The Bible Study Podcast

#123 - Luke 12 - Hypocrisy, Worry and Greed

Chris Christensen — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 22 of a study of the gospel of Luke. Jesus reminds us the truth that more than one politician, hypocritical religious leader or email sending has learned the hard way. The truth will come out. The deeds done in the dark will be exposed to the light. So why try and pretend to be one way in public and another way in private? And why worry? We worship a God who knows the hairs on our head. We worship a God who clothes the flowers of the field in splendor... and loves us even more. And why do we try and save up treasure here where thieves, rust and stock market crashes can take it from us?

#122 - Luke 11:37-53 - Clean on the Inside

Chris Christensen — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 21 in a study on the gospel of Luke. Jesus tells the pharisees and the teachers of the law what he really thinks about their religion. He describes them like the product of some bad dishwasher who washes only the outside of the cup. They are outwardly religious and inwardly corrupt. Is our faith only skin deep?

#121 - Luke 11:14-36 - Seeing with the Eyes of God

Chris Christensen — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 20 in a study of the gospel of Luke. In this section of Luke Jesus is driving out demons and the accusation is made that he is only able to do so because he is working with the devil. Jesus explains that he is doing so because God is stronger than the devil and goes on to diagnose a case of spiritual blindness which is effecting his listeners.

#120 - Luke 10:38-11:13 - Prayer and Spending Time with Jesus

Chris Christensen — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 19 in a study on the gospel of Luke. This episode looks at two stories. The first is a story of busy Martha and apparently lazy Mary holding a dinner party. Martha does all the work and all Mary wants to do is spend time with Jesus. The second is a request from the disciples to teach them to pray. Jesus teaches them the Lord's prayer and other things about how to pray.

#119 - Luke 10:25-37 - The Good Samaritan

Chris Christensen — Fri, 29 May 2009 04:36:17 +0000

This is the episode is part 18 in the study of the gospel of Luke. Jesus is quizzed by a Lawyer on how to inherit eternal life. The lawyer knows he needs to love God and love his neighbor but he is a little unclear on the whole neighbor thing. Jesus tells him a parable about the good Samaritan to illustrate what God means by love.

Episode 118 - Luke 9:46-10:24 - Arguments, Excuses and Last Chances

Chris Christensen — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:55:52 +0000

This is the episode is part 17 in the study of the gospel of Luke. Possibly flush with excitement from the transfiguration of Jesus that 3 of the disciples saw they start to argue among themselves who is more important. Then Jesus encounters 3 men who have excuses why not to follow him. Lastly, Jesus who is heading towards Jerusalem and death sends out the 72 to give the towns in his path one last chance to accept him during his earthly ministry.

#117 - Luke 9:18-45 - Who Is Jesus

Chris Christensen — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 16 in the study of the gospel of Luke. Jesus asks the big question, "who do you say that I am" and then reveals for the first time to the disciples who he is and what he is here to do: be betrayed, suffer, die and rise again. He tells them more than once but they don't get it. Peter, James and John get a glimpse of the glory of Jesus in the transfiguration.

#116 - Luke 9:1-17 - Jesus Provides: Power, Authority, Food

Chris Christensen — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:30:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 15 in a study of the gospel of Luke. This section looks at Jesus sending out the 12 Apostles with the power to heal and cast out demons and at the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Both stories show the provision of God.

#115 - Luke 8:22-56 - The Power of Jesus

Chris Christensen — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 14 in a study on the gospel of Luke. The last episode focused on the teaching of Jesus but this episode focuses on the power of Jesus through 4 different stories where Jesus shows he has power over the window, waves, demons, sickness and death.

#114 - Luke 8:1-21 - Listening and Hearing

Chris Christensen — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 13 in the study of the gospel of Luke. In this section Luke relates 3 stories that center around listening and hearing. The most well known of these is the story of the sower that talks about God spreading the seed of the word of God all over the place and about 4 different types of hearing and 4 very different results.

