Podcasts about main idea

Romans 12:14–16 teaches us that worship reshapes how we respond to opposition. Instead of retaliation, God calls us to humility, unity, and blessing—even in difficult relationships.Main Idea:Worship transforms our response to opposition—seeking harmony and blessing.Application:Choose empathy and blessing, even toward those who hurt you.Speaker: Lead Pastor Antonio Thomas | Romans 12:14–16Give Online:https://thebridgechurch.org/give/

Main Idea. God graciously provides covering for his destitute people through a worthy redeemer. 1. A destitute woman (Ruth) Three aspects of Ruth's destitution: - She is a foreigner (vv.2,6,10,21). - She is poor (v.2). - She is a widow (vulnerable). 2. A worthy redeemer (Boaz) Five aspects of “why” Boaz is worthy: - He Loves the Laborers in His Field (v.4). - He Obeys the Law of the Lord (v.8). - He Provides Protective Covering (vv.9,15). - He Shows Abundant Generosity (vv.9, 14–16). - He Is a Redeemer (v.20). Takeaways. We need more men like Boaz. We need humble responses like Ruth's (v.10). We need to glean the fields of the Lord. We need a Redeemer.

In Romans 12:13, Paul shows us that worship is reflected through generosity and hospitality. This message challenges us to live open-handed and open-hearted lives that reveal God's care for others.Main Idea:Worship is demonstrated by sharing with those in need and welcoming others.Application:Practice open-handed generosity and open-hearted hospitality.Speaker: Lead Pastor Antonio Thomas | Romans 12:13Give Online:https://thebridgechurch.org/give/

Why study the Book of Ruth? (from Tony Merida) 1) The Book of Ruth is God's Word. 2) Ruth helps us see the bigger story of redemption. 3) Ruth teaches us about God's providence. Four moving parts: 1. Empty House (1–5) 2. Empty Hope (6–18) 3. Empty Homecoming (19–21) 4. Full Harvest (22). Main Idea. Even when God's hand feels heavy and life empty, He is providentially working for his people's good. Takeaways. In God's providence, even our failures are woven into His redeeming plan. In God's providence, emptiness points us back to the Bread of Life. In God's providence, He visits and provides for His people, in ways seen and unseen.

Mike and Molly just dropped a clear, test-focused breakdown of G protein coupled receptors that covers everything the AAMC expects you to know without the textbook overwhelm.Here's what we walk through:

Mike and Molly just dropped a clear, test-focused breakdown of G protein coupled receptors that covers everything the AAMC expects you to know without the textbook overwhelm.Here's what we walk through:

Romans 12:11–12 reveals that worship is sustained through spiritual zeal, joyful hope, perseverance, and prayer. This week, we'll learn how devotion fuels a worship-filled life marked by endurance and trust in God.Main Idea:Worship is seen in zeal, joy, perseverance, and constant prayer.Application:Cultivate a prayerful life marked by hope and endurance.Speaker: Lead Pastor Antonio Thomas | Romans 12:11–12Give Online:https://thebridgechurch.org/give/

Main Idea. Believers can know with certainty that they have eternal life and belong to God. Driving Question. If we believe in the Son of God, what can we know for certain? 1. We know we have eternal life (13) 2. We know God hears us (14–17) Application. Intercede for those caught in sin. Trust that God restores His people. 3. We know God keeps us (18–21) Takeaways from 1 John. Keep trusting Christ. Keep pursuing holiness. Keep confessing sin. Keep loving one another. Keep away from idols. God keeps you; remember that.

