The Family Bible Journey Podcast

A Most Humble Beginning, Ezra 1-2, OT S1:E251

Ezra, the faithful scribe, records for us the events surrounding the return of the first exiles to Jerusalem. The joy of the returning exiles is mixed with sadness because of how few and poor they were, compared to the great strength and glory of ancient Israel. Yet they begin their work, confident that the Lord is moving as he encourages them to return and rebuild his house.

The End and the Beginning, II Chronicles 36 OT S1:E250

Chronicles comes to a screaching halt. Faithless kings and ruthless invaders make for an abrupt and difficult end of the nation of Judah. But there is hope, because we learn there is an end to the Lord's wrath, and the dawn of a new day for Jerusalem.

The True Vine, John 15:1-17 NT S1:E129

As Jesus teaches the blessings of being connected to Him, we explore a paradox at the heart of Christianity. When it comes to matters of salvation, there is nothing left for us to do because God, in His great love, has saved us and given us faith by the power of His Holy Spirit. But when it comes to matters of sanctification, or "being holy, as the Lord God is Holy," there is always more we can do. Here, we explore this paradox and find ourselves rooted and pruned in Christ.

Josiah, Killed In Battle, II Chronicles 35 OT S1:E249

Josiah's earthly life was shortened so that he would not experience the distress of the fall of Judah. From him we learn many leassons about life and faith, including the difficulty of knowing the Lord's will on this side of eternity.

Josiah the Zealot, II Chronicles 34 OT S1:E248

Josiah proves among the most faithful of Judah's kings. The last righteous kings makes the restoration of the nation to faith his life's work. In him we see a mighty type of Christ.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life, John 14, NT S1:E128

Earlier in John's gospel, we heard that the Father and the Son are One. In this chapter, Jesus explicitly connects Himself with His Father and the Holy Spirit. Now, the Holy Spirit is prominent. The Spirit's work is going to be keeping the disciples connected to the Father through the Son, by faith in Him.

Meeting the God of Mercy, II Chronicles 33, OT S1:247

Manasseh begins as God's great adversary at the outset of his reign. But after confronted and exiled for his breach of faith, Mansseh repents. He proves its never too late for even the most wayward of souls to return to the Lord and live.

And It Was Night... John 13:21-38, NT S1:E127

Satan's dark and evil plan to slay the sinless Son of God begins to unfold as Judas Iscariot goes to betray Jesus. Jesus allows this evil to be done to Him, because in killing Him, satan will be destroy. In this comedic tragedy, God's greatest work, the work of our salvation, will be accomplished.

When God Fights For His People, II Chronicles 32, OT S1:E246

Hezekiah's victory over Sennecharib of Assyria is an epic tale of faith in the face of impossible odds. Sadly, despite this victory, and a miraculous healing from a terminal disease, Hezekiah's pride grows to endanger his faith and the security of the nation.

Doing Good For Goodness Sake, II Chronicles 30-31, OT S1:245

Hezekiah invited everyone, even the lapsed tribes of the northern kingdom to join in celebrating the Passover. Thousands came and were blessed. They were so thankful and generous in their renewed faith that Hezekiah, the priests and Levites were in awe. Here, we are encouraged to never give-up on those who've lapsed in the faith, and persist in giving to the Lord and His purposes, knowing that He is able to bless us more than we can imagine.