Iron Sheep Ministries

This week we cover Genesis 39, where we pick back up with Joseph, sold by his brothers into slavery and taken down to Egypt. In Egypt, Joseph is purchased by the captain of Pharaoh's guard, Potiphar. Joseph is blessed by God in everything he does and quickly is placed in charge of all of Potiphar’s household. Potiphar’s wife lusts after Joseph and makes many, not too subtle, passes at him. Joseph refuses and flees and ends up in prison as a result. This week we look at 1) God’s fulfillment of his promises, 2) Joseph as an example of a man who truly trusts God in everything, and 3) Joseph’s example of how to deal with sexual immorality (flee)! Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

Genesis 38 might seem out of place, in the midst of the story of Joseph and his journey down to Egypt as a slave, but God clearly had a purpose including Genesis 38 in our Bibles. This week we look at Joseph’s older brother Judah and his responsibility to his three sons and more importantly to his daughter-in-law Tamar. In this rather odd story, we see a parallel to the book of Ruth and the role of the “Kinsman Redeemer.” Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

In this Apostle Talk interview, Dave Bigler interviews Will Babarczy, the Executive Director of Alpha Pregnancy Care Center (based out of Albany, New York). In this captivating interview, Will tells the story of his childhood in Peru and of a life of ups and downs in the service of God. Will's ultimate conclusion is, "if God can use me, HE CAN USE ANYONE!" The interview concludes with a full background of what Alpha Pregnancy Center is and how they aim to fulfill their mission of showing the love of Jesus to every woman who walks through their door. For more on Alpha Pregnancy Care Center visit: https://alphacare.org/ This interview was produced by Iron Sheep Ministries Inc. For more on Iron Sheep and our mission please visit: https://ironsheep.org/

This week we look at Jacob’s 12 sons, focusing on his 2nd youngest, Joseph. Joseph is his father’s favorite and it drives his brothers to such anger that they sell him to a caravan of Ishmaelites headed down to Egypt. This week we turn our attention to the final chunk of Genesis as we start the story of Joseph and his journey from Cannan down to Egypt and the crazy turns his journey takes him on. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

What is Textual Criticism and why do we need it? Can we trust our Bibles or have they been changed so many times that the validity is lost? Is the Bible without error or full of errors? Dr. Peter Gurry, PHD is a Biblical Scholar and Textual Critic. He is a professor at Phoenix Seminary and the Co-Director of the Text and Canon Institute. He is also an author and a regular contributor to the Evangelical Textual Criticism Blog. For more on Dr. Peter Gurry: https://textandcanon.org/ https://ps.edu/ http://evangelicaltextualcriticism.blogspot.com/ See Dr. Gurry's published works for sale on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Peter-J.-Gurry/e/B074Q1D497 Referenced in the talk is Dr. Daniel Wallace PHD as well as the Center for The Study of New Testament Manuscripts. For more on both: Dr. Wallace's published works for sale on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-B-Wallace/e/B0034PF2J2 The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts: https://www.csntm.org/ The book that Dave Bigler references, (that Dr. Gurry helped photograph) is available for purchase on the CSNTM website here: https://www.csntm.org/products/ Apostle Talk is produced by Iron Sheep Ministries Inc. For more information or to make a donation to help their work continue visit: https://ironsheep.org/

What is Advent? What is an Advent wreath and what’s up with the candles? Is Advent only practiced by Catholics, or should all Christ-following evangelicals practice it? Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus”, which means “coming.” A quick google search results in the definition being “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” To a Christian, Advent is the celebration of the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ! Advent is the 4 weeks (or 24 days) leading to Christmas Day. In this video, Dave talks about the different traditions behind Advent, including Advent Calendars, Advent Wreaths, and Advent Candles. The overall point, Advent, is a good “tradition of man,” that has great benefit to the Christ follower. Advent can be celebrated weekly (on the 4 Sundays leading up to Christmas) or daily, there are no rules! The point, is to prepare your heart and soul for the celebration of Christmas, and the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus. Resources mentioned in the video: COUNTING THE DAYS, LIGHTING THE CANDLES - a very simple, low budget book that includes daily devotional readings for the 24 days leading to Christmas. It has some good suggestions for parents for family devotionals and games you can play as a family. Find on Amazon: https://a.co/d/cJ8IEmu THE PROMISED ONE - a publication from Christianity Today, this is not necessarily designed for families but as a daily reading for the Christian to focus their mind and energy on Christ and his advent. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/promised-one-devotional-advent-christmas-2022/ THE 25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - This is my favorite for a family devotional. It has daily readings as a family as well as songs and games that you can do as a family. It is also very well produced as a coffee table book. Find on Amazon: https://a.co/d/1QI87Ka What is Iron Sheep Ministries? https://Ironsheep.org/ Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we wrap up the story of Jacob. While he is still a character in Genesis in Gen 37 we move on to our next main character, Joseph! Discussed this week is the birth of Benjamin and the death of Rachel in the process. We also look at 36;22 in which Reuben sleeps with his father's concubine. We conclude by going through the genealogy of Esau's descendants, the Edomites. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we cover the story of Shechem’s rape of Jacob’s daughter Dinah and the retaliation taken by Jacob’s sons. We see Jacob take his family away from Shechem, back to Bethel as he had promised back in Gen. 28. We also talk about why Israel did not want to intermarry with the Canaanites. Is it appropriate for a believer to marry a non-believer?

