Podcasts about Jordan River

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Pastor Jon Verwey Called to Jesus, Sent for the Kingdom It started with twelve—it continues with us 06/29/25 7 Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. They came from all over Galilee, Judea, 8 Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far […]

Bold faith and unwavering obedience reveal God's power in extraordinary ways. From parting the Jordan River to raising the dead, Elisha's story challenges us to trust God fully and step courageously into His calling. The journey of the old Testament prophet Elisha speaks directly to challenges and opportunities we often face today.

We explore the final days of Moses as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. Despite his enduring physical strength, Moses faces the reality that he cannot cross the Jordan River due to his past disobedience. Joshua is appointed as his successor to lead the people into Canaan. We delve into the challenges Moses faces, including requests from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh to settle outside Canaan, and God's command to drive out the inhabitants of the land. Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

My microwave has this very useful ability to bring food back to life; like, oh, store bought baked goods for example. Have you ever noticed? It's just better if you pop them in the microwave. You know, nuking it? If you get some of that store bought coffee cake or donuts or muffins, you know, they may not be fresh from the bakery. But we found that they are so much better if you heat them up. What happens is the heat makes them softer. The other day I had a cookie that was getting a little on the old side, and I put it in the microwave and it was like it came right out of the oven - soft and warm. Sometimes the box will even tell you that you ought to "nuke it." And sometimes it will say, "Better when heated" or something like that. Actually, that would be true of about half of the human race. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Heat That Heals a Heart." Now, our word for today from the Word of God comes from 2 Kings 5:1. We're reading about a man named Naaman who it says is "commander of the army of the king of Aram. He's a great man in the sight of his master, highly regarded, he was a valiant soldier." Now, that's at the beginning of the story. At the end of the story in verse 17, he is saying to God's man, Elisha the prophet, "Your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord." Wow! Something happened in between these two verses, something that made this man of war into a man of God. Now, what is it that makes a warrior into a worshipper? Well, I didn't read it after it said "He was a valiant soldier." Let's go on. "...but he had leprosy." So he goes, and Elisha tells him he has to wash in the dirty waters of the Jordan River seven times in order to get well. It says Naaman went away angry. He said, "I won't go into the dirty river. We've got great rivers back in our country I could get into." And his servants say, "Hey, if he asked you to do some great act, you would do it wouldn't you? Why don't you go wash and be cleansed." Then we read in verse 14, "So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times." He's finally humble. "And his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy." Now, Naaman did not yield to God until there was something bigger than he could possibly handle. When I say that, we've probably just described about half the human race; my half of the human race, the male half of the human race. When God turned up the heat on Naaman, He softened his heart so He could save him. You know, a man says, "Hey, I can handle it." That's our motto, "I can handle it!" And we give God money, we give Him time, we give Him belief, but we want the control. God hears us say, "I can handle it" and He says, "Oh no, you can't." And so He sends to us men something that all our ability, and our power, and our connections cannot handle: a child goes astray, something happens to our health, our job, our marriage, an injury. The breaking of the man is the making of the man. It's not because God doesn't love you, it's because He does. One man told me recently, "God could never get control of my life until my son attempted suicide." Another man recently said, "I almost died in an accident, and finally I surrendered to Christ." See, God does this over and over again with us men, this humbling thing so we will finally let go to the Lord. And guess what? Then we're finally complete; we're finally whole like Naaman was only after he was broken. See, God turns up the heat on us men because we get pretty hard like those old pastries, and He uses this heat to soften us up so we can finally become all we were created to be. Maybe He's been turning up the heat so you will finally turn your heart to Jesus. Would you do that today and let Him make you a man you could never be without Him. We're always better after we've been through God's heat, because remember, the breaking of a man by the Lord is the making of the man.

