The Isaiah 43 Podcast: Recent Episodes
Clayton
In the Isaiah 43 podcast, we will explore how God formed us, redeemed us, and how He calls us today. Every week we will journey through scripture to understand all that God has done and what His call is for our lives. We will also tackle difficult questions and challenges against faith so that we may all be more confident when sharing the story of salvation with others, even those who stand against it.
Send us Fan Mail
What did Jesus really mean when He said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15)?
In this episode of The Isaiah 43 Podcast, we continue our verse-by-verse study through the Gospel of John by exploring one of Jesus' most searching—and most comforting—statements.
Together we'll examine the Upper Room on the night before the crucifixion, the difference between legalism and lawlessness, the miracle of regeneration, our union with Christ, and how true obedience flows from love rather than earning God's favor.
We'll also see how Peter's restoration in John 21 beautifully illustrates that Christ does not cast away repentant sinners, but restores them with grace and calls them to faithful obedience.
If you've ever wondered whether your obedience is enough, struggled with guilt over sin, or wanted to understand how grace and holiness fit together, this episode is for you.
Scripture: John 14:15
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." — John 14:15 (ESV)
Send us Fan Mail
Bonus Episode
Why do stories about heroes resonate so deeply with us? Why do we cheer for the one who sacrifices himself to save others?
This week I'm sharing my recent sermon from Shepherd's Rock Bible Church on Titus 3:3–6. We begin with an unexpected illustration from Spider-Man 2, but quickly discover that every heroic story ultimately points beyond itself to the greatest rescue in history.
The gospel tells us something surprising: we are not merely victims waiting to be rescued—we are rebels in need of a Savior. Yet according to His mercy, God did what we never could. He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but because of His grace through Jesus Christ.
In this sermon, we'll explore:
• Why humanity is fascinated by heroes
• What Titus 3 teaches about our true condition
• Why salvation is entirely by God's mercy
• How every rescue story ultimately points to Christ
• The assurance believers have because salvation rests on His work, not ours
"He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy..." — Titus 3:5 (ESV)
Thank you for listening to this special bonus episode of The Isaiah 43 Podcast. Regular Friday episodes continue as we work verse by verse through the Gospel of John.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Send us Fan Mail
Have you ever noticed how often people say, "In Jesus' name"?
When Jesus says, "Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do," is He giving us a blank check? Does praying in Jesus' name mean that God will give us whatever we want?
That's exactly what we're going to explore today in John 14: 13, 14.
Because if we misunderstand these verses, we'll misunderstand prayer itself.
But if we understand what Jesus is saying, we'll discover that praying in His name is far greater than simply ending our prayers with those words.
Send us Fan Mail
Every religion, every philosophy, and every generation has asked the same question: "Can we see God?"
Moses asked it.
Philip asked it.
Maybe you've asked it too.
We often imagine that if God would just appear in the sky or give us some overwhelming experience, then faith would be easy.
But Jesus says something astonishing:
"Whoever has seen me has seen the Father."
Send us Fan Mail
John 14:6 may be one of the most familiar verses in the Bible—but have we become so familiar with it that we've stopped hearing what Jesus is actually saying?
In this episode, we slow down and examine Jesus' famous declaration: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Together we'll explore what these words meant to the disciples, the significance of the Greek text, and why Christ alone is our access to the Father.
We'll also look at Hebrews 4, Ephesians 2, Titus 3, and John 8 to see why our assurance isn't rooted in our performance but in Christ's finished work. If you've ever wondered whether God still welcomes you after you've fallen into sin, this episode is a reminder to stop looking at yourself and run back to the Savior who has already made the way.
Scripture: John 14:5–6, Hebrews 4:14–16, Ephesians 2:1–9, Titus 3:3–5, John 8:31–32, John 3:16–17
If this episode encouraged you, consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who needs the hope of Christ today.
Send us Fan Mail
This week, Clayton returns from his leave and once again we pick up in John 14.... However, this time around we're doing things differently. Instead of our usual style, we have decided to try a more laid back Bible study. Let us know what you think!
This week we see that Heaven is about more than streets of gold and pearly gates. It is about Christ. In His final moments, Jesus comforts His disciples with this truth: He has prepared the way.
Send us Fan Mail
Are you trying to intellectualize the Gospel?
When we share our faith with a world that values polished arguments, self-promotion, and emotional entertainment, it is incredibly tempting to dress up the message. We think we need a flawless debate strategy or an overwhelming speech to make the cross sound reasonable. But when the Apostle Paul entered the brilliant, competitive, and philosophically saturated city of Corinth, he did the exact opposite. He didn’t rely on a dazzling personality or elite Greek rhetoric. He showed up in physical illness, fear, and deep trembling.
In the final installment of our 2024 archive sermon series, Clayton opens 1 Corinthians 2:1–5 to look at the massive difference between "soulish" ministry that merely amuses the emotions, and spiritual ministry that relies entirely on the Holy Spirit. We look at the historical accusations that the early church was just "worshipping a dead man," and we trace the lineage of faithful gospel proclamation through the lens of George Whitefield and John Chrysostom. Join us as we discover why overloading people with complicated human wisdom only obscures the Cross, and why the most powerful thing you can ever declare is a simple, unfiltered message: Christ paid the penalty because you couldn't.
In this episode, we explore:
- The Rhetoric Rejection: Why Paul deliberately avoided the popular, paid speaking styles of the first-century Corinthian culture.
- Weakness as a Principle: How God intentionally chooses moments of physical frailty and anxiety to let His supernatural power shine brightest.
- The Whitefield Warning: Looking at the sobering reality of the world's most brilliant minds facing judgment without the single piece of knowledge that matters.
- Keeping it Simple: Why your personal story is a tool, but the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ is the only thing that actually saves.
Send us Fan Mail
What do you actually bring to the table before a holy God?
Human nature deeply desires to negotiate. We want to believe that our intellect, our social status, or our hard-fought moral achievements give us a leg up in the kingdom. But when the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, he didn't flatter their egos. Instead, he reminded them of an uncomfortable historical reality: before their calling, they weren't the elite. They weren't the powerful. In the eyes of first-century high society, they were the "nobodies."
In this archived sermon from 2024, Clayton dives into 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 to unpack what has historically been called the "nothing passage." We explore the staggering reality that God deliberately chooses the weak, the low, and the despised to completely flip the world's power structures on their head. Digging into the Greek context of autos (God's unchanging desire) and the literary device of metonymy, this episode untangles how Christ alone becomes our absolute wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Join us for a humbling look at why the only true ground for boasting is a cross that strips us of our pride and clothes us in the perfection of the Son.
In this episode, we explore:
- The Less-Than-1% Reality: Understanding the social and economic demographics of the Corinthian church and why Paul called them "low and despised."
- Autos: The linguistic significance of God’s independent, unchanging desire in your salvation.
- The Disadvantage of the Wise: How intellectual pride and self-reliance act as barriers to entering the kingdom of God.
- Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, Redemption: A comprehensive breakdown of the four-fold treasure Christ gives to those who have absolutely nothing to offer.
Send us Fan Mail
What if the wisdom of the world is utter foolishness?
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the brilliant, wealthy, and prestigious culture of first-century Corinth, he didn't try to win them over with trendy philosophies or intellectual compromises. Instead, he dropped a message that insulted their elite standards: a Savior who died on a Roman cross. To the status-conscious Greeks, a crucified god was offensive, low-class folly. To the sign-seeking Jews, it looked like a divine curse.
In this archived sermon from 2024, Clayton steps into 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 to expose why the unaltered Gospel will always be an intellectual suicide mission to a world that demands to dictate terms to God. We dig deep into the history of Corinth—from its ancient libraries to the pagan temple of Asclepius—and look at the modern counterparts of Karl Marx and ancient critics like Celsus. Join us as we explore why the world views believers as absolute morons, why we cannot demand signs from a Sovereign King, and the supernatural comfort of knowing that the weakness of God is infinitely stronger than the greatest might of men.
In this episode, we explore:
- The "Moros" Factor: How the Greek root for "foolishness" reveals exactly what the world thinks of your faith.
- Dictating Terms to the King: Why demanding personal signs treats the Creator of the universe like a cosmic genie.
- The Celsus Critique: Dismantling the ancient pagan argument that a holy God would never condescend to broken human flesh.
- The Immortal Word: Why a 2,000-year-old message remains the sharpest, most offensive, and most life-giving reality in existence today.
Send us Fan Mail
We like our heroes to be flawless.
We love the story of David standing over Goliath because we love an underdog. But scripture refuse to hide the dark side of Israel's greatest king. We don't like to talk about the civil war David fought against his own son, or the ten concubines he left behind to be violated in the sight of all Israel. Yet, it took the fracture of his family and the ripping apart of his nation for David to finally lock those concubines away—putting a radical, painful end to the sexual compromise that had defined his life.
In another deep-dive archive sermon from 2024, Clayton opens up 2 Samuel 20:3 and Matthew 5 to ask a piercing question: What is it going to cost you to finally put away your sin? True sanctification isn't a passive, effortless experience. It requires a brutal, Holy Spirit-driven determination to cut off the things that entice us. Join us as we look past the sanitized versions of biblical history to explore the high cost of holiness, the delusion of trying to serve two masters, and why it is infinitely better to lose your worldly comforts than to forfeit your soul.
In this episode, we explore:
- The Unsanitized King: Why God exposes the deep moral failures of a man after His own heart.
- Radical Amputation: What Jesus actually meant when He commanded us to gouge out our eyes and cut off our hands.
- The Trapped Concubines: Understanding the historical justice, shame, and sobriety behind David's decision to lock the doors.
- The Price of Freedom: Why killing your sin might cost your friendships, your reputation, or your comfort—and why Christ is worth it all.
Send us Fan Mail
Is your goodness enough to please God?
It’s a simple question, but it carries an eternal weight. Most of us default to the same comfortable instinct: we assume that if we are generally kind, treat others with respect, and avoid the "major" sins, we are standing on solid ground. We treat our relationship with the Creator like a collaborative project—assuming we have to work in conjunction with Christ to earn our way into heaven. But the Apostle Paul shatters this American mentality of self-reliance.
In a special archive broadcast from 2024, Clayton steps into Galatians 2:16–21 to dismantle the exhaustion of performance-based religion. We explore the legal reality of justification, why trying to mix our flawed works with Christ's perfect righteousness actually insults the Cross, and how the moral image of God is restored not by the flesh, but by the Spirit. Join us for a foundational look at why the King had to do it all for the slave, and why your standing before a holy God rests on 100% of Christ’s work and 0% of your own.
In this episode, we explore:
- The Myth of the "Good Person": Why even the smallest lie exposes our absolute bankruptcy before a perfect standard.
- Dikaio: The legal, courtroom reality of what it actually means to be justified by God.
- The Poached Egg Dilemma: How adding our works to salvation reduces Christ's sacrifice to the level of a madman’s delusion.
- Slaves of Righteousness: Navigating the internal warfare between the desires of the flesh and the reality of faith.
Send us Fan Mail
What actually happens to your body when you die?
For many Christians, the cultural image of eternity has been subtly hijacked by a modern form of Gnosticism—the idea that our physical bodies are an inherently bad, disposable shell and that salvation means escaping reality to become floating spirits in the clouds. But the historic Christian faith proclaims a far more spectacular truth. Christianity is not anti-body. God created the flesh, Christ redeemed the flesh, and the ultimate hope of the Gospel is not the abandonment of our physical nature, but its glorious restoration.
In this episode, Clayton walks through Lord's Day 22 of the Heidelberg Catechism, focusing on Questions and Answers 57 and 58. We explore the massive distinction between justification, sanctification, and glorification—the moment when our lifelong war with sin is finally over, and sin can no longer touch our lives. Pulling from 1 Corinthians 15 and Romans 8, we unpack the incredible comfort of knowing that your final breath triggers immediate communion with Christ, guaranteed by the very same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. Join us for a deeply encouraging study on why our eternal hope is anchored in a physical, literal resurrection where every tear is wiped away, and all things are made completely new.
- Special Family Update: Clayton shares a quick personal note regarding a brief scheduled break as he and his wife prepare to welcome their daughter into the world!
In this episode, we explore:
- The Gnostic Body Myth: Dismantling the ancient and modern heresy that views the physical world as inherently evil and the soul as a trapped spark.
- Immediate Comfort: The staggering assurance that the soul of the believer is taken immediately to Christ the moment this life ends.
- The Guarantee of the Spirit: How the indwelling Holy Spirit serves as the active agent and absolute certainty of your future bodily resurrection.
- Perfect Blessedness: Shifting our focus away from pop-culture caricatures of heaven and onto the true joy of unhindered, eternal fellowship with God.
Send us Fan Mail
What happens when the secular world tries to handle the Passion of Christ?
In 1989, DC Comics famously locked away a completed issue of Swamp Thing in their vault for nearly forty years, terrified of the public backlash. The story? A humanoid plant creature traveling back in time to the Garden of Gethsemane to witness the suffering of Jesus. When secular media attempts to capture the grand majesty of the Gospel, it almost always defaults to an ancient heresy: turning the Sovereign Creator into a mere "cosmic magician" or an elite master of quantum energy.
In this episode, Clayton dives into Colossians 1:15–23 to expose the roots of the "Colossian Heresy"—an early form of Gnosticism that claimed Jesus wasn't enough and that salvation required a secret, mystical knowledge. By examining the dramatic narrative shortcuts of Swamp Thing, we contrast a pale comic book mythology with the breathtaking biblical reality of synistēmi—the truth that Christ is the active, moment-by-moment Sustainer of all existence. Join us as we explore why real hope doesn't rely on hidden cosmic secrets, but on the historical reality of the Incarnation, where the Lord of Glory took on a physical body of flesh to render you completely blameless before the Father.
In this episode, we explore:
- The Locked Vault of 1989: The bizarre history behind Rick Veitch’s unreleased Swamp Thing script and its journey to the Garden of Gethsemane.
- The Gnostic Trap: How modern pop culture continuously revives ancient heresies by reducing Christ's substitutionary atonement to "cosmic magic."
- Synistēmi: A deep dive into the Greek text of Colossians 1:17 and what it means for Christ to actively hold the fabric of reality together.
- The Body of Flesh: Why the physical reality of the Incarnation matters for your salvation, directly refuting the dualism of Docetism.
Send us Fan Mail
What comes to mind when you hear the word "church"? For many of us, we immediately think of a physical building—four brick walls where we gather on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings. But scripturally, the church was never designed to be a place we merely visit.
In this episode of The Heidelberg Catechism in a Year, Clayton walks us through Lord’s Day 21, shifting our focus to the beautiful, worldwide work of the Holy Spirit among God's people. Even when we feel tired and weary, the Heidelberg Catechism reminds us of the profound comfort found in belonging to Christ's body.
Inside the Episode:
- The True Meaning of "Catholic": We unpack why the Catechism uses this word and how it points to a beautiful, universal community spanning all of history, nations, and languages.
- Who Owns the Church?: Hint: It isn't a pastor, a denomination, or the Pope. We look at Matthew 16:18 and John 10 to see how Christ Himself builds, protects, and preserves His flock.
- The Communion of Saints & Spiritual Gifts: We address the ordinary, beautiful ways God has gifted you to enrich the church.
- The Ultimate Benefit: We tie it all together with the glorious truth of the forgiveness of sins. Because Christ satisfied the wrath of God, there is now absolutely no condemnation for those who belong to Him.
"The church was never designed to stand alone because the Christian life was never meant to be lived alone."
Send us Fan Mail
What do you do when you fall?
In this week’s study through the opening of 1 John, Clayton explores the gut-wrenching moment that follows sin—the moment we often try to hide, bury, or outrun. While our instinct is to treat our guilt like a water balloon stretched over a leaking faucet, the Apostle John points us to a more permanent, glorious relief.
When you confess, you aren't just speaking into the void; you are turning to the "Righteous One" who stands in the presence of the Father on your behalf. Join us as we discuss the "Advocate" of Christ, why your failure doesn't define your standing before God, and the massive comfort of knowing that the One who pleads for you is the same One who has already paid your debt in full.
In this episode, we explore:
- The "Water Balloon" of Sin: Why hiding our struggles only leads to internal pressure.
- Eyewitness Authority: Why John’s message is grounded in historical reality, not just emotional highs.
- The Heart of the Advocate: Understanding Jesus as our Representative, not just our Judge.
- Grace Upon Grace: Why God’s mercy is a "new every morning" ocean that never runs dry.
Send us Fan Mail
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal energy field.
When we think about the Holy Spirit, it is easy to default to the imagery of pop culture. We treat Him like "the Force" from Star Wars—a vague, mystical energy that surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together. But this week on The Heidelberg Catechism in a Year Podcast, we expose the massive danger in that view.
Walking through Lord’s Day 20, we uncover a deeply personal reality: the Holy Spirit isn't a cold, cosmic power source to be tapped into; He is the eternal God who knows your name. We dive into the historic confession of the church, tracing the Spirit's work from hovering over the dark waters of Genesis to making His permanent home inside your weak, weary body.
Join us as we discuss why Christianity never starts with our feelings, how the Spirit acts as our ultimate Covenant Guarantee, and the profound relief of knowing that when you don't even have the words to pray, God Himself is interceding on your behalf.
In this episode, we explore:
- The Star Wars Counterfeit: Why equating the Holy Spirit with an impersonal "Force" strips away the comfort of the Gospel.
- "Given Also to Me": Moving from abstract theology to the staggering reality of personal union with Christ.
- The Permanent Resident: The crucial distinction between the temporary empowerment of the Old Covenant and the permanent seal of the New Covenant.
- Groans Too Deep for Words: How the Holy Spirit actively helps us in our deepest moments of anxiety and weakness.
Send us Fan Mail
Is unity a goal we fight for, or a reality we stand in?
In this week’s episode, we dives into the iconic rallying cry of the Autobots—"Till all are one"—to see how this fictional hope points us toward a deep, biblical truth. While the Transformers fight to restore a broken Cybertron, Jesus Christ prayed for a unity and a restoration that has already been secured by His own blood.
Stepping into the "High Priestly Prayer" of John 17, we explore why the stories we love are often shadows of the Greatest Story ever told. From the "moral law" of Optimus Prime to the objective Truth of God’s Word, we discuss what it means to be a community in exile and why our freedom isn't a "right" we claim, but a gift we’ve been granted. Join us as we look at the historical fractures of the Church and learn how to hold fast to one another in love while we wait for our true Home.
In this episode, we explore:
- The Vision of Optimus Prime: Why "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" is a shadow of the liberty found in Christ.
- Shadows and Substance: How J.R.R. Tolkien’s idea of "Sub-creation" helps us see the Gospel in our favorite comic books.
- Exiles in a Strange Land: Why, like the Autobots, Christians are a community in exile—and why our "Cybertron" is a restoration that cannot fail.
- The Command to Love: Why the unity Jesus prayed for is the ultimate mark of a heart transformed by the Word.
Send us Fan Mail
The world feels chaotic, uncertain, and spiraling out of control. But what if the "hero in the sky" isn't a work of fiction?
In this episode, Clayton dives into Lord’s Day 19 of the Heidelberg Catechism, exploring the profound comfort found in the phrase: "seated at the right hand of God." Using the recent cultural "Look Up" campaign for the latest Superman film as a jumping-off point, we discuss the difference between hoping for a hero and knowing a King.
We often feel at the mercy of random chance or earthly powers, but the reality of Christ’s session anchors us in the truth that the hand pierced for us is the same hand that holds the universe together. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news or the trials in your own home, this episode is a call to shift your gaze from your problems to your Protector.
In this episode:
- What it actually means that Jesus "sat down" in heaven.
- The "Session" of Christ: Why the right hand of God is your place of ultimate peace.
- How Christ distributes gifts and defends His people today.
- Why the coming judgment is actually the believer’s "ultimate comfort."
Send us Fan Mail
“My feet had almost slipped…”
In Psalm 73, the psalmist confesses something many believers feel but rarely say out loud. If we’re honest, we have all looked at the "prosperity of the wicked"—the ease, the riches, and the apparent happiness of those far from God—and wondered: Is keeping my heart clean all in vain?
We'll look at the dangerous temptation of envy and the singular moment that shifts our perspective from the chaos of this world to the glory of the next. We discuss the vital importance of the "sanctuary," why gathering with the church changes our outlook, and the ultimate comfort found in the truth that even when our flesh and hearts fail, God remains our strength and our portion forever.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The honest confession of a "stumbling" faith.
- The "wearisome task" of trying to understand worldly injustice without God.
- Why the "sanctuary" and the Word are essential for a right perspective.
- Storing up treasures in Heaven vs. serving the master of money.
Send us Fan Mail
Is Jesus distant or just differently present?
Many of us treat the Ascension as a "divine exit strategy"—a mere footnote between Easter and the Second Coming. But in Lord’s Day 18 of the Heidelberg Catechism, we discover that Christ’s departure was actually for our greatest gain.
Join Clayton as we explore why it’s "best for us" that Jesus is seated at the Father’s right hand. We discuss the mystery of how Christ can be physically in heaven while remaining "never absent" from us, and why having "our own flesh in heaven" is the ultimate guarantee of our future glory. If you’ve ever felt alone in your struggles or wondered if your prayers are reaching the throne, this episode will anchor your soul in the comfort of our Great Advocate.
In this episode:
- Why the Ascension is the "crowning moment" of victory.
- How Jesus can be true man and true God across two different places.
- The three specific benefits the Ascension provides for your daily life.
- A look at the Holy Spirit as our "first installment" of heaven.
Send us Fan Mail
What do you hear when life feels like a wilderness?
In the debut of a special series through the Gospel of Mark, Clayton steps away from the study of John to explore the urgent, glorious opening of Mark 1:1-13. While we often feel defined by our struggles, anxieties, or failures, the baptism of Jesus reveals a different reality.
When the heavens were "torn open," the Father declared a love for His Son that—through faith—is now declared over you. Join us as we discuss the "agape" love of God, why your status doesn't change when you enter the wilderness, and the comfort of knowing that the Spirit who leads us is the same Spirit who sustains us.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why Mark is the perfect Gospel for the "spiritually dry."
- The violent beauty of the heavens being "torn open."
- The difference between transactional love and God’s agapetos affection.
- Your struggle doesn't change your standing before God.
Send us Fan Mail
We love stories about heroes who die and come back.
From comic books to movies, we’ve seen it all before. But the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not fiction. And it’s not just another heroic moment.
In Lord’s Day 17, we come face to face with the reality of the resurrection. Superman dies and comes back to inspire. Christ dies and rises to truly save.
Superman’s story makes you wish death wasn’t final.
But Christ’s resurrection proves it isn’t.
When Christ rose from the dead, He didn’t just inspire us; He secured us.
His resurrection proves your sins are paid for, your righteousness is complete, and your future is certain. And more than that, it means you are already raised to a new life right now.
This isn’t a story to admire. This is the reality to live in.
Send us Fan Mail
Everything is falling apart.
Judas has left. Betrayal is in motion. The cross is only hours away. And in that exact moment—Jesus says, “Now is the Son of Man glorified.”
How can that be? How can betrayal, suffering, and death be the place where God’s glory shines the brightest?
