The Family Bible Journey Podcast

In this episode, the people of God appeal to King Darius, seeking his blessing for the rebuilding of the temple. By God's grace, their mighty enemies become great advocates. Not only are these enemies turned into advocates, but tremendous penalties, even capital punishment, is threatened against those who would dare oppose the Lord and his purposes. Here we are encouraged to go forth and faith, ev...

Here we read of two faithful prophets, Haggai and Zachariah, who rose to the challenge when the building of the temple had been halted by enemies. They did not ask for permission, but rather continued building while appealing to the king to justify their cause. From these faithful saints we learn to persevere and to go forward in faith when we are seeking and doing the Lord's will and work.

Jesus continues to build-up His disciples in the work of His Holy Spirit. In the coming days, months and years, they would rely on the Holy Spirit as their Comforter and Guide. Today, regardless of your flavor of Christianity, the Holy Spirit is the One who keeps you connected to the Father through the Son.

In this chapter, mighty and well politically connected enemies of the Jewish exiles emerge to thwart, the rebuilding of the temple. While these enemies are successful in delaying the building of the temple for some years, God's purposes will not be forever thwarted by evil. Here we learn the difficulties faced by the faithful, and are encouraged in our own journey to remain and prove faithful, eve...

When the foundation stones are laid for the new temple, there is a mix of sadness and joy expressed by God's people. The younger Jewish people are celebrating an ecstatic with joy at this new beginning this is for their nation. We also hear the weeping of those who had been exiled and remembered the glory of the former temple. As tears mingle with joy, we are also beginning to see how the Jewish r...

The world hated Jesus so much it killed Him. Should we be surprised then, when the world hates us because we bear His Name? Thanks be to God that He has given us His Great Helper in the person of His Holy Spirit. With His guidance, we can navigate the difficulties that confront us.

Ezra, the faithful scribe, records for us the events surrounding the return of the first exiles to Jerusalem. The joy of the returning exiles is mixed with sadness because of how few and poor they were, compared to the great strength and glory of ancient Israel. Yet they begin their work, confident that the Lord is moving as he encourages them to return and rebuild his house.

Chronicles comes to a screaching halt. Faithless kings and ruthless invaders make for an abrupt and difficult end of the nation of Judah. But there is hope, because we learn there is an end to the Lord's wrath, and the dawn of a new day for Jerusalem.

As Jesus teaches the blessings of being connected to Him, we explore a paradox at the heart of Christianity. When it comes to matters of salvation, there is nothing left for us to do because God, in His great love, has saved us and given us faith by the power of His Holy Spirit. But when it comes to matters of sanctification, or "being holy, as the Lord God is Holy," there is always more we can do...

Josiah's earthly life was shortened so that he would not experience the distress of the fall of Judah. From him we learn many leassons about life and faith, including the difficulty of knowing the Lord's will on this side of eternity.

Josiah proves among the most faithful of Judah's kings. The last righteous kings makes the restoration of the nation to faith his life's work. In him we see a mighty type of Christ.

Earlier in John's gospel, we heard that the Father and the Son are One. In this chapter, Jesus explicitly connects Himself with His Father and the Holy Spirit. Now, the Holy Spirit is prominent. The Spirit's work is going to be keeping the disciples connected to the Father through the Son, by faith in Him.

Manasseh begins as God's great adversary at the outset of his reign. But after confronted and exiled for his breach of faith, Mansseh repents. He proves its never too late for even the most wayward of souls to return to the Lord and live.

Satan's dark and evil plan to slay the sinless Son of God begins to unfold as Judas Iscariot goes to betray Jesus. Jesus allows this evil to be done to Him, because in killing Him, satan will be destroy. In this comedic tragedy, God's greatest work, the work of our salvation, will be accomplished.

Hezekiah's victory over Sennecharib of Assyria is an epic tale of faith in the face of impossible odds. Sadly, despite this victory, and a miraculous healing from a terminal disease, Hezekiah's pride grows to endanger his faith and the security of the nation.

Hezekiah invited everyone, even the lapsed tribes of the northern kingdom to join in celebrating the Passover. Thousands came and were blessed. They were so thankful and generous in their renewed faith that Hezekiah, the priests and Levites were in awe. Here, we are encouraged to never give-up on those who've lapsed in the faith, and persist in giving to the Lord and His purposes, knowing that He...

Jesus washed the feet of the disciples for three reasons. He prepared their "beautiful feet" to carry the good news of the gospel. He washed them clean so that they may walk with Him in heaven. And, He gave them an example to follow, that they may wash the feet of others.

Hezekiah was the answer and reaction to his faithless father. Fully devoted to the Lord, his first order of business was to restore the worship of God in the Temple. In him, we see a mighty example of how the Lord can warm cold hearts quickly, and be encouraged in our own Christian witness.

King Ahaz was raised by a father and grandfather who kept God at a distance. So we are not surprised that Ahaz is devoted to every other god under heaven. This chapter describes the decline of Judah, which began as a spiritual decline. We learn the importance of raising children in the faith, and trusting in the Lord, instead of earthly princes and authorities.

Jesus was lifted up on the cross because He loves us. In this episode, we see that the pain and punishment He would face was real and frightful. When confronted with God's wrath, we can also be terrified. Thanks be to God that Jesus came to save, not condemn.

Uzziah and Jotham were two kings of Judah who kept God at arm's length. The father, Uzziah, was struck with leprosy when he tried to play the part of a priest in the temple. The lesson he and his son Jotham learned was to stay away from the Temple. Instead of repenting, they kept their distance from God and moved the nation further from Him.

Amaziah is another King of Judah whose reign looks promising at the begining, but cools off towards the end. He leans heavily on the Lord at the outset, but as he experiences victory and grows wealthy and powerful, he turns away from the Lord. Here we learn the dangers of losing focus and putting our trust in anyone or anything other than the Lord.

Jesus tells His disciples that His "hour" has come. As He approaches the cross, He prepares His disciples for His imminent departure by rooting them deeply in His love.

Wicked Queen Mother Athaliah murdered all of the young royals in-line for the throne as she could get her hands on. But when a surprise heir is put on the throne, she yells, "Treason!" In this sorid chapter of Chronicles, the nation is being held together by faithful priests, while the monarchs run amuck.

When the monarchs of Judah adopt the treachery and faithless behaviors of the kings of Israel, watch out! Jehoram begins his reign by killing his brothers, men who were, "more righteous than he." Ahaziah, his son, reigns only a year before the wicked Queen Mother Athaliah ascends to the throne. So much evil, so little hope.