The Bible Unplugged Podcast

July 29, 2025 Introduction • She had lost everything: her husband died and now she had to bury her only son. In her culture, a childless widow depended on charity just to survive. Her world had come to an end… but then, everything changed. • The story of the widow of Nain, found in the Gospel of Luke, is only a few verses long, but we learn a lot about finding hope in a seemingly hopeless situatio...

Introduction • Martha sent word to Jesus that her brother, Lazarus, was dying. She hoped that Jesus would come quickly and heal her brother. Her hopes were dashed when Lazarus died of his illness. Even after the funeral, Jesus was nowhere to be found. Her grief compounded into disappointment and frustration. • If you’ve ever prayed and hoped for a miracle that didn’t come when you want it to, Mart...

Introduction • Hannah’s experience of grief comes from many years of infertility, rejection, and silent prayers to God. What comes from her painful experiences leads to one of the most profound acts of surrender in all of Scripture. • If you’ve ever waited, or cried out to God without words—Hannah’s story is a message of hope. • I’m Brent, and this is episode 45 of The Bible Unplugged . We continu...

Introduction • Have you ever experienced a loss to painful that you feel you have lost your direction and future? If you have, God has a message of hope for you. The pain of grief and loss can slowly transform into a sense of hope and the confidence that God is on your side. • I’m Brent, and this is episode 44 of The Bible Unplugged . We begin a 4-part series on people in the Bible who experienced...

Introduction • Have you ever felt invisible? Do you ever feel that you don’t matter to anyone and that nobody sees your struggles or your pain? That was the experience of Hagar, the slave to Sarai and Abram in Genesis. What she learned the hard way gives us hope for our difficulties today. • I’m Brent, and this is episode 43 of The Bible Unplugged . We take a look at the name Hagar gave to God fou...

Introduction • In the Beatitudes found in The Gospel of Matthew chapter 5, Jesus teaches us some of the qualities of life in the Kingdom of God. But what if those qualities aren’t just a list? What if they are a roadmap for spiritual growth? When we see the progression, purpose, and path of the Beatitudes we find a journey that begins with emptiness and brokenness and ends with and eternal purpose...

Introduction • In the Beatitudes found in The Gospel of Matthew chapter 5, Jesus teaches us the qualities and the blessings of being a Kingdom citizen. You might expect that living a life marked by mercy, purity, and peace would win you applause. But Jesus says something that still shocks us today: when you live like this, expect pushback. • I’m Brent, and this is episode 41 of The Bible Unplugged...

Introduction • Having right relationships with others begins with having a right relationship with God and yourself. In the Beatitudes found in The Gospel of Matthew chapter 5, Jesus starts off with how our internal reality should match what God wants for us. In the next part, Jesus tells us how those qualities should spill out into our relationships. • I’m Brent, and this is episode 40 of The Bib...

Introduction • Many people believe that success is the result of hard work, confidence, and a heavy dose of audacity. But what if the path to real success begins with collapse, not confidence. What if spiritual fulness begins with spiritual poverty? • I’m Brent, and this is episode 39 of The Bible Unplugged . We’re starting a new series, “Kingdom Attitudes: The Beatitudes of Jesus.” What we will l...

Introduction • It’s one of the most quoted passages in the Bible. We see it on mugs, T-shirts, and social media posts: • “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” • But what does that really mean? What kind of peace goes beyond understanding? And how do you experience it when your life is falling apart? • I’m Brent, and thi...

Introduction • From the garden arrest to the empty tomb, John’s Gospel presents the final days of Jesus not just as historical events – but as the climax of a much older story. • I'm Brent, and this is episode 37 of The Bible Unplugged . In this episode, we continue our Easter Unplugged series with a deep dive into how John chapters 18 through 21 are filled with Old Testament echoes, symbols, and...

Introduction • We first learn about Simon Peter when Jesus invited him to give up his fishing business to become a disciple. At the time, Peter was blustering, impetuous, and rough. After three years of being with Jesus, to be honest, Peter wasn’t much different. What happened to Peter at the arrest, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus changed his life, but there was another event that propelled...

Introduction • While all four gospels have an account of Jesus’ resurrection, the Gospel of John stands out because of the details we find in no other gospel. John is the only writer that tells us about the interaction between Jesus and his disciple Thomas. This event transformed Thomas’ life and is an inspiration for us today. • I’m Brent and this is episode 35 of The Bible Unplugged. We continue...

Introduction • All four gospels focus attention on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and the impact that had on his disciples. The accounts found in Matthew, Mark and Luke are similar. John, in his signature style, however, gives us a number of details and events that cannot be found in the other gospels. John’s uniqueness completes the story of how Jesus conquered death and focuses on the l...

Introduction • All four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John have detailed descriptions of Jesus’ crucifixion. John’s depiction of the event stands out because of the theme: Jesus is the ultimate Passover lamb that takes away the sin of the world. • I’m Brent and this is episode 33 of The Bible Unplugged. We continue our series, Easter Unplugged, John’s account of what happened the day Jesus die...

Introduction • The religious leaders plotted and planned to end the threat Jesus posed to their power and status. They would do almost anything to get rid of Jesus including violating the very laws of God they were supposed to follow. The result of their selfish intent was a great work of God that shined through even that dark night. • I’m Brent and this is episode 32 of The Bible Unplugged. We co...

Introduction • On the night Jesus was arrested he told his disciples something so incredible that it changed centuries of Jewish history and has a profound effect on believers today. The problem though, is that Jesus’ words get lost between two heart-breaking events: he predicts he will be betrayed and then denied by two of his disciples. • I’m Brent and this is episode 31 of The Bible Unplugged....

Introduction • John is the only gospel writer that tells us about an act of humility that was considered to be beneath the dignity of even a Jewish slave. Washing the feet of guests before dinner was usually a job given to gentile slaves. Before his arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection from the dead, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. This humble act has deep and significant meaning for us today....

TBU 29- Philip Changes History March 25, 2025 Introduction • Only the Gospel of John records the story of foreigners asking Philip, a disciple of Greek descent, to introduce them to Jesus. It seems like a simple meet and greet request, but the implications of the story, and the meaning behind it, are a fulfillment of several prophecies. • I’m Brent and this is episode 29 of The Bible Unplugged. We...

Introduction • The Gospel of John has a different take on the Easter story than Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The differences can be passed off as errors, but John has a divine purpose in his version of the Easter story: Jesus is the ultimate Passover lamb who takes away the sin of the world. • I’m Brent and this is episode 28 of The Bible Unplugged. We continue the series, “Easter Unplugged,” with a d...

Introduction • For centuries, Bible scholars have tried to reconcile the four different accounts of Jesus’ last week before his crucifixion and resurrection. When we take an objective look, Matthew, Mark, and Luke seem to agree on the order of events. John, however, takes a different approach to Holy Week. • I’m Brent and this is episode 27 of The Bible Unplugged. We start a series called, “Easter...

Introduction • God promised that David’s descendants would rule forever over the people of Israel. God fulfilled this promise in the birth of Jesus almost a thousand years later. David, however, was anything but a perfect man. He had flaws, faced problems and heartaches, and still remains as the greatest king in Israel • I’m Brent and this is episode 26 of The Bible Unplugged. We take a look at th...

Introduction • Nehemiah faced many obstacles on his quest to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. A lesser man would have crumbled under the weight of the responsibilities. His victory over the enemies of Israel is a lesson in spiritual and moral courage, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to accomplish the task God gave him. • I’m Brent and this is episode 25 of The Bible Unplugged. We continue...

Introduction • Nehemiah was heartbroken to know that the holy city of Jerusalem was still in ruins after the people began their return from captivity. He had a position of authority and privilege in Persia, but his heart was with his people in Judah. He fervently prayed that God would remember and bless his people once again. • What came from his prayer and devotion renewed the strength and pride...

Introduction • Ezra devoted his life to studying God’s Law and lived out his faith in everything he did. He looked forward to leaving his life as an exile in a foreign land to go back to Jerusalem to fulfill his calling as a priest in the Temple. What Ezra found when he got there was a beautiful building but no dedication to following God’s commandments. The grief and sorrow he expressed when he r...