In this episode, we walk through John 13:31–38 and uncover the stunning truth: the cross is not a detour—it is the plan. The darkest moment in history is the clearest display of God’s character.
And from that moment, Jesus gives us a command that changes everything: love one another as He has loved us.
Not from your strength. Not from your effort. But from a heart transformed by the Gospel.
Send us Fan Mail
Why did Jesus actually have to die? If the victory is won, why do we still stand at gravesides today?
This week, Clayton guides us through Lord’s Day 16 of the Heidelberg Catechism, tackling some of the most profound and difficult questions of the Christian faith. We move from the cross to the grave to uncover why a perfect life wasn't enough—and why a perfect sacrifice was required.
In this episode, we explore:
- The Necessity of Death: Why God’s justice and truth required the death of His Son as the only sufficient payment for sin.
- The Transformation of the Grave: How, for the believer, death is no longer a penalty but an entrance into eternal life and the final end to our sinning.
- The "Descent into Hell": A comforting look at the most controversial line in the Creed—and how it assures us during our moments of deepest dread.
- The Power of Gratitude: How being "buried with Christ" gives us the daily strength to say no to old desires and live for Him.
Whether you are walking through a season of grief or wrestling with temptation, discover why the sovereignty of God in Christ’s death is your greatest comfort in life and in death.
Send us Fan Mail
What happens when the King of the Universe meets the Prince of Darkness?
This week on the Isaiah 43 Podcast, we dive into John 13:21–30 to explore the moment Judas Iscariot turned toward the night. We break down the profound Greek word tarouzo to see the true depth of Jesus’ troubled soul—reminding us that our Savior is not a distant observer, but a "Man of Sorrows" who feels the weight of our betrayal.
But in the midst of pure darkness, Jesus isn't a victim. He is the Sovereign Orchestrator. Discover why Jesus’ command to Judas is the ultimate proof that God never has a "Plan B." If God can turn the greatest evil in history into the salvation of the world, He can certainly weave the broken pieces of your life into His glory.
Key highlights include:
- The visceral meaning of Jesus’ "troubled" spirit.
- Why "Plan A" is the only plan God has.
- Finding peace when the darkness feels like it’s winning.
Send us Fan Mail
Did Jesus only suffer on the cross—or was His whole life marked by suffering?
In Lord’s Day 15, we uncover a deeper truth: Christ didn’t just endure six hours of pain—He sustained the wrath of God for His entire life. From the manger to Calvary, He stood in our place as the only atoning sacrifice.
Why was He condemned under Pontius Pilate? Why did He have to die on a cross? And what does it mean that He became a curse for us?
This episode walks through the legal, personal, and eternal significance of Christ’s suffering—and what it means for your standing before God today.
Because the verdict that should have fallen on you...fell on Him.
Send us Fan Mail
Jesus knew everything—His authority, His origin, His betrayal… and still, He picked up a towel.
In John 13, we don’t just see an act of humility—we see the heart of Christ. The King of Glory stoops to wash dirty feet, even the feet of the one who would betray Him. But this isn’t just about service—it’s about salvation.
Because before we can follow His example, we must first be washed by Him.
This episode walks through the tension we all feel: we don’t mind serving… but we struggle to be served like this. To sit still. To admit we’re unclean. To let Christ do what we cannot.
But the Gospel is clear—either He washes you, or you remain dirty.
Send us Fan Mail
Is Jesus just another legendary hero—or is He something altogether different?
In this episode of Heidelberg Catechism in a Year, we explore Lord’s Day 14 and one of the most misunderstood and essential truths of the Christian faith: the virgin birth.
Far from being a minor detail, the confession that Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary stands at the very foundation of the gospel itself. Here, the catechism helps us see why Jesus cannot be compared to the heroes of myth and legend—like Hercules—who inspire but cannot save.
Unlike the demigods of ancient stories, Jesus is not a mixture of God and man. He is truly God and truly man, without sin, without confusion, and without compromise. Because of this, He does not merely challenge us or motivate us—He redeems us.
This episode shows why the virgin birth matters for your assurance, your peace, and your daily walk with Christ. You’ll be reminded that your salvation rests not on what you do for God, but on what Christ has already done for you.
If you’ve ever wondered why doctrine matters, or how deep theology brings real comfort, this episode is for you.
Jesus is not a myth. He is your Savior. And that changes everything.
Send us Fan Mail
On Good Friday, we step into John 13 and come face to face with something deeper than the cross itself—the heart behind it.
Jesus knew everything that was coming.
The betrayal. The denial. The abandonment.
And yet…
“He loved them to the end.”
In this episode, we slow down and sit in one of the most powerful verses in all of Scripture to see what Christ’s love actually looks like—not sentimental, not fragile, but unyielding, covenantal, and complete.
This isn’t just about the disciples.
It’s about you.
If you’ve ever wrestled with sin, felt like you’ve failed too many times, or wondered if Christ’s love could really hold—you need this reminder:
While you were still weak… Christ died for you.
While you were still wandering… He called you His own.
And now? Nothing can separate you from His love.
Come be reminded of your greatest comfort:
You are not your own… You belong to Christ.
Send us Fan Mail
If Jesus is the Son of God… why aren’t we the same as Him?
In Lord’s Day 13 of the Heidelberg Catechism, we come face-to-face with one of the most beautiful truths in all of Scripture: Jesus is the Son by nature, and we are sons by grace.
But that raises a deeper question…
Why do we call Him Lord?
Not just because He is God, but because He bought us.
Not with silver.
Not with gold.
But with His own precious blood.
In this episode, we explore:
- What “only begotten Son” really means
- The difference between Christ’s Sonship and our adoption
- What it means to belong to Jesus—body and soul
- How Christ’s Lordship brings comfort, identity, and security
You are not your own.
If you are in Christ, you have been purchased, redeemed, and brought into the family of God forever.
Send us Fan Mail
What would you say if you knew your time was coming?
In John 12:46–50, we hear Christ’s final public words before the cross—and they reveal everything about who He is and why He came.
Jesus declares that He is the Light in a world of darkness. He came not to condemn, but to save. And yet, He warns that His very Word will stand as the judge on the last day.
This is not a contradiction.
This is mercy.
In this episode, we explore:
- What it means to be delivered from the dominion of darkness
- Why does Jesus speak of both salvation and judgment
- How hearing and believing His Word leads to life
- Why Scripture is the very voice of Christ to His people
And in the middle of it all, we are given a promise that steadies the soul:
“Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37)
If you’re struggling with sin, assurance, or where to turn in your weakness—these final words of Christ are not distant.
They are for you.
Come to Him.
Send us Fan Mail
Why are we called Christians?
Is it just a label… or does it actually mean something deeper?
In this episode, we walk through Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 12 and uncover the breathtaking truth behind the name Christian. Jesus is the Christ—the Anointed One—our perfect Prophet, our final High Priest, and our reigning King. But it doesn’t stop with Him. By faith, we are united to Christ and that means we share in His anointing.
And That changes everything.
Through Scripture and the Catechism, we explore what it means to confess His Name, offer your life as worship, and fight sin from a place of victory—not for it.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to be a Christian… this episode is for you.
Send us Fan Mail
Jesus doesn’t whisper in His final public words—He cries out.
In John 12:44–45, we reach the closing moments of Christ’s public ministry, where He brings everything together into one final, urgent call:
To believe in Him is to believe in the Father. To reject Him is to reject God Himself.
This isn’t just theology—it’s the dividing line of eternity.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why so many people still reject Jesus—even after seeing the truth
- What it means that Christ is the full revelation of God
- Why you cannot redefine God on your own terms
- How we truly know God today through His Word and prayer
- And what it looks like to live as those united to Christ
God is not distant. He is not hidden.
He has made Himself known—fully, clearly, and finally—in Jesus Christ.
The question is not who you think God is.
The question is: Will you receive the Son?
Because the One who cried out in John 12…
is the same One who went to the cross—
and the same One who now calls you by name.
Send us Fan Mail
Is Jesus really the only way to be saved?
In this episode of Heidelberg Catechism in a Year, we explore Lord’s Day 11, which asks one of the most important questions in the Christian faith: Why is the Son of God called Jesus, meaning Savior?
In a world that teaches there are many paths to God, the Heidelberg Catechism boldly proclaims the biblical truth that salvation cannot be found in anyone else. The name Jesus itself means “The LORD saves.”
Together we’ll explore:
• Why the name Jesus (Yeshua) matters
• What the Bible teaches about salvation in Christ alone
• Why adding anything to Jesus undermines the gospel
• The deep comfort believers have because Christ is a perfect Savior
Drawing from Scripture such as Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12, John 8:36, Romans 8:1, and 1 John 1:7, we’ll see how the gospel frees us from the crushing burden of trying to save ourselves.
If Jesus truly saves His people from their sins, then our hope does not rest in our performance—it rests entirely in His finished work on the cross.
"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." — John 8:36
Send us Fan Mail
In John 12:37–43, we encounter one of the most sobering moments in the Gospel of John. Despite witnessing the miracles of Jesus and hearing His teaching, many people still refused to believe.
Why?
In this episode of The Isaiah 43 Podcast, we explore the deeper reasons behind unbelief. Scripture reveals that the problem is not a lack of evidence—it is the condition of the human heart.
John points us back to the prophet Isaiah and shows us the reality of spiritual blindness, judicial hardening, and humanity’s total inability apart from the grace of God. But this passage also reveals something profoundly comforting: if anyone believes the gospel, it is because God has graciously opened their eyes.
Send us Fan Mail
Is luck real?
The Bible says no.
In Lord’s Day 10 of the Heidelberg Catechism, we explore the powerful doctrine of God’s providence—the truth that nothing in this universe happens by chance.
From rain and drought to health and sickness, Scripture teaches that everything comes to us not by luck, but by the fatherly hand of God.
Send us Fan Mail
If the Messiah reigns forever… why did Jesus have to die?
In John 12:34–36, Jesus gives His final public invitation before going to the cross.
The crowd is confused. They believe the Messiah will reign forever—so how can Jesus say the Son of Man must be “lifted up”?
To them, a king who dies on a Roman cross makes no sense.
But the cross is exactly how the Messiah conquers.
In this episode of The Isaiah 43 Podcast, we explore:
• Why the crowd rejected a suffering Messiah
• The tension between our expectations and God’s plan
• Why even John the Baptist wrestled with doubt
• What Jesus meant when He said: “Walk while you have the light.”
• The urgency of responding to Christ today
Like the crowd in John 12, we often look for a savior who fits our timeline, our politics, or our comfort. But Jesus calls us to something far deeper:
Believe in the Light. Walk in the Light. Become sons of Light.
Christ is reigning now, and the Light that entered the world has never been overcome by darkness.
Send us Fan Mail
What does it mean to call the Creator of the universe "Abba"?
In this episode, we dive into Lord’s Day 9 of the Heidelberg Catechism, exploring the staggering truth that the Almighty God who sustains every atom is the same God who has adopted us as His own. We break down the vital distinction between Christ’s eternal sonship and our adoption by grace, and how that reality transforms our view of suffering.
If you’ve been feeling anxious or overwhelmed by "this sad world," join us as we discuss:
- Why God’s power is the foundation of our comfort.
- How we are heirs to the Kingdom through union with Christ.
- The promise that God works every minor detail for our greatest good and His highest glory.
Stop striving and start resting in the hands of a Father who will never let you go.
Send us Fan Mail
In John 12:27–33, Jesus stands at the cross — His soul troubled, yet His obedience unwavering. As the crowds misunderstand His mission, heaven itself thunders in affirmation: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
In this episode of The Isaiah 43 Podcast, we explore Christ’s perfect submission, the Father’s public vindication of the Son, and the cosmic victory unfolding at Calvary.
What does it mean that “now is the judgment of this world”? How does the cross cast out the ruler of darkness? And how does Christ’s obedience empower our daily war against sin?
If you struggle with sin…
If you wonder how sanctification flows from redemption…
If you want to understand how the cross defeated Satan and secured your victory…
This episode will anchor your heart in Christ alone.
Send us Fan Mail
Lord’s Day 8 may be short, but it opens the door to the very heart of the Christian faith.
In this episode of Heidelberg Catechism in a Year, Clayton walks through how the Apostles’ Creed reveals the one true God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — three distinct persons, one divine being.
Discover why the doctrine of the Trinity is not abstract theology but deep comfort: the Father chose you, the Son redeemed you, and the Spirit seals you.
The Trinity isn’t confusion — it’s communion. And it changes everything.
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The Isaiah 43 Podcast, we continue our journey through John 12 and confront a truth that stands at the very heart of the gospel: No Sacrifice, No Victory.
As Jesus enters Jerusalem during His final week before the cross, He reveals that true life only comes through His death. Using the imagery of a seed falling into the ground, Christ shows that His suffering would produce eternal life for His people.
His crucifixion was not defeat — it was the moment where redemption was secured, sin was defeated, and salvation was accomplished for all who believe.
Drawing a powerful parallel to the sacrificial leadership of Optimus Prime in the Transformers, we explore how Christ’s sacrifice doesn’t merely inspire believers — it unites them to His victory.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 3:14-15
- John 8:28-29
- John 12:24-26
- Isaiah 49:6
- 1 Corinthians 15:20
- John 10:11
- Romans 6:4–5
- Isaiah 53:10
- John 15:4-5
- Hebrews 12:1-2
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Matthew 10:37-39
- Matthew 16:24–26
- Matthew 6:25
- Exodus 34:14
- Matthew 6:19-21
- Philippians 3:4-11
- John 6:37
- Galatians 6:14
- Romans 10:13
- Titus 3:5
We look forward to seeing you again on Sunday!
Send us Fan Mail
What does it really mean to have true faith — and how do you know if you have it?
In this episode, we walk through Lord’s Day 7 of the Heidelberg Catechism to answer one of the most important questions a Christian can ask.
Together, we explore how Scripture defines true saving faith as both knowledge and wholehearted trust created by the Holy Spirit through the gospel.
You’ll discover why salvation is received by grace through faith alone, why faith itself is a gift from God, and how this truth brings deep comfort and assurance to believers who struggle with doubt or weak faith.
Through passages like John 3, Matthew 16, Acts 16, Ephesians 2, Titus 3, and Hebrews 12, this episode shows how Christ is not only the object of our faith but the author and perfecter of it.
If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about salvation, assurance, or what Christians must truly believe, this Lord’s Day offers clarity, hope, and gospel-centered comfort.
Send us Fan Mail
As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowds shout “Hosanna!” and celebrate the arrival of their long-awaited King. But did they truly understand who He was — or why He came?
In this episode, we walk through John 12:12-23 and explore the triumphal entry of Christ, the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, and the sovereign plan of God unfolding through history. While many expected a political rescue, Jesus came to accomplish something far greater: redemption from sin and reconciliation with God.
We’ll examine how prophecy confirms Christ’s identity, why some prophecies were impossible for any man to manipulate, and what this means for our assurance today.
If God sovereignly orchestrated every detail of Christ’s mission, what does that say about His faithfulness in our lives?
Join us as we behold the King who came not merely to reign — but to save.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture in order:
- Jeremiah 17:9
- Acts 2:23
- John 12:12-23
- Psalm 118:25-26
- Isaiah 46:9-10
- Zechariah 9:9
- Psalm 22:16-18
- Acts 4:12
- John 14:6
- Titus 3:5
- John 11:25-26
- John 6:37
- Proverbs 24:16
- Hebrews 4:14-16
- Romans 8:28
- 1 Peter 5:7
- Hebrews 10:23
- 1 John 2:1
- Psalm 2:2-4
- Philippians 4:6-7
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-29
- Philippians 4:8-9
- Philippians 3:8-9
- John 14:27
- Matthew 11:28
- Hebrews 12:1-2
- Romans 8:1
We look forward to seeing again on Sunday!
Send us Fan Mail
In Lord’s Day 6 of the Heidelberg Catechism, we come face to face with one of the most important questions in the Christian faith: Who can truly save sinners?
Scripture teaches that our deliverer must be fully human to represent us and fully God to bear the weight of divine justice. This episode walks through the biblical and theological beauty of why only Jesus Christ can be our mediator and redeemer.
Discover how the gospel was promised from the Garden of Eden, foreshadowed through the law, proclaimed by the prophets, and fulfilled in Christ. And find the deep comfort that comes from knowing we don’t have to guess how we are made right with God — our Lord Jesus Christ was given to completely deliver us.
Send us Fan Mail
As we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, we are approaching one of the most familiar and powerful moments in the life of Christ — the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. But before we step into that moment, we pause to ask an important question: Why does Palm Sunday matter?
In this episode, we slow down and examine what Palm Sunday reveals about the obedience of Christ, the weakness of our own hearts, and the steadfast love of our Savior. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, He does so fully aware that the path before Him leads to rejection, suffering, and the cross. Yet He moves forward willingly and lovingly in obedience to the Father’s will — securing peace with God for sinners through His sacrificial death.
Through passages like Romans 5 and Philippians 2, we are reminded that Christ did not wait for us to prove our faithfulness before He loved us. While we were still weak and sinful, Christ came to rescue us. Palm Sunday is not ultimately about faithful crowds welcoming a King, but about a faithful King moving toward unfaithful people to save them.
We look forward to seeing again Sunday!
Send us Fan Mail
As we enter the Deliverance section of the Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 5 confronts us with a terrifying and necessary question: How can we escape the justice we deserve?
God’s holiness demands payment. His justice cannot be ignored. And the catechism presses us to admit what we’d rather avoid—we cannot pay the debt ourselves. In fact, we increase it every day. No creature can bear the weight. No sacrifice can settle the account.
So where does that leave us?
This episode traces the catechism’s answer: we need a Mediator who is truly human, perfectly righteous, and yet true God. One who can stand in our place and satisfy justice fully. One who can do what we never could.
This is the beginning of deliverance. And it is all of Christ.
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, we walk through John 12:9–11 and watch how Lazarus becomes a living threat simply by breathing.
The crowd wants a spectacle.
The priests want control.
But God is calling His sheep out of death and into life.
Here’s the question, though: do you seek Jesus for what He can do, or for who He is?
Because if Christ has called you from the grave, then you are Lazarus too — living proof that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
This week, we will be reading the following verses:
- John 12:4-7
- John 11:25
- John 12:9-11
- John 6:26
- Romans 1:25
- Colossians 1:16-17
- Hebrews 7:25
- John 3:19–20
- Luke 16:31
- John 6:37
- John 10:27-29
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
- Acts 4:12
- Romans 5:1
- Galatians 2:20
We look forward to seeing you again on Sunday!
Send us Fan Mail
In the final episode of Hard Truths, we come to the hardest word Jesus ever spoke to a crowd: “Take up your cross and follow me.”
This is not a call to self-improvement, but to self-denial. Not an invitation to add Jesus to your life, but to lay your life down and receive His. From Mark 8, we see that following Christ is not a hobby, a lifestyle tweak, or a religious accessory — it is a death and a resurrection.
In this closing reflection, we wrestle with the truth that there is no crown without thorns, no life without death, and no resurrection without a funeral.
Yet this is the good news: the life we lose in Christ is the life we could never keep anyway — and the life He gives is eternal, unshakable, and free.
These truths are hard. But they are life-giving.
Send us Fan Mail
In Lord’s Day 4 of the Heidelberg Catechism, we face one of the hardest questions in all of Christendom: Is God unjust to demand what we cannot do?
This episode walks us straight into the courtroom of heaven, where God’s justice is revealed as holy, necessary, and good — and where His mercy shines brighter than we ever imagined.
We explore why sin against God’s supreme majesty requires a supreme penalty, and why the gospel is not that God ignores justice, but that He satisfies it in His Son.
At the cross, justice and mercy meet. The debt we could never pay is paid in full. And because of Christ, we no longer stand as defendants — but as beloved children, welcomed home.
This is the comfort of the catechism.
This is the freedom of the gospel.
Send us Fan Mail
Lazarus was dead. Four days in the grave. No hope left.
And now John tells us something almost too good to be true — he’s at the table with Jesus.
In this episode, we journey into John 12 and take a moment to truly grasp the weight of that pivotal moment. Resurrection isn't just about restoring breath; it's about restoring our sense of belonging. In Christ, we’re not just outsiders or beggars at the door; we are cherished sons and daughters, invited to sit with Him by grace alone.
As Mary lavishly pours out her costly worship while Judas questions the price, we're also challenged to ask ourselves: Do we truly grasp the immeasurable worth of the One who raised us?
So come! Take a seat at the table where grace has placed you—among those welcomed by Christ, where we are never cast out but embraced as family.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- Romans 6:4
- John 12:1-8 (NASB)
- Ephesians 2:1-3
- Ephesians 2:4-6
- 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
- John 6:37
- 1 John 2:1
- Romans 8:1
- Matthew 13:44-46
- Luke 7:36-47
- Colossians 2:13-14
- Hosea 6:6
- Hebrews 11:6
- Ephesians 2:8
We look forward to seeing you again on Sunday!
Send us Fan Mail
In Lord’s Day 3 of the Heidelberg Catechism in a Year, we confront one of the most pressing questions of our age: Did God make us this way?
Walking back to Eden, we see that humanity was created good, upright, and for God’s glory—but in Adam’s fall, our nature became bent toward sin. The Catechism holds together both our dignity as image-bearers and our deep corruption after the fall, reminding us that we are not morally neutral, but in desperate need of grace.
This episode explores original sin, total depravity, and why Scripture insists that our only hope is not self-improvement, but new birth by the Spirit of God. As Paul contrasts Adam and Christ, we are led from misery to mercy—from condemnation to adoption—until we find our comfort in the righteousness of Christ alone.
Our great hope is this: unless we are born again, we cannot live as we were made to live—but because God acts first, we may now call Him Abba, Father.
Send us Fan Mail
Nothing is out of control. Not then. Not now.
In this episode of The Isaiah 43 Podcast, we finish John chapter 11 by slowing down over verses we’re often tempted to rush past. As Jesus withdraws before the Passover, John reveals something profound: Christ is not avoiding the cross—He is moving toward it on the Father’s perfect timetable.
While pilgrims purify themselves for the feast, the true Lamb of God is already on His way to Jerusalem.
Religious leaders believe they are in control, yet they unknowingly serve God’s redemptive plan.
In these final verses, we see divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and gospel irony collide.
This week we will read the following Scripture:
- John 11:54-57
- Numbers 9:9-13
- John 1:29
- Luke 11:37-44
- Hebrews 9:13-15
- Acts 2:23
- Romans 8:28
- Matthew 6:25-34
- Isaiah 55:8-9
- Titus 3:5
We look forward to seeing you again on Sunday!
Send us Fan Mail
Why is it necessary to talk about "misery" before we talk about "mercy"?
In this episode, we dive into Lord's Day 2 of the Heidelberg Catechism.
We explore how God’s Law acts as a light in a dark room—not to create the mess, but to reveal what is already there. If we view Jesus as a "life coach" rather than a "Savior," we miss the beauty of the Gospel.
Join us as we discuss the three-part movement of the Catechism—Misery, Deliverance, and Gratitude—and learn why we must walk through the valley of our own brokenness to truly stand on the heights of God’s grace.
Key takeaway: The Law shows us the disease, but Christ provides the cure.
