Redux Church: Recent Episodes
Redux Church
Too many have been left behind, too many have been forgotten, too many questions left unanswered. It’s time for us to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves, it’s time, to restore the true church to her true purpose... welcome to Redux Church. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/reduxchurch/support
In this insightful episode of our podcast, hosts Wayne Heins and his co-host dive deep into the rich narrative of Acts 25, continuing their exploration of the complexities surrounding the Apostle Paul's imprisonment and his bold appeal to Caesar. With a blend of theological reflection and practical application, the discussion illuminates the timeless challenges faced by believers in their spiritual journeys.
The episode opens with the hosts setting a context for their conversation, reflecting on the difficulties readers encounter when interpreting biblical texts. As the dialogue unfolds, they highlight the relentless pursuit of Paul's accusers from Jerusalem, who embody an "Energizer bunny" mentality in their determination to undermine Paul’s mission. This relentless opposition serves as a poignant reminder that the spiritual battles faced by those who live for Christ are often ongoing, demanding a persistent vigilance and unwavering faith.
Listeners will resonate with the exploration of Paul's remarkable commitment to his faith amidst trials, drawing parallels to the agony of Christ on the cross. The hosts emphasize the depth of sacrifice and surrender required for true discipleship, encouraging reflection on what it means to live authentically as a Christian. They invite listeners to embrace the concept of inevitability, suggesting that accepting circumstances beyond our control can lead to a profound inner peace—much like the calmness Paul displayed in the face of his accusers.
As they navigate the themes of fear, anxiety, and the risks associated with authentic Christian living, the hosts contrast Paul’s fearlessness with the struggles many contemporary Christians face today. They encourage a spirit of resilience, urging listeners to "spirit up" and confront the challenges of faith with courage and obedience. Packed with personal anecdotes and insights, this episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of perseverance, spiritual warfare, and the transformative power of faith in adversity. Join us for an enriching discussion that resonates with the realities of modern Christian living and the timeless truths found in Scripture.
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In this enlightening episode of our podcast, Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin delve into the profound lessons found in Acts Chapter 24, focusing on the trials and tribulations faced by the Apostle Paul. As they navigate through this pivotal moment in Paul's life, Jeremy opens the discussion with a personal reflection on how Paul's experiences resonate with his own expectations regarding God's timing and intervention in our lives. Through the lens of healing, he discusses the common misconceptions many of us have about how quickly God should respond to our prayers, urging listeners to embrace faith in God’s perfect timing.
The episode takes a closer look at the serious charges levied against Paul by high priest Ananias, the elders, and the eloquent spokesman Tertullus. As Wayne points out, these accusations resemble modern-day "fake news," illustrating the timeless nature of false narratives used to undermine individuals. With calm conviction, Paul refutes the claims made against him, demonstrating a remarkable ability to remain composed amidst persecution. Wayne and Jeremy emphasize the importance of "turning the other cheek," a powerful reminder of how believers can respond to injustice and falsehoods with grace and integrity.
As the discussion unfolds, the hosts draw striking parallels between the political corruption of Paul's time and today's climate, reflecting on how little has truly changed in the way people navigate conflicts and disagreements. They challenge listeners to consider how they, too, can uphold a clear conscience amidst adversity, using opportunities for witness rather than succumbing to anger or fear. The episode culminates in a reflection on Paul's two years of imprisonment under Felix, highlighting his unwavering commitment to sharing the gospel despite his circumstances. Join Wayne and Jeremy in this thought-provoking exploration, where they encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to be proactive in sharing their message of hope, no matter the challenges they face.
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Join hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin in this thought-provoking episode as they venture into the heart of the Book of Acts, focusing specifically on chapter 23 and the life of the apostle Paul. In a world that seems increasingly divided, the discussion dives deep into the nuances of persecution and martyrdom, exploring how these ancient realities resonate in today's climate. The hosts challenge listeners to consider what it means to experience "death to self" in their Christian walk, highlighting the potential rift between various factions within the church and the implications for believers everywhere.
As they navigate Paul's journey to Rome, Wayne and Jeremy draw powerful parallels between Paul and Jesus, emphasizing the unjust trials each faced despite being deemed "not worthy of death." Their exploration of Paul’s steadfastness amid adversity serves as an encouragement for listeners, reminding them of the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with God in the present moment. The hosts share personal anecdotes that illustrate the transformative power of God’s presence, urging believers not to wait until they are desperate to seek Him, but to cultivate a vibrant relationship filled with fullness and purpose right now.
The conversation also tackles the often-misunderstood role of prophecy, emphasizing it as a tool for confirming what God has done and continues to do, rather than simply predicting the future. With the potential for increased persecution on the horizon, especially within the United States, Wayne and Jeremy underline the church's historic resilience during times of trial. This episode is a compelling call to action for listeners to prepare their hearts, deepen their faith, and embrace the challenges ahead, all while experiencing the richness of a life lived in communion with God. Tune in for an enriching discussion that combines biblical insights with personal reflections, aimed at igniting a deeper passion for faith in the lives of all believers.
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In this engaging episode of Faith & Laughter, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin dive into a lighthearted yet thought-provoking discussion that sets the stage for deeper insights about faith, community, and scripture. Kicking things off with a playful debate on the distinction between being a comedian and a comic, they turn to John Lovitz for the perfect illustration: a comic tells funny things while a comedian tells things funny. The banter sets a fun tone, and Wayne's excitement about moving into a new ministry building adds a personal touch as he invites Jeremy to help transform the space into a podcast production area.
With laughter in the air, the episode transitions into a heartfelt exploration of Acts 23:12-22, focusing on a dramatic plot against Paul by a group of Jews. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with scripture more deeply, suggesting they follow along from the beginning of Acts or at least from chapter 20. They dissect the irony of the situation—those who are meant to uphold the law seeking to take a life—paralleling it with the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. This compelling narrative opens the door to a broader conversation about the nature of disagreement within the church and the troubling tendency toward division.
Wayne and Jeremy challenge listeners to move beyond mere doctrinal debates and instead embrace the spirit of open dialogue. They argue that Christians should strive to unite in their shared faith, seeking to understand one another rather than allowing differences to create barriers. As they delve into themes of witness and boldness in faith, they pose a poignant question: Are we living in a way that invites scrutiny and challenges? The episode wraps up with prayer and a heartfelt invitation for listeners to share their thoughts and experiences, fostering a community of understanding and growth. Join Wayne and Jeremy as they blend humor, faith, and critical reflections on what it truly means to walk a life rooted in Christ.
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In this engaging episode of Exploring Scripture, host Wayne Heins and co-host Jeremy Griffin dive into the complexities of Acts Chapter 23, unraveling the dynamics of Paul’s confrontation with the high priest Ananias and the ensuing drama before the Jewish council. Kicking off with a reading from the end of Chapter 22, Wayne sets the scene for Paul’s bold declaration of conscience and the heated response from Ananias, which sparks a rich discussion about righteousness, authority, and the nature of conflict.
As the narrative unfolds, Wayne and Jeremy explore the strategic maneuvering of Paul, who declares his Pharisaic roots to ignite a division between the Pharisees and Sadducees. This moment not only illustrates Paul's cleverness but also mirrors the tensions that often arise within modern-day churches. The hosts bring to light the importance of unity within the body of Christ and the challenges that congregations face when differing ideologies clash.
The conversation deepens as they reflect on God’s redemptive plan, particularly observing how He can guide us back to our intended path, even when we veer off course. Drawing parallels between Paul’s journey and their own experiences, Wayne and Jeremy emphasize the significance of patience and trust in God’s timing—a reminder that His plans may unfold beyond our immediate understanding. As they wrap up the episode, the hosts invite listeners to approach Scripture with an open mind, encouraging them to seek the rich insights and lessons embedded within, even in the seemingly mundane passages, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate new dimensions of faith and understanding. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to deepen your appreciation for the intricacies of Scripture and the ever-relevant themes of faith, conflict, and redemption.
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In this episode, Wayne and Jeremy dive deep into the Book of Acts, chapter 22, continuing their exploration of Paul's experiences and the lessons we can learn from them. They carefully examine Acts 22:17-30, where Paul recounts a vision from Jesus urging him to leave Jerusalem quickly, as the people there will not accept his testimony. The crowd's reaction to Paul's words, shouting for his death, prompts a discussion on forgiveness and grace, as well as the importance of being open to God's dynamic leading.
Wayne and Jeremy emphasize the need to discern one's true calling from God, even when it may go against human expectations or what others may anticipate. They reflect on the themes of obedience, grace, and the necessity of remaining flexible and responsive to God's leading, even when it challenges our preconceptions. The conversation serves as a reminder that God's ways are often different from what we may expect, and that being open to His guidance can lead us on unexpected paths with purpose and fulfillment. Join Wayne and Jeremy as they unpack these profound insights and explore the depth of Paul's experiences in Acts 22.
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In this captivating episode, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin dive deep into Acts 22:1-16, exploring the transformative power of Paul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus. They discuss how this momentous event shifted Paul from being a zealous persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ, emphasizing the importance of being open to the voice of God in our lives, even if it challenges our preconceived notions.
The discussion also touches on the relationship between the Old Testament law, the fulfillment of the law in Christ, and the ongoing guidance of the Holy Spirit. The hosts highlight the significance of recognizing how the law and the prophets point to Christ and how our understanding of Scripture should be informed by both historical revelation and present-day revelation.
Listeners are encouraged to consider the power of a personal encounter with God and the transformative impact it can have on our lives. The episode concludes with a prayer, thanking God for His Word and asking for wisdom to discern the balance between historical revelation and present-day guidance. Tune in for a thought-provoking and enlightening discussion on the relevance of Scripture and the importance of hearing God's voice in our lives.
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In this episode, we delve into the intense conclusion of Acts chapter 21, where Paul finds himself in the midst of a violent mob in Jerusalem. Accused of defiling the temple by bringing a Gentile inside, Paul faces the wrath of the crowd stirred up by the Jews from Asia. The Roman tribune steps in to protect Paul, highlighting the dangers of mob mentality and the importance of seeking truth amidst chaos.
Drawing parallels to the modern church, the hosts explore the tendency to jump to conclusions and condemn without solid evidence. They contrast this with Paul's approach of maintaining connections and seeking to win others over with patience and grace. Through this discussion, listeners are challenged to approach conflicts and disagreements with wisdom, discernment, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit, rather than succumbing to knee-jerk reactions.
As the episode unfolds, the hosts emphasize the timeless nature of human nature's inclination towards division and violence, urging listeners to respond with a desire for unity and truth. By reflecting on Paul's example and the dangers of mob mentality, the episode inspires a call for grace, patience, and a commitment to seeking understanding in the face of conflict.
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin delve into the complexities and layers within the book of Acts. They challenge the common Christian tendency to judge whether one is in God's will based on outcomes, emphasizing the importance of trusting God to reveal truths to our hearts. The hosts explore the tension between unity and upholding the truth of the gospel, using Paul's actions in Acts 21 as a case study.
Through deep reflection and discussion, Wayne and Jeremy encourage listeners to appreciate all that God has done in their lives and to seek His guidance and wisdom in navigating the complexities of Scripture. They grapple with the balance between unity within the body of Christ and upholding the core message of being in Christ, which encompasses the fullness of God's commands.
This episode challenges listeners to ponder difficult questions, resist blindly accepting spiritual leaders' opinions as truth, and seek a deeper understanding of God's will. With a mix of historical context, personal reflection, and prayer, Wayne and his co-host guide listeners on a journey of faith and growth in the image of Christ.
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Join hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin in this thought-provoking episode as they delve into Acts chapter 21 and explore the themes of gratitude, worship, and discerning God's will. As they dissect the passage verse by verse, they analyze Paul's unwavering commitment to his calling despite warnings of impending danger. Through an engaging discussion, they tackle tough questions about faith, obedience, and the challenges of following God's will in the midst of uncertainty. Drawing on personal anecdotes and biblical insights, Wayne and Jeremy offer valuable perspectives on trusting God's plan, even when the path ahead seems unclear. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate life's complexities with faith, humility, and a willingness to surrender to God's sovereignty.
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In this episode of the Redux Church Podcast, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin delve into the powerful messages found in Acts chapter 20. They explore the importance of self-care for leaders and the balance between giving and receiving within the church community. Drawing parallels between Paul's passionate ministry approach and their own experiences, the hosts reflect on the value of pouring into a few key individuals rather than focusing solely on reaching the masses.
Listeners are challenged to consider discipleship in a new light, with a practical challenge to each disciple 12 people over their lifetime. The hosts stress the significance of genuine investment in others, moving away from selfish goals towards a people-focused approach. As they share insights and personal reflections, Wayne and Jeremy inspire their audience to embrace a more intentional and impactful ministry mindset. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode for a fresh perspective on leadership, discipleship, and the transformative power of genuine care and investment in others.
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin delve into a deep discussion about worship and the life of the apostle Paul as depicted in Acts chapter 20. They emphasize that true worship goes beyond just attending church services or singing hymns, but involves actively engaging with God and personalizing the experience.
The conversation highlights the importance of being an active participant in worship, rather than a passive observer, and how connecting with the lyrics of worship songs can deepen one's spiritual experience. They analyze Paul's selfless dedication to his ministry, even in the face of imminent suffering, and contrast his sacrificial attitude with the prevailing prosperity gospel mentality in modern Christianity.
Wayne and Jeremy explore the paradox of humility and recognition within the church, cautioning against false humility that seeks status or recognition. They stress the significance of surrendering one's agenda to serve the greater purpose of Christ, and close the episode with a prayer for listeners to fulfill their unique calling, even if it involves hardship and affliction. Tune in to gain valuable insights on worship, humility, and living a purpose-driven life in alignment with God's will.
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Join hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin in this thought-provoking episode as they explore the concept of worship as a lifestyle rather than a Sunday morning event. Drawing from the passage in Acts 20:7-16 where Paul miraculously resurrects Eutychus, the hosts delve into the topic of supernatural interventions in the modern Western church.
Through a candid discussion, Wayne and Jeremy address the lack of overt miracles in comfortable, prosperous societies and contrast it with the reliance on God's power seen in developing nations. They challenge listeners to reevaluate their spiritual practices and cultivate a deeper, unwavering connection with God to experience the supernatural as a natural part of their Christian walk.
Tune in to this episode to be inspired to move beyond mere praise and embrace a lifestyle of worship that honors God in all aspects of life. Get ready to be encouraged to strengthen your "faith muscle" and step into a deeper, more vibrant relationship with the supernatural power of God.
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Join hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin on the Redux Church Podcast as they delve into the importance of active participation and engagement in spiritual matters. In this episode, Wayne and Jeremy discuss the dangers of becoming too familiar with spiritual content and losing appreciation for its value. They explore the idea of intentional, participatory spiritual nourishment versus a passive "supermarket" mentality.
The hosts take a deep dive into Acts 20, examining the significance of encouragement and community within the body of Christ. They contrast the typical Sunday morning church service model with the relational discipleship and encouragement described in Acts, highlighting the challenges and rewards of cultivating authentic community and fellowship.