MCAT CARS Reading Skills Workshop: Struggling to find the main idea on MCAT CARS passages? In this Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Molly and Usher break down the Jack Westin Daily CARS Passage "Hamburger University" sentence-by-sentence, showing you exactly how to track competing ideas, understand arguments efficiently, and identify the most-supported argument even when the author buries it mid-passage.In this episode you'll learn:✅ How to read actively and ask "why?" at every step ❓

Romans 12:9–10 reminds us that true worship is expressed through sincere, selfless love. This week, we'll discover how genuine love—free from hypocrisy—reflects Christ and transforms relationships within the church and beyond.Main Idea:Worship is expressed in sincere, selfless love for others.Application:Let love be genuine—honor one another above yourself.Speaker: Lead Pastor Antonio Thomas | Romans 12:9–10Give Online:https://thebridgechurch.org/give/

Main Idea: "Let us behold what Christ has done and will do and hold on"1. The Correspondent2. The Call to Behold3. The Call to Hold On4. The Encouragement to the One who Conquers

In Romans 12:3–8, Paul shows us that worship continues through how we serve others. God has uniquely gifted every believer to strengthen the body of Christ. This week, we explore how humility and service are essential expressions of living worship.Main Idea:Worship includes using our spiritual gifts with humility for the good of the body.Application:Identify and employ your God-given gifts to build up the church.Speaker: Lead Pastor Antonio Thomas | Romans 12:3–8Give Online:https://thebridgechurch.org/give/Join Us In Person:1965 Evergreen Blvd, #200, Duluth, GA 30096 | Sundays at 10:30 AMWe'd love to worship with you in person—come experience community, worship, and teaching together.

Main Idea. God's love in Christ removes our fear of judgment and frees us to love one another. Driving Question. Why don't Christians need to be afraid anymore? 1. Because God has loved us in Christ (15–16) 2. Because Christ gives us confidence for the judgment (17–18) 3. Because Christ's assurance frees us to love one another (19–21) Takeaways. 1. Examine whether you are fearful or free in Christ.

The Main Idea? Stop Using "Fancy" Words! In this episode, Tavershima Ayede has a simple message for business owners: Stop overcomplicating things. If your customers don't understand what you're saying, they won't buy from you.The Problem: Industry JargonTavershima points out that industries like tech, crypto, and fashion are the big offenders. They use confusing terms that actually push customers away, such as: * Saying "UI/UX" when you mean "easy to use." * Saying "Cyclical Fashion" when you mean "high-quality clothes that last."The Solution: Speak "Customer," Not "Expert"Using a story about mentoring a sustainable fashion brand, Tavershima explains that most people don't buy clothes to "save the planet" in the abstract.The Bottom LineTo close more deals and build trust, you have to talk like a regular person. If you can explain the direct benefit to the customer's life without using a dictionary, you'll be much more successful.

In this Jack Westin MCAT Podcast CARS Reading Skills Workshop, Molly and Usher break down the Jack Westin Daily Passage “Cuban Crisis” (Feb 4) sentence-by-sentence to help you read faster under time pressure, map smarter, and avoid common CARS traps

What does it mean to truly worship God? In Romans 12:1–2, the apostle Paul reveals that worship goes far beyond songs—it's a life fully surrendered to God. This week, we begin an eight-week journey through Romans 12, discovering how God's mercy calls us to live transformed lives. Join us as we learn what it means to place our whole lives on the altar as an act of worship.Main Idea:Worship begins with offering our whole lives to God in response to His mercy.Application:Present yourself daily as a living sacrifice—mind renewed, life transformed.Give Online: - https://thebridgechurch.org/give/#LivingWorship #Romans12 #LivingSacrifice #RenewYourMind #SundayWorship #FaithInAction #TheBridgeChurch

Main Idea. The unseen God reveals His love in Christ and through His people. Driving Question. Why ought we to love one another? Three reasons why we should: 1.Because God is love (vv. 7–8) 2. Because God revealed His love by sending His Son (vv. 9–10) Two aspects of God's love in Christ: A. God manifested His love by sending His Son (9). B. God defined His love by giving His Son as a propitiation (10). Application. Recognize God's [type] of love. Receive God's love for you in Christ. 3. Because God's love now abides in us and is perfected through us (vv. 11–12) Takeaways. The Triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) is the source of Christian love.

