Unveiling Mormonism

The Old Testament tells us the story of the creation of the earth, the history of God's people, and God's plan to rescue the world.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --God Created the Universe Out of NothingGod is eternal, but everything else is created. So at some point, God decided to create. We read about this in the very first verse of the Bible.Genesis 1:1 (NLT) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.At one moment, there was nothing. Then immediately, something existed. God began to shape and form creation, as we find in the rest of Genesis 1. The universe wasn’t an accident. God put it here, and he created it for a purpose. Creation teaches us about the glory of God and the majesty of God. It also tells us that we’re not here by accident. That’s the next point in the story of the Old Testament.God’s Plan for Relationship with Humanity Was Ruined by SinGod made us to be connected to him and connected to each other. This is a fundamental aspect of what it means to be human. The Bible also says that humans are created in the image of God - something that is unique to humanity.Genesis 1:27-28 (NLT) So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”God put us on this earth to take care of his creation and reflect his image. But sadly, sin ruined everything. It didn’t take very long before the first humans - Adam and Eve - sinned. They went their own way. They didn’t listen to God. The result was a terrible problem for humanity, and in fact, for all of creation. In fact, the connection we experience with God, and even with other people, was wrecked because of sin. But thankfully, God wasn’t done with the human race! God had a plan to rescue the world, a plan he had decided upon before the creation of the world. That plan began to reveal itself in the Old Testament through a man named Abraham.All of this is introduced in the Book of Genesis, which opens the Old Testament. Genesis describes the beginning of everything. It describes not only the creation of the world and of human beings; but also the fall of humanity into sin and the effects of sin in human experience. Genesis leads up to and includes the story of Abraham, his family and his descendants.The Book of Job also comes from this timeframe. It is not about Israel or Abraham, but reflects on the power and compassion of God. God Gave Abraham Three Important PromisesIn Genesis 12, we find one of the most important passages in the entire Bible. This passage, in fact, sets up everything that comes after it in the rest of the Bible. In these verses, God begins to explain how he is going to rescue the world from sin. Around 2000 BC, he tells Abraham (then known as Abram), about his great rescue plan.Genesis 12:1-2 (NLT) “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation…. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” God was going to save the world through a descendant of Abraham. As the Old Testament unfolds, we see how God fulfills his promises. He does give Abraham a lot of descendants, and from this lineage, God does create a great nation, called Israel.  God does give Abraham’s descendants, the Israelites, their own homeland. Finally, God fulfilled the promise that from Abraham’s lineage, all of humanity would be blessed.  The last chapters of Genesis show how Abraham’s descendants arrived in Egypt.The Book of Exodus tells how that one family became a populous nation, and how they were enslaved by the Egyptians. It describes how, many years later, God raised up Moses (around 1500 BC) to free them from slavery and to take them to the homeland God had promised them. In fact, God identified himself to Moses as the “God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob”. Exodus also describes how God entered into a special covenant with Israel and gave them his law to govern the nature of that relationship.The Book of Numbers describes how God led the people toward the promised homeland. Leviticus tells us about the system of sacrifices that God instituted to cover the people’s sins.Deuteronomy records the words Moses told the Israelites just before they entered into the land, recapping the terms of their covenant with God and the blessings they would experience if they were faithful to him.The Book of Joshua tells how the people entered and conquered the land God had given them.Unfortunately, not everything was great from that time on in the Old Testament. God’s people made a lot of bad choices.Israel Began a Long Pattern of Sinful ChoicesSadly, Israel did not follow God’s law and honor him. Instead, Israel went into spiritual decline. They were stuck in a cycle of sin that was repeated generation after generation. So you read different summaries about the spiritual life of God’s people in the Old Testament. Judges 2:12 (NLT) They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord. It was pretty clear that Israel, even as Abraham’s lineage, wasn’t going to be able to save the world. Sin is too big of a problem in the human heart. What we really need is to be rescued, not just from the evil in the world, but from the evil within ourselves. The Book of Judges gives plenty of examples of how, instead of obeying God, everyone in Israel did what was right in their own eyes. This was in spite of courageous leaders called “judges” who repeatedly rescued Israel from invaders.The Books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel describe the transition of Israel to a monarchy, and the reign of King David (around 1000 BC). Like the people, David sinned against God, but he also sought to obey and worship God. David and others wrote the Book of Psalms, which reflects his trust and worship toward God.1 Kings begins with the reign of David’s son, King Solomon. Along with 2 Kings, it tells the long story of Israel’s decline from God, punctuated by an occasional righteous king who led Israel to repent and return to God from their typical idolatry.Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs, which expresses the wisdom God gave him, and the Book of Ecclesiastes, which is a reflection on the meaninglessness of an approach to life that leaves God out. His book Song of Songs is a celebration of marital love.During this period of Israel’s spiritual decline. God sent prophets to warn them of his judgment for their unfaithfulness. The prophets also promised that after judgment, God would restore them to a better future. The major prophets writing in this period were Isaiah and Jeremiah. Jeremiah also wrote the Book of Lamentations to grieve the devastation that fell on the nation because of their idolatry.Several smaller books by prophets also came from this period. All of them call Israel to turn back to their covenant relationship with God. After King Solomon, the ten northern tribes of Israel split from the two southern tribes to create a second kingdom. The prophets Joel, Amos and Hosea wrote mainly for the northern kingdom (called Israel), while Micah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk wrote for the southern kingdom (called Judah).Three prophetic books show God dealing with other nations surrounding Israel. Obadiah announced God’s judgment on the nation of Edom. Jonah tells the story of his mission to Assyria. Later, Nahum spoke God’s warning to Assyria as well. The long pattern of Israel’s sinful choices underscores their (and our) needs for a Savior. Thankfully, that was part of God’s plan from the very beginning. As we continue to read the Old Testament, we learn more about God’s plan to rescue us from our sins.God Promised to Send His Eternal King and SaviorUnfortunately, Israel continued to sin and walk away from God. As a result, God allowed other nations to come in and take over the land, and to take the Israelites, the Jewish people, out of their homeland. The northern kingdom fell to the Assyrian empire in 722 BC. The southern king fell to the Babylonian empire in 587 BC. Some years later, the people of Judah returned to their home. And when they did, God reminded them that they didn’t need to be worried that God had forgotten them or abandoned them. 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles (like 1-2 Kings) recount the failure of Israel to follow God, but from the perspective of the people returning from exile.The Book of Ezra describes how God brought his people back to their homeland from their time of captivity. The Book of Nehemiah talks about how Israel fared back in the land, and how they rebuilt the walls of its capital city, Jerusalem.Prophets who wrote during the exile and the post-exile periods include Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.All along the way, God told his people that he would send his Messiah (his King, his Chosen One), to rescue Israel. This Savior would be a descendant of Abraham, and would fulfill God’s promise to Abraham to bless the entire world. This is because he came to rescue not just Israel, but all humanity. Anybody who would believe in him would be saved. That was God’s promise to Israel.That promise of a coming Savior pervades the whole Old Testament, but it particularly takes shape in certain books.2 Samuel reveals that King David is a prototype of the future King, who will be a descendant of David. The books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings include other rulers in David’s lineage who embody aspects that point toward the Messiah. The Book of Ruth tells the story of God’s faithfulness to King David’s great-grandparents, The Book of Isaiah says a great deal about the identity and mission of Israel’s future Savior and King. Other glimpses of the Messiah are found in Micah and Zechariah.The TakeawayThe Old Testament can be confusing if you don’t grasp the overall story. But don’t hesitate to read it. Though it reveals the sad reality that people are really messed up, it also points to God’s plan to send his Savior and King. Even though that didn’t happen during Old Testament times, the Old Testament ends looking forward to the assurance that the great, powerful, glorious God we serve would stop at nothing to save us. He would send his Savior, his Messiah, to make things right.

