The Bible Explained with Jenn Kokal

Jenn delves into the concept of faith, exploring its difference from belief and/or obedience. The discussion centers around the Hall of Faith in Hebrews chapter eleven, where the author of Hebrews highlights various individuals who demonstrated remarkable faith in God's promises: What is the difference between faith and belief? Why it's crucial to have faith, not just belief One can have belief, b...

In this episode of TBE, Jenn delves into Ezra chapter seven, where we meet the main character, Ezra, a skilled scribe and leader of the Israelites: King Artaxerxes gives Ezra a letter granting him permission to lead some Israelites back to Jerusalem The king's letter shows the power dynamics at play in the Persian Empire. Ezra is tasked with using the king's funds and resources to beautify the Tem...

In this episode, Jenn delves into the concept of faith, exploring what it means to have faith in God and how it's demonstrated in the lives of biblical figures like Abel, Enoch, and Abraham: The definition of faith - the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. The lives of these biblical characters, who, through their faith, experienced incredible outcomes, such as Abe...

In this episode of the Bible Explained podcast, Jenn delves into the story of Ezra and the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Despite facing opposition from neighboring nations and even some of the Persian kings, the Israelites remained committed to their faith and worked tirelessly to complete the temple. Some key points in today's episode: The importance of the temple's completion, hi...

**Hebrews 10: A Call to Action** In this episode, Jenn delves into the difficult topic of Hebrews 10, where Christians are reminded that actions have consequences, and that God is a God of justice: The concept of willful sinning - how it leads to a "fearful expectation of judgment" and a "fierceness of fire" that will devour those who refuse to obey God. Jenn shares personal anecdotes and biblical...

In today's episode from Ezra 6: Who was king Darius? Why did he sponsor the rebuilding of the temple? The Apharsachites are fully humiliated by Darius's letter Darius promises destruction to anyone who adds or takes away from his decree A warning to those who misuse the Bible by adding or taking away from it God has the right to preserve His Word from false teachers and prophets Related episodes:...

The author of Hebrews says not to "forsake" the assembly: What it means to "forsake" the assembly. What is church for - yourself, others, or God? Why "being fed" is not a good reason to go to church. Jenn shares personal testimonies to illustrate the value of meeting together, even in difficult times Here's other amazing content from P40! YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw...

In today's episode: When the cards are stacked against us, God wants us to do our best YHWH's message to the complacent Israelites The bordering nations try to stop the temple being rebuilt again The manipulative letter sent to king Darius You should always expect discouragement when following God's will Why discouragement is an opportunity to watch God turn things around Related episodes: Luke 12...

In this episode, Jenn explores the concept of atonement:   What the word "atonement" means  Animal sacrifice only covered sins; they could not take them away.  Jesus' sacrifice is the ultimate forgiveness God will now "forgive and forget" Psalm 40 highlights God's desire for a willing heart over animal sacrifices Related episodes: Hebrews 9:11-28 - Why Won't Jesus Save People W...

This is the story of the Samaritans' opposition to the Jewish people rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem: The Samaritans lie to the king about the Israelites The king forces the Jews to stop working on the temple Other accusations against God's people in Scripture. (It's the same over and over again. Satan is smart, but not creative.) Modern-day accusation against Christians - happening in a town n...

In this episode of the Bible Explained, we dive into the concept of blood and its significance in the Bible: Animal sacrifices were a temporary solution for sins, but ultimately, a permanent solution was needed Why is blood needed for forgiveness?  Jesus' sacrifice provides the permanent solution to salvation Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When we sin, we sever the ties to life. W...

Today, we discuss the infancy of a decades-long conflict between the Israelites and Samaritans: The Israelites continue to build the temple to God, and the Samaritans are having none of it Who were the Samaritans? Jesus's ground-breaking conversation with a Samaritan woman during the peak of distrust between Jews and Samaritans The Samaritans do everything they can to thwart the plans of rebuildin...

In this episode of the Bible Explained, Jenn delves into Hebrews chapter 9, exploring the concept of the First Covenant and its earthly sanctuary:  The significance of the three articles inside the Ark, which symbolize the sinfulness of humanity An explanation of the Day of Atonement Animal sacrifices could never permanently save Jesus is the high priest of a heavenly temple Related Episodes:...

In today's episode: The Israelites prove their devotion to God and His laws by building an altar and keeping the feasts The temple foundation is laid for the 2nd temple God warns the people not to despise the small start The old men weep (probably not tears of joy) after they see the foundation Discouragement often comes when you are doing God's will Other related episodes: 2 Chronicles 35:10-27 -...

Jesus is sitting at the Father's right hand, which shows: Jesus's sacrifice is finished Jesus is a high priest forever in the heavenly temple, not the man-made temple The OT law is becoming obsolete God's promises in the New Covenant are better than the old promises Jews and Gentiles alike partake in the promises to the house of Judah There are so many other things P40 does! Check it out: YouTube...

Today's episode provides insight into the complexities of Israel's restoration and the people's journey back to their ancestral land: Zerubbabel and Joshua - two key figures for the success of the exiled Encouraging prophecies for Zerubbabel and Joshua God loves small beginnings The sad state of the priests and small minority of Levites who returned to Israel Don’t just check out one…...

In today's episode: Jesus is the great High Priest who we confess sins to What the Bible says about confessing sins to people other than Jesus Jesus sacrificed Himself; Jesus died once for all Is the Eucharist (or communion) the physical manifestation of Jesus's body and blood? Hey! Don't leave before looking at other P40 stuff:    YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh...

Welcome to season 11 in the Book of Ezra, exploring the Israelites' return from captivity in Babylon. After 70 years, God's promise comes to fruition: Who was Cyrus of Persia, and why did he let the Israelites go? Not all Israelites return, and the ones who do face challenges Cyrus goes above and beyond - giving permission, grants, and God's temple items to the people of Israel The Israelites...

In this episode of TBE podcast, we explore the priesthood of Jesus and its significance: The Levitical priesthood was imperfect, but Jesus' priesthood is a change from the old order. David's prophecy of a new priesthood in Psalm 110. Why do the OT laws change if God doesn't change? How to tell the difference between morality laws and other types of laws. The old priesthood cannot save, only Jesus...

We're wrapping up 2 Chronicles with a look at King Zedekiah's reign. From the complexities of Zedekiah's family tree to the prophet Jeremiah's warnings, we'll dive into the historical context and spiritual themes that shaped this pivotal moment in Israel's history: The creepy history of King Zedekiah's birth King Zedekiah's actions, or lack thereof, lead to the downfall of Judah and eventual exile...

In this episode of The Bible Explained, Jenn dives into Hebrews chapter seven, exploring the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, a king and high priest who blessed Abraham: The significance of Melchizedek's role in the Bible, and how he relates to Jesus Was Melchizedek a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus? Understanding the shift from the Old Testament Laws to the New Testament Grace Jesus' sacrifice...

To wrap up season ten of The Bible Explain podcast, Jenn dives into the last four kings of Judah's history before their exile to Babylon. From the rise of powerful, Babylonian rulers to the decline of Judah's kings, we'll discuss how these leaders fit into the larger narrative of God's plan: Egypt makes Judah a vassal state and dethrones the current king Pharaoh Neco instates Jehoiakim, Josiah's s...

In today's episode, we discuss: Why we can't lose our salvation after trusting in Jesus God swore an oath to us on His own name, and God cannot lie Why non-Jewish Christians also share in the promise of Abraham Assurance of salvation is an "anchor" for our souls Here's other amazing content from P40! YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi -  https://ko-fi.com/p40min...

Josiah puts on a big Passover: The Passover was the best one done since before the kings The Israelites sacrifice many animals to God What was the point of animal sacrifice? Why God sometimes speaks through evil people Josiah dies after ignoring God's warning Be sure to click every link for the full P40 experience: YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi -  https://k...

In today's episode: What does it mean to become a spiritual adult, and how do we do it? We will all experience a judgment and a fire, even if we are saved Why those who leave and reject the faith will never return The difference between "backsliding" and "rejection" There are so many other things P40 does! Check it out: YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi -  http...