Working with the Word

We've come to the decision to end the show and hang up the mics for now. In our final episode we discuss what we've learned over the past 2+ years about working together and the spiritual value of good digital media. We also want to thank our regular listeners, guests we've had on the show, and those who have helped or support us along the way. Finally, there is one more question we need to answer for ourselves before we sign off!    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

We close out our series exploring the why, what, and how of devotional reading with an interview with Mark McCrary. We discuss the importance of discernment in choosing devotional aids and building upon a solid foundation of Bible knowledge. Mark also shares his current process of reading a chapter of the Bible at a time with a specific focus to help  jumpstart our own discovery of God through the Word.    Resources Mentioned  Douglass Hills church of Christ Facebook page  Morning Five video devotions   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Celestial Discovery" by John Tadlock "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

In our third installment of our Devotional Bible Reading series, teacher and writer Dene Ward reminds us of the basics of Bible study - look for life connections, use a pencil and paper, and always ask questions. This conversation is also full of great nuggets of Biblical wisdom scattered throughout, especially for those who teach the Bible.    Resources Mentioned  Dene Ward blogs at http://www.flightpaths.org/   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Celestial Discovery" by John Tadlock "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

Jacob Hudgins continues our Final Four series by emphasizing worship as a result of our time in the Bible. He also talks about how reading the Bible devotionally is a process which requires discipline and growth, to encourage us to start small and work our way to more difficult books of the Bible.    Resources Mentioned  A Year with Jesus  by Jacob Hudgins  Exploring God's Grace  by Jacob Hudgins    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Cafe Terrace at Night" by John Tadlock "Celestial Discovery" by John Tadlock "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

On this show we frequently talk about the "Inductive Study Method," but that is just one of many tools that help us study the Bible. In this year's Final Four series, we will talk about the value and importance of reading the Bible devotionally. In this episode Jason Hardin helps us kick off the series by emphasizing our need to delight in and meditate on God's Word.    Resources Mentioned  Diligently Seeking God by Gary Henry  The Wisdom Pyramid by Brett McCracken  Open My Eyes by Jason Hardin  In God's Image by Jason Hardin  Heaven Bound Podcast  Charlestown Road church of Christ    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Cafe Terrace at Night" by John Tadlock "Celestial Discovery" by John Tadlock "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock  

Ezekiel's vision of the temple in chapters 40-48 is the source of many Bible students' questions, glazed eyes, and even strange speculations. Sid Latham helps us demystify this section of Scripture by setting it in the context of the whole Bible in general, and in the context of Ezekiel specifically. When connected to its fulfillment in Christ and His church, this vision is rich with application.    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Celestial Discovery" by John Tadlock "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

John could have ended the gospel at chapter 20 but he didn't. There is still more to see - more proofs of Jesus' resurrection, a reminder to the disciples of their mission, a recommissioning of Peter, and a final call to "follow Me." John 21 isn't just epilogue information, it's critical to the disciples' faith and future - and ours.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

The greatest sign of all is Jesus' resurrection - if it really happened, it verifies everything Jesus did and said. In John 20 Jesus appeared, alive and well in both body and spirit, to three groups of people. Then, in the gospel's climactic moment, Thomas saw Jesus alive and exclaims, "My Lord and my God!" How can we, almost 2000 years later, know Jesus really rose from the dead? And what does it mean to believe that?    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

In part 2 of Jesus' trial, we see Pilate conflicted and indecisive until the Jews' cries touch his political nerve. Pilate gives in to save his own skin. At the cross, we see Jesus suffering excruciating agony but not giving in to save Himself. Instead, He endures to fulfill Scripture. And John writes so that we may believe, not just that it happened, but why it happened.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock "O Sacred Head" sung by Michael Eldridge

When Jesus was arrested He was in total control of the situation and His own emotions, yet His disciples scattered in fear. One of them even denied knowing Jesus. While on trial before the Jewish priests and the Roman governor Jesus was calm and confident, yet the angry crowd shouted maliciously for Jesus' death. They even freed a convicted revolutionary in exchange for Jesus' execution. What do these remarkable contrast show us about what's really happening as these events unfold?    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

The time has come for Jesus to accomplish what the Father sent Him to do. Jesus has prepared His disciples for this moment, as well as Himself in prayer, and now He is arrested, crucified, and raised from the dead. In this episode we simply read from the text to observe what's unique and important about John's presentation of these events.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

Today we're joined by a special guest, Katie Philippi from Casey, Illinois. In this interview Katie shares with us her "why" for Bible study and how it has developed through the years to where she is now. She also shows us how people influence us and impact our growth toward maturity in Christ, and the challenge of pushing through the daily grind to prioritize time with God's word.    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Cafe Terrace at Night" by John Tadlock "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

