THE DAILY BIBLE PODCAST

Welcome back to YourJesusJourney.com. Today, we're diving into Colossians 3:1-13 and its neighborhood, a passage so packed with practical wisdom, it's like the Swiss Army Knife of Christian living. Ready to dig in? Then grab your favorite translation (we highly recommend reading this section in The Message for a fresh perspective!), and let's get started. Today's Journey: Colossians 3:1-13 Setting the Scene: Paul's letter to the Colossians addresses a church grappling with false teachings that threatened to pull them away from the centrality of Christ. In chapter 2, Paul strongly warns against these deceptive philosophies and emphasizes the believer's completeness in Christ. Now, in chapter 3, he builds upon this foundation, urging believers to live in light of their new identity. Think of it this way: if you've been rescued from a sinking ship (your old life) and placed safely on solid ground (your life in Christ), you wouldn't keep acting like you're still drowning! Paul is essentially saying, "You've been raised with Christ! So, start living like it!" The phrase "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" (verse 1, NIV) isn't just about heavenly daydreams. In the ancient world, where seating arrangements signified status and authority, Christ's seat at God's right hand was a powerful image of His supreme power and victory. This isn't about escaping earthly responsibilities but about orienting our entire perspective and priorities towards eternal realities. Paul then dives into practical implications. He calls believers to "put to death" earthly desires like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed (verse 5). These aren't just external actions but deeply rooted attitudes and inclinations. He reminds them of their past lives, "when you used to live that way" (verse 7), contrasting it with their new reality in Christ. The passage then moves to the "clothing" metaphor. Just as we take off old, dirty clothes, believers are called to "take off" anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language (verse 8). Instead, they are to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (verse 12). This imagery highlights the deliberate and intentional nature of Christian transformation. It's not passive; it requires a conscious effort to cultivate these Christ-like qualities. Furthermore, Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and unity: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity" (verses 13-14). This call to unity within the body of Christ directly counters the divisive nature of the false teachings the Colossians were facing.   Questions for You to Chew On and Discuss: 1) Read Colossians 3:1-13 in The Message. What specific phrases or instructions stand out to you as particularly practical for your daily life? 2) Paul uses the imagery of "putting off" and "putting on." What are some specific "earthly desires" or negative behaviors that you feel God is calling you to "put off"? What are some specific Christ-like qualities you need to intentionally "put on"? 3) How does focusing on the fact that Christ is "seated at the right hand of God" practically impact the way you make decisions and prioritize your time and energy here on earth? Journey Group Discussion Starter: Share with your group one specific area in your life where you are actively trying to "put off" an old habit or attitude and "put on" a Christ-like virtue. What challenges are you facing, and how can the group support you in this journey? Modern-Day Application: In our hyper-connected and often materialistic world, Paul's words remain incredibly relevant. "Setting our minds on things above" doesn't mean we ignore our responsibilities, but it does mean we evaluate them through an eternal lens. Are our ambitions driven by earthly status or heavenly purpose? Are our relationships characterized by the "earthly desires" Paul mentions, or are we actively cultivating compassion, kindness, and forgiveness? Alright, pilgrims on the path! If you're feeling inspired to connect with fellow travelers on this Jesus journey and dig deeper into scriptures like this, then head on over to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about joining or even starting your own Journey Group. It's the perfect place to share your "putting off" and "putting on" stories and encourage each other along the way. Go check it out – your faith life will thank you! #dailybiblepodcast #jesusjourney #bibleverse #dailybiblereading #learnthebible #dailydevotion #godsword #colossians3

Welcome to YourJesusJourney.com! Ever feel like Jesus' last words to his disciples were a bit like being handed the keys to the universe with the instruction, "Now, go park it... everywhere"? Well, you're not alone! We're here at YourJesusJourney.com to help you navigate that cosmic parking job – also known as the Great Commission – with a little less stress and a lot more understanding. Now, let's dive into a passage that’s less of a suggestion and more of a divine "you've got this!" moment. The Great Commission: Go Big or Go Home (Literally) Setting the Scene: Our passage today comes at the very end of Matthew's Gospel, right after Jesus' resurrection. Imagine the scene: the disciples, likely still reeling from the rollercoaster of emotions – the agony of the cross, the shock of the empty tomb, and now, the undeniable reality of their resurrected Lord standing before them. They had witnessed the impossible! Jesus meets them on a mountain in Galilee. Mountains in the ancient Near East were often significant places for divine encounters (think Moses on Mount Sinai). This setting underscores the weight and authority of what Jesus is about to say. The context is crucial. Jesus has just defeated death, the ultimate enemy. His authority isn't just earthly; it's cosmic. When he declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me," it's a statement of absolute sovereignty. This isn't a request; it's a declaration of fact. Then comes the command, often referred to as the Great Commission: Read Matthew 28:18-20 Several key elements stand out: "Go therefore": This "therefore" is significant. It's rooted in the preceding statement of Jesus' ultimate authority. Because he has all authority, their going is not a shot in the dark but a mission empowered by heaven itself. "Make disciples": This isn't just about converting people; it's about a process of transformation. It involves walking alongside others, mentoring them in the ways of Jesus. "Of all nations": This is a radical departure from the more localized focus of Judaism at the time. Jesus' message is for everyone, everywhere. "Baptizing them": Baptism is a public declaration of identification with Christ, a symbolic burial and resurrection into new life. "Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you": This highlights the ongoing nature of discipleship. It's not just about initial belief but a lifelong journey of learning and obedience. This very command to teach all his commands underscores that this instruction to "go and make disciples" is indeed for all future followers who would be taught this very thing. "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age": This promise of Jesus' constant presence is the ultimate encouragement and empowerment for this monumental task. They are not alone. Questions for you to chew on and discuss: 1) Reflecting on Jesus' statement, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me," how does this truth impact your understanding of the Great Commission and your role in it? 2) The command is to "make disciples." What do you think are the key components of truly making a disciple, beyond just sharing the gospel message? Jesus promises to be with us always. 3) How can we practically lean into this promise when we feel inadequate or overwhelmed by the idea of disciple-making? Journey Group Discussion Starter: Share a time when someone intentionally invested in your spiritual growth or a time when you felt led to invest in someone else. What were the joys and challenges of that experience? How does the Great Commission inform how we should approach these relationships? Modern-Day Application: It might not always look like physically traveling to distant nations (though for some, it will!). It can look like: Intentional relationships: Building genuine connections with people in your everyday life – neighbors, colleagues, friends – and being open about your faith. Mentoring and guiding: Taking someone under your wing, whether a new believer or someone seeking to deepen their faith, and sharing what you've learned about following Jesus. Teaching and sharing God's Word: This could be through formal teaching roles, leading a small group, or simply sharing a meaningful scripture with a friend. Living a life that reflects Jesus: Your actions and character can be a powerful witness to those around you. Supporting those who go: Praying for and financially supporting missionaries and ministries that are actively engaged in making disciples in other nations. Baptism as a step of obedience: Encouraging new believers to take this important step of public identification with Christ. Remember, you don't have to do all of these things all the time, but every believer has a part to play in this grand mission. #dailybiblepodcast #jesusjourney #dailybiblereading #learnthebible #dailydevotion #godsword #matthew28 #makedisciples #followjesus

