Podcasts about Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would be a King with a reign like no other. Today, R.C. Sproul considers what this prophecy teaches us about Christ and the kingdom He came to establish. Request R.C. Sproul's devotional book The Advent of Glory, plus lifetime digital access to his teaching series Coming of the Messiah, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4514/offer   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Get the digital teaching series with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Merry Christmas from the Renewing Your Mind team. Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

How can you clearly find Jesus Christ in the Old Testament without getting lost in its difficult passages? Dr. Josh Sears explores practical ways to identify Jesus Christ in the Old Testament through prophecy symbolic scripture and modern prophetic guidance bring clarity to challenging passages.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/S-9CBYZxe9EALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.coFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook  WEEKLY NEWSLETTER https://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter  SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE00:00 Part 1 - Dr. Josh Sears01:28 Dr. Sears in IsraelO3:01 Dr. Sears bio05:03 Challenges to reading the Hebrew Bible06:45 Come, Follow Me Manual09:56 Types and shadows16:43 The Hebrew Bible through a Christian lens19:36 The name of God22:28 Premortal Jesus26:23 An example in Isaiah29:50 Roles of Jesus Christ33:47 How would a Jew read this?35:36 Capital L-O-R-D37:44 Jesus sounding “Christlike”40:53 Amping up rhetoric44:12 Wisdom from Panaca, Nevada46:56  Different translations49:48 The Pirate Bible51:43 Restoration scripture informs the Hebrew Bible56:27 Jesus has a plan59:25 New articles on Church website 01:03:06 Examples of changing verses01:06:02  End of Part 1 - Dr. Josh SearsThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

Dr. Sears continues to show how the Old Testament complexity is intentional, how it grows alongside Restoration scripture, and how understanding covenants as relationships helps readers wrestle with the text and liken its stories to their own lives.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/o76_n5be9e8ALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.coFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook  WEEKLY NEWSLETTER https://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter  SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE00:00 Part 2 - Dr. Josh Sears01:50 We love the scriptures we spend time with05:13 Psalm 88 a poem by an anonymous author08:05 Why should I wrestle with these books?12:39 Heroes with character flaws15:35 Scriptures aren't a handbook or manual18:30 Utilizing all the scripture19:59 Sustaining President Oaks and Sister Oaks21:50 Covenant as relationship26:02 Different titles for broad ideas29:02 Why a family?32:28 We can learn about my covenant relationship34:42 God allows suffering37:02 God always comes to our aid40:51 Gathering is why we are here43:43 A preview of God never forsaking His children47:28 Trusting in Jesus Christ and encouragement to participate in 202654:25 End of Part 2 - Dr. Josh SearsThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

Joshua Sears earned his BA in Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Brigham Young University, an MA from The Ohio State University, and a PhD in Hebrew Bible from The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on biblical polygamy, the book of Isaiah, and Latter-day Saint Bible editions. He has presented at numerous academic and Church-related conferences and is the author of A Modern Guide to an Old Testament. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community Links A Modern Guide to an Old Testament BYU Religious Studies Center: rsc.byu.edu Kerry Muhlestein: “A Savior with a Sword” Blue Letter Bible BibleHub NetBible.org NRSVUE Bible: New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community Key Insights Understanding Genres: The Old Testament contains various literary genres, including poetry, narrative, and prophecy. Recognizing these genres is crucial for proper interpretation and enhances the reading experience. Challenges of the Old Testament: The text is lengthy and covers a vast historical period, which can be overwhelming. It also includes complex themes such as violence and cultural practices that may challenge modern readers. Christ in the Old Testament: Jehovah, the Lord in the Old Testament, is identified as the premortal Jesus Christ. Understanding this connection allows readers to see Christ’s active role throughout the text, not just in prophecies of His mortal ministry. Resources for Study: Utilizing various resources, including the Come Follow Me manual, podcasts, and online tools, can enhance understanding and provide context for difficult passages. Addressing Difficult Questions: It is acceptable for teachers to admit when they do not know the answer to a question. This honesty fosters a learning environment and encourages further exploration of the scriptures. Leadership Applications Encouraging Engagement: Leaders can promote a deeper understanding of the Old Testament by encouraging members to explore its genres and themes, helping them to appreciate its relevance to their faith. Creating a Supportive Environment: By modeling humility and openness about not having all the answers, leaders can create a safe space for discussion and inquiry, allowing members to feel comfortable asking questions. Utilizing Resources: Leaders should leverage available resources, such as the new institute manuals and online tools, to prepare lessons that are informative and engaging, ensuring that the focus remains on the scriptures themselves. Timestamps 00:03:02 – Overview of “A Modern Guide to an Old Testament” 00:04:18 – Challenges of the Old Testament 00:05:33 – The Complexity of Old Testament Genres 00:06:43 – Teaching Strategies for the Old Testament 00:08:10 – Shifting Mindsets for Old Testament Study 00:09:48 – Importance of Understanding Context 00:11:06 – Balancing Content Mastery and Teaching 00:12:28 – Keeping Jesus Christ at the Center 00:14:10 – Resources for Hebrew Words and Translations 00:15:46 – Using Podcasts for Study 00:17:27 – Navigating Difficult Questions in Class 00:19:19 – Emphasizing Conversion in Teaching 00:20:30 – The Role of AI in Biblical Study 00:22:04 – Addressing Tough Issues in the Old Testament The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Find Leadership Tools, Courses, and Community for Latter-day Saint leaders in the Zion Lab community. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Benjamin Hardy, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill, Coaches Jennifer Rockwood and Brandon Doman, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.

Today we're studying The Living Christ Paragraph 12 - Isaiah 40:5 in just one minute! Grab your scriptures and let's dive into them together!And grab study guides for the whole family here: -Grab Kristen's copies of helpful PDFs and study guides here: https://shop.kristenwalkersmith.com/products/ Check out her monthly Come Follow Me YouTube videos here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/youtube/- To get Cali's scripture study guide for adults click here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSSOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4qocgeUGet our NEW 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book in Costco stores in Utah, Idaho, ArizonaOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0p3Ds0t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Day 2760 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2760 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 103:7-18 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2760 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2760 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Geometry of Grace – As High as the Heavens, As Far as the East. Today, we continue our ascent up the magnificent peak of Psalm One Hundred Three. We are exploring the heart of the psalm, verses seven through eighteen, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek, we heard King David preaching a sermon to his own soul. He commanded himself to "Bless the Lord" and not to forget His benefits. We listed those benefits: He forgives all sins, heals all diseases, redeems us from the Pit, and crowns us with love and tender mercies. It was a celebration of what God does. But today, David goes deeper. He moves from God's acts to God's nature. He asks the question: Why does God do these things? What is it about His character that makes Him forgive a sinner like me? In this section, David gives us the definitive theology of the heart of God. He takes us back to the mountain of Sinai to hear God's own description of Himself. He uses the vastness of the cosmos to measure God's love. And then, he looks at us—frail, dusty, fleeting humanity—and explains why God's response to our weakness is not judgment, but fatherly compassion. So, let us stand in awe as we measure the dimensions of grace. The First Segment is: The Magna Carta of Mercy: God's Self-Revelation. Psalm One Hundred Three: verses seven through eight. He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.  The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. David begins by grounding his praise in history. He isn't guessing what God is like; he is remembering what God said. "He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel." Specifically, David is quoting Exodus Thirty-four, verse six. This moment occurred right after the Golden Calf incident—Israel's great act of spiritual adultery. Moses asked to see God's glory, and God passed by and proclaimed His name. This declaration in verse eight—"The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love"—is the most quoted verse in the entire Old Testament. It is the Jewish Creed of Grace. Let's break down these four pillars of God's heart: Compassionate (Rachum): Related to the word for "womb." It describes a mother's visceral feeling for her helpless infant. Merciful (Chanun): Meaning gracious, generous, giving favor that is undeserved. Slow to Get Angry (Erek Apayim): Literally, "Long of Nose." In Hebrew idiom, anger was associated with a hot nose or snorting. To be "long of nose" means it takes a long time for God's nose to get hot. He has a very long...

