The Family Bible Journey Podcast

When God's people embrace the Lord's way, others are blessed by our godly virtues. In a world rent asunder with conflict and violence, God teaches Mercy over Might, Forgiveness instead of Retribution, and Compassion above Condemnation.

This passage makes very clear the simple way to salvation. Human beings are saved by faith as a gift of God in Christ Jesus. And even as Saint Paul tells us how we are saved, he humble believers by reminding us that we are all on equal footing before God.

WORDS OF WISDOM: "WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE MATTERS MORE THAN WHAT YOU HAVE." The world tempts us to judge the appearance of things. Worldly victory looks like weath and power and winning. In this Psalm, we are reminded that no matter the earthly outcome of our choices or circumstance, those who have God on their side are always on the right side.

God's people are warned against putting their faith in the mighty. Instead, we are encouraged to find our hope in God's mercy instead.

In this episode, we deal with some touchy topics. We learned the difference between a natural and an unnatural love of self. Left to our own devices we are prone to hurt ourselves and others when we give into our selfish and sinful desires. As we delve into sensitive subjects, in order to help those who do not come from a faith perspective to consider these issues, we are going to utilize the wisd...

We will learn how penitentiary or "prison" is tied to the idea of repentance. When we are wrong, it's good for us to admit it, and receive the forgiveness God offers all in Christ.

I actually rescued an owl from the snare of a soccer net one time. We will reflect on the snares that people find themselves in, and find rescue and wisdom in the times when God redeems us from the traps laid for us.

The book of Romans lays out the case for the transcendent love of God that leads to transformational change in His people. In the first chapter, we see how the love of God revealed in His word opens the door of salvation to everyone. We also explore what it means to be sent by God, as an apostle, to share his love everywhere we go.

The World Happiness Report in 2024 revealed that for the first time on record, young people were not as happy as older adults. They had less optimism about their future prospects than their elders. This depressing fact gives us good reason to share the hope that we have in Christ Jesus!

We cry with the psalmist that God would confound the plans of the wicked. When it seems that evil triumphs, it's good to know that God promises to make all things right in the end.

Paul lands in Rome after quite an arduous and difficult transit. Here he will spend years, awaiting trial, writing epistles, and sharing Christ with all who come to him. It isn't the destination that matters so much as the journey! Here we learn that what you do with your time along the way matters more than getting your way.

We consider the special blessing of worship in these psalms. The untrained eye sees only the human aspects of worship. But they eyes of faith see God at work in humble means when His people gather for worship.

Given the difficult nature of this life, it is good to know we have a faithful friend to guide us. David learned this from experience, as he trusted God through decades of difficult insecurity. Those who know the Lord appreciate His loving faithfulness, especially in tumultuous times.

Paul experiences shipwreck on his way to Rome. What seems like a storm, or an obstacle, is instead a heavenly redirection, allowing Paul to share the faith with people he otherwise never would have met. Here, we can be encouraged when the storms of life alter our plans, recognizing that God is able to use the storms to put us exactly where He wants us.

This Psalm sounds like the coronation of a king as He ascends to the throne. In this episode, we hear how this psalm echoes the crowd's Palm Sunday praises and angelic praises of Jesus, Who has won our salvation.

We look at one of the most beloved passages in all scripture to hear how David's experience as a shepherd relates to the intimate relationship we have with God as his sheep. We will explore how the very real place of the valley of the shadow of death gives us a deeper understanding of this classic psalm.

This protest rallying cry means something different to Paul. He isn't motivated by anger or hate. Rather, he seeks, in love, to bring peace and salvation to his listeners.

Skeptics will always scoff, but a close examination of the scriptures proves that we have good reasons to believe! In this bonus episode, we consider many of the specific prophecies of Jesus's crucifixion, that are contained in this psalm.

Did the Holy Spirit allow David to see exactly what Jesus would do to earn our salvation nearly 1,000 years before He was even born? Psalm 22 includes many details of Jesus' suffering and death. We listen to this psalm as an eye witness account of the crucifixion of Christ. 

Here we hear the heart of Jesus, as He anticipating doing the work of salvation. Psalms 20-25 are among the clearest Messianic prophecies in the Bible. They give us great courage and strength, knowing Jesus gave all He had for us!

Paul asserts his rights, as a Roman citizen, to appeal his case to Caesar. In utilizing his legal right to a free trip to Rome, and audience with the Emperor, Paul makes his case to go to Rome. If any of the judges violated his right, Paul would've been given back to the Jews and most certainly would have been killed. Here, God uses the rule of law to accomplish His purpose.

Nobody would question the laws of physics. Why then do they question God's moral law? The same God who orders the universe has given us very clear instructions on how to live this life. This psalm makes abundantly clear the connection between natural law and moral law.

God is our rock and refuge! As these psalms of the afflicted wrap up, we hear David proclaim his faith boldly. He extols the God who promised to save him, even though he spent decades running for his life.

Paul spends two whole years detained at Cesarea Maritima. It may seem like time is wasted, but it is not. Paul gets free access to friends and gets to preach to Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla. We learn here how to process slander, as Paul's opponents are denied. We also learn that God wastes no time, even when it seems things are delayed.

When others despise you, and even loved ones leave you, it's good to know that the Lord never will! In this psalm, we learn the meaning of a Hebrew idiom that has become an English expression of hope and endearment.