The Bible Lab

Bible Lab S2 Ep.21 God's Sovereignty and Powerful Redemption (Job 25 - Psalm 5)

Picking up from last week, we ended in the middle of the cycle of arguments between Job and his friends. In the middle of the book, Job 28, is an amazing poem about the source of wisdom. Where does wisdom come from? In short, wisdom is not gained through immediate answers or solutions. But rather, wisdom is gained from the reverence of the Holy Spirit and His guidance alone. God's appearance points to his sovereignty, his power, and gives us a simple point: He is God, and we are not. 
In this episode, Ryan and Joel discuss the second half of Job, explore the dynamic between Elihu's wisdom and ignorance, and God's divine appearance at the end of the story. Make sure to check our past messages and episodes on Job:
Job: Beauty Through Pain Sermon Series7 videosPlay all
Season 1 Episode 40 - Exploring Jobhttps://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-pnz44-15b2a1c
Season 1 Episode 41 - The Great Beasts of Jobhttps://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-i35ng-15da2c8
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS NOW ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Bible Project Summary for the book of Job: https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-job/  
ESV Book summary for Job: https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-job/ 
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
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Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays. 
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick. 
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!
 

Bible Lab S2 Ep.20 - Divine Justice and Human Suffering in Job (Job 2 - Job 24)

Arguing divine justice and human suffering
Job isn't just a story about a guy going through hard times. It's a divinely inspired examination of God's justice and the reality of human suffering. At issue is a debate about divine retribution theology; that is, the belief that every positive or negative consequence in life can be attributed to divine punishment or reward. Job's friends hold to this theology tightly - if Job is suffering, it has to be because he is guilty of concealing major offenses against God. Unwittingly, Job gives into the same thinking: his suffering is unjust because he hasn't committed any transgressions deserving punishment. 
In this episode, Jake and Joel discuss in detail how to make sense of what God is telling us about Himself through this powerful narrative. Make sure to check our past messages and episodes on Job:
Job: Beauty Through Pain Sermon Series7 videosPlay all
Season 1 Episode 40 - Exploring Jobhttps://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-pnz44-15b2a1c
Season 1 Episode 41 - The Great Beasts of Jobhttps://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-i35ng-15da2c8
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS NOW ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Bible Project Summary for the book of Job: https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-job/  
ESV Book summary for Job: https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-job/ 
ESV Illuminated Scripture journals from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-scripture-journal-new-testame-tpb/ 
Mr. Pen highlighers (clutch for personal Bible Study): https://a.co/d/anBO91t 
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
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Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays. 
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick. 
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!
 

Bible Lab S2 Ep.19 - Rebuilding and Resilience (Nehemiah 2 - Job 1)

How does revival happen?
The powerful post-exilic narratives of Nehemiah and Esther highlight God’s providence, the renewal of His people, and his call to faithful endurance even despite opposition. Themes of spiritual restoration, communal responsibility, and courageous leadership are central elements in the stories of Israel’s return from exile.
In Nehemiah, the focus is on the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and the deeper work of renewing the covenant with God. Despite opposition and internal corruption, the story emphasizes the importance of sacrificial leadership, fear of the Lord, and building both physically and spiritually. The book of Esther showcases God’s sovereignty through seemingly ordinary events, drawing striking parallels with Joseph’s story. It reveals how divine favor and faithful courage can lead to deliverance, even in exile. Both books underscore the theme of God working behind the scenes, protecting His people even when He seems silent.
Major Events: Construction of the wall, dealing with opposition, intermarriage and corruption among Nehemiah's contemporaries; Esther and Mordecai uncover Haman's plot to exterminate the Jewish people
Key Themes: Echoes of the Exodus in both book, the significance of communal effort in God’s mission, the importance of personal holiness and separation from worldly influence, and how everyday believers are essential to God’s redemptive work in the world
Rabbit Trails: The festival of Purim, Gospel echoes in Esther, church leadership principles from Nehemiah, the theological significance of church potlucks
Together, Nehemiah and Esther remind readers that God's faithfulness persists, His purposes prevail, and every believer has a role in His unfolding story of grace through Jesus.
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS NOW ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Bible Project Summary for the book of Esther: https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-esther/  
ESV Book summary for Esther: https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-esther/ 
ESV Illuminated Scripture journals from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-scripture-journal-new-testame-tpb/ 
Mr. Pen highlighers (clutch for personal Bible Study): https://a.co/d/anBO91t 
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - - 
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays. 
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick. 
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!

