Pure and Simple Bible

Works is a word that can be scandalous in the many circles, but the Bible writer James is not shy about using it. How are we justified by works when Paul says we're justified by grace through faith? And aren't we not saved by works lest anyone boast? Those powerful phrases add to the confusion around James 2. Join Jonathan as we process the second half of James chapter two. We'll move slowly and d...

Join Jonathan as we learn that genuine faith is merciful, not partial. In James 2:1-13, the Bible confronts the sinful tendency to favor others based on wealth, appearance, or social standing. Such favoritism violates God's righteousness and our words and actions must reflect the mercy we have received. Join us as we examine why partiality has no place among God's people and what it means for merc...

Join Jonathan as we process the next lesson in a James workbook prototype entitled Genuine Faith Under Fire. In James 1:19-26, we are challenged to hear God's word while humbly receiving it and faithfully obeying it. Look for the images of implanted seed, a mirror, and a law of liberty, showing us both the gift we've received and the responsibility we bear. Watch out for the self-deception and for...

This is a special episode of heartfelt reflection with gratitude, hope, and entrusting a church's next chapter to Jesus. After nearly two decades of ministry at the Valley Parkway Church of Christ, Jonathan preached his final sermon as the evangelist for the congregation. In this episode, he reflects on the people, memories, dreams, and faith that have shaped the congregation. Drawing from Jesus’...

(2 of 2) What does Paul mean when he tells the Corinthians (and us) to take every thought captive? Join special guest Marcus Mathis and Jonathan as they process and break down this Scripture. Behind the verse are some very practical steps for believers to overcome sin, mental health struggles, and personal identity issues. You don't want to miss this conversation!

(1 of 2) What does Paul mean when he tells the Corinthians (and us) to take every thought captive? Join special guest Marcus Mathis and Jonathan as they process and break down this Scripture. Behind the verse are some very practical steps for believers to overcome sin, mental health struggles, and personal identity issues. You don't want to miss this conversation!

(2 of 2) John the Baptizer's godly purpose, preaching, and perspective always elevated Jesus as the Christ. As a result, John would lose his freedom, popularity, and eventually his life. But how would John look at such a sacrifice? And what should we think about when we observe John's mission and calling? Join guest Jacob McKinney and host Jonathan Edwards as they discuss the three godly P's (purp...

(1 of 2) John the Baptizer's godly purpose, preaching, and perspective always elevated Jesus as the Christ. As a result, John would lose his freedom, popularity, and eventually his life. But how would John look at such a sacrifice? And what should we think about when we observe John's mission and calling? Join guest Jacob McKinney and host Jonathan Edwards as they discuss the three godly P's (purp...

(2 of 2) The Parable of the Shrewd Manager was told by Jesus in Luke 16:1-13. It is one of the most difficult parables to understand. Its meaning has been disputed by scholars. How could the unrighteous behavior of the main character serve as our example? What does it mean to be shrewd anyway? And what lessons can we learn from this shred manager? Join guest Shaun Wackerly and host Jonathan Edward...

(1 of 2) The Parable of the Shrewd Manager was told by Jesus in Luke 16:1-13. It is one of the most difficult parables to understand. Its meaning has been disputed by scholars. How could the unrighteous behavior of the main character serve as our example? What does it mean to be shrewd anyway? And what lessons can we learn from this shred manager? Join guest Shaun Wackerly and host Jonathan Edward...

(2 of 2) Do the gospel accounts contradict each other? What do we do when Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John mention a narrative in a different order or with different details? What actually is a contradiction? These questions and others are addressed by guest Bryce Whittaker and host Jonathan Edwards. Join us for a two part series answering alleged gospel contradictions in a pure and simple way.

Do the gospel accounts contradict each other? What do we do when Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John mention a narrative in a different order or with different details? What actually is a contradiction? These questions and others are addressed by guest Bryce Whittaker and host Jonathan Edwards. Join us for a two part series answering alleged gospel contradictions in a pure and simple way.

Why should we ask hard questions about the Bible? Or about the Church? Or about our faith? Because questions are one of the tools in our arsenal of knowledge and wisdom. Join Jonathan as we process how Jesus was "The Great Questioner" and why His people ought to be more comfortable asking, processing, and answering challenging questions.