Jesus spent a lot of time in prayer before going to the cross. While the other gospels record His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, John focuses on Jesus' prayer after the Last Supper with the apostles. This is Jesus' longest recorded prayer, and it teaches us incredible lessons about His glory, the apostles' work, and His desire for us even today.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock  

Throughout John 14-16 Jesus tells the apostles the Holy Spirit will come as their helper and counselor. He also tells them to not fear the future, for "I have conquered the world." Why did the apostles need this instruction and comfort? How was it fulfilled in their lives, and how does it relate to us today?   Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

After taking a lengthy break, let's review and re-sharpen our Bible study skills as we Observe, Interpret, and Apply Genesis 6-9. We'll work through these chapters one step at a time, working from simple observations about the text to direct application connections that the New Testament makes from Noah's life. The flood narrative teaches us much about sin through humanity's rebellion, about faith through Noah's obedience, and about salvation through God's grace.    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

Here's a short "behind the scenes" conversation about what's going on at Working with the Word. Hope to be back with new content in late July/early August! Music Credits "charcuterie.mp3" by John Tadlock "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

In Romans 7:14-25 Paul describes an inner conflict with sin, one in which he wants to do right but is unable to do so. This passage may seem straight-forward enough on the surface, as we all can relate to this inward battle. But read in context with the rest of Romans, big question emerge. Why does Paul say he is enslaved to sin? What is he saying about the "law"? Is he describing his experience before or after becoming a Christian. Hal Hammons joins us for a round-table to tackle these questions.    Be sure to check out Hal's work at Citizens of Heaven podcast, Twenty Pages a Week reading plan, and personal site.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

"I am the vine and you are the branches." Jesus describes Himself in a way that helps us see our complete dependence on Him - we must abide in Him if we are to bear fruit. However, this isn't the only relationship that's important. Jesus also addresses His disciples' relationship of love to fellow disciples, as well as the necessary separation between His people and the world of evil and sin. Each of these three relationships have enormous implications for how we live!    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

What did Jesus mean when He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life"? And what does it mean that Jesus is "in the Father" and "the Father is in" Him? Jesus spoke all these things to the apostles at a time when they were troubled and in need of comfort, and these same truths are the basis for our assurance of faith today.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

It's no coincidence that the very first lesson Jesus taught His disciples during this final conversation was to love one another. Indeed, His whole life was about not only teaching but demonstrating this principle. What Jesus did to show what humility and self-sacrifice looked like was so shocking that even Peter was offended! But it's precisely the kind of love Jesus calls every disciples to imitate.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock

Before His arrest Jesus spent a few hours in intimate conversation with his closest followers, preparing them for what was to come. This conference is unique to John's gospel and, with a mix of both sorrow and hope, is filled with encouragement and instruction. In this episode we read through and summarize these five chapters to see them as a whole. What was on Jesus' heart? What did he want His disciples to know and do?    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

This episode's topic comes from a question submitted by a listener. Tiffany asked, "Did Jacob really wrestle with God in Genesis 32? If so, why does Scripture later say that no man has seen God and lived?" What a great question! Let talk about how we can reconcile these two ideas and how they point us to Jesus.    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Doy Moyer helps us think through using our minds and hearts well as we read the Bible. How do we read Scripture with the singular purpose of knowing and drawing near to God? Why is recognizing God's authority fundamentally implied in our reading and study of the Bible? How do we maintain an open mind and heart while reading God's word, without allowing our presuppositions to impose our own ideas onto the text?    Read More of Doy Moyer's Writings You can find his published books at MoyerPress.com You can follow his blog at SearchingDaily.com   Resources Mentioned  Reading Backwards by Richard Hays  Echoes of Scripture in the Gospels by Richard Hays    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Celestial Discovery" by John Tadlock  "Computer Bounce" by Geographer  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Jesus has repeatedly said, "it's not time yet" - until now. Finally, Jesus says "my hour has come." But why now? What began this countdown to Jesus' final and most important work? It may not be what you expect. As Jesus ends His public ministry, John 12 shows us several events and conversations that explain the significance of what Jesus is about to do.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock   

In a climactic moment of His ministry, Jesus overcame the greatest crisis humanity has ever faced - death. From the very beginning Jesus has claimed to bring "eternal life," so Jesus raised Lazarus to provide powerful proof of His life-giving power. Yet this amazing miracle also plays into God's plan for Jesus to be rejected and ultimately killed Himself.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

