The Context and Color of the Bible

#300 - The Gateway to the Psalms

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1306753/fan_mail/new] Psalms 1 and 2 serve as the introduction to the entire book of Psalms, giving readers the lens through which the rest of the collection should be understood. In this episode, we explore the two paths presented in Psalm 1. The righteous delight in God's Torah, meditate on it day and night, and become like a fruitful tree planted by streams of water. In contrast, the wicked reject God's instruction and ultimately face judgment. Right from the opening psalm, readers are confronted with a choice: Which path will they follow? Psalm 2 then shifts our attention from individuals to nations and kings. The rulers of the earth rebel against God and His purposes, believing they can throw off His authority. Yet God's response is clear: He has established His King, and no earthly power can overturn His plans. While human kingdoms rise and fall, God's King will ultimately reign overall. Together, Psalms 1 and 2 provide the foundation for the entire book.  Parents, this summer we want to challenge you to read through the Psalms with your children. As you read, encourage them to listen for the vivid images and pictures found throughout the poems. Have them draw what they hear and then ask a simple question: "What does this teach us about God?" For an extra challenge, choose one psalm and memorize it together as a family. These ancient songs were meant to be remembered, prayed, and carried in the hearts of God's people. If you want the FREE hand outs that go along with this series, sign up for our newsletter at our website.  Our website is The Context and Color of the Bible [https://www.thecontextandcolorofthebible.com/] We are on Facebook - The Context and Color of the Bible | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/667909303728851] We are on Instagram - @contextandcolorofthebible We are on YouTube - The Context and Color of the Bible - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwUnhs5VR_kj2EBmHjjehTA] Music: Tabuk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense [https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense]: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

#299 - Before the Psalms: Learning to Read the Bible Like Its First Readers

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1306753/fan_mail/new] Before we dive into the Psalms, we need to understand how the original audience viewed Scripture. The Bible was written in a different language, in a different land, during a different time period. Every time we open its pages, we are stepping into another culture. While God's Word speaks to us today, understanding its original context helps us hear it more clearly. In this episode, we explore what the Bible is: a historical theological narrative. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells one unified story about God working through real people, real places, and real events to reveal who He is and what He is doing in the world. We also examine how Jesus and the Jewish people organized and understood the Scriptures through the Tanakh—the Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). By looking at the structure of the Hebrew Bible, we discover how these three sections work together to tell one cohesive story and how that arrangement can deepen our understanding of books like Psalms. Finally, we take a fast-paced journey through the Old Testament story. From creation and covenant, to the Exodus, the kingdom, exile, and the promises of restoration, we trace the unfolding story of the God of Israel and His commitment to dwell among His people. Along the way, we see why Israel longed for the coming Messiah and how the Writings—including Psalms—help God's people wrestle with suffering, faithfulness, wisdom, worship, and hope while waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled. This episode lays the foundation for our Psalms series by helping us read Scripture as one unified story centered on God. Understanding that larger story will help us better understand where the Psalms fit, what questions they are addressing, and how they continue to shape the faith of God's people today. Parents: As you listen, consider asking your children, "What do you think the Bible is about?" Their answer may open the door to conversations about how all of Scripture points to God's faithfulness and His desire to dwell with His people Join us for a summer of Psalms.   If you want the FREE hand outs that go along with this series, sign up for our newsletter at our website.  Our website is The Context and Color of the Bible [https://www.thecontextandcolorofthebible.com/] We are on Facebook - The Context and Color of the Bible | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/667909303728851] We are on Instagram - @contextandcolorofthebible We are on YouTube - The Context and Color of the Bible - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwUnhs5VR_kj2EBmHjjehTA] Music: Tabuk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense [https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense]: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

#298 - Setting the Stage for Psalms

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1306753/fan_mail/new] This episode launches our summer of Psalms series.  To set the stage we are taking you back to the original context as we look at the culture, language, land and mindset of the authors and audience.   We also lay a foundation that Psalms is not just a book of poetry.  It's a prayer book.  It's a hymnal.  It's a praise and worship book.  And it's all rooted in the covenant God made with Israel.  Join us for a summer of Psalms.   If you want the FREE hand outs that go along with this series, sign up for our newsletter at our website.  Our website is The Context and Color of the Bible [https://www.thecontextandcolorofthebible.com/] We are on Facebook - The Context and Color of the Bible | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/667909303728851] We are on Instagram - @contextandcolorofthebible We are on YouTube - The Context and Color of the Bible - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwUnhs5VR_kj2EBmHjjehTA] Music: Tabuk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense [https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense]: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

#297 - Holy One of Israel and What it Means

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1306753/fan_mail/new] In this episode Erika unpacks the title Holy One of Israel.  Isaiah uses this title for God over and over in his book.  From this prophet and other verses, we find this aspect of God as the God who is set apart from all other gods.  There is no one or anything else like Him. His power is unlike any other god or power out there.  He is El Elyon, God Most High. But in being set apart as the God of Israel we are reminded that He has attached Himself to that land and her people.  That means that land and her people are set apart.  Then those who get grafted in are set apart.  In being set apart, we are called to reflect Him then to the rest of the world.   Our website is The Context and Color of the Bible [https://www.thecontextandcolorofthebible.com/] We are on Facebook - The Context and Color of the Bible | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/667909303728851] We are on Instagram - @contextandcolorofthebible We are on YouTube - The Context and Color of the Bible - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwUnhs5VR_kj2EBmHjjehTA] Music: Tabuk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense [https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense]: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

#296 - YHWH Rohi — The LORD Is My Shepherd

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1306753/fan_mail/new] YHWH Rohi means “The LORD is my Shepherd,” a name that reveals God’s personal, attentive care for His people. First expressed in Psalm 23, this title draws on David’s lived experience as a shepherd to illustrate how God leads, provides, protects, and restores. Throughout Scripture, God is consistently shown as the One who seeks His sheep, feeds them, and brings them safely home. This imagery ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus, who calls Himself the Good Shepherd and lays down His life for the sheep. To know YHWH Rohi is to live with deep trust, knowing we are guided, known, and never left alone. Our website is The Context and Color of the Bible [https://www.thecontextandcolorofthebible.com/] We are on Facebook - The Context and Color of the Bible | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/667909303728851] We are on Instagram - @contextandcolorofthebible We are on YouTube - The Context and Color of the Bible - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwUnhs5VR_kj2EBmHjjehTA] Music: Tabuk by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense [https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4453-tabukLicense]: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]