JTalkin'

This is probably the nerdiest podcast I will ever do.  I talk about my favorite authors, commentaries, systematic theologies, and linguistic tools that have helped me over 44 years in Christian ministry.  And, I throw in a "Dad" joke to boot!  Enjoy!

Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat in World War II who saved thousands of lives by disobeying his government.  He could not stand idly by and watch people perish without doing the right thing.  

A Dutch homemaker and a pastor conspired in World War II to save thousands of Dutch (both Jew and Gentile) from the Nazis.  True story.  I hope it inspires you today.  

Rabbi Melchior lost no time in warning his people.  And the Danes did not forget their fellow citizens.  Be inspired by people who did the right (and dangerous) thing at the right time! 

I read a 25 year old newspaper clipping about Dr. John Morton-Finney, who at the age of 100 had earned eleven college degrees, overcome racial prejudice, built a great life, and inspires greatness.  I hope his life inspires you today.  

Do you know the name of Robert Raymond Scott?  You should.  He is a young man, an American hero, who should never be forgotten.  Be inspired today by his act of utter selfless devotion.  

If the Law that God gave to Moses is now fulfilled and no longer binding on Christians today, why did God give it in the first place?  Tune in and find out!

There have been plenty of sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects over the centuries, and some of them have no natural explanation.  Does the Bible give us any guidance on what these things may be, and what their purpose is?  

If the Law of Moses is fulfilled and terminated at the Cross, and the Christian is not under its authority any longer, then do we have moral law for us today?  If so, where is it in the Bible?  

The Law of Moses is 613 commandments and statutes in quite a large portion of the Bible (the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).  But Christians don't seem to try to obey this large section of Scripture.  Why is that?  Are these laws binding on Christians today, and if not, why?  

My family asked me if there is one verse they could use when talking to people about their faith, instead of memorizing a ton of passages.  So, here is one verse that says a lot about what we have in Christ.  

This is a brief prayer written by a dying soldier over 150 years ago.  I think it helps us prioritize things, and put things in their proper perspective.  Enjoy.  

A personal story of talking to my dying friend at the steel mill.  

Dr J deals with a few scriptures commonly used to promote the idea that God always promises physical healing for all Christians in response to faith (i.e. 1 Peter 2:24; John 14:12-14).  How do we know what are God's promises and commands for the Church, the Body of Christ today?  

Dr J looks at the claims from some that God wants all Christians to be financially prosperous.  Does the Bible support this claim?  Is this part of the true Gospel that we see in the New Testament?  

Dr. J deals with Proverbs 18:21 and Deuteronomy 7:12-16 in light of Prosperity Gospel claims, and asks a few tough questions for us to ponder. 

Dr. J deals in depth Psalm 103:3 and Matthew 10:5-10, as well as Paul's statements in 1,2 Timothy and 2 Corinthians 7:9-12.  Of course God can heal today, and does heal today, but is God obligated to always heal all believers all the time, even in response to great faith?  

Dr. J (who is a born again evangelical Christian) has some questions for the "Prosperity Gospel" proponents.  Is what they are claiming really biblical? Here is part one in a series examining the claims of this teaching that has found its way into countless churches around the world.  

A few tips from a dad who raised a bunch of boys to become hard-working, respectful, fun-to-be-with gentlemen!

What do daughters need to hear, see, experience from their dad?  Dr. J had a blast raising his kids with his wife, and here are a few tips for dads to follow in raising their daughters.  

The Ancient Greek poet Aeschylus, and the divinely inspired authors of the Bible agree on an important point about life..listen in!

What does it mean to forgive someone?  What do I do so that I am not controlled by what has happened to me?