The Teaching Series with Brad Gray

Latest Episodes:

Episode 048 – Little Man in the Eye Jan 08, 2019

Show notes

Episode 048 – Little Man in the Eyei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-244{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-244:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-244.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Deuteronomy 32:10; Proverbs 7:2The New Year is underway and many of you have made resolutions, but do any of them pertain to the Bible? In this episode, we explore one of the coolest Hebrew expressions (that often gets lost in translation) that depicts our relationship with God and His Word in a way that inspires us to dig into His Word in order to truly thrive this next year. And it all has to do with a little man in the eye. Enjoy! Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? In this teaching, we talked about how God desires a personal, intimate relationship with you. Do you believe this to be true, and do you desire the same? Why or why not? Is there something holding you back from seeking a deeper relationship with God? What are your goals for 2019? Specifically, what are you doing to engage the Bible this year? What is one step you will take this week to keep God’s teachings at the forefront of all you do?

Episode 047 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 4: Son of God Dec 24, 2018

Show notes

Episode 047 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 4: Son of Godi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-247{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-247:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-247.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Matthew 1:18-25It’s Christmas Eve! Which means it's the perfect time to conclude our Genealogy Christmas by looking at Jesus being the Son of God, and how Matthew is helping us understand the magnitude of his identity and calling by using the names “Jesus” and “Immanuel.” As we explore these names, we’ll be reminded of why we celebrate Christmas and are able to have the hope that we have. God became man, and our lives will never be the same because of it. May you be overwhelmed with joy as you’re reminded of the significance of the coming of Jesus, who is Immanuel! Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? At the beginning of this series, what did you identify you were specifically waiting or longing for this Christmas season? Did God meet you in the way you had desired? In what ways might God be showing up in your life right now that is different than you expected or that you’ve haven’t been noticing? Do you find it hard to trust God when circumstances don't resolve how you hoped? It was shared in this episode that "God's presence isn't contingent upon our expectation, God's presence is revealed in our awareness." Does your life currently reflect an awareness of God walking with you in the midst of the highs and lows of this life? How will you begin to grow in your awareness that God is always with you this week?

Episode 046 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 3: Son of Joseph Dec 18, 2018

Show notes

Episode 046 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 3: Son of Josephi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-250{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-250:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-250.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Matthew 1:18-25Have you ever wondered why Matthew tells us that “Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph” and then in the very next verse he tells us that Joseph was planning to “divorce her quietly?” How does that work? And was Joseph being insensitive, or was he demonstrating the noblest of character? I’ll give you a hint – it’s the latter, and the context here is riveting. What’s more, we find that Joseph (and Mary) modeled a righteousness that shaped Jesus as he grew up, and it’s a righteousness that’s intended to shape us as well. Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? What is God asking of you this Christmas season? Where is He leading? What is the cost of obedience to God in your life right now? Are you willing to sacrifice this in order to follow Jesus? Are you making decisions, big or small, based on personal gain or comfort over obedience to God? Are there relationships, attitudes, jobs, or anything else hindering your obedience to Jesus? How will you make changes in response to this knowledge? How will you begin to walk in obedience to what God is calling you this week?

Episode 045 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 2: Son of Abraham Dec 11, 2018

Show notes

Episode 045 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 2: Son of Abrahami.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-253{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-253:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-253.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Matthew 1:1-17In Pt 1: Son of David, we learned that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant for the Jews. Now Matthew wants us to understand that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant. But what does that mean? And how does Matthew “prove” it in the genealogy? Well, buckle up, because what Matthew does next is astounding, and its implications for our lives and for this Advent Season will leave us encouraged and grateful that we get to part of the family of such a loving God. Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? Have you ever felt like you were outside of God's promises? Why or why not? Did hearing the stories of Jesus' history change your perspective at all? Have you ever thought that your brokenness can be used to show the restorative nature of Jesus? Have you seen this reflected in your life or in the stories of others you know? On a scale of 1 (only those just like me) to 10 (everyone), how wide a spectrum of different people do you welcome into your life? How do you inadvertently/unintentionally not welcome all people? (This may be a blind spot that others can help you discover.) Are there certain people you find harder to welcome? How will you begin this week to reflect the heart of God in welcoming all people?

