Pondering the Bible

Send us Fan Mail This episode of "Pondering the Bible," Ken  and Rocky delves into the first chapter of the book of Jonah. The hosts discuss Jonah's call from God to go to Nineveh, his decision to flee in the opposite direction, and the ensuing storm that threatens the ship he boards. They explore the significance of Jonah's actions, the response of the sailors, and the theolog...

Send us Fan Mail Ken and Rocky reunite to kick off Season 14. They discuss their hiatus, touching on personal matters such as Rocky’s mother's injury. The main topic dives into the Old Testament book of Jonah. The hosts outline differing views on the historical and allegorical interpretations of Jonah's story, especially the controversial aspect of the big fish. They emphasize the overar...

Send us Fan Mail This week we discuss the events and significance of Palm Sunday, focusing on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as described in Luke 19:28-44. We discuss into the prophetic implications of Jesus riding an unridden donkey, the symbolism of the donkey's colt, and the fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy. They also explore the larger context of the event, such as th...

Send us Fan Mail This week we discuss Luke 8:16-18, the Parable of the Lamp. We explore three different interpretations of the verses, emphasizing the importance of spreading the gospel message. The conversation delves into how every Christian has a responsibility to share their faith, akin to not hiding a lamp under a bed but placing it where it can illuminate the house. They also discuss the ide...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Pondering the Bible," co-hosts Ken Corkins and Pastor Rocky Ellison delve into the Parable of the Sower from Luke 8:4-15. Despite battling a cold, Pastor Rocky enthusiastically discusses different types of soil and their symbolism, explaining how our decisions and circumstances influence our receptivity to God's word. Together, they reflect on th...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Pondering the Bible," co-host Ken Corkins and Pastor Rocky Ellison return from a break and dive back into their exploration of the Gospel of Luke, specifically Chapter 8, verses 1-3. The discussion highlights the significance of these verses, emphasizing the radical and controversial nature of Jesus' ministry, including His breaking of social nor...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Pondering the Bible," co-host Ken Corkins welcomes guest Alan Taliaferro, filling in for regular host Rocky who is on vacation. The duo discusses the theme of patience, inspired by Alan's upcoming sermon based on Luke 13:1-9. They explore the significance of patience in faith and everyday life, and how impatience can lead to frustration and anger...

Send us Fan Mail This week played out a bit differently than we thought at the end of last week's episode. First, as you know, Rocky is on vacation, and Ms. Tori Dickens will be the Lay Speaker on Sunday. Secondly, Rocky and I usually record on Wednesday nights and that's where things went sideways. Wednesday was Ash Wednesday. Rather than record the episode, we attended Rocky's Ash...

Send us Fan Mail This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday, so we jump ahead in the Gospel of Luke to Chapter 9:28-36 to cover the story as reported by Luke. Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, so there will be no podcast with Tori Dickens. The week of March 16th, Lay Speaker Allan Taliaferro will bring the message, so we will record a podcast that week.  The sermon for this episode it titled "Stay...

Send us Fan Mail This week, Kristin Corkins delivers the sermon as Rocky is attending a conference.  Working from Ephesians 5:25-33, Kristin's sermon focuses on the metaphor of marriage to describe Christ's relationship with the church, drawing parallels with traditional marital vows, and discusses the concepts of love, honor, cherish, and the trials faced in both marriage and faith. The...

Send us Fan Mail The passage recounts the story of a sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume at a Pharisee's dinner. Rocky explains the significance of dining customs and the parable Jesus tells about forgiving debts. The conversation highlights the Pharisee's hypocrisy, Jesus’ ability to forgive sins, and the woman’s profound act of repentance. The sermon for th...

Send us Fan Mail The episode examines the rejection of John the Baptist and Jesus by the Pharisees and experts in religious law, comparing corrupt church officials to bullies in a marketplace. They address how Jesus condemned these leaders for their hypocrisy and focus on money rather than spiritual guidance. The conversation provides historical and cultural context to the biblical passage and que...

Send us Fan Mail This week we continue through Luke, discussing the message and actions of John the Baptist and Jesus. The conversation focuses on John’s imprisonment and his challenge to Jesus to demonstrate his messianic role. Rocky explains how Jesus’ response, referencing the prophecies of Isaiah, clarifies his mission of salvation and healing rather than condemnation. The episode emphasizes t...

Send us Fan Mail This week we delve into the miracle where Jesus revives a widow's only son, emphasizing the compassion Jesus shows and his unprecedented action of touching the stretcher of a dead person, which would be seen as unclean. They explain the cultural and religious significance of death and resurrection during those times and highlight that Jesus' act not only resurrects the s...

Send us Fan Mail This week we jump forward in the book of Luke to Chapter 7, verses 1-10,the story of the Roman Centurion's faith in Jesus. They discuss the importance of understanding the life and ministry of Jesus verse by verse, contrasting this with the lectionary approach of jumping between scriptures. The episode delves into the Centurion's background, his high status, and his resp...

Send us Fan Mail In this Episode, Ken and Rocky discuss the significance of the Baptism of Jesus as described in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 3, verses 15-22. The discussion covers John the Baptist's role in preparing the way for Jesus and addresses misconceptions about John being the Messiah. They explore John's proclamation of Jesus' coming and the powerful symbolism in the baptism...

Send us Fan Mail . In this episode we discuss the significance of Jesus' circumcision, naming, and his parents' adherence to Mosaic Law, highlighting Joseph's unique involvement. The episode features Simeon's prophecy, emphasizing Jesus' role as the Messiah for all people, not just Jews, and the profound implications for Mary. Key points include the timeline between Jesus&...

Send us Fan Mail Ken messed up this week and forgot we rescheduled our recording session due to Christmas. This episode is Rocky's sermon. The sermon for this Episode is titled "Dirty Jobs" and can be heard at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser   Find us at www.pondergmc.org .  Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com   Music performed by the Ponder GM...

Send us Fan Mail **Re-Uploaded** In this episode, Rocky and Ken explore the historical and cultural context of the Roman census decreed by Caesar Augustus and its implications for Mary and Joseph. They address key questions about Augustus's motivations, the logistical and ethical dilemmas faced by the couple, and the significance of the census in fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. The episo...

Send us Fan Mail This week we  delve into the story of the birth and circumcision of John the Baptist from Luke 1:57-66. Rocky and Ken emphasize the cultural and religious traditions of the time, including the importance of circumcision and the naming process. The episode also explores the speculation surrounding how Elizabeth knew the name John and the broader significance of John's birth in...

Send us Fan Mail This week Ken and Rocky focus on the angel Gabriel's annunciation to Mary about the miraculous conception of Jesus. The discussion contrasts this event with Gabriel's previous announcement to Zechariah about the birth of John the Baptist. Ken and Rocky explore Mary's reactions, the significance of her virginity, and the differences between the two angelic visits. Th...

Send us Fan Mail We start season 13 by delving into the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. The discussion centers on the priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, who are both descendants of Aaron. The narrative unfolds the divine announcement by the angel Gabriel to Zechariah that Elizabeth will bear a son named John, who will later be known as John the Baptist. Despite Zechariah's initial...

Send us Fan Mail In this final episode, we delve into the final chapter of 1 John, specifically focusing on chapter 5, verses 13 through 21. We discuss John's teachings on the assurance of eternal life for believers, the importance of praying according to God's will, and the distinction between sins leading to death and those that do not. Rocky clarifies misconceptions around certain scr...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we delve into the first half of Chapter 5 of the First Epistle of John.  Rocky discusses the complexities around the interpretation of "water and blood"  in v. 6 and its significance in proving Jesus' humanity and divinity. John affirms that only those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God will overcome the world and gain eternal life. The Sermon for thi...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we return to the first Epistle of John, covering 1 John 4:7-21. John focuses on the theme of love, and highlights the mandate for believers to love one another, emphasizing that true love comes from God. Rocky explores the different Greek words for love and explains that the word "love" used in this passage is "agapeo," signifying a selfless, sacrifi...