Discover a vision of hope and redemption that transcends time and culture. Join us as we journey through the night visions of Zechariah, focusing on the powerful, symbolic imagery that has captivated theologians for centuries. Broadcasting from Texarkana, Arkansas, we revisit the first three visions: a peaceful world, God's justice against oppressors, and an inclusive Jerusalem. Then, we turn our attention to Zechariah 3, where Joshua the high priest stands accused but ultimately finds hope and restoration.In this episode, we unravel the profound significance of Joshua's transformation from filthy garments symbolizing sin to clean clothes representing divine righteousness. This recurring biblical theme ties together priestly garments from Leviticus, Samuel’s linen ephod, and Isaiah's depiction of filthy rags, connecting seamlessly with New Testament references like Jesus' parable of the wedding garments and Paul's exhortation to "put on Christ." We also reflect on Revelation’s rich clothing imagery, emphasizing the white garments of the redeemed.Finally, we delve into the prophetic imagery of the "branch" from Isaiah, a symbol deeply embedded in Messianic prophecies. We highlight the connection between Zechariah's vision and the promise of a righteous priesthood, preparing for the coming Messiah. Drawing parallels to Jesus as the great high priest in the order of Melchizedek, we interpret Zechariah’s prophecies as a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. Join us as we explore these timeless visions and their relevance to our understanding of divine righteousness and ultimate salvation.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

Join us for a captivating journey in this episode of Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro as we blend humor with profound biblical insights. We kick things off with a lively discussion about game shows and musicals, leading to Ryan's fascinating experience at Buc-ee's in Alabama, a gas station like no other. This light-hearted banter sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the book of Zechariah, where we revisit themes of peace and God's mercy on Jerusalem from previous episodes.Listen in as we explore the symbolism of the four horns in Zechariah 1:18, representing political power and their significance in the books of Revelation and Daniel. We discuss the rich imagery of building and restoration in Zechariah, emphasizing the importance of constructing God's kingdom through spiritual means rather than worldly force. The metaphor of craftsmen overthrowing the horns of earthly power is examined, drawing parallels to the phrase "the pen is mightier than the sword" and highlighting the spiritual construction of God's kingdom.We also reflect on the invitation to God's city and all nations, examining the profound symbolism and theological implications of passages from Psalms, Zechariah, and Revelation. This includes a contrast between military might and divine protection, as well as the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. Wrapping up, we discuss the importance of celebrating God's work and maintaining focus on His mission, all while sharing some light-hearted musings and encouraging listeners to share the podcast with others.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

This episode kicks off with a lively discussion about Ryan's journey into learning Greek and our deep enthusiasm for exploring the Minor Prophets, particularly the book of Zechariah. We set the stage by highlighting Zechariah's unique position within the post-exilic period, the remarkable specificity of his dated prophecies, and his notable mentions in the book of Ezra. As we embark on this series, we'll draw insightful connections between Zechariah's visions and certain passages in the Gospel of John.Next, we trace the timeline from the Babylonian exile to the Persian conquest, focusing on significant events like Cyrus's decree and Zerubbabel's return to Judah. Our conversation uncovers the challenges faced by the returning exiles, from local opposition to political upheavals, and how these events set the historical context for Zechariah's prophecies. By examining the specific dates mentioned in Zechariah, we provide a richer understanding of his ministry and its impact on the restoration efforts in Jerusalem.We then explore Zechariah's early prophecies, starting with his initial prophecy in 520 BC and the night visions in 519 BC. These visions served to motivate the people to rebuild the temple despite political and social distractions, a theme we reflect upon in the context of modern challenges. From the symbolism of the myrtle trees and colored horses to the themes of divine jealousy and prophetic reassurance, we unpack the rich theological content in Zechariah's visions. We conclude with a discussion on the promise of prosperity and God's intimate relationship with His people, setting the stage for future episodes that promise more insightful theological exploration.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

Join us for an exploration of what it means to be a follower of Christ, using the Book of Jonah as our guide. We kick off the episode with some banter about the challenges of scheduling and planning our podcast topics, before diving into the heart of the discussion. Brian shares his insights on aligning our personal interests with those of God's Kingdom, and the importance of representing that Kingdom. We touch on the concept of "mission creep" and the need to stay focused on our primary mission, drawing connections to the Sermon on the Mount's directive to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness.As we unpack the narrative of Jonah, we challenge the common misconception that following Christ is solely about adhering to a set of moral rules. Instead, we emphasize the importance of aligning our hearts with God's purposes. The narrative style of Jonah within the collection of the minor prophets serves as a backdrop to our discussion, highlighting Jonah's mission to the city of Nineveh and the broader implications for how we define our faith. We delve into the historical and theological context of Jonah's story, exploring the period of Assyrian expansion and its impact on Israel.We also explore the transition from polytheism to monotheism among the sailors who witness Jonah's ordeal, and the moment when Jonah identifies his God as the Creator of heaven, earth, and sea. This episode also reflects on Jesus' reference to the "sign of Jonah" in the Gospels, drawing parallels between Jonah's story and Jesus' life, particularly focusing on themes of repentance and inclusion. Finally, we challenge our listeners to consider how we view and treat others, especially those who are different from us, using Jonah's story to prompt a check on our perspectives on compassion and forgiveness.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

Due to scheduling issues, Ryan and Brian couldn't get together to record a new episode this week's episode is a replay have the season 3 episode, Inconceivable: Faith. In this episode, Ryan and Brian explore the meaning of the word faith and why understanding that word is so important.Ryan and Brian will be back next week with fresh episode.

Ryan and Brian look at the story of Melchizedek in Genesis and his importance in the book of Hebrews.

Join us at the Bible Bistro as Ryan and Brian reconnect from Greenwood, Indiana, and embark on a discussion about the Great Commission and the essence of making disciples. We kick off with a catch-up, sharing a cooking tip involving potato nails, before shifting our focus to Matthew 28:18-20. Through exploring the nuances of English grammar versus Greek, we underscore the imperative nature of Jesus' command to make disciples, laying the foundation for an understanding of its central role in the Christian faith. Listen in as we break down the process of discipleship, emphasizing that making disciples is not just about evangelizing but involves a transformation into Christ-like character. Drawing from Dallas Willard's insights in "The Great Omission," we highlight the necessity of long-term commitment and the nature of discipleship, combining learning, apprenticeship, and spiritual formation. We illustrate these principles through the relationship between Paul and Timothy, emphasizing the relational and ongoing aspects of discipleship.Finally, we explore the essence of discipleship, distinguishing it from intellectual learning and focusing on teaching obedience and embodying Christ's character. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural references, we underscore the journey of guiding others toward a Christ-like way of life. The conversation also highlights the importance of internal formation, addressing doubts, and the goal of discipleship: continuing the work of Jesus by loving others as He loved us. Tune in for an exploration of what it means to make and be disciples in today's world.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

Join us at the Bible Bistro as we explore the intersection of Christianity and consumer culture through the lens of William Cavanaugh's book, "Being Consumed." In this episode, we discuss the ethical challenges of living in a consumer-driven society and the significance of the Eucharist, or the Lord's Supper. Drawing from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, we examine how the Eucharist serves as an act of thanksgiving and communion, binding us together as a faith community.Listen in as we reflect on the transition from a labor-based acquisition of goods to a consumer culture where money mediates our needs and desires. We touch on the disconnection between production and consumption, the abundance of goods, and its link to materialism and addiction. Through our conversation, we challenge the false dichotomy between the material and the spiritual, considering the phenomenon of hoarding and the proliferation of storage units as indicators of excess consumerism.Finally, we explore the isolating effects of online shopping and the nostalgic connection to physical activities as a counter to modern consumerism. Referencing Augustine and C.S. Lewis, we discuss the concept of a God-shaped hole and how addiction stems from attempting to fill this void. Reflecting on Philippians 4, we emphasize Paul's teachings on contentment and true fulfillment through a relationship with God. Our conversation culminates in a discussion on the communal aspect of communion, urging us to honor our interconnectedness as the body of Christ and to find unity in our shared faith and purpose.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

Ever wondered what it means to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? Join us in this episode of Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro, where we start with some banter about our summer escapades and the quirks of our podcast routine. Brian then introduces a passage from Philippians 2:12-13 that he recently preached on, sparking a conversation about its theological significance and how it challenges common views in North American Christianity. An anecdote about a guest’s reaction to Brian's sermon sets the stage for a richer exploration of understanding original biblical languages using tools like Blue Letter Bible. We then switch gears to examine the distinction between singular and plural pronouns in biblical texts, focusing on Philippians 2:12-13. By studying the original Greek text, we highlight how the passage addresses the entire church community rather than individuals, countering the individualistic interpretations common in modern readings. The discussion ventures into the evolution of the English language, from "thou" and "ye" to the modern "you," and even touches on regional dialects like "y'all" to show contemporary ways of distinguishing between singular and plural pronouns. We clarify that "fear and trembling" represents a respect for God's work, not a fear of losing salvation. Finally, we explore the broader implications of these linguistic nuances on our collective spiritual journey. By analyzing passages like Philippians 1:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 3, we emphasize the importance of community discernment and collective growth in faith, highlighting the metaphor of believers as individual stones building a spiritual house. Our conversation extends to practical teaching strategies for 1 Corinthians, focusing on Paul's emphasis on unity within the body of Christ, and reflecting on how this communal emphasis should shape our worship practices. Join us and enrich your understanding of how unity and community are foundational to the Christian faith.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

Is our modern, disenchanted world making us blind to the spiritual realms depicted in scripture? On this episode of Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro, we discuss how the vivid imagery of Revelation contrasts sharply with today's secular perspectives. We also discuss Ryan Burge's latest survey data suggesting the rise of the religiously unaffiliated may be stabilizing, and what this trend might mean for the future of religious affiliation in America.How do we reconcile the spiritual claims of scripture with our modern, often secular worldview? We discuss the challenge of embracing passages like James 5:13-15 on prayer and healing in an age where medical interventions often take precedence over divine healing. From prayer and eucharist to baptism, we explore how these core practices are meant to bridge the spiritual and physical realms, and examine how contemporary interpretations of demons and spiritual warfare have evolved, reflecting our increasingly secular mindset.Inspired by Nijay Gupta's "Strange Religion," we dive into the transformative communion early Christians had with God, a stark contrast to pagan practices of the time. We share personal anecdotes on the importance of mystical experiences in nurturing our spiritual lives and emphasize the need to reconnect with spiritual disciplines. We also highlight the rich traditions of Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Orthodoxy, discussing how they foster a deeper sense of belonging and faith, preparing us for transcendent encounters with God. Join us as we explore these profound themes and rediscover the enchantment of spirituality in a secular world.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.