Essential Bible Studies

This is the first of a two part study on Jesus' words in John 10:22-38. In verse 30 Jesus said, "I and the Father are one". It's important to understand the context of the argument Jesus is having with the Jews. Tom Colby and Tim Young spend some time unraveling the meaning of this phrase to reveal a very important Bible principle called God manifestation. This is the culmination of some of the studies we've been having this season. It is sure to make you appreciate the Lord Jesus Christ more and how we pray to be one with him as he is with the Father. Episode Outline Introduction Previous podcasts on God manifestation… and now we study how it relates to Jesus using John 10:22-38 Setting the scene (John 10:22-24) Jesus manifesting the name The works I do in my Father’s name (John 10:25) cp. “I am come in my Father’s name (John 5:43-44) Given a name above all names (Phil. 2:9-11) What does it mean God and Jesus are one? Not the Trinity. My Father is greater than all (v. 29) seems contradictory to “

How did Christians living in the first century know what was true and what should be included in the Bible? How can we be confident what is in the Bible is what is supposed to be there? The answer is in the Bible. Jay Mayock and Tim Young discuss the role of prophets and how the Holy Spirit gifts of the first century were used to test the prophet's words to be true or false. This essential Bible study brings us confidence in the Bible as the word of God and provides the tools to reject false doctrines. Theme Verse – 2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” Show Outline: The Gospel of Judas A copy was found that is 1700 years old Released in 2006 (National Geographic published an article) Reverses the role of Judas, vindicates him as the one who understood Jesus There were lots of ‘false gospels’ circulated in the early days of Christianity How did first century Christians know what was really

This is the second of a two part study on Exodus 33 and 34 (the first part is here). We ascend the mountain with Moses to have the name of Yahweh revealed to us. Tim Young and Stephen Macfarlane discuss this surprising and powerful revelation and what it means for us in our discipleship. The cover photo is from the summit of Mt. Sinai. Photo credit: Mohammed Moussa - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

In this first of a two part study on Exodus 33 and 34, Stephen Macfarlane joins Tim Young to dig deeper into the record to see how Moses sought to know God. The divine name had been revealed earlier to Moses (see this podcast) but Moses still desired to know God more intimately. These chapters serve as key studies to show us how we too should seek after God, to know him and to manifest his name. The cover photo is from the summit of Mt. Sinai. Photo credit: Mohammed Moussa - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Prayer is a struggle for many of us. How do I pray? What do I pray for? How do I know my prayers will be answered? We should not feel alone in this because even the Lord’s disciples struggled with how to pray. They asked in Luke 11:1, “Lord teach us to pray.” In this episode we look at five key prayer principles that can draw us closer to God and make prayer more practical. How can we make it part of our everyday lives and see the power that prayer provides.   Thanks to Words in Season for the cover art. Check out the etsy shop for cards, stickers and prints.   Episode Notes You may be surprised to know that over 600 prayers are recorded in the Bible with over 450 revealed answers associated with those prayers. So the Bible has a lot to say about prayer and the principles of prayer which can really help us in very practical ways as we offer prayer. What we learn as we look at prayer is that prayer has a purpose. Seems like an odd thing to say, of course they do, otherwise why am I praying.  Actually, what

We feel like we are standing on holy ground in this episode. Frank Abel and Tim Young discuss the revelation of God's name of Yahweh before Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3. What does this name mean and what does it tell us about God? This continues our studies about God and how he manifests himself. Reference: The Usage and Translation of the Hebrew "ehyeh" Episode Outline Introduction Exodus 3:3-4 - standing on holy ground – the importance of this topic Moses asking questions Ex. 3:3,11,13 “What is your name?” Exodus 3:14-15 The declaration of the name The name is Yahweh v. 15 (in all caps) Present or future tense? I AM as to existence or I WILL BE as to intent Considering the context Ex. 3:12 Other examples are usually future unless context indicates it to be present tense Exodus 6:23 "by Yahweh I was not known" El Shaddai as a title for blessing The fathers did not know or experience the covenant name even though they heard it from God and used it… “calling on the name of Yahweh” (e.g.