#113 - Luke 7:11-35 John the Baptist, Forgiveness

Chris Christensen — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 12 in the study of the gospel of Luke. John the Baptist wonders if Jesus is really the Christ. Jesus talks about how he and John are so different but the Pharisees rejected both. Jesus also meets a woman, who will become a close friend, but who is first a notorious women, a sinner.

#112 - Luke 6:37-7:10 - Bearing Fruit and Obedience

Chris Christensen — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:30:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 11 in the study of the gospel of Luke. Jesus talks about what sort of actions and words he expects to find in Christians. When you come to an apple tree you expect to find apples. When you find a Christian Jesus expects to find someone who is gracious not judgmental and condemning. He expects to find someone who is giving, forgiving and obedient.

#111 - Luke 6:17-36 Blessings, Woes and Love Our Enemies

Chris Christensen — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 10 in the study of the gospel of Luke. The episode looks at the beginning of the sermon on the plain. What does Jesus have against being rich anyway? And as if that is not heard enough Jesus calls us to love our enemies. Why? That's what God has done.<

#110 - Luke 5:33-6:16 - Keeping the Law

Chris Christensen — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 9 in the study of the gospel of Luke. Jesus starts to run into problems with the religious leaders because of issues involving both fasting and keeping the Sabbath. Why do his disciples not fast? Why do they break the Sabbath? Will Jesus heal on the Sabbath and become a Sabbath breaker?

#109 - Luke 5:1-31 - Calling, Healing and Forgiveness

Chris Christensen — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 8 in the study of the gospel of Luke. It looks at the calling of Peter, Andrew, James, John and Levi. Jesus heals a paralytic and a leper and shows that he has the power to forgive sins. Then Jesus gets in trouble with the religious people for both forgiving sins and for hanging out with people that need their sins forgiven.<

#108 - Luke 4:14-44 - Jesus's Authority

Chris Christensen — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:44:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 7 in the study of the gospel of Luke. We see Jesus teaching, healing and driving out demons as he starts his public ministry. He teaches with authority that amazes people. But the people in his home town reject Jesus and try to kill him.

#107 - Luke 3:21-4:13 - Genealogy and Temptation of Jesus

Chris Christensen — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 6 in the study of the gospel of Luke. The focuses first on the baptism and genealogy of Jesus (no not my favorite part of the book either) and then the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus identity is questioned by the devil . But Jesus resists temptation by knowing the bible, by knowing whose he is and by known what God wants him to do.

#106 - Luke 2:41-3:20 - Jesus boyhood, John the Baptist

Chris Christensen — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 5 in the study of the gospel of Luke. This episode looks at one of the only views that the bible gives of Jesus's childhood. It also looks at the fire and brimstone teaching of John the Baptist who comes before Jesus to prepare the way for him by calling people repentance.

#104 - Luke 1:39-80 - Mary’s Song and Zechariah’s Song

Chris Christensen — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 4 in the study of the gospel of Luke. This episode deals with Luke's version of the Christmas story.

#104 - Luke 1:39-80 - Mary's Song and Zechariah's Song

Chris Christensen — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:30:00 +0000

This is the episode is the 3rd part in a study on the book of Luke. This week we look at the songs of praise from Mary and from Zechariah as they look at what God is doing. God is bring salvation to his people at long last.<

#103 - Luke 1:5-38 - Two Births Foretold

Chris Christensen — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0000

This is the second episode in a study on the gospel of Luke. In this episode we look at two different visits from the angel Gabriel. Gabriel tells Zechariah that his wife will get pregnant in her old age and will have John and then tells Mary that even though she is a virgin she will get pregnant with the son of the most high God.

#102 - Introduction to the Gospel of Luke

Chris Christensen — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0000

An introduction to the study of the gospel of Luke. Why are their three gospels? Who is each of the gospels written for? Why did Luke write a gospel? How do we know this gospel was written by Luke?

#101 - Hebrews 13

Chris Christensen — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:59:00 +0000

This is the last episode of the study on the book of Hebrews. The author concludes with words of encouragement to live a life worthy of the calling of Jesus.

