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The Bible in 260God's Faithful LoveOne of the ways God is very unlike us is shown in his faithful love, which continues to be shown when we are unfaithful. And it is this faithful love that gives a person the courage to trust God no matter the circumstances, which is what we see in Paul's life on trial. Passages in this episode: 2 Samuel 9-10, 1 Chronicles 18-19, Psalm 89, Acts 262022-05-1921 minThe Bible in 260God's Covenant With DavidGod makes and keeps his promises as seen in his covenant making and keeping with King David. God promised David that one of his sons would be on the throne forever, which was ultimately fulfilled with Mary gave birth to Jesus, a descendant of David and the final true and forever King! Passages in this episode: 2 Samuel 7-8, 1 Chronicles 17, Psalm 132, Acts 252022-05-1818 minThe Bible in 260Praising God!David brings the ark of God into Jerusalem and celebrates by worshipping God and assigning people to fulfill musical ministry, playing instruments, singing and praising God. And centuries later while on trial, Paul explains how he too came to Jerusalem to worship God, Jesus, the one who rose from the dead and proved he is God and worthy to be praised!Passages in this episode are: 1 Chronicles 14-16, Acts 242022-05-1716 minThe Bible in 260Holy Power and ProtectionOften people think of God as a doting grandfather-like figure who gives whatever you want and is never offended. But that is not the God of the bible. The God of the bible is both holy and merciful. He is not someone to take lightly, while also showing patience and love. It is important to wrestle with this combination since to miss it means you are not getting a true picture of God. Passages in this episode: 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 13, Psalm 60, Acts 23 2022-05-1616 minThe Bible in 260War & PeaceIn our passages today we see a contrast between war and peace that is both outside of ourselves and within. But we also see how you can find a peace that overcomes the war within and provides hope for a coming end of war outside as well. Passages in this episode: 2 Samuel 3-5, 1 Chronicles 12, Psalm 122, Acts 222022-05-1323 minThe Bible in 260A New KingDavid becomes the new king of Israel after Saul's death, although his kingdom is not secure right away, as some of the tribes of Israel remain loyal to Saul's son and civil war goes on for a time. But what you see happening is the growing realization that we need a better king, a king who reigns over all, brings justice and also loves his people with a love that moves him to protect and rescue his people. This is the king the apostle Paul has come to know and we need to come to know as well. 2022-05-1223 minThe Bible in 260In the Face of LossWe see a variety of reactions in the face of loss in our passages today, everything from despair and fear to weeping and even courage and resolve. Why the different reactions? What causes people to respond so differently to the reality of loss in their lives? We hear the answer in these passages that point us to someone greater than ourselves in order to face loss in life. Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 30-31, 1 Chronicles 10, Psalm 106, Acts 202022-05-1121 minThe Bible in 260Filled with FearSometimes we can be filled with fear, even paralyzed by it. We see this kind of fear in our passages today. But we also encounter someone who should have been afraid but was courageous! How can this be? That is what we will discover today!Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 28-29, 1 Chronicles 9, Acts 192022-05-1021 minThe Bible in 260Safe in God's HandsWhile David, Paul and Silas faced numerous dangers, they continued to faithful serve God and trust him through it all because they knew that they were safe in God's hands. And while it is clear they didn't always feel safe, they knew they were safe because God has proven himself faithful over and over again!Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 26-27, 1 Chronicles 8, Acts 182022-05-0916 minThe Bible in 260Closed or Open-MindedDo you consider yourself to be a close or open-minded person? In the passages today we meet several different people, some of whom are closed-minded and others open-minded. And we are given an opportunity to consider how we should be open-minded, with a wisdom that leads to life, as we listen to God. Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 15, 1 Chronicles 7, Acts 172022-05-0619 minThe Bible in 260Ways God SavesIn the passages we see a number of ways that God saves people, from David to Paul and Silas, as well as those who hear the good news of Jesus Christ. It reminds us not to limit God's ways he can save people and gives hope that even when we can't see how, God can and does save!Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 23-24, 1 Chronicles 6, Psalm 54, Acts 162022-05-0523 minThe Bible in 260Trusting God's WaysDo you have times when you wonder why your life is going the way it is and why it seems God is not doing anything about it? You are not alone. David clearly wrestled with this, as did Paul, Barnabas and others who follow God, wondering at times about God's ways. But through it all, we see a growing trust in God because he ways are good, even though we can't always see that right away. Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 21-22, 1 Chronicles 5, Psalm 52 & 142, Acts 152022-05-0420 minThe Bible in 260Trust While SufferingIn stories of David and also of Paul & Barnabas, we witness suffering that is not caused by wrong actions, but actually is coming to these men who are doing what is good, right and true. What we learn from their stories and from what they wrote is how to keep trusting God through the suffering, as they realize God's will never stop loving them. Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 20, 1 Chronicles 4, Psalm 56 & 57, Acts 142022-05-0321 minThe Bible in 260JealousyJealousy has a powerful affect on our lives. We see this in passages of this episode in the life of Saul and of the Jewish religious leaders. It serves as a warning for all of us to fight against the temptation to give into jealously by looking to the God who provides all we truly need in Jesus. Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 18-19, 1 Chronicles 3, Psalm 59, Acts 132022-05-0221 minThe Bible in 260Things Only God Can DoToday's episode has two big stories of things only God can do. While many think the story of David and Goliath is about David, David tells us it is really about God and his power to give victory to those who trust in him. And in the story of Peter's escape from prison, we see again that only the power of God made that happen. Passages in this episode are: 1 Samuel 17, 1 Chronicles 2, Acts 122022-04-2919 minThe Bible in 260God Sees HeartsOne of the astonishing and maybe a bit scary truths of the bible is that God can see your heart; your deepest desires, thoughts and motivations. And in seeing your heart, he is also the God who can change your heart through Jesus, bringing hope to all of us who realize our need for a new heart. Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 15-16, 1 Chronicles 1, Psalm 39, Acts 112022-04-2820 minThe Bible in 260God HelpsOne of the themes of the bible is that God is a Helper to those in need. Each of the passages in this episode show different kinds of help God provides, including help for his people to see how they are to share the wonderful good news of Jesus with all nations and peoples of the world! Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 14, Psalm 124, Acts 102022-04-2717 minThe Bible in 260RebukedIn each of the passages of this episode, we see the main character rebuked and his response to that rebuke. The contrast between those responses shows how humbling ourselves to God's rebuke leads to renewal and life, even though it can be painful while going through it. Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 11-13, Psalm 38, Acts 92022-04-2620 minThe Bible in 260Power to ChangeOur passages today show the power of God to change people at the deepest heart level. This power is not something we have or that we can earn or buy from God, but is given by God as a gift based on his mercy and love, proven to us in Jesus. Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 9-10, Acts 82022-04-2516 minThe Bible in 260The True EbenezerYou may have heard the name, "Ebenezer" before in the book or movie, "A Christmas Carol", in which the main character is Ebenezer Scrooge. That same name is used of God in our passage today and shows that he is the true Ebenezer, or as the name means, "stone of help". Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 6-8, Acts 72022-04-2220 minThe Bible in 260Personal & PowerfulIn this episode we hear how the God of the bible is both personal and powerful. He is not a charm bracelet or superstitious relic to be used for your purposes, nor is he distant or impersonal. Rather, he is a God who personally cares for and loves his people, using his power to do so, and yet also not someone you can manage or manipulate. Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 3-5, Psalm 23, Acts 62022-04-2115 minThe Bible in 260Trusting God in TrialsHow do you keep trusting God when going through trials or suffering? The story of Hannah shows a woman who pours her heart out to God in honest prayer, telling us that trusting God means being willing to do the same, knowing that whatever the answer, God cares. We see this lived out in the apostles in Acts 5 as they even consider it an honour to suffer for Jesus because they are living in light of his love for them, a love that gives them the ability to trust God.Passages in this episode: 1 Samuel 1-2, Psalm 120...2022-04-2019 minThe Bible in 260Costly RedemptionRedemption means to buy someone back or to buy them out of slavery or debt. This means redemption is by nature, costly. What motivates someone to redeem someone at great cost? Love. And this is the great story of the bible as a whole and is seen in the courage of those we meet in our passages today. Passages in this episode: Ruth 3-4, Psalm 37, Acts 42022-04-1918 minThe Bible in 260Thankful LoyaltyWe begin the book of Ruth in this episode and see a dedication in Ruth that is inspiring! Her thankful loyalty, at cost to herself is a picture of the loyalty of God for his people. In our second passage from Acts, we see this loyalty again in the changed life of man Peter and John meet on the way into the temple. And like that man and Ruth, thankful loyalty is a quality of those who have experienced the generous grace and love of God!Passages in this episode: Ruth 1-2, Acts 32022-04-1813 minThe Bible in 260Jesus, the King We NeedThe final story in the book of judges is very disturbing and shows why the final words of the book say that Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes. Judges shows us how real evil and injustice is and how desperately we need a king unlike any other leader or king. And the good news is that Jesus is that King we need, who not only forgives, but sends his Spirit to change and empower those who trust in him. Passages in this episode: Judges 19-21; Acts 22022-04-1522 minThe Bible in 260The Ascended KingIn contrast to the failed leaders who did what was right in their own eyes, Jesus is presented as the true and perfect King we need in Psalm 21 and in Acts 1. In the first chapter of Acts, we read about Jesus ascending into heaven as the King of kings, who gives