*This weekly newsletter will share about the Bible Breakdown podcast, things about RLC, and my favorite things from around the web. My prayer is it will help you know God better.
Hello friends. Happy Saturday!
As August comes to a close and fall quietly knocks at the door, it’s a time for wrapping things up and looking ahead. In Amos 9, the prophet ends his fiery message not with more judgment, but with unexpected hope. After all the warnings and woes, we get a glimpse of God’s heart to restore, rebuild, and redeem.
🎧 My Favorite BibleBreakdown Episode This Week>>>
📚 Scripture. 💪
(Mark 13:32–37 ) “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”
Observation: Sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples leaned in close as Jesus described the future. He spoke of wars, earthquakes, famines, and persecution—signs that would shake the world. But in the midst of this sobering reality, His words carried both warning and promise: “Be on guard; stay awake.” He reminded them that these trials are not the end but the birth pains of God’s greater plan. Like a watchman on a city wall, His followers are called to stay alert—not in fear, but in faith—trusting the One who holds history in His hands. And though no one knows the day or the hour of His return, He assured them that hope anchors those who remain steadfast. In a world filled with uncertainty, Jesus’ words invite us to live each day ready, resting in His victory and anticipating the day He makes all things new.
Application: Choose one intentional way to live “spiritually awake” this week—whether it’s setting aside extra time for prayer, serving someone in need, or sharing your faith with a friend. Let your actions reflect a heart that’s ready for Jesus’ return.
Prayer: Lord, help me to stay alert and focused on what truly matters. Teach me to live each day prepared for Your return, with a heart full of faith and hope.
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Brandon Cannon
🤔 Question of the Week.
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🖤 My Favorite Links This Week.
📣 Sermon/Testimony. Union with Christ (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores the profound mystery of our spiritual unity with Christ—not merely an abstract idea, but a real, life-transforming connection. He emphasizes that this union isn’t just sympathy or shared interest, but a divine joining that impacts every part of our identity and sanctification. His message merges careful biblical exegesis with passionate application about living in light of this sacred reality.
🤔 Apologetics. Christian Apologetics: Who Needs It? (Link)
This article offers a clear and thoughtful definition of Christian apologetics and explores three meaningful ways it serves the Church: impacting culture, strengthening believers, and advancing evangelism. Craig engages with both intellectual and spiritual dimensions, explaining that apologetics, even if not strictly necessary for faith, remains vitally useful. He distinguishes between warranting belief and reinforcing it—highlighting apologetics as a tool for growth, understanding, and outreach. It’s a great foundational piece that both encourages and equips believers to value the discipline.
🤓 CS Lewis. Giving All to Christ (link)
The ordinary idea which we all have before we become Christians is this. We take as the starting point our ordinary self with its various desires and interests. We then admit that something else — call it “morality” or “decent behavior,” or “the good of society” — has claims on this self: claims which interfere with its own desires. What we mean by “being good” is giving in to those claims. Some of the things the ordinary self wanted to do turn out to be what we call “wrong”: well, we must give them up. Other things turn out to be what we call “right”: well, we shall have to do them.
✍️ Going Deeper. How to Study the Bible for Yourself: A Step-by-Step Guide (link)
This updated guide emphasizes that Bible study isn't just for scholars—it’s for everyday believers empowered by the Holy Spirit. It leads readers step by step: start with prayer, focus on understanding what God is saying about Himself (before application), consider historical and literary context, and only then use study tools. The advice is both encouraging and methodical, giving confidence to dive in without fear of inadequacy. It strengthens personal study habits and promotes a God-centered, text-forward approach.
✍️ Biblical Archeology. Biblical Archaeology (Wikipedia Overview) (link)
This encyclopedia entry provides a sweeping overview of the field—its scope, methods, and key findings, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, Tel Dan Stele, Siloam Inscription, and Ketef Hinnom scrolls. It situates these discoveries within broader scholarly debates and historical frameworks, offering context for how archaeology and biblical studies interact. For those new to the field, it’s a great starting point to understand what biblical archaeology is and how it enriches biblical interpretation. It supplies a clear foundation before a deeper dive into more specialized resources.
🎧 Song of the Week. Way Maker (link)
Sinach’s original rendition of “Way Maker” has gained incredible reach—being one of the most-watched worship videos on YouTube. Its global impact is seen in viral footage of people singing it during crises, and it has become foundational to modern worship worldwide. The song’s lyrical beauty and heartfelt delivery make it a timeless anthem of trust in God’s promise.
✍️ Quote of the Week That Makes You Think
“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher... He would either be a lunatic—on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell.” —C. S. Lewis
🤪 Dad Joke of the week
Why did the bicycle fall over?
Because it was two-tired! 🚲
As we finish this month’s journey, Jesus calls us to live awake, alert, and ready for His return. We don’t know the day or the hour, but we do know the One who holds the future in His hands. Every moment matters because each day is an opportunity to love God, serve others, and share His hope. Walk boldly into this week with your eyes on eternity and your heart rooted in His promises.
🤪 Meme of the week
