Just a simple guy, seeking to display simple truth. Come, join me in reading the Bible!
New episodes late Monday nights.
Questions? Comments? Corrections? Let me know: Email: biblicalbreadcrumbs@gmail.com Instagram: @biblicalbreadcrumbs
This month, we're reading Psalms and Proverbs. I don't know how to summarize those. Check out the written page for various insights that I think are important!
This week, we're reading 2 Chronicles 35 - Nehemiah 4. Check back for the daily summaries!
This week, we're reading 1 Chronicles 15 - 2 Chronicles 3. Check back for the daily summaries!
This week, we're reading 2 Kings 25 - 1 Chronicles 14. Check back for the daily summaries!
A YouTube comments section debate happened between myself and another person recently, and the whole conversation is chronicled in this series of videos. These are most definitely haphazard--not tightly scripted at all!--but I thought the conversation was worth having, even if it is quite long on the whole.
The conversation begins with the Lord's Supper, or Eucharist, but the conversation delves into proper interpretation of Scripture, the need for references and citations, how to make your points in a peaceable and gentle manner, and a variety of other minor issues.
This week, we're reading 1 Samuel 28 - 2 Samuel 12. Check back for the daily summaries!
A YouTube comments section debate happened between myself and another person recently, and the whole conversation is chronicled in this series of videos. These are most definitely haphazard--not tightly scripted at all!--but I thought the conversation was worth having, even if it is quite long on the whole.
The conversation begins with the Lord's Supper, or Eucharist, but the conversation delves into proper interpretation of Scripture, the need for references and citations, how to make your points in a peaceable and gentle manner, and a variety of other minor issues.
A YouTube comments section debate happened between myself and another person recently, and the whole conversation is chronicled in this series of videos. These are most definitely haphazard--not tightly scripted at all!--but I thought the conversation was worth having, even if it is quite long on the whole.
The conversation begins with the Lord's Supper, or Eucharist, but the conversation delves into proper interpretation of Scripture, the need for references and citations, how to make your points in a peaceable and gentle manner, and a variety of other minor issues.
A YouTube comments section debate happened between myself and another person recently, and the whole conversation is chronicled in this series of videos. These are most definitely haphazard--not tightly scripted at all!--but I thought the conversation was worth having, even if it is quite long on the whole.
The conversation begins with the Lord's Supper, or Eucharist, but the conversation delves into proper interpretation of Scripture, the need for references and citations, how to make your points in a peaceable and gentle manner, and a variety of other minor issues.
This week, we're reading Numbers 34-Deuteronomy 10. Check back for the daily summaries!
In his last address to the Ephesians, Paul outlines the broad strokes of life: you're fighting a war, and it's not going to be pleasant! So fight it well regardless.As usual, check out the links to other venues: this information is available in video, audio, and text forms.Links:Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalBreadcrumbs-realSpotify page: https://open.spotify.com/show/11NdK0Wn1Kt1fs4tnUIY44?si=d133d930f14b402fSubstack page: https://crumblybread.substack.com
Paul extends his thought once again! It's not just about husbands and wives serving each other, but all sorts of different roles are called to set aside what they want to serve others around them. It's almost like that's a Christian attitude...
As usual, check out the links to other venues: this information is available in video, audio, and text forms.
Links:
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Substack page: https://crumblybread.substack.com
This week, we'll be reading Genesis 42-Exodus 7. Check back daily for the short summaries!
Christianity isn't just about being faithful whilst out in public: the attitudes and lifestyle carry over into your personal, private life as well. Even when you go into the privacy of your own home, you're bound by Christian standards. Here, Paul details how Christians ought to live righteously in their marriages, which is controversial inasmuch as we typically don't hear out what he has to say.
As usual, check out the links to other venues: this information is available in video, audio, and text forms.Links:Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalBreadcrumbs-realSpotify page: https://open.spotify.com/show/11NdK0Wn1Kt1fs4tnUIY44?si=d133d930f14b402fSubstack page: https://crumblybread.substack.com
This week, we'll be reading Genesis 13-27. Stick around for the daily uploads to see brief overviews of the content that's there!
The Christian life isn't merely about working with other Christians: there's a lot more that goes into the day-to-day actions of a believer. That means you ought to go out a do a lot of good, in all aspects of life!
As usual, check out the links to other venues: this information is available in video, audio, and text forms.
Links:
Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalBreadcrumbs-real
Spotify page: https://open.spotify.com/show/11NdK0Wn1Kt1fs4tnUIY44?si=d133d930f14b402f
Substack page: https://crumblybread.substack.com
It's December 31, and new things are in the works! This year, the church I'm working with is planning to read through the Old Testament, so I'm going to be posting short, daily summaries of the chapters and sections we've read over. Or at least that's the goal: we'll see if it can work for the whole year!
We're to walk (or live) worthy of God's calling. Great! What does that mean? It means to live, not like the world lives, but rather as God would have you to be. As you'll see, that's an intense call, but it's one well worth the effort.As usual, check out the links to other venues: this information is available in video, audio, and text forms.
Links:
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As Paul continues his appeal for unity among Christians, he broadens the scope of his writing just a little. It's not about every Christian doing the same thing; it's more about every Christian working for God as he or she is called to, which means we'll work in differing ways. God isn't asking for everyone to copy each other, but for you to take your talents and serve Him fully!As usual, check out the links to other venues: this information is available in video, audio, and text forms.Links:Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalBreadcrumbs-realSpotify page: https://open.spotify.com/show/11NdK0Wn1Kt1fs4tnUIY44?si=d133d930f14b402fSubstack page: https://crumblybread.substack.com
Paul's writing takes a turn: rather than continuing to belabor the point about how merciful God has been with us, he flips the page and starts to detail how we ought to respond to the mercy. God has been good to us; we ought to become like Him in return. That's what the life of a Christian is! If you want to understand some of the basic values of Christianity, this is a pretty good place to start.
As usual, check out the links to other venues: this information is available in video, audio, and text forms.Links:Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalBreadcrumbs-realSpotify page: https://open.spotify.com/show/11NdK0Wn1Kt1fs4tnUIY44?si=d133d930f14b402fSubstack page: https://crumblybread.substack.com
At the end of the first half of Ephesians, we have a powerful prayer said by Paul on behalf of the Ephesian church. In the midst of pointing out the excellence of God's plan, he switches over to ask God to bless the people that follow Him! Glory is due to God, not man, and Paul is makes that clear in this address.As usual, check out the links to other venues: this information is available in video, audio, and text forms.Links:Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalBreadcrumbs-realSpotify page: https://open.spotify.com/show/11NdK0Wn1Kt1fs4tnUIY44?si=51fc39fb760a4abbSubstack page: https://crumblybread.substack.com
Here, Paul rotates what he's talking about. He's been discussing bringing Gentiles into the Church in the last chapter, but now he broadens out the application. God gave Paul a particular role: spread the Gospel out to those Gentiles, and on a wider scale, declare it to the universe. Paul's got an important role, which he's trying to declare to us!As usual, check out the links to other venues: this information is available in video, audio, and text forms. At least it should be: today, Spotify is refusing to upload, so I'll try to get that fixed but I don't know when it'll be available.Links:Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalBreadcrumbs-realSpotify page: https://open.spotify.com/show/11NdK0Wn1Kt1fs4tnUIY44?si=51fc39fb760a4abbSubstack page: https://crumblybread.substack.com
Paul begins to compare pictures, again: you before God versus you after God. Who were you? What were your circumstances? Was life pre-God better than your life as a Christian, now? His argument is that God improves a variety of aspects of your life, and as evidence he points to the Ephesians themselves. They're the living proof that God still works in the world today!As usual, check out the links to other venues: this information is available in video, audio, and text forms.Links:Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalBreadcrumbs-realSpotify page: https://open.spotify.com/show/11NdK0Wn1Kt1fs4tnUIY44?si=51fc39fb760a4abbSubstack page: https://crumblybread.substack.com
As Paul opens his letter in praise to God, he has to circle back around to reality: the condemnation of man and the mess humanity has made of all the good God did for them. Thankfully, that's all fixed as God puts in even more work! So Ephesians 2 deviates into describing a terrible situation for a while, yet turns around at the end to become yet another glorification of the work of God.As usual, check out the links to other venues: this information is available in video, audio, and text forms.Links:Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalBreadcrumbs-realSpotify page: https://open.spotify.com/show/11NdK0Wn1Kt1fs4tnUIY44?si=51fc39fb760a4abbSubstack page: https://crumblybread.substack.com
Since we have a brief picture of what God has done, it only makes sense for us to confirm it. How do we know God can do all that He claims? How can we know that He will? Is it possible for us entirely trust Him?
Paul wants those reading this letter to not just assume, but to know the certainty of the things which they believe. So join me as we unpack the work of God and Ephesus' confidence in that!
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The apostle Paul, in writing to the church at Ephesus, has to impress upon them the grandeur of the blessing they're now receiving. What follows is an exaltation of God in His goodness as displayed through Christ and the Holy Spirit.Join me as we dive into the goodness of God! It's a lot, for sure, but hopefully a helpful amount of information to consider.Links:Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalBreadcrumbs-real
Substack page: https://crumblybread.substack.com
Paul sets out to write a great letter, but before he even gets into the meat of the content, there's a lot to unpack. Join me as we walk through the first couple of verses of Ephesians 1, seeing all the little pieces that go into crafting this masterful opening!Substack (written form): https://crumblybread.substack.com/p/from-paul-to-youYouTube (video form): https://youtu.be/BsbZxsAmsyI
Just a brief update on what I've been thinking and how I'm planning to use this channel going forwards. Hope it's helpful to you!Substack (my writing): https://crumblybread.substack.comYouTube (video form): https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalBreadcrumbs-real
Jesus has instilled a divisive element between those of faith and those without; now, He turns to promise the blessings to those of faith. Be on the side of faith!
Taken from portions of Luke 15.
Title says it all, really. How could I claim something like this? Well, Jesus does...
Taken from portions of Luke 14.
How many people will go to Heaven? What percentile do I have to be to make it in? It'd be nice if Jesus would just tell us, but He doesn't...
Taken from sections of Luke 13.
Jesus has given us a lot to think about, and we've seen Him push us for an answer as to who He is. Here, we have a similar thing: be ready! You don't know when you'll run out of time...
Taken from portions of Luke 12.
Jesus is very clear about what He wants: absolute transparency. Most religions seek to hide their faults, but Jesus wants a clear recognition: no one deserves grace. And God wants to be gracious regardless.
Taken from portions of Luke 12.
Unfortunately, many people have issues with how Jesus operates. Maybe it's His actions (or inactions), maybe His teachings, all sorts of possibilities! But many people reject Jesus without basing it on anything substantial. We have to be better than that in our evaluation of Him!
Covering portions of Luke 11.
Sooner or later, we've got to make a decision with the evidence that Jesus has provided. He pushes a bit here, but will continue to provide evidence for the rest of the book.
Covering portions of Luke 10.
Luke's been asking us to seriously evaluate who Jesus is, so here's another instance of a miracle, verifying Jesus' identity. Luke 9.28-36.
We've covered a lot of Jesus' teachings and miracles, and the time has come to start answering this question. Who is Jesus? Is he who he claims to be, or an absolute fraud? That's a decision we have to start making.
We've seen a lot about what Jesus has said recently, so let's switch back: what does He do? Here are some stories about His actions.
Jesus: the greatest teacher who ever was, respected by His opponents, and impervious to contradiction. Even His enemies couldn't deny the force of His teachings, and here we have a primary example of just that.
As Jesus continues to grow in popularity, word of him reaches all kinds of ears, even those of the traditionally non-faithful.
Jesus is most well-known for the wisdom He shares. Here, we get one of the most concentrated batches of His teaching, and we'll examine it briefly.
We've established that Jesus is a cool, faithful guy (who also happens to be the Son of God). And that's great! For Him, at least. But is He able to do anything to help anyone else? More than that, would He even want to? Those are questions that need answering, so join me as we overview a couple of paragraphs in Luke 5.
Before Jesus can enact His plan to preach to the world, we have to know if He's trustworthy. Thus, He's tempted by the Devil to try and destroy Him before He even starts the work. Will it succeed? Join me this week as we explore in Luke 4...
