In this episode of Living Uncompromised, Rebecca and Jennifer discuss five powerful stories of obedience and faith in the New Testament. The discussion highlights how God's people responded to His calling with obedience and faith. This episode explores Ananias' visit to Saul, Mary's response to the news she would conceive and bear the Son of God, and Joseph's separate response to God's direction regarding Mary and the child, Jesus. The story of the man born blind from John 9 is explored, and also Zacchaeus', the tax collector's, encounter with Jesus. Through each story we see how their obedience transformed their lives and brought extraordinary change by the power of God.
Takeaways:
The crucial role of obedience to God to accomplish His purpose in the lives of His people
The crucial role of trusting God to accomplish His purpose in the lives of His people
Ananias’s obedience was crucial to Paul’s mission.
Mary willingly surrendered to God's divine purpose, and was told, "'For nothing is impossible with God'" (Luke 1:37).
Joseph's steady strength is evident as he heeded and obeyed the Lord when he received instructions to take Mary as his wife, to travel to Egypt, to travel to Israel, and then to settle in Galilee.
The man born blind’s spiritual progression begins with physical sight, and as he cannot deny what Jesus has done for him, his spiritual eyes are also opened.
Zacchaeus’s curiosity about Jesus led to a radical repentance and life change after encountering Jesus.
In this episode of the Living Uncompromised podcast, Rebecca and Jennifer explore Jonah's story, focusing on themes of obedience, disobedience, and God's discipline. The Bible tells us, "the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son" (Hebrews 12:6). Jonah's spiritual temper tantrum leads to God's loving correction. Jonah's surrender follows, and God's discipline, God's sovereignty and Jonah's surrender are highlighted topics. Jonah's initial refusal to follow God's command to go to Nineveh is discussed as well as Jonah's response. Jonah's eventual obedience leads to repentance of the people of Nineveh and a clear picture of God's loving, compassionate and gracious character. Jonah says, "'I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity'" (Jonah 4:2). Jonah's displeasure at God's goodness to the people of Ninevah results in another lesson for Jonah about the heart of God and His love for people.
Takeaways:
Jonah's story illustrates the struggle to surrender to the will of God, when we just don't like what He asks us to do.
God's pursuit of Jonah demonstrates His love and care for us.
God disciplines those He loves to bring them to a place of surrender to Him.
Surrendering to God's will is essential for spiritual growth.
The repentance of Nineveh shows God's grace, love and compassion for all people.
Jonah's anger reveals the human struggle with God's mercy when we seek to determine whether someone else is worthy of God's mercy. We must remember we are also in need of God's mercy.
God's sovereignty is evident in the events of Jonah's life.
The relationship between God and Jonah is relatable and real.
The story of Jonah serves as a reminder of God's grace, mercy, love and care.
"And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses" (Deuteronomy 34:9).
Summary
In this episode, Rebecca and Jennifer explore the story of Joshua, as he became the leader of God's people after Moses died. Joshua's obedience to God's commands is an important piece of his story. His faith and courage were pivotal in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. The Israelites followed Joshua, as God had been preparing him to lead the people. God appeared to Joshua as the commander of the Lord's army. He would go before His people in battle. Joshua fell down before God. Israel's obedience to God by listening to Joshua's instruction is the key to their success at Jericho. They did what God told them to do, even though the instruction to march around the city seemed out of the ordinary. The miraculous fall of Jericho was God doing the extraordinary in response to Israel's obedience to His commands.
Takeaways:
Joshua became the leader of God's people after Moses died.
His faith and boldness were evident when he was one of the two spies who believed in God's promise. (Numbers 13)
God's command to Joshua included to "Be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:9).
Obedience to God's law was crucial for Joshua's success as a leader. God said to Joshua, "'This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make you way prosperous, and then you will have good success'" (Joshua 1:8).
The Israelites' obedience in following Joshua's commands was essential for their victory.
God's presence was confirmed through the encounter with the commander of the Lord's army.
The miraculous fall of Jericho demonstrated God's power.
Joshua's story serves as an example of faith and obedience.
The application of Joshua's story encourages believers to be obedient to God's commands.
