Jesus Changes People

It’s a tale as old as time, boy meets girl, which leads to boy and girl falling in love. That’s what’s recorded next in the story of Ruth. She is gleaning in the fields and ends up in a field owned by a relative of Naomi’s. How will this relationship begin and where will it go from this first chance meeting? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the second chapter of Ruth’s story. And it’s the time of...

To really understand the book of Ruth is to first understand the characters involved. And not just the details offered, but also what their names actually mean. With an understanding of name meanings, the backstory of what lands Naomi and Ruth in Bethlehem at harvest time has a much greater meaning. Join Ken and Mike as they make their way through this first chapter discussing not only name meanin...

Has Jesus Changes People become a Hallmark movie? Mike and Ken discuss the possibility as they begin Season 5, which will focus on a love story from the Bible. The book of Ruth tells the story of 3 prominent characters: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. The guys will give a high level view of the book; map out where they’re headed in this season; and discuss the things to be looking for as you work your way...

Ken and Mike review some of the key elements from season 4’s look at the Life and Times of David. They discuss David’s faith; how he’s a man after God’s own heart; what we can learn from his intimacy with God; the significance of shepherding in these accounts of David’s life; how David served God in his generation; and how he modeled for all of us the way to grow. The guys help translate what we’v...

David had wanted to build a temple for the Lord and even made preparations for it before his death. But God had told him, “You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. Hi...

Psalm 51 is a powerful expression of repentance and restoration. Written by David in the aftermath of his affair with Bathsheba, it shows humility, brokenness, and a willingness to do whatever God asks of him. It is in this chapter that David writes these words, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit fro...

The story of David and Goliath is well known in and out of church circles. In popular culture, it is used to highlight the underdog and how people can overcome great odds. Within the biblical context, the story of David and Goliath is also about trusting God to provide victory, and having a willingness to fight in your unique style. Ultimately, God gives David the victory. Join Mike and Ken for th...

While many people think of 2 Samuel 11 and 12 as simply David’s affair with Bathsheba, it is actually much more. Throughout the chapter we see David ignoring warning signs, not listening to advisors, and ultimately allowing his desire for Bathsheba to cause him to have her husband murdered. It begins with David not being where he should be–out to war with his army. When we are not where God wants...

When Samuel goes to anoint the next king of Israel, he makes a common mistake: he judges the potential candidates based on outward appearances. God uses this opportunity to share his perspective: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lo...

Do remember making mix tapes and having more songs than a 90 minute cassette would hold? That’s how the guys felt when they created the first volume of the Best of Listener Questions. So, they’ve created a second best of with questions not featured in volume 1. Join Ken and Mike, as they answer for us again 5 questions from these 5 episodes: Season 1 - Episode 7 - February 16, 2022 - Putting It In...

Mike and Ken review some of the key elements from season 3’s trip through the book of Colossians. They discuss the supremacy of Jesus, how those of us who are Christians are brought to fullness in Jesus, and how we live as people who’ve been made alive with Jesus. The guy’s discussion will feel like a trip through the potluck or smorgasbord line, and you may leave feeling like you’ve had a little...

Paul wraps up his letter to the Colossians with a couple more greetings. He also asks that the letters he’s written be shared between the churches in the area. There’s a specific message for one individual and it leaves us wondering, was Paul calling him out? He concludes by signing the letter in his own hand and reminding the Colossians of his chains. His last words are “Grace be with you.” What...

It can feel like there isn’t much to learn from the closing of a letter where everyone wants to say hi. However, when you know the stories of the individuals saying hi, you discover these people are testimonies of Jesus’ work in a person’s life. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the 5 people listed in these 4 verses, and what we can learn for ourselves from their stories. Also, how do the guys end...

We may think the end of a letter doesn’t have much to teach, but that’s not the case with Paul’s closing words to the Colossians. There’s a lot to be learned from Tychicus and Onesimus, the first two names Paul mentions. These two are dear brothers and faithful. Join Ken and Mike, as they discuss the back stories of Tychicus and Onesimus. They also ponder why some biblical names are used for child...

Paul encourages the Colossians to be ready at all times in prayer. And He invites them to pray so that the message of Jesus will be shared by him in a way that will be clearly understood and received. He also spurs them on to live lives that cause others to want to know more about Jesus. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss devotions that border on obsession, salty speech, and how we’re able to pray...

What can we learn from a passage in a letter addressing slaves and masters? We don’t have those conditions today. Well, actually a lot. We must contextualize Paul’s writing and then bring it forward to the present. When we do, we see there’s much that can be applied to our work environments. Join Ken and Mike as they discuss work relationships and how people changed by Jesus can change society. Al...

Four sentences, four verses, no problem, right? Not so fast. These verses are not as easy as they look. And one of them has been hotly contested in many church circles time and time again. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the roles of husbands, wives, parents, fathers, and children. Also, there’s a big reveal, and lots of talk about Star Wars. What does any of that have to do with family relation...

In these three verses, Paul will mention three different elements that are of Christ. The peace of Christ, the message of Christ, and the name of Christ. These elements help define what Christian relationships within the Church should look like. Paul also says that singing psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit are actually forms of teaching, warning, and offer wisdom. What does he mean exactly?...

Paul moves from listing vices to now listing virtues. His plea to live these positive virtues will be difficult without a distinction between the old and new life. These positive admonitions are not to be lived out by the old life or from the flesh, those are put away. Join Mike and Ken as they work their way through this passage, which deals with topics, like does God pick some and not pick other...

Barbarians, Scythians, and a wardrobe change. Oh, my! Paul begins a transition from a list of vices to virtues. In this transitional section, he encourages the Colossians to take off the vices because they hide the image of God in them, and to put on the virtues which make that image visible to those around them. This encouragement has just as much power and meaning for us today. Join Ken and Mike...

How do you deal with lists of things you shouldn’t do? Paul in this passage gives two lists of things that those who’ve given themselves to Jesus shouldn’t do. How we tackle these lists will tell us a lot about what we believe our identity to be. If Paul is encouraging us to clean house in our personal lives, how does he suggest we go about it? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss Paul’s transition t...

In this portion of His letter, Paul reminds the Colossians of what they once were, but no longer are. Then tells them what they now are and finishes by sharing with them what they will be. And all of this depends on their union with Jesus. From this, we learn that Christians have a new dimension to their life. This dimension isn’t some secret skill or knowledge, but is actually a person, Jesus. Pa...

Don’t listen to this episode. Gotcha! We see things like don’t do this or don’t do that, and we’re immediately drawn in. Are they trying to keep me from having fun? Is it really that dangerous? In this portion of Paul’s letter, he encourages the Colossians to not be drawn back in by the don’ts, the rules, and the commands that seem wise, but really lack any value in helping them live a better life...

The guys are back in the saddle, and ready to keep trekking through the letter to the Colossians. Paul’s been talking about all that Christians have because of their union with Jesus, and now he gives some practical action that should flow from this understanding. Paul also gets a little sarcastic and snarky, talking about the people who delight in judging, false humility, worship of angels, and d...

The guys have been cranking through Colossians, and thought it would be a good week to take a pause. What better way to pause, then by reliving some of the past Listener Questions? Join Ken and Mike, as they answer for us again questions from these 5 episodes: Season 1 - Episode 12 - March 21, 2022 - Finding Jesus Season 1 - Episode 16 - April 18, 2022 - Feeding on Jesus Season 1 - Episode 24 - Ju...