Biblical Literacy Podcast

Mark interviewed Pastor Brent Dyer for a joint session to discuss the power and theology of worship in song: bringing praise to our Creator. 3 areas of consideration: 1. Knowing Brent: An only child whose father and grandfather were pastors. Grew up in Dallas and attended Baylor University. He is married and they have a son and daughter. 2.The theology or philosophy of worship -Romans 12:1-2 . Worship is the day-to-day way we live our lives in sacrifice to God. 3.Q&A -Individualworship vs corporate worship. Corporate worship is an overflow of daily individual worship. Corporate worship allows us to connect with God while encouraging each other. Listen to Mark and Brent explore worship and glorifying God in song. The quality of voice is not important; worship is a true and conscious matter of the heart. We are singing to an audience of One

This week Mark taught on the power of singing praises to God. The lesson had 3 areas of focus: 1.Biblical instruction -The Bible tells us to sing, to worship God, to bless, honor, and praise what God has done. 2. Historical practice -Worship is giving God His natural place. Singing affects the way we shape thoughts, actions, and feelings. 3. Practical exercises -Worship and singing needs to focus on our target: God. Worship is not entertainment, but a place of holiness. We learn that singing requires both sides of the brain. Mark highlights Bible passages that show our singing impacts how we think, act, and feel toward God, personally and corporately.

Mark’s lesson focused on Knowing God, based on the book by J. I. Packer. Mark provided the different meanings of the wordknowin Hebrew and Greek. He taught three points: 1. Perspective: Be a watcher not a doer. We want to knowGod, not simply know about God. 2. Practical: Wegrow our relationship through Jesus, fellowship, the Holy Spirit, and personal exercise of faith. 3.Payoff or Result:We were created for intimacy with God, true peace, contentment, confidence, joy, and purpose to bring glory to God.Listen to Mark show us through many Scriptures the importance of knowing God in the sense of all the Hebrew meanings of the word

The Road toEmmaus Series (Luke 24) continues with Mark showing us pictures of Jesus from the Old Testament. Mark focused on Jesus, Abraham & Us from the passage: John 8:48-59. Jesus as the power of resurrection, the great I Am. Abraham who exceedingly rejoiced to see Jesus’ day -Genesis 22:1-14 in comparison with John 3:16 and John 15:9.Comparisons betweenIssac who carried the wood like Jesus carried his cross until he was fatigued.God provided the lamb for Issac & Abraham saw the day when Jesus as the lamb of God would provide the sacrifice to take away the sins of the world. Us, who God has always had in mind with a plan of redemption to bring sinful humanity to Himself.Mark concludes the connection of Abraham in the Old Testament with the coming of Jesus in a grand love story of joy, intimacy, and eternity.

Mark continued with The Story on the Road to Emmaus and what Jesus may have said to His followers. Mark used Isaiah 6 where it captures Isaiah’s vision of the Lord. The class focused on Isaiah’s calling in three areas: 1) Historical context 2) Detailing the vision 3) How to find Jesus in the passage. The passage shows how Isaiah’s vision provides a picture of the characteristics of God, the angelic worship of God, and Isaiah’s reaction to God’s call. Listen to Mark show howIsaiah’s calling parallels with our response to Jesus

Mark continued with Part 2 of Ezekiel 37, The Valley of Dry Bones. The book of Ezekiel can be viewed as two books: judgment and redemption. Markoffers three points to consider with anin-depth look at Ezekiel 37. 1) Context:Putting our minds back into the people and culture who lived 2,600 years ago. 500 to 600 years before Jesus. 2) Scripture:God spoke His Spirit into dry bones that brought the dead to life and 3) New Testament colors: Scripture that shows how Ezekiel 37 is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus.

