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In a dramatic shift in tactics, noted by his disciples themselves, Jesus begins teaching the crowds using parables in Matthew 13. But what brought him to this point, why did he shift, and what, then, did he end up talking about? We explored many of these questions and more in our sermon last Sunday, and today in the podcast Josiah and Andrew explore some more. Why are parables so often misinterpreted? What is the parable of the sower really getting at, and how do we apply it all today? It's a parable that invites its hearers to prepare for many more to come, so listen in as we seek to get prepared together.

While the books of Samuel and Kings are hefty, jam-packed, and quick-moving texts, they're only the first two pairs of a history-rich triplet. We now come in our study to the final duo—the books of First and Second Chronicles.

Shane Angland currently serves as a teaching elder at Ennis Evangelical Church in Ennis, Ireland. He has a passion for all things history—the history of doctrine, the history of the church, and the history of Israel—an interest, skill, and expertise that is going to come in handy today as he helps us navigate the sixty-five chapters that make up the Chronicles. And, let's be honest, even if Shane's not up to the task (which he is), his accent makes him fun to listen to anyway!

In Psalm 84 we see the author describe the longing they feel within themselves to be in God's presence and worship Him the way He wants to be worshiped. In turn, it causes us to ask some questions about our own feelings towards praising God, particularly when it comes to corporate worship gatherings. While we can, and ought to, worship God any time and any place, we must ask if there is something more to be both offered and gained when we gather together and praise him amongst our brothers and sisters.

Today, Andrew and Josiah discuss this short Psalm, the impact it can have on our lives of worship, and how it can all at once serve as an encouragement, a challenge, and a prayer.

Like Samuel before them, the biblical books of First and Second Kings record many exciting and well-known stories that involve many meorable characters throughout the colourful monarchial period of Israel's history. We've got David's death (1 Kings 2), Solomon's wisdom acquired and demonstrated (1 Kings 3), the building of the Solomonic temple (1 Kings 6), Elijah and the widow's son (1 Kings 17), Elijah and the prophet's of Baal (1 Kings 18), Elijah and Jezebel (1 Kings 19–22), Elijah taken to heaven (2 Kings 2), Elisha and the widow's oil (2 Kings 4), Elisha and the floating axe head (2 Kings 6), the reign of Hezekiah (2 Kings 17–20), the reign of Josiah (2 Kings 22–23), and the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 24–25). Good kings, bad kings, usurpers, prophetic battles, and divine discipline ... these books have got it all!

To help us navigate all the biblical real estate we have to cover this week we welcome to the podcast Dr. Paul Benware. Dr. Benware is a well-known and well-studied theologian and teacher who has written many books and articles and has taught through much of the canon all over the world. In fact, much of his helpful teaching can be found online for free including an in-depth exploration of the kings of Israel.

In Matthew 12, we read one of the most pivotal moments in the entire gospel account: Jesus presents the evidence that he is the prophesied and long-awaited Messianic king, and ultimately Israel's leaders at the time reject him. It was a grievous error with world-altering consequences. The verses that follow contain something of an analysis, a post-mortem if you will, of the causes that led them to that point. 

Today on the podcast, Andrew and Josiah discuss this momentous occasion, how we experience earthly consequences for our actions, and how to be on the lookout and defend against those same causes having a negative impact in our own lives.

The biblical books of First and Second Samuel are, so say it simply, action-packed. And, within the repeated ups and downs of the inspired narrative are some of the most well-known, oft-quoted, and dearly-beloved stories: Hannah's miraculous pregnancy (1 Samuel 1), the tragic reign of king Saul (1 Samuel 10–31), the anointing of Jesse's youngest son (1 Samuel 16), David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18), David's enthronement (2 Samuel 2), the unification of the kingdom (2 Samuel 5), God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7), David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23), and the degradation of the kingdom (2 Samuel 13–22). It is an absolutely epic ride with much to teach us about God, his world, and his people.

With so much scriptural ground to cover we needed to find a guest to guide us well and we found just that. Jonathan Ward serves as the Associate Professor of Bible and Theology at the Owen Sound Campus of the Word of Life Bible Institute right here in Ontario. He is a graduate of New Brunswick Bible Institute, Baptist Bible Seminary, and holds a Master of Divinity from Luther Rice Seminary.

Many of us may still remember days past when we started each day in the classroom with the Lord's Prayer. But why this prayer? What is its significance, both to the disciples that Jesus taught it to, and to us now, nearly 2000 years later? Today Andrew and Josiah discuss this most famous prayer and how it can be used as a primer or foundation to guide us in a healthy prayer life. Whether you're new to prayer, or long experienced, we hope this discussion will be fruitful and refreshing!

While the identity of the author of Ruth is uncertain, the skill of the author of Ruth is beyond dispute. This little biblical book "is one of the most delightful literary compositions of the ancient world" (Block, Judges, Ruth, 603). Interesting dialogue, characterization, suspense, wordplay, and ambiguity abound in this four-chapter section of holy Writ that details a redemptive love story involving self-sacrificial heroism that foreshadows the ultimate and final self-sacrificial redemptive love story and our ultimate Hero, Jesus Christ.

To help us unpack all that is the book of Ruth, we welcome John Oglesby back to the podcast. John is a husband, father, theologian and writer. He currently serves as Executive Vice President and Associate Professor of Transformative Learning and Leadership at Colorado Biblical University a subsidiary of AgathonEDU Educational Group.

When comfortability gets talked about in Christian circles, it tends to be with a bit of a negative tone. "You can't be effective if you're comfortable" some have said, or perhaps "God wants you out of your comfort zone". Yet the Bible also refers to God as the "God of all comfort", so there must be something more to discuss here. Then if we throw in discussions of contentment and how it compares...well, we've got a podcast! Join with Josiah and Andrew this week as they discuss these issues and more.

Today, we welcome to the podcast, Dr. Don Taylor. Dr. Taylor is the Provost and Dean-of-the-College at Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport, Saskatchewan. In addition to his administrative roles he also teaches a number of courses including biblical Hebrew, wisdom literature, and Old Testament narrative, all of which makes him a great candidate to help us better understand a number of books of the Bible but, for today, we’re focusing on just one: the book of Judges.

Judges records, in many ways, one of the darkest times in the history of God's people. There is disobedience, oppression, discipline, cowardice, and rebellion. As one author bluntly states, the account "begins bleakly, continues darkly, and ends horribly" (Kuruvilla, Judges, 6). What could possibly benefit a Christian today spending time in such filth? How can such depravity, inspired as it may be, be used by the Spirit of God to aid the people of God in becoming progressively conformed to the image of the Son of God? Let's find out.