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Rabbi Schneider
The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief. Dear Heavenly Father, in this season of joy and good will, we are humbled by the reminder of why you sent your only begotten Son into the world. We were sinners, lost and unworthy, yet in your infinite love you offered us the greatest gift of all, Jesus, our Redeemer. Father, as the Christmas lights twinkle and the carols are sung, let us never forget the true essence of this season. It's not merely a time of gifts and festivities, but to reflect on the immense sacrifice made for us amidst our merriments. Let us all carry a profound sense of gratitude for the salvation we have received through Christ. We are all sinners, yet we hope because of that blessed night in Bethlehem, you sent your Son not to condemn us, but to redeem us, offering undeserved mercy grace as we celebrate his birth. Let it serve as a reminder of our own spiritual rebirth, the second chance gifted to us through your love. In Jesus. Precious name we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned now for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Ethan
This is an iHeart podcast.
Unknown
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Jacob Goldstein
You ever struggled to connect Scripture to the issues you're facing? Today? You can discover what the Bible means to your own life with the NIV Application Bible from Zondervan. It features thousands of study notes drawn from the bestselling NIV Application Commentary series. Throughout the Bible, original meaning notes help you explore the meaning of the biblical text, while application notes help you relate the Bible's teachings to your everyday life. Find out more@nivapplication bible.com that's nivapplicationbible.com Life's messy.
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In the.
Dawn of all things, when the Earth was new and ripe with the Lord's grand design, there was a garden Eden. Eden was a realm untouched by corruption. Rivers weaved gracefully through emerald hills, and creatures of all kinds thrived in sweet harmony. At the center of the garden were two trees representing the trajectory of humanity's journey with God. Like a beacon risen high amongst the wilderness stood the Tree of Life, its strong trunk coiled upward, connecting the heavens and earth in divine unity. This tree represented perfect harmony with God eternal life. The tree's roots were firmly planted into the ground, interweaving with other trees below. Planted opposite the Tree of Life, hanging over the ledge of a canyon, was the Tree of Knowledge. Much like the Tree of Life, the Tree of Knowledge was pleasing, pleasing to the eyes. Its leaves were dark green and its fruit was bright red, dangling from thick vines. When God formed and breathed life into humanity, he gave them a charge to go forth, multiply, and tend to the earth with creativity. He gave them the freedom to enjoy every fruit that the garden had to offer, except for the Tree of Knowledge.
From this tree, God commanded, you shall not eat, for if you eat from that tree, you will surely die.
God's decree was not one of constraint, but of freedom. He knew the freedom of choice was paramount to his relationship with them. If they refrained from the tree, they would live in harmonious partnership with God in the garden. If they ate from the tree, their souls would be separated from him and sin would plague plague their hearts. God's desire, his thrill and joy was to be with humanity. God was with them, but he would not force them into a relationship. He lovingly invited them to dwell in Eden and fill the earth with culture, music, love and laughter. The choice was theirs to make. Would they want God with them? Or would they forsake unity with him to seize control?
Ethan
Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new season of the Jesus podcast. Ethan from Pray.com the Christmas season is upon us a time for family gatherings, gift giving and warm meals with loved ones. Let's face it though, Christmas can be chaotic if we aren't careful. The busyness of the Christmas season can rob us of joy. No doubt many of you will sing joy to the world during church in the coming month, but do you have joy? Has the Christmas story enlivened your faith and sparked your passion for Christ? I hope this 25 episode miniseries on the Nativity will ignite passionate joy in you this Christmas. Some of you might be asking, if this is a podcast about Christmas, then what are we doing back at the story of Adam and Eve? That's because the story of Christmas doesn't begin with Gabriel talking to Mary. It begins at the very beginning, when mankind was ripe with potential, but squandered it for the sake of pride. The triumph of Christmas begins with the tragedy of the fall. Yet, as we have explored before, within the story of Adam and Eve is a kernel of hope, a promise of redemption. Let's explore this tale of woe together in a cinematic retelling of Genesis chapter three. Afterward, we'll mine the deep Christmas truths packed into this story.
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Jacob Goldstein
Have you ever struggled to connect Scripture to the issues you're facing today? You can discover what the Bible means to your own life with the NIV Application Bible from Zondervan. It features thousands of study notes drawn from the best selling NIV Application Commentary series. Throughout the Bible. Original meaning notes help you explore the meaning of the biblical text, while application notes help you relate the Bible's teachings to your everyday life. Find out more at NIV Application by that's nivapplication bible.com this is Jacob Goldstein.
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And Eve walked hand in hand down the grassy path from the Tree of Life. Adam, a man crafted from dust, walked with the strength of the earth and stone he was hewn from Eve. A woman delicately sewn from flesh in the morning mist, walked with curiosity and vibrant grace. Like the petals of the garden's flowers, they were in harmony with one another in God, naked and unashamed. As they rounded the path, a shadow caught Eve's eye. Something was rustling in the branches of the Tree of Knowledge. Eve approached carefully and observed the great tree. In the shadows of its leaves, a strange creature appeared. The serpent, a creature imbued with wisdom and cunning, eclipsed all of Eden's animals. His eyes sparkled with a tantalizing knowledge and a flicker of forbidden understanding. With a voice as sweet as the forbidden fruit itself, he whispered into Eve's ear, his words carrying the allure of the unknown.
Tell me, Eve, did God really say.
You couldn't eat anything in this garden? Both startled and entranced by the creature, Eve responded, no.
Our Creator forbade us to even touch this tree.
The serpent let out a breathy laugh. His voice was soft, silky and soft, sinister. And why would he do that? The serpent's voice curled around Eve's curiosity like a tender caress.
Because if we do, she replied, we shall surely die.
A smile curled around the serpent's face.
Death. Oh no, no, no.
Not death, Eve.
You will not die.
In truth, the fruit of this tree.
Will bring enlightenment, knowledge, making you like God himself. Like God.
The words were tantalizing on Eve's lips.
She felt a thrill of fear and.
Desire thread through her being. To be like her Maker, to understand the world as he did. It was an intoxicating thought, a secret song that Struck strummed her curiosity like an instrument. As she stared at the forbidden fruit, its skin glistening in Eden's radiant light. It seemed less a symbol of death and more a promise of transcendent knowledge.
We can be like God.
She reached out, her hand, trembling slightly, and plucked the fruit from the tree. It felt warm to her touch, filled with a vibrant life that pulsed beneath her fingertips.
And as she took the first bite.
An explosion of flavors unlike anything she had ever experienced filled her senses, flooding her with a bittersweet euphoria that was both terrifying and exhilarating. Her rebellion was sweet.
For a moment.
The serpent, content that his work was done, slowly slithered back into the leaves. His eyes still peered down at the woman Adam had been watching all along. He too knew full well that his wife was transgressing against God. But he couldn't contain his own curiosity. So he waited and watched, unwilling to act upon his convictions. Crimson juice dripped from Eve's smiling face. Her eyes were wide with fear, exhilaration and felt fascination. She extended the fruit to him. Adam looked at her and then down at the fruit. A cloud of concern enveloped him. Yet, driven by his love for Eve and an insatiable curiosity to see if he, too could become like God, he.
Took the fruit and bit into it.
A tremor passed through the garden as the forbidden fruit juice trickled down Adam's.
Chin and onto the floor. It was as if Eden shivered in.
Response to their disobedience. Shadows crept into the heart of the garden, darkening Eden's vibrant colors, and a chill wind swept across the landscape.
Adam and Eve looked at each other and gasped.
They felt exposed, vulnerable, naked. Their eyes were open to the possibility of sin. Therefore they no longer felt completely safe with each other. Desperate to hide their shame, they they covered themselves in leaves.
Then they heard him.
They used to come alive at the sound of his arrival, but now they were afraid. Adam was the first to run. He hid himself in the bushes, covering his ears to the sound of God's righteousness arriving. His voice called out for him.
Adam, where are you? His question was unbearable.
Could Adam truly hide? Could he run?
No, he couldn't.
