Sword of the Spirit Podcast

In our seventeenth episode, we begin our reading and discussion of 1 Corinthians by looking at 1:1-17. We examine the culture and location of Corinth, and note how some of the worldly influences worked their way into the church that Paul was addressing. Finally, we point out the Corinthian interest in status and eloquence, and juxtapose these with the message of the cross. Scripture References/Allusions and Further Reading: --Acts 18 --Romans 8:35-39 --Philippians 2:5-8 Map of Corinth's location in the ancient world: --https://www.bibleodyssey.org/en/tools/map-gallery/c/map-corinth Song of the Day: "The Power of the Cross" by Keith and Kristyn Getty

In the sixteenth episode of our podcast, we continue our reading and discussion of the world-renowned Psalm 23. We cover several topics during this episode, including why Christians can be assured of God's presence during our trials in the valley, further analysis of God being our "shepherd," what it means for God to prepare a table for us, and defining the "goodness and mercy" that will follow us all the days of our lives. Scripture References/Further Reading: --2 Peter 1:10 --2 Corinthians 13:5 --1 Samuel 17:33-37 --Psalm 73 --Exodus 12:3-13 --Matthew 26:17-20; Mark 14:12-16 --Revelation 19:9 --John 13:3-17 --Revelation 21:4 --Hebrews 8:1 Pilgrim's Progress movie: --https://www.pilgrims.movie/ --https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07TVHTY9P/ref=atv_dl_rdr Song of the Day: "Goodness, Love and Mercy" by Chris Tomlin

In the fifteenth episode of our podcast, we examine the first three verses of Psalm 23 and focus on the following: 1. What it means for God to be our shepherd 2. What it means for us to be His sheep 3. The Hebrew words used in the text, and why they are important --Song of the evening: "Lord, I Need You" by Matt Maher

In our thirteenth episode, we note the moral consistency of Scripture; morality does not fluctuate between the testaments. We also examine how the Bible never changes its mind theologically, but is constant in the way that it describes God. Additionally, we place Scripture side-by-side with science and conclude that the two are not at odds with one another; in fact, the Bible has often made mention of things that science did not fully realize until later in history. We end by discussing the very important topic of abortion, then by looking forward to our final series on FAQs and apparent biblical contradictions. Scripture References/Allusions/Further reading: --Matthew 5:17 --Genesis 1:26 --Isaiah 6:8 --Isaiah 45:5 --Deuteronomy 6:4 --Genesis 1:1-2 --Genesis 3:8 --Genesis 22:11-18 --Joshua 5:13-15 --Hebrews 11:3 --Job 38:14 --Job 26:7 --Leviticus 15:13 KJV --Leviticus 17:11 --Jeremiah 1:4-5 --Philippians 2:8 --Romans 5:8 --Ezekiel 36:26 Song of the day: "Unchanging God" by ONElife Worship

--https://csnradio.com/tema/links/SmithsonianLetter.pdf --https://www.si.edu/about/history --https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/school-of-biblical-and-theological-studies/archaeology-museum/sargon-ii-brick/ --https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/50-people-in-the-bible-confirmed-archaeologically/

In our second discussion of biblical inerrancy, we ask and answer the question, "Why is biblical inerrancy important?" with several points. --Worship song of the day: Behold our God by Sovereign Grace Music

In the first half of our introduction to biblical inerrancy, we focus on defining inerrancy in the following ways: --Free from historical errors --Free from self-contradictions --Free from general contradictions --Free from alterations of stories or doctrines over years of copying Our hope in coming podcasts is to explain why biblical inerrancy is important, and then to provide detailed evidence that Scripture is, in fact, completely error-free.

In the ninth episode of our podcast, we conclude the book of Ruth. We witness the honest and fully disclosed legal transaction between an unwilling "unnamed redeemer" and Boaz. We also see the union of Boaz and Ruth, and how that leads to beautiful blessings for Naomi and, later on in history, the world. Finally, we examine how Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of the kinsman redeemer. Scripture References/Allusions and Further Reading: --Job 29:7-8 --2 Samuel 15:2 --Proverbs 31:23 --Leviticus 25:25-28 --Deuteronomy 25:5-10 --Jeremiah 32:6-15 --Luke 3:31-34 --Genesis 38:6-30 --Worship song of the day: "I Will Glory In My Redeemer" by Enfield