Send us Fan Mail
This week, we see the immediate aftermath of Lazarus’ resurrection.
Here we see a sharp divide: some believe, others harden their hearts, and the religious leaders begin to plot the death of Jesus. What looks like human scheming and fear-driven evil is, in reality, the unfolding of God’s sovereign redemptive plan.
Caiaphas unknowingly prophesies the heart of the gospel—that one Man would die so that many might live, gathering the scattered children of God into one.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why is humanity never neutral when confronted with God’s glory
- The doctrine of spiritual inability and God’s sovereign grace
- How fear of man misreads history and misses Christ
- The substitutionary death of Jesus and peace with God
- What it means to live as those who were once rebels but are now children of God
This week, we will be reading the following verses:
- John 11:45-53
- John 3:36
- John 3:19
- John 12:37-40
- John 6:44
- Ezekiel 36:25-29
- Romans 1:21-25
- John 3:3
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
- Luke 21:20-24
- 2 Timothy 2:15
- 2 Peter 1:19-21
- Romans 5:1-2
- Romans 8:15-17
- Romans 12:9-18
- Genesis 50:20
- Psalm 2:1-4
- Psalm 110:1
- Romans 8:28
- 1 Peter 2:9-11
- 1 John 2:1
- Romans 8:1-2
- Titus 3:3-5
We look forward to seeing you again for LORD's Day 2!
Send us Fan Mail
What is your only comfort in life and in death?
In this opening episode of the Hiedelberg Catechism in a Year, we begin where the Christian life must always begin - not with what we do, but with who we belong to. Lord's Day 1 anchors our hearts in the finished work of Christ, who has fully paid for ours and holds us fast in life and in death.
As a new year unfolds, this episode calls us to rest, rejoice, and live in grateful obedience as those who belong - body and soul - to our faithful Savior.
Send us Fan Mail
As a sealed tomb and a four-day grave, Jesus lifts His voice - and death listens.
In this episode, we continue in John 11 and behold Christ further. He is not intimidated by decay, doubt, or the finality that we feel. From the weighty glory of God to the tears of Christ, we are reminded that believing comes before seeing, and nothing is impossible with Him.
For each of us as we begin this new year, may we all continue to put our faith and trust in the LORD who still commands life out of the grave.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 11: 4
- John 11: 20-22
- John 11: 25, 26
- John 11: 38-44
- Luke 1: 37
- Hebrews 12: 1-4
- 2 Corinthians 5: 7
- Philippians 4:6, 7
- Matthew 6: 7,8
- John 5: 25-28
- Hebrews 4: 12
- Ephesians 2: 1-3
- Ephesians 2: 4-10
- Isaiah 43: 1
We look forward to seeing you again on Sunday for the first episode of the Heidelberg Catechism in a year podcast!
Send us Fan Mail
As we close out the year and stand on the threshold of a new one, it’s tempting to place our hope in chance, resolutions, or sheer willpower.
But Scripture offers us something far sturdier—and far kinder.
In this final episode of the year, we pause our journey through the Gospel of John and turn instead to Lamentations 3:22–23, where hope rises from the rubble. Speaking from the ashes of Jerusalem’s destruction, the prophet Jeremiah reminds us that the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, and His mercies are truly new every morning.
This episode is for those of us who feel weary—the one who feels behind, inconsistent, or discouraged as the year ends. Together, we reflect on God’s daily mercy, likened to fresh bread from heaven, and are reminded that our future is not held together by luck or discipline, but by the unchanging faithfulness of God secured for us in Christ.
As we look toward the year ahead, Romans 8 anchors our assurance: nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. No superstition, no resolution, no failure—only sovereign grace.
You don’t enter the new year with a checklist. You enter it held.
Mercy will meet you tomorrow. And the next day. And every day after that.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- Lamentations 3:22-23
- Exodus 16:4-6
- Matthew 6:25-34
- Romans 8:31-39
- 1 John 1:9
- 1 John 2:1
We look forward to seeing you again in 2026!
Send us Fan Mail
In this Christmas week episode of Hard Truths, we look at the miracle at the heart of the manger—the Virgin Birth.
It is the necessary foundation of our salvation.
From Mary’s trembling question to Gabriel’s thunderous promise that “nothing will be impossible with God,” we trace why Christ had to come this way—holy, sinless, and truly God with us.
The cradle secures the cross, and this hard truth gives weary sinners a living hope.
Come, behold the wondrous mystery.
Merry Christmas!
Send us Fan Mail
In this week’s episode, we linger beside the tomb and listen as the crowd divides over the tears of Christ.
Some see His love; others question His power.
As we explore Jesus’ weeping—not for the dead but for the living—we uncover the ache of sin, the battle within our own hearts, and the sure hope found in the One who works all things according to His perfect will.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 11:35
- John 11:36-37
- John 11: 34, 35
- John 2:24-25
- Romans 7:18-23
- Romans 7:24,25
- John 11:4
- Romans 8:28-32
- Hebrews 12:1-3
We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday!
Send us Fan Mail
Why did Jesus, who knew He would raise Lazarus moments later, break down in silent grief? What does His righteous anger toward death reveal about His heart for His people? And how does His holy sorrow shape the way we see our own sin, our own wounds, and our own need for mercy?
In John 11:35, Scripture draws back the veil and shows us something almost unthinkable: the eternal Son of God standing before a tomb… and weeping. In this week’s study through the Gospel of John, we slow down to behold those tears—real, human tears shed by the One who is fully God and fully man.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 11: 33
- John 11: 35
- Luke 19: 41-44
- John 2: 13-16
- Psalm 51: 1-4
- Psalm 51: 9-12
- 1 John 1: 9
- 1 John 2: 1
- Lamentations 3: 22-26
- Psalm 51: 16-17
- 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11
- Titus 3: 5-7
- Hebrews 4: 14-16
- Hebrews 12: 1-2
- Romans 8: 13
- Matthew 26: 41
- John 19: 30
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us Fan Mail
In John 11:32–34, we walk slowly into the grief of these sisters, the compassion of Christ, and the quiet ways our relationships shape our faith—for better or for worse.
This week, we explore how “if only” thinking spreads, how godly company strengthens, and how Jesus meets us in the very places where doubt has taken root.
Come and see the Savior who is moved with compassion.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 11: 25, 26
- John 11: 32-34
- John 11: 21, 22
- 1 Corinthians 15: 33
- Proverbs 13: 20
- Proverbs 27: 17
- Proverbs 22: 24,25
- 1 Corinthians 15: 26
- Psalm 34: 17-19
- Joshua 1: 5
- John 1: 39
- Titus 3: 5-7
- 1 John 2: 1
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
In this week’s episode of The Isaiah 43 Podcast, we slow down in John 11:28–31—those quiet verses we often rush past in the shadow of Lazarus’s resurrection.
But here, we see: a Savior who draws near, calls by name, and invites weary sinners to rise and come to Him.
Martha whispers to Mary, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”
And Mary rises quickly to meet Him.
In these verses, we see the shape of Christ’s call, the urgency of faith’s response, and the tender truth that Jesus often stands closer than we think—even when we cannot yet see Him.
May this passage draw you to the Father, strengthen your hope, and remind you that the same Christ who called Mary is calling you today.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 11: 28-31
- Psalm 34: 18
- Isaiah 43: 1
- Matthew 11: 28-30
- John 6: 37
- 2 Corinthians 5: 7
- 1 Peter 1: 5-8
- Hebrews 12: 1, 2
- Titus 3: 5-7
We hope you had a great Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing you next Friday!
Send us a text
In this week’s Hard Truths episode, we look at Jesus’ words to the church in Ephesus—the believers who labored hard, held fast to doctrine, and yet slowly drifted away from their first love.
Christ’s message in Revelation 2:1–5 is not a rebuke meant to crush, but a call meant to restore. He invites His weary people to remember, repent, and return to the warmth of His love.
If you’ve felt your heart grow dim… if prayer feels rushed, Scripture feels routine, or the joy you once knew feels distant… this passage is Christ’s gentle voice calling you home.
Join me as we walk through the text, consider its meaning, and face the hard truth that drifting can happen to anyone—but so can restoration.
Christ has not moved; He is still near, still holding His people, still calling them back to Himself.
Send us a text
As we open John 11:24–27, we listen to Martha confess a true doctrine—but a distant one. She believes in the resurrection “on the last day,” yet struggles to see the Savior standing before her as the Resurrection and the Life right now. Jesus gently draws her faith from the theoretical into the personal, from the distant into the present, from “someday” into “even now.”
In this episode, we look at:
- Why Martha misunderstood Jesus’ promise—and how often we do the same
- How Christ reveals Himself as the Living Resurrection who meets us in our grief
- Why every line of Scripture—genealogies, histories, laments, prophecies—is God-breathed for your present endurance
Christ asks Martha a question. He now asks us the same: “Do you believe this?”
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 11:4
- John 11:14-15
- John 20:31
- John 11:21-22
- John 11:24-27
- Daniel 12:2
- Isaiah 26:19
- Matthew 22:30-32
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- 1 John 5:12
- John 5:25-29
- Ephesians 2:1-9
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
- Romans 5:8-11
- Isaiah 43:1-2
- John 4:23-24
- John 3:16
We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday for Hard Truths!
Send us a text
In John 11:20–23, Martha stands in the tension between heartbreak and hope. Her brother is gone, her heart is heavy—and yet she says to Jesus, “Even now I know.”
In this episode, we explore what faith looks like when prayers seem unanswered and the silence feels long. Through Martha’s confession, we find that Christ’s delays are never His absence.
He still speaks into our grief, He still rules over our time, and He still gives the promise that every believer can rest in: “Your brother will rise again.”
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture (in order):
- John 11: 9,10 (NLT)
- John 11: 20-23 (ESV)
- Philippians 4: 5-7
- Exodus 14: 14
- Psalm 13: 1-3
- Psalm 42: 9
- Romans 8: 28
- Job 1: 21
- Isaiah 55: 8,9
- Genesis 50: 20
- 2 Corinthians 4: 17
- Revelation 1: 17, 18
- John 11: 25,26
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday.
Send us a text
When everything around you feels trapped and hopeless—when the sea blocks your way forward and the armies of fear, loss, and despair close in behind—what does faith look like then?
In this week’s episode, we continue our journey through John 11, where Jesus comes to Bethany and finds that Lazarus has been dead for four days. For the grieving sisters, it was too late. Hope was gone. But as we’ll see, this is exactly where God does His deepest work—at the point when human strength is exhausted and all natural hope has died.
Drawing from Exodus 14, we explore what it means to stand still and “see the salvation of the Lord.” Just as the Lord parted the Red Sea for His people, He still moves mountains and makes a way where there is none—for His glory and our good.
If you’re standing at your own Red Sea moment—surrounded, weary, and wondering if God has forgotten you—this episode is for you. Christ never arrives late to His own story.
We will read the following Scripture:
- John 11: 17-19
- Exodus 14: 8-12
- Psalm 13: 1,2
- Isaiah 49: 14-17
- Jeremiah 29: 11-14
- Psalm 139: 14-18
- Exodus 14: 13, 14
- Exodus 14: 15-27
- John 11: 4
- John 11: 25, 26
- 2 Corinthians 1: 9,10
- 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7
- 1 Corinthians 12: 18-27
- 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
- 1 Corinthians 2: 9
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenberg door — and the world was never the same.
But the heart of the Reformation wasn’t rebellion; it was redemption. It wasn’t about breaking away from the Church, but bringing her home — back under the authority of God’s Word, back to the comfort of His grace, back to the sufficiency of Christ.
In this Reformation Day episode, we trace how God reformed His Church through His Word and by His Spirit. From the famine of Scripture in the 16th century to the recovery of sola scriptura, sola fide, and sola gratia, we see that the Gospel itself was brought back into the light: that sinners are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone — to the glory of God alone.
As we look back, we remember that Jesus Himself is the Great Reformer. He loved His bride, gave Himself up for her, and is even now sanctifying her “by the washing of water with the Word” (Ephesians 5:26).
The Reformation isn’t just history — it’s a living testimony that the gates of hell will not prevail against Christ’s Church.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- Amos 8:11-12
- Ephesians 5:24-32
- Matthew 16:13-18
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Romans 1:17
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- Titus 3:3-7
- 1 Timothy 2:5-6
- Psalm 115:1
- Mark 1:14-15
- John 4:23-24
Happy Reformation Day!
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
We don’t have forever.
In this episode of Hard Truths, Clayton takes us to Psalm 90 and confronts a sobering reality — life is fleeting, and tomorrow is not guaranteed. From Moses’ ancient words to modern statistics, we’re reminded that our days are short, but they are deeply meaningful in the light of eternity.
Join us as we explore what it means to “number our days,” to live wisely, and to use every moment for God’s glory.
This episode challenges us to look beyond the temporary and fix our hearts on what truly matters — Christ alone.
Send us a text
In this week’s episode, we open John 11:11–16 and hear Jesus speak of His friend Lazarus—not as one lost to the grave, but as one who sleeps awaiting His call.
What comfort this gives the believer!
Death is not the end of our story because Christ has conquered it.
When Jesus says, “Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him,” He is revealing far more than a momentary miracle—He’s showing us the heart of the gospel.
Even in delay, His love is never absent; even in death, His power is never silent. Here, faith is forged in the furnace of sorrow, and the glory of Christ shines against the darkness of the tomb.
Join us as we see that Christ’s delay was not neglect but design, that His words awaken faith, and that His resurrection power ensures no grave can hold those whom He loves.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 11: 11-16
- John 11: 3
- 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
- Psalm 110: 1
- 1 Corinthians 15: 13-26
- Isaiah 25: 8
- John 5: 25-29
- John 14: 18-20
- Isaiah 25: 9
- 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7
We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday for the next episode of the Hard Truths miniseries!
Send us a text
When fear grips the heart and the future feels uncertain, where do we turn?
In John 11:7–10, Jesus looks into the face of danger and walks toward it — not recklessly, but obediently, fully trusting the Father’s will. In this week’s episode, Running Out of Tomorrows, we slow down through this powerful moment in the Gospel of John to see how Christ’s courage shines light on our own fear and faith.
When Jesus says, “Let us go to Judea again,” He’s walking straight back into the place where they tried to kill Him. The disciples see danger. Jesus sees divine purpose. And in this sacred tension, we discover what it really means to walk in the day — to trust the Father’s sovereign timing when the night feels near.
Through John 11:7–10, we’ll uncover:
- Why Christ’s delay was not neglect, but love.
- How faith overcomes fear when the path ahead feels dark.
- The comfort of knowing that nothing unfolds apart from the Father’s hand.
- The peace that comes from walking in the light of God’s will.
Rooted in Scripture, guided by the 1689 London Baptist Confession, and nourished by the hope of the Gospel — this episode calls us back to steady confidence in Christ’s sovereign care.
Even when it feels like you’re running out of tomorrows, God is still writing the story.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 11:4
- John 11:7-10
- John 10:39
- John 8:29
- Hebrews 13:5-6
- John 10:28-30
- Matthew 10:28
- 1 Peter 1:3-7
- Matthew 10:29–31
- Romans 12:2
- Acts 2:23
- Ephesians 4:1-3
- Philippians 1:6
- Jude 1:24-25
- Mark 8:35-36
- Hebrews 11:25
- Lamentations 3:21-23
- Romans 5:20
- 1 John 1:9
- 1 John 2:1
- Psalm 119:105
- 2 Corinthians 6:14
- Psalm 119:9-11
- Psalm 56:3-4
- Psalm 39:4-5
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
The cliché says, “Good things come to those who wait.” The Bible presents us with a profound, divine truth: Christ’s waiting is an act of His everlasting love.
When Jesus heard his dear friend Lazarus was critically ill, he didn't rush to save him. He intentionally stayed two days longer. Was this indifference? Absolutely not. The popular saying subtly shifts our hope to a transactional system where we believe we are "owed" something. Scripture offers something infinitely better.
In this in-depth exploration of John 11:5–6, Pastor Clayton reveals that Christ’s delay was an act of profound, sovereign commitment. We examine the original Greek word for love (agapeˉ) to settle a foundational assurance:
- God’s Love is Unchanging: His commitment to you is a decree of His will, not a discovery of merit in the creature (Titus 3:4–7).
- The Delay is by Design: Jesus's purposeful waiting was not a failure of affection, but the sovereign choreography required to stage a greater display of God's glory and strengthen your faith.
- The Furnace of Faith: Christ’s love is not proven by how quickly He delivers us, but by how perfectly He conforms us to His glory (1 Peter 1:6–7). The trials of waiting are the furnace where faith is purified.
- The Ultimate Renewal: The "good thing" that comes is not a quick fix; it is Christ who comes to make all things new and wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:3–7).
His silence is not His absence. It is His promise on the way. Stop trying to fix everything yourself, and rest in the peace that comes from knowing the One you wait for is faithful to renew your strength (Isaiah 40:31).
Referenced Scripture (For the listener's benefit):
This week's message unpacks the deep truths found in the following Scriptures:
- John 11:4
- John 11: 5, 6
- 1 John 4: 8
- Deuteronomy 7: 7,8
- Titus 3: 4-7
- Romans 5: 6-8
- John 13: 1
- Jeremiah 31: 3
- John 11: 14, 15
- 1 Corithians 2:9
- Isaiah 30: 18
- Romans 5: 3-5
- 1 Peter 1: 6, 7
- Revelation 21; 3-7
- Isaiah 40: 31
- Romans 8: 32
- Matthew 7: 24-27
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
What do you do when God feels silent, when His timing seems late, and suffering feels like it’s winning?
In John 11:1–4, Jesus delays when His beloved friend Lazarus is sick—and it looks like He has failed. But the Lord shows us that His delays are never careless. They are purposeful, loving, and aimed at something greater: the glory of God and the strengthening of our faith.
In this episode, we’ll walk through the opening verses of John 11, seeing how Christ’s love holds us even in the waiting. You’ll discover why His timing is perfect, why your trials are not wasted, and how every apparent delay is woven into God’s eternal story of resurrection and hope.
If you’ve ever wondered if Jesus is too late for you, this passage is for you.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 11: 1-4
- Romans 8: 28
- Romans 8: 31-39
- Psalm 34: 17-22
- John 11: 25
- Isaiah 49: 13
- Isaiah 49: 14
- Isaiah 49: 15
- 1 Peter 5: 6, 7
- 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18
- John 6: 37
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
Recently, a specific theory circulated online claiming that the Rapture and Christ's return would occur on September 23rd. While the date has now passed, the impulse to try and predict the day remains a persistent struggle for the church.
In this eighth episode of Hard Truths, we cut through the frenzy of date-setting, astronomical signs, and conspiracy theories—including the comical claims about the UN and Donald Trump—to root us firmly in the unchanging Word of God.
We wrestle with the profound, yet unsettling, hard truth from Mark 13:32-37: "But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
Drawing on a rich history of failed predictions—from the Montanists and William Miller to modern blood moon teachings—it's clear from Scripture that setting a date is not merely foolish, but a direct act of disobedience to our Lord. This message is not meant to frighten, but to lovingly rebuke the mindset of control and the temptation to treat Christ’s patience as an excuse for sin.
Send us a text
In a world addicted to noise, spectacle, and endless headlines, Jesus shows us a different kind of victory.
In John 10:34-42, the confrontation with the Pharisees gives way to a surprising stillness—a quiet where true faith takes root and prevails. In this episode, The Quiet Triumph of Faith, we trace Christ’s steady sovereignty as He leaves the temple and gathers ordinary believers who trust Him without signs or crowds.
Whether you’re weary from the chaos of current events or searching for a faith that lasts, this passage calls you to rest in the Good Shepherd who needs no spectacle to save.
Here we find the unshakable assurance that His Word is unbreakable, His love unstoppable, and His victory already secure. Come hear the calm power of the gospel and the invitation to believe in the only Savior who gives peace that the world cannot steal.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 10: 34-42
- Psalm 82
- John 16: 33
- Matthew 24: 35
- John 20: 30, 31
- 1 John 5: 13-15
- John 14: 27
- Psalm 2: 1-4
- John 6: 37
- Romans 10: 17
- Romans 1: 16
- 1 John 4: 15
We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday for our Hard Truth miniseries!
Send us a text
In the wake of tragedy, how do Christians respond? In this episode, “After Charlie Kirk: Christ, Persecution, and Hope”, we turn to John 10:31–33 where Jesus Himself stood under the threat of stones, accused for declaring what was true: “I and the Father are one” in John 10:30.
As our nation reels from the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, we face hard questions about faith, suffering, and courage. What does it mean to confess Christ as God when the world rages against Him and His people? Where do we find hope when anger and grief press in?
Together we’ll see that:
- Christ’s claim to be God is not only undeniable but unshakable.
- Persecution is not new — the church has always walked this costly road.
- Yet in the darkness, Christ shines as the Light the world cannot extinguish.
This is not the end of the story. The cross, the resurrection, and the coming return of Christ assure us that the wicked will not win and the meek will inherit the earth. Whether in national tragedy or personal sorrow, our hope rests in the God who conquered the grave and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
If you know Christ, be strengthened. If you don’t, hear this call: come to Him today. For only in Christ do we find peace, courage, and everlasting hope.
We will be reading the following Scripture today (in order):
- John 10: 30
- John 10: 31-33
- John 5: 18
- John 7: 1
- Proverbs 18: 21
- John 3: 19, 20
- John 1: 5
- Isaiah 9: 2
- Acts 7: 54-60
- John 15: 18-20
- John 16: 33
- Matthew 5: 11, 12
- Romans 8: 31-39
- John 6: 38
- 1 Peter 4: 14
- Genesis 50: 20
- 1 Peter 4: 12, 13
- Acts 5: 29
- John 14: 1-4
- Psalm 37: 10-13
We look forward to seeing you again next Tuesday for our Hard Truths miniseries!
Send us a text
This episode is dedicated to the passing of Charlie Kirk, who died for his faith and country. May the Lord bless and keep His family.
In John 10:30, Jesus declares, “I and the Father are one.” These words are not only a confession of Christ’s deity but a fountain of hope for weary saints. The God who rules the heavens has drawn near in His Son—our Shepherd, our Intercessor, our Redeemer. In this episode, we behold the beauty of Christ’s union with the Father and its breathtaking meaning for us: every sin fully atoned for, every prayer heard, every burden carried, every moment held in the unfailing hands of God.
This is not just a truth to affirm—it is a truth to treasure. Come and see the One who reveals the Father’s heart, who guards His flock, and who holds His people with an eternal love that cannot fail.
We will be reading from the following Scripture:
- John 3: 19
- Matthew 10: 28
- John 10: 29
- John 10: 30
- Deuteronomy 6: 4
- John 20: 31
- John 1: 1-3
- John 5: 19-24
- Isaiah 42: 8
- John 6: 16-21
- John 8: 58
- Mark 2: 5-12
- Colossians 1: 15-17
- Romans 8: 1
- Hebrews 7: 25, 26
- Romans 8: 34
- Hebrews 4: 14-16
We look forward to you seeing you next Friday!
Send us a text
In John 10:22–29, Jesus gives His sheep a promise the world cannot shake: “My sheep hear my voice… I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” In this episode, we rest in the breathtaking truth that before the foundation of the world, the Father chose a people (that includes you!) and the Son now holds them secure.
