Podcasts about Christian Standard Bible

Daniel 7 - 1:10 . Daniel 8 - 9:13 . Daniel 9 - 16:10 . Isaiah 44 - 23:51 . We are now in the second half of Daniel which focuses on the dreams and visions that Daniel himself received. These visions include imagery of beasts, animals, and horns, representing kingdoms and the kings who come from them. Some of what Daniel sees is explained within the text itself while some remains the topic of debate and speculation to this day. Some, however, has clearly been fulfilled, like the goat which tramples the ram. The goat is the Greek Empire and it's conspicuous horn is Alexander the Great, who trampled the Medo-Persia empire only to die suddenly at the peak of his power. Antiochus emerges from one of the four new kingdoms, a ruler who persecutes the Jews, stops regular sacrifices, and defiles the temple.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Daniel 1 - 1:05 . 1:11Daniel 2 - 4:30 . 4:36Proverbs 26:13-28 - 16:05 . God's people are now in exile in the land of Babylon, which brings us to the book of Daniel, an extraordinary account of a young Judean exile who receives interpretation and prophecy from the Lord while serving foreign kings. Of particular significance in today's passage is the statue that Nebuchadnezzar sees in a dream. The statue's head of gold represented Babylon; its silver chest and arms: the Medo-Persian empire; the bronze stomach and thighs: the Greek empire; the legs of iron: the kingdom of Rome; and the mixed clay and iron feet: a continuation of Rome in later times. Finally, the rock represents the kingdom of God in Christ, as it easily destroys the manmade statue, enduring forever and spreading throughout the earth.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John writes to the church reminding them that we are beloved children of God the Father. The world won't understand us, because it doesn't know the Father; even so this new identity calls to be set apart as we live a life of purity and devotion to the One who has redeemed us. Our new relationship with God begets a new relationship with other believers: with God as our Father, we should love other Christians as brothers and sisters. Christ said that the church would be known for loving one another, and John echoes this teaching by admonishing the church to believe in the name of God's Son Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Joel 1 - 1:05 . Joel 2 - 5:00 . Joel 3 - 13:00 . Proverbs 26:1-13 - 17:12 . Joel is one of the shortest books of the Old Testament and is divided in two parts. The first half describes a plague of locusts that invade the land and destroy the land's produce, threatening the survival of animals, people, and even grain offerings before the Lord. That section ends with a plea for God's people to confess their sins, transitioning to the second half of the book, which contains promises of the Lord to restore and rebuild his people and the land. Interpreters debate about the relationship between the locusts & the army; is the army a swarm of locusts, or is Joel comparing the people of the army to that of a swarm of locusts? Maybe both! Regardless, the promises of God to restore repentant people resound w/ hope & joy.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Daniel 4 - 1:13 . Daniel 5 - 11:46 . Daniel 6 - 20:09 . Isaiah 43:14-28 - 26:56 . There are a few different ways to look at the structure of the book of Daniel, and one of them is to note that the first six chapters are comprised of narratives that contain prophecy, while the last six chapters are prophecies that contain history. These next three chapters each happen in successive time periods under successive kings whom Daniel served under, however, later chapters do not maintain chronological order. Each account shows God's supreme authority over all kings and kingdoms. Those who attempt to thwart the Lord's plans and the Lord's ways are all shown to be weak and easily dismissed.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John writes to the church reminding them that we are beloved children of God the Father. The world won't understand us, because it doesn't know the Father; even so this new identity calls to be set apart as we live a life of purity and devotion to the One who has redeemed us. Our new relationship with God begets a new relationship with other believers: with God as our Father, we should love other Christians as brothers and sisters. Christ said that the church would be known for loving one another, and John echoes this teaching by admonishing the church to believe in the name of God's Son Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In the final episode of the Emotional Health series with Dr. Chip Dodd, we're talking about the final of the eight feelings, gladness. Gladness is not about being happy or getting what we want. Gladness is about having a deep desire and being willing to walk through pain in pursuit of this desire. Gladness comes because of our willingness to feel the other feelings: hurt, lonely, sad, anger, fear, shame, and guilt. In this episode, Gabe and Rebekah reflect on the feeling of gladness and where they've seen this in their lives. Pre-order Rebekah's new book, Building a Resilient Life: How Adversity Awakens Strength, Hope, and Meaning.Purchase The Voice of the Heart: A Call to Full Living by Chip Dodd. Learn more about Dr.Chip Dodd.Download the "Emotional Health Guide" and access the weekly teaching on video from Dr.Chip Dodd. This season of Rhythms for Life is sponsored by the Christian Standard Bible. Find a copy you'd like at discount at Lifeway.com using the code R4L to save 40% Off. Click HERE start your free 2-week trial with prep dish today.

