The Bible Explained with Jenn Kokal

Jenn finishes 2 Peter 1, where Peter explains why we can trust what he taught: Peter won't stop reminding us about Jesus, even though we already know. He considered it negligent not to speak about Jesus. Evangelism isn't everyone's gift, but it's everyone's calling. How can you share your faith? Peter knows his "tent" is coming down soon. What does Peter mean by "tent"? "We didn't follow cunningly...

In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jenn walks through Job's answer to Eliphaz in Job 6, where Job lays it on his friends for the comfort they failed to give him: Job tells his friends he wouldn't be complaining if he weren't suffering, and compares Eliphaz's speech to tasteless, slimy food with no salt on it. Job asks God to just crush him and cut him off. Do we sometimes think we have God's...

Today, we start a brand new book of the Bible, where Peter gives us a list of virtues to work to in the Christian life:  Is Peter suggesting that works save us? Was Peter really the only person in Scripture to claim Jesus as "his God and Savior"? Peter reminds us the Christian walk is a process that we all have to learn. The parable of the wedding feast and the man who showed up without weddi...

In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jenn continues through Eliphaz's speech in Job 5 and shows how true statements about God can become dangerous when they're misapplied to someone who is suffering: Eliphaz tells Job not to bother appealing to the holy ones. Is that really true? Does God answer people who bring Him their questions? Eliphaz claims he has seen the foolish crushed in the city gat...

In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jenn finishes up 1 Peter 5 and talks about the humility, love, and prayer we're supposed to have for each other, and how we stand against Satan when he tries to devour us like a lion: What does it mean to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God? (In the Old Testament, God's mighty hand points to both punishment and deliverance.) Cast all your worries on...

In this episode of The Bible Explained, Job's friend Eliphaz speaks up, and it's a masterclass in how NOT to comfort a friend: Eliphaz calls Job a hypocrite for helping others through suffering but falling apart when it's his turn. "Isn't your piety your confidence?" -  Why this is the prosperity gospel, and why the whole book of Job is a war against it. Eliphaz says God is quick to anger and...

Jenn's husband Garett joins to dive into 1 Peter 5, discussing the importance of humility in eldership, what elders are, and the responsibilities of elders in the church. As they explore this passage, they tackle some tough topics, including the qualifications for elders and the dangers of a celebrity culture in the church: What it means to be a humble leader, and how this plays out in the lives o...

In this episode of The Bible Explained, Job's intense suffering and emotional turmoil come to the forefront: Job's consumed by his grief, cursing the day of his birth and the night of his conception, wishing he'd never even existed. Job invokes those who rouse up Leviathan to help him curse his birthday. Since Job can't erase himself, he wishes to have been born stillborn. But since Job can't go b...

This episode of The Bible Explained is a thought-provoking discussion on the topic of Christians suffering: Christians are called to rejoice in their sufferings as a way to become more like Christ and share in His sufferings. Trials are not something to be shocked about. Judgement begins in the household of God - what this means, and how it reshapes the definition of suffering. Our lives are like...

Hi FM, I am sick again, so there won't be an episode today. Let me know what you read on your own in the Bible today! Hey! Don't leave before looking at other P40 stuff:    YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi -  https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries   Website -  https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook -  https:// www.facebook.com/p40ministries &...

The story of Job is a complex and thought-provoking one, full of questions and answers that challenge our understanding of God's character and our own place in the world as Christians. As we explore the book of Job, we're going to examine the age-old question: why do righteous people suffer? Satan comes to God with another accusation against Job, claiming that he's only worshiping God because he's...

The chapter is full of practical advice on how to live a life that honors God, from being of sound mind and self-controlled to serving one another with the gifts we've been given: Living with a sense of urgency, knowing that the end of all things is near. This doesn't just mean the second coming of Jesus, but also the fact that our own lives are short and can end at any moment. How we be of sound...

