I'm Still Learning: Recent Episodes
Randy Whitlow
Did you know that God cares for people we don't like? Just because we make someone our enemy, it doesn't make them God's enemy. God is more interested in reconciliation than retribution. The story of Naaman is found in 2 Kings 7, and I'm reading the New Living Translation.
Have you ever been so hungry that you ate something that you would have never considered if you were well-fed? Well, in today’s episode, found in 2Kings 6&7, the people who were trapped within the walls of Samaria had to make some tough dietary choices until God miraculously delivered them.
Scripture reference- 2Kings 6:24-7:20 (NLT)
No one speaks with as much certainty as someone who doesn't know what they're talking about. But the one who truly is n authority speaks from calm confidence. when Jesus speaks, that calm confidence comes through as peace in even the most turbulent times.
Scripture reference- Luke 24:13-35 (NLT)
The Easter Story is really about a clash between two world powers. It was a face-off between the kingdom of earth and the kingdom of Heaven.
Scripture references for this episode are all from the NIV:
Matthew 28:5, John 11:50, John 3:16, John 13:3-5, John 13:12-15, Romans 5:8,
John 14:1-3
Jesus was welcomed in a big way as he entered Jerusalem in the days leading up to his crucifixion. But Jesus didn’t fall for all the shouts of praise, because he knew why he was going there. He exhibited humility through all of the praise and all of the insults that he would hear later.
Scripture readings in this episode include:
Matthew 21:1-11 (NLT)
Philippians 2:5-8 (NLT)
Matthew 20:17-28 (NLT)
Just about everyone wants to know that who they are falling knows where they are going. With Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we can follow confidently as He leads us on our life's journey.
Scriptures read in this episode are:
Psalm 23 (NLT)
Matthew 11:26 (NLT)
Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
If you've ever tried to get two boys who were fighting to apologize, you know that just saying "I'm sorry" seldom reveals true repentance. That's because true repentance comes from the heart.
Scripture references from today's episode are:
Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
1 John 1:9 (NLT)
Joel 2:12-13 (NLT)
Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)
2 Peter 3:9
Remember when you learned how to drive? There were so many things to remember and the driving test was so scary. But it was worth it to get that license. the Christian life offers its own times of testing, but the result is a greater faith in God.
The scripture references for this episode are:
James 1:2-4, 1Peter 4:12-13, and Matthew 4:1-11 (NLT)
A single stitch of thread can't accomplish much until it is woven closely together with many other stitches. Then it forms a seam many times stronger than each individual stitch. As I bring this study from Colossians to an end with this episode, the scripture reading comes from chapter 4, starting with verse 7 and going to the end of the chapter.
I want to record some of my favorite stories from time to time. This story, written by Corey Ford is at the top of the list.
We love to proclaim our rights. But we know that we live in a world where everyone has rights and with our rights, we have obligations to those around us. Paul describes this reality well in today's episode, which is based in Colossians 3:18-25 and 4:1-6.
The thing that really distinguishes the authentic Christian life from all others is the kindness that is displayed to everyone, regardless of who they are. It is a recognition that no matter what advantages or disadvantages mark a person's way of life, we all have an equal need of a loving Heavenly Father. This recognition of equality insists that everyone is treated with kindness and respect. The scripture reference for this episode is Colossians 3:1-17
Have you ever played a game with someone who would change the rules when it suited them to get the outcome they expected? You find out that the rules you're playing by are not the rules the game's developer had in mind. While it might be okay to do this shorten a game of Monopoly, it's not okay to change the rules of salvation in Jesus Christ. The scripture reference for this episode is found in Colossians 2:16-23.
Are you the kind of person who puts things off because you think you're not good enough, or not ready yet? That kind of thinking holds many believers back from sharing what Jesus has done for them. But if you are in Christ, you are ready to get started.
