Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 365 – The Beginning and the End (2024)

Overview

In the final episode of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Father Mike Schmitz concludes a transformative 365-day journey through the entire Bible. Utilizing Jeff Cavins' Great Adventure Bible Timeline, this episode encapsulates the culmination of understanding salvation history, emphasizing the restoration of all things through God's promises. Father Mike reflects on the profound themes of Revelation, the Letter to the Hebrews, and Proverbs, offering listeners a comprehensive closure to their biblical exploration.

Scripture Readings

1. Revelation to John, Chapters 21 & 22
   Father Mike reads the concluding chapters of the Bible, detailing the vision of the new heaven and new earth, the Holy City (New Jerusalem), and the eternal presence of God with humanity.

2. Letter to the Hebrews, Chapters 11, 12 & 13
   The focus is on the meaning of faith, exemplified by biblical figures, and the exhortation to persevere in the Christian life, drawing strength from Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

3. Proverbs 31:30-31
   These verses highlight the virtue of a woman who fears the Lord, celebrating her worth and the praise she earns through her righteous deeds.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21-22)

Father Mike delves into John's vivid imagery of the ultimate restoration:

• God's Dwelling with Humanity:
  "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people." [Revelation 21:3]
  This signifies the end of separation between God and mankind, emphasizing intimate fellowship.

• Elimination of Suffering:
  "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more." [Revelation 21:4]
  The promise of a future free from pain and sorrow offers profound hope.

• New Jerusalem's Splendor:
  Detailed descriptions of the city's foundations adorned with precious stones and gates made of single pearls illustrate the perfection and beauty of God's eternal kingdom.

• River of Life and Tree of Life:
  Symbolizing eternal sustenance and healing, these elements represent continuous life and God's provision for His people.

2. The Power of Faith (Hebrews 11-13)

Father Mike emphasizes the foundational role of faith in the Christian journey:

• Definition of Faith:
  "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." [Hebrews 11:1]
  Faith as the bedrock for understanding and receiving God's promises.

• Heroes of Faith:
  Examination of biblical figures like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses, illustrating their unwavering trust in God despite trials and uncertainties.

• Perseverance and Discipline:
  "Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith." [Hebrews 12:1-2]
  Encouragement to continue steadfastly, shedding sins and embracing God's discipline as a sign of His love.

• Practical Instructions:
  Chapters 12 and 13 offer guidance on living a life pleasing to God, emphasizing love, hospitality, integrity, and obedience to spiritual leaders.

3. The Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31:30-31)

Father Mike reflects on the qualities of a woman who fears the Lord:

• True Value Over Appearance:
  "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." [Proverbs 31:30]
  Highlighting inner virtue and reverence for God as the true measures of worth.

• Praise Through Deeds:
  "Give her the fruit of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates." [Proverbs 31:31]
  Encouraging recognition and appreciation of righteous actions in public and communal settings.

Father Mike's Reflections

A Year of Transformation

Father Mike expresses deep gratitude for the community's journey:

• "This last year, you and God's word have meant everything." [Timestamp not provided]
  Acknowledging the personal and collective growth experienced through daily engagement with Scripture.

God's Unfailing Love and Presence

Emphasizing God's continual support:

• "God loves you already. He will never ever stop loving you." [Timestamp not provided]
  Reiterating the assurance of God's unwavering love through all life’s challenges.

Community and Support

Highlighting the importance of communal faith:

• "You have not been alone. Every single day there have been brothers and sisters in the Lord praying for you." [Timestamp not provided]
  Encouraging listeners to recognize and appreciate the supportive faith community surrounding them.

Perseverance in Faith

Drawing inspiration from Hebrews 12:

• "Look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross..." [Timestamp not provided]
  Motivating listeners to emulate Jesus's perseverance and to remain steadfast in their spiritual journey.

Personal Reflections and Farewell

Father Mike shares his heartfelt emotions:

• "I don't have words that can capture the weight of how much you have meant to me..." [Timestamp not provided]
  Conveying the deep connection formed over the year and expressing his difficulty in saying a final goodbye.

• "Maybe I'll just say praying for you. And please pray for me." [Timestamp not provided]
  Requesting continued mutual support and prayers beyond the podcast’s conclusion.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

1. God’s Promise of Restoration:

   • "I saw no temple in the city. For the temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb." [Revelation 21:22, 00:10:45]

2. Definition of Faith:

   • "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." [Hebrews 11:1, 00:15:30]

3. Encouragement to Persevere:

   • "Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith." [Hebrews 12:1-2, 00:25:50]

4. Value of Inner Virtue:

   • "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." [Proverbs 31:30, 00:30:10]

5. God’s Eternal Presence:

   • "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more." [Revelation 21:4, 00:05:20]

Concluding Thoughts

Father Mike Schmitz wraps up the Bible in a Year podcast by reinforcing the central themes of redemption, faith, and eternal life. He encourages listeners to continue their spiritual journey with the assurance of God's everlasting presence and love. The episode serves as both a culmination of a year-long exploration and a launching point for ongoing engagement with Scripture, fostering a lifelong relationship with God's Word.

Additional Resources

• Certification for Completion:
  Listeners who have completed the podcast can obtain a certificate by visiting Ascension Press – Bible in a Year.

• Further Bible Studies:
  Jeff Cavins and Dr. Andrew Swofford offer additional studies on books like Hebrews and Revelation, available through Ascension Press.

Final Blessing

Father Mike concludes with a heartfelt blessing:

• "May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with everything good that you may do, His will working in you that which is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." [Final Prayer, 00:40:55]

Stay Connected

While this marks the end of the current series, Father Mike invites listeners to remain engaged with Ascension Press for future spiritual nourishment and to continue seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture.