Your Church Friends Podcast

Discovering A Savior: But Seriously, Can I Trust Prophecy?

Ok, but seriously, can we trust prophecy, especially when it comes to prophecy about the Messiah in the Bible and how it all points to the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus? Join Your Church Friends as they closely examine the significance of biblical Messianic prophecy and how it’s an essential component to discovering a Savior.
 
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Discovering A Savior: How can I trust Prophecy?

With so many people making predictions about the future, end times and the return of Jesus, how can we trust Prophecy? Also, why is it so hard to trust all the prophecy found in the Bible? Join Your Church Friends as they closely examine the significance of biblical prophecy and how it’s an essential component to discovering a Savior.
 
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Discovering A Savior: Investigation for the Truth

Why is the truth so important? Why is it so challenging for us to discern what is genuinely true? Join Your Church Friends as they closely examine the significance of investigating for the truth and why the truth is an essential component to discovering a Savior.
 
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YCF Special: Chris & Muireadhach Have a Big Announcement!!!

Hey Church Friends, Chris and Muireadhach sit down to have a quick conversation about some big and exciting news about the podcast. They also give a quick preview of the next season. It’s a season you won’t want to miss, one that will take us on a mission, on a quest, on a search for the truth. Join us on our journey to Discovering a Savior.
 
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YCF Special: Pastor Jay Kim - A Colossians Conversation

Chris sits down with Pastor Jay Kim to discuss his new devotional book, "Colossians: One Jesus, One People," a 40-day study through the epistle. They have a lively conversation about the Book of Colossians, what it means to know the truth, and why unity is so crucial. They also talk about the importance of studying the context of the letter and understanding to whom it was written and why it was written, is so essential to understanding the deeper message of the Epistle of Colossians.  
 
Learn More about Jay Kim:
https://jaykimthinks.com/about
 
Buy Jay Kim's Books:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jay-Y.-Kim/author/B084DLNB2K?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - What Are You Going to do with God’s Word?

The Shepherd of Hermas ends with ten parables given to Hermas by the Shepherd. These parables range from illustrations about two cities, an elm tree and a grapevine, a shepherd of luxury and a shepherd of punishment, to a cosmic willow tree and twelve mountains. All the parables drive home the same point: what are you going to do with God’s Word and how are you going to live once you know God’s commands?
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - The Shepherd’s Wisdom pt 2

The Twelve Commandments from the Shepherd continue. Commandment seven serves as a reminder to Fear the Lord, emphasizing that fearing God prevents us from doing evil and enables us to do good. Commandment nine addresses double-mindedness, calling it the daughter of the devil, while commandment ten the Shepherd tells Hermas not to despair when God doesn't answer prayers or when life doesn't align with personal expectations. The final two commandments focus on discernment: discerning prophecy and our desires and that sums up the commandments from the Shepherd to Hermas.
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - The Shepherd’s Wisdom pt 1

The Shepherd is now on the scene and gives Hermas twelve commandments to live by, progressing from basic principles to the need for deeper spiritual discernment. The first six commands begin with a simple yet perhaps the most challenging one: believe in God. They then progress to abstaining from evil and practicing generosity, culminating in a genuine love for the truth. Commandment four takes a unique perspective on divorce and adultery, while commandment five advises simply to remain patient and avoid anger. Commandment six presents a whimsical depiction of a demon on one shoulder and an angel on the other, with one urging us to do good and the other tempting us toward evil.
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - The Tower & The Beast

The visions of Hermas continue! A tower is being built with different types of stones. Some of the stones fit together so perfectly that they look like one united piece, and other stones are used from the depths of the waters. Then there's a vision of a great beast known as tribulation that scares Hermas until he remembers what God told him after he had prayed and fasted. These are the visions of Hermas that parallel so much of the Bible and show us where theology was headed for the Christians in Rome.
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - Visions From The Lady

He sees her bathing and has a simple thought: she would make an excellent wife. The only problem is that the woman bathing is his former master, Rhoda, and Hermas is already married. Sometime later, Hermas has a vision, and in it, Rhoda appears to tell him that the thought he had was wrong. This is how the Vision section begins in The Shepherd of Hermas.
 
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Read The Shepherd of Hermas:
https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html
 
 

Excluded Books of the Bible: The Shepherd of Hermas - What is the Shepherd of Hermas?

The Shepherd of Hermas is an early Christian writing that focuses on the main character, Hermas, and his five visions, the twelve mandates given to him by The Shepherd, and ten parables on aspects of moral piety and holiness. The Shepherd of Hermas provides a wonderful insight into the life of the early church and Christians in Rome. The two main themes are post-baptismal sin and repentance, and the relationship between the rich and non-elite within the church.
 
