Podcasts about Christian Standard Bible

Like Jonah before him, the prophet Nahum preaches devastation and ruin for Ninevah, the capital of Assyria, a place of unparalleled power and wealth. Though they thought themselves to be secure from danger, their downfall came after nearby rivers flooded the city and destroyed part of the city wall, allowing Babylon to enter easily and set it ablaze. Later in Habakkuk, the prophet of the same name is recorded speaking to the Lord on behalf of his people. He openly and honestly struggles with understanding why God would allow injustice to prevail. By his conversation with the Lord, we are reminded of the sovereign power and authority of God, who calls the righteous to live by faith.Nahum 1 - 1:15 . Nahum 2 - 4:27 . Nahum 3 - 7:20 . Habakkuk 1 - 12:54 . Habakkuk 2 - 16:20 . Habakkuk 3 - 20:55 . Psalm 149 - 25:02 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

When we last read from Revelation, we were in the throne room of God and the Lamb approached to open the seals of a scroll. Today, the Lamb opens the seals. We see a pattern in the first four seals that includes the opening of a seal followed by one of the four living creatures saying “Come!” In each instance a horse and a rider appear, sometimes appearing in surreal forms. The fifth seal prompts distribution of white robes to those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God as they cry out for judgment and holy vengeance. The sixth seal prompts violent natural disasters. Later, John sees the sealed of Israel, 12,000 from each tribe. After this, the apostle sees a vast multitude from every tribe, nation, people, and language crying out in worship before throne. :::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 prophet Zechariah was a contemporary of the prophet Haggai and you probably remember hearing his name mentioned along with Haggai in our last reading. Both prophets spoke to the exiles who had returned to Jerusalem, but while Haggai focuses mainly on rebuilding the temple, Zechariah sees visions of a future king. As such is the case, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John incorporate more passages from Zechariah than from any other prophet. In today's reading, Zechariah prophesies through night visions; we'll cover 5 out of 8 of them in this episode. One is of horsemen who patrol the world, another of horns and craftsmen, another of a man who surveys and measures Jerusalem, a fourth of the high priest Joshua and a servant called the Branch, and a fifth of a gold lampstand.Zechariah 1 - 1:04 . Zechariah 2 - 5:39 . Zechariah 3 - 8:50 . Zechariah 4 - 11:11 . Proverbs 29 - 13:56 .  :::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

The prophet Zephaniah extends an urgent invitation to seek the Lord and only the Lord. At the time of Zephaniah's prophecy, even the priests in the house of the Lord were worshipping other gods. He predicts that a day of the Lord is approaching to eliminate those who rebel against Him, but in His grace, he will leave a meek and humble remnant. Later, in 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes to the church concerning how they should live in light of Christ's impending return. Rather than live idle lives, they are encouraged to work until that day comes, giving glory to God by loving each other well and committing themselves to faithful obedience.Zephaniah 1 – 1:09 . Zephaniah 2 – 5:02 . Zephaniah 3 – 8:47 . 2 Thessalonians 1 – 14:41 . 2 Thessalonians 2 – 16:55 . 2 Thessalonians 3 – 19:59 . Psalm 148 – 22:56 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The letters to the seven churches have concluded, and in today's episode the apostle John sees a vision of the throne room of heaven. The hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” harkens back to this seen where 24 elders cast their crowns before the throne as a sign of humility and submission. To say that God is thrice-fold holy is to say that he is perfect in his holiness. The four living creatures bring to mind the angels seen in the visions of Ezekiel, representing God's power and authority. One like a slaughtered lamb appears to take the scroll from the one seated on the throne, causing those who had gathered to bow before the lamb. A congregation of thousands upon thousands rise up to declare the praise of the one on the throne and of the lamb that was slain. :::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

