Bible in Life

What do you know about the Christmas story?  There's Mary and Joseph, of course, and little baby Jesus. Probably some shepherds. Oh, wise men... don't forget the wise men. There's a stable and a manger.  Some sheep ... and cattle that are lowing.  Angels! What about night time and a nasty old inn keeper?  And a star! The reality is, some of those details are in the text, though they're not all in the text at the same time. Some details aren't in the text at all. And so often, what we think we know about the Christmas story is a mashup of biblical details and traditional details, all mixed together into a sentimental Christmas story. So often, we pay attention to our version of the story and ignore the details of the Bible's version.  In this three-part series, I walk down through Luke 2, and look at the details of the story in its original context.  This is the Christmas as the Bible tells it! Luke 2:1-20 1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” 15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds begansaying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. ▶️FREE BIBLE READING PLAN: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/resources ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and 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. 

"Be a good little boy." "Johnny, you know the rules ..." "You know what company policy is!" Rules. Some seem better than others. Some seem arbitrary.  I think sometimes we think of sin in that context, and assume it's about breaking or keeping the rules ... and those rules might even be arbitrary religious rules or arbitrary divine laws.  But sin is more intrinsic and "organic" than that. That is, it has a lot more to do with our human nature and how we are made to function.  And understand the meaning of sin is necessary to understanding our humanness and what's wrong with the world and the story of the Bible.  Listen to this episode to understand what sin is. ▶️FREE BIBLE READING PLAN: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️MORE FREE RESOURCES: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/resources ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and 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. 

Redemption.  In church circles, we read that word in the Bible or we sing about it in songs on Sunday. What does it mean? In sports, we say things like "this is a redemption game" for this team (almost like revenge or getting even).  In the realm of shopping, we talk about "redeeming this coupon."  But those meanings of the word are very different than how the Bible uses it.  So what does the Bible mean by the word "redemption"? Well it has a lot to do with slaves and pharaoh ... and even lambs.  In this episode, John explores the way the word was used on the street in Paul and Peter's day and the theological background that shaped how those two apostles understood the word.  Bible verses referenced in this episode:  Romans 3:23-24 - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;" 1 Peter 1:18-19 - "knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ." Exodus 6:6-7 - Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. 7 Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians Exodus 15:13 - In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed; n your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. ▶️FREE BIBLE READING PLAN: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and 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. 

Jesus came announcing the "kingdom of God." He went about preaching "the gospel of the kingdom." And in fact, the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) are the story of God becoming king, with His coronation day being the day he received a crown of thorns and lifted up on the cross.  This is what all the poets and prophets of the Bible look forward to ... and sometimes even celebrate in advance, anticipating the day when all will say "the Lord reigns." They look forward to the day when He will rule the peoples with equity.  This is the great biblical hope - that God would be king and make everything right again.  So when Jesus comes announcing that the day has arrived in Himself, the people of his day were filled with great expectation! But when you look around at the world today, it doesn't look like God is king?! Everything hasn't been set right. So how should we understand the kingdom of God? Bible Passages Reference in this episode: Psalm 96:7-13 7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,     ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! 8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;     bring an offering, and come into his courts! 9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;     tremble before him, all the earth! 10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!     Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;     he will judge the peoples with equity.” 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;     let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12     let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy 13     before the Lord, for he comes,     for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness,     and the peoples in his faithfulness. Daniel 7:13-14 9 “As I looked, thrones were placed,     and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow,     and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames;     its wheels were burning fire. 10 A stream of fire issued     and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him,     and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment,     and the books were opened. Luke 1:30-33 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Matthew 4:17 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ▶️FREE RESOURCES -BIBLE READING PLAN: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/readingplan -GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/understand-apply-bible ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and 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. 

Grace! In church, we talk about grace. We sing about grace. We read about grace in passages like Ephesians 2:8: “By grace you have been saved…” When I first became a Christian, I heard these words and I read these verses and I knew I was saved by grace. I could affirm that ... assert that. I could tell people that - "We're saved by grace!" But I didn’t really get it. And spiritually and emotionally I was marked by highs and lows depending on how I felt like I was doing as a Christian. If I felt like I was doing well - reading my Bible, praying, and not sinning too much - I felt good. If I wasn't doing those things, I felt bad. This led to all sorts of striving to be good enough and to  comparison.  I knew the word "grace" but I did know grace.  When we truly understand what it what grace means - deep in our bones understand it - it changes everything! So what is grace? Bible passages referenced in this episode: "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14 "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." - Exodus 34:6  Click this link to buy the book mentioned in this episode: God Has a Name, by John Mark Comer.    ▶️FREE BIBLE READING PLAN: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and 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.    *Note: there are affiliate links above, which means if you purchase using that link I get a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

The word "gospel" is familiar to Bible readers and to Christians. But what many modern Christians mean by the word and what the earliest Christians meant by the word aren't necessarily the same.  Today, the word "gospel" is often associated with a so-called plan of salvation.  But when the apostles shared the gospel, they announced something other than a plan of salvation. So what is the gospel? Scripture passages referenced in this episode: Isaiah 52:7 How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Luke 2:10:  “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 10:39-41 We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. Acts 17:31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead. ▶️FREE BIBLE READING PLAN: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and 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.   

Psalm 37 begins, "Do not fret because of evildoers, be not envious toward wrongdoers." The picture painted in the psalm is of a person with little to no interest in God or in God's ways, and yet his life seems to be going great. And the person who's seeking God and walking in his ways is struggling to just make life work. And it doesn't feel fair.  "What's going on God? Why is his/her life going so well and I'm barely making in it?!"  Ever felt that way? Ever looked around at the world and wondered, "Is being good really worth it?" Sometimes it seems like the godless and immoral people are the ones who get ahead. So why bother being good and doing right! That's the subject taken up in Psalm 37 and that's what we wrestle with in this episode of the Bible in life.  Psalm 37:1-11 1Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers. 2 For they will wither quickly like the grass And fade like the green herb. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. 6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday. 7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. 8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. 9 For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land. 10 Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. 11 But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity. ▶️FREE BIBLE READING PLAN: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and 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. 

Church. Interestingly, when it comes to church, the Bible says very little about the things we all too often focus on … it says virtually nothing about buildings, programs, order of services, or any such things that often first come to mind for us when we think of church And I actually think this silence should be highly instructive to us - because the things we prioritize about a church aren’t priorities in the New Testament! So, what does the Bible say the church is supposed to be like and how is it supposed to function?  Bible Passages referenced in this episode: Matthew 28:18-20: And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Acts 2:41-47: So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Ephesians 4:12-13: for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.  1 Timothy 3:15: but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. Ephesians 4:14-15: As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,  A couple of the books mentioned in this episode that I'd recommend:  Andy Stanley. Deep and Wide  Tim Keller. Center Church Jerry Cook and Stanley Baldwin. Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness.  (note: above links are affiliate links which means if you use them to buy the book I get a small commission at no extra cost to you.) Connect with me: ▶️FREE BIBLE READING PLAN: https://www.johnwhittaker.net ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission at http://worldfamilymissions.org/missionaries/john-whittaker/ … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and 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 does it take to live the life you believe God has created you to life, the life you really want to live? I think there's one key factor that underlies all the other components of living that kind of life.  In this episode, I interview college student, college quarterback, business owner, and follower of Jesus, Brock Johnson. He's got a lot going on in life, and none of it happens on accident. And at the center of it all is Jesus. I think you'll enjoy getting to know Brock, a young man who knows who he is and what he wants life to be all about.  Follow Brock on Instagram at brock11johnson.  Check out his Focus Formula course for living life on purpose at focusformulacourse.com ___ ▶️FREE RESOURCES: Get the “Read the Bible Right” bundle ▶️HOW-TO GUIDE: The 7-Step Plan to Understanding and Applying the Bible ▶️BIBLE INTRO: Need help grasping the Bible? Sign up for Get a Grip on the Bible ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission at http://worldfamilymissions.org/missionaries/john-whittaker/ … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnWhittaker ▶️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. 

On this episode I answer two listener questions: 1. What does it mean to love your enemies? Are Christians supposed to be doormats? In Luke 6:27-31, Jesus teaches us this: 27 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.31 Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. 2. Why does some of the New Testament say women can be pastors while other parts say they can’t? In answer to this question, I share my understanding of the New Testament about the equality and dignity of women and what that means regarding women pastors.  ▶️FREE RESOURCES: Get the “Read the Bible Right” bundle at https://www.johnwhittaker.net/free-resources. ▶️HOW-TO GUIDE: The 7-Step Plan to Understanding and Applying the Bible https://www.johnwhittaker.net/understand-apply-bible ▶️BIBLE INTRO: Need help grasping the Bible? Here's a quick intro to the Bible at https://www.johnwhittaker.net/get-a-grip-on-the-bible ▶️SUPPORT THIS SHOW Two ways you can support the show: Become a patron for as little as $5 per month at https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker Donate through World Family Mission at http://worldfamilymissions.org/missionaries/john-whittaker/ … all gifts are tax deductible.   Other resources and ways to connect with me:  ▶️YouTube - I release short Bible studies every Thursday on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnWhittaker ▶️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.