The Bible Project

Send us a text

Podcast Home.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
Help me to continue to make and share great Biblical content everyday and download my latest free Book at | PatreonYou can also support my podcast athttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/JRMcCandless
Miraculous Signs for Pharaoh
1 Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ ”
2 So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.”3 And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), 5 “that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 6 Furthermore the Lord said to him, “Now put your hand in your bosom.” And he put his hand in his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, like snow. 7 And He said, “Put your hand in your bosom again.” So he put his hand in his bosom again, and drew it out of his bosom, and behold, it was restored like his other flesh. 8 “Then it will be, if they do not believe you, nor heed the message of the first sign, that they may believe the message of the latter sign. 9 And it shall be, if they do not believe even these two signs, or listen to your voice, that you shall take water from the river and pour it on the dry land. The water which you take from the river will become blood on the dry land.”

10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”

11 So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” 13 But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.” 14 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do. 16 So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God. 17 And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”
Exodus 4: 1-17

Support the show

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon
Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a text

For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless
Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com
This Episode was originally recorded and made available as exclusive bonus content on Patreon on the 17th June 2023 - Hope you enjoy.
Original Episode Notes.

Welcome to "Mencius - Are People Naturally Good?"

In this bonus episode, I look at the life and teachings of Mencius, a highly influential Chinese philosopher who lived during the Warring States period of ancient China. Mencius, also known as Mengzi or Meng Tzu, is considered one of the most prominent disciples of Confucius, and his ideas have had a lasting impact on Chinese philosophy, Taoism, ethics, and eastern political thought in general.

This is a bonus episode using the musings and thoughts I pulled together as an attempt to offer a Christian perspective on the teaching of ‘Mencius’ prior to participating in a discussion group on the 13th June 2023.

In this short episode I try and demonstrates the significant differences between Mencius’ spiritual framework and his different approach to moral and spiritual matters from a Christian perspective.
Mencius emphasizes the cultivation of moral virtues and the innate goodness of human nature, believing that individuals can develop these qualities through self-cultivation and education. In contrast, Christianity acknowledges the fallen nature of humanity due to original sin, emphasizing the need for redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. Christian ethics revolve around obedience to divine commandments, love of God and neighbour, and the pursuit of holiness. Christian thinking recognizes the inherent moral limitations of humans and places greater emphasis on divine grace and redemption.

I try here to show Mencius' teachings in contrast to Christian thinking and try and show the significant differences in their views on human nature, the nature of the Divine and the ‘outrageous grace’ and nature of God's revelation, along with the transformative significance of the Christian faith. Understanding these differences provides valuable insights into the contrasting an eastern spiritual perspectives with biblical Christianity.

An amateur attempt but I hope you find it offers some useful insights.

Jeremy (June 2023)

Support the show

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon
Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a text

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com
For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless
Sermon Notes: "A Good Land to Possess" (Deuteronomy 6:1-10)

Introduction:

• Picture the moment when everything you've longed for is within reach—this is where the Israelites stood in Deuteronomy 6, on the brink of the Promised Land, a place described as "flowing with milk and honey."
• This wasn’t just about new opportunities; it was about stepping into a life designed by God, marked by His commands, presence, and blessings.

Main Points:

1. The Call to Obedience (Deuteronomy 6:1-3):
   • Moses calls the Israelites to observe God's commandments carefully, emphasizing that obedience is key to thriving in the Promised Land.
   • The promise: obedience leads to life, multiplication, and possession of the land—a land God swore to their ancestors, fulfilling His covenant with Abraham.
   • This obedience is not just about rules but is an invitation into a relationship with God that defines their identity and destiny.
2. Remembering God's Faithfulness (Deuteronomy 6:4-6):
   • Moses reminds them of their 40-year journey in the wilderness—a period where God tested and humbled them to reveal their hearts and deepen their reliance on Him.
   • The wilderness experience was a lesson in dependence on God, where He provided manna to teach them that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord."
   • This passage underscores the importance of humility and recognizing our total dependence on God, not just for physical needs but for every aspect of life.
3. The Lesson of Trust and Testing (Deuteronomy 6:7-9):
   • God's testing was meant to develop trust in Him, demonstrating that true life comes from His word, not just material provision.
   • Jesus Himself quoted this passage during His temptation in the wilderness, showing that obedience to God’s Word takes precedence over immediate needs.
   • Just as the Israelites learned to trust God for manna, we are called to trust Him in our own "wilderness" experiences, knowing that He provides what we truly need.
4. A Land of Abundance (Deuteronomy 6:10):
   • Moses describes the richness of the Promised Land—a place of abundance, peace, and provision, vastly different from the scarcity of the wilderness.
   • The land is a symbol of God’s generosity and faithfulness, offering everything necessary for a prosperous life.
   • The proper response to this abundance is thanksgiving and continued obedience, recognizing that all blessings come from God.