Mark starts with a review of past lessons that show Jesus in the tabernacle, temple, and sacrifices of the Mosaic system. He explains theBiblical story arc is one of evil and deception which finds its victory in Jesus. Mark then focuses on Ezekiel 27, thestory of the dry bones which shows a story steeped in foreign language andculture, death and life, suspense and advent, plus love. We find God’s story becomes personal as it is shownover and over in different shapes, forms, and colors through the narrative of Jesus Christ

Mark taught Part III on the series about the Tabernacle as Jesus may have explained on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24). This week’s focus is the Tabernacle Service and what went on inside there. Marks address three questions: 1. The ministry of the priests in the tent of meeting. 2. The ministry of the high priest in the holy of holies. 3. The relationship of the earthly shadow (tabernacle) to the heavenly reality of Jesus as our perfect High Priest. Listen to Mark compare and explain the responsibilities of the tabernacle priests and Jesus Christ, our Messiah

Mark continued with week 16 of Bible Study While Living with the Coronavirus: On the road to Emmaus from Luke 24 -What Jesus may have said to His disciples, part 2 of a focus on the tabernacle. This week’s topic shows how the tabernacle was an earthly shadow of a heavenly reality. Mark expands on aspects of God as revealed thru the tabernacle: 1. The uniqueness of God. God revealed Himself unique to all pagan gods. Everyone meets God in one place (the cross of Jesus). God grabs our attention but on His terms. 2. The holiness of God. Set apart like no other. A brightness that we can’t fathom. Utterly holy. Utterly purity. Utterly present. Utterly love. 3. The unity of God. God is one. One God in three persons. The goat skins around the tabernacle were clasped together, creating one unit. Listen to Mark detail the construction of the tabernacle to reveal who God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

Mark continuedBible Study During the Corona Virus with more of what Jesus might have said to His followers on The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24). Mark taught additional insight into the tabernacle. The context of the tabernacle began in Genesis. Mark shares that peopleare hard-wired to be in a relationship with God. God provides meaning, significance, and purpose to our lives. Without God, people create answers to fill that emptiness/void which is sin.We learn that theconcept of the tabernacle shows we are unholy and the law is an expression of God’s morality. We need to know the difference between who we are and who God is. Where do we as unholy people meet God? Listen to Mark answer this and other questions related to the tabernacle.

Mark continued with The Story on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24 series).Today’s lesson continued with a focus on what the Bible says about the Ark of the Covenant and what it means to us. Mark structured the lesson as a three-piece puzzle: 1. Understanding the 3 pieces of the Ark of the Covenant—The chest containing the 10 Commandments, the Covenant, and the Mercy Seat. 2. A Review of key concepts: 1) everyone living under the law has an insurmountable problem; no one can live up to the Law perfectly. 2) Atonement for sin is through blood. 3) Jesus became our atonement. 3.Lessons to learn: 1) God meets everyone at the mercy seat. 2) We should follow God in life through Jesus. 3) All things are possible in the presence of God. 4) Take the Lord into battle and the victories in life belong to the Lord. 5) Only the true God rescues us from sin. Listen to Mark teach a powerful lesson that shows why and how we need atonement for our sins through God’s grace

Mark continued his series: Bible Study during the Coronavirus by focusing on The Road to Emmaus in Luke 24 with an emphasis on the Ark of the Covenant. Mark covered three points in this week’s lesson: 1) An explanation of the Ark of the Covenant and God’s detailed instruction for man to build the Ark, 2) How Jesus speaks through the Ark as the Messiah, and 3) How the Ark of the Covenant and Jesus as Messiah affects us today. Listen to Mark teach on the construction, meaning, and purpose of the Ark of the Covenant that contained the Ten Commandments or covenant with Israel, and how it applies to us today

Mark continued his series: Bible Study during the Coronavirus with an emphasis on The Road to Emmaus in Luke 24. Mark related the racial unrest in the US due to the death of George Floyd with how Jesus addressed violence and racial inequality. We have three things to learn from how God instructed Israel to live: 1) The purpose of Israel 2) The focus of Israel 3) The key for Israel. Mark elaborated on each of those points and how they should be applied today so we are blessed to be a blessing to others.

Mark continues the series - The Story on the Road to Emmaus. He references the name of God as noted in the familiar Psalm 23 passage, Exodus 3, Isaiah 40, and John 10. We learn Hebrew and Greek usages for YHVH, LORD, and I AM which all reflect Him being The Good Shepherd. Mark concludes the lesson by encouraging believers to search the Old and New Testaments to quench our burning desire to love and know Him better with each day.