Daily Dose of Hope June 24, 2025   Scripture - Matthew 16:13-28   Prayer:  Holy God, Thank you for this day and thank you for the ways you provide and care for us.  We rejoice in your powerful and mighty name.  As we read through the Scripture today and reflect on what it means for us, help us hear a new word from you.  Help us set aside the distractions of the day and really listen for your voice.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are covering the second portion of Matthew 16.   Jesus has taken his disciples on a retreat of sorts, and they have traveled away from Judea, further north into Gentile territory.  Maybe it's to get away from the crowds, maybe it's so they can speak more freely.  Caesarea Philippi is pretty far north in Israel.  It was a quiet place at the headwaters of the Jordan River but also a place filled with idol worship and signs of Roman occupation everywhere.  And it's here that Jesus decides he is going to settle his identity with these men.  So he asks each of them, “Who do people say I am?”    Over the two years that the disciples had been with Jesus, people had all kinds of thoughts about who Jesus was.  Some thought he was the precursor to the Messiah, others (like King Herod) thought he was John the Baptist reincarnated, others thought he might be one of the prophets returned.  But Jesus presses them, “who do you say I am?”  Now, it doesn't matter what the others say – who is it you say I am?  That's really the question for all of us, isn't it.  It doesn't matter who others say Jesus is.  If I were to do a man on the street interview right now, I'm sure I'd get all kinds of answers to who is Jesus?  A teacher, a healer, a crazy person, Son of God, the Savior.  But it doesn't matter what others say, what matters is what you believe and what YOU say about Jesus.  And that's what Jesus is asking his disciples.  What do you say about me?  What are you willing to confess about me?  This was really a rubber meets the road question for them, as it is for us.  What are you willing to confess about me, to others, publicly?   Jesus asked all of them but it was Peter who spoke up.  And he says, “You are the Messiah, Son of the Living God.”  The word Messiah means anointed one or God's anointed.  And the term “Messiah” was the Hebrew word for God's anointed, the term “Christ” was the Greek word for it.  Messiah and Christ mean the same thing, different languages.  I know this might come as a surprise to some of us but Christ is not Jesus' last name.  It is a title.  And Peter is giving Jesus this title, you are the Messiah, the anointed one.   What's the big deal with being anointed?  In ancient Israel, when someone was given a position of authority, oil was poured on his head to signify his being set apart for God's service. I Samuel 10:1 is an example, Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, "Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?  Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed in this way. Anointing was a symbolic act to indicate God's choosing.  Although the literal meaning of anointed refers to the application of oil, it can also refer to being chosen or set apart by God, even if oil is not literally used.  So, Peter is saying you are the anointed one, chosen, set apart by God, the Messiah.   But there is more to this.  Throughout the OT, there are many, many verses that point to the Messiah delivering the Hebrew people from captivity, from pagan kings.  The Jews expected the Messiah to deliver them from Roman occupation via military might.  That was the expectation.  The Christ, the Messiah is the one who God sent to deliver his people, to make things right for them – the one they had been waiting for hundreds of years.  So when Peter says this, you are the Messiah, he probably doesn't quite understand how Jesus is going to deliver them.  No one really got it that the Messiah would be the one to deliver people, not from the Roman occupiers, but from their own sin.    Peter says that Jesus is Messiah but then he says that Jesus is the Son of the living God.  Just to clarify something, in the OT, there are a number of men, particularly prophets, who are called a son of God.  That was not an uncommon title for a Godly man.  But that is not what Peter is saying, Peter says that Jesus is THE son of the living God.    Let's clarify something here because I think we can get confused - Jesus is not God's Son in the sense of a human father and a son. God did not get married and have a son. God did not mate with Mary and, together with her, produce a son. Jesus is God's Son in the sense that He is GOD in human form – John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  Keep in mind, the term “Word” is referring to Jesus.  Jesus was there in the beginning.  Jesus was there with God in the beginning.  Jesus was there with God and Jesus is God.  Brain cramping yet?  Let's read v. 14, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  So, the “Word”, Jesus, became human and lived among us.  Of course, that is the Christmas story, Jesus became a human being, was born to a woman named Mary, who became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.  When the angel comes to Mary in Luke and explains the situation, he tells her that this holy one you will give birth to will be called the Son of God.   This clearly separates Jesus from the prophets. He is not a son of God but the Son of the living God.  Jesus walks with a very distinct, specific authority.  I mean, look at his miracles.  He heals people with a word or touch.  He rebukes a storm and it listens to him.  He could read people's minds.  He raises Lazurus from the dead.  He doesn't argue with demons.  Think about it – when Jesus encounters a demon, they tremble.  Colossians 1, The son is the image of the invisible God…  He walks in a distinct, divine authority.  Because he is the Son of the living God – the second person of the Godhead.    So, Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, and he is Lord.  I didn't count this myself, but I read that Jesus is referred to as Lord almost 300 times in the New Testament.  Lord was the most common title for Jesus in the early church.  Why is that significant?  When the Hebrew Bible, what we call the OT, was translated from Hebrew to Greek, the term Yahweh (which was the Hebrew word for God) was translated to Lord in the NT.  That means, to say that Jesus is Lord is to say that Jesus is God.  It is saying that Jesus is divine – he is God – and Caesar is NOT, a claim that was quite dangerous at the time.    To say that Jesus is Lord means that Jesus has claim over all things; he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He is LORD over all things – over the cosmos, over the whole earth, over all nations and their leaders, he is Lord over Vladimir Putin, he is Lord over Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, he is Lord over all the celebrities in Hollywood, he is Lord over Florida and Brandon, he is Lord over each of us.    Now, here is where I'm going to get kind of personal.  At least I'm giving a warning.  What I've found working in ministry is that people like the idea of Jesus as Savior.  Yes, I've said yes to Jesus as my Savior so I'm going to heaven.  That feels good and it should.  But man, do people struggle with this concept that Jesus is Lord.  Because saying Jesus is Lord is one step further.  It's saying that he is Lord over everything and he is Lord over my family and me.  That means, I defer to him in every area of my life.  I trust him with everything.  That means, before I make a decision, I ask Jesus for his will.  It means I have given my job over to him, my children and grandchildren over to him; it means I have given the words I speak, my actions, my thoughts over to Jesus.  My finances belong to him.  That means that tithing isn't an issue because, well, it all belongs to Jesus anyway.  I have no claim on my life.  I belong to Jesus.    I struggled with this for years.  In a culture that tells us that its all about us, how hard WE work, the fruits of our labor, its OUR money, OUR children, OUR lives.  Maybe it sounds weird, but turning over my money to Lord Jesus wasn't that difficult.  I made a decision.  We are supposed to tithe so we are going to do it and I had been around people who tithed for a long time.  What was hard for me was giving my marriage to Jesus, giving my kids to Jesus.  I might have had a bit of a control issue.  And if you have a control issue – teenagers will humble you.  And it was in the midst of some real struggles that I just turned it all over to him.  They are your kids first, Lord.  They were never mine to begin with.  If I make it sounds easy, it isn't but it's life changing.  It's a shift in perspective that really brings a tremendous amount of peace.  Alright, that was pretty important, but so is the next portion of text.  Jesus is beginning to reveal to the disciples that he will die; he will be leaving them.  They aren't quite getting it.  And when they do get a hint of where he is going, Peter isn't happy.  And the Scripture says that Peter took Jesus aside and rebuked him.  Here is where we miss something significant in English.  In the Greek, this word rebuke is much stronger.  Peter is really laying into Jesus here, saying “This is not the way it's going to be.  You are supposed to be the messiah who saves us from the Romans. This is not what we signed up for.”  And Jesus' response to him is interesting.  Jesus rebukes Peter right back, same word in the Greek, and says, “Get behind me, Satan!”  He tells him that he is setting his mind on human things, not on the things of God.  This is one of those moments in Scripture that highlights the vast distance between us and God. Though Jesus is God with us (he was God in human form), we cannot tame him or make him over into our image. We would like a savior who is a winner, and one who makes us winners, but Jesus insists on identifying with the lowliest of losers. He will allow himself to be judged and condemned as a blasphemer by Jewish religious leaders. He will allow himself to be mocked, tortured, and executed as a criminal by the Romans. And that's not all. Jesus actually expects his disciples to follow him on this path of suffering and death.  After telling them that they don't understand the mind of God, he says this very hard thing, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life[f] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.  We tend to think of taking up our cross as dealing with really annoying circumstances.  In Jesus' day, no one thought of beating one's cross as a persistent annoyance or burden. So bearing our cross does not mean we need to have patience with difficult neighbors or coworkers.  Furthermore, Jesus is not talking about the suffering that is part of living in a broken world, things like serious illnesses, broken relationships, and even natural disasters. That isn't what he is talking about.  Nor is he telling us to seek out suffering or martyrdom. We don't have to become monks and live in the desert.  Jesus did not go seeking suffering, although he ended up having to endure it for his mission.  To a person in the first century, the cross meant one thing and one thing only: death by crucifixion. And the Romans made the people who were about to be killed carry their own cross to the execution location.  It was humiliating and horribly painful and the condemned person had no choice but to submit. Bearing one's cross was and is a show of complete and utter submission. A call to bear one's cross as part of following Jesus, then, is a call to be as submitted to Christ as the condemned criminal was to his death.  When Jesus says this, he's claiming authority. Following Christ means disowning the self and giving allegiance to him instead. And it means giving him allegiance down to the very depths of our being.   Are you willing to surrender all to follow Jesus?  What needs to change in your life and thinking to be more consistent with the ways of Jesus Christ? Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

