Gaining Christ

A detailed account of the promises, blessings, terms, and conditions of God's covenant with Israel. Included are some beginning details on how the Old Covenant with Israel and the New Covenant, inaugurated 1500 years later, are radically different covenants. Scripture referenced: Genesis 12:3, Genesis 15:5-6, Genesis 17:9-14, Exodus 19:1-20, Exodus 20:1-21, Exodus 24:1-8, Leviticus 26:1-39, Deuteronomy 28:1-68, Psalm 16:8-11, Isaiah 53:1, 5-6, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Matthew 5:12, John 10:27-28, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:1-5, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 3:8, Galatians 3:13, Hebrews 4:1-2

The Old Covenant and New Covenant are the two foundational covenants of the Bible. In this episode, we now introduce the first of these two covenants, namely God's covenant with Israel, and explain how, when, and why God entered into covenant with Israel to encourage the listener in the knowledge God and understanding of His truth. Scripture referenced: Genesis 12:1-7, Genesis 15:1-14, Exodus 12:1-51, Exodus 14:1-31, Exodus 19:1-25, Exodus 20:1-21, Exodus 24:1-18, Matthew 6:25, John 18:36, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 1:3

As we continue in our series 'Old Covenant, New Covenant,' we will now examine how God, in accordance with His covenant promise to Abraham, will powerfully save Israel from their 400 years of grueling slavery in Egypt. Furthermore, we will explain what God's extreme act of favor to Israel means to you and me today. Scripture referenced: Genesis 12:1-7, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 17:15-21, Genesis 37:1-36, Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 41:1-57, Genesis 42:1-38, Genesis 43:1-44:34, Genesis 45:1-20, Genesis 50:1-26, Exodus 1:1-14, Exodus 3:1-22, Exodus 4:1-23, Exodus 7:1-25, Exodus 8:1-32, Exodus 9:1-35, Exodus 10:1-29, Exodus 11:1-10, Exodus 12:1-40, Exodus 14:1-31, Ephesians 2:1-9, Hebrews 7:18-25, Hebrews 8:1-13

As we continue in our series on the Old Covenant and New Covenant, this episode highlights how some bizarre, dysfunctional, and very cruel events and the stunning mercy that follows will fulfill God's sovereign promise to Abraham that the people of Israel will move from Canaan to the foreign land of Egypt. Scripture referenced: Genesis 12:1-7, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 17:1-19, Genesis 27:1-36, Genesis 39:1-23, Genesis 40:1-23, Genesis 41:1-57, Genesis 42:1-45:28, 46:26-27, Genesis 47:1-31, Genesis 50:1-26, Isaiah 61:10, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Matthew 28:18, John 3:35, John 17:2, Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 1:15-20, 1 Peter 2:4-10

Who is Israel? What is the origin of Israel? How does Israel continue the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham? What is Israel's role and significance to the Old Covenant and the New Covenant? What impact does Israel have upon the gospel of God in the world today? This episode answers these questions in order to encourage the listener in the sovereign and gracious plan of God? Scripture referenced: Genesis 12:1-7, Genesis 15:1-6, Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 17:1-21, Genesis 25:19-26, Genesis 26:1-4, Genesis 28:10-15, Genesis 32:22-30, Genesis 35:9-12, Isaiah 46:9-11, Malachi 1:2-3, John 1:51, Romans 3:22-24, Romans 4:1-25, Romans 9:6-18, Galatians 3:1-29, Galatians 6:16, Ephesians 1:11, Ephesians 3:20

After God's covenant promises to Abraham, Moses writes, "Abraham believed in the LORD and the LORD counted it to Abraham as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). In this episode, we explain the rich meaning of this monumental verse and answer three important questions: 1) In what specifically did Abraham believe? 2) What was the righteousness that God counted to Abraham as a result of his belief? 3) What did Abraham's righteousness ultimately yield for Abraham? Scripture referenced: Genesis 12:1-7, Genesis 14:17-20, Genesis 15:1-6, 7-20, Genesis 17:1-19, Exodus 3:14, 2 Samuel 7:1-17, 2 Chronicles 17:1-15, Job 19:25-27, Psalm 12:1-12, Psalm 16:8-11, Psalm 23:1, 6, Isaiah 53:1-12, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Daniel 7:11-18, John 3:3, John 8:39-47, John 8:56-58, John 14:6, Acts 14:11-12, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:21-26, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 3:6-9, 26, 28-29