In this conversation, Bryan and Ross discuss how to read the Bible effectively. They emphasize the importance of having a plan and choosing a starting point that is accessible for new believers. They introduce the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) and the CHARA method (Context, History, Author, Research, Apply) as helpful tools for Bible study. They also discuss the use of Bible commentaries and caution against pitfalls such as innovation, relying solely on information, and anachronism. Overall, they encourage listeners to approach Bible reading with a disciplined and open heart, seeking to understand and apply God's Word in their lives. Takeaways:Having a plan and structure for Bible reading is important for consistency and understanding.The SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) and the CARA method (Context, History, Author, Research, Apply) are helpful tools for Bible study.Bible commentaries can provide valuable insights and context for understanding Scripture.Avoid pitfalls such as innovation, relying solely on information, and anachronism when studying the Bible.Approach Bible reading with a disciplined and open heart, seeking to understand and apply God's Word in your life. Be aware of anachronisms in historical texts and consider their reliability.Understand the genre of biblical passages and interpret them accordingly.Avoid isolating verses and proof-texting to prevent misinterpretation.Recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the meaning of Scripture.Chapters:00:00 Introduction: How to Read the Bible03:00 The Importance of Having a Plan08:11 Choosing a Starting Point14:21 Using the SOAP Method19:08 Understanding Context and History25:17 Using Bible Commentaries30:18 The CARA Method of Interpretation39:55 Pitfall #1: Innovation41:56 Pitfall #2: Information Alone43:24 Pitfall #3: Anachronism46:00 Anachronisms in Historical Texts46:55 Ignoring the Genre50:01 Isolating Verses53:57 The Role of the Holy Spirit--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Full Outline:Joshua 1:8 (NLT) Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.When you read the Bible, the starting point is to approach it thoughtfully and prayerfully - regardless of what methods or tools you use. Meditate on it. Saturate yourself with it, as Joshua says: “day and night.” Then put what you read into practice to “obey everything written in it.” With that attitude in place, let’s look at four pieces of advice to get started reading your Bible.Have a Plan.A lot of Christians struggle with reading the Bible because they don’t have a plan. They open it up and randomly pick a passage to read. Then they do that again another day. So whatever they read is always out of context. They’re not really sure what they’re reading. Of course, God can work through that, but most readers will find that approach frustrating over time. A better plan is to pick a book of the Bible to read. If you haven’t read the Bible ever, or in a long time, a good place to start is the book of John, in the New Testament. This is one of the gospels. It tells us about the life of Jesus. You will see his teaching and his miracles, and you will understand his mission. That makes John a great place to start. If you’ve read John recently, you could go to one of the epistles, which are written for Christians. Or in the Old Testament, you could begin with Genesis. You don’t have to read the Bible from beginning to end. That’s not the most important approach. In fact, it can be a struggle for many people to read the Bible from cover to cover. So try picking one book, reading it, then picking another book, to eventually work your way through the Bible.Part of your plan will be to decide how much you intend to read in a day, or in a week. One chapter a day, ten chapters a week, whatever you decide. Whatever you choose to do, hold onto your plan loosely. As you experience reading the Bible, you might need to adjust your plan to read more or to read less every day. It’s not a failure to scale back a plan that is too much for you. The point is just to keep reading at whatever level you can. But if you don’t have a plan, you probably won’t ever get around to really reading the Bible.Many great Bible reading plans can be found on the YouVersion app (Bible.com), which you can read along with others. But when you use a reading plan, don’t just read to check off a box or complete the assignment. Don’t rush through so that you get nothing out of it. Don’t feel guilty or ashamed if you fall behind. Having a plan should be an encouragement and guide. The goal is to grow in your relationship with God, not to complete some specific plan.Go SlowlyYou’re not trying to speed through the Bible, like a novel, to find out how things work out in the end. It’s not like reading a newspaper or magazine just to catch up on the facts. Instead, the point in reading is to listen to God and follow what he has to say, and to interact with the Holy Spirit as he speaks to you in your reading. So go slowly. Take your time. If you don’t finish the chapter in the time allotted, that’s okay. Just pick up next time where you left off. Because you want to be thoughtful and prayerful. Remember Joshua 1:8. It said to meditate on God’s words. But it’s hard to meditate if you're in too much of a hurry, trying to count how many pages you read. It’s better to reflect on what you’re reading.This relates to another aspect of making a plan. Pick a time and place that will help you listen, meditate, and not get distracted or be in a hurry. What time in your day is most likely to allow you to slow down? What space can you go to that will allow you to think and pray?If you don’t understand something you read, stop, go back, and read it again. Spend time thinking about what you’re reading, and asking God for help. It’s okay to use Bible study tools to help you figure out what you’re reading, and to answer some of those questions. But reading about the Bible is never a substitute for reading the Bible itself. Go to other sources when you need to, but most of your time should be spent in the text of the Bible itself, because that’s where God speaks.Be InteractiveMany Christians struggle with reading the Bible because they’re not sure how to apply it to their lives. It doesn’t jump off the page to them. This is why, when you read the Bible, ask questions about what you’re reading. You probably won’t understand everything you’re reading. You will have questions: “Why did God say that? Why did God allow this to happen to his people? What was God’s point in these verses?” Write those questions down. You’ll probably find many of the answers emerge as you read more of the Bible.One way to be interactive with the Bible is to take notes while you read. If you have insights or comments, write them down. If you don’t write those insights down, you will likely forget them. That will be frustrating! You might have prayer requests that come to mind as you read the Bible. That’s great! Again, write them down.Then, when you get to the end of the chapter or complete your reading for the day, ask yourself this: “How do I apply this to my life?” We don’t want you to have just a lot of trivia in your head. Just learning some Bible facts is not enough. What brings transformation is to apply God’s word to your life. Along those lines, ask: “Is there a command here I need to obey? Is there a promise here that I need to grab hold of? Is there something I need to grapple with that will change my thinking or my behavior?” The point is: apply the Bible to your life. As you do that, you’re going to see the Bible come alive. Many Christians have come up with methods that help you ask questions, write down insights, and apply what you read. Some use a form that they fill out every day. Others use a format that guides them through the process. One simple example is the pattern S-O-A-P. This is very popular because it provides a plan for how to read the section you have decided to read for that day.Scripture. This is simple. Just read the passage you’ve chosen. Observation. Ask questions about what the passage is saying. What do you actually observe in the text? List your observations. This step helps you draw out the meaning of the passage, and avoid fanciful conclusions.Application. Make it personal and put it into practice. How does this apply to my life today?Prayer. Talk to God about what you’ve been reading and observing.Dig A Little DeeperAs you develop some experience in Bible reading, you might want to learn how to go a bit deeper into understanding what the Bible is saying. Start with the steps above. But at some point, try your hand at a more serious process of interpretation. Here is a pattern of study suggested by the Chara Project:Context: How does what I’m reading fit with the rest of the Bible, starting with the larger chapter, the whole book, the totality of what this particular author has written, and finally, with the entire Bible?History: What was the message to the original audience? How would they have heard it? What is the particular setting (both local conditions and larger historical events) that would help you determine that? Author: Who wrote the book? What do you know about him? What is the author’s overall purpose in this book, and how does this verse or passage fit in that?Research: What trustworthy study notes or commentaries can I turn to in order to dig into the original meaning? Do they bring a bias into their work that you should recognize? Only consult others after you have done the first three steps to the best of your ability. Apply: As I now understand what the Bible means, how can I put its principles into practice? This is where every Bible reading session should end, whether you are simply reading or are studying in greater depth.Five Pitfalls to AvoidAs you seek to interpret what the Bible is saying, here are some ways Bible study can go wrong. A few pitfalls to avoid…Innovation. The goal of sound Bible study is not to come up with ideas no one has ever thought of before. This is how cults get started. You want to discover the eternal truths of the Bible, then ask how they uniquely apply to your life.Information Alone. The reason we read the Bible is not just to know more facts. You can study the Bible, and master the most obscure ideas in it, but never put anything into practice in your life. Anachronism. This happens when we read modern ideas into the ancient text. For example, you can read modern legal concepts into biblical laws, or find contemporary political ideals long before anyone ever thought of them.Romans 16:16 (NLT) Greet each other with a sacred kiss.It would be a mistake to read the modern meaning of kissing back into the first century, where the sacred kiss reflects the warmth and welcome of the faith community.Ignoring Genre. Many people misinterpret the Bible because they don’t recognize how a given genre is meant to be read. For example, Proverbs give general principles of life, but are not universally true in every situation. Jesus used parables to explore his kingdom, but the details of parables should not determine our doctrine.Isolating Verses. It’s easy to cherry-pick isolated verses, and make conclusions about what you read, while disregarding the surrounding passages or the overall message of the book. Philippians 4:13 (NLT) I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Paul is talking about contentment in a variety of life situations, when he has plenty and when he doesn’t have much. Isolated, this verse might be misused to justify any personal desire or goal.The TakeawayYour Bible reading doesn’t have to be dry. It can be life-changing. So go get started! The most important step you can take is not listening to us talk about this topic. What matters is to read God’s word for yourself. Do it with a friend, with your spouse, with your children, with a mentor or a small group. But make a plan and put it into practice. Adjust the plan as you get more experienced. Add more elements as you get more comfortable. But always be sure to apply what you are discovering to your life! Then see what God will do in and through you.

Today we’ll talk about how to overcome your shameful past to experience the freedom we can have in Christ. We’ll look at David’s example in the story of Bathsheba and Uriah. 2 Samuel 11:1-4--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Intro: We’re talking about resilience:Resilience is harnessing difficult emotions to build your faith.Today’s difficult emotion: Shame (guilt, condemnation)Defining ShameI know what you’re thinking: shame is always bad, never good  But not so fast! Think of shamelessness: “The world delights in bold sinners who flout God's Word and expect no punishment whatsoever. Our culture celebrates the skillful cold-blooded assassin, bold thief, self-righteous vigilante, foul-mouthed recording artist, creative rebel, blasphemous stand-up comedian, naked actress, fornicating "glamour couple," self-worshiping athlete, occultic mystic, and the like. Perhaps the clearest example in our day has been the movement of homosexuality from something almost universally seen as shameful to something that ought to be delighted in. The gay rights movement is seeking not merely tolerance of what God calls sinful, but society-wide celebration.” - Ligonier “Our Shameless World”Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT ”It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.“ ‭‭‬‬Romans 1:24 (NLT) So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies.Romans 1:27 (NLT) And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.Romans 1:32 (NLT) They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.So we see the progression: sinning with a sense of shame → sinning without a sense of shame → encouraging others to do itDoes this not describe today’s culture!?Shame (Oxford): a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.Can you see how this can be bad… or good?Bad: Shamelessness, one end of the spectrumThis is where the enemy wants you; what sin?Google doesn’t even know the word! (dictating sermons)Also bad: Shamefulness is on the other end, stuck in itThis is just as helpful for the enemySelf-loathing, depression, anxiety, etc.Can’t handle the guilt, so eventually you stop pursuingThis is NOT resilientFor many, eventually leads to shamelessnessOr you try to deal with the burden on our own:So you try to “work off” your shame by being a better person. You try to take by force what you can only obtain by grace. Or you medicate your shameWow! How could shame ever be GOOD? Answer: When shame leads us to Christ (the answer is not on the shame spectrum; it’s a whole new level, dimension)Romans 7:24-25 (NLT) Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 8:1 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.Difference between conviction and condemnationWe’ll get to this at the end, but first an exampleHow David handled shame2 Samuel 11:1 (NLT) In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.Tell the rest of the story:He sends for her, finds out she is Uriah’s wife, sleeps with herShe gets pregnantHow shameful: he was supposed to be at war with his men!Now he gets one of their wives pregnantBut it gets worse:He sends for Uriah, tries to get him to sleep with herHe’s trying to cover up his sin; never worksUriah is too honorable, won’t enjoy his wife while his homies are fighting it out on the battlefield (ouch)So David gets even deeper into shame: sends Uriah to his death on the frontlinesSTOP: Is there any hope for this guy?Goes from bad to worseSome of you might be thinking that; Paul was there: “what a miserable person I am”But God sent a gift in the form of a truth-teller. This is so powerful, it’s worth reading the whole text:2 Samuel 12:1-7 (NLT) So the LORD sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story: “There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor. The rich man owned a great many sheep and cattle. The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up with his children. It ate from the man’s own plate and drank from his cup. He cuddled it in his arms like a baby daughter. One day a guest arrived at the home of the rich man. But instead of killing an animal from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man’s lamb and killed it and prepared it for his guest.”David was furious. “As surely as the LORD lives,” he vowed, “any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity.”Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man!STOP: How would YOU handle this?This might be you right now, feeling conviction for your sinCondemnation is different, would give you no chanceBut God wants to give second chancesThe key is how you respond to a truth-teller2 Samuel 12:13-14 (NLT) Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD by doing this, your child will die.”Can’t always escape consequences of sinCan escape lifelong feelings of shamefulness. David’s example:He fasts and prays all weekThe baby dies, and he lets it go2 Samuel 12:20 (NLT) Then David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. He went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the LORD. After that, he returned to the palace and was served food and ate.God blesses him with another son, SolomonName means “God is his peace”This is the lesson David learned in the TabernacleShamelessPsalms 51:1-4 (NLT) 1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.Psalms 51:9-10 (NLT) Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.Jesus was shamed at the cross, though he did nothing wrongRomans 10:11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”Romans 8:1 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.Difference between conviction and condemnationCondemnation: Satan leverages your shame to push you away from GodConviction: Holy Spirit harnesses your shame to point you to the cross

The Bible is composed of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. It's not organized by date, but rather by genre - like a library.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --How is the Bible laid out? What’s in the table of contents? This one book has a lot of smaller books in it, so it can seem confusing - until you understand the structure of the Bible.The Bible Is Divided into the Old Testament and New Testament.The Old Testament is called “old” not because it is obsolete, but because it came first, over the span of around 1,000 years. Another way to refer to it is the Hebrew Bible. It’s what the Jews had. This is the Bible that Jesus and his first followers used. There’s much we can learn from the Old Testament. We hope you will make that part of the Bible a part of your regular reading. We also have the New Testament. The New Testament was written over the span of about a generation. It started being written shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s a collection of books written to churches and to individual Christians. Over time these writings began to be collected together by the churches, to create what we call the New Testament. By the 300’s, the New Testament was affirmed by the Christian church as a whole. A large majority of the Bible’s books were recognized far before that. These two parts of the Bible come together to tell us God’s story for today.Think about the relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament. The New Testament builds on and elaborates the themes of the Old Testament.The New Testament builds on Old Testament themes like creation, sin, salvation, the Day of the Lord. It gives further insight on these matters, but doesn’t negate the Old Testament meaning.The New Testament authors are familiar with and well-versed in Old Testament text.For example, Matthew’s gospel makes many references to Old Testament practices and quotes many Old Testament prophecies. Paul, in Romans 4, assumes that his readers understand the story of Abraham and his relationship with God. He uses this story to underscore that a right relationship with God is based on faith, not on performance.The Old Testament does not stand alone, because the themes it introduces are fulfilled in the person of Jesus.The New Testament connects the dots between the Old Testament and the person of Jesus. For example, Hebrews explains how Jesus fulfills the Old Covenant and its sacrificial system.Matthew 5:17-19 (NLT) “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”What about other writings that don’t fit into the Old Testament and New Testament, like the Apocrypha? Or the so-called “lost gospels”? The question of which books belong in the Bible is the question of “canonicity”. The word “canon” means a rule or standard. Which books meet the standard to be included as Scripture? Several criteria were developed in the early church.Apostleship. Books written by the apostles were quickly recognized as authoritative. But Luke and Mark were not apostles. Those authors who were not apostles were eventually recognized as authoritative because they were part of the apostolic circle. Luke was a traveling companion of Paul. Mark was a protege of Peter.Universality. The writings in question reflect the unified view of the whole body of Christians, not just some fringe groups.Orthodoxy. The doctrines and values expressed are consistent with the rest of Scripture.Antiquity. The book originates in biblical times, and was not composed long afterward.Divine effect. The message of the book has life-changing power in people’s experience.The so-called “lost gospels” fail to meet the tests of