Jesus said that those who are resurrected to everlasting life will be "equal to the angels". If this is the case then we certainly want to know as much as we can about God's heavenly angels. Rob Alexander joins Tim Young to introduce us to this essential Bible study. Key Verse: “… those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.” (Luke 20:35-36) Show Outline Introduction Why study angels? (Matt. 22:29-30; Luke 20:35-36) Basics Meaning of angel – messengers, can be either human or heavenly We are made in the image of angels a.k.a. Elohim (Gen. 1:26 cp. Psa. 8:4-6; Heb. 2:7-9) Angels appear as men (Gen. 18:2; Judges 13:16) Angels also appear in glory (Matt. 28 – at Jesus’ tomb) but also can be invisible (Num. 22:31 – Balaam; 2 Kings 6:14-18 – Elisha and chariots of fire) God manifestation The curious case of Jacob

An essential part of our Bible study is to understand that the word of God was written for us. It is a personal letter to you in this very day and age. Aaron joins Tim to discuss many different passages that relate to us that the Bible is so much more then a history book. For further reading get a copy of Our Sure Foundation by the Christadelphian Magazine. Show Notes Key Verse “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword piercing even to the division of the soul and spirit  and of joints and marrow and is discerning of the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12) Intro It is a pleasure having the chance to talk about what I would suggest is a powerful and predominant characterization of Gods word …it’s a characterization, which...I would suggest, is incredibly pertinent to anyone who decides to read the word of God and that’s this description of Gods word as living. And you know this is a description echoed throughout the bible…Peter in fact uses the same description.

Why would you write in your Bible? Marking our Bibles is a great way to make it personal. It helps us to get it into our heart and to have a ready answer. Tim and Josh discuss different types of Bible marking with lots of examples of what they've found to be helpful. Outline Introduction What is Bible marking? Why do it? Wide margin Bibles Getting into a routine Why Personalize Your Bible? Duty of a King to write out the law (Deuteronomy 17:18) It is about getting it into your heart (Proverbs 7:1-3) Types of Bible Marking Identifying words Love – Agape / Phileo (1 Peter 1:22) God – El / Elohim Church – Ecclesia World – Kosmos / Aion Character traits of God (Exodus 34:6) Contextual repetition Seeing the context (Genesis 11:1-9; Luke 12:16-21; Mark 12:30,33 cp. v.44; Matthew 4:1-10) Understanding organization and structure (Revelation 1-3; Matthew 5; Zechariah 1-6) Topical notes / Theme studies Using the back of your Bible Chain reference marking

Season 3 starts on January 18th, 2021. Listen in as Tim and Jay discuss what is ahead for our new studies and some other goodies!

Martin Mostacedo joins Tim Young to wrap up season two. Martin talks about his beginnings in Bolivia, his Catholic upbringing and how he came to a changed life by reading and studying the Bible. Martin shares his favorite episode and his impressions on season two. Key verse from John 4:23, "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him." Martin mentions Wrested Scripture which can be found in book form and a website. Cover image from Wikipedia “La Paz Skyline” which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 4.0.

The word “ecclesia” has been said a few times on the podcast without any definition. We fix that in this episode. Matt Colby rejoins the podcast to talk about one of his favorite Bible study tools, the lexicon. As a practical example, we look up the word “church” in different lexicons to see what sort of definitions they provide. The Greek word for church is “ecclesia” and we delve into the significance of this word and why we prefer to say “ecclesia” instead of “church”. Scripture mentions: 1 Corinthians 11:18 Romans 16:5,23 1 Corinthians 1:1-2 (key verse) Lexicon resources mentioned: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words https://www.amazon.com/dp/078526020X Louw & Nida Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683072219 BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226039331 The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon o

