The Family Bible Journey Podcast

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.

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.