Mark continued with his series: Biblical Study While Living with the Corona Virus by continuing a focus on - The Story on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24). In this lesson, Mark continues with the Book of Ruth, a love story that previews the love of King Jesus for His people. We learn that Naomi and Emilech, a Hebrew family, left Bethlehem for Moab during a famine. Emilech and the two sons die, leaving Naomi alone. One daughter in law, Ruth refuses to return to her family and remains lovingly loyal to Naomi. The two women return to Bethlehem. Ruth meets a distant relative landowner Boaz who takes an interest in her. Listen to Mark tell Ruth’s story that links to the lineage of Jesus Christ and how Boaz as the redeemer of Ruth foreshadows Jesus’ redeeming his people the church.

Mark taught Part 2 of the Road to Emmaus from Luke 24: The Story Behind the Story on the Road to Emmaus.Luke 24:27 is a reflection of what Moses in the Old Testament says about Jesus.Through Moses, we read the prophetic words of who and what Jesus would be, live, and do. Mark shares the Israelites weren’table to free themselves from slavery. Slavery begat slavery and sin begat sin, absent the redemptive hand of God. It’s impossible to have redemption of sin without death so redemption for the Israelites came from God. During the passover, the blood of the lamb was painted on the doors in the shape of a cross, showing the Passoverforeshadowed Jesus’ death on the cross. Listen to Mark show through Scripture the prophetic meaning of the Israelites freedom from death and our Lord and Savior Jesus.

Mark continued with Bible Study While Living with the Coronavirus. This week’s lesson focused On the Road to Emmaus from Luke 24:13-35. Easter Sunday has the power to change our lives, who we are, how we live, and how we interact with others through the power of the risen Savior. Mark provided three points from the Emmaus story: 1. Journey of Luke. He tuned into journey and structured his writings like an hourglass. 2. Journey of Emmaus. The journey to faith is a journey from sad thickheadedness to enthusiastic joy. 3. Journey of Life. Not to lose sight of the Resurrection. The last people that should experience sadness in this world are the ones who understand God resurrected His Son Jesus Christ from the dead. We are the children of God. The power that raised Jesus from the dead will raise us from the dead. Listen to Mark teach how the two men on the road to Emmaus rose from darkness to hurry back to Jerusalem to share the light of the risen Savior.

On Easter Sunday, Mark continued his series: Bible Study While living with the CoronaVirus. His lesson focused on the Empty Tomb with three questions for all of us: Was the death of Christ necessary? Why the empty tomb? What does this mean for me? Mark shared solid answers to these questions using Scripture passages to strengthen our faith. Listen to his reasoning with an in-depth study of what the empty tomb and Christ’s victory over death means for our faith.

Biblical Study While Living with Coronavirus, lesson 4. This is Palm Sunday and this week, Mark weaves together 3 strands of thought: 1. Jewish Exile in Babylon: Jeremiah: 29:1-14. The people had to live through the crisis. 2. Palm Sunday: The Sunday before Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Zach 9. & John 12:12-16. Many people looked for a king who’d free them from the tyranny of the Romans, not save them from their sins. Through both of these times, we see God’s message to keep going because He is at work and will bring good out of a bad situation. 3. Corona Pandemic: The same three points that applied to those times also apply to the current Corona Pandemic: We must 1. Keep Going recognizing 2. God is at work and that 3. God brings good out of every bad situation.

Biblical Study While Living with Coronavirus, lesson 3. Mark taught from Isaiah 40: Comfort for God’s people. In this text, we read and understand God’s broken heart for His people. Israel had lived unfaithful to God, and He would tear Israel apart. Jerusalem walked away from God, but Jesus is the return of God to His people. Matthew 28:20 tells us that Jesus is with us always to the end of the age. In applying the text to today: In Isaiah 40:29-31, God promises power to the faint, strength, and His presence. Mark concludes with a list of some of God's promises taken from the Bible. Comfort ye my people. God is in control.

Mark taught this week’s online class, Lesson 2 of Biblical Study While Living with the Coronavirus, from The Stone Chapel at The Lanier Theological Library. The number one issue facing most people during the worldwide pandemic is fear and uncertainty. The Bible speaks about these concerns. Those in biblical times shared similar anxieties: life, health, loved ones, jobs/finances, economy, life changes, supplies to exist, and more. Psalm 42 & 43 speaks to our concerns. The psalmist was having a tough time holding his stressful life together. He learned surviving emotional turmoil means engaging the head and not just the emotions of the heart. Even Jesus quoted passages from these Psalms while in the Garden of Gethsemane. Mark points out that God isn’t finished with us yet. Let’s continually put our fears and uncertainties before God.

Mark taught this week’s class titled: The Time of the Season -The Church During Times of Crisis and Change. God is sovereign, but we are to take precaution for thewelfare of others. Throughout time, the church has faced challenges in meeting for worship. The church has always and continues to figure out ways to adjust. The church knows God is in control. According to the church’s liturgical calendar, weare in Lent, a season of reflection renewal, preparation, repentance,and looking for ways to grow closer to God. Listen to Mark teach this season through Lent: Mark12:26-27, Palm Sunday: John 12:12-15, and Good Friday: John 19:28-30

David Capes, the Senior Research Fellow at the Lanier Theological Library, taught this week’s classes. He continued with the series: Passages Worth the Dig with the topic, “Judge not lest ye be judged” from Matthew 7:1-5. The question arises: What did Jesus mean in this passage? Today’s stats show many view Christians as judgmental. Jesus did not say to be neutral, form an opinion, or express an opinion. He did say to use righteousness with justice. We are to be careful how we judge. Listen to David teach the church’s role as a self-correcting body that is to eliminate harsh tones, judgmental attitudes, holier than thou responses, and a lack of humility

Listen as Brent Johnson, Associate Pastor of Senior Adults, continues in the series Passages Worth the Dig focusingon “How to Pick a Pastor.”Brent shares common approaches to selecting a pastor todaybycomparing practices between various denominations. He then reviews God’s approach in choosing leaders throughout the Old and New Testament showing how He many times uses the unconventional. Brent concludes with an emphasis on God’s spirit residing in eachbeliever and how we must be attentive to His leading in all matters. God is interested in revealingHis purpose and will in our lives

Mark continued with the series, Passages Worth the Dig, Part 3 with a further study into Romans 1:16-17. Paul writes he is not “ashamed” of the Gospel. The translation of the Greek word for “ashamed” shows us Paul did not "experience a sense of loss of status” because of his belief in the Gospel. He preached Jesus died for our sins. Mark refers to other New Testament passages that point to Jesus crucified, which is contrary to Gentile Greek and Roman gods who believed a god who died for their sins was folly. Our God is just, fair, and righteous. The believer is not guilty because Jesus paid the debt in full. Mark also reviews and expands on Pauls’ use of righteousness and concludes the lesson by reciting the words to the hymn: Beneath the Cross of Jesus

This week, with the help of Scott Sager from Lipscomb University, Mark interviewed Joseph Shulam, a highly respected Hebrew scholar and Christian Minister. He was born in Bulgaria and his family moved to Jereusalem. Shulambecame a Christian in 1962 and was rejected by his family. His powerful testimony is an inspiration for every believer. He holds several degrees and speaks seven languages. Listen to Rabbi/Teacher Shulam provide unique perspectives and insights while sharing his in-depth knowledge of Scripture

Now that Mark had described the power of the good news, an actual historical event that Paul wants everyone to know about, Paul continues with the statement that “for in this the righteousness of God is revealed”. One has to wonder what Paul meant by that word!!! Part 2 of last week’s Romans passage concentrates on the word “righteousness". Using a quote from N.T. Wright to start the conversation, Mark defines justificiation (watch and see how well he teaches you this) and how important it is to accept the good news BEFORE you accept your justification!! God’s power is able to justify you!!!! Want to understand!!!?? Watch!!! #NTWRIGHT #Justification #StPaul #GOODNEWS #GOSPEL