Send us a textToday we look at Proverbs 10:22 and the profound truth about the nature of God's provision that many believers overlook.When Israel crossed the Jordan River, God didn't just part the waters—He completely dried the ground beneath their feet. This wasn't merely practical; it revealed God's character. He doesn't give partial blessings or halfway solutions. From creation to salvation, from feeding thousands to healing the sick, God's work is always complete.Yet many of us approach prayer with a scarcity mindset, afraid to ask boldly or expecting God's gifts to come with hidden troubles attached. We've forgotten who we're praying to—the eternal, limitless God who exists outside creation's framework while intimately working within it. The God who made you in His image, who calls you beloved, who gave His only Son for your salvation.The way we pray reveals what we believe about God. Do we trust Him as the giver of good gifts? Do we believe His blessings truly come without sorrow? When Jesus healed, He didn't leave people needing further treatment. When He fed crowds, everyone ate until satisfied with baskets left over. When He saved us, He didn't just rescue us from hell but gave us abundant life and seated us with Him in heavenly places.God delights in your bold requests that bring glory to His name. Whatever situation you're facing, He wants to walk through it with you, providing in ways that exceed your imagination and create opportunities for testimony. Your prayers don't need to be timid—approach Him confidently as a child who knows their Father gives perfectly good gifts.Contact us at redeemingthelost@icloud.com or visit gbtministries.com to share how this message has impacted you.Support the showNEW BOOK! I'm pleased to say that we have completed a new book that has been years in the making. The Ten Shirot: Songs of Redemption looks at ten songs that were sung through pivotal times in Scripture. It's an examination of the redemption of Jesus, of worship, and of Scripture in a way that we believe you probably haven't seen before. Check it out at https://a.co/d/0a4KIooL .The Redeeming Love Bible Broadcast is a ministry of Grace Baptist Tabernacle. We're located at 121 Arborside Lane in King, NC and we can be reached at welcome@gracebaptisttabernacle.org. Please continue to share these episodes, and please consider coming to visit our church. We are excited and expectant for you to come!

Have you ever wondered about the power of remembrance in your spiritual journey? Today's devotional explores the fascinating biblical account of Joshua and the twelve memorial stones taken from the Jordan River.  God specifically commanded that twelve stones be gathered from where the priests' feet stood in the middle of the Jordan. These weren't just souvenirs—they were intentional markers designed to prompt questions from future generations. "When your children ask what these stones mean," God told them, the stories of divine faithfulness would be passed down. Similarly, each of us has experienced divine interventions—moments of healing, provision, direction, or peace that serve as our personal "marker stones." These spiritual milestones define our relationship with God and shape our faith story.Take a moment today to identify your spiritual marker stones. What are those undeniable moments when God showed up in your life? Then consider who needs to hear about them. Your testimony might become the foundation upon which someone else builds their faith journey. Remember, the stones that matter most aren't the ones we keep to ourselves, but those we use to build memorials of God's faithfulness for others to discover.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

 Joshua 4 – God establishes a reminder of his power at the Jordan River. The Children of Israel were to use that memorial as a reminder and a teaching opportunity. God desires for us to remember and rehearse His work in our lives. We must never forget and focus on what He has done and is doing in our lives. 

