60 Second Christianity: Recent Episodes
Scott Wylie
Exploring what Christians think and believe in one-minute segments. What is the Bible? Who is God? How does someone become a Christian? How are Christians supposed to think and live? Scott Wylie breaks down Christianity in short episodes and plain language.
Scott is the Executive Director and Broadcast Host at Wisdom International. Wisdom International is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people know God, think biblically and live wisely through Podcasts, Radio Broadcasts, Videos, Books and other Bible Teaching Resources.
Have you ever thought, Am I too far gone for Jesus to save me? In Luke 5, Jesus encounters Matthew, a tax collector, who was seen by his own people as a traitor and thief. Yet, Jesus simply says, “Follow me.” Matthew’s response? He leaves everything and follows Jesus. This shows us two incredible truths: First, no one is beyond redemption. Matthew was considered a corrupt outcast, yet Jesus saw his potential and invited him to follow. Second, no believer is beyond responsibility. Matthew immediately throws a feast and invites other tax collectors to meet Jesus. He didn’t wait to learn all the answers—he just knew Jesus had changed his life, and he wanted to share it. Jesus extends the same invitation today. He knows who you are, but He knows what you can become.
Have you ever wondered, Does Jesus really have the power to forgive sins? In Luke 5, Jesus returns to Capernaum, where a paralyzed man is lowered through the roof by his friends to be healed. But instead of healing him first, Jesus says, "Man, your sins are forgiven you." This shocks the Pharisees, who believe only God can forgive sins. Jesus knows their thoughts and responds, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?" To prove His authority, Jesus tells the man, "Rise, pick up your bed and go home," and the man is healed instantly. Jesus uses this moment to demonstrate His divine power to forgive sins. The physical healing proves His authority in the spiritual realm. Jesus is ready to forgive your sins today.
Do you believe Jesus can save anyone, no matter their situation? In Mark 1, a man with leprosy comes to Jesus, a disease so feared and incurable that it left people isolated and hopeless. But this man had faith. He fell before Jesus and said, "If you will, you can make me clean." And Jesus, full of compassion, reached out, touched him, and said, "I will; be clean." The man was instantly healed! This wasn’t just about healing a disease; it was a powerful symbol of Jesus’ authority to save us from the deepest uncleanness—sin. Just as Jesus healed that leper, He is willing to heal our souls and save us. Romans 10:13 says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." The question isn’t if Jesus is willing to save. The question is: Are you willing to come to Him?
Have you ever wondered what it really means to follow Jesus? In Luke 5, Jesus gets into a boat with Simon Peter and tells him to cast his net into the deep waters. Peter, a seasoned fisherman, is skeptical, but he obeys. The result? An overwhelming catch of fish, so massive it nearly sinks the boats! But here’s the heart of the story: Peter’s response in Luke 5. He falls at Jesus’ knees and says, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” Instead of dismissing Peter, Jesus calls him to a new mission: "From now on you will be catching men." Peter and his companions leave everything—their boats, their livelihood—and follow Jesus. The authority of Jesus rearranges their priorities completely. What about you? Are there things in your life that need to be reprioritized?
Are you willing to step out in faith, even when you're uncertain? In Matthew 4, Jesus leaves His hostile hometown and settles in Capernaum. There, He demonstrates His divine authority in astonishing ways. In one scene, a leper approaches Jesus and says, “If you will, you can make me clean.” The leper doesn’t doubt Jesus’ ability, but he’s unsure if Jesus is willing. Jesus responds with compassion, “I am willing; be clean,” and heals him instantly. This story reveals something powerful: Jesus is always willing to respond to genuine faith. But the question is, are we willing to come to Him? Jesus is willing to save and heal, but we must be willing to ask. Don’t let fear or uncertainty keep you from experiencing His power and grace. Reach out in faith.
Have you ever felt rejected by those who know you best? In John 4, Jesus returned to Galilee, where He grew up. Initially, the Galileans welcomed Him, excited by the miracles He had performed. However, as Jesus preached repentance and revealed Himself as the Messiah, their welcome quickly turned into rejection. Jesus read from Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." The crowd is stunned and outraged. How could this carpenter’s son claim to be the Messiah? They drove Jesus out, attempting to throw Him off a cliff. Jesus didn’t lose heart despite the rejection from those closest to Him. He continued His ministry with unwavering focus. If you’re facing rejection, don’t lose heart, or sight of your calling.
What can Jesus offer that nothing else can? In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well. This encounter defies social norms. Jews didn't speak to Samaritans, and men didn't publicly speak to women. Yet, Jesus asks her for a drink and offers her something greater: "living water." Confused, the woman questions Him, and Jesus explains that the water He offers leads to eternal life. She eagerly asks for this water, unaware of its true meaning. Jesus gently exposes her deepest needs, revealing knowledge of her past. Realizing Jesus is the Messiah, she runs to tell her town. "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" Remember, Jesus knows you fully and offers you this same living water today. Are you ready to accept?
What does Jesus mean when he talks about “living water”? In John 4, Jesus makes His way through Samaria, where He encounters a woman at Jacob’s well. He asks her for a drink, breaking several social norms of His day. Talking to a Samaritan, a woman, and even asking for a drink from her hand. When she questions His request, Jesus offers her something greater: “living water.” He tells her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again”. This woman came to the well for physical water, but Jesus is offering her something far deeper—a spiritual fulfillment that can only be found in Him. Jesus knows your needs and offers you living water that will satisfy your soul forever.
How did John the Baptist respond to Jesus’ growing ministry? In John 3:26, John the Baptist’s disciples are concerned that Jesus’ disciples are baptizing more people. But John responds in verse 30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John shows us two characteristics of humility. First, humility refuses to promote personal achievements. John says in verse 27, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.” Second, humility refuses to emphasize personal importance. John compares himself to the friend of the bridegroom who steps aside with joy when the bridegroom arrives (verse 29). Let’s learn from John and make Jesus the center of attention in our lives.
Why do people reject Jesus? Jesus tells Nicodemus in John 3:19, “The light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” People reject the light of salvation because they love the darkness of sin. It’s like bringing a pig and a lamb into your house, bathing them, and letting them loose. The pig will head straight for the mud, while the lamb will lie on the grass. Their different natures drive their actions. Similarly, unbelievers love the darkness of sin. Jesus says in verse 20, “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” Do you love the light or the darkness?
Why is believing in Jesus urgent? John 3:16 emphasizes the urgency of believing in Jesus. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The stakes are high. Without belief, we perish. This refers to eternal judgment, not just physical death. D. L. Moody, a famous evangelist, once explained that the world can be divided into two groups: the whosoever wills and the whosoever won’ts. Which one are you? Believing in Jesus is urgent because it’s the only way to escape judgment and receive eternal life. Don’t wait. Accept His gift today and experience the greatest promise of eternal life.
What does John 3:16 really mean? In John 3:16, Jesus tells Nicodemus, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Let’s break this down. “For God.” He’s the greatest giver. Everything begins with Him. “So loved the world.” This is the greatest degree of love. God’s love is immense. “That he gave his only Son.” Jesus is the greatest gift ever given. “That whoever believes in him.” This is the greatest invitation. Believing in Jesus brings salvation. “Should not perish.” This is the greatest escape from eternal judgment. “But have eternal life.” This is the greatest promise. By believing in Jesus, we receive eternal life. Have you accepted this gift?
What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus he must be born again? In John 3, Nicodemus, a religious leader, came to Jesus at night seeking answers. Jesus told him, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Confused, Nicodemus received further explanation in verse 5: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Being born of water refers to physical birth, but being born of the Spirit means a spiritual rebirth. Jesus referenced the story of Moses lifting the serpent in the wilderness, symbolizing His own crucifixion. By believing in Jesus, one can have eternal life. This profound message of salvation challenges us to trust not in our deeds but in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our spiritual rebirth.
Why did Jesus cleanse the temple in Jerusalem? During the Passover, the city was packed with pilgrims. Jesus entered the temple and found it corrupt, with merchants and money-changers exploiting the worshippers. In John 2:15-16, we read, “And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple.” Jesus demonstrated His authority over the temple, declaring it His Father’s house. This cleansing act wasn't just about clearing corruption; it was about asserting His divine authority and fulfilling His role as the Messiah. It reminds us that true worship should be pure and free from exploitation. Let’s keep our hearts sincere in worship, honoring God in all we do. Listen to 60 Second Christianity to explore this powerful moment in Jesus' ministry.
What was Jesus’ first miracle and what did it signify? In John 2, Jesus performs His first miracle at a wedding in Cana. When the wine runs out, His mother informs Him, but Jesus replies, “My hour has not yet come.” Nevertheless, He instructs the servants to fill six stone jars with water, which He miraculously turns into wine. The master of the feast, amazed, says, “You have kept the good wine until now.” This miracle signifies several key points: Jesus operates on His Father’s timing, demonstrates His divine power to His disciples, brings joy to those He touches, and often works through willing and obedient people. Tune in to 60 Second Christianity and be inspired by the significance of Jesus' first miracle.
Curious about how the first disciples of Jesus were called? In this episode of 60 Second Christianity, we delve into John 1, where John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Messiah. When Jesus walks by, John proclaims, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” This revelation prompts two of John's disciples, Andrew and likely John, the Gospel's author, to follow Jesus. Andrew quickly tells his brother Simon, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41), and Jesus renames Simon to Peter. The next day, Jesus calls Philip, who then brings Nathanael to Jesus. In just a few days, Jesus gains five new disciples, each eager to share the treasure they found in Him. Let's be inspired by their example and share the treasure we have in Jesus with others.
Ever wonder how Jesus resisted significant temptations at the start of His ministry? Tune in to 60 Second Christianity as we explore how Jesus, after fasting for forty days, faced Satan's temptations head-on. Learn how He turned to Scripture for strength, countering each temptation with God’s Word. From refusing to turn stones into bread to rejecting the offer of all the world's kingdoms, Jesus demonstrated that victory over sin is found in God's Word. Join us for a quick yet powerful insight into the importance of Scripture in overcoming life's challenges.
Curious about why Jesus, who had nothing to repent of, chose to be baptized? Join us on 60 Second Christianity as we delve into the significance of Jesus’ baptism. Discover how His baptism served as an identification with the believing remnant in Israel and marked His anointing by the Holy Spirit, empowering Him for His mission. This brief yet insightful episode will enrich your understanding of a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry and its profound implications for our faith today. Tune in and gain a fresh perspective on why Jesus' baptism matters to us as believers.
What was the role of John the Baptist in preparing for Jesus' ministry? John the Baptist played a crucial role in preparing the way for Jesus. John broke God's 400-year silence with new revelation when he taught: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2. He called people to confess their sins and be baptized as a sign of repentance. John's mission was to bear witness to the light, preparing people's hearts for the coming Messiah. By listening to John, people were ready to receive Jesus. His baptism was a symbol of changing one's identity and relationship with God. John’s boldness and dedication remind us of the importance of repentance and readiness to receive Jesus, the Light of the World.
What do we know about Jesus' childhood? The Gospels give limited information about Jesus' childhood. From His birth to the age of twelve, we have a few recorded scenes: His birth, circumcision, the visit of the wise men, the escape to Egypt to name a few. After that, we get a glimpse into His boyhood with Luke 2:52, which says, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man”. Jesus grew in wisdom, physically matured, and gained favor with God and people. During these silent years, He lived a normal human life, learning, working as a carpenter, and preparing for His future ministry. Jesus understands our experiences and struggles, having walked through them Himself.
Why did Jesus stay behind in the temple when His parents were returning home? When Jesus was twelve, He and His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover. After the festival, His parents started their journey home, assuming Jesus was with them. But Jesus stayed behind in the temple. When His parents found Him three days later, He was listening to the teachers and asking questions. When questioned by His mother, Jesus said, "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”. Jesus was aware of His divine identity and mission. Despite His divine nature, He returned to Nazareth and was obedient to His earthly parents. Jesus’ actions remind us to prioritize our spiritual growth and obedience to God's will.
What can we learn from Joseph and Mary’s dedication to their faith? Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of Passover, despite living sixty-five miles away in Nazareth. They had a deep commitment to their faith and worship of God. Luke 2:41-42 says, "Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom" (ESV). Their dedication to observing God’s commands set an example for Jesus, who also grew in wisdom and favor with God and man. Their commitment teaches the importance of practicing our faith and setting a godly example for others, especially our children. Strive to be devoted in your walk with God.
When the wise men from the east came to visit Jesus, they brought gifts. What significance did the magi's gifts have for Jesus? In Matthew 2:11, the magi present Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts were valuable. The items themselves had intrinsic value. But in addition, they just were symbolic. Gold signified Jesus’ kingship, frankincense highlighted His role as our High Priest, and myrrh, used in burial rituals, foreshadowed His death and burial. These treasures acknowledged Jesus’ divine identity and mission to save humanity. The magi’s gifts also remind us about honoring Jesus with our best. We too are obligated to recognize Him as King, Priest, and Savior.
