Shows
God's Plan, Your PartHebrews 7 | Why Jesus Is the Perfect High PriestSend us a textWho is Melchizedek in the Bible, and why is he significant?How does Jesus fulfill the role of a high priest in Hebrews 7?What does it mean that Jesus is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek?Hebrews 7 explores the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, a priest-king from Salem who intersects with Abraham's story, marking a significant theological foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. This episode unpacks Melchizedek’s roles, as described in Genesis 14 and Psalm 110, and his unique position as a prototype for Jesus' eternal priesthood. The discussion hig...
2025-01-1318 minGod's Plan, Your PartPhilemon | An Unexpected Path to ReconciliationSend us a textHow does Paul address slavery in Philemon?Why is Onesimus important in the New Testament?What does Paul’s letter to Philemon teach about forgiveness?This episode of God's Plan, Your Part explores Paul's letter to Philemon, an intriguing one-chapter book in the New Testament that revolves around a deeply personal issue: reconciliation between Philemon, a Christian slave owner, and Onesimus, his runaway servant who has since come to faith. Paul, writing from prison, appeals to Philemon not only to forgive Onesimus but to welcome him back as a br...
2024-11-1121 minGod's Plan, Your PartRomans 3 | This Is Crucial for Understanding the GospelSend us a textToday, we explore Romans 3, a pivotal chapter that continues the discussion on faith versus works and the universality of sin. Romans 3 emphasizes that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, laying the foundation for understanding our equal standing before God regardless of our backgrounds. Ryan pointed out how Romans 3 builds upon the arguments presented in the previous chapters. Paul addresses both Gentile and Jewish believers, highlighting that both groups fall short and need God's grace equally. This chapter serves as a significant step in the "Romans Road," a pathway e...
2024-06-1421 minGod's Plan, Your PartMatthew 24 | Unraveling End Times Prophecies and Embracing Hopeful WatchfulnessSend us a textFeel the ground shake beneath your feet as we traverse the landscape of Matthew 24, a chapter that has echoed through the ages with its mysterious and unsettling prophecies. My own trepidation clashes with Ryan's intrigue as we tackle the end times and the second coming of Jesus. It's a journey through scripture that promises to unearth not just the cryptic signs of the apocalypse, but also the unshakeable comfort and purpose they're meant to provide. Join us as we confront the fears that these verses might stir and seek to replace them with...
2024-02-0122 minGod's Plan, Your PartMatthew 7 | Discerning Judgment, Confronting False Prophets, and Building on the RockSend us a textWhat does it truly mean to judge, and how can we navigate the fine line between discernment and condemnation? Join us on a journey through Matthew chapter seven, where we unravel the complexities of Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount, and dissect the often misconstrued instruction not to judge others. In this episode, we emphasize that self-examination is a prerequisite to assisting others in their spiritual pursuits. It’s a discussion that highlights the vitality of community and the profound influence of those whose wisdom and integrity we admire, guiding us on a...
2024-01-0919 minGod's Plan, Your PartZechariah 1-7 | Dont Despise Small BeginningsSend us a textWelcome to another enlightening episode of "God's Plan, Your Part." In today's discussion, we delve into the book of Zechariah, exploring its profound relevance to our daily lives and spiritual journeys. Zechariah's narrative, steeped in visions and prophetic messages, offers a compelling reflection on faith, obedience, and the intersection of physical and spiritual realms.Ryan Zook begins by highlighting a common struggle: obeying God and then feeling lost when His presence isn't immediately evident. This situation, mirrored in Zechariah's experiences, is familiar to many of us. Zechariah, along with Haggai and...
2023-09-2125 minGod's Plan, Your PartHaggai 1-2 | Putting Yourself Ahead of GodSend us a textIn this episode, we focus on Haggai, focusing on how the Israelites prioritized their own comfort over rebuilding God's temple after returning from exile. The hosts emphasize the prophet Haggai's message about neglecting God's house while investing in their own luxurious homes. The people’s actions reveal a misplaced focus on personal affairs rather than God’s priorities, and Haggai's rebuke urges them to realign their values and rebuild the temple.The discussion deepens as Jenny and Ryan highlight how God’s desire for a dedicated temple symbolizes His desire for a prop...