God’s covenant with Abraham is not only the foundation forboth the Old and New Covenants, it is central to the eternal gospel of God. In His covenant with Abraham, God announces His choice and plans for Abraham’s future offspring, the nation of Israel, as well as His blessed hope and plans for all the nations of the world through Abraham’s ultimate offspring, the Messiah and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. In this episode, part 2 on our series of the Old Covenant and New Covenants, we will detail God’s specific promises to Abraham in order to encourage the listener in the sovereignty, power, and loving-grace of God.  Scripture referenced: Genesis 2:4, 7, Genesis 6:5-7:24, Genesis 12:1-7, Genesis 15:1-14, Exodus 3:1-22, Psalm 50:21, Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 1:16-17, Ephesians 1:1-11

The details of the Old Covenant and New Covenant, including the similarities and radical differences between the two, is one of the most important subjects in the Bible. When a person correctly understands the Old and New Covenants he or she is in a very solid place theologically and spiritually. In this episode we begin a detailed series on the Old and New Covenants where through it we will answer the following questions: Who or what is Israel? Why did God chose Israel? What are God's plans for Israel? What are God's covenants? What is the Old Covenant? What is the New Covenant? What is the relationship between the Old and New Covenants? What are the terms, promises, and blessings of the Old Covenant? What are the terms, promises, and blessings of the New Covenant? Who are the members of the Old Covenant, and how did a person become a member? Who are the members of the New Covenant, and how does a person become a member? If the members of the Old Covenant where chosen by God, for what specifically where they chosen? If the members of the New Covenant were chosen by God, for what specifically are they chosen? How were people saved who lived in the Old Covenant? Were they saved differently than those in the New Covenant? What are God's plans for the land of Israel? What are God's plans for a temple in Israel? What responsibilities do world-wide Christians have toward Israel today? What do these two covenants mean to God's people today? And more. Scripture Referenced in this introductory episode: Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 3:14-15, Genesis 6:5-22, Genesis 9:8-16, Genesis 12:1-7, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 17:1-14, Genesis 22:18, Exodus 19:1-20:21, 1 Chronicles 17:1-15, Isaiah 9:6-7, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Luke 1:26-38, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 5:12-21

Due to recent events in our world, such as wars in the Middle East, tensions within Israel, the fatal shooting of a political activist and Christian on a college campus, governmental policies supporting biblical principles, growing campaigns for ecumenicalism, and the rise of social media, more and more people are speaking openly about Christ, Christianity, the Gospel and its purpose. Some accurately, and some inaccurately. While this interest and dialogue increases, more and more are increasingly confused about Christ, the gospel, and the purpose of the Gospel. In this episode, we clearly answer:1) What is the Gospel? 2) What is the Purpose of the Gospel? 3) What is the Promise of the Gospel?, in order to encourage and protect the listener in the gospel truth of Jesus Christ. Scripture referenced: 1 Kings 18:17-40, Job 16:19-21, Job 19:25-27, Psalm 16:8-11, Isaiah 53:5, Jeremiah 4:22, Jeremiah 11:1-17, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:22-27, Matthew 5:11-12, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 6:19-24, Matthew 7:13-23, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Matthew 24:3-14, Luke 12:49-53, Luke 14:25-33, John 5:39, John 6:28-29, John 8:56, John 10:24-30, John 14:1-6, John 14:12, John 15:8, 16, John 18:33-36, Acts 4:11-12, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:20-26, Romans 4:1-12, Romans 5:1-11, Romans 6:17-18 (incorrectly cited as Romans 6:18-19 in audio), Romans 6:23, Romans 8:1-17, 1 Corinthians 2:9, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 2:13-22, Philippians 3:17-21, Colossians 1:11-14, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 6:7-12, 17-19, 2 Timothy 1:9, 2 Timothy 2:3, 2 Timothy 4:1-4, Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 2:9-12

