Footnotes and Witness

This is a 2 part interview because I had my 2 besties from Texas come and chat and I couldn't cut it down anymore! Make sure you continue the conversation with part 2 to be released next day.  There may even be a few outtakes after the final credits... https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Trigger warning for this episode: I tell my experience of healing through the grief of a deceased child, a cousin who passed when she was 2. If there are sensitive hearts about this subject, I encourage you to listen to this in a space where you can really listen to the gospel.  We need to know biblical literature because training yourself to see Jesus in all of scripture will help you build the s...

Hopefully you have seen this season there are different types of literature in the Bible and you are totally capable of reading all of it. Being aware is really all it takes. The next step is inductive study methods. They teach you to slow down and see what the text is actually saying.  Today we looked at 1 Corinthians chapter 1 and Psalm 23  Look for connecting words and verbs: Connecting words -...

When studying discourse, keep 3 things in mind: historical and situational context: why was this written? God's character: what does the overarching point show you about God's character? gospel: the Bible is one unifying story about God and the good news brought by Jesus Christ. How does this passage point to the gospel? The point of discourse is specific to the original audience. We can...

What is discourse? Discourse is written or spoken communication or debate.  Major bible chunks that fall under this description are the law in OT and the epistles in NT. Out of the 27 books in NT, 21 are letters of discourse and 13 were written by Paul.  Scripture References: Matthew 5:12 golden rule Matthew 5-7 Sermon on the Mount, Jesus' discourse Galatians- Paul's letter to the church...

Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature Prophecy- what is a prophet?   Someone charged by God to speak on His behalf Books of prophecy: Main 3: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel / 12 "lesser" prophets 12 books originally on a single scroll: Hosea- Joel-Amos-Obadiah-Jonah- Micah- Nahum- Habakkuk-Zephaniah- Haggai-Zechariah-Malachi what prophets did:   bring accountability to God's people (accusa...

Take a look at 2 particular type of poetical literature: psalms and the wisdom books. How do we read these books? How do they reflect God's character? How do they point to the gospel? Psalms : 150 psalms making a temple of words in the form of a prayer book. Two main types are laments and praises. Some familiar psalms are 23, 91, 139 These prayers show us how to begin relationship with God. T...

Poetry Overview - Up to 30% of the bible is written in poetical language * How do we identify biblical poetry?   look for literal changes in the text (indentions, quotes)  a real ink and page bible will help you see these changes easier than digital books of the bible identified as poetry (Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon [songs])  look for imagery-not rhyming  * What do we do with it once poetry...

How does understanding biblical literature in narrative help us be better witnesses? It helps us understand how to tell a story that means something. It helps us see how to frame our own witness, to find the purpose, and share our witness.  I hope my small example of Christmas witness can inspire and comfort you. I found hope and foundation in life's chaos because of a foundation of scripture...

Our last deep dive into biblical narrative! Today is all about the plot, the events. How should we read events? What can we and should we infer from these stories? How do we apply what we learn in our own lives? What do events in biblical literature teach us about God's character? Understanding Before Inferring---Application After Study Scripture references: Luke 2:21-35 Mary and Jospeh take...

Season 2 continues on with how to tackle biblical narrative. This week: settings!  Scripture References: Matthew 2:13-15 / Matthew 2:19-23 Hosea 11:1 ("out of Egypt I called my son") Study Notes start with these questions: Who wrote this? -to whom? Where/When is this happening? Character List: Key words Have you made a study plan? Is it in your calendar? https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/...

Biblical Literature-Narrative How do I know if I'm reading literature?  1. Is a story being told about a particular character (s)? 2. Is there a description of a time or place? 3. Is there dialouge? 4. Has the events in the story already taken place? Looking at characters:  make a list list attributes and or decisions made by each character  look up the name and record the definition (blue le...

Season 2 is here! Biblical Literature It is so important to know what type of literature you are reading when cracking open your Bible. There are different types of literature genres in the Bible. When we can learn to recognize these literature patterns, the Bible can come alive for us. It helps you read the scriptures rightly. I am not an expert; I was simply given tools and resources. These thin...