Handel's Messiah is one of the best-loved pieces of Christmas music. Only it was meant for Easter. But it draws on far more from the Old Testament than the New. There are more surprising facts about this 18th-century masterpiece that IDEAS explores with Ivars Taurins, founding director of the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir who has conducted Messiah over 200 times, and veteran CBC Radio broadcaster Robert Harris. In nine movements, they reveal the hidden treasures of Handel's celebrated work. *This episode originally aired in 2015.

Tonight we look at the most famous Old Testament prophecy of the birth of Jesus in Isaiah 9. Jesus gives us four gifts in verse 6 that we get to receive because of His birth. Join us as we unwrap all four gifts.  For more information on The Gathering, check out our website thegathering.online    

Is Jesus' birth predicted in the Old Testament? Lee Strobel points out how the Old Testament functions rather like a navigational system, pointing readers to the Messiah who would be revealed. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/701/29?v=20251111

All of the world's idols demand that we make endless sacrifices for them. But only Jesus has accomplished the ultimate sacrifice we need. Today, Barry Cooper explains how the idols we encounter in the Old Testament are far more relevant than we realize. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/simply-put/high-places/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Feeling gratitude for the D&C? Thank Jesus Christ! Let's study the 5th paragraph of the Living Christ.And grab study guides for the whole family here: -Grab Kristen's copies of helpful PDFs and study guides here: https://shop.kristenwalkersmith.com/products/ Check out her monthly Come Follow Me YouTube videos here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/youtube/- To get Cali's scripture study guide for adults click here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSSOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4qocgeUGet our NEW 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book in Costco stores in Utah, Idaho, ArizonaOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0p3Ds0t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does Christmas have Jewish origins? If so, what are they and why are they important? We all wonder why the Jews still do not (en masse) accept Christ as the Messiah. What are the reasons for this and why don't they believe Jesus is their Savior of Prophecy? Fr. Chris Alar explains some interesting points that show how Jesus has fulfilled all of the Old Testament prophecies so you can better explain who He is. 

“In the beginning was the Word…” As our Advent journey reaches its climax, St. John pulls back the curtain to reveal the deepest mystery of Christmas: the Child of Bethlehem is the eternal Word through whom all things were made. In part 12, the final installment of our special series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we move from manger scenes to cosmic glory. The true Light that shines in the darkness has come into the world; He pitches His tent among us, full of grace and truth, that from His fullness we might receive grace upon grace.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 1:1–18.  To learn more about Christ Lutheran, visit clc-in.org. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davidic King, John the Baptist as forerunner, and reaches its climax with the Nativity. The final episodes examine the Suffering Servant, the shadow of the cross in Christ's infancy, Isaiah's Messianic mission statement, and John's declaration that "the Word became flesh."  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 66, 67, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Laura Ammons, First Canticle: 13, New Testament: Titus 2:1-10, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Second Canticle: 18, Gospel: Luke 1:26-38, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.

Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 116, 117, Laura Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Laura Ammons, First Canticle: 10, New Testament: Titus 2:1-10, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Second Canticle: 15, Gospel: Luke 1:26-38, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.

40T-026 - https://www.truthcommunitychurch.orgClick the icon below to listen.            

In Part 3 of our Foretold Christmas series, Pastor Robey explores how the story of Christmas has always pointed beyond the manger to the resurrection of Jesus. Beginning with a lighthearted family tradition of cutting down a Christmas tree, this message uncovers the deep biblical symbolism behind Christmas and shows how Jesus' resurrection was foretold throughout the Old Testament. Walking through Romans 1 and key prophetic passages, Pastor Robey reveals how the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus are inseparably connected—fueling our faith, giving hope in suffering, and calling us to trust fully in Christ this Christmas.

Pastor Bryan shares a lesson from Numbers 20. Dr. Chapell shares from this Old Testament passage to remind us of the way that God provides for His people, even though we don't deserve it. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1286/29?v=20251111

Intercession is not a special spiritual gift reserved for certain believers, but a responsibility for all Christians as royal priests. From humanity's original design in Eden to our calling in the New Testament, we are meant to stand before God on behalf of others. True intercession involves consistently carrying people's burdens with love and endurance, not just during crises. Like the Old Testament priests who burned incense daily, we should habitually bring others before God. This practice kills pride, reframes our problems, and shares the burden of the saints. Every believer is called to stand, carry, and wait before God for others.Support the show

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you!So, it's the week of Christmas. And it's episode #350. I didn't plan to save the "Smiles" episode for a week like this, but now I'm glad I did. We'll discuss why smiles are so rare in the Bible and why you shouldn't worry about it; how the cutest little girl and the saddest "Little Tramp" in the history of Hollywood combined forces to drag us out of a national malaise; and how games in general, and one small game in particular, has brought smiles to our faces for years.Check out Hal on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@halhammons9705Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 66, 67, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Laura Ammons, First Canticle: 13, Second Canticle: 18, Gospel: Luke 1:26-38, Mtr. Lisa Meirow

Matthew 2:1–12 reminds us that truly wise people keep seeking Jesus until they find Him, even when the path is long, surprising, or humble. The Magi likely came from Persia, guided first by Scripture (Daniel, Numbers 24:17) and then by a God-given “star” that behaved more like the Old Testament pillar of fire—personal, precise, and faithful. Herod's fear contrasts with their worship; when they finally meet the Child—not in a palace but in a simple house—they fall down before Him and offer treasures that preach: gold for the King, frankincense for our Great High Priest, and myrrh for the Prophet who would suffer and save. God still leads seekers this way—through His Word, by His Spirit, to His Son—and obedience always ends in joy. - Ed Rea - Sunday, December 21, 2025