This week we look at Genesis 32 & 33 in which Jacob is reunited with his brother Esau, but only after he wrestles with God. In these two chapters, we see Jacob at the lowest he has ever been, and it's in that moment that he falls on his knees and seeks the Lord! Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

Donate to the Church in Malawi 1) Click on the link below. 2) Select "MALAWI" from the drop-down. 3) Add a note, "please send funds directly to the Church in Malawi" Give now: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1255500 100% of the funds you give will go to Edwin and his team in Malawi! Video Description: Bishop Edwin Thera is the lead pastor at Christian Pentecostal Church, in Lilongwe, Malawi. In this interview, Dave Bigler asks Edwin about the challenges facing his team's work in one of the poorest countries in the world. Learn more about Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Sign up for the ISM email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we look at Genesis 31 in which Jacob, after 20 years, starts the journey back to Canaan. In this chapter we see Jacob’s conflict with his father-in-law Laban come to a head, we also discuss what a healthy Fear of The Lord looks like. We also discuss Laban’s “household gods” that Rachel steals. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

Dave guest speaks at Adirondack Christian Fellowship in Wilton NY. In this message, Dave talks about Genesis 32:24-31 in which we see Jacob wrestle with God. We see God challenge and change Jacob from the “deceiver” into the father of the nation of Israel! In the application of this text, we talk about what it means to wrestle with God. What does it look like to face challenges and hardships that come up in our life? Do we complain and try to scheme our way out of it, or do we drop to our knees and ask God what He wants us to gain through the experience? Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we cover the 2nd half of Genesis 29 (picking it up at 29:14) through the end of Genesis 30. In this we see Jacob, the “deceiver” be the one who is deceived when Laban tricks him into marrying his eldest daughter Leah rather than Jacob’s betrothed, Rachel. We discuss the historical-cultural significance of marriage and the marriage contract in the ancient near east then move on to the battle between Leah and Rachel for value and love based on their ability to provide children to Jacob. There is also a brief incident between Leah and Rachel involving some mandrakes (what are those?) Between Leah and Rachel (and their two handmaid’s Zilpah & Bilhah) the twelve tribes of Jacob/Israel are born. We conclude this week by looking at an odd and superstitious thing that Jacob does to increase his wealth in sheep and goats. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we talk about Genesis 28 which includes the story of “Jacob’s Ladder” in which Jacob has a dream and sees a stairway to heaven with angels ascending and descending. His dream concludes with an awesome word from God. In this talk, we also touch on Tithing and start into Genesis 29 in which Jacob makes it to Harran and meets Rachel. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we look at three different types of blessings: the birthright, the patriarchal blessing and the covenantal blessing. We also go over the story of how Jacob (through his mother Rebekah’s guidance) swindles Esau out of his patriarchal blessing from his father Isaac. For modern application, we talk about seeking the world's blessings vs God’s as well as the power of good communication to fight dysfunction. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD Bibliography: Walton, John H. The NIV Application Commentary, Genesis. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001. https://www.christianbook.com/genesis-niv-application-commentary/john-walton/9780310206170/pd/06175?event=ESRCG Wiersebe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary OT Genesis - Deuteronomy. Colorado Springs: David C Cook, 2001. https://www.christianbook.com/the-bible-exposition-commentary-6-volumes/warren-wiersbe/9786125030474/pd/030474?event=ESRCER1