Teaching Text - Deuteronomy 12These are the statutes and ordinances you must be careful to obey as long as you live in the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess. 2 You must by all means destroy all the places where the nations you are about to dispossess worship their gods—on the high mountains and hills and under every leafy tree. 3 You must tear down their altars, shatter their sacred pillars, burn up their sacred Asherah poles, and cut down the images of their gods; you must eliminate their very memory from that place. 4 You must not worship the Lord your God the way they worship. 5 But you must seek only the place he chooses from all your tribes to establish his name as his place of residence, and you must go there. 6 And there you must take your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the personal offerings you have prepared, your votive offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. 7 Both you and your families must feast there before the Lord your God and rejoice in all the output of your labor with which he has blessed you. 8 You must not do as we are doing here today, with everyone doing what seems best to him, 9 for you have not yet come to the final stop and inheritance the Lord your God is giving you. 10 When you do go across the Jordan River and settle in the land he is granting you as an inheritance and you find relief from all the enemies who surround you, you will live in safety. 11 Then you must come to the place the Lord your God chooses for his name to reside, bringing everything I am commanding you—your burnt offerings, sacrifices, tithes, the personal offerings you have prepared, and all your choice votive offerings that you devote to him. 12 You shall rejoice in the presence of the Lord your God, along with your sons, daughters, male and female servants, and the Levites in your villages (since they have no allotment or inheritance with you). 13 Make sure you do not offer burnt offerings in any place you wish, 14 for you may do so only in the place the Lord chooses in one of your tribal areas—there you may do everything I am commanding you.15 On the other hand, you may slaughter and eat meat as you please when the Lord your God blesses you in all your villages. Both the ritually pure and impure may eat it, whether it is a gazelle or an ibex. 16 However, you must not eat blood—pour it out on the ground like water. 17 You will not be allowed to eat in your villages your tithe of grain, new wine, olive oil, the firstborn of your herd and flock, any votive offerings you have vowed, or your freewill and personal offerings. 18 Only in the presence of the Lord your God may you eat these, in the place he chooses. This applies to you, your son, your daughter, your male and female servants, and the Levites in your villages. In that place you will rejoice before the Lord your God in all the output of your labor. 19 Be careful not to overlook the Levites as long as you live in the land.20 When the Lord your God extends your borders as he said he would do and you say, “I want to eat meat just as I please,” you may do so as you wish. 21 If the place he chooses to locate his name is too far for you, you may slaughter any of your herd and flock he has given you just as I have stipulated; you may eat them in your villages just as you wish. 22 As you eat the gazelle or ibex, so you may eat these; the ritually impure and pure alike may eat them. 23 However, by no means eat the blood, for the blood is life itself—you must not eat the life with the meat. 24 You must not eat it! You must pour it out on the ground like water. 25 You must not eat it so that it may go well with you and your children after you; you will be doing what is right in the Lord's sight. 26 But the holy things and votive offerings that belong to you, you must pick up and take to the place the Lord will choose. 27 You must offer your burnt offerings, both meat and blood, on the altar of the Lord your God; the blood of your other sacrifices you must pour out on his altar while you eat the meat. 28 Pay careful attention to all these things I am commanding you so that it may always go well with you and your children after you when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.29 When the Lord your God eliminates the nations from the place where you are headed and you dispossess them, you will settle down in their land. 30 After they have been destroyed from your presence, be careful not to be ensnared like they are; do not pursue their gods and say, “How do these nations serve their gods? I will do the same.” 31 You must not worship the Lord your God the way they do! For everything that is abhorrent to him, everything he hates, they have done when worshiping their gods. They even burn up their sons and daughters before their gods!

Who are Judges in the Bible? Come Bible Study WITH ME through Judges 1 and ask all the questions!

Joshua 24:15, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" Come Bible Study WITH ME through Joshua 24 and ask all the questions!

Elijah crosses the Jordan River on dry ground and then Elijah is caught up to heaven in a chariot of fire. Both are clearly miraculous events. Elijah was not alone. Elisha was at his side. Elisha wanted to learn from the life of Elijah and Elisha wanted to carry on the ministry of Elijah . This episode highlights the critical features of discipleship. It also challenges us concerning our goals and passions. What is your dream? What are you asking for?

Come Bible Study WITH ME through Joshua 23 and ask all the questions!

In this powerful message titled “Ark Bearers,” Rev. Murray Ray shares from Joshua 3:15–17, calling fathers to step into their God-given role as the priests of their homes. Just as the priests carried the ark into the Jordan River, fathers are called to carry the presence of God with purpose, even when the waters seem overwhelming. This message is a compelling reminder that when men lead with spiritual conviction, God makes a way for their families to follow.

Turning on one another ALREADY? Come Bible Study WITH ME through Joshua 22 and ask all the questions!

The LORD cares not only for Israel; He cares for all the nations. That's why He places His Word in the mouth of a little Israelite slave girl to her master Naaman that healing is available for his leprosy if he goes to the prophet of the true God. The king of Israel knows his own limitations, but Elisha knows the power of God's Word. Elisha therefore sends Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River with the LORD's promise that Naaman will be healed. Naaman's servants cut through their master's anger to point him to the greatness of God's Word, and by that great Word of God, Naaman receives full cleansing and health. Naaman's faith in the LORD contrasts with Gehazi's greed, and the leprosy of Naaman comes upon the unfaithful servant of Elisha. Rev. Brady Finnern, president of the Minnesota North District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 5:1-27. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ.

In this heartfelt episode, Josh and Kaitlyn unpack the powerful imagery found in Joshua 4—when God commands the Israelites to pick up stones from the middle of the Jordan River as a lasting memorial. Together, they dive deep into what it means for us today: sometimes we're asked to pick up small stones—simple, faithful steps—and sometimes we're called to lift something heavy, something that stretches our faith.   You'll hear honest reflections about how God's tangible presence often meets us on the other side of obedience, and how the act of remembering His faithfulness isn't just about looking back—it's preparation for trusting Him again in the future.   This episode is a rally cry to look back at all God has done this past school year, to dream with faith about what's to come, and to carry those stories forward—not just for ourselves, but for the next generation.   So as summer begins, take time to reflect, remember, and recommit to being a leader who carries the stones—and tells the stories—of God's faithfulness.

In this episode, Matt chats with Dr. John ("Jack") Beck. Jack has spent much of his career helping people to see the importance of biblical geography and how becoming familiar with it can help readers better understand the depths of meaning of the biblical text. What is significant, for example, about the physical location of Jesus' baptism at the Jordan River? Where did Jesus give his famous "Sermon on the Mount" and why might that place be important? And what's up with all the mountains in the Bible -- especially, Mount Hermon? Listen to find out!For more information about Dr. Beck and his books, visit: www.johnabeckauthor.com+++Support the The Bible (Unmuted) via Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read Matt's blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠matthewhalsted.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't forget to subscribe to The Bible (Unmuted)!

As Elijah journeys to the place where he will be taken into heaven, he invites Elisha to count the cost of following him as prophet in Israel. Elisha faithfully follows Elijah and asks that he would receive a double portion of the spirit upon Elijah. When Elisha sees Elijah taken up into heaven, he rightly recognizes God's activity and confesses that the prophetic word is the true power in Israel. The LORD answers Elisha's prayer and makes this plain to Elisha as he is able to part the Jordan River just as Elijah did before him. Right away, the LORD shows His people that Elisha is the prophet in whose mouth is the Word of God, which comes to pass and must not be mocked.  Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 2:1-25.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit www.graceelgin.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Join us for this week's sermon!Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Each week, we open God's Word together to find truth, encouragement, and strength for the journey.