Here's our first introduction to Jesus. Many things are starting to happen around Him, but this is the first time we get to see Him--albeit, in brief. What does this initial hype tell us about His character, and who he is? Join me as we go through part of Luke 3 and lay out some simple observations.
Before we quite get to Jesus Himself, we have to talk a bit about where He came from. His story happens to have an interesting (and unusual) start, which we'll summarize in this episode.
What exactly is Luke about? If we're going to read it, we need to know what it's written for. Here's a brief introduction...
What is a Bible? What is it about? Why do Christians hold to it, and what does it mean? All great questions! Have a listen to this, and hopefully a few things will start making sense.
Where are we going to go in 2024? Here's a bit of an announcement to try and clarify which direction we're heading.
Is divorce good? No. Encouraged? In no way. Allowed? Maybe technically, but that's dangerous ground to tread.
What about exceptions: are there extenuating circumstances which might push people towards divorce? Well, you probably know my answer to that...
Can Christians divorce? It's heavily discouraged. But, are there any modifiers on that?
Picking up the discussion... how do we know what to do with the head coverings, exactly? My wife and I finish working through the second half of this section.
In between the main books we've been covering, here's the first of a duology of episodes that deals with the head covering question. Hopefully it gives you some thoughts to consider on the topic!
A short, personal letter, but a good set of ideas nonetheless. Let's wrap up the letters of John!
Second John: kind of a summary of First John, really. Good to go through regardless, as we're wrapping up the trilogy.
Here's the resolution of the book, and it's the same as the rest: work towards God, and do so faithfully.
Do we believe in God? Do we love God? Do we love our brethren? These are inextricably linked.
Well, back to love it is. Is love important for a Christian? Why? And how are we supposed to enact it?
A brief interruption on the merits of love to talk about making sure that an individual is one of faith. What is the Spirit? How do we know it's working with us? Is there any way we can actually measure these things?
Well, here we go: perfection. Is it attainable? Does God expect it? Am I really held to that level of responsibility? Well, yes, you are. Let's talk about that.
Remaining in what you know. Not being stubborn and close-minded, but remembering to consider every possibility. John does this, and he hopes that we will as well...
John wants his readers to succeed and reach God. How do they start? By having a proper attitude.
Three groups are addressed, with two exhortations for each. What does John mean by this? And could it tell us the purpose behind his writing?
What's John's ultimate goal? Here, he tries to distill his teaching into one simple point.
Continuing the ideas of last week, John points to another example of his paradigm, before summarizing the whole section.
John wants us to know how to respond to God's invitation: here's where you get started.
We're introducing First John today, to set us up for a study through the Johannine epistles.
Paul's varying admonitions are summed up, to some degree of success. Remember: God's coming back.
Getting into the Second book this week, we see Paul addressing Thessalonica after a little time has passed. What's gone well? What's gone wrong? And why does he feel the need to write again?
Paul said we're supposed to encourage each other. How, precisely, should we do that? Here are a few tips, as we finish our study of First Thessalonians.
If the dead are indeed coming back, when is that going to happen? Paul explains a little more here regarding God's timing & humanity's response.
Purity, love... what else could Paul want to tell the Thessalonian church about? Well, the End Times, of course!
What's the second thing Paul has for them to keep doing?
Sorry this is late: I forgot to upload it.
Paul was incredibly worried about Thessalonica when he left them: he sends help back, to see how they're doing.
Paul cared about Thessalonica when he was there with them; he cared in their trials after he left; he cares as he's trying to get back to them! But does he even need to be there?
Paul commends Thessalonica for their work and Worship, all the while telling them to keep pushing harder.
Paul details some of his own experience with Thessalonica, to encourage them to keep being faithful.
Paul opens the letter here, not by condemning the church, but by glorifying it: they're the best Christians that exist.
Today, as we embark on a study of 1 Thessalonians, we start by reading the whole book and taking note of a few background points.
The Resurrection of Jesus! But that's not really the main point of Matthew's account...
Jesus was entirely rejected, yes... but it turns out that nobody can totally ignore Him, even though He's dead.
Jesus has been set to die, forced to it by His enemies: now, Matthew records as He is forsaken by everyone who should've cared about Him.