Wayne and Jeremy also explore the topic of financial support for ministry, discussing the balance between self-sufficiency and reliance on the support of the body. They caution against conflating economic systems with the principles of ministry and service, emphasizing the need for discernment and prayer in this area.
Listen in as the hosts close in prayer, asking God to raise up encouragers and authentic ministry leaders who can have a transformative effect on the lives of believers. This episode challenges listeners to embrace active participation, intentional community, and a holistic, joy-filled approach to living out their faith.
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In this episode of the podcast, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin explore the importance of worship in all circumstances, drawing from personal experiences and biblical teachings. They highlight worship as a mindset and an act of service, emphasizing its significance in times of adversity.
Delving into Acts chapter 19, the hosts discuss the riot that erupted in Ephesus due to Paul's preaching, particularly focusing on the clash between religious beliefs and economic interests. They draw parallels to contemporary scenarios where the gospel message challenges established norms and can lead to persecution.
Wayne and Jeremy reflect on Paul's approach of speaking the truth boldly yet tactfully, highlighting the importance of finding common ground and building relationships when sharing the gospel. They stress the need for believers to be equipped and empowered for effective ministry, calling on the church to provide mentorship and training.
The episode concludes with a prayer for listeners to be guided and equipped for impactful service in their communities, encapsulating the theme of bold yet compassionate outreach in the face of opposition.
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In this episode, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin delve into Acts chapter 19, specifically focusing on the story of the seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest. They explore the layers of this biblical narrative, discussing the importance of maintaining a focus on Christ and intentional worship. The hosts emphasize that worship is not just about singing choruses, but about forming a deep spiritual connection with the Father.
They also touch on the extraordinary miracles performed by Paul, including the healing power of handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched his skin. The hosts express skepticism towards the practice of selling "anointed" items, drawing parallels to the misguided actions of the seven sons of Sceva.
The discussion then moves to the significance of the seven sons' attempt to invoke the name of Jesus without a genuine relationship with Him. The hosts compare this to modern-day instances of celebrities professing faith for personal gain, rather than a true encounter with Christ. They also highlight the powerful example of repentance shown by the believers in Ephesus, who burned their books of magic arts, signaling a turning away from the occult.
Throughout the episode, the hosts stress the importance of having an authentic personal experience with God, rather than simply imitating others. They caution against falling back into old ways and emphasize God's continuous pursuit of His children to restore them to the right path. The episode concludes with a prayer for clarity, understanding, and continued guidance from the Holy Spirit as listeners explore the profound truths of the Scriptures.
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In this episode, Wayne and Jeremy dive into a deep discussion on the topic of worship and the importance of giving God our full attention and intention. They caution against worshipping other things in our lives and emphasize the need to revere God above all else.
The hosts then explore Acts 19:1-10, focusing on key points such as the disciples of John the Baptist receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Paul's bold preaching, and the response of the unbelieving people. They discuss the concept of being "hot or cold" in one's faith and the importance of being sensitive to where people are at spiritually.
Jeremy shares a personal anecdote about diffusing tension with a church member by asking a simple question, highlighting the power of gracious dialogue. The hosts stress the need for the church to model loving, question-based communication both within the body of Christ and with outsiders.
The episode concludes with a prayer for wisdom and skills to have transformative conversations that draw people closer to God. Wayne and Jeremy demonstrate a deep understanding of Scripture, compassion for people, and a desire to see the church become more effective in making disciples.
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In this podcast episode, Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin dive deep into the book of Acts, focusing on the introduction of Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria. The hosts discuss Apollos' eloquence and fervor in teaching about Jesus, despite only knowing the baptism of John. They explore the impact of Apollos' potential, highlighting the importance of faithful stewardship of what we do know.
The hosts also emphasize the significance of private correction over public rebuke, using Priscilla and Aquila's approach with Apollos as a model for addressing incomplete understanding. They discuss the role of relationships and unity in the body of Christ, stressing the priority of relationships over organizational concerns and unity around the core gospel message.
Drawing from personal experiences and conflicts within the church, the hosts lament the lack of effort to resolve differences through prayerful, Scripture-based dialogue focused on restoring relationships. They conclude the episode by praying for the listeners, asking for God to speak to their hearts and for unity and excellence in delivering the gospel message within the body of Christ. Join Wayne and Jeremy as they unpack timeless principles of humility, relationship-building, and focusing on essentials within the church.
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy dive deep into the topics of worship, ministry, and discipleship. They share personal experiences and reflections on the role of worship in their lives, emphasizing the importance of living a life that honors God beyond just musical performances. The conversation then shifts to a discussion of Acts 18, where they unpack the significance of Paul's missionary travels with Priscilla and Aquila, highlighting the value of community and discipleship in ministry.
Wayne and Jeremy bring to light the contrast between Paul's team-based ministry model and the individualistic approaches often seen in modern churches, underscoring the importance of deep relationships and partnerships in the work of spreading the gospel. They challenge listeners to consider how they can incorporate these principles into their own faith journey and community, striving for authentic worship, Spirit-led ministry, and intentional discipleship. Tune in to this enlightening episode for insights and inspiration on living out the gospel in today's world.
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In this engaging and thought-provoking podcast episode, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin delve into the topic of worship and the responsibilities of believers in ministry. Through a detailed analysis of Acts 18, the hosts explore the life of the apostle Paul as a bivocational worker and preacher of the gospel, challenging common misconceptions about pastors and ministry in the modern church.
Wayne and Jeremy emphasize the importance of all believers being called to full-time ministry, regardless of their occupation, and discuss the need for a dynamic and ongoing relationship with God, rather than relying on a one-time "call" to ministry. They highlight key aspects of Paul's ministry, including his persistence in preaching the gospel and his attentiveness to God's direction in his life.
Listeners are encouraged to be confident in their calling to ministry, actively engage with the Scriptures, and listen for the Lord's voice in their lives. With lighthearted banter and insightful commentary, this podcast episode provides a fresh perspective on worship, ministry, and the believer's role in spreading the gospel. Tune in for a captivating discussion that will inspire and challenge your faith.
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In this episode of the podcast, Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin explore the topic of worship beyond music. They delve into the significance of worship as an expression of adoration and gratitude towards God, emphasizing that it can take various forms.
The hosts then turn their attention to Acts 17:16-34, where they examine the apostle Paul's encounter with idolatry in Athens. They discuss Paul's approach to engaging with the Athenians, both Jews and Gentiles, and how he reasoned with them in the synagogue and the marketplace.
A key moment in the passage is when Paul is brought to the Areopagus and delivers a powerful speech. The hosts break down the elements of Paul's approach, highlighting his affirmation of the Athenians' religious inclination, his use of cultural references and poetry to connect with his audience, and his focus on the nature of God and His desire for relationship.
Drawing from their own ministry experiences, Wayne and Jeremy emphasize the importance of meeting people where they are, building bridges rather than barriers, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead in sharing the love of Christ. They reflect on the different responses to Paul's message, acknowledging that not everyone will immediately believe, but the goal is to faithfully share the gospel and trust in God's work in people's hearts.
Throughout the episode, the hosts challenge listeners to be equipped and obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading in their own lives. They stress the significance of personal relationship with God and the willingness to engage with others, rather than relying on formal approaches to evangelism. The episode concludes with a prayer, inviting God to empower listeners to respond to His leading and fulfill their divine appointments.
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In this episode of the podcast, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin dive into a discussion exploring the idea that worship is simply a response to what God has done in our lives, emphasizing that it doesn't have to be complicated or involve music. It's all about the posture of our hearts in responding to the free gift of salvation through Christ.
The hosts then shift their focus to a passage from Acts 17:1-15, where they draw parallels between the apostle Paul's travels and preaching and the modern phenomenon of "church deconstruction." They discuss how people seeking truth and grappling with their faith often face resistance from those who feel threatened by such questioning.
Wayne and Jeremy highlight the different responses to Paul's message in Thessalonica and Berea, with the Bereans being described as "more noble" for their eagerness to receive the word and examine the Scriptures daily. They emphasize the importance of moving beyond religious rituals and traditions to a personal encounter with the living God.
The hosts further explore the idea that the world is not interested in mere labels of Christianity, but rather looks for evidence of a transformed life that reflects the power of Christ. They reflect on Paul's life and ministry, which did not align with the prosperity gospel often promoted in Western Christianity, but rather the costly and persecuted path of following Jesus.
The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of awakening our spiritual "taste buds" to develop a genuine hunger and thirst for God and His truth. Wayne and Jeremy encourage listeners to pray for a spiritual receptivity and openness to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
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In this podcast episode, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin delve into the book of Acts, focusing on the conclusion of chapter 16. They begin with some lighthearted banter, demonstrating that their conversation is genuine and relatable.
The hosts then discuss the importance of worship, highlighting that it is an act of free will where we give back to God in response to His blessings. They encourage listeners to engage in worship before and after listening to the podcast, as it allows God to speak to us and reveal new things.
Wayne reads from Acts 16:25-40, recounting the story of Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns while imprisoned, resulting in a miraculous earthquake that sets them and the other prisoners free. The hosts discuss the significance of this passage, emphasizing that it serves as a model for maintaining faith and trust in God during difficult situations. They emphasize that persecution is not solely for suffering, but rather for the sake of God's kingdom and the salvation of others.
Jeremy draws a parallel between this passage and the concept of martyrdom, acknowledging the challenges and struggles that Christians may face when considering the idea of being willing to die for their faith. The hosts then explore the conversion of the jailer, noting that his exposure to Paul and Silas' message of salvation prepared his heart to receive the gospel in this moment of crisis. They highlight God's orchestration of events to bring about the salvation of the jailer and his household.
The hosts also discuss the modern church's tendency to focus on attracting people through amenities and entertainment, rather than fostering genuine relationships with Jesus. They stress that true discipleship and spiritual growth come from living out the Christ-life, not from external trappings.
In conclusion, Wayne and Jeremy challenge listeners to examine their own lives and witness, encouraging them to live in a way that draws people to Christ through their actions. They invite listeners to reach out to them at Redux.church, as they are eager to build relationships with their audience.
Throughout the podcast, the hosts touch on themes of faith, persecution, salvation, discipleship, and the importance of living out one's faith in a way that attracts others to Christ. The show notes provide a comprehensive summary of the key points and insights discussed in the episode.
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin dive deep into Acts 16:16-24, a passage that recounts the encounter between Paul, Silas, and a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. Through their insightful analysis, they uncover the spiritual and societal implications hidden within the events of this biblical story.
The hosts begin by exploring the intriguing dynamic between Paul, Silas, and the slave girl. Despite initially proclaiming the two men as "servants of the most high God," Paul eventually becomes greatly annoyed and casts out the spirit from the girl. Wayne and Jeremy ponder the underlying reasons for Paul's annoyance, suggesting that the girl's constant proclamations may have become a distraction to their ministry. Drawing a parallel to disruptions in a church service, they raise questions about the fine line between good intentions and disruptive behavior.
Moving forward, the podcast delves into the profound implications of the slave girl's deliverance. As her spirit of divination is cast out, she is restored to her individuality and freed from the control of her owners who profited from her fortune-telling abilities. This sparks a discussion about the importance of having only one true master, Jesus Christ, and breaking free from the control of others. The hosts shed light on the significance of true freedom and the restoration of one's identity in Christ.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn as the passage describes the owners' anger at the loss of their source of income, leading them to stir up a crowd and bring Paul and Silas before the magistrates. Accusing them of disturbing the city and advocating unlawful customs, the hosts suggest that the "customs" in question may refer to the message of freedom and the undermining of the slave owners' control over the girl. They pose the idea that the crowd's reaction reflects a resigned acceptance of evil, rather than an acknowledgment of the divine intervention that had just occurred.
Expanding the conversation, Wayne and Jeremy explore the broader context of suffering and persecution faced by those who proclaim the gospel. They note that in modern-day America, such suffering is often lacking, which raises concerns about the church's willingness to challenge the status quo and speak the truth. The hosts emphasize the importance of reaching out to the lost and non-believers, even if it means facing opposition and potential persecution.
Finally, the episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for the listeners. Wayne and Jeremy ask God to prompt them to be available and shine as lights to those who are isolated or disconnected from the church, fostering genuine community and leading people to Christ. This poignant prayer serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have as believers to extend love, compassion, and inclusivity to everyone we encounter.
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In this episode of the podcast, host Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin explore the book of Acts and specifically focus on chapter 16. The conversation begins with lighthearted banter and a discussion about the beauty of nature and the simple joys of everyday life.
Wayne then transitions to the biblical text and reads and discusses verses 1-5. This passage describes Paul's encounter with Timothy and highlights the significance of Timothy's mixed heritage as a symbol of unity between Jews and Gentiles in the early Christian movement. They delve into Paul's decision to have Timothy circumcised, not as a requirement for salvation but as a way to avoid offending Jewish believers. This demonstrates Paul's sensitivity to cultural contexts and his desire to remove potential stumbling blocks. They also examine how the churches continued to grow and remain united despite differing opinions on non-essential matters.
Moving on to verses 6-10, Wayne and Jeremy explore the narrative in which the Holy Spirit directs Paul and his companions away from Asia and toward Macedonia through a vision. They discuss the active role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and directing the mission and draw attention to the need for patience and preparation in responding to a calling. They emphasize the importance of discerning both the broader purpose and the specific directions or "GPS" that God provides.
The episode concludes with an examination of verses 11-15, which detail Paul's arrival in Philippi and the conversion of Lydia. Wayne and Jeremy discuss the group's sensitivity to finding spaces conducive to ministry and highlight Lydia's status as a woman of means and her openness to the gospel message. Lydia's response, including being baptized with her household and insisting that Paul and his companions stay at her home, is seen as a powerful example of someone whose heart has been opened by the Lord to receive the gospel.
Throughout the discussion, Wayne and Jeremy draw parallels between the biblical narrative and modern-day experiences. They underscore the importance of discerning God's calling, being attentive to His guidance, and remaining open to the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing people to Him, regardless of their social or economic status. Listeners can expect to gain insights on how these biblical teachings can be applied in their own lives and ministries.
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In this podcast episode, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin delve into Acts chapter 15, exploring the dispute over whether Gentile believers need to follow the Mosaic law. They use the analogy of a mountain to illustrate how believers may have different paths but ultimately converge at a deeper understanding and relationship with God. The hosts emphasize the importance of worship as a natural response to God's greatness and vastness.
The hosts then focus on the letter sent by the apostles and elders to the Gentile believers, highlighting the wise and gracious approach taken by the church leaders. They discuss the importance of clear communication and maintaining unity within the body of Christ.
The episode also addresses the division between Paul and Barnabas regarding taking John Mark on their next missionary journey. The hosts note that this moment reflects the ongoing growth and maturation process in the lives of believers. They stress the significance of understanding the context and timeline of Paul's life and teachings.
Additionally, the hosts emphasize the primary focus on one's personal relationship with God, which then informs and shapes one's ministry and service. They encourage listeners to seek God's revelation, understand its implications, and apply it in their lives.
The episode concludes with a prayer, asking God to continue His work in the listeners' lives, guiding them towards maturity and effectiveness in their walk with Him.
