The Gospel Thread

Isaac embarks on his own faith journey when he encounters a famine just like Abraham did. How will he respond when he faces opposition in the wilderness? Sources: Sauter, M. (2023, April 16). Who Were The Philistines, And Where Did They Come From?. Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/who-were-philistines-where-did-they-come-from/   G...

After wrapping up Abraham's legacy, Isaac and Rebekah give birth to twins. God tells Rebekah that the younger son will be the chosen son to carry the promised Seed. But we have a problem: he just seems so... snake-y. Sources: American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. (1998). Edom. Jewish Virtual Library. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/edom   Armstrong, S. (2012, April 23). Genesis 2011 - Less...

In this episode of the Gospel Thread Podcast, Dan Snyder digs deep into John chapter 4, revealing the life-giving power of Jesus' words. He contrasts the profound need for spiritual sustenance against our mundane routines, highlighting how Jesus offers "living water" that quenches existential thirst far surpassing any earthly nourishment. Through the encounter with the Samaritan woman, he explores...

A relatively straightforward story about a man looking for a bride for his son reveals much more about God's long term plan when examined closely in this episode. Sources: Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide for Genesis 24. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-24.cfm Gonzalez, N. (2017, June 23). Do Camels Store Water in Their Humps?. Encycloped...

Sarah is dead so Abraham needs to find a place to bury her. He purchases a field from the Hittites but there's much more going on here than meets the eye. Abraham is looking toward a greater future through the simple act of burying his dead. Sources: Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide for Genesis 23. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-23.cfm...

Abraham takes a three day long journey to Mount Moriah to sacrifice his only son Isaac at the command of God. How could God command him to do such a thing? This question as well as the many parallels to Jesus will be explored. Sources: Guzik, D. (2018d). Study Guide for Genesis 22. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-22.cfm Speiser, E. A....

More family drama ensues when Isaac is weaned and this time, Hagar is sent packing for good. But who is it who appears to her in the wilderness? And what does her journey foreshadow? Sources: Swedenborg, E. (2002, February). Spiritual Meaning of Hundred. Bible Meanings. http://www.biblemeanings.info/Words/Number/Hundred.htm Speiser, E. A. (1964). Birth of Isaac And Expulsion of Hagar. In The Ancho...

Abraham deceived Abimelech, the king of Gerar, into thinking Sarah was just Abraham's sister. So naturally, Abimelech took Sarah as his wife. But wait! Didn't God just tell Abraham and Sarah they would have a child within the year? But now Sarah is another man's wife and we have a serious problem on our hands. Sources: Armstrong, S. (2012b, January 8). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 20. Verse By Verse Mini...

Do certain sins contribute more to moral decline than others? Also, Lot misses his opportunity to intercede for his city, we see the cost of living in compromise, and more.  Sources: Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide for Genesis 19. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-19.cfm Armstrong, S. (2011, December 4). Genesis 2011 - Lesson 19A. Verse B...

Three men appear at Abraham's doorstep. Who were they and why were they there? Then, we are shown a model for intercession that we can use even today. Sources: Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 18.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-18.cfm. Accessed 30 May 2023. Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 18B.” Verse by Verse Ministri...

In this episode of the Gospel Thread Podcast, host Dan Snyder explores the concept of belief as discussed in the book of John, particularly through the dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus. He emphasizes that true belief involves acknowledging and acting upon Christ's character rather than just witnessing His signs. Snyder highlights the necessity of being "born again" through the Holy Spirit to e...

God appears to Abraham and makes three pronouncements. Both Abraham and Sarah receive name changes and the sign of circumcision is given. The relationship between circumcision and baptism is discussed in depth. Sources: Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 17.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-17.cfm. Accessed 25 May 2023. Armstrong, S...

In this episode of the Gospel Thread Podcast, Dan Snyder revisits John 2, highlighting Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana and the subsequent cleansing of the temple. He explains how these acts are signs of Jesus' identity and mission, reflecting on the symbolism of the miracle as a foreshadowing of the New Covenant. The narrative underscores the importance of true...