This is not a call to strive by our own efforts but to rest in Christ. Not a burden of performance, but a gift of grace. Even when we stumble, even when our hearts are prone to wander, Christ never lets go. He holds His own fast.
Join me as we trace the Shepherd’s voice through this passage, and let your weary heart find assurance in the One who has chosen you and who will never release His grip.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture, in order:
- John 10: 22-29
- Leviticus 26: 12
- Deuteronomy 31: 6-8
- Isaiah 49: 15-16
- 2 Corinthians 4: 4
- Ezekiel 36: 25-28
- Romans 1: 18-25
- Romans 8: 7-8
- Ephesians 2: 1-9
- John 15: 16-17
- Luke 15: 3-7
- Isaiah 43:1, 2
- Romans 8:1
- Hoses 14:4
- Romans 8: 31-39
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
We live in an age of cynicism toward leaders. Politicians are mocked, police are doubted, and authority itself is treated with suspicion.
Yet in Romans 13, Paul reminds us that governing authorities are not an accident of history but an appointment of God. They are “His servants for your good.”
In this episode, we’ll explore what it means to honor and pray for those who serve—whether rulers, law enforcement, firefighters, or soldiers. We’ll see how the church throughout history has wrestled with this calling, and how the gospel gives us a deeper perspective: no earthly authority can save us, but Christ reigns above every throne.
Join me as we learn why praying for authority is not weakness, but faith in God’s providence—and how lifting rulers before the throne of grace steadies our hearts in a divided age.
We will be reading the following Scripture:
- Romans 13: 1-4
- Daniel 2: 20-22
- Proverbs 8:14-17
- Acts 23:1-5
- Colossians 1:16-17
- John 19:10-11
- Psalm 146:3
- Matthew 5:43-48
- Acts 5:29
- 1 Peter 3:14-17
- Genesis 9:6
- Jeremiah 27:4-6
We look forward to seeing again next Friday!
Send us a text
We all feel it right now. The bills are piling up, our families are stretched thin, and life feels like one long struggle to make ends meet. In moments like this, we long for comfort, stability, and a little peace. But what does it really mean to follow Jesus when He tells us that the path to life is the path of the cross?
In this episode, we open Luke 14 and wrestle with one of the hardest truths in all of Scripture: following Christ will cost us everything.
Yet in losing, we gain. In surrendering, we find freedom. Even when the world strips us bare—when we are hungry, poor, overlooked, or weary—Christ Himself is our portion. He never leaves. He never forsakes.
This is not about empty religion. It’s not about politics or wishful thinking. It’s about the living Christ who bore injustice, who submitted to rulers for our sake, and who now reigns as the King who promises hope even in the darkest nights.
The question is not, “Will it cost me?” The question is, “Is Christ worth it?”
Send us a text
“Insane… or I AM?”
In John 10:19-21 we see the world split right down the middle on Christ.
Was He insane? A liar? A demon? Or is He the Lord—the Good Shepherd who calls His sheep by name?
This episode presses the question home. Christ left no neutral ground. Faith is not blind optimism but Spirit-wrought sight. In today's episode, we'll explore why the miracle of opened eyes—both then and now—is proof of His divinity.
Come and see the One who is not mad, not deceived, not dangerous—but merciful, sovereign, and true. He is the Light who breaks into our darkness. And He is calling.
This week we'll be reading the following Scripture:
- John 10: 19-21
- John 10: 1-5
- John 10:7-18
- Leviticus 24:16
- John 6:44
- John 6:63-65
- Romans 3:9-18
- Isaiah 64:6
- John 10:26
- Luke 12:51-53
- 2 Corinthians 6:14
- Romans 5:6-8
- Titus 3:5
- John 15:18-20
- Romans 8:18
- 2 Corinthians 4:17
- Romans 8:7, 8
- 2 Corinthians 4:4
- 1 Peter 2:22-24
- Isaiah 55:8, 9
- Romans 8:28
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
- Isaiah 35:4-6
- Isaiah 9:2
- Ephesians 2:1-5
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday for the next episode of the Hard Truths miniseries.
Send us a text
Jesus didn’t just die—He chose to.
In John 10:17–18, the Good Shepherd lays down His life with full authority… and takes it up again. This is no accident, no defeat, but the eternal plan of God to save His sheep. In this episode of The Isaiah 43 Podcast, discover why death couldn’t take Him, why He holds the keys to life and death, and why your salvation is safer than you’ve ever imagined.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture in order:
- John 10:12
- Ezekiel 34
- Isaiah 49:5–6
- Psalm 2:7–8
- John 10:17–18
- John 17:24
- Romans 5:6–11
- Philippians 2:5–8
- Hebrews 9:12–14
- Romans 8:31–39
- Romans 8:28–29
- John 19:28–37
- Revelation 1:12–18
- Isaiah 43:1
- Philippians 1:6
- Hebrews 13:5
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
What does it mean to be known, loved and gathered by God?
In this episode, we’ll explore what it means to be known fully, loved deeply, and gathered into the one flock of the Good Shepherd. We’ll talk about the intimate knowledge Christ has of His people, the joy and assurance that flow from His sacrifice, and the certainty that He will bring all His sheep home—no matter how far they’ve wandered.
Whether you’re struggling with sin, battling anxiety, wrestling with assurance, or simply longing to feel the nearness of Christ, this passage will remind you: you are not forgotten, not forsaken, and never unloved.
This week we will read the following Scripture:
- John 10: 12-16
- Matthew 6: 1-5
- John 10: 11
- John 10: 3, 4
- John 18: 3-9
- Romans 8: 31-39
- Luke 15: 20-24
- Isaiah 42: 3
- John 6: 37
- John 17: 26
- Ephesians 3: 6
- Ephesians 2: 12, 13
- Matthew 11: 28
- Philippians 2: 9-11
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11
In this episode, we stand before one of the most profound declarations Jesus ever made. With tenderness and divine authority, Christ does not merely call Himself a shepherd—He calls Himself the Good Shepherd.
But what does that mean?
Why does Jesus claim this title? What makes His shepherding “good”? And why does He promise to lay down His life for His sheep?
Join us as we dive deep into the theological heart of the Gospel. You’ll explore the richness of Christ’s substitutionary atonement, the intimacy of His love for His sheep, and the exclusive, soul-rescuing nature of His saving work. Whether you’re struggling with sin, overwhelmed by anxiety, or simply in need of gospel-saturated hope, this message is for you.
Christ sees you.
Christ knows you.
Christ gave Himself for you.
And He still holds His sheep today.
We end this episode by beholding the cross, rejoicing in our Good Shepherd’s love, and echoing the words of Hebrews 13:20–21:
“May the God of peace… equip you with everything good… through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
You are not forgotten. You are not alone. The Good Shepherd has laid down His life for you.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 10: 11
- Psalm 23
- Ezekiel 34: 8-16
- John 10: 17,18
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
- John 10: 27-29
- John 6: 37-40
- Isaiah 53: 6
- Galatians 6: 14
- Romans 5: 8
- Isaiah 43: 1
- Isaiah 40: 11
- Philippians 1: 6
- Hebrews 13: 20, 21
We look forward to seeing you next Friday!
Send us a text
In today’s world, the phrase “Love is love” is often thrown around to justify sin, but what does the Bible actually say about love?
In this episode of Hard Truths, we will tackle the misconception that love and truth are opposites. Drawing from Matthew 10:34-39, Galatians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 13:4-6, and more, we'll explain why the love of Christ divides and how standing firm in truth can cost us, even the respect of those closest to us.
We discuss why real love does not affirm sin but calls sinners to repentance in a loving, yet truthful way—just as Christ did.
This episode also emphasizes that when we confront sin or false worldviews, whether in the public sphere or in our personal lives, we must do so with gentleness and respect, just as 1 Peter 3:15 commands.
Ultimately, love that refuses to speak the truth isn’t love at all—it’s cowardice. But if you speak the truth with Christ-like compassion, even the world’s rejection can’t take away the peace Christ gives.
If you’ve ever wondered what true love looks like, this episode is for you.
And remember, you don’t need to look up in the sky for a savior—the One who truly saves has already come down.
Send us a text
Christ alone is the entrance to rest and salvation.
In this episode, we examine Jesus’ profound words in John 10:7–10: “I AM the door of the sheep.”
What did this declaration mean to His original hearers?
Why is Christ alone the only way to the Father?
And how does this truth bring deep comfort, holy conviction, and lasting rest for the weary soul?
Join us as we explore the exclusive, gracious, and hope-filled reality that Christ is the Door—the only entrance into eternal life.
Rooted in the 1689 London Baptist Confession, this podcast is committed to Christ-centered teaching that fuels deep love for God, sound doctrine, and joyful obedience.
Subscribe, share, and let us know how this truth has encouraged your heart.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- Galatians 1: 8,9
- John 9: 40
- Matthew 23: 1-4
- Matthew 23: 23-28
- John 10: 7-10
- John 10: 32, 33
- John 1: 1,2
- John 14: 6
- Philippians 1: 6
- John 6: 39
- Romans 8: 30-39
- Jeremiah 23: 1-4
- Hebrews 5: 13, 14
- Isaiah 43: 1
- Psalm 23
- Matthew 11: 28-30
We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday for the next episode of the Hard Truths miniseries.
Send us a text
Fear not. He calls you by name. He has redeemed you. You are His.
As we begin studying John 10, we see Jesus describe the love of God using a shepherd and sheep metaphor. He calls us His sheep. He cares for His sheep. His sheep know His voice and do not listen to another. What hope can be found in this? What joy? And what does Christ mean when he calls us sheep compared to what the world means when it calls us sheep?
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 10:1-6
- Psalm 139:5
- John 14:6
- John 17:3
- Philippians 1:6
- John 10:27-29
- Romans 8:35-39
- 1 Peter 5:7
- Isaiah 43:1
- Hebrews 2:10,11
- Romans 8:31-39
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
In this episode of The Isaiah 43 Podcast, we walk through the powerful conclusion of John 9, where Jesus seeks out the outcast once more—not just to restore physical sight, but to grant spiritual sight and saving faith.
We see the unfolding transformation of a man once blind, abandoned, and scorned, now standing in the presence of the Son of Man and worshiping. But more than a story of healing, this is a testimony to the heart of Christ—our seeking Savior who finds the cast-out, confronts the proud, and calls us to believe.
From the temple courts to your earbuds, Jesus still asks, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” This episode is a call to humble faith, to see the mercy of the Good Shepherd, and to find hope in the One who sees us first.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture (in order):
- John 9:25
- John 9:35-41
- John 6:37
- 1 John 4:19
- Daniel 7:13,14
- Ephesians 2: 8,9
- Romans 5:1-6
- Isaiah 55:6
- Romans 3:9-12
- Philippians 2:12,13
- John 4:26
- Romans 9:15,16
- Ephesians 1: 4,5
- John 10: 14-16
- Luke 19:10
- Titus 3:4-7
- Isaiah 53:6
- John 3:16,17
- John 15:12-14
- John 9:11
- John 9:17
- Luke 4:16-21
- Matthew 13:10-17
- Ezekiel 37:1-14
- Acts 2:22-24
- Proverbs 26:12
- Luke 18:10-14
- John 15:22-25
- Matthew 5:3
- Romans 10:9-12
- Romans 5:1,2
- Romans 10:11
- Hebrews 3:15
We look forward to seeing again next Friday!
Send us a text
The whole world is against you. So speak.
As we continue through John 9 and the testimony of the man who was born blind, we see that he is brought before the Pharisees once again. They demand to know what happened - not so they can praise God that they might control. What this man does next is an inspiration for us all. Without any education, this man speaks boldly under fire for Christ. And what does he say? He simply speak the truth of what Christ has done. May we all do the same.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture (in order):
- John 9: 26-34
- John 9: 15
- Romans 1: 18,19
- John 3: 19
- Romans 8: 7
- Matthew 16: 24,25
- Psalm 139: 23,24
- Matthew 26: 39
- Acts 4: 20
- Ephesians 2: 13
- Romans 1: 16
- 1 Corinthians 2: 3-5
- Psalm 107: 1,2
- Matthew 10: 19,20
- John 15: 18-25
- John 15: 26, 27
- John 16: 33
- John 1: 5
- John 6: 37
May God bless America. Have a safe, wonderful and blessed Fourth of July.
We look forward to seeing you again Next Friday!
Send us a text
Can your testimony sing of amazing grace?
This week, we continue in John 9. We pick up in the story of the man who was born blind. He was brought before the Pharisees and interrogated. They did not believe what happened because they blasphemously believe Christ was a sinner and that God could not do something outside of what they thought. In this, we see the man who was born blind's amazing testimony. Whether you knew it or not, you sign his testimony every time we sing a particular hymn on Sunday morning.
We will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 9:13-25
- 1 Peter 2:7,8
- Matthew 10:34-39
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
- Romans 1:18-20
- John 10:27,28
- Matthew 10:28
- Acts 5:29
- Psalm 118:6
- Hebrews 2:10,11
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
As we continue in the Hard Truths miniseries, we come to the question that we have all struggled with - why do bad things happen?
The little do we know that Jesus actually spoke to this directly in Luke 13. In this response to the people, Jesus directly changes the subject from why do bad things happen to good people to why have you not repented? He tells them a stern warning that if they do not repent, they will also perish. It is in this that we see that this hard truth has a great hope attached to it.
May you be blessed by this message and the hearing of God's sovereign truth.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Send us a text
You are not forgotten. Your suffering and pain is not without purpose. The Lord of Glory sees you.
As we enter into John 9, we see the miraculous story of Jesus healing the blind man. When the disciples ask who sinned, Jesus redirects the focus and says it was all so the works of God may be displayed. Then when the man was healed, the crowds didn't believe. But what a story of grace in suffering this is!
This week we will be reading the following Scripture (in order):
- John 9: 1-12
- Isaiah 45:7
- Romans 8:28
- Romans 8:18
- Genesis 16:13
- Matthew 6: 25-33
- Matthew 6: 7,8
- Ephesians 2: 8-10
- Ephesians 5: 15-17
- John 8:12
- 2 Corinthians 4:6
- John 1: 3-5
- Matthew 11:28-30
- Isaiah 42:3
- Genesis 2:7
- Ephesians 5: 8-11
- Matthew 5: 16
We look forward to seeing you Tuesday for our next episode of the Hard Truths miniseries!
Send us a text
Not before Abraham I was, but before Abraham, I AM.
This deep theological statement Christ makes as we close out John 8, opens our hearts to far more than what we realize. Today, as we close John 8 we see Jesus make the biggest claim to His divinity yet.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- Isaiah 29:13
- John 8:54-59
- John 10:30
- Matthew 5:17,18
- John 17:5
- John 17:24
- Hosea 6:6
- 1 John 4:19-21
- John 14:15
- James 1:22-25
- Ephesians 4: 31, 32
- John 1:16,17
- Matthew 6:21
- Galatians 3:16
- Hebrews 11:1-3
- Matthew 13:16, 17
- Titus 2:11-14
- 2 Peter 3:9-13
- Matthew 16:24-26
- Romans 8:28
- John 5:18
- John 10:33
- John 3:19
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
What is the death you can escape?
As we return to John 8, Jesus and the Pharisees clash. They cross the line and enter into the unforgivable sin by accusing Jesus of being demonly possesed. Despite this blasphemy, Jesus responds calmly and says that they dishonor him and that there is one who seeks His glory.
Who is this and what does this exchange teach us about life and death?
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 8:48-53
- Mark 3:22-30
- John 4:34
- John 6:38
- 2 Corinthians 5: 14, 15
- Ephesians 4: 1-3
- Philippians 2: 12, 13
- John 10: 17, 18
- Philippians 2:9-11
- John 17:24
- 1 John 2: 3-6
- John 8: 31, 32
- John 5:24
- Ephesians 2: 8, 9
- Exodus 34: 6, 7
- John 3: 16-18
- Romans 6:23
- 1 Corinthians 2:14
- Ecclesiastes 1:14
- Romans 8:5-17
- Romans 12:2
- Philippians 4: 8,9
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday.
Send us a text
The podcast has been temporarily taken over!
A new host temporarily arrives to ask Clayton questions on election! This host is none other than his lovely wife, Mrs. Gabryella! She's here this week taking charge as we discuss the doctrine of election and what that means for us.
There are four primary questions that Gabryella and Clayton are often asked. These questions will guide our conversation:
- Why would God choose me?
- How do I know God chose me?
- How do I defend this doctrine?
- How should I now live?
This was an exciting episode and we both had lots of fun. We hope you enjoy this and see encouraged but it, just as we have been.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
In the fourth episode of the Hard Truths miniseries, we confront one of the most sobering and misunderstood statements Jesus ever made: that there is a sin which will never be forgiven—blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. What does this mean?
Can a true believer commit it? Have you committed it?
Many wrestle with fear and uncertainty about this verse, but Scripture offers clarity, not confusion. Together, we walk verse-by-verse through this weighty passage, anchoring our understanding in Christ’s redemptive mission.
This teaching is indeed a hard truth—but not without hope. For those who trust in Christ, there is deep comfort, assurance, and rest.
The unpardonable sin is not for the one broken over their sin, but for those hardened against God’s mercy with full knowledge.
May this episode bring you both clarity and comfort as we behold the mercy and majesty of our Savior.
We’ll see you again on Friday!
Send us a text
Do you listen to Christ's Voice or the Devil's lies?
In this episode, we continue our exploration into John 8 and the piercing distinction Jesus draws between those who belong to God and those who follow the devil’s lies. Christ’s voice calls His sheep to truth, but those not born of God cannot bear His Word.
So the question remains: Are you hearing the voice of Christ—or the echo of the serpent?
This week we will examine the following Scripture (in order):
- Hebrews 1:1-4
- John 8:12
- Acts 17:31
- John 8:23
- John 15:4,5
- John 8:39-47
- Galatians 3:6-9
- Romans 9:6-8
- John 8:56
- John 3:19,20
- Romans 3:9-18
- Philippians 3:3-11
- Hebrews 11:5-40
- Ephesians 2:8,9
- Isaiah 64:6
- Romans 5:1,2
- 1 John 4:7-10
- Matthew 7:15-23
- Galatians 5:22-25
- John 14:15
- Matthew 6:24
- 2 Corinthians 4:4
- Jeremiah 6:10
- 1 Corinthians 2:14-16
- 2 Corinthians 11:3
- 1 John 3:8-12
- Colossians 1:13,14
- John 10:25-27
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
- Romans 8:1
- John 10:26-30
- Romans 5:8
We look forward to seeing you again next week!
We apologize for any technical or audio issues. We have to had to make do with some recent studio changes. We hope to have these fixed soon!
Send us a text
This week, we take a break from the Gospel of John for a special announcement. For this special announcement, we will look at God's design for marriage. What does God see when He looks upon a married couple? Why did God ordain marriage in a certain way? And how is a Godly marriage supposed to look?
So, what is this big announcement?
Well, I am proud to announce that Mrs. Gabryella and I have gotten married! We thank you all for your amazing support and prayers. We are truly excited about this new chapter of our lives. We hope and pray that all we say and do in our marriage and our lives will bring glory to Christ and honor Him.
We will examine the following Scripture this week (in order):
- Mark 10: 6-9
- Acts 5: 29
- 1 Corinthians 7: 28
- Ephesians 5: 22-29
- Malachi 2: 16
- John 16: 33
- Ephesians 4: 26, 27
May the LORD continue to provide, guide us, and cultivate love between us and Him.
Also a future congratulations to Mr. Andrew and his soon-to-be wife, Ms. Sarah Cate!
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
In this episode, we explore what it means to be a slave to sin, why we cannot save ourselves, and how Jesus, the Son of God, transforms slaves into sons and daughters through His blood. This week, we’re reminded that:
- Sin enslaves us far deeper than any political power ever could
- We are spiritually dead apart from Christ
- Redemption is only possible through Jesus’ obedience and sacrifice
- In Christ, we are adopted, made heirs, and can cry out “Abba! Father!”
Whether you’re weary from the weight of sin or hungry for deeper truth, let the Word of God break your chains today!
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast and share with someone who needs to hear about true freedom in Christ!
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 8: 34-38
- Ephesians 2: 1–3
- Romans 3: 9–18
- Romans 6: 16
- Colossians 1: 13
- 1 Peter 1: 18–19
- John 3: 16–18
- John 1: 12–13
- Romans 8: 15–17
- Galatians 4: 4–7
- John 8: 44
- Matthew 12: 30
- 1 John 2: 3–6
- Colossians 1: 13–14
We look forward to seeing you next Friday!
Send us a text
How important is the Word of God in the life of a disciple?
Jesus continues talking to the Pharisees in John 8. He tells them the Word reveals the true followers and the truth. This truth will set them free. Because His followers abide in His word, like a vine to a branch, they are the disciples that love him. In light of this, our hearts ought to see the delight we have in the Scriptures. Nothing but Christ alone can save. This truth will set us free.
This week will examine the following Scripture (in order):
- Luke 19: 10
- John 3: 16-18
- John 8: 24
- Philippians 2: 5-11
- Matthew 17: 5
- John 8: 31-33
- Romans 5: 5
- Matthew 7: 21-23
- Ephesians 4: 10-15
- John 14: 21-24
- 1 Peter 2: 2,3
- Titus 3: 4-7
- Psalm 1: 1-3
- Romans 8: 1,2
- Galatians 5: 16-25
- Hebrews 4: 12-16
- 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11
- Matthew 4: 1-11
- 1 Corinthians 2: 14
- 1 Corinthians 1: 18-25
- 1 John 1: 8-10
- Hebrews 3: 7, 8
- Philippians 3: 7-10
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
In the third episode of the Hard Truths miniseries, we examine one of the most controversial of Reformed Theology. This is about God's election, mercy and sovereignty. The Scriptures do not say that He loved Esau less, but that He hated Him. How can this be? Just as we explored the last time in the Hard Truths, many have claimed makes God unjust.
However, this teaching is clear within the Holy Scriptures and must be examined. It may be a hard truth, but we see God's great mercy, and love for us within these verses. His sovereign election brings us to praise and adoration, not anger and rejection.
May you be blessed by this teaching and the hearing of God's truth.
We look forward to see you again on Friday!
Send us a text
What is revealed to us when Christ is on the cross?
As we continue through Jesus' dialogue with the Pharisees in John chapter eight, we see that Jesus tells them that when they have lifted Him up, they will know that "I AM HE". He uses the same sacred name of God. In crucifying Him, they will see that He is God. We will know that it is the perfect, obedient Son who loved His Father and us so much that He suffered death on a cross so that His people would be saved. What a height of love that we could not describe with words!
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 8: 12
- John 8: 26
- John 6: 37-40
- John 8: 28-30
- Isaiah 53: 3-6
- Zechariah 12: 10
- John 3: 14, 15
- Hebrews 13: 20
- Zephaniah 3: 17
- Romans 7: 15-25
- Philippians 2: 13
- Romans 8: 4-11
- 1 John 3: 2, 3
- 1 John 1: 6-8
- Matthew 26: 41
- John 6: 29
- John 1: 12, 13
- Hebrews 3: 15
- John 10: 27, 28
- Philippians 1: 6
I have also quoted chapter 11 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession throughout this episode. This is the confession of our faith. For a copy in modern English, please feel free to read it in the link below:
1689 London Baptist Confession, Chapter 11 - Justification
Do not forget to Like, Subscribe, and Comment!
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube!
The Isaiah 43 Podcast
We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday as we continue our Hard Truths series!
Send us a text
Jesus gives a stern warning in our passage today that if we do not believe in Him, we will die in our sins. Yet, He does not leave us without hope in this passage in John 8. In the Temple treasury, He emphasizes the Father's love, the Son's obedience, and our dependence on His mercy. What a perfect reminder today, on Good Friday, of how essential it is that we believe in Christ alone.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 8:20-27
- 2 Timothy 3: 16, 17
- Matthew 11: 28-30
- Matthew 10: 29-31
- John 5: 42-44
- Romans 1: 21-25
- Acts 4: 11, 12
- John 1: 12, 13
- Matthew 12: 24-32
- Colossians 3: 1-17
- 1 Corinthians 2: 14
- Ezekiel 36: 26, 27
- John 3: 18
- John 3: 36
- John 14: 15
- Luke 19: 10
- Mark 1: 14, 15
- Galatians 4: 4, 5
- Matthew 3: 14, 15
- 1 Corinthians 15: 13-19
- 1 Corinthians 15: 20-22
- Romans 10: 17
- John 20: 30, 31
- John 12: 49, 50
- 1 Corinthians 15: 51-57
- 1 John 3: 2
Happy Easter Weekend!
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
Christ is the judge who died for the guilty, and yet the world continues to reject Him. Continuing in the Gospel of John, we see that Jesus explains how he judges the world, and we might be surprised to learn that he is not like us. While humanity judges based on outward appearances, God judges the heart. And yet, God - the ultimate judge of all creation-looks upon rebels like us and loves them so much. Come and hear!
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 8: 15-19
- John 5: 22
- John 5: 27
- John 3: 17
- 1 Samuel 16: 7
- Psalm 51: 17
- Romans 9: 14-16
- John 3: 18
- Hebrews 9: 27
- Acts 17: 31
- Philippians 3: 12-16
- John 5: 31-38
- Luke 3: 21, 22
- Romans 5: 7-9
- Romans 8: 31, 32
- 1 Corinthians 2: 14
- Luke 10: 16
- James 2: 19
- 1 John 1: 6
- 1 Corinthians 13: 2
- Matthew 7: 21-23
- Isaiah 29: 13
- Galatians 4: 4-7
- John 14: 15
- Romans 8: 35-39
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
Jesus Christ declares himself to be the Light of the World, as we return to our study in the Gospel of John. He shows that He is the only hope in this dark age. But as He says, those who follow Him will walk in the light of life. Understanding this beautiful passage will help us to see what it means that Christ is the light of the world.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture (in order):
- John 8: 12-14
- Exodus 3: 14
- John 10: 33
- John 1: 3-5
- Genesis 1: 1-3
- Colossians 1: 15-20
- Exodus 13: 21, 22
- John 14: 6
- Galatians 5: 19-21
- 1 John 1: 5-10
- John 3: 19-21
- John 5: 31-40
- Philippians 2: 1-11
- Matthew 3: 16, 17
- Matthew 17: 1-5
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
- Colossians 1: 13, 14
- 1 Peter 2: 9,10
- John 14: 1-3
- 2 Peter 1: 17-19
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
You may think that you believed - that you had faith all of your own intuition. However, when we examine the Scriptures, we will see very clearly that faith is a gift from God. As we conclude our four-week study in the person and work of Christ, we will see that a proper understanding of who Christ is and what He has done should change the way that we view our faith.
We will be exploring the following Scripture this week (in order):
- Ephesians 2: 1-10
- 1 John 3: 1
- Romans 8: 16, 17
- John 1: 16
- Matthew 5: 16
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday when we resume our study of the Gospel of John!
Send us a text
In this second episode of the Hard Truths miniseries - a series that will premiere on the last Tuesday of each month - we examine the apostle Paul's teaching about vessels of wrath and vessels of mercy. This is a controversial passage about God's election that many have claimed makes God unjust. However, this teaching is clear within the Holy Scriptures and must be examined. It may be a hard truth, but we see God's great mercy, patience, and love for us within these verses. We should not run but embrace this!
May you be blessed by this teaching and the hearing of God's truth.
We look forward to see you again on Friday!
Send us a text
IN MEMORY OF MR. PHIL
As we continue with our four-week study of the person and work of Christ, we'll explore how a proper understanding of this ought to change our lives. Everything we do and say should be radically transformed by the sanctifying Spirit of God. Join us as we explore how God changes our lives!
This week we will read the following Scripture (in order):
- Galatians 5: 19-24
- Isaiah 5: 20
- Romans 2: 5-11
- Revelation 21: 8
- 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11
- 1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20
- Ephesians 2: 1-9
- 1 Corinthians 10: 31
- 1 Corinthians 13: 4-13
- John 15: 4, 5
- 2 Corinthians 13: 5, 6
- Galatians 2: 20
- Hebrews 4: 14-16
- Ezekiel 36: 25-27
We look forward to seeing you again Next Friday!
Send us a text
As we continue in our 4-week long study of the person and work of Christ, and how it should shape our lives, we come to part two's study: What has Jesus Christ done? This was partly answered in last week's episode but is more fully explored here. The work of Christ sets us from the power of sin and death. His atoning death on the cross makes us right with God if we believe by faith. Come, join us as we study this wonderful news together.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- 1 Corinthians 15: 3-6
- Isaiah 53: 2-12
- Romans 6: 23
- Ephesians 2: 8, 9
- Hosea 6: 1,2
- Job 19: 25-27
- 1 Corinthians 15: 12-22
- 1 Corinthians 15: 54-57
- Philippians 3: 20, 21
- Romans 6: 5-8
- Romans 8: 31-39
- Jude 1: 24, 25
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
As we take a 4-week long break from the Gospel of John, we'll be looking at some very important aspects of our faith. The four topics we'll cover in the next four weeks will be: Who Jesus is, what He has done, and then because of who he is and what he has done - it should change our lives, and it should change the way we view our faith. This week, we begin by asking Who is Jesus? So many people have so many different thoughts, and throughout this episode, we are going to cut through all the nonsense and get to the truth.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- Matthew 16: 13-20
- Daniel 7: 13, 14
- Mark 10: 45
- John 1: 14
- Hebrews 2: 17, 18
- Hebrews 9: 11-15
- John 3: 19, 20
- Romans 10: 9-13
- John 8: 24
- Luke 13: 3
- John 17: 5
- Romans 5: 6-11
- John 3: 16, 17
- Romans 8: 16, 17
- John 6: 44
- 1 Corinthians 2: 12-14
- 1 Corinthians 3: 6-9
- John 6: 35
- 1 Corinthians 6: 9, 10
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
In our lives, we have made mistakes. We have sinned and been so embarrassed by these things that we just want to bury them forever. Now, how would you feel if you were caught in the act of that sin? Not only that, but you were dragged out before hundreds, if not thousands, for all to see. On top of that, you were thrown before a judge who has every right to sentence you forever. That is exactly what we see unfold today with the story of the adulterous woman. This passage is one of the most beautiful and most powerful moments in all of Scripture that highlight the love and grace of God. Join us today as we explore how, by faith in Christ alone, our sins and failures are washed away forever. We are not condemned.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 7: 53-8: 11
- Luke 9: 58
- Mark 10: 45
- Philippians 2: 4-8
- Hebrews 2: 9, 10
- Hebrews 4: 14-16
- Leviticus 20:10
- Romans 3: 23
- Ephesians 2: 1-3
- 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11
- Hoses 6: 6
- Jeremiah 17: 13
- John 1: 16, 17
- Romans 8: 1-4
- Romans 8: 33-39
- 1 John 2: 1
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
In this first episode of the Hard Truths miniseries - a series that will premiere on the last Tuesday of each month - we examine Christ's teachings about eating his flesh and drinking his blood. Those who are regular listeners to the series will recognize that this was discussed a few weeks ago. However, this is one of the most challenging teachings that Christ taught and so it is worth coming back to and examining. It may be a hard truth, but we ultimately come to recognize that Christ does have the true words of eternal life.
May you be blessed by this teaching and the hearing of God's truth.
We look forward to seeing you again on Friday!
Send us a text
The world wants to silence Christian's thoughts and views, but why? Why would anyone hate the message of faith, hope, love, and forgiveness? As we look at the Pharisee's response to the failure of the Temple guard to arrest Jesus in John 7, we will explore the answer as to why it wants to silence us. Yet, despite this knowledge of the world's rejection, we have a great hope and comfort that the sovereign God and king of the universe cares for us and will never abandon or reject us.
This week we will be reading the following Scriptures:
- John 7: 45-52
- Matthew 10: 29-31
- Romans 8: 28
- John 3: 19, 20
- Hebrews 13: 5, 6
- Psalm 27:1
- Matthew 10: 34-39
- Ephesians 2: 1-9
- Philippians 2: 4-9
- 2 Corinthians 4: 6
- John 6: 44
- John 15: 18-20
- Romans 8: 33-39
We look forward to seeing again next Friday!
Send us a text
In a world of false waters that tempt us and then leave us feeling thirsty, Christ promises that if we believe in Him - we will never be thirsty again. Only Christ will give us the peace, joy, pleasure, and satisfaction that we long for. As we continue in our expository exploration through chapter seven of the Gospel of John, we will see God's sovereignty and plan of salvation continue to unfold. We will also see that the people continue to form various opinions about Christ, many without ever investigating further.
This week we will be reading the following Scriptures:
- John 7:37-44
- John 4:10-14
- Matthew 11:28-30
- 1 Timothy 1:13-16
- Isaiah 44:3
- Isaiah 55:1
- Galatians 5:19-24
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
This week we return to John 7 as we explore why it matters that Christ is ruling and reigning at the right hand of the throne of God. As Christians, we say this all of the time, but we have to ask ourselves what this actually means. Does it matter, and if so, are we living like it does?
This week we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- John 1:1
- John 7:31-36
- John 11:47, 48
- John 1:5
- John 5:18
- John 10:33
- Ephesians 6:12
- 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4
- John 8:21
- Romans 1: 24, 25
- Romans 11:7-10
- Philippians 2:9-11
- Hebrews 1: 3, 4
- 1 John 2:1
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
Today on the Isaiah 43 Podcast, we welcome Mr. Andrew, our ninth special guest and our first guest of 2025! Our fascinating conversation focuses on whether we are in the end times, how to share the Gospel, how to grow closer to God, and what Christian relationships look like.
I want to thank Mr. Andrew for joining us and providing some valuable insight into how we can be better believers these days.
Also, I want to wish Mr. Andrew a happy birthday - even if it is late!
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday as we continue through John 7.
Send us a text
In this celebration of two full years of the podcast, we continue our journey through John 7 with an important reminder about who Jesus is. We must ask ourselves who we say he is. And if we say that we know Jesus existed historically, is that enough to grant us eternal life with God? And what can we discern about God's will within five short verses? This celebration episode is an exciting reminder of everything this podcast is about - how God has redeemed us, and how He calls us today.
This week will explore the following Scripture:
- John 7:25-30
- Malachi 3:1
- Isaiah 53:2
- John 5:39, 40
- Romans 5:1
- John 7:32
- Romans 8:28
- Psalm 30
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
In a sobering episode, we are reminded of who the enemies of God are. They are those who are in rebellion against God, who care nothing for His holiness, His character, or His justice because their sin makes them feel better. When we take a true look at who the enemies of God are, we might not like who is looking back at us.
This week we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- John 7:19-24
- Exodus 20:1-17
- Deuteronomy 7:7-9
- James 2:10
- Romans 5:8-11
- Romans 5:1, 2
- John 14:15
- Matthew 12:23-32
- Matthew 12:2-8
- 1 Samuel 16:7
- Galatians 6:1,2
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
John 7 continues with Jesus entering into the temple during the Feast of Booths and beginning to preach. His message is a controversial one among the Jewish leaders. It is through this message, however, that he shows his entire purpose - He came to glorify God. He teaches that if anyone wants to know God then they will search His words and know they are the truth. Join us today as we look at how Jesus was different than any teacher that ever existed.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture in order:
- John 7:14-18
- Mark 1:22
- Romans 1:4
- Ephesians 2:8
- 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
- Romans 3:23
- Romans 3:24-26
- John 14:15
- Romans 6:1-11
- John 8:31, 32
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
- Romans 11:36
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday.
Send us a text
In the first episode of 2025, we are reminded that God sees us and understands our struggles. As we begin a new chapter, we see just how faithful Jesus is to God even at the expense of his brothers' trust. Through all of this, it is within the pages of Scripture that we see that God is with us and will not leave us, and because of this, we have no reason to fear.
This week we will read the following Scripture:
- John 7:1-13
- Hebrews 4:15, 16
- John 6:37
- Deuteronomy 31:8
- John 1:11
- John 2:24, 25
- John 3:19, 20
- John 15:18-25
- John 16:33
- Matthew 5:11, 12
- Micah 7:7
- Romans 8:28
- Luke 12:11, 12
- Romans 8:31-39
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday.
Send us a text
Knowing Your Failures, God Still Chose You – This is the message we all need to hear as the year ends. It is the central theme as we conclude John chapter six this week. In the final moments of the chapter, Jesus reveals that one of the twelve disciples who remain with him will betray him. Yet, despite this knowledge, he still chose them for his own purpose. What a powerful reminder that we are chosen despite our failures. However, there are other important lessons we should pay attention to as we explore the final two verses today.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture (in order):
- John 6:2
- John 6:37
- John 6:44
- John 6:66
- John 6: 70, 71
- Deuteronomy 7:7, 8
- Ephesians 2:1-5
- Ephesians 1:4 ,5
- Genesis 50:20
- 1 John 2:19
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
- 2 Peter 3:9
- 2 Corinthians 6:2
We look forward to seeing you again the first Friday of 2025!
Send us a text
Merry Christmas to all!
In our final episode of the Imitators Series, we explore the life of John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace". John's life as a slave trader turned minister shows us the awesome power of God to transform our lives and grant us forgiveness. John's story illustrates that no matter what we have done - if we believe in Christ by faith alone, then it will all be washed away.
This week we use the following sources to examine John Newton's life:
Author of Amazing Grace
John Newton Biography
John and Mary Newton
Discovery of Amazing Grace
The Story behind the 250 Year old Song
Royal African Company
Thomas A Kempis
Send us a text
Continuing our study of the Gospel of John, we reach a significant moment in Jesus' ministry—the moment the people turn away. Christ has told the crowds about faith, His Sovereignty, and God's election. These things drive the crowds away. Will these hard sayings also make you go away?
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 6:60-69
- John 6:53-58
- Ephesians 2:1,2
- 1 Corinthians 2:14
- John 6:37
- John 6:44
- Ephesians 1:4-12
- Romans 9:10-23
- Exodus 33:19
- Isaiah 64:6
- John 6:28
- John 6:29
- John 20:8
- 1 Corinthians 15:13-19
- Romans 1:4-6
- Philippians 2:9-11
- Romans 3:28
- 1 John 2:9
- 2 Peter 3:9
- Matthew 16:17
- Isaiah 55:8,9
We look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for our final episode of the Imitators series!
Send us a text
Have you ever read John 6 and encountered Jesus talking about eating flesh and drinking blood? Does it leave you utterly confused? Well, luckily, in today's episode, we'll address this difficult saying from Christ and what he means when He says it.
This week, we will be reading the following Scripture (in order):
- John 6:51
- John 6:52-59
- John 6:44-46
- Ephesians 2:1-3
- 1 Corinthians 2:7-10
- John 6:26
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-24
- Romans 6:5-11
- John 6:37
- John 3:16
- Ephesians 2:3-7
- Titus 3:3-7
- Romans 5:6-8
- 1 John 3:1
- Romans 8:17
- John 6:27
- John 6:32, 33
- John 6:4
We look forward to seeing you next Friday for our 100th episode!
Send us a text
As we return to the Gospel of John, we see Jesus continue discussing with the gathered crowds. It is here that we begin to see the crowds reject Jesus because he isn't what they want him to be. Even in the face of rejection from his people, Christ never changes anything he says about salvation coming through Him alone. He adds to it and emphasizes the doctrine of election teaching us that we are utterly dependent on God for every single aspect of salvation.
This week we will read the following Scripture:
- John 6:15
- John 6:26
- John 6:37-40
- John 6:41-51
- Matthew 13:54-56
- Ezekiel 36:25-27
- Ephesians 2:4-9
- John 6:29
- John 6:35
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday
Send us a text
This week was originally meant to be a special guest, but due to last-minute scheduling conflicts and Thanksgiving, the special guest episode had to be postponed. Instead, this week we take a break from the Gospel of John to take a look at a passage from 1 John meant to encourage us and give us hope. So in this brief episode, we hope that the truth of Scripture is able to give you a great reminder that you are a new creation - forgiven and set free!
This week we read the following Scripture:
- 1 John 2:12-14
- John 1:12,13
- 1 Peter 3:15, 16
- Genesis 3:15
- 1 Corinthians 15:55-58
- Romans 5:1
We look forward to seeing you again next week as we continue in the Gospel of John.
Send us a text
Few individuals throughout history have influenced the direction of the Church since the New Testament as profoundly as St. Augustine. However, did you know that his life could have taken a very different path? Without Christ's intervention, Augustine's life might have been filled with sin, worldly pleasures, and much more. We will also examine the significant impact of his mother, Monica, on his life.
I apologize for any mispronunciation - Latin names are not always easy!
We look forward to seeing you again on Friday! Until then, have a great Thanksgiving!
Send us a text
We make a mess of our lives. We have messed things up so bad sometimes. We have sinned. What hope could there possibly be for someone who has done such bad things in the past? The answer is Jesus. But if we mess up won't Jesus reject us and not love us anymore? No, that is the beauty of what Jesus teaches in John 6. God loves us. He will always love us and He will never cast us out or let us fall from His hand.
As we explore this amazing topic, we will read the following Scripture:
- John 6:28, 29
- John 6:33
- John 6:34-40
- John 4:13, 14
- John 3:19
- Ephesians 1:3-12
- Romans 8:28-30
- Romans 8:35-39
- Matthew 11:28, 29
- John 6:66
- Hebrews 13:8
We look forward to having you join us again on Wednesday for the next installment of the Imitators series!
Send us a text
When we stand before God to give an account of how we lived on earth, we will probably begin by telling God that we were good people who tried to help others and bring harmony wherever we went. Certainly, this will get us into eternal paradise, right? No. Jesus said none of that matters: the material things, money, etc, etc. None of that is pleasing to God. What hope do we have then? Well, Christ tells us in John 6 that the only thing that is pleasing to God is...believing!
As we go through this study into what works matter and Jesus' opening conversation about the bread from Heaven, we will read the following verses:
- John 6:15
- Exodus 3:13-15
- John 6:25-33
- Matthew 16:24-26
- Matthew 6:19-21
- John 3:16-18
- John 5:24
- Acts 4:10-12
- Acts 16:30, 31
- Romans 3:20-26
- Ephesians 2:8, 9
- Luke 16:31
- Exodus 16:4, 5
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday as we continue through John 6!
Send us a text
Before getting to some of the most theologically rich verses within the Gospel of John, we first come across some scripture that provides us with an interesting thought. Those of the first century sought Jesus so that he would be the political and military king that they wanted. Because the apostle John uses the word "kurios" to describe Christ, he affirms Christ's identity as the sovereign God of the universe. Christ did not come to overthrow Rome, but to overthrow sin.
We will use the following Scripture in today's episode:
- John 6:22-24
- John 6:15
We apologize for the delay. We experienced technical difficulties.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday.
Send us a text
Jesus has retreated to the mountains. The disciples got in a boat to meet him on the other side of the Sea. What unfolds next is a story of faith, fear, and ultimate rescue. Jesus' miraculous interaction with the disciples here reminds us what happens when we have faith in Christ and when we are swept away by the storms of life.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 6:16-21
- Mark 6:45-53
- Matthew 14:22-34 (v. 28-31 emphasized)
- Romans 8:28
- Revelations 21:4
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
Martin Luther changed the course of the world on October 31, 1517. With 95 Theses, Martin Luther rocked the world. For the rest of his life, not once did he recant. He stood firmly on Biblical principles. He serves as a great lesson for many Christians to imitate as he imitated Christ.
Many Christians do not celebrate Halloween, but instead, Reformation day marks the anniversary of Martin Luther igniting the Protestant Reformation.
In today's episode, we used the following sources:
Why Martin Luther Matters
St. Martin
Memorable Theses
Christianity Today - Luther's Theses
This Day in History
Luther on Purgatory
Leipzig Debate
Lutheran Reform - Leipzig Debate
Katharina Luther: The Runaway Nun
Luther's Parents
Facts about Luther
Spirits Attack Luther Throughout His Life
Ligonier - Luther and Thunderstorms
95 Theses
Luther and the Theses
We look forward to seeing you again on Friday!
Send us a text
First-century Jews believed that Jesus was going to be a strong, powerful military leader. This believed this because of the way that many passages of the Old Testament describe the coming prophet/king. After he performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000, the people were ready to make him their leader who would overthrow the oppression. Jesus was likely greatly tempted at this moment and so he does something that we could learn from ourselves in our times of temptation.
We will be reading the following verses this week:
- Deuteronomy 18:15, 18
- Isaiah 53:4-11
- Isaiah 9:6, 7
- Isaiah 11: 1-8
- Jeremiah 23:5, 6
- Zechariah 9:9, 10
- John 6:15
- John 2:24, 25
- John 3:13-17
- John 10:9-11
- John 8: 34-36
- 1 John 3:8
- Luke 4: 18-21
- Hebrews 4:15
- Matthew 14:23
- Genesis 3:15
- Daniel 7:14
We look forward to seeing you again next Wednesday for our next Imitators series episode!
Send us a text
This week we explore the feeding the 5,000 as told by the Gospel of John. It is a miraculous event that reads like a straightforward narrative, which makes it really easy for us to miss the important details hidden within the verses. Important details that tell us about serving God with all we have, even if it is just a little. However, it is crucial that we make sure we are worshipping the correct Christ of Scripture and not one of our own making.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 6:1-14
- Deuteronomy 18:15
Josiah Queen Song, "Loaves and Fishes"
We apologize for any technical issues. We were unable to use our equipment this week due to technical difficulties.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
As we conclude John chapter 5, we see that Jesus points to one last bit of evidence to reveal that he is who he says he is—the Scriptures. By pointing to them, Jesus says that the Scriptures and the prophets, particularly Moses, have all pointed to his coming and his mission. As we study his closing remarks, it becomes abundantly clear that what Jesus truly focuses on is God's love in their hearts.
This week we will read the following Scripture:
- John 5:39-47
- John 10:9,10
- John 3:19-21
- Matthew 6:24
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday.
Send us a text
Recently, our nation was devastated by Hurricane Helene - particularly in southern Appalachia. So many have been asking, "How can we help?" So, what should we do as Christians? Today's episode will help guide us in how we should respond.
