*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 10:17–31 ) “As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus asked. ‘Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: “You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.”’ ‘Teacher,’ the man replied, ‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.’ Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. ‘There is still one thing you haven’t done,’ he told him. ‘Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!’ This amazed them. But Jesus said again, ‘Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!’ The disciples were astounded. ‘Then who in the world can be saved?’ they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.’”
Observation: A rich young man ran up to Jesus, breathless and eager, kneeling at His feet. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus reminded him of the commandments, and the young man replied with confidence, “I’ve kept all these since I was young.” Then came the invitation that stopped him cold: “Go, sell everything you have, give to the poor, and follow Me.” His face fell, and with sorrow, he walked away, unable to loosen his grip on earthly wealth. Watching him go, Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.” But in the same conversation, He offered hope: what’s impossible for us is possible with God. Through this encounter, we learn that the kingdom belongs to those who come like children—empty-handed, trusting completely, and ready to follow wherever Jesus leads.
Application: Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal anything in your life that’s holding you back from fully following Him. Take one small, practical step this week to loosen your grip on worldly treasures and grow in complete dependence on Him.
Prayer: Lord, I surrender everything I am and everything I have to You. Help me to trust You with open hands, living with a faith that follows wherever You lead.
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🤔 Question of the Week.
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🖤 My Favorite Links This Week.
📣 Sermon/Testimony. The End And Purpose of the World (RC Sproul)
R.C. Sproul carefully expounds how the end of history reveals God’s overarching purpose—from creation to consummation. He invites listeners to see current events not as chaotic, but as part of a divine storyline culminating in Christ’s return and ultimate redemption. The sermon blends theological depth with pastoral clarity, offering hope and meaning in the cosmic narrative.
🤔 Apologetics. What Is Christian Apologetics, and Why Does It Matter?
(Link)
McDowell clarifies common misconceptions—like thinking apologetics is saying “I’m sorry” for our beliefs—and reorients it properly as a courageous, gentle defense of truth. Rooted in practical ministry, he outlines key questions apologetics helps believers answer: truth, biblical reliability, Jesus’ identity, and relevance to life. The article particularly highlights its importance in a culture enamored with shifting ideas, encouraging Christians to hold firm to sound doctrine. It’s both approachable and pastorally sensitive, making it well suited for daily Christian readers.
🤓 CS Lewis. Hope: The Christian Way (link)
Hope is one of the Theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do.
✍️ Going Deeper. 3 Ways to Go Deeper in Your Personal Bible Study (link)
Hallie Liening invites readers into a narrative-focused approach by starting with the Bible’s storyline rather than scattered verses—helping everyone see Scripture as one unfolding story. She also recommends recognizing different biblical genres (e.g. narrative, law, poetry) to adjust your approach—reading deeply in context rather than applying verses out of genre. Finally, she offers three thoughtful questions—about God, about ourselves, and our response—that guide discovery in a quiet, reflective way. Her tone is relatable, encouraging, and particularly great for those learning to study Scripture systematically.
✍️ Biblical Archeology. Top 10 Biblical Archaeology Finds of 2023
Bryan Windle and Henry Smith review the standout archaeological finds of 2023, such as inscriptions and artifacts tied to Davidic-era contexts. The video’s format makes the information digestible and engaging. Great for visual learners wanting a quick update.
🎧 Song of the Week. The Blessing (link)
This live version of “The Blessing” has racked up over 127 million views, becoming a single of both spiritual and cultural resonance. The song invokes the Priestly Blessing from the book of Numbers and resonates for its unity, encouragement, and vision of generational blessing. It soared across charts and earned several Dove Awards, reflecting its powerful reception in congregations worldwide.
✍️ Quote of the Week That Makes You Think
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important." —C. S. Lewis
🤪 Dad Joke of the week
What kind of car does a shepherd drive?
A “Lamb”-orghini! 🐑🚗
Following Jesus isn’t about how much we know or what we can achieve—it’s about trust. The rich young ruler struggled to let go, but Jesus reminds us that His kingdom belongs to those who come like children, with open hands and humble hearts. This week, release the things holding you back from fully following Him. When we give Jesus our all, we gain the only treasure that truly lasts.
🤪 Meme of the week