Sunday, 8 June 2025   “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32   “All, therefore, whoever he will assent in Me before men, I will assent – I also – in him before My Father, the ‘in the heavens.'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus reassured His apostles that they were of more value than many sparrows. He next turns to words which have to be considered in their intended context.   Jesus is still speaking to His apostles (disciples as recorded in Luke 10). He is doing so while they go out into the cities of Israel to proclaim the good news of the kingdom. He has not yet been crucified for the sins of the world. Thus, His words speak solely of the relationship between Israel and Jesus.   Understanding this, He begins the first of two verses which must be considered with those points in mind, saying, “All, therefore, whoever he will assent in Me before men.”   The first thing to understand is that not every “every” means “every” and not every “all” means “all.”   Mark 1:5 says, “Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.” However, Luke 7:30 says, “But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.”   This is not a contradiction. Rather, the word “all” as used by Mark, as is often the case, is given as a general statement concerning who went to be baptized.   Jesus is making a broad statement concerning those who are going forth and those who will hear and attend to their message. Those who hear the message and assent in Him, acknowledging the word, will be in one category. That category is defined by His next words, “I will assent – I also – in him before My Father, the ‘in the heavens.'”   Jesus emphatically declares that He will then confess such a person before His Father. The proposition depends on the free will assertion of the individual hearing the good news. In response to that free will assertion, Jesus Himself will likewise assent concerning that person.   The expression en emoi, in Me, demonstrates a uniting of the confession with the individual. Despite this, these words are spoken prior to the giving of the Spirit, which first occurs in Acts 2 and which is spoken of in the epistles as a guarantee of eternal salvation, such as in Ephesians 1:13, 14.   Therefore, that process of salvation cannot be what Jesus is referring to here. Rather, He is speaking of a general confession of Him and not necessarily the uniting of an individual with the Spirit. That will become clear through analyzing the next verse.   Life application: The words of this verse and the next are constantly quoted by Christians concerning other Christians who then make claims of salvation or condemnation based on what Jesus is saying here. As an example –   “It means to acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ, and our dependence on him for salvation, and our attachment to him, in every proper manner. This profession may be made in uniting with a church, at the communion, in conversation, and in conduct. The Scriptures mean, by a profession of religion, an exhibition of it in every circumstance of the life and before all people. It is not merely in one act that we must do it, but in every act. We must be ashamed neither of the person, the character, the doctrines, nor the requirements of Christ. If we are; if we deny him in these things before people; if we are unwilling to express our attachment to him in every way possible, then it is right that he should ‘disown all connection with us,' or deny us before God, and he will do it.” Albert Barnes   That is not the gospel. In fact, what Barnes says is in complete contrast to the gospel, which says one is saved by grace through faith and that when one believes, he is sealed with the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption.   If what Barnes (et al) says is true, then it means that salvation is not of Christ but of our own efforts. Mixing the words of Jesus in the dispensation of the law with the words of Paul in the dispensation of grace will inevitably lead to confusion of thought and a contradiction in one's theology.   Lord God, help us to walk with You all our days, living in a manner that is pleasing to You and in the joy of the salvation which You have given to us. When we fail in this, we know that You will still be with us, but it is we who will suffer the lack of fellowship as we do things our own way. May it not be so! Help us to hold fast to You always. Amen.

Wednesday evening message from Pastor Jonathan Barber. June 4, 2025The Jordan River Rules: The same God who led you out will lead you on by Robert J. MorganForty years after the Red Sea experience, God divided the swollen waters of the Jordan River and led His people into the Promised Land He had prepared for them.God intends for you to go forward. Everything so far in your life—including your Red Sea moments of crisis—is simply God's preparation for stronger days ahead. Perhaps you've survived your own Red Sea experiences because of God's help. Now it's time to move onward toward all the promises He has given you—the Promised Land of a rewarding future.https://www.robertjmorgan.com/jordanriverrules/

Send us a textIn this episode, Frank Mercer draws from Joshua 3 to encourage anyone facing overwhelming circumstances. Using Muhammad Ali's iconic confidence and God's miracle at the Jordan River as a backdrop, Frank challenges us to remember that faith doesn't mean ignoring the problem—it means knowing God is bigger than the problem. The message highlights how God often does something in us before He does something for us, and how His presence (represented by the Ark of the Covenant) leads the way into the unknown. The river may be deep, wide, and fast—but God is not fazed. Scripture after scripture reminds us: nothing is too hard for Him. The episode closes with a reminder that the miraculous often happens when we invite God into the impossible.

