Explore every episode of the podcast Reflections
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Final Episode | 18 Aug 2021 | 00:15:04 | |
In this special final episode, the team shares why the podcast portion of Reflections Bible Study is wrapping up and how you can continue to participate in our journey through the Bible the rest of this year. To receive our written Reflections Bible Studies for the rest of this year in your inbox, subscribe at bibleproject.com/study. Show Credits
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| Looking Back to Look Forward | 11 Aug 2021 | 00:13:22 | |
Is the book of Chronicles just a rerun of stories we’ve already been told? How does it help us understand where the story of the Bible leads? Bible Reading 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 Reflection Questions 1. The temple is the place of communion where God and humanity, Heaven and Earth, all come together in unity. Reflect on how Jesus the Messiah leads his people into this place of unity. What comes to mind? 2. What kind of exile do people return from in order to experience unity with God today? 3. How have you experienced unity with God and others, and how are you still waiting with anticipation? Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study.
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| One Handful of Rest | 09 Jun 2021 | 00:14:34 | |
How can we approach our responsibilities in life with wisdom and healthy mindsets? In this episode, we open the book of Ecclesiastes and discover some practical advice for how to live realistically. Bible Reading Ecclesiastes 4:4-12 Reflection Questions 1. Everyone can relate to the desire to either escape or control their lives. Which approach do you relate to most? 2. What specific area of your life are you inclined to escape or control right now? 3. What would it practically look like for you to engage that area of your life with open-handed trust? What’s one small step you can take today? Want to Go Deeper? Check out this week’s Reflections Bible Study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study. Show Credits Host: Cheree Hayes Message: Dr. Tim Mackie Bible Reading: Michelle Jones Production: Dan Gummel Theme music: Grant William Harold Background Music: "Approaching" by Be Still the Earth. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. | |||
| Power of Metaphor | 02 Jun 2021 | 00:13:55 | |
What is the purpose of metaphor in the Bible? The biblical authors use metaphors to help us better understand the world, God, and ourselves. In today’s episode, we reflect on the surprising metaphor of God giving birth. In the book of Job, we see God giving birth to elements of creation, and in the book of Isaiah, God is depicted as both a warrior and a mother giving birth to a new reality. Bible Reading Isaiah 42:13-16 Reflection Questions 1. A mother often suffers to deliver her baby. Let’s reflect on how God suffered to deliver us. What comes to mind when you compare the sufferings of Jesus to the pains of a mother in labor? 2. How does imagining God as a mother in labor reshape your understanding of his relationship to creation? 3. Giving birth is a powerful experience for both the mother and the baby. What’s one specific way you have experienced God’s life-giving power? Want to Go Deeper? Show Credits Host: Cheree Hayes Message: Dr. Carissa Quinn Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel Theme music: Grant William Harold Background Music: "Present" by Sean Williams Powered and distributed by Simplecast. | |||
| How to Live Wisely | 26 May 2021 | 00:13:09 | |
What does it mean to fear the Lord and be wise? The book of Proverbs helps us understand how to live by God’s wisdom. It teaches us that true wisdom isn’t just knowing the right thing to do––it’s about doing it. But how do we know what the right decisions are in every situation? The Scriptures show us that God understands what is good and bad in the world. So to be wise, we must first recognize that our own perspectives are limited and God knows what we can’t comprehend. This humble dependence is called the “fear of the Lord,” and it’s where all wisdom starts. From this posture of reliance, we can begin to learn from God and live in light of his wisdom. So what does God say is wise? Jesus shows us the way. He perfectly embodies God’s wisdom and summarizes what it means by calling us to love others as he loved us. Bible Reading Proverbs 1:1-7 Reflection Questions 1.What is one specific decision that impacts others that you are weighing right now? 2. Has Jesus faced a decision that impacted others in a similar way? How did he wisely love others with his choice? 3. With all this in mind, what would it look like to wisely love others with your decision? Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study guide to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study. Show Credits
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| How God Replies to Job’s Suffering | 19 May 2021 | 00:14:33 | |
Today we open the book of Job, a complex story about a good man who suffered the cosmic loss of everything. What did God want Job to know in the midst of his suffering? And what do we need to know in our own suffering? Bible Reading Job 38:1-18 Reflection Questions 1. What is one area of suffering in your life or in the world? Take some time now to tell God how you feel about it. He hears you. 2. Ask God for more understanding. How might he be working to limit the chaos in that painful situation? What comes to mind as you listen for his wisdom? 3. How might God be laboring to give life even in the midst of suffering? If you can’t see any signs of life yet, keep watching. God doesn’t let pain have the final word against his people. Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study guide to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study.