In the 'Parable of the Gracious Father' (Luke 15), more commonly called the 'Parable of the Prodigal Son,' Jesus beautifully illustrates the exceedingly lavish and merciful grace of God enthusiastically given to anyone, regardless of the depth of their sins, who turns to God through genuine repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture referenced: Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 61:10, Isaiah 64:6, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Luke 13:22, Luke 14:25, Luke 15:1-10, Luke 15:11-24, Luke 18:8-14, Luke 19:10, John 5:21, 24, John 10:14-18, 26-30, Acts 9:1-22, Romans 2:4, Romans 3:10-18, Romans 3:10-18, Romans 3:22-25, Romans 5:1-2, 8-11, Romans 8:1, 7-8, 16-17, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Galatians 1:11-16, Ephesians 1:3-9, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 2:4-5, Titus 3:3-7

A detailed explanation of the 'Parable of the Royal Wedding' (Matthew 22:1-14), an intense, shocking, and yet beautiful message taught by Jesus. In this parable Jesus graphically illustrates God's persistent judgments on the nation of Israel for consistently rejecting God's truth and Messiah, while at the same time cleverly emphasizes God's overwhelming grace to every Jew and Gentile who embraces Christ Jesus in faith. We encourage you to listen, not only for the spiritual benefits of this parable, but for the historical ones as well. Scripture Referenced: Genesis 12:3, Deuteronomy 28:1-68 (incorrectly cited as Deuteronomy 29 in audio), 2 Samuel 7:1-17, 1 Kings 18:17-40, 2 Kings 17:6-23, 1 Chronicles 17:1-15, Psalm 2:12, Psalm 16:8-11, Isaiah 8:1-22, Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7, Isaiah 10:5-11, Isaiah 13:1-13, Isaiah 42:1-2, 6-7, Isaiah 45:5-7, Isaiah 52:13-15, Isaiah 53:1-12, Isaiah 61:10, Jeremiah 7:1-34, Jeremiah 11:1-17, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Jeremiah 44:5-7, Ezekiel 36:16-27, Micah 5:2-5, Zechariah 14:1-21, Matthew 3:1-17, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 9:9-13, Matthew 13:47-50, Matthew 22:1-14, Matthew 24:1-31, Matthew 25;31-34, 41, 46, Matthew 26:47-68, Matthew 27:11-31, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 3:1-22, Luke 9:21, Luke 21:5-28, Luke 24:44-49, John 5:22-24, John 8:56-59, John 14:6, John 16:1-4, 33, Acts 1:1-11, Acts 2:1-47, Acts 4:1-31, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:9-30, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 3:26-29, Hebrews 7:18-28, Hebrews 10:1-18, Revelation 19:6-10

A clear explanation of what it truly means to love God to help the listener understand how he or she can love God to the fullest. Questions answered in this episode: 1) What does it mean to love God? 2) How does a person actually love God? 3) How does a person know if they truly love God? 4) What causes a person to love God? 5) What impact does a person's love for God have upon God? Scripture referenced: Psalm 16:2, 3, 8-11, Psalm 23:1-6, Psalm 63:1-5, Psalm 103:11, Ecclesiastes 12:1-8, 13-14, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 6:25-33, Matthew 7:13-14, 18-21, Matthew 10:37, Matthew 15:8, Mark 12:30, Luke 6:46, Luke 9:23-26, Luke 14:25-33, John 8:19, John 10:26-30, John 12:24-26, John 14:23, John 15:8, John 16:33, John 21:15-17, Acts 8:1-3, Acts 9:1-22, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, Ephesians 1:3-14, Ephesians 2:4-5, Philippians 3:7-21, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, Titus 2:11-14, Titus 3:3-7, 2 Timothy 1:9, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 2:9-12, 2 Peter 1:3-7, 2 Peter 3:18, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 4:7-10, 19

