The Family Bible Journey Podcast

May Philadelphia Remain! Hebrews 13, NT S1:E269

"Philadelphia" is the greek word for "brotherly love." William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, named the capital of what would become known as his state, and for a time, our nation's capital, after this sentiment. What a great encouragement for us Christians to strive for "Philadelphia" in all we do, with all whom we serve.

Hope in Defeat, Jeremiah 52, OT S1:E529

Jeremiah ends with a summary of Jerusalem's demise. Only hundreds were left of a nation that once numbered in the millions. But there is a ray of hope at the end of the book, as a former king of Judah is restored to honor. This brief foreshadowing shows that there is hope for God's people.

Babylon Gets Her Due, Jeremiah 50-51, OT S1:E528

God's wrath falls on Babylon, who was puffed up with pride after defeating most of the known world at the time. She mistakenly took credit for her many victories, failing to recognize she is only a tool in the Lord's hand. Here we learn how God uses the good, the bad and even the ugly to draw His people back to Himself.

Run With Endurance, Hebrews 12, NT S1:E268

Building on the Hall of Fame chapter of the Bible, we are encouraged to run with endurance the race that is set before us. Great training and discipline go into training. Distance running is a test of physical strength, determination and endurance. We should not be shocked that even more discipline and training go into life and death spiritual exercise.

Promised Redemption, Jeremiah 46-47, OT S1:E527

As God's wrath is prophecied on Judah's neighbors, including the Babylonians, we hear a few verses of promised redemption. God had to punish His wayward children for their sin, so that they would return to Him and be healed by His mercy. Here we learn that the Lord's plans for His people is as prophesied in chapter 29, to give them a future and a hope.

A Prophet's Reward, Jeremiah 44-45, OT S1:E526

Baruch has suffered in everything right along with Jeremiah as his faithful scribe. When he despairs of their lot, God promises to preserve him. Here we are encouraged when we are down, because the Lord knows those who are His, and He will redeem us in the end.

Hall of Fame, Hebrews 11, NT S1:E267

This list of heroes of the faith demonstrates the power of God's power at work in the lives of His people. We are greatly encouraged by these men and women of faith, because we see how God has blessed them and used them mightily.

Prophet or Human Shield? Jeremiah 41-43, OT S1:E525

After staying in Judea, Jeremiah witnesses a coup, wherein the faithful Governor, Gedaliah, is killed by ruthless men. The people ask Jeremiah what they should do, and he tells them to stay and be blessed. Instead of listening, they flee to Egypt, where Jeremiah prophecies a certain demise. Poor Jeremiah is then taken, against his will to Egypt, as a human shield from the wrath of God.

Jerusalem Falls, Jeremiah is Free! Jeremiah 39-40, OT S1:E524

When Jerusalem falls, King Zedekiah is captured while fleeing. For his stubborn unbelief, he will witness the death of his sons, friends and closest advisors, before being blinded by the King of Babylon. Jeremiah, on the other hand, is treated better by these heathens than he was by God's own people. He is given food, an allowance, and freedom to choose where he will live. Instead of choosing the "easy" way of going to Babylon and treated as royalty, he stays with the remnant in Judah, because this is his calling.

Encourage One Another, Hebrews 10, NT S1:E266

We are encouraged with the knowledge of God's plan fulfilled in Christ Jesus! Despite our differences and difficulties, we are encouraged here, to encourage one another with the hope we have in Jesus.