Did Jesus contradict himself? Q&A – Sermon on the Mount E7

In this episode we focus on parables that encourage us to make decisions about the Kingdom of God. We explore the confrontational nature of the parables about the sheep and the goats and the barren fig tree, drawing out their emphasis on the importance of what we do – Christian faith in action. We discuss how Jesus used these stories to provoke and challenge his audience regarding their relationship with God and their life choices. We conclude by thinking about the cost of discipleship, highlighting the trials and sacrifices involved in following Jesus.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (00:40) - How do parables bring us to a decision? (02:45) - How do these parables function? (04:45) - The parable of the sheep and the goats (07:00) - What does this parable mean? (12:00) - What we do matters (17:07) - The parable of the barren fig tree (19:07) - Ancient views on misfortune and sin (22:12) - The patience of God (26:22) - Pursuing the right fruit (28:42) - The cost of being a disciple Take our survey:We'd love to hear how you're finding the podcast. Please fill in our short survey so that we can continue to improve.Rooted:Rooted is our devotional journal that helps make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere. Every other month, you’ll receive a new 80-page journal filled with insightful devotionals, thought-provoking prompts, and lots of opportunities to reflect, journal and be creative. Sign up today to receive your first journal for free.Send us your questions!We'd love to hear from you.Submit your questionBible Society:The Rooted Podcast is brought to you by Bible Society, a Christian organisation that translates, publishes, and distributes the Bible. We communicate its relevance and invite people to experience the transforming power of the Scriptures in today’s world. Visit our website to find out more.Bible Society socials: FacebookInstagramX (formerly Twitter) Disclaimer: This is a Bible Society podcast, but it’s also a conversation between people exploring the Bible together. We won’t get everything right, and we won’t always agree! Please be patient with us and join us on the journey.#Parables #JesusTeaching #KingdomValues #GospelTeaching #GodsValueSystem #KingdomOfHeaven #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast

Today we're joined by Liam Thatcher, a church pastor from Oxford and former writer at Bible Society.In this episode we discuss how Jesus used simple illustrations to convey profound truths about the kingdom of heaven, emphasising the hidden yet transformative nature of these teachings. Looking at the parable of the leaven, we discuss the growth and impact of the kingdom in the world today, highlighting the importance of being active agents of change.We also explore the parable of the dragnet, emphasising the importance of patience and discernment in church life, the role of teachers, and the need for humility and celebration in our lives.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (01:30) - Jesus using short illustrations (10:45) - The parable of the yeast (14:56) - The scale of the kingdom (18:26) - Do Christians need to be in places of power? (23:20) - The hidden power of the kingdom (25:31) - The parable of the dragnet (27:56) - Judgement and justice in the kingdom (30:26) - Church discipline (35:51) - The parable of the lost coin (39:26) - Measuring worth in God's eyes Take our survey:We'd love to hear how you're finding the podcast. Please fill in our short survey so that we can continue to improve.Rooted:Rooted is our devotional journal that helps make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere. Every other month, you’ll receive a new 80-page journal filled with insightful devotionals, thought-provoking prompts, and lots of opportunities to reflect, journal and be creative. Sign up today to receive your first journal for free.Bible a MonthCould you put the Bible in someone’s hands every month with a regular donation of £10 or more? Find out more about how you can share God's word today.Send us your questions!We'd love to hear from you.Submit your questionBible Society:The Rooted Podcast is brought to you by Bible Society, a Christian organisation that translates, publishes, and distributes the Bible. We communicate its relevance and invite people to experience the transforming power of the Scriptures in today’s world. Visit our website to find out more.Bible Society socials: FacebookInstagramX (formerly Twitter) Disclaimer: This is a Bible Society podcast, but it’s also a conversation between people exploring the Bible together. We won’t get everything right, and we won’t always agree! Please be patient with us and join us on the journey.#Parables #JesusTeaching #KingdomValues #GospelTeaching #GodsValueSystem #KingdomOfHeaven #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast

What do the parables tell us about the value system of God's Kingdom?In this episode we look at God's value system as illustrated through Jesus' parables. We begin by touching on the big story of Scripture, exploring how humans have inverted kingdom values and the call to make sure God is on the throne in our lives and our values align with his. Then we explore the parables about the workers in the vineyard, the unforgiving servant, and the rich man and Lazarus. We draw lessons from them about God’s generosity, compassion, grace and justice, as well as considering the radical nature of these values and the implications for how we live our lives today. Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (00:50) - What is the value system of God's Kingdom? (04:45) - The parable of the workers in the vineyard (07:30) - What does the parable mean? Radical generosity (12:45) - The message for us and the dangers of comparison (16:25) - Is gratitude a kingdom value? (17:40) - The last will be first and the first will be last (19:52) - The parable of the unforgiving servant (22:27) - What is the main message? Justice and forgiveness (28:32) - The rich man and Lazarus: salvation, resurrection and the afterlife (30:32) - Mark's favourite Bible joke (31:52) - What difference does believing in the afterlife make? (35:22) - Our responsibility to help others (36:52) - Personal reflections Take our survey:We'd love to hear how you're finding the podcast. Please fill in our short survey so that we can continue to improve.Rooted:Rooted is our devotional journal that helps make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere. Every other month, you’ll receive a new 80-page journal filled with insightful devotionals, thought-provoking prompts, and lots of opportunities to reflect, journal and be creative. Sign up today to receive your first journal for free.Bible a MonthCould you put the Bible in someone’s hands every month with a regular donation of £10 or more? Find out more about how you can share God's word today.Send us your questions!We'd love to hear from you.Submit your questionBible Society:The Rooted Podcast is brought to you by Bible Society, a Christian organisation that translates, publishes, and distributes the Bible. We communicate its relevance and invite people to experience the transforming power of the Scriptures in today’s world. Visit our website to find out more.Bible Society socials: FacebookInstagramX (formerly Twitter) Disclaimer: This is a Bible Society podcast, but it’s also a conversation between people exploring the Bible together. We won’t get everything right, and we won’t always agree! Please be patient with us and join us on the journey.#Parables #JesusTeaching #KingdomValues #GospelTeaching #GodsValueSystem #KingdomOfHeaven #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast

How do the parables reveal the nature of God's Kingdom?Today we look at the nature of God's Kingdom through the lens of various parables and explore why it was such a big theme in Jesus' teaching. We discuss its countercultural nature and how the reality of the Kingdom was different to the expectations of the original Jewish audience for these parables.  We explore the parables of the sower, the mustard seed and the growing seed, and discuss how these examples reveal the nature of God’s Kingdom. We consider how they would have been understood in Jesus’ day and how we can see the reality of God's Kingdom in our lives now. Timestamps(00:00) - The nature of God's Kingdom (02:45) - Why is this a theme in the parables? (05:00) - The interior nature of God's Kingdom (07:30) - The parable of the sower: Matthew 13 (09:20) - The context of the parable of the sower (10:20) - What is Jesus saying in this parable? (22:37) - The parable of the mustard seed (25:42) - The pervasive nature of God's Kingdom (32:42) - The parable of the growing seed (33:27) - God is always working Take our survey:We'd love to hear how you're finding the podcast. Please fill in our short survey so that we can continue to improve.Rooted:Rooted is our devotional journal that helps make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere. Every other month, you’ll receive a new 80-page journal filled with insightful devotionals, thought-provoking prompts, and lots of opportunities to reflect, journal and be creative. Sign up today to receive your first journal for free.Bible a MonthCould you put the Bible in someone’s hands every month with a regular donation of £10 or more? Find out more about how you can share God's word today.Send us your questions!We'd love to hear from you.Submit your questionBible Society:The Rooted Podcast is brought to you by Bible Society, a Christian organisation that translates, publishes, and distributes the Bible. We communicate its relevance and invite people to experience the transforming power of the Scriptures in today’s world. Visit our website to find out more.Bible Society socials: FacebookInstagramX (formerly Twitter) Disclaimer: This is a Bible Society podcast, but it’s also a conversation between people exploring the Bible together. We won’t get everything right, and we won’t always agree! Please be patient with us and join us on the journey.#Parables #KingdomOfHeaven #ParableOfTheSower #ParableOfTheMustardSeed #JesusTeaching #JesusTeaching #GospelTeaching #BiblicalLessons #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast

Why did Jesus speak in parables? What does the parable of the shrewd manager actually mean?In the first episode of our new series we delve into the significance of parables in the teachings of Jesus. We explore the definition of a parable, their use in other ancient societies and why Jesus chose to use them as a teaching tool. We then look at the parable of the shrewd manager and discuss the context, the audience Jesus was addressing, what it meant for Jesus' listeners and what it means for us today.Timestamps(00:00) - Welcome to our new series (01:00) - What is a parable? (05:45) - How were parables used in Jesus' day? (10:18) - Why did Jesus use parables? (Matthew 13) (17:15) - Do we have things too easy today? Being shaped by Scripture (20:50) - Are we too familiar with the parables? (23:01) - The parable of the shrewd manager: Luke 16 (25:06) - What is the context of this parable? (29:31) - What's the point of this parable? (34:53) - What is the result of the parable? Take our survey:We'd love to hear how you're finding the podcast. Please fill in our short survey so that we can continue to improve.Rooted:Rooted is our devotional journal that helps make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere. Every other month, you’ll receive a new 80-page journal filled with insightful devotionals, thought-provoking prompts, and lots of opportunities to reflect, journal and be creative. Sign up today to receive your first journal for free.Bible a MonthCould you put the Bible in someone’s hands every month with a regular donation of £10 or more? Find out more about how you can share God's word today.Send us your questions!We'd love to hear from you.Submit your questionBible Society:The Rooted Podcast is brought to you by Bible Society, a Christian organisation that translates, publishes, and distributes the Bible. We communicate its relevance and invite people to experience the transforming power of the Scriptures in today’s world. Visit our website to find out more.Bible Society socials: FacebookInstagramX (formerly Twitter) Disclaimer: This is a Bible Society podcast, but it’s also a conversation between people exploring the Bible together. We won’t get everything right, and we won’t always agree! Please be patient with us and join us on the journey.#Parables #JesusTeaching #WhatIsAParable #GospelTeaching #BiblicalLessons #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast

What is apocalyptic literature and are we living in the end times? Revd Dr Peter Hatton joins us again and we discuss apocalyptic literature and references to the end times in the book of Daniel. We look at the non-linear treatment of time by exploring the repetition and cyclical nature of events in the book. We consider the cycles of success, sin and failure in Daniel alongside the cycles of sin and deliverance recounted in the book of Judges.Turning to the historical context of the book, we discuss the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the Maccabean revolt. We consider the use of numbers in the book and how they indicate God’s sovereignty and perfect timing. We ask whether we’re living in the end times and finish by emphasising the messages of hope and encouragement in the book and the ultimate victory it points to in the death and resurrection of Jesus.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (00:38) - What is apocalyptic literature? (02:20) - Is Daniel apocalyptic or wisdom literature? (03:30) - Daniel’s insight into both present and future events (06:45) - Prophecy about successive empires (07:55) - Time is not linear in Daniel (10:20) - God's linear progression from Eden to the resurrection (12:45) - Antiochus Epiphanes and the Maccabean revolt (16:30) - God alone knows the time of the end (18:23) - Numbers in Daniel: do they tell us when the end will come? (21:14) - All things will be made new (22:42) - Are we living in the end times? (24:37) - Where is our hope? (26:52) - The great spiritual battle (28:32) - Seeing Jesus' victory in Daniel (32:17) - How can we be encouraged by this? Take our survey:We'd love to hear how you're finding the podcast. Please fill in our short survey so that we can continue to improve.Rooted:Rooted is our devotional journal that helps make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere. Every other month, you’ll receive a new 80-page journal filled with insightful devotionals, thought-provoking prompts, and lots of opportunities to reflect, journal and be creative. Sign up today to receive your first journal for free.The Romans CourseFind out more about The Romans Course, a ten-session programme that will help you discover your place in God’s story as you explore the Letter to the Romans with your small group or as a whole church.Send us your questions!We'd love to hear from you. We'll be compiling some questions for the final episode of the series which will be a Q and A.Submit your questionBible Society:The Rooted Podcast is brought to you by Bible Society, a Christian organisation that translates, publishes, and distributes the Bible. We communicate its relevance and invite people to experience the transforming power of the Scriptures in today’s world. Visit our website to find out more.Socials: Bible Society: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) Disclaimer: This is a Bible Society podcast, but it’s also a conversation between people exploring the Bible together. We won’t get everything right, and we won’t always agree! Please be patient with us and join us on the journey.#EndTimes #ApocalypticWriting #ApocalypticLiterature #BibleEndTimes #BookOfDaniel #BiblicalLessons #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast

What do the dreams in Daniel mean and what is the book of Daniel all about? Listen as we demystify Daniel with Old Testament expert Revd Dr Peter Hatton. In this episode we discuss the dreams and visions in Daniel, looking at the significance of them being set in the context of the Babylonian exile. We also consider the prevalence of divination and astrology in the ancient world. We explore the rise and fall of empires in the Old Testament and look at the tension between humans trying to gain control and God having ultimate power. We touch on how Daniel confronted evil with prayer and how we should emulate him, finding our ultimate hope in God and not in the leaders of this world.Timestamps(00:00) - Introducing Revd Dr Peter Hatton (01:50) - The context for the dreams: Babylonian exile (02:00) - Divination in the ancient world (08:15) - Ancient Babylon (10:30) - Empire: the main theme of the dreams (11:50) - The British Empire (13:35) - The rise and fall of empires (16:29) - Historic events foreseen by Daniel (18:44) - All earthly powers fail but God does not (21:04) - Is God in control of history? (25:19) - Why does God allow suffering? (26:29) - Revelation within exile (29:14) - The wider spiritual battle (31:44) - Praying into spiritual battles (34:29) - What is an empire? (36:29) - Recessional: Kipling's poem Take our survey:We'd love to hear how you're finding the podcast. Please fill in our short survey so that we can continue to improve.Rooted:Rooted is our devotional journal that helps make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere. Every other month, you’ll receive a new 80-page journal filled with insightful devotionals, thought-provoking prompts, and lots of opportunities to reflect, journal and be creative. Sign up today to receive your first journal for free.The Romans CourseFind out more about The Romans Course, a ten-session programme that will help you discover your place in God’s story as you explore the Letter to the Romans with your small group or as a whole church.Send us your questions!We'd love to hear from you. We'll be compiling some questions for the final episode of the series which will be a Q and A.Submit your questionBible Society:The Rooted Podcast is brought to you by Bible Society, a Christian organisation that translates, publishes, and distributes the Bible. We communicate its relevance and invite people to experience the transforming power of the Scriptures in today’s world. Visit our website to find out more.Socials: Bible Society: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) Disclaimer: This is a Bible Society podcast, but it’s also a conversation between people exploring the Bible together. We won’t get everything right, and we won’t always agree! Please be patient with us and join us on the journey.#Empires #DreamsAndVisions #BiblicalEmpires #AncientEmpires #Exile #DanielAndTheLionsDen #BookOfDaniel #BiblicalWriting #Babylon #BibleKings #BiblicalLessons #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast

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What do we learn from the story of Daniel and the lions' den?In this episode we're joined by special guest, George Lapshynov from Theos Think Tank. George is a researcher and wrote some of the devotionals for the Daniel Edition of the Rooted Journal. We discuss the story of Daniel and the lions' den and explore what it tells us about living counter-culturally in a society where we may not feel at home. We look at the themes of compromise, the consequences of sin, and how God has ultimate power and control over this situation. The story highlights the importance of serving God continually and not compromising in our faith, even in the face of pressure. We finish with a reflection on how a focus on continually serving God can help to guard against temptations to compromise.Timestamps(00:00) - What we're looking at today (01:00) - Introduction to George Lapshynov (02:30) - The lions' den summarised (03:20) - What is this story all about? Who are the satraps? (10:00) - How Daniel and the Jews lived in Babylon (15:03) - How do we live in society as Christians? (23:24) - God's ultimate power and sovereignty (28:04) - The consequences of sin (33:14) - Darius praises God (34:29) - Focusing on serving God instead of temptations to compromise Take our survey:We'd love to hear how you're finding the podcast. Please fill in our short survey so that we can continue to improve.Rooted:Rooted is our devotional journal that helps make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere. Every other month, you’ll receive a new 80-page journal filled with insightful devotionals, thought-provoking prompts, and lots of opportunities to reflect, journal and be creative. Sign up today to receive your first journal for free.The Romans CourseFind out more about The Romans Course, a ten-session programme that will help you discover your place in God’s story as you explore the Letter to the Romans with your small group or as a whole church.Send us your questions!We'd love to hear from you. We'll be compiling some questions for the final episode of the series which will be a Q and A.Submit your questionBible Society: The Rooted Podcast is brought to you by Bible Society, a Christian organisation that translates, publishes, and distributes the Bible. We communicate its relevance and invite people to experience the transforming power of the Scriptures in today’s world. Visit our website to find out more.Socials: Bible Society: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) Disclaimer: This is a Bible Society podcast, but it’s also a conversation between people exploring the Bible together. We won’t get everything right, and we won’t always agree! Please be patient with us and join us on the journey.#LionsDen #DanielAndTheLionsDen #BookOfDaniel #BiblicalWriting #Babylon #BibleKings #BiblicalLessons #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast

What does the writing on the wall mean? How should we read Daniel today?In this episode we discuss the story of King Belshazzar and the writing on the wall. We explore the themes of judgment, the differences between Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, and the significance of the misuse of sacred objects. We also discuss the chiastic literary structure of the Book of Daniel and what this displays to us. We finish with personal reflection on what the writing on the wall means to us today.Timestamps(00:00) - Introduction and overview (00:45) - What happens in Daniel chapter 5? (02:35) - The significance in disrespecting holy objects (05:40) - Do people mock Christianity today? (10:35) - Belshazzar's judgement (14:45) - Judgement in the book of Daniel (16:00) - The Chiastic literary structure in Daniel (19:34) - Comparing Nebuchadnezzar's and Belshazzar's stories (22:24) - Personal reflections on the writing on the wall Take our survey:We'd love to hear how you're finding the podcast. Please fill in our short survey so that we can continue to improve.Rooted:Rooted is our devotional journal that helps make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere. Every other month, you’ll receive a new 80-page journal filled with insightful devotionals, thought-provoking prompts, and lots of opportunities to reflect, journal and be creative. Sign up today to receive your first journal for free.Send us your questions!We'd love to hear from you. We'll be compiling some questions for the final episode of the series which will be a Q and A.Submit your questionBible Society: The Rooted Podcast is brought to you by Bible Society, a Christian organisation that translates, publishes, and distributes the Bible. We communicate its relevance and invite people to experience the transforming power of the Scriptures in today’s world. Visit our website to find out more.Socials: Bible Society: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) Disclaimer: This is a Bible Society podcast, but it’s also a conversation between people exploring the Bible together. We won’t get everything right, and we won’t always agree! Please be patient with us and join us on the journey.#WritingOnTheWall #ChaisticStructure #BookOfDaniel #BiblicalWriting #BiblicalGenres #BibleKings #Babylon #SacredObjects #NebuchadnezzarVsBelshazzar #ChristianMockery #BiblicalLessons #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast