Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 215: False Prophets (2025)

Podcast Information

• Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Produced by: Ascension
• Release Date: August 3, 2025
• Episode Duration: 20-25 minutes

Description:
In this 215th episode of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the themes of false prophets as depicted in the scriptures. Utilizing the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Fr. Mike guides listeners through selected passages from Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Proverbs, offering insightful commentary, reflections, and prayers aimed at enhancing the understanding of God's Word and its application in daily life.

Scripture Readings

Isaiah 51 & 52 (00:00 - 10:00):
Fr. Mike begins by reading passages from Isaiah 51 and 52, focusing on the themes of divine comfort, judgment, and redemption. He emphasizes Isaiah’s dual message of impending exile and the hope of return, highlighting the cyclical nature of prophecy and fulfillment.

Ezekiel 12 & 13 (10:00 - 15:00):
The discussion transitions to Ezekiel chapters 12 and 13, where Fr. Mike explores the prophet’s symbolic actions and his denunciation of false prophets. Ezekiel’s performance acts as a prophetic warning against complacency and deceit within the community.

Proverbs 12:21-24 (15:00 - 18:00):
A brief reading from Proverbs underscores the moral dichotomy between the righteous and the wicked, stressing the consequences of deceit and the virtues of diligence and integrity.

Reflections and Insights

Understanding False Prophets (18:00 - 25:00):
Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a deep reflection on the nature of false prophets, drawing from Ezekiel's condemnation of those who "prophesy out of their own minds" (Ezekiel 13:2). He elucidates the dangers of leaders who offer hollow reassurances instead of calling for genuine repentance and change.

Key Themes:

1. Awakening to Judgment and Redemption:

   • Judgment: Isaiah’s messages serve as a wake-up call about the consequences of disobedience and moral decay.
   • Redemption: Simultaneously, there's a promise of restoration and divine intervention, emphasizing God's unending mercy.

2. The Role of Authentic Prophecy:

   • Fr. Mike highlights Ezekiel's role in demonstrating true prophetic integrity versus the deceit of false prophets.
   • Emphasizes the importance of discerning true divine messages from misleading teachings.

3. Moral Accountability:

   • Drawing from Proverbs, he underscores the importance of living righteously and the inevitable downfall of deceitful practices.

4. Personal Application:

   • Encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives, urging them to seek authenticity in their faith journey and resist the allure of superficial assurances.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz on Isaiah's Message:
  "[00:25] 'Awake, because not only is judgment coming, but also I am coming to you.'"

• On False Prophets from Ezekiel:
  "[15:45] 'They speak peace when there is no peace, telling people what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear.'"

• Proverbs Insight:
  "[17:30] 'A prudent man conceals his knowledge, but fools proclaim their folly.' This underscores the value of wisdom and restraint over foolishness.'

• Personal Reflection:
  "[22:10] 'When we utter, are we speaking with the mind of God or merely expressing our own desires? This is the challenge of true faith.'"

Guided Prayer

Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength for listeners to live authentically and speak truthfully. He emphasizes the importance of community prayer and mutual support in overcoming personal and collective challenges.

Prayer Highlights:

• Gratitude for God's Word:
  "Thank you for your word. We thank you for loving us and calling us by name."

• Seeking Divine Assistance:
  "God, help us to declare our yes for you. Help us to be wise and courageous."

• Commitment to Faithfulness:
  "Help us above all things to be yours in all ways."

Conclusion and Takeaways

In this insightful episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges the ancient texts with contemporary life lessons. By dissecting the warnings against false prophets and the assurances of God's redemption, he provides listeners with a balanced understanding of judgment and hope. The episode serves as a reminder to remain vigilant in faith, discerning in beliefs, and committed to living a life reflective of genuine spiritual principles.

Key Takeaways:

• Discernment is Crucial: Always evaluate teachings and leaders against the truth of Scripture to avoid deception.
• Balance of Judgment and Mercy: God’s messages often contain both warnings of judgment and promises of redemption.
• Personal Responsibility: Each individual is called to live righteously, contributing to a faithful and authentic community.
• Community Support: Engaging in collective prayer and support strengthens individual and communal faith journeys.

Looking Forward:

Fr. Mike hints at delving deeper into the prophecy of the Lord’s suffering servant in the next episode, setting the stage for an exploration of Isaiah 53 and its fulfillment in the New Testament.

Encouragement to Listeners:
Fr. Mike encourages listeners to subscribe to the podcast for daily updates, fostering a continuous and structured engagement with the Bible throughout the year.

Final Thoughts:

Day 215 of The Bible in a Year offers a profound exploration of prophetic integrity and the enduring relevance of biblical teachings. Fr. Mike Schmitz's engaging narrative not only elucidates complex scriptures but also inspires listeners to embody the truths they uncover, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Bible and its application in modern life.