Word Processing

We're two weeks into our new sermon series on biblical covenants, and that brings us to the Abrahamic Covenant: an oath involving three separate but connected branches of promise. But why is it so important to keep these promises distinct and to understand them the way that Abraham did? And again, why does a covenant like this matter to us now as New Testament believers? Josiah and Andrew discuss these questions and more this week on the podcast.

A new year, a new season of the podcast, and a whole new sermon series to start us off! As we begin 2023, we're looking at the biblical covenants, and this week, we started right at the beginning with the Noahic covenant. Join with Josiah and Andrew as they discuss this first covenant, what it means, and why it still matters to us as Bible readers so many years removed from it's swearing.

Another year is quickly coming to its conclusion, and with it, this season of Word Processing. Today Josiah and Andrew take a look back at the year: the joys and trials, and what God has been teaching them through it all. Be sure to stay tuned for new episodes of Word Processing coming in January, 2023! We hope and pray you have a joyous Christmas season and we’ll be back in the new year!

We're all called to ministry. The New Testament makes it very clear that every Christian is tasked with the gospel-sharing, disciple-making process as described in Matthew's so-called "Great Commission". Yet to attempt to do the work of ministry in our own limited, sinful strength would be absolutely foolish, especially when God's word clearly explains how to do it properly. Today we come to one such instance, in Colossians 4, where Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer and a pure life when it comes to the mission of the believers. Join with Josiah and Andrew as they discuss this text and it's implications and applications for our lives.

In a section of scripture with many words that might cause us some concern or discomfort, Paul directs the Christians in Colossae to practically apply their pursuit of holiness in their home life. But even as we think about ideas like submission and obedience and sacrifice, it's important to remember the context they are placed in. So what is the picture that Paul is actually painting in this text, how do we pursue it in a way that is God-honouring, and what do we do when our situation is drastically different than the ideal? Join with Josiah and Andrew as they discuss the humble home, one that serves and seeks after Christ.

In the 47th Psalm, the author points the reader to worship of God as the universal King, in part, because of how he has been King to Israel. As part of "all nations" and "all peoples" referred to here, the call put before us is simple: rightly worship the King! But what does that look like? How are we encouraged by God's blessings of others, how do we respond properly in worship, not just in deed but in heart? Andrew and Josiah explore this Psalm and these topics a bit more in-depth on this week's podcast.

Using the analogy of taking off and putting on clothes, Paul gives some clear instructions to the Colossian church about their pursuit of holiness in chapter 3. But holiness is obviously more than just "not doing bad things" or "doing good things", so what does it look like for a believer to truly live in a way that is holy? And how do we reconcile this with the fact that, this side of eternity, we are going to keep getting it wrong? This week on the podcast, Josiah and Andrew dive a bit deeper into this well-known section of Colossians and explore how to practically apply it.

Heaven. It's something that most people in Western society have some conception of, whether they even believe in it or not. Immediately, many picture golden streets in the clouds, harps and angels and winged babies, and of course the power to fly, go through walls, and eat whatever we want, whenever we want. But is that what the Bible actually describes, or have we simply allowed the cultural perceptions to unknowingly dictate our understanding of this essential biblical teaching? This week on the podcast, Nate Vellekoop joins Andrew to discuss heaven, and how we can better, as Paul says, "Think on things above."

In the second half of Colossians 2, Paul takes the time to remind his readers of the dangers of worldly ideologies being used as a litmus test for one's salvation. Specifically, he addresses three "-isms" that, if we aren't cautious, can just as easily sneak their way into our churches and homes. So how do we protect ourselves from these dangerous shadows, and what are the warning signs we should look out for? Josiah and Andrew seek to shed some more light in this week's podcast.

"Importance. The Book of Revelation is important because it is the last inspired book of the Bible to be written and is rightly positioned as the New Testament’s final book. As the New Testament opens with the four Gospels relating to the first coming of Christ, so the Book of Revelation closes the New Testament with the general theme of the second coming of Christ. The Book of Revelation is also the climax of many lines of revelation running through both Testaments, and it brings to conclusion the revelation of many prophecies yet to be fulfilled" (Walvoord, “Revelation,” in TBKC, vol. 2, 925).

At long last we arrive at the back cover of our Bibles and the book of Revelation. And to help us wrap up the series and better understand this often misunderstood, mishandled, and misapplied text we welcome Dr. Michael Stallard. Dr. Stallard currently serves as the director of International Ministries for the Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. Prior to this he held the position of dean and director of the PHD studies program and professor of systematic theology at Baptist Bible Seminary in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.