Main Idea: "Some tolerance can be deadly."1. The Correspondent2. The Commendation3. The Correction4. The Caution5. The Encouragement

Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length: 1 hour 13 minutesSynopsis: This morning (1/30/26), in our Friday morning Machshavah Lab series for women, we began with a comprehensive review of the facts, questions, and steps we took last time. Then I presented my approach, which we developed with our own insights supplemented by ideas from Rabbi Chait's shiur (which I hadn't listened to, but others said was along remarkably similar lines). In the end, we emerged with a REALLY nice idea, and answers (whether definite or possible) to all the questions we raised. I'm really happy with how things turned out. This, too, was for the good!-----מקורות:תענית דף כא עמוד אRabbi Chait's Shiur (D195)-----The Torah content for the month of January is sponsored by Naomi Schwartz in memory of her father, Dovid Yitzchok ben Chaim Yeruchum Fishel z”l, who dedicated his life to learning and teaching Torah to countless students b'simcha. His first yahrtzeit is the 23rd of Teves.-----If you've gained from what you've learned here, please consider contributing to my Patreon at www.patreon.com/rabbischneeweiss. Alternatively, if you would like to make a direct contribution to the "Rabbi Schneeweiss Torah Content Fund," my Venmo is @Matt-Schneeweiss, and my Zelle and PayPal are mattschneeweiss at gmail. Even a small contribution goes a long way to covering the costs of my podcasts, and will provide me with the financial freedom to produce even more Torah content for you.If you would like to sponsor a day's or a week's worth of content, or if you are interested in enlisting my services as a teacher or tutor, you can reach me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail. Thank you to my listeners for listening, thank you to my readers for reading, and thank you to my supporters for supporting my efforts to make Torah ideas available and accessible to everyone.-----Substack: rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: patreon.com/rabbischneeweissYouTube Channel: youtube.com/rabbischneeweissInstagram: instagram.com/rabbischneeweiss/"The Stoic Jew" Podcast: thestoicjew.buzzsprout.com"Machshavah Lab" Podcast: machshavahlab.buzzsprout.com"The Mishlei Podcast": mishlei.buzzsprout.com"Rambam Bekius" Podcast: rambambekius.buzzsprout.com"The Tefilah Podcast": tefilah.buzzsprout.comOld Blog: kolhaseridim.blogspot.com/WhatsApp Content Hub (where I post all my content and announce my public classes): https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0HAmazon Wishlist: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Y72CSP86S24W?ref_=wl_sharel

Struggling to find the main idea under time pressure?

Main Idea: "IBC, we must be prepared to remove from us those who hold fast to heresy."1. The Commendation2. The Complaint3. The Caution4. The Encouragement

In this Jack Westin MCAT Podcast episode, Molly is joined by Usher (one of our Jack Westin CARS instructors) for a CARS Reading Skills Workshop using the Jack Westin Daily Passage: “Paul Cezanne”.Together, we go sentence-by-sentence and paragraph-by-paragraph to show you how to:✅ Track contrast words like “yet” (and why the MCAT loves them)✅ Spot the most repeated idea to lock in the main idea✅ Recognize when the passage keeps returning to the same theme✅ Map the passage so questions feel easier and faster✅ Avoid outside knowledge traps (even if you know the topic)✅ Improve elimination by repeating your core ideas before reading answer choicesKey theme in this passage: Cezanne's work feels fresh by blending Impressionist techniques with older “old master” methods (new + old = the MCAT's favorite kind of tension).Want to follow along?

Main Idea. The Spirit of God is known by the true confession of Jesus Christ. Driving Question. How do we know whether God's Spirit abides in us? 1. By Our True Confession of Jesus Christ (2–3) And this confession holds together two inseparable truths: A. Who Jesus Is B. Why Jesus Came Two Fruits of Assurance from the Test: A. Assurance of Victory (4). B. Assurance of Discernment (5–6). Takeaways. The Measure: All teaching must be measured by the biblical Christ. The Mark: True Christology is a mark of the Spirit's work.

Main Idea: "IBC, do not fear, but be faithful to Christ even unto death."1. The Crisis2. The Call3. The Comfort

Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length: 1 hour 6 minutesSynopsis: This evening (1/14/26), in our Wednesday night Tehilim shiur, we managed to "land the plane"! After reviewing the translation, questions, and observations from last time, we tossed around a few approaches, and then learned the Meiri, who held the key to a unified theory with a very practical message. And with that, we finished the portion of "Kabbalas Shabbos" perakim from the 90s. I have to think about where we go next. Do we give 100 another try, since it seems to be part of that same series? Do we delve into the minhag of reciting these as part of Kabbalas Shabbos? Or do we follow the minhag by going back to 29? Tune in next time to find out!-----מקורות:תהלים צטתהלים ד:הרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות תשובה ח:דמאירי-----The Torah content for the month of January is sponsored by Naomi Schwartz in memory of her father, Dovid Yitzchok ben Chaim Yeruchum Fishel z”l, who dedicated his life to learning and teaching Torah to countless students b'simcha. His first yahrtzeit is the 23rd of Teves.-----If you've gained from what you've learned here, please consider contributing to my Patreon at www.patreon.com/rabbischneeweiss. Alternatively, if you would like to make a direct contribution to the "Rabbi Schneeweiss Torah Content Fund," my Venmo is @Matt-Schneeweiss, and my Zelle and PayPal are mattschneeweiss at gmail. Even a small contribution goes a long way to covering the costs of my podcasts, and will provide me with the financial freedom to produce even more Torah content for you.If you would like to sponsor a day's or a week's worth of content, or if you are interested in enlisting my services as a teacher or tutor, you can reach me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail. Thank you to my listeners for listening, thank you to my readers for reading, and thank you to my supporters for supporting my efforts to make Torah ideas available and accessible to everyone.-----Substack: rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: patreon.com/rabbischneeweissYouTube Channel: youtube.com/rabbischneeweissInstagram: instagram.com/rabbischneeweiss/"The Stoic Jew" Podcast: thestoicjew.buzzsprout.com"Machshavah Lab" Podcast: machshavahlab.buzzsprout.com"The Mishlei Podcast": mishlei.buzzsprout.com"Rambam Bekius" Podcast: rambambekius.buzzsprout.com"The Tefilah Podcast": tefilah.buzzsprout.comOld Blog: kolhaseridim.blogspot.com/WhatsApp Content Hub (where I post all my content and announce my public classes): https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0HAmazon Wishlist: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Y72CSP86S24W?ref_=wl_sharel

Main Idea. God is greater than our condemning hearts, therefore we can have assurance before Him. Driving Question. How can we have assurance before God when our own hearts condemn us? 1. Rest in the truth that God is greater than our hearts (20–22) Application. When your heart condemns you, feed on Christ. What is the result of resting in God's greater heart? We have confidence before him (vv.21–22). 1. Confidence to Pray (21). 2. Confidence to Practice Righteousness (22). 2. Rely on the Spirit who confirms our abiding (23–24) The Spirit assures us in two ways. He produces faith in Christ and love for the brothers. (1 Cor. 12:3; Gal. 5:5) He provides inward testimony. (Rom. 8:15–16; Gal. 4:6) Takeaways. If you want assurance, don't search your heart, search God's heart.

Main Idea: "Beware of losing your love!"1. Virtues to Imitate2. A serious problem to avoid3. The disastrous results of abandoning love4. Warning signs that we're abandoning first love5. A great reward promised by Jesus

Main Idea. Those in Christ are marked by love for their brothers, not by Cain's hatred. Driving Question. What is the mark of those alive in Christ? 1. Hatred is the mark of Cain's people (vv. 11–15) Matthew 5: 21 You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. 2. Love is the mark of Christ's people (vv. 16–18) Application. Because Christ has loved us sacrificially, we are called to love one another in truth and action. Takeaways. Recognize Cain in Your Heart. Relinquish Yourself to Christ's work. Ready Yourself for the World's Hatred. Restore Health in the Church.

Main Idea: "Behold the One who has a message for you."1. The circumstances of the vision2. Behold Him as the One who is present with His churches3. Behold Him as priest4. Behold Him as king5. Behold Him as the heavenly messenger6. Behold Him as God7. Behold Him as judge8. Behold Him as the One who died and is alive forevermore, with the keys of Death and Hades

Art passages making your MCAT CARS practice feel extra confusing? In this Jack Westin CARS Reading Skills Workshop, Molly and Jack break down a Rembrandt passage sentence by sentence and show you how to separate tone from main idea without getting lost in the details.Using this Daily CARS Passage, they walk through:How to spot tone words vs argument/content wordsWhy “always,” “never,” and other extreme phrases matter so much on CARSHow religion, nature, and spirituality are used to build the author's main ideaWhen to ignore overly dense sentences and focus on clear, direct claimsHow to track support (like pupil conversations and biblical references) without memorizing detailsBy the end, you'll see how to read CARS passages like arguments, not puzzles, and how to turn vague “CARS anxiety” into specific, fixable skills.Read the passage first: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/rembrandtWant to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!

Main Idea. God's promised King enters the world clothed in humility. Question. Why does God choose humility as the pathway for His King, rather than splendor? 1. Because his promises are rooted in humble means (1–5) Two Humble Means 1. Bethlehem. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days… He shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord… and he shall be their peace.” (Micah 5:2–5) 2. The Davidic Line. “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you… and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” (2 Sam. 7:12–13) 2. Because he is humble (6–7) Responses. 1. Rest in the Humble Heart of Your Savior. 2. Imitate His Humility in Everyday Life. 3. Trust God to Exalt You in His Time. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” (1 Pet 5:6).

Main Idea: "Church, be encouraged by God's grace and peace imparted to you and by the God who imparts them."1. Be encouraged by the grace and peace2. Be encouraged by the God who imparts them to you

Main Idea: "Listen to and keep what is written in Revelation"1. Listen to and keep what's written in Revelation because of who it is from2. Listen to and keep what's written in Revelation because of what it is about

Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length: 1 hourSynopsis: This evening (11/26/25), in our Wednesday night Tehilim shiur, we completed our analysis of Tehilim 97. After reviewing what we covered last time in 97 and the ideas we developed in 96, we focused in on the central problems, all of which were in the last three pesukim. Turns out, they held the key for unlocking the entire thing. Not only did we emerge with a meaningful set of insights, but they even connected to the American holiday of Thanksgiving which we'll be celebrating tomorrow.-----מקורות:תהלים צזרמב"ם - משנה תורה: ספר המדע, הלכות יסודי התורה ב:א-ברמב"ם - אבות א:גספורנו - תהלים צז:ארד"ק - תהלים צז:א,י-יבמאירי - תהלים צז:א,י-יברב הירש - תהלים צז:א, יב-יב-----This week's Torah content, for the week of Thanksgiving, is sponsored by me with gratitude to all my readers, viewers, and listeners — and most of all, my students. Whether you support my Torah content by engaging with it, contributing to it, or both, I appreciate you and thank you.-----If you've gained from what you've learned here, please consider contributing to my Patreon at www.patreon.com/rabbischneeweiss. Alternatively, if you would like to make a direct contribution to the "Rabbi Schneeweiss Torah Content Fund," my Venmo is @Matt-Schneeweiss, and my Zelle and PayPal are mattschneeweiss at gmail. Even a small contribution goes a long way to covering the costs of my podcasts, and will provide me with the financial freedom to produce even more Torah content for you.If you would like to sponsor a day's or a week's worth of content, or if you are interested in enlisting my services as a teacher or tutor, you can reach me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail. Thank you to my listeners for listening, thank you to my readers for reading, and thank you to my supporters for supporting my efforts to make Torah ideas available and accessible to everyone.-----Substack: rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: patreon.com/rabbischneeweissYouTube Channel: youtube.com/rabbischneeweissInstagram: instagram.com/rabbischneeweiss/"The Stoic Jew" Podcast: thestoicjew.buzzsprout.com"Machshavah Lab" Podcast: machshavahlab.buzzsprout.com"The Mishlei Podcast": mishlei.buzzsprout.com"Rambam Bekius" Podcast: rambambekius.buzzsprout.com"The Tefilah Podcast": tefilah.buzzsprout.comOld Blog: kolhaseridim.blogspot.com/WhatsApp Content Hub (where I post all my content and announce my public classes): https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0HAmazon Wishlist: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Y72CSP86S24W?ref_=wl_sharel

Main Idea. Confessing Christ sustains fellowship with God, shields from deception, and secures eternal life. Question. Why must we hold fast to the truth about Christ? 1. Because false teachers try to pull us away (vv.18–19, 26) 2. Because the Spirit enabled us to know the truth (vv.20–21) John 6:37–40: All that the Father gives to me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. John 10:27–30: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one. 3. Because denying Jesus destroys fellowship with the Father (vv.22–23) John 6:53–55: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and chI will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Why is fellowship with the Father such a big deal? He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4). He sent his only begotten Son to us (Jn 3:16) He loved us while we were His enemies (Col 1:21). He qualified us for an eternal inheritance (Col 1:12). He has lavished His love on us (1 Jn 3:1). Applications. Guard your heart from anything that shrinks Jesus. 4. Because abiding in the truth guards our eternal life (vv.24–25, 27) Takeaways. Confess Jesus as the Christ. Clothe Yourself in Christ. Count on the Spirit. Continue to Abide. Cling to Hope.

Main Idea. Because we truly belong to God, we must not love this passing world. Question. Why must God's children not love the world? 1. Because we already belong to God (12–14) John anchors with 4 gospel truths: 1. You Are Forgiven for His Name's Sake (v. 12) 2. You Know Him Who Is from the Beginning (vv. 13a, 14a) 3. You Have Overcome the Evil One (vv. 13b, 14b) 4. You Know the Father (v. 13c) Applications. 1. Rest in Him. [reference with application] 1 John 3:20 If your heart condemns you, God is greater than your heart 2. Because the world is opposed to God and is passing away (15–17) The command: “Do not love the world.” (v. 15) 1 John 5:19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. James 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son TWO REASONS TO NOT LOVE THE WORLD: 1. The world's desires do not come from the Father. (v. 16) 2. The world is passing away. (v. 17) 2 Tim 4:10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. How do we overcome the world? 1 John 5:4, 5 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world… our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Responses. 1. Look to see what you love 2. Live to love God 3. Lean toward your neighbor with love 4. Labor to love the world by sharing Christ

Main Idea: "First things first. There is a proper order to take in your preparations."1. Preparing for marriage2. Preparing for eternity3. The preparations of Christ for His bride

Main Idea. Those who truly know God will reflect the obedience and love of Christ. Question. How can we know that we truly know God? 1. Knowing God means walking as Jesus walked. (Obedience) (vv. 3–6) John 8:47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God. John 15:3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. John 5:19 The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us. Consider God's love for us: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Romans 5:8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 1 John 4:9–10 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. New Covenant. Jer 31:31–34 I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. Ezk 36:26–27 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, Application. Will you obey the law perfectly? 1. No. We still sin. 2. Yes. By union with Christ, His perfect obedience to the law is counted as ours. Romans 5:19: By the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Application. 1. We are to keep Christ's commands. 2. Knowing God means loving as Jesus loved. (Love) (vv. 7–11) John 13:34,35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. Deut 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Lev. 19:34 You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. Application. 1. How are we doing in our love for one another? Takeaways. Our obedience is not the cause of knowing God, it's the evidence that God graciously united us to Christ. Our love is not merely a moral obligation, but the overflow of Christ's communion.

Main Idea. Only the blood of Jesus brings sinners out of darkness and into fellowship with God. Question. Why do we need the blood of Jesus to have fellowship with God? 1. Because God is holy (v.5) 2. Because sin breaks fellowship (v.6) 3. Because Christ's blood restores fellowship (v.7) Takeaways (for walking in the light). Cling to Christ. Confess your sin. Live in fellowship.

Main Idea. Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of God made flesh. Question. Why trust the apostles over the apostates? 1. Because They Knew Christ (v.1) Application. Trust the apostles' testimony because they truly knew Him. 2. Because They Proclaimed God's Truth (v.2) Application. Hear clearly what the apostles say because it comes from God. 3. Because They Invite Us Into Fellowship (vv.3–4) Application. This fellowship with God is to be shared with the world, not reserved for a select few. Framing the book. We must know who Jesus Christ is. We can have assurance of salvation. “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” (5:13).