Daniel 1 - 1:11 . Daniel 2 - 4:36 . Daniel 3 - 16:31 . Isaiah 43 - 23:55 . The book of Daniel is an extraordinary account of a young Judean exile who receives interpretation and prophecy from the Lord while serving foreign kings. Of particular significance in today's passage is the statue that Nebuchadnezzar sees in a dream. The statue's head of gold represented Babylon; its silver chest and arms: the Medo-Persian empire; the bronze stomach and thighs: the Greek empire; the legs of iron: the kingdom of Rome; and the mixed clay and iron feet: a continuation of Rome in later times. Finally, the rock represents the kingdom of God in Christ, as it easily destroys the manmade statue, enduring forever and spreading throughout the earth.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel 46 - 1:06 . Ezekiel 47 - 6:16 . Ezekiel 48 - 12:00 . Proverbs 25:14 - 19:07 . For modern audiences like us, these concluding chapters may feel more drudgery than delight, but for the original audience, these final depictions would have been the most exciting. Ezekiel once brought a message of condemnation and despair, but now that those prophecies have come true and Israel has spent 25 years in exile, Ezekiel brings a message of hope and restoration. Some of today's revelation is other-worldly, as Ezekiel sees a river coming from under the temple, recalling the garden of Eden, the tree depicted in Psalm 1, all while pointing us toward the river seen in the book of Revelation.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John, the apostle whom Jesus loved and the author of the fourth gospel writes today's letter to the church with encouragement to flee from sin, to trust in Jesus, to love one another, and to assure them of the eternal life that Christ has secured for them. This letter doesn't have a typical structure; unlike other epistles it doesn't address a particular church or mention individual people. Here in the first two chapters, John addresses those who continue in sinful lifestyles while saying that they have fellowship with God. Of course, everyone has sinned, but those who perpetuate evil, who hate brothers in Christ, who lust and who are proud without any inclination toward repentance, do not fellowship with God.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Jude's letter, while brief, is both pointed and to the point. While he had hoped to write a letter of encouragement and celebration in the gospel, he realized it was more prudent to encourage them to contend for the faith against those false teachings which had infiltrated the church. Pointing back to Sodom and Gomorrah, the rebellion in the wilderness after the exodus, to Balaam, to Cain, and to those who rebelled with Korah, he asserts that these people who deny Jesus and who rely on dreams will be doomed to hell. In these end times there are certain to be scoffers who live according to their ungodly desires, who create division, and who are worldly. Even so, he encourages the church to have mercy on those who waver.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John 19 - 1:17 . John 20 - 9:45 . John 21 - 16:25 . Isaiah 42 - 22:05 . The disciple Jesus loves, better known as John, continues to give us his account of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. As in the rest of his gospel, John points out the ways in which the death of Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures that preceded him. While all of the gospel accounts include the resurrection of Jesus, each one gives unique perspectives from the participants of what happened afterward. After Jesus reveals himself to Mary Magdelene, we read three accounts of Jesus appearing to the disciples as a group. John writes all of this so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel 43 - 1:02 . Ezekiel 44 - 8:05 . Ezekiel 45 - 16:13 . To put today's passage in context, it's important to spend a moment considering when this vision occurred and what had happened up to this point. Remember that God had declared through Ezekiel that his glory had left the temple. Over time, the Lord's temple had become defiled and desecrated by idols, so the Lord sent the Chaldeans to demolish it. Jerusalem was made a desolation, and the people were exiled from the land. Twenty-five years later, Ezekiel sees a vision that would have brought renewed hope and joy: a new temple with revived worship practices, and most important of all, the promise of God's glory and favor would return.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In our study of Titus 3:1-3, we move from the orthodoxy of the gospel to the orthopraxy of the gospel. Scripture quotations are from the Christian Standard Bible®, copyright © 2017, by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Be sure to check us out at our website, adoptedbelievers.com. You can find out more about us, articles, and access to all our podcast content and links to various podcast platforms.