Abram and Sarai resort to some pretty awful actions in order to get their son that God promised, which results in a pregnant slave girl on the run. The first half of the chapter should reveal how we deal with disappointment and the second half should reveal how we respond to God when he asks us to do something difficult. Sources: Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 16.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018,...

In this episode, Abram has a very strange encounter with God which results in a covenant between God and Abram. What are these strange images of a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch?  Sources: Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 15B.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 3 Oct. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_15b. Accessed 23 May 2023. Guzik, David. “Study G...

Genesis 14 is split in two halves. Each half gives us a different picture of Jesus: First, as a Kinsmen-Redeemer, and second, as a Priest-King. Sources: Stephen, Armstrong. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 14A.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 12 Sept. 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_14a. Accessed 19 May 2023. Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 14.” Blue Letter Bible,...

Abraham and Lot return from Egypt and they immediately begin arguing over land. We explore how each one handles the situation. Sources: Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 13.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-13.cfm. Accessed 18 May 2023. Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 13.” Verse by Verse Ministries International, 5 Sept....

God called Abram to leave his family and his city to become the seed-bearer for the coming Messiah. Abram obeyed and received an eightfold promise from God. Immediately, a famine came to test Abram's faith. He left the land of Canaan for the land of Egypt which would have lasting effects on his life. Sources: Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Genesis 12.” Blue Letter Bible, 2018, www.blueletterbible....

Humans once again reveal their arrogance and pride towards God by building a tower to make a name for themselves. In fact, God shows them mercy, though it doesn't look like what we would expect. Sources: Armstrong, Stephen. “Genesis 2011 - Lesson 11A.” Verse by Verse Ministries, 31 July 2011, versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_11a. Accessed 10 May 2023. Guzik, David. “Study Guide...

The sons of Shem, Ham and Japheth are explored through their generations. This  sets the stage for all the major and minor nations seen throughout the rest of the Bible. Sources: Day, J. (2013). The Table of Nations: The geography of the world in genesis 10. TheTorah.com. Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-table-of-nations-the-geography-of-the-world-in-genesis-10  136...

In this episode of the Gospel Thread Podcast, Dan Snyder delves into the transformative message of the Gospel as revealed through John's initial chapters. He emphasizes the enduring commitment of discipleship, showcasing John the Baptist’s role in preparing hearts for Jesus' arrival. The conversation challenges listeners to confront what they truly seek—warning against distractions from the true M...

In this episode, we dive into the Gospel of John, one of the most profound and theologically rich books of the New Testament. Who wrote it, and when and where was it written? We'll explore the authorship of the apostle John, examining the historical context and the unique features of this gospel. We'll also discuss who John’s intended audience likely was and how the message of this gospel was tail...

God's covenant with Noah is broken down in detail. Then, another human disappoints us in our search for the Coming Seed. All this and more in Genesis chapter 9. Sources: Schwartz, R. (1998). Jewish Dietary Laws (Kashrut): The Vegetarian Teachings Of Rav Kook. Jewish Virtual Library. Retrieved May 1, 2023, from https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-vegetarian-teachings-of-rav-kook Armstrong, S....

The flood waters finally recede! We can learn much from Noah's actions after he leaves the ark, especially from his sacrifice to God and how we can offer sacrifices in the same way. Sources: Bible Hub. (n.d.). 2142. zakar. Strong's Hebrew: 2142. זָכַר (Zakar) -- remember. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2142.htm Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide For Genesis 8. Blue Letter Bi...

As Noah gathers the animals for the ark, they are portrayed in stark contrast to the people on the earth in the previous chapter. God's authority to judge the earth is discussed as well as the flood's parallels to baptism. Sources: Armstrong, S. (2011, June 6). Genesis 2011 - lesson 7A. Verse By Verse Ministry International. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/g...