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The Illuminated Word

The Illuminated Word

By Chris Jones

This podcast will focus on daily readings from the Bible. We will read the text and then give background information from the text and application.
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Tuesday 4/21/20 Paul Called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ Romans 1:1-7

The Illuminated WordApr 20, 2020

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13:06
Thursday 3.16.23 1 John 2:18-29

Thursday 3.16.23 1 John 2:18-29

As we conclude the Illuminated Word podcast, we read from John's encouragement to stay faithful, to allow the Spirit to give discernment and to lead us, and to not be lead by what other's think or feel but be lead by God's Word and the Holy Spirit.

Mar 16, 202316:47
Wednesday 3/15/23 1 John 2:15-17

Wednesday 3/15/23 1 John 2:15-17

John reminds his readers that if our love is to emulate the Father's we cannot love the way of the world. 

Mar 15, 202310:57
Tuesday 3/14/23 Walking in the Light 1 John 2:1-14

Tuesday 3/14/23 Walking in the Light 1 John 2:1-14

John reminds us that as we walk with the LORD, we will sin. When we sin, we have an advocate in Jesus, who is a propitiation for our sins. John points out that part of being an authentic Christian means we obey Jesus and love our brothers and sisters. 

Mar 14, 202311:21
Monday 3/13/23 When we need renewal Psalm 85

Monday 3/13/23 When we need renewal Psalm 85

The psalmist leads us through a prayer asking for spiritual renewal. Rarely do our lives follow a continual upward trajectory in our walk with Christ. We have plateaus and valleys in our faith. This psalm helps us in times when we need renewal. 

Mar 13, 202308:52
Thursday 3.9.23 John 13:1-20, 34-35  The Washing of Feet

Thursday 3.9.23 John 13:1-20, 34-35 The Washing of Feet

When we are called to follow Jesus, we are called to be servants. So how ironic was it that in the upper room, none of the disciples acted like servants! The only one who did was the only one in that room that could've demanded to be served. And yet, he washed their feet...

Mar 09, 202317:22
Tuesday 3/7/23 The Assurance of Jesus 1 John 1:1-10

Tuesday 3/7/23 The Assurance of Jesus 1 John 1:1-10

John speaks to two different groups in his epistle. One group is struggling with their faith. They are wondering if what they received is reliable. Another group is promoting a heresy known as Gnosticism. They are upsetting the faith of others. In this introduction, John lays out important teaching to encourage believers and dispute the false teachers. 

Mar 07, 202311:03
Monday 3/6/23 A day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere Psalm 84

Monday 3/6/23 A day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere Psalm 84

The Psalmist inverts how we look at God's providence. God is able to take valleys in life and make them times of fruitful abundance. It is through hardships and trials that God shapes us and molds us. 

Mar 06, 202310:02
Thursday 3.2.23 John 3:16-21 A God of Choices

Thursday 3.2.23 John 3:16-21 A God of Choices

What separates God from all the other "gods"? He is a God who gives us the choice.

Mar 02, 202315:41
Wednesday 3/1/23 John 1:4-13

Wednesday 3/1/23 John 1:4-13

John the Baptist is described as a witness. We are called, according to God's mission, to witness as well.

Mar 01, 202310:43
Tuesday 2/28/23 In the Beginning Was the Word John 1:1-4

Tuesday 2/28/23 In the Beginning Was the Word John 1:1-4

John, in his prologue, tells the reader some profound truths. He reveals that Jesus, before becoming a man, was the preexistent logos of God. The Son had always been and had perfect fellowship with the Father. John reveals to us who Jesus really is. 

Feb 28, 202309:40
Monday 2/27/23 God Will Deliver His People Psalm 83

Monday 2/27/23 God Will Deliver His People Psalm 83

Asaph lists 10 of the great enemies of God's people in this Psalm. He reminds us of God's triumph over his enemies in the past. He gives his readers assurance that God will deliver again. As Christians, we know that we have received the ultimate deliverance of Jesus in his victory over sin, death, and the evil one. 

