Episodes

It's not often easy to pick up the meaning of what Jesus was saying. That has a lot to do with historical and cultural context. This movie is such a gem, I did not want to let it go until I went a little deeper. Often, we get lost in the WHEN and don't understand the WHY. This movie will realign you with the message of Christ in an amazing and beautiful way. Share this with as many people as you can. BEFORE THE WRATH - Search the movie available for free on YouTube. https://youtu.be/rteKYDGPw...

As I'm podcasting through Acts, it struck me how little has changed. Reflecting on the growing tensions in the world, it's interesting to see how people see Christianity as a threat. A whisper of Christianity in North Korea can get you into some serious trouble. Even here in the U.S., people want to marginalize Christians. It's fascinating (and disturbing to some). Honestly, in 2000 years... it seems that not a lot has changed really. NOTES LINK<< See Episode link in your podcast app if this li...

I know! I said not to sweat the rapture, but I can't leave it alone! I DON'T KNOW when or even "if" and the anticipation is killing me! It's like being a kid waiting for Christmas day! You remember that? When you stayed up all night because you couldn't sleep. That is EXACTLY how Christ said you should be for his return! Jesus was well aware of Jewish tradition and there is no question he likened the church to his Bride. If we are like the bride: What Happens to the Bride Before a Jewish Wedd...

As we see Acts 21 and 22 unfold, I'm reminded that this is not a one off sort of event. The clash of religions, here between the Jews and the Gentiles, unfolds in history. It's amazing how much religious strife and friction has divided and shaped our world. The Jews were chosen by God to be a light to the world. Clearly the Jews did not interpret this as their religion morphing into Christianity and being spread throughout the gentile world. We see Paul take his life into his own hands has he r...

There are so many dates, so many interpretations. What does the text actually say? You don't really need to dig for it. 1 Thessalonians 4, Matthew 24, and Revelation 3:10 all hint at a rapture. BUT - interpretations abound and I think timing is always open to debate (my last podcast is an example). Even Paul has to write another letter to the Thessalonians because there was so much confusion and false teaching about the Rapture ( 2 Thessalonians 3). I LOVE revelation and Bible study on the sub...

There is nothing more fun than watching an excited Christian explain something that he considers revelation. I'm a little torn on the idea of predicting rapture dates. I err on the side of readiness. STILL - people that do this generally have a deep understanding of Scripture and are able to connect the dots you may not have considered. I don't trust the date but I love the pattern development done by Dr. Awe. This PODCAST reviews a video by Dr. Barry Awe. It's fascinating, educational and if ...

As I have dug deeper into scripture, I've heard all of the arguments of salvation by faith alone. If you go deep, this is a red herring and I think a very dangerous message! Jesus commands Baptism. For those who argue the Thief on the cross... Jesus was not dead yet! For those who go to Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. That was the same Paul talking: whom Jesus commanded be baptized! Paul is speaking to the Ephesians wh...

In my research on Paul, I've found this thread of anti-Paul sentiment that can be a bit unnerving. What I didn't like, is many go with that gut-feeling without digging into the nature of Paul's (perhaps flawed) character. This Podcast flushes out those sentiments and helps put Paul into perspective as [yes] a flawed HUMAN and highly beneficial contributor to the Christian movement. The "source" referenced in this commentary is ChatGPT (which I use quite often). I am the antagonist. I've posted ...

We have seen God working through Paul for quite some time. Let's take the time to recap his last 20-25 years. It's easy to blow through 20 chapters of Acts and not recognize that we are walking with Paul to bring the message of Christ to the world and that took a quarter of a century! We see Paul still doing miracles in Acts 20 - it's become almost part of his everyday routine it seems. We see the heart wrenching departure and his final words to the Elders of Ephesus. We see what Jesus recogn...

This podcast is a little different. It is a peak under the hood really. I don't want to pretend that this podcast is the definitive commentary on the Bible. It is not! If you're listening to this Podcast, you are seeing the answers to questions I have as I dig through the scripture. Sometimes the answers are not straightforward (like the whole dialogue with baptism). I use a number of resources. Several different Bibles with different commentaries; even a Septuagint Bible and of course online bi...