his followers instructions to wait for his Spirit to empower them to go on mission to spread the good news that Jesus is the true and only King we need. Passages in this episode: Judges 17-18, Psalm 21, Acts 12022-04-1414 minThe Bible in 260Unexpected VictoryGod achieves victory in unexpected ways and through unexpected people. And his ultimate victory for people is not military or financial, but it is a victory over sin and death achieved and proven by Jesus rising from the dead! This victory is the heart of Christianity, and while always the plan of God, it was unexpected by Jesus' followers and is still the unexpected victory for people today; a victory we desperately need and God graciously shares! Passages in this episode: Judges 12-16, Psalm 146, Luke 242022-04-1324 minThe Bible in 260Father, Forgive ThemIt's tempting to listen to the stories of the bible, especially ones like those we will hear today, and think of how much worse they are than us or how evil they are compared to us. But these stories are meant to be warnings of how the same evil we read about can be in our own hearts and it is this evil that leads to the trial, suffering and crucifixion of Jesus, who calls out, "Father, forgive them" because he knows the only way for us to be saved from the evil of our own hearts is for...2022-04-1224 minThe Bible in 260Victory, Defeat, BetrayalSometimes victory, defeat and betrayal seem obvious when we look at the circumstances of our lives or read about it in passages like those we hear in this episode. But these passages tell us that in God's eyes some defeats end in victory and certain victories end in defeat. They key is to trust in Jesus who has the power and grace to turn defeat into victory, even when facing the hardship of betrayal by those closest to him. Passages in this episode: Judges 7-8, Luke 222022-04-1119 minThe Bible in 260ConsequencesJudges and Jesus confront us with the reality of consequences for our actions. Sometimes it is easy to disregard this truth and act as if there are no consequences for our actions, but Jesus wants to make sure we don't believe that lie and warns that the only hope in facing him when he returns is to see he is offering grace to those who trust in him, made possible because Jesus took their judgement. Passages in this episode: Judges 4-6, Luke 212022-04-0820 minThe Bible in 260Who Will You Listen To?This episode includes the beginning of the book of Judges which recounts a time in Israel's history in which the phrase, "Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes", aptly described what life was like. It seems that this same sentiment is still alive today in us as we often think the best person to listen to is ourselves. May the reading of this word help us see that there is someone far greater and far more loving than we are, who it would be wise for us to listen to. P...2022-04-0722 minThe Bible in 260Choose Who to ServeAt the end of his life, Joshua challenges the people of Israel to serve the God who has kept every promise he made to them and has acted so generously and graciously toward them. Centuries later, Jesus rides into Jerusalem and challenges the people the same way to choose whether they will serve him or not. There isn't a bigger decision you will make in your life!Passages in this episode: Joshua 22-24, Psalm 116, Luke 192022-04-0621 minThe Bible in 260A Generous GodIn this episode we see the generosity of God in how he gives to his people Israel, but also how he gives to the people who most others ignore or reject. And what is also amazing about God's generosity is the cost he was willing to pay to provide it, proven in what Jesus has done. Passages in this episode: Joshua 18-21, Psalm 15, Luke 182022-04-0522 minThe Bible in 260Receiving the KingdomOne of the themes that runs through the entire bible is that of kingdom. In our passage from Joshua, we see the new kingdom of Israel being parcelled out to the various tribes. In Luke 17 we hear Jesus describe the new kingdom of God. And what is amazing about this kingdom is that it is always a kingdom that is received as a gift from God, not something that was earned. And that should produce in all who are part of that kingdom a thankfulness and humility in seeing how gracious, loving and generous God is to share his...2022-04-0419 minThe Bible in 260Deception, Defeat, DeliveranceThese passages are filled with deception, defeat and deliverance, reminding us that God does bring justice on those who refuse to repent and turn to him, while also showing mercy and grace to the least and the lost. And this is all made possible by Jesus who suffered what looked like defeat in his death, only to show his power to rise and give new life to those who trust in him!Passages in this episode: Joshua 9-13, Luke 162022-04-0124 minThe Bible in 260Lost & FoundWhile it's hard for us to admit, if left to ourselves, we are people who are lost in so many ways, disobeying God and going our own way. And while we can do this in an immoral way like some of the characters of our passages today, we can also do this in a self-righteous way as seen in Jesus' parable in Luke 15. The good news is that Jesus makes it clear that he is one who has come to seek and save those who are lost! Passages in this episode: Joshua 5-8, Psalm 14, Luke 152022-03-3123 minThe Bible in 260Called to ServeGod calls people to follow him and serve him because he is not only their maker and sustainer, he is also the one who is gracious and merciful. But serving God does cost you. It means being willing to serve God and serve others, to resist making yourself the most important person in your life and to look to Jesus who came to serve by giving his life as a ransom for many. Passages in this episode: Joshua 1-4, Psalm 143, Luke 