John 16 - 1:13 . John 17 - 7:57 . John 18 - 12:34 . Isaiah 41 - 21:40 . As Jesus walks to the garden where he will spend his final moments with the disciples, he continues to divulge the relationship between the persons of the Trinity. The Spirit comes from the Father and submits to the Son. The Son commands the Spirit but submits to the Father. And the Father has authority over the Son and the Spirit while still honoring both as equal in divinity. Jesus prays for His present disciples as well as those who will believe in the future, asking that they might know the Father's love and that they might be protected from the evil one. Finally, Jesus is captured and sent to trial before the Jews and before Pilate.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The book of Hebrews concludes today with a laundry list of encouragements to pursue one another in brotherly love. As the writer lists out the manner in which members of the church should relate to one another, he cites biblical and theological reasons why each should be practiced in the manner he describes. Cas you listen, consider the self-sacrificing nature of each action, for the nature of Christ's love for the church was self-sacrificial, and in order to be Christlike, we too, must follow the path selflessness. There are also commendations to rest in the truth and suffer for the sake of righteousness, enduring what is temporary in order to gain that which is eternal. The author then concludes with final remarks and a benediction.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel 40 - 1:02 . Ezekiel 41 - 8:59 . Ezekiel 42 - 17:35 . There are different takes on the exact meaning of the temple Ezekiel sees in today's passage, some say it is symbolic, others heavenly, while others take note of it's cross-shaped floor plan. Here's what we know. First, it was never built. Second, this passage is the longest recording of a revelation in Scripture and it gives very specific dimensions for a temple design with measurements that differ from the original temple. Third, in the original Hebrew, the measurements are in cubits and multiples of 5 and 25 abound; and this vision takes place after 25 years in exile. Fourth, but certainly not finally, other than Moses, Ezekiel is the only person in the Old Testament to receive and transmit specific legislation directly from God. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Having laid a foundation of former faithful followers from Israel's past, the writer of Hebrews encourages his audience to lay aside every hindrance and sin so that they might faithfully run the race set before them. By enduring hardship and suffering, the church is strengthened by a disciplined life. He goes on to encourage peaceful living with one another, making sure that no root of bitterness springs up. He continues to encourage hopeful perseverance by reminding them that they are not headed to Mount Sinai, a physical mountain where the Lord shook the earth in holiness; they are headed to Mount Zion, an unshakeable kingdom where the peace of Christ reigns and the redeemed saints gather to live forevermore.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel 37 - 1:02 . Ezekiel 38 - 8:06 . Ezekiel 39 - 14:20 . You may have noticed this turn already, but ever since the mention of Jerusalem's fall in chapter 33, God's message to His people has become one of promise and hope for a restoration that will take place in the future. In our last episode, God promised to send a shepherd to his people, one that would be a prince among them from the line of David. Today, the Lord commands Ezekiel to prophesy to a valley of dry bones. Through the word of the Lord, these bones gather into fully restored bodies and stand on their feet. Ezekiel also prophesies against Gog of Magog, which may be the king we know as Gyges of Lydia. Even so, this prophesy goes beyond immediate circumstances to condemn a leader opposed to Israel in the far future.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John 12 – 1:09 . John 13 – 9:19 . John 14 – 15:13 . John 15 – 20:48 . Isaiah 40 – 25:05 . Here in John's gospel, we get a lengthy behind-the-scenes look at the Last Supper. As Jesus eats the Passover meal with his disciples, he knows that the hour of His crucifixion is drawing near. As both Lord and servant, Jesus leads by example and washes the disciples' feet and commands them to love one another. It's revealed that Judas will betray Jesus, and he departs from the other disciples to execute his plan. Jesus reveals the nature of the relationships within the triune Godhead, describing how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit relate to one another. Finally, Jesus tells his disciples that they should expect to be persecuted by the world.