The Family Bible Journey Podcast

Pleasing God, Not Man, 1 Thessalonians 2, NT S1:E236

If we put anyone other than Christ as our Number One, we will falter. There is tremendous pressure from the workplace, to the school yard, to the courthouse, to defer to the "great." Paul here encourages us to bow to none but Christ, as this is the only pure motive for any decision.

Deceitfulness of Wealth, Isaiah 23, OT S1:E463

Tyre and Sidon were prosperous neighbors of Judah, who were economic and cultural influencers. Many were made wealthy from their trade. When they fell, all who based their lives on the profit and influence peddling of these kingdoms wound up no better than anyone else.

Valley of Vision, Isaiah 22, OT S1:E462

God's wrath falls on Jerusalem and Judah in this chapter. They were no better than their neighbors, and were equally desrving of God's condemnation. In the tail end of the chapter we are introduced to two historical characters, who teach us poignent lessons about God's judgment and mercy.

Forged in Fire, I Thessalonians 1, NT S1:E235

Paul was only in Thessaloniki for a short time. A few weeks, and he was run out of the synogogue. A few months, and he was run out of town. Nonetheless, he forged deep and meaningful relationships with the Thessalonians, that are a great encouragement to us today.

Oppression of the Oppressor, Isaiah 21, OT S1:E461

Babylon terrified all around, as the global power that put every other nation within her reach into subjection. She may be the most powerful of nations at the time, but she will fare no better than the rest when God's wrath comes to rest on her. Here we are warned not to trust in human strength. It cannot avail in God's sight.

Cush, Egypt and Christ, Isaiah 18-20, OT S1:E460

Despite the historic and ethnic tensions between the people of the Nile and the Hebrew people, God's promised redemption is for all! The prophet describes, in denouncing Israel's nearest African neighbors, that even though these nations have been historically at odds, that they will be reconciled in His Savior.

Declaring the Mystery of Christ, Colossians 4, NT S1:E234

Paul encourages us to make the best use of our time. We do that by investing in the welfare, especially the spiritual welfare, of others. When we as God's people take God at His Word, and try to make the best use of our time, we can't even begin to imagine how we will experience Christ, and be blessed in Him.

Judging the Neighbors, Isaiah 15-17, OT S1:E459

After many chapters of judgment and promised forgiveness of His own people Israel, the Lord's attention turns to their nearest neighbors. Even though Israel's neighbors had seen the Lord act mightily to save His people, and heard the words of the prophets, most of these people persisted in idolatry and ungodliness. Despite their persistent unbelief, God offers them hope in the same Savior He has promised His people.

The Great Equalizer, Isaiah 14, OT S1:E458

Death and God's judgement will be the great equalizers of all. Earthly success is an illusion that will be shown as counterfeit if those who found it failed to embrace the Lord and His way.

Living It Up, Colossians 3, NT S1:E233

"Living it up," usually means that someone has everything going their way. They are enjoying this life and the best of all that this life has to offer. It is an inherently selfish and superficial mentality. God offers us something so much more in Christ, that we can't imagine it, until He reveals it to us in Christ.