Love. It can change things. A lot of things. Bonhoeffer wrote: “Love asks nothing in return, but seeks those who need it.” The command to
Category: Podcast
Jesus said he came to give us abundant life. What did he mean?
Is this Jesus’ version of “live your best life now”? Yes and No. Think bigger. Think life that is “abundant.” This podcast and blog distil Jesus’ use of the word “life” in John’s Gospel to two main ideas.
When Jesus washed Judas’ feet and set us an example (Growing Deeper with John 13:1-30)
It was the lead-up to his torture, crucifixion and death. The disciples were there, including Judas. He was preparing to betray Jesus to the authorities,
Why is there so much evil and suffering in the world if there is a benevolent being?
In this episode I answer a question in the Q & A Forum: “Why is there so much evil and suffering in the world if there is a benevolent being?”
Sir, we wish to see Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 12:20-26)
They had a different culture and customs. But they just needed to see him. “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” In response, Jesus lays on something pretty heavy. This episode is a Bible Study on John 12:20-26.
At Jesus’ feet with shocking extravagance (Growing Deeper with John 12:1-11)
Imagine spending $30,000 in a single moment of extravagance. Oh, and you’re not rich. You spent it honouring Jesus. This episode is a Bible Study on Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet in John 12:1-11.
Can we earn heaven? Matthew 7:21 unsettles me, please explain
In this episode I answer a question in the Q & A Forum: “What Jesus says in Matthew 7:21 unsettles me because it indicates that you can only get into heaven if you do God’s will. I thought we couldn’t earn heaven so this seems a bit confusing to me. I’m also very aware of my many faults and sins! Can you explain?”
Thom Rainer on the difference between church consumers and church members
It’s a new time – with challenges and opportunities. So we need to be honest about who we are in the body of Christ: consumers or members? This podcast is a talk with Thom Rainer, president of Church Answers and former CEO of LifeWay, and author of “11 signs you are becoming a church consumer instead of a committed church member.”
Dead man walking and the tears of Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 11:28-57)
A dead man breathing and the tears of God incarnate. The episode is a Bible study on John 11:28-57, the raising of Lazarus.
Understanding Baptism
This podcast and blog explains the meaning of the sacrament of baptism. It also explains who we baptize and provides a rationale.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and the antidote to fear (Growing Deeper with John 11:1-27)
Her brother died. Jesus used it as an opportunity to glorify God and beat back fear. This episode is a Bible study on John 11:1-27, part 1 of the raising of Lazarus.
Listening to and walking with The Good Shepherd (Growing Deeper with John 10:22-42)
This episode is a Bible Study on John 10:22-42 and explores the idea of listening to (and following) the Good Shepherd when we can’t actually see or hear him.
The Shepherd’s Voice – a Bible reading and prayer
John 10:7-11 read by Ben Ruttan, and my opening prayer in worship based on the same text: The Good Shepherd and abundant life.
The Good Shepherd, the sheep, and the thief (Growing Deeper with John 10:1-21)
This episode is a Bible study on John 10:1-21. I explore Jesus as the Good Shepherd, we the sheep, the thief, and share a word study in all occurrences of the word “life” in the Gospel to give us insight into life that is abundant.
The God who works wonders through suffering and pain: the healing of the man born blind (Growing Deeper with John 9)
Does your hardship define you? Not necessarily. Does it limit God? No. This episode is a Bible study on John 9 — Jesus’ healing of the man born blind.
“Lead us not into temptation.” Would God lead us into temptation, so that we need to ask him not to?
In this episode I answer a question in a Q & A Forum about temptation from the Lord’s Prayer.
The Great ‘I Am,’ and the eternal pre-existence of Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 8:48-59)
What provoked them to pick up rocks to stone Jesus? It was these words: “Before Abraham was, I am.” Not only was Jesus telling them
The Devil is the father of lies, and other truths from Jesus (Growing Deeper with John 8:39-47)
Jesus calls the Devil “the father of lies.” Not something (or someone) to be taken lightly! But many do. This episode is a biblical study of John 8:39-47.
The truth will set you free (from what?), and why standing on the shoulders of giants isn’t enough (Growing Deeper with John 8:31-38)
Free from what? For what? Why was this famous statement so controversial and why can we miss it’s meaning? This episode is a Bible study on John 8:31-38.
Following the light of the world and pillar of fire into a dark uncertainty (Growing Deeper with John 8:12-30)
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So said Jesus. What did he mean? What does uncertainty, darkness and danger have to do with it? That’s what I explore in this episode which is an in-depth look at John 8:12-30.
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