Digging Deeper with Lee Cook: Recent Episodes
leealmondcook
Today Josh and Lee look at Luke 1:57-80. We talk about how we can cultivate Joy in a world struggling to find it.
This week, Josh and Lee look at Luke 1:26-56. We talk about how the stories of Elizabeth, Zechariah and Mary all interconnect. We discuss the peaceful revolution that Jesus leads.
This week Josh and Lee wrap up 1 John. This is a difficult passage, and it's easy to get lost in the weeds. So we try keep everything in context as we allow this wonderful letter to help us love God more.
This week we look at how we put love into practice. What is the process of Spiritual Formation? How does it happen? What role do we play?
This week, Josh and Lee look at the high point of 1 John. This is where John has been leading us, and he does not disappoint. God is love. How can we understand this deceptively simple concept.
This week Josh and Lee dig into the competing stories and "spirits" that offer meaning and purpose. How can we sort through these "options"? How can we really know the truth?
The Sabbath rest for the people of God--that's what Jesus promises us. While Moses led to a promised land, Jesus leads to a better rest and a better hope
The writer of Hebrews wants to train us to read the scriptures (what we call the Old Testament) through the lens of Jesus. He helps us to understand that Jesus is superior to Moses and since they heeded Moses' message, they should be even more obedient to Jesus'
Josh and Lee look at love revealed in Jesus. What does His love look like? How are we obligated to love? Join us this week for True Love: Love and Hate
What does it mean for Jesus to "share in our humanity"? Why is it important? Join us this episode as we dig into Hebrews chapter 2
This week Josh and Lee dig into 1 John 3:11-24 to discover what the new life looks like and what the source of this life is.
This week we dig into 1 John 2:18-27. What is the Anti-Christ? Is John talking about the end of the world? How does he explain who left the church? How can we protect ourselves from being deceived?
This week we look at when and how our love can be misplaced. Will also see some of the consequences of loving the wrong things.
This week we'll discuss how the writer of Hebrews uses the Old Testament to show us that Jesus is greater than the angels. Why? What is the importance of this knowledge?
This week we'll look at how God spoke through the prophets and how He has spoken in His Son.
This week, Josh and Lee look at 1 John 2:2-11. We talk about how we know we have a relationship with God and the new commandment that's actually an old commandment.
Josh and Lee begin a new format for the show. Today we look at 1 John 1:5-2:2. We talk about light and darkness, sin and forgiveness and the Matrix franchise!
Are we ready for solid food, or do we still require milk? What does Spiritual leadership look like? What is the fruit of servant leadership?
As we continue our series on 1 Corinthians, we will look at the role of the Holy Spirit and redefine what "spiritual" really means
In this episode, we continue our exploration of the Wisdom of God. How do our cultural expectations keep us from understanding God's will?
In this episode we get a glimpse into the problem of celebrity, name dropping, and ladder climbing among the believers in Corinth.
Today we look at the people and culture of Corinth to better understand the problems facing the Christians trying to make their way in the world.
Today, I interview one of my oldest and best friends, Dr. Ben Blackwell. Today we discuss reading the Scriptures faithfully in troubled times.
- Where is this world headed?
- What does "eschatology" mean, and how does it shape our reading?
- What does Paul believe about the ultimate hope for the world?
To read more, check out his latest book
https://www.christianbook.com/engaging-theology-biblical-historical-practical-introduction/ben-blackwell/9780310092766/pd/092766?product_redirect=1&search_term=ben%20blackwell&Ntt=092766&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
These are certainly troubled times. If you are dealing with anxiety, he are some ways to find relief. I have more podcasts specifically about anxiety, check out the rest of the episodes.
- Turn off your phone
- Listen to music, watch a fun show, play a board game
- Exercise
- Find someone to help (keep social distancing)
- Don't self medicate (very important during these times)
- And most importantly, pray, read the scriptures, and practice gratitude
As we face the next few weeks and months of uncertainty, many of us will turn to our faith to give us strength. I'm beginning a series of podcasts that will give you time to meditate and pray through some of the Psalms. I'd love to hear how you are worshiping, praying, and reading scripture during these troubled times. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, I'd love to hear from you. lee@lcpc.net
In this episode, Lee talks about the 2 objectives of Dallas Willard's "Curriculum of Christlikeness".
- To love God and delight in Him
- To remove our automatic responses to the Kingdom of God
In the coming weeks we will talk about the process of discipleship.
How do we grow in our faith? Who is responsible for my Spiritual growth: is it me, or is it the Holy Spirit? Why doesn't my life look like the life promised in the Bible?
This week Lee talks about these questions as we begin a new series: Growing in Grace.