This chapter is filled with rich instruction and illustration. Jesus is the gate. Jesus is the good shepherd. Jesus' enemies are the thieves. Jesus' disciples are the sheep. But what do all these figures mean? What do they communicate about our relationship with God? And how did Jesus' teaching here further divide the crowds?    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Jesus' sixth sign, giving sight to the man born blind, is about much more than opening his physical eyes - it's about opening the eyes of his heart to see Jesus. Ironically, this miracle results in the Pharisees' hardheartedness and blindness to the truth. In this chapter, we as the readers, also undergo an eye exam to evaluate how well we "see" Jesus.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Things begin to get tense between Jesus and the Jews. In this episode we introduce and read through the next major section of John where we find Jesus in the midst of an intensifying conflict. But there's also a major breakthrough where Jesus says "My hour has come" - what is He talking about? What caused these conflicts, and where are they ultimately going to lead?    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Many of our Bible studies are done in a group setting, whether in a church Bible class or small group study in a home. While offering a different dynamic than individual Bible study, studying with others in this setting is just as essential. What makes a good (or bad) Bible class? How do we make the best of these times, whether we're the teacher or student? Marty Broadwell shares advice from years of experience teaching teachers to teach.    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "New Year" by Bad Snacks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Our "Bible Study in Relationships" series continues in a conversation about teaching our families, especially our children, God's story. Eddie and Hannah Jinks have 3 children of their own (plus one on the way) and help us think through our priorities and planning. How do we as parents prepare our own hearts first? How do moms and dads work as a team? What are some tools that can help us along the way?    Resource Mentioned  Mommy and Me Bible Class Creation to Revelation   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Skyfall, City of Dreams" by John Tadlock  "Cafe Terrace at Night" by John Tadlock "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Matt and Jenn Schmidt, hosts of Intimate Covenant, join us to discuss how Bible study in marriage can draw us closer to God and one another. How can husbands and wives better center their relationship on God and His word? What unique obstacles does honest Bible study face in marriage? How do couples increase their God-centered conversations and deepen their spiritual intimacy?    Be sure to check out the podcast, events, and resources at Intimate Covenant!   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Skyfall, City of Dreams" by John Tadlock "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Our Final Four series for 2021 focuses on Bible study in different relationships. Today, longtime friends Ryan Joy and Bryan Schiele (from The Bible Geeks podcast) help us kick off the series and help us think about the importance and value of Bible study with Friends.    Don't forget to check out The Bible Geeks at https://biblegeeks.fm/ and https://www.facebook.com/thebiblegeeks.    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Margret, the Magician" by John Tadlock "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

After briefly discussing what to do with bracketed or footnoted texts in the Bible (like John 7:53-8:11 where we read about the woman caught in adultery and brought to Jesus) we dive into Jesus' continuing discussion with the Jews, focusing on Jesus' "I am" statements in this chapter. What does He mean by "I am the light of the world"? And what was He saying about Himself by "before Abraham was, I am"?    Resource Credits  The NET Bible (see footnote 140 starting at John 7:53) The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

After Jesus' popularity tanked in John 6, His brothers offered what sounds like logical public relations advice: "Stop hiding and just prove yourself to the world!" But Jesus did not come to receive worldly acclaim. So instead He secretly arrived in a bustling Jerusalem for the Feast of Booths, where an atmosphere of fear and anticipation filled the air: who is Jesus? will He come? what will happen if He does? Jesus patiently waited - then in a dramatic and well-timed moment he openly and boldly declared Himself the fountain of living water, the Messiah!   Resource Credits  The Complete Jewish Study Bible  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

In a dramatic turning point of the gospel, Jesus declares "I am the bread of life!" Yet the crowd's response to this message of divine provision is grumbling, complaining, and rejecting. What was it about Jesus being bread from heaven that turned so many of His followers away? And how did this same teaching bring the apostles into deeper commitment to Him?    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Jesus' third sign, healing a paralytic at the Bethesda Pool, sent shockwaves through the Jewish establishment. Why? Because Jesus "worked" on the Sabbath. What the Jews considered a violation of God's Law was actually a fulfillment of God's purpose, yet they were unable to see past their own traditions. What's more, Jesus then claimed to be God! What right does Jesus have to do and say such things?    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Jesus heals a lame man, feeds a crowd of over 5000, and publicly offers eternal life and light. The majority response? Opposition and persecution from the Jewish leaders, and rejection from even his own followers. Why? In this episode we overview the next section John's gospel, chapters 5-8, to understand why Jesus' signs and teachings brought such controversy and unbelief.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

In this episode we tackle a question submitted by a listener about 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, a text about love and miraculous spiritual gifts in the church. Does this passage teach that miraculous gifts have already passed away, or that their passing is still future? To what does "partial" and "the perfect" refer - the canon of Scripture, maturity of the church, something else? And how does this contribute to the whole message regarding the unity of the Corinth church?    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Jesus' second sign in John can easily be overlooked but there is much to learn from it. The healing of the official's son is one of the most remarkable stories illustrating true (and growing) faith, as the father exhibits an increasing measure of faith at every turn. More than that, it shows that the power of Jesus to give and restore life has no boundaries. Indeed, "in Him is life."   Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers     Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

"Water" - it's such a common element but so fitting to describe what Jesus offers. Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well vividly shows Jesus' purpose in coming to the world. The woman who came to Jacob's well for water left with her thirst quenched in a way she never expected - even as she left her empty water bucket behind.    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers     Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Most people know, or perhaps can even quote, John 3:16 - but what is the context of the Golden Text of the Bible? Jesus' whole conversation with Nicodemus provides the backdrop for this verse and more fully unpacks its meaning. We also dive into what it means to be "born again" and how the Son of Man must be "lifted up" like the bronze serpent. This chapter is rich with teaching!    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers     Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

Jesus does two important things to make himself known in John 2, but both events are very different from one another. What did Jesus want His disciples and the world to know about Him at the very beginning of His ministry? At the same time, according to verse 24, Jesus did not open Himself entirely to be completely known - why? And how should we respond to all this?    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers     Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

What drew Jesus' first disciples to follow Him? What impressed them? Piqued their curiosity? Shocked them? There was obviously something special about Jesus of Nazareth, from what John the Baptist said about Him ("the Lamb of God!") and the disciples' responses to Him. It all began with a simple invitation: "Come and see." 

The Word. The true Light. The Life of humanity. The only Son. Full of grace and truth. This is how John introduces Jesus - in grand, sweeping terms highlighting Jesus' deity and absoluteness. In comparison with all other God's prophets and revelations, Jesus exceeds them all, including Moses. Never has there been One like Jesus, and never will there be One again. If we want to know the Father, we look to Jesus!    Resource Credits  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers     Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock 

John's gospel stands out as unique among the other three, so we decided to dive into this book in an effort to better understand what it tells us about Jesus. We start with a simple and brief introduction to the book, then read through the first major section to get a feel for how John presents Jesus (chapters 1-4).      Resource Credits John: The Gospel of Belief (by Merrill C. Tenney)  The Christian Standard Bible Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers     Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Cafe Terrace at Night" from John Tadlock's album The Sight of the Stars  

What's going on in Acts 19:1-7? Why did the Ephesian disciples need to be baptized again? What's the difference between John's baptism and Jesus' baptism, and is it really that big of a deal? And what's the Holy Spirit's role in all of this? These are questions we'll tackle as we dive into our first difficult passage. Be sure to listen all the way to the end for a special and personal word of encouragement from Jeff.    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Cafe Terrace at Night" from John Tadlock's album The Sight of the Stars

Are there any difficult passages you've run across in the Bible? If we're honest with ourselves there are many of them, so part of properly handling the word of truth is learning how to handle difficult Scriptures. When encountering a difficult passage what do we do? Why is saying "I don't know" a crucial first step? How do we get past "I don't know"?   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Cafe Terrace at Night" from John Tadlock's album The Sight of the Stars     

The Bible can be intimidating or puzzling to beginners - where do I start? how do I make sense of it? can I really trust and understand it? Jerome walks us through his own journey of picking up the Bible for the very first time and gives us insight into these crucial questions.    Music Credits Intro - "Faith" by Vibe Tracks Interlude - "The Garden of Saint-Paul Hospital" by John Tadlock (from Sight of the Stars) Outro - "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock (from Sight of the Stars)

We sit down with Jeff Archer to talk about the value and GROWTH that come through studying God's word. Through repeated, diligent observation and interpretation, we can apply God's word to become more like our Savior!  Jeff has lots of great wisdom to share in this episode!   Related / Mentioned Resources - How to Study the Bible by Jeff Archer Other Material by Jeff Archer  Jordan Park church of Christ  Music Credits Intro - "Faith" by Vibe Tracks Transition "The Forest of Andor" by John Tadlock (from his album Alandria) Outro - "The Starry Night" by John Tadlock (from his album Sight of the Stars)

The "day of the Lord" has meant judgment for sinful Judah so far in Zephaniah's prophecies, but at the end of the book it takes on a new meaning. There is hope, promise, purification, and restoration - a bright future beyond the dark judgment. What does this teach us about the nature of God's discipline and grace? And how does this prepare us for Jesus?    Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Cafe Terrace at Night" from John Tadlock's album The Sight of the Stars    Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers

Zephaniah has a message for all the nations - not only will God judge his people Judah, all of them will also stand or fall before the LORD's wrath against sin. Not only does this show God's sovereignty over all peoples of the earth, it also hints at God's promise to unite all nations. Join us as we read and discuss Zephaniah 2:4-3:8.    Resource Mentioned  Homer Hailey's Commentary on the Minor Prophets   Music Credits  "Faith" by Vibe Tracks  "Cafe Terrace at Night" from John Tadlock's album The Sight of the Stars    Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers