Digging Deeper with Lee Cook

Today Josh and Lee look at Luke 1:57-80. We talk about how we can cultivate Joy in a world struggling to find it.

This week, Josh and Lee look at Luke 1:26-56. We talk about how the stories of Elizabeth, Zechariah and Mary all interconnect. We discuss the peaceful revolution that Jesus leads.

Following along with Josh and Lee as we work through the 1st chapter of Luke. 

This week Josh and Lee wrap up 1 John. This is a difficult passage, and it's easy to get lost in the weeds. So we try keep everything in context as we allow this wonderful letter to help us love God more.

This week we look at how we put love into practice. What is the process of Spiritual Formation? How does it happen? What role do we play?

This is a recording of the live version of Lee's sermon on October 3

This week, Josh and Lee look at the high point of 1 John. This is where John has been leading us, and  he does not disappoint. God is love. How can we understand this deceptively simple concept.

This week Josh and Lee dig into the competing stories and "spirits" that offer meaning and purpose. How can we sort through these "options"? How can we really know the truth?

The Sabbath rest for the people of God--that's what Jesus promises us. While Moses led to a promised land, Jesus leads to a better rest and a better hope

The writer of Hebrews wants to train us to read the scriptures (what we call the Old Testament) through the lens of Jesus. He helps us to understand that Jesus is superior to Moses and since they heeded Moses' message, they should be even more obedient to Jesus'

Josh and Lee look at love revealed in Jesus. What does His love look like? How are we obligated to love? Join us this week for True Love: Love and Hate

What does it mean for Jesus to "share in our humanity"? Why is it important? Join us this episode as we dig into Hebrews chapter 2

This week Josh and Lee dig into 1 John 3:11-24 to discover what the new life looks like and what the source of this life is.

This week we dig into 1 John 2:18-27. What is the Anti-Christ? Is John talking about the end of the world? How does he explain who left the church? How can we protect ourselves from being deceived?

This week we look at when and how our love can be misplaced. Will also see some of the consequences of loving the wrong things.

This week we'll discuss how the writer of Hebrews uses the Old Testament to show us that Jesus is greater than the angels. Why? What is the importance of this knowledge?

This week we'll look at how God spoke through the prophets and how He has spoken in His Son. 

This week, Josh and Lee look at 1 John 2:2-11. We talk about how we know we have a relationship with God and the new commandment that's actually an old commandment. 

Here is the live recording of my sermon on meditation. Recorded on August 1, 2021

Josh and Lee begin a new format for the show. Today we look at 1 John 1:5-2:2. We talk about light and darkness, sin and forgiveness and the Matrix franchise!

Are we ready for solid food, or do we still require milk? What does Spiritual leadership look like? What is the fruit of servant leadership?

As we continue our series on 1 Corinthians, we will look at the role of the Holy Spirit and redefine what "spiritual" really means

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the Wisdom of God. How do our cultural expectations keep us from understanding God's will?

In this episode we get a glimpse into the problem of celebrity, name dropping, and ladder climbing among the believers in Corinth. 

Today we look at the people and culture of Corinth to better understand the problems facing the Christians trying to make their way in the world.

Today, I interview one of my oldest and best friends, Dr. Ben Blackwell. Today we discuss reading the Scriptures faithfully in troubled times.  Where is this world headed? What does "eschatology" mean, and how does it shape our reading? What does Paul believe about the ultimate hope for the world? To read more, check out his latest book https://www.christianbook.com/engaging-theology-biblical-historical-practical-introduction/ben-blackwell/9780310092766/pd/092766?product_redirect=1&search_term=ben%20blackwell&Ntt=092766&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

These are certainly troubled times. If you are dealing with anxiety, he are some ways to find relief. I have more podcasts specifically about anxiety, check out the rest of the episodes. Turn off your phone Listen to music, watch a fun show, play a board game Exercise Find someone to help (keep social distancing) Don't self medicate (very important during these times) And most importantly, pray, read the scriptures, and practice gratitude

As we face the next few weeks and months of uncertainty, many of us will turn to our faith to give us strength. I'm beginning a series of podcasts that will give you time to meditate and pray through some of the Psalms. I'd love to hear how you are worshiping, praying, and reading scripture during these troubled times. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, I'd love to hear from you. lee@lcpc.net

In this episode, Lee talks about the 2 objectives of Dallas Willard's "Curriculum of Christlikeness". To love God and delight in Him To remove our automatic responses to the Kingdom of God In the coming weeks we will talk about the process of discipleship.

In this episode, Lee answers a listener question.

How do we grow in our faith? Who is responsible for my Spiritual growth: is it me, or is it the Holy Spirit? Why doesn't my life look like the life promised in the Bible? This week Lee talks about these questions as we begin a new series: Growing in Grace.