Feb 27, 202306:14
Thursday 2.23.23 Matthew 25:31-46   "It Doesn't Matter What You Say!"

Thursday 2.23.23 Matthew 25:31-46 "It Doesn't Matter What You Say!"

As we continue looking at "Judgement", we come to Jesus' words that can seem harsh at first. But he's really just saying what we've always said - if your actions don't support your words, then it doesn't matter what you say.

Feb 23, 202311:22
Wednesday 2/22/23 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Wednesday 2/22/23 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Paul encourages the Thessalonians with Christ's return. 

Feb 22, 202311:28
Tuesday 2/21/23 Judgment Day 2 Peter 3:1-10

Tuesday 2/21/23 Judgment Day 2 Peter 3:1-10

In 2 Peter 3, Peter gives his readers an admonition to live their lives with the knowledge that the Day of the Lord will come. 

Feb 21, 202312:54
Monday 2/20/23 God Holds Court Amidst the Divine Council Psalm 82

Monday 2/20/23 God Holds Court Amidst the Divine Council Psalm 82

Psalm 82 has been one of the more challenging Psalms for Christians to grasp. Who are the "gods" mentioned in verse 1? We will tackle this question in today's podcast. The biggest takeaway from this passage for us is that the Almighty God has concern for the neglected and at risk of this world. We are called as followers of Jesus to do the same. 

Feb 20, 202311:28
Thursday 2.16.23 2 Peter 2:17-22 Another Warning...

Thursday 2.16.23 2 Peter 2:17-22 Another Warning...

Peter has warned his readers about false teachers - what they teach and how they present themselves. But he has another warning, and this one is for those who listen to false teachers.

Feb 16, 202313:10
Tuesday 2/14/23 Scripture is Reliable 2 Peter 1:13-21

Tuesday 2/14/23 Scripture is Reliable 2 Peter 1:13-21

Peter lays out a simple doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture. He points to the reliability of the testimony of those that saw Jesus. He reminds his readers that he was there at the Mount of Transfiguration. 

Feb 14, 202310:57
Monday 2/13/23 God's Provision and Our Response Psalm 81

Monday 2/13/23 God's Provision and Our Response Psalm 81

Psalm 81 probably finds its historical background during the Exile in Babylon. God reminds his people that he has rescued them from Egypt before and he can do it again. The people's proper response is heart-felt worship and listening to the words of God. 

Feb 13, 202311:45
Thursday 2.9.23 2 Peter 1:1-12 Who's In Charge?

Thursday 2.9.23 2 Peter 1:1-12 Who's In Charge?

As Peter knows his time is drawing near, he writes one last letter warning early believers to watch out for false teachers and also to remind them of the promises they received through Jesus. 

Feb 09, 202312:26
Wednesday 2/8/23 1 Peter 5

Wednesday 2/8/23 1 Peter 5

Peter's final greetings for this letter is for the church to continue its efforts on building strong relationships among them, to stay watchful for Satan's attacks, and lastly a blessing of peace.

Feb 08, 202309:09
Tuesday 2/7/23 1 Peter 4

Tuesday 2/7/23 1 Peter 4

Peter encourages the church to rejoice in their participation of Christ's sufferings.

Feb 07, 202310:37
Monday 2/6/23 Psalm 79

Monday 2/6/23 Psalm 79

A Psalm requesting God to act against Israel's enemies.

Feb 06, 202309:20
Wednesday 1/31/23 1 Peter 3:1-7

Wednesday 1/31/23 1 Peter 3:1-7

Apologies, this episode was scheduled to post last week when it should have been this week. In keeping with our readings it will be posted here again. 

Feb 01, 202312:52
Tuesday 1/31/23 We are sojourners and exiles 1 Peter 2:11-25

Tuesday 1/31/23 We are sojourners and exiles 1 Peter 2:11-25

Peter explains to his audience that Christians are "resident aliens" in this world. The proper way to live our lives is to stay holy and pure but also act as a blessing to those around us. Christians are distinct because of their holiness and care for others. 

Jan 31, 202311:06
Monday 1/30/23 Remember the great things God has done Psalm 78

Monday 1/30/23 Remember the great things God has done Psalm 78

Asaph reminds the people of Israel that God has been faithful through the years even though they have been unfaithful. Their rebellion and disobedience is contrasted with God’s mercy in sending David as his skillful shepherd, and moving the place of his tabernacle from Shiloh to Mt Zion.

Jan 30, 202308:19
Thursday 1.26.23 1 Peter 2:1-10 A Spiritual Identity Crisis

Thursday 1.26.23 1 Peter 2:1-10 A Spiritual Identity Crisis

We can lose sight of who we are by focusing on what the world thinks of us or what we think of ourselves. But what we should really be focusing on is what Jesus thinks of us.

Jan 26, 202314:17
Wednesday 1/25/23 1 Peter 3:1-7

Wednesday 1/25/23 1 Peter 3:1-7

Peter treats the tricky issue of believing spouses' relationship with their unbelieving spouses. Peter does not recommend giving up on that spouse but rather recommends a life of love and pure conduct so that they might eventually win over their spouse to the Lord. 

Jan 25, 202312:52
Tuesday 1/24/23 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 1 Peter 1:1-12

Tuesday 1/24/23 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 1 Peter 1:1-12

The apostle Peter gives a doxology of praise for God's plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jan 24, 202311:09
Monday 1/23/23 God is caring and powerful Psalm 77

Monday 1/23/23 God is caring and powerful Psalm 77

Asaph cries out in lamentations to God. He remembers God's care and God's power to save. 

Jan 23, 202309:24
Thursday 1.19.23 James 5:18-20  "The Power of Prayer"

Thursday 1.19.23 James 5:18-20 "The Power of Prayer"

To say we believe in the power of prayer is one thing, but to actually use it like we believe it is another!

Jan 19, 202312:06
Tuesday 1/17/23 Beware of the Dangers of Wealth James 5:1-6

Tuesday 1/17/23 Beware of the Dangers of Wealth James 5:1-6

James issued a stern warning to wealthy people that would exploit the poor for the purpose of accumulating riches. 

Jan 17, 202312:39
Monday 1/16/23 The God Known in Zion Psalm 76

Monday 1/16/23 The God Known in Zion Psalm 76

Asaph's Psalm reminds us that God is not hidden but can be known. God once reigned in Zion but now we know as Christians He has taken up residence in our lives through the Holy Spirit. 

Jan 16, 202310:22
Wednesday 1/11/23 James 3:13-18 "Sow Peace"

Wednesday 1/11/23 James 3:13-18 "Sow Peace"

James begins a short indictment on jealously and pride ending in his exhortation to submit to God.

Jan 11, 202310:29
Tuesday 1/10/23 James 3:1-12 "Tame Your Tongue"

Tuesday 1/10/23 James 3:1-12 "Tame Your Tongue"

James' proverbial prose on the practice of right speech is important for Christians. Are we using our words to bless or curse?

Jan 10, 202311:05
Monday 1/9/23 God is the Judge Psalm 75

Monday 1/9/23 God is the Judge Psalm 75

Asaph was a Levite that David assigned to be in charge of the Tabernacle choir. He wrote Psalms 73-83 which opens up Book III of the Psalter. In this Psalm Asaph reminds the worshippers that God is the one who judges. 

Jan 07, 202307:36
Thursday 1.5.23 James 2:14-26 "A Man Can't Just Sit There..."

Thursday 1.5.23 James 2:14-26 "A Man Can't Just Sit There..."

As we continue our look at James 2, we come to Jame's treatment on words vs. actions. What good is it if our actions don't match our words? Our faith, without works, is dead.

Jan 05, 202311:42
Wednesday 1/4/23 James 2:8-13

Wednesday 1/4/23 James 2:8-13

James warns his audience that the sin of partiality is really the absence of mercy. If they don't have mercy, no mercy will be shown them on Judgement Day. 

Jan 04, 202310:34
Tuesday 1/3/23 Showing Partiality to the Rich James 2:1-7

Tuesday 1/3/23 Showing Partiality to the Rich James 2:1-7

James challenges his readers to not show partiality to the rich. He lays out a scenario in which a rich man and a poor man enters their assembly. How should they treat the rich vs. the poor? James gives very specific teaching about partiality in these verses.


Jan 03, 202312:59
Monday 1/2/23 How Long Lord? Psalm 74

Monday 1/2/23 How Long Lord? Psalm 74

Psalm 74 is a cry of lament. God's people have been in exile for almost 70 years and they are crying out to God asking for deliverance. 

Jan 03, 202310:29
Monday 12/26/22 A Clean and Pure Heart Psalm 73

Monday 12/26/22 A Clean and Pure Heart Psalm 73

The psalm writer Asaph informs us through song of the attributes of a pure heart before God. 

Dec 28, 202211:02
Thursday 12.22.22 Micah 5:2-5 "You'll Put Your Eye Out!"

Thursday 12.22.22 Micah 5:2-5 "You'll Put Your Eye Out!"

There is a Christmas lie that we too often buy into, and that's I can fill the hole in my life with more stuff. And yet Jesus' birth was MORE than we could ever imagine. He brings more joy, more love, and more peace into our lives.

Dec 22, 202216:44
Wednesday 12/21/12 Isaiah 9:1-7

Wednesday 12/21/12 Isaiah 9:1-7

Isaiah looks into the future to tell Judah that it is time to rejoice for their savior is coming soon.

Dec 21, 202212:21
Monday 12/19/22 The King that brings justice Psalm 72

Monday 12/19/22 The King that brings justice Psalm 72

Psalm 72 introduces to the king of justice and righteousness. We crave leaders that can be trusted. During this Advent season we celebrate the King who came to us. 

Dec 19, 202209:11
Thursday 12.15.22 John 2:1-10 Yummy Foot Water!

Thursday 12.15.22 John 2:1-10 Yummy Foot Water!

As we near Christmas - a time celebrating the birth of Jesus - we jump ahead to a time that John records Jesus' first sign (miracle) in his Gospel. As we celebrate His birth, we can't forget how Jesus' ministry and life was defined by how He gave people something better than they had ever had before!

Dec 15, 202214:01
Wednesday 12/14/22 Luke 2:41-52

Wednesday 12/14/22 Luke 2:41-52

Jesus ditches Joseph and Mary to go to his Father's house. 

Dec 14, 202212:49
Tuesday 12/13/22 Two People Waiting for the LORD Luke 2:22-38

Tuesday 12/13/22 Two People Waiting for the LORD Luke 2:22-38

In Luke 2, we meet two older people who have spent their life waiting on the LORD. They knew the Messiah of Israel would come soon and enter his temple. They were there waiting for him. 

Dec 13, 202212:10
Monday 12/12/22 A Life Long Faith Journey Psalm 71

Monday 12/12/22 A Life Long Faith Journey Psalm 71

In Psalm 71, David once again cries out to God for deliverance. David is now an older man who has experienced many hardships. He has not allowed those hardships to make him cynical and bitter but to help him draw closer to God. 

Dec 12, 202210:21
Thursday 12.8.22 Luke 1:26-38 "Inconceivable!"

Thursday 12.8.22 Luke 1:26-38 "Inconceivable!"

As the angel gives the news to Mary that she will bear the Son of God, it would be easy for Mary to focus on the negatives and the impossibility of what the angel is saying. Yet, her response is quite the opposite...

Dec 08, 202211:11
Wednesday 12/7/22 Luke 1:5-25

Wednesday 12/7/22 Luke 1:5-25

Zachariah is visited in the temple by an Angel of the Lord and given life-changing news.

Dec 07, 202211:38
Tuesday 12/6/22 A Grand Introduction to the Gospel Luke 1:1-5 and Acts 1:1-5

Tuesday 12/6/22 A Grand Introduction to the Gospel Luke 1:1-5 and Acts 1:1-5

Luke as a master historian, writes a detailed introduction to his gospel and the book of Acts. What can we learn from both of these introductions? Today in our podcast we delve into this question.

Dec 06, 202209:47