Footnotes and Witness

We are working through a first glance familiarization of the book of John. Today we are marking our observations of Chapter 2 Things to look out for: time markers geographic markers key words connecting words verbs lists Notable things: Verses 1-12 Wedding at Cana in Galilee (wine miracle- 1st sign)   who was there? what was the problem? what kind of jars were they? who were the witnesses?        ...

The reading of John chapter 2 

Book of John - Chapter 1 Inductive method intro episode :(201) https://www.buzzsprout.com/2045573/12172541 inductive bible link : https://www.amazon.com/dp/0736947000?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_BBAM629RV6E0TDKXPT1W Chapter 1-12 key words: believe life sign judge(ment) witness love sin true (truth) Spirit king(dom) Phrases to keep a look out for in any bible study :  “as the prophet says (said)” anythin...

We are going to try a whole NEW format- going through an entire book of the Bible together- the book of John. Each week I will release the chapter, read in its entirety, and then in a separate episode, the chapter study. That way you can use whatever resource you prefer to read the chapter. I prefer to read chapters in a text Bible, real paper and ink. If I am trying to read the entire book at onc...

Gospel according to John - Chapter 1 read from ESV Illuminated Scripture https://www.illuminatedbible.org/

Welcome to the BONUS episode! The Lord's Prayer. Maybe you know it, can recite it by heart, maybe you have never heard it. Either way, old friend or new idea, it is worth taking a minute to really look at what this prayer is. The simple lines speak volumes about God and who He is. Jesus taught us to pray this prayer to give us a simple way to remember how to deepen our relationship with our H...

Join me in the season ending interview with my husband Mike McKenzie! How have you seen the random details in scripture? Do you feel better equipped to find God in them? https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Have you ever noticed that certain numbers in the Bible repeat? The number 7 and 40 are found in numerous places. What are we to glean from this repetition of numbers? Is numerology a study that should be applied to the Bible?  The most important question,  of course is not answered in being in awe of numbers but of the creator!  We are rounding out the season of random things in the Bible with lo...

Has your yearly reading plan ever died in Leviticus? No one likes to read rule books and manuals. Some of these laws seem seriously archaic and irrelevant. Let's take a closer look at why the law is in our bibles. It is actually a large section of scripture that goes through several books. We also are going to look at NT scripture and what Jesus said about the law. Finally, how did Paul guide...

We are continuing in our look at random things found in scripture. Today we are taking a look at 2 Timothy. Paul asks Timothy to bring him his coat. Why is this errand and personal favor part of God's holy word?  Our 2 questions: What does this show us about God's character? Where is Jesus in this ? References: Charles Spurgeon's sermon on the insights of Paul's coat:  https://...

What are we supposed to do with the detailed instructions of Exodus? Are we supposed to use them to build a new ark or temple? Why would God keep such minutiae in the Bible? We can always count on asking 2 questions no matter where we are in scripture: What does this tell me about God's character? Where is Jesus (the gospel) in this? Let's take a look at the details found in the back hal...

We have 4 gospels that account for Jesus Christ's life and ministry, his death and resurrection. Some may see having separate accounts that differ on the details as a burden; I do not! Let's look at how having 4 different accounts is a blessing and an asset. We look at the authors of each and their intention. Then I take a small sample from one story found in each gospel: the feeding of...

Season 4 kicks off with genealogies from 1 Chronicles. What are all these seemingly random things in the Bible for? Today we look specifically at the first 10 chapters of Chronicles. It is a whole lot of names. What can we actually learn about God from all those names? How does this point to the gospel? So many people skip over Chronicles because of the enormous task of the first 10 chapters. It a...

I sincerely hope you have been able to start and maybe even finish, writing your testimony. It is an amazing act of worship even if you don't share it. Today I am giving you examples, of my own witness testimony, of taking a 10 min testimony and making it a 2 minute story. This is the most practical to practice and think about. What if, Christians always shared this small testimony when they...

I am so grateful that my friend Carol came and shared her experience of being asked to give her testimony at a church event. Then she blesses us with that witness testimony! #donthangup Carol gives us a really good example of how to highlight God's involvement in our lives over decades, like Ruth. Whether it is a moment or a season, God works with and through us. It is an act of worship to wr...

10 minute testimony- common pitfalls and missteps 1- glorifying your sin Do you long for your life before walking with Jesus? This can highlight an unrepentant heart. We want to focus on the Savior not the Sin ! Pray for your heart to see what you have gained in your faith, not what you “ gave up ”.  2- assigning credit where it doesn’t belong We don’t accomplish any heart changes without Jesus. O...

Outline for writing your 10 minute testimony; start by answering these questions: When did you decide to follow God and give your heart to Jesus? When did God meet you in a low or dark place in your life? (5 Remembrance Stones) What has the last year of your spiritual life looked like? How do you feel about it? How do you think God feels about it? Reflections on the process: How have you felt thro...

From last week to think about starting your testimony: Declare your faith Confessions made or need to be made Where God has worked in your life Times you have been humbled and/or changed 10 Minute Testimonies help you stay focused and start working on giving up control of your story. We want to be heard and understood but we can't control how our lives are observed by others. Tell your story...

What have our bible testimonies shown us about finding Jesus in our own story?  Rahab  Declare Your Faith    Jonah Confess your disobedience- God is patient Ruth God is always at work-look for His involvement  Moses Be humbled enough to change Scripture References:  Rehab's declaration: Joshua 2 Mentioned in the episode: Celebrate Recovery - https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ articles on sove...

Sometimes we feel like our story isn't good enough. Sometimes it feels like we don't want to share our mistakes and pain. Let's take a close look at the beginning of Moses' witness testimony, his story. It didn't start out like it ended. There were mistakes and pain and yet God chose Moses anyway.  Scripture References: Exodus chapters 3 & 4 Blessing: Numbers 6:24-26 M...

Ruth is a short book and a big story. It has, from time to time, been shortchanged. I want to present you with Ruth's testimony. This is a perfect example of just telling your story, simply. It doesn't have to have all the right lingo or be a statement of praise. Sometimes we think if we can't write lyrics or poetry, we can't praise God. God lives in our day to day lives, right...

Jonah and the Whale! Do you know the story or the scriptures? Jonah's witness testimony is important because it isn't complete. Our stories, our witness sometimes don't have a happy ending. Sometimes our witness doesn't have a resolution. They still have value and they still can point to the ever present patience and love of Jesus Christ. Scripture References: First mention of...

Rahab! What a great lady. She was an adulteress traitor who God turned into a beautiful bride.  Scripture References: Joshua Chap 2 & 6 Rahab's confession: Joshua 2:9-13 NT Matthew 1:5         Hebrews 11:31        James 2:25 Plot: Hebrew spies in Jericho are hidden by the harlot Rahab and given safety. Rahab asked for mercy.  Setting: Jericho over the Jordan River Character: Rahab Referen...

Welcome to a bonus episode! John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  What is the context? Jesus is having a chat with Nicodemus the pharisee. Jesus is exploring being born-again in the spirit. Nicodemus has come to Jesus in earnest but Jesus keeps saying things incomprehensible. The reality of this well...

Season 2 finale interview- Part 2 of my interview with April and Mary! We talk about favorite parts to read in the Bible and what we want to read more intently. A few outtakes on the end to help you see how fun these 2 actually are to chat with. References: Anonymous by Alicia Britt Chole https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-hidden-years-yours/dp/0785298398/ref=asc_df_0785298398/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCod...