The Family Bible Journey Podcast

To Life! Ecclesiastes 9, OT S1:438

The common Hebrew toast at weddings and celebrations is, "L'Chayim!" It means, "to life," or "for life!" It is an encouragement and blessing for us to enjoy the blessings God gives us in this life. Amidst all that subtracts from our joy and peace, it is good to thank God for the blessing of this life by enjoying it as the gift it is. "L'Chayim!"

God's Power at Work in Us, Ephesians 3, NT S1:E223

Paul leaned into his calling as an apostle, encouraging the Ephesians in their faith. The same God who calls His children to faith calls faithful pastors to serve in His Church. We will discuss this holy calling and consider how God's blessing of ministers is a blessing for the entire church.

Slow to Anger, Ecclesiastes 8, OT S1:E437

Solomon recognized that God's mercy is often used by men to justify doing more sin, more wrong, more injustice. The temptaion to judge God is purely human, and comes from the part of us that wants to be god, wants be the judge. Recognizing this sin within ourselves, we seek the Lord in faith and thank Him for His mercy.

End At The Beginning, Ecclesiastes 7, OT S1:E436

As a preacher, I know that I have my audience's attention much more at a funeral than at a wedding. It may seem or sound morbid, but it is absolutely true, because all the distraction and noise is dead silent when the congregation is looking at an urn or casket. Solomon also knows that God has our attention in times of sadness and encourages us to think with sober judgment about this life, so that we live one that is worth living.

Dividing Wall of Hostility, Ephesians 2, NT S1:E222B

There was a literal wall that separated gentile believers from the Jewish believers in the Temple area. It was a physical barrier of exclusion. It demonstrated the separation of God and men by sin and the religious and ethnic divisions between the Jewish people and others. Paul uses this feature of the Temple to describe God crossing all barriers in Christ Jesus.

Saved To Do Good Works? Ephesians 2, NT S1:E222

Paul teaches that we weren't saved to become bumps on a log. Rather, we've been saved to be productive as members of God's family. God has created good works for us to do, that we might walk in them. It is a calling and challenge from God to put our faith to good work.

Better Off Never Born? Ecclesiastes 6, OT S1:E435

A much depressed old King Solomon warns us against the evil of seeking lasting fulfillment and satisfaction in the fleeting pursuits of this life. The same vices he fell headlong into, pride, greed, lust, these are still what the world is selling as the keys to a happy life. May we learn from one who was the richest, most powerful and influential man of his time, that none of these things satisfy. Only God can give us lasting fulfillment and contentment.

Naked We Came, Ecclesiastes 5, OT S1:E434

Old King Solomon had everything, yet ended up depressed and reflective. In this chapter, we are encouraged to find the blessing in our place in life, wherever we are and whatever we may be doing. There is great blessing in honest labor, and much vexation if we seek satisfaction in the passing things of this life.

United in Christ, Ephesians 1, NT S1:E221

Ephesians is a bright light of Paul's epistles because it emphasizes the communion we have with God through Jesus Christ. Many passages of promise and confident assurance are found in these pages. As we explore the blessings of communion with God, we will be challenged to expand our understanding of the importance of our relationships with others in Christ Jesus. Our communion with God leads to a deeper understanding of the community of believers.

Better Together, Ecclesiastes 4, OT S1:E433

"A strand of three cords cannot be broken!" The old saying goes, "if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, bring others along." In this chapter, we hear of the benefits of togetherness, and going through life with God and those you love.