The Family Bible Journey Podcast

The High Priestly Prayer, John 17, NT S1:E133

As Jesus prays for His disciples before He is taken from them, we consider a divine mystery. Jesus is not God's Plan B, merely a rescue mission. No, Jesus was God's Plan A for humanity. He took on human flesh, so that in Him we may know God as Father, Spirit and Brother! Because He is with us and for us, we rejoice in our unity with God and one another.

A Blessed Journey, Ezra 8, OT S1:E257

We learn important lessons from Ezra as he returns to Jerusalem. He prayerfully begins his journey in faith, while also properly preparing the people for what could have been a very dangerous trip. The Lord protected them and prosper them on their way.

Reforming the Heart, Ezra 7, OT S1:E256

In this chapter, Ezra is sent as a scribe, teacher and lawyer to instruct the people in the ways of the Lord. Their great Temple will amount to nothing if the people do not follow the Lord with their whole heart. 

I Have Overcome! John 16:16-33, NT S1:E132

This world is full of sin and suffering. We suffer even when we try to do good by those around us. Because the world is not fair or just, it is good for us, when we suffer for doing good, to recognize that Jesus has overcome the world.

Go For It! Ezra 6 OT S1:E255

In this episode, the people of God appeal to King Darius, seeking his blessing for the rebuilding of the temple. By God's grace, their mighty enemies become great advocates. Not only are these enemies turned into advocates, but tremendous penalties, even capital punishment, is threatened against those who would dare oppose the Lord and his purposes. Here we are encouraged to go forth and faith, even in the face of powerful enemies, knowing that God blesses us when we do.

Undaunted, Ezra 5, OT S1:E254

Here we read of two faithful prophets, Haggai and Zachariah, who rose to the challenge when the building of the temple had been halted by enemies. They did not ask for permission, but rather continued building while appealing to the king to justify their cause. From these faithful saints we learn to persevere and to go forward in faith when we are seeking and doing the Lord's will and work.

Spirit of Truth, John 16:1-15, NT S1:E131

Jesus continues to build-up His disciples in the work of His Holy Spirit. In the coming days, months and years, they would rely on the Holy Spirit as their Comforter and Guide. Today, regardless of your flavor of Christianity, the Holy Spirit is the One who keeps you connected to the Father through the Son.

When Enemies Arise, Ezra 4, OT S1:E253

In this chapter, mighty and well politically connected enemies of the Jewish exiles emerge to thwart, the rebuilding of the temple. While these enemies are successful in delaying the building of the temple for some years, God's purposes will not be forever thwarted by evil. Here we learn the difficulties faced by the faithful, and are encouraged in our own journey to remain and prove faithful, even when powerful enemies arise against us.

Crying to the Lord, Ezra 3, OT S1:E252

When the foundation stones are laid for the new temple, there is a mix of sadness and joy expressed by God's people. The younger Jewish people are celebrating an ecstatic with joy at this new beginning this is for their nation. We also hear the weeping of those who had been exiled and remembered the glory of the former temple. As tears mingle with joy, we are also beginning to see how the Jewish religion is transitioning from a temple centered life around worship, to a life revolving around the word of God, as preserved and maintained by faithful scribes and teachers, such as Ezra.

When the Helper Comes, John 15:18-27, NT S1:E130

The world hated Jesus so much it killed Him. Should we be surprised then, when the world hates us because we bear His Name? Thanks be to God that He has given us His Great Helper in the person of His Holy Spirit. With His guidance, we can navigate the difficulties that confront us.