Passion City Church DC Podcast The Why Behind the When
Pastor Ben Stuart dives into the intriguing timing of Jesus' birth, questioning why it arrived amid such hardship. He explores how life’s frustrations and challenges can hold deeper meaning. The conversation ties historical events, like Hellenization, to God's masterplan for salvation. With a focus on Mary’s acceptance of her role, listeners learn how welcoming inconvenience can lead to profound impacts. Ultimately, it’s a call to trust in divine timing and embrace life's purpose amid chaos.
37:58
Airport Delay Leads To Unexpected Ministry
- Ben Stuart recounts getting stuck in Atlanta after flights were delayed and plans fell apart.
- That enforced waiting led to a surprising phone call where he connected with a new believer considering a move to D.C.
Perspective Brings Peace
- Zooming out of your personal story gives you perspective and peace.
- Knowing God's priorities helps explain why specific events happen in your life.
History Prepares The Stage
- Ben traces God's redemptive story from Genesis through Israel's history to set context for Christ.
- The Old Testament narrows the focus to one people and one land as preparation for the Messiah.
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Intro
00:00 • 22sec
Frustration When Plans Fail
00:22 • 4min
Why the Nativity Feels Inconvenient
04:42 • 1min
Is There Purpose in Life's Pain?
05:57 • 51sec
Simeon's Perspective Brings Peace
06:48 • 3min
Why God Orchestrated a 4,000-Year Story
09:24 • 7min
How Hellenization and Rome Prepared the World
15:58 • 4min
Why Jesus Came in That Place and Time
19:52 • 2min
Why Christ Came: Salvation Explained
21:40 • 59sec
Why the Timing Enabled Proclamation
22:39 • 3min
Why the Old Testament Prepared People for Christ
25:11 • 2min
Why the Inconvenience of the Incarnation Matters
27:02 • 2min
How God Moves History for People to Know Him
28:58 • 5min
Why Knowing God's Priorities Gives Peace
34:11 • 59sec
How Mary Embraced Her Role in God's Story
35:10 • 2min
How We Respond to God's Call Today
37:05 • 26sec
Outro
37:31 • 20sec
#10857
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Ezra
Ezra (the Scribe)
The Book of Ezra is a historical text in the Old Testament that documents the return of two groups of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, focusing on the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of religious and social life.
The first part (chapters 1–6) describes the initial return led by Zerubbabel and the reconstruction of the temple, while the second part (chapters 7–10) centers on Ezra’s leadership in spiritual renewal and his efforts to address issues such as intermarriage with non-Israelites.
The book emphasizes themes of hope, restoration, and the importance of adhering to religious law, reflecting the challenges of rebuilding a community after exile.
#2287
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
Jonah
Louis Stone
Set in the Sydney slums at the turn of the 20th century, 'Jonah' follows the life of Joe Jones, known as Jonah, a hunchback and the ruthless leader of the 'Push', a violent gang.
After a chance encounter with his son, Jonah decides to abandon his larrikin life and settle down.
He marries Ada, the mother of his child, and opens his own business.
The novel contrasts the sordid streets of the inner suburbs with the glittering lights of the harbour city, providing a vivid portrayal of Sydney life during that era.
#1614
• Mentioned in 20 episodes
Nehemiah
Gene A. Getz
The Book of Nehemiah continues the story of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, focusing on the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.
Nehemiah's leadership and determination in the face of opposition highlight the importance of perseverance and faith.
The book emphasizes the significance of community and the restoration of God's people.
Nehemiah's commitment to justice and his efforts to protect the vulnerable demonstrate the importance of social responsibility.
The book's narrative provides a powerful example of faith, leadership, and the restoration of a community.
#205
• Mentioned in 87 episodes
Galatians
Scot McKnight
This commentary by Scot McKnight explores Paul's letter to the Galatians, emphasizing the Gospel message of the crucified Messiah and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding Christian morality.
McKnight addresses the historical context of the letter, including the conflict over Torah observance among early Christian communities, and provides contemporary applications of the biblical text.
The book is part of the NIV Application Commentary series, which aims to bring ancient messages into today's context for preachers, teachers, and students of the Bible.
#537
• Mentioned in 44 episodes
Romans 3
Travis Burden
This book is a work of fiction that delves into suspenseful drama, exploring themes of crime, atonement, and justice.
It is part of a series and is characterized by its short length and intense narrative.
#40
• Mentioned in 215 episodes
Genesis
Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit
Craig Mundie
Eric Schmidt
Henry A. Kissinger
In this book, Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Craig Mundie explore the epochal challenges and opportunities presented by the revolution in Artificial Intelligence.
AI is seen as a force that can address enormous crises such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and income inequality, while also posing significant challenges to human judgment, divine relationships, and potentially spurring a new phase in human evolution.
The authors chart a course between blind faith and unjustified fear, offering an accessible guide to how AI will shape civilization in the modern era.
#140
• Mentioned in 114 episodes
Exodus
Leon Uris
The novel 'Exodus' by Leon Uris is a historical fiction account that explores the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
It follows the stories of Jewish refugees, many of whom are Holocaust survivors, as they attempt to reach Palestine despite British opposition.
The book delves into the back stories of its characters, the history of Jewish settlement in Palestine, and the broader political context of the time, including the struggle for independence and the conflicts between Jewish and Arab populations.
#424
• Mentioned in 53 episodes
Daniel
My French Cuisine
Daniel Boulud
This cookbook offers a personal perspective on French cuisine, with over 75 signature recipes from Restaurant Daniel and additional home recipes.
It includes essays on essential subjects like bread and cheese, along with photographs capturing Boulud’s culinary artistry.
#1440
• Mentioned in 22 episodes
Esther
Henry Adams
Written by Henry Adams in 1884, 'Esther' is a novel that delves into the complexities of a modern, rationalist woman's response to romantic and religious pressures.
The story follows Esther Dudley, a sophisticated and free-thinking woman, as she navigates her feelings for Reverend Stephen Hazard, a charismatic and high-minded preacher.
The novel is set against a backdrop of debates about religion, science, art, and poetry, and it reflects Adams' exploration of the 'woman question' of his time.
Esther's character is partly based on Adams' wife, Clover, and the novel touches on themes of bereavement, intellectual curiosity, and the struggle for independence in a society dominated by traditional values.
Kicking off our new series, The Thrill of Hope, Pastor Ben Stuart gives us perspective on why God sent Jesus at the specific time that he did by unveiling the big picture told through Scripture.
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Like a sailor on turbulent seas, we need to look up and see the North Star: the fixed points in the sky whereby we might navigate the objective realities in life. We need the skill-set to know how to journey through life and how to select the right people to journey alongside. In this book we will chart a course through the four relational phases that the vast majority of human beings on the planet will pass through in their twenties: singleness, dating, engaged and married. In each of these phases, we will look at what eternal purposes should be pursued in each stage, and how to pursue them.
SINGLENESS: DEVOTION DATING: EVALUATION ENGAGED: UNIFICATION MARRIED: MISSION
Order Pastor Ben’s book, Single, Dating, Engaged, Married : http://singledatingengagedmarried.com/
Follow @passioncity: https://www.instagram.com/passioncitydc/
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Passion City Church is a Jesus church with locations in Atlanta and Washington D.C. More info on Passion: https://passioncitychurch.com
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