Guest teacher Dr. David Capes, Senior Research Fellow at The Lanier Theological Library, continued the series, Digging Deeper - Passages Worth the Dig. Dr. Capes’ lesson “The Devil Didn't Make Me Do It” used an excerpt from Matthew 4 that records the testing/temptation of Jesus. The Old Testament records Abraham’s testing regarding the sacrifice of his only son Isaac, and Jesus is the singular offspring of Abraham. Listen to Dr. Capes talk about the three temptations or testings of Jesus. Keywords: Jesus, Temptation, Testing, Fasting, Satan

Mark continues with a third lesson in the series Passages Worth the Dig focusing on Romans 1:16-17 and a key word of “gospel”. The book Paul wrote to the church in Rome can be summarized in these two verses. Mark shares how numerous English words come from Greek roots. Translating takes work. We must use the language tools now available to have enhanced understanding of the vocabulary - 1) Look it up (lexicon), 2) Look at context, 3) Examine other usage/contrasts by author. Mark reveals the history of the church in Rome including the expulsion and return of the Jews and how these language tools can help us with an enhanced understanding of why Paul wrote to the church in Rome and what he meant by “the gospel.” KEYWORDS: Paul, Romans, gospel, lexicon, context, usage, Jews, Greeks, Gentiles

Mark, continues in the series Passages Worth the Dig with a focus on Jude. This short book was authored by Judas, a brother to Jesus. Mark contextually shows how Judas took writings current at the time to help make his point. Mark digs into verse 5 specifically and shows how different English translations based their source of original Greek New Testament writings found on either parchment or papyrus. Mark concludes that knowing Judas likely wrote “Jesus” rather than “the Lord” in verse 5 can make a difference in our lives if we consider it more deeply. KEYWORDS: Jude, Judas, Jesus, Lord, translation

Mark began 2020 with a series titled Digging Deeply into God’s Word - Passages Worth the Dig. Mark begins with how people who don’t have a relationship with the Creator have a restless desire to fill their emptiness. Mark used Joshua 24:23 to show the challenge presented to people of Israel. Whom will they serve? Who will fill their needs? Mark discussed the writings throughout history of those who sought to explain the human need to satisfy their inner longing. These are people who either 1) find meaning in destructive behaviors 2) who fight to clean up destructive behaviors or 3) who find meaning in truly productive ways. Listen to Mark contextually dig deeper looking for truth in scripture. KEYWORDS: Put Away, Incline Toward, Resolutions, New Year, Joshua, god, emptiness, desire, fill, serve, longing

Mark taught the 2019 Christmas lesson from Luke. We are in the season of Advent. During this time, we celebrate the arrival/coming/approach of Jesus. The lesson shows three veins of thought: the incarnation, the arrival of Jesus in our lives, and His second coming. The word Messiah comes from the Hebrew word meaning “someone has poured oil on their heads anointing them. Prophets, Priests, and Kings were anointed. The Greek word for this action is Christo. Listen to Mark teach the deep connectivity of advent in our lives, God’s timing, and how the power of prayer changes things.

Mark Lanier interviews Dr. Michael Lloyd, the Principal of Wycliffe Hall at the University of Oxford. Watch as this fascinating banter as Mark and his guest reveal Dr. Lloyd's background, his spiritual path, and his theological ideas. Listen as he explains his current interest in the the problem of evil, including that which is caused by sinful man, and that which has no root in human behavior.

Mark continues his series: Finding the Old Testament in the Gospel of John. This week Mark taught on the passage of John 7:53 through 8:11. Not every version of the Bible has this story or this placement where Jesus interacts with the woman caught in adultery. The Scribes and Pharisees wanted Jesus to condemn her. Should we question if John authored this passage, we need to remember original manuscripts were hand-written and copied, so differences could occur. Discover the analogy of God’s finger writing the ten commandments for Moses and Jesus writing with His finger in the sand to the woman's accusers. Listen to Mark teach about ancient documents and the oldest known copies of secular manuscripts as compared to those of the Bible.

Mark continues the series: Reading the Old Testament Through the Gospel of John. This week’s lesson shares insights into John 6. In this passage, John wantsreaders to think about the Passover while he relays how Jesus fed the crowd from five barley loaves and 2 fishes. From the leftovers, He filled twelve baskets.John wants us to understand that Jesus is Moses on steroids. Jesus is greater than Moses. Jesussays don't work for manna but the bread of life. Listen to Mark talk about the one thing we must do to obtain eternal life: trust Jesus, the true bread from heaven. The bread of God is He who came down from heaven and gave His life for the world. Jesus is the bread of life.