#100 - Hebrews 12

Chris Christensen — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Having looked at the "cloud of witnesses" in chapter 11, how should we then live? The author encourages us to run the race with endurance and to shed the sin that encumbers. We are encouraged to look at difficult times and even persecution as discipline from God as a father disciplines a child for the child's benefit.

#99 - Hebrews 11

Chris Christensen — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0000

This chapter on faith is the main reason I wanted to teach on the book of Hebrews. It is a role call of those who have gon ebefore in the old testament and why they lived the life they did... faith.

#98 - Hebrews 10

Chris Christensen — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 10 of a study of the book of Hebrews. The author continues the comparison of the old sacraficial system with its inability to remove guilt and sin and the new sacrafice of Jesus once for all. He then encourages us to draw near to God and not fal away.

#97 - Hebrews 9:11-28

Chris Christensen — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 9 of the study of the book of Hebrews. It focuses in on the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus and the process of redemption

#96 - Hebrews 8, 9:1-10

Chris Christensen — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 8 of the study of the book of Hebrews. This part looks at the ministry of Jesus as high priest compared to the ministry of the Levitical priests. The author compares the tabernacle to the true throne room of God.

#95 - Hebrews 7

Chris Christensen — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:06:04 +0000

This is the episode is part 7 in a study on the book of Hebrews. The author looks in great detail at Melchizedek from the book of Genesis to tell us something about the role of Jesus as Priest. We learn why the priesthood and sacrificial system in the old testament pointed to but was perfected in Jesus.

#94 - Hebrews 6

Chris Christensen — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 6 in a study on the book of Hebrews. The author looks at elementary teachings, falling away and the promises of God.

#93 - Hebrews 5

Chris Christensen — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 5 in a study on the book of Hebrews. The author looks at Jesus role as high priest and compares him to Melchizedek the priest/king. He also chides his readers to grow up.

#92 - Hebrews 4

Chris Christensen — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 4 in a study on the book of Hebrews. The author is again concerned that people not harden their hearts like their ancestors who rebelled against God and against Moses in the desert of Sinai during the exodus and therefore miss out on the rest God has prepared.

#91 - Hebrews 3

Chris Christensen — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 3 in a study on the book of Hebrews. The author is concerned that people not harden their hearts like their ancestors who rebelled against God and against Moses in the desert of Sinai during the exodus.

#90 - Hebrews 2

Chris Christensen — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part 2 in a study on the book of Hebrews. The author of Hebrews starts to look at the role of Jesus. This chapter looks at the supremacy and humility of Jesus. It also starts to look at Jesus's role of high priest.

#89 - Hebrews 1

Chris Christensen — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:00:00 +0000

This is the episode is part one in a series looking at the book of Hebrews. This book may or may not have been written by Paul. It is a book that looks at who jesus is in the larger context of the old testament scriptures. In this chapter the author talks about the unique position of Jesus compared to the angels.

#88 - 2 Timothy 4

Chris Christensen — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:04:00 +0000

This is the episode is part fourth and final part in a series of episodes study Paul’s second letter to Timothy. Paul charges Timothy to preach the word and to correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience. While people would rather hear things that "tickle their ears", Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful.<

#87 - 2 Timothy 3

Chris Christensen — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:00:11 +0000

#86 - 2 Timothy 2

Chris Christensen — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:41:55 +0000

#85 - 2 Timothy 1

Chris Christensen — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 +0000

#84 - 1 Timothy 6

Chris Christensen — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:01:00 +0000

#83 - 1 Timothy 5

Chris Christensen — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

#82 - 1 Timothy 4

Chris Christensen — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:00 +0000

1 Timothy 4

Instructions to Timothy

1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

6If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

#81 - 1 Timothy 3

Chris Christensen — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:52:18 +0000

#29 - Exodus 3-4, Moses part 2 (rerelease)

Chris Christensen — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:45:55 +0000

#80 - 1 Timothy 2

Chris Christensen — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:56:28 +0000

#79 - 1 Timothy 1

Chris Christensen — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:53:07 +0000