He had to face God. Naked and ashamed, Adam emerged from the brush. His eyes gazed upward and around. God was everywhere within. Without, there was no escaping his voice or his gaze. Here I am, Adam said with a trembling voice. I heard you coming, so I hid myself behind because I'm naked and afraid. The Lord's voice quaked through the garden. It was as if his words were moving the ground beneath them. Yet even in the anger, there was loving tenderness to his words.
Who told you you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree that I commanded you not to eat?
Of course the Creator knew the answer. His question was not an accusation, but an invitation. An invitation into repentance, remorse and contrition. Would Adam accept such an invitation? Or would he devolve into more corruption? Adam looked over at the tree, then to his wife. His mind worked differently now. He knew the difference between good and evil. He now had the choice to choose. The path of repentance or pride. Adam, with a trembling hand, pointed to Eve.
It was the woman you gave me.
She ate the fruit first. She's the one. She shared it with me.
And there it was.
Adam, the first to be stamped with the image and character of God, chose pride over repentance. God's voice echoed to Eve. He offered her the same chance. Perhaps she would take it.
What have you done? He asked softly.
Eve's knees buckled and and she fell to the ground in shame. Tears soaked the floor beneath her, and she pointed back to the tree.
The serpent deceived me.
It was him. God's anger was ignited, and a rush of wind shook the tree where the serpent hid. The creature fell to the ground and writhed in pain. The wind of God's spirit whistled through the forest, capturing Adam, Eve, and the serpent in a whirlwind. The creator of the universe shouted to.
The serpent, because you have done this, cursed are you. On your belly you shall crawl, and.
The dust shall be your food. All the days of your life.
You shall fall, serpent.
Then, out of tragedy and despair, God declared a prophecy that would echo into the generations. A warning to the serpent and a promise to humanity.
You and the woman will be enemies, but one day her offspring will rise up against you, and even though you will bruise his heel, he will crush your head. Then the Lord turned to his image bearers.
The two held each other, and God's.
Loving anger poured forth.
He turned to Eve and said, because.
Of what has happened, childbearing will bring forth passengers, pain and anguish. Your relationship with your husband will be fractured. Your desires will be at odds with each other, and you will struggle for power. He turned to Adam, the man crafted from the earth, and said, because of this, cursed is the ground in pain. You will labor to bring forth crop, and the earth will work against you all the days of your life. Food will only come by the sweat of your brow. Until one day you return to the ground. For you were created from dust, and to the dust you shall return.
Adam and Eve watched the garden's golden hue dim and God's intimate covering fade. Yet the tender mercy of the Lord never left. A sheep passed them. God took it, sacrificed it, and intricately wove Adam and Eve's clothes for them. He slew an animal to cover their shame. Then the Lord spoke in plurality, speaking.
To himself, saying, they have become like us. Knowing good and evil, we must banish them from the tree of life, lest they live forever in corruption and sin.
So the Lord cast them out of the garden and east of Eden. Adam and Eve were banished, pining after paradise, but clinging to the hope that one day a son would arise to crush the head of the serpent and bring them back to the tree of life.
One day God's presence would be among them again.
God would be with them.
God would be Emmanuel.
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Jacob Goldstein
Have you ever struggled to connect Scripture to the issues you're facing today? You can discover what the Bible means to your own life with the NIV Application Bible from Zondervan. It features thousands of study notes drawn from the best selling NIV Application Commentary series. Throughout the Bible, original meaning notes help you explore the meaning of the biblical text, while application notes help you relate the Bible's teachings to your everyday life. Find out more@nivapplicationbible.com that's nivapplication bible.com this.