The Biblical Literacy class today celebrated Mark’s birthday with a production drama of C.S. Lewis by Steven Fenley. Fenley shared Lewis’s thoughts of love, pain, and suffering through the dramatization of several of Lewis’s books.

Mark continued The Gospel of John series with a focus on getting into the mind of John as the author of John 5:2-16 -the healing of a crippled man on the sabbath. John is consistent throughout his writings to use spiritual feasts of the Jews to highlight specific details in Jesus’ life. This passage does not name which feast. Mark shows that nothing in the feasts, Bethesda, the pool, the Torah, or the five columns could ever bring healing and salvation. John used his writings to show us clearly who Jesus is, the only way to life everlasting.

Mission Sunday emphasis/focus. Listen first to Gordon Fort a missionary from the International Mission Board as he shares his testimony of God's promises at work in his life and others from all over the world who followed God in obedience to missions. God is moving in the world in an unprecedented way. Brent Johnson then teaches from Ephesians 4. We should all be on mission for God, called out to proclaim the excellencies of Him. God's gifts are given to glorify Him. Listen to Brent talk about using opportunities to share the excellence of God

Mark continued with his series: Finding the Old Testament in the Gospel of John with a focus on John 4:43-54. Do you ever struggle to untangle a Bible passage? An example is found in verses 43-45. Doesn't make sense? Confusing? Watch as Mark reviews this passage for context, sharing the experiences Jesus had in Jerusalem and Samaria, and how that influenced John’s writing. Various techniques Mark uses to dig deeper can help us untangle other Scripture passages that at first read may appear confusing.

Mark continued his series of Reading the Old Testament Through John by focusing on John 4: The Woman at the Well. This passage shows how Jesus' life experiences relate to us. Jesus was also man, thirsty and weary from the walking. The Samaritan woman at the well wasn't supposed to be drawing water in the heat of the day. Jews and Samaritans disliked each other, and yet Jesus engaged in conversation with her. He offered her Living water, which was freshwater, new springs of life that flow eternally and leads us to worship God in spirit and truth. Many from the village believed. Listen to Mark parallel Nicodemus's visit to Jesus and His journey with talking to the Samaritan woman. Do we cling to dead rituals instead of embracing Jesus?

Melvin Tinker, prolific author and Vicar of St. John Newland stops by from Hull England to share a type of Bible GPS. He examines whether certain numbers mentioned in the gospel of John contain hidden meanings.

Mark continues with Lesson 7 in the series: Finding the Old Testament in the Gospel of John, In chapter 3, John writes of Jesus and others on a series of journeys. Mark looks at three distinct journeys: the journey of night to light, an empowering journey, an expectant journey. Mark begins with the story of Nicodemus. #love #Christianity #hope #mentalfitness #truth #spirituality #biblicalliteracy #bible #biblestudy #marklanier #Jesus For all videos in this series go to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRJZ8-ohk26siNlnNJiFmVpUCdlnITWlb For all of the written lessons and powerpoint, go to https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/reading-the-old-testament-through-the-gospel-of-john/

Mark continues the series: Finding the Old Testament in the Gospel of John. He moves into Chapter 2, where John is teaching a commentary from the Torah, laying out the themes: 1) Jesus the "greater" than Moses; 2) Jesus: where God meets with us; 3) Jesus: the source of life. Listen as Mark discusses the themes as they appear in The Wedding at Cana (Jn 2:1-11), and Jesus cleanses the Temple (Jn 2: 13-22). #love #Christianity #hope #mentalfitness #truth #spirituality #biblicalliteracy #bible #biblestudy #marklanier #Jesus For all videos in this series go to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRJZ8-ohk26siNlnNJiFmVpUCdlnITWlb For all of the written lessons and powerpoint, go to https://biblical-literacy.org/lessons/reading-the-old-testament-through-the-gospel-of-john/