OneLife Nashville: Rare but vital conversations about Jesus

In this episode, we continue our exploration of Samuel's developmental journey as a reference point for Jesus' own growth, and consequently, for our own spiritual development. Drawing from 1 Samuel 3:1-10, we dig into the profound experience of young Samuel learning to recognize and respond to God's voice. Contrary to a common assumption, when God speaks, it is not always immediately c...

In this episode we contine to explore the fascinating connection between the developmental journeys of Jesus in Luke 2:52 and Samuel in 1 Samuel 2, highlighting a crucial addition that Luke makes in his Gospel—Jesus' growth in wisdom. This addition of wisdom to the description of Jesus' development journey is intended to portray Jesus as the ideal king who is not only capable of discerning...

In this episode, we go deeper into the Greek word "prokopto" and its implications for the the internal resistance Jesus had to overcome in order to grow and develop. Contrary to the common perception that Jesus had a smooth, easy path, Jesus encountered an internal resistance in his own flesh and humanity to the Father's will, which is vividly portrayed in Luke 22:39-46, where Jesus...

In this episode we keep digging onto into the often overlooked implications of the Greek word "prokopto" and how it points to the resistance Jesus faced in His growth and development. This resistance came from two primary sources: externally from the Devil, or Satan, and internally from His own human flesh. We begin by looking at the immediate example of external resistance is Jesus'...

In this episode, we dive deep into Luke 2:52, where we see Jesus going through a process of growth and development, designated by the Greek word "prokopto." This term paints a vivid picture of advancement and growth through the various contexts in which it was used. For example, imagine a military advancing in battle, a forester clearing trees to increase usable space, a boat moving forw...

In this episode, we explore how the Gospel of Luke mirrors the narrative of Samuel’s birth and childhood development in describing the birth and development of Jesus Christ. Centering our discussion on 1 Samuel 2:22-26 and Luke 2:51-52, we uncover the shared themes of growth both in vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationship with people that both Samuel and Jesus experience. Our jo...

In this episode, we delve into the stark contrasts and parallel lives of Samuel and the sons of Eli, as depicted in 1 Samuel 2:11-18. Through a close reading, we uncover how these characters, all raised under the guidance of Eli the Priest, grew and developed in very different ways. Samuel, while serving in the Tabernacle, was not only influenced by Eli but was apparently also shaped by his awaren...

In this episode, we delve into the early chapters of 1 Samuel, exploring the redemptive story of Hannah's deep longing for a child, her fervent prayers, and her solemn vow to dedicate her son to God—a narrative echoing the consecration of Samson by his parents. The focal point of this episode is Hannah's prayer in the presence of Eli after she hands her son over to him to serve the Lord in...

In this episode we transition to the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, a pivotal text that bridges the chaotic and disappointing period of the Judges with the establishment of kingship and monarchy in Israel. 1 Samuel picks up where the book of Judges left off, with Israel in a cycle of moral decay and leadership crises. The Israelites, struggling to govern themselves under God's kingship, seek stabili...

In this compelling episode, we dive into the theme of redemption as illustrated in the Book of Ruth. Amidst the backdrop of ancient customs and divine provision, the story unfolds with Naomi and her Moabite daughter-in-law, Ruth, facing the struggles of loss and poverty. When Naomi's nearest relative refrains from his duty as the kinsman redeemer to buy back the land they sold during the famin...

In this episode, we delve into the ancient narrative of Ruth, as preserved in the Book of Ruth, to uncover a story of love, loyalty, and redemption that transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries and points towards God's plan for Israel to adopt the nations into the commonwealth of Israel. We explore how Ruth, a Moabite, and Boaz, a descendant of Rahab the Canaanite, come together in a union th...

In this episode we delve into the ways we can be discipled by Christ into contentment through the Greek concepts of 'manthano' and 'mueo'. First, we explore 'manthano', the process of learning from Christ by mapping his story of suffering and resurrection onto our own story of suffering and victory. This means viewing our challenges and low points as opportunities to share...

