Should we read the Bible literally? – Daniel E2

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

Is the Bible meant to be read literally? What can we learn from Nebuchadnezzar's humbling in Daniel 4?In this episode we look at the story of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the symbolism within it, and the implications for our lives today. We also discuss the question of whether the story should be taken literally or as a historical novel. We look at importance of genre and context of Biblical stories while still recognising the truth and lessons they convey. We finish by looking at Nebuchadnezzar's restoration and God's compassion.Timestamps(00:00) - Introduction and overview (00:47) - Summary of Nebuchadnezzar's story (02:55) - The main takeaway from Nebuchadnezzar's humbling (07:21) - Should we read the Bible literally? (15:00) - Daniel's counsel to Nebuchadnezzar (17:49) - What does this mean for us today? (19:14) - Growing under pressure (21:36) - Similar stories: Job and the demon-possessed man (23:39) - The importance of humility (25:19) - Nebuchadnezzar's restoration 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.#BookOfDaniel #Nebuchadnezzar #BiblicalHumility #ReadingTheBibleLiterally #BiblicalLessons #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast

What is the context of the book of Daniel? Who is the fourth man in the fiery furnace?In our first episode exploring the book of Daniel, we look into the historical context of the book – how the Jews were taken into exile in Babylon and the rise and fall of kings, nations and empires. We then turn to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, discussing who the fourth man in the fire was and how we can find courage knowing that God is with us in our trials. We talk about courage and faith in the midst of challenges and the importance of worshipping the one true God.Timestamps(00:00) - Introduction to the Daniel series and Rooted (01:00) - Context behind the book of Daniel (03:15) - The exile of the Jews to Babylon (08:50) - Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue (14:20) - Worshipping multiple gods (16:00) - Nebuchadnezzar vs Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (19:00) - The cost of being a Christian: courage and faithfulness (23:06) - The fiery furnace (24:44) - The fourth man in the fire (28:59) - Ernest Shackleton's expedition (32:14) - Nebuchadnezzar's response 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.#BookOfDaniel #FourthManInTheFlame #FieryFurnace #BibleProphecy #Exile #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast

What is joy? Is joy the same as happiness? How do I find true joy?We’re rounding off the Philippians series with a bonus episode on joy. We discuss the differences between joy and happiness and look at how we express joy. We discuss the source of our joy and challenging those who aren’t joyful. We also talk about choosing joy and how CS Lewis viewed joy. We finish by looking at how some search for joy in materialism and relationships but Christians are called to find joy in Christ, God's word and the spiritual disciplines.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro (00:50) - Is there a difference between happiness and joy? (02:55) - Joy has a deeper reason behind it (04:50) - How do we express joy? Joy as a verb (06:40) - Challenging those who aren't joyful (08:10) - What is the source of your joy? (09:55) - Weeping with those who weep (12:15) - How is it that I can have Christ and yet not be joyful? (14:00) - Finding joy in the context of terrible situations (17:35) - Joy is an active choice (21:50) - How do Christians find joy vs how does the world find joy? (23:31) - How C.S Lewis viewed joy (25:07) - Humanists vs Christians finding joy in nature (27:22) - Looking for joy in materialism and social media (29:17) - Looking for joy in relationships (30:22) - Finding joy in Christ 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.#JoyVsHappiness #ChoosingJoy #Philippians #Joy #JoyInChrist #CSLewis #ChristianLiving #ChristianPodcast