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| God’s Mercy on Our Enemy | 12 May 2021 | 00:13:32 | |
How can we show God’s mercy to people who’ve hurt us? Bible Reading Jonah 4:1-11 Reflection Questions 1. Who is someone in your life you struggle to love? 2. Picture this person from God’s perspective. How does God see them with compassion? 3. What is one way you can join God’s perspective and show love toward this person today? Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to https://tbp.xyz/reflections20. Show Credits:
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| God’s Desire in Relationship | 05 May 2021 | 00:13:28 | |
What does God really want as he relates to us? In this episode, we are reflecting on the book of Hosea, where we’ll discover what God desires in a relationship. Bible Reading Hosea 14:1-9 Reflection Questions 1. God wants to relate to us like a loving spouse not as a demanding boss. What are some of the key differences between these two relationships? 2. What comes to your mind as you think about God’s unrelenting love for you? 3. What might change in your relationship with God if you loved him the same way you’d want a spouse to love you? Think about it. Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study guide to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study.
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| What Good News Looks Like | 28 Apr 2021 | 00:12:38 | |
How is God at work in the world today? Jesus read from Isaiah 61 to describe what it looks like when the good news of his kingdom is at work in the world: the ignored are honored, the poor are fed, and the sick receive care. This kind of stuff happens wherever followers of Jesus honor him as King. Bible Reading Reflection Questions
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| Message of the Prophets | 21 Apr 2021 | 00:11:17 | |
Who are the Hebrew prophets? What was the goal of their message? And how can their words bring hope to us today? God wants his people to flourish - to experience peace and joy in a community of love. But sin destroys a community. So God sends his prophets to warn his people, so they’ll turn from sin and its destruction. When Israel refuses to listen, they experience the awful consequences of their own ways, just like the prophets warned. But when Israel listens, they receive God’s promised mercy. And we can too. If we are honest about our sins, God forgives. Completely. That’s how God wants to show his faithfulness and justice to people. He forgives everyone who humbly comes to him. Bible Reading 1 John 1:5-9 Reflection Questions 2. What specific things are hindering your relationship with God and others right now? 3. Take some time to be honest about those sins. Confess them to God and receive the peace of his forgiveness now. Want to Go Deeper? Show Credits
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| What God Does About Suffering | 14 Apr 2021 | 00:13:51 | |
Why does God allow so much suffering in the world? And is he doing anything about it? The Bible doesn’t answer all of our questions about why God allows suffering. But it does tell us a story about how God responds to human suffering. We learn that God has chosen to partner with humans to deliver communities from suffering, and that he chose to enter our pain by becoming human himself. Jesus took up the worst of human suffering, shoved it into a grave, and rose again to give us a new future––one that’s free of injustice and grief. Yes, our questions around suffering are valid. God hears us and understands our pain. Today, let’s tune into the question God has for us. As we face suffering in the world, will we partner with him to be a part of his solution?
2 Kings 25:8-12, 27-30 Reflection Questions 2. Consider God’s character of justice, mercy, and love. How does he want to comfort and restore your community? 3. What is one step you can take this week to join God’s plan of restoration? Want to Go Deeper? Show Credits
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| Redeeming Disappointment | 07 Apr 2021 | 00:13:24 | |
Where is God when the people we look up to disappoint us? In this episode, we learn how Israel’s long line of disappointing kings is meant to point us to a greater King, Jesus. He is the true David and a better Solomon. He leads God’s people with wisdom, unites the nations, and makes a way for God’s presence to dwell among his people. Wherever people disappoint, King Jesus is there, inviting us into the beauty of his temple––his perfect presence.
1 Kings 6:23-31 Reflection Questions 2. Consider how Jesus faced similar disappointments to us. Think about it and take some time to empathize with him. 3. Remember, where people disappoint, Jesus is there to invite us into his presence. Take time now to ask for his perfect love to restore every area of disappointment. Want to Go Deeper?
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| Treasured by God | 04 Aug 2021 | 00:13:27 | |
After Israel returned from exile, many of the people were just as selfish and unjust as before. But there was a remnant of Israel who trusted and honored Yahweh. God called them his treasure and reminded them to hold on to his words of promise. We too can join this faithful remnant. When we feel overwhelmed by the state of our world, we can stand alongside generations of those who patiently trusted God. He assures us that he will bring justice and set all things right. He will keep his word. So as we continue to wait, we can also hold onto hope. Bible Reading Malachi 3:16-4:6 Reflection Questions 1. What is one thing you are patiently trusting God to make right? 2. God said that those who trust and follow him are his treasured possession. What comes to mind as you reflect on what it means to be treasured? 3. What would it practically look like for you to treasure God’s promises today? Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study. Show Credits
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| Faithful Through Failure | 31 Mar 2021 | 00:13:54 | |
How does God respond when we fail to represent his goodness in the world? Humanity’s failures never cancel God’s faithfulness to his promise. In fact, the God of Israel became human to fulfill the promise himself. Jesus, the long awaited King, faithfully completed everything we have left undone. Bible Reading Reflection Questions
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| When You Feel Powerless | 24 Mar 2021 | 00:13:00 | |
What should we do when life is unfair and everything feels out of control? In this episode, we are reflecting on God’s powerful response to the cries of the powerless. If today you are feeling helpless before bullies and institutions, listen in. Today’s message will encourage and empower you. And if you are in a position of authority, stay tuned. This reflection will inspire you to humbly use your power to lift others up. Bible Reading Reflection Questions
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| How God Treats His Enemies | 17 Mar 2021 | 00:11:38 | |
Where is God in the midst of impossible situations? In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on Ruth, a woman who came from a nation that violently opposed God’s people. Despite this, Ruth became an example of God’s loyal love even in the midst of impossibly difficult circumstances. We’ll also reflect on God’s impartial and merciful character and the hope he offers to all who trust in him. Bible Reading Reflection Questions:
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| When We Walk Out on God | 10 Mar 2021 | 00:11:34 | |
What happens when we turn our backs on God? In this episode, we are reflecting on how God responds when his people walk out on him and when they return. Bible Reading Reflection Questions
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| Making Sense of Divine Violence | 03 Mar 2021 | 00:14:02 | |
There’s a lot of violence in the Old Testament, but isn’t God loving? How do we make sense of all this? In this episode, we are exploring a few key things to keep in mind while looking at the topic of violence in the Bible. Note to parents: The terms genocide, child sacrifice, sexual fertility rituals, and sex slavery are used in this episode. Before listening with your child, consider if they are ready to be introduced to these concepts and if you are prepared to carefully answer any follow-up questions they may have. Bible Reading: Reflection Questions:
Want to Go Deeper? You can also review this blog on the BibleProject website, “Why Did God Command the Invasion of Canaan in the Book of Joshua” by Andy Patton.
