Lockeland 365

In this short, bonus episode, Charley and Alec take a few moments to share some of the highlights this year in the Bible has produced, as well as to express their own thanks and gratitude for all who made it possible.

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the last few books in Scripture. The apostle John is the closing author, penning the last four letters himself. Though Revelation garners most of the attention, all of these letters work together to call people to the ultimate goal of the church: allegiance and devotion to Jesus. As you read, look for ways in which the text inspires you to hope in the person and work of Jesus!

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through some of the final New Testament letters. Books like 1 Peter and Hebrews are pivotal in understanding both our lives as believers, and who it is we worship. These books are rich theologically and practically, and can help guide the church both in living and thought.

In this episode, Charley and Alec work through a bulk of Paul’s letters to the churches. Though the content is dense, rich, and long, these letters are full of some of the most beautiful pictures of Christ and his church. As you read this week, allow these passages to point your heart towards the majesty of Jesus and to worship! If you have any questions, feel free to let us know!

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the book of Romans. As mentioned in the episode, some refer to this book as the 'Mount Everest of Paul's Theology'. Even though it can be intimidating and should be approached with care and respect, the book of Romans is an incredible exposition of what God has accomplished in Christ. As always, if you have questions you can submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Julia examine the letters the church at Corinth. There is little doubt that this church was very important to Paul and his ministry. There is also little doubt they faced numerous challenges. Reading these letters gives us a great opportunity to examine not just what we believe, but how we can live it. As always, if you have questions you can submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec continue to walk through Paul's letters to the churches. While Acts continues our larger narrative, these letters reveal to us more of the practical things Paul was seeking to address in the life of the church. These letters are significant in informing not just our theology, but how to apply it. As always, if you have questions you can submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Julia and Alec continue to walk us through the early New Testament movements of the church. Acts details for us the ways in which the church's growth and expansion include the nations, while James and Galatians place us in a unique position to continue the nature of our faith and how it impacts our lives. As always, if you have questions you can submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the death and resurrection of Jesus. These events act as some of the most significant moments in the biblical story, as Jesus is established in glory and power through his resurrection. This week also starts the beginning of Acts, which details the ways in which the Spirit expanded and grew the church in rapid and miraculous ways. As always, if you have any questions, you can submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the week leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. This is a pivotal week in Jesus' life and ministry, and much of what happens sets the stage for the rest of Scripture. Jesus' teachings this week are difficult, yet full of hope and promise of what God is doing. As always, if you have questions you can submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec continue to walk through the building tension within the Gospels. Jesus' ministry, teaching, and growing notoriety all create a powerful experience for us as readers. Jesus continues to lay out for his followers the cost of following him, all while continuing to model this new model of kingdom humanity. As always, if you have questions you can submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec continue to walk through Jesus' ministry in the Gospels. Now well known throughout the land, Jesus continues to push back against expectations and reveal a new type of humanity. As his followers grow, so does his opposition. If you have any questions, feel free to submit them to the question form below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Alec and guest host Julia Blahnik walk through the beginning of Jesus' ministry in the Gospels. Jesus' ministry is full of power, both in teaching and in practice. It was also full of tension, as those around his wrestled with the challenges and weight of what he was laying before them. As always, you can submit your questions at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec overview ways in which we can approach the Gospels faithfully. The Gospels are crucial to the biblical story, and in many ways inform our understanding of our faith. Therefore, it's important to remind ourselves the importance of approaching them faithfully. As always, if you have questions you can submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec wrap up the Old Testament through examining the book of Malachi and providing a summary of the Old Testament narrative. Malachi is a rich, challenging book that displays another example of God's desire to engage with his people. As you listen to the summary of the Old Testament, take some time to reflect on what suprised you the most in its pages! As always, you can submit questions at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the later prophets of Ezra, Haggai, Zechariah, and Esther. The exile is almost coming to a close, as God's people are sent home in waves to try and rebuild what was destroyed. However, Esther shows us that not all Israelites were able to go home. These books provide a dynamic contrast of rebirth and life in a pagan world. As always, if you have any questions, submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec wrap up the prophet Ezekiel. The last few weeks have given us deep gospel imagery as the prophet seeks to give hope to the exiles in Babylon, and this week is no different. They also walk through the book of Daniel, which gives the reader a glimpse into the challenges of life as an exiled people and the encouragement Daniel offers us. As always, if you have questions you can submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec continue to work through the strange prophet Ezekiel. Though his ministry is unique and his visions are difficult to understand, the underlying message of this prophet is hope for a renewed future in which God takes action to set things right. As always, if you have questions you can submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the book of Lamentations and the beginning of Ezekiel. Lamentations is a deep heart cry from God's people as they seek to process the reality of what has happened to their nation. Ezekiel on the other hand is a unique and different continuation of God's prophetic ministry to the people. The prophet's message is no longer centered around judgement, but hope and restoration. As always, if you have any questions feel free to submit them through the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec finish the prophet Jeremiah. They also walk through Obadiah, a short but direct minor prophet. Our reading will continue to build upon the themes of the major prophets, and Jeremiah's heart cry for covenant faithfulness will be a theme that stretches all the way into the life and ministry of Jesus. As always, if you have any questions you can submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the middle of Jeremiah. Jeremiah goes to great lengths to speak into the heart of God's people, and his call to covenant faithfulness. These chapters are full of truths that scale across the whole of Scripture, and can give us many opportunities to grow in our understanding of who God is. As always, if you have questions you can submit them below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the minor prophets Habakkuk and Joel. As we continue through the prophets, the growing sense of judgment looms with each book. Israel has rejected their covenant with God and their consequences are drawing near. However, God continues to shine hope in the midst of darkness. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to submit them through the link below! Podcast Questions

