Renewal Bible in a Year Podcast

We put a bow on our wisdom literature by reading the final 3 lamentations including the promise that God's love never ends. Then we read the book of Esther where we see two Jewish cousins used to save God's people from someone who would wipe out all of God's people. We especially look at how God acts despite the fact that he is never mentioned in the book. Then we look at the last of our prophetic readings, Daniel, who is brought in exile and rises in the ranks of Babylon and Persia where his faithfulness and visions point to God's work and majesty. Finally we answer a question regarding Solomon's conclusion to the book of Ecclesiastes. Interactive Timeline of the Exile Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We're almost done with wisdom literature as we dive into three very different books. We explore Ecclesiastes where Solomon examines the futility of much of life. Then we read Song of Solomon, a love song between Solomon and a lover. Then we begin Lamentations, where we explore prayers in the wake of disaster. Finally we close out with a question regarding God's allowance of evil in the world. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We conclude the story of Job with his conversation with his 3 friends regarding his suffering. As they go around and around, a young man shares his thoughts, and then God himself speaks and calls out Job and his friends. Then God blesses Job, leaving us with this tension of trusting God in the midst of mystery. Finally we answer a question about the various genres of books in the Bible. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We finish out the proverbs by examining more practical wisdom, including some from men named Agur and King Lamel. We finish by looking at a godly woman and her resemblance to God's people. Then we turn to Job, a story about a righteous man who suffers when God allows Satan to inflict him. As he talks with his friend, they wrestle with questions of sin and suffering. Finally we answer a question about whether we should be on the lookout for prophets today and what they might look like. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We continue our section of wisdom literature by looking at the beginning of the book of Proverbs. Here we see the value of wisdom and the danger of being a scoffer, a fool, or a sluggard. We also discuss how to approach the Proverbs and some questions to ask when reflecting on them and trying to apply them to our lives. Finally, we answer a question about the term "LORD of Hosts." Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We close out our final minor prophets by looking at Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. All 3 come after Judah's return from the Babylonian exile. Their prophecies show us that some the core issue of sin is not fixed yet, there will be something even better than this return, and foretell the Lord's coming preceded by a messenger, Elijah. We also look at Psalms 1-2 and talk about how these two Psalms set the stage for all the Psalms and for the whole of Scripture. Finally, we answer a question on why other prophets didn't make it into the Bible. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week we cover SIX minor prophets from the captivating story of Jonah to the desperate cries of Habakkuk. In the midst of that, we also see Obadiah's promise of justice on Edom, Micah's calling for people to walk with the Lord and love mercy, Nahum's judgement on Nineveh, Zephaniah's promises of the Day of the Lord and final restoration. We end with a question regarding the practice of praying to the saints. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We finish up Ezekiel with a final picture of a restored temple and read three minor prophets this week: Hosea, Joel, Amos. Hosea is called to enter into a marriage with an unconventional wife as a picture of God's relationship with His people. We then look at Joel and the invasion of locusts he sees. Finally, we look at Amos and explore his deep concern for the poor and vulnerable. Finally, we discuss a question on the very long Psalm 119. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week's reading is packed with visions and prophecies at the time of Jerusalem's fall and thereafter. We look at God's judgment on Jerusalem and its eventual fall and why Ezekiel isn't allowed to publicly mourn when his wife dies. We see the Lord's response to the nations rejoicing in Judah's downfall. We dive into the Lord's condemnation of Israel's shepherds and His promise to gather His sheep. We break down the prophecies of dry bones coming to life into a great army and the defeat of the fierce foe, Gog. Finally, we get a vision of a new temple to come. We close out with a listener question about whether the figure at the end of Ezekiel 1 could be Jesus. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week we finish up Jeremiah and move onto our third major prophet, Ezekiel. In Ezekiel, we see an aspiring priest become God's prophet in exile. We look at Ezekiel's powerful visions of the Lord on his cherubim throne and the judgment coming to Jerusalem for idolatry (including an amazing mark place on people's foreheads). We also see Ezekiel act out signs for the people including shaving his hair, laying on his side for over a year, and cooking his food on dung. Through all this, we see the story of God's people's faithlessness which Ezekiel depicts as a faithless wife. We close out by discussing a question on why the northern kingdom of Israel never gets to reestablish like the southern kingdom. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week we just about finish up the book of Jeremiah. We follow the opposition to Jeremiah's ministry through his beatings, imprisonment, and even some time spent in mud. We look at Jeremiah's letter to the exiles telling them to live their lives and invest in their exiled home. We explore the failure of Israel to uphold the covenant and God's promise to create a new one. We also see God's faithfulness to his promises to Israel and to David connected to his faithfulness creation. Finally, we see the overthrow of Jerusalem, the assassination of Judah's new governor, and the remaining people fleeing back to Egypt where their had once been enslaved. During our Q&A, we answer a question about idols and their contemporary parallels. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week we dive into Jeremiah who comes in the latter days of the kingdom of Judah. He proclaims God's impending judgment and tries to get the people to repent, but no one will listen. In fact, most people try to imprison or hurt him for speaking this way. In exploring Jeremiah's words, we see the depravity of Judah and Jerusalem, we reflect on false prophets who tell us what we want to hear, and we see Jeremiah's own struggle with his calling. Finally, we answer a question regarding what to do if you're God's instrument of judgment. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We finish out the prophet Isaiah, and oh boy do we have some beautiful passages to unpack! We begin by talking about God's promise of the Persian king Cyrus's defeat of Babylon over 150 years before it happened. We explore Isaiah's 3 final "servant songs" promising a servant of the Lord who will glory God and remove the people's iniquity through suffering. We also see a powerful reoccurring image of light, pointing to a number of things, including a day when the new heavens and the new earth no longer need a sun and moon. After finishing out the book, we discuss a question about the sectioning of the Psalms. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We continue our reading through Isaiah as we explore more prophesies, covering both judgments on other nations (like Egypt), God's people, and even the whole earth! In doing so, we also see a picture of a final feast and restoration for all who trust in the Lord! We revisit some events from the reign of Hezekiah and end with a preview of someone special, Cyrus! Finally, we answer a question regarding a Babylonian prophesy that is frequently connected to the devil. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