Join us for a special season ending discussion of the disciples! My husband, Mike, chats with me about questions that stood out to him and what it is like to be a witness from the guy perspective.  Bible Study Resources: Inductive Bible Study https://www.logos.com/grow/how-to-inductive-bible-study/ Books: Jen Wilkin:  Women of the Word https://www.jenwilkin.net/books-and-studies Howard Hendricks: ...

Jesus' crew has given us more information to see Jesus' character rightly. Hopefully this has been a time, not simply to accumulate facts, but the fall even more in love with our Savior! Matthias  1st mention Acts 1:23 - name means "gift of God"  Acts 1:15-26 account of replacing Judas  Reflection Questions  Is there a place in your life where God is asking you to take on more...

We are rounding out the last of the OG 12 of Jesus' crew: Thaddaeus and Judas Iscariot  Thaddaeus: name means" large hearted or courageous" (may be the author of Jude)  Scripture References: Jesus family didn't believe (follow) Him John 7:1-5 / Mark 3:21- Acts 1:14-Jesus family does come to believe  Reflection Question: How would you react/feel if someone else got credit for yo...

Witness- Common Ground  Observations:  Jesus chose unlikely people  Jesus wasn't afraid of difficult relationships Jesus Christ is the common ground that can overcome barriers  Heart check questions: If you made a list of the people you talk to (or in relationships with) in a given week or month, what would it look like? Are they the same socioeconomic class as you? Life stage, race, age?  Is...

Simon the Zealot and James son of Alphaeus  This is our 6th episode of discussing the apostles of Jesus Christ and how we learn more about Jesus by looking at His crew. Today is James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot.  James son of Alphaeus  James means “Jacob” in Hebrew and “supplanter” in Greek 1st mention is Matthew 10:3 Can be referenced as “little” or “lesser” James Reflection Questions:...

We are continuing with our 5th episode about the disciples. Today we are discussing Philip and Bartholomew. We are also covering observations and making lists.  Philip- his name means “lover of horses”.  Scripture references: 1st mention : Matthew 10:3 Philip tells a friend: John 1:43-46 Asks Jesus to see the way/Father: John 14:6-11 Acts 6/8 is Philip the Evangelist and NOT this Philip, the apost...

This is our 4th episode about the apostles, the disciples, Jesus' crew! This episode is about James and John. They are referred to as "sons of Zebedee". That is their father. They are first mentioned in Matthew 4:21 Scripture references: James' death: Acts 12:2 called "sons of thunder": Mark 3:16-19 from the account in Luke 9:51-56 (they ask to rain fire down on the S...

Reflection questions: What prevents you from sharing your testimony? Are you currently in community with a faith group you trust? What prevents your trust? Have you been the person to hear gossip? To spread gossip? 3 roles in witnessing: Big stage brave small story share the one to trust Record or write: just get started! 2 different options to start getting your testimony down: timeline or snapsh...

Second set of disciples- Continuing in our study of the disciples: Peter and Andrew (brothers) Peter (known as Simon): name means "rock" occupation= fisherman first mentioned in Matthew 4:18 Scripture references: denial 3x Luke 22:54-62; redemption of denial John 21:1-17 historical reference to death: Origen (historian from 200 AD) "Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downward...

Thanks for checking out my new podcast Footnotes and Witness. This episode is the intro that explains what this is all about. Also, this is the start a series studying the apostles/disciples of Jesus Christ. By looking at who Jesus chose to have in His crew, we learn characteristics about Jesus. When we see Jesus rightly, we can more easily see Him in our own lives.  Resources: https://www.bluelet...

First Apostles episode-taking a dive into our first 2 apostles/disciples: Matthew and Thomas Matthew: first mentioned in Matthew 9:9  name= gift of God occupation= tax collector Special things to note= author of the book of Matthew; wrote one of 2 lineages of Jesus Christ; called Levi Reflection questions: What do you think about Matthew's character based on his profession and/or writings? Ha...

I believe the Bible is for everyone at all times. When you begin to see Jesus Christ rightly, you can more easily see Him in your own life. When you tell your witness, your story, God is glorified and communities are enriched. We should all have a safe place to tell our witness and I believe that could be the church. Life and all its ups and down are made that much richer when we live life togethe...