In the eighth episode of our podcast, we watch the romantic story continue to unfold as Naomi and Ruth scheme to call upon Boaz as a kinsman redeemer. Humility, submissiveness, integrity, purity, and selflessness are highlighted in this section. We also discuss the importance of lying (or kneeling) at the feet of Jesus. Scripture References/Allusions: --Genesis 19:30-38 --Genesis 9:21-25 --2 Samuel 12:15-23 --Genesis 50:20 --Luke 10:38-42 --Proverbs 27:2 --Proverbs 31:10-31 --1 Thessalonians 5:22 --Worship Song of the Day: "At Your Feet" by Casting Crowns

In our seventh podcast, we conclude the second chapter of Ruth by looking at the exceptional kindness that God shows to Ruth and Naomi through Boaz, at the many ways in which Boaz prefigures Christ, and how Jesus is the bread of life. We also watch in awe as God sovereignly orchestrates the events of a budding romance. Finally, we are introduced to the term "redeemer," which will become increasingly significant as the story unfolds. Scripture References/Allusions and Further Reading: --John 6:35 --Hebrews 13:8 --Matthew 14:13-21 --Genesis 44:29 --Revelation 2:17 --Leviticus 25:23-28 --Deuteronomy 25:5-6 --Genesis 38:8 --[Song of the day: "My Worth is Not in What I Own" by Keith and Kristyn Getty https://store.gettymusic.com/us/song/my-worth-is-not-in-what-i-own-feat-fernando-ortega/]

Kory wrote this song in 2014 but decided to include a recent recording on the Sword of the Spirit Podcast page! This is a song that is transparent about very real struggles, but also recognizes that any and all victory--in times peace or of war--belongs to God alone. LYRICS: Verse 1: Lord, I can't go on without You; This war is one I cannot win. In the chaos, I will seek You, For You calm the storm within. Pre-Chorus 1: Though my heart breaks within me, Let my praises rise to Thee. Chorus: I'll fix my eyes on the One Who gave His one and only Son. In times of peace or of war, God, the victory is Yours. Verse 2: Lord, my feet give way beneath me; I've fought this battle for so long. Though it may never be easy, You are here to lead me on and on. Pre-Chorus 2: Though my mind is far from pure, Make it clean and make me Yours.

In our sixth podcast, we dive into the wonderful and inspiring Ruth 2. We take note of the intriguing characteristics that both Ruth and Boaz possess as a romance gently unfolds. Furthermore, we see how grace is being extended again and again to a woman outside of the chosen race of Israel. While these facts are indeed exciting, even more thrilling is the truth that God has offered grace, forgiveness, security, and living water to people of every nation and tongue! Scripture References/Allusions and Further Reading: --Leviticus 19:9-10 --Deuteronomy 24:19 --John 4:1-10 --John 4:24 --1 Peter 3:4-6 --Matthew 23:37 --Psalm 36:7 --Proverbs 19:17 --Isaiah 58:6-11 --Worship Song of the Day: “The Lord Is” by Sovereign Grace: https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/the-lord-is/

In our fifth podcast, we continue our exposition of Ruth 1, starting in verse 15 and continuing until the end of the chapter. We contrast "gods" with God, marvel at Ruth's declaration of loyalty to Naomi, study a common ancient Hebrew expression, and watch as Naomi plunges into bitterness. We also pose the question, "Does God orchestrate evil events in the lives of His children?" Scripture References/Allusions and Further Reading: --Genesis 2:23-25 --Deuteronomy 29:10-13 --Matthew 15:21-28 --1 Samuel 3:10-18 --Exodus 15:22-25 --Job 1-2:10; 42:11 --Romans 8:28 --James 1:3 --Jonah 1:7 --1 John 1:5 --Genesis 50:20 --Deuteronomy 31:6 --"So May God Do To Me!" by Paul Sanders: https://www.bsw.org/biblica/vol-85-2004/so-may-god-do-to-me/159/ --Quote from chapter 8 of "Hinds' Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurnard --Worship Song of the Day: "I Will Follow" by Chris Tomlin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohvhmGSfxI

In our fourth podcast, we read and discuss the first fourteen verses of Ruth chapter 1. We examine some of the important Hebrew words and names and inquire as to how they frame the chapter and book as a whole. Additionally, we note Naomi’s remarkable character, the “curse of singleness” at that time in history, and the Ruth’s fierce loyalty and faithfulness to her mother-in-law. A great start to such an amazing book! Scripture References/Allusions and Further Reading: -Judges 11:29-40 -Judges 21:25 -Leviticus 26:3-20 -Genesis 19:30-38 -Deuteronomy 23:1-3 -Matthew 2:1 -Deuteronomy 7:3-4 -2 Corinthians 6:14-17 -Titus 2:3-5 https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/singleness-was-a-curse?