In this episode, we unpack the concept of "contentment" as presented in Philippians 4:10-13. The term "content" suggests the idea of erecting a wall or building a barrier to protect against external threats, while also implying the presence of enough resources within the fortress that you build to be sustained within that protected space. Understanding this dual nature of &quot...

In this concluding episode of our series on Samson, we look at his downfall with Delilah, a story rich with symbolism and wordplay. The story of Samson began with a focus on his "eyes" and his "descent" to Timnah, a motif that foreshadowed his eventual downfall in Judges 16 through his relationship with Delilah. It is through his relationship with Delilah, whose name means to b...

In this episode, we move into Judges 14, looking at the story of Samson's initial departure from his Nazarite vow. We explore the symbolic act of Samson "seeing" a Philistine woman, "taking" her in marriage, and "eating" honey from a dead lion—a sequence that mirrors Eve's interaction with the forbidden fruit, highlighting human susceptibility to temptation th...

In this episode, we delve into Judges 13, a chapter that introduces us to Samson, an iconic figure whose life marks a pivotal turn in God's strategy of deveoping a judge and deliverer for Israel. Here, we see God working from an individual's childhood, preparing and equipping them for a specific and challengeing task. The narrative begins with the Angel of the Lord visiting to Samson's...

In this episode, we dive into the complex narrative of Judges 11 and 12, exploring the story of Jephthah, a figure whose leadership in Israel parallels previous discussions on kingship and authority, yet introduces new dimensions to these themes. Similar to Abimelech, Jephthah rises to a position of prominence, not through divine appointment as a king but as a leader or "head" of Israel...

In this episode, we dig into the captivating narratives of Judges 8 and 9, where the ambition for kingship first emerges within the tribes of Israel through the story of Abimelech. Abimelech, whose name intriguingly means "father king," stands as a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative, marking a significant departure from the tribal confederation to the allure of monarchy. As the son...

In today's episode, we delve into the tumultuous period depicted in Judges 6-8, a time when Israel was under the oppressive rule of the Midianites. The Israelites, plagued by their enemies and desperate for deliverance, found themselves repeating a cycle of disobedience and repentance. Into this scene steps Gideon, an unlikely hero marked by fear, insecurity, and reluctance. Gideon's story is a po...

In our previous exploration, we delved into the story of Deborah, Barak, and their triumphant battle against King Jabin and Sisera, as recounted in Judges chapters 4 and 5. This episode expands on that narrative, highlighting the often-overlooked heavenly spiritual warfare that accompanied that on the ground earthly conflict. Judges 5:20-23 intriguingly mentions that the stars fought from heaven a...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating story of Deborah, Barak, and the Israelites as depicted in the book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5. This story not only showcases a pivotal moment in Israelite history but also serves as a reflective lens through which we explore the broader themes of obedience, faith, and divine deliverance woven throughout the Scriptures. The book of Judges begins with...

In this episode, we look at an instance of the cycle of corruption and deliverance in Judges 3, specifically the Israelites intermarrying with neighboring nations, leading to the adoption of foreign gods and engagement in evil practices. The root of the problem with Israel intermarrying with the other nations is framed around theological rather than ethnic or racial differences. We also delve into...

This episode delves into the complex narrative of the division and allotment of the Promised Land as detailed in the Book of Joshua, alongside the Israelites' failure to fully drive out its inhabitants. We discuss the recurring cycle of sin and deliverance, highlighting key moments summarized in Joshua 2. A special focus is placed on how the worship of foreign gods ensnared Israel, impeding th...

In this episode, we explore the appearances of the Commander of the Lord's army in Joshua 5, which some think is actually the Angel of the Lord that appears at other places in the Old Testament. We discuss the identity and role of this figure, and the intriguing theory that these appearances may be early appearances of the pre-incarnate second person of the Trinity - The Son. We examine the An...

In this podcast episode, we delve into chapter 5 of the Book of Joshua to explore how God masterfully creates opportunities for us to re-tell our life stories, offering us the possibility of redemption and progress. We unpack the significance of the circumcision of the second generation coming out of the wilderness, highlighting how it serves as a powerful demonstration of the Israelite's trus...