142022-03-3018 minThe Bible in 260Let's Be SeriousSometimes it is tempting to take God lightly and to attempt to tone down the seriousness of what God says throughout the bible. In today's episode we will hear from Moses, David and Jesus how serious God is about what he says and how important it is for all who hear to take God's words seriously. Passages in this episode: Deuteronomy 31-34, Psalm 13, Luke 132022-03-2923 minThe Bible in 260Choosing Life or DeathSometimes people think Christianity is about choosing which laws or rituals to obey or follow, just like other religions. But the passages we read today tell us that both Moses and Jesus are saying the choice is whether to trust in God and obey him, which leads to life, or if you choose not to trust in God, to death. There is no more important choice to make! Passages in this episode: Deuteronomy 27-30, Luke 122022-03-2825 minThe Bible in 260Holy to the LordMoses gives the Israelites a number of miscellaneous laws in this section and it might lead us to think that obeying these laws is how you get holy and make your way to God. But Moses says that obedience is a response to God saving them from Egypt and he points to the fact that obedience to God is to come from an inward work of God in a person's life. Jesus shows this more clearly when he calls out the most religiously devout people of his day because they were only "holy" on the outside and had not...2022-03-2521 minThe Bible in 260Justice & MercyGod cares about justice as well as mercy. We tend to struggle to keep these two things in proper balance; failing to do justice or show mercy as we should. But God in these passages is showing both his desire for justice to be done, as well as calling for mercy in a way that reflects his own acts of justice and mercy seen most clearly in Jesus. Passages in this episode: Deuteronomy 19-22, Psalm 6, Luke 102022-03-2420 minThe Bible in 260Listen to GodThe person you listen to most is the person who has the most influence on you. In our passages today God makes the case for why listening to him is the path to life and joy and hope because he knows we tend not to listen to him and suffer the consequences. But listening to God brings life and joy because he is the only one with the power and grace to forgive and give new life!Passages in this episode: Deuteronomy 14-18, Psalm 5, Luke 92022-03-2324 minThe Bible in 260Beware of IdolsIdols are anything we worship instead of or more than God himself. God warns his people not worship idols because they are not real gods, and also because you become like what you worship. What will keep you from worshipping idols? A greater awe and wonder of the true God, which is on display in the life of Jesus in his power and love! Passages in this episode: Deuteronomy 10-13, Psalm 115, Luke 82022-03-2224 minThe Bible in 260Chosen By GraceGod makes it clear in both of our readings today that he chooses to love people not based on anything in them or their own "righteousness", but rather he chooses because he loves them. This is one of the key truths of Christianity and is what is repeated through out the bible.Passages in this episode: Deuteronomy 6-9, Luke 72022-03-2122 minThe Bible in 260God's Law & LoveMoses reminds the people of the law God gave them at Mt. Sinai, 40 years earlier, making clear to them that this law was to instruct them in how to live their lives, loving God. And Jesus, centuries later, explains that the law of God has always been connected to love, and so he teaches the law of God as the law of love, as a response to God's love, a love that has Jesus dying for his enemies, showing how great his love is for us!Passages in this episode: Deuteronomy 4-5, Psalm 36, Luke 62022-03-1820 minThe Bible in 260Follow the LeaderWe begin the final book written by Moses, who has led the people of Israel out of Egypt and through the Desert for 40 years. In this book, he begins by recounting those 40 years and then giving a series of sermons to instruct the people in how to follow God as they are about to enter the promised land. Jesus, centuries later, also calls people to follow God, but he says, "follow me", making it clear that he is God come to forgive sin and call sinners to follow him!Passages in this episode: Deuteronomy 1-3, Luke 52022-03-1722 minThe Bible in 260Making it Through the WildernessThe Israelites have completed 40 years in the wilderness and are on the verge of the promised land. Sadly, it won't be long after they get into the promised land, that they begin to do the same things they did in the wilderness, giving into temptation and wandering away from God. The good news is that Jesus did what they and we can not do. He passed the test in the wilderness and came to rescue those who admit we are in need of that rescue. Passages in this episode: Numbers 33-36, Psalm 35, Luke 42022-03-1623 minThe Bible in 260Preparing the WayAs we near the end of the book of Numbers and continue in the gospel of Luke, we see how God is someone who prepares the way for his people and for Jesus. This is what God is like, someone who prepares the way as he brings about his plans and his ways to bring salvation for his people. Passages in this episode: Numbers 29-32, Luke 32022-03-1524 minThe Bible in 260The Next OneThroughout the book of Numbers and the Old Testament as a whole, there is a consistent looking forward to "the next one". The next leader, the next generation, the next one who will be able to lead the people into faithful loving service to and worship of God. But no one ever fills the role. And that is why Luke 2, announcing the good news of Jesus is so special, because there we meet the true "next one" who can bring people into new and living relationship with God! Passages in this episode: Numbers 25-28, Luke 22022-03-1423 minThe Bible in 260The Miraculous Power of GodIn the stories we will hear in the book of Numbers and the Gospel of Luke, we see God's miraculous power on display. God, the creator and sustainer of all things, at times does miraculous things to accomplish his purpose and his plan. And this leads to his word being proclaimed to bless his people and to bring the Saviour to this world through a miraculous conception. Passages in this episode: Numbers 22-24, Luke 12022-03-1123 minThe Bible in 260Look Up and LiveToday's passages from Numbers includes a story about Moses making a bronze snake and putting on a pole so that all who look up to see that snake would be healed from the snake bites they had received. Jesus, centuries later, says that was a picture of him being lifted up on a cross so that all who look to him would be healed of their sin. Passages in this episode: Numbers 19-21, Colossians 42022-03-1016 minThe Bible in 260My Way or God's Way"I can do it myself" is something a child says as they begin their quest for independence. And while it is good to learn to do things on our own, we tend to make this the goal of life and do things our own way, not wanting to listen to anyone else's way, including God. But our passages today warn of the dire consequences of such a choice and also provide true hope by describing how living God's way leads to great joy and life! Passages in this episode: Numbers 15-18, Psalm 113, Colossians 32022-03-0923 minThe Bible in 260The Need for New LifeThe stories from the book of Numbers we will hear today are filled with complaining against God and rebelling against him. Everyone complains from the crowd all the way up to Moses. And God, while showing mercy, also brings judgment on them. But all of this shows the need for a new life in order to be the people we ought to be. Thankfully, Colossians 2 shows us how to get that new life we need. Passages in this episode: Numbers 11-14, Colossians 22022-03-0821 minThe Bible in 260God Over, With and In UsAs the big story of the bible unfolds from beginning to end, the level of intimacy with God grows. We see this in our passages today which show God watching over his people, travelling with them in the desert, protecting them and caring for them, and then after Jesus does his work, we read that those who trust in him have "Christ in us, the hope of glory"! Passages in this episode: Numbers 8-10, Psalm 28, Colossians 12022-03-0719 minThe Bible in 260Pleasing SacrificesThe books we have been reading speak a lot about different kinds of sacrifices that are meant to be pleasing to God. Those sacrifices were ways to recognize the need for forgiveness, as well as to show God thankfulness and obedience in life. However, after Jesus becomes the final sacrifice, we read in Hebrews 13 that the sacrifices pleasing to God are now shown in how we live a life of love towards God and other people in response to Jesus' love for us. Passages in this episode: Numbers 6-7, Hebrews 132022-03-0421 minThe Bible in 260The Founder & Perfecter of Our FaithWith all the laws God put in place to keep the people from coming to near his holy presence, you would wonder whether a close personal relationship could be possible for sinful people, like you and me. But in Hebrews 12, we read that Jesus is the pioneer or founder and the perfecter of faith that joins sinful people to a holy God because Jesus has achieved a new holiness for them and has taken the judgment in their place. Passages in this episode: Numbers 3-5, Hebrews 122022-03-0323 minThe Bible in 260By FaithRight relationship with God is by faith, by trusting in God and what he has done, not by what we can or have done ourselves. The tension through out the bible is the tension between living by faith or by your own work. Faith is what connects you to God. And the passages we look at today, especially Hebrews 11 gives a long list of people who live by faith in God, in his promised saviour to come, in Jesus!Passages in this episode: Numbers 1-2, Psalm 64, Hebrews 112022-03-0219 minThe Bible in 260Grace MotivatesSometimes while reading all the laws of the Old Testament, it can leave you wondering if its all about just obeying the law. But what needs to be remembered is that God is giving these laws after he has shown his people grace in rescuing them from Egypt. This is how God works in all of history. He shows grace and rescues and then calls those he has rescued to obey him. So, God's grace should motivate those who experience it to obey his law, or as Jesus put, "if you love me, you will obey my commands". 2022-03-0121 minThe Bible in 260The MediatorA Mediator is a person who goes between two parties to bring them together. Jesus is depicted as the Mediator between God and humanity, bringing sinful human beings to a holy God through his own blood shed to pay the penalty for sin. Since Jesus' blood paid completely, those who trust in him need not make any further sacrifice and can now know that there is also no fear of judgment anymore. Jesus is the final Mediator! Passages in this episode: Leviticus 24-25, Psalm 81, Hebrews 92022-02-2819 minThe Bible in 260Jesus is BetterThe author of the book of Hebrews is making the case that Jesus is better than the angels, Moses, priests, and high priest and he is also saying Jesus brings a better covenant for his people. While the laws of God's covenant with his people through Moses helped them learn what it means to live a holy life, Jesus comes to give those who trust in him a new heart as part of his new covenant that supersedes the old one which is one reason we don't follow the old covenant ceremonial or sacrificial laws anymore. Passages i...2022-02-2518 minThe Bible in 260The Need for a Holy LifeGod is holy and he wants his people to live