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as “Hall of Faith” wherein the writer of Hebrews goes through a list of men in the history of God's people who had faith in the Lord. Beginning with Creation itself, he writes about the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and then says that time prohibits him from going on and on about others who came after them. Even so, he lists what the faithful had endured, persevering by faith. All of these were approved through their faith, yet did not yet fully receive what God had promised. All of this history will be used as a platform in chapter 12 to encourage the church to persevere through difficulties and maintain faith in the Lord.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The Emotional Health Series continues this week with the feeling of guilt. Guilt is the emotional and spiritual gift that allows us to feel and accept that we've done something wrong. Guilt tells us that we have broken boundaries and we've done something wrong. Dr. Chip Dodd joins us to help us understand what guilt is and how we can be set free through this feeling. Following the interview with Dr. Chip Dodd, Lysa TerKerust, author of Good Boundaries and Goodbyes, shares how boundaries are good and necessary in relationships. Buy Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurst HERE. Purchase The Voice of the Heart: A Call to Full Living by Chip Dodd. Learn more about Dr.Chip Dodd.Download the "Emotional Health Guide" and access the weekly teaching on video from Dr.Chip Dodd. This season of Rhythms for Life is sponsored by the Christian Standard Bible. Find a copy you'd like through this link and use the code R4L to save 40% off each bible.Click HERE start your free 2-week trial with prep dish today.

Ezekiel 35 - 1:02 . Ezekiel 36 - 4:01 .Up next in the list of nations being rebuked by the Lord is the nation of Edom. Edom was on the short list of nations receiving prophetic rebuke along with Ammon, Moab, and Philistia when this section began back in chapter 25. Recall that the nation of Edom stems from Jacob's (aka Israel's) brother Esau, and they have been at odds more or less ever since the womb. Most recently, Edom participated in the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem during the Babylonian invasion. History reveals that in time the Edomites will be defeated by the Maccabees in 126 BC and incorporated into the Jewish state and would cease to exist by the year 6 AD. Later in our reading, Ezekiel promises restoration for Israel, bringing them back into their own land.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John 9 - 1:11 . John 10 - 8:36 . John 11 - 14:27 . Psalm  146 - 23:57 . Psalm 147 - 25:28 .Our reading begins with a miraculous and undeniable sign: Jesus heals a man who was born blind, and the Pharisees can't believe it. Later, Jesus raises his friend, Lazarus, from the dead in front of large crowd. This is Jesus's seventh messianic sign given before the crucifixion, and this one points forward to his own resurrection and his power over death. As many in people in Bethany had witnessed the corpse of Lazarus first-hand, the miracle caused quite a stir amongst the people, which caused the Jews to hate Jesus even more. It is after this miraculous sign that they resolve to kill both Jesus and Lazarus, in order to snuff out the growing witness of Jesus' power.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The writer of Hebrews is writing to a largely Jewish audience discussing how Jesus is better than all that has come before him. This is an effort to help them see the futility of keeping certain Jewish practices which have been fulfilled in Christ. Today, the writer considers how Jesus is a better sacrifice. In the tabernacle and temple system, sacrifices for sins were once made continually because men sinned continually, but in Jesus we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time. This security is a source of hope for the believer, for in Christ we have a better and enduring possession that is far more valuable than anything we might lose in this world.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John 6 - 1:09 . John 7 - 12:28 . John 8 - 20:52 . In today's passage, Jesus feeds 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. Those who received this free meal begin looking for Jesus, not because of the sign itself but because of what they can get out of it. Here, Jesus begins teaching strange things, saying that his disciples must eat his flesh and drink blood, and after hearing this, many abandon Jesus. Later, during the Festival of Shelters, Jesus goes to Judea to preach and teach even though some of the Jews were trying to kill him. The crowd is divided about whether or not he is the Messiah. When Jesus calls God his Father and says “before Abraham was, I am.” they pick up stones to kill him.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel 33 - 1:06 . Ezekiel 34 - 10:01 . Proverbs 25 - 17:30 . In today's passage, Ezekiel recalls the day when, 12 years into exile, he first hears word that Jerusalem has been overtaken. Those who remain behind want to claim the land as their own property, but the Lord sees their wickedness and vows to make them a desolate waste. The Lord also sees the shepherds of Israel, those leaders and rulers who have been entrusted with taking care of God's flock. Rather than nurturing and protecting those under their watch, they have abused their power for the sake of selfish profit. God's flock will be rescued from their hands, and he will send a better shepherd, his servant David, who will be a prince among them.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In the old covenant, the average Israelite was not allowed to enter into the holy place, and only the high priest was allowed to enter into the most holy place. This earthly tabernacle was a shadow and predecessor of the heavenly pattern, wherein sinful men like us cannot enter into God's holy presence. Thankfully, we have a high priest in Jesus, for he is able, not only to enter into His Father's presence, but to cleanse our consciences. He cleanses us, not with the blood of bulls or goats, but with his very own blood. In so doing, Christ is the perfect lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Unlike the old covenant which required continual sacrifices by imperfect men, Christ has entered into this heavenly tabernacle, or one “not made with hands” and has made sacrifice once and for all.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Today in our study of Titus 3:4-8, we see who believers are and who starts their faith, and why that is important. Scripture quotations are from the Christian Standard Bible®, copyright © 2017, by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Be sure to check us out at our website, adoptedbelievers.com. You can find out more about us, articles, and access to all our podcast content and links to various podcast platforms.

Ezekiel 31 - 1:03 . Ezekiel 32 - 6:35 . Proverbs 24 - 14:24 . We are in the section of Ezekiel's prophecies where the proclamations against particular nations have collected together. In our last episode we concluded the prophecy against Tyre and began the prophecies against Egypt. We begin with a symbolic proclamation against the cedar of Assyria. Cedars were seen as symbols of royalty and majesty in the Near East; and just as noble Assyria was brought low, so too, Egypt will be cut down. Pharaoh, in all of his splendor, will be humiliated and destroyed by the sword of Babylon's king, and neither he nor his kingdom will rise again to its former glory.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John 4 - 1:09 . John 5 - 10:16 . Psalm 145 - 17:56 . In today's episode, Jesus passes through Samaria, a town that most Jews considered to be so loathsome that even setting foot inside the city limits would have been frowned upon. Jesus not only does this, but he breaks custom by asking a Samaritan woman for a drink of water, telling her about the living water that leads to eternal life. Along with his disciples, he stays for two days before continuing onward to Galilee. Later, in Jerusalem, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath and refers to God as his Father, and this is where he begins to earn the ire of the Pharisees.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Be Good Dirt! Today, Pastor Michael is back in Mark and we find Jesus avoiding the crushing crowd that His ministry has created of late.  Folks around the land are flocking to hear His message and Jesus actually has to go out into a boat to preach to them, it's gotten so bad. Jesus is preaching one of His most famous parables, the parable of the sower.  This parable is about a seeds thrown into four different kinds of soils: 1—on the road, where it becomes food for birds, 2—falling on rocky ground, where it cannot develop roots, 3—falling into thorny ground where the thorns chock out the growth and finally, 4—falling onto good soil where it yields a crop. What we find in this message is that it's more about the soil than the seed itself.  And the parable is about how one sows the word.  If on the road, the similarity is that of falling on unprepared people and Satan can snatch it away.  If on rocky soil, it shows people who initially receive the word with joy but it's received superficially and doesn't last.  If sown within thorns, it represents worries and the world, choking out spiritual development and truths.  But if sown in good soil, if the word is heard in the heart, it produces fruit. (CSB Baker Illustrated Bible Study Notes) The people who represent good soil, by contrast, attend to the gospel with earnest and ongoing engagement. The mark of a true disciple, an insider, is to “hear the word, welcome it, and produce fruit” (4:20). Those who genuinely hear and receive the mystery of the kingdom of God will, by the grace of its generative power, produce a harvest beyond belief. Verses can be found today in Mark 4: 1-20. 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. 