#78 - The Bible on Leadership - Moses

Chris Christensen — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:56:58 +0000

#77 - The Bible on Leadership - Nehemiah part 2

Chris Christensen — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#76 - The Bible on Leadership - Nehemiah part 1

Chris Christensen — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:43:06 +0000

#75 - The Bible on Leadership - Barnabas, son of encouragement

Chris Christensen — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#74 - The Bible on Leadership - Leadership and Authority

Chris Christensen — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#73 - James 5

Chris Christensen — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#72 - James 4

Chris Christensen — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#71 - James 3

Chris Christensen — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#70 - James 2

Chris Christensen — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#69 - James 1

Chris Christensen — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#68 - Christianity 101 - Romans 15,16

Chris Christensen — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#67 - Christianity 101 - Romans 14

Chris Christensen — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#66 - Christianity 101 - Romans 13

Chris Christensen — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#65 - Christianity 101 - Romans11:33-12

Chris Christensen — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#64 - Christianity 101 - Romans 10-11:32

Chris Christensen — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#63 - Christianity 101 - Romans 9

Chris Christensen — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#62 - Christianity 101 - Romans 8:18-29

Chris Christensen — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#61 - Christianity 101 - Romans 8:1-16

Chris Christensen — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#60 - Christianity 101 - Romans 7

Chris Christensen — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#59 - Christianity 101 - Romans 6

Chris Christensen — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:00:00 +0000

#58 - Christianity 101 - Romans 5

Chris Christensen — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000

#57 - - Christianity 101 - Romans 4

Chris Christensen — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:00:00 +0000

#56 - Christianity 101 - Romans 3:9-31

Chris Christensen — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:00:00 +0000

#55 - Christianity 101 - Romans 2:17-3:8

Chris Christensen — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:03:50 +0000

#54 - Christianity 101 - Romans 2:1-16

Chris Christensen — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:54:33 +0000

#53 - Christianity 101 - Romans 1:16-32

Chris Christensen — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:52:38 +0000

#52 - Christianity 101 - Romans 1:1-15

Chris Christensen — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:01:52 +0000

#51 - The Church is… (called to be) Truthful

Chris Christensen — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:22:12 +0000

#50 - The Church is… (called to be) Prayerful

Chris Christensen — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:00:00 +0000

#49 - The Church is… (called to be) Humble

Chris Christensen — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:28:53 +0000

#48 - The Church is… (called to be) Generous

Chris Christensen — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:00:00 +0000

#47 The Church is... (called to be) Joyful

Chris Christensen — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:00:00 +0000

#46 - The Church is… (called to be) Loving

Chris Christensen — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 07:54:07 +0000

#45 - The Church is... (called to be) Grace-full and Mercy-full

Chris Christensen — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:00:00 +0000

#44 - The Church is... (called to be) Victorious

Chris Christensen — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:14:00 +0000

#43 - The Church is... (called to be) Thankful

Chris Christensen — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 07:13:55 +0000

#42 - The Church is... (called to be) United

Chris Christensen — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:00:00 +0000

#41 - Where is God? (part 2)

Chris Christensen — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:00:00 +0000

#40 - Where is God? (part 1)

Chris Christensen — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:00:00 +0000

#39 - Why do good things happen to “bad” people?

Chris Christensen — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 05:07:52 +0000

#38 - Job gets answers... sort of

Chris Christensen — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:13:38 +0000

#37 - I'll get by with a little "help" from my friends

Chris Christensen — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:38:13 +0000

#36 - Well, at least you still have your... oh... nevermind

Chris Christensen — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:55:00 +0000

#35 - Why Did bad Things Happen to Job? (part 2)

Chris Christensen — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:36:53 +0000

#34 - Why Do bad Things Happen to Good People? (part 1)

Chris Christensen — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:46:50 +0000

#33 - Numbers 13-14 - Spies and Giants

Chris Christensen — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:14:46 +0000

#32 - Exodus 20, The Ten Commandments

Chris Christensen — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 17:12:38 +0000

#31 - Exodus 13-17, Wonders and Whining

Chris Christensen — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:05:15 +0000