In part 2 of this week's readings, we move into our first prophet! We discuss how to understand and read the prophets as a whole and look at the first chapters of Isaiah. We explore the judgment against other nations AND against Judah, Isaiah's call to ministry, and a plethora of promises regarding the Day of the Lord, Immanuel, a righteous branch, a great light, and the Mountain of the Lord. Finally, we respond to a question regarding Naaman bowing down in the temple of another god. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We're splitting this week up into 2 podcasts! In this episode, we look at the end of the kingdom of Judah with Hezekiah who FINALLY removes those pesky high places, Manasseh who leads Judah into more sin that even the Canaanites had done, and Josiah who is the last good king. We end the book of 2 Kings and this era for the people of God by seeing the promised judgment come upon them in the form of the Babylonians who siege Jerusalem, take the people off into exile, and even burn down the temple of the Lord. Timeline of Kings Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We're firmly in the 2-kingdom era, but by the end of this week, only one kingdom will remain standing. We explore the great prophets Elijah and Elisha, look at lots of kings like Ahab, Jehu, and the boy, Joash. All throughout this tumultuous period in Israel and Judah's history, we see the great working of God even amongst sinful and rebellious people, and ultimately we see his promise of punishment come upon Israel when they turn from him. Finally, we answer the question of who really picked Saul to be the first king of Israel. Timeline of Kings Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

In this week's reading, David is reestablished as king, he wrongly calls for a census (with a nudging from God?), and he dies. His son takes over and is blessed with great wisdom and riches and builds a temple for the Lord, but he eventually is led astray into idolatry, paving the way for the kingdom to split in his son's reign. Then we look at the beginnings of the two kingdom era in Israel and Judah. Finally, we discuss a question dealing with scribal comments added at a later date. Renderings of what the Temple could have looked like Timeline of Kings Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We close out the chapter of Saul with his continued sinning and eventual death. After some more fighting, David eventually becomes king of all of Israel. Along the way, we see his mercy towards others, including his enemies, and we get a great promise from God to establish his house forever. Then David sins greatly by committing adultery and doubling down on it with murder. Finally, the consequences of that sin result in violence and rebellion in David's own household. Finally, we answer a question regarding stoning and the different ways that capital punishment is prescribed for humans compared to animal sacrifice. Biblical Maps Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week we move into a new era of Israel's history. We meet Samuel, the answer to his desperate mother's prayer, the last judge of Israel, and a very godly man. But when it's time for the next leader, the people demand a king "like all the other nations." They get what they asked for in Saul who is rich, tall, and handsome. Things start off well but then turn sideways, paving the way for a new anointed one, David, whose heart is after the Lord. David plays the lyre, he slays a giant, and he wins numerous battles for the people. Along the way we see Israel continue to defy God's commands whether it be their priests, their new king, or the people as a whole. This leads to all sorts of problems when it comes to battling those pesky Philistines. Finally, we close by exploring the question about God punishing us in this life for our sins. Biblical Maps Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

In one of the darkest chapters in the history of Israel, we wade through the mess that comes during the period of judges. We explore the people's idolatry in worshiping other gods and fall into the hands of neighboring nations. But every time they turn back to the Lord, he raises up a judge to save them. However, they never stay on the right path, and the people spiral downwards into horrendous acts and a civil war. Then we move into the book of Ruth which takes place at the time of judges where we see God working in normal people's lives to work out redemption for them and for Israel. Finally, we close out with a question regarding the role of excommunication in light of salvation by grace through faith. Biblical Maps Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week, we close the book on Moses's time with Israel as we wrap up the Pentateuch. Then we follow the Lord's leading of Joshua and the people into the promised land and marvel at the fulfillment of promises made hundreds of years prior. In doing so, we look at several significant parallels, dates, and symbolisms happening in the promised land. We see people grafted into the people of God via faith and move into the book of Judges where we see that the people's great obedience doesn't last forever. Finally, we answer a listener question regarding the term "saints," specifically in the Psalms. Biblical Maps Wrestling with God by Reed Lessing and Andrew Steinmann Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

It's almost time for the people to head on into the promised land, but first, God has some more instructions and reminders. These are meant to shape a certain kind of people, a people who look out for one another, care for the vulnerable, live justly, and love the Lord who brought them here. We explore laws pertaining to everything from how to atone for an unsolved murder, what to do if someone is pulling people away from the Lord, and why you can't harvest all of your own crops. In the midst of this, we also see a foretelling of Israel's future and get a promise of a "better Moses" who is to come. Finally, we answer a question pertaining to cherubim and what we know about them. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week we're setting aside some time to wrap our brains around God commanding the Israelites to carry out violence against others. We also start getting a look at the boundaries of the promised land and how 2 1/2 tribes decide to settle outside of it. We explore the meaning and purpose of "cities of refuge" and "avengers of blood" and look at the contrast God lays out between blessing and curse. Finally, we respond to a question concerning a translation of Exodus 32:14 and share resources if you're ever stuck on a passage or word. Biblical Maps BibleGateway Kretzmann Popular Commentary Blue Letter Bible Blog about Concordances Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week's readings feature a number of rough points for the people of God as they move through the wilderness. We discuss their continued grumblings, the lack of faith and forfeiture of the promised land, multiple rebellions against God and his appointed authorities, and a story about a prophet and his donkey who speaks to him. Plus we discuss how Christians should regard faith evidence compared to the Israelites who saw the great works of God in Egypt and the wilderness. Biblical Maps Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week's readings finish up the book of Leviticus hitting on topics like how to treat your neighbor, what relations are deemed improper, and the importance of keeping one's vow. We also dive into rules regarding priests and levites and the holidays that the people of Israel were instructed to keep. Then we move into the book of Numbers and read about a census, tribal duties and arrangement, and how the people of Israel are finally leaving Sinai to head to the promised land! Plus in the Q&A, we revisit Pharaoh's heart being hardened by God. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

What if all the Old Testament Laws aren't as boring as you might think? We examine some of the principles underlying laws regarding sacrifices and uncleanliness and how they set the stage for Jesus's ministry and overall mission. We also look at the role of priests and the Day of Atonement and why a goat gets sent into the wilderness every year. Finally, we field a question on the numbers of the 10 Commandments. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week we're off in the wilderness where the people will grumble and break faith with God. Yet we also see God's mercy towards His people. We also begin diving into Old Testament laws and wrestle with ones concerning slavery, worship, and charging interest. Renderings of the Tabernacle and Priestly Garments Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

This week we get into the end of the first book of the Bible and how its blessings will set the stage for everything to come. Then we open the book of Exodus and discuss God's care for His people in oppression. We meet Moses who will take the people forward. We explore the plagues upon Egypt and their gods and wrestle with God's role in Pharaoh's heart. Plus we tackle a couple questions on polygamy in Genesis and the geography of the area. Biblical Maps: https://www.knowingthebible.net/bible-maps Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We're onto week 2 of our readings where we start to focus in on the family of God. We move to the third and fourth generations of this chosen family and get to see all of their warts as battles for children and deceptive deals take place. Through it all, we see God continuing to pass along his promises despite his people's shortcomings. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

We begin our journey through the scriptures by going all the way back to the beginning. We look at questions like: What kind of world did God make? What went wrong? And what did he promise to do about it? We see how God responds to the sin that wreaked havoc on the world, and how he is faithful despite every human in the story's shortcomings. Reading plan can be found on the Renewal Church app or at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear. If you have a question that you'd like answered, email it to [email protected] or head over to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear Music by badCOLLECTIVE.

You can read the Bible this year, and we want to help you get there! In this episode, we introduce what to expect and how we're going to help you soak up the scriptures during these next 12 months with some expectations and tips. First full episode will be released Jan 4. Reading Plan can bee found at renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear The Read Church App can be Found here Questions? Email [email protected] or go to renewaldenver.org/bibleinayear  Music courtesy of badCOLLECTIVE.