The Bible Project Daily Podcast

Send us a textEpisode Title: How to Always Keep Your Life Going in The Right Direction.In Ruth chapter 2, we see the beauty of kindness at work. Ruth chose to walk in humility and compassion, and in doing so, she encountered Boaz—a godly, gracious, and generous man. His kindness met hers, and together their story points us toward the greater kindness of Christ.This episode explores how small acts of love and mercy can open the way to God’s blessings, shaping not just our lives but the lives of those around us. Which road are you on—the path of self-interest, or the road of kindness and service? Scripture reminds us, “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).Join me as we learn from Ruth’s example and discover the direction God calls us to walk: the way of kindness, mercy, and Christlike love.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWelcome: Welcome to today’s episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast, where we continue through Ruth Chapter 1 and discover how God brings hope out of bitterness and redemption out of loss.This episode begins with famine, grief, and Naomi’s bitterness — yet in the middle of sorrow, Ruth chooses faithfulness and a new life with God’s people. This episode explores how our decisions to trust the Lord shape our future and how His grace can turn even the darkest chapters into stories of redemption.Key Thought: Life is not just shaped by the dreams we dream, but by the decisions we make in faith.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textEpisode Notes: In the opening chapter of Ruth, we meet Naomi — a woman whose life is marked by famine, loss, and deep sorrow. Felling forced to leave Bethlehem by her husband and seek survival in Moab, she experiences the bitterness of tragedy. Yet even in her darkest hour, God is quietly at work, preparing the way for redemption through the loyalty of Ruth.In this episode, we explore what it means to trust God when the future feels uncertain, how to respond when life feels empty, and why our failures and wanderings never have the final word.Key Themes:Trusting God in times of famine and hardshipLearning from Naomi’s bitterness and Ruth’s faithfulnessHow God works through loss to prepare the ground for graceThe hope of returning home to God’s promisesTakeaway: Famine is not the end. Failure is not final. In Christ, even our bitterest chapters can become the soil where redemption grows.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textOverview:The book of Ruth is more than a love story set in the days of the Judges.  At one level, the story is about Ruth, a Moabite widow who chose to follow her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem. She was a stranger, an outsider, under the condemnation of the Law — for Deuteronomy tells us that no Moabite could enter the assembly of the Lord. And yet Ruth was redeemed by a near-kinsman.This is the heart of the book: redemption through a kinsman. In Exodus, Israel was redeemed by the blood of a lamb. In Ruth, redemption comes through a near-kinsman. The New Testament brings these together in Jesus Christ, who alone qualifies for both. He is our near-kinsman — fully human, the Son of Man — and He is also the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).Ruth also serves a greater purpose: it introduces us to the line of David, which ultimately identifies the line of the Messiah. Ruth’s story is the missing link that ties the promises of Judah to the kingdom of David, and from David to the true King, great David’s greater Son, Jesus Christ.But the message is not just about genealogy or law. It is also about what it means to live faithfully. Ruth’s quiet trust in God, her kindness to Naomi, and her courage to step into the unknown all show us that simple faith and steadfast love still go a long way in living a life pleasing to God.So, when we read Ruth, we see the gospel in miniature: the outsider brought near, the hopeless given hope, and the Redeemer stepping in to claim what was lost. The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textPart 3: The Influence of Gurdjieff on the New Age Movement.We trace the impact of Gurdjieff's teachings on the development of the New Age movement. We will identify key New Age practices and philosophies that have their roots in Gurdjieff's ideas.Key Topics:Key figures in the New Age movement influenced by GurdjieffNew Age practices derived from Gurdjieff's teachingsTheological implications of these influencesHow Christians can discern and respond to these influencesBible Verses:2 Corinthians 11:14-15: "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."Matthew 7:15: "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."Finale: A Christian Response to Gurdjieff's Teachings.Our final section provides a comprehensive Christian response to the teachings of George Gurdjieff. We will offer biblical guidance on how to approach Gurdjieff's ideas and the New Age movement, emphasizing the importance of grounding our spirituality in Christ.Key Topics:Summary of Gurdjieff's teachings and their occult rootsBiblical responses to Gurdjieff's key conceptsPractical advice for Christians encountering New Age ideasThe importance of discernment and biblical groundingBible Verses:1 Timothy 4:1: "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."Thank you for joining us on this journey through the life and teachings of George Gurdjieff from a Christian perspective. We hope this series equips you with the knowledge and discernment needed to navigate the spiritual landscape of today.