Verbatim Word with Justin Gerry

The 1980s band Journey told us, "Don't Stop Believin'," but Jesus points us toward something far greater than vague optimism. In John 20, Thomas moves from doubt to worship after encountering the risen Christ, reminding us that biblical faith isn't about believing harder—it's about believing in Jesus. Discover how fear gives way to peace, doubt gives way to conviction, an...

It's the most important empty tomb in history. Explore Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ, the evidence surrounding the resurrection, and what Peter and John discovered inside the tomb. Along the way, we'll see how the resurrection changes everything—and why hearing Jesus call your name still transforms lives today. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 20:1-18 | MATTHEW 28:1–10 |...

Discover what it means to walk with God not just as His servant, but as His friend. In Part 2 of our series on spiritual origins, we shift from Jacob to Abraham—the one Scripture calls a friend of God . This episode explores how true friendship with God is formed over decades of trust, testing, obedience, and grace. *Music tracks by Blue Dot Sessions titled “Glass Beads” and “Come As You Were” wer...

Discover your spiritual roots—and the God who still forms His people through grace and struggle. In this kickoff to a two‑part series on spiritual origins, we dive into the story of Jacob—one of Scripture’s most complicated, surprising, and ultimately transformed figures. From wrestling with God to receiving a brand‑new name, Jacob’s journey shows what it means to be chosen, shaped, and called by...

God had been preparing redemption from the very beginning. From Passover and the Sabbath to the Garden Tomb, we see that the cross was not random tragedy—it was divine fulfillment, opening the door for freedom, rest, and restored fellowship with God through Christ. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 19:31-42 | MATTHEW 27:62 | MARK 15:42 | LUKE 23:54 | JOHN 19:14, 31, 42 | 1 CORINTHIANS 5:6-8 | 1 JOHN 1:...

Why does the crucifixion of Jesus feel strangely familiar? In John 19, ancient prophecies, foreshadowings, and God’s sovereign plan collide at the cross — proving Calvary was never an accident. From Abraham and Isaac to “Tetelestai — It is finished,” this episode explores the power, purpose, and fulfillment found at Calvary. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 19:17-30 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | GENESIS 22:1...

Jesus, the true King, is rejected and mocked. This episode explores the contrast between earthly honor and eternal authority. And it asks the question we all must answer: Who is king in your life? BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 19:1-16 | LUKE 23:8-12 | JUDGES 17:6 | 1 SAMUEL 8:4-22 | PSALM 2:1-4 | HEBREWS 9:27 | ROMANS 3:23 | PSALM 18:2 | REVELATION 9:20-21 | REVELATION 19:11-16 | GENESIS 3:17-19 |...

Accusations are loud—but they aren’t always true. In John 18, Jesus faces a broken trial built on empty claims and rushed judgment. This episode explores how accusation works—both in the world and in our hearts—and how Jesus stands as truth in the middle of it. Because while the accuser speaks loudly… Christ has the final word. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 18:25-40 | GENESIS 3:1-13 | 1 PETER 3:15...

Something doesn’t seem to make sense—Jesus, the Son of God, is bound and led away like a criminal. Why would the King of Kings allow Himself to be restrained by human hands? In this episode, we unpack the powerful meaning behind Jesus being bound, how it fulfilled God’s plan, and what it reveals about true freedom. From Peter’s wavering loyalty to Jesus’ unwavering truth, this passage challenges u...

Did you see it coming? In John 18, betrayal takes center stage—but the focus stays on Jesus. Instead of shrinking back, He steps forward, trusting the Father’s plan. This passage reminds us to release hurt, trust God, and keep moving forward. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 18:1-11 | MATTHEW 25:16 | LUKE 11:1-4 | ROMANS 12:17-19 | 2 SAMUEL 15:23 | HEBREWS 10:3-4 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 | ROMANS 1:18-21...

Before social media, messages were passed from person to person — and sometimes they got distorted. As we finish Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, He prays that believers through the ages would remain one -- one in the truth, faithful to the original gospel, and united in the love of God. From the Great Commission to the early church defending the message, we see why the gospel must be passed on clearl...

Jesus asks the Father to keep His disciples in a world that could easily corrupt, divide, and discourage them. Jesus does not ask that we be taken out of the world, but that we be guarded in it, sanctified by truth, and protected from the evil one. This episode is a reminder that we are not left to stay faithful on our own—the Great “I AM” is committed to keeping His people to the finish line. BIB...

Sometimes the longing we feel isn’t just for a place—it’s for purpose. In John 17, Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven and reveals that our lives were created to glorify God and know Him personally. Even in seasons of waiting, distraction, or uncertainty, God is working according to His perfect timing. When we surrender fully to Him, our lives begin to reflect the glory we were designed for. BIBLE VERS...

Sometimes the hardest seasons feel endless—but Jesus reminds us they are only “a little while.” In John 16, He prepares His disciples for deep sorrow, while pointing them to the unstoppable joy of the resurrection. What feels overwhelming in the moment is temporary in light of eternity. Because Christ lives, sorrow never gets the final word. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 16:16-33 | MARK 8:31-33 | M...

Jesus tells His disciples something shocking: “It is to your advantage that I go away.” To grieving followers who had walked with Him daily, nothing sounded less advantageous than Jesus leaving. Yet Jesus explains that His departure would usher in something even greater—the arrival of the Holy Spirit. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 16:1-15 | MATTHEW 14:7 | MATTHEW 8:14 | MARK 4:41 | MARK 14:66-72 |...

Love is not an accessory to the Christian life—it’s the framework that holds everything together. In John 15, Jesus places love as both the beginning and the end of His final instructions, calling His followers to live out the example He first showed them. As the cross draws near, He reminds them that real love sacrifices, remains fruitful, and often comes at a cost. Yet through the Holy Spirit, w...

Life fades quickly when it’s cut off from its source. Jesus invites His disciples—and us—to remain deeply connected to Him as the true Vine. We’re reminded that a flourishing life doesn’t come from striving harder, but from staying close. When we abide, His life continues to flow, producing love, joy, and lasting fruit. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 15:1-17 | PSALM 80:8-9 | NUMBERS 13:23-24 | ISAIA...

The culture says we manifest our reality. Jesus says He manifests Himself to those who love Him — not through techniques, but through relationship, obedience, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. And that difference changes everything. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 14:19-31 | 1 JOHN 5:19 | JOHN 8:44 | MARK 6:34 | JOHN 20:11–18 | MATTHEW 28:8–10 | LUKE 24:13–35 | JOHN 20:19–23 | JOHN 20:24–29 | JOHN...

If you’ve ever felt unsettled, overwhelmed, or unsure of what comes next, this chapter is a reminder that Jesus sees the full picture — and He’s preparing something beyond imagination. With the disciples shaken by betrayal, uncertainty, and the looming cross, Jesus comforts them with what lies ahead: a prepared place, a perfect plan, and a promise to return. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 14:1-18 |...

Sometimes glorifying God means standing out instead of blending in. As Jesus washes feet, predicts betrayal, and commands His disciples to love one another, He reminds us what we were created for — to live lives that point beyond ourselves to Him. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 13:18-38 | GENESIS 3:1-7 | REVELATION 4:1-11 | PSALM 41:9 | JOHN 5:39 | MARK 14:17-21 | MARK 8:36 | LUKE 9:25 | JAMES 4:6 |...

Jesus does something unexpected: He takes on the role of a servant and washes His disciples’ feet. Why would the King of Kings stoop so low? And what does His example reveal about cleansing, sanctification, and the daily walk of a disciple? Through a simple car wash illustration, we explore what it means to stay “spiritually clean” in a world full of dust, temptation, and distraction. Jesus not on...

Jesus admitted, “My soul is troubled.” So how did He walk forward anyway? In this episode, discover what Jesus teaches us about facing fear, suffering, and hard seasons with courage. In John 12, there is a surprising moment when Jesus admits His soul is troubled. Why would the Son of God feel distress? And what does that mean for us when we face fear, suffering, or seasons that stretch our faith?...

Sometimes it is all about perception. Our perspective, expectations, and focus shape what we perceive...or whether we will be deceived. As Jesus makes His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, the crowd's views of what is taking place differ in His final week before the cross. BIBLE VERSE References: JOHN 12:4-26 | ROMANS 12:1-2 | 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 | COLOSSIANS 3:2-3 | ROMANS 8:5 | 2 KINGS 6:15-17...

Everything in balance. As Jesus spends the evening at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, each of the siblings shows us a different aspect of living in a full relationship with Jesus. Martha serves, Lazarus listens to His Words, and Mary worships. We seek to live a Christian life that strikes balance in all three areas. John 12:2-8 *Music tracks by Blue Dot Sessions titled “Glass Beads” and “Co...

Similar, but different. While we might resemble one another as brothers and sisters of the same Heavenly Father, we are not all the same. Jesus visits the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and each interacts with Jesus in a unique way as they express their appreciation for His work in their lives. John 12:1-2 *Music tracks by Blue Dot Sessions titled “Glass Beads” and “Come As You Were” were feat...