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YCF Special: Power to Change our Fear into Faith

On this YCF Special presentation, join us on a journey back in time to April 23, 2023, when Chris spoke at our home church, Calvary Bellflower, about Mark 4:35-41. He delivers a compelling message on how fear can hinder our progress in faith. By embracing the principles of believing in God, maintaining our focus on Him, and placing our trust in His timing, we can harness the 'Power to Change our Fear into Faith'.
 
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Check out Calvary Bellflower:
https://calvarybellflower.org/

Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Noah’s Astonishing Birth in 1st Enoch

It's the end of the Book of 1st Enoch, and it doesn't disappoint. A captivating tale unfolds about the birth of Noah and how his father feared he might not be his son due to Noah being born with fiery eyes and long locks of hair. Remarkably, Noah also began speaking immediately upon birth, and this is just a fraction of the story. Lastly, tune in to hear our reflections on the Book of 1st Enoch and its significance in the Christian life.
 
Enoch Throughout the Bible:
https://intertextual.bible/
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - The Apocalypse of Weeks Hope Amidst Woes

In the Epistle of Enoch, Enoch gathers Methuselah and all his sons for a final word with them. There, Enoch shares with them the Apocalypse of Weeks, a summary of human history from creation to the Last Judgment condensed into a tale of 10 weeks. Enoch also warns them not to be misled by the practices of the world they live in, as the path of the unrighteous leads to many woes, punishment, and death. In contrast, he gives them exhortations to fear not, be hopeful, and take courage, assuring them that a Savior is coming for those who follow the path of righteousness.
 
Purchase George Nickelsburg's Commentaries on Enoch:
https://www.logos.com/product/50244/hermeneia-1-enoch-2-a-commentary-on-the-book-of-1-enoch-chapters-37-82
https://www.logos.com/product/50243/hermeneia-1-enoch-1-a-commentary-on-the-book-of-1-enoch-chapters-1-36-81-108
 
Purchase Michael Heiser's Commentaries on Enoch: 
https://www.amazon.com/Companion-Book-Enoch-Commentary-Watchers/dp/1948014300/ref=sr_1_4?crid=12XBVQII4ORQF&keywords=michael+heiser+enoch&qid=1690931896&sprefix=micahel+heiser+enoch%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-4
https://www.amazon.com/Companion-Book-Enoch-Commentary-Parables/dp/1948014416/ref=sr_1_5?crid=12XBVQII4ORQF&keywords=michael+heiser+enoch&qid=1690931896&sprefix=micahel+heiser+enoch%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-5
 
Read Father Stephen De Young's Notes on Enoch:
https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/wholecounsel/2020/07/25/the-book-of-enoch/
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Enter The Lord of the Sheep The Animal Apocalypse Part 2

The Animal Apocalypse continues, and the story of Israel, told in animal form, unfolds further. The Israelites have transformed from cows to sheep, and the author of the Animal Apocalypse reveals the truth about their tendency, as well as humanity's, to stray from God, now referred to as the Lord of the Sheep. As a result, the Israelites face attacks from wolves, foxes, lions, tigers, and other surrounding nations. The Animal Apocalypse concludes with the prophesied birth of a white bull that will metamorphose into a lamb, leading the people of the Lord of the Sheep back to Him.
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Welcome to the Animal Apocalypse

Welcome to the Animal Apocalypse! A tale of Israel's history, where the people are replaced with animals. The story begins with a bull and a heifer emerging from the ground, becoming the parents of a red bull and a black bull. Unfortunately, the black bull kills the red bull, and if this narrative sounds familiar, it's because it is. After the fall of many stars on the earth, other animals appear, including elephants, camels, and donkeys. These creatures start to attack and kill the descendants of the bulls, corrupting the earth. The Animal Apocalypse has begun!
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - The Astronomical World of Enoch and the Divine Order of the Cosmos

The Astronomical Enoch, possibly the earliest among the Enoch writings, explores the celestial movements of the sun, moon, and stars as they traverse the heavens throughout the changing seasons. It unveils a unique 364-day solar calendar, divided into four quarters with three 30-day months and a day interposed between each quarter. This fascinating account portrays the sun, moon, and stars as dutifully following Divine laws. Enoch imparts this revelation to his son Methuselah, highlighting the stark contrast between the unwavering obedience of nature to God's commands and the prevailing disobedience of humanity at that time.
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Monsters, Guardians, the Wild Ride of the Third Parable

The third parable takes you on an exhilarating journey through ancient mythology and celestial realms. Encounter the awe-inspiring chaos monsters, the Leviathan and Behemoth, representing the forces of the sea and the land, reminiscent of the enigmatic beast in the book of Revelation. Delve into the vivid descriptions of the Cherubin, heavenly beings tasked with protecting the holy from contamination, and the Seraphin, guardians of sacred spaces. Discover the Ophannin, the divine wheels associated with the visionary chariot throne from Ezekiel 1. While the second parable centers on the punishment of the sinners, the third parable unveils the destiny of the righteous, who will dwell eternally in the radiant presence of the Lord of Spirits.
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - The Fate of the Wicked