Our last study of the "eternal judgment" by our Lord Jesus Christ made us reflect on how we are judging now. We might read one verse that says "do not judge" and another one that instructs us to judge righteously. Frank Abel joins Tim Young to discuss these passages and how we have to take them all together to get a balanced view. "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”  (John 7:24) Outline Intro Many passages about the future judgment relate to how we are judging now (e.g. Rom. 14:10-13) Essential Bible studies are so we might exercise our discernment between good and evil (Heb. 5:14) We have to be wise about how we judge. Contrast between 1 Cor. 4:3-5 and 5:3; 6:5 (1 Cor. 11:28-32) When Not to Judge When you are judging motives (1 Cor. 4:3-5) When you are a hypocrite (Matt. 7:1-3, see also James 3:1) When you are judging outward appearances (John 7:24; James 2:1-4; Isa. 53:2-3) When you have only heard one side of the story (Prov. 18:17; Deut. 19:18) True Judgments God loves judgme

In Hebrews 6:2, one of the essential bible studies listed is that of "eternal judgment". Frank Abel joins Tim Young to discuss the subject of the coming judgment. It is important for us to understand the Bible's teaching on this as it says we will all have to stand before the "judgment seat of Christ". Will you be ready? Passage discussed: Romans 14:10-12 – Key verse: Everyone to give an account at the judgment seat of Christ Mark 16:15-16 – The gospel preaching to all the world is the basis of responsibility Acts 10:40-48 – Jesus will be the judge 2 Timothy 4:1 – The judgment will be at Christ’s appearing and kingdom 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 – The basis of judgment to come 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 – The dead rise first, then the living Acts 24:14-15 – A resurrection of the just and unjust that causes Felix to tremble Romans 2:3-11,16 – A whole chapter on the judgment day Matthew 22:11-14 – Final thoughts on many called, but few chosen

Ted Hodge is here to share with us his top eight passages on baptism. Mark 16:15-16 – Belief and baptism for salvation Acts 8:12 – Men and women (not children) who believed the gospel were baptised Acts 8:36-39 – Baptism is an immersion in water (see also John 3:22-23) John 3:5 – Cannot enter the kingdom if not born of water and spirit Acts 22:16 – Past: Baptism is for the forgiveness of past sins (see also 1 Cor. 15:31) Romans 6:3-6 – Present: Baptism is for walking in a new life (see also Matt. 3:17) Galatians 3:26-29 – Future: Baptism makes us heirs of the promises 1 Peter 3:20-21 - Conclusion Find us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and share your top baptism passages.

This is the second part of our study on the Coming of the King in 1 Thessalonians. Paul encouraged the Thessalonians in their hope of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven. This is our hope too. Tim and Stephen converse on the importance of making this a reality and living our lives as if we were already in the Kingdom of God. The music at the end is "Crown of Rejoicing" from the "Even So, Come" CD. Used by permission.  

This episode is broadcast from a special place, the Manitoulin Island Christadelphian Bible Camp with a special guest. You'll have to listen in to find out who it is. He shares with us his studies in Paul's epistles to the Thessalonians with its emphasis on the coming of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ. The word "coming" is the Greek parousia and has a special cultural and historical significance. Our guest also shares with us an essential Bible study concerning faith, hope, and love, which he calls "the royal triplet". This is part 1 of 2. Contact us at www.essentialbiblestudies.org

Jesus' parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is a difficult one to understand. Jay Mayock and Tim Young delve into the background and meaning of the parable. Out of this study comes a deeper appreciation of how and why Jesus was condemning the Pharisees and Sadducees with such a story and what we are to practically learn from it.  

We have all experienced falling asleep at night and waking up in the morning refreshed to start a new day. God uses sleep and awakening as a metaphor in the Bible to describe death. Aaron McKee and Tim Young go through this essential Bible study on sleep and how it has a wonderful message of hope beyond death. Our key verse is from 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, "Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed."

This is part three of our three-part series on the inspiration of the Bible. In this episode, we look at how the Bible describes itself as "innerant". This is not a word that we use too often and neither does the Bible. The Scriptures have different ways of talking about it though. Tim Young and Jay Mayock look at three key passages that talk about the purity of God's word and how important they are for our outlook on studies of the Bible. The chart on Psalm 19 is here. For further reading get a copy of Our Sure Foundation by the Christadelphian Magazine.