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In this episode, the hosts dive into Acts chapter 15, a significant moment in the early church. The debate between the Pharisees and Paul and Barnabas regarding whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and follow the Mosaic law to be saved is the central focus.
The apostles and elders gather in Jerusalem to address this issue, and Peter argues that the Gentiles have been accepted by God through faith alone, without the need for circumcision or adherence to the Mosaic law. To strengthen their point, Barnabas and Paul share the signs and wonders that God has performed among the Gentiles through their ministry.
James, the brother of Jesus, agrees with Peter's assessment and uses references from the prophets to demonstrate that including the Gentiles aligns with God's plan. The council ultimately decides not to burden the Gentile converts with strict requirements but asks them to abstain from certain practices associated with pagan worship.
The hosts then delve into how this transition from the old covenant to the new covenant of grace reflects the tendency of religion to add rules and regulations. They emphasize that Christianity is primarily centered around building a relationship with God, rather than just religious observance. They share their own perspectives on church attendance, tithing, and the importance of listening and obeying God's voice rather than seeking a new charismatic leader.
Overall, this episode highlights the pivotal shift in the early church from Judaism to a grace-based faith that welcomes all people, irrespective of their background, through faith in Christ alone. It delves into the significance of this transition and the implications it has on the practice of Christianity today.
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In this episode, Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin dive into chapter 14:19-23 of the book of Acts. They discuss the incredible story of Paul being stoned by Jews in Lystra and left for dead. They highlight the irony of fate, as Paul had witnessed Timothy being stoned years earlier. This serves as a powerful reminder that nothing can stop God's plans, and even in the face of extreme adversity, Paul rose up and continued preaching the next day.
The hosts emphasize the importance of perseverance and resilience in fulfilling God's calling. They encourage believers to continue in their faith despite tribulations, as it is through difficulties that one strengthens their faith and enters into God's kingdom. They explore the appointment of elders in the churches and how this establishment of leadership plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting believers.
Wayne and Jeremy also emphasize the significance of ongoing discipleship and encouragement. They discuss how Paul and Barnabas returned to strengthen believers, highlighting the importance of staying connected and supporting one another in the faith journey.
Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of giving God the credit for all the work done. They discuss how Paul and Barnabas reported all that God had done with them to the church in Antioch, recognizing that their identity was in God, not in their accomplishments.
In conclusion, Wayne encourages listeners to finish the work that God has given them. He urges them not to wait idly but to see missions through to completion, just like Paul and Barnabas did. The podcast provides a detailed summary and analysis of Paul's perseverance, the role of suffering in the Christian life, and the importance of fulfilling one's God-given purpose rather than seeking self-promotion.
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Wayne and Jeremy discuss Acts 14, focusing on verses 1-7 in the first half and verses 8-18 in the second half.
In the first section, they reflect on how Paul and Barnabas were able to speak in a way that both Jews and Greeks (religious and non-religious people) believed. Wayne notes the importance of not just using "Christianese" but speaking plainly. They discuss how to talk about faith to unbelievers in an understandable way.
They also note that even though the apostles faced opposition from unbelieving Jews, they continued speaking boldly by God's power and saw signs and wonders. Wayne questions if he speaks boldly enough for God.
In the second section, they discuss the healing of the crippled man in Lystra. Jeremy notes how people often want to elevate or repay religious leaders, thinking it gets them favor with God. They both see parallels to Jesus' temptation, where he refused to use his power for his own benefit.
Paul and Barnabas reject the people's sacrifice to them as gods. They declare they are just men who bring good news of the living God. Jeremy notes how easy it is for humans to take credit the longer a process takes, when really God deserves all glory.
Wayne closes by saying they are just "spark plugs" through which God works, having no power or hope to give on their own. Jeremy prays they would all continue having revelations from God's word and applying it to grow closer to him.
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In this episode of the podcast, Wayne and Jeremy dive into Acts 13 and conclude their study of this chapter. They begin by encouraging listeners to spend time in worship and allow God to speak to their hearts, emphasizing the cleansing effect of worship. Jeremy shares his personal experience of having his feet washed by others only a few times.
The hosts then discuss where listeners can find worship music, mentioning popular platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Wayne shares that his wife often plays old black gospel music by artists like CC Winans on YouTube in the mornings.
Moving on to the scripture passage, Wayne and Jeremy read Acts 13:26-40. They focus on Paul's address to the Jews in the synagogue, where he emphasizes that their law cannot save them, but only Jesus can. Paul recounts Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and appearances to the disciples, affirming that God has fulfilled his promises through raising Jesus.
The hosts highlight Paul's boldness and clarity in his speech, attributing it to his direct encounters with God, particularly his experience on the road to Damascus and in prayer meetings where God spoke to him. They note that this confidence is not driven by emotion or religious fervor.
Wayne and Jeremy reflect on how the conversation between Paul and the Jews came about because Paul and Barnabas were invited to encourage them. However, Paul ends up convicting them instead, which Jeremy compares to an evangelist being invited to speak but rebuking the congregation.
Continuing with the scripture passage, Paul declares that forgiveness comes through Jesus, not Moses' law. Many Jews and God-fearing Gentiles believe after hearing Paul's message. Unfortunately, jealous Jews stir up persecution against Paul and Barnabas.
The hosts delve into the obedience and divine mandate that Paul and Barnabas received through prayer, highlighting that they did not seek out a platform but faithfully delivered the message God gave them, without adding or subtracting from it.
The passage concludes with Paul and Barnabas being driven out of the district, but they continue to spread the word with joy. Wayne and Jeremy end the episode with a prayer.
Overall, this episode explores Acts 13, focusing on Paul's boldness in proclaiming the message of Jesus, the response of the Jews, and the persecution faced by Paul and Barnabas. The hosts provide insights into the importance of worship and obedience in carrying out God's mandate.
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In this episode of the podcast, Wayne and Jeremy continue their study of the book of Acts, specifically focusing on chapter 13 verses 1-25. They begin by reading the passage, which highlights events in the early church in Antioch. The passage mentions prominent figures like Barnabas and Saul and describes how the Holy Spirit called them to a specific work. After fasting and prayer, the church sends them off with the laying on of hands.
During their travels to Cyprus, Barnabas and Saul encounter a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who opposes their message. Saul, also known as Paul, is filled with the Holy Spirit and rebukes Bar-Jesus, prophesying that he will be temporarily blinded. This astonishing event leads the proconsul Sergius Paulus to believe in their message.
Wayne and Jeremy discuss the way Paul addresses Bar-Jesus, noting that he speaks to him in a way that he would understand as a magician. However, they emphasize that this passage should not be seen as a license to curse others today. Paul's actions were guided by a calling and confirmation from the Spirit and the church, and the fruit of his rebuke was the proconsul's belief.
Additionally, the passage describes how Paul and Barnabas continue to travel and preach in synagogues. When given the opportunity to speak, Paul provides a detailed recounting of God's dealings with Israel over hundreds of years, setting the context for his message. This detailed account serves as a credential to show that Paul is not speaking flippantly before challenging their beliefs.
Wayne and Jeremy highlight the significance of the long timespan Paul outlines, approximately 450 years, to illustrate the need for patience as God works out His purposes. They note that this perspective can help with modern impatience, as our struggles may seem significant to us but are just a part of God's larger plan unfolding over generations.
In conclusion, Wayne and Jeremy pray that listeners may gain perspective outside of their own circumstances, recognizing God's sovereignty and joining in the larger work He is doing through all believers around the world.
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In this episode of the podcast, Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin delve into chapter 12 of Acts. Before diving into the passage, they take a moment to reflect on their recent lunch experience at Claire Bell's restaurant in Oklahoma City, where Jeremy had the pleasure of enjoying delicious homemade sauerkraut and punch.
The passage they discuss revolves around the events surrounding Herod the king's violent actions against the church. He had James killed and arrested Peter, placing him under the watchful eyes of four squads of guards. However, despite the dire circumstances, the church came together in fervent prayer for Peter's release.
In a remarkable turn of events, Peter finds himself bound with chains and sleeping between two soldiers when an angel appears before him. The angel frees Peter from his chains and instructs him to get dressed and follow. Together, they navigate through the guards and the iron gate leading to the city, which miraculously opens on its own.
Upon arriving at Mary's house, where the church was praying, Peter's appearance initially surprises the believers. Only after opening the gate do they realize that it is indeed Peter. Peter instructs them to inform James and the other brothers about his rescue before departing.
Meanwhile, Herod's search for Peter proves futile. The soldiers responsible for letting Peter escape face severe consequences, as Herod has them killed. Adding to Herod's troubles, the people of Tyre and Sidon approach him, seeking peace as they rely on his country for food. In a gathering, the people mistakenly hail Herod as a god. However, their misconception is immediately corrected when an angel of the Lord strikes Herod down, and he is ultimately consumed by worms, leading to his demise.
Despite the hardships faced by the church and the persecution they endure, the word of God continues to spread and multiply. Barnabas and Saul return from Jerusalem with John Mark, contributing to this growth. Wayne highlights the historical significance of times of persecution often leading to an increase in the word of God, urging listeners to find solace in God during times of bondage, just as Peter did. Jeremy offers a relatable analogy of waiting for water to boil before adding potatoes.
In a prophetic declaration, Wayne predicts that revival will come to India. The episode concludes with a prayer, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and resting in Him during challenging times.
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In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy Griffin explores the idea of failure as not just something to avoid, but as a requirement for growth and success. He introduces the phrase "failure is not an option, it's a requirement" and acknowledges that others may have said it too.
Drawing on personal experiences and scientific discoveries, Jeremy emphasizes that many valuable lessons and breakthroughs come from mistakes and failures. He uses the example of the game Mastermind to illustrate how each failed guess teaches the player something to bring them closer to the solution.
Jeremy also references a line from the movie The Core, where a commander tells an astronaut they are not ready for command because they have never failed. This highlights the importance of failure in developing resilience and learning from our shortcomings.
Throughout the episode, Jeremy encourages listeners to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. He shares a personal story from his teenage years, where he failed to obey God's prompting to pray for someone, but learned the importance of humility through that experience.
Listeners are invited to reach out to Jeremy to further discuss this topic and are encouraged to explore other podcasts on the Redux Church network for more powerful content, particularly the scriptural podcast. The episode ends with Jeremy wishing listeners God's blessings and saying goodbye.
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In this episode, Wayne and Jeremy dive deeper into Acts chapter 11, building off of their previous discussion. Jeremy expresses his appreciation for the process of studying scripture, explaining how it often challenges his preconceived notions and reveals new truths that he hadn't previously believed.
The main focus of their conversation revolves around the significant development in Antioch, where believers from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to Greeks, thus expanding the spread of the gospel beyond just Jews to Gentiles. This momentous event in Antioch led to the believers being called "Christians" for the first time, a term that holds great importance in the foundation of the modern church.
Barnabas, sent from Jerusalem, is tasked with investigating what is happening in Antioch. Pleased with the situation, he encourages the believers and goes on a journey to find Saul, also known as Paul. Barnabas, acting as a mentor, guides Paul and teaches in Antioch for an entire year. Wayne provides clarity on Paul's story up to this point, explaining how his Damascus road experience in Acts 9 marked a turning point in his life.
The importance of mentorship is a recurring theme in their conversation, with Barnabas serving as a prime example. They discuss the significance of mentors being willing to see their mentees grow and even surpass their own abilities, rather than hindering their progress out of pride. Barnabas's mentorship extends beyond just Paul to include John Mark as well.
Wayne highlights a key point in Acts 11 where the believers in Judea, who once rejected Gentiles, now find themselves aided by these very same Gentiles in a time of famine. This serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of faith and the ways in which our perspectives can change over time.
In their closing remarks, Wayne and Jeremy emphasize the value of finding satisfaction in obedience and embracing the unique calling that God has for each individual. Rather than comparing ourselves to others or measuring success by external standards, they encourage listeners to follow Barnabas's example of faithfully encouraging and mentoring others on their own spiritual journeys.
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In this podcast, Jeremy Griffin talks about the concept of stewardship beyond just finances. He begins by explaining that while God owns everything, he acts as the ultimate steward by efficiently using his resources to have maximum positive impact.
Jeremy notes that as humans created in God's image, we are also designed for stewardship. However, stewardship is often only discussed regarding money. Jeremy wants to broaden the concept to include time, relationships, and property.
Regarding time stewardship, Jeremy asks listeners to reflect on how they prioritize and allocate their time. Do they give the right things the appropriate amount of time based on what's most important, as determined between them and God? Time ultimately belongs to God, so we must steward it well.
Relationship stewardship involves intentionally building, maintaining, and focusing the right level of attention on relationships, rather than just letting them fade away. Jeremy acknowledges he needs to work on this too.
Property stewardship refers to how we manage the places and objects that are ours, such as our homes and workspaces. Do we care for these resources properly and use them for good purposes?
The overall goal is for listeners to thoughtfully consider these stewardship areas with God's guidance, not just on their own. While money can be included, stewardship goes deeper. Jeremy closes by encouraging giving away love without limit, as love is an infinite resource we have to share. He invites feedback for the church and signs off.
In summary, Jeremy provides a detailed exploration of stewardship beyond finances alone, challenging listeners to reflect on how they manage the time, relationships, property and love that God has entrusted to them. The focus is on using resources efficiently and for maximum good.
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In this episode, Wayne and Jeremy dive into Acts chapter 11 and continue their study of the early church. They start off by praying for their listeners to have open hearts and be ready to hear from God during their conversation.
The hosts read verses 11-18, which recount Peter's visit to Cornelius and his household. They highlight how the Holy Spirit falls upon the Gentiles, just as it did upon the initial believers. It is in this moment that Peter realizes God is granting repentance to the Gentiles as well.
One key aspect discussed is Peter's positioning of himself by recounting his vision and the events with Cornelius. This serves to prove that God was guiding his actions. They focus on verses 16-17, which emphasize that God gave the Gentiles the same gift of the Holy Spirit, showing His acceptance of them.
The hosts then delve into a discussion about the early believers' reluctance to include Gentiles and treat them as equals. Wayne brings up the point that every person can hear God's voice, just like the Gentiles did, even if they did not know God previously. They stress the importance for Christians today to be open to how God may work in others' lives in different ways than their own experiences.
The episode also explores the reaction of other believers when Peter shares what happened with Cornelius. They fall silent, realizing that they cannot argue with someone's personal experience with God. Wayne emphasizes that this was not simply a doctrinal discussion, but about one's personal encounter with God.
Jeremy points out how Christians often expect others to conform to their image rather than God's, and wrongly believe that only Christians can hear God's voice. Wayne shares his own experience growing up with a "hellfire and brimstone" upbringing, and how the idea that sinful people cannot hear God is not supported in Scripture.
The hosts also discuss the tendency of Christians to judge others' experiences and seek to give "permission" for certain things, instead of focusing on their own relationship with God. Jeremy emphasizes that what matters most is what God thinks of us, not what people think. They stress the need for Christians to be willing to change their paradigms based on new understandings from God.