Paul goes to India? It fictitious of course, but what might it have been like? How would Paul approach the Indian culture? Acts provides all of the information we need... we don't have to guess. To dig deeper into how this might have played out, check out the article: Paul Goes to India after listening to this Podcast > Paul Goes to India (or download using the Episode Link in your Podcast app)

Acts 18: Christianity Meets the World! Paul is frustrated with the Jews and he moves on. God is with him all the way. As Christianity starts to explode, we see another problem. Factions! Acts 18 is a book worth meditating on. People constantly are asking: Am I in the right church? Does my church follow the true scripture? I personally am wrestling with these very issues. Ultimately, Paul gives the answer to this. We tackle this subject in this Podcast. ACTS 18 NOTES - See Episode Link to Downlo...

When you tip your green beer today, at least you'll know why! What is the significance of the Shamrock? That Shamrock shake you're chugging at McDonalds has a deep meaning. Let's connect the green to the meaning - it's a huge opportunity for discipleship! NOTES: Beyond the Green Beer. See Episode link to download

They didn't have the New Testament. They didn't have eyewitness experience. What the Bereans did have was a thirst for knowledge, a healthy dose of skepticism, and the need to know the truth! Today, we have access to so much. Test what you are told by going back to the Word of God. I would challenge you to even test translations! DON'T TRUST CHATGPT. It's Ok to use ChapGPT for searches and information but always go back the scripture (Check out our podcasts on A.I. Bias). Sometimes, a message c...

Someone in my church said this on Facebook: "Ultimately if I am wrong, I am just dead. I still lived the life I chose." I have to say, I heard that many times when I lived as an atheist... as if faith is a way to hedge your bets for eternity. It didn't sit right with me then, and it certainly does not sit right with me now! DON'T FALL FOR THIS TRAP! Faith is not a wager for eternity! Download Notes: Faith Is Not a Wager (See Episode Link to Download Notes)

I was a major philosophy buff in my later years... and an atheist. Until I found someone that could meet me where I stood, could make the message of Christ resonate with my existing world view. Oh, to be a fly on the wall when Paul addressed the Greeks! Paul was not out to "win". He knew that a head-on confrontation with the Epicureans and the Stoics would not go well. What he did was magical - and changed the world. I'm kind of upset frankly, that in all of my philosophical studies, Paul's mes...

The audience doesn't change the message, but it does change how you deliver the message! Paul was a master. Notes: Acts 17 Notes

The men are often named... i.e. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Timothy, Peter and on and on. As a guy producing this podcast, I've grown to appreciate the role of women in the spread of the Christian message. Without women, I think the movement would have fallen flat. There is a very interesting undercurrent associated with the message as you read through Acts and begin to see the bridge women play in the movement. Notes

You can blow through Acts 16 pretty quickly, I mean, it's an easy read. But don't skip the underlying meaning. There's a lot fruit in this chapter: Following a calling and listening to God Discernment even when the message seems correct Witnessing By Example Discipleship Standing up for what is right Notes: Acts 16 Notes (Use the Episode link to download the notes if the link is not active).

A little diversion from Acts for a second. Struggling with my own sin, I started to really think about this. Here's where my mind went: "DON'T THINK ABOUT A GREEN AND BLACK ZEBRA"! What are you thinking about? If you're thinking about a green and black zebra, this podcast is for you. If you're not thinking about a green and black zebra, you're not human : ) Download Notes: Law Legalism and Avoiding Sin

Surprise! the early church had its human elements! Traditions, culture and personalities all played a role. There are lessons we could certainly use today with how to grapple with human tension and conflict... Perhaps, we take our eyes too much off Jesus when we find ourselves in similar situations. Something to ponder. You need look no further than when the President addresses both parties to see how far we've drifted from civility and public discourse. Acts 15 Notes:

After reading and pondering Acts Chapter 14, I got to thinking about the bravery that Paul must have had. Acts 14 is the first of many times Paul would endure that kind of persecution. It might surprise you, even to the level of shock and disgust, that many Christians are very familiar with this level of persecution TODAY! I did some research and it's beyond appalling. We enjoy "freedom of religion" here in the United States... though I don't know for how long. My church supports a mission in I...

As Paul and Barnabas continue, they find more opposition and walk into a situation where existing beliefs challenge the gospel message. Acts 14 is a story of courage, persistence and determination. Acts 14 Notes

It just happened to me, so I think the next time I'll be more ready. I've added my notes and a hand-out you can give them! They always want to give you one, right? Ultimately this is an opportunity for you! If you have time, engage with them. But remember, they come with an agenda. Make sure you have good answers for why you believe what you believe. 1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the...