The Family Bible Journey Podcast

The gospel of God's redeeming love in Christ jesus is the only truly transformative power in the world. Paul encouraged Titus to teach the Word in Crete, so that God's work would speed and prosper.

This passage of Jeremiah is one of only about a dozen or so Old Testament passages quoted in all of the synoptic gospels. For these words to appear in Matthew, Mark and Luke, show us how seriously God guards the sanctity of His Holy House, even when men are intent on spoiling it for greedy gain.

Jeremiah shares hard, but necessary words, with God's people then and now. Whether we admit it or not, our nature and our ways, the thoughts and feelings of our hearts are opposed to God. Despite our faithlessness, God is faithful! We thank the Lord for His faithfulness to His faithless people, because without it, nobody could be saved.

Titus was sent as Paul's emissary to Crete. He established churches throughout the island nation, redeeming a corrupt and affluent nation. In order to do so, Titus's first order of business was finding able and competent leaders for his churches.

Turning to the "wisdom of men" is no better than looking for clean water in a dry well. We do well to seek the Lord where He may be found in His Word. We thank Him when He sends tried and true teachers, who will point us to His Wisdom and Righteousness in Christ.

Jeremiah was established as an "iron man," a prophet whose words would withstand the assaults of a most disobedient people hell-bent on their own destruction. He would prove faithful to the faithless. In him we see a man of such staunch determination that we are inspired to stay true to God no matter what man throws at us.

Paul's final exhortation to Timothy was to preach the Word! Whether it was popular or not, he was to preach the Word, so that God's Holy Spirit could work in the lives and minds of his hearers.

Isaiah ends with vivid descriptions of hell and the fate that awaits those who stubbornly reject the Lord. We who acknowledge our sin and cling to our Savior receive His favor instead. Not because we are any better than anyone else, but simply because God loves us and has redeemed us.

In this chapter, we see ferocious beasts such as lion and wolf lying with lambs and calves. In this paradise of peace, God does away with our old ancient foe, bringing everlasting peace, life and joy to His creation.

Terrible times are upon us when everyone acts as if they are god! These self-proclaimed gods demand worship and sacrifice. Instead of being bewitched by the enticing lure of selfishness, acting as if we are god, let us seek the One True God by being rooted in His Word.

We hear again the promise that God Himself is going to come and be our Savior. The ancient Israelites may have wondered how this would happen, but we know it is by taking on human flesh to become one of us. In treading the winepress of God's wrath alone, He has become our Salvation!

The cross stands as the symbol of God's love for us. This once-and-for-all symbol of God's mercy was once the symbol of oppression and death. We take comfort from this symbol because of the redeeming power of God's love, which can even turn death into life.

In the military, there is a clear chain of command. Everyone knows to whom they report. In this life of competing allegiances, how can we live confidently, trying to please all who are over us? By endeavoring to serve Christ in all things, we will be fulfilled and approved by God.

Jesus chose this passage as the text for His homecoming sermon in Nazareth. Even though his neighbors didn't appreciate these words coming from His mouth, we appreciate them as his promise to free us from slavery to sin. He has given us freedom so that we can serve Him in faith and love.

After Job loses his wealth and children in chapter one, he loses His wife and grows incurable sores in chapter two. He is now suffering in every conceivable way. In the depths of his despair, Job is joined by three friends who come to comfort him.