This week we dig deeper into Nehemiah 5
- God has woven generosity into the fabric of Israel's life
- We talk about how to apply and interpret the Old Testament
- We talk about the sacrificial nature of worship
In this episode, we dig deeper into how to read the Old Testament and Paul's understanding of Spiritual Warfare.
- The Old Testament is not immediately applicable to us, but it is meaningful for us. We must read responsibly in light of the whole Bible.
- We must discover what God has to say in the Old Testament in light of the larger story of God
- Paul sees the world through an Apocalyptic lens- he sees the forces behind the structures in our world.
- Paul urges us to put on the "whole armor of God"
In this episode we look at the first chapter and see the 7 days of creation. God is creating a cosmic palace or temple and on day 7 rests in that temple and begins His rule and reign
- On days 1-3 God sets the stage
- On days 4-6 he fills that stage (days 1 and 4 match up, days 2 and 5 match up, and days 3 and 6 match up)
- Day 7 God rests (he takes up residence in his great cosmic temple/palace
For further reading:
John Walton The Lord World of Genesis 1
In this episode, we try to discover the worldview of the Ancient Near East so we can read the Bible more faithfully
- There is no Natural/Supernatural divide--no distinction between sacred and secular
- One of the primary concerns of the ancient world was order
- Genesis in more concerned with "Functional Creation" rather than "Material Creation"
- The Bible lives in a culture with lots of creation stories, some of which are very similar.
- The Bible doesn't "borrow" stories from the cultures around, but rather it shares common cultural assumptions about the nature of the universe--this shouldn't worry us
For more information see John Walton's The Lost World of Genesis 1
This week, we examine the worldview of the Ancient Near East to help us understand how God's people understood the nature of God's role in historical, natural, and political events. We also take a look at the complex political and social world of the Persian empire. I promise this will help you read the Bible.
This week, we begin a new series on Nehemiah. Here is the background information you will need to really grasp the message of Nehemiah.
In this episode, we look at the prayer that Paul prays for the church at Ephesus. It is a prayer that allows us to think deeply about the power that is available to the church today.
In this episode, Lee begins a new series on Ephesians. This week we'll think through the following themes:
- Blessings- God lavishes blessings on us. This idea of blessing goes all the way back to Abraham in Genesis 12
- Election- God's blessing is that he has chosen a people for a purpose. This is not an abstract theological problem to solve but a concrete blessing
- The Holy Spirit- God blesses us by sealing us with the Holy Spirit
This week, we dig deeper into the story of Ananias and Sapphira. We think about the connections between this story and the story of Achan in Joshua 7. We think about how easy it is for halfhearted worship to lead us to resentment and bitterness. What stumbling blocks keep you from full devotion to the Lord? What stumbling blocks in your life are keeping your church from full devotion?
This week we finish up our Bite Sized Bible Study on 2 Timothy.
Here are some of the themes we have covered:
- Passing on the faith through parents and mentors
- The necessity of scriptural study in ministry
- The importance of relationships
In this episode, Lee takes us through the Paul's last charge to Timothy. Paul is giving Timothy a final encouragement to "preach the word". Paul also shares his hopes for what he believes are his final days.
In this episode we look at the beginning of Paul's final charge to Timothy. Here we see that the source of strength for the Christian life and the key to interpreting the scriptures.
This week we talk about praying Psalm 77. This is a song of lament- a complaint that is prayed to God.
- How does praying lament Psalms connect us to others who are suffering
- How can focusing on my struggles lead me to doubt God's character
- How can focusing on God's actions lead me to trust
- What role does community play
In this episode, we'll think about how folks act during the Last Days
- What does Paul mean by the last days
- Why does Paul say they have "a form of godliness but deny it's power"
- Who are Jannes and Jambres
In this episode, we finish up 2 Timothy chapter 2.
- Paul uses the analogy of honorable and common household items
- Timothy is charged to flee youthful passions and avoid stupid arguments
- We get a glimpse at how to have dialogue with our opponents---helpful social-media etiquette
Our music is courtesy of Kevin Dukes- kevindukes.com
This week we'll practice reading and praying Psalm 1. There are some practical suggestions for shaping your prayers with scripture.
The new intro music is from Kevin Dukes. Check out his website at kevindukes.com. You can also see photos from our guitar build https://www.kevindukes.com/parlor-guitar-build
This week, Lee gives a brief introduction to reading the Psalms.
- Why is so much of the Bible poetry?
- What strategies do we use to read poetry?
- What is parallelism and how does it work?
In this episode, Lee takes us through the controversy about the resurrection that is plaguing the church at Ephesus.
- What does Paul mean "arguing about words"?
- What is the controversy
- What is the solution
- How can we learn to "correctly interpret the word of truth"
In this episode, we are reminded to keep Jesus front and center. Though the Paul was imprisoned for his faith, he firmly believed that nothing could stop the Word of God.