In week 5 of the Talking Jesus series, Pastor Torry Sheppard brings a timely and tender word for those who've been faithfully sharing their faith—but are still waiting to see results. This message encourages believers to persevere when the work of evangelism feels slow, discouraging, or seemingly unfruitful—especially when it involves someone they love. Pastor Torry opens by acknowledging a common, heartfelt question: What do I do when I've done everything I know to do? Whether it's a child, a spouse, or a close friend, long-game evangelism often means walking with people for years without visible progress. And that can be exhausting. This message is a reminder that although the journey is slow, it's sacred—and that God is still working. A Hiking Story with a Spiritual Twist To illustrate this, Pastor Torry tells a humorous and revealing story from a college trip to Utah, where he and a group of friends mistakenly knocked over the very rock stacks—called cairns—meant to guide their hike through the desert. After getting lost, they realized they had been dismantling the very markers that were supposed to help them get to their destination and return home. The story sets up the central theme: in the long, dry stretches of spiritual influence, we need markers of faith to keep us grounded and encouraged. Without them, it's easy to lose our way. Evangelism is rarely instant. It's a journey—and one that often requires more endurance than enthusiasm. Part 1: Stacking Stones – Keeping Your Faith Alive Drawing from Joshua 4, Pastor Torry reflects on Israel's entrance into the Promised Land. After God parted the Jordan River, Joshua instructed the people to gather twelve stones as a memorial. These stones weren't just for celebration—they were for remembrance. They told future generations: God was here. He moved. He delivered. What's striking is that Joshua also set up a private altar in the riverbed—stones no one else would see once the water returned. Pastor Torry suggests these hidden stones were personal—a reminder for Joshua himself. Because even the strongest leaders are prone to forget God's faithfulness. Like Joshua, we need to “stack stones” along our spiritual journey—moments of answered prayer, miracles, or breakthroughs that we can return to when doubt creeps in. Sometimes the best way to encourage our soul is to remember what God has already done. Part 2: Spiritual Influence Over the Long Haul With our personal faith fortified, Pastor Torry shifts focus to how we can maintain spiritual influence when nothing seems to be changing. He outlines three key commitments that keep us in the game: 1. Prayer Prayer isn't passive—it's powerful. It's not just something we do while we wait; it's part of the work itself. Citing James 5, Pastor Torry reminds us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. He introduces five scriptural ways to pray for those far from God: Ask the Father to draw them (John 6:44) Bind the spirit that blinds them (2 Corinthians 4:4) Pray they experience a relationship, not just religion (Romans 8:15) Ask God to send people into their lives (Matthew 9:38) Pray for wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17) These intercessory prayers become spiritual warfare—asking God to soften hearts, remove barriers, and awaken a personal hunger for Him. 2. Patience Evangelism rarely moves at the pace we want. Pastor Torry challenges our “right now” expectations by reminding us that while God can move instantly, He often works over time. Just because something isn't visible doesn't mean it isn't happening. Our patience mirrors God's own—He was patient with us, and He calls us to be patient with others. Patience doesn't mean approval. It simply means we haven't given up hope. It gives us the grace to stay present even when change is slow. 3. Persistence Patience keeps us grounded. Persistence keeps us moving. Pastor Torry urges us not to pull back when results seem scarce. Citing 1 Corinthians 15:58, he reminds us that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. The breakthrough might not be immediate—but that doesn't mean it isn't coming. To illustrate, Pastor Torry shares a deeply personal story about his mother. After enduring three painful disappointments—including his grandfather walking away from the faith—she received a prophetic word that God would restore all three. Two came quickly. But for thirteen years, she prayed for her father. And then, one Sunday, the phone rang. He had gone to church and made things right. No fanfare—just a simple sentence. But behind it were thirteen years of persistence. Conclusion: Keep Playing the Long Game Faithful evangelism isn't always flashy. Sometimes it's quiet, repetitive, and unseen. But it matters. If you're carrying the burden of someone who seems far from God, don't lose heart. Stack your stones. Pray with power. Be patient. Stay persistent. Because your story may not be finished. And your faith might be the very thing God uses to bring someone else home.

What does it really mean to step into the calling God has prepared for you? In 2 Kings, we witness the powerful transition from Elijah to Elisha, where true discipleship requires unwavering commitment and the courage to embrace God's greater purposes. Elisha's bold request for a double portion reveals how we can step into the spiritual inheritance available to each of us. Listen now and be inspired to follow Jesus with that same wholehearted enthusiasm.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "God Does the Impossible” from Joshua 3-4.  God delights in doing the "impossible" in order to bring glory to Himself.  For example, when the Jordan River was at peak height during the flood season, God chose to take Israel across it-on dry ground.  His powerful works are a reminder that God is carrying out a good plan in and through the lives of His people and nothing can stop Him.  

Hey sweet sister, this episode is full of hope. If you're in a season of waiting—whether that's waiting to conceive, healing from a loss, or just needing God to show up—this is for you. We're diving deep into Joshua 3 and 4, where God parted the Jordan River again—but this time, it was Joshua leading, not Moses. There's so much here for us when it comes to trusting the Lord even when it feels like nothing is happening, or worse, everything is going wrong. I share three practical steps straight from this passage to help you grow your faith right now—yes, today—while you're in the middle of your own waiting season. You'll want to grab a journal or your notes app because we go step-by-step on how to actually walk this out in your quiet time. ✨ Oh—and one last thing: I'm taking applications for interns right now! If this mission is lighting a fire in you and you want to serve alongside me while earning Fertility Framework, go apply at bekahyawn.com/intern. Applications close tomorrow! In Him,  Bekah Resources & Links: ✨ I've put together a free faith-filled booklet to help guide you through this journey. It's called Faith-Driven Fertility, and it's full of practical steps and encouragement for trusting God while supporting your body for conception.

Welcome to All the Difference Podcast of The Bible Place with Dr. Wayne Braudrick and host Jared Coe. The Bible Place examines places mentioned in Scripture, working our way through each book of the Bible. History, culture, language, locale, sense of place, and more will be discussed so that we can each understand the import of and information communicated through each place in time. This inaugural episode explains "place" study and explores Baptism in John 1:19-28. Kirby Laing Centre https://kirbylaingcentre.co.uk/ City of Frisco, TX https://www.friscotexas.gov/ Frisco Public Library https://friscolibrary.com/ Moody Atlas of Bible Lands 2025 edition Rich Mullins-“Elijah”  https://open.spotify.com/track/0Mpmpa6EK7HvRQ3zZ8dEOc   Also available on YouTube

All of what we hope for tomorrow, begins today. Joshua prepared Israel to cross the Jordan River. This was the second time they faced a barrier of water. First was the Red Sea after their exodus from Egypt. They miraculously crossed over with great joy, but they soon fell into bad habits. By the time Moses wrote the book of Deuteronomy, which was the last of his five books called the Pentateuch, he was very aware of Israel's failure after the Red Sea miracle. In that last book, Moses wrote about people focusing on God and doing His will "today" over 160 times. Looking back, I think Moses realized that the people's hope for tomorrow was not met with preparation today. After Moses died, God raised up Joshua. As Israeli faced their second barrier of water, the Jordan River, we find Joshua giving them instructions today, before crossing over the next day. Joshua said, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (Joshua 3:5) God has prepared you for every challenge and opportunity in front of you. Today is your tomorrow because what you do today determines your success tomorrow.   God Bless and be encouraged! ~ Bryan Hudson, DMin

Pastor Collin preaches about idolatry. Idolatry is making anything but God the ultimate thing. Collin explains how addressing sin is less about treating symptoms and more about determining the root cause, and this cause is often idolatry. One pernicious form of idolatry is the seduction of success. Collin tells the story of Naaman being healed in the Jordan River, and explains how this story illustrates the simplicity of following Christ. The simplicity of following Christ challenges our idolatry of achievement and success.