holy lives. So, he gives them laws to show them the difference between what is holy and what is unholy, what is right and what is wrong. And the laws given in this section cover a wide variety of human experience, showing God cares about all of life. The problem is that none of us live this holy life God requires. Knowing this, Jesus comes to not only be the payment for the unholiness of those who trust in him, but he also gives his holy perfect life to...2022-02-2420 minThe Bible in 260AtonementA key concept in this episode is atonement. God makes it clear that the blood of a person or animal represents their life, which means that to shed someone's blood is to take their life. The concept of atonement is to have someone else's blood shed on your behalf to pay for your sin. All of this atonement is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus when he sheds his blood on the cross for the sins of those who trust in him. He makes final atonement for sin. Passages in this episode: Leviticus 15-17, Psalm 31, Hebrews 62022-02-2321 minThe Bible in 260A Holy GodThere has been much debate over the centuries about the purpose and meaning of all the "clean laws" of Leviticus, but in general most agree that these laws about foods, skin diseases, and such, all point to a holy God who wants his people to be a holy nation, set apart from the nations around them, reflecting the holiness of God himself. Ultimately this finds its greater understanding in Jesus who makes those unclean, clean and those unholy, holy, through his atoning sacrifice. Passages in this episode: Leviticus 12-14, Psalm 111, Hebrews 52022-02-2222 minThe Bible in 260The Priest We NeedA priest is someone who acts as an intermediary between God and the people. He is set apart to be in this special role and is meant to help the people be connected to God. But what we discover in today's episode is that no one can be the perfect priest we need, until we meet Jesus who is priest we need. He is the perfect priest who brings us into a new and living access to God through his final sacrifice. Passages in this episode: Leviticus 8-11, Psalm 110, Hebrews 42022-02-2123 minThe Bible in 260Sin is SeriousGod takes sin seriously. His laws in Leviticus show this and his warning in Hebrews is for us to see how the Israelites in the desert became hard hearted by indulging in sin and unwilling to listen to Moses, which led to their death. In the same way, the warning is for us to listen to someone far greater than Moses, Jesus, who warns us to turn to him, the only one who can forgive sin and give new life in him. Passages in this episode: Leviticus 4-7, Hebrews 32022-02-1823 minThe Bible in 260Saved Through SacrificeWe begin the book of Leviticus today which provides a set of instructions and laws that were meant to provide a framework for the life of a people who were enslaved for 400 years. While some of this is strange sounding, it actually points to truths about Jesus and how he is the one who saves people through the sacrifice of his own life; willingly done because of his great love for you!Passages in this episode: Leviticus 1-3, Psalm 27, Hebrews 22022-02-1715 minThe Bible in 260The Glory of the LordAs the book of Exodus comes to a close, we see Moses put in place everything made for the tabernacle, inside and out, and God comes down in a cloud, displaying his glory for all to see, but only from a distance. This same radiant glory is seen in the description of Jesus at the outset of the book of Hebrews, showing Jesus is the glorious son of God!Passages in this episode: Exodus 38-40, Hebrews 12022-02-1617 minThe Bible in 260Rejoice in the LordOnly God has the power to change the human heart and when he does, one of the signs of a changed heart is a desire to worship God and give generously to whatever work he is doing. We see this heart of praise and generosity in our passages today!Passages in this episode: Exodus 35-37, Psalm 26, Philippians 42022-02-1517 minThe Bible in 260Powerful GraceNot long after hearing God speak his word to them directly from the cloud of fire at Mount Sinai, the people of Israelite decide to make their own god and worship a golden calf made by Moses' brother Aaron. God did bring consequences on the people, but he also showed powerful grace in forgiving them and not rejecting them. This is the same God who showed powerful grace to Paul and also to us today!Passages in this episode: Exodus 32-34, Philippians 32022-02-1419 minThe Bible in 260Holy & HumbleThe intricate instructions God gives Moses for the clothing and special ceremony for setting apart of Aaron and his sons as priests shows how seriously God is about holiness. God is pure and perfect and those who come near must be purified. At the same time, we read in Philippians 2 that Jesus, God himself, comes to earth and humbles himself, even to death on a cross, to save proud people like us, and to make us holy so we can live new lives for him!Passages in this episode: Exodus 28-31, Philippians 22022-02-1124 minThe Bible in 260Living with GodAn amazing truth of Christianity is that God chooses to live with the people he has created. We see this in the tabernacle God told Moses to build and later in the teaching of Paul that leads him to say, "to live is Christ, and to die is gain". Living with God is greatest experience a person can have, as these passages explain. Passages in this episode: Exodus 25-27, Psalm 90, Philippians 12022-02-1020 minThe Bible in 260Doing What is RightGod cares about people doing what is right. God cares about justice. The laws given in Exodus show this is true and presented to the people then and now how important it is to do what is right, and not give in to injustice. This is also seen in Psalm 109 which is David's call to God to give him