Main Idea: "True followers of Christ make the cross their only boast, because they know the cross is their only hope."1. Those who are false boast in the flesh.2. Those who are true make the cross of Christ their only boast.3. How to get a deeper sense of the preciousness of the cross of Christ

Main Idea: "You will reap what you sow."1. Share with those who teach you God's Word.2. Do not be deceived.3. Don't grow weary.4. Do good.

Question. Does Jesus really care about the spiritual health of His church? Main Idea. Jesus cares about His church's health, especially her heart. Five ways Jesus cares for the spiritual health of His church. 1. Jesus is close (1) 2. Jesus compliments (2–3, 6) Jesus compliments the church in Ephesus for three things: Hard work and endurance (2-3) Rejecting false teaching (2) Rejection of sin (6) 3. Jesus confronts (4) 4. Jesus calls (5) Jesus calls the church to three things to restore love: Remember (5) Repent (5) Return (5) 5. Jesus comforts (7) Practically: How do we grow in our love for Christ? Consider Paul's Example of Affection for Christ (Phil 3:7–9) 1. Count All Else As Loss. 2. Know Him Deeply. 3. Trust His Righteousness. Takeaways. 1. Christ is with us. 2. Christ wants our love.

Main Idea: "Bear one another's burdens."1. The call to burden-bearing love2. An obstacle to this love3. How to overcome this obstacle

Main Idea. When God's people reject their King's rule, moral chaos rules and the weak have no refuge. Question. How do people live when they reject God as their king? 1. The Depths of Depravity (19:1–21:24) A. Corruption in Gibeah (19:1–30) B. Civil War in Israel (20:1–25) C. Condemnation of Benjamin (20:26–48) D. Compromise in Benjamin's Restoration (21:1–24) 2. The Desperation for a King (21:25) Deut 17:14–20. 14 “When you come to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you possess it and dwell in it and then say, ‘I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,' 15 you may indeed set a king over you whom the Lord your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 16 Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.' 17 And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold. 18 “And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel. What does life look like under the good and kingly rule of Jesus Christ? Justice is assured for all Women are honored and protected Men are called to sacrificial protection Forgiveness flows to all

Main Idea: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."1. The List of Vices: "Works of the flesh"2. The warning to those practicing such things3. Practical helps in keeping in step with the Spirit

Main Idea: "God delays His judgement in patience, but He will surely come to refine His people and judge the wicked."1. The people's complaint against God2. The promise of God's coming3. The results of God's coming

Main Idea. God crushes the mighty through the humiliation of his servant. 1. The donkey-slayer becomes a donkey (1–21) Three specific sins that lead Samson into slavery: 1. Pride (1–3) 2. Pleasure (1, 4–19) 3. Presumption (20) Spurgeon said, see what sin will do. That shaved man made slave is the picture of many who were the once avowed servants of God and were valiant for the truth of God. They have lost the locks of their dedication and are led captive by the devil at his will. They cannot see as they used to see; darkness shuts out all joy. For they do not work for God as they used to, for they are slaving for people. How the mighty have fallen? 2. But the donkey becomes God's deliverer (22–31) 2 Responses. 1. No matter your past or present, if you cry out to God, He will deliver you. 2. Your life isn't defined by shame, but moving forward it must be marked by weakness and dependence. 2 Takeaways. 1. God is strong for undeserving people. 2. God is relentless in keeping his people.

Main Idea: "Christian, walk by the Spirit."1. What it is to "walk by the Spirit"2. Why we are called to walk by the Spirit3. A word of encouragement

Ever feel like you read your Bible...but don't really understand it? In this episode, we explore the second step of the EASY Bible Study Method: Assess the Main Idea. Whether you have just 10 minutes or a full hour for Bible study, you'll learn a simple, flexible approach to understanding Scripture that meets you right where you are: and grows with you over time. Click here to send us your email for our newsletter OR to send a message to the show! We have no way of responding unless you leave your email.Want to study God's Word for yourself? Try our In-Depth Bible Study Academy Click here to try a free mini-course!Support the show