The Family Bible Journey Podcast

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.

When Others Conspire Against You, Nehemiah 6-7, OT S1:E263

Mighty and powerful enemies oppposed Nehemiah and the rebuiding of Jerusalem's wall. They plotted, lied, and conspired to kill him. But Nehemiah shows us the strength of resolve, by calling out falsehood and continuing to do the work God had sent him to do.

Lead By Example, Nehemiah 5, OT S1:E262

Nehemiah shows how important it is to lead by example. Poor leaders act like bosses, especting others to cater to their whims because of position or power. True leaders, like Nehemiah, elevate others by showing a better way, by living out the ideals they profess and doing what others refuse to do.

Robbed By a Murderer, John 18:19-40, NT S1:E135

satan has been robbing God's people of love, life, and every good thing. So it is fitting when Jesus, as the Son of God, is robbed of His life by the robber the crowd chose over Him.

Worth Fighting For, Nehemiah 4, OT S1:E261

In the face of powerful opposition, Nehemiah rallies the people reminding them that they are fighting not for themselves, but for their families and for their God. This story gives us great encouragement when we are opposed by powerful foes. When opposed, it is good for us to remember why it is that we do what God has encouraged us to do as his people.

Doing Your Part, Nehemiah 3, OT S1:E260

The people of Israel begin to rebuild the city walls around Jerusalem. Sadly, some of the nobles are too noble for the noble task of serving the Lord by manual labor. But a group of young women is exalted, who gladly lifted their shovels and spades to build the wall as God had encouraged them. Here we learn an important lesson lessons about leadership and what it means to actually get work done. We are encouraged by this explicit example of faithful women serving the Lord.

Betrayed But True, John 18:1-18, NT S1:E134

Jesus was betrayed because He was true to His mission, even if it meant His death. When we are betrayed by those we love, we have an ever-faithful friend in Jesus.

Prayerfully Prepared, Nehemiah 1-2, OT S1:E259

Nehemiah is a faithful leader of the Lord's people who served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. He came to Jerusalem as a special envoy sent by the king to aid the exiles whose work of rebuilding the walls had come to a standstill. Nehemiah shows us how important it is to be prayerfully prepared for challenges that arise, as we seek to serve the Lord and his people.

Broken Faith Causes Broken Families, Ezra 9-10, OT S1:E258

When Ezra returns to Jerusalem, he sees that many of the people, including many of the leaders and priests of Israel had intermarried with the people of the land. He tore his robes, his hair and beard out of his head, as a mournful display of distress because it was this very sin that had earlier led God's people away from the Lord and into exile. We are confronted with difficult realities as there is mass divorce in this chapter. How do we who know that divorce is not God's will for marriage reconcile these difficult chapters? By recognizing that it isn't God, who is the author of divorce. Rather, every time faith is broken, families and relationships are broken, and all suffer the consequences of sin.