justice because of evil that is done to him. And in Ephesians 6 we learn that the power to do what is right comes from God's spirit working in people. Passages in this episode: Exodus 22-24, Psalm 109, Ephesians 62022-02-0919 minThe Bible in 260Grace & LawA recurring theme in the bible is that God's shows his grace to people first and then instructs them how to live in response to his grace. We see this is in our passages today as God reminds us of his saving power from slavery and how that leads to his laws that show us how to live in response to that grace and love. Passages in this episode: Exodus 19-21, Psalm 33, Ephesians 52022-02-0819 minThe Bible in 260Old vs NewWhen God, in his love, uses his power to give you new life in him, there is a struggle between the old self and the new self. We see this is the Israelites after they are freed from slavery and in the letter of Paul to the Ephesians, as he describes this battle of the old vs the new self, a battle that can only be won in the power that God gives by his Spirit. Passages in this episode: Exodus 16-18, Ephesians 42022-02-0717 minThe Bible in 260Greater Than ImaginableToday's passages show God's greatness in bringing the Israelites through the Red Sea on dry ground, while drowning the pursuing army. God has the ability to do great things to save people. And that is what leads Paul in Ephesians 3 to say that God can do far more than we ask, think or even imagine because he is so much greater that we realize!Passages in this episode are: Exodus 13-15, Psalm 114, Ephesians 32022-02-0416 minThe Bible in 260Saved by GraceThe story of the Passover describing God's grace to his people is told not only in the book of Exodus, but also comes through in Ephesians 2 as we hear God speak of the blood shed for the forgiveness of sins, showing that God's saves by grace. Passages in this Episode are: Exodus 10-12, Ephesians 22022-02-0318 minThe Bible in 260God's PowerAll three passages today speak of how God is more powerful than anyone or anything else and that he uses his power to make his will be done, which includes both judgment and mercy. Passages in this episode: Exodus 7-9, Psalm 105, Ephesians 12022-02-0221 minThe Bible in 260The Struggle to ObeyWe see in the passages today a struggle to obey. Moses was struggling to obey God's call to go and be his messenger to Pharaoh, making excuses and becoming discouraged. In Galatians 6 Paul talks about the temptations to sin and says Christians should bear one another's burdens as they help each other be obedient to God in every day life by continually looking to Jesus. Passages in this episode: Exodus 4-6, Galatians 62022-02-0116 minThe Bible in 260FreedomThe passages read today speak of freedom from slavery, both physical slavery and spiritual slavery. God's plan and purpose is to free people from slavery by his power and his mercy. And as a result of God's work to free his people, he calls them to live new lives of freedom that resemble the one who set them free, Jesus. Passages in this episode: Exodus 1-3, Galatians 52022-01-3115 minThe Bible in 260Children of GodThe bible emphasizes family from start to finish, including the claim that those who trust in Jesus become part of God's family, calling God Father and fellow Christians brothers and sisters in Christ. This family is one that crosses all human divisions and goes on for all eternity!Passages in this episode: Genesis 49-50, Galatians 42022-01-2815 minThe Bible in 260Saved by FaithOne of the unique aspects of Christianity is that you are not saved by the things you do, but you are saved by putting your faith in Jesus who saves you. This claim is at the heart of true Christianity and is what we see all over the bible, especially in Galatians 3, where Paul explains that you can never be good enough by obeying the law. Only Jesus was good enough and he willingly gave his life to take the curse for those who trust in him, giving them his righteous life instead. What freedom comes when you see...2022-01-2718 minThe Bible in 260A King Who SavesEach of the passages today speaks of God as the true King who saves people, even when they couldn't see how it was possible. Joseph explained to his brothers that God had sent him to Egypt in order to save them from famine. And Paul explained that he was saved by Jesus even not based on what Paul had done but on what Jesus had done for him. Jesus is the King who saves!Passages in this episode: Genesis 45-46, Psalm 108, Galatians 22022-01-2615 minThe Bible in 260Changed HeartsThe theme of today's podcast is "changed hearts" because we see Judah and Paul as men who have undergone a massive change of heart that is only possible due to the work of God in them. This gives great hope to all who think that they are beyond hope of change. God has the power and grace to change anyone's heart he chooses. Passages in this episode: Genesis 43-44, Psalm 24, Galatians 12022-01-2515 minThe Bible in 260Raised to New LifeWe see in both the Genesis story of Joseph being raised from prison to the second most powerful person in Egypt, and Jesus rising from the dead, the theme of being raised to new life! This is the heart of Christianity and is why there is hope for the least and lost. Jesus has conquered sin and death and gives new life to those who trust in him!Passages in today's episode are: Genesis 41-42, Mark 162022-01-2416 minThe Bible in 260ForsakenBeing forsaken is a heart wrenching experience. Each passage speaks of someone who was forsaken, including Jesus as he hung on a cross. And yet the good news is that Jesus willingly endured being forsaken so that those who trust in him could be forgiven and welcomed into his new family, showing incredible love and mercy!Passages in this episode: Genesis 38-40, Psalm 12, Mark 