Just about everyone has heard the story of the Magi visiting Jesus. Most often it’s depicted as a group of three. But, how many wise men visited Jesus, and when did they arrive? Contrary to popular belief, the Bible doesn’t specify the number of wise men or magi. Matthew 2:1 says, “Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem.” Their arrival wasn’t immediate; it was likely months after Jesus' birth. They saw “his star” and followed it. This was not a typical star. God did something unique and special, and the Magi recognized it as such. This light guided them to Jerusalem, where they sought the newborn King. The magi’s journey reminds us that God’s signs often lead us to seek and worship Him.
What does Mary’s offering for purification teach us about Jesus? Luke 2:24 tells us that Mary offered “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons” for her purification. This was an offering that God required after a woman gave birth. Mary, who had given birth to God Himself, did this as well. It shows that Mary, though bearing the sinless Son of God, needed purification. She couldn’t afford a lamb for a sacrifice. She and Joseph were of humble means. But she held the Lamb of God in her arms. This ceremony highlights Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Even in humble beginnings, His life fulfilled the law perfectly, setting the stage for His sacrificial death and our redemption.
Why did Mary and Joseph present Jesus at the temple? Luke 2:22 says, “When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” This ceremony, something that Jewish families did at that time, was a ceremony of redemption. It acknowledged God's ownership of Israel's firstborn. Joseph and Mary paid the redemption price, fulfilling the law's requirement. This act demonstrated their obedience and dedication, recognizing that Jesus belonged to God in a unique way. Even as a baby, Jesus’ life fulfilled prophecy and pointed to His ultimate mission as the Redeemer of humanity.
What was the significance of Jesus' circumcision and naming? Luke 2:21 says, “At the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” This ceremony of circumcision was a command from Genesis 17. It would have identified Him with Abraham's family and the Jewish people. Circumcision was something that every Jewish bot experienced. The name Jesus, meaning “the Lord saves,” was announced, highlighting His divine mission. It was the name God told his parents to give Him. Despite suspicion from the community, Mary and Joseph faithfully followed God's commands, marking Jesus as the promised Savior from birth.
Why did God choose shepherds to announce Jesus' birth? Luke 2:8-10 tells us that shepherds were keeping watch over their flock when an angel appeared, announcing the birth of Jesus. To the people of that time, shepherds were considered unclean and lowly in society. They were the lower class of people. Yet God chose them to be the first to hear the good news. This choice highlights that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of status. It also reminds us that God often uses the humble and overlooked to carry out His plans. Do you feel ordinary? Maybe you’re not special or privileged? Like the shepherds, you’re called to share the good news of Jesus with those in your realm of influence.
What significance does the humble birth of Jesus have for us today? Luke 2:7 tells us, “She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Jesus, the Savior of the world, was born in the most humble of circumstances. That aspect of Jesus’ life highlights His humility and accessibility. His birth in a manger reminds us that God came to earth in a relatable and approachable way. Do you ever feel like God is distant and far off? He’s actually near and approachable. This humility is a call for you to embrace humility in your life and to understand that Jesus is accessible to all, regardless of your circumstances.
What are you willing to sacrifice to obey God’s plan? Joseph’s obedience to God meant sacrificing his personal pride, privacy, and priorities. After learning that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Joseph took her as his wife. That would have created all kinds of public scandal. Mary was pregnant and Joseph was not the father. The angel told him, “[Mary] will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins”. Joseph’s response was immediate obedience. He did as the angel commanded, knowing it would change his life forever. This story challenges us to consider what God might be asking us to surrender today for the sake of His will.
How would you react if your fiancé turned out to be pregnant? Joseph faced this situation. Engaged to Mary, he discovered she was pregnant before they came together. Matthew 1:18 tells us, “She was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” Joseph, a just man, planned to divorce her quietly to avoid public disgrace. But an angel appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20). Joseph obeyed, surrendering his pride and privacy to embrace God’s plan. This story reminds us that following God’s will is often very hard. I requires that you pursue both humility and faith.
How did Zechariah react to the angel's message about his son's birth? In Luke's Gospel, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, announcing that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son named John, who would prepare the way for the Lord. Zechariah doubted, asking for proof, and Gabriel declared he would be silent until the prophecy was fulfilled. When John was born, Zechariah wrote, “His name is John”, and his speech returned. Zechariah praised God, singing of salvation and the coming Messiah, saying, “The sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness”. This story highlights the importance of faith and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
What did Mary do after hearing she would bear the Messiah? Mary, engaged to Joseph, heard from the angel Gabriel that she, a virgin, would conceive miraculously and bear the long-awaited Messiah. Gabriel also informed her that her elderly relative Elizabeth was six months pregnant. Seeking understanding, Mary traveled to Elizabeth's home, a three-day journey. Upon arrival, Elizabeth's unborn son leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth blessed Mary. Mary responded with a song of praise, saying, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”. Despite the challenges ahead, Mary focused on God's power and salvation, demonstrating faith and trust in His plan.
How did God use Caesar Augustus to fulfill prophecy? Well, Luke 2:1-2 tells us that Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census. This required everyone to return to their ancestral homes. That of course including Joseph and Mary. Although they lived in Nazareth, they had to travel to Bethlehem. That journey fulfilled the prophecy of Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. God used the decree of a Roman emperor to bring about His perfect plan. Even when life seems confusing, God is in control and working behind the scenes, even in those who don’t know Him, to accomplish His purposes. Thanks for listening.
Have you ever wondered about Jesus’ family tree? Why did God want us to have long lists of names in Jesus’ genealogy? Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 give us a glimpse. Matthew’s genealogy highlights Jesus as the Messiah. It demonstrated that Jesus descended from David and Abraham. That’s significant because it helps establish Jesus as fulfilling Jewish prophecy. Luke’s genealogy traces Jesus' lineage back to Adam. That emphasized His connection to all humanity. These genealogies reveal Jesus' dual nature. He is fully God and fully man. This is a difficult truth for us to wrap our minds around. But this connection reminds us that Jesus, our Savior, understands our humanity and has come to redeem us.
What did Jesus bring when He came to earth? I don’t mean what was he carrying with Him. I mean, what do we have now that we didn’t have before He came? John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus brought His divine nature, power, and purpose. He came to reveal God’s glory and grace, providing salvation for all who believe. John 1:18 explains that Jesus made known the reality of the Father. By observing what He said and did, we see God lived out in the flesh. Because of that, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Following Him leads us to eternal life with God. Thanks for listening.
