Bible in Life (John Whittaker)

In this very first Bible in Life podcast John introduces himself and explores the imagery of a flourishing tree in Psalm 1 as a picture of a life rooted in God's word. 

Become a patron and support the Show by going to Patreon. 

Often times, we think of our spiritual life as the religous activities of our life. So we answer the question, How's your spiritual life been lately? by referencing our devotional life - our Bible reading and prayer life. That's important for sure, but Jesus' view of the spiritual is much more all-inclusive and much more down to earth. In Jesus' view, you only have one life - and it's either spiritual or it's not. So your spiritual life includes your whole life, every part of it.

In this episode, we begin our study of the Sermon on the Mount by looking at Jesus' down to earth spirituality and the big picture of the sermon: what's the Sermon on the Mount all about?

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And if you want to become a patron and support the show, you can do that on John's Patreon page by clicking here.

Who is welcome in Jesus' kingdom? Who can experience the blessing of His kingdom? In this episode, John explores the opening words of the Sermon on the Mount, traditionally called the Beattitudes. He questions a common understanding that the beattitudes are virtues for us to pursue and offers an alternative approach. 

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And if you want to become a patron and support the show, you can do that by clicking here.

Jesus has an open door policy to His kingdom. And once He's welcomed you in - regardless of where you've come from - he bestow on you a high and holy calling ... and He intends to make you the kind of person that's fit to carry out that vocation. In this episode, John explores Jesus' words describing that vocation and how we can live that out in and through all the parts of our life. 

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If you want to become a patron and support the show, you can do that by clicking here.

Is the OT Law bad? Did Jesus come to nullify the Law? With all of the wrong people flocking to Jesus, does that suggest that Jesus has no standards? Just how righteous does Jesus expect you to be?

In this podcast, John tackles the thesis paragraph for the Sermon on the Mount - the paragraph that sets up everythng else in the sermon. In this paragraph, Jesus answers the question, How righteous do I have to be?

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In this podcast, John mentions some bonus content on his patreon page that he's just putting together. In a special podcast on that site, John wrestles with how what Jesus says in Matthew 5:17-20 fits with some of the things the apostle Paul says about the law. If you want that bonus material and would like to become a patron and support the show, you can do that by clicking here.

Just because you've never killed anyone doesn't mean your living the way God designed you to live. And murder isn't the only form of violence towards each other. In this section of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus begins to illustrate what surpassing righteousness looks like ... surpassing righteousness goes to the heart of the matter. And that means it deals with your anger, and mine. 

Jesus intends to make us people who are full of peace and free from anger and contempt! 

Wouldn't it be a great world to live in if peace and patience replaced anger and contempt?! That's the vision Jesus has for His followers ... and he has the resources to make it possible.

Remember to share this podcast with you friends via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, good ol' word of mouth or however you like to share these sorts of things!

If you want to become a patron and support the show, you can do that by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help fund the creation of an audio commentary on the New Testament. 

We live in a sex-driven society. Sex is used to sell everything from cars to toothpaste! Porn has taken over the internet. But misuse of sex is nothing new. And Jesus has some important wisdom concerning sexual faithfulness and purity. 

In this episode of Bible in Life, John guides us through Jesus' words about adultery, lust, faithfulness and sexual purity. 

If you're finding these podcasts helpful, click subscribe or follow above. 

And be sure to share with your friends. 

And if you want to support the show, you can become a patron by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help fund the creation of an audio commentary on the New Testament. 

Divorce hurts. It hurt people in Jesus' day. It hurts people today. It's not the way it's supposed to be. No one dreams of meeting the love of their life, getting married, and 4 years later having it all end in divorce. 

In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks to the betrayal that divorce is ... that it's another way of being unfaithful to your spouse. 

There's great wisdom here, should we choose to receive it. 

And solution isn't to issue an edict that heaps guilt and shame on people who get divorced. The solution is to help people become the kind of person who can live with another person for a lifetime. 

So listen to grasp what Jesus teaches about divorce. 

If you find these teachings helpful, spread the word and share them with your friends via facebook, twitter, word of mouth etc. 

If you want to become a patron and support the show, you can do that by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help fund the creation of an audio commentary on the New Testament. 

Jesus envisions a world where your word is your bond ... where you don't have to promise or swear or convince people that what you say is true. A world where a handshake is all that's necesary. A world where you can trust each other and count on each other because each and every one of us has complete integrity.

And that world begins right here, with me and you.

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To support the podcast financially on Patreon, click here. You'll get access to bonus material and help fund the creation of an audio commentary on the New Testament.

Blessings!

P.S. And if you haven't done so yet, why don't you swing over to my website (www.johnwhittaker.net) and subscribe for updates and more teachings from John. 

It doesn't take long to learn that some people aren't very nice, that some people are gonna treat us poorly. Conventional wisdom has one way to deal with it; Jesus has another. 

In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus passes on to us one the most important and most distinctive traits about us who follow Him. This trait set Him and sets us a part from so much that goes on in this world. 

We need to hear what He says here and take it to heart. 

____________

If you haven't yet, click subscribe on iTunes or wherever you're listening to this podcast. 

And if you're finding value in this podcast, would you share it with a friend? 

-Text them the link

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To support the podcast financially on Patreon, click here. You'll get access to bonus material, help fund the creation of an audio commentary on the New Testament, and support John's Bible teaching ministry.

Blessings!

P.S. And if you haven't done so yet, why don't you swing over to my website (www.johnwhittaker.net) and subscribe for updates and more teachings from John. 

In this special bonus episode, John explores how to become the kind of person who is actively kind to people who aren't kind to you. This follows up episode 12 which looked at the meaning of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-42. Jesus' teaching is so contrary to the usual human way of living and we can feel like no matter how hard we try we just can't do it. 

Well that's because trying - even trying hard - won't cut it. 

We need a wiser, more intentional approach than just trying to to be kind when someone treats us badly. We need to train and be prepared so that it's second nature to live this way. And in this bonus episode John reflects on some ways we can do just that.

If you're not yet subscribed to receive updates from John, swing over to johnwhittaker.net and subscribe. 

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on facebook, instragram, twitter, via email. 

And if you're not already, follow John on facebook and instagram

God is love and invites us into a life of love ... a lif of love that's so rich, we are able to love anybody and everybody - including those who are against us.  