Within the historical account written down in the book of Ezra, we learn of a prophet named Haggai who turned the hearts of the people toward the Lord. We'll begin this episode by reading from the book of Haggai wherein the prophet addresses the people of Judah. Having just returned from exile they had prioritized making their homes comfortable while neglecting to rebuild the Lord's temple. This leads us back into Ezra, where the people prioritize building the temple. The rulers that oversee the region west of the Euphrates alert King Darius that the Jews are rebuilding the temple. The king's reply? Leave them alone! If anyone tries to stop them, they will be impaled on a beam from their own house!Haggai 1 - 1:06 . Haggai 2 – 4:09 .Ezra 5 - 9:16 . Ezra 6 - 13:12 . Proverbs 28:15-28 - 18:33 .  :::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

As we finish out the second half of the book of Micah, we'll immediately see another crystal clear prophecy; this one predicts that the coming Messiah will be born in Bethlehem, a small town that was unlikely to have anything significant take place within it. God promises that one day he will remove those earthly and idolatrous occupations which keep his people from worshipping him rightly, asserting that nations who have not obeyed him will receive his anger and wrath. Finally, Micah looks past the coming destruction of Israel to declare the future hope of redemption for those who repent from their sin and serve the Lord.Micah 5 - 1:08 . Micah 6 - 4:07 . Micah 7 - 8:38 . Isaiah 50 - 13:36 . Isaiah 51 - 16:30 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John is receiving direct revelation from Jesus Christ concerning what he should write to seven churches of his day. In our last episode we covered the churches at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. Today we'll cover the churches of Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Sardis was known for being alive in Christ, but in reality they were dead. The Lord discerns between those who have kept their way pure and those who have defiled themselves. The church in Philadelphia is commended for enduring in faithfulness even though they has but little power; to them belong the promise of a new Jerusalem. The church in Laodicea is compared to the luke-warm water that was piped into the city: neither cold and refreshing nor hot and therapeutic. Their riches had deceived them into thinking they didn't need to rely on 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

Our chronological reading of the Old Testament is approaching completion, which means we are now beginning to cover Israel's return to the land of promise. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah were originally part of one book but they got separated along the way as the book was translated. We'll use these books as our historical backbone in the final weeks reading Haggai, Zechariah, Esther, and Malachi along the way. Once we make it through some of the population tallies at the beginning of today's reading, we'll see what happens when God's people return to Judah. Before they even begin to rebuild the walls of the city, they prioritize rebuilding the temple, but even before that, they begin to worship God according to the Scriptures.Ezra 1 - 1:01 . Ezra 2 - 3:25 . Ezra 3 - 11:54 . Ezra 4 - 15:11 .  :::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

Given the time frame established by the prophet himself, Micah's prophecies are astoundingly clear and accurate, as he clearly pronounces the fall of Samaria, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the coming captivity in Babylon. The people had grown comfortable in religious activity but they were excusing sin and denying the possibility of judgment. He urges God's people to consider the nature and character of God Himself, and in so doing, they ought to repent in light of his justice and holiness.Micah 1 - 1:13 . Micah 2 - 4:40 . Micah 3 - 8:44 . Micah 4 - 11:34 . Isaiah 48 - 15:17 . Isaiah 49 - 20:06 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

After the apostle John opens with an introduction to his vision, he begins to record the words of Jesus to the seven churches. In today's reading we'll cover the first four of the seven churches, including Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. The Ephesian church is commended for not tolerating evil people, but rebuked for forgetting their love for the Lord. The church in Smyrna is encouraged, for even though they are poor, they are rich in Christ; they are further warned that their suffering will soon increase. The church at Pergamum live in a highly idolatrous city, and though they suffer for their faithfulness, there are some among them who are idolatrous. Finally, the church at Thyatira are commended for being loving, faithful, servants who endured much, but condemned for tolerating a sexual immoral woman who convinces others to join her in deviancy. :::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

Contrary to Victorian era illustrations and Michelangelo's chubby cherubs in the Sistine Chapel, angels are always described as glorious and fear-inducing.  Whenever someone sees a vision of an angel in Scripture, the person who sees them is dumbfounded and crippled by fear. In most instances, the angel has to tell the person not to fear and followed by supernatural help to recuperate. Such is the case with Daniel, who receives an interpretation of his vision from an angel. There's far too much to talk about concerning the historical fulfillment of Daniel's vision, but the prophesy moves from near future to the end of days when it is mentioned that the king will do whatever he wants.Daniel 9:20 - 1:03 . Daniel 10 - 3:21 . Daniel 11 - 7:29 . Daniel 12 - 17:47 .  :::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

