The Yellow Balloons Podcast

Simple Tools to Get the Most Out of Scripture Ep 3: Why Study the Bible?

In this episode, we discuss our experience with studying Scripture. Why should we do it and what is the best mindset when approaching The Bible? Most of us start out of a sense of obligation. This is a valuable starting place, but unchecked it can lead to guilt, fear and shame. When studying The Bible becomes an adventure, we start to seek its truth as a treasure-hunter. There are difficulties and challenges along the way, but unraveling the love story of Scripture is an incredible journey.

Simple Tools to Get the Most Out of Scripture Ep 4: The Greatest Story Ever Told

In this episode, we examine the elements of a story and how these apply to The Story of all stories contained in the Christian Scriptures. Heroes and villains, major and minor characters, seeming defeat and reversals of victory. We love stories. The structure of a story communicates a message, a sense of adventure, and invites us into a purpose. Every story is a microcosm of the great story of The Bible. Each of us are minor characters who make major impacts on The Story. Exploring Scripture helps equip us to contribute our part to the grand narrative.

 

Simple Tools to Get the Most Out of Scripture Ep 5: Our Role in the Story

In this episode, we explore the message of Psalm 8 and use it as an example for the process of studying The Bible. We are all significant characters in the cosmic story, called to steward our choices for the sake of God’s Kingdom. Although we struggle to steward well, the work of Jesus helps free us to make our choices with grace and hope. The story of The Bible invites us to participate in purpose, to align with meaning, and to steward our part of The Story well.

 

Simple Tools to Get the Most Out of Scripture Ep 6: Where Do We Start?

In this episode, we discuss the different practices for Scripture engagement. We are all different people. The best way to discover the treasures of The Bible is to know yourself and figure out what works best for you. There is no one right way. And every time we engage with Scripture, even if it is done imperfectly, there is value to be gained. We close this series by sharing which practices work best for each of us at Yellow Balloons and inviting you to share what works best for you.

S 3 Ep 1: Exile and Return

In this episode, we begin a new series that explores one of The Bible’s most consistent themes. The pattern of Exile and Return is found in various forms throughout Scripture. The rhythm of Scripture is a constant reinforcement of the Exile and Return framework. Early stories like Joseph, Abraham, Job, and Jonah. Parables like the Prodigal Son and The Good Samaritan. Paul’s teachings on reconciliation and the promise of Revelation. In this series we focus on how this theme plays out in the Old Testament prophets, beginning with the stories of first and second Chronicles.

S 3 Ep 2: Hezekiah’s Choice

We dive deeper into the theme of Exile and Return by examining the story of Hezekiah, which is found in Second Chronicles. Hezekiah, like all of us, struggles to acknowledge and wrestle with the importance of his choices. Our challenging circumstances make decision-making difficult. Trusting in God’s sovereignty does not negate, but rather informs, our call to steward our choices well. Even in Exile, God always offers Return and wants us to be fully restored to Him.

S 3 Ep 3: Jeremiah’s Charge

In this episode, we continue to explore the theme of Exile and Return by focusing on The Book of Jeremiah. How does Jeremiah fit with the overall historical context of the Old Testament and the minor prophets? What does Jeremiah have to say about the exile Israel is undergoing at the time? The Book of Jeremiah contains three major components: a charge, a verdict, and a restoration. In this episode, we begin by exploring the charge.

S 3 Ep 4: Verdict and Restoration

We continue to explore The Book of Jeremiah. In the last episode, we covered the first of Jeremiah’s three components - the charge - and now we explore the verdict and the restoration. During the challenges of exile, we are faced with an important question: “Who shall we trust?” How we answer is one of the most foundational decisions we will ever make. We are called trust in God in all circumstances and seasons. To believe in his faithfulness and hold out hope we will be restored. We pick up in the fifth chapter of Jeremiah.

S 3 Ep 5: The Throne Room

In this episode, we move into an exploration of the incredible events in The Book of Ezekiel, glimpsing into God’s throne room and uncovering some of the most important characteristics of God Himself. We look at the universal and prophetic truths of the elders, the white robes, and the throne itself. Though there is a lot of imagery in Ezekiel, the central message is God’s sovereignty, power, and control over all things, through every circumstance—both exile and return.

S 3 Ep 6: The Day of Redemption

We continue in the first chapter of Ezekiel with the strange creatures seen in the throne room of God. The message within the imagery is a clear allusion to hope, pointing  to the new heavens and new earth. Although we are now in exile, strangers in this world, and must wait eagerly for Christ’s return, there is a promise of redemption. A homecoming. We are called to love and serve faithfully as we wait for that day.