Start2Finish: The Exartizo Podcast

Continuing our series on the Presence of God, today’s episode takes one more look at God’s presence in the storyline of the Bible as it appears in the Old Testament. In the first portion of the episode, we take a look at the structure of the Old Testament and contrast the layout of our modern, English bibles with the Scriptural framework that 1st century Jewish-Christians would have been familiar with. An important takeaway reveals that the ancient structure actually tells a story, a story that communicates God's unyielding desire to dwell personally among His people. In the second portion of the episode, we illustrate this truth by studying Isaiah 40:1-10. In examining this specific text, God's redemptive program is amplified both nationally for the Jews in Babylonian captivity, as well as spiritually for all of sinful humanity. The prophet dramatically announces that God's presence is about to make an entrance and anyone who has an ear to hear and a heart to obey, should make preparations for His arrival.

Scriptures: Luke 24:44; Psalm 30:5; Isaiah 40:1-10.

Production: Samuel Romano

Music: "On My Way," by Justin Jollie.

For more information on Dr. Romano's teaching ministry, please visit vcbcs.org OR contact [email protected].

Today's podcast begins our study of the subject of the Kingdom of God. In this episode, Dr. Romano will explore the primary, overarching message of Jesus and why it is critical for all followers of Christ to understand.

Scriptures:

Matthew 3:1-2; Matthew 4:17, 23; Luke 9:1-2; Luke 4:16-21.

Music: "On My Way" by Justin Jollie.

How did God speak in the Bible? How does God speak today? Today's episode considers the various ways (Heb. 1:1) in which God spoke in the past and compares that with the way in which God speaks today.

Scriptures: Heb. 1:1-2; Gen. 12:1-3; Job 33:14-16; Acts 13:1-2; Psalm 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:16; Psalm 119:11; John 16:12-14; 2 Cor. 5:17.

Music: Justin Jollie

Production: Samuel Romano

Communication: [email protected]

Continuing the series on the Kingdom of God, this episode focuses on how the Kingdom was displayed through the life and ministry of Jesus as well as through the church. Following a brief recap of the two previous episodes, Dr. Chris bridges the 400 year gap between the OT and the NT by explaining the historical, socio-political and religious context. Bible readers need to be informed that there are a lot of changes that take place between the books of Malachi (the close of the OT) and the Gospel of Matthew (the opening of the NT). Learning about those changes allows for a much clearer picture when Jesus arrives on the scene and announces "the Kingdom of God is at hand!" Additionally, this episode explores the manner in which Jesus continues and fulfills the Old Testament story (Luke 24:44-45; Matt. 5:17). Through His perfect life, compelling instruction and miraculous works, Jesus not only declares the Kingdom come, but He demonstrates it as well (Matt. 5-7; Matt. 12:28). The climax of Kingdom displayed in Jesus' life/ministry, is the cross, resurrection and ascension. Through His climactic victory, Jesus overcomes the works of darkness and cancels the curse that was upon humanity due to the fall. Restoring what man lost at the fall (dual loss: relationship & rulership), Jesus then commissions His followers to be the conduits of Kingdom character and power to every nation and people group (Matt. 28:18-20; John 20:21).

Music: "On My Way," by Justin Jollie.