In this episode, Josh asks John, "What must I do to be saved?" This is the same question the Philippian Jailer asked Paul and Silas in Acts 16. It's a very important question that everything should be asking. John goes to the scripture. The full episode was split up because of the length.

Christ is the head of the church, and Scripture calls the church His body—not a scattered set of solo believers doing their own thing. That picture sits at the center of the question, “Does it matter if I go to church?” Josh and John talk about how the early Christians gathered because life in Christ was never meant to be lived alone. The apostles warn against forsaking the assembly, not to box people in, but because drifting from the body slowly dries out the heart. Paul’s picture in Ephesians shows every joint supplying strength to the others, each believer a living stone set into something bigger than himself. When someone steps away from the body, they’re stepping away from the very means Christ uses to teach, steady, and mature His people.

Josh Freeman and John Daniel unpack this in a down-to-earth way. They talk through why Jesus built a church instead of offering a private spirituality path, how shared worship, communion, preaching, fellowship, and simple week-to-week life together shape a believer far more than most realize. The episode keeps circling back to a simple point: the church isn’t an optional add-on, it’s the place where Christ actually shepherds His people. They wrap up by inviting listeners to see the church not as a Sunday obligation but as a living organism joined to Christ Himself—messy at times, but essential and life-giving.

Today, we're diving into the fascinating topic of the 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments. This period is crucial because it sets the stage for the arrival of the Messiah, and I’ll unpack how historical events shaped this transition. We’ll also explore the significance of the Old Testament as a foreshadowing of the New Testament, emphasizing how Jesus didn't come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. As we discuss the prophecy in Daniel and its implications, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of God's overarching plan for salvation. So, whether you’re a seasoned Bible reader or just starting out, there’s plenty to learn and reflect on today!

Takeaways:

• The Old Testament and New Testament serve different purposes in the Bible, with the Old Testament laying the groundwork for the New.
• Understanding the 400 years of silence is crucial, as it set the stage for the arrival of the Messiah in the New Testament.
• During the 400 years of silence, God was still at work, preparing the world through various empires for the coming of Christ.
• The Old Testament is often seen as the New Testament concealed, while the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed, showing a continuous narrative of God's plan.
• Jesus came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it, which is an essential understanding in distinguishing between the two Testaments.
• The transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament highlights the shift from the law to grace, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's covenant with humanity.