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textPart 2: Gurdjieff's Philosophy and Its Occult Foundations.We dig deeper into the philosophical underpinnings of George Gurdjieff's teachings. We will explore the occult roots of his ideas and how they parallel various New Age practices.Key Topics:The concept of the Fourth WayGurdjieff's views on higher consciousness and self-transformationOccult elements in Gurdjieff's teachingsComparison with New Age practicesBible Verses:Deuteronomy 18:10-12: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord."Colossians 2:8: "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."Gurdjieff's Methods: Music, Movement, and Meditation.We examine the practical methods Gurdjieff used to convey his teachings, including his use of music, movement (such as his sacred dances), and meditation. We will critique these methods from a Christian standpoint and identify their occult influences.Key Topics:Gurdjieff's use of music and sacred dancesMeditation techniques taught by GurdjieffOccult symbolism in Gurdjieff's practicesChristian critique of these methodsBible Verses:Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWelcome to this bonus episode: "George Gurdjieff: The Occult Roots of the New Age Movement," Today I look into the intriguing and often controversial life and teachings of George Gurdjieff. All three parts of the this short 'between the main podcast' series of 3 podcasts were edited from a much longer single episode made available to my Patrons first on the 14th of October 2024. My goal is to examine his influence on the New Age movement from a Christian perspective, exploring the occult elements embedded within his philosophy and comparing them with the truths found in Scripture. Join me as I try to uncover the hidden aspects of Gurdjieff's teachings and their implications for contemporary Christianity.Part 1: Introduction to George Gurdjieff and His InfluenceI introduce George Gurdjieff, an enigmatic spiritual teacher whose ideas have significantly shaped the New Age movement. I provide an overview of his life, his key teachings, and why it is important to examine these from a Christian perspective.Key Topics:Brief biography of George GurdjieffOverview of Gurdjieff's key teachingsThe significance of Gurdjieff in the context of the New Age movementWhy Christians should study and understand his influenceBible Verses:Ephesians 5:11: "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."1 John 4:1: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textThis is a bonus episode of the latest episode of my monthly church history podcast. To binge the entire series, visit; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comFinding God in the Silence: Gregory PalamasIn this episode of the History of the Christian Church podcast, we turn to the 14th century and meet one of the most influential voices of Eastern Christianity: Gregory Palamas. A monk, mystic, and defender of Hesychasm, Palamas taught that the path to God is found not only in theology and doctrine, but in prayer, silence, and communion with the divine. His distinction between the “essence” and “energies” of God became a cornerstone of Orthodox theology.But how should evangelical Christians view Palamas today? Can we learn from his emphasis on prayer and communion with God while still holding firmly to the sufficiency of Scripture and the finished work of Christ? Join us as we explore his life, his teaching, and why he still matters.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWelcome back, friends. Today, we’re wrapping up our series on 1 Corinthians with what I’m calling “A Book Review.” If there’s any church in the New Testament that feels like it could be dropped right into the modern world, it’s the church at Corinth. Because of the issues they were facing then? They’re the very same issues the church faces today. The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textEpisode Notes:Churches are messy. Families are messy. Life is messy. And when you’re in the middle of it, the temptation is to grow sharp, critical, or even walk away.But Paul’s closing words to the Corinthians give us something better: five short commands that can anchor us in the middle of chaos.In this episode, we’ll explore how to:Stay spiritually alert and grounded in truth.Stand firm with courage and strength.Submit to godly leaders and encourage quiet servants.And most of all — let everything we do be done in love.Because love is what keeps us from being consumed by the mess.Key Scripture:“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13–14Takeaway:Don’t let the mess make you bitter. Let it make you better at loving people.The Balance of GrayFaith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com