“Faith is living without scheming” - Warren Wiersbe This week we cover Genesis 26 in which we see another famine hit the land drawing Isaac to go down to Egypt. Isaac follows the Lord’s call in his life and stays put. We also encounter “Sister Act III” in which, like his father, Isaac, out of fear, tells the king that his wife, Rebekah, is actually his sister. Book Referenced: Wiersebe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary OT Genesis - Deuteronomy. Colorado Springs: David C Cook, 2001. https://www.christianbook.com/the-bible-exposition-commentary-6-volumes/warren-wiersbe/9786125030474/pd/030474?event=ESRCER1 Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we cover Genesis 25 in which Dave talks about Abraham’s third wife (Keturah), and their kids. Dave also covers’ Abraham’s death and burial (of which both Isaac and Ishmael attend). Isaac and Rebekah have two sons, Jacob and Esau, who have a bad case of sibling rivalry. Before closing Dave also talks about barrenness within the Patriarchs and why it is a sign of God’s hand over the historical timeline of Genesis. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we cover Genesis 23 and 24. In Genesis 23 Abraham buys a burial tomb (and field) for his wife Sarah and for his family line to use. Later in history, it is the location where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would all be buried (along with their spouses). In Genesis 24 we see Abraham send the head of his household to his old homeland to find a bride for his son Isaac. In the process, we see a glimpse into the customs of the culture of the day. We also see Abraham’s servant “put out a fleece” in asking the Lord to specifically show his support of a decision by doing a specifically requested act. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we look at Genesis 22 in which Abraham is asked to sacrifice his promised son, Isaac as an offering to the Lord. This crazy, massive request is done by God to show, and prove Abraham’s faith in God to provide. God never planned to have Abraham actually go through with it, but simply to test him to see if he would be willing. We see in Genesis 22 what true faith in God looks like and we also see that God truly does provide, “Jehovah Jireh” - God provides. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

In this week’s study we see Isaac, the promised child finally born! 25 years Abraham and Sarah have been waiting on this promise from God. We also spend a good deal of time looking at Hagar, the first mention of a single mother in history. We conclude with Abraham and Abimelek wanting some assurances from Abraham that he will treat him fairly (makes you wonder why his faith in Abraham is not strong? :-) Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we see Abraham up to his old tricks in part 2 of the “Sister Acts.” Abraham moves south and encounters King Abimelek (Abimelech). Out of fear Abraham has his wife Sarah tell everyone that she is his sister so that they do not kill Abraham in order to be able to take Sarah as their wife. This is the same game that Abram played in Gen 12 when he and Sarai went down to Egypt. Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

Genesis 18:16-19:38 - Sodom, Gomorrah, and “righteous” Lot. This week we cover the story of the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah and we look at Abraham’s nephew, Lot, who, according to 2nd Peter 2:7, is a “righteous” man. Subjects covered: Will God sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Looking at the story of Noah, Lot, Passover, and the Rapture as examples of God rescuing the righteous before His judgment is poured out. Lot at the “Gateway” of the city. What is the significance of the Gateway? We also look at Deut. 21:18-21, Ruth 4:1-11, 2 Sam 18&19 as well as Mat 16:18 Genesis 19:5, what does the scripture mean by “to know?” The differences between the different translations take on this word and what the bible clearly spells out. Finally, we conclude with a look at Lot as a picture of us today. What is Iron Sheep, what do we believe?: https://ironsheep.org/about Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

In this week’s study, we look at the first 15 verses of chapter 18 in which the Lord (with two angels) appears to Abraham and re-affirms the covenant promise that Sarah will have a son. We also talk about the definitions of a Christophany, Theophany, and Angelophany. Dave takes a bit of a tangent to explain what Strongs Bible concordance is as well as an Interlinear Bible and he gives an explanation of a great recourse, BlueLetterBible.org What is Iron Sheep, what do we believe?: https://ironsheep.org/about Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we look at a re-affirmation of the Abrahamic covenant and the addition of an outward sign to set apart those who follow God and his covenant, circumcision. We see God change Abram’s name to Abraham as well as Sarai changed to Sarah. We also see God confirm that the covenant will come through Sarah and not Hagar (though God does promise to bless Ishmael and his descendants). Dave does take a tangent to explain the story of Gen 34 in which Abraham's great-grandsons, Simeon & Levi use circumcision as a means of military advantage over the Schechemites for what Schechem does to their sister Dinah (it is a tangent but it does relate for sure). We conclude with a discussion on the question of if we today should circumcise our sons or not. What is Iron Sheep, what do we believe?: https://ironsheep.org/about Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Contact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.org Be notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This week we look at Genesis 16 in which Sarai suggests to her husband Abram that he take her maidservant Hagar as an additional wife so that he may have children through her. WHAT? In the cultural context of today, this sounds CRAZY! This week we will discover that, in their day, it really was not as crazy as it may sound to us today. We will also look at the Angel of the Lord mentioned in 16:7 as well as the descendants of Hagar’s son, Ishmael, the Ishmaelites. Donate: Help keep bible studies like this going by donating to Iron Sheep Ministries today: https://ironsheep.org/donate Listen to the Podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheep Find out more about Iron Sheep Ministries: https://ironsheep.org/ Contact Dave: info@ironsheep.org Website referenced: https://www.gotquestions.org/names-of-God.html