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| Understanding Ancient Laws | 24 Feb 2021 | 00:10:37 | |
How can we understand the ancient laws in the Old Testament? And what’s the point of reading them today? In this episode, we are learning how to read the ancient laws that God gave to Israel and reflecting on how they can impact our choices today. Bible Reading Reflection Questions
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| God's Wisdom on Display | 17 Feb 2021 | 00:12:13 | |
Why did God give his people so many rules? In this episode, we’re reflecting on the wisdom and purpose of God's commands. Reflection Questions
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| Trusting God in the Wilderness | 10 Feb 2021 | 00:11:10 | |
How does fear hold us back from experiencing God’s promises? In this episode, we reflect on God's trustworthy character and how he responds when his people fail to trust and follow him. Bible Reading
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| Gift of Rest | 03 Feb 2021 | 00:13:12 | |
In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on the meaning and importance of rest. As we explore the biblical concept of Sabbath and the ancient festival of Jubilee, we’ll find wisdom and principles that are still relevant for us today. Bible Reading
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| Meaning of Sacrifice | 27 Jan 2021 | 00:11:40 | |
In today’s reflection, we are exploring the biblical theme of sacrifice and atonement. It can feel strange and uncomfortable at first, but as we learn more, we’ll discover just how life-giving and powerful this biblical theme is. Hebrews 10:11-22 Reflection Questions
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| There’s Hope in the Nightmare | 28 Jul 2021 | 00:13:14 | |
The book of Daniel explores what it means to be God’s people while living in a culture that is set against his values. How do God’s people remain faithful and confident in a situation like this? The strange dream in Daniel chapter 7 gives us some insight. In it we see there’s a kingdom ruled by the “Son of Man,” the one with all “authority, glory and sovereign power.” The oppressive rulers of this world will fail, but the Son of Man’s rule will never end. So when arrogant kings rise up, the people of God can look to a more powerful King. His name is Jesus, and all his followers are invited to live in the humble values of his Kingdom now, even while living amidst the kingdoms of Earth. Let’s reflect more on this Bible Reading Daniel 7:9-14 Reflection Questions 1. How can the arrogant beasts in Daniel’s vision help you notice oppression in the culture around you? 2. How do you imagine the Kingdom of Jesus bringing hope to the oppression in your culture? 3. How can the Son of Man in Daniel’s vision inspire you to stand up to the oppression around you? Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study.
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| Rescued for a Purpose | 20 Jan 2021 | 00:11:46 | |
Last week, we explored how God rescues his people when they cry out to him. In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on why God rescues his people. He doesn’t only free us from corruption, he free us for restoration. His rescue is not just for us but for the restoration of the whole world. Bible Reading: Reflection Questions:
Want to Go Deeper? Watch a video and explore more questions for yourself or group discussion online. View this episode's Bible study.
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| When We Cry Out | 13 Jan 2021 | 00:11:57 | |
How does God respond when his people cry out to him? In this week's episode, we invite you to contemplate the ancient Exodus story for the first time or with fresh eyes. Interested in more? Watch a video and explore more questions for yourself or group discussion online. View this episode's Bible study. | |||
| Wrestling God | 06 Jan 2021 | 00:13:13 | |
Did God really pick a fight with Jacob in the middle of the night? Are we reading this right? In this reflection, we explore a fascinating story from Genesis that shows us God’s relentless commitment to bless his people despite themselves. Interested in more? Watch a video and explore more questions for yourself or group discussion online. View this episode's Bible study. | |||
| Why God Gave Choice | 29 Dec 2020 | 00:14:32 | |
In the opening pages of the Bible, God gives the first humans a choice. But why? In this podcast, we explore the first few pages of the book of Genesis and what it means for God to give humanity choice. Interested in more? Watch a video and explore more questions for yourself or group discussion online. View this episode's Bible study. | |||
| Trailer: Reflections | 18 Dec 2020 | 00:01:04 | |
Welcome to Reflections, a micropodcast by BibleProject. Each episode includes a short message from one of our Bible scholars, a narration of a Scripture passage, and a time to reflect and respond to a series of thoughtful questions. A new episode releases each Wednesday. | |||
| Who Does God Choose to Work Through? | 21 Jul 2021 | 00:15:39 | |
What kind of person does God choose to work through most often? Can he work through me too? The book of Esther is a classic expression of the biblical idea that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. And God is still in the habit of elevating those who society has deemed unimportant. It might not always look as heroic as Esther’s story, but God can use anybody as an instrument for his purposes. If we want to partner with God, we don’t have to be rich, important, or powerful. We simply need to trust him over everything else. Bible Reading Esther 4:1-6, 12-17 Reflection Questions 1. God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble. What are some other stories in the Bible where we see this truth? 2. With those stories in mind, what does it practically mean to be humble? How is it a mindset as well as an action? 3. What is one courageous step, small or big, that you could take today to trust God and humbly serve your community? Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study. Show Credits
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| Is God Inclusive? | 14 Jul 2021 | 00:14:47 | |
Yahweh warned Israel not to tie themselves to foreign gods through marriage. But when those same foreigners left their gods to honor him, Yahweh welcomed them with open arms. Yahweh’s people were not as welcoming. Ezra and Nehemiah loved God, but they were misguided to exclude foreigners from joining God’s people. Since Ezra and Nehemiah weren’t exactly models for godliness and reform, what can we learn from their stories? How can we welcome others in the family of God who are different from us?