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.Joel 1 – 1:11 . Joel 2 – 4:45 . Joel 3 – 12:35 . Isaiah 47 – 16:49 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

It's the beginning of the end! No, that's not the gift of prophecy coming out, but it is a Dad-joke about the book of Revelation and our reading plan. The book of Revelation is the last book in the Bible, the last book in our reading plan, and it is the book that is all about last things. The topic of the end times is referred to as “eschatology.” The apostle John found himself imprisoned on the island of Patmos because of his gospel ministry. While there, the Spirit came upon John and revealed a vision to him, instructing him to write everything he saw on a scroll, which was to be sent to seven churches. These beginning chapters contain direct communication to particular local congregations, giving both commendation and critique. This first chapter serves as an introduction to John's entire vision and to those letters. :::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

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-Persian 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.Daniel 7 - 1:07 . Daniel 8 - 8:39 . Daniel 9 - 14:28 . Proverbs 28 - 19:16 .  :::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

Welcome to Walking the Way. My name is Ray, and I really want to say thank you to everyone for listening in as we continue to explore what it means to have a regular rhythm of worship.  CreditsOpening Prayerhttps://www.faithandworship.com/#gsc.tab=0 Bible verseSong of Solomon 4:7Thought for the dayRay BorrettBible PassageSong of Solomon 4The 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, all rights reserved.Prayer HandbookClick here to download itSupporting Walking the WayIf you want to support Walking the Way, please go to: https://ko-fi.com/S6S4WXLBBor you can subscribe to the channel: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walkingtheway/subscribeTo contact Ray: Please leave a comment or a review. I want to find out what people think and how we make it better.www.rayborrett.co.ukwalkingthewaypodcast@outlook.comwww.instagram.com/walkingtheway1@raybrrtt

Welcome to Walking the Way. My name is Ray, and I really want to say thank you to everyone for listening in as we continue to explore what it means to have a regular rhythm of worship. CreditsOpening Prayerhttps://www.faithandworship.com/#gsc.tab=0 Bible verseSong of Solomon 3:3Thought for the dayRay BorrettBible PassageSong of Solomon 3The 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, all rights reserved.Prayer HandbookClick here to download itSupporting Walking the WayIf you want to support Walking the Way, please go to: https://ko-fi.com/S6S4WXLBBor you can subscribe to the channel: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walkingtheway/subscribeTo contact Ray: Please leave a comment or a review. I want to find out what people think and how we make it better.www.rayborrett.co.ukwalkingthewaypodcast@outlook.comwww.instagram.com/walkingtheway1@raybrrtt

Welcome to Walking the Way. My name is Ray, and I really want to say thank you to everyone for listening in as we continue to explore what it means to have a regular rhythm of worship.  CreditsOpening Prayerhttps://www.faithandworship.com/#gsc.tab=0 Bible verseSong of Solomon 2:1Thought for the dayRay BorrettBible PassageSong of Solomon 2The 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, all rights reserved.Prayer HandbookClick here to download itSupporting Walking the WayIf you want to support Walking the Way, please go to: https://ko-fi.com/S6S4WXLBBor you can subscribe to the channel: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walkingtheway/subscribeTo contact Ray: Please leave a comment or a review. I want to find out what people think and how we make it better.www.rayborrett.co.ukwalkingthewaypodcast@outlook.comwww.instagram.com/walkingtheway1@raybrrtt

On his second missionary journey recorded in Acts, Paul stopped in the port city of Thessalonica, preached in the synagogue, and a church formed in the city. In just a few short weeks, a riot began, and Paul was forced to leave the fledgling church body. Here in today's passage, Paul attempts to answer some unresolved questions that they have covering an array of topics. Though they had some misunderstandings, overall, they appear to be a faithful, God-fearing church, laboring side-by-side while looking for the Lord's return.1 Thessalonians 1 - 1:09 . 1 Thessalonians 2 - 2:58 . 1 Thessalonians 3 - 7:43 . 1 Thessalonians 4 - 9:51 . 1 Thessalonians 5 - 12:56 . Isaiah 46 - 16:49 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Welcome to Walking the Way. My name is Ray, and I really want to say thank you to everyone for listening in as we continue to explore what it means to have a regular rhythm of worship.  CreditsOpening Prayerhttps://www.faithandworship.com/#gsc.tab=0 Bible verseSong of Solomon 1:6Thought for the dayRay BorrettBible PassageSong of Solomon 1The 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, all rights reserved.Prayer HandbookClick here to download itSupporting Walking the WayIf you want to support Walking the Way, please go to: https://ko-fi.com/S6S4WXLBBor you can subscribe to the channel: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walkingtheway/subscribeTo contact Ray: Please leave a comment or a review. I want to find out what people think and how we make it better.www.rayborrett.co.ukwalkingthewaypodcast@outlook.comwww.instagram.com/walkingtheway1@raybrrtt

The letter known as 2 John is addressed to “the elect lady and her children” which is most likely a reference to the church body to whom he was writing. In it, John encourages the church to continue in love and to reject false teaching. You'll hear echoes of 1 John as tells the church that those remain in Christ's teaching have both the Father and the Son. In 3 John, the apostle commends his friend Gaius, who is likely a pastor, and writes to warn him about Diotrophes who loves attention, power, divisive speech, and who probably already had a twitter account. John encourages Gaius to refrain from imitating what is evil and imitate what is good. :::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

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. The first four chapters occurred under Nebuchadnezzar, while today's chapters occur in further successive time periods under Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus the Persian. Later chapters, however, do not maintain a chronological order. Each account shows God's supreme authority over all kings and kingdoms as those who attempt to thwart the Lord's authority are all shown to be weak and handily defeated.Daniel 5 - 1:03 . Daniel 6 - 9:01 . Proverbs 27:14-27 - 15:37 .  :::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

Contrary to Victorian era illustrations and Michelangelo's chubby cherubs in the Sistine Chapel, angels are always described as glorious and fear-inducing.  Whenever someone sees a vision of an angel in Scripture, the person who sees them is dumbfounded and crippled by fear. In most instances, the angel has to tell the person not to fear and followed by supernatural help to recuperate. Such is the case with Daniel, who receives an interpretation of his vision from an angel. There's far too much to talk about concerning the historical fulfillment of Daniel's vision, but the prophesy moves from near future to the end of days when it is mentioned that the king will do whatever he wants.Daniel 10 - 1:12 . Daniel 11 - 5:12 . Daniel 12 – 15:11 . Isaiah 45 - 18:18 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Welcome to Walking the Way. My name is Ray, and I really want to say thank you to everyone for listening in as we continue to explore what it means to have a regular rhythm of worship.  CreditsOpening Prayerhttps://www.prayerscapes.com/prayers/times/friday_prayer.html Bible verseEcclesiastes 12:6Thought for the dayRay BorrettBible PassageEcclesiastes 12The 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, all rights reserved.Prayer HandbookClick here to download itSupporting Walking the WayIf you want to support Walking the Way, please go to: https://ko-fi.com/S6S4WXLBBor you can subscribe to the channel: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walkingtheway/subscribeTo contact Ray: Please leave a comment or a review. I want to find out what people think and how we make it better.www.rayborrett.co.ukwalkingthewaypodcast@outlook.comwww.instagram.com/walkingtheway1@raybrrtt

Our reading of 1 John concludes today as John continues to discuss how one might discern between those who have been born of God and those who are still worldly. One must love God and the commands of God through victorious faith in Jesus Christ which comes by the testimony of the Spirit. The one who has the Son has life, but the one who does not have the Son does not have life. In Christ, we can come to God the Father boldly in prayer, knowing that he hears us. Wrapping up his letter where he began, John says that the one who has been born of God does not continue in sin. :::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

