When studying the Bible, you’ll find the earliest altars, the ones that we will use as a visual in this study, were just a pile of rocks. What can we know about them?
I suggest that there are some amazing parallels to the ancient altar in the New Testament. Today, we’re specifically going to look at the parallels between the ancient altars and the family altar. This will be a slow burn, and I invite you to pay special attention as we begin with ancient altars and create parallels for our families. Let’s begin!

In Ezekiel 18, the prophet addresses a cliché, a proverb, that the Judean captives are using to describe their condition: “the fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.”
The Lord expresses shock that anyone would think that He would punish one generation for the sins of another generation. In His response He gives two reasons why this proverb is wrong. Both of the reasons are important and timeless. We need to understand these today.

Jeremiah 29:11 reads: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
When initially reading this verse , it is encouraging because it indicates that God has a plan for us, and those plans will allow for us to prosper, giving us hope for the future. For example, if a person has a bad day, after reading this the conclusion might be that tomorrow will be better because God has a plan for them. While this interpretation is not entirely incorrect, it is incomplete.
Many scholars believe Jeremiah 29:11 to be one of the most misinterpreted verses in the bible in the way that it is often used in our society. Further study into this verse reveals a deeper message that carries multiple lessons.

Do you try to close the sale or plant the seed? Join guest Bob Cunningham and Jonathan Edwards discuss some practical tips and Scriptural insight on how every person can improve as a personal evangelist to their family and friends.

How in the world could the early church's greatest persecutor ever become her greatest preacher? Only by the grace of God. Join Jonathan and guest Bob Loudermilk talk about one of the most cherished conversion stories of all time.

Hate is such a strong word. Yet there are certain things that God hates! How can we reconcile a loving God who hates? Join father and son (Doug and Jonathan) as they consider Proverbs 6:16-19.

​Murmuring can seem like such an insignificant activity, but it is a dripping water that can slowly break down rock solid faith.  Join Jonathan and guest Justin Owen discuss the murmuring of the Israelites wandering int he wilderness, and how we can avoid their same troubles today.

Have you ever heard of the Biblical concept of "providence"? And if you have, is the Pharaoh's daughter the first person to come to your mind when you think of it? Join Brett Hickey (www.letthebiblespeak.com) and Jonathan Edwards discuss how providence works and how this ancient princess shows the power of God's providence.

What does it mean to live with dignity? Or to die with dignity? Join Greg Gay and Jonathan Edwards discuss the concept of dignity (and false dignity), as well as how Christians can grow old and face death with the dignity that is found in Christ. 

Show Notes:

*The following are a collection of New Testament Scriptures that show the NT teaching about music:
1. Singing has been authorized in our mouths and hearts – Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16
2. We are to sing in the assembly – Hebrews 2:12, 1 Corinthians 14:26
3. Worship is universal, meaning all humans are capable of worship. Instruments would have to be universally used if acceptable. – 1 Corinthians 14:26
4. Singing (praising God) is the fruit of our lips – Hebrews 13:15
5. We worship in spirit and truth when we sing internally and externally – 1 Corinthians 13:1, 14:15-16
6. God controls worship. He retains exclusive rights, right down to our thoughts – 1 Corinthians 11:23, 14:15

**The following are arguments made by advocates for musical instruments. How would you answer these?

A1 – Christians who use instruments are more faithful to Christ’s mission and less guilty “making it more difficult than necessary” to draw sinners to Christ
A2 – God commanded and blessed instruments. There is not a hint that God is anything but pleased with instruments!
A3 – Opposers of Instruments in worship have been dividing the assembly for years!
A4 – Jesus didn’t address instruments
A5 – Instruments are a non-issue in the book of Acts
A6 – There are instruments in heaven.
A7 – There is no authority for congregational singing in the New Testament, only to sing.
A8 – God is the Giver of gifts. Why would God give gifts and people not be able to use them to praise Him?
A9 – The Psallo argument: psallo means “to pluck” in the Septuagint. The Bible was the Septuagint during the first century, so Christians knew it meant “to play or pluck.” Since Ephesians 5:19 says “pluck” and hymns, which were songs with instruments, we are then commanded to play instruments.
A10 – The musical instrument is an expedient meant to assist in the command of singing. It is no different than song books, musical notes, tuning fork, etc.