Jesus--innocent Saviour, Lamb of God--is mocked by all, as they ignore the truth and murder God Himself.
Jesus is before Pilate, on trial: it's a very short trial that does more to tell us about Jesus than condemn Him. But, those who hate Him will do whatever it takes.
The fates of two men: Jesus and Judas. Similar, yet different; one changes nothing, while the other changes everything. Join me as we contrast these passages to see Matthew's picture of the situation!
New episode every Tuesday evening.
Jesus is on trial; His most well-known apostle, Peter, is too. Will they pass their respective tests, or will they fail to achieve to God's glory?
Jesus heads out to the Mount of Olives, just in time to correct the disciples' false, prideful promises.
Will the disciples understand what's coming? Do they see it? No. Jesus makes it clearer to them... but in their ignorance and malice, we see His mercy even further.
A woman blesses Jesus, but the disciples fight against it. Why do they react in this way? And why can they not see the true work they have to do?
Jesus and the Pharisees: similarities? Differences? We see the two contrasted here, and it should point us to think about ourselves...
The finale of Jesus' last sermon in the book, He wraps up His thoughts by focusing on what they mean for us: that we should take our learning and go out to help others.
The parable of the Talents! Familiar, at least from how often I've heard it, but it's still worth diving into. What's the real problem that Jesus is addressing?
This story really sums up the whole of Matthew 24. Jesus knew what He was doing: this simple teaching establishes some quality, eternal truths.
Hear the conclusion of the whole matter: obey God now, don't wait. Matthew 24 isn't actually that complicated, it's a simple proposition. Be God's now and, whenever the end does come, you'll be set. Hopefully this is a good cap on the entirety of this confusing chapter, as we're looking forward to the next one!
The end of the world! Or is it, really? That's the question that we have to be asking as we investigate further in Matthew 24.
Straight-up: I don't know exactly what's going on here. So, I understand it as best I can: Jesus wants us to be God's right now, while we have time, and He's talking about judgement in a confusing way so as to inspire to do so right now.
Sorry for the rambling of this episode...
The beginning of the discussion of the end of the world... or is it? Let's explore the first portion of this chapter and what Jesus is seeking to communicate.
This section's not long by any means, but it's a good setup for where we're going in this next chapter: it's complicated. So, get ready to have a humble mindset and try to work through the questions that arise.
The condemnation closes out: really, Jesus just wants to help them, but they won't let Him. So here we are, left to deal with this tragic section... but do we act any differently than they did?
Jesus' rebuke continues: here, He lays out many specific examples of exactly what the Pharisees are doing. It's a whole lot of evils, even though they're trying to disguise it. The question is, what should they have done differently? And how can we avoid these same mistakes?
Pharisaic ignorance has forced Jesus' hand; now, He has to tell them how the situation really is.
The leaders have questioned Jesus, time and time again; now, it's time for Him to question them. When the Pharisees are put to the test, will they succeed? Join me as we discuss Jesus' question and the implications it brings with it!
What is the greatest commandment? Jesus has the answer. Join me as we delve into a very simple idea, but a difficult application!
Jesus is questioned about the Resurrection's existence: little do His protestors know, they're about to get a lesson in marriage as well. Join me as we try to decipher all of Jesus' wisdom, here!
Jesus is quizzed on taxes; little do His questioners know, the tax they get to pay is supposed to be a whole lot higher. Join me as we see Jesus' answer to another trap the enemies tried to get Him into!
Jesus tells another striking parable here, and this one really stings. How would the Pharisees hear it? And how should we? Join me as we look at this first story in the chapter and how relevant it truly is.
In this short transition statement, we see the reaction of the present leadership to Jesus' teaching. Then, we see them preparing for more... Join me as we examine the Pharisees and see what we can learn from their (poor) example!
Jesus tells this second parable: once there was a vineyard, and be oh-so-careful how you deal with it. Join me as we look at this story and see how we can benefit from its warnings!
Two sons; one command. Which will obey? Jesus tells this story, relating it to both the people of His day and the people of ours. What can we learn from this story? Join me as we examine this passage and its meaning today!
Jesus now turns His attention to murdering a tree and destroying His opponents' arguments. Why these? And what do they mean for us? Join me as we continue through this section of the narrative!
The cleansing of the Temple. Why would Jesus do this so... aggressively? Join me as we discuss some of the relevance and implications for these next couple of events!
The "Triumphal Entry", as it is typically termed! Here we see Jesus entering the city of Jerusalem, His kingdom, coming into His position. Join me as we explore Jesus' entering and reception into the city!
Jesus' correction of James and John doesn't end with just them; no, now lessons need to be given to the rest of the apostles. Join me as we examine the response of Jesus and the teachings He's displaying!
Let's explore the phrase from verse 16: "first shall be last, and last shall be first". How does Jesus use this phrase, in applying to Himself and His disciples? Join me as we search these couple of stories for that theme!
A simple passage carries a deep truth and a more complicated concept comes alongside. Will we understand it? Join me as we try and discuss some complex matters and make some semblance of sense out of them.
A bit of a confusing passage, here: Jesus takes this theme of richness and spins it in a slightly different way. This was hard for me to think through explaining, so hopefully it works alright. Join me as we try to work through this passage!
Despite all the teaching Jesus has done, the disciples are still foolish. So is this rich man. Join me as we examine these two short stories and see how we can relate to them today!
Divorce. What a topic, especially in today's culture. How are we to actually consider it? And how are we to approach the questions that this passage raises? Join me as we discuss this issue and my overall thoughts on the whole matter!
Marriage, divorce, and remarriage: what a controversy! But should it be as big of an issue as we make it? Maybe a discussion and some context for the problem will help in out understanding. So, join me as we explore the first half of this controversial issue and see Jesus' emphasis on marriage!
The end of chapter 18 is just a parable bringing the previous topics to light. Jesus gives this example, trying to point us to how we should be acting towards others. Do we? Join me as we discuss this story and how it relates to the instructions from the previous sections!
Just a few verses, but good to note in the context of this passage. Jesus warns His people to work with God towards peace and to be of forgiving spirits, both. Join me as we glance over these few verses to see if we can understand what Jesus is getting at!
The teachings of Jesus keep getting harder. He takes the ideas talked about in v.1-10 and expands them into fuller commands, exposing more of the difficulty they contain. Join me as we investigate some of the toughest teaching--in my opinion--that Jesus ever gave.
What an interesting chapter. In this, the fourth of Jesus' five recorded speeches in Matthew, some of the hardest commands are demanded. Will we deal well with our brothers? How are we supposed to view ourselves? Join me as we think through the introduction of this sermon and how we should be using it today.
This bit is a weird one, to be sure. Several random-seeming stories, a few good morals, but overall less depth than we've typically had. Regardless, join me as we glance at this section and try to see what we can learn from it anyways!
After the set of stories--the Great Confession and "Lesser Rejection"--a brief other saying of Jesus', then the Transfiguration. These are probably also very familiar to us, but they still contain deep messages. Join me as we examine these two sections and why Matthew put them here!
Peter's confession and denial, all in one. Both stories together add up and show the duality of Peter: maybe, that points to a problem in all of us? Join me as we examine these two stories and some of what it could mean for God's people today.
Another miracle--wait, haven't we seen this one before?--and a related story appear. How are we to understand these tales of bread? Join me as we dive in to explore these brief stories and the impact they have, for both the people of that day and those of the modern.
What a story this one is. Jesus meets a Gentile woman, then has a conversation of sorts with her? This story isn't very often spoken of, so join me as we try to figure out what, precisely, is going on here.
Jesus ceases to talk to the Pharisees, choosing instead to focus His efforts on the crowd around Him. He then starts instructing them to live in line with His earlier teaching, as shown in the first part of the chapter. Join me as we explore His address to the people around!
Picking up from where we left off a few weeks ago, Matthew tells a couple of stories. Jesus walks through a town and starts into another confrontation with the Pharisees. Join me as we look at those stories and see what we can learn!
Jesus feeds well over 5,000 people and walks on a sea. These are likely both very familiar stories, but can we learn valuable lessons from them anyway? Join me as we examine these two and seek wisdom from them!