2023-09-2013 minGod's Plan, Your PartEzra 4-6 | Temple Construction is HaltedSend us a textWhat challenges did the Israelites face while rebuilding the temple in Ezra?Why did the temple construction stop in the book of Ezra?How does King Darius support the rebuilding of the temple?What lessons can Christians learn from setbacks in Ezra?Why is God's presence missing from the second temple in Ezra?This podcast episode delves into Ezra chapters 4-6, focusing on the challenges the Israelites faced while rebuilding the temple after their return from exile. The hosts, Jenny and Ryan, discuss how the Israelites were...
2023-09-1921 minGod's Plan, Your PartDaniel 4-6 | Jesus is Better than DanielSend us a textIn this episode of God's Plan, Your Part, Ryan Zook explores Daniel chapters 4-6, focusing on the familiar story of Daniel in the lion’s den, while revealing often-missed details that emphasize God’s sovereignty and power. While many see Daniel’s faithfulness as the central lesson, Ryan highlights that these chapters are really about how God reigns supreme over all earthly powers and events. From King Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling transformation into a beast to King Belshazzar’s downfall during a wild feast, and finally to King Darius acknowledging God after witnessing Daniel’s miraculous...
2023-09-1526 minGod's Plan, Your PartDaniel 1-3 | How to Be A Believer When No One Else IsSend us a textIn this podcast episode of "God's Plan, Your Part," hosts Ryan and Jenny Zook dive into the book of Daniel, exploring how believers can faithfully serve God in a culture that opposes Him. Daniel, along with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, represents a powerful example of unwavering faithfulness amidst an idolatrous society. They refuse to compromise their beliefs, even in the face of death, embodying a complete trust in God’s power and plans.The discussion touches on parallels between Daniel’s time and modern-day challenges, highlighting the importance of not watering down...
2023-09-1431 minGod's Plan, Your PartJudges 3-5 | Deborah and Tent PegsSend us a textJudges 3-5 is a section of the Old Testament book of Judges that recounts a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in the history of Israel. In Judges 3, the chapter lists the nations that the Israelites failed to drive out of the land, and how this led to intermarriage with them and worship of their gods. This caused God to raise up oppressors, including the Moabite king Eglon and the king of Mesopotamia. God then raised up Ehud, a deliverer, who assassinated Eglon and led the Israelites to victory over the Moabites.
2023-03-3124 minGod's Plan, Your PartJudges 1-2 | They ForgotSend us a textThe book of Judges is the seventh book of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament. Judges 1-2 is a narrative of the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land by the Israelites, following the death of Joshua.In Judges 1, the various tribes of Israel are shown attempting to conquer their allotted territories, with varying degrees of success. Some of the tribes succeed in driving out the Canaanites, while others fail. The story also includes accounts of individuals like Caleb, who successfully conquered their territories, and of those who failed, such...
2023-03-3019 minGod's Plan, Your PartJoshua 22-24 | We Will Serve the LordSend us a textThe Book of Joshua contains three main sections: conquest (1-12), division (13-22), and Joshua's farewell speeches (23-24). Chapters 22-24 form the final section of the book and focus on Joshua's farewell speeches to the Israelites.In chapter 22, Joshua sends home the two and a half tribes of Israel who had settled on the east side of the Jordan River. He reminds them to remain faithful to God and to keep His commandments. He also instructs them to build an altar as a reminder of their unity with the rest of Israel...
2023-03-2923 minGod's Plan, Your PartJoshua 19-21 | All Came to PassSend us a textJoshua 19-21 is a section of the Bible that describes the allocation of land to the remaining tribes of Israel. The chapter begins with the allotment of land to the tribe of Simeon within the territory of Judah. It then goes on to describe the allotment of land to the tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Each tribe receives a specific portion of land, with the size of the allocation varying depending on the size of the tribe. The chapter also includes a description of the cities within each tribe's allotment...
2023-03-2820 minGod's Plan, Your PartJoshua 16-18 | They Did Not Utterly Drive Them OutSend us a textJoshua 16-18 describes the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. In chapter 16, we see the inheritance of the tribe of Ephraim, while in chapter 17, we see the inheritance of Manasseh. Chapter 18 describes the remaining seven tribes receiving their portions of the land, including Judah, Benjamin, and Simeon. One of the main themes in the book of Joshua is the importance of driving out the people who currently inhabited the land of Canaan. This is because God had promised this land to the Israelites as th...