canonical authority, mainly the test of apostolic authorship. But they also fail the tests of antiquity, universality and orthodoxy. The test of “divine effect” can be subjective. Latter-day Saints would argue that the Book of Mormon has life-changing power in people’s experience. But it fails all of the other tests of canonicity.We bring this up to underscore that Scripture is composed of the Old Testament and the New Testament.The Bible Is Organized by Genre“Genre” refers to the type of literature that is contained in each book of the Bible. The idea of genre is not limited to the Bible, but relates to literature in every language. English language genres include fiction, biography, essay, poetry, drama, and many more sub-genres. The point is that you don’t read an essay the same way you read a poem - or a personal letter, or an anime story.As you open the table of contents of your Bible, you can see how it is organized by genre. For example, consider the Old Testament first: Law: Genesis – Deuteronomy. These five books reflect the genre we call the Law. These aren’t only books of law. But they contained the way God wanted his people to live: the commands he gave them, how they were to worship, how they were to live their lives, how they were to interact with the surrounding nations. (Any given book of the Bible may reflect more than one genre, but usually one particular genre is prominent.)History: Joshua – Esther. Twelve books that tell us the history of Israel. How they entered into the Promised Land, set up their kingdom, how that kingdom became divided, how the people were taken off into exile, and eventually brought back to their homeland. This isn’t just dry history, but history interpreted through the eyes of God. Shows God’s activity in human affairs, so it is history applicable to us today.Poetry: Job – Song of Solomon (Song of Songs). Five books that are poems, by and large. Hebrew poetry is different from our English language poetry. Characterized, not by rhyming, but by parallelism. As poetry, they need to be read differently than history or law. Use smaller amounts of words to convey deep meaning and powerful ideas. Major Prophets: Isaiah – Daniel. Five books. Major prophets these books tend to be longer. These prophets were alive during the times described in the books of history. They were telling the people what God was doing in their day, and what God was going to do in the future. Minor Prophets: Hosea – Malachi. Twelve books. Called “minor” not because they are unimportant, but because they are smaller. With the same purpose and intent of the major prophets. Tell God’s people how to understand the events of the day, and what God was going to do in the future.Moving to the New Testament, we have some different genres.Gospels: Matthew – John. Four books. Four different accounts about the life of Jesus. Followers of Jesus, or people close to the apostles, who did a lot of research, talked to eyewitnesses, to describe Jesus’ words and actions.History of the Church: Acts. Sort of a book of history, but very focused. Deals with the spread of the Christian church, starting with just a few Christians in Jerusalem, but tracking the spread of Christianity throughout the entire Roman Empire. Epistles: Romans – Jude. Eight books. An “epistle” is a letter. These are letters written to Christians or to churches, usually from the apostles. They talk about the struggles Christians face. There are commands for today. A lot of material for us to think about and apply to our lives, in these books.Apocalypse: Revelation. Revelation has its own genre (apocalyptic literature). It’s a mix of prophecy and eschatology, full of symbols. Talking about the return of Jesus, the end of the world, and how God wants us to live until that time comes. A powerful picture of God’s vision for the end of the world and for the beginning of the rest of eternity. Those are the genres of the Bible. It’s important to understand something about these genres. You don’t have to be an expert. But it does help to have a basic sense of what genres are about.A Book’s Genre Guides the Way You Read It.It’s helpful to know a book’s genre as you read it, in order to make sense of what you read. We will apply any book of the Bible differently based on its genre. For example, you should understand something about the poetry of Psalms before you can apply it to your life. Think through: what are the images and metaphors? What are they trying to teach me?Psalm 1:3 – [Speaking of the righteous]: They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.As poetry, Psalm 1 talks about what a life pursuing God is like. Yet it doesn’t talk about specific aspects of that life, but uses a rich, familiar image to paint that picture.When you read the book of Proverbs, genre helps you understand that Proverbs are simple sayings or aphorisms that are generally true, but they aren’t universal or guaranteed promises from God.Proverbs 12:21 – No harm comes to the godly. But the wicked have their fill of trouble.Godly people don’t live a trouble-free life. We all know Christians who have lost loved ones, been laid off, and more. But generally, it is true that people who don’t follow God create trouble for themselves by their life choices. So this contrast between the godly and wicked plays out more often than not.Yet when you read the epistles, you’ll discover that these are written to Christians much like us. Many of the commands written in those books apply directly to us and need very little alteration. Romans 12:10-11 – Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.These instructions are true for all Christ-followers, whether living in the 1st or 21st century, whether living in Rome or the United States.The TakeawaySo it’s helpful to read the books of the Bible by understanding their genre. There is plenty more to learn about this. But we want to give you an overview of the structure and genres of the Bible, so that as you read God’s word, you can have a better sense of what you’re reading, as you apply it to your life.You don’t have to be an expert in genre or literature. As you read your Bible with this topic in mind, you will quickly discern how the genres you encounter are different, and you will develop a greater level of understanding. The point is: get reading!

The Bible has been around for thousands of years, carefully translated and maintained for the benefit of people today. But where did we get it, and how do we know it's trustworthy?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --The Bible doesn’t have to be intimidating. We encourage you to read the Bible for yourself and put it into practice. That’s why we’re doing this series. The first question that arises is: where did the Bible come from?The Bible Is Inspired by the Holy SpiritThe Bible is not just a book some religious or philosophical-type humans put together. It comes from God himself.2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.“Inspired by God” means “God-breathed.” So when you read the Bible, you are reading the Word of God. God is there with you when you read. You will encounter God in the Bible. For example, 2 Timothy tells us some of the ways God speaks to us in the Bible: he teaches us what is true; he opens our eyes to what is wrong in our lives; he corrects us when we are wrong; and he teaches us to not simply know the truth, but to do what is right. Jesus himself attested that the Bible is inspired by God. Mark 12:36 (NLT) “For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said…”Jesus then quoted Psalm 110. He believed that when David wrote that Psalm, he spoke under the Spirit’s inspiration. Note what Jesus told Satan:Matthew 4:4 (NLT) “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” His actions explain what he meant, because that very statement was a quote from Deuteronomy 8:3, and he quoted the Bible two more times to resist Satan’s temptations.These passages lead us to hold a view called “verbal plenary inspiration”, which means that divine inspiration extends to the very words themselves, and to all parts of the Bible and all subject matters on which the Bible speaks. Thus the Bible (when interpreted according to the intended sense of the author) speaks truly and reliably in all that it affirms. It never leads us astray.Not only did the Holy Spirit inspire the Bible, the Holy Spirit also illuminates the Bible. He enlightens our hearts and minds as we read it. The Bible Was Written by Numerous Human AuthorsWhile it is the Word of God, it is also the words of human authors. The two are not mutually exclusive. God spoke through human authors, through their unique personalities, experiences, language, culture and time.The Bible is a product of divine authorship AND human authorship. Inspiration does not equal some kind of dictation. Authors were not like copyists or transcribers, writing down the words of someone dictating a letter. The Bible authors spoke in their own language and style, using their own words and thoughts, in response to specific situations they were dealing with. Inspiration means that the Holy Spirit superintended the process so that the very words written were exactly what the Spirit intended. They are both the words of the human author AND the words of God himself.2 Peter 1:20-21 (NLT)  Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.This is why we can trust the Bible. It is not just the thoughts of humans, but God speaking to us, through the human authors.1 Corinthians 2:13 (NLT) When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.Consider that the Bible was written by over 40 authors, over a period of 2000 years. They lived in different cultures, in different time periods, and spoke different languages. Yet in spite of this diversity, the Bible tells one unified story: about God, humanity, God’s people, our sin, redemption. How did they write with so much unity over so long a time? Because the Bible comes from God himself. That’s why we can trust it. It’s not just thoughts of humans, but God speaking to us.The Bible Is Translated into Our LanguageThe Bible comes to us through translation. It was not originally written in English, but in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Bible has been translated into many languages throughout the world, and continues to be. Many translations are available today that are clear, readable, understandable, and true to the original. We don’t believe that translations are inspired by God. Only the originals are without error, as spoken by God himself through the human author. But even though the original manuscripts are no longer available, God has preserved the biblical text to a remarkable level. We can trust the Bibles we read today. Since we don’t have the original writings of any Bible author, are our Bibles today reliable? It’s important to understand that the transmission of the Bible to us is trustworthy. Scribes who copied the Bible were scrupulous to follow careful disciplines. We have thousands of copies of the New Testament to compare. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the 1940’s showed that over hundreds of years, coping of the Bible was remarkably reliable.So this large collection of existing manuscripts shows us what the original must have been. When translators draw on the witness of these existing manuscripts, it creates confidence that the Bible translations we have, have not been tampered with.English language translations follow two approaches: formal equivalence (word for word) and dynamic equivalence (thought for thought). Word for word translations often fail to capture the meaning of idioms. If you translate an idiom word for word it completely loses its meaning. For example, Matthew 9:15 (NLT) says, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom?” The phrase “wedding guests” is literally: “sons of the wedding hall”. If this was translated word for word, the meaning of the original text would be obscured. Yet thought for thought translations can introduce more of the translator’s interpretation into the text. Interpretation is always a factor in the process of translation from one language to another, no matter which approach is preferred, because no two languages have exact correspondence of vocabulary or grammar. But the translator’s goal is to minimize the interpretations added in the process.  The TakeawayGod has gone to a great effort to get the Bible in your hands. Copyists and translators worked hard to attain accuracy. People have even given up their lives to give us our Bibles today. The Bible you have came at a heavy price. God thought that price was worth it, because the words of the Bible are so powerful. So where did the Bible come from? Came from God. When you read the Bible, you are encountering God himself.

Today’s episode introduces the series, Bible Basics for LDS Investigators. Learn about how Mormons view the Bible, the difference between an open and closed canon, and the importance of studying the Bible. Bo and KD share their personal experiences of transitioning from Mormonism to biblical Christianity and the challenges they faced in understanding the Bible. The episode concludes with a preview of the topics that will be covered in the upcoming episodes, including the structure of the Bible and common misinterpretations of scripture in Mormonism.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

In this episode, Bryan and John discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict from a theological perspective. They explore the concepts of dispensationalism and covenant theology and how they shape the understanding of the conflict. They dive into the promises made to Israel in Genesis 12 and the conditions attached to those promises. They emphasize the importance of praying for both Israel and the Palestinians, and the need for all people, including Jews, to accept Jesus as their Savior. The episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the conflict's history and current situation in the next episode.Takeaways:Understanding the Israel-Hamas conflict requires a theological perspective.Dispensationalism emphasizes a unique plan for Israel and sees the promises made to Israel in the Bible as literal and still applicable.Covenant theology views God's relationship with humanity through covenants and emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.Believing in Jesus is essential for salvation, and Christians should pray for the salvation of all people involved in the conflict.Praying for peace and the spread of the gospel in the region is crucial for Christians.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Purpose01:01 Understanding the Israel-Hamas Conflict Theologically04:24 Dispensationalism: A Unique Plan for Israel06:23 Genesis 12: The Promised Land and Dispensationalism19:53 Covenant Theology: God's Relationship with Humanity27:37 The Importance of Believing in Jesus for Salvation29:44 Praying for Israel and the Palestinians41:23 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --The dispensational view is a theological framework that divides history into distinct periods, or "dispensations," during which God interacts with humanity in different ways. In the context of Israel, dispensationalism often emphasizes a unique plan for the nation of Israel separate from the Church. It suggests that God has distinct purposes for Israel and the Church and that these purposes unfold in different dispensations.According to dispensationalism, God made specific promises to Israel in the Old Testament, such as land promises, which are yet to be fulfilled. Proponents believe in a future period (often associated with a literal interpretation of certain biblical prophecies) where God will fulfill these promises to Israel. This perspective contrasts with covenant theology, which sees a more unified and spiritual continuity between Israel and the Church.Dispensationalists often highlight key biblical passages to support their views. Some foundational elements include:1. **Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3):** Dispensationalists emphasize God's promises to Abraham, particularly the land promise, suggesting a future fulfillment for Israel.2. **Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16):** The covenant with David is seen as a promise of an eternal kingdom, often interpreted as a future millennial reign of Christ on Earth.3. **New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34):** While associated with the Church in most theological perspectives, dispensationalists may distinguish between the New Covenant's application to Israel and the Church, emphasizing a distinct future role for Israel.4. **Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25):** Jesus' teachings on the end times, including signs and events, are frequently referenced to support dispensational views about a future tribulation period and Christ's return.5. **Revelation (especially chapters 4-22):** Dispensationalists often interpret the events described in the book of Revelation, including the tribulation and millennial kingdom, as literal future events.These scriptures, among others, are central to the dispensationalist understanding of God's plan for Israel and the Church, with a focus on a future restoration and fulfillment of God's promises to the nation of Israel. It's important to note that interpretations can vary, and not all Christians agree on the specifics of dispensationalism.Key Figures in DispensationalismThe dispensational view has its roots in the teachings of John Nelson Darby (1800–1882), an Irish Anglican clergyman who later became a prominent figure among the Plymouth Brethren, a Christian movement emphasizing the authority of the Bible and the imminent return of Christ. Darby developed and popularized dispensationalism during the 19th century.Key features of Darby's dispensationalism include the division of history into distinct dispensations, each characterized by specific divine principles and responsibilities. Darby's ideas gained momentum in the United States through the influence of the Scofield Reference Bible, first published in 1909 by Cyrus I. Scofield. The Scofield Bible included notes and commentary aligning with dispensationalist theology, making these ideas accessible to a broader audience.Another influential figure in the development of dispensationalism was Lewis Sperry Chafer (1871–1952), who founded Dallas Theological Seminary in 1924. The seminary became a major hub for dispensational teaching and contributed to the spread of this theological framework.J. Dwight Pentecost (1915–2014) and Charles C. Ryrie (1925–2016) were notable dispensationalist scholars who also taught at Dallas Theological Seminary and furthered the development of dispensational theology