Jesus' third sermon finishes with a short narrative, and then Matthew chronicles the latest updates on John the Baptist. Join me as we explore a couple stories of current events, circa 1,990 years ago!
Let's talk about the last portion of Jesus' third sermon. Here, just another couple of parables about the Kingdom. Join me as we try to interpret accurately what Jesus is saying to His disciples!
Three more parables; one more interpretation. So, it's up to us to find the meanings.
Join me as we listen to Jesus' words and work toward understanding them!
The first of the parables, and one of the two that has an explanation paired with it. The sower is most likely not an unfamiliar story, but we'll attempt to examine it as unfamiliarly as possible.
Join me as we try and explore this tale as the listeners probably would have heard it!
Jesus begins His third sermon; we need to remember some of what's gone before. So, this episode touches on the concept of parables, themes of the whole book, and the outline of how Matthew is compiled. Join me as we go through an overview of this piece of literature, exploring where it's been and previewing where it's pointing to!
Jesus finishes His condemnation of the Pharisees in two last sections of this chapter. Join me as we examine what He speaks of and why He brings these sections up now!
The dialogue from before is picked up again, continuing the theme of anti-hypocrisy from before. Then, the Pharisees approach Jesus for the fourth time. How will He respond? And what can we learn? Join me as we investigate some of Jesus' rhetoric, as he utilizes it in this instance.
The Pharisees are back for the third round with Jesus. They're lost the last two badly, so how do you think this one is going to go? Join me as we explore Jesus' third refutation of their thought process!
The Pharisees continue being the issue Jesus has to deal with: so, He does. Join me as we examine how this all happens!
For questions/comments, feel free to email me at biblicalbreadcrumbs@gmail.com
This is quite a while to spend on just the first eight verses, but Jesus' answer to the Pharisees' "innocent" comment is very worthy of our attention. Hopefully, this can do some of it justice. Join me as we examine what exactly Jesus is trying to communicate here!
The theme of Jesus being greater than John continues, as Jesus turns to rebuke the people around Him. What do they need to hear? And, if they need to hear it, then what do we need to learn from it? Join me as we explore Jesus' teaching.
The audio for this one may be a little off, I recorded in a different location than usual.
Compare John and Jesus. Which one is better, and why? That's the question that Jesus addresses in this segment, so join me as we question right along with Him!
The end of the second sermon. How will Jesus close off His "inspirational" speech to the apostles? Join me as we seek that out!
The (hopefully) second-to-last session spent on Jesus' words in this chapter, here we discuss the reason as to why we should choose to work for God. For a worker in the Kingdom, this is pretty important to nail down. So, join me as we think on Jesus' words and how they may apply to us today!
Jesus' warning to His apostles continues. They need to know exactly what could happen to them, on the off-chance that it does happen. Join me as we consider Jesus' words to His disciples and what application they might have for us!
We listen in one Jesus' second sermon: well, the first section of it, anyways. The "Limited Commission", as it's sometimes called, given to the 12 apostles. Join me as we hear what their job was, and how that affects our work too!
Why is 9.35-38 not part of Chapter 10? Well, I don't know either, but I do know that they fit together. Join with me as we enter into the preliminary address for Jesus' second speech and hopefully learn a lesson or two from it!
Matthew 9.33-34 brought a question to my mind. It didn't fit into the episode there, so I've broken it out into its own episode to try and more fully explain my thought on the concept. Maybe you agree? Maybe you don't. Maybe it's something in the middle?
Whatever the case may be, feel free to join me--if you will--and let's think about the ideas of overcorrecting and keeping in balance!
FASTING. Is it actually important, or is it a relic from the Old Testament that the Pharisees built into their tradition? Is it a valid commandment for the modern day? I don't have a solidified conclusion, but join me anyway as I talk about what fasting is and suggest what we might do about it!
Here, two more stories. Short and simple, but deep and complex at the same time. Easy, right? Join me as we go through this bit of history and some potential applications for the modern day!
Three examples await us of people in need of Jesus' help. What will He say? Will He do anything, and if so, what? Join me as we examine these brief stories from Jesus' life!
We reach a plateau here and get to examine where Matthew has led us to. The narrative from chapter 8 culminates here and only keeps growing into something bigger. Join me as we explore the point of Matthew's stories!
Two last stories in Matthew 8; two more points in Matthew's list. Join me as we keep advancing the story of Jesus! And also a tangent on truth vs. accuracy, and hopefully it's logical enough to follow.
Picking up from the last couple stories of healing, Matthew continues in those themes while also adding an interlude. Join me as I consider both of those ideas, what they mean for the narrative, and how they might even apply to us!
A peculiar story here, we have: the faith of a centurion. And no, it's not Cornelius. Join me as I take a look at this example of faith and what it shows us about Jesus!
Yes, yes, it's only four verses. We're setting a new record. But in this episode, we reestablish some context around the first of Jesus' sermons and set the stage for an important next step in Matthew's narrative. Join me as we look through these things and (hopefully) get a grasp on what's behind and what lies ahead.
The end of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus finishes by wrapping up some other related items to the rest of His speech. Join me for a bit of a longer episode as we finally reach the end of His teaching at this moment!
Judge not. Or do we? Does Jesus actually mean what He says in this case? Join me as I contemplate that and the overall structure of this passage, as well.
Continuing with the theme of proper focus, Jesus addresses attitudes toward the things of the world. How much should we care about stuff? Join me as I focus on these ideas (with a couple rants thrown in, too)!
In this episode, we take a look at what Jesus says about fasting and true treasure. And what's this about light and darkness, too? Join me as I explore these questions and more!
The Lord's prayer! ...sort of. Let's discuss what Jesus is doing in putting forth these ideas for us to think about!
We transition from Jesus explaining how to actually fulfill the Old Law into a section where Jesus corrects more missed attitudes of the people. What are the three types of attitudes one can have towards doing the right thing? Join me as we discuss that and quite a bit more!
This episode serves to introduce this series, give reasoning behind the name chosen, and lay out the goals sought. Basically: read the Bible. ...and maybe this series will help you to understand some details.
Rerecorded: June 19, 2021
Picking up from where we left off: this episode continues from the last, as Jesus gives more examples of the true form of the Law. Join me as we discuss the principle of having your heart in the right place, not just your actions.
How can Jesus say that He's not getting rid of the Law if He changes it so much? Well, it helps that He's not really changing it, you know? Join me as Jesus takes us to the real heart of the issue when He discusses what these laws really mean.
Continuing in the Sermon on the Mount: salt of the earth? Light of the world? We recognize the phrases, sure, but where do they come from? Join me as I look at a couple different pieces of this Sermon, what they mean, and how they fit into the overall logic.
The Sermon on the Mount! Do we know it as well as we think? Often I, at least, get caught in assuming the traditional teachings are right, without actually looking at them.
This episode, we examine the Beatitudes. Why do they exist? Why does Jesus start with these? What does this mean for the Sermon as a whole? Join me as I think my way through these questions and more.
This is a little bit of a different section, as it covers a little bit of history in between two well-known passages, including the calling of the first disciples. Join me in considering this and a little bit more as we get prepared for the Sermon on the Mount!
The Temptation of Jesus. Is this story one we know well, or have some of the details slipped past us? Join me as I think my way through why these are actually temptations and why Jesus answers in the way that He does.
The Spirit and fire. Join me as I try to reason out what this idea means and how we are to understand it! And Jesus gets baptized, too. That's pretty important.
John the Baptist: why here? Why now? What point does it serve for him to appear in this story? Join me as I think through the reason for him and the other details given!
This episode, we see Herod's true motive and the faith of Joseph on full display. Also, there are a couple of interesting prophecies that Matthew cites. Join me as I get a bit confused over a small bit of Matthew, then attempt to explain it anyways!
Why do we get to talk about Herod? Why are the "Wise Men" important enough for Matthew to take note of? Join in as we think about those questions and more prophetic fulfillment.
These few verses give all that Matthew cares to tell us about the birth of Jesus. Join me and consider why Matthew chooses to emphasize the ideas that he does, as we talk through the rest of Matthew 1.
The beginning to the Gospel of Matthew. Genealogies! ...but why? Join me in considering why such an influential book of the Bible would start in such a "boring" way.