In conclusion, Wayne offers a prayer for listeners to be in partnership with God and find joy in obedience rather than being focused on metrics. This episode provides a detailed and thought-provoking discussion of the key events and lessons from Acts 11, particularly regarding the inclusion of Gentiles in the early church.
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In this thought-provoking episode of the podcast, Jeremy Griffin delves into the concept of humans being created in God's image and how it provides valuable insight into God's nature and motivations. Drawing from Genesis 1:26, Jeremy highlights the idea that we possess innate qualities that mirror God's infinite nature. By examining our own needs and desires, we can gain a better understanding of both ourselves and God.
Jeremy explores the significance of relationships and fellowship in human lives. As social beings, we have an intrinsic need for intimacy and the desire to share our stories with those who truly know us. Jeremy posits that God must have desired these very same things, as evidenced by His decision to create humans in His likeness. While angels were given free will, humans were given dominion, implying that God desired a peer - someone to walk and talk with as an equal counterpart.
Despite acknowledging the potential for hurtful relationships, Jeremy emphasizes the immense amount that God gives to us and the often minimal effort we put into spending time with our Creator. He asserts that our natural relational tendencies reflect God's own, highlighting the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships.
In the upcoming episode, Jeremy promises to delve into the concept of stewardship and how it sheds further light on God's "natural tendencies" and our role as His image-bearers. He encourages listeners to reflect on their need for meaningful relationships in a world dominated by technology. Jeremy invites further discussion and invites listeners to join him for an hour of coffee to explore this fascinating topic about God and human nature. Lastly, he recommends checking out the Friday Acts podcast for more insightful content.
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In this episode of the podcast, Wayne and Jeremy dive into Acts chapter 11, exploring the significance of Peter's vision and his visit to Cornelius' household. They discuss how this chapter marks the beginning of conflict over whether Gentiles can accept Christ, paralleling the earlier conflict over Jews accepting Christ. Some early Christians wanted to restrict the gospel only to Jews, which Jeremy finds strange considering the Old Testament passages that showed openness to converting Gentiles and those living among Jews.
They delve into the idea that it would have taken years for this new revelation to fully settle in, emphasizing the gradual transition rather than an overnight change. They point out that Paul's ministry played a crucial role in solidifying the understanding that Gentiles could receive the gospel.
Peter's recounting of his vision and God's command to eat unclean animals sparks a discussion about the changing dietary laws. Peter initially objects, citing his strict adherence to never eating unclean things. However, they note that Jesus had already laid the groundwork for changing doctrinal understanding without explicit scriptural basis by stating that it's what comes out of a man that defiles, not what goes into him.
The hosts touch on the modern church's uneasiness with changing doctrine without a Bible verse, contrasting it with Jesus and Peter's direct revelation from God to do so. They emphasize the importance of Scripture while also highlighting the significance of hearing God's voice.
In the closing remarks, Wayne and Jeremy highlight that the heart of God is to redeem all mankind, not just a select group, as Peter's vision clearly showed. This episode provides valuable insights into the early conflicts and revelations surrounding the acceptance of Gentiles in the Christian faith, challenging listeners to consider the importance of both Scripture and God's personal revelation.
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In this episode of the Redux Church podcast, host Jeremy Griffin dives into the topic of physical and spiritual health and how they are interconnected. He urges listeners to make a simple but impactful change in their lives by swapping out soda for water, emphasizing the importance of taking care of our bodies as part of our overall well-being.
Jeremy then shares his personal experience attending pastors' conferences and his dissatisfaction with the focus on "how-tos" rather than fostering a deeper relationship with God. He argues that generic advice doesn't work for everyone, as each individual and ministry is unique. He challenges the mindset of cherry-picking only the best parts of conference messages, cautioning against the potential harm it can cause when colleagues internalize divisive or untrue statements.
To illustrate his point, Jeremy recounts a story of a father who made cookies with unhealthy ingredients to teach his kids about the importance of critically evaluating media consumption. He emphasizes the need for discernment in what we allow to influence us, both in media and in the messages we encounter.
Ultimately, Jeremy encourages listeners to approach messages and teachings with a critical eye, considering both the character of the messenger and the content of their message. He welcomes feedback and challenges to the ideas presented in the podcast, emphasizing that the purpose is to stimulate thought rather than dictate answers. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to gain insight into the importance of discernment in our spiritual and physical lives.
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In this episode of the Redux Church Podcast, Wayne, Jeremy, and Donna continue their discussion of Acts chapter 10. The focus of their conversation is on the events surrounding Cornelius and Peter as they navigate God's instructions and the acceptance of Gentiles into the faith.
The hosts begin by welcoming listeners and encouraging them to participate in the conversation. They express their excitement about the topic at hand and invite everyone to join in the discussion.
As they delve into Acts 10:30-47, the hosts explore the significance of Cornelius' vision from God, which prompts him to call for Peter. When Peter arrives, Cornelius expresses his eagerness to hear what God has commanded Peter to share.
Peter then delivers a powerful message about God's impartiality and how salvation is attained through faith in Jesus. He recounts Jesus' life, ministry, death, resurrection, and the command to preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
During Peter's sermon, the Holy Spirit falls upon all the Gentiles present, much to the amazement of the believers accompanying Peter. This extraordinary event serves as confirmation that Gentiles can also be baptized in Jesus' name.
The hosts engage in a detailed discussion of the passage, drawing parallels between Peter's message and his previous preaching at Pentecost. Jeremy shares how his personal experience of coming to faith mirrors the process of salvation presented in the text.
Donna highlights Cornelius' expectation that God would answer his questions through Peter, emphasizing the significance of divine connection. Wayne likens their gathering to the ideal of church, where God's presence is felt, and everyone is not solely dependent on one person's anointing.
The hosts further explore Peter's realization that salvation is not limited to Jews, and how the Holy Spirit falls upon individuals who recognize their divine connection. They affirm that even those outside of a relationship with God can sense his appointment.
In a powerful conclusion, Jeremy shares that he feels led to pray in tongues, acknowledging that this act goes against his usual paradigm but doing it in obedience to God's prompting. The hosts conclude by encouraging listeners to expect God to work in their lives, as they have engaged in this enlightening discussion.
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In this podcast, Jeremy Griffin discusses the concept of refinishing or reworking something that is already finished. He draws an analogy between refinishing physical objects and refinishing spiritual beliefs.
He talks about how as a kid he enjoyed customizing and painting phone faceplates. However, he notes that refinishing takes patience. All old layers must be stripped away to get to the bare surface before applying a new finish.
Spiritually, this means sometimes we need to strip away old beliefs we were taught that may not be fully accurate. Simply overlaying new ideas on top of old foundations won't work well, as the new "finish" has nothing solid to adhere to. We need to get to core biblical truths before building upon them.
However, Jeremy also notes that sometimes our spiritual "finish" of beliefs just gets worn down over time through life experiences. This patina or wisdom is actually a good, desired thing. It's easy to always want something new and flashy, but the tried and tested authentic self grounded in scripture is best.
He encourages listeners to soberly consider their motivations for wanting change. Is it really for something new, or do they just need time with God to renew and refresh what's already there? In ministry especially, authenticity grounded in scripture is best, rather than always seeking new methods.
Jeremy recommends his previous podcast episode for more context. He invites listeners to reach out with any specific questions. In closing, he encourages ongoing engagement with their Acts study each Friday and thanks listeners for their time.
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In this episode of the Redux Church Podcast, Wayne, Jeremy, and Donna continue their exploration of Acts chapter 10. The hosts begin the discussion by highlighting the importance of setting aside time for worship and removing distractions to better hear God's voice. Wayne expresses his longing to experience the same level of detailed and clear communication from God as Peter did in the passage.
Jeremy brings an interesting perspective, suggesting that Peter's account of God's communication may be influenced by hindsight rather than being a literal representation. The hosts engage in a conversation about finding a balance between expecting clear direction from God and recognizing our human limitations in understanding His voice.
The hosts then delve back into the text, starting from verse 19. Jeremy points out how Peter actively contemplates God's previous word when God speaks to him again. They emphasize the importance of continuing in what God has already spoken to us.
The significance of verse 24 is explored, as Cornelius gathers his relatives and friends, revealing God's strategy of connecting us to influential people. The hosts reflect on verse 28, in which Peter realizes that his vision signifies that no person is unclean. They draw a parallel to Peter's previous encounter with Simon in Acts 8, demonstrating how God used repeated experiences to expand Peter's understanding beyond the Jewish community. This serves as a lesson for recognizing the full body of Christ in today's world.
The conversation concludes by underscoring the hosts' recognition of their own humanity, emphasizing that they are no different from Peter and not deserving of worship or credit. The ultimate desire is for all individuals to hear God's voice with clarity and respond obediently, regardless of the outcome.
In summary, this thought-provoking podcast episode delves deeply into the nuances and lessons derived from Peter's experience in Acts 10. The hosts focus on the importance of discerning and obeying God's voice with clarity, providing valuable insights for listeners to apply in their own spiritual journeys.
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In this podcast, Jeremy Griffin shares a reflection on well houses and draws a spiritual analogy.
He begins by describing well houses, which are small structures built to cover wells, especially in rural areas, to prevent freezing and contamination. Well houses are usually humble and not elaborately designed, just serving the basic purpose of covering the well.
Jeremy then notes that the house near a well house can be large and beautiful with many amenities. However, without the well house and the water it provides, the entire house would ultimately die. Water is essential to life.
He draws a parallel to the internal organs of the body. Though invisible, organs like the stomach, intestines and heart are what keep us alive, even if external body parts are lost. In the same way, the humble well house is what brings life to the surrounding house, though it may not be as impressive to look at.
The main point, Jeremy explains, is that spiritual things are like the well house and internal organs - what really matters and brings life. Outward appearances and accomplishments are just a "facade" without spiritual substance on the inside.
He quotes John 7:38, which references living water flowing from within. Jeremy encourages spending time with God to reveal opportunities to let living water flow out of ourselves to others. A pretty exterior means nothing without life on the inside, brought by the spiritual "well house" or core.
In closing, Jeremy notes it is 15 degrees in freezing Oklahoma as he records. He wishes the listeners a good rest of their day.
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, the hosts dive deep into the meaning of Peter's vision in Acts 10:9-16. They explore the significance of the vision in relation to Peter's understanding of clean and unclean foods according to the Jewish law. The hosts highlight the absence of a scriptural basis for this change and discuss how Peter needed to hear the message multiple times before fully comprehending.
One fascinating aspect that the hosts explore is the concept of God's revelation beyond what is written in scripture. They emphasize that God can speak directly to individuals, even before it becomes part of official doctrine. They use Peter's hunger and the compelling food situation as an example of how God effectively conveyed his message.
Another intriguing topic discussed in this episode is the idea that everyone can hear God's voice, not just believers. The hosts share their observations of public figures openly acknowledging God or expressing prayers, challenging the notion of dismissing their sincerity simply because they may not identify as religious.
Ultimately, this episode offers a deep analysis of Peter's vision and its implications for understanding revelation and how God speaks today. The hosts encourage listeners to actively engage in conversation with God through prayer and to remain open to his personal and situational messages, rather than limiting their understanding solely to what is written in scripture. Tune in to this enlightening episode to gain a fresh perspective on divine communication.
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In this thought-provoking episode, Jeremy Griffin explores the concept of believers being God's dwelling place on earth, using the analogy of a superhero suit. Drawing inspiration from the Bible, Jeremy explains how believers' bodies are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the idea that God dwells within believers. He compares this to a superhero suit, where believers are "worn" by God to accomplish His purposes.
Using Captain America as an example, Jeremy illustrates how believers were designed by God to house His Spirit. Just like Cap's initial clothes couldn't contain his super-strength, believers weren't created as ordinary humans. Their bodies need to be able to move freely with God, without limiting Him.
Jeremy emphasizes that, like a superhero suit, believers shouldn't become rigid or tense when facing challenges. Instead, they should see themselves as passive vessels that God moves through effortlessly. By relaxing and not pushing against God, believers allow Him to work through them more effectively.
With unwavering confidence, Jeremy assures listeners that, no matter the obstacles they face, God as the superhero dwelling within them will accomplish His purposes. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God will take care of them beyond what they could ask or imagine.
Throughout this episode, Jeremy encourages listeners to adopt this perspective when confronted with difficulties and rest in the knowledge that they are simply God's superhero suit. For those wanting to delve deeper into this topic, Jeremy provides contact information via Redux Church's website.
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In this episode of the Redux Church Podcast, the hosts dive into Acts chapter 10 and explore the story of Cornelius, a Roman centurion who had a deep faith in God despite not being Jewish. They highlight how Cornelius' experience challenges common church paradigms by illustrating that faith in God is not limited to religious traditions or formulas. They point out that Cornelius' sincere prayers and care for others demonstrated the authenticity of his faith.
The hosts discuss how Cornelius recognized God speaking to him through a vision and emphasize the importance of directly experiencing God over adhering to religious rules. Donna shares a personal story from her childhood where she directly experienced speaking in tongues, underscoring the idea that God speaks to people from all backgrounds.
Jeremy stresses that Christianity is about cultivating a genuine faith relationship with God rather than just following religious recipes. They delve into the significance of experiencing God's voice rather than solely acquiring intellectual knowledge about Him.
Donna recounts how Cornelius continuously sought to deepen his relationship with God through prayer and obedience. Jeremy then shares a powerful anecdote about a neighbor who came to faith in God through one of his backyard discussion groups, without any involvement from a traditional church. He emphasizes the importance of facilitating a direct connection to God rather than relying solely on personal influence.
In conclusion, the hosts encourage listeners to reflect on whether they have genuinely experienced God or if their knowledge about Him remains superficial. They also urge listeners to respond if they feel God has spoken to them through the podcast, prompting them to take action based on their newfound understanding.
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Jeremy delves into the concept of judging spiritual fruit and churches. Drawing an interesting analogy between supermarket fruit and farmer's market fruit, he questions whether we are using the right standards to discern what is truly "good fruit" in our spiritual lives.
Jeremy starts by highlighting our tendency to label people's behaviors and attributes as either "good" or "bad" spiritually. However, he challenges the notion that our current standards for judging are accurate. To illustrate his point, he introduces the comparison between mass-produced, less flavorful supermarket fruit and locally grown, carefully cultivated farmer's market fruit.
As he applies this analogy to churches, Jeremy argues that many modern churches have become too focused on production and performance. In their efforts to present well to people, they may sacrifice authenticity before God. He highlights the superficial qualities often used to compare churches, such as the music or speakers, and likens them to different types of mass-produced supermarket fruit. They may appear appealing on the surface, but lack the genuine heart and transparency necessary for a true spiritual experience.
Instead, Jeremy urges listeners to consider whether a church offers the "farmer's market fruit" - an environment characterized by authentic relationships and honest hearts before God. He emphasizes the importance of genuine community and a focus on mutual growth, rather than merely seeking impressive performances.
In conclusion, Jeremy invites listeners to share their thoughts on this topic and encourages them to join the Friday Bible study walks. This thought-provoking episode challenges us to reevaluate how we measure spiritual fruit and urges us to seek out the authenticity and transparency that can be found in a genuine church community.