This kind of love is the epitome of surpassing righteousness, so it's the culmination of Jesus' examples. In loving this way, we become like God who loves all people and does good to all people. 

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on facebook, instragram, twitter, via email. 

Website: If you're not yet subscribed to receive updates from John, swing over to johnwhittaker.net and subscribe. 

Patreon: Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

And if you're not already, follow John on facebook and instagram

 

Looking good isn't bad.

But when it comes to the following Jesus and becoming like him,"looking good" can be a significant barrier. 

In this episode, John unpacks the next major section of the Sermon on the Mount (barriers to surpassing righteousness) and begins to explore the first barrier - keeping up religious appearances. 

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on facebook, instragram, twitter, via email. 

Website: If you're not yet subscribed to receive updates from John, swing over to johnwhittaker.net and subscribe. 

Patreon: Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

And if you're not already, follow John on facebook and instagram

I'm sure you've been told that being generous is a good thing. But did you know it can be harmful to your spiritual health? According to Jesus, we can give in a such a way that it doesn't draw us closer to God and doesn't make us more like Jesus. We can give in such a way that it twists our soul.

That's the topic in this episode of the Bible in Life. 

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on facebook, instragram, twitter, via email. 

Website: If you're not yet subscribed to receive updates from John, swing over to johnwhittaker.net and subscribe. 

Patreon: Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

And if you're not already, follow John on facebook and instagram

Do you want to know Jesus? Do you want to become like Him? Prayer is vital to that.

In the episode, John explores Jesus' teaching about prayer in Matthew 6:5-8, the second example Jesus gives of doing righteous deeds to be noticed by others. He ends the episode by reflecting on the essence of prayer as seen in the passage. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Connect with John on facebook and instagram

For updates and info, subscribe to John's website at johnwhittaker.net

Have you ever fasted? If so, what kind of experience was it for you? Did it draw closer to God? How so? Or was it so miserable it made you wonder why anyone in their right mind would ever fast? 

What does skipping a meal or two have to do with God anyhow? 

In this episode looks at Jesus' critique of one mispractice of fasting and offers some guideline for why and how we should practice it. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help John create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Connect with John on facebook and instagram

To stay in touch with John and receive updates and offers from him, subsribe to his webstie at johnwhittaker.net.

The Lord's Prayer. A well-known phrase. For some a well-know passage. But what does it teach us about God and about prayer? How could we learn how to pray by absorbing and reflecting on Jesus' model teaching on prayer in the Lord's prayer? 

In this episode, John reflects on the very first part of the prayer: Who do we pray to? Who is God? What's He like? What does it mean for His name to be "hallowed" (the only palce the word is used in modern times is connected to Harry Potter and I don't think that's what Jesus had in mind!). 

if you want to deepen your prayer life, check out this episode and what Jesus has in mind in the Lord's Prayer.

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help John create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Connect with John on facebook and instagram

Have you ever wondered how to pray? What to pray for? In this episode we continue listening to Jesus' guide for how to pray, what we call the Lord's Prayer. And then I conclude with some observations about prayer in general that emerge from Jesus' instructions here. 

I plan on putting together a short series on prayer and I would love to hear some of your questions about prayer, so that I can answer them on the show. Email them to me at john@johnwhittaker.net. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net.

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help John create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

A friend stabs you in the back. A spouse is unfaithful. A parent abandons you. The fact is, life is full of people who wrong us in both big and little ways. 

So how do you respond? 

Jesus teaches us to respond with forgiveness, which is exactly how He Himself responded. In this episode, I explore Jesus' teaching on forgivness and reflect on what's involved in forgiving others. 

Forgiveness is the only path to peace. As Peter Kreeft says, "Unless we forgive, we fight." This teaching of Jesus is crucial to our well-being and our world desperately needs followers of Jesus to embody His mercy and forgiveness. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

Prayer is central to our walk with God, but prayer isn't always as easy as we'd expect. I have struggled to be a person of prayer for years and I've wrestled with the Bible's teaching on prayer. 

Listening to Jesus' teaching on prayer in the Sermon on the Mount sparked listeners to ask some of their questions on prayer, so in the next couple of episodes we pause teaching through the Sermon on the Mount and answer listeners questions on prayer. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

Prayer is central to our walk with God, but prayer isn't always as easy as we'd expect. I have struggled to be a person of prayer for years and I've wrestled with the Bible's teaching on prayer. 

Listening to Jesus' teaching on prayer in the Sermon on the Mount sparked listeners to ask some of their questions on prayer, so in the last episode and this one we pause teaching through the Sermon on the Mount and answer listeners questions on prayer. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

Just about all of us struggle with believing that if we just had a little more, then we'd really experience the good life. If I just had a nicer house ... If I could afford to go on vacations like that ... If I could buy ... If I ____  you fill in the blank. Have you ever felt that way? I know I have. 

Now let me be clear about one thing right up front: wanting nice things is not bad. Poverty is not more spiritual! 

But putting our faith in money and stuff to give us the good life, however, is a problem. A real problem that more than likely we all have wrestled with, especially those of us who live in places like the USA. 

Which is why this episode is so important. In it, we get to listen to Jesus' assessment of money and stuff and where He believes we should focus our energies for experiencing the good life. 

If you haven't yet subscribed to the podcast on iTunes, I'd encourage you to do that. That way you won't miss an episode plus it helps other people find it. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

Wouldn't you love to live without worry? But it doesn't seem possible, does it? There's so much to worry about! The bills. The kids. The future. The job doesn't seem secure. The ...

So how can Jesus say, "Stop worrying!" 

"But Jesus," we protest, "you don't understand."

But what if Jesus understands the world far better than we do? What if He understands the cause and cure for worry like we never could? What if He has a prescription that could help us live a lot more of a worry-free existence? 

In this episode we listen to Jesus' wisdom concerning worry. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

Like many of you, I've been confronted by a blaming, faultfinding spirit. From others for sure. But also in myself. That posture towards someone that makes our heart resistant - a little stiff and hard- towards them, so that even if our behavior is technically fine they can sense something's off in us. We've all experienced that from others and I'm pretty sure we've all done that to others.

