Uncaged Bible Podcast

Showdown on Mt. Carmel: 1 Kings 18

Standing for truth isn't always safe, but it's always right. Like Elijah facing 450 false prophets alone, God calls us to confront corruption with courage. You're not isolated—God is with you. Embrace the holy, cut off the wicked, and persevere. Faith requires risk.

 

#Faith #Courage #Elijah #Sermon

Gog and Magog - Ezekiel 38-39

The prophet Ezekiel gives us one of the most fascinating glimpses into the future of Israel and God's protective power. After centuries of exile, Israel is regathered, the land becomes fruitful again, and the nation dwells in peace and prosperity. But then comes an unexpected attack.

A leader called Gog gathers a coalition of nations—potentially including modern-day Turkey, Iran, Libya, Ethiopia or Sudan, and possibly Russia—to invade Israel during this time of peace. They come for plunder, drawn by Israel's wealth and security. But God supernaturally intervenes with earthquakes, fire, and confusion among the enemy ranks. The victory is so complete that it takes seven months to bury the dead and provides Israel with seven years worth of resources.

What's remarkable is that this isn't just about military strategy or political alliances. This is about God making His name known. Through this miraculous deliverance, both Israel and the nations will recognize who the one true God really is. The people of Israel will finally know their Lord completely, and God promises never to hide His face from them again.

Whether this happens before the tribulation, during it, or at the Battle of Armageddon, the message is clear: God protects His people and His purposes cannot be thwarted. The ambiguity in timing isn't a weakness—it's intentional. Jesus said no one knows the day or hour, and that keeps us watchful, faithful, and dependent on Him rather than our own calculations.

The real question isn't exactly when these events will unfold, but are we ready? Do we trust in God's sovereign plan? Are we living in light of His ultimate redemption?

 

#EndTimes #Eschatology #LastDays #Prophecy #Ezekiel #Jesus #SecondComing

October 31st: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, and The Murky

October 31st. A date wrapped in controversy, celebration, and Christian history. Every year the questions come flooding in about Halloween, and every year the answers remain the same: it's complicated, but it doesn't have to divide us.

Here's what most people don't know: the earliest documented origins of Halloween come from the church, not from paganism. All Hallows Eve, the night before All Saints Day, was established by the Catholic Church centuries before any written record of Celtic festivals. Yet modern paganism has claimed this date, and many Christians have simply surrendered it.

But here's the real question: does your conscience allow you to participate? Paul's words about meat sacrificed to idols in 1 Corinthians 8 give us the framework we need. Some are free. Some are convicted. Both positions can honor God.

If you celebrate, focus on the good: community, imagination, connecting with neighbors in an increasingly divided world. Avoid the darkness. Respect those who abstain. If you abstain, honor your conviction without condemning those who participate. Your conscience matters, but so does grace.

And let's not forget: October 31st is also Reformation Day. The day Martin Luther stood against corruption and declared that salvation comes through faith alone, by grace alone, through Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for God's glory alone.

Whatever you do today, do it for Christ. Here I stand. I can do no other.

 

#Halloween #Reformation day #October31 #ForrestFrank

Unexpected Sustaining: 1 Kings 17:8-24

When life doesn't make sense and you're at the end of your rope—that might be exactly where God needs you.

Elijah's story reminds us that God doesn't have to meet us on our terms or where we feel comfortable. He sent his prophet out of hiding, across dangerous territory, to the homeland of his enemies, to be sustained by a starving widow with only enough food for one last meal.

It made no sense. But God's gifts are often found in unexpected places.

This widow had nothing—just a handful of flour and a little oil. Yet when she put God first and trusted His prophet, that little bit never ran out. Every day there was just enough. For years.

Here's the truth we need to hear: Miracles don't mean life will be perfect. This woman experienced a supernatural provision and still faced heartbreaking tragedy when her son died. Following God doesn't make us immune from pain or difficulty. But it does mean we have somewhere to take that pain.

She went straight to God with her anger and confusion. And that honesty—that raw vulnerability—opened the door for God to move. Her son was raised to life, and she declared, "Now I know that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth."

Life is found in God's word. Not just in the scriptures, but ultimately in the Word made flesh—Jesus. He's the greater Elijah who provides bread for thousands, raises the dead, and offers eternal life through His own resurrection.

So the question for us today: Will we respond to God even when it doesn't make sense? Will we give Him our first and best, not our leftovers? Will we trust Him with our honest pain and anger instead of holding it in?

God's economy works differently. Faith requires the first, not the leftovers. And when we trust Him, He always provides exactly enough.

God's Unfailing Promises; Ezekiel 35-37

The promises of God are unshakeable—not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

In Ezekiel 35-37, we see something remarkable: God promises to restore Israel not because they deserved it, but because His name is holy and His word is sure. When the nations mocked God's people and claimed their land, when Israel had profaned God's name through their disobedience, God still said, "I will bring you back."

Why? "Not for your sake do I do this," God declares, "but for my holy name's sake."

This is the heart of the gospel. We don't earn God's favor. We don't manipulate His hand. God keeps His promises because He is faithful, even when we are faithless.

The vision of dry bones coming to life isn't just about Israel's future—it's a picture of what God does with dead things. He takes what is lifeless, scattered, and hopeless, and He breathes His Spirit into it. He restores. He rebuilds. He brings life where there was only death.

If God can promise restoration to a people who had profaned His name, scattered across nations, seemingly beyond hope—what can He do in your life? What situation looks too far gone? What relationship seems beyond repair? What dream appears dead and buried?

God's response to Ezekiel's question "Can these bones live?" should be our response too: "Lord, You know."

Because God is bigger than our imagination. His mercy extends beyond our comprehension. His promises stand firm regardless of circumstances.

The same God who will gather Israel from the nations, cleanse them, give them new hearts, and establish them forever is the God who works in your life today. Not because you've earned it, but because He is faithful.

That's a God worth trusting.

The Parable of the Sower

Are you good soil or stony ground? 🌱

In today's message, we explored Jesus' parable of the sower. It's not just about hearing God's word, but truly understanding and living it. 

Ask yourself:
• Are you letting the worries of this world choke out your faith?
• Have you grown roots deep enough to withstand life's storms?
• Are you more concerned with fitting in or standing firm in your beliefs?

Remember, it's not enough to simply know Bible stories or attend church. God is calling us to a deeper relationship - to be transformed, not conformed to this world.

What's one step you can take this week to cultivate good soil in your heart? Let's discuss below! 👇

#FaithJourney #ParableOfTheSower #DeepRoots

The Danger of Moral Decay: 1 Kings 16:29- 1 Kings 17:7

Just because we're standing tall doesn't mean our foundation is solid. 

In today's sermon, we explored how easy it is to forget the moral principles that built our society. Like King Ahab in ancient Israel, we can become blind to the decay underneath our apparent success.

God raises up prophets - and now the Church - to remind us of our true foundation. When we compromise with the world instead of standing on God's truth, we risk collapse.

Our call: Be salt and light. Speak truth. Remember what got us here. And share the free gift of Jesus that can rebuild any broken foundation.

'Whenever removing any fence, always pause long enough to ask why it was put there in the first place.' - G.K. Chesterton

#FaithFoundation #BiblicalWisdom #SpeakTruth #GodlyPrinciples

Ezekiel 33-34

The Good Shepherd is coming! 🐑✝️

In Ezekiel 33-34, we see God's heart for His people Israel. Though they've been scattered and led astray by false shepherds, He promises to gather them Himself one day.

Key takeaways:
• God calls us to be watchmen, warning others of coming judgment
• Our past righteousness doesn't save us - only turning to God does
• Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the Good Shepherd prophecy

As Christians, we're called to share this message of hope and warning. There isn't a single person who doesn't need to hear the Gospel!

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." - Matthew 28:19

Are you ready to be a watchman? Let's unlock the cage of God's Word together and unleash its power in our world! 

#UncagedBibleStudy #GoodShepherd #Ezekiel

Jesus in the Old Testament: Kings and Chronicles

From chaos to Christ: God's unbreakable promise 👑

In the tumultuous history of Israel's divided kingdoms, we see God's incredible faithfulness. Even when it came down to one baby - Joash - hidden away to preserve David's royal line, God kept His promise.

Through good kings and bad, civil wars and captivity, God was working towards something greater: the coming of Jesus, our true King and Messiah.

Remember: In your seasons of uncertainty, God sees the bigger picture. His plans cannot be thwarted. The thread of His promise runs through all of history, leading to our hope in Christ.

'For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ.' - 2 Corinthians 1:20

#GodsFaithfulness #PromiseKeeper #JesusIsKing #BiblicalHistory

Forgiveness

"If you are unwilling to forgive others for what they have done to you, you severely underestimate the amount of forgiveness God has done for you." 

The cross reminds us of the immeasurable debt Christ paid on our behalf. How can we withhold forgiveness from others when we've been forgiven so much?

Forgiveness isn't about deserving it - it's about reflecting the heart of God. It doesn't mean forgetting or excusing wrongs, but releasing the burden of judgment to the One who sees all.

Today, ask yourself: Am I holding onto any grudges? Who do I need to forgive? Let's bring the attitude of heaven - forgiveness - here to earth.

#Forgiveness #GraceUponGrace #ChristianLiving #LetItGo