the Church Podcast

The Woven Word W2: The Kingdom Has Come Near

Focus: Jesus enters the wilderness, overcomes temptation, and then announces that the long-awaited promises of God are being fulfilled in Him. Good news for the poor, freedom for the captive, sight for the blind, and favor for the broken are no longer distant hopes—the Kingdom has come near in Jesus. This week calls us to turn from lesser kingdoms and receive the healing reign of Christ in our lives today. Luke 4:1-21

The Woven Word W1: The Word Made Flesh

Focus: Before creation began, Jesus was. The eternal Word through whom all things were made has now stepped into our world in flesh and blood. He comes not from a distance, but near enough to be seen, touched, heard, and trusted. In Christ, God is not hidden. He is revealed, full of grace and truth. This week invites us to behold the glory of Jesus and receive the new life only He can give. John 1:1-29

Exile & Return W3: The Thread Continues

Focus: God's promises never fail. After 70 years in exile, God used another King to return a remnant of His people to Jerusalem to begin to rebuild. Isaiah 40; Ezra 1

Exile & Return W2: Hope in Exile

Focus: Even in exile, in the midst of the consequences for rejecting God, He is with His people. God especially blesses Daniel, and as He raises him up He encourages Daniel and Israel though His prophets and a promise that there is a future where they are restored. There is no where God's people can be sent or where they can go where God will not be with them. Jeremiah 29; Daniel 1

Exile & Return W1: The Rise and the Cry

Focus: David's son, Solomon, started out so well, seeing his need for wisdom to rule God's people. God honored and blessed Solomon. And still, Solomon's heart was slowly drawn away from God. From Israel's most financially prosperous and peace-filled 40 years, to the judgment that Israel would be split and exiled, we see what happens when God's people choose to worship something other than the only true God. And once again we see God remaining faithful to His promises. 1 Kings 3–12; Isaiah 6