Jesus addresses this in Matthew 7:1-6, which we explore in this episode. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

Like many of you I have been afflicted by a plank in the eye. As a follow up to my first podcast on Matthew 7:1-6, this episode explores in more detail what plankeye looks like and what are some spiritual practices that will help cure it.  

if we want to be disciples of Jesus and follow Him into surpassing righteousness, Jesus' wisdom on this topic is crucial to us. We must listen to Him with an eye on ourselves, ready to see any tendencies towards having a "superiority complex." 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

What if instead of criticizing each other prayed for each other? If instead of blaming and faultfinding, we prayed? 

In context, Matthew 7:7-12 instructs us to do just that ... to treat others the way we want to be treated. Wouldn't you want people to refrain from self-righteous criticism of you? Wouldn't you want them to avoid pushing their "pearls" on you with a holier-than-thou attitude? Wouldn't you want them to pray for themselves and for you with a humble heart? So would I. 

And that, I believe, is how Matthew 7:1-12 all fits together, which is what I explore in this podcast. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. To help you get started,  sign up for a free reading plan here or watch a free 15 minute mini-course on how to read the Bible and pray here.

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

Christmas invites us into a familiar story, a story told in Luke 2 and Matthew 1-2: In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a tax census should be taken of the entire Roman world...

Mary and Joseph and the little town of Bethlehem. Shepherds and wisemen and angels and stars. 

But, according to Revelation 12, there's more to the story than all of that. Revelation 12 presents another nativity story, a sort of a behind-the-scenes expose' of Christmas. 

And in telling its story, Revelation 12 shows us that Christmas is about two kingdoms in conflict: the evil empire and the eternal empire. The superficial kingdom (the one we can see and experience all around us right now) and the real kingdom (the eternal one).

And Revelation 12 dramatically depicts the outcome of this most celebrated of births. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

Was Jesus really born in a barn? Did Mary ride a donkey to Bethlehem? Were Joseph and Mary all alone at Jesus' birth?

All of us bring assumptions and pre-understanding to our reading of Scripture and that is certainly true when it comes to the common (western) understanding of the Christmas story. The goal is not to pretend like we don't have such assumptions but to acknowledge them and try to inform and clear them up with solid research. In this episode I compare some of our common traditional understanding about the nativity story with Luke 2 in its cultural context.

And then I consider why it matters. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

Choices. 

We all have them. Everyday we make them. Most of our choices are small. A few are big. But all have them shape who we become. The small choice of what food to eat shapes our health. The small choice of how to start our day affects our mindset and forms our character. 

Choices matter.

In this episode we reflect on Matthew 7:13-14 where Jesus uses the imagery of a gate and a road to present us with a choice: How will we choose to respond to Him and his teaching in the Sermon on the Mount? What road/way of life will we choose?

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

Jesus continues his final appeals at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, this time warning about pretenders who would lead genuine followers away from the narrow road. Such pretenders look good ... they look like genuine followers of Christ and they can perform impressive religious deeds; but they're fake.

We have to be honest: not everyone who looks spiritual or religious is a sincere disciple of Jesus. Not everyone whose bible is marked up or who preaches powerful sermons really knows Christ. 

How do you recognize pretenders? 

Jesus says you recognize them by their fruit. And in this episode we explore what that means for us. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

Do you want to help support John’s podcast? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

You go to church pretty regularly. And Bible study too. 

You read your Bible sometimes. You actually know the Bible pretty good. You even have passages in your Bible highlighted!

Warning - that could be just enough to trick you into thinking you're a real disciple!

And if that's the case, there's a good chance you might get disappointed - maybe even disappointed with God - when your life seems like more of a wreck than you think it should be. 

That's because when it comes to following Jesus, learning and knowing the Bible is not enough. There's one really important thing we all must do if we want to be a disciple of Jesus and have a solid life.

And that one thing is what Jesus tells us in this final paragraph of the Sermon on the Mount.

___

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email - and make it easy for other people to find it!

Do you want to help support John’s podcast financially? Become a patron and support the show by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

In this episode of the Bible in Life, John chats with Aaron Couch of Real Life Ministries about reading the Bible in context. Aaron is a preacher and pastor and has led a number of tours to the Holy Lands. John talks with Aaron about his experience in Israel and this significance of the Jewish background to the Gospels and to Jesus. 

Aaron hosts a podcast called A Better Conversation and you can find that here: https://liferotp.com/abetterconversation. 

You can follow Aaron on Istagram @kelsguy1113. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, via email. 

You can support John's podcast for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

Be good. I grew up thinking being good referred to my morality. But in the Bible goodness is less about morality and more about our interactions with others. 

Goodness is something we show to people and give to people. 

In this podcast we explore Galatians 6:7-10 and consider just how important doing good actually is ... and how long we should do it for. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Connect with me on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

You can support John's podcast for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

 

 

In Philippians 3:20, the apostle Paul says that we are "citizens of heaven," and I think most modern Christians misunderstand what he means. We think he means that we've got our ticket and we're going to heaven when we die. While it may be true that Christians go to heaven when we die (although that isn't our final hope, by the way), that's not what Paul means by describing us as "citizens of heaven."

What he means has a lot to do with the culture and situation of the Christians in Philippi, and that's what we explore in this episode. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

You can support John's podcast for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

 

 

"Raising kids is is piece of cake" said no parent anywhere!

Parenting well is hard work ... soul stretching work. Being a new grandpa (you need to follow me on Instagram and Facebook so you can see pics! No seriously, go check out the pics!) has me thinking about kids and parenting. So in this episode I explore a biblical view of children and how that should shape our parenting. 

My Parenting Book -- For more of my thoughts on the specific strategies for raising kids click here, check out my book on parenting - preparethemtoflourish.com

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

Free Resources: You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

Patreon: You can support John's podcast for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

 

 

There is one Bible story I want everyone to experience. I don't just mean read ... I mean experience. I want you to experience it. To imagine yourself being there. To feel what the townsfolk felt ... and what the Pharisee felt ... and what Jesus felt ... and what the woman felt. To put yourself in the place of various characters in the story and experience what it was to be there. To see the look on people's faces. To see the look on Jesus' face as he looks at this woman.

If you've every felt like there's no way Jesus could ever love me! This story is for you. Sit with it. Soak it in. Savor it. 

May this story draw you further into the love of Christ. 

______

YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtvGar3gboVHXDIplJW6TWQ

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

Free Resources: You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

Patreon: You can support John's podcast for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

Did you know that it's possible to listen to the Bible's teaching and be worse off because of it?

That you can be immune to the power of God's word?

That hearing the Bible can be dangerous for your soul?

Jesus believed this was true, and that has a lot to do with why He taught in parables. 

 In this episodes we begin a series of studies on the parables of Jesus by exploring Luke 8 and what Jesus expected his parables to do. 

 

Bible Reading Plan: Here's the link the bible reading plan I mention in the episode - https://www.johnwhittaker.net/readingplan. 

__________

YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel ... subscribe to those here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtvGar3gboVHXDIplJW6TWQ

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

Website - If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

Free Resources: You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

Patreon: You can support John's podcast for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

 

 

What is one thing in life you'd give up everything to get?

Jesus' answer is the "Kingdom of Heaven."

What is the "Kingdom of Heaven"? And what is the Kingdom of Heaven like?

We're in a series on the parables of Jesus and in this episode Jesus shows us how valuable the Kingdom of Heaven is.

Here's a link to the Basics of Spiritual Growth course that I mentioned in the podcast: https://learn.johnwhittaker.net/courses/the-basics-of-spiritual-growth 

_____

YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtvGar3gboVHXDIplJW6TWQ

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

Website - If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

Free Resources: You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

Patreon: You can support John's podcast for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

 

 

In Luke 14:15-25, Jesus offers a sharp warning to people who you'd think be the most likely to be a part of God's eternal kingdom ... to the very people you'd think were certainly gonna be there... to the people who were self-assured that they'd be there. A warning that ought to get our attention if we are "church people": you're not gonna miss the party, are you?

It's also a parable that illustrates our need to read the Bible in its context so we can hear what it's actually saying. So in this episode I mention my my study skills course that's available online. You can find that here - https://learn.johnwhittaker.net/courses/bible-study-skills.

Pastors, church subscriptions are available here - https://www.johnwhittaker.net/church-subscriptions. I'd love to chat with you about how they can be a part of your discipleship process. 

YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnWhittaker

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

Website - If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

Free Resources: You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram (plus pictures of my grand daughters!)

Patreon: You can support John's podcast for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

 

 

One of the dominant assumptions of Christians and non-Christians is that good people are in good with God. And good people can mean religious people - people who pray, read the Bible, serve at church, etc. Or good people can simply mean decent people - people who have a good job, work hard, have a nice family, etc. 

Jesus has a different opinion about who's in good with God ... not good people but humble people. This is in fact, the repeated refrain of the Bible: God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble. 

So in the episode we explore Jesus' parable in Luke 18:9-14 where Jesus answers the question, Who's in good with God?

The Basics of Spiritual Growth course: https://learn.johnwhittaker.net/courses/the-basics-of-spiritual-growth

YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnWhittaker

Website - If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

Free Resources: You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

Patreon: You can support John's podcast for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

The greatest impact of the Bible I have ever experienced was at Boise Bible College. I attended there and was powerfully shaped by Scripture during my student days. Then I taught there for 19 years. And the transformative power of the being immersed in God's word day in and day out is truly evident for man or woman who humbly submits to God's work in his or her life.

In this episode, Interview Derek Voorhees about Boise Bible College and power of immersing people into the Bible. To learn more about Boise Bible College go to http://www.boisebible.edu.

For information about monthly subscriptions to my courses go to https://www.johnwhittaker.net/church-subscriptions.

YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnWhittaker

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

Website - If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

Free Resources: You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

Patreon: You can support John's podcast for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here. You'll get access to bonus material and help me create an audio commentary on the New Testament.

 

 

In this episode I explore the parable of the 10 Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. It's a bit of a sobering parable, calling us to seriousness and focus and preparation in our relationship with Jesus. There's a party coming ... a whole new day coming, in fact. And we don't want to miss out by being half-hearted or cavalier in our walk with God. 

Also, this is the result of a suggestion/question by a listener. If you have a question or passage to study, message me. 

A huge thanks to all of you who make this show possible through your financial support! It means the world to me (plus it helps pay the bills and enables me to keep making more content like this!) Thank you!

If you want to help, here's two options for supporting the show:

Become a patron for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here.

Give through World Family Mission at http://worldfamilymissions.org/missionaries/john-whittaker/ … all gifts are tax deductible.  

 

Other resources and ways to connect with me: 

YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnWhittaker

Website - If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. - Be sure to check out the courses page for more teaching. 

Free Resources: You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

You should get _____ because you deserve it! Fill in that blank with whatever - promotion, scholarship, etc. We're used to getting what you deserve. And every cultural - which means everyone of us - has a measuring stick to determine who should be first and who shouldn't be. 

But God doesn't calculate worthiness. He deals with us differently. 

That's the point of the parable of the laborers in the vineyard found in Matthew 20:1-16. 

Here's the link to the Bible Study Skills course mentioned in this episode - https://learn.johnwhittaker.net/courses/bible-study-skills.

The Bible in Life is a listener supported show ... Here are two ways you can support the show:

Become a patron for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here.

Give through World Family Mission at http://worldfamilymissions.org/missionaries/john-whittaker/ … all gifts are tax deductible.  

Other resources and ways to connect with me: 

YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnWhittaker

Website - If you want to stay in the loop and get updates and offers from me, subscribe at johnwhittaker.net. 

Free Resources: You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

We need hope. Our world needs hope. But ... Why hope? Is it just blind optimism? Isn't pessimism more in touch with reality? 

This episode begins a new series on hope in the Bible. 

Resources and ways to connect with John:

1. Parenting book: http://www.preparethemtoflourish.com

2. Online Bible Courses: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/courses

3. Two ways you can support the show:

-Become a patron for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here.

-Donate through World Family Mission at http://worldfamilymissions.org/missionaries/john-whittaker/ … all gifts are tax deductible.  

4. YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnWhittaker

5. Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

 

Every time passages about hope (eschatology) show up in the New Testament letters, they are always connected in some way to Christian living ... to perseverance, to holiness, to grief, or some such thing. In other words, Christian hope fuels Christian living. The stronger our hope, the stronger our faithfulness!

 

1. Parenting book - www.preparethemtoflourish.com

2. Two ways you can support the show:

-Become a patron for as little as $5 per month on his Patreon page by clicking here.

-Donate through World Family Mission at http://worldfamilymissions.org/missionaries/john-whittaker/ … all gifts are tax deductible.  

Other resources and ways to connect with me: 

3. YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnWhittaker

4. Free Resources: You can deepen your walk with God by reading the Bible and praying consistently. Get a free reading plan here or take a free 15 minute mini-course here to help you get started. 

5. Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

Temptation…who doesn’t experience it? And who doesn't at times yield to it? 

We are all confronted by temptation and sin. 

So here’s the question:

How can Paul say we’ve died to sin?

But that's what he says in Romans 6:1-2:

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 Far from it! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 

In this episode we explore the tension we experience between Paul's statement that we're dead to sin and the ongoing reality of sin in our life. 

Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below.

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The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with me:

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Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Have you heard the phrase “the power of prayer”? Or “prayer changes things”?

We've been taught to believe God answers prayer. In fact James 5:16 is a well-known version among Christians: "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."

And it's true ...

Except when it isn't. 

Sometimes, it seems like prayer doesn't make any difference at all. Sometimes it feels like God is hiding.

Why is that? How should we think about that as followers of Jesus? 

Set up a monthly donation and get free access to the Listener's Commentary Study Hub here

 

Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with me:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Acts 2

The Day of Pentecost is the birthday of the church. Jesus pours out the Spirit, 3,000 people believe and are baptized. And the church becomes a reality. And the Acts describes what a difference the Holy Spirit made in the lives of people. And we see the marks of a Spirit-filled church. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

The Bible is central to the christian faith. Can we actually trust it?

Isn't the Bible full of errors and mistakes?

Has the Bible been edited and changed from when it was originally written? 

Isn't the Bible written by imperfect men... so how can it be trustworthy?

Can I really I trust a book that thousands of years old?

These are some of the questions we explore on this episode of the Bible in Life. 

Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with me:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

 

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10, Paul models for us the power of an eternal perspective. 

Life isn't easy. There's hardships, disappointments, sickness, pain, and death. 

As Christ's apostle, Paul experienced all the normal hardships of life plus suffering that came for the sake of Jesus. But Paul says he didn't lose heart; instead he was of good courage. 

How so?

He had an eternal perspective!

And we must have one too. We must fan into flame our hope so we don't lose heart. 

 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

 

Episode webpage:

 

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Masks or no masks? Protests, riots, and racial injustice. Name calling and labels over political opinions. Needless to say, the present time is contentious ... and Christians aren't immune. In this episode, I seek to inject some biblical wisdom into the situation so that we can better live as the people of God and better glorify God at the present time. 

Become a Patron and get access to discounts on courses and bonus podcasts

 https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker 

 

The Listener's Commentary

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Want to deepen you connection with God?

The #1 key to becoming like Jesus is living our life attached to him. So I've got a gift for you on my website ... a free video series designed to teach you how to read the Bible in a way to deepens your attachment to God. Click the link below.

https://www.johnwhittaker.net/minicourse

Thank you to all of you who make this ministry possible by your financial support! Do you want to join the team? Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

I'd love to connect. Here are some ways to connect with me:

▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

"I never thought of reading Philippians as a letter before!" said one guy after church. 

Twenty-one out of twenty-seven New Testament books are letters. That means when you read most of the NT, you're reading somebody else's mail!

Letters have a backstory and when we read them, we are only hearing one side of the conversation ... which poses some challenges. 

In this episode, we explore the question, Why letters and how do the NT letter relate to the teaching and work of Jesus? We discuss how to read the letters well so that you can read them more faithfully as a follower of Jesus.  

Did you know I work with churches? I coach churches on how to create discipleship cultures so that they can more faithfully carry out Jesus' mission of making disciples. I have 3 spots available. Email me at john@johnwhittaker.net for more info.

▶️WANT TO DEEPEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? Sign up for my free video series at: https://www.johnwhittaker.net

▶️MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/resources

▶️SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY:

-Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker

-Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.  

 Other resources and ways to connect with me: 

▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

When it comes learning how to do something, showing is more helpful than just telling. 

And that’s just as true of discipleship as anything else. The way of Jesus gets passed on by showing not just telling. Your relationship with Jesus is personal but it's not individual. People need your concrete example of discipleship. 

Bible Passages mentioned in this episode:

2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 - For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.   

1 Cor. 4:15-17 - For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.   

1 Cor. 11:1 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.   

Philippians 3:17 - Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

Philippians 4:9 - The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

2 Tim. 3:10-11 - You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra. . . .”

 

▶️CHURCH SUBSCRIPTIONS: Enrollment is open until May 31-  https://www.johnwhittaker.net/bible-training-churches

 

 

▶️WANT TO DEEPEN YOU RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD? Sign up for my free video series at: https://www.johnwhittaker.net

▶️MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/resources

▶️BECOME A PATRON: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker

 

Other resources and ways to connect with me: 

▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

God is the absolute boss, but what kind of boss is he? 

It is pretty common today to be suspicious of and to distrust authority. There's been so many bad authority figures and so much misuse of authority, that it's easy to react negatively to authority in general. 

From politics to teachers to bosses and sadly even to parents, there have been plenty of self-serving, power hungry, and mean-spirited authority figures. And thus, we could react to God's authority from that place of suspicion and distrust. 

But how authority gets used really depends on the the person wielding it. So what kind of person is God and what does that mean for how he uses his authority? 

This episode explores Exodus 34:6-7 and Philippians 2:5-8 to answer this question. 

 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Everyone says to plan ahead and work hard. But if God's in charge and his he's going to do whatever he does, then what difference does our planning make?  

Proverbs has some wisdom on that.

 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Advent 2022

Over the next several weeks, I want to consider the story we believe is the the true story of the world leading up to the coming of the Messiah and then go beyond that to what we’re still waiting for today.   We’ll look at the promise and its initial fulfillment and then its final fulfillment when Christ comes again.   In this episode we consider the theme of exile and how being forsaken because of their unfaithfulness led to real loss, and how that led to longing and hoping and waiting for God to act. Israel may have been cut down but they weren't abandoned and God hadn't forgotten his promises. 

 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

How do you discern the voice of God?

Does God speak to us today? If so, how does He speak to us? And how do you know it's his voice not just your own thoughts?