Application:

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon
Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a text

Podcast Home.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
Help me to continue to make and share great Biblical content everyday and download my latest free Book at | PatreonYou can also support my podcast athttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/JRMcCandless
Dealing With Oppression - Good Days, Bad Days
Good Days

1 Now these are the names of the sons of Israel who went to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah; 3 Issachar, Zebulun and Benjamin; 4 Dan and Naphtali; Gad and Asher. 5 The descendants of Jacob numbered seventy in all; Joseph was already in Egypt. 6 Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, 7 but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers, and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.(Exodus 1: 1-7)

Bad days.

8 Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. 9 “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. 10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them, or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.” 11 So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labour, and they used them to build Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so, the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites 13 and worked them ruthlessly. 14 They made their lives bitter with harsh labour in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labour the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly. (Exodus 1: 8-14)

Ugly Days.

15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. 18 Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” 19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives even arrive.” 20 So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. 22 Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile but let every girl live.” (Exodus 1: 15-22)

Support the show

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon
Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a text

Reach out and connect to my ministry and help me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonExploring Mary's Magnificat: A Humble Perspective (Luke 1:46-56)

Introduction:
Mary, the revered mother of Jesus, has long been a symbol of virtue and grace. Yet, controversy surrounds her titles, such as "Mother of God" and the dogma of her Immaculate Conception and supposed ascension. In this exploration of the Gospel of Luke, we look at Mary's Magnificat—a hymn that offers insights into her perspective, dispelling certain misconceptions and highlighting the humility that defined her.

Mary's Controversial Titles:
Before delving into Mary's hymn, we acknowledge the controversy surrounding her titles. The Immaculate Conception and her bodily assumption have sparked debates, particularly within the Catholic Church. These proclamations lack biblical basis, relying on papal authority and contributing to ongoing theological disputes.

Mary's Perspective Unveiled:
Moving beyond controversies, we shift our focus to Mary's encounter with Elizabeth. The angel's proclamation to Mary sets the stage for a powerful response, known as the Magnificat. By examining this hymn, we gain valuable insights into Mary's thoughts on herself, God, and His plan.

Magnificat: A Three-Part Reflection:
Mary's hymn unfolds in three parts, each revealing facets of her perspective. In the first section (Luke 1:46-50), she acknowledges her humble state and God's transformative work. This challenges the notion of her sinlessness and emphasizes her gratitude for God's mercy. She doesn't claim superiority but attributes her exaltation to God's grace.

God's Focus on the Humble:
Verse 48 highlights Mary's humility, acknowledging God's regard for her lowly state. This echoes a broader theme—God's inclination to choose and bless unlikely individuals. Mary, from the insignificant town of Nazareth, becomes a vessel for God's divine purpose, illustrating His pattern of using the seemingly least likely candidates.

Mary's Personal Transformation:
In verse 49, Mary exclaims, "the Mighty One has done great things for me." Beyond being a blessing, Mary's transformation—from humble origins to an honored woman—underscores God's ability to work wonders in the lives of the most unexpected individuals.

Shifting Focus to Others:
Transitioning to the second part of the hymn (Luke 1:51-53), Mary extends her perspective beyond herself. God's actions are not confined to her life; they encompass the broader context of the humble and hungry. She proclaims God's scattering of the proud, uplifting the lowly, and filling the hungry with blessings.

Humility as a Divine Principle:
Mary's hymn reflects God's character—favouring the humble and challenging the self-sufficient. The rich, symbolizing the self-reliant, are sent away empty, while the hungry, both physically and spiritually, are filled. This divine principle emphasizes humility, portraying God's inclination to work with those who recognize their need for Him.

God's Unlikely Choices: Examples from History:
In a thought-provoking illustration, historical figures like Abraham, Moses, and others

Support the show

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon
Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com