152022-01-2117 minThe Bible in 260BetrayalOne of the most painful experiences of life is to be betrayed by someone close to you. Joseph and Jesus are betrayed in our passages today by those closest to them. Jesus knew this would happen and didn't stop it because he knew this was part of the suffering he had to go through to forgive those kinds of sin too, showing incredible grace and mercy. Passages in this episode: Genesis 35-37; Mark 142022-01-2023 minThe Bible in 260Stay AwakeThe final words of the podcast today are "stay awake", which is what Jesus says to all of us when we consider how God is a God of mercy and justice who one day will return to judge the world. Jesus warns his followers to stay awake, remembering his love and grace, and calling them to share this good news with others, even at great cost. Passages in this episode: Genesis 32-34, Psalm 145, Mark 132022-01-1918 minThe Bible in 260God Sees AllNotice in these passages that God sees all that is happening, both good and evil. And while it may be tempting to ignore the fact that this means God sees you, all of you, you can admit that is true when you see that God forgives and shows grace to those who turn to him. Passages in this episode: Genesis 30-31, Psalm 11, Mark 122022-01-1820 minThe Bible in 260Deception & DelivererToday's reading in Genesis exposes a lot of deception in the life of Jacob, both by him and to him. And while it may be tempting to look down on these people, it would be more honest to admit we too can struggle with speaking lies and deceiving people. In contrast, Mark 11 describes Jesus as someone who speaks the truth, and while unsettlingly as that can be, he speaks the truth in love, which we desperately need. Passages in this episode: Genesis 28-29, Mark 112022-01-1714 minThe Bible in 260DevotedGod is so devoted to his people, even though they are not devoted to him as they should be. We see both of these truths in our passages today, ending with a Jesus showing his devotion by being the person who came not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many! Passages in this episode are: Genesis 26-27, Mark 102022-01-1420 minThe Bible in 260Trusting GodThe Genesis story tells of us of how Abraham and his servant trust God in every day life. Psalm 4 describes the struggle but need to trust God. And Mark 9 shows why Jesus, the glorious one is trustworthy, even in suffering because he came to give his life for you!Passages in this episode: Genesis 24-25, Psalm 4, Mark 92022-01-1321 minThe Bible in 260God's Loyal LoveAll three passages speak of how God is loyal in how he loves, even though we are not. We see it in the stories from Genesis, from Psalm 107 which has a refrain in each verse that speaks of this loyal love, and in the life of Jesus from Mark 8. May God's loyal love be a reality in your life!Passages for this episode: Genesis 21-23, Psalm 107, Mark 82022-01-1220 minThe Bible in 260Judgment & MercyThe readings from Genesis depict God's judgment on evil and injustice, and the consequences of sin in our lives. And yet we also see God's mercy. Psalm 1 presents us with the choice of focusing our lives on God or ourselves, calling us to see the benefits of a life focused on God. And Mark 7 concludes with Jesus calling religious leaders out for their hypocrisy, while showing mercy to the weak and outcasts of society. Passages read in this episode: Genesis 19-20, Psalm 1, Mark 72022-01-1115 minThe Bible in 260The God Who Sees, Promises & ProvidesWe begin with Abram and Sarah taking matters into their own hands, which leads to misery for all. But God appears and shows himself to be a God who sees and also a God who promises grace and mercy. And we conclude this episode seeing how Jesus is the answer to the promises made and how he provides in miraculous and loving ways! Passages in this episode: Genesis 16-18, Psalm 148, Mark 62022-01-1020 min
The Bible in 260Abram & JesusWe meet Abram today and see a mixture of faith and fear in him that reminds us that the bible isn't a collection of people who's behaviour we are to imitate, but a story that leads to Jesus who uses his power to heal, restore and give life!2022-01-0720 min
The Bible in 260Covenant, Confusion, ParablesGod makes a Covenant(promise) with Noah and the world that he would never flood the world again, signified by the rainbow. This is followed by a description of families of nations and the Tower of Babel where different languages came to be. And then we hear Jesus teach in parables, truths about God and us. 2022-01-0619 min
The Bible in 260The Flood & New LifeThe story of Noah and the flood is our starting point today and then we read about Jesus doing miracles and showing us how he is calling to himself a new people by his grace. 2022-01-0519 min
The Bible in 260The Fall and Promised KingContinuing in Genesis we read the story of sin and evil entering the world and the devastation it causes, but also we read about God's promised one who would come to save the world. 2022-01-0419 min
The Bible in 260BeginningsThis episode begins with God creating the universe and everything in it and concludes with the beginning of the story of Jesus from the gospel account of Mark. 2022-01-0319 minThe Bible in 260The Bible in 260 TrailerHave you ever wanted to read the whole bible but struggled to do so? This is the podcast for you! With five, 15-20 minute episodes per week, you will hear the entire bible read to you in one year! Each episode will include readings from the Old and New Testament providing a variety that helps you see how the bible is actually one big story. There will also be occasional brief notes to help explain context as well as a concluding question or thought to consider. So, tune in on Monday January 3rd for the first full ep...2021-12-3101 min