How does the world react to Jesus being the light of the world? John 1:10-11 says, "He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." Most people don’t recognize Jesus as light. In fact most people flat out reject Jesus. But there's hope! John 1:12-13 tells us, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Believing in Jesus' name means trusting in who He is. He’s fully God, fully man, Creator, and Savior. When we receive Him that way, we become part of God's family, experiencing His grace and truth. That really is the good news we all need. Thanks for listening.
Welcome to Sixty Second Christianity. I’ve begun a series of episodes looking at the gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. So far we’ve seen that Jesus existed eternally as God the Son before taking on human nature. John 1:1-3 reveals that Jesus, the Word, is eternal and the Creator of the universe. But John goes even further. In John 1:4-5, he tells us, "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Jesus is the light shining in a dark world. It’s no surprise to to you that much of our world is walking in darkness. People desperately need to step into the light! Though most people reject Him, those who receive Him gain the right to become children of God. I hope that’s you.
Welcome to Sixty Second Christianity. Who is Jesus according to John’s Gospel? John 1:3 reveals a profound truth: “All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” Jesus is not only eternal and divine, but He is also the Creator of everything. This aligns with Genesis 1:1, where God creates the heavens and the earth. Recognizing Jesus as Creator affirms His supreme authority and power. If He created the universe, He certainly can handle the details of our lives. This understanding reassures us that Jesus, our Creator, has the power to sustain us and fulfill His promises. Trust in Jesus, knowing that the One who made all things is the same One who loves and redeems you. Thanks for listening.
Welcome to Sixty Second Christianity. How do the Gospels introduce Jesus? John’s Gospel begins with a powerful declaration in John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Here, when John says “the Word,” he’s referring to Jesus. This verse tells us that Jesus is eternal. He was with God and is God. John emphasizes that Jesus, the divine Word, became flesh and dwelt among us. This truth sets the foundation for understanding Jesus' divine nature and mission. Jesus is eternally God, the perfect revelation of the Father. He is not just a historical figure but the eternal Creator and Sustainer of all things. That makes Him worthy of our worship and trust. Thanks for listening.
With this episode, we begin a series through the gospels. I’m not sure how long it will take, but I’m looking forward to it. Let's start with this question: What does "gospel" mean? Well, in the Greek language, gospel means "good news." The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John only tell us about fifty-two days of Jesus' life and ministry. Though brief, these accounts are enough to convince us that Jesus is the Messiah. He is the Son of God. As John 20:30-31 says, "These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ... and that by believing you may have life in his name." Jesus as Messiah is the good news we need. Join me next time as we discover more good news about Jesus Christ.
You should always approach God with a spirit of humility. When you pray, you’re seeking God’s grace and humility is the posture God requires for granting it.
Sin can hinder your prayer. But prayer is the means of restoring your fellowship with god when you sin. Learn the importance of confession in this episode.
Ever wondered why some prayers seem to go unanswered? What if the life you lead could be silently sabotaging your spiritual connectivity? In this episode, we examine a profound concept: the potential hindrance of sin in our prayer life. Drawing on teachings from King David, Proverbs, and Peter, we explore the biblical assertion that God listens to the righteous and turns away from the wicked.
Aligning your prayers with Scripture helps you pray according to God's will, and may hold the key to unlocking a deeper connection with God. In this episode of 60-Second Christianity, I explore Jesus' teachings in John 15 and reveal insights to help your prayers truly resonate with God's desires and intentions.
Ever wonder how to align your prayers with God's will? When you pray according to God's will, you can be certain that God hears and answers your prayer.
What if I told you that you could approach God with confidence in prayer, all thanks to Jesus acting as your mediator? Today, we're diving into 1 Timothy 2:5 and discussing the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus that makes it possible for us to boldly go before God's throne.
Can our prayers really influence the actions of God? This episode explores this intriguing concept by examining an instance from the Bible where God seems to respond to prayers, and even alters His course of action as a result.
Ever wondered if prayer truly makes a difference in your life? Take a look at what the Bible says about it and how God responds to our requests. Jesus himself said in Luke 11:9-10 that we should ask, seek, and knock, implying that our reluctance to ask God for things might just be the reason why they haven't been granted.
Ever wondered how prayer connects us to a bigger story and something with eternal significance? Scott Wylie dives into the importance of prayer in our lives and its role in aligning ourselves with God's divine plan.
Are you ready to unleash the true power of prayer in your spiritual life? I'm Scott Wiley, and on today's episode of 60-Second Christianity, we'll reveal how prayer not only demonstrates our trust in God but also deepens our love and understanding of Him. By engaging in sincere and intimate communication with God, we experience a profound connection to His divine character, which in turn strengthens our relationship with our Creator.
Why is it that God wants us to pray to Him? What would change if you approached prayer, not to inform God of your needs, but to fostering a deeper connection and trust with Him? Join Scott Wylie for this episode of 60-Second Christianity as he explore the significance of prayer in our relationship with God and the reasons behind His desire for us to communicate with Him.
What would it mean for our lives if God truly is the Creator of the universe? Dive into this thought-provoking discussion as we explore the significant implications of God's role in creation and our place within it. I'm your host, Scott Wylie, and today we're tackling the idea that God is the only eternal being, having ultimate rule over the universe and all that exists within it – including us humans.
Why does science sometimes seem to clash with the Bible? Can Christians truly embrace both scientific inquiry and their faith? I'm your host, Scott Wylie, and today we're exploring the age-old question of science versus faith on 60-Second Christianity.
Join me as we dive into the conflicting scientific theories and the biblical view of creation, such as the theory that all living things resulted from random mutations over time. We'll discuss how this viewpoint contradicts the biblical teaching that God created us through intelligent design and infinite power.
Ever wondered how the universe came into being? Discover the biblical perspective on the creation of the universe and how God created everything out of nothing, simply by speaking it into existence! I'm your host, Scott Wylie, and in this thought-provoking episode of 60-Second Christianity, we'll explore various biblical passages to provide an understanding of how the heavens and the earth, both visible and invisible, were created by God.
Join me as we reference Genesis 1-1, John 1-3, and Colossians 1-16, and ponder the mysteries of our existence and the omnipotence of God. This enlightening conversation will surely leave you contemplating the wonders of the universe and the power of the almighty creator. Don't miss this eye-opening episode of 60-Second Christianity!
