Orthodocs.faith

In the second episode of our series “Prepare the Way,” Ron and John show how Isaiah 40 is a key setting for how the gospels introduce Jesus. We look specifically at Matthew 3:1-12 and listen to the “voice of one calling” humankind to “prepare the way.” That voice is John the Baptist’s, and its connection to Isaiah sheds important light on the person and mi...

Ron and John introduce Isaiah 40, a magnificent chapter with dual themes of comfort and hope on one hand and the majesty of God on the other. This key passage is a foundation upon which all four New Testament gospel writers introduce the life and ministry of Jesus. Many Christians will recognize it, and all Christians should know why it is so significant. The post Prepare the Way for the King appe...

Ron and John take a lighthearted pause in the regular lineup to talk about the first season of Orthodocs.faith and to look ahead to Season 2. We connect with our mission and tee up the next episode, which begins Season 2 with a new series called Prepare the Way . We also talk about releasing our companion ebook to that series and look behind the scenes at some of the story behind the podcast, incl...

We have examined where hope was fixed in the biblical story and how that informs us as we think about where our hope belongs today. In this final episode of Ultimate Hope Has a Name, Ron and John describe how early Christians focused all the hopes of ancient Israel on the individual Jesus. How did they know that Jesus was the answer to their ancient hope? Where exactly should we place our hope for...

We find our best understanding of Christian hope when we look for it in the biblical story itself. In this third episode of our series Ultimate Hope Has a Name , we look at a time in history when hope could have been lost. God’s promises seemed to have no way of coming to pass. When it came to hope, some things went right and others got off track. We can learn from both as we search for ulti...

Our series Ultimate Hope Has a Name continues in this episode that looks into hope’s Old Testament past. Biblical hope focuses on the fulfillment of ancient promises that God made and that gather around a coming Messiah-King. What are those promises, and how does a future Israelite king relate to them? Ron and John discuss how those hopes for a Messiah developed in ancient Israel and why the...

In this opening episode of our new series Ultimate Hope Has a Name, Ron and John begin to dig into what Christian hope really is. It is far more substantial and powerful than a mere desire for something to happen in the future. We begin a journey here toward a deeper, biblical understanding of hope—one that will not only change our lives but will also change the world. Is there an ultimate hope th...

Celebrate Episode 20 with us as we visit with special guest Dr. Craig Gilbert of Purposed Hearts Ministries ! Together we explore how the Christian community’s corporate worship differs from personal, individual worship. Then, we look specifically at the important role that lament (as we have come to understand it in the Psalms) can play in the Christian community’s worship today. In o...

This episode examines some of the smaller (but equally important) categories of psalms. Psalms of trust, songs of Zion, historical psalms, and wisdom and Torah psalms get a brief look, along with some examples that include the beloved Psalm 23 and the epic Psalm 119. We continue to experience the depth and breadth of life experience that the Psalms offer us as they lead us to God from the many dif...

Some psalms, called “royal psalms,” lift up the king in some way. In this episode, Ron and John explore this category of psalm that celebrates God as king and finds fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus. We discuss Psalms 2 and 110 as examples of enthronement psalms that find rich New Testament use as they point to Christ. The post Royal Psalms of the Messiah King appeared first on Orthodo...

While some psalms praise God for who God is, others praise God for something specific that God has done in our lives. In this episode, we explore praise psalms of thanksgiving and look at Psalm 116 as an example. We also discuss where we find this in the New Testament and early Church, and how these psalms can lead us in faithful thanksgiving today. The post Thanksgiving Psalms of Praise appeared...

Some psalms offer praise to God simply for who God is. In this episode, Ron and John take up this kind of praise psalm and focus on Psalm 8 as an example. We also connect with how the New Testament understood Psalm 8. These psalms of praise help to lead us today in our created purpose to worship God, and we explore that potential in the discussion as well. The post Psalms of Praise for Who God Is...

Psalms express real life, including the low places of grief, frustration, despair, and even anger at God. Can we complain to God at such times? Can we be exasperated and faithful at the same time? In this episode, Ron and John explore psalms of lament, which can help to lead us in those seasons of anguish, and to cling to God in life’s storms. We look at Psalms 13, 22, and 85 as examples of...

In this new series called Journey through the Psalms , Ron and John begin the trek by introducing the Book of Psalms as a whole and discussing the role of Psalms in Jewish and Christian tradition. Next, we examine the “front door” of this magnificent book, Psalm 1. How does it invite us onto the journey? What choice does it encourage us to make as we seek a life that ultimately leads t...

We are glad you're listening. If you are new to the podcast, start here with our brief introduction. We'll speak briefly to what Orthodocs.faith is about, and we'll introduce ourselves as your co-hosts.

In this episode, we wrap up our series on Resurrection from 1 Corinthians 15. What do we know about our future rising from the dead and the resurrection bodies that we will have? How does this all connect to the bigger picture of what God is doing? Listen in as we follow how Paul brings his discussion of resurrection and hope in this chapter to a close with an important command that should encoura...

In this second of three episodes on 1 Corinthians 15, Ron and John continue the discussion of resurrection and why the hope of the Christian faith rests so heavily on it. How does the logic work? What should our response be? And what is the "big-picture" point of it all? We look at First Corinthians 15:12-34 for some answers.

With a dive into 1 Corinthians 15, Ron and John continue the conversation about resurrection and why it is an essential foundation for the Christian faith. In this episode, we discuss 1 Corinthians as a whole and begin to work through chapter 15 and its crucial resurrection message for us with a look at verses 1-11.

In this special Easter weekend episode, Ron and John explore the core Christian doctrine of resurrection from the dead. Why is it such a critical, indispensable foundation for our faith? Why does it matter so much, and how can reflecting on this topic nourish our hope in our own challenging times?