In this episode, Rebecca and Jennifer discuss parts of Moses' life, including the moment he was set apart as "a fine child" (Genesis 2:2), his early life as Egyptian royalty, and the conversation between he and God that resulted in his return to Egypt. The moment God called Moses and instructed him from the burning bush is discussed as well as his moments of hesitation before the LORD. Five times Moses hesitates, questioning the LORD's plan to use him, asking "what if" questions, and eventually asking the LORD to send someone else. Moses' willingness to be obedient in light of his fear and concerns is a major topic in this discussion, as well as the LORD's kindness and provision, even in HIs anger, toward Moses in sending his brother, Aaron, to him. The LORD's power and provision is evident as He equips Moses to do the supernatural (with the staff in his hand) and gives him the details of Pharaoh's response and even the final outcome of this assignment. Despite his royal upbringing, Moses desires to be identified with God's people (Hebrews 11:24-26).
Takeaways:
Moses had a unique calling from the beginning. (Exodus 2:2)
Moses and Aaron are Levites.
God's plan for Moses involved saving him through Pharaoh's household.
Moses' initial response to God's call was one of fear and hesitation.
The burning bush encounter marked a pivotal moment in Moses' life.
God's assurance to Moses was that He would be with him. God's confirmation to Moses that it was He who sent him to Egypt, would be seen when Moses returned to the very mountain where God first met him, and he and the people of God worshiped there. Often confirmation comes after obedience.
Moses questioned God's plan multiple times, questioning his own capabilities.
God sent Aaron to meet Moses and speak for him.
"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet'" (Genesis 7:1).
The importance of obedience to God's covenant is highlighted.
Moses' legacy is one of faithfulness and obedience to God's calling. (Deuteronomy 34:10-12)
In this episode of the Living Uncompromised podcast, Rebecca and Jennifer explore the life of Abraham, focusing on his obedience to God's call, the covenant God established with him and his descendants after him, and the testing of his faith. They discuss Abraham's immediate obedience, and the test of his faith when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham's incredible faith is highlighted, as he knew God could do the impossible and so showed himself faithful and obedient to God because he trusted in Him.
Takeaways:
Abraham's immediate obedience is a key theme.
God's promises are fulfilled through obedience.
Obedience is an ongoing part of our relationship with God.
Faith is tested through difficult circumstances.
Faith in God means believing the impossible. "He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back" (Hebrews 11:19).
God's faithfulness is evident in our lives when we walk in obedience to Him.
In this episode of the Living Uncompromised podcast, Rebecca and Jennifer discuss Noah and his obedience to the LORD. Noah's righteousness is contrasted against the wickedness of the world as the Bible explains, "that every intention of the thoughts of [man's] heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5b). Noah was blameless in his generation and found favor with God. God waited patiently while Noah completed the task of building the ark just as God commanded him. God shut the door and preserved Noah and his family. Noah did exactly what God asked him to do, and the hosts discuss Noah's part as the ordinary while God's part in bringing the animals to Noah, shutting the door of the ark, bringing the flood over the earth and drying the land was the extraordinary. The discussion highlights God's care for those who walk righteously before Him. The sign of God's covenant with Noah, his descendants, and all living creatures is the rainbow, explaining that according to Scripture, God sees the rainbow each time it appears, and He remembers His covenant. (Genesis 9:16)
Takeaways:
Noah was righteous and blameless in his generation.
God was grieved over man's wickedness.
God provided specific instructions to Noah for building the ark.
Noah was obedient to God.
Obedience is a continuous process, not a one-time act.
God's patience allowed Noah to fulfill his task.
Noah built an alter to the LORD after the flood.
The rainbow is the sign of God's covenant with Noah, his descendants, and all living creatures.
In this episode of the Living Uncompromised podcast, Rebecca and Jennifer introduce their new study titled When God Calls-Lessons in Obedience. They discuss the importance of obedience to the Lord, as it is an expression of our love to Him. The conversation covers practical applications of obedience in daily life. It serves as an introduction to the new Bible study, and an introduction to the study’s main theme: God’s call and man’s obedience.