- What pressures did Paul feel?
- How could he maintain his strength?
- What happens if we fail.
This week, Lee finishes up the series on Daniel. We'll look closely at Daniel chapter 7.
Highlights:
What is Apocalyptic literature?
What is the vision about?
Who are the 4 beasts?
Who does the Son of Man represent?
How does Jesus use this imagery?
In this episode, Lee walks us through 2 Timothy 2:1-7. What does it mean to "be strong in grace"? What role does suffering play in our call to live out the Gospel. Paul uses three metaphors to talk about a life of service to God: a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. How do these three metaphors play out in our lives?
In this episode, Lee continues our study of 2 Timothy. What is our response to adversity? How can we hold to the "sound teaching"? What is the Gospel that Paul is imprisoned for?
This week, Lee begins a new series called Bite Sized Bible Studies. Each episode will be a brief, devotional study of Paul's 2nd letter to Timothy.
This week, Lee takes a look at the "gods" competing for our allegiance. How can we discern the culture the shapes us and see those "gods" for what they are?
This week, Lee talks about attitudes and practices that can move us from cynicism to joy. If we are to live faithfully in these uncertain times, we must embrace humility, community and gratitude in order to truly experience God's joy in our lives.
This week, Lee reflects on Daniel's character, how it was shaped and how we might be shaped by God. Grab your bible and turn to Psalm 25.
This week, Lee takes us through the background information and themes of the book of Daniel. This will provide the basis for our discussions of the book of Daniel.
This week, Lee talks about finding your Spiritual gift and how you can join in God's Kingdom work.
In this episode, Lee digs into I John chapter 3. We'll talk about what it means to live with the hope of Christ. We'll also talk about what John means when he says that those born of God "do not sin"....yikes.
This week, Lee digs deeper into I John chapter 2. We'll talk about what it means to love our brother or sister and how NOT to love the world.
This week, Lee talks about the rhythms of life that can draw our affections to God.
Check out James K. A. Smith's book "You are what you Love". It's a book that will challenge the way you think about discipleship
in this follow-up to last week's podcast, Lee shares his own story as a way of helping you think about your own story. Each of our stories has a past, present, and future.
This week, Lee begins a new series designed to help you discover your identity in Christ. This week we'll focus on learning how to tell our story using Paul's conversion as a template.
As always, we'd love to hear from you with any questions or if you just want to tell your story. Send us an e-mail at lee@lcpc.net
This Week, Lee explores the "competing" ideas of the first century, points out the similarities to our own setting, and we look to discover what John tells us is genuine faith.
This week, Lee explores the techniques that will help you retrain your brain using Psalm 46 as the template. Listen as we explore what it means to "be still".
This week, Lee talks about Jesus' triumphal(?) entry into Jerusalem. We dig deeper into how the Kingdom of God influences our thinking about politics and how we can move from shouting past each other to listening and even learning from one another.
This week, Lee looks at Anxiety vs Worry. How is worry different from anxiety? What are the symptoms?
This week Lee talks about discovering the heart of the Gospel. What does it mean to imitate our Master? What habits can we cultivate to allow the Spirit to transform us into the image of Christ?
This week Lee tells the story of his own struggle with panic attack and anxiety. There are two takeaways. If you are struggling with anxiety, you are not alone and you don't have to live with it forever. You can find healing! If you would like to ask for prayer, ask a question, or share your story, please e-mail lee at lee@lcpc.net. We'd love to hear from you.
This week Lee digs in to Mathew 18. What is our role in accountability? What is our response in forgiveness? What disciplines can truly help us discover humility?
This week, we look at James Chapter 2, primarily talking about how Faith comes to fruition in our work. Does James advocate for a righteousness based on works of the law? Listen in as we think through what James is actually saying
This week Lee discusses Matthew 16:13-20. In it we discover the Disciples' growing recognition of who Jesus is and the path they must journey if they are to follow Him.
This week, Lee begins a new series on the letter of James. We'll discuss the author of James, the setting, and talk about the primary themes that James will discuss throughout his letter.
This week Lee talks about Matthew 15 and the debate about washing hands. We'll talk about the kind of life that God wants and how the Holy Spirit works through the spiritual disciplines.
This week, Lee digs deeper into the parable of the sower. We'll talk about the historical context, theology of election, and how we can hear these parables today.
This week we'll look at Jesus compassion for Israel, his commissioning of the disciples, and the role we share in the harvest
In today's episode, Lee will be talking about the costs associated with following Jesus. We'll also discuss the nature of the Kingdom work Jesus was doing and the ramifications that work has on us in the 21st century.
This week, Lee goes deeper into the authority Jesus has, how we respond that authority, and what it means today.