Welcome, fellow travelers on YourJesusJourney.com! Ever feel like the Christian life is a marathon where the sidelines are packed with cheering (and maybe slightly judgmental) spectators? Well, you're not wrong! Today, we're diving into a passage that’s like a cosmic pep talk from the stands. This is the place where we unpack the Bible, find awesome people to study with, and level up our disciple-making game. Don't be a lone wolf on this journey! Head over to our website and snag our FREE resource, "Stop reading the bible wrong: 7 Strategic Shifts that Change Everything." Just smash that "Free Gift" button at the top, and we'll beam that E-Book right to you. Now, let's lace up our spiritual running shoes and get into today's devotional! Hebrews 12:1-4: The Ultimate Cheerleading Squad Setting the Scene: The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing pressure to revert to their old ways. The writer has just spent chapters 11 recounting the incredible acts of faith of Old Testament heroes and heroines – Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and many others. This "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) isn't just a passive audience; they are the ultimate examples of perseverance through faith. Imagine a stadium filled with these legendary figures, their lives a testament to God's faithfulness. The writer wants his audience to envision this powerful assembly, a living, breathing Hall of Faith, urging them onward. Think of it like this: you're running a grueling race, and suddenly, you see the faces of your heroes lining the track, their eyes filled with encouragement, their past victories a silent roar of "You can do this!" For the original readers, these were the patriarchs, prophets, and people of the old covenant who, despite facing immense challenges, held fast to their faith in God's promises, even without seeing their complete fulfillment. Furthermore, the writer shifts the focus to the ultimate example: Jesus. He endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2). This wasn't a casual jog; it was a brutal sprint through suffering. By remembering Jesus's sacrifice and his exaltation to the right hand of God, the readers are reminded that their own struggles pale in comparison to his. He is not just a spectator; he is the pioneer and perfecter of their faith, the one who has run the race perfectly and now cheers them on from the finish line. The writer also reminds them of the "hostility from sinners" that Jesus endured (Hebrews 12:3). This serves as a powerful perspective check. Whatever difficulties they were facing for their faith, Jesus faced far worse. This context underscores the "Don't Give Up" message of this passage. They hadn't yet faced martyrdom (Hebrews 12:4), so their current trials, though significant, were within the realm of endurance. Questions for you to chew on and discuss: 1) Who are the "cloud of witnesses" that resonate most with you in your own faith journey? How does reflecting on their lives encourage you? 2) What "weights" and "sin that so easily entangles" (Hebrews 12:1) might be hindering your own spiritual race today? What practical steps can you take to shed them? 3) How does remembering Jesus's suffering and triumph help you persevere through your own challenges? Journey Group discussion starter: Share a time when you felt like giving up in your faith journey. What helped you to keep going? How can we, as a Journey Group, encourage each other to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us"? Modern-Day Application: For us modern-day Christians, the "great cloud of witnesses" can include not only the biblical figures but also the countless believers throughout history and in our own lives who have demonstrated unwavering faith in the face of adversity. We can envision missionaries who risked their lives, martyrs who stood firm in their convictions, and everyday believers who quietly lived out their faith with integrity. When we feel weary, we can draw strength from their examples. The "weights" and "sin that so easily entangles" in our lives might look different today. They could be the weight of materialism, the entanglement of social media addiction, the burden of unforgiveness, or the drag of negative self-talk. The principle remains the same: we need to identify and actively shed these hindrances to run our race effectively. Just as the original audience was encouraged by Jesus's example, we too must fix our eyes on him. In the face of daily frustrations, disappointments, or even persecution, remembering his ultimate sacrifice and victory provides perspective and fuels our perseverance. We haven't faced the cross, but we will face challenges. Looking to Jesus reminds us that we are not alone and that victory is possible. #dailybiblepodcast #jesusjourney #bibleverse #dailybiblereading #hebrews12 #dailybibledevotions #dailydevotion #biblestudy