In this week, Charley and Alec continue to walk us through the prophets. This week's reading takes us through the end of Isaiah, as well as two minor prophets: Zephaniah and Nahum. The minor prophets continue to address Israel's injustice, while also calling her to turn back to the identity God have given them from the beginning. As always, if you have any questions feel free to submit them below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the third portion of Isaiah. We find in this portion a beautiful, yet challenging, picture of God's call to his people to suffer well. Suffering, it seems, is God's chosen instrument of healing, which we see modeled most clearly for us in Jesus. As always, if you have questions, submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec continue walking through the prophet Isaiah and the end of Israel's historical accounts. This week presents us with polar opposite approaches to ruling in God's kingdom, and much can be learned from their responses to adversity. As you listen, consider this question: who/what do I run to when things get hard? As always, if you have any questions, feel free to submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec continue to look at the early prophets, particularly in Isaiah and Micah. As these men urge Israel to repent of her idolatry and injustice, there is also a promise of consequences if they fail to do so. But because God is rich in mercy, through judgment comes ultimate salvation. If you have any questions, feel free to submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec begin to walk through Israel's prophets. This week, we get the opportunity to read through Amos and Hosea. While these prophets were on the scene at the same time, their ministry and message was distinct as God sought to call his people back to faithful obedience and leadership. As always, if you have any questions you can submit them through the link below! Podcast Questions

In this week's episode, Charley and Alec continue to work through the kings of Israel. As the narrative shifts and begins to emphasize the prophets, Israel's leaders are pushed into the spotlight and asked a pressing question: will they be a godly king or an earthly one? As always, if you have questions, submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Kiefer walk us through the tumultuous effects of Solomon's reign as king. As Solomon wrestles with the temptations of leadership, the nation reels as it looks for a godly leader to follow. As always, if you have any questions please let us know! Podcast Questions

This week, Charley and Alec continue us along in our reading of Kings and Chronicles. They also overview the book of Ecclesiastes, which can be as confusing as it is seems hopeless. However, there are timeless truths available to us within this book if we stop and ask good questions. After all, if there is a secret to a good life, we all want to learn it. As always, if you have questions, please submit them at the link below. Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through Solomon's rise to power and his great accomplishments in the early part of his reign. Solomon is known for many things, one of which was his great building projects. However, some projects can be dangerous when their end goal is not aligned with God's. As always, if you have questions, feel free to submit them at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Coby and Alec walk introduce us to the book of wisdom: Proverbs. This book is far more than a collection of catchy and helpful sayings, as it helps teach us how wisdom permeates all of creation and everything within it. For those of you struggling to discern a holy and right way to live, Proverbs is a helpful and practical place to start. As always, if you have any questions submit them below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Coby and Kiefer transition us away from King David into a new era of Israel's history. We also begin to explore what is perhaps a confusing and seemingly out of place text, the Song of Songs. This book, full of ancient love poetry, challenges us to reflect on and celebrate the gift of love and romance. Though it can be confusing, it is rich and beautiful in its depiction of pure and unselfish love. Submit any questions you have at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Coby and Alec walk through the final chapters of King David's life. They are filled with reflection, songs, and praise for who God is and what he's done over the course of David's life. The end of this story is compelling in many ways, primarily in how the author composes the final acts of this complicated figure. As you read, please submit questions to the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the fallout of David's sin with Bathsheba. This portion of scripture shows us that while the eternal consequences of sin have been dealt with in Christ, the earthly consequences have not. Sin is both real and serious, and David wrestles through as his own failure effects those closest to him in horrible ways. As always, feel free to submit your questions at the link below and we will try and talk through them! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec interview Lockeland member Sarah Caskey. Sarah has been involved in our church family for several years, even serving on staff as the Administrative Assistant. She is passionate about Jesus, her church, and lots of other things. Get to know her in this month's interview!

