The Bible Project Pastor Jeremy R McCandless

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Episode Notes: Balaam and the Donkey
Introduction:

Theme: Consequences of disobeying God's commands and prioritizing personal gain over obedience. The story of Balaam serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of straying from God's will.
Summary:
Setting the Scene (Numbers 22:1-4):The Israelites camp near Moab, causing fear in King Balak due to their victories.Balak seeks out Balaam to curse the Israelites.First Encounter with Balak (Numbers 22:5-6):Balak seeks Balaam's help in cursing the Israelites, offering rewards.Balaam initially refuses due to God's command.Second Invitation and God's Response (Numbers 22:15-20):Balak sends more prestigious messengers with greater rewards.Balaam seeks God's guidance again but receives permission with restrictions.Balaam's Journey and Encounter with the Angel (Numbers 22:21-34):Balaam sets out with the messengers, but God sends an angel to oppose him.Balaam's donkey sees the angel and speaks, revealing God's presence to Balaam.Balaam acknowledges his sin and submits to God's will.Meeting with Balak (Numbers 22:35-41):Balaam meets Balak and participates in sacrificial rituals, compromising his faith.The chapter ends with Balaam's obedience but with questionable motives.Lessons and Reflections:
God's Permission vs. Approval: God may permit actions He does not approve of, but there are consequences.Greed and Disobedience: Balaam's love for money led him to disobey God's commands.Priority of Obedience: Obedience to God's commands should always take precedence over personal gain.Application: 

The story warns against prioritizing material wealth over righteousness in the church and personal life.
Conclusion:
The story of Balaam teaches crucial lessons about obedience, greed, and God's sovereignty.New Testament references to Balaam emphasize the dangers of following his example.Ultimately, the story serves as a warning against letting greed drive decisions and prioritizing obedience to God above all else.Support the Show.

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a Text Message.
This Podcast is Hosted at;
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Enjoy hours of exclusive content every month and help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

Welcome :
On the road of life, we all experience success and failure, victory, and defeat. Sometimes, you get one victory right after the other. However, what we forget when things are going smoothly is that there are dangers embedded even in a life when it appears to be just one victory after the other. So, what might happen when things are going well and you're not encountering any problems? Be careful because there might be dangers along that road.
This is what happened to the children of Israel.
Episode Notes:
What happens next in this chapter from verses 10 to verse 20 it gives us one stop after another on the next stage of their journey. From Mount Hor to Moab, the Israelites move on, facing various challenges and celebrating victories along the way. Despite their successes, they are reminded not to fear and to trust in the Lord. The narrative continues with accounts of King Sihon's defeat and King Og's defeat, highlighting the ongoing struggles and triumphs of the Israelites as they journey toward the promised land.
This chapter serves as a reminder that life's journey is filled with both victories and challenges. While celebrating successes, we must remain vigilant and trust in the Lord, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. Just as the Israelites persevered through their trials, we too can find strength and hope in God's faithfulness.
Thank you for tuning in to The Bible Podcast. Stay tuned for the next episode as we continue our journey through the Old Testament Book of Numbers as part of our journey through the entire bible.
Support the Show.

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a Text Message.
This Podcast is Hosted at;
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Enjoy hours of exclusive content every month and help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

Welcome and Episode Notes:

Welcome, everyone, to today's episode titled 'The Serpent and the Cross.' 

Today, we delve into one of the most intriguing passages of the Old Testament, where the narrative takes a symbolic turn, revealing  intensely profound truths about both human nature and salvation.
Imagine the scene: the Israelites, weary from their journey through the desert, find themselves once again grappling with doubt and discouragement. Despite recent victories and divine guidance, they falter, longing for the comfort of their past captivity. They complain bitterly, even expressing disdain for the miraculous provision of manna from heaven.
But their discontentment leads to dire consequences. Fiery serpents, sent by the Lord, strike the people, bringing death and despair. In their desperation, they turn to Moses, seeking deliverance from the deadly serpents.
Now, here's where the story takes an unexpected turn. Instead of simply removing the serpents, God instructs Moses to fashion a bronze serpent and raise it on a pole. Those who are bitten need only to look upon this image to be saved from death.
It's a perplexing solution, isn't it? Yet, in its symbolism lies a lesson for us all. Just as the Israelites were saved by gazing upon the bronze serpent, we, too, find salvation by fixing our eyes on the cross of Christ.
In John 3, Jesus himself references this very passage, likening his impending crucifixion to the lifting up of the serpent in the wilderness. He declares that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
The cross, much like the bronze serpent, becomes a focal point of salvation. It is where our sin and suffering meet divine grace and redemption. By looking upon the crucified Christ and believing in his sacrifice, we find deliverance from the sting of sin and the promise of eternal life.
So, as we reflect on this ancient allegory, let us remember that salvation is not about our own efforts or merits but about trusting in the promise of God's grace. 
May we, like the Israelites of old, fix our eyes on the cross and find in it the hope and salvation we so desperately need."
Support the Show.

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a Text Message.
This Podcast is Hosted at;
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Enjoy hours of exclusive content every month and help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

Episode Notes.
One of the most important yet often forgotten spiritual lessons in the Bible is this:
“Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
(1 Cor 10: 12 NKJV)
This statement appears in 1 Corinthians chapter 10, but it’s also given in a passage illustrated for us, and Paul quotes this story in Numbers chapter 20 to make his point.
Some people fall into the trap of thinking, “I’ve been through this trial before,” or “I’ve experienced failure, so I’ve learned my lesson.” They believe they won’t make the same mistakes again. Others may think, “When I did that I was a young Christian, I would never fall into that trap again,” almost thinking that because I have been a believer for many years, I’m immune to such struggles.
However, Scripture warns us that we’re always capable of stumbling at any time. So, when you feel confident in your faith, be warned. The moment you think you stand securely, you’re actually most in danger of falling.
Today’s episode is a sobering reminder that our strength comes from God, not our own abilities.
Today we are going to explore Numbers chapter 20. This passage provides an outstanding lesson on this very topic sometimes paraphrased as, “Pride comes before a fall” (Proverbs 16: 18).
Support the Show.

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a Text Message.
This Podcast is Hosted at;
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Enjoy hours of exclusive content every month and help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

Episode Notes: Practicing Discernment. (Numbers 19: 1-End)
Introduction:
Welcome , in today's episode, we delve into the concept of discernment as outlined in the Bible, particularly focusing on Numbers chapter 19. Join us as we explore what discernment means, its significance in the Old Testament context, and its relevance in our lives today.
Summary:
In this episode, we examine Numbers chapter 19, where the Lord instructs the Israelites on the importance of discernment, particularly in distinguishing between what is clean and unclean. This chapter addresses the issue of becoming ceremonially unclean by touching a dead body, presenting detailed instructions for purification rituals involving the red heifer.
Key Points:
The red heifer ritual was a purification ceremony for those who had become ceremonially unclean by touching a dead body.The chapter outlines both the preparation for the purification ceremony and the purification ritual itself.The ritual involved burning a red heifer outside the camp and using its ashes mixed with water for purification.Failure to undergo the purification process resulted in remaining unclean and defiling the sanctuary of the Lord.The New Testament perspective on purification emphasizes the cleansing power of the blood of Christ, which purifies our consciences from all unrighteousness.Reflection:
In light of this passage, we reflect on the importance of discernment in our daily lives, both in making decisions and maintaining spiritual cleanliness. We also consider the profound implications of Christ's sacrifice for our purification and service to God with a clear conscience.
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Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

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Welcome to "Our Spiritual Duty Before God" Podcast Episode
Episode Notes:
Title: Our Spiritual Duty Before God
Scripture Passage: Numbers 18: 1-32
Introduction:
Attending church involves more than listening and learning.Exploring spiritual duties tied to church attendance.Exploring Numbers 18:
Responsibilities of the Levites (Numbers 18: 1):Delineation between Aaron's lineage and other Levites.Aaron's lineage: Priestly duties.Other Levites: Supporting roles.Roles of Non-Priestly Levites (Numbers 18: 2-3):Attend to Tabernacle needs.Prohibited from approaching sacred articles. Assistance to priests in sacred rituals.Offerings for Support of the Priests (Numbers 18: 8-20):Allocation of offerings for priestly sustenance.Establishment of salt covenant.Priests exempt from land inheritance.Tithes for Support of the Levites (Numbers 18: 21-24):Levites designated tithes as inheritance.Prohibition against Levites' land inheritance.Levites to offer heave offering from tithes.Distribution of tithes and responsibilities.Reflections and Application:
Understanding Old Testament institutions enhances Scripture comprehension.True worship directed by God Himself.Importance of understanding God's idea of worship.Contrast of Old Testament priesthood with access to God in Christ.Application of principles to New Testament believers.Closing Thoughts:
Importance of faithful church attendance and active participation.Financial support for ministry.Role of every believer in ministering to one another.Giving our best to God in all aspects of life.Eternal rewards for faithful service.Thank you for joining us in exploring our spiritual duties before God. Let's strive to serve Him faithfully in every aspect of our lives.
Support the Show.

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com