaron. Learning to spend time with your master.
Who do you worship & serve? God takes on the Egyptian gods and shows the only sane choice. In the midst of His judgment, mercy is seen.
I am not but I AM is... Learning to get our focus off ourselves and onto God who is able.
Today we turn aside with Moses to encounter the greatness of God as He reveals Himself as the answer to our every need. Learn how the gospel of His presence can be experienced and needs to be recorded to help anchor our soul in His truth.
Today we look at the role of women, passing along faith stories, the sovereignty of God, and looking ahead to the reward. Some deep topics and long-term affects.
Today we kick off a new study on Exodus, and we come across some heavy topics at the get go. Take a deep dive into forming a theology of suffering (and learning what that means) as well as confronting your fear (of man) and learning to instead fear (trust) God.
The Powers of Persuasion! Today as we wrap up our study on Romans 8 we take time to reflect on all the powerful evidence throughout this chapter of God's glorious love for us!
Today we discuss how we navigate the incongruity between God's Truth and our Feelings? Here's a hint: God's Truth wins; And helps us to walk in the victory He has already won!
God is for us!! In Christ we have been given every assurance of God's unfailing love. Today we take a deep dive into what this looks like and how to combat the thoughts that contradict God's clear truth.
Today we dig in to one of the more well known verses about God working "All things for good". But what does this mean and how does this actually work? That's what we explore together.
"Truth? What is truth?" "You can't handle the truth!" The truth is that we are weak. But He is strong. Today we take a deep dive into our weaknesses and how God helps us and uses all things for His glory!
Today we explore the spiritual discipline of Muttertation! Not sure what that is? Listen to find out. (Hint: it has something to do with how we set our Hope.)
Godly Groaning, Fleshly Grumbling, Gaining Glory. Today we talk about Suffering with a purpose.
From Slaves to Sons, from Bondage to Bounty, today we explore more of the benefits that the Holy Spirit "leads" us into!
HOLY SPIRIT Ya'll. He's the star of this show. Join us as we dig deep and discuss the often overlooked role and ministry of the Spirit.
Today we dig in deep on what Freedom in Christ means and share some practical tips on how to beef up our defense against sin and nurture our growth in the Spirit.
Today we kick off our study on Romans 8 covering ground at lightning speed as we dive into verse "1". But the conversation is rich, from Law to Grace, Condemnation to Conviction and plenty of practical tips to help us all navigate "Life in Christ".
As we finish up our study on Elijah & Elisha we have the chance to reflect on God's faithfulness to His Word, and our need to walk in godly zeal, not half hearted obedience.
Sin is gross, unbelief is dangerous, God is merciful. These are a few of the themes we explore in the stories of a besieged Samaria, a blessed Shunammite, and a bedridden Syrian.
How do you make an ax head float, blind eyes to see, and seeing eyes to be blind? Today we explore two more stories in our study on Elijah & Elisha.
Today is all about 'death to life': From the Shunammite's son, to a pot of stew, to a deadly disease.
Salty Springs, Mauled Mockers, Digging Ditches, Overflowing Oil, these are a few of the stories that we talk about today!
As we begin a new book in our study (2 Kings) we see the passing of a Mantle from Elijah to Elisha, but before that God has one last hot confrontation to make to Israel's King.
Today we see how the still small voice of the Lord ministers do a depressed Elijah and how a Servant of the Lord (Elisha) takes his calling seriously.
Today we venture into the mighty standoff between Elijah and the prophets of Baal (spoiler alert) God won and Baal forgot to show up.
Today we explore 1 Kings 17 as well as taking a deeper look into how to dig into the Old Testament with an eye for God and a heart for personal application.
Join us as we kick off our new Bible Study and introduce our study on Elijah and Elisha.
Join Jeff and Madeleine as they discuss our final lesson and the fact that sometimes God says really hard things.
Jeff and Madeleine Schlenz sit down to discuss some “hard things” with Matt and Peggy Pottenger.
Join Madeleine and Jeff for another hour packed full of fun fellowship and insight as they discuss the sixth chapter of the Book of John.
Join Madeleine and Jeff as they introduce and discuss the sixth chapter of the book of John.
In this episode we wrap up our study and see Joseph's monumental confession: you meant it for evil, but God used it for good.
In this episode we cover Genesis 47-49 as Jacob sets his affairs in order and offers a final blessing to his family.
In this episode we discuss adoption with our guest Mignon Matthews and dig into questions from lesson 6 of the study.
In this study we cover the events of Genesis 42 and 43 and learn why Jacob may have been a little jaded.
In this study we cover the events of Genesis 41 and gain a chaplain's insights into the spiritual life of an inmate like Joseph
In this bonus edition Pastor Jeff and Madeleine sit down to discuss how to get the most out of reading and studying your Bible, how to approach prophecy, and how to use the tools found in most study Bibles.
As we come to the end of our study we reflect on God's faithfulness to Daniel and His faithfulness to us.
In this chapter we talk about taking a stand for righteousness and conviction, even when it's hard and discuss the fact that things don't always turn out the way you hoped, even when you take that stand.
In this chapter we spend time thinking about our affections and how we express them, the importance of finishing our lives well, and draw encouragement from the fact that God holds us in His hands.
Ever had a weird dream? In this episode we cover Chapter Two/Lesson Two of our study in Daniel and an angry king's demand that his dream be interpreted.
A Turn Aside Study looking at the life of Jesus in light of Easter.In this episode the ladies mention some of their favorite sources of Scripture Songs.Check out Seeds Family Worship. And songs by Sheri Youngward which you can find for FREE (and even...