The Illuminated Word

As we conclude the Illuminated Word podcast, we read from John's encouragement to stay faithful, to allow the Spirit to give discernment and to lead us, and to not be lead by what other's think or feel but be lead by God's Word and the Holy Spirit.

John reminds his readers that if our love is to emulate the Father's we cannot love the way of the world.

John reminds us that as we walk with the LORD, we will sin. When we sin, we have an advocate in Jesus, who is a propitiation for our sins. John points out that part of being an authentic Christian means we obey Jesus and love our brothers and sisters.

The psalmist leads us through a prayer asking for spiritual renewal. Rarely do our lives follow a continual upward trajectory in our walk with Christ. We have plateaus and valleys in our faith. This psalm helps us in times when we need renewal.

When we are called to follow Jesus, we are called to be servants. So how ironic was it that in the upper room, none of the disciples acted like servants! The only one who did was the only one in that room that could've demanded to be served. And yet, he washed their feet...

John speaks to two different groups in his epistle. One group is struggling with their faith. They are wondering if what they received is reliable. Another group is promoting a heresy known as Gnosticism. They are upsetting the faith of others. In this introduction, John lays out important teaching to encourage believers and dispute the false teachers.

The Psalmist inverts how we look at God's providence. God is able to take valleys in life and make them times of fruitful abundance. It is through hardships and trials that God shapes us and molds us.

What separates God from all the other "gods"? He is a God who gives us the choice.

John the Baptist is described as a witness. We are called, according to God's mission, to witness as well.

John, in his prologue, tells the reader some profound truths. He reveals that Jesus, before becoming a man, was the preexistent logos of God. The Son had always been and had perfect fellowship with the Father. John reveals to us who Jesus really is.

Asaph lists 10 of the great enemies of God's people in this Psalm. He reminds us of God's triumph over his enemies in the past. He gives his readers assurance that God will deliver again. As Christians, we know that we have received the ultimate deliverance of Jesus in his victory over sin, death, and the evil one.

As we continue looking at "Judgement", we come to Jesus' words that can seem harsh at first. But he's really just saying what we've always said - if your actions don't support your words, then it doesn't matter what you say.

Paul encourages the Thessalonians with Christ's return.

In 2 Peter 3, Peter gives his readers an admonition to live their lives with the knowledge that the Day of the Lord will come.

Psalm 82 has been one of the more challenging Psalms for Christians to grasp. Who are the "gods" mentioned in verse 1? We will tackle this question in today's podcast. The biggest takeaway from this passage for us is that the Almighty God has concern for the neglected and at risk of this world. We are called as followers of Jesus to do the same.

Peter has warned his readers about false teachers - what they teach and how they present themselves. But he has another warning, and this one is for those who listen to false teachers.

Peter lays out a simple doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture. He points to the reliability of the testimony of those that saw Jesus. He reminds his readers that he was there at the Mount of Transfiguration.

Psalm 81 probably finds its historical background during the Exile in Babylon. God reminds his people that he has rescued them from Egypt before and he can do it again. The people's proper response is heart-felt worship and listening to the words of God.

As Peter knows his time is drawing near, he writes one last letter warning early believers to watch out for false teachers and also to remind them of the promises they received through Jesus.

Peter's final greetings for this letter is for the church to continue its efforts on building strong relationships among them, to stay watchful for Satan's attacks, and lastly a blessing of peace.

Peter encourages the church to rejoice in their participation of Christ's sufferings.

A Psalm requesting God to act against Israel's enemies.

Apologies, this episode was scheduled to post last week when it should have been this week. In keeping with our readings it will be posted here again.

Peter explains to his audience that Christians are "resident aliens" in this world. The proper way to live our lives is to stay holy and pure but also act as a blessing to those around us. Christians are distinct because of their holiness and care for others.

Asaph reminds the people of Israel that God has been faithful through the years even though they have been unfaithful. Their rebellion and disobedience is contrasted with God's mercy in sending David as his skillful shepherd, and moving the place of his tabernacle from Shiloh to Mt Zion.

We can lose sight of who we are by focusing on what the world thinks of us or what we think of ourselves. But what we should really be focusing on is what Jesus thinks of us.

Peter treats the tricky issue of believing spouses' relationship with their unbelieving spouses. Peter does not recommend giving up on that spouse but rather recommends a life of love and pure conduct so that they might eventually win over their spouse to the Lord.

The apostle Peter gives a doxology of praise for God's plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Asaph cries out in lamentations to God. He remembers God's care and God's power to save.

To say we believe in the power of prayer is one thing, but to actually use it like we believe it is another!

James issued a stern warning to wealthy people that would exploit the poor for the purpose of accumulating riches.

Asaph's Psalm reminds us that God is not hidden but can be known. God once reigned in Zion but now we know as Christians He has taken up residence in our lives through the Holy Spirit.

James begins a short indictment on jealously and pride ending in his exhortation to submit to God.

James' proverbial prose on the practice of right speech is important for Christians. Are we using our words to bless or curse?

Asaph was a Levite that David assigned to be in charge of the Tabernacle choir. He wrote Psalms 73-83 which opens up Book III of the Psalter. In this Psalm Asaph reminds the worshippers that God is the one who judges.

As we continue our look at James 2, we come to Jame's treatment on words vs. actions. What good is it if our actions don't match our words? Our faith, without works, is dead.

James warns his audience that the sin of partiality is really the absence of mercy. If they don't have mercy, no mercy will be shown them on Judgement Day.

James challenges his readers to not show partiality to the rich. He lays out a scenario in which a rich man and a poor man enters their assembly. How should they treat the rich vs. the poor? James gives very specific teaching about partiality in these verses.

Psalm 74 is a cry of lament. God's people have been in exile for almost 70 years and they are crying out to God asking for deliverance.

The psalm writer Asaph informs us through song of the attributes of a pure heart before God.

There is a Christmas lie that we too often buy into, and that's I can fill the hole in my life with more stuff. And yet Jesus' birth was MORE than we could ever imagine. He brings more joy, more love, and more peace into our lives.

Isaiah looks into the future to tell Judah that it is time to rejoice for their savior is coming soon.