Job suffers a series of devastating losses, including the destruction of his possessions, family, and servants.  Why God would allow such suffering to not only Job, but Job's family and children. Satan's accusations that Job's faith is only motivated by his material blessings, and that God is the same as an idolatrous god. Satan's desire to one-up God and prove his intelligence is above the A...

Peter's advice to the church is to suffer well and have endurance through persecution: The concept of suffering and sin, referencing Romans 6, where Paul says that those who have died to sin are no longer bound by it.  This doesn't mean Christians are sinless, but rather that they've died to their old selves and are made alive in Christ. Putting old sins to death is a daily process, requiring...

In this episode of The Bible Explained, we delve into the mysterious figure of Satan and his role in the story of Job: Who are the sons of God and what is the role of Satan? The age old question - why did God allow suffering and hardship to befall his faithful servant Job? The prosperity gospel, revealed to be a doctrine of demons.  We're shown how this false teaching has been used throughout...

Today's episode wraps up the chapter with a discussion on Jesus' suffering and the importance of standing up for what's right, even in the face of persecution: We become more like Jesus when we are persecuted for doing what's right.  A discussion on baptism - how it's not just a physical act, but a spiritual one that brings us closer to God. What are the "spirits in prison"? Jenn explores sev...

It is time to explore the life of Job, a man described as blameless and upright, who suffers catastrophic loss despite his unwavering faith in God: Who was Job? Was he a historical figure or a literary creation made to tell a moral story? The significance of Job's character, his possible kingship, and his role as mediator in his family. Was Job sinless, as some people claim? Why is the book of Job...

In a world where it's easy to get caught up in negativity and fear, 1 Peter 3 offers a powerful reminder of how to live a life that shines the light of Jesus. This episode of The Bible Explained podcast explores the concept of blessing those who hurt us: Christians are called to bless those who mistreat us, just like Jesus did on the cross. But what does it mean to bless someone? Does this mean we...

The book of Esther comes to a close in this episode, and it's a thrilling conclusion. But what's just as fascinating is the way this story has shaped the Jewish holiday of Purim, which is still celebrated today. The aftermath of Haman's defeat and the establishment of Purim as a national holiday. The significance of the word "Purim" and how it relates to the casting of lots that sealed the fate of...

This episode of the Bible Explained podcast delves into the topic of husbands submitting to God in their marriage relationships: Husbands must live with their wives according to knowledge - in other words, "In an understanding way." Being a Christian husband means treating one's wife with respect, even if she is difficult, and not pulling away from her or trying to find someone else. The concept o...

The Jews in Susa defend themselves against their enemies and ultimately emerge victorious. But what's behind this remarkable turn of events? The role of Mordecai, the king's new trusted advisor, and how his influence helped to turn the tide in favor of the Jews. Esther's request to Xerxes to extend the decree for another day for the Jews in Susa was a crucial factor in the outcome. The Jews refuse...

1 Peter delves into a topic that's often met with discomfort: the role of women in submission in the marriage relationship: The wife's comfort is not more important than her husband's spiritual health. Peter is usually misunderstood, with some people taking this passage to mean that women should never speak up or wear jewelry. However, Peter is actually saying that a gentle and quiet spirit is wha...

Esther is still at an impasse with the king after she learns about the destruction of her people: In a likely effort to placate Esther, the king gives her Haman's entire estate' Esther reveals her relationship with Mordecai, who is promoted to Haman's place Esther must appeal to the king a second time in order to beg for the life of her people Mordecai finds the solution that will save his people,...

In this episode, we delve into the climax of the story, where Esther's bravery is put to the test: Esther's words are laced with caution, as she carefully crafts her plea to save her people from destruction. The king and Haman finally realize that Esther is a Jewish woman The king angrily retreats to the garden, where he comes back to see Haman on the same couch with Esther pleading for his life H...

Today we delve into the topic of submission, specifically in the context of slavery, as discussed in 1 Peter 2:18-25: Peter encourages slaves to submit to their masters with respect, regardless of their treatment, as Jesus did when he suffered for humanity's sins. Peter, Paul, James, and other apostles understood something that most of the Roman world did not - that slaves had inherent value and c...