"All Glory to God" is a worship song written by Kory Labarga. One of the goals in writing the song was to juxtapose our pre-Christian lives (sung in the verses, which are full of minors and a somber tone) with our new lives in Christ (sung in the more upbeat pre-choruses, choruses, and bridge). We sincerely hope this song blesses people! Lyrics: Verse 1: Our lives were vapid and blind, veiled by deepest night-- Each step a wandering guess when we couldn’t see the light. Distressed and never content, how could we not know our need? In war, rebellion and scorn, we battled the God of peace. Pre-Chorus: But You gave Your Son to save us, And in Him the day is won. Chorus: All glory to God, Who in love draws us near, Overflowing with grace And forever here. Abounding in mercy, You chose to atone; Now we sing with the heavens To You alone. Verse 2: Our hearts were stony and scarred; we knew not the God of grace. Our minds believed Satan’s lies, and we could not seek Your face. Pre-Chorus 2: Our hearts have changed forever, And in joy we follow You. Bridge: You've given us eyes, and we see, New hearts to believe. By Your love, You have saved us; By grace, we're redeemed. Now forever we'll praise The God of all days. We delight in the One Who saves.

In our third podcast, a special guest (Kory's friend Levi!) hangs out with us and helps us study the final chapter of James. We open up with some worship through music, singing "Holy and Anointed One." Then we move on to the Word, looking at a frightening warning to those who put their trust in riches. Next, we proceed to examine the challenge to be patient in our suffering--for the Judge is at the door in these last days! Finally, we stress the importance of praying for those who are suffering, and conclude by seeing what James has to say about backsliding. Thank you for joining us, Levi! Scripture References/Allusions and Further Reading: -Genesis 3:6 -1 Corinthians 4:7-12 -Luke 9:3-5 -Matthew 19:16-22 -Mark 10:17-27 -James 1:3-4 -Job 38-41 -Revelation 3:15-16 -Matthew 5:34 -Matthew 23:16-22 -Philippians 1:6 -1 Samuel 1:5-11 -John 9:1-3 -John 8:1-11 -Genesis 4:7 -Hebrews 6:4-6

JAMES 4 In our second podcast, we read and discuss the very convicting and challenging James chapter 4. First, we discuss the fact that fights and quarrels among the church of Christ begin with the heart of the individual. Second, we examine what it means to be a "friend of God" as opposed to a "friend of the world." We then talk about the importance of submitting to and humbling ourselves before God. The conversation turns to how we should not esteem ourselves as judge of our brothers and sisters, and how we should not be boastful about our plans for the future. ***We are still working out some of the sound kinks, so the guitar is rather quiet during the praise time at the beginning of the podcast. Please bear with us as we get these wrinkles ironed out!*** Scripture References/Allusions and Further Reading: -Matthew 5:21-26 -1 John 5:14-15 -Isaiah 42:8 -Matthew 6:24 -Jonah 1:1-3 -Proverbs 3:34 -1 Peter 5:5 -Ephesians 6:10-17 -1 Corinthians 12:22-23 -Matthew 7:1-6 -2 Peter 1:3

JAMES 3 In our first podcast, we provide a recap of our study of James 1 and 2 before diving into the third chapter of this amazing book. Firstly, we examine the “Taming of the Tongue” and how important it is to think before we speak. We conclude by discussing the second section of the chapter—discerning between worldly and godly wisdom—and how this connects with the earlier portion of James 3 and the book as a whole. We hope this blesses you! Scripture References/Allusions: -Genesis 21:12 -Job 2:13 -Isaiah 55:11 -Matthew 12:34 -1 Corinthians 3:1-3 -1 Corinthians 11-12:7 -Hebrews 11:17-19 -1 John 1:8