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the lowest point in King David's reign. David is known as Israel's greatest king, and accomplished many great things for Israel. However, he also serves as a great reminder that Israel, and all of us, don't just need any king. We need a good king. A king who will sit and reign from his throne forever. David points us to our need for king Jesus. Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec examine the early stages of David's reign as well as a few significant Psalms. David is often viewed as the greatest king Israel had, and his reign is filled with both highs and lows. As we progress through his story, it will be important to look for the potential traps David finds himself in as he seeks to lead God's people better than his predecessor. Submit questions at the link below! Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec take a brief look at the beginning of 2 Samuel. As David steps into power, things begin to look drastically different than they have before. However, this also begins a difficult portion of reading for us who are so far removed from this point in history. This episode serves as an overview of the next few books, trying to make sense of what feels like a foreign and insignificant portion of Scripture. Though it can be confusing, it is worth working to understand how the biblical authors viewed this point in their history.

In this episode, Alec and guest host Coby Neal look at the last few chapters of 1 Samuel. As Saul's reign ends, his time is filled with desperate searches for answers and control. In contrast, David is presented as patiently waiting to receive what God has promised, though even he struggles at times. As we begin an era of a new king, the text gives reason to hope this king will be a major part of bringing redemption forward. As always, if you have questions you can submit them at the link below. Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec sit down with Coby Neal. Coby and his wife, Bailey, along with their two children, have been a part of our church for the last several years. Most recently Coby and his family returned from serving overseas in the UK for the last two years. His insight is deep and wide, and his love for Jesus is pure. Take some time to get to know him! You will most definitely enjoy it.

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the beginning of the book of 1 Samuel. As Israel has settled into the land, their need for leadership is clear. However, Israel struggles to trust God as their king and demands a human ruler like all the nations. The consequences of this action are ones that will shape the nation for generations to come, and ultimately point us toward the need for not just any king, but a good king.

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the book of Judges. Our story has taken many turns over the last few weeks, and that pattern continues as Israel struggles to live well within the land God has given them. However, we once again see God's radical commitment to his people and a willingness to show quick and undeserved mercy.

In this episode, Charley and Alec work through the book of Joshua. Now that Moses has passed on, Joshua has inherited the burden of leading the people of Israel into the promised land. This book is full of challenging, frustrating, and confusing realities and ideas. And yet, God's mercy and faithfulness shine through the midst of the difficulty as he once again shows his commitment to his covenant.

In this episode, Charley and Alec wrap up the book of Deuteronomy by looking at some specific examples Moses reiterates to the people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. As believers looking to Jesus, many of the things we see in Deuteronomy we see fulfilled and magnified by Jesus himself. As you read and listen this week, look for Jesus in the text! And as always, if you have questions, feel free to submit them through the link below. Podcast Questions

Tom Dooley has been a faithful member and servant of The Church at Lockeland Springs for several years. He has served as a deacon, small group leader, and much more. Tom's heart for Scripture and for others to know Christ is an incredible example of what it looks like to follow Jesus faithfully. His testimony is both encouraging and glorifying to God's faithfulness. Take some time to get to know him and his story!

In this episode, Charley and Alec begin to walk through the book of Deuteronomy. As the people begin to prepare to enter the promised land, Moses reminds them of their need for both God and his word to thrive in the land. Though ancient law is at times difficult to read through, it presents us with the opportunity to walk in the wisdom God has set before his people from the beginning. Part 1 of our time through this book will look at chapters 1-15.

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the book of Numbers. Called "In the Wilderness" in the Hebrew tradition, this book details Israel's up-and-down journey from Mt. Sinai toward the Promised Land. Most of us have walked through 'wilderness' seasons in our lives and felt the weight these seasons bring about. Numbers offers us hope that even though we might feel lost in a dry and barren land, God's presence and promises are enough to bring life out of what feels like death.

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through the unique, yet powerful, book of Leviticus. Though this book can often times feel arcane or insignificant, the book presents the seeds for what will eventually blossom into the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As readers, it is our responsibility to search Leviticus for the blessing it has for our faith today, as well as the ways it inspires us to worship Jesus at new and deeper levels. Podcast Questions

In this episode, Charley and Alec walk through God's law given at Mount Sinai, the purpose and beauty of the Tabernacle, and what it means that God's presence dwells amongst his people. They also overview the book of Leviticus, beginning to draw out the beauty, and difficulty, of what it means for God's people to be worshippers through sacrifice. If you have questions as you read, please feel free to submit them through the link below. Podcast Questions