In a heartfelt Memorial Day message titled “Why It's Good to Remember,” Pastor John D. Putnam reflects on the power of remembrance—both national and spiritual. Drawing from Joshua 4, he recalls God's instruction to build a stone memorial after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, so future generations would remember His miraculous provision. Pastor Putnam parallels this with America's Memorial Day, honoring those who gave their lives for freedom, and reminds listeners not to take liberty—or faith—for granted. He invites members of the congregation to share personal testimonies of transformation, healing, and God's provision, demonstrating that remembering strengthens faith, teaches the next generation, and anchors us in gratitude. This sermon challenges us to look back with reverence so we can move forward with hope and purpose. To learn more about God's plan for your life and about the work He is doing in Sheboygan County, visit our website posc.church!

Joshua 3 and 4 recount the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, where God stops the river's flow to allow the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. These chapters highlight God's faithfulness, mighty hand of power, and guidance, demonstrating that He makes a way when His people step out in faith, just like the Levites had to first step into the water before God performed the miracle on their behalf. For Christians today, this passage serves as a reminder to trust God during uncertain times and to remember His past faithfulness as a source of strength. The memorial stones set up in Joshua 4 symbolize the importance of passing down testimonies of God's work to future generations. Thank God for the personal spiritual memorial stones that we can look back upon and about which we can teach our children!

The simple instruction to wash in the Jordan River becomes a test of Naaman's willingness to trust and obey. This narrative invites us to consider: Where in our lives are we resisting God's simple instructions? 

Sermon by Pastor Ami ConnerHave you been looking to love in all the wrong ways explores how to escape the prisons that hold us back from God's best. Whether self-imposed or created by circumstances beyond our control, these prisons keep us from experiencing the freedom and purpose God intends. Discover how Jesus has already broken down those prison walls and stands ready to lead you out—if you'll take His hand. Learn from the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land about the importance of spiritual preparation and cutting away what doesn't belong in your life. Understand that obstacles like the Jordan River and Jericho's walls aren't stop signs but opportunities for God to demonstrate His power. This message reveals the dual purpose of God's promises—they're never just for you but for serving others with your unique spiritual gifts. Explore the vital connection between gifts and love from 1 Corinthians 12-13, understanding that all our service must be wrapped in love to be meaningful. Find practical steps to move from prison to promise: taking Jesus' hand, cutting away what doesn't belong, discovering your gifts, and demonstrating God's unconditional love. Perfect for anyone feeling stuck, purposeless, or wondering how to use their God-given abilities. Christian life, spiritual freedom, finding purpose, God's promises, overcoming obstacles, spiritual gifts, serving others, unconditional love, breaking free, personal transformation. https://www.ffc.church (Our Website) https://www.facebook.com/freedomfellowshipokc (Follow us on Facebook) Were you blessed by this message? Give to help us spread the gospel https://www.ffc.church/give

Grab your tea and come on in and Bible Study WITH ME through Joshua chapter 5, and ask all the questions!

Wednesday evening message from Pastor Jonathan Barber. May 21, 2025The Jordan River Rules: The same God who led you out will lead you on by Robert J. MorganForty years after the Red Sea experience, God divided the swollen waters of the Jordan River and led His people into the Promised Land He had prepared for them.God intends for you to go forward. Everything so far in your life—including your Red Sea moments of crisis—is simply God's preparation for stronger days ahead. Perhaps you've survived your own Red Sea experiences because of God's help. Now it's time to move onward toward all the promises He has given you—the Promised Land of a rewarding future.https://www.robertjmorgan.com/jordanriverrules/

Send us a textThe human desire for spectacle over substance plagues our spiritual lives. Like Naaman, the Syrian general who arrived at Elisha's door expecting grand ceremonies for his healing, we often want God to perform for us on our terms. When Elisha simply instructed Naaman to dip seven times in the Jordan River, the proud commander nearly walked away in disgust. How could something so mundane cure his leprosy?This reluctance to embrace divine simplicity mirrors our modern spiritual struggles. We create elaborate religious performances—salvation ceremonies, grand entrances, public displays—rather than submitting to God's straightforward prescription. Only when Naaman humbled himself and followed the prophet's instructions did his skin become "like the flesh of a little child." The transformation was undeniable, visible to everyone who knew him.After his healing, Naaman made a remarkable declaration: "Now I know there is no God in all the earth but in Israel." This proclamation, made before his entire entourage, demonstrates true conversion. Yet even then, he immediately tried to pay for his healing, revealing how deeply the transactional mindset was ingrained in his thinking. Elisha's firm refusal teaches us that divine grace cannot be purchased or earned through gifts, rituals, or performances.The question for all who claim spiritual transformation remains: Is your change visible to others? Naaman couldn't hide his healing—everyone could see the difference. Similarly, authentic spiritual transformation should be evident in our lives. Have you truly changed, or are you merely wearing religious fig leaves while bearing no fruit? The prescription for salvation remains remarkably simple yet profoundly challenging: complete surrender to God's way through Christ alone. No negotiations, no terms, just humble obedience that leads to genuine transformation. Will you dip seven times in the Jordan?Support the show

Grab your tea and come on in and Bible Study WITH ME through Joshua chapter 4, and ask all the questions!

nnie Kasprzak was just 15 years old when she vanished from her quiet suburban home in Riverton, Utah. A note left behind suggested she had run away, but within 24 hours, her beaten body was discovered in the icy waters of the Jordan River, her face so badly disfigured she had to be identified by dental records. What began as a runaway case quickly spiralled into a murder investigation riddled with dead ends a mystery suspect named “LJ". Our other podcast: "FEARFUL" - https://open.spotify.com/show/56ajNkLiPoIat1V2KI9n5c?si=OyM38rdsSSyyzKAFUJpSyw MERCH:https://www.redbubble.com/people/wickedandgrim/shop?asc=u Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wickedandgrim?fan_landing=true Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wickedlife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedandgrim/ Instagram: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickedandgrim/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/wickedandgrim Website: https://www.wickedandgrim.com/ Wicked and Grim is an independent podcast produced by Media Forge Studios, and releases a new episode here every Tuesday and Friday.

Grab your tea and come on in and Bible Study WITH ME through Joshua chapter 3, and ask all the questions!

