Part 1 of our conversation about the book of Hosea covers chapters 1-3. These chapters serve as an introduction to all of the minor prophets and establish a recurring theme of Israel as playing the harlot against God and his covenant.

Resources Mentioned:

Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, The Minor Prophets - Hosea by J. Glen Taylor

We are jumping into the world of the Minor Prophets (The Twelve Prophets). This episode serves as a broad overview of Hebrew history, and a peer into the slow and steady decline of their Kings into the ways of the world.

Understanding the historical and social context of the time period is crucial for reading these humbling words.

We are landing the plane on the Letter to Ephesus. This conversation finishes Chapter 5 and moves through the rest of Chapter 6.

Paul gives the ancient listeners of Ephesus, and readers today, some encouragement in how we do family, church, marriage, and work.

Resources Used:

"Christ-Centered Exposition, Exalting Jesus In Ephesians" by Tony Merida

"Exploring Ephesians & Phillipians, An Expository Commentary" by John Phillips

Notes from The Bible Project's Ephesians Classroom taught by Tim Mackie

"The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer

This episode covers Chapter 5 verses 1-21. There is so much goodness in this chapter that our conversation ran long (plus a cameo by the one-and-only Lillian). Paul helps us see what it means to imitate God, to be changed from darkness to light, and what it means to love.

"Christ-Centered Exposition, Exalting Jesus In Ephesians" by Tony Merida

"Exploring Ephesians & Phillipians, An Expository Commentary" by John Phillips

Notes from The Bible Project's Ephesians Classroom taught by Tim Mackie

"The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer

Chapter 3 is all about the Mystery. But what mystery? It is a beautiful prayer by Paul-and maybe even a bit of a Gospel Rabbit Trail. This chapter really spoke to both of us, and we learned a ton about unity, how we should look and smell as Jesus Followers, and God's plan for interaction in this world. There is a ton packed into these 21 verses.

Resources Used:

"Christ-Centered Exposition, Exalting Jesus In Ephesians" by Tony Merida

"Exploring Ephesians & Phillipians, An Expository Commentary" by John Phillips

Notes from The Bible Project's Ephesians Classroom taught by Tim Mackie

"The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer

Chapter 2 is the Gospel. We think this chapter is so rich. Paul helps us answer the "why" and the "how" of the death, burial, and resurrection.

"Christ-Centered Exposition, Exalting Jesus In Ephesians" by Tony Merida

"Exploring Ephesians & Phillipians, An Expository Commentary" by John Phillips

Notes from The Bible Project's Ephesians Classroom taught by Tim Mackie

"The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer

We are diving into Chapter 1! We pray that this conversation will glorify God and help highlight the amazing Gospel message this letter is unveiling. There are some sticky subjects in this opening chapter that we try our best to handle with care.

Resources Used:

"Christ-Centered Exposition, Exalting Jesus In Ephesians" by Tony Merida

"Exploring Ephesians & Phillipians, An Expository Commentary" by John Phillips

Notes from The Bible Project's Ephesians Classroom taught by Tim Mackie

We are jumping into Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus. In this episode, we discuss the historical context of Ephesus and the person of Paul. This letter is a great encourager and reminder of the Gospel. We hope that you enjoy our conversations and follow us on this journey over the next 6 to 7 episodes.

Resources Used:

"Christ-Centered Exposition, Exalting Jesus In Ephesians" by Tony Merida

"Exploring Ephesians & Phillipians, An Expository Commentary" by John Phillips

Notes from The Bible Project's Ephesians Classroom taught by Tim Mackie