#30 - Exodus 7-12, Plagues and Passover

Chris Christensen — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 04:17:16 +0000

#29 - Exodus 3-4, Moses part 2

Chris Christensen — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 18:56:15 +0000

#28 - Exodus 1-2, Moses part 1

Chris Christensen — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 21:12:03 +0000

#27 - Mark 5 - Healing of a Demon Possessed Man

Chris Christensen — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:00:00 +0000

#26 - Colossians 1 - The Supremacy of Christ

Chris Christensen — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:17:33 +0000

#25 - Ephesians 6 - The Armor of God (part 2)

Chris Christensen — Sat, 12 May 2007 16:21:56 +0000

#24 - Ephesians 6 - The Armor of God

Chris Christensen — Fri, 04 May 2007 05:20:41 +0000

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

#23 - Psalm 51 - Create in Me A Clean Heart

Chris Christensen — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:55:46 +0000

Psalm 51

For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

1 Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you are proved right when you speak

and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,

sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts [a] ;

you teach [b] me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins

and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence

or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

and sinners will turn back to you.

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,

the God who saves me,

and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;

you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 The sacrifices of God are [c] a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart,

O God, you will not despise.

18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;

build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices,

whole burnt offerings to delight you;

then bulls will be offered on your altar.

#22 - John 20 - Doubting Thomas

Chris Christensen — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:38:15 +0000

Jesus Appears to Thomas

24Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"

But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

28Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

29Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

#21 - "Good" Friday - Crucifixion - Luke 23

Chris Christensen — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 18:13:41 +0000

The Crucifixion

26As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' 30Then

" 'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!"

and to the hills, "Cover us!" '[d] 31For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

32Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."[e] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."

36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

38There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[f]"

43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Jesus' Death

44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

47The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." 48When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

#20 - Gideon, Reluctant Hero (part 2) - Judges 7

Chris Christensen — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 01:37:06 +0000

#19 - Gideon, Reluctant Hero (part 1) - Judges 6

Chris Christensen — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 08:24:37 +0000

#18 - Joseph's dreams come true - Genesis 40-45

Chris Christensen — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 04:58:30 +0000

#17 - Joseph and his amazing technicolor dream coat - Genesis

Chris Christensen — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 14:00:00 +0000

#16 - Abraham tests and is tested

Chris Christensen — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 03:20:18 +0000

#15 - Abraham - Genesis 12-17

Chris Christensen — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 04:21:04 +0000

#14 - Matthew 6 - Worry

Chris Christensen — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 14:00:00 +0000

Matthew 6
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

#13 - Phil 4 - Being Anxious

Chris Christensen — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 05:50:06 +0000

Philippians 4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

#12 - James 2 - Faith

Chris Christensen — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:13:24 +0000

Faith and Deeds
14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"[e] and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

#11 - Hosea - Would God ask you to marry a prostitute?

Chris Christensen — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 07:31:12 +0000

Would God ask you to marry a prostitute? That probably seems like a strange question but that is exactly what he asked the prophet Hosea. He was trying to make a point.
Hosea 1
1 The word of the LORD that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam son of Jehoash [a] king of Israel:Hosea's Wife and Children
2 When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, "Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD." 3 So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 Then the LORD said to Hosea, "Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 5 In that day I will break Israel's bow in the Valley of Jezreel."
6 Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the LORD said to Hosea, "Call her Lo-Ruhamah, [b] for I will no longer show love to the house of Israel, that I should at all forgive them. 7 Yet I will show love to the house of Judah; and I will save them—not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but by the LORD their God."
8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, "Call him Lo-Ammi, [c] for you are not my people, and I am not your God.
10 "Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' 11 The people of Judah and the people of Israel will be reunited, and they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel.
Footnotes:
Hosea 1:1 Hebrew Joash , a variant of JehoashHosea 1:6 Lo-Ruhamah means not loved .Hosea 1:9 Lo-Ammi means not my people .

#10 - John 8 - Second Chances and New Years

Chris Christensen — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 07:07:33 +0000

John 8 deals with the story of a woman brought before Jesus because she was caught in the act of adultery. How would he respond? Could the religous leaders trap him into getting in trouble?
John 8
1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

#9 -Luke 2 - Christmas - Shepherds and a Manger

Chris Christensen — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 20:21:02 +0000

The third of a seres of podcasts on the Christmas story. This part is on Luke 2 where we learn about the coming of the shepherds and the familiar story of laying the baby Jesus in a manager because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke focuses on Mary' story and should be particularly familiar to fans of the Charlie Brown Christmas special.

#8 - Christmas - 3? Wise Men

Chris Christensen — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 06:10:00 +0000

The second of a seres of podcasts on the Christmas story. This part is on Matthew 2 where we learn about the coming of the wisemen and about Herod the Great who is threatened by the news that a king has been born.

#7 - Christmas - Joseph's story

Chris Christensen — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 02:46:30 +0000

This episode starts a multi-week look at the Christmas story. This first part starts in Matthew 1. Matthew's account focuses on the role of Joseph. Imagine this from his perspective. Your fiancee us pregnant but says she has not been with another man.

#6 - Luke 11 - Prayer

Chris Christensen — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 02:58:04 +0000

Once again the podcast returns to the topic of prayer. It looks at Jesus teaching on prayer as well as his example of praying.

So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened - Luke 11:9-10

#5 - Matthew 6 - Prayer

Chris Christensen — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:43:47 +0000

This episode looks at the context around Matthew 6 version of the Lord's prayer. What is Jesus teaching about how we should pray and how is the Lord's prayer a template for prayer?

#4 - The Lord's Prayer

Chris Christensen — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 15:00:00 +0000

The Lord's Prayer dramatic presentation:

Our Father who art in Heaven....
Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying....
But you called Me.
Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. Our Father who art in Heaven....
There, you did it again....
Did what?
Called Me. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven.." Here I am. What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like getting my duty done.
All right. Go on....
Hallowed be thy name.
Hold it. What do you mean by that?
By what?
By "Hallowed be thy name.".....
It means....it means....good grief, I don't know what it means. How should I know? It's just part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?
It means "Honored, Holy! Wonderful."
Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what "Hallowed" meant before... Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you going to do about it?
Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.
Have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you. What about that habit of lust you have? And your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money ...... all on yourself. And what about the kinds of books you read?
Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those phonies at the church.
Excuse me .... I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.
Oh, all right! I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.
So could I.
I haven't thought about it until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I'd like to, you know, be really free.
Good, now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together .... you and I. Some victories can truly be won. I'm proud of you.
Look Lord, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.... Give us this day our daily bread.
You need to cut down on the bread too ... You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this, "Criticize Me Day?" Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hangups.
Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed you know. That's what I'm trying to get across to you. You called me, and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep on praying. I'm interested in the next part of your prayer .................... Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try me and see.
Forgive us our offenses as we forgive those who offend us.
What about Mark?
See I knew it! I knew you would bring him up! Why, he's told lies about me, cheated me out of money .... He never paid back that debt he owes me. I've sworn to get even.
But your prayer ...... What about your prayer?
I didn't mean it.
Well, at least you're honest. But it's not much fun carrying the load of bitterness around inside is it?
No, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I made some plans for ol' Mark! He'll wish he never did me any harm.
You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you are already. But I can change all that.
You can? How?
Forgive Mark. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Mark's problem and not yours... You may lose the money, but it will be settled in your heart.
But Lord, I can't forgive Mark.
Then I can't forgive you.

#3 - Luke 15 - the \'good\' son

Chris Christensen — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 22:37:00 +0000

#2 - Luke 15 - the lost son

Chris Christensen — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 22:36:08 +0000

#1 - Luke 15 - the lost sheep and the lost coin

Chris Christensen — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 02:00:08 +0000

This episode covers the start of Luke 15. The religious leaders get upset with Jesus because he is associating with "tax collectors and sinners". In response Jesus tells 3 stories. The first two stories are the lost sheep and the lost coin.