Don't Get It Twisted: Jesus' Baptism Doesn't Prove the Trinity — It Reveals God in the Flesh

Mark 1:2-8 2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" - 3 "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" 4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."  Discussion Questions 1 Who is someone in your life that helped prepare the way for you? (Spiritually, vocationally, relationally, etc.) 2 Humility before Jesus is vital in our allegiance to Jesus. In your current season of life, what situations, moments, or environments challenge your humility before Jesus and your submission to Jesus the most? 3 Until Jesus returns, we are the construction crew that is preparing the way for the King to enter into the city. Think about your areas of influence and impact. In what ways have you done a good job of preparing the way for Jesus to enter into the hearts and lives of those around you? Where are you/have you struggled? 4 "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30 In what ways does this verse speak most deeply to you in your season of life?

Gaza will never become an independent nation, Israel Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter says.   “There's not going to be an independent sovereign state other than Israel west of the Jordan River,” Leiter told The Daily Signal.   “There could be all sorts of autonomous arrangements,” he said, “but there's not going to be an independent sovereign Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. It's just not going to be.”   The nation of Israel extends from the Joran River west to the Mediterranean Sea to form the narrow country that is roughly the size of New Jersey. Since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, pro-Palestine protesters in America and round the world have chanted, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” referring to Palestine fully occupying the land between the Joran River and the Mediteranea Sea, in turn eliminating the nation of Israel.   Following Oct. 7, there is a “complete absence of bandwidth” in Israel for the creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel. There is, however, a great deal of interest in Israel to expand partnerships with nations in the Middle East through the Abraham Accords, according to Leiter.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wednesday evening message from Pastor Jonathan Barber. May 14, 2025The Jordan River Rules: The same God who led you out will lead you on by Robert J. MorganForty years after the Red Sea experience, God divided the swollen waters of the Jordan River and led His people into the Promised Land He had prepared for them.God intends for you to go forward. Everything so far in your life—including your Red Sea moments of crisis—is simply God's preparation for stronger days ahead. Perhaps you've survived your own Red Sea experiences because of God's help. Now it's time to move onward toward all the promises He has given you—the Promised Land of a rewarding future.https://www.robertjmorgan.com/jordanriverrules/

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Donna Snow joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss her newest Bible Study, Strong and Courageous: Studying God's Promises in Joshua. Donna discusses why she chose to write about Joshua and what we can learn from his story. Get Donna's newest Bible Study at cph.org/joshua.   Show NotesJoshua was called into what is arguably one of the most intimidating leadership roles in the history of God's people. As he stood at the Jordan River looking into the land that God had promised, Joshua knew what awaited him—but he was strong and courageous, having faith that God was with him. In her new Bible Study, Donna Snow looks at the life of Joshua in in an eight-session, verse-by-verse format. During the episode, Donna reflects on why she chose Joshua, how we can relate to his study today, the connects she made to the Armor of God, how we can be strong and courageous in our everyday lives, and more. About the GuestA soul-stirring, engaging speaker, author, Bible teacher, and worship leader, Donna Snow has a passion for studying and teaching God's Word. Her clear, down-to-earth style encourages women of all ages to wholeheartedly love, serve, and live for Jesus Christ. Since launching Artesian Ministries in 2007, Donna has scratched out over 20 Bible studies and enjoys the incredible privilege of traveling throughout the U.S. and internationally to speak and teach where the Lord opens doors. Donna writes regularly on her blog, Hydrated Living, as she seeks to find beauty in the quiet and sacred in the chaos, treasuring that this path is a holy experience planned by God before the beginning of time. A native, life-long Texan, Donna fuels her incredible journey with the Word, coffee, chocolate, family, friends, and worship.

“We want to make it hard for people to go to hell by making it easy for them to go to church so they can experience, know and follow Jesus.”Joshua 1:2-6 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am givingthem. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanonmountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.' No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I willnot fail you or abandon you. “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would givethem.Joshua 1:2a “Moses my servant is dead…1. THINK about the PAST.Joshua 1:2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you tolead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am givingthem. 2. Take ACTION TODAY.Isaiah 43:19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past andlooking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race andreceive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.BIG moves of God are almost always preceded by obedience to him in SMALL things.“If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you willprobably be unhappy all the days of your life.”—Abraham MaslovThe greatest ENEMY to your calling is your COMFORT.ACTION is the preparation for the FUTURE PROMISE that God has for you.3. TRUST God for the FUTURE.Joshua 1:3-6 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.' No one willbe able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I waswith Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to theirancestors I would give them. What seems IMPOSSIBLE to me, is not remotely DIFFICULT with God.Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory inthe church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

The Exodus Way E8 — Before the arrival of Jesus, Israelites already viewed their current circumstances and hopes for God's salvation through the lens of the Exodus. This is why the gospel authors tell the story of Jesus with language that points back to the main beats of the Exodus story. In this first episode of two on the gospels, Jon and Tim explore the many Exodus hyperlinks found in the stories of Jesus' birth, his baptism in the Jordan River, his testing in the wilderness, and his public ministry in Galilee. CHAPTERSThe Exodus Way in the Life of Jesus (0:00-5:42)Comparing Jesus and Moses' Birth Stories (5:42-19:45)Jesus' Baptism, Testing in the Wilderness, and “Saving” People (19:45-39:32)Jesus' Transfiguration on the Mountain Compared to Moses at Sinai (39:32-51:58)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode's official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESText & Texture by Michael FishbaneYou can view annotations for this episode—plus our entire library of videos, podcasts, articles, and classes—in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.SHOW MUSIC“Nimbus” by Toonorth“Lost Love” by Toonorth“Effervescent” by ToonorthBibleProject theme song by TENTSSHOW CREDITSProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer. Frank Garza and Aaron Olsen edited today's episode. Aaron Olsen and Tyler Bailey provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

As we begin our reading of the book Joshua, Fr. Mike draws our attention to God's power as he parts the waters of the Jordan river, allowing the Israelites to walk across on dry land. We learn that following God often requires great courage and trust. Today's readings are Joshua 1-4, and Psalm 123. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.