Through their wisdom and through their service to the king, Daniel and his friends bear witness to the power and glory of God through their faithful witness. Many of us know the account found in today's reading, wherein Daniel's friends (here called by their Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) are forced to decide between paying homage to Nebuchadnezzar's idol or burning alive in a giant furnace. They choose the difficult path of faithfulness, confessing that God can save them if he so desires. In chapter 4, the king recounts a dream and Daniel's interpretation of it, followed by the fulfillment of the dream wherein the king is humbled by God Almighty.Daniel 3 - 1:04 . Daniel 4 - 8:58 . Proverbs 27:1-13 - 17:59 .  :::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

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.Daniel 7 - 1:09 . Daniel 8 - 8:12 . Daniel 9 - 14:39 . Isaiah 44 - 21:51 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

John continues in his letter warning believers against false prophets, saying that those who do not confess Christ, and that he has come in the flesh, are not from God. Simply put, John says that those who oppose the teaching of the apostles are of the world and should not be believed. Rather, the apostles teaching should be believed, and those who believe it are from God. This may sound self-aggrandizing, but John is one of the twelve apostles appointed by Jesus, one who walked with him, learned from him broke bread with him, who witnessed his miracles, and who saw his resurrected body. John goes on to encourage the church to love one another with the kind of love that comes from the Father, by the Spirit, through the Son. :::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

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.Daniel 1 - 1:05 . 1:11Daniel 2 - 4:30 . 4:36Proverbs 26:13-28 - 16:05 .  :::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

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.Daniel 4 - 1:11 . Daniel 5 - 10:57 . Daniel 6 - 19:09 . Isaiah 43:14-28 - 25:50 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, 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

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.Joel 1 - 1:05 . Joel 2 - 5:00 . Joel 3 - 13:00 . Proverbs 26:1-12 - 17:12 .  :::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

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.Daniel 1 - 1:11 . Daniel 2 - 4:43 . Daniel 3 - 16:19 . Isaiah 43:1-13 - 23:30 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.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

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.Ezekiel 46 - 1:06 . Ezekiel 47 - 6:16 . Ezekiel 48 - 12:00 . Proverbs 25:14-28 - 19:07 .  :::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

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.John 19 - 1:17 . John 20 - 9:45 . John 21 - 16:25 . Isaiah 42 - 22:05 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & 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

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.Ezekiel 43 - 1:02 . Ezekiel 44 - 8:05 . Ezekiel 45 - 16:13 .  :::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

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.John 15:26-27 – 1:11 . John 16 - 1:28 . John 17 - 7:34 . John 18 - 11:47 . Isaiah 41 - 20:11 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, 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. As 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

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.Ezekiel 40 - 1:02 . Ezekiel 41 - 8:59 . Ezekiel 42 - 17:35 .  :::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

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.John 12 – 1:10 . John 13 – 9:25 . John 14 – 15:31 . John 15 – 20:44 . Isaiah 40 – 24:47 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.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

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.Ezekiel 37 - 1:02 . Ezekiel 38 - 8:06 . Ezekiel 39 - 14:20 .  :::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

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.John 9 - 1:11 . John 10 - 8:34 . John 11 - 14:26 . Psalm  146 - 23:56 . Psalm 147 - 25:25 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, 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

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.John 6 - 1:07 . John 7 - 12:12 . John 8 - 19:58 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

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 mand on the Sabbath and refers to God as his Father, and this is where he begins to earn the ire of the Pharisees.John 4 - 1:09 . John 5 - 10:16 . Psalm 145 - 17:56 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

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.John 1 - 1:12 . John 2 - 9:56 . John 3 - 13:32 . Psalm 144 - 19:32 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

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.Ezekiel 45 - 1:15 . Ezekiel 46 - 7:57 . Ezekiel 47 - 13:10 . Ezekiel 48 - 18:57 . Psalm 142 - 26:12 . Psalm 143 - 27:18 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org