Ezekiel 28 - 1:05 . Ezekiel 29 - 6:40 . Ezekiel 30 - 12:33 . Proverbs 23 - 18:07 . As you'll recall from our last episode, Ezekiel is prophesying against the port city of Tyre. That section of prophecy concludes today and we'll begin a new prophecy against the nation of Egypt. As evidenced by the pyramids that remain standing today, the treasures of the pharaohs, along with abundant of historical records, Egypt was once a major world power that ruled mightily for centuries. Bible readers will recall that Joseph helped Egypt thrive early in their history and that Egypt held the nation of Israel in bondage for 400 years. This proud nation defied the Lord God and proved to be an unreliable ally to the surrounding nations, a splintered, reed staff that injured those who leaned on it.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John 1 - 1:12 . John 2 - 9:56 . John 3 - 13:32 . Psalm 144 - 19:32 . As many of you may know, there are four gospel accounts in the New Testament, three of which are called “synoptic” gospels, which means “seeing the same thing.” The gospel of John is the outlier, especially because it dives into some of the deeper aspects of Christ's life and teachings. John opens with a profound reflection on the Christ of eternity past who existed before creation, calling to mind the opening of the creation account in Genesis. He moves on to cover the ministry of John the Baptist, transitioning gracefully from that ministry to the ministry of Jesus, giving attention to Christ's surprising authority over the created order itself and to his command of the Scriptures.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The plans for the tabernacle given to Moses are in some ways a finite, earthly replica of the heavens, as they are said to be a copy or a shadow of the heavenly things. This system of worship included finite, earthly priests who served until they died, but Christ is the high priest of the new covenant who always lives to intercede. Jesus is the mediator of a new and better covenant which was prophesied through Jeremiah, and in today's episode the writer of Hebrews quotes the prophet Jeremiah at length. He argues that a new covenant would not need to be given if the old covenant was sufficient. The Jews should therefore partake of the new covenant in Christ, for the old covenant is obsolete.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In our first study of Titus 3:1-11, we see how Christians are to actually do good works in the first place. Scripture quotations are from the Christian Standard Bible®, copyright © 2017, by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission. Be sure to check us out at our website, adoptedbelievers.com. You can find out more about us, articles, and access to all our podcast content and links to various podcast platforms.

Ezekiel 25 - 1:06 . Ezekiel 26 - 4:48 . Ezekiel 27 - 11:03 . Proverbs 22:17 - 17:53 . Israel and Judah have incited the Lord's wrath by their wanton disregard for His statutes, and the Lord intends to pour His wrath out on His people. Even so, He will continue to stand by His promise to save a remnant and bring them back into the land. This is not the case for the surrounding nations, who have shown contempt for Jerusalem and disregard for the Holy One of Israel. With today's episode, we begin a new section in Ezekiel which focuses on prophecies against other nations.  A majority of today's passage focuses on the esteemed port city of Tyre, located on an island just off the coast. Though Nebuchadnezzar was unsuccessful in his siege, Alexander the Great was eventually successful after creating a causeway of timber and stone, wiping them out, never to exist again.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In chapters 5 and 6, the writer of Hebrews briefly mentioned that Jesus was a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. As we read chapter 7 today, he'll elaborate on what that means. In short, the question is this: since we know that the lineage of Jesus is from Judah and not Levi, how can it be that he qualifies to be a high priest? Even though Jesus had parents who were of the line of David, he himself is not from Adam's fallen race; as such, he can be compared to Melchizedek, who is without a genealogy. Moreover, Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything, as Abraham was the inferior and Melchizedek was superior. Because Jesus is even better than Melchizedek, the author concludes that a better covenant has come, and it comes under a priest who holy, innocent, and undefiled.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel 45 - 1:15 . Ezekiel 46 - 7:57 . Ezekiel 47 - 13:10 . Ezekiel 48 - 18:57 . Psalm 142 - 26:12 . Psalm 143 - 27:18 . For modern audiences like us, these concluding chapters may feel more drudgery than delight, but for the original audience, these final depictions would have been the most exciting. Ezekiel once brought a message of condemnation and despair, but now that those prophecies have come true and Israel has spent 25 years in exile, Ezekiel brings a message of hope and restoration. Some of today's revelation is other-worldly, as Ezekiel sees a river coming from under the temple, recalling the garden of Eden, the tree depicted in Psalm 1, all while pointing us toward the river seen in the book of Revelation.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel 23 - 1:06 . Ezekiel 24 - 12:27 . Proverbs 22:1-16 - 18:17 . The Word of God sometimes shocks us with the imagery it gives to describe the sins of mankind, and today's passage is no exception. As you might imagine, today's podcast includes sexually explicit content, so parents, use discretion as you see fit. The Lord tells a parable of sorts, describing Samaria (aka Israel) and Jerusalem as two sisters named Oholah and Oholibah. With scandalous and sordid depictions of their rebellion against God, they stand condemned before the one who called them to faithfulness and purity. A second parable describes a boiling pot where meat is cooked. Though choice meat has gone into the pot, the pot itself is corroded, which means the food is not edible. It must be emptied and set on the coals until it is purified.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In the gospels, Jesus teaches a parable about a sower and seeds. Some of the seeds show signs of growth and life, yet all of them, save one seed, do not survive. The planted seed of the gospel can have a temporary, life-giving effect on some who have not truly repented, but those who endure and bear fruit are those who prove to be Christ's disciples. Likewise, the writer of Hebrews tells his audience it is impossible to renew to repentance those who merely tasted the heavenly gift of Christ's church, but who ultimately fall away and despise the Lord. He wants the church to endure in hope until the end, being diligent in their faith, not lazy. Finally, the writer argues that God wants to show his unchangeable purpose through his promises to his people.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Shame is the emotional and spiritual recognition of the potential to faith and to do harm and to love. In today's episode, Dr. Chip Dodd helps us understand how the feeling of shame can lead to conviction. We'll also hear from Nona Jones, author of Killing Comparison: Reject the Lie You Aren't Good Enough and Live Confident in Who God Made You to Be on how shame can make us addicted to others approval rather than open to the experience of our lives lived fully with God and others.Purchase Nona Jone's book, Killing Comparison: Reject the Lie You Aren't Good Enough and Live Confident in Who God Made You to Be.Purchase The Voice of the Heart: A Call to Full Living by Chip Dodd.Learn more about Dr.Chip Dodd.Download the "Emotional Health Guide" and access the weekly teaching on video from Dr.Chip Dodd. Register now for the Emotional Health Retreat, Nov 17 & 18 in Franklin, TN!This season of Rhythms for Life is sponsored by the Christian Standard Bible. Find a copy you'd like through this link and use the code R4L to save 40% off each bible.

Ezekiel 42 - 1:11 . Ezekiel 43 - 4:54 . Ezekiel 44 - 12:12 . Psalm 140 - 19:26 . Psalm 141 - 21:21 . To put today's passage in context, it's important to spend a moment considering when this vision occurred and what had happened up to this point. Remember that God had declared through Ezekiel that his glory had left the temple. Jerusalem would be made a desolation, and the people exiled from the land. The temple had become defiled and desecrated by Israel's idols, so the Lord sent the Chaldeans to demolish it. Twenty-five years later, Ezekiel sees a vision that would have brought renewed hope and joy: a new temple with revived worship practices, and most important of all, the promise of God's glory and favor returns.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

As we read from the book of Hebrews today we'll see that Jesus is a better rest than the Sabbath and a better high priest. While the Sabbath regularly pointed God's people to their need for rest and to their dependence on the Lord, the author of Hebrews says that a Sabbath rest remains for God's people, namely Jesus Christ, for all those who are found him are able to rest from works of righteousness while depending on the Lord to provide for them both here and hereafter. Later, we'll see that Jesus is a superior priest, for like Melchizedek his priesthood is not based on ancestral lineage. This idea will be developed further in later passages.