Honest Reflection

In Mark 10, Jesus has some difficult things to say. Some of these statements shock His disciples. Other statements cause people to go away sad. Jesus' loving challenges are a normal part of life under His authority, and how we respond to them says a lot about whether we truly value Him or not. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Mark chapter 10.

In Mark chapter 9, Jesus continues to teach His disciples. From events like the Transfiguration, we see that Jesus has authority even over the Law and the Prophets. His teachings continue to emphasize that His authority will be used to do the will of the Father. All of this is to instruct His disciples how they should wield their authority in the future as they strive to live like children in the kingdom. Listen in today as Cody and Nick discuss Mark chapter 9.

Jesus continues to exercise His authority, and it continues to generate different responses. We see His disciples both struggling to understand Jesus and coming to amazing conclusions about who He really is. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Mark chapters 7 and 8.

As Jesus' ministry continues to grow, so too does the opposition to Him and His kingdom. He is rejected by His hometown and His forerunner is murdered, but His influence continues to grow. In Mark chapter 6, Jesus equips His disciples to do miracles and does two of His most famous miracles. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Mark chapter 6.

As the book of Mark continues, Jesus continues to display His authority. He teaches parables that highlight the authority of the kingdom that He is the head of. He continues to perform miracles and healings, and even raises someone from the dead! Jesus showing His authority on earth should help us understand why we need His authority in our lives. Listen in today as Nick and Cody talk through Mark chapters 4 and 5.

Jesus begins His ministry with amazing displays of power and teaching. People recognize Jesus' authority in what He says and the miracles He can do, and they flock to Him. In a stark contrast, chapters two and three of Mark are filled with opposition to Christ. The religious leaders constantly reject Jesus' authority even while witnessing the same miracles as believers. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Mark chapters two and three.

Mark chapter one records the early portions of Jesus' ministry. He is teaching with authority, healing, and performing miracles, all to the amazement of the crowds around Him. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Jesus' authority in the book of Mark.

The gospel of Mark tells the wonderful story of King Jesus. Mark highlights the aspects of Jesus' life that show His rulership, power, and authority. From powerful teachings, to incredible miracles, to a resurrection from the dead, Mark is sure to illustrate the Jesus has all authority. Our focus this season will be to reflect on how our understanding of Jesus' authority and kingship affects the way that we live and think. It is good to be under the authority of King Jesus.

The Hebrews author uses the last chapter to describe what our lives need to look like if we are faithful to Christ and the promises of God. His exhortations range from commands that involve our love for our brethren, our marriages, our priorities, and even our interactions with congregational leaders. The author is clear that this life is necessary for the Christian, but is only possible with the help of God. Listen today as Nick and Cody discuss Hebrews chapter 13.

In Hebrews 12, the author concludes his plea for faithfulness and endurance. The trials they are enduring can be understood as discipline from the Lord. If they can change their perspective and hold fast to Christ, they will receive the wonderful blessings that God has always had in store for them. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Hebrews chapter 12.

In Hebrews 11, the author gives examples of the endurance and the faithfulness that are necessary to please God. The examples range from notable characters like Abraham and Moses to unnamed people who were tortured, beaten, and even gave their lives for the Lord. Regardless of how difficult the task was, their faith in God motivated them to do incredible things. If the author's audience can demonstrate the same faith, the same will be true of them. Listen in today as Cody and Nick discuss Hebrews chapter 11.

In Hebrews chapter 10, the writer begins to move to the application portion of the message. All of these "better things" found in Christ should motivate someone to cling to Jesus and cling to other followers of Jesus. There is, of course, has always been danger for those who reject God or His message, but there is also great hope for those who obey God. Listen today as Nick and Cody discuss Hebrews chapter 10.

In Hebrews chapter 9, the author begins to focus on the new covenant that Jesus brought in. The old covenant had physical regulations and buildings, so it was inferior to the new, better covenant that is built on a spiritual foundation. With that said, there are aspects of the old covenant that highlight the need for the new covenant. Listen today as Nick and Cody discuss Hebrews 9.

In the 8th chapter of Hebrews, the author rounds out the discussion of Jesus as the High Priest and transitions into what that shift in priesthood means. This new priesthood represents the new covenant, new promises, and a new people before God. This covenant is superior to the previous covenant and has greater benefits for the believer in Christ. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Hebrews chapter 8.

In Hebrews chapter 7, the Hebrews writer begins explaining how Jesus is the promised priest like Melchizedek. He uses this connection to explain how Jesus is a superior high priest to any earthly high priest the Old Covenant could have produced. Through this perfect High Priest, believers now have the Greatest Advocate before God. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Hebrews chapter 7.

In Hebrews chapter 6, the author gives both a sobering warning as well as a comforting message of hope. Those who have tasted the goodness of Jesus Christ and chosen to reject Him are in a dangerous position. They cannot be renewed to repentance, because nothing more can be done. Thankfully, these Christians are not at that point yet. For them, the wonderful blessings of Christ are still available if they will mature and cling to Him. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Hebrews chapter 6.

In the Old Testament, the Jewish people had a high priest. Men, from the line of Aaron, would serve as the middleman between the people and God. They would offer sacrifices to God on behalf of the entire nation of Israel. Today, Jesus is our High Priest. He has offered the Greatest Sacrifice of all time, Himself. He is a better high priest than anyone before Him. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Hebrews chapter 5.

God has always wanted to invite people into His rest. Whether that be the invitation to the rest of Eden, the Sabbath, or the promised land, humans have always had the choice to make. Do we accept and enjoy His rest, or do we reject or corrupt it? The Jewish Christians are in the midst of that same choice, and the Hebrews writer tells them to enjoy the rest that comes from Jesus. We too make the same decision every day. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Hebrews chapter 4.

The Hebrews writer turns his attention to Jesus' superiority over Moses, the previous law-giver. Moses was a key figure in Jewish history and someone this primarily Jewish audience would have respected greatly. The writer continues the argument by reminding them of what happened when their ancestors rejected God through Moses, as they are in danger of doing that again, this time through Jesus. Listen today as Nick and Cody discuss Hebrews 3.

In Hebrews chapter 2, the writer continues to establish Jesus as greater than any other, including the angels. It may not always seem like Jesus has gained victory, but it is still a fact, and Old Testament scripture affirms this for us. Even though Jesus is worthy of all honor, He is still our Brother and still shared the same flesh, temptations, and trials as we do. This makes him a unique blessing for all of mankind. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss Hebrews chapter 2.

Hebrews 1 serves as a powerful introduction to the book. The writer begins to make their claim of Jesus's superiority and backs it up with several Scriptures and comparisons to Old Testament figures. Listen in today as Nick and Cody talk through Hebrews chapter 1.

Nick and Cody are back for Season 3! This season, they will be going through the book of Hebrews chapter by chapter and calling out key points of reflection. Listen today as they give some themes and things to look out for in the book.

God cares for lost souls. No matter how far someone has fallen or how long they've been away from the Lord, He wants them back and will go to great lengths to redeem them. It is our job as citizens of His kingdom to have that same perspective. Listen in today as Cody and Nick look at the three parables of the lost things in Luke 15.

The kingdom grows in mysterious ways. We don't know why sometimes things seem to go well and other times they don't. But we do know that the kingdom is going to grow! The Lord will continue to expand His kingdom, and we can take pleasure in knowing He is doing what needs to be done. Listen in today as Cody and Nick discuss the parable of the seed and the parable of the mustard seed.

Have you ever wondered why bad things happen to good people? Have you ever been disappointed when someone you thought was a Christian turned out to do evil things? Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43.

Many of Jesus' teachings came in the form of parables. Some people were confused by the parables, and others had their eyes opened to learn about the kingdom of heaven. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13.

We should always be thankful for the things God does for us. While gratitude is good, telling God how grateful we are is even better. The Lord wants to hear from us when things are going well. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss how to be more consistent in prayers of praise and thankfulness.

The Bible is full of examples of people taking their concerns to God. Some of these prayers are under extremely difficult circumstances. If we can learn to cast all our burdens on our Father we will enjoy the same peace these faithful Bible people enjoyed. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss how to pray in difficult moments.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are told to pray without ceasing. How do you do that? Consistent prayer takes intentionality, planning, and reasonable expectations. Listen in today as Cody and Nick discuss how to create consistent prayer lives.

How much value do you place on prayer? The Bible is full of answered prayers, and your life is too! The more we see God's willingness to answer our prayer,s the more value we will place on it. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss how to see more value in prayer.

Singing brings us closer to God and to each other. Because of the unity that can be achieved through singing, the people leading our singing have an important job. Listen in today as Nick and Cody discuss the value of singing when we all do our part in worship.

Have you ever thought about the promises we make to God in our songs? We promise to trust Him, to rely solely on Him, and to spread the word about His Son. God hears those promises and takes them seriously! Listen in today as Cody and Nick discuss how to live out our songs to the Lord.

When we sing with understanding, our songs can take on new meaning. Many songs use words or phrases that are unfamiliar to us. But when we look closer, we see new ways that God is looking to transform us. Listen in today as Cody and Nick talk through the words to "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning."

Singing can be a very polarizing topic. Some people love singing and some people don't. Just about everyone has a favorite song, but finding people who like the same song can be challenging. Have you ever thought about the reason God wants us to sing? Listen in today as Nick and Cody talk about the value of singing praises to God.

Putting others first is one of the keys to a godly family. This takes self-control. Listen in today as Cody and Nick close out Season One by discussing ways to demonstrate self-control in your family.

A group of Christians should be a group of temperate people. If we behave the way Christ expects us to, we will be self-controlled around other Christians and around the people in the world as well. Listen today as Cody and Nick discuss self-control with brethren.

If we can master ourselves and the sinful desires that may be in us, we will benefit everyone we are around. 1 Peter 2 gives some concrete examples of what self-control looks like when Christians interact with non-Christians. Listen today and Nick and Cody go through those examples of self-control.

Self-control is the key to success in any area. Because of that, it is no surprise that self-control is vital to being a strong and healthy Christian. Listen in today as Cody and Nick define self-control and discuss good Bible examples.

A home where gentle home is noticeable. When mom, dad, and children know they will have healthy interactions it frees up everyone to do the right thing. Listen in today as Cody and Nick discuss the benefits of gentleness in the home.

Interacting with brethren can be a tricky ordeal. Balancing the need to exhort, rebuke, and encourage can be difficult. Since we communicate with our brethren so much it is vital that we maintain the gentleness that comes from walking by the Spirit. Listen in today as Nick and Cody discuss gentleness to our church family.

The Bible specifically mentions that our gentleness can be a tool to bring others to Christ. Through our gentle actions and words, we stand in stark contrast to the ways of the world. Listen in today as Nick and Cody discuss ways to be gentle to our neighbors.

It can be difficult to know how to approach situations. Things happen, emotions get involved, and sometimes we act without thinking. Listen in today as Cody and Nick define gentleness and talk about why it's an important aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit.

Love and trust drive the family. Faithfulness drives love and trust. When our family sees our faithfulness on display our homes become the types of homes that are pleasing to God. Listen in today as Cody and Nick discuss faithfulness in our families.

Trust is necessary for any group to function properly and a church is no different. When we are faithful to our brethren and our church responsibilities we can do amazing things for the Lord. Listen in today as Nick and Cody discuss faithfulness to our brethren.

We have neighbors at work, on the road, in our communities, and in all areas of our lives. All of those people should be able to count on us to be faithful to our word. Listen in today as Nick and Cody discuss how to use our faithfulness to bring people to God.

God is faithful and His people are expected to be faithful as well. Dependability does not come naturally to everyone, but it is a trait we develop through walking in the Spirit. Listen in today as Cody and Nick discuss ways to show God we are faithful and can be counted on to do what He needs us to do.

Have you ever questioned any of God's actions? Have you had anyone ask you why God allows bad things to happen? An understanding of God's goodness is crucial for having faith in Him. Listen in today as Nick and Cody discuss God's goodness in light of some difficult Bible passages.

The goal of the family is to promote goodness in each other. This can only happen if we are doing right by each other and teaching that standard within the home. Listen in today as Nick and Cody discuss how to promote goodness in your family.

The church is the place where goodness should abound. Christians know we should do the right thing when engaging with our brethren. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen. When goodness is not present within churches it relieves us of our ability to do the job God sent us to do. Listen today as Nick and Cody discuss how to see goodness among our brethren.

We interact with many people every day. Is it possible to do right by all of them? Listen in today as Nick and Cody discuss ways to display goodness to all people.