2023-03-2720 minGod's Plan, Your PartJoshua 12-15 | Conquering the LandSend us a textJoshua 12-15 provides a comprehensive overview of the conquests and territorial distribution under Joshua's leadership. In Joshua 12, the narrative focuses on cataloging the numerous victories achieved by the Israelites over the Canaanite kings. This chapter serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver the land of Canaan into the hands of the Israelites. It highlights Joshua's military prowess and the divine assistance the Israelites received in their battles. The meticulous record of these conquests underscores the magnitude of God's intervention in securing the Promised Land for His people.
2023-03-2622 minGod's Plan, Your PartJoshua 9-11 | They Forgot to Consult the LordSend us a textIn Joshua 9-11, delve into the riveting saga of Israel's conquest of Canaan, a pivotal chapter in the biblical narrative. This section opens with the crafty deception orchestrated by the Gibeonites, who, fearing the impending Israelite invasion, resort to subterfuge to secure their survival. Despite their deceitful tactics, Joshua and the Israelites unwittingly enter into a covenant with them, highlighting the importance of discernment and the consequences of hasty decisions.As the story unfolds, Joshua faces formidable adversaries in the form of the Amorite kings who unite against Israel in a...
2023-03-2525 minGod's Plan, Your PartJoshua 5-8 | Judging an Israelite and Forgiving a CanaaniteSend us a textJoshua 5-8 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. The story describes the preparation of the Israelites, their first successful conquest, their failure, and their subsequent victory.In Joshua 5, the Israelites prepared themselves before their campaign to conquer Canaan. They circumcised themselves and celebrated the Passover before beginning their conquest.In Joshua 6, the Israelites capture the city of Jericho by marching around it and blowing their trumpets, causing the walls to collapse.In Joshua 7, the...
2023-03-2437 minGod's Plan, Your PartJoshua 1-4 | Be Strong and Courageous?Send us a textThe book of Joshua Chapters 1-4 tells the story of Joshua, who was appointed by God to lead the Israelites after the death of Moses. In these chapters, God instructs Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land.God assures Joshua that He will be with him just as He was with Moses, and that if Joshua trusts in God and His word, he will be successful in his mission. Joshua is instructed to meditate on God's law day and night and to follow...
2023-03-2324 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 32-34 | Goodbye MosesSend us a textDeuteronomy 31-34 concludes the book of Deuteronomy, which contains the last words of Moses to the Israelites before his death. In chapter 31, Moses announces to the people that he will not be leading them into the Promised Land, and that Joshua will be his successor. He also commands the Levites to read the law before the people every seven years, and to keep it as a witness against them.In chapter 32, Moses sings a song to the people, reminding them of God's faithfulness and warning them of the consequences of disobedience...
2023-03-2226 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 30-31 | Preparing for the FutureSend us a textDeuteronomy 30 begins with Moses proclaiming that when the Israelites return to the Lord and obey his commands, He will restore their fortunes. The chapter also includes instructions for keeping the covenant with the Lord, the choice between life and death, and the blessings and curses that come with obedience or disobedience.In Deuteronomy 31, Moses is preparing for his death and the transition of leadership to Joshua. He gives a speech to the Israelites, encouraging them to be strong and courageous, just as God had told Joshua earlier. Moses also tells the...
2023-03-2115 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 28-29 | Live as God IntendedSend us a textDeuteronomy 28 and 29 are two chapters in the Old Testament of the Bible that describe the blessings and curses that will come upon the Israelites depending on whether they obey or disobey God's commandments.In Deuteronomy 28, God promises to bless the Israelites with prosperity, fertility, and victory over their enemies if they obey His laws. However, if they disobey, they will be cursed with disease, famine, and defeat at the hands of their enemies. The chapter goes on to describe in detail the specific blessings and curses that will come upon the...
2023-03-2034 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 24-27 | Caring for the PoorSend us a textDeuteronomy 24-27 contains various laws and regulations that cover a range of topics, including divorce, social justice, and the covenant between God and His people. Throughout these chapters, the importance of caring for the poor and destitute is emphasized as a central aspect of God's character and His expectations for His people.In Deuteronomy 24, laws are established concerning divorce and the treatment of those who are vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and migrant workers. The Israelites are reminded of the importance of treating these individuals with dignity and respect, and of providing...