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Ethan
Let's explore today's Christmas story together. You know, I hear many people talk about heaven very materialistically. They talk about mansions and roads paved with gold, as if the stuff in heaven is what makes it paradise. We treat Christmas the same way. To many, the magic of Christmas is in the gifts and the material things. But I think that's the wrong way to look at it. Heaven will only be paradise because the presence of God will be there and we'll dwell with him in harmony. That is what made Eden special too. Adam and Eve lived in the garden, surrounded by providence, by provision, and they walked with God in the cool of the day. Their bliss didn't lie with the material possessions they had, but in the presence of God. When Adam and Eve fell, that harmony with God was severed. With the knowledge of good and evil came the potential for sin and corruption. Such corruption could not exist eternally with God. So Adam and Eve were banished from the garden, lest they eat from the fruit of the other tree, the tree of life, and live forever in that fallen state. But before they were banished from the garden, God gave a prophecy, a promise that one day a son from Eve would rise up to crush the head of the serpent. This was the very first spoken prophecy of Jesus in the Old Testament. Adam, Eve and every generation after them hoped in this prophesied son. They waited patiently and pined after his coming. Throughout history, it seemed like the serpent was winning. Evil corrupted the world, wicked empires rose and people were oppressed under sin and shame. Yet hope never died. Throughout the biblical saga, God reminded his people of the promised Son. He assured them that one day the serpent's head would be crushed, the grip of sin and the nakedness of shame would be eradicated under the mighty work of the Messiah. During Christmas, we celebrate the long awaited birth of the promised Son of Redemption. The fact that his arrival has been anticipated since the Garden of Eden should make us all the more amazed. During Christmas, the hero of history who promised to restore mankind and crush the head of Satan himself, was born into the world. I pray that truth will overwhelm you today and restore a sense of awe during this Christmas season. Don't let the busyness and chaos of the holidays steal away the wonder and joy of Christ's birthday. Because of Christmas, Eden is restored in our hearts. That unity of God that was lost during the fall is made possible again by faith in Jesus. Join us for our next episode as we delve deeper into the prophetic proclamations of Christ's birth. After that, we'll be fully immersed in the story of Mary, Joseph, Angels and Kings.
Jacob Goldstein
Have you ever struggled to connect Scripture to the issues you're facing today? You can discover what the Bible means to your own life with the NIV Application Bible from Zondervan. It features thousands of study notes drawn from the best selling NIV Application Commentary series. Throughout the Bible, original meaning notes help you explore the meaning of the biblical text, while application notes help you relate the Bible Bible's teachings to your everyday life. Find out more@nivapplication bible.com that's nivapplication bible.com.
Unknown
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Jacob Goldstein
This is Jacob Goldstein from what's yous Problem? Business software is expensive and when you buy software from lots of different companies, it's not only expensive, it gets confusing. Slow to use, hard to integrate. Odoo solves that because all Odoo software is connected on a single affordable platform. Save money without missing out on the features you need. Odoo has no hidden costs and no limit on features or data. Odoo has over 60 apps available for any needs your business might have, all at no additional charge. Everything from websites to sales to inventory to accounting, all linked and talking to each other. Check out Odoo at o d o o.com that's o d o o dot com.
Ethan
This is an iHeart podcast.
The Jesus Podcast: "The First Promise of Christmas" – Detailed Summary
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Host: Ethan from Pray.com
In the episode titled "The First Promise of Christmas", hosted by Ethan from Pray.com, listeners are invited to embark on a profound exploration of the origins of the Christmas story. This episode serves as the inaugural installment of a 25-episode miniseries that delves into the Nativity, intertwining the foundational events of Genesis with the anticipation of Jesus Christ's birth.
The episode begins with a heartfelt prayer led by Rabbi Schneider, emphasizing the essence of Christmas beyond its festive trappings:
Rabbi Schneider [00:30]: "In this season of joy and good will, we are humbled by the reminder of why you sent your only begotten Son into the world... Let us never forget the true essence of this season. It's not merely a time of gifts and festivities, but to reflect on the immense sacrifice made for us..."
This prayer sets a reflective tone, urging listeners to focus on the spiritual significance of Christmas—the redemption and salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
The narrative transitions into a vivid recounting of the Garden of Eden, portraying it as an unblemished paradise designed by God:
God's instructions to humanity are clear: enjoy all the garden's fruits except those from the Tree of Knowledge, emphasizing the freedom of choice essential for a genuine relationship with Him.
This segment delves deep into the pivotal moment of mankind's fall:
Serpent's Temptation [11:15 - 12:16]: The serpent, depicted with "wisdom and cunning," engages Eve in a conversation questioning God's command. He alluringly suggests that eating the forbidden fruit will bestow divine knowledge:
Serpent [12:05]: "Will bring enlightenment, knowledge, making you like God himself."
Eve's Succumbing [12:44 - 13:15]: Overcome by a mix of fear and desire, Eve takes a bite of the fruit, described as an "explosion of flavors," symbolizing the bittersweet nature of disobedience.
Adam's Decision [14:02 - 16:33]: Influenced by Eve, Adam also consumes the fruit. The immediate consequences are felt as Eden reacts with darkness and a chill wind, representing the entry of sin and separation from God.
God's Confrontation [15:10 - 17:43]: God confronts Adam and Eve, leading to profound declarations:
God [16:26]: "She ate the fruit first. She's the one. She shared it with me."
The serpent is cursed, and a pivotal prophecy is introduced:
God [17:43]: "You and the woman will be enemies, but one day her offspring will rise up against you... he will crush your head."
This prophecy, often referred to as the Protoevangelium, marks the first promise of redemption in the Bible, foreshadowing Jesus Christ's eventual victory over sin and Satan.
Ethan, the host, bridges the ancient narrative of Genesis with the contemporary celebration of Christmas:
Ethan [23:05]: "The triumph of Christmas begins with the tragedy of the fall. Within the story of Adam and Eve is a kernel of hope, a promise of redemption."
He emphasizes that the Christmas story is not isolated but is intrinsically linked to the promise made in Eden—the coming of a Redeemer to restore humanity's broken relationship with God. Ethan articulates that Christmas commemorates the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy:
Ethan [24:20]: "Throughout history, God reminded his people of the promised Son. He assured them that one day the serpent's head would be crushed..."
Ethan urges listeners to view Christmas through the lens of this redemptive promise, highlighting the profound significance of Jesus' birth as the manifestation of God's enduring hope for humanity.
Concluding the episode, Ethan reinforces the transformative power of understanding Christmas in the context of the fall and redemption:
Ethan [25:10]: "Because of Christmas, Eden is restored in our hearts. That unity with God that was lost during the fall is made possible again by faith in Jesus."
He previews upcoming episodes that will delve deeper into the prophetic declarations surrounding Christ's birth, including narratives about Mary, Joseph, angels, and the Wise Men, promising a comprehensive exploration of the Nativity story.
Historical Foundation: The episode masterfully connects the Genesis account of creation and the fall with the Christmas narrative, underscoring the continuity of God's plan for redemption.
Protoevangelium: Introduces the first gospel—the prophecy of a Redeemer—established in Genesis, highlighting its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Purpose of Christmas: Moves beyond materialistic interpretations, urging listeners to embrace the spiritual essence of Christmas centered on God's presence and redemption.
Transformation Through Storytelling: Employs rich storytelling and theological insights to deepen understanding and faith, aligning with the podcast's commitment to blending captivating narratives with profound spiritual truths.
Rabbi Schneider [00:30]: "Let us never forget the true essence of this season. It's not merely a time of gifts and festivities, but to reflect on the immense sacrifice made for us..."
Serpent [12:05]: "Will bring enlightenment, knowledge, making you like God himself."
God [17:43]: "You and the woman will be enemies, but one day her offspring will rise up against you... he will crush your head."
Ethan [24:20]: "Throughout history, God reminded his people of the promised Son. He assured them that one day the serpent's head would be crushed..."
Ethan [25:10]: "Because of Christmas, Eden is restored in our hearts. That unity with God that was lost during the fall is made possible again by faith in Jesus."
"The First Promise of Christmas" serves as a profound entry point into understanding Christmas not just as a seasonal celebration but as the culmination of God's redemptive narrative that began in Genesis. Through eloquent prayer, vivid storytelling, and insightful reflections, Ethan invites listeners to rediscover the depth and significance of Christmas, reinforcing their faith and understanding of Jesus Christ's enduring legacy.
For daily Jesus devotionals and to continue this transformative journey, visit JesusPodcast.com.