Talking John

Season 2 - Episode 3 - I AM Bread and True Vine Scripture: John 6:26-70 and 15:1-8 Description: As we dive into two images that are so central to John White’s faith, we hope that you will find a way of understanding community and connection to Christ.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” Where do you see light overcoming darkne...

Season 2, Episode 2: I AM Bread and True Vine Scripture: John 6:26-70 and 15:1-8 Description: As we dive into two images that are so central to John White’s faith, we hope that you will find a way of understanding community and connection to Christ.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: How does knowing the context of a teaching (like the feeding of the 5,000 before “I a...

"I Am: The Good Shepherd and the Gate" Scripture: John 10:1-18 Description: Welcome to our next group of podcasts here in Talking John, where we will be discussing the “I Am” statements from the Fourth Gospel. We start with I am the Good Shepherd and the Gate from Chapter 10. Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: How does it change your understanding of Jesus to hear that...

Scripture: John 21:20-25 Description: We have come to the end of the Gospel, when we will reflect on God’s individual call on the life of Peter, and John, and Paul, and YOU!  Also, just when you thought we were at the end, a surprise awaits… Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: Reflecting on the phrase, “Walk your talk,” where in your life do your actions already line up...

Episode 38 - Swimming With the Lambs Scripture: John 21:1-19 Description: Well, we have made it to Chapter 21. Even though we will discuss the haul of fish and the threefold confession of love, we still won’t make it to the end. But that is because there is so much left to say. Enjoy this extra long episode! What does the vague timing (“afterward”) tell us about the disciples’ waiting season? How...

Episode 37 - In Praise of Being Late Scripture: John 20:19-31 Description: In this episode, we consider whether Thomas may be the disciple with the deepest faith. Doubt often leads to deep faith. Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: How can doubt be an essential part of a deeper faith, as the conversation suggests? Have you ever experienced doubt that ultimately strengthe...

Episode 36 - Darkness Turns to Light Scripture: John 20:1-18 Description: As the dawn breaks on the morning the disciples discover Jesus is gone from the tomb, the truth of the resurrection is also revealed. But the new light of understanding still has to drive away some of the darkness of their misunderstanding as well.  So it is also with us.    Questions to consider if you are using this podcas...

Episode 35 - Nic at Nearly Night Scripture: John 19:1-42 Description: The crucifixion is upon us, and it is the world’s great tragedy.  But in the Gospel of John, it is also an exaltation, and the birth of something new. What kind of faith will it birth? We debate that reality around the character of Nicodemus yet again. Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: How do we hold...

Episode 34 - What Is Truth? Scripture: John 18:1-40 Description: This chapter is filled with failures of leadership. In some instances, it seems as though people are making decisions to preserve their own power.  In others, it may be to keep those with more power than them from crushing down upon them. What do you think is behind the actions of Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate? Are they after truth or...

Episode 33 - The Lord’s Prayer Scripture: John 17:1-26 Description: This chapter is the Lord’s prayer. Not the one you are used to hearing or can possibly recite, but the prayer Jesus has for himself, for the disciples, and for all of us. What if we knew these words by heart too? Would it change how we treat one another?   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: How does it...

Episode 32 - Just a Little While Scripture: John 16:1-33 Description: There are so many things to think about in this chapter: how the Trinity works, is the Holy Spirit also available to nonbelievers, is Jesus speaking plainly or not? All these things to think about, and just a little while to do it. Uh oh.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study:  How do you think about ti...

Episode 31 -  In or Of Scripture: John 15:18-27 Description: In this episode, we consider the age old question of what it means to be in the world, not of the world, using our own struggles with wanting to be popular as the lens through which we view this tension.    Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: “If the world hates you…” Jesus begins this passage with if, not when...

Episode 30 - Fully Present Scripture: John 15:9-17 Description: Jesus calls us friends.  Friends!  What does it mean to truly think of Jesus as a friend? Perhaps our own good friendships can help us understand how to love Jesus better.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: What “pruning” might be necessary in your life or ministry right now? Are there good and even fruit...

Episode 29 - Fruit of the Vine Scripture: John 15:1-8 Description: Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. But what if we are struggling to bear fruit? We will look at the discipline of pruning today, noting that sometimes we have to give up something to experience the fullness of God’s abundance.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: What does “remaining” or “abiding...

Episode 28 - Peace Out! Scripture: John 14:27-31 Description: Jesus promises to give us peace not as the world gives. What does that mean? We reflect on that question and look back on John 14 as we prepare to move into John White’s favorite chapter.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: What’s the difference between the peace the world offers and the peace Jesus offers?...

Episode 27- The Faith of Judas Not Iscariot Scripture: John 14:18-26 Description: Faith can sometimes be a confusing journey. In this episode we remember the promise that Jesus won’t leave us alone in that journey. The Holy Spirit will continue to be with us.  Even if we don’t fully understand what that means.  Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: “I will not leave you as...

Episode 26 - Talking John Live! Scripture: John 4:4-42 Description: In this special episode, we are joined by Rev. Jonathan Tompkins, Senior Pastor of St. Andrew-by-the-Sea in Hilton Head, SC. His church is making its way through the Gospel of John during Lent and using this podcast to help guide the conversation. We return to Samanda, the Woman at the Well in John 4, to share what this passage me...

Episode 25 - Greater Things? Scripture: John 14:12-17 Description: More tough, somewhat unbelievable teaching from Jesus, including the promise that we will do greater things than he does.  What?!?! How is that even possible?!?! Listen, and learn even more about the joy and challenge of following Christ.  Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: Jesus tells the disciples they...

Episode 24: "Department of Redundancy Department" Scripture: John 14:7-11 Description: No matter how many times Jesus tries to teach the disciples who he is, they just don’t seem to understand. But we acknowledge, as frustrating as it is for teachers, sometimes repetition is needed to truly allow learning to take hold. Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: What does it mea...

Episode 23: "A House with Many Rooms" Scripture: John 14:1-6 Description: As we ponder what troubles hearts, we also imagine what it will be like when we are beyond trouble in the Father’s house of many rooms. Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: What troubles your heart today? How have you seen fear and misunderstanding collide recently? What issues did it create? If it...

Episode 22 - "They’ll Know We Are Christians" Scripture: John 13:31-38 Description: We look at the actions of Judas and Peter at the end of this chapter, anc consider what each of them tell us about following Jesus, especially when it gets tough.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: When have you seen a pastor who is too trusted take advantage of that trust, or seen a p...

Scripture: John 13:1-30 Description: We have entered the Farewell Discourse, where Jesus is sharing his last words with the Disciples. We look at the significance of last words and actions, and the consequences of not paying close enough attention, especially to the people in our lives.  Note: We will discuss a suicide in this episode. Please take care as you listen, and if you are considering sui...

Scripture: John 12:12-50 Description: We talk about the short shrift John gives to the Palm Sunday entry, and learn about the role donkeys played in building roads. We also consider what it means to follow Jesus, and to follow a God who is so purposeful in all God does.   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: What does the phrase “The Lord works in purposeful ways” mean to...

Episode 19: There’s Something About Mary Scripture: John 12:1-11 Description: The anointing of Jesus takes place in all four Gospels, one of the few scenes to show up in all of them. What was so significant about this story? Is it the action taken, or the woman who cares for Jesus in such a tender and profound way?   Questions to consider if you are using this podcast for study: How many anointing...

Episode 18 - "Thomas, Tombs, Tattletales, and Time" Scripture: John 11:1-57 Description: This episode covers the raising of Lazarus.  We start out considering whether Thomas is unfairly maligned and end knowing that Jesus definitely is. In the middle we consider how to understand the miracle and to remember to include Jesus’ humanity as we think of him.   Questions to consider if you are using thi...