The Follower: Recent Episodes
Michael Brogna
Helping one another to follow Jesus through spiritual encouragement, biblical insight and theological reflection.
In Matthew 12 Jesus makes three very bold claims stating that he is "greater" than any of the Old Testament priests, prophets or kings!
In Matthew 15:29-31 we read about great crowds of people who approach Jesus and are desperate for a healing touch from him. Will they go home disappointed or disillusioned or will Jesus be able and willing to meet their needs and change their lives forever?
The birth of Jesus Christ is of utmost importance to Christians because we learn things about his mission and purpose for entering into the world. In this episode we will discuss the uniqueness of Christ as recorded in Matthew 1:18-23.
Do you know what Jesus taught about more than anything else? It may surprise you that his most prominent subject was "the kingdom of heaven." Why did he talk about this more than anything else? What is the kingdom of heaven and what does it have to do with those who seek to follow Jesus?
Is there anything more important to know about God than the fact that He is loving? Does God really love the world? Does God really love me?
Does God have a name? If so, what is it and why is it important to know? In this episode we will take a look at Exodus 3 and discover that God wants us to know His name--a name He desires to be remembered by from generation to generation!
In Isaiah 55:11 God assures us that His word will always succeed even if our thoughts cannot seem to fathom such things!
The Bible can be so overwhelming! How can we make sense of something that is so diverse? Is there a key that helps us unlock the main purpose and point of the Scriptures? Yes there is.
God takes the time to speak to us so we should take the time to listen to what He is saying. However, there are things that can distract us from really hearing and learning. In this episode we will briefly discuss the importance of preparing our minds and hearts whenever we open the Bible. We will also discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us understand the deep things of God.
Engaging in theology is not a cold, lifeless, and impersonal endeavor. On the contrary, studying theology leads us into a deeper understanding of the one, true, living God who we know, love, and serve! To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Should theology be important to a follower of Jesus Christ? Is it something that Christ is concerned about? In this episode we will define what theology is and discuss why it is an important aspect of Christian discipleship.
How do the Jews celebrate their New Year? Can we learn any theological lessons from the practices of the Jewish Community's celebration of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? Yes, we can!
A special word of thanks to all of you who have supported me and my ministry in 2020. You are a gift from God! www.globaltrainingnetwork.org/brogna
The birth of Christ reminds us that God had a plan to deal with our sins once-and-for-all. We needed to be pardoned! The Old Testament prophet Micah gives a profound message of hope to God's children who have been found guilty of sinning against God. These are also words of comfort and assurance to Christians today.
The Christmas season, and particularly the doctrine of the virgin birth, is a time to be reminded and encouraged by the fact that God can do anything!
Christmas is a time to celebrate the peace that God offers us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The purpose of the incarnation--God becoming flesh--is to "take away sins" and "destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:4-10).
In this episode we will look at Paul's words in Galatians 4:4-7 and discuss some important theological truths concerning the birth of Christ.
The last section of 2 Timothy is filled with personal requests, warnings, and ministry instructions from Paul to Timothy.
In 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Paul reminds Timothy that he has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Was this all for nothing or will Paul be rewarded for his endurance in ministry?
Paul gives Timothy a "charge" to preach the word. What does this mean exactly? Did Paul expect Timothy to prepare weekly sermons to share with a religious audience or did he have something else in mind? How can followers of Jesus Christ in the 21st Century be preachers of the word?
Paul reminds Timothy that he cannot properly carry out his ministry--or have any lasting success-- apart from the sacred Scriptures. We will answer two questions in this episode: 1) Where did the Bible come from? and 2) What are the Bible's purposes?
Paul assures Timothy that "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted' (3:12).
Paul warns Timothy that there will be difficult times during the last days. Are we living in the last days now? What will make these days so difficult for the church?
Paul likens the church in Ephesus to a large house filled with different types of utensils--some objects of honor and others objects of dishonor. What exactly does he mean and how does it have significance for the church today?
Paul reminds Timothy to do his best as it relates to "correctly handling the word of truth" (2:15). Timothy would one day present his life and ministry to God--as all of us will likewise do. Are you doing your best for God?
In this episode of The Follower we will examine four imperatives that Paul gives to his young disciple Timothy and how it relates to being a follower of Jesus Christ.
In this episode of The Follower we will discuss why Paul was so concerned about Timothy "keeping" and "guarding" the sound teaching that was passed down to him. We will also look at the example of one of Paul's most devoted friends, Onesiphorus, and the impact he had on Paul.
Timothy is a young, sickly, and timid disciple of Jesus Christ who has been given a great ministry responsibility in the church. In order to fulfill his God-given task Paul has to remind Timothy to rekindle the fire that is within him.
2 Timothy is the apostle Paul's last letter. The contents of this epistle contain his final thoughts and words to his young, timid disciple, Timothy. The letter is intensely personal in nature and the reader gets a true glimpse into the mind and heart of this amazing man whom God used in such a mighty way on earth.
Did you know that those who take the time to read, hear, and keep the Book of Revelation are promised a blessing? In this episode of The Follower we'll discuss the nature of this blessing and what it meant to the 1st Century church and, now, the 21st Century church.
The last chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22, describes what life in the New Jerusalem will be like. God's children--from all nations-- will serve, worship, and reign with Him and the Lamb for ever and ever!
The book of Revelation compares and contrasts two women representing two cities: a prostitute called "Babylon the great" and a bride called the "New Jerusalem." What is the significance of these two cities in Revelation and what can the church in the 21st Century learn from each?
When John writes the book of Revelation from the island of Patmos (and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) he appears to follow the same literary pattern of the Old Testament book of Exodus. In fact, upon closer examination, when we read Revelation it is like we are reading Exodus all over again!
We continue our study of the book of Revelation with a brief look at the seven trumpet judgments of 8:6-11:19.
The wrath of God is an uncomfortable topic to discuss. However, the book of Revelation makes it clear that part of God's plan for bringing about a new heaven and new earth involves a series of judgments and plagues. There is evidently a limit to God's patience that we must not forget about.
In this shorter podcast episode from Matthew 11:28-30 we learn about how true, lasting rest can be found in Christ alone. He is our Savior and our Sabbath!
True spiritual rest can only be found in Jesus Christ--at least this is the claim that he makes of himself in Matthew 11:28-30. Is this really possible? Can we find deep, lasting peace through a relationship with Christ alone? Listen to this episode of "The Follower" to learn more about this incredible claim of Jesus.
The book of Revelation depicts a battle that is going on for universal worship and allegiance. Revelation stresses that only God and the Lamb are worthy to receive the praise of the nations. However, there are still spiritual fakes--con artists--that attempt to draw the worship of the nations to themselves instead. Ultimately, there will be a battle that settles this conflict once and for all. Who will win?
In the book of Revelation the church is called to be a faithful witness, enduring affliction and persecution as she follows the Lamb of God in the midst of a cruel world that is under the influence of an unholy trinity (the dragon, the sea beast, and the land beast). Being a follower of Jesus Christ is not easy but it does lead to eternal life!
What role does the person and work of the Holy Spirit play in the book of Revelation? John mentions "seven spirits" that are before the throne of God and reminds his audience that he was "in the Spirit" when he was commanded by Jesus to write these things to the seven churches in Asia. Listen to this episode to learn more about the Spirit's role within the pages of the Bible's final book.
The apostle John declares that Jesus Christ is "the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings on earth" (Revelation 1:5). Listen to this episode of "The Follower" to discover why these things were so significant to John's original audience and also to followers of Christ today.
The Book of Revelation has always captured the fascination of followers of Jesus Christ. In this episode we will examine the importance of "the throne of God" in the message of Revelation.
In Psalm 27 David expresses his desire to dwell in house of the LORD above any other desire in his life! What was it about this "house" that totally captured David's heart? Does God have a "house" on earth today?
What is the significance of the term "Day the Lord"? Is it something we should fear? Has this day already come as some people were claiming 2000 years ago (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)?
We have just celebrated the Day of Pentecost in our churches this weekend. What happened on this day and why is this such an important day for followers of Jesus?
In John 14-17 Jesus shares a "Farewell Discourse" with his apostles. He seeks to give them comfort, hope, and joy during a confusing and painful time of transition. He promises that they will know true joy "after a little while" (16: 16). Listen to this episode of "The Follower" to hear more about how we can know the joy of Christ during difficult times in our lives.
How many people really know you? Psalm 139 reminds us that God has complete knowledge of us--our desires, thoughts, and motives cannot be hidden from His sight. God knows you inside and out.
Lamentations is written during one of the darkest hours in the history of God's chosen people. The walls of Jerusalem, the holy city, have crumpled down at the hands of the Babylonians. The sacred temple, God's house on earth, has also fallen. Can hope be found in the midst of this deep spiritual, physical and psychological trauma?
Psalm 103, a psalm of David, warns us to not forget all of the benefits that God so graciously gives to His children--and there are many indeed!
Psalm 42 describes a person whose soul is in a state of anguish. Have you ever felt like this? How can you rise above your circumstances with God's help to experience relief and revival?
In John 20:19-31 the resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples on more than one occasion. He blesses them with peace and encourages one of them, Thomas, to stop doubting and start believing.
Resurrection Sunday is the anchor event for followers of Jesus Christ. The empty tomb is both a reminder and a reassurance that we can fully trust God to keep His promises!
Why would Jesus curse a fig tree? What was the significance of his angry outburst in the Temple? How are the two related? As we continue to examine the words and actions of Jesus during Holy Week our attention is drawn to Mark 11:12-25.
- On this Palm Sunday we reflect upon the significance of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem in our own lives.
In Mark 8:34-38 Jesus challenges the crowds and his disciples to consider what it truly means to follow him.
This is a continuation from yesterday's devotion from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. In this episode we focus on 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 where the apostle Paul encourages the Corinthian church to focus on their eternal dwelling.
With the coronavirus rapidly spreading across the world it is easy to live in a state of fear and anxiety. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 the apostle Paul gives us timely insights into how we can experience spiritual renewal by living with an eternal perspective.