The second parable continues with a vivid description of the fate awaiting the wicked. In a parallel to the events depicted in Daniel 2, the kingdoms of the earth are brought down, signaling a profound judgment. Azazel, identified as the figure known as Satan in the Bible, faces punishment as he is cast into the lake of fire. The parable reaches its climax with a retelling of the flood narrative, where humanity faces divine retribution for their moral corruption and their inclination to follow the watchers. God's flood consumes the unrighteous, while Sheol engulfs them, reminiscent of the flood narrative in Genesis. Notably, God also extends a sign of peace, establishing a covenant between Himself and humanity, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tumultuous events described.
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - A New Heaven and A New Earth

The first parable from the Book of the Similitudes or Parables in 1st Enoch concludes with Enoch's visionary encounters, unveiling the concept of 'Mansions' and the embodiment of Wisdom that transcends human understanding, finding its ultimate manifestation in Jesus. The second parable begins by describing the Day of the Lord, referred to as 'That Day,' where the Chosen One, Jesus, reigns on the throne of glory as the supreme judge. Experience the transformative power of divine judgment, leading to a renewed heaven and earth, reversing the cursed state brought about by sin. This thought-provoking discussion explores the hidden connections between ancient texts, revealing the enduring significance of wisdom, judgment, and renewal.
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Enter the Son of Man

Chapters 37-71 of 1st Enoch are known as the Book of the Similitudes or Parables. This section consists of three parables or visions received by Enoch, introducing new material through heavenly visions that primarily focus on the concept of final judgment. The Book of the Similitudes holds particular significance in New Testament scholarship as it describes the Son of Man in connection with the final judgment. One of the most controversial aspects is the usage of the term 'Son of Man,' drawing inspiration from the books of Daniel and Ezekiel to develop the idea of the coming Messiah as the Son of Man. This concept would greatly influence the New Testament authors' understanding of Jesus, particularly evident in John's Gospel.
 
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YCF Special: Jack Pelham - ReThinking the Bible

How we think about the Bible is important, and the truth is, sometimes we don't get it right. The problem we face is that we often prefer to be wrong in our interpretation, molding the Bible to fit our desires, rather than allowing it to speak for itself. In our insightful discussion with Jack Pelham, our Church Friend and fellow podcaster, we explore this topic and more. Jack enlightens us by emphasizing that true growth often lies not in simply doing or stopping certain actions but in first changing our mindset.
 
Visit Jack's Website for Blog Post and Podcast:
https://rethinkingthebible.com/
 
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YCF Special: Dr. Scot McKnight - Revelation for the Rest of Us

World-renowned author Dr. Scot McKnight joins Your Church Friends to dive into his latest book, "Revelation for the Rest of Us." Together, they tackle the issue of speculation in reading Revelation and explore how Revelation chapter 1 verses 1-3 can shape our understanding of the entire book. They also delve into the unique struggle Americans face when approaching the book of Revelation. Join them for a captivating conversation on the significance of Babylon in the Bible and discover how we can live as faithful dissidents in today's world. Lastly, get ready for the long-awaited answer to the age-old question of the rapture.
 
Purchase Revelation for the Rest of Us
https://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Rest-Us-Prophetic-Dissident/dp/0310135788
 
Dr. Scot McKnight's Newsletter:
https://scotmcknight.substack.com/
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - Beyond Nephilim, Beyond the Flood

The Book of the Watchers is more than just Nephilim and the flood. It includes the list of seven archangels and describes how they serve God. It also delves into Gehenna, a real biblical location used as imagery for the appearance of the underworld. Additionally, the book provides a description of the spiritual geography of the entire creation, which was accepted by the New Testament writers and the Church Fathers in their understanding of events within the invisible creation—the spiritual world. Furthermore, it explains how these spiritual locations overlay the visible creation. The Book of the Watchers sets the stage for the coming of Christ, the Messiah.
 
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Excluded Books of the Bible: 1st Enoch - The Book of the Watchers

Genesis 6 has left many puzzled with its intriguing account of the sons of God, daughters of humankind, and the enigmatic Nephilim. But fear not, because the Book of the Watchers in 1st Enoch fills in the gaps! It unveils the story of rebellious angels who abandoned their divine duty to corrupt humanity and the earth. Discover the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael as they confront these fallen angels and bring justice. And let's not forget the captivating antagonist, Azazel, bound in darkness awaiting God's judgment. This is just the beginning of the thrilling journey through the Book of the Watchers!
 
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