Bible Lab S2 Ep. 18 - Spiritual Leadership and Revival (2 Chronicles 25 - Nehemiah 1)

How does revival happen?
Post-exilic literature in the Scriptures deals in detail with the question of if and how a people can be restored spiritually. All throughout 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah, we read about leaders like Hezekiah, Josiah, Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah who undertook the tall task of calling the Jewish people back to faithfulness. As we read these books we learn a great deal about how God revives a people, rebuilds their identity, and ultimately why Christ alone is the one who can transform us into a people for His own possession. In this episode Joel and Jake cover:
Big Events: Restoration under Hezekiah and Josiah, the quick degeneration of Judah leading up to the exile, rebuilding the temple and wall in Jerusalem
Key Themes: The nature of spiritual revival, the essential nature of repentance, effective principles of spiritual leadership
Rabbit Trails: Sanctification, Bible study resources, movie remakes, and the importance of quality highlighters.
Resources
ESV Illuminated Scripture journals from Crossway: https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-scripture-journal-new-testame-tpb/ 
Mr. Pen highlighers (clutch for personal Bible Study): https://a.co/d/anBO91t 
THE BIBLE LAB IS NOW ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Bible Project Summary for the books of Ezra and Nehemiah: https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-ezra-nehemiah  
ESV Book summary for Ezra: https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-ezra/ 
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - - 
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays. 
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick. 
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!

Should Christians Belong to a Local Church? (Bible Lab S2 Bonus Episode)

Does the Bible say we need to go to church?
It's a question pastors get all the time, and the answer might surprise you. If you're looking for a verse that says "go to church on Sundays," you won't find one. The Bible also never tells you to drive with your eyes open, but there are plenty of Biblical principles to support why it's a good idea! In this bonus episode, Pastor Jake covers some clear Biblical answers about the whats and whys of consistent involvement in a local church body. 

Bible Lab S2 Ep. 17 - The Heart of the Chronicles (2 Chronicles 2 - 2 Chronicles 24)

Chronicles is a book about the HEART
2 Chronicles picks up the story of David's kingly line with a retelling of Solomon and the temple. Solomon's completion of the temple, his beautiful dedication prayer, and his majestic success as king are the high water mark of Israel's glory. After that, Chronicles presents the slow degradation of a divided Kingdom, compromising kings, and looming exile. 
Big Events: Solomon's magnificent reign; God's presence fills the temple; good and bad kings on the throne of Judah
Key Themes: Wholeheartedness is endearing to God; God's faithfulness to protect His covenant promises; doing what's right when integrity is costly
Rabbit Trails: Understanding the Bible's use of type/anti-type; heroes in the spotlight; how to properly pronounce the word "aunt"
Resources
Jake references the book: Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
THE BIBLE LAB IS NOW ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Bible Project Summary for the book of 2 Chronicles: https://bibleproject.com/guides/books-of-chronicles/ 
ESV Book summary for 2 Chronicles: https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-1-2-chronicles/ 
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - - 
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays. 
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick. 
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!

Bible Lab S2 Ep. 16 Ancestry, Ownership, and Valiant Deeds (1 Chronicles 8 - 2 Chronicles 1)

The Power of Knowing Where You Came From
At first glance, the book of Chronicles can present some challenges to Bible readers: the content is largely repeated from other areas in the books of Old Testament history and it covers expansive genealogies of Israelite figures who are relatively unknown to us. But this book was written for a powerful reason: to remind the returning exiles of Judah who they were and where they came from. This episode provides an narrative overview on 1 Chronicles, including some important teachings on how to read Old Testament narratives well.
Big Events: David's anointing, exploits, and victories; setting the administration of the temple in place; David's capital campaign for the temple project
Key Themes: The importance of ancestry and legacy; extreme ownership of your calling and responsibilities; musical worship as our heritage
Rabbit Trails: Understanding first, second, and third order narratives; order and organization in the church, the importance of sacrificial generosity
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS NOW ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Bible Project Summary for the book of 1 Chronicles: https://bibleproject.com/guides/books-of-chronicles/ 
ESV Book summary for 1 Chronicles: https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-1-2-chronicles/ 
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - - 
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays. 
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick. 
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!