Isaiah 56:3,6-8 in contrast to Ezra 4:1-3 Reflection Questions
Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible study guide to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study.
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| Promise for New Hearts | 07 Jul 2021 | 00:14:13 | |
God’s people fail over and over again. We’re so messed up. Will there ever be a day when we get it right? The prophet Ezekiel said that God would renew his covenant by renewing hearts, and he’d do this by giving his own Spirit to those who trusted in him. God fulfilled his promise through Jesus. Now as followers of Jesus, we are invited to practice living with his Spirit. And as we do, we find our hearts are being renewed every day, filled with new desires and new decisions to love God and one another. Let’s reflect on this. Bible Reading Ezekiel 36:22-28 Reflection Questions
Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Bible Study to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study. Show Credits
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| Learning How to Grieve from Lamentations | 30 Jun 2021 | 00:14:00 | |
The biblical authors of Lamentations and Psalms invite us to express our grief, anger, and sadness to God. But this is hard. It’s so much easier to either avoid pain with numbing distractions or vent out frustrations without ever bringing them to God. But he is patient. He understands how painful our situations are, and he cares and grieves with us. Today, let’s practice grieving with him. Bible Reading Lamentations 3:22-33 Reflection Questions
Want to Go Deeper? Host: Cheree Hayes Message: Dr. Carissa Quinn Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel Theme music: Grant William Harold Background Music: "Fluttering" by Marshall Usinger Powered and distributed by Simplecast. | |||
| The Deep Anguish of God | 23 Jun 2021 | 00:14:29 | |
The prophetic books are intense, so it’s easy to skip ahead to more comfortable portions of the Bible. But Jesus often used the prophets’ words to describe what he was all about. So if we want to know Jesus, we need to read the prophets. And as we do, we can learn that when God’s people reject him, they are rejecting life itself. The disorder, chaos, and suffering that results is painful and it grieves God. But there is hope that God’s people can return to the life that he offers. Bible Reading Jeremiah 4:16-28 Reflection Questions 1. Imagine the power of the moment when God spoke, “let there be light” and said it was good. What is one way you’ve experienced God’s goodness as you’ve followed his life-giving words? 2. When we reject God’s life-giving words, sooner or later we are left with darkness, chaos, and void. This causes deep anguish. What is one way you have experienced anguish when you or others have rejected God’s words? 3. Take a moment to reflect in prayer. Ask God for one specific way you can respond to his words today. Listen for what he brings to mind. Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Reflections Bible Study guide to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study. Show Credits
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| Wisdom from Sensual Love Poetry? | 16 Jun 2021 | 00:14:38 | |
We all long to be truly seen, known, and loved by God and others. We want to fully give ourselves to these deep relationships. The Song of Songs is about that desire, that dream that imagines the unity of Heaven and Earth. One day this dream will be fully realized, but until then, we have access to unity with Jesus. He invites us into a real and intimate relationship. And in him, we can know a love that cannot be quenched or swept away—a love that can overflow toward others and heal creation. Bible Reading Song of Songs 8:6-7 Reflection Questions 1. Think about an inspiring romantic relationship that you’ve witnessed in real life, a movie, or a book. What inspired you most about it? 2. What is one feature of that romance that could give you an example of what it means to be in a relationship with God? 3. What is one thing that might be hindering intimacy in your relationship with God? What is one small step you can take to grow in that area today? Want to Go Deeper? Check out this episode's Reflections Bible Study guide to watch a video and explore more detailed questions for personal study and group discussion. Go to bibleproject.com/study. Host: Cheree Hayes Message: Dr. Carissa Quinn Cited: Davis, Ellen. "Reading the Song Iconographically." The Journal of Scriptural Reasoning, 2003. Production and Bible Reading: Dan Gummel Theme music: Grant William Harold Background Music: "A Longing," by Sean Williams Powered and distributed by Simplecast. | |||