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel  39 - 1:08 . Ezekiel 40 - 8:30 . Ezekiel 41 - 18:53 . Psalm 139 - 24:23 . There are different takes on the exact meaning of the temple Ezekiel sees in today's passage, some say it is symbolic, others heavenly, while others take note of it's cross-shaped floor plan. Here's what we know. First, it was never built. Second, this passage is the longest recording of a revelation in Scripture and it gives very specific dimensions for a temple design with measurements that differ from the original temple. Third, in the original Hebrew, the measurements are in cubits and multiples of 5 and 25 abound; and this vision takes place after 25 years in exile. Fourth, but certainly not finally, other than Moses, Ezekiel is the only person in the Old Testament to receive and transmit specific legislation directly from God. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel 36 - 1:13 . Ezekiel 37 - 10:44 . Ezekiel 38 - 18:14 . Psalm 137 - 23:57 . Psalm 138 - 25:16 . You may have noticed this turn already, but ever since the mention of Jerusalem's fall in chapter 33, God's message to His people has become one of promise and hope for a restoration that will take place in the future. In our last episode, God promised to send a shepherd to his people, one that would be a prince among them from the line of David. Today, Ezekiel prophesies that Israel will be fruitful once more. Then, by means of a strange vision, the Lord commands Ezekiel to prophesy to a valley of dry bones. Through the word of the Lord, these bones gather into fully restored bodies and stand on their feet.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel 33 - 1:15 . Ezekiel 34 - 10:06 . Ezekiel 35 - 18:27 . Psalm 136 - 21:41 . In today's passage, Ezekiel recalls the day when, 12 years into exile, he first hears word that Jerusalem has been overtaken. Those who remain behind want to claim the land as their own property, but the Lord sees their wickedness and vows to make them a desolate waste. The Lord also sees the shepherds of Israel, those leaders and rulers who have been entrusted with taking care of God's flock. Rather than nurturing and protecting those under their watch, they have abused their power for the sake of selfish profit. God's flock will be rescued from their hands, and he will send a better shepherd, his servant David, who will be a prince among them.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezekiel 29 - 1:10 . Ezekiel 30 - 6:02 . Ezekiel 31 - 12:05 . Ezekiel 32 - 17:41 . Psalm 134 - 25:17 . Psalm 135 - 25:44 . As evidenced by the pyramids that remain standing today, the treasures of the pharaohs, along with abundant of historical records, Egypt was once a major world power that ruled mightily for centuries. Bible readers will recall that Joseph helped Egypt thrive early in their history and that Egypt held the nation of Israel in bondage for 400 years. This proud nation defied the Lord God and proved to be an unreliable ally to the surrounding nations, a splintered, reed staff that injured those who leaned on it. In today's text, God proclaims that he will once again use Babylon as the sword of his wrath. Unlike some other nations, the exiled Egyptians will be allowed to return to their land, but as a nation they will never again achieve their former status.:::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Rahn, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

We tackle fear in this episode of our Emotional Health Series with Dr. Chip Dodd. Fear is the feeling that allows us to experience risk, trust, dependency, collaboration, and wisdom; it helps us realize our need for help. For many of us, fear equals weakness and makes us doubt and distrust one another. In our fear of feeling fear, we become fretful and overly controlling in any risk we take. Following the interview with Dr. Chip Dodd, Gabe and Rebekah speak with Toni Collier, author of Brave Enough to be broken, to hear how she's overcome fear in her life and how she learned to embrace the pain of her past and how she moved to hope and healing. Purchase The Voice of the Heart: A Call to Full Living by Chip Dodd. Learn more about Dr.Chip Dodd.Buy Toni Collier's new book, Brave Enough to be Broken: How to Embrace Your Pain and Discover Hope and Healing.Download the "Emotional Health Guide" and access the weekly teaching on video from Dr.Chip Dodd. Register now for the Emotional Health Retreat, Nov 17 & 18 in Franklin, TN!This season of Rhythms for Life is sponsored by the Christian Standard Bible. Find a copy you'd like at discount at Lifeway.com using the code R4L to save 40% Off. Pre-Order The Marriage Devotional, by Levi & Jennie Lusko today.Click HERE start your free 2-week trial with prep dish today.

John 2: 2-11 Today we hear the classic story of Jesus changing the water into wine at a wedding. This was his first miracle and we see Him use the people and the things they had on hand to participate in this miracle. I hope you enjoy this episode and it helps facilitate conversations in your family. This episode of Kids Bibles Stories is sponsored by the Christian Standard Bible translation and the brand new Explorer Bible for Kids. Buy your copy today from Lifeway.com and get 50% off using code KBS. To connect with me, please visit https://www.kbspodcast.com/