Faith. Doubt.  The apostle Paul reminds us that "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). And sometimes walking by faith is hard. Sometimes it's confusing. Sometimes we have questions that nag at our confidence in God or Jesus of the Bible.  In this episode, I begin a new series on questions of doubt by telling my own story of doubt, a time when I really struggled to know for sure whether I believed the story of Jesus or not.  Got a question of doubt you'd like me to address? Email me at john@johnwhittaker.net   Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible  https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways   Support this ministry: Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com Connect with me: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net   As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

When asked about why he teaches in parables, Jesus says that He teaches in parables "so that while seeing they may see, and not perceive, and while hearing, they may hear, and not understand, otherwise they might return and it would be forgiven them." - Mark 4:12. Doesn't Jesus want people to understand his teaching? Doesn't he want them to be forgiven?  In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we explore Mark 4, its connection to Isaiah 6, and why Jesus taught in parables.  Mark 4:10-12 10 As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve disciples, began asking Him about the parables. 11 And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but for those who are outside, everything comes in parables, 12 so that while seeing they may see, and not perceive, and while hearing, they may hear, and not understand, otherwise they might return and it would be forgiven them.” Isaiah 6:8-10 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”  9 And He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not understand; And keep on looking, but do not gain knowledge.’ 10 Make the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes blind, So that they will not see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.”   Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible  https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways   Support this ministry: Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with me: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net   As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Love one another. Love your enemies. Love your neighbor. Are Christians supposed to love everyone? What about people who are very different than them? What about people who go against the teaching of Jesus and his apostles?  Why does Jesus commend a widow who gives away everything she has to live on? Are we supposed to give away everything? That doesn't seem responsible. What's Jesus' point? Mark 12:41-44 41 And Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and began watching how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large amounts.42 And a poor widow came and put in two lepta coins, which amount to a quadrans.43 Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”   Book mentioned in this episode*: People to Be Loved, Preston Sprinkle   Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible  https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways   Support this ministry: Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with me: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net   As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.   *Affliliate link - which means I get a small commission at no additonal cost to you

What did Jesus mean by...? pt. 5 In this episode, we explore two very different teachings of Jesus that challenge us to examine about the proper posture of our lives in relation to ourselves and others and Jesus and God. In Matthew 23:9-10, Jesus says don't call anyone on earth father or teacher. But we all do that. Are we doing something wrong? Why shouldn't we call anyone father? Is using titles like Dr. so and so wrong?  And in Mark 10:17-18, Jesus seems to reject being called good because only God is good. Is it wrong to allow someone to call us good? And isn't Jesus God anyhow, so isn't fine if someone calls him good?  Texts used in this episode:  Matthew 23:1-11 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, whatever they tell you, do and comply with it all, but do not do as they do; for they say things and do not do them. 4 And they tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as their finger. 5 And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. 6 And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues, 7 and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people. 8 But as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. 9 And do not call anyone on earth your father; for only One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called leaders; for only One is your Leader, that is, Christ. 11 But the greatest of you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. Mark 10:17-18 17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. ”   Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible  https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways Support this ministry: Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with me: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.  

In this episode of the Bible in Life, we wrestle with to passage where Jesus says some very shocking words. They're harsh, and they don't seem to fit with other things Jesus says.  And the subject of both passages is following Jesus. In other words, what Jesus says here concerns being his disciple and that means they're of central importance to us if we claim to be His disciples.  So what does Jesus mean by "let the dead bury their own dead" (Luke 9:57-62) and if you want to follow Him you must "hate" your family (Luke 14:25-27)?  For more on the cultural background to Jesus' teaching: Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes   Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways   Support this ministry: Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with me: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net   As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.   Note: affiliate links which means I get a small commission at not cost to you

Buy a sword and stop crying!  Has someone ever said something to you and what they initially said doesn’t sound quite right? It just doesn't sound like something they'd say. And you’re like, “wait, hold on … I’m not tracking with you at all.” And then once they explain themselves, you’re like “oh, I see what you mean…”  That’s sort of what we get sometimes from Jesus. So... In this week’s episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we look at two statements like that from Jesus that just don’t seem to fit everything else He says and what we know about him.  Did Jesus tell his apostles to buy swords and get ready to fight? Why did Jesus tell the ladies weeping for him as he went to be crucified to stop crying for him and to cry instead for themselves?   Want to get more out of your Bible reading?  Free Resource: I’ve put together a free guide to help you immediately get more out of the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways   Support this ministry: Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   Or become a patron at http://patreon.com/johnwhittaker   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Connect with me: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

What did Jesus mean by ....? pt. 2 Jesus said "no one comes to the Father except by Me" (John 14:6).  But He also said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father draws them" (John 6:44).  This seems like a catch 22 - you can't get to Father without Jesus and you can't get to Jesus without the Father. What's going on here?  When reading the Bible it's always critical to pay attention to the original context, both historical context and literary context. So in this episode we seek to listen to what Jesus was saying to His original audience and then figure out how these two passages fit together.  John 14:1-6 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be. 4 And you know thse way where I am going.” 5 Thomas *said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me. John 6:41-45 41 So then the Jews were complaining about Him because He said, “I am the bread that came down out of heaven.” 42 And they were saying, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does He now say, ‘I have come down out of heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop complaining among yourselves. 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.  Also read Isaiah 54 and John 8:38-44   Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: I’ve put together a free guide to help you immediately get more out of the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways   Support this ministry: Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Here are some ways to connect with me: ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram   ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net   As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

What did Jesus mean by...? What does it mean that there will be no marriage in heaven? What's the purpose of marriage on earth? Will I know my spouse in heaven?  These question all derive from what Jesus said in Matthew 22:30: "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven." So in the is episode we explore what Jesus means by there will be no marriage in heaven and how that connects to the purpose of marriage.  Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: I’ve put together a free guide to help you immediately get more out of the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways   Support this ministry: Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Here are some ways to connect with me: ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

There's been a lot of emphasis on leadership development for pastors and church leaders over the 15-20 years. While some good has come of that, I wonder if we've misunderstood what we're leading and what church leadership is really about. And this has led us to get things backwards. And in practice, it's even led a lot of confusion about what the "church" is.  This episode is a random reflection on this subject. I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: I’ve put together a free guide to help you immediately get more out of reading the Bible:  https://www.johnwhittaker.net   Support this ministry: Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   Or support through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Here are some ways to connect with me: ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram   ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net   As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Many Christians really want to know Jesus and experience the abundant life He offers. Because of that, they know they should (and often want to) read the Bible. But when they do, they discover the Bible is hard and often leaves them feeling confused. And they aren’t quite sure why and what to do about it.  This episode explores that difficulty, helping you see that it's not all your fault and what you can do to make more sense of the Bible... and the the goal, of course, is that you can follow Jesus in your everyday life.  Because when you do that, you will experience the abundant life He offers … because Jesus and the Bible really do have the best wisdom for life - even if you have to work for it a bit! FREE TOOL: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways   Support this ministry - this podcast and ministry is made possible by many people's generosity  Set up a one-time or monthly donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/   The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com   Here are some ways to connect with me: ▶️Social Media-I would love to connect with you on facebook and instagram   ▶️Email - john@johnwhittaker.net   As always, if you appreciate this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.