Take & Read Podcast

Episode 45 w/ LJ McCulloch [Mark 9:42-50] How should christians handle sin in their lives? Today LJ and I discuss Jesus teaching the disciples about the dangers of leading people away from Christ. Through graphic language and hyperbole, Jesus articulates the severely Christians should deal with sin in their lives. Even though we are all broken through sin, we can all be restored through the wondro...

Mark 9:38-41 w Parker and Amy Smith from  @Yee Yee    Today we have a new and special guest, Amy Smith with her husband and frequent guest, Parker. In this episode we discuss a scene where the disciples approach Jesus about someone performing miracles in the name of Jesus. The disciples take issue with this because they believed "he was not with them."   Jesus corrects their th...

Episode 43 w/ Pastor Ivan [Mark 9:33-37]   "Understanding Jesus is a process. We are progressing in this understanding. We are blind and we cannot understand in our own strength or mind. Only when Jesus touches us can we see Him clear and then we can comprehend what He is calling us to do." - Ivan  Sponsors / Resources: Click to support:  22 Beans Coffee Co. Click to buy:  Take...

Episode 42  [Mark 9:30-32] In today's episode, we peer into a scene where Jesus is teaching His disciples. This teaching is not explaining some Godly principle, but rather Jesus is prophesying His death and resurrection. The disciples however, did not understand and were afraid. Sponsors / Resources: Click to support:  22 Beans Coffee Co. Click to buy:  Take & Read Podcast Hats...

Episode 41 w/ Kert Prater [Mark 9:14-29]   "I do believe; help my unbelief" - A Desperate Father In today's episode, Pastor Kert and I talk about the power of prayer and Jesus. This is passage we observe an argument taking place. When Jesus asks why the people are arguing, He is met with a healing request because His disciples could not grant.   The request is from a Father with a son wh...

Episode 40 w/ Chet Garner [Mark 9:2-13] Today we cover one of the most miraculous and unbelievable moments recorded in the Bible! Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' transfiguration. His clothes became dazzlingly white and Elijah and Moses appear, speaking with Jesus. Then in an instant, a cloud appeared and covered them. Then the disciples heard a voice saying, "This is my Son, whom I love. L...

Episode 39 w/ Parker Smith [Mark 8:34-9:1] Immediately after Jesus predicting His own death, Jesus clearly defines the how someone can be a follower of Christ. Parker and I discuss how sometimes we can loose sight of the ultimate goal, Jesus. Our sinful nature looks for our security and and fulfillment in the things of this world, but will that ultimately satisfy us?   Is there something othe...

Episode 38 w/ Kasie Noble [Mark 8:31-33] In today's episode, Kasie and I examine a revealing part of Mark. Jesus speaks and teaches His disciples about how he is going to suffer, die, and rise from the dead. In response to this, Peter takes Jesus aside and rebukes Him. Jesus says, "Get behind me, Satan." He rightly confronts Peter and says that his mind is set on human things instead of the things...

Episode 37 w/ Bernie Calcote [Mark 8:27-30]   "How many of us live out our faith based upon what other people say about who (Jesus) is?" - Bernie   In this episode, we are challenged by the scriptures to recognize Jesus for who He is. He is Messiah! However, are we always willing to claim that? Do we live our lives in a way that clearly shows that truth? Additionally, Bernie and I wrestl...

Episode 36 w/ LJ McCulloch [Mark 8:22-26] The disciples bring Jesus a blind man to heal. The section of scripture contains an extremely unique miracle performed by Jesus. After the blind man is brought to Jesus, He spits on his eyes and then the man began to partially see. Then Jesus lays His hands on the man and he begins to see perfectly clear. Why did Christ perform this miracle in such a seemi...

Episode 35 w/ Granger Smith [Mark 8:14-21] The disciples argue over having no bread immediately after Jesus miraculously fed the 4,000. Today, Granger and I discuss the level of trust that the disciples had in Jesus at this point in His ministry. Jesus calls them to remember the miracle that He just performed. Even in the presence of Jesus, they had doubt and fear and forgot how Jesus provided. On...

Episode 34 w/ Parker Smith [Mark 8:11-13] The Pharisees test Jesus and ask for a sign. Jesus does not oblige. Today, Parker and I tackle three verses that hold a powerful story and lesson. The Pharisees decide to test Jesus by asking for a sign from Jesus in an effort to prove His deity. Jesus blatantly tells them no. Moreover, He says that "No sign will be given to this generation." Then He turne...

Episode 33 w/ Bernie Calcote [Mark 8:1-10] Jesus shows boundless compassion to the people who followed Him to a desolate place. Bernie joins the podcast again and talks about Jesus feeding the 4,000. If this sounds familiar to you, it's because Mark recounts a similar story in chapter 6 (episode 28). In that chapter, it retells the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. However, today's text highlights...

Episode 32 w/ Chet Garner [Mark 7:31-37] Jesus heals a deaf and mute man. What does this story mean for us? Listen and find out more! Today Chet Garner and I finish the last few verses of chapter 7. In this section, Mark recounts the story of a group of men that bring their friend (who is deaf and mute) to Jesus for healing. Jesus does in fact heal the man but in a very curious way. This is one mo...

Episode 31 w/ Granger Smith [Mark 7:24-30] The love of a mother for her child is a powerful thing. But even more powerful is the love of Jesus toward His people. Today we hear the story  of a mom who begs Jesus to cast a demon out of her daughter. Jesus' response challenges the mother and her response showed her true faith. After hearing this faithful response, Jesus says, "For this statement...

2 Timothy 3:14-17 Understanding the Bible and doing what the Bible says is the key to life. No, it might not give us what the world prizes the most, but it will gift us life and life abundant. In this text, Paul writes Timothy and encourages him to remember what he has been taught his whole life about God. While Paul is imprisoned, he finds it necessary to tell Timothy that all scripture is inspir...

Episode 30 w/ Kasie Noble [Mark 7:1-23] In this episode, Kasie and I discuss a larger-than-normal passage of scripture. What happens to the commandments of God and the Word of God when humans create loopholes to avoid the following Christ? It's very simple. Jesus articulates that treating the Word of God in such a way distorts and places the traditions of men above God's Word. In verses 17-23. Jes...

Episode 29 w/ Kert Prater [Mark 6:45-56] As the disciples are struggling amongst high winds and waves, Jesus walks on the water. The disciples see Him and thought He may be a ghost. Jesus  responded by saying "Take Courage" and climbs into the boat, causing the winds and waves to cease. After getting to the shore, Jesus' popularity is undeniable as the people recognize who He is and spread th...

Episode 28 w/ Parker Smith [Mark 6:30-44] In this episode, Parker and I discuss the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. Jesus perform this incredible miracle by feeding five thousand men (or somewhere in the realm of 10,000 people), who were following Him because of His teachings. Jesus takes compassion on them because the are sheep without a shepherd. When this world reveals its insufficien...

Episode 27 w/ LJ McCulloch [Mark 6:14-29] John the Baptist is murdered by King Herod. After the daughter of Herodias  (King Herod's sister-in-law) danced for the king, he promised her anything she desired - up to half of his kingdom. Her response was to deliver John the Baptist's head on a platter. King Herod knew that John was a righteous man. Nevertheless, he agreed to the request and...

Episode 26 w/ Bernie Calcote [Mark 6:7-13] Jesus sends the disciples out to share the Gospel! Interestingly enough this is the first Take and Read Podcast episode that is filmed away from home. Chad and Bernie discuss the cultural significance of Jesus' instructions to the disciples. Additionally, they talk about how the Gospel is something that does not need our feeble help to make it  stron...

Episode 25 w/ Amber and Granger Smith [Mark 6:1-6] Jesus returns to his hometown and did not experience the welcome that one would expect. He gets rejected by the people in his former home and by his relatives. But even still, Jesus lays His hands on several sick people and healed them. Amber Smith joins the podcast and brings a great perspective! Granger, Amber, and Chad discuss the beginning of...

Episode 24 w/ Parker Smith [Mark 5:21-43] Two incredible healings happen in this section of chapter 5. First, a Jewish leader falls down at Jesus' feet and implores Him to heal his daughter. Second, while Jesus is on his way to the leader's daughter, a woman shows incredible faith and reaches out to touch Jesus' garment. Both experience the incredible undeniable healing of Christ. Sponsors / Resou...

Episode 23 w/ LJ McCulloch [Mark 5:1-20] The Scene: A demon, a possessed man, a Gentile land, the disciples, and Jesus. The  Gospel of Mark has been focusing on Jesus' authority and in the episode, we see His authority on display. Jesus' ministry sends Him and the Disciples to a Gentile land. A wild demon-possessed man, compelled by the demon (Legion), runs to Jesus and Legion begs Him to not...

Episode 22 w/ Kert Prater [Mark 4:35-41] How can we trust Jesus when life tells us that no one has the power to save or protect us? Chapter 4 concludes with Jesus showing His authority over the wind and sea. Jesus strongly rebukes the disciples for not trusting in His power and addresses their lack of faith. Likewise, how should we as followers of Christ handle situations that cause fear and anxie...