These are important questions that have powerful life implications. And there is a lot of unclear and unhelpful teaching on this topic. What does the Bible say about how to hear God's voice and what it means to be led by the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit Book:

Click this link to buy the book on walking in the Spirit by Kenneth Berding: https://amzn.to/2HeQQz0

 

Bible Passages referenced in the episode:

Luke 9:33-36 33 And as these were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.    John 8:31-32  So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”   Romans 8:14 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.   Romans 8:5-6 5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,   Romans 8:12-14 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.   

Want to deepen you connection with God?

Free Resource: The #1 key to becoming like Jesus is living our life attached to him. So I've got a gift for you on my website ... a free video series designed to teach you how to read the Bible in a way to deepens your attachment to God. Click the link below.

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Teaching through Bible books: 

The Listener's Commentary on the New Testament is an audio commentary on each New Testament book, explaining its meaning in its original context so you can better understand what it means and live it out.

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

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Being with Jesus

At the core of being a disciple is being with your rabbi. In our case that means being with Jesus. But it's different now than it was when Jesus physically walked the hills of Galilee with his disciples. So how can we be with Jesus today? 

That's the question John and Steven explore in this episode of the Bible in Life podcast. 

 

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The world says "I've gotta be true to myself" or "That's just who I am" or "it's right for me." 

The Bible likewise calls us to live who we are, but it means something totally different ... it's talking about our new identity that God has given us in Christ and that we need to learn to live according to who God has made us. 

Nowhere is this theme presented any more clearly than in Colossians 3.

 

This episode is from The Listener's Commentary on the New Testament. To listen to more visit:

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

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“What keeps you encouraged?”

That was the question. And my answer in short is, I know where we're at in the story. 

In this episode, I unpack what that means. 

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The apostle Paul says that the Law is "holy and righteous and good" (Romans 7:12). But he also says that Law's job is done. Why is this? What's wrong with the Law? 

Paul answers that question in Romans 7-8. He tells us the Law was weak. And because the Law was weak, it was never intended to be the final answer to sin and death. In fact, in Galatians 3 Paul argues that the Law was never primary or meant to be permanent. It was given for a specific purpose and a specific time period.

 

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On Questions of Doubt, pt. 6 (More Questions about the Bible), one of the the things we touched on was inspiration meaning that God supervised the writing of the Bible. In response, one listener had several questions: 

• If the Bible is inspired or “supervised by God” then does He still do that? 
• Why is Scripture complete?
• Why are other works (both ancient and modern texts) not considered inspired scripture? What if they don’t contradict scripture?
• If God supervised scripture, does that have to mean it has no prescriptive errors that aren’t necessarily sinful but cultural? Would God have compelled the authors to edit those things out?

These a good questions and at the heart of most of them lies the question of the canon - that is, the official books of the Bible. Why are there only these books of the Bible? Why do some Bibles have more books? How were the books decided upon? 

 

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‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. - Matthew 6:12

We have various strategies for dealing with our failures.

We rationalize.

We minimize.

We blame.

Jesus has another way. It's a way that requires courage. It's a way that will changes your life. 

Instead of using any of the strategies that are forms of hiding/avoiding our failures, Jesus invites us to confess them to our Father in heaven and ask Him to forgive them. This is so powerful for our relationship with God, with ourself, and with others. 

"Forgive us our debts" is a prayer that changes your life. 

Passages mentioned in this episode:

Luke 18:9-14

9 And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Romans 5:1-2 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

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Resurrection. 

If Jesus didn't rise from the dead then He's a fraud and Christianity is a sham. So does it make any sense to believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Is there any evidence?

Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible 

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In this episode of the Bible in Life, we wrestle with to passage where Jesus says some very shocking words. They're harsh, and they don't seem to fit with other things Jesus says. 

And the subject of both passages is following Jesus. In other words, what Jesus says here concerns being his disciple and that means they're of central importance to us if we claim to be His disciples. 

So what does Jesus mean by "let the dead bury their own dead" (Luke 9:57-62) and if you want to follow Him you must "hate" your family (Luke 14:25-27)? 

For more on the cultural background to Jesus' teaching:

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes

 

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Is the KJV the best Bible translation?

This question is so important because unfortunately there is a contingent of people who keep spreading falsehoods about the KJV versus the newer translations. So...

Is there an "inspired" translation? 

Why are there some differences between the KJV and other versions? 

And how do Bible translations work? 

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What kinds of rewards are promised to us? | Rewards, pt. 2

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, Steven and John explore the kinds of things promised to God's people as rewards. And the distinctive thing is that the rewards promised fit the person and their life. In other words, the rewards aren't arbitrary. 

 

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How do you communicate the gospel in a pluralistic age? 

The challenge is real because people are all so different when it comes to religion. Some have a religious background but not a Christian background. Some have no religious background at all. Some have a Christian background but have rejected it as an adult. Some are hostile towards the Bible and Jesus. 

In such a milieu, you can't share the gospel the same way to each person. And Paul models this for us in Acts 17 and 13. 

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I've been doing a lot of reflecting on the authority of God, the fear of God, and the rise of the autonomous self. I'm concerned that all too often, people who say they are followers of Jesus still live as if they have autonomy and authority over their own life ... not God. Even though they say Jesus is Lord, when push comes to shove, they are the ultimate authority in their life. And that's not good for them or anyone else. 

In this episode, we reflect on the fact that the fundamental starting point of following Jesus is surrendering the leadership of our life to Jesus. He's in charge, because he's the King of the universe. As he himself said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me..." (Matthew 28:18). 

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What are the main components of being a disciple of Jesus? That is, if you had to boil it down to the main ingredients… what are they? In this episode, I highlight the three main  components of discipleship … and then zero in on the one component without which none of the rest are possible. So it’s the one component you can’t be a disciple without!

Bible Passages mentioned in this episode:

Mark 1:14-20  

14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

16 As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him.

Mark 8:31-34  

31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33 But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and *said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”

34 And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

Mark 3:13-14  

13 And He *went up on the mountain and *summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. 14 And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach  

John 14:16-17a

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, 

 

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"Leviticus is one of the most revolutionary books in the ancient world." - Brad Gray. 

​This is part 2 of my conversation with Brad Gray from Walking The Text, whose mission is  to help people learn, love, and live the Bible. Some of the topics we discuss are 1) wrestling with the question, how do I make sense of the Old Testament Law? There's so many weird laws and rules ... why is all of that in the Bible? 2) We also reflect on the importance of  recognizing the Big Story of the Bible (Brad mentions a great resource here), and 3) Ways you can engage with God's word. 

​Bonus: stick around til the end for some fun facts about Brad!

Learn more about Brad, study trips to Israel, and how to read the Bible in its original context at: 

https://walkingthetext.com

​Connect with Brad on:

Instagram

Facebook

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"How can my son keep his life centered on Jesus?"

That was what the text said. 

Why would she want her son's life to be centered on Jesus? Because she believed his life would be better if it was.

As Andy Stanley has said, "Jesus makes your life better and makes you better at life." 

So …

What does it mean to live life centered on Jesus?

And how can we do it? 

 

Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible 

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The Bible changed my life. I believe it can change yours. I believe that by sharing it, God can use you to help change someone's life. 

That's the heart behind the Bible in Life story. 

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Why is faithfulness so hard?

In Ephesians 6:10-17 (the well-known armor of God passage), the apostle Paul calls us to stand firm for Jesus. He reminds that standing firm is going to be hard because, as followers of Jesus, we have powerful enemies. Enemies way more powerful than if they were mere flesh and blood.

Yet, so many of us are surprised when following Jesus is hard. We get frustrated when bad things happen to us. We seem to want life in Christ to be a walk in the park. Intellectually we may know otherwise, but emotionally and pragmatically we expect life to be more of a playground than battleground.

And as a result we're unprepared to deal with the world as it actually is right now.

Want to deepen your walk with God?

Free Resource: The #1 key to becoming like Jesus is living our life attached to him. So I've got a gift for you on my website ... a free video series designed to teach you how to read the Bible in a way to deepens your attachment to God. Click the link below.

https://www.johnwhittaker.net/minicourse

 

Support this ministry:

Thank you to all of you who make this ministry possible by your financial support! Do you want to join the team? Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below.

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Teaching through Bible books: 

The Listener's Commentary on the New Testament is an audio commentary on each New Testament book, explaining its meaning in its original context so you can better understand what it means and live it out.

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Here are some ways to connect with me:

▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram

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As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode, I give a short update on life and ministry and then explore this question: How does our discipleship to Jesus affect our political engagement?

The fact is that since the beginning proclaiming Jesus as Lord has been a political statement with huge implications. For example, in Thessalonica, the accusation agains the apostle Paul was that he acted "contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus" (Acts 17:7). 

So our loyalty to King Jesus has to shape our political engagement. 

 

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Genesis 1:26 tells us something crucial about human nature: "Then God said, 'Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness.'"

What does it mean to be "made in the image of God"? 

And why does that matter? What difference does it make that you and I and everyone else is made as the image of God? 

On this episode, Dr. Carmen Imes helps us explore this subject. Dr. Imes is associate professor of Old Testament at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University). She has written several books and her most recent book, Being God's Image, is the topic of this conversation. 

Learn more from Carmen on Torah Tuesdays on Youtube 

Buy the Book: Being God's Image

 

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Hope - A Posture of Waiting | Advent 2023

We stand between Jesus' first advent and his second. And in this place we can look back at what God already has done to fulfill his promises. 

And yet...

There's still more. 

So we live in hope, waiting, like children who can't wait for Christmas, eagerly looking for Christ to come again!

Romans 8:18-25

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.23 And not only that, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance we wait eagerly for it.  

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Becoming Like Jesus

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John and Steven explore why becoming like Jesus is the very best thing we could ever do. It's good for us, good for our families, good for our communities and the world. 

And it's right in sync with who we are as human beings!

 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

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The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

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Is it Wrong to Hope for a Reward from God? | Rewards, pt. 1 

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John and Steven introduce the topic of rewards in heaven and explore if it's in some way less honorable to seek God for a good reward. 

Bible Passages mentioned:

Hebrews 11

6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him. 

9 By faith he lived as a stranger in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country which they left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin, 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.  

 

C. S. Lewis Quote:

If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from [Immanuel] Kant and the Stoics and is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak.

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” 

 

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Many Christians really want to know Jesus and experience the abundant life He offers. Because of that, they know they should (and often want to) read the Bible. But when they do, they discover the Bible is hard and often leaves them feeling confused. And they aren’t quite sure why and what to do about it. 

This episode explores that difficulty, helping you see that it's not all your fault and what you can do to make more sense of the Bible... and the the goal, of course, is that you can follow Jesus in your everyday life. 

Because when you do that, you will experience the abundant life He offers … because Jesus and the Bible really do have the best wisdom for life - even if you have to work for it a bit!

FREE TOOL: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible

https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways

 

Support this ministry - this podcast and ministry is made possible by many people's generosity 

Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below.

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The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

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Here are some ways to connect with me:

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As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Sometimes a verse becomes so familiar, we can actually miss its meaning. Or miss some of its meaning. 

I think that's the case with 2 Corinthians 5:21: 

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We assume we know what this is talking about, and we think it's talking about how God declared us righteous through Jesus' death.

But it actually means more than that. So tune in, and let's explore this verse together. 

Philippians article:

https://renew.org/summary-of-philippians/

 

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Episode webpage:

 

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

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There are so many Bible translations out there. Which translation is a good one? How should you use translations for Bible study? And what are some good study Bibles? 

 

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Study Bibles:

ESV Study Bible - https://amzn.to/3U8FpcA

Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible - https://amzn.to/3DAZCAL

Archaeology Study Bible - https://amzn.to/3FMsjNY

 

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Episode webpage: https://podcast.johnwhittaker.net/e/what-bible-translation-should-you-use/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

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*some links are affiliate links which means this ministry receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Acts 5:1-11  

Luke, the author of Acts, told the story about Ananias and Sapphira for a very important reason. The message of that story holds a very important lesson for us as the church today. 

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Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways

 

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The fear of God ... we don't talk about it much any more, and yet according to the Bible it's one of the best things for us. It's the source of wisdom and leads us into life! It's good for us. So in this episode we explore what it means to fear the Lord, how it provides wisdom, and sets us free from being self-willed. 

Key Texts:

Titus 1:7

Proverbs 9:10

2 Corinthians 5:10-11

 

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In Psalm 43:4, God is described as our "exceeding joy." The Holy Spirit grow joy in us (Galatians 5:22). Jesus wants us to have overflowing joy, and told us the secret to it (John 15:11). 

So it's not surprising that the apostles assume that we go through life with incredibly great joy (1 Peter 1:6-9) and called us to live lives of joy (James 1:2 and Philippians 4:4). 

When we know Jesus, we have joy!

I hope this episode encourages you as it did me. May we fix our joy on the unshakeable foundation of Jesus and his promises!

Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways

 

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The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

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Connect with me:

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How do you disciple someone else? 

In this episode, we explore just a few specific tips and practices for have an effective discipling relationship with someone else. 

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Support this ministry:

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If you've ever prayed the Lord's prayer, you've prayed the words "Your kingdom come." What does that mean? What do you imagine happening when you ask that? 

The coming of God's kingdom is one of the major themes of the Bible. It was at the heart of Jesus' ministry. Jesus taught that He was bringing God's kingdom into the world. So in a certain sense, God's kingdom is already here. Yet He taught us to pray for it to come, which means we're still waiting for it.

Some things addressed in this podcast:

-What is God's kingdom? 

-What assumptions about the world and history underlie praying for God's kingdom to come?

-What's the global aspect of this request and the personal aspect?

-How does Jesus model the impact of this prayer on our life?

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As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

What is the mission of the church? 

Very often there are lots of different answers given to this question. But there shouldn't be. In fact, I am repeatedly surprised how much confusion there is about this. There should be no confusion. 

Jesus made the mission of the church crystal clear. 

This is not something we have to wonder about.There should be complete agreement about this. We don’t get to invent it or make up our own. 

Jesus already told us. 

Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

How do we do that?

What did Jesus mean by "disciple"? 

Tune in to this episode for a full discussion of this crucial topic.

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Are there Degrees of Rewards? | Rewards, pt. 3  

Some passages, especially in the parables of Jesus such as the parable of the minas in Luke 19, seem to suggest that there are degrees of rewards. That is, some people get more than others. 

But other Bible passages seem at odds with that. 

So in the episode of the Bible in Life podcast, Steven and John wrestle with the question, Are there degrees of reward in heaven? 

 

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Why Melchizedek Matters | Hebrews 7

In the episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John preaches on Hebrews 7 and intriguing Bible character named Melchizedek. Why does author of Hebrews bring up Melchizedek and why does it matter for us today?

 

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Reflections on Healthy Detachment and Civil Disobedience 

In this episode, I offer some reflections on two questions:

1. With all the anxiety, fear, and emotion around the political season, what should the disposition of disciples of Jesus be?

2. When should we disobey the governing authorities? 

At the heart of this episode is this: as disciples of Jesus our deepest allegiance is to Jesus and His kingdom and hope lies with Him. So our investment of energy and emotion is with that kingdom, and our prayer is "Your kingdom come, Your will be done." 

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Why You (should) Love the Wrath of God

God's wrath is a forgotten topic in many churches today. We prefer to talk about his love and mercy, not his wrath. 

But God's wrath is part of the good news, and it is that in a couple different ways. 

In this episode we explore why we actually want and need the wrath of God. 

Romans 1:18

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Romans 2:5-6

5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,6 who will repay each person according to his deeds

 

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The Christian life is life in the Spirit. He empowers us to live the way God has called and created us to live. One of the key ways that's expressed in the New Testament is "walking by the Spirit." 

What does it mean to walk by the Spirit? 

How do we do that? 

In this episode, we look at Romans 8:1-4 and reflect on what it means to walk by the Spirit. 

Book: Walking in the Spirit, by Ken Berding.

 

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When Paul writes Philippians, he's in custody in Rome. He hasn't been able to travel and preach for nearly 4 years. Yet Philippians is known as the epistle of joy. Why is that? 

It has to do with what mattered most to Paul... with where he found his life and joy. 

He models this for us in both the letter to the Philippians and in Acts 16 when he started the church in Philippi. 

 

Overview of Philippians article:

https://renew.org/summary-of-philippians/

 

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https://podcast.johnwhittaker.net/e/how-can-paul-have-joy-while-in-roman-custody-philippians/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

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The discipleship path entails growing in faith. But that doesn't happen alone. Discipleship always happens through a life-on-life transfer. We learn from each other. We practice the "one anothers" with each other. We provide concrete examples of following Jesus for each other. 

Growing in faith happens together. 

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Listener Q + R

In this episode we consider three questions from listeners of the podcast. 

1. Can people in heaven see what's happening on earth?

2. When is it permitted to remarry after divorce?

3. How do I understand predestination? 

 

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Flesh vs. Spirit is often talked about as if Christians have two natures that are battling within them, the flesh (the so-called "sinful nature") and the Spirit. But this fails to pay close enough attention to Paul’s language … and how it’s shaped by the already, not yet overlap we’ve been talking about. Paul speaks of either being of the flesh or of the Spirit - both/and. 

So in this episode we'll explore:

• two key texts - Romans 8:1-9 and Galatians 5:16-24.
• what Paul means by flesh
• how to walk by the Spirit

So that, here in the meantime, we can follow Jesus more fully. Because you can’t follow Jesus unless you walk with the Spirit!

Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below.

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The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

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Connect with me:

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The Mission of Jesus and Becoming Christlike 

Being a disciple means arranging your life to be with Jesus in order to become like Jesus. 

And being like him entails two aspects - becoming like him in character and like him in mission. So what does it mean to become like Jesus in mission? 

On this episode of the Bible in Life podcast John and Steven explore how we can be involved in the mission of Jesus. 

 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

 

Support this ministry:

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The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with John:

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Note: this episode was originally released on 6/15/23 but due to a tech issue never distributed to any podcast apps.  

Proverbs are part of the Bible that is often called “Wisdom literature.” Several Bible books are grouped into this category...

• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• Job
• Song of Solomon

Wisdom literature seeks to describe what is usually true in day-to-day living...it offers "wisdom" for right living and right choices.  It teaches “the skill of living” (Tremper Longman).

Now here’s the thing… this is really important; it’s crucial. Biblical wisdom is grounded in creation. t means it grounded in the way creation is designed to operate, and that means it's good for us. 

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The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

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