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-460fafd016c547c21a8db18d93408ae4{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-460fafd016c547c21a8db18d93408ae4 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-460fafd016c547c21a8db18d93408ae4 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 02 – December 23Psalm 145 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – December 23 Psalm 145 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/02-1223db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Psalm 145 The Lord Is Worthy of Praise Heading A song of praise. By David. Praise 1 I will exalt you, my God, the King, and I will bless your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever. Proclamation of His Greatness 3 Great is the Lord and worthy of great praise, and there are no limits to the extent of his greatness. Praise 4 One generation will praise your deeds to another, and they will declare your mighty acts. 5 I will contemplate the glorious splendor of your majesty and the accounts of your wonderful works. 6 Then they will speak about the power of your awesome works, and I will tell about your great deeds. 7 They will pour forth the memory of your abundant goodness and sing loudly about your righteousness. Proclamation of His Grace 8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in mercy. 9 The Lord is good to all. His compassion extends over all he has made. Praise 10 Everyone you have made will thank you, O Lord, and the ones you favor will bless you. 11 They will tell about the glory of your kingdom, and they will speak about your might, 12 to make known his might to the children of Adam, to make known the glorious splendor of his kingdom. Proclamation of His Kingdom 13 Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his words and merciful toward all he has made. [1] 14 The Lord lifts up all who fall, and he supports all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look eagerly to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 He opens his hand, and he satisfies the desire of every living thing. [2] 17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and merciful toward all that he has made. 18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He grants the desire of those who fear him. He hears their cry and saves them. 20 The Lord watches over all who love him, but he will destroy all the wicked. Praise 21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord. Let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. Footnotes Psalm 145:13 The second half of verse 13 does not appear in the Hebrew text, but it is in the Greek version of the Old Testament and a Dead Sea Scroll. Psalm 145:16 Switching back and forth between second and third person verbs and pronouns is common in psalms. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

Text for DA Podcast Ep 95 Title SuggestionsVirgin Births in Ancient CultureVirgin Births in Greek and Hebrew Culture Show NotesWe look for origins of the Virgin Birth doctrine in Christianity.  Principally we search the Greek and Hebrew cultures that are the context behind the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke's gospels. What we don't conclude is that the origin of the Virgin Birth was that mistake in the translation of the Old Testament into Greek, which created for the first time “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son…”. But we do wonder if the first version of Luke even had the Virgin Birth.Links:Greco Roman Literature and the New Testament : Selected Forms and Genres. Jan. 1988 by David E Aune (Editor)From John Nelson's Behind the Gospels, Aug 08, 2024 “How to Write an Infancy Narrative: A Seven-Step Guide to Ancient Birth Stories”https://www.behindthegospels.com/p/how-to-write-an-infancy-narrative?utm_source=publication-searchAndhttps://www.behindthegospels.com/p/is-matthews-story-of-the-virgin-birth The early creed which seems to deny the Virgin Birth doctrine: Romans 1:3–4 Mark Goodacre thinks Mary conceiving out of wedlock might be an origin. NT Pod 64https://podacre.blogspot.com/2012/12/nt-pod-64-is-virgin-birth-based-on.html The Bart Ehrman Blog - Why Was Jesus Born of a Virgin in Matthew and Luke?https://ehrmanblog.org/why-was-jesus-born-of-a-virgin-in-matthew-and-luke/  Doubts Aloud Links:Please give feedback and ask questions using:  doubtsaloud@gmail.com 

Saint Joseph's FaithfulnessMatthew 1:18-25 “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.   But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son.  And he gave him the name Jesus.I thought since Christmas is coming, I would focus on that this week.  Today I want to focus on Saint Joseph.  I think he is someone that we don't talk about enough.  Everyone I know who has read or learned more about Saint Joseph just keeps talking about how incredible he was.  Let's talk about the different things in this verse.The verse begins by describing how they were pledged to be married, but before they were together, he found out that Mary was pregnant.  Joseph now finds himself stuck because it says he is faithful to the law.  He wants to follow the law, and yet, according to the law, back in the day, if a woman was caught cheating on her husband, she was to be stoned to death.  Joseph didn't want to disobey the law, and he also didn't want to publicly disgrace Mary.  He was a good man, and so he was going to quietly divorce her to keep her from all of that.  However, he was visited by an angel in his dream before he could do anything.  This angel explained what was going on and told Joseph to name the baby Jesus.  Can you imagine being visited by an angel in your sleep?  When I was little, I used to imagine what it would be like to have an angel come and visit me, like Mary or Joseph.  I wondered what it would feel like.  I wondered if I would believe what I was seeing.  I wonder how Joseph felt when he woke up from that dream?  Did he know it was a visit from a real angel and not just a normal dream right away?  I wonder why the angel came to Joseph in a dream, but to Mary when she was awake.  I think it is hard for us to imagine what it would feel like, as it is so foreign to most of us.  I like to think things were different back then.  It was easier for them to believe because they lived in a time when there weren't so many distractions or when the faith was stronger.  However, I don't think, even back then, it was a common occurrence to be visited by an angel.  I don't know that those around them would have any easier time believing it than we would.  Yet, Joseph did believe, and he did obey.Joseph had a choice, just like Mary did.  Joseph could have decided that it was all just a dream.  He could have believed that Mary had cheated on him, and he could have left her.  However, he made a choice to stay.  He chose to listen to the angel and to name the baby Jesus.  He was faithful to the Lord, and he raised Jesus as his child.  Did you know that Joseph was visited by an angel a second time in a dream?  This time was right after the Magi visited baby Jesus.  Matthew 2:13-15 recounts, “ When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”  So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”Again, Joseph had a choice to make.  His wife had just given birth recently.  He had a baby, and I am sure they were all tired as she gave birth in a manger.  I can't imagine they were getting great sleep there.  Then the angel of God tells Joseph to get up in the middle of the night and take his wife and baby to Egypt.  Remember the first time the angel visited he was told that what he was asked to do was to help fulfill the Lord's word through a prophet, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” Now the angel is asking Joseph a second time to fulfill the Lord's word, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”  The benefit that Joseph has over many of us is that he would have been well-versed on the Old Testament prophets since he was a Jewish man.  The Jewish males went to school/class to study the Jewish scriptures.I wonder if knowing about all these scriptures or words from the prophets made it easier or harder to say yes?  I wonder if knowing what he was getting into made it harder or easier.  I am not sure I would want to know the fate of my child if it were to suffer as Christ suffered.  I wonder if knowing all he knew about Jesus and what he was to become added pressure on Joseph as a father.  I think most parents feel pressure to be a good parent.  We feel like we don't want to mess our children up.  When they are babies, they are completely dependent on us, and as they grow, they want to become more independent.  However, I don't think that sense of responsibility for our children ever goes away.  I can just imagine the pressure that I felt not to mess my kids up too badly would be multiplied by 100,000 if I knew I was raising God's child.  I am hoping it wasn't like this for Mary and Joseph.  I am hoping that they didn't feel constant pressure to measure up or to be perfect.  I like to think that they were able to be a somewhat regular family at the time.  Although I am sure it was super stressful when Jesus stayed back in the temple to talk to the teachers when they left.  I can't imagine not knowing where my child was for that long.  I did actually lose my child at a fair once, and although it was less than 5 minutes real time, it felt like a million years.  I can't imagine if I had to have that feeling for days.  I know things were always perfect for them, but I hope that they were able to raise Jesus without too much pressure to be perfect parents, and also without feeling that they weren't worthy.  The bible doesn't share many interactions with Joseph in the bible, but you can tell by the reverence that Jesus had with Mary that he was very respectful to his parents.  Joseph had two more dreams where an angel appeared to him.  These are described in Matthew 2:19-23, “After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead.”  So he got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.  But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,  and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.”  Again, Joseph had a choice, and he said yes.Joseph had several chances to say no, to refuse his destiny or fulfill his purpose, and yet he didn't.  Each time he was given a task, he completed it.  He did not ask questions; it doesn't appear that he argued or did it begrudgingly.  Joseph had four dreams where an angel of God appeared to him and told him to do something, and he said yes.  They were not easy things that the angel was asking him to do, and yet he did them anyway.  I wonder if we would have the same strength?  I wonder if we could stay when we thought we should go?  I wonder if we would move to another country after just having a baby, and then move back.  Joseph was so faithful to do what God wanted him to do.  There is very little that I know about Joseph, but what I do know, I admire.  He had so much strength and so much faith.  I think we could all benefit from getting to know Joseph a little more.  Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you bless all those listening to this episode today.  Lord, we thank you for choosing Joseph to be Jesus' earthly father.  He was so faithful to your word and your commands.  Help us to be more faithful.  Help us to do what you want us to do, whether we feel like it or not.  Help us to be willing to listen more to Your word, Lord.  We thank you for giving us Mary, Joseph & Jesus.  You are so amazing, and you love us so much to have sacrificed your son for us.  Lord, we ask that you help us keep our hearts and minds focused on you this week and not on the commercialized version of Christmas.  Help us to remember the reason for the season.  We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to spending time with you again tomorrow.  Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in August 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “And when they see you, they see me, and they feel my love for them where they are in the condition that they are in.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

IntroductionThere are two kinds of people in God's kingdom. Some are in the covenant line, and others are outside the covenant line. Matthew captures this by showing us that there are insiders (God's covenant people) and outsiders (those who are not directly tied to Abraham by their family line). Matthew addresses the issue of whether or not the outsiders can be part of the family or if those who are inside the family can be outcasts. What determines this classification? Outside God's FamilyMatthew begins with the Magi. These men would be pagan Gentiles from the East. They would be astrologers who would advise kings. These are not men that we would see as sympathetic to the Israelites. However, they follow a start that they see in the distance. They come to the holy city, and they encounter Herod the king. One wonders if they will allow this jealous man to discover Christ and execute him. Well, they protect Christ and seek to worship him. The start that they follow is the fulfillment of Numbers 24:17. The great prophet Balaam was going to control the living God. Ironically, he could only speak the Lord's word. He prophesied the star that would rise from Jacob. This star is promised to be victorious. The star testifies to the fulfillment of God's prophecy through the prophet for hire, Balaam. The men who were supposed to hate God came to worship God. Inside God's FamilyIronically, Jerusalem should rejoice the most. This is the city that literally means, “Vision of Peace.” They should want to commune with God. The vision of peace is communion with the living God. If the messiah has arrived, Jerusalem should celebrate. We read that Herod and all Jerusalem were troubled. How can this city be troubled by the “Prince of Peace” Arriving in the city of peace? The problem is that they love their earthly kingdom and have lost sight of the heavenly one. The problem is that the insiders lost sight of what it means to be insiders. The wise men/magi/magicians/advisoers leave. They see the star and they are exceedingly joyful rather than troubled. One has to continually align with the Lord's priorities as one walks by faith in the Spirit. It does not matter if one has the covenant lineage. It is taking hold of the substance of faith, Jesus Christ, that determines one's identity. In the FamilyThe city of Jerusalem is troubled, but the pagans from the east have exceeding joy when they see the star above Christ's dwelling. They journey to the home. The men who are used to the finest banquets enjoy peasant hospitality. The gifts that they offer call to our attention that the Old Testament promise is realized. Psalm 72, Isaiah, and we think of the Queen of Sheba giving Solomon gifts. This shows that they are pledging homage and honoring Christ as king. The picture here is hilarious. These are very prestitious men who gather together to worship Christ the King. They do this despite the earthly appearance. These men are not threatened by the king or the peasant surroundings. They look beyond what they see with their eyes and see with the eyes of faith that the shalom/peace of heaven does not function on fallen worldly terms. The insiders will see Christ despite our worldly expectations. The Spirit will enlighten us to see who the Lord is. We will respond in faith as we walk in the power of the Spirit. ConclusionChrist came into the world to make strangers into sons and daughters. Those who, like the Magi, lay aside their pride. They bow before Him to worship him despite his humble presentation. They empty themselves of their worldly significance. As a result, they find themselves as members of the household of God. it is only in Christ that one finds their true identity in Christ.

Advent E4 — We're ending our short Advent series with a reflection on love. In the Hebrew Bible, the word “ahavah” involves faithfulness to God and living by his wisdom, but it also means showing practical care to others—especially the vulnerable. Jesus views this love for God and neighbor as the greatest command, and he expands it to be indiscriminate, radical kindness and generosity even toward our enemies. The New Testament authors were so blown away by this kind of love that they adopted an obscure Greek word for love, “agape,” and redefined it to be a self-giving, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrates in his life, teaching, death, and resurrection. In this episode, Jon and Tim explore the main biblical words for love, showing how the story of Advent characterizes agape as God's own essence and our calling. FULL SHOW NOTESFor chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.CHAPTERSThe Hebrew Bible's Understanding of Love (0:00–13:17)Agape and Jesus' Redefinition of Love (13:17–21:25)God Is Love (21:25–31:10)Reflections on Love With JoDee (31:10-36:12)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode's official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESThe Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology by Nijay GuptaAhavah / Love: Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical word ahavah.Agape / Love: Also not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical word, agape.Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.SHOW MUSIC“Clouds ft. ahmo” by Lofi Sunday“Warm Hugs” by Lofi Sunday & Cassidy Godwin“Snowflakes” by AvesBibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITSProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today's episode and 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. Special thanks to our guest JoDee Atherton.Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transferable Concept #5: Teach them to live GRACE FILLED livesA theology of grace1. It's the unmerited and unconditional FAVOR of God toward us - 1 Jn 4:192. It's free to us, but COSTLY to God -1 Cr 6:19-203. The CROSS is God's greatest act of grace -Ro 5:84. SALVATION is a free gift from God -Ro 6:235. It must be received by FAITH -Ep 2:8-96. It produces GRATITUDE toward God and love toward others -Ti 2:11-127. Old Testament roots: Gn 3:21, 6:88. Biblical profiles: David, Peter9. New Testament command: Jn 3:16-18, Ep 2:8-9, 1 Pt 1:13Teach them that failure is never final1. Encourage them to MEDITATE on the lives of David and Peter, a murderer, adulterer, and betrayer among God's most beloved and mightily used servants2. Help them remove the power of the SECRECY and condemnation by practicing repentance and confession with some mature believers you can trust3. Teach them to REFUSE a "performance-orientation" with God; the relationship is always grace-orientation.Life message: You were created to RECEIVE grace and to give grace!Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesYear End MatchDouble Your Gift TodayMinistry ReportAdditional ResourcesChristmas GiftsConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Join Lynne Hilton Wilson for an inspiring journey through the Old Testament, centered on Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. For many, approaching the Old Testament can bring mixed emotions—eagerness, uncertainty, even apprehension. As one of the oldest collections of sacred writings in the world, its ancient cultures and stories can feel distant or unfamiliar. Yet within these pages are deeply recognizable human experiences and powerful gospel truths. In this video, Lynne Hilton Wilson helps viewers see how the lives of men and women from the Old Testament point us to Christ. Though their circumstances were different from ours, they knew family joy and conflict, faith and doubt, success and failure. Most importantly, they exercised faith, repented, made covenants, and held fast to the promise of a Savior. As we learn how God moved in their lives, we begin to see how He moves in ours. This episode invites you to rediscover the Old Testament not as a distant or intimidating book, but as a living witness of Jesus Christ, echoing the psalmist's testimony: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Today we're studying The Living Christ Paragraph 2 - Acts 10:38 in just one minute! Grab your scriptures and let's dive into them together!And grab study guides for the whole family here: -Grab Kristen's copies of helpful PDFs and study guides here: https://shop.kristenwalkersmith.com/products/ Check out her monthly Come Follow Me YouTube videos here: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/youtube/- To get Cali's scripture study guide for adults click here: https://comefollowmestudy.com/shop/ Discount code: OMSSOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4qocgeUGet our NEW 365-day Old Testament daily devotional book in Costco stores in Utah, Idaho, ArizonaOr purchase on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0p3Ds0t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's very special episode, we take a look back into The Crossway Podcast archives and put together our favorite clips of authors talking about Christmas. Check out the interviews featured in the episode below: ❖ The Gettys' Favorite Christmas Hymns (Keith and Kristyn Getty) Apple Podcasts | Spotify ❖ Distinguishing Christmas Tradition from Truth (Andreas Köstenberger) Apple Podcasts | Spotify ❖ What Was the Trinity Doing on Christmas Day? (Matthew Emerson and Brandon Smith) Apple Podcasts | Spotify ❖ There's More to the Christmas Story Than You Think (Benjamin L. Gladd) Apple Podcasts | Spotify ❖ Navigating Grief during the Holidays (Nancy Guthrie) Apple Podcasts | Spotify ❖ How to Wait for Christmas in an Age of Instant Gratification (Jonathan Gibson) Apple Podcasts | Spotify Authors featured in this episode: ❖ Keith and Kristyn Getty are award-winning hymnwriters who co-cofounded the Getty Music organization. In partnership with Crossway, Keith and Kristyn worked with their team to create the 'Sing! Hymnal', which features nearly 500 of the best Christian hymns, past and present, is specially curated and organized by the Getty Music Team. ❖ Andreas Köstenberger is the theologian in residence at Fellowship Raleigh, a cofounder of Biblical Foundations, a host at Oak Tree Cottage, and the co-author of 'The First Days of Jesus: The Story of the Incarnation' from Crossway. ❖ Matt Emerson serves as co-provost and dean of theology, arts, and humanities at Oklahoma Baptist University, where Brandon Smith also serves as an associate professor of theology & early Christianity. Together, they're the authors of 'Beholding the Triune God: The Inseparable Work of Father, Son, and Spirit' from Crossway. ❖ Benjamin Gladd is the executive director of the Carson Center for Theological Renewal. He has written several books, including 'From the Manger to the Throne: A Theology of Luke' from Crossway. ❖ Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including her Biblical Theology Workshop for Women. She is the author of numerous books, including 'What Grieving People Wish You Knew about What Really Helps (and What Really Hurts)' from Crossway. ❖ Jonathan Gibson is an ordained minister in the International Presbyterian Church, United Kingdom, and associate professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is also the author of 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Epiphany' from Crossway. ⁠Read the full transcript of this episode.⁠⁠ Previous compilation episodes: ❖ On Marriage: The Best of ‘The Crossway Podcast' | ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ | ⁠Spotify⁠ ❖ On Apologetics: The Best of ‘The Crossway Podcast' | ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ ❖ On the End Times: The Best of ‘The Crossway Podcast' | Apple Podcasts | Spotify If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show! ⁠⁠Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung!

On this episode, Shane walks through selections from the first two chapters of Luke's Gospel as he highlights the significance of Jesus' birth and redemptive mission. He also takes time to reflect on the meaning of the numerous Old Testament prophecies and promises that are alluded to throughout Luke's account of the things that have been “fulfilled among us.”SHOW NOTESArticlesDetailed notes for this episode, Shane Rosenthal (coming soon!)Isaiah's Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth, Shane RosenthalThe Bethlehem Prophecy: An Exploration of Micah 5:2, Shane RosenthalJustin Martyr on the Importance of Fulfilled Prophecy, Shane RosenthalProof of the Gospel (PDF), selections from Justin Martyr, Eusebius & AugustineFinding Christ in All of Scripture (PDF), Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? (PDF), Shane RosenthalIsrael: The Story Behind Jacob's New Name, Shane RosenthalArchaeological Discoveries Related to Nebuchadnezzar II, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD on the Date of the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John's Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, Sir William RamsayBooksJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonEchoes of Exodus: Tracing the Theme of Redemption, Roberts & WilsonThe Angel of the Lord, Matt Foreman & Doug Van DornThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaLuke's Key Witness, Shane RosenthalAudioChristmas: Legend or History? episode #64The Messiah's Redemptive Mission, episode #72In the Beginning was the Word, episode #75 with John RonningThe Angel of Yahweh, episode #70 with Foreman & Van DornDid The Exodus Ever Happen? episode #69 with David RohlJacob's Ladder, episode #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersBabylon, episode #66 Decoding the Prophecies of Daniel, episode #68 Signs of the Messiah, episode #74 with Andreas KöstenbergerJewish Views of the Messiah, episode #38 with Daniel BoyarinVideoRethinking Luke's Prologue, Shane RosenthalProphecies of The Messiah's Birth, You Can Handle The TruthSupport this Podcast with a Year-End GiftConsider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available. Click here for more information. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Transcription [Levi Markus] Welcome to Bridgeway Christian Church’s Daily Advent Prayer. My name is Levi Markus and I have been a part of the Bridgeway community for 10 years. Today is Monday, December 22nd and today and every Monday during Advent we reflect on the anticipation of the Messiah in the Old Testament. Today […]