This week we will read the following Scripture:
- Matthew 25:34-46
- 2 Corinthians 9:7-10
- Luke 21:1-4
- Micah 6:8
- Galatians 6:9, 10
- 1 John 3:16-18
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- Romans 12:9-13
Please pray.
We will resume John 5 next Friday.
Send us a text
Have you ever wondered if there’s evidence to support the claims of Jesus? This week, we dive deep into John 5, where Jesus presents his case for his divine identity by calling forth witnesses. We’ll explore who these witnesses are and what their testimonies reveal about Christ and his purpose for us today.
Join us as we read the following Scripture:
- John 5:33-38
- John 1:19-34
- John 3:19
- John 5:30-32
- John 7:24
- Matthew 3:16-17
We look forward to seeing you again next Wednesday for this month's Imitators episode!
Send us a text
Christian Forgiveness and Faith in action. Corrie Ten Boom’s life exemplified unwavering faith and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. As a watchmaker and a member of a devout Christian family, she dedicated herself to hiding and protecting Jews from persecution. Her actions not only saved lives but also spread a powerful message of love and forgiveness that continues to resonate today.
In this episode, we explore Corrie’s remarkable journey, her family's role in the Dutch resistance, and the profound lessons we can learn from her life of faith and service.
We utilize the following sources for this episode:
- [Kristallnacht: The Night of Broken Glass]
- [The History of the Corrie ten Boom Museum]
- [The German Invasion of the Netherlands]
- [Biography of Corrie Ten Boom]
- [Ravensbrück Concentration Camp]
- [Corrie Ten Boom’s Story]
- [Book Series by Corrie Ten Boom]
Join us this Friday as continue through John 5!
Send us a text
Can anyone or anything testify to who Jesus is? Is there anyone out there who is willing to verify that Jesus is who he says he is? Well, this week we will take a look at who Jesus "calls up to the stand", so to speak. Jesus points to a few people and instances as backup to his claims. This week as we continue in John 5, we will see who these are and why does it even matter to us today.
This week we will read the following Scripture:
- John 5:30-32
- John 5:19-21
- Romans 8:1,2
- Hebrews 9:11-14
- Hebrews 10:12-14
- John 5:36, 37
- Matthew 3:16, 17
- Romans 10:9-13
- Hebrews 3:6-15
We look forward to seeing you again next Wednesday for this month's Imitators episode!
Send us a text
While continuing through John 5, we come across one of Jesus' most iconic phrases, "Truly, Truly" (or "Verily, Verily" in the KJV). What does it mean when Jesus says this? When he says it what should we keep in mind about what follows? What we learn is that Jesus tells us some of the most important information about our lives - our eternal lives. When the words, "Truly, Truly" preface a statement from Jesus, we must be prepared to heed his words.
This week we will read the following Scripture:
- John 1:1-5
- John 5:21, 22
- John 5:24-29
- 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18
- Romans 6:14-18
- Romans 2:6-11
- Ezekiel 36:26, 27
- Ephesians 2:1-9
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
As we return to the Gospel of John, we explore John 5:19-23. Jesus explains that the Son does what He sees the Father doing. In doing so, he supports his argument that He is God and was with God. He also shows that all authority and judgment have been given to Him through the Father. These verses are often overlooked while reading, but they reveal much about Jesus and His relationship with God.
This week we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- John 5:19-23
- John 5:17
- Mark 5:25-34
- Deuteronomy 32:39
- 1 Samuel 2:6
- 2 Timothy 2:22
- Romans 13:11-14
- Hebrews 2:1
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a text
This month we welcome our next special guest! She is our youngest special guest but can provide us with a lot of insight into the next generation - Ms. Sophia. As older, "mature" believers we often talk about the next generation, but rarely do we ever talk to the next generation. This week we seek to change that. How do we reach the next generation? How do we proclaim the Gospel to them? And how does having a father figure change the lives of those still growing up?
I want to thank Ms. Sophia for joining us and providing us with an awesome and insightful conversation.
We look forward to seeing you again next week as we continue through John 5.
Send us a Text Message.
Pastor. Rebel. Martyr. Dietrich Bonhoeffer imitated Christ in his willingness to stand on the truth, defend the truth, and give his life. He served God faithfully amidst the Nazi reign in Germany. His writings stand out as some of the most important and influential writings to have ever been produced for the Christian faith, especially in the twentieth century. We explore his life, his writings, and what we can learn from him in this month's Imitator series.
We utilize the following sources for this episode:
The Death of Bonhoeffer
Barmen Declaration
Bonhoeffer Biography
Bonhoeffer Society
Learn more about Bonhoeffer
Bonhoeffer Video
We look forward to seeing you again on Friday with our next special guest.
Send us a Text Message.
As John 5 continues, we examine why the Jewish leaders of Jesus' day wanted to kill him. What did he do that they disliked and how did he defend himself? Ultimately, Jesus' response leaves us wondering about what we say about Him.
This week we read the following Scripture:
- John 5:16-18
- Hosea 6:6
- Matthew 12:3-8
- Isaiah 40:28
- Matthew 16:15
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a Text Message.
As John 5 unfolds, we are brought to a place where many skeptics doubted the existence of. We are also brought to one of the most powerful and moving moments in all of Scripture. Jesus asks one simple question that will have a profound impact on our lives - a question with the promise of hope.
This week we will read the following Scripture:
- John 5:1-15 (NKJV)
- Hebrews 11: 29, 27 (ESV)
We look forward to seeing you next Friday!
And don't forget to subscribe to our Youtube channel!
Send us a Text Message.
This week, we're wrapping up our study of John chapter 4. In this episode, we'll focus on healing a royal official’s son in John 4:46-54 and what it teaches us about faith. We'll discuss the official's journey from seeking a miracle out of desperation to developing a genuine belief in Jesus' authority. Join us as we uncover the deeper meanings behind these passages and encourage ourselves to move beyond superficial faith and into genuine saving faith.
Scripture for this week includes:
• John 4:46-54
• John 2:23-25
• Matthew 8:5-13
• John 20:31
• Hebrews 11:6
• Revelation 2:2-7
• 1 Peter 2:1-2
• Ephesians 2:8-9
• James 4:1-3
Don’t forget to subscribe and share the episode with friends and family who might benefit from this discussion.
We look forward to seeing you next week!
Send us a Text Message.
Jesus fulfills the Samariatians' request to stay a few days. He sets off to Galilee. He is rejected in Galilee. This week we will explore these events as they unfold in the Gospel of John. Some of the things we will read make sense, but some of them leave us sratching our heads. But at the end of the episode, we will see the irony behind those who sought the miracles Jesus did.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 4:43-45
- John 4:40
- Luke 11:9-13
- John 16:23, 24
- 1 John 5:14, 15
- James 4:1-3
- John 4:3
- Matthew 13:53-58
- John 2:23-25
- 1 Peter 5:6-10
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Don't forget to check out the episode wherever you listen to podcasts, now including Youtube!
Send us a Text Message.
This month in the Imitators series, we focus is on the life and legacy of John Calvin, a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation. Often linked with the doctrine of predestination, Calvin's impact reaches much further, influencing his preaching of Christ and organization of the church. Even amidst opposition, exile, and personal losses, Calvin remained unwaveringly devoted to his faith and theological scholarship. Calvin serves as an exemplar of the call to faithfully emulate Christ in the midst of trials and tribulations.
We utilize the following sources in today's episode:
- "Timeline of Key Events in the Life of John Calvin." The Genevan Foundation. Accessed July 31, 2024. https://thegenevanfoundation.com/time-line-of-key-events-in-the-life-of-john-calvin/.
- "John Calvin." Calvin University. Accessed July 31, 2024. https://calvin.edu/about/history/john-calvin.html.
- "John Calvin." Christianity Today. Accessed July 31, 2024. https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/theologians/john-calvin.html.
- "John Calvin." Biography. Accessed July 31, 2024. https://www.biography.com/religious-figures/john-calvin.
- Durant, Will. The Reformation: A History of European Civilization from Wyclif to Calvin: 1300-1564. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1957.
We look forward to seeing you again Friday!
Send us a Text Message.
This week we wrap up our story of the Samaritan woman and the fallout of the conversation. While we have much more to read in John 4, the events at Samaria have reached their conclusion. Here in the conclusion, we see some essential truths that we must remember when we share the Gospel or our testimony with others.
This week we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- John 4:39-42
- John 4:29
- John 4:30
- John 6:37-40
- John 17:8-10
- John 17:20, 21
- Acts 13:48
- 1 Peter 3:15
- John 6:68, 69
- Matthew 26:41
- Romans 12:1, 2
We look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for the Imitator's series episode!
Send us a Text Message.
As we continue through John chapter four, we come across the disciples' reaction to the Samaritan woman. Instead of asking the right question, they become focused on the wrong things. On top of that, Jesus tells them that he has a secret food that they do not know about. What is this special food that Jesus has and what is that he tells them afterward that has such an important lesson for us?
In this week's episode, we will read the following Scripture:
- John 4:31-38
- John 4:27
- Exodus 16:1-9
- Deuteronomy 8:2-6
- Matthew 4:1-4
- Matthew 10:29-31
- Matthew 7:7-11
- Matthew 9:36-38
- Matthew 13:2-9
- Matthew 28:18-20
- 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a Text Message.
IN MEMORY OF JESSE
What happened after Jesus talked to the Samaritan woman? In this week's episode, we will take a look at the response of the Samaritan woman, the disciples, and the people in the Samaritan town. Each one of them has a very different response to what Jesus has just said and done. However, among all of them, the Samaritan woman does something very special that we could learn from.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 4:27-30
- Matthew 8:10
- Matthew 8:27
- Luke 11:14
- Acts 4:13
- Matthew 18:21-35
- Matthew 6:12-15
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a Text Message.
IN MEMORY OF JESSE
In John chapter 4, an important conversation occurs. Jesus has a divine appointment with a social outcast whose sin has caused a mess in her life. She is at the lowest point of her life. Yet, Jesus goes out of his way, in the scorching heat and breaking cultural norms to get to her. One of his sheep had gone astray, and so Jesus leaps into action.
This week we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- John 4:1-26
- Luke 15:4-7
- John 10:10
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a Text Message.
As we conclude John 3, we shift our focus from Jesus and the disciples to John the Baptist and his followers. A conversation emerges between the Baptizer and his followers about Jesus and John's purpose. While all this is happening, new life is being brought forth, people are being baptized, and God is at work. We will see all about God's workings, and John the Baptist's response to his jealous followers.
This week we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- John 3:22-36
- John 4:2
- Matthew 7:7-11
- 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a Text Message.
For the Imitators series this week, we look at the life of a rather obscure, unknown figure who had inspired people in the time he lived and centuries later to continue in the faith despite intense persecution. Demetrius of Thessaloniki (aka Demetrios of Thessalonica) was a third and fourth-century Christian martyr. His life was one of great wealth, fame, and power. Yet, that meant little compared to the faith that he had in Christ - a faith that would get him killed by the authorities. The story of Demetrius is one of faith, encouragement, and determination to preach the Gospel no matter the cost.
This week, we utilize the following sources:
Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki - The Orthodox Path
1st Thessalonians: Background and Circumstances - Understanding (typepad.com)
"Life of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki: A Complete Biography (findasaint.com)
ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY THEN AND NOW: Saint Nestor the Martyr of Thessaloniki (johnsanidopoulos.com)
Saint Nestor the Martyr of Thessaloniki - Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East (antiochpatriarchate.org)
We look forward to seeing you again on Friday!
Send us a Text Message.
John 3:16 is one of the most famous verses in the whole world. Almost everyone has heard or read these verses at some point. But how many times have we stopped actually to see what John 3:16 has to say? Have we read it in context? As with the rest of Scripture, we must do so. In today's episode, we will break the entire conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus down and see what Jesus tells Nicodemus (and by default us) about the story of Salvation.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 3:1-21
- Hebrews 13:6
- Psalm 56:11
- Psalm 118:5-8
- Luke 23:36-43
- Romans 3:23-30
- Romans 5:1,2
- Romans 9:30-33
- Acts 15:8,9
- Galatians 2:16
- Colossians 2:12-14
- Mark 16:16
- Numbers 21:4-9
- Romans 8:38, 39
- 2 Peter 3:9,10
- Romans 8:1,2
- Proverbs 28:13
- 1 John 1:9, 10
- John 4:29, 30
- John 4:39
We look forward to seeing you again next Wednesday for our next Imitators episode!
Send us a Text Message.
As we wrap up John 2, a haunting truth comes to light: While Jesus works wonders and performs miracles, he doesn't entrust himself to those who believe in him because of the signs and marvels they witnessed. Why? Because he knows the human heart! Through our verses today, we explore the reasons behind Jesus' miracles and their revelation of God's glory and humanity's fallen nature. These verses force us to reflect on the state of our hearts and the urgent need for God's renewal.
This week we read from the following Scripture:
- John 2:23-25
- Exodus 7:3-5
- John 9:1-3
- John 11:4
- John 3:19
- Matthew 7:21-23
- Matthew 6:19-23
We also use the following resources:
Dangerous Miracles - Desiring God
As we get ready to start chapter three next week, let's remember Jesus' deep understanding of humanity and His redemptive mission. These points are important to remember before delving into the world's most famous verses next time.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a Text Message.
We get mad. Everyone does it. Some even go as far as to say, "Well, Jesus got mad so it's okay." But is that really a Biblical statement? When we understand why Jesus got mad and what he said in some of his most heated moments, we realize very quickly that Jesus is not like us when it comes to anger. On top of that, as we will explore today, Jesus told us about what signs and wonders we can expect to see as believers.
This week we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- John 2:13-22
- Ephesians 4:26, 27
- Ephesians 4:29
- Psalm 4:3-5
- Matthew 12:38-42
- John 20:24-29
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Send us a Text Message.
This week, I am thrilled to have our seventh special guest as we dive into the subject of Christian dating—Ms. Gabryella. Not only is she a devoted listener and a dedicated follower of Christ, but she's also my fiancée! I am incredibly fortunate and overjoyed to have her join us to explore this significant topic. Her presence is a tremendous blessing in my life, and I'm confident that the Biblical wisdom she brings will be an immense blessing to all of you as well. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God above all else, assuring us that everything else will align accordingly if we just do that. Additionally, she advocates for and reinforces the need to love God and each other, in exactly that order.
In our modern society, many young people, including teenagers and young adults, often face challenges when it comes to navigating the complexities of dating and relationships. How are we to navigate this as Christians, especially when the culture is telling us one thing and the Bible tells us another? It is our sincere hope and prayer that through this episode, we can offer valuable insight and provide essential spiritual guidance to help you prioritize seeking God first in both your life and your relationships.
We look forward to seeing you again next week as we continue our study in the Gospel of John!
Send us a Text Message.
Elisabeth Elliot and her first husband, Jim Elliot were missionaries in Ecuador during the 1950s. Tragically, Jim would be killed by the very tribe that he was trying to bring the Gospel of Christ to. Shortly after, Elisabeth learned the language and culture of the Waodani people and brought the Gospel to the same people who had brutally killed her husband and left their 10-month old daughter with a father. The story of Elisabeth is an inspiring story of faith, forgiveness and ultimate strength in suffering.
In this week's episode we utilize the following sources:
Timeline of Elisabeth Elliot's Life
9 Things you should know
About Elisabeth Elliot
Inspirational Christians
Christian Hall of Fame
Ligonier Ministries Message
We look forward to seeing you again on Friday!
Send us a Text Message.
As we open the pages to the next chapter of John, we begin to see one of the biggest moments in all of Jesus' life unfold. Yet, while we may have read about the miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana many times, there is often something that we can neglect when reading through quickly. As we dive through Scripture today, let us pay close attention to things mentioned and things not mentioned.
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 2:1-12
- Ruth 4
- Revelation 19:6-9
- Revelation 21:1-5
- Ephesians 5:24-33
We look forward to seeing you again next Wednesday for our next Imitators series!
Send us a Text Message.
This week, we're wrapping up chapter one of the Gospel of John. These final verses are packed with significant events, including Jesus calling his first five disciples and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. We'll take a close look at each verse to grasp the depth of these occurrences fully. As we delve into these verses, one thought lingers - what are you seeking?
This week we will be reading the following verses:
- John 1:35-51
- 1 Peter 2:9-11
- Philippians 3:20,21
- Psalm 139
- Genesis 28:10-19
Oh and by the way - We are now on Youtube! Go check us out using this link: The Isaiah 43 Podcast
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Before Jesus does anything in his earthly ministry, he is baptized by John the Baptist. After emerging from the waters, God the Father declares, "This is my son, with whom I am well pleased." But what did Jesus do that made God pleased with him? What can we do, then, to make God be pleased with us? In today's episode, we'll explore these things. These may be verses that we have heard often through various forms of media, but do we understand what they mean? Do we understand the implication of these verses and what it means for our understanding of grace?
In today's episode, we'll explore the Father's pleasure with the Son through the following verses:
- John 1:29-34
- Leviticus 4:32-35
- Hebrews 10:1-14
- Matthew 3:13-17
- 1 John 5:9-15
- Ephesians 1:3-10
- Colossians 1:9-23
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
As we continue through chapter one of the Gospel according to John, we come across two interesting things. First, why is it that the Jews ask if John the Baptist is Elijah? And second, why does John say that he is not Elijah and in other parts of Scripture, Jesus says that John the Baptist was Elijah? Is this is an apparent sign that some prophecies were added later and they happened to miss this one? Or is it a sign that Scripture contradicts itself and is not trustworthy? This week, we will explore John the Baptist's fulfillment of prophetic Scriptures and his role in heralding the coming messiah. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
This week we will be reading the following Scripture:
- John 1:19-28
- Malachi 4:5,6
- 2 Kings 2:1-11
- Luke 1:5-17
- Matthew 11:13-15
- Matthew 17:10-13
- Isaiah 40:3-5
- 2 Peter 1:16-21
- 1 John 1:1-4
We also utilize the following sources:
Why I believe the Bible - Voddie Baucham
Who was Elijah...
Was John the Baptist Elijah?
The CSB Apologetics Study Bible
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
In our fourth week of studying the Gospel of John, we wrap up the prologue. This week John tells us why the Gospel is important, what means to us today, and why we should care about it. We may not realize it but John reveals an essential point in these verses. He tells us how Jesus Christ saves. He tells us what it is that Christ gives us. Although John doesn't give us a whole lot of the details on that matter just yet, he does tell us enough to know how we can be made right with God. John wastes no time telling us that the only way we are saved, the only way we are made right before God is by faith in Christ. Nothing else is contributed, nor done to earn justification.
This week we will read from the following verses:
- John 1:14-18
- John 20:3-9
- Hebrews 10:1-4
- Hebrews 10:5-14
- Isaiah 64:6,7
- James 2:18-26
- Ephesians 2:1-9
- Romans 4:13-17
- Acts 16:25-31
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Charles Spurgeon is a name that has echoed through the ages, and many recognize his name. Spurgeon's life provides an exceptional example for us today of what our Christian lives should look like. This great preacher's unyielding belief was that the Gospel of Christ should be active in the world, and he lived his life to ensure it was so. The life of Charles Haddon Spurgeon is precisely what the Imitator series aims to do - to look through the man and focus on Christ. Today, we invite you to join us as we delve into the life of one of the greatest preachers, evangelists, and theologians to have ever lived and learn from his example of faith, love, and devotion.
In today's episode, we utilize the following sources:
The Spurgeon Library
What Spurgeon sounded like
Biography of Spurgeon
Facts about C.H. Spurgeon - Spurgeon Archives
Charles Spurgeon, "A Defense of Calvinism" (this book can often be found on Amazon for a dollar or less)
The Love of Susannah and Charles Spurgeon
We look forward to seeing you again on Friday!
Throughout his message, John has consistently emphasized the theme of light, and in our particular passage for today, he further emphasizes that Christ is the true light of the world. As we delve into the verses from one to eight, we see how John repeatedly refers to Christ as the light. For example, in verse five, John states, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John emphasizes that despite the darkness in the world, the light of Christ cannot be extinguished. As we examine John's message further, we can see the significance of the word "light" and how it represents Christ. Today, we will explore this further and gain a deeper understanding of John's message.
We will be reading from the following Scripture today:
- John 1:9-13
- John 1:1-5
- John 10:10
- Ephesians 1:3-5
- Galatians 4:4-7
We look forward to seeing you again next Wednesday for the next episode of The Imitators Series!
This is part two in this new series as we begin going through the book of John to see what the inspired Word of God reveals to us about the life, ministry, and death of our Savior. The Gospel of John is full of deep insights into the life of Jesus Christ. It reveals to us, in some ways, a deeper understanding of the character of Christ than, perhaps some of the other Gospels do. At times, the Gospel of John also reveals a more theological understanding of Christ. John was particularly close with Christ during his earthly ministry. Because of this, the Gospel account that John writes records is very revealing, informative and impactful in understanding the God we serve and worship. Throughout this study, allow your hearts to really soak in what is written and what we can learn about our Lord Jesus Christ.
With that said, today we will be studying the character of John the Baptist. John the Baptist appears in all four Gospel accounts so, it seems like he is a pretty important figure. But who was John the Baptist? What does the Gospel of John say about him? And is there anything that we can learn from John the Baptist or was he just the guy who prepared the way? Join us today as we answer all of those questions and more!
This week we will be reading:
- John 1:6-8
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
This week is the beginning of our expository exploration of the life of Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of John! This is part one in this new series as we begin going through the book of John to see what the inspired Word of God reveals to us about the life, ministry, and death of our Savior.
Today we will be reading John 1:1-5 in the ESV or English Standard Version.
Happy Easter/Resurrection Sunday!
In this very important episode today, we talk about "What is Saving Faith?" with our special guests, Mr. Josh and Mr. Jason. They highlight important information that we need to know about saving faith especially as we reflect on the importance and significance of the resurrection of Christ 2,000 years ago. We also reflect on sin, particularly habitual sin, and whether or not that means a believer is not truly saved.
This is our final session with these special guests, and once again I just want to thank them for coming on, teaching us, and sharing the life-changing news of the Gospel with us. They have been a great blessing to me and I hope that they have been a great blessing to you, as well. They have taught us the truth directly from the Bible and made it helpful with the assistance of the London Baptist Confession of 1689. We are extremely grateful for the wisdom, compassion, and love that they have shared with us.
We also thank you for tuning in with us each day this weekend as we continue our conversations about the Gospel, the Law, and saving faith. This show would not be possible without you.
But more importantly, we thank our God and Father for sending us Christ to die on our behalf. Praise be to God for His wonderful work!
We look forward to seeing you again next Wednesday for episode three of the Imitators series!
In this special edition for Easter Weekend, we continue our discussion with our fifth and sixth special guests: Mr. Josh and Mr. Jason. Their motto is summed up in 2 Corinthians 4:5, "For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord..." I am very thankful, not only for their time with us here on the show but for all that they do to help me and so many others grow in Christ. Yesterday, we began the discussion with "What is the Gospel?" and so now, we continue to another very important aspect of understanding the Gospel, which is the Law. We have to understand what it means and if any of it still matters to this day. In the last few minutes, we discuss whether or not Confessions and Catcheisms are important (and if they are to Scripture).
