The Family Bible Journey Podcast

So You May Believe! John 20:19-33, NT S1:E139

Jesus establishes His disciples in the faith by appearing to them. When He appeared, He gave them His Holy Spirit and a new charge-to go and proclaim the forgiveness of sins to all people. Ever since this great commissioning, we properly understand that the Church is in the forgiveness business.

Beautiful in Every Way, Esther 2, OT S1:E269

Queen Esther stands out from the crowd, not only because she is physically attractive, but also because of her wisdom and virtue. Loved as the only daughter of Mordecai, she knew how to love, because he had loved her dearly. In her rise to prominence, we are encouraged to cultivate the inner beauty that made her stand above the rest.

More than She Bargained For, Esther 1, OT S1:E268

Esther begins not with Queen Esther, but rather Quenn Vashti. When Vashti refused a royal summons from her husband, she caused an outrage in the kingdom that led to her exile. Unwittingly she set the stage for a new queen to arise.

Easter Changes Everything! John 20:1-18, NT S1:E138

We marvel at the empty tomb with Mary, Peter and John. Even though they did not understand what was happening, they recognized that life would never be the same. We rejoice with them in the hope of our own resurrection, made possible by Jesus and His Easter victory over death.

Persisting in Good, Nehemiah 13, OT S1:E267

Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem after a lengthy absence, only to find that many of his enemies, and the enemies of God's purposes, were prospering in Jerusalem. He rectified the situation, having been given a chance to preserve his legacy. Nehemiah ends with a prayer that God would remember the good he had faithfully done, and He does! This gives us great hope and encouragement when we are fearful that our work will not persevere as we had hoped.

Rejoicing in Restoration, Nehemiah 11-12, OT S1:E266

We thank God for faithful leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah in this passage. Because God had prospered the work of their hands, and they did not shrink from executing their task, all in and around Jerusalem were blessed.

Finished! John 19:23-42, NT S1:E137

In Jesus's final moments, we see Him caring for and providing for His mother and beloved disciple. We see many prophecies fulfilled explicitly in these moments. We marvel at the depth of His love and all He willingly endured to finish the work of our salvation.

Limitless Love of God, Nehemiah 9-10, PT S1:E265

God's people wept and lamented their polight as Ezra read God's law. He reponded by encouraging them to focus on God's love and mercy, because God's love has overcome their generational beligerance and unbelief. We too can take courage in God's mercy because His love overcomes all.

Joy Instead of Mourning, Nehemiah 8, OT S1:E264

When Ezra read from the book of God's law, upon the completion of the city walls, the people mourned in reprentence. Hearing what God expected from HIs people, they knew they fell woefully short of God's standard. Yet, Ezra told them to rejoice, because God's mercy and love far outweigh His wrath. We join with them in both mournful repentence, and great joy as we see all of our sins forgiven in Christ Jesus.

Crowned the King, John 19:1-22, NT S1:E136

Jesus was crowned with thorns and shame, so that when our earthly life ends, we may be crowned in glory. For us He suffered. For us He died. So that in Him, we may find salvation for our guilty souls.