Wake Before the Day

In-laws often get a bad rap, but in Moses case his father-in-law was a wise man! Don't go about life alone, surround yourself with wise counsel. Work with a team and within community. The wisdom of Jethro is also seen in the Proverbs and in different New Testaments examples. Let's dive into Exodus 18.

In episode #131 we focus on the beauty of "Moses & Miriam's Song" as they reflect on God's character and saving work. It's important we make this a habit in our lives as well! We will also discuss the strong warning the Lord gives his people. We see that although the people have escaped Egypt they still have Egypt in their hearts.

In episode #130 we discuss the importance of story and the legacy of God's faithfulness. Also, pay attention to the "angel of the Lord" and the "glory-cloud" appearances. What do we have to learn about God from these occurrences? In Exodus 13 we see God has gone before and behind his people and we believe he still does today.

Egypt attacked God's firstborn in Israel and it came with a price. Even though we get glimpses of Israel's freedom we know that even with the law and the land, the people cannot save themselves. That is why God sent Jesus, the firstborn, to pay the price for all humanity. Join us as we unpack the importance and meaning of "firstborn".

Up until this point in Exodus, Pharaoh's magicians have kept pace with the signs and wonders of God. But no more. From Exodus 8 on, God separates and distinguishes himself from the powers of the world. God could have done all of this himself yet he invites his people to participate in his work.

In episode #127 we discuss the names of God and why its important that he reveals himself to us in different ways. Also, let's learn from Moses and not focus on our inability but rather on who God is and what God is doing. Exodus 6, here we go!

Here are the takeaways from Exodus 4: don't overcomplicate things you know for certain you are called to do and have hope knowing that God hears our prayers and is concerned for us during hard times!

Exodus begins with a bang! Pharaoh was threatened by the growing number of Hebrews and set out to kill all the baby boys. In the middle of this atrocity two unrecognized heroes, the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than Pharaoh and did what was right. Sadly, some of what we read here is still in our world today.

In episode #119 we discuss what it means to abide in Jesus and what a fruitful life looks like. Jesus doesn't just say he's the vine and we're the branches, he says he is the "true" vine in that he's the only one that can give true life!

In episode #116 we study John 8 to compare and contrast the way from above to the way from below. The way of Jesus to the way of the world. Let's discuss!

In this podcast we encourage you to reflect on 2020 and all that's happened this year. As we do that and then turn our attention to 2021 we want to invite you to respond to a question Jesus asks in the Bible multiple times rather than settling for the same old "resolutions" that no one keeps and no one remembers. The question Jesus asks is this, "What do you want me to do for you?" How would you a...

Are we in the end times? What does the Bible mean when it says we're waiting for the "Day of the Lord?" We respond to these questions and find a great deal of hope knowing that God is a God of order and peace. Let's discuss 2 Thessalonians 2.

I often hear from non-Christians and skeptics say, "The Bible makes God sound like some kind of power hungry dictator! Why does the Bible say we have to live to "please him"? That doesn't sound fun!" The problem with this statement is that they're viewing our relationship with God as a tyrant to a slave but as Christians we're to view our relationship through the lens and motivation of love. We se...

In episode #110 we talk about fearing God versus fearing humanity and how that drives what we say and do. We also discuss what it means to be entrusted with the Gospel. Let's discuss 1 Thessalonians 2!

Romans 16 reminds us that rich biblical doctrine leads to love and community among God's people. The final instruction given to us is to avoid false teaching, be an example to others and lastly to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil!

In this episode we focus on Paul's teaching to "submit to governing authorities" - pretty timely eh? We address what this looks like for us in 2020. When is it ok to disobey the government? How is the church navigating the COVID regulations? Let's dive in.

In Romans 11 we're reminded of God's faithfulness even when we are not. While Romans 12 is an often quoted chapter, we can't understand the full magnitude of it without first reading this chapter.

God, and the free gift of salvation, is opposed to "earning" but is not opposed to "effort". Like any relationship we are called to put effort into it! How is the Spirit inviting you into "obedience" today?

Episode #104 addresses the question, "How were people saved before Jesus?" We root our response in Romans 4 where the Bible teaches us that Abraham (who lived way before Jesus) was saved by faith. Romans can be dense but the deeper we dig the greater gift it becomes!

When we profess Jesus as our Lord and savior our sin was nailed to the cross. When the Spirit gave us a new heart we too resurrected with Christ. When one gives their life to Jesus based on an emotional experience, there is a good chance that person will leave the faith when that emotion fades. Lastly, we'll discuss the meaning behind Paul's teaching to love and submit in the household.

Episode #99 is a reminder that not only are we saved by God's grace but that he also invites us into his kingdom as family members! We will also talk about the gift of 'belonging' and why our souls need it!

Episode #98 is focused on identifying false teaching and teachers. Jesus calls them wolves in sheep's clothing! One of the ways false teaching spreads today is through "word theft" - people use Biblical words but redefine them to fit their own agenda.

Matthew 25 forces us to ask some serious questions! Are we ready for Jesus to return and for the final judgment? Am I using all that God has given to me to grow God's kingdom? One day you and I will give a final answer to these questions.

In episode #92 we discuss the G.O.A.T. debate! No, not MJ vs LeBron but actually Jesus' definition of "greatness"! We also are reminded to be aware of those we're around so that we will help those avoid sinning and last but not least our favorite, church discipline! (Just kidding about that being our favorite)

In episode #89 we discuss John the Baptist's doubts, how 'wake up calls' and 'reality checks' are often a gift of God's grace and lastly Matthew 11 reminds us of who God is!