through their writings and teachings.Dispensationalism gained significant popularity in certain evangelical circles in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it became associated with certain strains of fundamentalism. However, it's essential to note that dispensationalism has evolved, and there are variations within this theological framework.While Darby and Scofield were pivotal in shaping dispensationalism, its ideas have continued to develop and be refined by various scholars over the years. Today, there are different forms of dispensationalism, ranging from classical dispensationalism to progressive dispensationalism, each with its nuanced perspectives on the end times and the role of Israel in God's plan.Covenant TheologyCovenant theology is a theological framework that views God's relationship with humanity through covenants, emphasizing continuity between the Old and New Testaments. Unlike dispensationalism, covenant theology sees a unified plan of redemption for both Israel and the Church. Here are key points and associated scripture references:1. **Covenant of Works:** Covenant theologians often point to the idea of a covenant made with Adam in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15-17). This covenant represents God's expectations for obedience and the consequences of disobedience.2. **Covenant of Grace:** This central covenant, according to covenant theology, is established after the fall, promising salvation through faith in Christ. Key passages include Genesis 3:15 (the promise of a seed), Jeremiah 31:31-34 (the promise of a new covenant), and Galatians 3:16 (linking the covenant to Christ).3. **Abrahamic Covenant:** While dispensationalists focus on the land promise, covenant theologians emphasize the spiritual aspects of the Abrahamic Covenant. Galatians 3:7-9 and Romans 4:13 highlight the idea that Abraham is the father of all who have faith.4. **Davidic Covenant:** Covenant theologians view the Davidic Covenant as finding its fulfillment in Christ, the ultimate King of David's lineage. This is referenced in passages like Acts 2:29-36 and Revelation 22:16.5. **New Covenant:** Unlike the dispensationalist view, covenant theologians see the New Covenant as applying to both Jews and Gentiles within the unified body of Christ, the Church. Key passages include Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:6-13.In covenant theology, the emphasis is on the overarching theme of God's redemptive plan woven throughout history, with Christ as the focal point. The covenants are seen as different administrations of the one covenant of grace, leading to the salvation of God's people.Key contributors to covenant theologyCovenant theology has been shaped by the insights and contributions of various theologians throughout history. Here are some key contributors:1. **John Calvin (1509–1564):** Theologians often credit Calvin with laying the groundwork for covenant theology. While he did not develop a comprehensive covenant theology system, his theological ideas, especially those related to the covenant of grace, influenced later covenant theologians.2. **Herman Witsius (1636–1708):** A Dutch Reformed theologian, Witsius made significant contributions to the development of covenant theology. His work "The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man" is a notable systematic treatment of covenant theology.3. **Johannes Cocceius (1603–1669):** Cocceius, a Dutch theologian, played a crucial role in advancing covenant theology. He emphasized a historical-redemptive understanding of the Bible, viewing Scripture as presenting a series of covenants that progressively unfold God's plan of redemption.4. **Francis Turretin (1623–1687):** A Swiss-Italian Reformed theologian, Turretin contributed to the articulation of covenant theology in his systematic theology work "Institutes of Elenctic Theology." He explored various aspects of covenantal relationships between God and humanity.5. **Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758):** Edwards, an American theologian and preacher, integrated covenant theology into his writings and sermons. His emphasis on God's covenantal faithfulness and the centrality of Christ in the covenant aligns with covenant theology principles.6. **Geerhardus Vos (1862–1949):** A Dutch Reformed theologian who later became a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, Vos contributed significantly to biblical theology and covenant theology. His writings, including "Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments," explored the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through covenants.7. **Meredith G. Kline (1922–2007):** An influential Reformed theologian and Old Testament scholar, Kline made notable contributions to covenant theology. His work, particularly on the structure and significance of biblical covenants, has had a lasting impact on covenant theology discussions.These theologians, among others, have played crucial roles in shaping and advancing covenant theology, providing insights into the biblical understanding of God's covenants and their significance in the overall redemptive plan.What’s the difference?Theological views that often stand in contrast to dispensationalism include various forms of covenant theology. Covenant theology provides an alternative framework for understanding the relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing a unified plan of redemption throughout history. While there are variations within covenant theology, it generally differs from dispensationalism in the following ways:1. **Unified Covenant of Grace:** Covenant theology typically emphasizes a single, overarching covenant of grace that unfolds throughout both the Old and New Testaments. This perspective sees the various biblical covenants as different administrations of the same covenant rather than as separate dispensations.2. **Continuity between Israel and the Church:** Covenant theology often emphasizes the spiritual continuity between Israel and the Church. It sees the Church as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel rather than positing a future fulfillment for national Israel distinct from the Church.3. **Less Emphasis on Future Events:** While both dispensationalism and covenant theology are concerned with eschatology (the study of end times), covenant theology may place less emphasis on a specific future period such as a seven-year tribulation or a literal millennial kingdom.4. **Different Interpretation of Prophecy:** Covenant theology tends to interpret Old Testament prophecies, especially those concerning Israel, more spiritually or allegorically. It may see the fulfillment of these prophecies in the Church rather than in a future, distinct period for national Israel.5. **Christ as the Center:** Covenant theology often places a strong emphasis on Christ as the central figure in God's plan of redemption. The covenants are seen as finding their fulfillment in Christ, the mediator of the covenant of grace.It's important to note that within covenant theology, there are various perspectives and nuances. Additionally, some theological traditions, such as New Covenant Theology, offer alternative perspectives that share common ground with aspects of both dispensationalism and covenant theology. The diversity of views reflects the richness and complexity of theological discussions within Christianity.Is this the same thing as reformed theology?No, while there are connections between them, Reformed theology and covenant theology are not identical, and one does not necessarily imply the other. Let's clarify their relationship:1. **Reformed Theology:**   - **Overview:** Reformed theology is a broader theological tradition rooted in the principles of the Protestant Reformation, particularly associated with the teachings of John Calvin. It encompasses a comprehensive system of Christian doctrine that extends beyond specific views on covenants.   - **Doctrinal Emphases:** Reformed theology emphasizes doctrines such as the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, the depravity of humanity, salvation by grace through faith, and the glory of God in all things.2. **Covenant Theology:**   - **Overview:** Covenant theology, on the other hand, is a specific theological framework for understanding the biblical narrative. It emphasizes the idea of covenants as central to God's relationship with humanity.   - **Doctrinal Emphases:** Covenant theology sees a unified plan of redemption through covenants, often highlighting a covenant of works with Adam, a covenant of grace throughout history, and specific biblical covenants as administrations of this overarching covenant.While many Reformed theologians adhere to covenant theology, not all Reformed Christians necessarily embrace it. Reformed theology is a broader umbrella that encompasses a diversity of perspectives on various theological issues, including different views on covenants. Some Reformed theologians may align more closely with a dispensational understanding of covenants or other theological frameworks.In summary, covenant theology is a specific approach to understanding God's relationship with humanity, and it has connections to Reformed theology, but the two terms are not synonymous. Reformed theology encompasses a broader set of doctrinal emphases beyond the specific framework of covenant theology.

Today is our last episode for 2023, and we’ll take a look at some of the topics coming up in 2024. Got a question you’d like us to cover in a future podcast? Want to share your story in 2024? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org. --The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

In this episode we discuss Lesson Five of Preach My Gospel, which focuses on laws and ordinances in Mormonism. We explore the concept of salvation in Mormonism and how it differs from the Christian understanding of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We also discuss the role of priesthood in Mormonism and the expectations and duties placed on priesthood holders. Finally, we touch on the significance of temples and family history in Mormonism. The conversation covers various topics related to Lesson 5 of the missionary manual. Takeaways:Mormonism teaches that salvation is earned through obedience to laws and ordinances, whereas Christianity teaches that salvation is a free gift received through faith in Jesus Christ.The concept of priesthood in Mormonism includes specific roles and responsibilities for men and women, with an emphasis on worthiness and service.Missionary work is a central focus in Mormonism, with the goal of sharing the Mormon faith and inviting others to join the Church.Eternal marriage is a key doctrine in Mormonism, with the belief that marriages performed in Mormon temples can last beyond death and into the eternities.Temples and family history play a significant role in Mormonism, with the belief that performing ordinances for deceased ancestors can bring blessings and ensure eternal family connections. The introduction of computers and the internet has made church records more accurate.Service and callings are important aspects of Mormonism, with callings being seen as coming directly from God.Enduring to the end in Mormonism involves staying on the covenant path and keeping commitments and covenants.As a Christian, the focus is on Jesus and His work, rather than personal works.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment00:36 Lesson Five: Laws and Ordinances06:39 Understanding Salvation in Mormonism12:56 The Concept of Priesthood in Mormonism19:09 Worthiness and Duties of Priesthood Holders23:12 Missionary Work in Mormonism28:03 Eternal Marriage in Mormonism40:21 Temples and Family History44:01 Accuracy of Church Records45:00 Updating Church Databases46:41 Service and Callings49:01 Enduring to the End53:29 Closing the Lesson--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

Christmas brings to mind the theme of peace, but ironically it’s one of the most stressful times of year! In today’s lesson we’ll explore the concept of peace (“Shalom” in Hebrew) and where it comes from in the Bible. --The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Christmas brings to mind the theme of peace, but ironically it’s one of the most stressful times of year! We’re supposed to have peace at Christmas time… but then we have to hang out with the inlaws?!Early days of marriage, flying home for christmas, kids, presents, families, etcIn today’s lesson we’ll explore the concept of peace (“Shalom” in Hebrew) and where it comes from in the Bible. We ended last time with Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT) For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.the first of Isaiah’s 25 references to peace!Context for Judah in Isaiah’s dayO.T. Peace was always about war ceasing and enemies being defeated.Enemies attacking from NorthKing Ahaz wanted to form an alliance with pagan nations; God said to trust him, he would give a signOriginal meaning of Shalom - is much bigger than absence of conflict, wars ceasing. It means to make things whole, complete. To restore, heal what’s broken.Life is complex and stressful; shalom is God’s antidote to that. Peace is not just the absence of conflict. It’s the presence of wholeness.Trans: Today I want to talk about three types of “Shalom”Peace with GodPeace with God is the starting point for wholeness in every other area of our lives. This kind of “shalom” happens in the spiritual realm: God makes peace with us through the person and work of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.Our natural state is NOT shalomWe are enemies with GodWe are children of wrathWe are broken, incompleteBack to Isaiah. We already looked at 9:6. Look at the next verse:Isaiah 9:7 (NLT) His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!(Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) This will all be accomplished by the zeal of the Lord Almighty. The coming of the millennial kingdom depends on God, not Israel. The Messiah will rule because God promised it and will zealously see that the kingdom comes. Without His sovereign intervention there would be no kingdom for Israel.(Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) Apparently Isaiah assumed that the messianic Child, Jesus Christ, would establish His reign in one Advent, that when the Child grew up He would rule in triumph. Like the other prophets, Isaiah was not aware of the great time gap between Messiah’s two Advents (cf. 1 Peter 1:10-12; and see comments on Isa. 61:1-2).The prophets knew God was up to something, but they didn’t know the details. Isaiah 53:2 (NLT) My servant grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.Isaiah 53:5 (NLT) But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.1 Peter 1:10-11 (NLT) This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.THAT is shalom.Gospel in terms of reconciliationMarriage exampleTrans: Peace with God opens the door to the second level of shalomPeace inside YOUWhen God forgives you, you’d be foolish not to forgive yourself. It starts with what Christ already did (peace w God)2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.But what’s our part now? Back to IsaiahIsaiah 26:3 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!In Hebrew, “perfect peace” = shalom shalom (wholeness)We’re all more familiar with imperfect peace(Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) The prophet wrote a song that will be sung by the redeemed when the Messiah will establish the millennial kingdom. Isaiah was picturing himself standing in the redeemed land with the remnant listening to the people express their thanks to and confidence in God.What are your thoughts fixed on?For me: mind running, ruminating all the time, hard time sleeping, quieting mindFor many: guilt, shameInner peace comes from fixing your thoughts on what God says instead of what guilt says.Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.When God forgives you, you’d be foolish not to forgive yourself. TRANS: When you get that right, you can move on to the third level of shalom:Peace with othersLife is complex and stressful; “shalom” is the antidote that God offers through his people. Why is it that Christians today are often seen as troublemakers?Proverbs 16:7 (NLT) When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NLT) For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”