Bible Lab S2 Ep.15 - (2 Kings 9 - 1 Chronicles 7)

Bible Lab S2 Ep.14 - Israel's Unruly Rulers (1 Kings 9 - 2 Kings 8)

Divided Kingdoms and Divided Hearts
It doesn't take long after David's passing for things to get out of control in the land of Israel. While Solomon enjoyed relative stability and success, his moral failings are the catalyst for a downward spiral of degeneracy among the heirs to David's throne. Ultimately the era of Israel's kings is one of spiritual compromise that results in a divided kingdom, military defeat, and the loss of the promised land God had given to their forefathers. Yet, for all the disappointment and tragedy that is chronicled in 2 Kings, these events are a turning point that set the stage for messianic hopes that would be fulfilled in Jesus. Here's what we discuss in this week's episode:
Big Events: God's covenant with Solomon, a divided Kingdom, Israel's apostasy under Ahab, and the prophetic ministries of Elijah/Elisha
Key Themes: Prophetic heroes, fulfillment of the land promises to Israel, the urgency of finishing well
Rabbit Trails: Debating Ahab's repentance, Jeroboam's casual ordination practices, and the dangers of "Christian Idolatry"
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS NOW ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Bible Project Summary for the book of 1 Kings: https://bibleproject.com/guides/books-of-kings/ 
ESV Book summary for 1 Kings: https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-1-2-kings/ 
Special thanks to the band Least of These for use of their song "Filthy Man." Find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
- - - - 
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays. 
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick. 
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!

Bible Lab S2 Ep. 13 - Drama in David's Household (2 Samuel 10 - 1 Kings 8)

In-Depth on David's Reign
David is curiously called a king after God's own heart, but is also guilty of serious offenses against God's holiness. What conclusions should we draw about his time as king over Israel? God certainly didn't love David because he earned it, but rather David's life is evidence for the sovereign and electing love of God. He places His love upon us because He chooses to. There are also plenty of practical lessons to be learned from David's life and important Biblical themes that become clear in his story. Here's what we discuss in this week's episode:
Big Events: David's moral failures, rebellions within the king's house, Solomon takes the throne, the construction of the temple in Jerusalem
Key Themes: Divine kingship, the dangers of charismatic leaders, the importance of prophetic voices, God's sovereign love
Rabbit Trails: Modern mishandling of David and Bathsheba, family leadership, rejecting passivity
SPECIAL THANKS TO LEAST OF THESE
Our gratitude goes out to the band Least of These for permission to use their song "Filthy Man" as our new intro music for the Bible Lab. Be sure to check them out!
Least of These on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YYhR9jU49pt4cFEUmFHDm?si=zLDXAsjaTrCvqmrn3nVRaQ
"Filthy Man" on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Iu0IPE6ZCi8?si=kDBA8xkBF_wECTFD 
Resources
THE BIBLE LAB IS NOW ON YOUTUBE: watch the full episode and find clips to share on the LIFE BRIDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Bible Project Summary for the book of 1 Kings: https://bibleproject.com/guides/books-of-kings/ 
ESV Book summary for 1 Kings: https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-1-2-kings/ 
- - - - 
Each week during Season 2 of the podcast, we will break down the previous week's readings, including big events, key themes, rabbit-hole curiosities, and devotional thoughts.
If you want to follow along with our reading plan from cover to cover, you can find it right here. We'll be following the 3x5 reading plan, which covers 3 chapters a day and 5 on Sundays. 
Additionally, if you're looking for resources to compliment your study, check out The 3x5 Workbook by David Kalas. This is a great tool to challenge you by providing weekly review quizzes and answers to help your learnings stick. 
If you have questions you want covered on the show from your readings, email them ahead of time to biblelab@lifebridgegb.org!