Romans 9:10-13 — Although everyone is under God's sovereign control, His special purpose and promises are only for His children, those who are born of the Spirit. As Paul argues this case in Romans 9:10–13, he gives examples in the Old Testament including that of Isaac and Ishmael. Because Paul understands that there may be some arguments or disputes against this example, he then goes on to give the example of Esau and Jacob. In this sermon on Romans 9:10–13 titled “God's Purpose Made Sure,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out that Paul always refutes any arguments with facts first, and later provides doctrine to prove his point. The example of Esau and Jacob proves that God intervened in their situation because Rebecca was barren. Before the twins were even born, God said that he would choose Jacob to fulfill his promise and not Esau. This shows that the Lord draws distinctions among people, proving the doctrine of election. God did this because it was part of his holy plan. God's purpose is always worked out by means of election. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that God's plan is never based on works and it is all through those whom he calls. Therefore, only those who are born of the Spirit are truly part of God's plan. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

Gospel Luke 1:46-56 Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. for he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home. Reflection There's something almost shocking about the ordinariness of the coming of God into the world. The Old Testament is filled with images of the divine residing in a place, and people in charge of doling out grace, acceptance. And now Mary is there to announce a new era, a new time when God Himself is going to come into the world. It is amazing this happened to a woman who had very little to do with the temple, very little to do with the organized religion, but was simply a woman who understood and who said yes. Closing Prayer Mary is our model. She is the human being who brought Christ into the world. Each of us are called to do something very much like that, to manifest the wisdom, the love, the forgiveness of Jesus to the world. Let us recognize her as our model, turn to her in our need. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The David Alliance TDAGiantSlayer@gmail.com Garth Heckman Expectations Craig Randall drives a garbage truck in Peabody, Massachusetts. in a garbage container one day, he noticed a Wendy's soft drink cup bearing a contest sticker. Having won a chicken sandwich the week before, Randall checked it, hoping for some french fries or a soft drink. Instead, he peeled a sticker worth $200,000 toward the construction of a new home, reports U.S. News and World Report (11/6/95). What we get out of life depends a lot on what we look for. Are we more likely to see each experience as trash or a potential treasure?     Maybe you've played this game before… Look around and find everything green. Now close your eyes and tell me what is blue. **What are you looking for?     Puppy watching is a life of expectation… is he going to chew my chair, poop on my chair, pee on my chair, jump from my chair… every move he makes is a move of expectation on my part.      Christmas is a time of EXPECTATION  Children expecting… waiting… knowing there will be presents under the tree. I used to get up Christmas morning at 4am!      **have you lost that loving feeling… of expectation       FAITH, HOPE, EXPECTATION Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith… you have faith that in the future you will get married and have a family. YOU GET MARRIED: You now hope to have a baby. YOU GET PREGNANT: you are expecting.        There are signs/evidence you are pregnant. **Living in a state of signs… building expectation.  Eager Anticipation of the Future Romans 8:19 (NIV): "For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” FULLY REDEEMED. *(This highlights the intense, longing nature of the anticipation for the final redemption.)   Earnest expectation--A single word in the Greek, and a very striking one. It means, literally, a straining forward with outstretched head, just as we might imagine the crowds outside a race-course straining over the ropes to catch a sight of the runners; an eager, intent expectation. The same word is used once again in the New Testament (Philippians 1:20).   God expects us to expect!  Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.   Expectation creates participation… Expectation creates participation in Gods plan Jesus reveals a principle here: If we truly expect God to act for us, we must be willing to let Him act through us.   If I claim to trust God for provision, favor, and breakthrough, but refuse to be a vessel of those same things to others, then I am not operating in expectation—I am operating in self-interest.   If my faith stops at “God, do for me,” but never reaches “God, flow through me,” then I am not trusting God—I am trusting my own control. Real faith doesn't just ask; it allows.   Option 4: Illustrative and Relational The Golden Rule is not just about behavior—it's about belief. If I expect God to respond when I call, I must also be willing to respond when He calls on me. Faith that only receives but never releases isn't faith at all—it's spiritual entitlement. But when I allow God to use me for others, I demonstrate that I truly trust Him to take care of me.     Expectation without participation in Gods plan is not faith.   **Remember whatever you look for you see, you find- and you can enter into - expectation is looking through Gods spirit.     VERSE 12 “For This Is the Law and the Prophets” This is massive. Jesus is saying: The entire Old Testament ethical vision Every command about justice, mercy, love, and holiness …can be summed up in this one relational principle. In other words: If you get this right, you are living out the heart of God's law. This aligns with Jesus' later words: “Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:37–40)

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.” Isaiah's words paint a vivid picture of the Messiah's mission: proclaiming liberty to captives, opening the prison to those who are bound, and announcing the year of the LORD's favor. In part 11 of our special 12-part series connecting Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we explore the Servant who clothes His people with garments of salvation and robes of righteousness. These words will one day be read from a synagogue scroll in Nazareth as Jesus declares that this Scripture is fulfilled in their hearing.  The Rev. Dan Eddy, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Beloit, WI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Isaiah 61:1–11.  To learn more about Messiah Lutheran, visit mlcbeloit.com. This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davidic King, John the Baptist as forerunner, and reaches its climax with the Nativity. The final episodes examine the Suffering Servant, the shadow of the cross in Christ's infancy, Isaiah's Messianic mission statement, and John's declaration that "the Word became flesh."  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In this Christmas-season episode of Words of Grace, we consider one of the earliest and most beautiful promises of Christ found in the Old Testament. From Jacob's prophetic words in Genesis 49, we're introduced to the mysterious name Shiloh—the One to whom the gathering of the people would be, long understood as a promise of … Continue reading "Who Exactly is Shiloh?"

Isaiah expert and Old Testament scholar Dr. John Oswalt is our guest again this week on the Profile. On this episode John discusses the discovery of the Great Isaiah Scroll in Qumran in 1947, more of Isaiah 53, and the prophecy of Cyrus the Great in chapter 45. Dr. John Oswalt Asbury served on the faculty of Asbury Theological seminary from 1970 to 1982 as professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, and again from 1989 to 1999 as Professor of Old Testament. He rejoined Asbury in 2009 as visiting distinguished professor of Old Testament studies. He has also served as research professor of Old Testament at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Miss., from 1999 to 2009, was president of Asbury College from 1983 to 1986, a member of the faculty of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill., from 1986 to 1989, and  Interim President of Wesley Biblical Seminary, Ridgeland, MS from April 2019 through March 2020.He is the author of 16 books, most notable of which is the two-volume commentary on the book of Isaiah in the New International Commentary of the Old Testament. His most recent book is The Holy One of Israel: Studies in the Book of Isaiah, released in 2014. He has also written numerous articles that have appeared in Bible encyclopedias, scholarly journals and popular religious periodicals. Dr. Oswalt is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, with membership in the Kentucky Annual Conference. He has served as a part-time pastor in congregations in New England and Kentucky, and is a frequent speaker in conferences, camps and local churches. Oswalt received a B.A. from Taylor University; a B.D. and Th.M. from Asbury Seminary; and a M.A. and Ph.D. from Brandeis University.The Bible Among the Myths Isaiah CommentaryResources from Watchman Fellowship Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Bart Ehrman by Dr. Rhyne Putman: www.watchman.org/Ehrman FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.The complete Profile Notebook (Digital Edition, PDF, over 600-pages): www.watchman.org/DigitalNotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Stay Salty: Mark 9:49-50 Explained – What Jesus Taught about Suffering, Sanctification & Hell What does Jesus mean when He says "Everyone will be salted with fire" and "Have salt in yourselves"? In this expository message on Mark 9:49-50, we unpack one of the most difficult and controversial passages in the Gospels. Discover why suffering is the fire that makes Christians "salty," how losing your saltiness is a real and terrifying danger, and why Jesus ends with the command to "be at peace with each other." Key Topics: "Salted with fire" – Is this about hell, suffering, or Old Testament sacrifice? Why suffering refines and sanctifies believers (and why it's good to be "salty") If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-star rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeBelieveIs Jesus really present in all of the Old Testament, and if so, how is he present? Is it only in an indirect way, or something more immediate and direct? This episode discusses how the early Christians saw Jesus as both fulfilling all of Scripture and as really present in all of scripture, including the Old Testament. Jesus is not just foreshadowed in the Old Testament, but an active agent in many of its key stories. For instance, he speaks with Abraham under the tree of Mambre, and walks past Moses on Mount Sinai. Four Mountains teaches Christians to read the Bible through its symbols and story. https://a.co/d/hWzDzYV If you would like connect further, please visit us: Facebook: @ThisWeBelievepodcastTwitter: @We_Believe_PodE-mail: Thiswebelievepodcast@gmail.com

We all love to tell the story of Jesus' birth. We love the vulnerability behind God's choice of Mary, the young woman who was engaged to Joseph to be Jesus' mother. We love the humility of his being born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. We love the magnificence of the angel announcing his birth to shepherds and then having the heavenly host of angels praising and glorifying God. We love the reverential sobriety of the wise men coming with gifts for the small child, Jesus. Some of the things we don't focus as much attention on are how God used specific individuals surrounding all of these events to speak in a prophetic way and outline in great detail what this series of incredible experiences would mean. Today we pause and consider the words of Zacharias and Elizabeth who were the parents of John the Baptist, Mary, the mother of Jesus, Simeon the prophet and Anna the prophetess. Zacharias Let's begin with Zacharias, the Jewish priest who, because of his initial doubt, was struck mute by the angel Gabriel until the birth of his son John. This silence became a period of reflection, enabling him to connect Old Testament prophecies with Gabriel's announcement. At John's circumcision, Zacharias was again able to speak. He prophesied about both John's role as forerunner and Jesus as the "horn of salvation." His prophecy was powerfully based upon the words and promises of the Old Testament. Elizabeth and Mary His middle aged and childless wife, Elizabeth, rejoiced at God's mercy in giving her a son. Filled with the spirit, she recognized Mary's child as her Lord and humbly celebrated Mary's blessing. Mary herself responded with faith and praise, further echoing Old Testament themes of God's mercy, strength and justice. Simeon After Jesus' birth, Simeon, an aged and devout man who had been promised he would see the Messiah before death, prophesied about Jesus as salvation for both Israel and the Gentiles. Again, Old Testament prophecies were clearly linked to the work that Jesus would later accomplish. Anna Anna, an elderly prophetess, added her testimony, giving thanks and speaking of redemption to those awaiting Jerusalem's deliverance. Together, these accounts show God's spirit orchestrating events and inspiring faithful individuals to proclaim truths that connected Old Testament promises with New Testament fulfillment. Their obedience, humility and prophetic insight highlight the broader plan of redemption for all, unfolding through Jesus' birth.

Friends, this is our final episode in our chronological reading of the Old Testament, the book of the prophet Malachi. Not much is known about Malachi, (whose name means “my messenger”), but contextual clues suggest that this was written after the exile had ended. Enthusiasm for right worship of God had waned, and Malachi exhorts the priests to honor the Lord. Uniquely, Malachi presents his prophesy using a conversational pattern between the priests and the Lord God, wherein God makes a claim, the priests respond by asking questions, and subsequently the Lord answers. This book is a mixture of indictment and hope, pointing those who are indifferent to God's ordinances to worship rightly while encouraging the faithful to stay the course and receive the Lord's favor.Malachi 1 - 1:02 .Malachi 2 - 4:58 . Malachi 3 - 10:01 . Malachi 4 - 14:28 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Can you prove Jesus is the Messiah? This Christmas sermon presents 4,000 years of Old Testament prophecies—written centuries before Jesus was born—that were fulfilled with stunning precision. The evidence is overwhelming, but the choice is yours.When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary with an impossible announcement, he wasn't starting something new. God had been predicting the Messiah's coming since Genesis 3:15, 4,000 years earlier. The virgin birth, the birthplace, the tribe, the crucifixion details, even the exact timing—all prophesied long before Jesus arrived.In this message, Pastor Jerry Dirmann takes you on a chronological journey through biblical prophecy:4000 BC - Genesis 3:15: The "seed of the woman" will crush the serpent's head1975 BC - Genesis 49:10: The scepter shall not depart from Judah1000 BC - Psalm 22:1, 16, 18: "My God, why forsaken me?" Pierced hands and feet, garments divided740 BC - Isaiah 7:14: The virgin shall conceive and bear a son called Emmanuel740 BC - Isaiah 53:5-6: Wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities740 BC - Micah 5:2: Born in Bethlehem, but "from everlasting"600 BC - Daniel 9:25: Precise timing from decree to rebuild Jerusalem to Messiah's comingEvery single prophecy? Fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. The mathematical probability of one person fulfilling just 8 prophecies by chance? 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000 (100 quadrillion). Jesus fulfilled over 300.