This week we dig deeper into Nehemiah 5 God has woven generosity into the fabric of Israel's life We talk about how to apply and interpret the Old Testament We talk about the sacrificial nature of worship

In this episode, we dig deeper into how to read the Old Testament and Paul's understanding of Spiritual Warfare. The Old Testament is not immediately applicable to us, but it is meaningful for us. We must read responsibly in light of the whole Bible. We must discover what God has to say in the Old Testament in light of the larger story of God Paul sees the world through an Apocalyptic lens- he sees the forces behind the structures in our world. Paul urges us to put on the "whole armor of God"

In this episode we look at the first chapter and see the 7 days of creation. God is creating a cosmic palace or temple and on day 7 rests in that temple and begins His rule and reign On days 1-3 God sets the stage On days 4-6 he fills that stage (days 1 and 4 match up, days 2 and 5 match up, and days 3 and 6 match up) Day 7 God rests (he takes up residence in his great cosmic temple/palace For further reading: John Walton The Lord World of Genesis 1

In this episode, we try to discover the worldview of the Ancient Near East so we can read the Bible more faithfully There is no Natural/Supernatural divide--no distinction between sacred and secular One of the primary concerns of the ancient world was order Genesis in more concerned with "Functional Creation" rather than "Material Creation" The Bible lives in a culture with lots of creation stories, some of which are very similar.  The Bible doesn't "borrow" stories from the cultures around, but rather it shares common cultural assumptions about the nature of the universe--this shouldn't worry us For more information see John Walton's The Lost World of Genesis 1

This week, we examine the worldview of the Ancient Near East to help us understand how God's people understood the nature of God's role in historical, natural, and political events. We also take a look at the complex political and social world of the Persian empire. I promise this will help you read the Bible.

This week, we begin a new series on Nehemiah. Here is the background information you will need to really grasp the message of Nehemiah.

In this episode, we look at the prayer that Paul prays for the church at Ephesus.  It is a prayer that allows us to think deeply about the power that is available to the church today.

In this episode, Lee begins a new series on Ephesians. This week we'll think through the following themes: Blessings- God lavishes blessings on us. This idea of blessing goes all the way back to Abraham in Genesis 12 Election- God's blessing is that he has chosen a people for a purpose. This is not an abstract theological problem to solve but a concrete blessing The Holy Spirit- God blesses us by sealing us with the Holy Spirit

This week, we dig deeper into the story of Ananias and Sapphira. We think about the connections between this story and the story of Achan in Joshua 7. We think about how easy it is for halfhearted worship to lead us to resentment and bitterness. What stumbling blocks keep you from full devotion to the Lord? What stumbling blocks in your life are keeping your church from full devotion?

This week we finish up our Bite Sized Bible Study on 2 Timothy.  Here are some of the themes we have covered: Passing on the faith through parents and mentors The necessity of scriptural study in ministry The importance of relationships

In this episode, Lee takes us through the Paul's last charge to Timothy. Paul is giving Timothy a final encouragement to "preach the word". Paul also shares his hopes for what he believes are his final days.

In this episode we look at the beginning of Paul's final charge to Timothy. Here we see that the source of strength for the Christian life and the key to interpreting the scriptures. 

This week we talk about praying Psalm 77. This is a song of lament- a complaint that is prayed to God. How does praying lament Psalms connect us to others who are suffering How can focusing on my struggles lead me to doubt God's character How can focusing on God's actions lead me to trust What role does community play

In this episode, we'll think about how folks act during the Last Days What does Paul mean by the last days Why does Paul say they have "a form of godliness but deny it's power" Who are Jannes and Jambres

In this episode, we finish up 2 Timothy chapter 2.  Paul uses the analogy of honorable and common household items Timothy is charged to flee youthful passions and avoid stupid arguments We get a glimpse at how to have dialogue with our opponents---helpful social-media etiquette Our music is courtesy of Kevin Dukes- kevindukes.com

This week we'll practice reading and praying Psalm 1. There are some practical suggestions for shaping your prayers with scripture.   The new intro music is from Kevin Dukes. Check out his website at kevindukes.com. You can also see photos from our guitar build https://www.kevindukes.com/parlor-guitar-build

This week, Lee gives a brief introduction to reading the Psalms.  Why is so much of the Bible poetry? What strategies do we use to read poetry? What is parallelism and how does it work?

In this episode, Lee takes us through the controversy about the resurrection that is plaguing the church at Ephesus. What does Paul mean "arguing about words"? What is the controversy What is the solution How can we learn to "correctly interpret the word of truth"

In this episode, we are reminded to keep Jesus front and center.  Though the Paul was imprisoned for his faith, he firmly believed that nothing could stop the Word of God. What pressures did Paul feel?  How could he maintain his strength? What happens if we fail.

This week, Lee finishes up the series on Daniel. We'll look closely at Daniel chapter 7. Highlights: What is Apocalyptic literature?  What is the vision about? Who are the 4 beasts? Who does the Son of Man represent? How does Jesus use this imagery?