Episode 044 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 1: Son of David Dec 04, 2018

Show notes

Episode 044 – Genealogy Christmas Pt 1: Son of Davidi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-256{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-256:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-256.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Matthew 1:1-17If you were tasked with retelling the most significant story in human history, how would you begin? Matthew had to ask the same question, and what was his answer? A genealogy. Seriously? Could there be anything more boring than that? We normally skip right over them. And yet, what Matthew does with Jesus’s genealogy is electrifying! The jaws of the first century audience would’ve been on the ground. And over the next four weeks, we’re going to explore this “Genealogy Christmas” and begin where Matthew begins – with Jesus being a “Son of David.” The implications are astounding, and I trust Christmas will take on deeper meaning for you this Advent Season! Discussion Questions What was your biggest takeaway from the teaching? What are you specifically waiting for and/or longing for this Christmas season? Have you shared this with God? Have you invited anyone to join you in praying for this with you this month? Where do you feel like God is “running late?” How are you responding to this? In this teaching, we were reminded God doesn't make mistakes. As you acknowledge this truth in your life, do you need to make adjustments in your perspective of your circumstances, relationships, or self? Where do you need to relax your plans and trust God and His timing anew this Advent season? How will you begin walking this out this week? For Further StudyHagah The Text – this is a longer teaching (sermon) that goes into greater detail about the concepts explored in Teaching Series Episode 020

Episode 043 – Psalm 23 Pt 10: Answering Your Questions Nov 27, 2018

Show notes

Episode 043 – Psalm 23 Pt 10: Answering Your Questionsi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-259{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-259:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-259.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Psalm 23Over the last nine episodes, we’ve been digging into Psalm 23 and I’ve been encouraging you to ask your questions. In this episode, I seek to answer those questions. The discussion entails everything from how we teach our kids to understand the Bible’s context to leaders being intentional about setting aside times for rest and renewal to discussing whether Jesus was beaten with a shepherd’s “staff,” “rod,” or something else, and much more. May this discussion help round out some additional aspects of Psalm 23 as we seek to live out the truths of this psalm in our lives. Discussion Questions Were there any “aha” moments for you in the answers given that helped you better understand a facet of Psalm or just life in general? It was mentioned that a good shepherd is not only aware of the environment, but how each sheep needs to be led uniquely in that environment. As a parent, leader, coach, and/or friend, etc., what stuck out to you about how to do the same? Where do we (as parents, teachers, churches, etc.) need to do a better job of training our children to understand the Bible so they won’t have as much to “unlearn” in the future? Overall, what’s been your biggest takeaway from this series on Psalm 23? Have you begun living out the most significant truths addressed in this series in your life? If so, how? If not, what’s the next step you need to take in doing so? For Further Study The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament by Kenneth E. Bailey Psalm 23: A Photo Commentary by Steven D. Anderson and Todd Bolen Psalm 23: Photo Companion to the Bible (pictures) by Todd Bolen (BiblePlaces.com) While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Timothy Laniak Becoming a Judean Shepherd by Doug Greenwold

Episode 042 – Psalm 23 Pt 9: Practicing God’s Presence Nov 20, 2018

Show notes

Episode 042 – Psalm 23 Pt 9: Practicing God’s Presencei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-262{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-262:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-262.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Psalm 23:6David concludes Psalm 23 by proclaiming, “and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” It’s a stunning ending to a stunning Psalm. But what’s David's context? What’s he declaring? Is he talking about Heaven? Is he talking about the Tabernacle (often referred to as “the house of the LORD”). Is “forever” the best translation? As we seek to answer these questions, I believe we’ll be invited into one of the most significant practices that enables us to grow in our awareness of God, and approach life with a perspective and maturity that we all long to possess. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? Do you have some kind of grounding time to connect with God each day? What does this look like for you? How has this impacted your life? David desperately sought to dwell in the presence of God. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 – being that “you struggle to do so” and 10 being that “you can’t wait to”), how would you rate your desire to dwell in God’s presence? Have you ever considered the idea of recalibrating to the awareness of God in the midst of your day? What impact do you think this practice would have on your life? Despite all that may be going on in the world and in your life, do you trust that God hasn’t lost control, and that he’s working in the midst of it all? Why or why not? Do you find yourself holding onto to something in life with a tight grip? How is this affecting your work, relationships, and faith? Where is God asking you to loosen the grip? What is one change you will make this week as you seek to daily practice the presence of God? For Further Study Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day by Peter Scazzero The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament by Kenneth E. Bailey Psalm 23: A Photo Commentary by Steven D. Anderson and Todd Bolen Psalm 23: Photo Companion to the Bible (pictures) by Todd Bolen (BiblePlaces.com) While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Timothy Laniak Becoming a Judean Shepherd by Doug Greenwold

Episode 041 – Psalm 23 Pt 8: They’re Chasing Me Nov 13, 2018

Show notes

Episode 041 – Psalm 23 Pt 8: They’re Chasing Mei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-265{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-265:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-265.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Psalm 23:6Have you ever had that sense that someone was following you? It’s a deeply unnerving feeling. As a shepherd, David would’ve experienced this on a regular basis. And yet, what’s on his heels in the last verse of Psalm 23 isn’t something threatening, but two of the most significant realities in the entire Bible. And when we understand what’s chasing him, we’ll have great confidence that they’re chasing us as well! Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? Wolves (and other predators) seek to prey on tired sheep at dusk. Where are you feeling tired and weary in your faith (or in life in general)? Is there anything lurking in the shadows that’s seeking to overtake you right now? David’s analogy of God’s “good” and “covenantal love” following us gives us an image of God standing between us and things that might be seeking to overpower us. How does this imagery give you and hope and courage? Despite any circumstances or struggles, how does knowing that good is on your heels change your current perspective? Do you trust that God’s purposes and plans will never fail? Why or why not? What in your life indicates this? How are you inspired to live differently this week knowing God’s love, grace and mercy will always be chasing you? For Further Study The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament by Kenneth E. Bailey Psalm 23: A Photo Commentary by Steven D. Anderson and Todd Bolen Psalm 23: Photo Companion to the Bible (pictures) by Todd Bolen (BiblePlaces.com) While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Timothy Laniak Becoming a Judean Shepherd by Doug Greenwold

Episode 040 – Psalm 23 Pt 7: A Generous Host Nov 06, 2018

Show notes

Episode 040 – Psalm 23 Pt 7: A Generous Hosti.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-268{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-268:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-268.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Psalm 23:5As soon as David mentions “preparing a table,” “anointing with oil,” and “cup overflowing,” we know he’s no longer communicating a shepherding imagery. You don’t do any of these with sheep. So why the shift? And what’s he conveying? This is one of the most fascinating cultural aspects of Psalm 23, and understanding the imagery shift and its implications will help you see your relationship with God and His world in a renewed, compelling, and gratitude-inducing way. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? The same God who created the world has invited you into his tent and wants to share time with you. What comes to mind when you hear this? Do you believe this to be true? Why or why not? To share a meal was a sign of acceptance and love. Where do you need to be reminded today that God loves you and accepts you and wants your cup of joy to be overflowing? Are there “enemies” encircling your life right now, seeking to discourage you or perhaps hoping you fail in some way? What comfort do you find knowing God is aware of that and desires to encourage you in the midst of it? Does the way you live express that you trust God or yourself for your provision and protection? Is your walk with God marked with striving and guilt, or joy and celebration? In what areas do you feel like God is calling you to change? What will your first step be? How can you respond in gratitude this week to the astounding truth that God is a generous host? For Further Study The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament by Kenneth E. Bailey Psalm 23: A Photo Commentary by Steven D. Anderson and Todd Bolen Psalm 23: Photo Companion to the Bible (pictures) by Todd Bolen (BiblePlaces.com) While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Timothy Laniak Becoming a Judean Shepherd by Doug Greenwold

Episode 039 – Psalm 23 Pt 6: Rod and Staff (and Sling) Oct 30, 2018

Show notes

Episode 039 – Psalm 23 Pt 6: Rod and Staff (and Sling)i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-271{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-271:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-271.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Psalm 23:4The rod and the staff, they comfort David. And likely the sling too! These are what the shepherd carries for various situations. Learning about these alone is utterly fascinating, especially when you find out how David uses them against lions, bears, and Goliath (which we discuss). But how these translate into what God does for us in in the midst of our deep valleys is where the power lies. And once we understand that, we’ll find comfort, courage, and hope just like David did. Discussion Questions What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching? When you find yourself in difficult times, where do you turn for comfort? It was mentioned that the one of the reasons a shepherd carries a crook is to help their sheep get back on the path. What came to your mind as you heard this? Have you experienced this in your life with God? In what area is God gently guiding you back to the path He's set before you? What are the differences between safety and being protected from evil? Have you ever considered this before? Does this change anything in your life or relationship with God? How does knowing that evil, pain, and brokenness have been defeated by Jesus change how you view difficult times? How can you be intentional this week in seeking your comfort in God, our great shepherd who can be trusted? For Further Study The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament by Kenneth E. Bailey Psalm 23: A Photo Commentary by Steven D. Anderson and Todd Bolen Psalm 23: Photo Companion to the Bible (pictures) by Todd Bolen (BiblePlaces.com) While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Timothy Laniak Becoming a Judean Shepherd by Doug Greenwold

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Teaching Series with Brad Gray

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected