What do the dreams in Daniel mean and what is the book of Daniel all about? Listen as we demystify Daniel with Old Testament expert Revd Dr Peter Hatton. In this episode we discuss the dreams and visions in Daniel, looking at the significance of them being set in the context of the Babylonian exile. We also consider the prevalence of divination and astrology in the ancient world. We explore the rise and fall of empires in the Old Testament and look at the tension between humans trying to gain co...
Aug 30, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Help us to improve The Rooted Podcast by taking just five minutes to complete our short survey . We want to know what you're enjoying about the podcast as well as what you think we could do better. By sharing your views in this survey you'll help us to make better episodes in the future so we'd really value your thoughts and feedback, no matter how many episodes you've listened to! You can find the survey here: https://biblesociety.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6SvVwmQpasJEt3E...
Aug 27, 2024•40 sec
What do we learn from the story of Daniel and the lions' den? In this episode we're joined by special guest, George Lapshynov from Theos Think Tank. George is a researcher and wrote some of the devotionals for the Daniel Edition of the Rooted Journal. We discuss the story of Daniel and the lions' den and explore what it tells us about living counter-culturally in a society where we may not feel at home. We look at the themes of compromise, the consequences of sin, and how God has ultimate power ...
Aug 23, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 4
What does the writing on the wall mean? How should we read Daniel today? In this episode we discuss the story of King Belshazzar and the writing on the wall. We explore the themes of judgment, the differences between Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, and the significance of the misuse of sacred objects. We also discuss the chiastic literary structure of the Book of Daniel and what this displays to us. We finish with personal reflection on what the writing on the wall means to us today. Timestamps (...
Aug 16, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Is the Bible meant to be read literally? What can we learn from Nebuchadnezzar's humbling in Daniel 4? In this episode we look at the story of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the symbolism within it, and the implications for our lives today. We also discuss the question of whether the story should be taken literally or as a historical novel. We look at importance of genre and context of Biblical stories while still recognising the truth and lessons they convey. We finish by looking at Nebuchadnezzar's r...
Aug 09, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 2
What is the context of the book of Daniel? Who is the fourth man in the fiery furnace? In our first episode exploring the book of Daniel, we look into the historical context of the book – how the Jews were taken into exile in Babylon and the rise and fall of kings, nations and empires. We then turn to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, discussing who the fourth man in the fire was and how we can find courage knowing that God is with us in our trials. We talk about...
Aug 02, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 1
What is joy? Is joy the same as happiness? How do I find true joy? We’re rounding off the Philippians series with a bonus episode on joy. We discuss the differences between joy and happiness and look at how we express joy. We discuss the source of our joy and challenging those who aren’t joyful. We also talk about choosing joy and how CS Lewis viewed joy. We finish by looking at how some search for joy in materialism and relationships but Christians are called to find joy in Christ, God's word a...
Jul 12, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 7
How was Paul able to be content no matter the circumstances he was facing? What did Paul mean when he said, 'I can do all things through him who strengthens me'? In this episode we discuss the concept of contentment as mentioned in Philippians chapter four. We explore the source of Paul's contentment and the idea of finding contentment both in times of plenty and times of need. We look at the gift which Paul received from the Philippians and discuss the importance of generosity and giving. We fi...
Jun 28, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 6
How can we be unified as Christians? How do we find true peace? Are we intentional about what we consume? Today we discuss Philippians 4.1–9. We explore Paul's call for unity within the church and the importance of focusing on Christ and our citizenship in heaven. We also discuss Paul's advice on not being anxious and the peace that comes from presenting our requests to God. We finish by looking at the need to fill our minds with the right things and how what we consume shapes us. Timestamps (00...
Jun 21, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 5
How do we live as citizens of heaven? What do Christians boast in? What conditions do we place on Christianity? Today we discuss Philippians 3, looking at how Paul calls us to rely solely on faith in Christ, not what we've done. We also look at Paul counting all of his Jewish heritage as loss compared to the priceless gain of knowing Christ. We finish with a conversation about the contrast between living as enemies of the cross of Christ and living as citizens of heaven. Timestamps (00:00) - Wel...
Jun 14, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 4
What does Paul mean by ‘fear and trembling’? How do we live for Jesus in our messy world? Today we discuss Philippians 2.12–30. We break down what it means to work out our faith with fear and trembling, emphasising the active nature of the Christian faith and the need for ongoing, sometimes costly, obedience. We talk about the challenge to live for Christ amidst a 'warped and crooked generation' and explore the similarities between Paul’s practical advice in Philippians 2 and Romans 12. We finis...
Jun 07, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 3
How do we live like Jesus today? What does the Christ hymn teach us? Today we discuss the link between Philippians 1 and 2, especially the importance of unity and selflessness in Church community. We talk about humility and valuing others above ourselves. We go on to look at the Christ hymn and Paul's challenge for Christians to live in humility and love as Jesus did, being counter-cultural in the way we treat others. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (00:54) - The link between Philippians 1 and 2 (02:...
May 31, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 2
How can the gospel advance despite bad circumstances and our limitations? What did Paul mean when he wrote, ‘to live is Christ and to die is gain’ and how can we adopt this attitude? In this episode we discuss Philippians 1.12–26, focusing on the theme of spreading the gospel no matter what trials we face, and how we can grasp every opportunity to live for Christ. We talk about God using our struggles for the advancement of his kingdom and discuss the importance of preaching Christ sincerely, no...
May 23, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Did Jesus contradict himself or do both his teachings and actions emphasise the importance of grace? How do we interpret Jesus' teaching on worry in light of the cost of living crisis? How do we navigate Jesus' teaching on divorce? In this episode we answer your questions about the Sermon on the Mount! Mark's article on divorce Timestamps (00:35) - How can we let others see our good deeds if we're supposed to do everything in secret? (02:50) - Jesus' teaching on lust vs his mercy towards the wom...
May 10, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 7
What is meant by the image of the narrow gate? How can we tell that someone is a false prophet? How do we discern good fruit? In this episode we discuss how these teachings impact our lives today. We consider the importance of good fruit in our lives and the responsibility to discern false teachings. We finish with a look at the parable of the two house builders – the necessity of building our lives on Jesus’ teachings and putting them into practice. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (01:02) - The narr...
May 03, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Should Christians judge? How does Jesus say we should treat others? In this episode Noël, Esther and Mark discuss Jesus’ countercultural teaching on judging others, wisdom in sharing faith, and 'The Golden Rule’. We are reminded that our confidence in prayer comes from God’s goodness and generosity, and finish by discussing how Jesus calls his followers to live and how we should show compassion within church community. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (00:56) - Matthew 7.1–6: Judging others (01:42) - ...
Apr 26, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 5
How should Christians pray and fast? How important is the heart behind these spiritual disciplines? Where should our priorities be? In this episode Noël, Esther and Mark look at Jesus' teaching on prayer, fasting and our relationship to possessions in Matthew 6.5–24. We dig deeper into The Lord's Prayer and discuss prioritising our relationship with God and our devotion to him. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (00:40) - Matthew 6.5–15: Jesus' teaching on prayer (02:00) - Historical context (03:45) - M...
Apr 19, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 4
How does Jesus teach us to live? Should Christians take oaths? In this episode Noël, Esther and Mark look at Matthew 5.33–48 and discuss Jesus' countercultural teaching on oath taking and non-violent resistance. We're reminded of Jesus continually calling his followers to live by a higher standard, laying down their rights for the good of others. We finish by looking at how we're called to imitate Christ by caring for the poor and loving our enemies. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (00:54) - Part 1: ...
Apr 12, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 3
What does Jesus say about anger and lust? Was Jesus intentionally provocative? What's the importance of reconciliation? Join us as we look at Matthew 5.21–30, discussing the new perspective Jesus introduces on anger and lust, as well as his radical challenge to forgive. We also dive into the hyperbolic and provocative nature of Jesus' words and learn more about what it is that he truly values. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (01:00) - Matthew 5.21–26: Anger (02:00) - 'You have heard it said, but I sa...
Apr 05, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 2
What does it mean to be blessed and who does Jesus say is blessed? In this episode we take a look at the Beatitudes in the Matthew 5.1–12. Your hosts, Noël, Esther and Mark, discuss the context of the sermon and the meaning of the word 'blessed'. We delve deeper into how the Beatitudes challenge societal norms and how Jesus introduces a new value system. We also look at some of the Beatitudes in greater depth, such as 'blessed are those who mourn', the 'pure in heart', 'peacemakers' and 'those w...
Mar 29, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 1
The Rooted Podcast by Bible Society is coming soon!
Nov 30, 2023•1 min