This is part two of three, so we look forward to seeing you again tomorrow for Easter Sunday/ Resurrection Sunday. Be sure to tune in again tomorrow for Part Three!
This week we welcome our fifth and sixth special guests: Mr. Josh and Mr. Jason. Both are faithful pastors and leaders in their church and are dedicated to preaching Christ and Christ alone. They exemplify the words of the Apostle Paul when he writes in 2 Corinthians 4:5, "For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord..." These men have been greatly influential to me and continue to take me under their wing in mentorship. I am very thankful, not only for their time with us here on the show but for all that they do to help me and so many others grow in Christ.
Today, we begin our special three-day Easter Weekend by asking, "What is the Gospel?" It may seem like a simple question, but truly there is so much that we can learn.
Be sure to tune in again tomorrow for Part 2!
Many people have heard of the evangelist Billy Graham. Graham had a minister that lasted for over sixty years and spanned across countless countries and continents. The impact of Billy Graham in bringing people to understand God's love for them is innumerable. It is estimated millions, if not billions, came to place their faith and trust in Christ because of this one man. Yet, how many of us know who he was, what he believed, and how he lived? Today we will explore the life and ministry of Billy Graham.
For me, Billy Graham was one of the first pastors I listened to regularly after becoming a Christian. Graham's sermons deeply spoke to the new heart that God had given me. I'm not the only one either. From his first sermon to his last, Billy Graham spoke to the sinner and saint alike with a fiery passion for all to come to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
In today's episode, we utilize the following sources:
Billy Graham Biography
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association UK
William (Billy) Franklin Graham, Jr. - BGEA Profile
Billy Graham and Ronald Reagan
Billy Graham and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Billy Graham Library
The Preacher and the Presidents: Billy Graham in the White House by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy.
And special thanks to the Billy Graham Evangelical Association for providing the video for Billy Graham's Final Sermon, which can be found here.
This week is interesting. Next week we will have our next special guests. The week after that, we start going through the Gospel of John. So, this week we had a listener submit a question that we are going to go over. But truthfully, after talking with this listener, it would be best to extend their original question to a much larger, more generalized one. How should our worship of God be? When we go to church and praise the LORD, should we just sing old hymns, should we only sing modern contemporary Christian music, or should we be using instruments at all?
But more than that, during church services, should be so quote-unquote moved by the spirit to be casting out demons and moving in involuntary ways? So, to sum it all up – what should our worship of God look like according to Scripture?
What is the truth? Can we know if anything is true? Where would we find something that answers these questions and any others we may have on the truth? In today's episode we will journey down whatever path we must take to get the answer to our question - What is truth?
Our journey to discover the truth will take us all over the place. From the Webster Dictionary to the pages of Scripture. In today's episode, we will read the following Scripture:
- John 18:33-38
- John 8:31,32
- John 14:6,7
- John 10:29-38
- John 17:16-19
- John 1:1-14
- Ephesians 4:15
- Hebrews 10:26,27
We also use the following sources:
What Does it Mean to Say That God Is Truth? (billygraham.org)
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
We have all been hurt. We've been betrayed and deeply wounded by someone in our lives. We have had a deep pain from what that person has done to us. It may have taken time for us to move on. Maybe it took us a long time to forgive someone, but what do we do after that? Do I have to be friends with them? Can I just ignore them? What is Biblical for us? If you have ever wondered about this, join us today as we tackle a topic that pulls on our hearts. It is not easy. It's not what we want to do or hear, but God tells us what we are to do very clearly so we need to obey.
In today's episode, we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- Matthew 18:21-35
- Matthew 6:14,15
- Matthew 10:16
- John 8:2-11
If there is a topic you would like to see or learn more about then feel free to email us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com ! Do it fast, as next month we begin our study through the Gospel of John!
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
This week's topic has a lot of ties to a topic that has been circulating a lot recently in the news. It is a topic that has slowly encroached its way into the national conversation but we need to know about it. It is a conversation that has been present in American Life for quite some time but only recently has it taken on a new name. This week we will be discussing the separation of Church and State or as it has recently become known - “Christian Nationalism”.
The Bible knows little about the separation of church and state. It makes it clear that we are to base our laws and rules on that of the Bible. This really was not a controversial matter until the last forty to fifty years. Christians since the beginning of the church knew that the best way for a nation to prosper was to be established on Godly principles.
We have been experiencing technical difficulties lately with our editing software. These are measures beyond our control. We hope to have them resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.If there is a topic you would like to see in the future, please reach out to us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you next Friday!
For some politicians, their "religion" is just a ploy to win voters and nothing more. Yet, Ronald Reagan was different. Reagan believed in the Gospel and shared it whenever he could. It was his deeply held convictions about God that led him through life. There was seldom when Reagan did not mention God or Jesus in some way. The fortieth president may be a controversial figure to some, and regardless of politics, we are here to view what we can learn from the life of the former president. We see that the Bible guided Reagan through all of his trials and victories. Some historians even argue that Reagan was the most devout president that the United States has ever had. For Reagan, his faith was far more than a ploy to get votes - it was his promise from his creator and Savior that one day he would have everlasting life if he had faith.
Welcome to the second episode of the Imitators series. In this series, we echo the apostle Paul's writings in 1 Corinthians 11:1 as we look to those who have imitated Christ, so we can imitate them while imitating Christ ourselves. We will examine the lives of great Christians throughout history. Each episode is released on the last Wednesday of the month.
To conduct this episode, we used the following sources:
Brown, Mary Beth. The Faith of Ronald Reagan. United States: Thomas Nelson, 2011.
Kengor, Paul. God and Ronald Reagan: A Spiritual Life. United States: HarperCollins, 2009.
Shirley, Craig. Reagan's Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All. United States: Thomas Nelson, 2010.
Shirley, Craig. Rendezvous with Destiny: Ronald Reagan and the Campaign That Changed America. United States: Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ORD), 2014.
Reagan at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention
"A Time for Choosing" Speech
1980 Republican National Convention Acceptance Speech
1982 Radio Address on Prayer
1983 Radio Address on Easter
Alzheimer's Letter (Provided by the Reagan Library)
Reading the Old Testament can sometimes be challenging. It may make us want to skim through and not pay attention to what is said, especially when it seems to "bog us down". The book of Leviticus could certainly be one of those books. Yet, since it is God's truth there is always something for us to pull out. In this week's episode, we examine Leviticus 10 and see how it applies to the priesthood of ancient Israel and us as modern-day believers. This is an episode you will not want to miss!
This week we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- Leviticus 10:10,11
- Ezekiel 44:23
- Leviticus 10:9
- 1 Peter 2:9-12
- Matthew 28:18-20
- Ezekiel 36:25-27
If there is a topic you would like to see or learn more about, please feel free to email us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com ! Comments, feedback, and prayer requests are appreciated as well.
We look forward to seeing you again on Wednesday for the second episode of the Imitators series!
Happiness is at the forefront of everyone's mind in today's world. We are told that we are to do what makes us happy. We are to be with whoever makes us happy. That's all we want in life. We just want happiness. Sometimes that means that we twist God's character and claim that whatever we do is justified because, after all, God just wants us to be happy too. Scripture teaches us that the truth is much different. Today, we will dive into what Jesus had to say about our happiness and see how God wants us to be happy.
In this week's episode, we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- Matthew 16:24-27
If there is a topic you would like to see or learn more about, please email us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Throughout the Gospels, people come so close to faithfully following Jesus. They come so close to repenting and believing, but the sad reality is that they stop before they can make it all the way. They can say all the right things, but they turn back when the rubber hits the road. It's too hard. It's too challenging. It just might ask you to give up something you don't want to, but that's what Jesus calls us to do. In today's episode, we will examine instances in the Gospels when people came so close but didn't go. Let today be a reminder that we can be just like those people we read about and if we are not careful and mindful then we, too, will come so close...
In today's episode, we will read the following Scripture:
- John 3:1-22
- John 7:40-52
- John 19:38-42
- John 6:47-69
- Matthew 19:16-22
- Luke 10:29
- Mark 14:66-72
If there is a topic you would like to see or learn more about, feel free to reach out to our email: isaiah43podcast@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
So many people are searching for their purpose in life. I will never forget someone once told me that they didn't know what their purpose was in life and they needed to find that. Yet, Scripture reveals to us two things: That our purpose in life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, and that Jesus came with a burdensome purpose. We learn very quickly that when Jesus came, he came with purpose. While his purpose may have been glorious, it was also a heavy, and tough purpose that he bore. In similar ways to bring about glory to God in our life then we will also face a tough and heavy burden.
This week we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- Isaiah 53
- John 17:1-5
- Philippians 2:6-11
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
The early 20th century marked the beginning of an age that turned away from the morality and faith that had defined previous generations. By the mid-1940s, the world had been darkened by two world wars, and experienced mass genocide on a level never before conceived and was on the edge of a mutually assured destruction. Yet during this time one of, perhaps the, greatest Christian apologists, Clives Staple Lewis better known as C.S. Lewis or Jack to his friends, was a shining example of someone completely taken over by Christ. His Works continue to influence countless theologians to this very day. It's hard to discount CS Lewis's impact in the decades since his death. But what is more insightful is his spiritual journey, which began with devout atheism and transformed into the definitive Christian apologist of the twentieth century.
Welcome to the first episode of the new series: The Imitator Series. In this series, we echo the apostle Paul's sentiments in 1 Corinthians 11:1 as we look to those who have imitated Christ, so we can imitate them while imitating Christ ourselves. We will examine the lives of great Christians throughout history. Each episode will be released on the last Wednesday of each month.
To conduct this episode, we used the following sources:
C.S. Lewis death: What were his last words, writing? - Deseret News
Timeline – The Tolkien Society
C.S. Lewis Timeline
Who is C.S. Lewis?
C.S. Lewis: A Profile in History
C.S. Lewis and Jacksie
C.S. Lewis' Service and Faith
In 1917, Lucia Dos Santos and her two cousins, Francisco and Jacinta, went out to a nearby field to watch their sheep and enjoy lunch. They noticed a nearby lightning strike and immediately turned to head back home. Before they made any progress, they were stopped by a lady radiating an intense bright light. This lady claimed to be the lady of the Rosary - the virgin Mary. What happened next would create a controversy lasting decades, and according to some historians, would shape the future of the twentieth century.
Join us today as we walk you through the events of the supposed miracle at Fatima. We will examine the event through the lens of Biblical Scripture and analysis. Additionally, we look at the historical accounts and records surrounding the event to see what took place in those fateful months.
This week we use the following Scripture to shed some light on this investigation:
- Deuteronomy 13:1-5
- John 14:6
- Acts 16:31
- Romans 10:9
- John 5:39,40
- Revelation 13:11-15
- 2 Corinthians 11:14,15
Additionally, we cite the following sources (in no particular order) as instrumental tools in conducting our research:
- Kengor, Paul. A Pope and a President: John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, and the Extraordinary Untold Story of the 20th Century. United States: Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ORD), 2017.
- Stewart, David J. "The Hoax of Our Lady of Fatima".
- Hays, Steve. "The Miracle of the Sun". Triablogue: "The miracle of the sun"
- Beale, G. K.. The Book of Revelation. United States: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2013.
- Jaki, Stanley L.. God and the Sun at Fatima. United States: Real View Books, 1999.
- Fatima: The Facts | The Fatima Center
If there is a topic you would like to see or learn more about, feel free to reach out to our email: isaiah43podcast@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you again, next Wednesday for our first episode of "The Imitators Series" and once again next Friday for another episode of the Isaiah 43 podcast!
The Isaiah 43 Podcast has made it to one year's worth of episodes! We are so thankful and blessed that the LORD has blessed this podcast in the way that He has and all of the great support we have been given. In today's episode, we have a few announcements for you.
We look forward to all of these projects that we are sharing with you and overall, we hope and pray that the LORD will continue to share His blessing with us throughout another year.
Since this is a celebration of one year, we revisit the topic of our very first episode together: Isaiah 43:1Remember, if there is a topic you would like to see or have us discuss then feel free to email us at Isaiah43podcast@gmail.com !As promised in this episode, we will begin to share our sources so all we have for today's episode are
- The Ancient Modern Bible NKJV
- The Reformation Study Bible ESV
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
**In the early 1960s, Father Pellegrino Ernetti and theologian Francois Brune rode together in a small gondola in the waterways of Venice, Italy. Since they had a long ride ahead, the two men began chatting. They discussed their love of ancient languages, history, and sciences, before discussing the Bible. During this conversation, Ernetti said, “There’s nothing to interpret. It’s possible to see what actually happened, to see the truth with your own eyes.” Ernetti goes on to explain that during the 1950s, he had worked alongside Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Enrico Fermi and former Nazi rocket scientist, Warner Von Braun to develop the Chronovisor. This device received signals of light and sounds through various wavelengths and allowed the viewers to witness events in the past, including the crucifixion of Christ.
Now, initially, we hear this story and become excited. We think, "At long last! A time machine has finally been invented!" Yet, in this week's episode of the Isaiah 43 podcast, we dive into the claims made in this story. We see if the Holy Scriptures allow for time travel to be an invention that could co-exist with God's sovereignty. We will also examine examples of so-called time travel within the pages of the Bible. Join us today as we go on one of the wildest, most exciting episodes of the podcast!
In today's episode, we will read from the following Scripture:**
- Ephesians 1:3-12
- Genesis 50:19-21
- Genesis 21:1-7
- Daniel 7:13-27
- Revelation 22:1-13
- Psalm 90:12
We will also examine the following sources to properly research and understand this time travel mystery.Institute for Creation Research ArticleDoes the Bible say anything about the possibility of time travel?Historical study of the ChronovisorThe Why Files Episode on the Chronovisor
The Catholic Church's (misinterpreted) Decretum de sacramenti Paenitentiae dignitate tuenda We look forward to seeing you again next Friday for our one year anniversary!
In the new year, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, will come up with New Year's resolutions. Some resolutions will involve more exercise, dieting, less time on social media, etc. However, most people will set out to become better people. They will set out to change their ways. Yet, the Bible teaches us that people can not change in, or of themselves. God must supernaturally change them. Today we will explore what this means. We will see that God can change the worst of the worst and so, He can save you too.
We will be reading from the following Scripture:
- Acts 7:54-60
- Acts 8:1-3
- Acts 9:1-22
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Should you be further interested in the people we learn about in today's episode, check out the links below:
Thomas Tarrant's Testimony
Joshua Milton Blahyi (General Butt Naked)'s Testimony
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
For our final guest and final episode of 2023. we welcome a fun and insightful special guest - Mr. George. We talked about a wide variety of topics this time around, ranging from the Book of Enoch, forgiveness, death, the modern church, and the Book of Revelation; and we had an enjoyable time. Mr. George has a unique and interesting perspective on many things, which is why I wanted to have him on this week.
I want to thank my good friend, Mr. George, for joining us to discuss everything we did. I always learn a lot and see a different perspective on things when talking with him, so I hope that you will be able to do the same throughout this episode. We may not agree on everything, but we can always think about things in a different light or learn something from one another!
We look forward to seeing you again on the first Friday of 2024!
Christmas time is upon us and as we gather together to celebrate the holiday, we reflect on the purpose of the season. We will so often hear "Jesus is the reason for the season", but we have a few questions that we have to ask if we are going to believe that. In today's episode we will dive into four guiding questions:
- Do miracles happen?
- Did the virgin birth happen?
- Is Jesus God incarnate?
- Are the Gosepels reliable?
In order for us to know if the Christmas story is accurate, we have to ask these questions and allow it to guide us in the episode. If the answer to these questions are yes, then the Christmas story is accurate and true.
We will be reading from the following Scriptures:
- Isaiah 7:14
- Genesis 21:1-7
- Exodus 14:21-31
- Joshua 10:12-15
- 1 Kings 17:12-16
- Matthew 1:18-25
- Luke 1:26-38
- Luke 2:1-20
- John 1:1-18
- John 8:53-58
- John 10:30-39
Since this is an Apologetics week, we will also look at the writings and research of great apologists, historians, theologians, and pastors. In today's episode, we will look at the works of C.S. Lewis, Lee Strobel, R.C. Sproul, Josh and Sean McDowell, and lastly, Charles Spurgeon.
Additionally, we utilize the following sources:
The day the sun stood still
A list of miracles in the Old Testament
We hope all of you have a very merry Christmas.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday for the final episode and special guest of 2023.
For this Bible study week, we take on a subject requested by a friend of mine - Mrs. Lisa. She requested this topic some time ago and after being long overdue, we finally got here. The question is, "Can a spouse/parent who is a believer sanctify the family, especially if the other spouse/parent is an unbeliever?" We begin to dive into this today and explore whether or not this can happen. There are some other topics that we will touch on as we dive through this lesson because this Scripture just connects us to so much, but regardless the main focus will be on whether or not a believer can sanctify their family.
...And in case you don't know what sanctify means: Don't worry. We'll explain that too!
This week, our Scripture reading comes from:
- 1 Corinthians 7:12-17
We will also be quoting John MacArthur in his article on the Grace To You website, which can be found here:
"A Sanctified Spouse" - John MacArthur
This week's episode is dedicated to Mrs. Lisa and her husband, Mr. Bill.This week's topic was submitted by our listeners, so if there is a topic you would like to discuss or learn more about then feel free to email us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com!
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
The Book of Enoch has fascinated theologians, scholars, and ordinary citizens for hundreds of years. It has been called many things throughout its existence. Some know about it, while others have never heard of it. Yet, the most shocking thing about is that it is quoted in the New Testament book of Jude. So, then the question that we must ask is - "Does that make it canonical? Does that make the entire book a book inspired by God?" In this week's episode, we examine the Book of Enoch and see what is contained within its pages. We will also study the history of the book before concluding whether or not the book should be included with the rest of the Holy Scripture found within the pages of the Bible.
Throughout this week's episode, we will read the following Scripture:
- Genesis 5: 18-24
- Hebrews 11: 5
- Jude 1: 14, 15
We will also read the following portions from the Book of Enoch:
- 1 Enoch 5: 4-9
- 1 Enoch 1: 8, 9
Lastly, we will examine what academic theologians have had to say about the book of Enoch and its canonical status. This includes Associate Dean Thomas R. Schreiner and Daniel Isaiah Joseph from Christianity FAQ with his article titled, "7 Reasons Historic Christianity Rejects the Book of Enoch".
This episode is dedicated to Mr. George and his family.If there is a topic you would like to discuss or learn more about, feel free to email us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com!
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
In this Bible study week, we examine what it means to be dead in sin. We hear this expression a lot, but do we know what it means? Do we understand that it means that we are dead towards God because we love our sin or do we simply think that it's an expression that Christians use? The apostle Paul makes it very clear within the pages of the Book of Romans that being dead in sin is a very serious thing that ultimately leads to nothing more than death. Join us as we dive into the pages of Holy Scripture to see just what this means, and just what it means for us as believers.
In this week's episode, we will be reading from the following Scripture:
- Romans 6: 1-23
- Romans 7: 1-25
- Romans 8: 1- 39
If there is a topic you would like to discuss or learn more about, please feel free to email us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com!
Also, if you feel led to do so then please consider leaving a five star review or sharing the podcast! That will really help out the show!
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Artificial Intelligence has been a hot topic in the world. People are asking so many questions about how AI will change the world. Christians have equally been asking the same kinds of questions. How should Christians respond to AI? Can Christians use AI? How could AI influence sermons and Bible studies? Join us today as we dive into this topic and answer how Christians should respond to the questions presented by AI.
If today's topic interests you or there is a topic you want to learn more about, please feel free to reach out to us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com
In this Bible study week, we tackle two questions that are closely connected: What is God's will for my life? And how do I know God is speaking to me and it's not just my own thoughts? These are questions that so many ask themselves on a daily basis. It is a good thing that we are asking ourselves these things. It shows that we are desiring to live out our lives according to what God has decreed. Yet, sometimes it can be challenging to navigate these questions without some help. As always the best answer to our questions in life can be found in God's Holy Scripture.
As we break down these questions, we will look at various Scripture passages. In order of their appearance in the episode, they are:
- 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
- 1 Peter 2:15
- Romans 12:1,2
- 1 Corinthians 2:9-16
- John 3:30
- James 4:7-10
- Psalm 27:1
- Psalm 119:105
- 1 John 1:7
- Hebrews 10:23-25
- 2 Corinthians 13:5
If there is a topic you would like to see or learn more about, feel free to reach out to our email: isaiah43podcast@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
First introduced to the world in 1938 in Action Comics #1, Superman has historically stood for "Truth, Justice, and the American way!" Then, in 2021, DC Comics changed the iconic catchphrase to "Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow." This change may have been controversial, but the controversial change is not the topic of today's episode. While we will be sticking to discussing the current catchphrase for this episode's sake, we will ask: How does the Bible define truth, justice, and a better tomorrow?
Join us as we dive through the following passages of Scripture in today's episode:
- Isaiah 65:16
- John 1:1-17
- John 14:6
- John 10:35
- John 17:17-19
- Deuteronomy 32:3, 4
- Isaiah 40:13, 14
- Psalm 33:5
- 2 Chronicles 19:7
- Romans 9:14, 15
- Matthew 6:25-34
- Philippians 4:6, 7
- Jeremiah 29:11-13
- Isaiah 41:10
- Proverbs 3: 5, 6
If there is a topic you would like to see or learn more about, feel free to email us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
All rights reserved to DC Comics and respected companies. The usage of The Adventures of Superman intro is for entertainment purposes only.
A question that many have asked throughout the years has been, "Should we be following the Levitical codes? Are there any that apply to us today?" In today's episode, we'll explore just that! The questions come from wanting to serve, honor, and glorify God, so it is a good question. In this episode, we'll break it all down so that you know why the Law was given to us, the different types of law and their purposes, and which is relevant today. Admittedly, this Bible study week has a bit of a different format than usual. Still, regardless, we hope this episode blesses you and clears up any confusion on the subject.
Our Scripture readings this week include:
- Exodus 19:5, 6
- Leviticus 19:1,2
- Exodus 20:1-17
- Hebrews 7:19
- Hebrews 10:1-33
- Galatians 3:24-28
If there is a topic you would like to see or learn more about, feel free to email us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Halloween comes around every October 31st. It is no surprise. Yet, what is surprising is that so many Christians continue to ask the question, "Should Christians celebrate Halloween?" There are differing opinions regarding Halloween among Christians. While some believe it is important not to celebrate them, others disagree. So, what is the correct Biblical understanding? When we look at history is there anything that could help reveal the answer to us? Is there anything wrong with dressing up any other day of the year? We will answer all of this and more in today's special episode.
Throughout the episode today, we will be reading from:
- Deuteronomy 18:9-14
- 1 Peter 5:8
- 1 Corinthians 10:23-31
We look forward to seeing you again this upcoming Friday as we jump into a new Bible study week!
In the aftermath of the recent horrific terror attacks on Israel, one weekly listener submitted a question - "Why would God allow these things to happen?" It's a profoundly challenging question. Why would God allow war, kidnappings, mass shootings, etc. in our world? This week, we have to wrestle with this reality. It is not an easy answer, but why would it be since the question itself is challenging? Join me today as we journey through God's Word and the advice of great pastors of the past to uncover an answer.
Our Scripture readings for this week include:
- Hebrews 12:3-17
- Isaiah 55:8,9
- Job 38 and 39
- Revelation 21:4
We will also be looking at the works of the late R.C. Sproul and John R.W. Stott.
If there is a topic you would like to see or learn more about, feel free to email us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
After having Mr. Abraham on during Week 36, questions began to arise from some listeners. "What is Calvinism? What is Arminianism? Which is the most Biblical? Are these different religions? Aren't you just following Calvin and not Christ?" While some of these were actual questions, others that have been listed are simply hypothetical. Nonetheless, all of these questions will be answered in this episode. We will briefly and quickly study the history behind the teachings, then we will dive into the primary Scripture support for each. We will also include them below.
Our Scripture readings for this week include:
- For Arminianism
- John 3:16,17
- Jeremiah 1:5
- 1 John 2:2
- Hebrews 3:15
- Galatians 5:4
- For Calvinism
- Ephesians 2:1-5
- Ephesians 1:4-10
- John 10:11-18
- John 3:3-8
- John 10:27-30
We look forward to seeing to seeing you again next Friday!
Simon Peter's dream, described in Acts 10 and 11, has been the center of controversy. While some have argued that the dream means that all foods have been made clean, others say that the Gentiles have been made "clean". So, which is it? And could it mean more than one thing? In today's episode, we will break down Acts 10 and discover which interpretation of the dream is the most Biblical, logical, and straightforward.
This week's Scripture readings include:
- Acts 10:9-48
- Acts 11:17, 18
- Mark 7:19
- Acts 15:23-29
You submitted this week's topic! So, if there is a topic you would like to see or learn more about go email us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com!
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Many pastors, priests, and theologians have tried to pinpoint certain attributes or characteristics of God. There are so many that could be found in Scripture that we can not possibly be limited to the ones in this podcast episode, yet I believe that when God speaks, we must listen. Therefore, God perfectly outlines His character and attributes in our Scripture readings today. We will examine the text and pull seven attributes of God as He speaks to Moses.
Our Scripture reading this week is taken from Exodus 34: 6, 7 from the ESV or English Standard Version
We have finally resolved our technical problem regarding the email. Now you may email us at isaiah43podcast@gmail.com for episode requests, general communication, and LORD willing, some new content that will be exclusive to those who email us!
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
We welcome our third special guest onto the show this week - Mr. Abraham! He joins us today as we examine Reformed theology, the importance of a proper understanding of Ephesians 1, and the doctrine of predestination In our discussion. we explore the sovereignty of God, why understanding Ephesians 1 is critical to a Christian's life, and what people with different viewpoints have to say about the passage. Predestination is difficult, but by examining it through the clarity of God's Word, we learn that it is crucial to understanding who God is.
I want to thank my good friend, Mr. Abraham, for joining us today to discuss this vital topic.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday as we begin a new Bible study week!
As we wrap up our discussion on sin for the month of September, we come to the ultimate question this Bible study week: What are modern-day idols? Many people automatically think of pagan temples and shrines such as those in Buddhism, Shintoism, Hinduism, or other similar religions. Yet, there is a vast and extensive idol worship that is happening today even in the lives of some Christian believers. We will journey through Scripture to see how God's Word defines an idol and how Christians should react to these modern-day idols that take us away from focusing on God.
Our Scripture readings for today's episode include:
- Luke 17:22-30
- Romans 1:18-27
- Colossians 3:5-10
- 1 John 5: 20, 21
PLEASE REMEMBER: There have been some technical difficulties with our previous email address. We are still working to resolve the problem. Thank you for your patience with us as we navigate through this situation. We hope that a solution will be available in the coming weeks.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday as we welcome on our third special guest!
Our study of sin continues this month, as this week we dive into the question, "Can a Christian drink alcohol? Is it a sin?" It is a question that many people have asked, whether with good intentions or bad. Yet, we will dive into it today and see what the Holy Scriptures say and then what apologists, pastors, and theologians say on the issue. Frankly, it is a complicated and complex issue. We will do our absolute best to navigate it through the lenses of God's holy, inspired, and inerrant word.
Our Scripture readings for today's episode include:
- Psalm 104: 14, 15
- Romans 14: 20-23
- 1 Corinthians 10: 23-33
- 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11
We will also be utilizing work from R.C. Sproul, John MacArthur, and Billy Graham in this episode to further understand whether this is an activity that Christians can engage in or if it is a sinful practice. It will also explore what aspect of drinking is sinful if there is a sinful element.
ONE LAST ANNOUNCEMENT: As stated in the episode, there have been some technical difficulties, and we can no longer access the email address we utilize for the podcast. There is something in the works, and LORD willing, we will have some other exciting news for you next week. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this issue.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
As we continue our study of sin and how a Christian should respond, we come to the question: What do we do after sinning? How should we respond? Sin is something that we have, will, and will continue to struggle with. This opens a lot of discussions where a lot of people may take different approaches. Yet, we will attempt to stay streamlined in our conversation. We must also discuss one thing: if Christ's blood covers us and our sins, then does that mean we can sin over and over again? Listen along as we dive into what the Holy Scriptures say.
There are three passages of Scripture that we will focus on during this study: Psalm 51 (ESV), Romans 3:23-26 (ESV), and Acts 3:19 (NLT).
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
This episode contains conversations about very mature topics. Parents and guardians are warned to exercise caution when allowing younger viewers to listen.We begin our monthly journey into the topic of sin with this apologetics week. In this episode, we explore the sin of sexual immorality. This sin has affected our lives far more than we may realize. It has pierced the church and the lives of those in it more than anyone wants to admit. We must face this struggle head-on. That is why we will discuss the topic this apologetics week and offer Biblical solutions to avoid giving in to sexual temptation.
-
We primarily focus on three Scripture passages for our readings this week. First, we read about Joseph's flee from temptation in Genesis 39. Second, we read about the writer of Proverbs observing the young man going somewhere he shouldn't in Proverbs 7. Lastly, we learn who will not inherit the Kingdom of God and what we must do to enter it in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Our study of the Reformed doctrine of T.U.L.I.P. comes to an end as we examine the final letter in the acrostic: P for Perseverance of the Saints. We will explore what theologians like R.C. Sproul and Charles H. Spurgeon have had to say about this teaching. From there, we will dive into common objections against the Perseverance of the Saints as well as the rebuttals to these objections through the works of people like Dr. James White and John MacArthur. Then, of course, none of this truly matters if we do not have the Scriptures to back up the claims made for the Reformed position, so naturally, we will move to what the Holy Scriptures have to say and how they support the teaching.
We hope you have enjoyed this bi-weekly study of the doctrine of T.U.L.I.P.! If you have then please let us know. You can contact us at theisaiah43podcast@gmail.com or leave your thoughts, opinions, and reviews on whatever streaming platform you use to listen to these episodes. It would help to create more episodes and future content you enjoy!
- We examine a lot of Scripture throughout today's episode. A list of the Scriptures that we read from will be provided in the order they are mentioned in the episode below:
- Isaiah 43:1-7
- Isaiah 54:10
- Jeremiah 32:37-41
- John 6:35-40
- John 10:24-30
- John 17:9-19
- Romans 8:35-39
- Ephesians 1:5-14
- Ephesians 4:30
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24
- Hebrews 9:12-15
- Hebrews 12:28
- 1 John 2:19-25
- Jude 1:1
- Jude 1: 24,25
- We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Recently there has been a lot of discussion surrounding aliens and UFOs. It has even reached the attention of the United States Congress with recent committee hearings on the subject matter. So, we must ask what the Bible has to say about UFOs, extraterrestrials, and life on other planets? Today's episode will examine what the Bible says about aliens and how a Christian should process this information.
-
We will be reading from several different verses from different translations to properly understand the context in which the word "alien" is used in the Bible. Our Bible verses include Isaiah 28:21, Exodus 18:2-3, Job 38:4-7, and ultimately Ephesians 6:12-13.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday when we wrap up our Bible study of T.U.L.I.P.
We continue our study of TULIP this week as we break down the I in the acrostic, which stands for Irresistible Grace. Irresistible Grace teaches that God’s chosen, repentant, faithful people will be irresistibly drawn to Him and His ways. God’s chosen people can’t help but be drawn to and trust Him, loving Him while hating Satan and their sins. This often-overlooked doctrine of Reformed theology is essential for us to understand and study, just like all other letters in the TULIP acrostic.
-
We have multiple Scripture readings for this episode.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday...when we discuss aliens!
In 1993, Haddaway released the famous song "What is Love?" Thirty years later, the world is still asking the same question when all along, the answer could have been found in God's word. This Apologetics week will dive into true, Biblical love and what it means for our lives. It will not be our typical style for apologetic weeks. Typically, we first look at what the Bible says and then dive into what apologists have to say. However, we will read solely from the Bible this week and break down the verses. We will see how God's love is true love and how that kind of love can be translated into our lives. Don't worry! When we return in two weeks for a Biblical investigation into aliens, we will follow our usual apologetic week formula.
-
This week's readings are taken from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
In this Bible study week, we continue our study of the Reformed doctrine of TULIP. We have been studying this topic over the last several Bible study weeks and breaking down what each letter in TULIP stands for. Previously we have explored the Total Depravity of mankind, the Unconditional Election of God's elect, and this week we explore the Limited Atonement of Christ. What is Limited Atonement? Does this imply that Christ's atoning death on the cross was somehow weak or ineffective? By no means! Using Scriptural and sound doctrine, follow along as we explain this important Biblical teaching.
-
We will be reading various Scripture throughout this week's episode.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
In this half-a-year episode, we discuss the controversy over whether or not we should be King James only. This is a debate that many Christians have had over the years, but is it an issue that we should be drawing a line in the sand over? We will examine this topic briefly in today's episode. While this is a vast subject with many complexities, we aim to keep this as brief and straightforward as possible. Please let us know if you want us to cover it more in-depth!
We have some very special and exciting projects in the works, so be on the lookout for them. Lord willing, we will have an announcement very soon!
-
Our readings this week are taken from Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18, 19, and Matthew 24:34.
-
For further information, the book mentioned in today's episode is John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs’ Taking a Stand for the Bible.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Join us this Bible study week as we explore how God's elect people are chosen before the foundation of the world to be the recipients of His undeserved grace, mercy, and forgiveness. He could have chosen all or none, but God in His sovereignty chose some and not others. We will explore how what this means for the believer and if it honestly even matters. (Spoiler alert: it does!)
-
We will be reading from various verses throughout this episode.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Recently there have been efforts to ban the Bible in public schools. The most recent significant ban took place in Utah where a school district banned the Bible in elementary and middle schools until eventually reversing their decision due to public backlash. This apologetics week, we examine whether or not the Bible should be banned. All of the talk of banning books and preventing people from seeing what is in them recalls Ray Bradbury's timeless classic, Fahrenheit 451.What does this book have to do with the Bible and banning it in schools? Well, hit play, follow along, and find out!
-
Please be aware that around 14 minutes and 37 seconds, there is an audio issue. We apologize for the technical difficulties.
-
There are several Bible readings for this week.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
We welcome our second special guest onto the show this week! Mr. Shannon joins us to discuss why a Christian should know church history. In our discussion, we lay out various reasons why we, as Christians, should examine church history. In addition, we also mention different authors, early church fathers, and councils that we recommend checking out for yourself if you want to learn more. Lastly, we know that so many people point out the negatives to church history, so naturally, we discuss that too! I want to thank my long-time good friend, Mr. Shannon, for coming on and talking about this topic with me.
- We look forward to seeing you again next week when we resume with another Apologetics week that you will not want to miss!
We have all heard at one point or another the argument that goes like, "Well, Jesus never said anything about..." but in reality, Jesus had a lot to say on the topics that people claim that he didn't. As we continue proving what the Bible truly says on LGBT issues during this month, this week we look the argument: "Jesus never said anything about homosexuality." Christ did not need to for a variety of reasons as we will explore, but we will also see that our LORD very clearly spoke regarding marriage and relationships as they should be. Week 22 is an apologetics week that is meant to help encourage you, equip you, and prepare you to respond to such claims.
-
Our readings this week will be from Matthew 19:1-6.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday with our second special guest!
Week 19 began our dive into the Reformed Doctrine of T.U.L.I.P., where we laid the groundwork for this multi-week study. This week we will examine the first letter in the T.U.L.I.P. acrostic: T for Total Depravity or Total Inability. This teaches that mankind is sinful, corrupt, and wicked throughout. While examining what theologians have said regarding this topic, we will also highlight key Scriptures that support this teaching. As with many other Reformed teachings, some misconceptions will be addressed within this episode so we look forward to exploring these together!
- We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
In this Apologetics week, we examine a popular claim made by Pastor Brandan Robertson in 2021 that Jesus telling Lazarus to come out of the tomb was actually a metaphor for LGBTQ people to "come out". Robertson is a progressive Christian with a sizable social media presence. Examining the Biblical events recounting the raising of Lazarus as well as some apologetic rebuttals of Robertson's claim, we will prove that this is an unbiblical, deceptive and false claim.
-
Our readings today are taken from John 11:17-44
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
For the next six Bible study weeks (including this week), we will explore the Reformed doctrine of T.U.L.I.P. - Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. That is a typical five-point T.U.L.I.P. acrostic, but some, like Dr. James White, have argued that there should be six points. While the early reformers arguably had a high view of God, Christians in the 21st century often do not. It is why proponents of this doctrine have suggested a six-point be added titled "Sovereignty of God". That is why we begin our discussion of T.U.L.I.P. with this point. It is essential that we get our understanding of God correct before we can come to understand anything else about Him and what He has done for us.
Some do not like the idea of talking doctrinally, and even more, have come to dislike the teachings of John Calvin. Perhaps you are one of these people. Perhaps you do not like the connotations that Calvin's name has amongst his opponents. However, I urge you to just listen to the arguments, the points, and the discussions that we will have over the coming Bible study weeks. Pray about these topics so that God will give you understanding and clarity on these things.
- We have many readings today throughout the Old and New Testaments. Be sure to follow along for your own study and understanding!
- We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
As promised for week 18, we examine why the Bible is still relevant 2,000 years later. It is timeless with the truth that is everlasting. This is an Apologetics week so we first examine what Scripture has to say and then what other academics, apologists and theologians have had to say. There is not one particular Biblical verse that we reference in this episode, rather it is a wide variety of Bible verses. This is important to show that God's Word is eternal and it is clearly explained throughout all of Scripture.
- We look forward to seeing again you next Friday!
We have all been there. Even after God has called us and we know the truth of what God has done for us, we still sin. Some of us fall repeatedly into the same sins over and over again, even after being born again. Does that mean we are not Christians? Does that mean that we are not saved? In the words of the apostle Paul, "By no means!" The reality is that we are fallen and sinful. It is our nature. Christ has broken our chains and redeemed us from that, and with God's help, we can break free from this habitual sin that we fall into. In Week 17, we will ask why we still sin after being saved and see what the Bible says about it.
-
Our readings this week come from Romans 7:15-25, Romans 8, and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
A popular claim gaining traction within social media is argued that Jesus lifts queer-identifying people as model disciples. Another claim by gender reassignment surgeons is that when Jesus mentions eunuchs, he refers to trans-identifying individuals; therefore, gender identity is in the Bible. If this is all true then it seems odd that, for 2,000 years of church history, the church has taught that God created male and female only. This week we will analyze Jesus' words in the Gospel according to Matthew to see if Jesus actually teaches and/or affirms gender ideology. There is a lot to talk about because twisting Scripture to fit personal agendas is a dangerous and terrible action that is becoming more and more prominent.
-
Our readings for this week are Matthew 19:1-15 ESV.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
There are times in our lives when things are out of our control, and we are left waiting on the LORD. We can get impatient and restless, knowing that there is very little that we can do. As the Bible tells us, we can pray to God and bring our troubles to Him. However, what we can not do is try to speed up God's timing or try to do it on our own. God will make a way. He is preparing a place for you and me right now. We have to wait for Him to part the waters. And when He does, we must never forget to praise and thank Him for what He has done. This week's episode will explore waiting on the LORD and being patient in His goodness.
-
This week's reading is Psalm 27.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
A popular claim is gaining traction in the infamous world of TikTok videos, where people fall for misinformation about the Bible. Admittedly, it is easy to do. When you are on social media, you often do not go there to engage in academic debate. You go for entertainment. Unknowingly, we may fall prey to specific claims we do not know much about and have little time to investigate a claim ourselves. That is not to say that no one does, but it is a problem that happens all too often. One such claim that has become more and more noticeable in recent times is the claim that "Homosexuality was not in the Bible until the 1946 RSV translation of the Bible." Advocates of this position state that the translators put this word in malevolently, and it has since been the basis for anti-LGBTQ propaganda. Is this true? In this Apologetics week, we will analyze this claim to see if there is merit in it and what the Bible says on this issue.
-
The Scripture we will examine this week is 1 Corinthians 6:9.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next week!
The name of Jesus is a powerful name. The Bible tells us that the name of Jesus is a name that can help the sick, save the sinner, preform miracles and grant blessings. Yet, our world - even modern Christians - have become numb to the power of the name of Jesus. This week we explore some aspects about the name of Jesus, some of the power behind the name and a way we can share the gospel with those who use the name flippantly.
Returning to the Gospels' reliability, we discuss a verse that has been removed from some significant translations of the Bible. Does this take away from the credibility of the Bible? And what exactly does this verse say? We discuss this and more in this week's Apologetic discussion.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Happy Easter morning! In this bonus episode, we look at the very first Easter morning. Reading John 20, we will follow Mary Magdalene as she sees an empty tomb and the risen Christ. We also find our friend Thomas doubting that the Lord actually raised from the dead until Jesus comes and shows him the evidence. But why is any of this important? How do we know that Jesus was actually raised from the dead and if so, who saw him?
Praise and Glory be to the risen King! Happy Easter!
-
We look forward to seeing you again this Friday!
On this Good Friday, we explore Psalm 22 and one of the last words of Christ up on the cross. We explore how through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit David would pen this Psalm which would ultimately be fulfilled by our Lord.
We look forward to seeing you again real soon!
We will have a special guest on the show on the fifth Friday of each month. We all have something to learn from one another, which is the goal of these special guests. Perhaps you do not agree with everything said, and it is likely that I don't either, but again there may be something valuable to take away from each episode. This week we have a great personal friend who has helped me learn in many matters of faith: Mr. Luke. We discuss the question: "What is the problem with the modern church?"
I want to thank Mr. Luke for joining us and sharing his thoughts on this problem.
I'm sorry for any audio issues. We experienced technical difficulties while recording this episode that we could not fix.
We will resume next Friday with a Bible study week!
In today's episode, we will take a listener's request. The listener wanted us to speak about not waiting to believe in Christ before it is too late for any of us. It is a broad topic, and with so many ways to tackle it, we decided to look at what Jesus said in John 8: 21-30 and how it applies.
If you have a topic request or comments about the show that you would like to share with us, then reach out to us at theisaiah43podcast@gmai.com
-We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Throughout the last several Apologetics weeks, we have looked at the problem of evil. Through Isaiah 55: 8, 9 we see that God's ways are higher than ours and that His thoughts are not like ours. Some times we simply do not know why things happen ;but as our friend, Job reminds us "blessed be the name of the Lord."
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Often we do not know how to pray, or we feel like we babble on. Luckily for us, our Lord Jesus has given us some guidelines for how we should pray while also giving us the perfect prayer in the Lord's prayer. In today's episode, we will break down Matthew 6: 5-15. We will see how Jesus tells us to pray and where our hearts should be when praying. The Lord's prayer is a beautiful, perfect, and special prayer that Jesus taught his disciples and followers; therefore, it must be spoken with an open heart, sincerity, and reverence. If we do not speak this prayer with these things in mind, they are mere words without meaning to us. Even if we do not pray this specific prayer every time, it is an excellent guide to follow when modeling your prayers to God.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support for this podcast. We genuinely do appreciate it! We hope God will use this podcast to touch your life and many others.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
During this apologetics week, we continue discussing the problem of evil. It is a complex problem, and there is no simple answer. Previously (week 4), we had discussed how God could bring forth good from evil even if we may not always see it. We briefly explored how evil exists because other people hurt us, such as Joseph and his brothers, in Genesis 50. Now this week, we want to examine how evil often (though not always) exists in the world because we create it, do it, and bring it upon ourselves. It is not an easy realization, but it is one that we must ultimately accept in many ways. We will be reading a lot more this week than usual, but we must do so. We will be reading II Samuel 11 and II Samuel 12:1-23.
I apologize for tripping over my words when reading and butchering Hebrew names! It wouldn't be an episode if I didn't get tripped up somehow, right?
-Thank you for your continued prayers and support for the podcast. We genuinely do appreciate it! We hope God will use this podcast to touch your life and many others.
-
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
This week we will examine if all those who call Jesus 'Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven by reading Matthew 7: 21-23. We will break it down to two reasons why even people who say they are Christians will not enter Heaven.
We pray for all Christians today, those of the clergy, those struggling with faith, and all those who have professed Christ as Lord but do not actively seek to do the will of God the Father.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
This Apologetics week we change things up a bit. After some prayer, thought and reflection, we'll be taking a more bite-sized approach to the Apologetics weeks. This week we'll begin taking a look at the problem of evil or simply asked, "If God is good then how can evil exist?" It's a tough question so that is why over the next couple of Apologetics weeks, we will be taking a look at this issue and analyzing it bit by bit to give you the knowledge you need to tackle this difficult question in day to day life.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
Thank you for your prayers and support this past month of the podcast!
In today's episode, we will be diving into John 16:33 and the message that Jesus has for us within this single verse. We break down each statement within the verse revealing how Jesus tells us that despite the troubles we may face in the world, we are to take heart.
No matter what you're going through at this moment, wherever you are in life, Jesus offers his perfect peace for those who trust and believe in him. He sees you and hears your prayer.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
This week, the first Apologetics week, we will examine the reliability of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. A claim often made by critics is that these books are unreliable for various reasons, namely they do not accurately preserve the historical events nor do were they written within the lifetime of witnesses.
This is the first time we have covered Apologetics in the podcast. We have a lot to learn and grow with together. This format may not always be the way the Apologetics weeks will be set up. Our goal is tackle difficult questions and hard sayings that may hear when talking with those who oppose faith.
We look forward to see you again next Friday!
Today, we begin the podcast by exploring why we are called the Isaiah 43 podcast. We will dive primarily into Isaiah 43:1 and the five truths that we believe God is speaking to us directly through this one passage of Scripture. We believe God has laid out many of His attributes through this one chapter.
We hope you find encouragement, peace, and blessed assurance this day.
We look forward to seeing you again next Friday!
**Welcome to the Isaiah 43 podcast where we explore how God has formed us, redeemed us, and how He calls us today. Each week we will journey through Scripture to understand all that God has done and what exactly His call is for our lives today. We will also tackle difficult questions and challenges to faith so that we may all be more confident when sharing the story of salvation with others, even those who stand against it.
In this brief introduction, Clayton lays the groundwork for what is to come and what you can expect from this podcast. We are so excited for you to be joining us! The first episode will launch on January 27, 2023!**