“That though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9There are over 350 prophesies in the Old Testament that describe the Messiah. Jesus, born with no fanfare or even a crib, fulfilled every single one! The mathematical odds of that are virtually impossible.And yet, even with that knowledge, the question about Jesus is ultimately a personal one you have to decide on your own. Who do you think the baby Jesus was?In this message from Jill, she asks you this very question. If you believe the baby Jesus is God, you will live your life with a different perspective and purpose. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111

In the second message of our series called Even Though, Pastor Mel further surveys the question, "What is hope?" by exploring the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. Defining hope as the joyful anticipation of good, he contrasts the prophet's honest complaints about suffering and injustice with God's powerful responses, highlighting key verses like Habakkuk 2:2-3 (write the vision and wait for it) and 2:4 (the righteous shall live by faith). Building to the climax in chapter 3, Mel emphasizes Habakkuk's resolve to rejoice in the Lord and find strength in God "even though" every circumstance fails—no blossoms, no fruit, no food, no herds—pointing to God's past mighty acts of salvation and His promise to revive His work with mercy amid wrath. The message closes with a stirring call to live with this same "yet" faith: trembling at God's power but quietly waiting and rejoicing in Him as the God of our salvation, no matter what comes.

Classic Christmas songs point us back to the Old Testament's expectations of Jesus: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," or "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus." Let's not ignore the foundation of God's promises that Jesus came to stand on! With Matthew's Gospel, the Bible introduces Jesus as the long-awaited, much-anticipated Fulfiller of God's promises. We're excited for you to join us this Sunday as we look to Jesus together in Matthew 1:1-17.

Monday, 22 December 2025   But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Matthew 15:13   “And having answered, He said, ‘Every planting that not He planted, My heavenly Father, it will be uprooted” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus' disciples came to Him, exclaiming that Jesus knew the Pharisees were offended when they heard His saying. In response to that, Matthew records, “And having answered, He said, ‘Every planting that not He planted, My heavenly Father.”   A new word in Scripture is seen, phuteia, a plant, but literally a transplanting. It is found only here in the Bible. Jesus is referring to the religious leaders, equating them with plants. It is probable, He is connecting this to the parables He gave in Chapter 13 –   “Another parable He near-set them, saying, ‘It is likened, the kingdom of the heavens, to a man having sown good seed in his field. 25 And in the ‘sleeps the men,' he came, his enemy, and he sowed darnel in between the wheat, and he went away.'” Matthew 13:24, 25   The explanation of that parable is found in Matthew 13:37-43. Along with that, there are other such references to be found in the Old Testament, such as in Deuteronomy 29 –   “...so that there may not be among you man or woman or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations, and that there may not be among you a root bearing bitterness or wormwood; 19 and so it may not happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heart'—as though the drunkard could be included with the sober.” Deuteronomy 29:18, 19   “And the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger, in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 29:28   As was recorded at times in the Hebrew Scriptures, something the scribes and Pharisees would have known and understood, and as Jesus relayed to the disciples in Matthew 13, Jesus notes of these apostate leaders, like darnel or a root of bitterness and wormwood, “it will be uprooted.”   Just as a plant can be transplanted by one person, it can be uprooted by another. If the devil has sown into God's field worthless plants, it is certain that the Lord will have them uprooted and disposed of through judgment and fire.   Life application: The Bible uses simple metaphors to convey deep spiritual truths. The things it mentions are things that were understood by the people in the land. And despite Israel being a land that many people may not be able to fully identify with, such as a desert if someone is raised in a forest, the surrounding explanations are usually sufficient to enlighten people to whatever is being conveyed.   And yet, the spiritual truths that are tucked away in Scripture are so deep and so profound that to this day, people are still discovering new information from this word. Because of this, you will get out of the Bible whatever effort you put into it.   At the same time, some things are only meant to be properly understood or interpreted at specific times. God slowly releases the information, inspiring His people to understand His word according to His wisdom.   This is why new things continue to be found. So don't be frustrated if something comes out and you think, “Why didn't I get that!” There is enough in the word of God to satisfy the minds of His people until the consummation of all things comes to pass.   Keep reading, meditating, and studying His word. It is a treasure trove of God's wisdom in relation to the process of redemption that is going on in the world around us.   Glorious God, what a wonderful word You have given us. Thank You for its insights into so many areas of life. When we pick it up and read it, it always seems relevant to what we need to hear right at that moment. What an amazing and relevant word You have given us! Amen.

Kick off your Old Testament study with Dave Butler and Grace Freeman as they answer the big question: Why the Bible? In this episode, you'll get practical tools for reading the Old Testament with confidence, plus a simple framework to watch for God's names, promises, types and shadows of Christ, and deliverance all year long. If scripture study has ever felt intimidating, this is your starting point. You'll see how the Bible brings light in dark seasons, comfort when life feels heavy, and direction when you're not sure what to do next. You will find the word of the week, teaching tips, and more in our newsletter. Sign up here: www.dontmissthisstudy.com Videos can be found on YouTube: Don't Miss This Grace Freeman Instagram: @thisweeksgrace David Butler Facebook: www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Instagram: @mrdavebutler Come, Follow Me is a resource offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is designed to be used in the home to support personal and family scripture study to build faith in Heavenly Father and His plan of salvation and in the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Come, Follow Me is self-contained and adequate, when used properly. Products and materials designed to supplement this resource, though they may be helpful in some instances, are not necessary for a successful home study program.

For Christmas, let us help you give! Give a subscription to the content on our Patreon Channel (TSAR.website). Or give my book, Inspirations and Insights from the Old Testament, to help with weekly Come Follow Me Reading. Or give a cruise with me and Steve Harper talking about the New and Everlasting Covenant. Or give all three! Please help us! For Giving Tuesday and the giving season, please consider helping us keep the podcast going. Any amount helps! Give just a little to keep us going. We make no money from this, we just do this for you as we do it with you! Thank you so much. How to pay: Venmo @julianne-muhlestein Zelle using the email TheScripturesAreReal@gmail.com Checks can be made personally, or through a DAF to Enlighten Educational Experience or to Edifying Educational Experience 1935 N. 600 E Orem, UT 84097 The EIN is 99-3778038 If another method would work better for you, please email us at TheScripturesAreReal@gmail.com Your donation is tax deductible and will make a huge difference in allowing us to continue and spread our work. Thank you! In this episode Kerry discusses what it means to find Christ in the Old Testament, and how our unique knowledge of Christ as Jehovah allows us to learn more. Then he and Andrew Skinner and Joshua Matson engage in a roundtable talking about how they learn more about Christ in the Old Testament. Finally Kerry talks about prophecies of Christ that were fulfilled in His birth and ministry, and especially how understanding about the term Messiah, or anointed one, help us understand who Christ is and what He did and will do for us. We are grateful for our executive producers, J. Parke, D. Watson, B. Van Blerkom, the Dawsons, M. Cannon, M. Rosema, B. Fisher, J. Beardall, D. Anderson, and H. Umphlett, and for all our generous and loyal donors. We are also very grateful for all our Patreon members. We are so thankful for Beehive Broadcast for producing the podcast and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.