

Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro
Ryan Sarver
A podcast about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith. Hosted by Ryan Sarver and Brian Johnson..
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2024 • 47min
Replay - Inconceivable: Faith
Due to scheduling issues, Ryan and Brian couldn't get together to record a new episode this week's episode is a replay have the season 3 episode, Inconceivable: Faith. In this episode, Ryan and Brian explore the meaning of the word faith and why understanding that word is so important.Ryan and Brian will be back next week with fresh episode.

Jul 23, 2024 • 53min
The Line of Melchizedek
Ryan and Brian look at the story of Melchizedek in Genesis and his importance in the book of Hebrews.

Jul 16, 2024 • 49min
Discipleship
Join us at the Bible Bistro as Ryan and Brian reconnect from Greenwood, Indiana, and embark on a discussion about the Great Commission and the essence of making disciples. We kick off with a catch-up, sharing a cooking tip involving potato nails, before shifting our focus to Matthew 28:18-20. Through exploring the nuances of English grammar versus Greek, we underscore the imperative nature of Jesus' command to make disciples, laying the foundation for an understanding of its central role in the Christian faith. Listen in as we break down the process of discipleship, emphasizing that making disciples is not just about evangelizing but involves a transformation into Christ-like character. Drawing from Dallas Willard's insights in "The Great Omission," we highlight the necessity of long-term commitment and the nature of discipleship, combining learning, apprenticeship, and spiritual formation. We illustrate these principles through the relationship between Paul and Timothy, emphasizing the relational and ongoing aspects of discipleship.Finally, we explore the essence of discipleship, distinguishing it from intellectual learning and focusing on teaching obedience and embodying Christ's character. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural references, we underscore the journey of guiding others toward a Christ-like way of life. The conversation also highlights the importance of internal formation, addressing doubts, and the goal of discipleship: continuing the work of Jesus by loving others as He loved us. Tune in for an exploration of what it means to make and be disciples in today's world.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 3min
From Consumerism to Being Consumed
Join us at the Bible Bistro as we explore the intersection of Christianity and consumer culture through the lens of William Cavanaugh's book, "Being Consumed." In this episode, we discuss the ethical challenges of living in a consumer-driven society and the significance of the Eucharist, or the Lord's Supper. Drawing from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, we examine how the Eucharist serves as an act of thanksgiving and communion, binding us together as a faith community.Listen in as we reflect on the transition from a labor-based acquisition of goods to a consumer culture where money mediates our needs and desires. We touch on the disconnection between production and consumption, the abundance of goods, and its link to materialism and addiction. Through our conversation, we challenge the false dichotomy between the material and the spiritual, considering the phenomenon of hoarding and the proliferation of storage units as indicators of excess consumerism.Finally, we explore the isolating effects of online shopping and the nostalgic connection to physical activities as a counter to modern consumerism. Referencing Augustine and C.S. Lewis, we discuss the concept of a God-shaped hole and how addiction stems from attempting to fill this void. Reflecting on Philippians 4, we emphasize Paul's teachings on contentment and true fulfillment through a relationship with God. Our conversation culminates in a discussion on the communal aspect of communion, urging us to honor our interconnectedness as the body of Christ and to find unity in our shared faith and purpose.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

Jun 25, 2024 • 49min
All Y'all's Theology
Ever wondered what it means to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? Join us in this episode of Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro, where we start with some banter about our summer escapades and the quirks of our podcast routine. Brian then introduces a passage from Philippians 2:12-13 that he recently preached on, sparking a conversation about its theological significance and how it challenges common views in North American Christianity. An anecdote about a guest’s reaction to Brian's sermon sets the stage for a richer exploration of understanding original biblical languages using tools like Blue Letter Bible. We then switch gears to examine the distinction between singular and plural pronouns in biblical texts, focusing on Philippians 2:12-13. By studying the original Greek text, we highlight how the passage addresses the entire church community rather than individuals, countering the individualistic interpretations common in modern readings. The discussion ventures into the evolution of the English language, from "thou" and "ye" to the modern "you," and even touches on regional dialects like "y'all" to show contemporary ways of distinguishing between singular and plural pronouns. We clarify that "fear and trembling" represents a respect for God's work, not a fear of losing salvation. Finally, we explore the broader implications of these linguistic nuances on our collective spiritual journey. By analyzing passages like Philippians 1:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 3, we emphasize the importance of community discernment and collective growth in faith, highlighting the metaphor of believers as individual stones building a spiritual house. Our conversation extends to practical teaching strategies for 1 Corinthians, focusing on Paul's emphasis on unity within the body of Christ, and reflecting on how this communal emphasis should shape our worship practices. Join us and enrich your understanding of how unity and community are foundational to the Christian faith.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

Jun 18, 2024 • 43min
Finding the Divine in a Modern World
Is our modern, disenchanted world making us blind to the spiritual realms depicted in scripture? On this episode of Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro, we discuss how the vivid imagery of Revelation contrasts sharply with today's secular perspectives. We also discuss Ryan Burge's latest survey data suggesting the rise of the religiously unaffiliated may be stabilizing, and what this trend might mean for the future of religious affiliation in America.How do we reconcile the spiritual claims of scripture with our modern, often secular worldview? We discuss the challenge of embracing passages like James 5:13-15 on prayer and healing in an age where medical interventions often take precedence over divine healing. From prayer and eucharist to baptism, we explore how these core practices are meant to bridge the spiritual and physical realms, and examine how contemporary interpretations of demons and spiritual warfare have evolved, reflecting our increasingly secular mindset.Inspired by Nijay Gupta's "Strange Religion," we dive into the transformative communion early Christians had with God, a stark contrast to pagan practices of the time. We share personal anecdotes on the importance of mystical experiences in nurturing our spiritual lives and emphasize the need to reconnect with spiritual disciplines. We also highlight the rich traditions of Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Orthodoxy, discussing how they foster a deeper sense of belonging and faith, preparing us for transcendent encounters with God. Join us as we explore these profound themes and rediscover the enchantment of spirituality in a secular world.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

Jun 11, 2024 • 50min
Revelation 10 & 11: The Little Scroll & The Seventh Trumpet
Ryan and Brian finish up their series looking at the 7 seals and 7 trumpets of Revelation. In this episode the explore Revelation 10 & 11 and the significance of the little scroll John is instructed to eat and the imagery of the seventh trumpet blast.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

Jun 4, 2024 • 38min
Revelation 9: Woe! Woe! Woe!
Join us as we continue our exploration of the Book of Revelation, focusing on the intense and symbolic imagery of the fifth and sixth trumpets. We'll revisit the transition from the seven seals to the seven trumpets and discuss the profound significance of the three woes announced by an eagle in the midst of the heavens. The episode delves into the vivid description of the fifth trumpet, where a fallen star, possibly a fallen angel, is given the key to the abyss, releasing smoke that darkens the sky. We'll also touch on the role of eagles in Roman symbolism and their potential representation of God's omniscience.Our discussion then turns to the concept of the abyss, portrayed as a bottomless pit or place of chaos in biblical texts. We'll reference Romans 10:7 and Paul's use of the term to illustrate the abyss as the abode of the dead. As we explore the imagery of smoke rising from a gigantic furnace, we draw parallels to themes of judgment and destruction. The emergence of locusts from the smoke with the power to torment but not kill is examined in relation to biblical plagues and divine judgment. This conversation highlights the symbolic meanings of these apocalyptic visions as portrayed in scripture.Finally, we analyze the symbolic language describing divine judgment and protection, focusing on the torment brought upon those without God's seal by locusts with scorpion-like stings. Drawing parallels to the plagues in Exodus and the historical context related to the fall of Rome, we emphasize the traditional understanding of locusts as metaphors for armies, supported by references to Joel 2. The chapter concludes with an exploration of the imagery surrounding the Scythians and Romans, depicting a divine judgment against Rome through historical invasions. Listen in as we unpack these rich and complex biblical passages, offering insights into their profound significance.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

May 28, 2024 • 1h 8min
Revelation 8: The First 4 Trumpets
Ryan and Brian discuss the symbolism of the seven trumpets in Revelation, focusing on the first four. They draw connections to the plagues of Exodus, examining the significance of hail, fire, and blood as signs of divine judgment. They revisit the scene of the angel with the censer, emphasizing the themes of fire and doom. The episode also delves into the interpretation of "a third" in Revelation, discussing its potential to indicate complete destruction. They analyze the historical and economic context of these judgments within the Roman Empire and investigate the imagery of mountains and the sea, referencing Daniel and the Exodus events. The symbolism of "absinthos" and darkness in scripture is decoded, shedding light on their theological significance. The role of suffering and witness is discussed, focusing on the endurance of believers. The episode concludes with reflections on trusting in God's plans and recommendations for studying Revelation.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

May 21, 2024 • 53min
Revelation 8: The Silence & the Censer
In this episode, we delve into the significant silence featured in Revelation 8, discussing how it's more than just a lack of noise. It serves as a storytelling element that can suggest desolation, a sense of awe, or the finality of God's judgment. We talk about how silence demands our focus in both worship and biblical texts, especially in the depiction of a quiet heaven after a worship session in Revelation, which might indicate reverence or the conclusion of judgment.Using insights from Old Testament passages and insights from Craig Kester's commentary, we explore the complex symbolism of a half-hour of silence in heaven and its influence on both narrative and spiritual thought.The conversation then shifts to the captivating symbolism in the Book of Revelation, such as the visual of saints' prayers ascending as incense and the image of seven angels with trumpets at the ready. We dissect the meaning behind the seventh seal and the depiction of prayer, discussing the role of angels in the period between the Old and New Testaments, referencing First Enoch for context. The episode reaches its peak with an analysis of the role of trumpets in biblical stories—as signals for battle, divine conflict, or the gathering of the scattered people. We recognize that the sound of the trumpets will be perceived differently by each individual, signaling either deliverance or destruction.We invite listeners to join us in this exploration as we seek to enhance our comprehension of scripture's rich language.LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible BistroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistroFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistroInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6AWebsite: https://www.thebiblebistro.comRyan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.