The Bible reference for this episode is Colossians 2:6-12 (NLT)
To keep a movement going beyond the life of its founder takes a lot more than a charismatic leader. The apostle Paul knew this and he provided a great model that we can follow even today. The scriptures used for this study are Colossians 1:24-29, Colossians 2:1-5, and Hebrews 6:10 (NIV).
Don’t you love watching a video where someone is interacting with someone famous but they have no idea of who they’re talking to? You know that their conversation would go in a completely different direction if they knew who they were talking to. After Paul knew who Jesus really is, his talk about Jesus changed considerably. The scripture reading for this episode is the same as last week's: Colossians 1:15-23 (NIV)
When God speaks, things change. But if you're not listening, you might miss it. Does God speak to us today? If so, how do we hear Him? I'll discuss this very topic in this episode. Our scripture reference for this episode is Colossians 1:15-22 (NIV) and Acts 9:3-6 (NIV)
This week I am starting a new series called No Added Ingredients. I'll be going verse by verse through the New Testament book of Colossians. This short book has a lot to say to us today, so get out your Bible and follow along as I go through the first 14 verses of chapter 1. I'm reading out of the New International Version.
Entering a new calendar year always seems to make us think of ways we can improve our lives. One thing I recommend is changing the way we view and respond to the evil and injustice of the world we live in. Scriptures read in this episode are:
John 16:33, Ecclesiastes 1:9, Ephesians 4:1-6, Hebrews 11:13, 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, John 14:27, Ephesians 4:31, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 5: 43-45. All are read from the New International Version
Life often throws us a curveball. How we respond to the unexpected events of life is really important as we represent Christ to the world. Today we are going to see how Joseph responded to the major curve that was thrown to him when he found out that Mary was going to have a baby that wasn’t his. The scripture reference for today's episode is Matthew 1:18-25 (NLT)
There is a lot that we don't know about that is going on inner world. The information we use to make decisions with is usually incomplete or inaccurate. But there is someone who is with us who knows it all and he was born more than 2000 years ago.
Building a house is exciting- but before it begins to go up, it is important to make sure that the foundation is solid, or it won’t last. As Jesus brings his Sermon on the Mount to a conclusion he makes sure that just listening to his sermon isn’t enough- you have to have follow his teaching or you’re just building your life on a shifting sand. Today's Scripture reading is Matthew 7:24-29 (NLT)
To state what should be obvious, if you’re looking for some grapes to pick, you’re wasting your time if you’re looking among the sticker bushes. You’re just not going to find tasty grapes in a field of sandburrs. Jesus uses that illustration to warn us to look carefully at those that want to have influence on us. Today’s lesson is found in Matthew chapter 7, verses 13-23 (NLT)
Good parents know what their children need, and love to give them things that bring them joy. Our Heavenly Father loves to give us good things when we ask Him.
Today's scripture reading is Matthew 7:7-12 (NLT)
What goes around comes around isn't a phrase from the Bible, but it comes close to summing up what Jesus is telling us today. If you are always pointing out the shortcomings of those around you, don't be surprised when others are quick to point out yours. The way you act toward others is the way they will act toward you. Today's scripture reading comes from Matthew 7:1-6
Little children trust that their parents are going to keep them safe and cared for. Jesus wants us to have that same kind of trust in Him. He uses examples from every day life to make his point. Today's scripture reference is Matthew 6:25-34 (NLT)
It's a pretty straightforward path to be popular- just do what is popular where people can see it. And if you can do it impressively, even better. But Jesus isn't impressed with a good show. He wants genuine motive. He is impressed when we will faithfully serve him when there is no one around to cheer.
Today's scripture reference comes from Matthew 6:16-24 (NLT)
Prayer can seem to be a mystery for many Christians, but it doesn't have to. Jesus provides a simple but powerful framework for a wonderful and effective prayer life in what we call The Lord's Prayer. Listen in and hear that prayer doesn't have to be difficult. The scripture reading for this episode is found in Matthew 6:7-15 (NLT)
Helping others is a fundamental trait of the believer. But when we have to make sure that everyone know what we've done to help others, we've done it for the wrong reason. As we continue our look into the Sermon on the Mount, we find that we are expected to do the right thing with the right motivation.
Our scripture reference is Matthew 6:1-6 (NLT)
Saying that someone "gives as good as they get" might be a good way to describe a MMA fighter or a political candidate, but it is sure no how Jesus describes the way His followers are to act in response to conflict. His message sounded counter cultural then and it sounds counter cultural today. Today's study comes from Matthew 5:38-48 (NLT)
Have you ever known a big talker? Someone who promises to go big, but instead goes home? Well, Jesus has a lot to say about integrity in today's study from the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5:27-36 (NLT)
Have you ever known someone who could hold a grudge like it was something precious? It's no fun to be around someone who has nothing good to say about someone they are at odds with. And that attitude is something that Jesus warns us to stay away from. I'm continuing this study of the Sermon On The Mount. Today's scripture is found in Matthew 5:21-26 (NLT)
Do you consider yourself a revolutionary, or salt of the earth? Can you be an agent for change and hold to the founding principles of what you are trying to change? Well, Jesus is a revolutionary who calls us to be the salt of the earth, and the agent of massive change who never turned away from the principles of the old ways. His new way was the fulfillment of the old way. Today's episode comes from Matthew 5:13-20 (NLT)
Today I'm beginning a new study coming from the Sermon on the Mount. It is found in Matthew chapters 5-7. I start this new study at the beginning- the Beatitudes. Far from being a checklist that leads to successful living, it is a call to a life that is counter to the normal way of thinking- Upside Down Living, if you will.
The spiritual discipline of giving is a two way street. The giver needs to give out of obedience to God. The recipient, whether an individual or church must receive it with integrity as though it came directly from the hand of God. Paul describes this dynamic in the last verses of Philippians chapter 4 as I bring this study of Philippians to a close.
When we are separated from the ones we love, we are always happy to hear from them. Nowadays it's so easy to send a text or FaceTime someone to let them know how things are going.
In Paul's time, however, news was hard to come by. So when he was visited by a friend from the church in Philippi, it did Paul a world of good.
But as much good as sending Athene's did for the Philippians, and as much good as hearing this news did for Paul, he was quick to point out that his strength came from a deeper source- from Christ alone.
This week's scripture reference is Philippians 4:10-13 (NLT)
Have you ever been thinking about something that makes you mad and then snap at someone who has nothing to do with what you were thinking about? At that moment, you weren't in a peaceful state. What you chose to dwell on affected your behavior. The Apostle Paul tells us the kind of things we should be thinking about so that we can have God's peace instead of our emotions affecting how we represent Christ. Today's teaching comes from Philippians 4:4-9 (NLT)
Disagreements are going to happen, but they don't have to balloon into a relationship ending conflict. If we will stay true to the Lord, and remember that we belong to the Lord, we will find that choosing to stay full of the joy of the Lord will allow us to get over anything. This week's study comes from Philippians 4:1-5 (NLT)
Say what you will about the apostle Paul, but he was no quitter. When he was an opponent of the early church, he opposed it with a single minded ferocity. And after his encounter with Jesus turned him into a missionary and church planter, he devoted that same level intensity to proclaiming the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. He accomplished a lot but he never stopped pressing on. And he encourages us to do the same. The study in this episode comes from Philippians 3:12-21 (NLT)
The apostle Paul is an extraordinary teacher and mentor. He constantly reminds us to have a joy that will hold up to all of the difficulties and challenges that life can bring. This is not hypothetical teaching- Paul displays joy even while he is imprisoned for the very faith that gives him that joy. And he warns against letting anyone place barriers that would hinder us from finding that same strong joy that comes through faith in Jesus.
Reference: Philippians 3:1-11 (NLT)
Why do we love dogs so much? Because we believe that they love us. And since they love us, we will do anything we think they need. At the end of Philippians chapter 2, Paul shows that leadership by love and respect of those we work with and those we lead yields great benefits even during the toughest of times.
When you have taught someone something, you want to see them actually practice it when you're not around. Paul was no different. In this episode I take a look at Philippians 2:12-18.
Paul wrote a beautiful description of how Jesus willingly left the power and privilege of Heaven to live as we live and to be executed unjustly. He really is our Lord who knows what we are going through.
Philippians 2:5-11New Living Translation5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,[a]
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];
he took the humble position of a slave[c]
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[d]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
It is really rewarding to be part of a team when everyone is working toward the same goal. Paul encourages the fledgling church of Jesus followers to be unified in their purpose. Philippians 2:1-4
This look at Philippians 1:27-30 explores the responsibilities we have as followers of Christ. Paul was a citizen of the empire of Rome, but he placed higher emphasis on his citizenship in Heaven. In this episode I look at how we should view ourselves as citizens of Heaven while we are here on earth.
I'm looking at the first 26 verses of chapter 1 in my study of Philippians. Paul loved the church in Philippi and his desire was that they would continue to grow in Christ so they could understand what really matters in this life.
If you have comments or questions, you can find me on Facebook and instagram or you can email me at rbwhitlow@me.com
This intro to Philippians explains why this book of the New Testament has been called the Epistle of Joy. All scripture references are from the New Living Translation. If you want to read them for yourself, here are the scriptures referenced in today's episode:
Acts 9:15-16, Isaiah 55:8-9, Philippians 1:12-14
The apostle Paul is a major figure in the New Testament and his story is really amazing. God transformed a religious terrorist into the greatest missionary and church planter the Church has ever known. This episode is an introduction for a study on the New Testament book of Philippians, which is one of Paul's many contributions to our Bible.
In this episode I hope to inspire you to live a lifestyle of generosity as an act of worship. Listen in and learn how a garage sale led to a lifelong practice of generosity.
If you have comments or questions, hit me up on Facebook or Instagram (both profiles are Randy Whitlow) or send me an email at rbwhitlow@me.com
Getting saved, giving your heart to Jesus, crossing the line of faith, making a decision for Christ- there are many ways to describe salvation, but what is it? How does it work? And when does it happen? I attempt to answer what I mean by salvation.
This is the second topic in the current series, "What Do You Mean By That?" In this episode I talk about Communion- what it is, what it means, and how it happens.
I'm beginning a new series called, "What Do You Mean By That?" I'll be discussing some common church terms with meanings that might not be clear to all. I'll present each topic from the perspective of my faith tradition. This week I'm talking about baptism, one of the ordinances of the church.
In episode 12 I am talking about what we call the Greatest Commandment. When Jesus was asked which of the commandments is most important, his answer was short, but it has major implications for us even today.
In this episode I am discussing the 10th commandment as part of the "An Ordered Life" series. This episode is called Be Careful What You Wish For and talks about the danger of having an unhealthy desire for something that belongs to someone else.
Today in episode 10 I am discussing the 9th of the Ten Commandments as part of the "An Ordered Life" series. This week's teaching is called No Trolls Allowed and is based on the commandment that tells us, "You must not testify falsely against your neighbor".
In episode 8 I am discussing the 7th of the Ten Commandments as part of the "An Ordered Life" series. This episode is called "Keep It Clean" and deals with the command, "You must not commit adultery."
Today we explore the 8th commandment in the "An Ordered Life" series. We see how this command, You must not steal applies to us today.
In episode 7 I am discussing the sixth of the Ten Commandments as part of the "An Ordered Life" series.
In episode 6 I am discussing the fifth of the Ten Commandments as part of my "An Ordered Life" series.
In today's episode I am discussing the 4th of the Ten Commandments as part of the Ordered Life series. This week's teaching is called, "Just Remember"
The first Commandment of the Ten Commandments as part of the series called "An Ordered Life"
Sometimes the Bible can be hard to understand. Let's work together to see how this ancient book can help us live in 2022. Grab your Bible and let's get started!