What are the roles of the Trinity? What do the various members of the Trinity do? Well, there are some places in the Bible that give is a glimpse of the different roles. One of the places we can look to see this is in the creation account. All three members of the Trinity played a different part. In Genesis 1:9-10, we learn that God spoke the earth into existence. Later on in John 1:3, the Bible tells us that God the Son, or Jesus, carried out those words. It says that “All things were made through him.” And, Genesis 1:2 teaches us that during creation, the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. They were each involved but in different ways.
Does the doctrine of the Trinity mean that there are really three Gods, and not just one? Let me begin by noting that we need to be comfortable with the reality that there are things about God we can’t fully understand. The Trinity is one of those things. The Bible is clear that God exists as three distinct persons. But the Bible is also clear that there is only one God. There are not three God. There’s one God. One of the clearest places we can turn in the Bile to know this is Deuteronomy 6:4 which makes the definitive statement: “The LORD is one.” The Bible often repeats that truth in other places. One example that you can look up and read is Isaiah 45:5.
Are the three members of the Trinity the same? No they’re not. The Bible teaches that God exists as three distinct persons. What that means is that the Father is not the Son or the Holy Spirit. The Son is not the Father or the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not the Father or the Son. In the last couple of episodes, I mentioned some Bible passages that teach this. Each of the three persons of the Trinity is fully God. God the Father is fully God. Jesus us fully God. The Holy Spirit is fully God. So while they are distinct from one another, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each God. THIS DIAGRAM might help you.
Did Jesus believe in the Trinity? Last time, I mentioned how the Bible begins by presenting God as a Trinity, even though the word Trinity is not in the Bible. Jesus also taught that he was part of a Trinity. Toward the end of his time on earth, he commissioned his disciples to carry on the mission. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus said this: “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Jesus believes that there are three distinct members of the Trinity. The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are three distinct persons. You’ll also find this in Jude 20–21 if you want to read another passage.
Where in the Bible should we look to find the Trinity? Well, the word Trinity is never found in the Bible. However, the word Trinity is used to describe a truth that's found in many places in the Bible. In fact, the Bible starts out, right at the beginning, with the concept of God existing as a Trinity. For instance, in Genesis 1:26 God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” The Bible’s use of the words "us" and "our" tells us that more than one person was involved in the creation of the world. It’s as if the Father, Son, and Spirit are having a conversation with each other as they plan the creation. I’ll give you another example next time.
With this episode, I begin a series on what we call the Trinity. When you hear Christians talk about God, you’ll hear them use different names. For example, we might say simply God or the Father. There’s Jesus Christ and there’s the Holy Spirit. But those names are not just different names for one person. They are actually the names of three different persons. Here’s the part that's difficult to understand. God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit always existed, and they’ve existed as three distinct persons. But, there is only one God. That’s what we mean when we talk about the Trinity. One God, in three persons. We’ll talk about that more, over several podcasts.
With all of God’s different attributes, how do they work together? The best way to think about that is the word unity. Sometimes one of God’s attributes might be emphasized more than the others. Some of his attributes even seem to be in conflict. For example, God’s love and God’s wrath seem to be opposites. However, the truth is that all of God’s attributes are in perfect harmony and God is unified in his attributes. It would be wrong to think that God is more of one of his attributes and less of another. It would also be wrong to think that at some points in history God was one thing and at other points, he was another. God is every attribute, completely and always.
Jesus said this in Matthew 5:48: “Your heavenly Father is perfect.” So what does it mean to be perfect? For something to be perfect requires two things. It must possess every quality that is desirable and excellent, and it must lack everything that would be considered a flaw or undesirable. For example, a perfect diamond would have every single quality that makes a diamond great, and it couldn’t have any flaws or any undesirable qualities. To say that God is perfect means that he possesses only excellent qualities and there’s no desirable quality that God doesn’t have. You and I can’t be perfect in this lifetime but we can strive to be more like God each day.
What things are impossible for God? The last couple episodes have explored God’s omnipotence and I said that God can do whatever he pleases. What, if any, are the things that God cannot do? Well, the only limits on what God can do are internal limits based on God’s own character. God can’t do things that violate other aspects of his nature or character. Here’s some examples. Titus 1:2 includes this phrase: “God, who never lies.” God cannot lie. Or James 1:13 which includes the phrase "God cannot be tempted with evil.” But again, the reason God can't do these things is because they violate his own character. Nothing outside of God can keep him from doing anything.
How does the Bible define and describe God’s omnipotence? The Bible teaches that God is omnipotent. This means that God can do anything he wants to do as long as it's consistent with his attributes and nature. The best way to think about this is that there is nothing that limits or hinders God. He can do whatever he decides to do. The Apostle Paul told us in Ephesians 3 that God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” Whatever you think you need God to do for you, he can do that, and he can do more than what you can even think up. Jesus said it like this: “With God all things are possible” God’s power is infinite.
What does it mean that God is omnipotent? The word can be rendered all-powerful. God himself provided the biblical definition of his omnipotence when he appeared to Abraham and asked this rhetorical question in Genesis 18: “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” In other words, there is nothing that God cannot do that he wants to do. God has internal limits on his own actions that are based on his character. For example, God can’t lie. In fact, God can’t commit any sin. But we need to understand that anything God can’t do is based on his own character. There is nothing outside of God that can thwart his will, or prevent him from doing anything he wants. He has the power to do whatever he pleases.
How should we understand the wrath of God? God provides a means of salvation from his judgment, but he still hates sin and his wrath burns toward all sin. Wrath can be thought of as intense hatred. When we talk about God’s wrath, we’re referring to his intense hatred toward sin. At some point, in God’s timeline of history, his wrath will be unleashed against sinners. John said this in John 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” In that one verse, we have the certainty of God’s wrath toward all who reject him, but we also have the offer of deliverance for those who believe.
In the last two episodes, I talked about righteousness and justice. The fact that God is both righteous and just has huge implications. One thing it means for us is that God always treats people as they deserve. Without partiality, he punishes all sin and everything that is against his will and nature. While that is true, God also offers forgiveness, and those whom God has forgiven will not be punished. How can that be? Well, God established a system of justice whereby someone who didn’t deserve punishment could step in and take someone else’s punishment. That’s what Jesus did when he died. God’s righteousness and justice were satisfied by Jesus, and in turn, God can forgive those who respond in faith.
What is justice? When we perceive injustice, we’re outraged by it. Humans are born with a need for justice, but we don’t always know what it means. I’ve always defined justice as equal treatment under the law. That fit’s closely with what the Bible says. Leviticus 19:15 says: “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” So, justice has at is core a lack of partiality. By way of example, racism is a form of injustice because it reveals partiality based on skin color. Biblical justice demands that we’re not lenient to some groups and harsh to others, but that we remove partiality in our judgments.