(2 of 2). A few young Hebrew men found themselves as slaves in the mighty empire of Babylon. Daniel and his three friends (commonly known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) were put in several situations that required great faith rather than conformity or giving into fear. Join Jonathan and guest Bradley Ballard as they work through the early chapters of the book of Daniel. Listen along as they pr...

(1 of 2). A few young Hebrew men found themselves as slaves in the mighty empire of Babylon. Daniel and his three friends (commonly known as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) were put in several situations that required great faith rather than conformity or giving into fear. Join Jonathan and guest Bradley Ballard as they work through the early chapters of the book of Daniel. Listen along as they pr...

It's time for the concluding episode in a three-part series on Deborah, one of the most remarkable leaders in the book of Judges. In a time of spiritual decline, political oppression, and widespread fear, God raised up a woman to judge Israel, speak His word, and lead His people toward deliverance. In this final episode, Kyle and Jonathan discuss some of the beautiful connections to Deborah and Ba...

We continue in a three-part series on Deborah, one of the most remarkable leaders in the book of Judges. In a time of spiritual decline, political oppression, and widespread fear, God raised up a woman to judge Israel, speak His word, and lead His people toward deliverance. In this second episode, Kyle and Jonathan bring the Eden narrative principles into the story of Deborah in Judges 4-5. We mee...

Welcome to a three-part series on Deborah, one of the most remarkable leaders in the book of Judges. In a time of spiritual decline, political oppression, and widespread fear, God raised up a woman to judge Israel, speak His word, and lead His people toward deliverance. Dr. Kyle Hammonds returns to the podcast to make some fascinating connections to the Eden narrative found in Genesis 1-3. In this...

(2 of 2) How can a God of love be sovereign? How can a sovereign God be loving? Cohen Osburn joins the podcast to study through the Scriptures in some big picture concepts about God's nature and plan. His goal is not to bash other doctrines, but to make a positive case for God's love that can stand up to critical examination. Join us for an exciting two part series on "A Case for God's Love." Link...

(1 of 2) How can a God of love be sovereign? How can a sovereign God be loving? Cohen Osburn joins the podcast to study through the Scriptures in some big picture concepts about God's nature and plan. His goal is not to bash other doctrines, but to make a positive case for God's love that can stand up to critical examination. Join us for an exciting two part series on "A Case for God's Love." Link...

(2 of 2). We have been talking about how to redeem our devices. Noah Martin has been studying this very issue for some time, and joins the podcast to discuss his findings in a conversational way. We are considering (A) The Pursuit of Wisdom; (B) The Power of Presence; and (C) Building Better Balance. Questions for us to consider: (1) Are my current behaviors with my phone drawing me toward God or...

(1 of 2). We need to talk about our phones. Noah Martin has been studying this very issue for some time, and joins the podcast to discuss his findings in a conversational way. This is not an anti-phones, anti-screen time study – it is an anti "do nothing with my life because I wasted all my time not thinking about what I was doing and that usually happens when I’m on my phone" study. We want to dr...

(2 of 2) Do you know what the busiest day of the week is? I'll give you a hint, it starts with a "T". But it's not Tuesday, or Thursday. It's tomorrow. Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week because what we intend to do and need to do often gets pushed off until tomorrow. To put off something until tomorrow what we should be doing today is called procrastination. Procrastination may seem ha...

(1 of 2) Do you know what the busiest day of the week is? I'll give you a hint, it starts with a "T". But it's not Tuesday, or Thursday. It's tomorrow. Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week because what we intend to do and need to do often gets pushed off until tomorrow. To put off something until tomorrow what we should be doing today is called procrastination. Procrastination may seem ha...

(2 of 2) In this two part study, we're focusing on James 1:2-18. We are considering how the first (or one of the first) writings of the New Testament begins with teaching for when faith is tested. James is a book about genuine faith. We have studied in on the PSB podcast with guests in previous years. Join Jonathan as he explains how the book of James is launching the next phase of PSB workbooks a...