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.

This episodes works to understand why there are two parts to the Bible: the Old Testament and the New Testament. It's a critical question that lays the groundwork for understanding the Scriptures. We explore how the Bible comprises 66 books written over 1500 years by around 40 different authors in three languages, and yet, it remarkably maintains consistency. You’ll learn about the significance of each testament and how the Old Testament sets the stage for the New Testament, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises. We also touch upon the 400 years of silence between the two testaments, discussing how that period prepared the way for the arrival of Christ. So, grab your Bible, and let’s unpack these foundational truths together!

Looking ahead, we hint at our next episode where we’ll delve into the New Testament and the New Covenant that it introduces. We hope to provide you with clarity on how this new section of the Bible transforms the understanding of faith and relationship with God, making it relevant even in today’s world. Stick with us as we uncover these truths together!

Takeaways:

• The Bible consists of 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament, covering a span of about 1500 years of writing.
• Understanding the Old and New Testaments is crucial, as they together outline the entirety of Christian faith and teachings.
• The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the New Testament, pointing towards the arrival of Jesus Christ and the new covenant.
• The writing of the Bible involved over 40 authors, written in three languages: Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, without any contradictions over centuries.
• The 400-year gap between the Old and New Testaments represents a significant period of silence from God, marking a transition in divine communication.
• Apologetics is an essential aspect of understanding and defending the faith, focusing on the rational justification of Christian beliefs.