Bridge to God’s Word

How We Got the Bible: The First Translations

This podcast looks at the early period of translations - the first translation of the Hebrew Bible, and the translations that followed the death of Christ. These translations were marked by two things: persecution, and growth of the church. The fire of persecution caused an explosion of translation!

How We Got the Bible: Inspiration

This podcast starts a series on how we got the English Bible. Why are there so many different translations? Are they reliable? We are going to look at the history of the English Bible through the centuries and answer some of these questions. We will start at the very beginning - who wrote the Bible in the first place? This podcast describes the doctrine of "inspiration" - men carried along by the Spirit, much like a sailboat carried by the wind. 

 

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Bridge Bible Study: Application

In this podcast we reach the final step of the Bridge Bible Study method: application. After we understand the overarching principles of the passage, it is important to look at how they apply in our cultural context, along with how they apply to our own lives personally. We look at the principles we have gleaned from Mark 1:21-28 along with some possible applications to American culture and some questions to ask as we apply it to our own personal lives.

 

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Bridge Bible Study: Interpretation Part 2

This podcast finishes the "Interpretation" phase of our study of Mark 1:21-28. We consider the second tool that can be used for interpretation - using commentaries. Since many people have already studied these passages, we can read what they have to say in order to help understand the underlying meaning of the text. The three commentaries referenced are the Word Biblical Commentary, the New American Standard Commentary, and the NIV Life Application Commentary. Check with your pastor or church library for other good commentaries you can use.

Bridge Bible Study: Interpretation Part 1

This podcast moves on to the next step of the Bridge Bible Study method: interpretation. We continue to study Mark 1:21-28 by looking at what tools help us to understand the overarching principles of the text that apply to all times and all places. In this episode, we consider the first tool for interpretation, which is using cross-references. The Bible itself can help us understand the meaning of the Bible.

 

 

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Bridge Bible Study: Observation Part 2

This podcast finishes the "Observation" phase of our study of Mark 1:21-28. It looks at the "why" questions - questions that get deeper into the structure and meaning of the passage. You will discover that this passage has an interesting literary structure which highlights the main point of the story. 

Bridge Bible Study: Observation Part 1

Today we apply the Bridge Bible Study method that I introduced last week by looking at Mark 1:21-28, which is the story of Jesus casting out an impure spirit. We begin the process of observation by considering who, when, and where the passage takes place, along with observing some keys to understanding "what" the text means.

 

 

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Bible Study Methods

We are so priviledged to have the Bible in so many versions to read and study! It is essential that we take advantage of this great wealth that we have and study the Bible on our own. However, that is not always easy to do. This podcast gives a brief overview of one Bible study method, using a bridge as an illustration: Observe what it means for them, Interpret the overarching principles, and Apply it to your life.

Advent Reflection Week 4 - Rejoice!

Rejoice! The Lord has come! In this final Advent Reflection, we consider the rejoicing of those who saw Christ's birth, and how we can rejoice in the hope of His second coming.

Advent Reflection Week 3 - Repent

Part of preparing for Christ's first and second comings is repenting, which is bringing ourselves in line with Christ. We agree that we have sinned, and we agree to change. Hear about Zechariah's repentance, and our response of repentance as well. This podcast is a recording of the live Advent Reflections Webinar! There were a few sound issues, so in places I re-recorded so you could hear things that got muffled. Enjoy!