2023-03-1922 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 21-23 | Hard PassagesSend us a textDeuteronomy 21-23 contains various laws and regulations that cover a range of topics, including homicide, marriage, and social justice. Some of the passages in these chapters can be difficult to interpret, but by understanding the context and principles involved, we can gain insight into how to interpret these passages well.In Deuteronomy 21, laws are established for how to deal with unsolved homicides and how to treat wives taken as spoils of war. The Israelites are reminded of the importance of justice and the sanctity of life, even in cases where a...
2023-03-1832 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 17-20 | Why Are We Different?Send us a textDeuteronomy 17-20 contains laws and regulations that cover a range of topics, each with their own significance and context.In Deuteronomy 17, the appointment and conduct of judges and leaders is the focus. The requirements for judges, including impartiality, honesty, and knowledge of the law, are outlined, as is a system for resolving difficult cases. This emphasis on justice and impartiality reinforces the idea that the Israelites were a chosen people who were to be set apart from other nations, demonstrating their commitment to righteousness and justice.Deuteronomy 18 contains laws...
2023-03-1728 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 14-16 | What is Sabbath For?Send us a textDeuteronomy 14-16 contains instructions given by Moses to the Israelites on how to live as God's chosen people. These chapters emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commandments, separating themselves from the pagan Canaanite culture, and cultivating faith in God.In chapter 14, Moses instructs the Israelites on what animals they can eat and what animals they should avoid. This is important because it sets them apart from the pagan cultures around them, who did not have dietary laws. Moses also instructs them to give a tithe of their produce to the...
2023-03-1621 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 11-13 | The Power of God's WordsSend us a textDeuteronomy 11-13 contains a continuation of Moses' address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land.In chapter 11, Moses reminds the Israelites of the importance of following God's commandments and warns them of the consequences of disobedience. He encourages them to remember God's faithfulness and to teach His laws to their children.In chapter 12, Moses instructs the Israelites to worship God only in the place that He chooses and to destroy all the pagan places of worship in the land they will possess. He emphasizes the importance of...
2023-03-1525 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 8-10 | Who Made the Ark?Send us a textDeuteronomy 8-10 contains important speeches given by Moses to the Israelites. In chapter 8, Moses reminds the people to remember the Lord and his commandments as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. He emphasizes that God provided for them during their wilderness journey and warns them not to forget him once they experience prosperity.In chapter 9, Moses stresses that the Israelites have not been chosen because of their righteousness but because of God's grace. He also recounts how he interceded for the people after they worshiped the golden calf and underscores...
2023-03-1429 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 5-7 | Do What God SaysSend us a textDeuteronomy 5-7 contains Moses' retelling of the Ten Commandments and further instructions for the Israelites on how to live in obedience to God. The focus is on the idea that obeying God's commandments is ultimately good for his people.In Deuteronomy 5, Moses reminds the Israelites of the importance of keeping the Ten Commandments, which include instructions on how to worship God, treat others with respect, and lead a moral life. He emphasizes that obedience to God's commandments will lead to blessings and prosperity, while disobedience will result in punishment....
2023-03-1324 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 3-4 | "The Lord Was Angry With Me Because of You"Send us a textDeuteronomy 3-4 recounts the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their conquest of various territories. In chapter 3, Moses recounts how the Israelites defeated the king of Bashan and the king of Heshbon. However, Moses admits to God that he was not allowed to cross the Jordan River into the promised land because he had disobeyed God's command by striking the rock to bring forth water instead of speaking to it.In verse 26, Moses admits that he pleaded with God to let him cross over the Jordan and see the good land...
2023-03-1224 minGod's Plan, Your PartDeuteronomy 1-2 | Why Does God Harden Hearts?Send us a textDeuteronomy 1-2 begins with Moses addressing the Israelites, reminding them of their journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land, and recounting their failures and successes along the way. He emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and warns them against rebellion, idolatry, and disobedience.Moses then reminds the Israelites of their previous attempts to enter the Promised Land, which resulted in their failure due to their lack of faith and trust in God. He recounts their 40-year journey in the wilderness, during which time God provided for them, protected them...
2023-03-1129 min