A detailed explanation of God's ultimate motivation for loving a person and giving him or her eternal life- that being, God's love for God. Also detailed are how God specifically loves God and what rich benefits are yielded to the person loved by God due to God's love for God. Scripture referenced: Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 20:28, Luke 10:20, Luke 15:1-10, John 3:1-9, John 3:35, John 6:37-40, John 10:11, 14-18, 26-30, John 13:1 (incorrectly cited as John 13:2 in audio), John 15:9, John 16:7, 13-14, John 17:1-2, 6, 9, 24, Acts 2:1-47, Romans 1:6, Romans 5:18, Romans 8:29-30, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 1:3-14, Philippians 2:5-11, Philippians 4:3, Colossians 1:15-18, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, 2 Timothy 2:19, Titus 1:1-2, Revelation 20:21

This episode digs into the very sensitive subject of what causes God to give His love to a person. Carefully answered are: 1) Who are those who are loved by God? 2) How does a person receive God's love? 3) What causes God to give His love to a person? 4) When did God first love those He loves? 5) How does a person know if he or she is loved by God? Scripture referenced: Genesis 4:1-5, Genesis 6:5-18, Genesis 12:3, Genesis 17:15-21, Genesis 19:23-29, Psalm 63:3, Psalm 50:21, Psalm 103:8-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Isaiah 55:8-9, Jeremiah 1:5, Matthew 3:17, Matthew 7:23, Matthew 11:25-27, Matthew 17:5, Luke 3:22, Luke 4:16-30, Luke 18:9-14, John 1:12-13, John 3:14-16, John 5:21, John 10:14-15, 26-30, Acts 9:1-18, Acts 13:44-48, Acts 17:30, Acts 20:24, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:9-26, Romans 5:18, Romans 8:29-30, 38-39, Romans 9:1-24, Romans 11:33, Galatians 1:13-16, Galatians 3:26-29, Ephesians 1:4-5, Ephesians 2:1-3, 4-5, 8-9, Philippians 3:3-9, Colossians 3:12, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 3:3, 4-7, James 1:16, 1 Peter 2:11, 2 Peter 1:10, 1 John 3:1-2, Jude 1

A clear description of the motive and behavior of God's love as it pursues the very best for a person. Specifically detailed are 1) What is a person's very best, 2) How God in love personally pursues a person's very best, and 3) Why God in love must pursue a person's very best. Also included are the rich benefits yielded when a person comes to understand the rich truth of God's love. Scripture referenced: Genesis 12:1-3, Exodus 34:6-7, 2 Samuel 7:1-3, 11-14, 1 Chronicles 17:1-2, 11-15, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 23:6, Psalm 63:3, Psalm 103:10, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 53:1-12, Isaiah 61:10, Isaiah 64:6, Micah 6:2-4, Matthew 20:28, Luke 1:15, 26-37, Luke 5:1-11, John 1:1-14, John 3:1-9, John 6:37-40, John 10:14-18, 27-30, John 15:13, John 16:7, 13, John 17:1-5, Acts 2:22-33, Acts 8:1-3, Acts 9:1-22, Romans 3:10-26, Romans 5:1-2, 5-11, 12-19, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Galatians 1:11-16, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:1-5, 8-9, Ephesians 3:17-19, Philippians 2:5-8, Colossians 1:12-14, Colossians 1:15-17, Colossians 1:27, Titus 3:3-7, Hebrews 1:1-3, Hebrews 2:10-11, 14, 1 Peter 1:3-5, 1 John 3:8, 1 John 4:8-10, 19

Part 1 of a comprehensive series on the Love of God. Specifically answered in this episode: What is love? What is God's love? What is the nature of God's love? What is the ultimate desire and pursuit of God's love? Also covered are the primary reasons why many do not know or understand the love of God. Scripture referenced: Exodus 34:6, Psalm 63:3, Psalm 103:8-17, Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 13:44, Luke 9:25, Luke 12:32, John 3:16, John 15:9, 13, John 17:24, Romans 3:9-24, Romans 5:1, 8-11, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 2:9, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 3:17-19, Philippians 3:3-9, Titus 3:3, 1 Peter 1:18-20, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 4:8-10

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave is only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life," is very likely the most well-known and quoted verse in the Bible. Unfortunately however, this beautiful declaration of God's loving grace is also one of the most misunderstood, misinterpreted, and inaccurately used verses in the Bible as well. This episode provides a detailed explanation of John 3:16 in order to encourage the listener in his or her knowledge of God, understanding of God's truth, and spiritual well-being in Christ. Scripture referenced: Genesis 19:15-29, Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 5:7, Psalm 23:6, Psalm 32:10, Psalm 35:5, Psalm 63:3, Psalm 86:5, Psalm 103:8-11, 17, Psalm 107:1, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:22-27, Jonah 1:17-2:10, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 12:40, John 3:1-18, John 6:63, John 10:27-30, John 15:9, John 17:23, Romans 5:18, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:35-39, Romans 9:9-16, Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9

11 encouraging truths to help equip the believer in Christ for more faithfulness, enjoyment, success, and perseverance in the specific ministry God has called you to do. Scripture referenced: Psalm 23:6, Isaiah 55:10-11, Matthew 4:18-21, Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 24:45-47, Luke 5:1-11, Luke 12:32, Luke 15:1-10, John 10:10, John 10:14-15, 27-30, John 12:31, John 14:12, John 14:30, John 15:5-16, John 18:36, John 21:15-17, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 8:8, 1 Corinthians 2:9, 1 Corinthians 12:4-20, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, Ephesians 4:7, 11-16, 1 Peter 4:12-13, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 John 5:19, Revelation 12:12, 17

Why is the believer in Christ the most joyful, satisfied, and content person on the planet? This episode answers that question and describes the specific knowledge, mindset, behaviors, and favor that cause the believer in Christ to be extremely joyful and deeply satisfied and consistently content despite the earthly circumstances of their life. Also, discussed are the reasons why some Christians do not experience the full joy of Christ. Scripture referenced: Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 23:1-6, Psalm 32: 1-5, 10-11, Psalm 51:1-17, Psalm 63:1-5, 11, Proverbs 19:21, Isaiah 45:5-7, Isaiah 46:9-11, Isaiah 55:1-3, Matthew 5:3, Matthew 5:4, Matthew 5:6, Mathew 5:12, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 13:44, Matthew 25:21, 34, Matthew 28:18, Luke 6:23, Luke 11:28, Luke 12:32, John 1:12-13, John 3:3-8, John 6:44-45, 63, 65, John 10:14-30, John 14:12, John 14:12, John 14:27, John 15:5-16, John 16:33, John 17:1-5, 6-13, 23-25, Romans 2:4, Romans 6:23, Romans 9:15-16, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Ephesians 1:1-14, Ephesians 1:15-20, Ephesians 2:3-10, Ephesians 4:7, 11-16, Ephesians 4:30, Philippians 1:25, Philippians 3:1, 3-11, 12-21, Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:12-13, Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (incorrectly cited as 1 Thessalonians 1:16 in audio), 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 2:11-14, Titus 3:3-7, Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 11:13-16, Hebrews 12:1-4, Hebrews 12:7-11, James 1:2-4, 11, 1 Peter 1:3-9, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 1:14-21, 1 Peter 1:9-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14, 2 Peter 1:2-4, 1 John 5:13

Jesus begins the 'Sermon on the Mount' by saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." To encourage the listener in the truth of God's rich grace, this episode examines this interesting statement and answers these questions: 1) What does it mean to be 'poor in spirit'? 2) How and why is a person 'blessed' who is poor in spirit? 3) How does a person become poor in spirit? Scripture referenced: Psalm 51:1-17, Isaiah 64:4, Matthew 4:18-22, Matthew 4:22-25, Matthew 5:1-3, Matthew 19:16-22, Luke 5:31-32, Luke 18:9-14, John 3:3, Romans 2:4, Romans 3:10-18, Romans 3:20, 22-25, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Galatians 1:3-10, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:1-5, 8-9, Philippians 3:3-9