What does it mean that God is righteous? The easiest way to understand God’s righteousness is to know that everything he does is the right thing to do. Moses said it like this in Deuteronomy 32:4. Speaking of God, he said: “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” Simply put, it means that God always does what is right. By the way, this is part of what it means to be God. That’s because God is the standard of what is right. As humans, if we want to do what is right and good, we don’t define what that means for ourselves. The way for us to do what is right is to follow God’s commands and his moral character.
How does God's holiness relate to us? Well, for the Christian, the implications are significant. The Bible tells us that the holiness of God provides Christians with an example that we are supposed to follow. We certainly can’t do it perfectly as God can, but we are supposed to live lives of holiness and seek to remove sin from our lives. God declared to his people in Leviticus 19:2 that “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” Now remember, this is what we strive for, even though we often fail. Hebrews 12:14 says “Strive for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” So, Because God is holy, those who seek to follow him pursue holiness as well.
Is God selfish? God is holy in that he can’t sin. God is also the one who determines what is or is not sin. So for God to be holy means that he is devoted to his own will, and devoted to continually pursuing his own honor and glory. I used to be a children’s pastor and children struggled with this because it seems selfish. It’s not. If I live my life in pursuit of my own glory, that would be sinful. It’s idolatry to honor anything above God. But we need to remember that the same is true for God himself. If God were to pursue the honor and glory of something other than himself, he would be committing idolatry, which he can’t do. Because he is holy, he must pursue his own glory.
The Bible declares that God is holy. One very clear example of that is Psalm 99:9 where David gives us this command: “Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy!” To be holy means to set apart from what is worldly or common, and to be completely separated from sin. So there is nothing about God that is impure or sinful. Everything that he does is right and good. In 1 John 1:5, John didn’t use the word holy but he described what holiness is when he said this: “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Nothing about God is or ever could be sinful. God is holy.
A few episodes back, I read a verse from 1 John where Jesus is said to be the propitiation for our sin. That’s a word that most people don’t use often, but it’s important to know what it means. Webster dictionary defines it as “the act of gaining or regaining the favor or goodwill of someone.” That accurately represents how the word is used in the Bible. Because of our sin, we are out of favor with God. Jesus accomplished propitiation for us. His sacrifice appeased God’s wrath and made it possible for us to have God’s favor. Not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Jesus did for us when he died on the cross for our sins. We simply respond in faith.
Why is racism a blasphemy against God? It is, and here’s why. The Bible tells us that God created the first human couple and that all humans since then are descendants from that one family. Any belief that one person is inherently better than another, violates God’s created order. He created one human race, and we are all part of it. In Genesis chapter 12, God called Abraham to be the father of the faith and declared that in Abraham, all the nations of the world would be blessed. Then in Revelation 7, John sees a vision of people from every nation and language worshiping together before the throne. From beginning to end, the gospel unites us in Christ, and God’s Word teaches that racism in any form is sin. Thanks for listening.
I’ve spent the last few episodes considering God’s love, and today I turn it around to consider our love for each other. The Bible says that because God loves us, we are able to share that love with the people in our lives. Jesus said this in Matthew 22: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” We all know how hard that really is. Loving people as God expects is only possible because God loved us first. We are to take God’s love for us and share that same love with others. John said it like this: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Does God love sinners? Well, the simple answer to that is "yes" and a key truth to remember if you’re a Christian is that God loved you before you loved him. In fact, that’s part of what makes God’s love so amazing - he gives it to sinners like us. Paul said this in Romans 5:8: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” People sometimes make the false assumption that God loves people who are good. Or maybe you tend to think that God will love you more tomorrow if you could be better today. That’s not how God’s love works. The ultimate expression of God’s love for you - his death - happened for you and all people while we were still in sin.
Last time I mentioned that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have eternally demonstrated love. The really good news for us is that God chose to direct his love toward us as well. When John was helping us understand what it means to love, he said this in 1John 4:10 “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” I’ll need to look at the word “propitiation” in a future episode. But for now, the key truth is that God decided to take this eternal quality that he possesses - love - and direct that love it toward his children. If you are the child of God, you are the everlasting recipient of God’s love.
One of the Bible’s famous verses is 1John 4:8 which tells us that “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” In answer to the question, “Who is God?” or “What is God?”, I’ve heard Christians reply by simply saying “God is Love!” The theological truth behind the concept of God being love is that for all eternity, God has been actively giving of himself for the good of others. When I say “all of eternity” I mean that literally. For example, in John 17:24, Jesus was speaking to God the Father and he said: “you loved me before the foundation of the world.” Even before the universe began, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all demonstrated love for each other.
The last two episodes have focused on the fact that God knows everything. He knows everything that has or will happen, and he knows the infinite number of things that could have happened but didn’t. I want to pause today and comment on the fact that God’s omniscience should be a source of comfort for the Christian. As you experience the events of your life, you likely have times of joy and times of sorrow and distress. While those times might take you by surprise, they are never a surprise to God. Before he created the universe, he knew you, and he knew all the events that would transpire in your life. You can take comfort that no matter what happens, God was not surprised and he is in control.
Last time I said that God knows everything, but that he didn’t learn what he knows. There’s never a time when God doesn’t know something and comes to know it later. God knows everything there is to know about himself, and everything there is to know about the universe. To take God’s omniscience even further, he doesn’t just know all that there is. He also knows all that there could have been. For example, when he created the universe, he could have created different kinds of creatures. If you had made different choices yesterday, things might be different for you today. The weather where you live could have been different today. There’s an infinite number ways things could have been, and God knows them all.
What does God know? One of the core attributes of God is that he is omniscient. What that means is that God knows everything. In 1 John, John wrote about love being the mark of the Christian and how the presence of love can reassure us that we are really saved. Then he said this: “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. But God doesn’t know things the way you and I know things. Everything that you know, there was a time when you didn’t know it. You learned it. Someone taught you, or you observed it or you figured it out. God doesn’t learn. There’s never a time when God doesn’t know something and comes to know it. He simply knows everything.
If God is invisible, how is it that some authors of the Bible say that they saw him? Even though God is a spirit being and is not confined to a body, there are times when God revealed himself by taking on a form that could be seen. One example of that is something Abraham experienced. Genesis 18:1 says this: “And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day.” God took on some sort of a visible form that Abraham was able to see and have a conversation with. Of course, God was seen clearly in the person of Jesus. The incarnation involved Jesus taking on a human body.
The last two podcasts looked at the idea of God being omnipresent. The reason that’s possible is because God is not confined to a body. God is a spirit, and therefore, we would also affirm that God is invisible. Even though God is present, with you, wherever you are listening to this, you can’t see him. The nature of his being is spirit, and we are beings who have bodies. We can see and touch and feel the physical world, but not the spirit world. The Apostle John put it like this in John 1:18: “No one has ever seen God.” We will see God in heaven when we have a different kind of body, but for now, God is invisible to us.
Last time, I said that God is everywhere at the same time. Someone asked me if that means God is in hell. The answer has to be yes. Hell is part of God’s creation and if God is omnipresent, He is present in hell. The way to think about this is to remember that even though God is everywhere, he acts differently in different places. For the believer, both now and in heaven, God’s presence will bring blessing. David said this in Psalm 16:11: “In your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” But for God’s enemies, His presence will bring punishment as he displays his justice. It’s God, not Satan, who created and rules over hell. So yes, he is present there.
Where is God? Well, that’s sort of a trick question. Many people might say God is in heaven. The truth is that God is everywhere. The word we use to describe that is omnipresent. The prefix omni means all. So the word omnipresent means that God is present everywhere. There are no limits on God regarding where he is or where he can be. You have a body, and your body can only be in one place. If you’re in Singapore right now, you can’t also be in India. God doesn’t have size dimensions or an amount of space that he takes up. He is present in every point of the universe at the same time. This does not mean that everything is God. That would be pantheism. But it means there is no place where God is not present.
I’ve been looking lately at the truth that God is eternal. I said that God doesn’t experience time as we do. The events that we experienced as our past, or the things that we have not yet experienced, and are our future, are all in the present to God. However, sometimes the authors of the Bible explain this by using time references. Peter wrote that “with the Lord, a thousand years is as one day.” He also turned that around and said “one day is as a thousand years.” Peter’s reference to time doesn’t contradict the truth that God is eternal. He wasn’t teaching that God experiences time at a different pace from us. He was illustrating the truth that God is eternal with the contrast between 1 year and 1000 years.
Last time I mentioned that exists outside of time. When I was a Children’s Pastor, I tried to help kids understand this by using the analogy of a parade. When we watch a parade, it comes by us as a sequence of floats and bands and performances. When we’re sitting on that curb, we see what’s in front of us. We can remember what’s already gone by us, but that’s the past. We begin to hear what is still coming toward us, but that’s the future. That’s still to come. In this analogy, God would be up above, and he would see the whole parade at one time. Everything that we experience as our past, present, and future, God experiences all at once. Everything is in the present for God because he’s not bound by time.
Last time I said that God is eternal. He never had a beginning and will never have an end. It’s difficult for us to grasp this, but before anything else existed, God was there. And he will always exist. But even in talking about God being eternal, we use references to time because we don’t have any other frame of reference that we can relate to. We talk about eternity past and eternity future. But the reality is that God is outside of time. He doesn’t experience events in succession like you. You’ve had events that happened in your past, you have the events of your life today, and you’ll have more events happen tomorrow and into the future. For God, everything is the present and he experiences it all at once.
What does it mean that God is eternal? For something to be eternal would require that it never had a beginning and that it will never have an end. In the entire universe, there is nothing that’s eternal except for God. God did not begin and he will not end. One place we can go in the Bible to learn this is Psalm 90, verse 2. The English Standard Version says this: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” That Psalm is attributed to Moses and when he said from everlasting to everlasting, he was looking in both directions - eternity past and eternity future. God is always present, no matter how far back or how far forward you go.
Last time, I said that that there are aspects of God that never change. In saying that, we also need to remember that God does act differently and feel differently in different situations. For example, the Bible tells us that God loves all people. The Bible also tells us that God will act differently toward those who place their faith in him as compared to those who reject him. He acts differently in each of those cases. It’s critical for Christians to understand this. God hates the sin of Christians and much as he hates the sin of those who reject him, but his response is very different because he has forgiven the sins of his children. So, instead of being the recipients of his anger, we are the recipients of his compassion.
The Bible tells us that there are many aspects of God that are unchangeable. In particular, he’s unchangeable in his being, his attributes, his purposes, and his promises. In each of those areas, God is unique in this regard. As humans, our being or nature changes. For example, someday we will exchange our current bodies with new and glorified bodies. Our attributes change. Even the things that we intend to do and the promises we make can change. But in each of those areas, God doesn’t change. His nature and attributes are always and forever the same. Everything he intends to do will be done. Every promise will be kept. And that's good news because we know we can count on him and trust him in all that he has said.
Is it possible to know God? The Christian response is yes, and no. We can’t know everything there is to know about God. We’re bound by the confines of space, time and limited knowledge. God doesn’t have any of those limitations. God is omnipresent, infinite and omniscient. The Bible says in Psalm 145 that God’s greatness is unsearchable. In other words, we’ll never fully know him. Thankfully, Jesus became a man and lived here on earth. Jesus was known and he told us that if we know Him, we know God the Father. Though we can’t know God perfectly, we can know God personally in Jesus. And that’s far better and more important because that's how we find eternal life.
Do humans share a universal sense that there is a God? Despite how an atheist or agnostic might think, Christians would answer yes, and here’s why. The Bible teaches that God created all people, in all places and at all times with an inner sense that he exists. In Romans 1:19, Paul talks about people who don’t believe in God and he says this: “What can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them.” When people don’t believe this, Paul said in verse 25 that it’s because they exchanged the truth for a lie. So, the Christian belief is that those who don’t believe in God have rejected an inner sense that God has placed in all people.
Does God exist? When you read the Bible, you don’t find an argument for the proof of God’s existence. There’s no passage that lays out the case or responds to the premise, "Here’s how you know there is a God." Philosophers and theologians have laid out arguments for the existence of God, and there are many books that talk about that. When you come to the Bible, the Bible simply assumes that God exists. In fact, the Bible begins with the assumption that there is a God. It says “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The Bible then goes on to introduce us to that God. So, the Bible is very matter-of-fact regarding the existence of God.
The doctrine of the Bible’s sufficiency implies that an action is not a sin unless the Bible says it is. Christians also distinguish between something being sinful and something being wise. Asking the question “is what I’m about to do a sin?” is a great place to start, but it’s not the only question. For example, a behavior might not be a sin, but there might be some good reasons to avoid or limit that behavior. My point in the last episode was not to say we should do whatever we want as long as it’s not a sin. My point was to clarify that we should not call things sin unless the Bible does.
Since Christians believe that the Bible is God’s Word, that means there’s no higher authority. Stated positively, it means that we do as the Bible commands. But it also means that we don’t add commands to the Bible that’s aren’t there. To say it another way, nothing is a sin that the Bible doesn’t classify as sin, either by clear teaching or by principle. I grew up in a tradition that tended to do this. For example, we thought it was sinful to use playing cards because some people use cards for gambling. The proper way to think about our behavior is that the Bible is sufficient in what it teaches so we don’t add to or take away from any of its commands.
God told us everything we need to know to live as Christians. But what if the Bible doesn’t mention a particular topic? When we don't have clear instructions in the Bible, Christians we use principles from the Bible to make decisions. Let me give an example. The Bible doesn’t have a command telling us what day the church should gather. However, in the Bible, the first Christians gathered on The Lord’s Day or Sunday. Based on that example, the church I’m part of meets on Sunday. It’s not a sin to meet on another day because the Bible doesn’t give a command to meet on Sunday. But we’ve made a decision based on a principle that we find in the Bible.
The Bible contains everything we need to know to have and maintain a relationship with God. The theological term to describe that is “sufficiency”. Or the sufficiency of Scripture. Based on this belief, if we want to know what God thinks about something, we search the Bible to find out. Not everything that humans could possibly know is in the Bible. My son Chad can’t read the Bible for sports predictions. The Bible doesn’t tell us everything about math or science or history. But everything God wanted us to know about becoming and living as a Christian is in the Bible, and nowhere else. It gives us all the guidance we need to know God and live obediently.
The purpose of the Bible was for God to reveal himself and his plan of redemption to us. Everything that we need to know about having a relationship with God is given to us in the Bible. That's why the Bible is so important. To take this thought one step further, we would say that without the Bible, we could not how to have a relationship with God. We would invent our own ideas those ideas would look nothing like what God has actually said. The only place to find the truth about God is in the Bible. People who seek to lead or teach others about God need to base that teaching on the Bible and not on opinion. Paul told us in Romans 10 that faith comes by hearing and hearing through the word of God.
Episode 7 discussed disagreements over how to understand or interpret a passage of scripture. I want to pick up on that theme again today. It's very difficult to approach reading or studying the Bible without preconceived ideas of what it says. That often leads to wrong conclusions. Another problem is that we encounter passages we don't like or that we don't want to obey. We're tempted to look for a way of thinking about that passage that gets us off the hook. Properly understanding what the Bible says requires that we approach it wanting to know what God has communicated. So we read the Bible carefully and prayerfully, seeking to know exactly what it is that God wants to say, and what he wants us to do as a result.
Over the years I've read hundreds of books and heard thousands of messages about the Bible. Like me, you've probably noticed that people disagree regarding what the Bible teaches. People interpret passages from the Bible differently and draw different conclusions. One key truth to keep in mind is that when those disagreements occur, the problem is not with the Bible. Disagreement over how to understand the Bible doesn’t make the Bible untrue. When people have contradictory conclusions about what the Bible says or means, someone is wrong and the answer is to keep reading and studying. Keep in mind that God wants us to know Him. Portions of the Bible might seem hard to understand, but they can be understood over time with study.
Is the Bible accurate? The short answer is yes. I don't want to waiver in that answer, but it does require a little bit of explanation. The purpose of the Bible is to present to us God's story of redemption and how it is that we can enter into a relationship with Him. The Bible wasn't written as a science textbook or even a complete history of the world. But, if the Bible presents something as true, then it’s true. For example, if the Bible presents an event as having happened, then that event happened. The Bible is true in what it declares to be true. It doesn't tell us everything, but what it does tell us is factual. So, is the Bible true? The answer is yes, everything the Bible presents as true is true.
One criticism of the Christian belief that the Bible is God’s Word is that we ultimately have to rely on the Bible itself to support the claim. It’s in the Bible that God tells us that He’s responsible for the content of the Bible. We can look to other types of evidence to verify the accuracy of the Bible, but ultimately, the Bible is its own authority. However for Christians, another factor comes into play, and that’s conviction. Those who embrace the Bible as true will often talk about the fact that the Bible is unlike any other book, and that as they read it, they come to believe it. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit makes the words of Scripture come alive in the hearts of those with faith to believe.
Hebrews 1 tells us that God spoke to the prophets in many ways. The human authors who wrote the books of the Bible received the content in different ways. Sometimes God spoke directly or gave a vision to the human author, and he wrote down what he saw or heard. Sometimes an author conducted eye-witness interviews, did research and put together an account like a journalist would do. And of course, some authors were themselves, an eyewitness to the things they wrote down. But here’s the important thing. No matter how the words came to the author, they are the exact words that God wanted to be written. We see in each biblical author a unique personality and style, but God is responsible for the content.
Last time, I was talking about the Bible being God’s Word. I quoted 2 Timothy 3:16 where Paul said that “all scripture is breathed out by God.” When Paul wrote that, the New Testament was being written, so Paul would have been thinking of Scripture as the Old Testament. But Christians also understand the New Testament to be God’s Word. One example of where we see this is in something that Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:16. Peter referred to the writings of Paul, and then he said that Paul’s writing was in the same category as all the other scriptures. In other words, Peter considered what Paul wrote to be equal in status to the Old Testament. That’s one example of why we consider Paul’s writings to be God’s Word.
Christians believe that God is responsible for the content of the Bible. In fact, the Bible is sometimes called the Word of God. I’ll cover how the Bible came to be written in future podcasts, but God inspired the human authors to write what God wanted written. Sometimes the Bible makes this clear. For example, Jeremiah tells us in Jeremiah 1:9 that God gave him the words that he spoke and wrote. But even when the Bible doesn’t cite God as the person being quoted, we consider it God’s Word. Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:16 that all scripture is breathed out by God. Now, there’s a practical reason why this is important. It means that whenever we believe and obey the Bible, we are believing and obeying God.
I’m Scott Wylie. This is the first of what I hope will be many editions of this podcast, so I better begin with some basic information. I’m a pastor at a church in North Carolina, and I’m the broadcast host of a daily radio program called Wisdom for the Heart. Theology, at its core, is the study of God. As a Christian, I believe that the study of God is rooted in the Bible or as Christians call it - God’s Word. Theology isn’t something that can be boiled down to sixty seconds. But my goal in this podcast is to present theology in bite-sized pieces and do my best to explain what Christians teach and believe in plain language. I hope it’s helpful. If you ever have a question or comment, contact me. Thanks for listening.