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In this episode of the podcast, Wayne and Jeremy dive into the ninth chapter of the book of Acts and discuss the power of studying scripture organically through conversation. They highlight how this approach allows for new insights to emerge, rather than just preparing lessons.
The hosts then summarize the key events in chapter 9, starting with Saul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus. They explore how Saul immediately starts preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, showcasing the transformative power of his encounter.
Peter's continued works of Jesus are also discussed, specifically his healing of Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years. Wayne and Jeremy draw comparisons to Jesus' healing miracles, emphasizing how Peter is continuing the greater works that Jesus said they would do.
The hosts observe that Peter seems to be operating more like Jesus, focusing on healing rather than having a teaching ministry like Saul. Jeremy sees Peter as a model of what he learned from Jesus.
The two miracles are examined in detail, with Wayne and Jeremy noting that Aeneas' healing was a result of his own faith, rather than the presence of a large crowd. They also discuss how Peter dismissed the crowd when raising Tabitha from the dead, highlighting the importance of standing in faith alone, even when faced with skepticism.
Overall, the hosts believe these stories demonstrate that the power of God can work privately in individual lives, not just publicly. They express a desire to see more miracles happen personally in their own lives and the lives of others, rather than simply watching others be used by God.
To conclude the episode, Wayne and Jeremy encourage listeners to pray for someone after listening, rather than just closing in prayer themselves. They also invite listeners to connect further through their website or podcasts, fostering a community of like-minded individuals seeking to deepen their faith and experience the power of God in their lives.
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In this episode of the podcast, host Jeremy Griffin delves into the common phrase used by Christians - that something "bears witness". He explores the meaning behind this statement and draws an analogy to a court of law where a witness points to evidence of the truth. Jeremy emphasizes that when something "bears witness" in our spirit, it is pointing us to evidence of spiritual truth.
Using a personal example, Jeremy recounts how someone once told him that he is like a "thermostat" that can set the mood in a room. This statement bore witness with him because he recognized that his mood did impact others at times. It served as evidence of a truth that he needed to further investigate.
Drawing a parallel to Bible passages, Jeremy explains that when a passage bears witness, it functions in the same way - pointing to inner evidence or access to God living within us. He encourages listeners to dive deeper into Scripture and explore the truths it presents. Jeremy emphasizes that there is absolute truth, as God is absolute truth.
As the episode concludes, Jeremy reminds listeners of their ongoing Acts Bible study series and invites questions from the audience. He expresses gratitude for their support and concludes with a blessing, encouraging listeners to recognize when something bears witness and to pursue truth wholeheartedly.
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In this episode of the podcast, Wayne and Jeremy continue their exploration of Acts chapter 9. They emphasize the importance of worshiping God and delve into a deep study of scripture.
The focus of their discussion is on Acts 9:20-31, where they highlight several key points. They start by examining Saul's immediate transformation after his conversion and how he fearlessly preaches in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. The people are astonished because Saul was known for persecuting Christians, but he uses his knowledge of the Scriptures to support his claims about Jesus being the Messiah.
The podcast hosts also discuss the plot against Saul's life by the Jews and how the disciples help him escape by lowering him in a basket from the city wall. Upon Saul's arrival in Jerusalem, the disciples are initially hesitant to accept him due to his past, but Barnabas vouches for him and shares his conversion experience. Barnabas plays a pivotal role in facilitating Saul's acceptance, and his name, meaning "son of encouragement," reflects his impact.
The episode also touches on the theme of new converts being given the opportunity to prove themselves before sharing their faith. However, Barnabas' encouragement allows Saul to immediately preach boldly. Wayne and Jeremy also discuss the fear that can inhibit church growth when people are wary of others leading them astray.
The podcast concludes with a prayer, tying together the themes of faith, encouragement, and the transformative power of God's love.
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Jeremy Griffin introduces the podcast and talks about the "box test" he learned when he started riding motorcycles. The box test involves riding a figure 8 pattern inside a small box without putting your foot down, and it teaches the important lesson that "where you look is where you'll go."
He describes the size of the box as about the size of two neighborhood street squares. More than half the people in his advanced riding class dropped their motorcycles trying to do the box test because they weren't looking where they wanted to go.
He relates this lesson to driving a car - you need to look ahead in the middle distance, not right at the hood or too far down the road.
He shares a story from his childhood where his cousin hit a small tree while driving an ATV, because even though she saw the tree, that's where she looked and went.
Jeremy then connects this to how we live our lives. If we stare at negatives from the past, we will find ourselves going towards those negatives and repeating old patterns, just like looking where we don't want to go on a motorcycle.
He encourages listening to Philippians 4:8, to think on whatever is great, excellent or praiseworthy. By focusing on what God has for us instead of negatives, we will go where we look and get to the positive points instead of avoiding negatives.
In closing, Jeremy invites listeners to message him at redux.church to get coffee, shares that he's been drinking smoothies instead of coffee lately, and reminds listeners that the Acts podcast series continues on Fridays.
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This episode covers Acts 9:10-19, which tells the story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus and his initial interactions with the disciples in Damascus after becoming a believer.
The episode begins with God speaking to Ananias in a vision and instructing him to go to Straight Street to find Saul, who is praying and has seen a vision of Ananias coming to restore his sight. Ananias expresses hesitation, as he has heard of Saul's persecution of Christians in Jerusalem. However, God assures Ananias that Saul is His chosen instrument to carry His name to the Gentiles, kings, and Israelites.
Ananias goes to Saul and lays hands on him, restoring his sight. Scales immediately fall from Saul's eyes. Saul is then baptized and strengthened with food. For several days after, he is with the disciples in Damascus.
The hosts discuss how Ananias showed courage in being honest with God about his doubts regarding Saul. They note this models that we can be authentic with God rather than putting on a religious facade. They also highlight how Saul's encounter with God on the road should have given him hope that he was now qualified and chosen by God, despite his past persecution of Christians.
The hosts delve deeper into God telling Ananias that Saul is His chosen instrument. They explain how we often don't recognize the circumstances God uses in our lives as proof of our value and purpose. They also note how Saul's suffering, as foretold by God, was not punishment but rather part of advancing God's kingdom to kings - something that went against the self-indulgent culture of their day.
In closing, they emphasize that coming to Christ means leaving behind the old identity and embracing the new identity designed by God's purpose for our lives. It is a rebirth, not just a rebranding.
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Jeremy Griffin interviews Isabella Blevins about why she wants to start a podcast. Isabella explains that she is doing a personal challenge project through a program called Ascend by Unbound where she has to take on a challenging project. She has been interested in podcasting for a while and thinks it would be a good fit for her gifts of storytelling and sharing the truth.
Isabella's main motivation for starting a podcast is to share the gospel and what she has learned as a young Christian woman. At only 18 years old, she wants to share her experiences and perspective of living for Jesus on an average basis as a non-pastor or religious leader. She feels there is a lack of voices from average young Christians discussing what the Bible says about everyday topics and challenges.
Isabella also wants to encourage and challenge other young adults to boldly live for Jesus. She doesn't want to do it alone and hopes her podcast can inspire others. She references a book called "Do Hard Things" that discusses how expectations for young people's achievements are too low in today's society.
Jeremy agrees with Isabella's perspective and thinks it's important for both young people and older generations to hear her passionate message of hope. He's known Isabella and her family for a long time and has seen her spiritual growth and focus on others. Jeremy believes real change happens through personal relationships, not great sermons, and that Isabella's "regular person" perspective is exactly how the gospel is meant to be shared.
In closing, Jeremy thanks Isabella for the conversation and encourages listeners to check out redux.church if they want to contact them or share the podcast to offer hope to those discouraged about the state of culture. He hopes to have Isabella back one day for a longer discussion when she has more life experience.
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In this episode of the podcast, Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin dive into the first 9 verses of Acts chapter 9. They focus on Saul's dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus and explore the key points in great detail.
One of the main points discussed is Saul's fierce persecution of Christians before his encounter with Jesus. The significance of Jesus telling Saul, "Why are you persecuting me?" is highlighted, emphasizing that any harm done to God's people is done directly to Him. This raises the question of whether God still speaks audibly today, as Saul hears God's voice while his companions only hear a voice without seeing anyone.
Saul's entire identity, power, authority, and control over his own life are completely stripped away when he encounters Jesus. He spends three days without sight or basic necessities, grappling with the transformation he has undergone. The hosts draw parallels between Saul's experience and smaller-scale "Damascus road" encounters that individuals may have, where God transforms their identity even before they become believers.
The discussion also touches on God's constant work of drawing people to Himself, whether they are aware of it or not. Instances of God intervening in the lives of unbelievers throughout Scripture are examined. The hosts emphasize that the persecution faced by Christians is ultimately persecution against Christ Himself, as believers are united to Him. They view the sufferings of believers as a privilege to be part of God's work in the world.
The ultimate goal of encounters like Saul's is to restore individuals to their original human identity as fully known and accepted by God, as described in Genesis 1. The hosts pray that listeners would also experience divine interventions in their lives and be able to minister to others undergoing transformation.
In conclusion, this passage profoundly impacts one's identity and understanding of God's work. The hosts provide deep insights into Saul's conversion experience and explore the implications it holds for believers today.
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Jeremy Griffin begins the podcast by greeting listeners around the world. He then makes the observation that trees don't make grunting sounds when growing, as they grow naturally and unavoidably.
He uses this as an analogy for spiritual growth, noting how many people feel pressure to grow spiritually and make great efforts to do so. However, just like trees, spiritual growth will happen naturally through communion with God, without needing to stress or work hard at it.
Griffin emphasizes the importance of rest for growth, as this is how trees and other things in nature grow - not by struggling or worrying, but at rest. Spiritual growth is about spending time with God through mindfulness and intentionality, not by feeling obligated to set aside large blocks of dedicated time.
When it comes to prayer, Griffin says making a list of requests is not as effective for growth as simply letting God speak. He prefers to sit back and let God talk to him, usually responding with surprise at what God says.
In closing, Griffin encourages listeners to remember that trees don't grunt when growing, and not to feel pressure when trying to grow spiritually. If the message is helpful, he asks listeners to share it with others. He also invites feedback on whether the podcasts are worthwhile.
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In this episode of the Redux Church podcast, hosts Wayne Heins and Jeremy dive into Acts 8:26-40, exploring the powerful story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Throughout the episode, they highlight several key points that can be gleaned from this biblical account.
First and foremost, Philip serves as a remarkable example of knowing and understanding God's calling. When the Spirit instructs him to approach the Ethiopian's chariot, Philip wastes no time in obeying. This act of immediate obedience sets the stage for the profound conversation that unfolds between Philip and the Ethiopian.
As the discussion ensues, it becomes evident that the Ethiopian is reading the book of Isaiah but struggling to fully comprehend its meaning. In an act of humility, he admits that he needs assistance. Philip, rather than assuming the Ethiopian's understanding is incorrect, kindly inquires about his interpretation. This sets the tone for a respectful and open dialogue that ultimately leads to the Ethiopian's conversion.
One of the overarching themes that Wayne and Jeremy emphasize in this episode is that both Philip and the Ethiopian approach the conversation as fellow learners, rather than experts. They demonstrate that it is perfectly acceptable to not have all the answers and that asking questions to deepen understanding is more important than asserting one's knowledge. This perspective challenges the notion that Christians must have all the right answers and encourages listeners to engage in meaningful conversations about faith with others.
Throughout the episode, Wayne and Jeremy also discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in these encounters. They emphasize that the Spirit is already at work in people's hearts before Christians even begin to engage with them. The hosts encourage listeners to let go of the pressure to "witness" and instead focus on humbly joining ongoing spiritual conversations. They challenge modern churches to shift their focus from merely inviting people to events, to cultivating relationships where spiritual discussions can naturally occur.
By hosting this podcast, Wayne and Jeremy hope to model respectful yet open conversations about faith. Their goal is to create an environment where Christians feel comfortable speaking about God with anyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. They close the episode with a prayer, expressing their desire for all listeners to grow deeper in faith and obedience, and to be prepared to respectfully share what God has placed in their hearts with others. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of loving God above all else, rather than trying to earn His love through legalistic means.
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In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy Griffin dives deep into the biblical book of 1 Kings, specifically chapter 13. The episode begins with Jeremy's neighbor, Ed, who had been reading through the Bible in a year and had a question about this particular chapter. Jeremy, unsure of the answer, takes this as an opportunity to explore the chapter and provide some context.
Jeremy starts by reading the entire chapter from the New Living Translation, which tells the story of a man of God who is sent by God to Bethel to prophesy against the altar. He delivers a powerful message to King Jeroboam, predicting that a future king named Josiah will sacrifice pagan priests on that very altar. To validate his prophecy, the altar splits apart, solidifying the man of God's authority.
However, the king tries to have the man arrested, but his hand becomes paralyzed. It is only when the man of God prays that the king's hand is healed. The king then extends an invitation for the man to eat with him, but the man refuses, obeying God's command to not eat or drink there and to return home through a different route.
Things take a twist when an old prophet lies to the man of God, claiming that an angel told him to bring the man home to eat and drink. Trusting the respected elder prophet, the man of God eats at his home. Sadly, God then reveals to the man that he will die for disobeying His command. As foretold, on his journey back home, the man is killed by a lion.
Jeremy draws a key lesson from this story, focusing on the concept of having one's "word from God deferred." He highlights how the man of God initially understood and followed God's direction, but ultimately, he allowed the words of an elder prophet to plant seeds of doubt, leading to disobedience. Jeremy discusses how often people who feel called by God encounter conflicting advice from more spiritually respected individuals. He emphasizes the importance of each person hearing from God directly and not letting their word from God be deferred or canceled out by others. Disobeying God's clear commands can have severe consequences.
In conclusion, Jeremy encourages listeners to prioritize listening to God themselves over others, even if the advice seems wise or comes from a respected source. By relying on the counsel of others, we may unintentionally stray from God's direction and face negative outcomes. It is crucial for each individual to take responsibility for hearing from God directly to ensure they are on the right path.
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In this episode of the Redux Church podcast, hosts Wayne and Jeremy dive into Acts chapter 8, building on their previous discussion. They emphasize the significance of spending time in worship before studying Scripture, highlighting the importance of being open to hearing from God and discerning the Holy Spirit's guidance. Wayne then reads the entire text of Acts 8:4-25, offering context and commentary along the way.
The passage focuses on Philip's ministry in Samaria, where he preaches, performs signs and wonders, and witnesses many people coming to faith, including Simon the sorcerer. When the apostles in Jerusalem learn of this, they send Peter and John to lay hands on the new believers so they can receive the Holy Spirit. Simon, intrigued by this power, offers to pay for it, but Peter firmly rebukes him, stating that his heart is not right with God and he must repent. Simon humbly asks for Peter's prayers.
Throughout the episode, Wayne and Jeremy engage in a thoughtful analysis of key points in the passage. They explore differing perspectives on whether the Philip mentioned is one of Jesus' original disciples or the deacon appointed in Acts 6. They marvel at Philip's powerful ministry and signs, recognizing the potential for transformation even in individuals like Simon. They also discuss the rapid growth of the early church and the significance of being mentioned in Scripture.
Another point of discussion is Peter's interaction with Simon. While Peter's heart was in the right place, Jeremy suggests that his response lacked grace and could have been handled better, considering Simon's genuine contrition. The hosts also explore the distinction between salvation and receiving the Holy Spirit as separate experiences for believers. They stress the importance of patience, grace, and allowing time for spiritual growth, highlighting how Peter and the early believers were still navigating these experiences themselves.
Overall, this podcast episode offers valuable insights into Scripture and provides guidance on approaching ministry with wisdom, discernment, and Christ-like love and compassion, regardless of people's backgrounds. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Acts chapter 8 and how it relates to their own spiritual journeys.
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In this episode of the Redux Church podcast, host Jeremy Griffin dives into the concept of living in the present moment. He reflects on his own tendency to plan for the future while his wife, Lori, embraces the present. A conversation with Lori sparks a realization for Jeremy, as he comes to understand that he has not fully appreciated the beauty of each moment in the here and now.
Jeremy shares how we often get caught up in dwelling on past regrets, allowing our thoughts to be consumed by memories that no longer hold power over us. He emphasizes that while our past experiences shape us, they do not define us. The future, he says, is a fiction that we create in our minds, but the only reality we have is the present.
Drawing from his own experiences in a youth band, Jeremy reveals his regret of not savoring the time spent with his bandmates, as they were always focused on future plans and goals. He encourages listeners to let go of worrying about what has already happened or what is yet to come and instead fully embrace the present moment.
As someone involved in leading worship, Jeremy shares how he strives to be fully present and engaged in the experience, rather than getting caught up in the details or thinking about what comes next. He invites listeners to connect with him for a coffee chat or to suggest future podcast topics, emphasizing the Redux Church website as a valuable resource for additional content.
In closing, Jeremy sends blessings to the listeners and promises to be back with more engaging conversations in the near future. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to explore the transformative power of living in the present moment.
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In this episode of the podcast, Wayne Heins and Jeremy Griffin dive into Acts chapter 8, exploring the events that unfolded after the stoning of Stephen. They recount how Saul actively persecuted the church in Jerusalem, going as far as entering houses and imprisoning both men and women. However, this persecution actually led to the scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria, which they discuss as being advantageous for spreading the gospel.
Drawing a parallel to the scattering at the Tower of Babel, Jeremy highlights the difference in unity between the two events. While the Tower of Babel's unity was based on humanity, the early believers, despite being scattered, maintained spiritual unity through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. They delve into the concept of true worship, emphasizing that it is about authentic engagement with God's character rather than external acts like music.
The conversation then shifts towards the rarity of unity in modern churches, which often divide over superficial issues. Jeremy uses the hypothetical scenario of a zombie apocalypse to illustrate how persecution simplifies priorities, as believers facing death for their faith would not argue about decor choices. They also bring up the explosive church growth in persecuted China and discuss how the discomfort of Western Christians with the idea of God allowing suffering can distort their understanding of His purposes.
Noting the current state of the modern church, Wayne and Jeremy comment on how it often lacks unity and has lost sight of its scattered, persecuted origins. They reflect on the expectations of a great falling away instead of growth and how preconceptions need to be reexamined to see God's work unfolding outside of expectations. As the episode comes to a close, Jeremy prays for continued scripture revelation as conditions continue to change around the world.
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In this thought-provoking episode, Jeremy Griffin explores the importance of following blueprints and recipes in various aspects of life. Drawing from his experience as a sound system designer, Jeremy shares how clients often compromise the desired outcome by removing crucial elements to save money. He likens this to making lasagna without noodles - it simply isn't the same.
Taking the analogy a step further, Jeremy discusses how this concept applies to spiritual goals. Many church leaders strive for uniqueness but end up following the same formulas as other churches, resulting in a mismatched blend of ingredients, much like attempting to make fettuccine alfredo with the wrong ingredients.
Moving beyond sound systems and spirituality, Jeremy urges listeners to examine areas of their lives where they feel stuck in repetitive cycles. He suggests that the reason they are not achieving their desired goals may be due to the absence of a clear blueprint or recipe.
Using the example of finances, Jeremy outlines how a simple recipe of tracking spending and adjusting accordingly can lead to long-term change. He emphasizes that it is common to fall into repetitive patterns, but the key to breaking free lies in thoughtfully designing tailored blueprints and recipes to achieve specific life goals.
In this enlightening episode, Jeremy encourages listeners to re-evaluate their approaches and recipes for the results they desire. By formalizing their desires into clear, actionable plans, they can achieve different outcomes in various aspects of life, including finances, spirituality, mindset, and more. Join Jeremy as he shares his insights on following the designed blueprint for success.
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In this episode of the Redux Church podcast, Wayne Heins, Jeremy Griffin, and John Youell Sr. engage in a deep and passionate discussion about Acts chapter 7, specifically focusing on Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin. Building upon the previous episode's exploration of Stephen's powerful words, the hosts encourage listeners to approach the word of God with worship in their hearts.
Together, they delve into the verses 44-51 of Stephen's speech, where he recounts the history of Israel and boldly accuses the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors had done. The conversation becomes intense as Stephen fearlessly confronts the leaders, and Jeremy astutely observes that Stephen was strategically setting them up and clarifying their actions towards Christ.
John contributes to the conversation by highlighting how Jesus brought forth a spiritual kingdom that directly challenged the Jews' established religious structure. The discussion reaches a critical point when Stephen, in a moment of divine revelation, sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Tragically, the Jewish leaders respond with violence and stone Stephen to death. In his final moments, Stephen displays incredible forgiveness and calls out to Jesus.
The hosts reflect on Stephen's unwavering faith and the willingness to sacrifice comfort and inheritances for an authentic experience with God. Jeremy emphasizes that this doesn't necessarily mean physical death, but rather standing up for convictions in everyday life. John points out that God develops the character of individuals through conflict, especially when Christ is present.
The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, hoping that their discussion will bring revelation and a deeper understanding of Jesus to their listeners. Join Wayne, Jeremy, and John as they explore Acts chapter 7 and its profound implications for modern-day believers.
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In this captivating podcast episode, Jeremy Griffin delves into the intriguing concept of running a gauntlet as a metaphor for overcoming life's obstacles. With eloquent storytelling and thought-provoking insights, Griffin draws fascinating parallels between navigating an obstacle course and facing challenges such as financial hardships or family issues. He emphasizes the importance of timing in dealing with life's trials, just like in a gauntlet course.
But what if we had someone guiding us through the course? Someone who could see the entire path, unlike us, who can only see what's immediately in front of us? Griffin proposes that it would be beneficial to follow the instructions of such a guide, even if their advice seems counterintuitive from our limited perspective.
Griffin then applies this analogy to our relationship with God. He highlights God's ability to see beyond our present circumstances and guide us through challenges, much like the observer of a gauntlet course. However, he acknowledges that people often hesitate to follow God's guidance because they get consumed by their own problems. Instead, he suggests fixing our gaze on Jesus and listening to the Holy Spirit's direction within us. By adopting this approach, fear and anxiety can be significantly reduced compared to relying solely on our own perception.
To support his argument, Griffin references the biblical story of Peter walking on water. Peter was successful until he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on his circumstances instead. In a compelling conclusion, Griffin encourages listeners to spend time each week focusing on keeping their eyes on Jesus in order to navigate life's challenges with greater peace and to listen to God's guidance. This gripping episode will leave you inspired and ready to face any gauntlet that comes your way.
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In this episode, Wayne Heins, Jeremy Griffin, and John Youell Sr. engage in a thought-provoking discussion centered on Stephen's speech in Acts chapter 7. Wayne kicks off the conversation by providing an insightful overview of the chapter, shedding light on Stephen's defense against false accusations. Jeremy then encourages listeners to carve out time for individual worship through music, emphasizing the importance of personal connection with God.
Wayne immerses us in Stephen's speech by reading aloud the 43 verses that recount Israel's history from Abraham to Moses. John steps in to help dissect the passage, elucidating Stephen's goal of defending his faith and the gospel against those resistant to change. It becomes clear that Stephen is not simply acting on a whim, but has carefully considered every aspect, laying a strong foundation for his argument.
The conversation takes an intriguing turn as the hosts delve into the concept of defending faith from a place of passion, rather than solely relying on intellect. They explore how conflict often arises from resistance to change and the tendency to prioritize comfort over personal growth. While change may be uncomfortable, surrendering to God's work is ultimately crucial.
The hosts then focus on Stephen's connection of Moses' life with three distinct 40-year periods, highlighting the importance of unity within Christianity and the recognition that disagreements should not sever relationships. They emphasize the need for humility and the understanding that others may perceive different aspects of truth.
To conclude, John leads a heartfelt prayer for humility, collective growth in faith, and reconciliation in areas where division has occurred. This episode offers listeners a profound exploration of Stephen's speech and its relevance to our own lives, inviting us to reflect on our own defense of faith and the transformative power of surrendering to God's work.
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In this thought-provoking episode, Jeremy Griffin dives into the concept of specialty tools and how it relates to Christians feeling used by God. Drawing from his own personal experience of purchasing a specialty tool for his motorcycle, Jeremy explores the idea that these tools are often costly and only used once.
He goes on to draw a parallel between Christians who witness others constantly being used by God and themselves feeling overlooked. However, Jeremy challenges this perspective by highlighting that just like specialty tools, some Christians are designed for very specific purposes that may not have presented themselves yet. He encourages listeners not to diminish their value based on visible usage, emphasizing that their unique purpose may only manifest later in life.
Jeremy further emphasizes that while God can fulfill His purposes without any individual, He desires to use each person. He urges listeners to embrace their personal design and role as a specialty tool, waiting for the perfect time when God will call upon them. In closing, Jeremy inspires introspection by prompting listeners to reflect on how God has intricately crafted each individual and to remain available for when their unique purpose arises.
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In this episode, Wayne Heins, Rachel Lohr, and Casey Burnett delve into a discussion about Acts chapter 6. Wayne kicks off the conversation by reading the passage that recounts the early church's decision to appoint seven men to ensure fair distribution of food to widows, following complaints from Hellenistic widows about neglect. The 12 apostles recognized the need to prioritize preaching and prayer, rather than solely focusing on serving tables. The chosen men were selected based on their impeccable reputation and character.
The group delves into the significance of this event, pondering if it may have been the origin of deacons and how the responsibilities between preaching/praying and serving developed over time. Rachel highlights that the passage does not imply that the apostles completely ceased their acts of service. Casey agrees, emphasizing the importance of leaders balancing their roles by both training others and personally ministering. Rachel further adds that sometimes divisions arise when individuals seek out a church that aligns more closely with their unique gifts.
Wayne brings attention to the fact that Stephen, one of the chosen seven, performed great signs and wonders not through serving tables, but through his spiritual life. Casey emphasizes how being led by the Spirit enables individuals to achieve more than what is possible on their own. Rachel shares personal experiences illustrating how pastoral leadership can play a pivotal role in nurturing and developing people's gifts. Wayne concludes the episode by noting that problems within a church can be viewed as opportunities for growth and should be addressed constructively.
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In this enlightening episode, Jeremy Griffin delves into the intriguing relationship between faith, belief, and the humble watermelon. Drawing inspiration from scripture, he explores the definition of faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. He also emphasizes the importance of works, as faith without action is deemed lifeless.
To vividly illustrate his point, Jeremy employs the metaphor of a watermelon seed as a representation of faith. Just like the seed contains the potential for a delicious watermelon, faith holds the promise of what is hoped for, even though it may not yet be visible. However, if the seed is merely consumed and not planted, it loses its purpose and the faith it represents will wither away. It is crucial to take action and cultivate the seed for the possibility of bearing fruit.
Planting and nurturing the seed symbolizes putting one's faith into practice through corresponding works. While we cannot make the seed grow on our own, by creating a favorable environment for growth, we can witness the fruition of our faith. Jeremy emphasizes that belief is the ultimate "fruit" of faith, and it flourishes when faith is nurtured and cultivated.
Furthermore, Jeremy highlights the remarkable nature of the watermelon fruit. Not only does it provide sustenance when consumed, but it also contains numerous seeds. These seeds can be shared with others or planted, leading to exponential growth. Similarly, belief gained from cultivating faith has the power to nourish and inspire others, spreading further through the distribution of its "seeds."
In closing, Jeremy encourages listeners to reflect on this metaphor and how it can guide them in their journey from having faith to developing a deeper belief through meaningful action. He reminds us to trust in God's role as the ultimate cultivator, while also inviting questions and discussions for further exploration. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode and discover how faith can blossom into transformative belief.
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In this episode, Wayne Heins kicks off the discussion by exploring Acts chapter 5. Taking off from where we left off in the last episode, Wayne and the team dive into the intriguing story of Ananias and Sapphira meeting a tragic end for their dishonesty. However, the focus soon shifts to the arrest of Peter and the apostles, and the miraculous escape they experience with the help of an angel.
The jealousy of the religious leaders becomes evident as they apprehend the apostles, only to discover that they have vanished from the heavily secured prison. The apostles are eventually brought before the council after being found preaching in the temple. Gamaliel, a wise individual among the leaders, warns against taking drastic measures, suggesting that if the apostles' movement is not of God, it will eventually fail. Despite being beaten and ordered to cease their preaching, the apostles fearlessly continue their daily activities in the temple and homes.
Throughout the discussion, the team emphasizes the importance of obedience to God over obedience to men or religious leaders. They observe the incredible miracles taking place and emphasize the necessity of not limiting God, while also cautioning against chasing after miracles without a foundation of obedience. The apostles' radical obedience in the moment, rather than dwelling on past acts, becomes a focal point. The religious leaders, driven by jealousy, are consumed by their opposition to the apostles' love and good deeds.
As the episode draws to a close, Jeremy highlights the challenge of finding joy in suffering for the sake of obedience, but notes that the apostles rejoice in being counted worthy. Rachel echoes this sentiment and underlines the need to follow God's commands regardless of the consequences. Jeremy concludes with a heartfelt prayer, seeking a deeper understanding of God's character through scripture and a confident willingness to share His truth through obedience. The team looks forward to delving into Acts 6 in the next episode.
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In this riveting podcast episode, Jeremy Griffin delves into the captivating simplicity of wind turbines and its striking connection to the human experience. With a keen eye for detail, Griffin unravels the intricate design of wind turbines, highlighting how their purposeful construction enables them to harness the power of wind. The blades deftly catch the wind, while the vane ensures that the turbine faces the wind's direction, effectively turning the blades and generating electricity through a generator.
As Griffin delves deeper into his analysis, he astutely observes that wind turbines, unlike other power sources, do not consume any energy themselves. Instead, they act as a conduit, efficiently capturing the wind's power and effortlessly distributing it. The vane aligns the turbine with the wind, while the blade shape enables it to spin. Drawing a thought-provoking parallel, Griffin draws a connection between wind turbines and the nature of humanity.
He passionately asserts that humans, created in the image of God, are designed to harness and distribute His power, much like wind turbines distribute wind power. However, rather than manufacturing power on their own, humans are encouraged to let God's power flow through them, remaining at rest. Griffin skillfully references scripture that describes humans as vessels for God's power. Just as wind turbines sit at rest while capturing power, humans are designed to capture God's power while at rest, rather than toil tirelessly.
Griffin implores listeners to spend quality time with God, allowing Him to guide and move through their lives in a state of rest. By adopting the mindset of being vessels at rest, the listener becomes a conduit for God's power to flow through, ultimately fulfilling His intended purpose. With a genuine desire to encourage and inspire, Griffin's profound insights invite listeners to reflect on their own relationship with God and embrace the transformative power of restful surrender.
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Wayne Heins, Jeremy Griffin, and Rachel Lohr delve into Acts chapter 5, specifically focusing on verses 1-11. These verses recount the gripping story of Ananias and Sapphira, who tragically meet their demise after lying to the Holy Spirit about money from land.
The conversation takes a deep dive into the various interpretations of this story, raising intriguing questions about why similar actions today don't lead to immediate death. The guests agree that the central issue at hand was the couple's deceit, with Rachel suggesting that their story serves as a powerful example to prevent the spread of dishonesty. The dynamic trio also explores the concept of grace, pondering whether it applies differently in our present time.
Jeremy finds himself wrestling with the teachings of grace, struggling to reconcile them with the consequences seen in this story. Wayne offers valuable insight, asserting that lies always bring death, whether instantly or over time. The hosts also touch upon the profound impact the events had on the early church, noting a great fear that fell upon the believers, followed by an increase in signs and wonders.
Drawing a parallel between the presence of the Holy Spirit and the ark of the covenant, Jeremy highlights the deadly consequences of touching the ark. The discussion also touches on the body's remarkable regenerative abilities as evidence of God's role as a healer.
Rachel concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to take the insights they've gained and bring them to God, seeking a personal understanding of what it means for them. She closes with a heartfelt prayer, expressing her hope that the audience received what they needed from this enlightening conversation. Wayne wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to the listeners and inviting them to explore further teachings on their website.
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In this episode, Wayne Heins, Jeremy Griffin, and Vicki Simmons engage in a deep discussion on Acts chapter 4. Through their insightful analysis, they shed light on key events and valuable lessons from this significant chapter of the Bible.
The conversation begins by examining the profound transformation that Peter and John undergo after being threatened by religious leaders. Filled with the Holy Spirit and boldness, they not only pray for more opportunities to display God's power through signs and wonders but also demonstrate how this boldness is a direct result of being filled with the Spirit.
The disciples' unique combination of both experiencing Jesus and being taught by Him is then explored by Vicki. This fusion of experience and education is what truly equips individuals for effective ministry. In contrast, the religious leaders sought to suppress teaching, highlighting the importance of embracing both aspects.
Furthermore, the group reflects on the communal lifestyle adopted by the believers in Acts. Jeremy sees this as a response to persecution, forming a powerful image of spiritual family. Wayne raises the modern dichotomy between the social gospel and signs/wonders camps, emphasizing that the kingdom calls for a holistic approach encompassing both aspects.
The genuine sense of unity and selflessness displayed by these believers is also highlighted. As they shared everything in common, no one was left in need, effectively erasing social divisions. This prompts Jeremy to half-jokingly consider joining their commune.
To conclude the episode, Vicki offers a heartfelt prayer to bless the listeners and the ministry of Redux Church. The group encourages engagement through the Redux website, inviting listeners to explore further and deepen their understanding of the powerful message conveyed in Acts chapter 4.
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In this engaging episode of the Redux Church podcast, Wayne Heins, Jeremy Griffin, and Vicki Simmons delve into Acts chapter 4 verses 1-22. Wayne welcomes Vicki to the podcast, highlighting that this is her first appearance on the show. Vicki shares her personal journey from being an "unbelieving believer" to developing a profound relationship with God after witnessing his power firsthand.
The trio reads the selected passage from Acts, which recounts the remarkable healing of a crippled man by Peter and John at the temple. As the Jewish leaders question the apostles, they are astounded by their lack of education yet undeniable connection to Jesus. When they are unable to deny the miracle, the leaders threaten to prevent the apostles from preaching in Jesus' name.
Peter's defiant response asserts the importance of obeying God rather than conforming to the expectations of men. Vicki astutely observes that religion often places undue emphasis on rules, overshadowing the significance of a personal relationship with God. Jeremy adds to the discussion by highlighting how revelation and experience with God far outweigh the importance of mere education.
The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Vicki shares her own testimony of how firsthand encounters with God's power were instrumental in solidifying her faith. Jeremy emphasizes that faith requires action, not just knowledge, in order to grow and flourish. Wayne draws attention to Peter's willingness to allow disagreement while still boldly speaking about what he had witnessed.
As the episode draws to a close, the hosts unanimously agree that anyone can personally experience God's presence, which leads to a deep understanding of scripture and the development of boldness. Jeremy concludes with a heartfelt prayer, amplifying the truth spoken in the episode and seeking the removal of any misconceptions from the listeners' minds. Wayne expresses gratitude to the listeners and invites them to engage in further discussion on these enlightening topics.
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Wayne, Casey, and Jeremy engage in a lively discussion about miracles and healing, specifically drawing inspiration from Acts chapter 3. Challenging the commonly held belief that miracles ceased with the apostles, the trio draws from personal anecdotes, particularly Wayne's own family history, to demonstrate that miracles still occur today. They passionately assert that God continues to work through ordinary people, debunking the notion that these divine interventions are reserved for a select few.
One intriguing point raised in the conversation is the observation that individuals in developing nations seem to experience a greater number of miracles. The guests attribute this phenomenon to the heightened desperation and faith present in these communities. They further argue that Christians in comfortable Western societies often rely too heavily on modern medicine, inadvertently neglecting to cultivate a deep reliance on God for healing.
To remedy this, the speakers encourage believers to actively engage with those in need, offering not just casual prayers but tangible assistance and support. They emphasize the importance of approaching these situations with authority and a steadfast dependency on God, rather than relying solely on human intervention. The ultimate goal, as expressed by Casey in his closing prayer, is for listeners to apply the insights gained from the discussion and foster a true dependency on God, rather than acting out of desperation.
Tune in to this thought-provoking episode to explore the role of miracles and healing in our modern world, and discover how to deepen your own faith and reliance on God.
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Wayne and Jeremy dive into an enlightening discussion alongside Casey, as they explore a powerful passage from the book of Acts chapter 3. Focusing on the remarkable story of Peter and John healing a lame man at the renowned temple gate called "Beautiful," the trio unveils profound insights.
Jeremy sheds light on the significance of this specific location, highlighting how it was a gathering place for the affluent. As Peter instructs the man to "look at us," Wayne discerns a deeper meaning behind these words – a call for the man to shift his gaze from his dire circumstances and instead fix his eyes on Peter's unwavering faith and his true identity in Christ.
Delving further into the narrative, Jeremy and Casey engage in a captivating dialogue about the importance of trusting God, even when circumstances appear discouraging. Drawing parallels to Peter's audacious act of walking on water, they affirm the Holy Spirit's undeniable presence and guidance through Peter's actions.
The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as they discuss the concept of living in Christ's identity versus succumbing to a double-minded mentality. Jeremy shares a poignant analogy, encouraging listeners to trust God to lead, even with their eyes closed. Casey then introduces Elijah's tale, highlighting moments of both immense faith and paralyzing fear, prompting a conversation on the necessity of combining faith with action.
Wayne offers a profound perspective on God's plan, emphasizing the active role we play in initiating it, while also acknowledging the divine intervention that occurs when God shows up. This resonates deeply with Jeremy, who passionately reiterates the call to partner with God in all aspects of life.
As the episode draws to a close, Casey leaves listeners with an empowering message, urging them to attune their hearts to the Holy Spirit's calling and to grow in obedience. Jeremy leads a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to apply the profound lessons shared throughout the discussion.
This inspiring podcast episode encourages listeners to embrace their identity in Christ, navigate life's challenges with unwavering trust in God's guidance, and take action in faithful obedience.
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Welcome to another episode of our podcast! In this episode, Wayne is joined by his co-hosts Jeremy and Tom as they dive into a discussion on Acts chapter 2. They kick off the episode by sharing their preparation process and how the Lord often reveals new insights to them during their discussions.
The trio reads Acts 2:36-47, which recounts Peter's powerful preaching to the crowd after Pentecost. Peter urges the people to repent, be baptized, and receive forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit. The passage goes on to describe how 3000 individuals were baptized on that very day and how they devoted themselves to the teachings and fellowship of the apostles.
As they delve into the early church, the hosts explore the practices described in the passage, such as having everything in common and selling possessions to support those in need. Jeremy argues that this indicates a form of communal living, sparking a thought-provoking debate among the hosts.
The topic then shifts to the nature of communion and whether it should be more relational, extending beyond formal church services to gatherings with friends. This discussion leads them to examine the concept of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and whether it is a distinct event from receiving the Holy Spirit, drawing from Peter's words in Acts 2.
Wayne introduces a fresh perspective, emphasizing the importance of viewing those outside the church as individuals who already have the Holy Spirit poured out on them. He advocates for speaking to them with love rather than condemnation. Jeremy brings up counterpoints regarding truth and restoration, while Tom agrees that approaching others with love should be the primary focus.
To conclude the episode, Wayne leads a prayer, expressing gratitude to God for speaking through Scripture and the fellowship of one another. Tune in to gain new insights and perspectives through this engaging and thought-provoking discussion on Acts chapter 2.
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Wayne, Jeremy, and Tom dive into the second chapter of the book of Acts. Focusing on the momentous occasion when the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost, they unpack the profound implications of this event.
One key point of discussion centers around the disciples' unity as they were "all together in one place," fulfilling Jesus' prayer. This unity created the perfect environment for the Holy Spirit's powerful manifestation. The hosts emphasize the significance of intentional worship and setting aside dedicated time to focus on God, drawing inspiration from the disciples' example in the upper room.
Prayer is also a topic of debate, with the question of whether formal quiet time or continuous communication with God throughout the day is more essential. The hosts provide varying perspectives on this matter, encouraging listeners to find a prayer practice that resonates with them.
The podcast delves into the analysis of Peter's speech, wherein he quotes the prophet Joel's prophecy about God pouring out His Spirit on "all flesh" in the "last days." Different interpretations of the phrase "last days" are explored, offering listeners a comprehensive view of its meaning.
Further examination is given to the passage in Acts 2, where the disciples speak in other tongues and proclaim God's works. The hosts skillfully explore the exegesis of this text, shedding light on its implications and transformative power.
Finally, the hosts discuss the shifting administration of God's dealings, moving from a focus on the Jewish people to encompassing all of mankind. They unravel the significance of this change within the context of Acts 2, offering valuable insights for modern application.
Overall, this podcast episode provides an in-depth analysis and discussion of the pivotal events and teachings found in Acts 2. The hosts engage in lively debate on interpretive details and explore how these teachings can be applied to our lives today. Listeners can expect a stimulating exploration of the scriptures and thoughtful reflections on their relevance in the contemporary world.
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In this engaging podcast episode, Jeremy, Tom and Wayne delve into an enlightening discussion on the first chapter of the book of Acts. Taking a chapter-by-chapter approach, they unravel the profound teachings within Acts.
The episode commences with a recap of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and his instructions to the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus emphasizes that they will serve as witnesses, starting from Jerusalem and extending to Judea, Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth. As Jesus ascends to heaven, the disciples are reminded by angels that he will return in the same way.
Returning to Jerusalem, the disciples gather in the upper room, where Peter delivers a powerful address to the group regarding the replacement of Judas as one of the twelve apostles. Justus and Matthias are nominated, followed by casting lots to discern God's choice - Matthias emerges as the chosen one.
Throughout the episode, Jeremy, Tom and Wayne explore various key points from this passage, such as the significance of Jesus' instructions on spreading the gospel, the importance of actively going out to share faith rather than passively expecting people to come to church, and the intriguing practice of casting lots to discern God's will for selecting Matthias.
As the episode draws to a close, the hosts invite listeners to embark on a deeper exploration of Scripture and encourage them to fervently pray for continued revelation as they continue their study of Acts. They end the episode with a heartfelt prayer, leaving listeners inspired and eager for more.
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In this episode Wayne and Jeremy discuss their thoughts on John and some of their biggest takeaways from this Gospel. They also discuss upcoming conversations and the future of Redux Church!
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15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?[a]” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. 18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others[b] will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” 20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” 22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” 23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers[c] that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” 24 This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate. 25 Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.
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1 Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee.[a] This is how it happened. 2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin),[b] Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. 3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. 4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows,[c] have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. 6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. 7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards[d] from shore. 9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. 10 “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn. 12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. 14 This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.
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19 That Sunday evening[a] the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. 20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Jesus Appears to Thomas 24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin),[b] was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. 29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” Purpose of the Book 30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe[c] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
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1 Early on Sunday morning,[a] while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 2 She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” 3 Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. 4 They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. 6 Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, 7 while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. 8 Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— 9 for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. 10 Then they went home. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene 11 Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. 12 She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. 15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” 16 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). 17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.
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25 Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. The Death of Jesus 28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”[a] 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 31 It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was Passover week). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. 33 But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. 34 One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 35 (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe.[b]) 36 These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,”[c] 37 and “They will look on the one they pierced.”[d] The Burial of Jesus 38 Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds[e] of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. 40 Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. 41 The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. 42 And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover[f] and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
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1 Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. 2 The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. 3 “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped him across the face. 4 Pilate went outside again and said to the people, “I am going to bring him out to you now, but understand clearly that I find him not guilty.” 5 Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!” 6 When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” “Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.” 7 The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law he ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever. 9 He took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked him, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. 10 “Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?” 11 Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” 12 Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.” 13 When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). 14 It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, “Look, here is your king!” 15 “Away with him,” they yelled. “Away with him! Crucify him!” “What? Crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the leading priests shouted back. 16 Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away. 17 Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). 18 There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19 And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it. 21 Then the leading priests objected and said to Pilate, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate replied, “No, what I have written, I have written.” 23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice for it.” This fulfilled the Scripture that says, “They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing.” So that is what they did.
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28 Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas ended in the early hours of the morning. Then he was taken to the headquarters of the Roman governor. His accusers didn’t go inside because it would defile them, and they wouldn’t be allowed to celebrate the Passover. 29 So Pilate, the governor, went out to them and asked, “What is your charge against this man?” 30 “We wouldn’t have handed him over to you if he weren’t a criminal!” they retorted. 31 “Then take him away and judge him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “Only the Romans are permitted to execute someone,” the Jewish leaders replied. 32 (This fulfilled Jesus’ prediction about the way he would die.) 33 Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him. 34 Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?” 35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” 37 Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” 38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime. 39 But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?” 40 But they shouted back, “No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!” (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)
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1 After saying these things, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley with his disciples and entered a grove of olive trees. 2 Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had often gone there with his disciples. 3 The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove. 4 Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them. “Who are you looking for?” he asked. 5 “Jesus the Nazarene,”[a] they replied. “I am he,”[b] Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.) 6 As Jesus said “I am he,” they all drew back and fell to the ground! 7 Once more he asked them, “Who are you looking for?” And again they replied, “Jesus the Nazarene.” 8 “I told you that I am he,” Jesus said. “And since I am the one you want, let these others go.” 9 He did this to fulfill his own statement: “I did not lose a single one of those you have given me.”[c] 10 Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. 11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?” Jesus at the High Priest’s House 12 So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up. 13 First they took him to Annas, since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time.[d] 14 Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, “It’s better that one man should die for the people.” Peter’s First Denial 15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. That other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, so he was allowed to enter the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus. 16 Peter had to stay outside the gate. Then the disciple who knew the high priest spoke to the woman watching at the gate, and she let Peter in. 17 The woman asked Peter, “You’re not one of that man’s disciples, are you?” “No,” he said, “I am not.” 18 Because it was cold, the household servants and the guards had made a charcoal fire. They stood around it, warming themselves, and Peter stood with them, warming himself. The High Priest Questions Jesus 19 Inside, the high priest began asking Jesus about his followers and what he had been teaching them. 20 Jesus replied, “Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people[e] gather. I have not spoken in secret. 21 Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.” 22 Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. “Is that the way to answer the high priest?” he demanded. 23 Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?” 24 Then Annas bound Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas, the high priest. Peter’s Second and Third Denials 25 Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire warming himself, they asked him again, “You’re not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “No, I am not.” 26 But one of the household slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?” 27 Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.
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20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
25 “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
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1 After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. 2 For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. 3 And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. 4 I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.
6 “I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, 8 for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.
9 “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. 10 All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.
13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
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16 “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”
17 Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? 18 And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”
19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
25 “I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. 26 Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, 27 for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. 28 Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”
29 Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. 30 Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”
31 Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
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1 “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. 3 This is because they have never known the Father or me. 4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.
5 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. 7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’
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18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 20 Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. 21 They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. 22 They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. 24 If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. 25 This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause.’
26 “But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. 27 And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry.
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1 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
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19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. 20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
22 Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”
23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. 25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. 29 I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.
30 “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, 31 but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.
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1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”
5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”
9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!
15 “If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.
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31 As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. 32 And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will give his own glory to the Son, and he will do so at once. 33 Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
36 Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”
And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”
37 “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”
38 Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.
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18 “I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’ 19 I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I am the Messiah. 20 I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.”
21 Now Jesus was deeply troubled, and he exclaimed, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!”
22 The disciples looked at each other, wondering whom he could mean. 23 The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table. 24 Simon Peter motioned to him to ask, “Who’s he talking about?” 25 So that disciple leaned over to Jesus and asked, “Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. 27 When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do.” 28 None of the others at the table knew what Jesus meant. 29 Since Judas was their treasurer, some thought Jesus was telling him to go and pay for the food or to give some money to the poor. 30 So Judas left at once, going out into the night.
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1 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
6 When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!”
Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”
9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”
10 Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
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37 But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. 38 This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: “Lord, who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?” 39 But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said, 40 “The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts— so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them.” 41 Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory. 42 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. 43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. 44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. 45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. 47 I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. 48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. 49 I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”
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20 Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration 21 paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” 22 Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. 27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.” Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him. 30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die. 34 The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?” 35 Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
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1 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. 3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. 4 But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, 5 “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” 6 Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. 7 Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” 9 When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. 10 Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, 11 for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus. 12 The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors 13 took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!” 14 Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: 15 “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey’s colt.” 16 His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him. 17 Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. 18 That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign. 19 Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!”
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45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. 46 But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. 48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.” 49 Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! 50 You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” 51 He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. 52 And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. 53 So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. 54 As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples. 55 It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?” 57 Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him.
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28 Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.” 29 So Mary immediately went to him. 30 Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. 31 When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus’s grave to weep. So they followed her there. 32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” 38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
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1 A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. 2 This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” 8 But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” 9 Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. 10 But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” 11 Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.” 12 The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” 13 They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. 14 So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” 16 Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus.” 17 When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. 18 Bethany was only a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, 19 and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss. 20 When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”
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22 It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. 23 He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. 26 But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.” 31 Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. 32 Jesus said, “At my Father’s direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?” 33 They replied, “We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.” 34 Jesus replied, “It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, ‘I say, you are gods!’ 35 And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people who received God’s message were called ‘gods,’ 36 why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son of God’? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. 37 Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work. 38 But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.” 39 Once again they tried to arrest him, but he got away and left them. 40 He went beyond the Jordan River near the place where John was first baptizing and stayed there awhile. 41 And many followed him. “John didn’t perform miraculous signs,” they remarked to one another, “but everything he said about this man has come true.” 42 And many who were there believed in Jesus.
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10 “I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! 2 But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 5 They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” 6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, 7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. 17 “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. 18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” 19 When he said these things, the people were again divided in their opinions about him. 20 Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21 Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
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9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” 3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. 4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. 5 But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. 7 He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing! 8 His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!” But the beggar kept saying, “Yes, I am the same one!” 10 They asked, “Who healed you? What happened?” 11 He told them, “The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes and told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’ So I went and washed, and now I can see!” 12 “Where is he now?” they asked. “I don’t know,” he replied. 13 Then they took the man who had been blind to the Pharisees, 14 because it was on the Sabbath that Jesus had made the mud and healed him. 15 The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, “He put the mud over my eyes, and when I washed it away, I could see!” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath.” Others said, “But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?” So there was a deep division of opinion among them. 17 Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, “What’s your opinion about this man who healed you?” The man replied, “I think he must be a prophet.” 18 The Jewish leaders still refused to believe the man had been blind and could now see, so they called in his parents. 19 They asked them, “Is this your son? Was he born blind? If so, how can he now see?”
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31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33 “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”
34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. 35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. 37 Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message. 38 I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.”
39 “Our father is Abraham!” they declared.
“No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. 40 Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. 41 No, you are imitating your real father.”
They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.”
42 Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. 43 Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! 44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! 46 Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”
48 The people retorted, “You Samaritan devil! Didn’t we say all along that you were possessed by a demon?”
49 “No,” Jesus said, “I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father—and you dishonor me. 50 And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge. 51 I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!”
52 The people said, “Now we know you are possessed by a demon. Even Abraham and the prophets died, but you say, ‘Anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
54 Jesus answered, “If I want glory for myself, it doesn’t count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, ‘He is our God,’ 55 but you don’t even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.”
57 The people said, “You aren’t even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?”
58 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!” 59 At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.
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12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
13 The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.”
14 Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. 15 You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. 16 And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. 17 Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact. 18 I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”
19 “Where is your father?” they asked.
Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” 20 Jesus made these statements while he was teaching in the section of the Temple known as the Treasury. But he was not arrested, because his time had not yet come.
21 Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”
22 The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”
23 Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. 24 That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”
25 “Who are you?” they demanded.
Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be. 26 I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.” 27 But they still didn’t understand that he was talking about his Father.
28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. 29 And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” 30 Then many who heard him say these things believed in him.
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1 Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
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37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)
40 When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, “Surely this man is the Prophet we’ve been expecting.” 41 Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others said, “But he can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? 42 For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.” 43 So the crowd was divided about him. 44 Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him.
45 When the Temple guards returned without having arrested Jesus, the leading priests and Pharisees demanded, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”
46 “We have never heard anyone speak like this!” the guards responded.
47 “Have you been led astray, too?” the Pharisees mocked. 48 “Is there a single one of us rulers or Pharisees who believes in him? 49 This foolish crowd follows him, but they are ignorant of the law. God’s curse is on them!”
50 Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up. 51 “Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?” he asked.
52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself—no prophet ever comes from Galilee!”
53 Then the meeting broke up, and everybody went home.
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25 Some of the people who lived in Jerusalem started to ask each other, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? 26 But here he is, speaking in public, and they say nothing to him. Could our leaders possibly believe that he is the Messiah? 27 But how could he be? For we know where this man comes from. When the Messiah comes, he will simply appear; no one will know where he comes from.”
28 While Jesus was teaching in the Temple, he called out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I come from. But I’m not here on my own. The one who sent me is true, and you don’t know him. 29 But I know him because I come from him, and he sent me to you.” 30 Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.
31 Many among the crowds at the Temple believed in him. “After all,” they said, “would you expect the Messiah to do more miraculous signs than this man has done?”
32 When the Pharisees heard that the crowds were whispering such things, they and the leading priests sent Temple guards to arrest Jesus. 33 But Jesus told them, “I will be with you only a little longer. Then I will return to the one who sent me. 34 You will search for me but not find me. And you cannot go where I am going.”
35 The Jewish leaders were puzzled by this statement. “Where is he planning to go?” they asked. “Is he thinking of leaving the country and going to the Jews in other lands? Maybe he will even teach the Greeks! 36 What does he mean when he says, ‘You will search for me but not find me,’ and ‘You cannot go where I am going’?”
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1 After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. 2 But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, 3 and Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! 4 You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!” 5 For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.
6 Jesus replied, “Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. 7 The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil. 8 You go on. I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” 9 After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee.
10 But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. 11 The Jewish leaders tried to find him at the festival and kept asking if anyone had seen him. 12 There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. Some argued, “He’s a good man,” but others said, “He’s nothing but a fraud who deceives the people.” 13 But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders.
14 Then, midway through the festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. 15 The people were surprised when they heard him. “How does he know so much when he hasn’t been trained?” they asked.
16 So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. 17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. 18 Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies. 19 Moses gave you the law, but none of you obeys it! In fact, you are trying to kill me.”
20 The crowd replied, “You’re demon possessed! Who’s trying to kill you?”
21 Jesus replied, “I did one miracle on the Sabbath, and you were amazed. 22 But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses’ law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.) 23 For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses. So why should you be angry with me for healing a man on the Sabbath? 24 Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”
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22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the far shore saw that the disciples had taken the only boat, and they realized Jesus had not gone with them. 23 Several boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the Lord had blessed the bread and the people had eaten. 24 So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him. 25 They found him on the other side of the lake and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
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1 After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. 3 Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. 4 (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) 5 Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” 6 He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!” 8 Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. 9 “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” 10 “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. 12 After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves. 14 When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!” 15 When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself. 16 That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him. 17 But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. 18 Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. 19 They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, 20 but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” 21 Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!
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31 “If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. 32 But someone else is also testifying about me, and I assure you that everything he says about me is true. 33 In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. 34 Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. 35 John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. 36 But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, 38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you. 39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. 41 “Your approval means nothing to me, 42 because I know you don’t have God’s love within you. 43 For I have come to you in my Father’s name, and you have rejected me. Yet if others come in their own name, you gladly welcome them. 44 No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God. 45 “Yet it isn’t I who will accuse you before the Father. Moses will accuse you! Yes, Moses, in whom you put your hopes. 46 If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. 47 But since you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”
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16 So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules. 17 But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” 18 So the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill him. For he not only broke the Sabbath, he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God. 19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished. 21 For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants. 22 In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, 23 so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him. 24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. 25 “And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. 26 The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. 27 And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man. 28 Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, 29 and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment. 30 I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.
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1 Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” 7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” 8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” 9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!” 11 But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” 12 “Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded. 13 The man didn’t know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. 14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” 15 Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.
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39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40 When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, 41 long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” 43 At the end of the two days, Jesus went on to Galilee. 44 He himself had said that a prophet is not honored in his own hometown. 45 Yet the Galileans welcomed him, for they had been in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration and had seen everything he did there. 46 As he traveled through Galilee, he came to Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die. 48 Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?” 49 The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.” 50 Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. 51 While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. 52 He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock his fever suddenly disappeared!” 53 Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. 54 This was the second miraculous sign Jesus did in Galilee after coming from Judea.
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1 Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). 3 So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 4 He had to go through Samaria on the way. 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. 9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” 10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” 11 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”...
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22 Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people. 23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. 24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.) 25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.” 27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. 31 “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. 32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! 33 Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. 34 For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. 36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”
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1 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” 3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” 9 “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked. 10 Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? 11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. 12 But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. 18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”
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13 It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. 14 In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. 15 Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. 16 Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” 17 Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.” 18 But the Jewish leaders demanded, “What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it.” 19 “All right,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 “What!” they exclaimed. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and you can rebuild it in three days?” 21 But when Jesus said “this temple,” he meant his own body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said. 23 Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. 24 But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. 25 No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.
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1 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” 4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” 5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. 9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” 11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. 12 After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples.
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35 The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. 36 As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” 37 When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them. They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. 41 Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). 42 Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”). 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” 44 Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. 45 Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46 “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. 47 As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.” 48 “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” 49 Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.”
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19 This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20 He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” 24 Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25 asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?” 26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” 28 This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ 31 I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. 33 I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.”
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1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. 6 God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. 9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. 15 John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’” 16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.
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Rest is more vital than you know. Have you ever stayed so busy that you barely get a few hours of sleep? If you don’t stop to rest your body, you get sick and your body makes you stop. You were not created to go without rest, physically or spiritually.
The most basic functions of our life are ordained by God. Breathing, resting, abiding etc. Don’t dismiss a kind hello, asking someone (and really wanting to know the answer) how they are doing. Have you ever had someone say “I don’t know why I told you that?” I know why, God is using you! When you are available and willing, God can use you every time. God uses people who know their need of Him.
You may never know the incredible impact you have on someone. Every small thing matters. You have no idea what someone may be going through or the way God will direct you to speak into their lives.
When you are connected (abiding) in Christ, what comes out of you, overflowing, is the fruit of the spirit. (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control) You don’t work For God, He works THROUGH you. Be available, be aware of your surroundings. Be Christ walking. Be who YOU are and no one but you.
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Have you ever thought to yourself; wow I would have never guessed I would be here? When you listen to God and follow his direction, sometimes you don’t get the end of the story. God doesn’t always tell you the end of your journey or the purpose for what He asks you to do. Honestly, if we knew the end task, we would skip a few steps, right? The roadblock tends to be us needing to know the outcome. Desperately wanting to know where God’s direction will lead us. The little things that are done in the day to day impact others far more than you may ever know. Even the smallest gesture could change someones life forever. Never underestimate the power of tiny moments in every day when you tune into Gods voice and follow Him in everything. Obedience is better than sacrifice.
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Can you hear the voice of God? You may think you can’t, but you do! You just may not recognizing His voice……yet. God is talking, you just need to tune in to hear Him. Fear will keep you from hearing God. Fear that it’s just you and not God, or maybe you think you need to DO something to EARN hearing from God. Fear will keep you from the truth. Talking is always a two way street. You can talk to God but make sure you also listen. You have to be able to listen to hear God. Then you can Reverb (echo) His words and what He is saying. Fish are created for, and live in their environment. They must live in the water. Birds in the air, and flowers in the field. You are uniquely created to live with Christ in you, so dwell with Him. His promises are all yours.
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Who am I? That can be a challenging question. You are NOT what you do for a living or the station you hold. A mother, brother, son or dad is not who you are. Discover God’s truth and it will change you forever. God desires a relationship with you, it’s how you were designed.
All too often we overlay God on top of what or who we are and what we know already, instead of realizing we are a new creation and everything has changed. You are more valuable than you know or can comprehend. You are Christlike. Rest in your identity and let God lead you.
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Many people don’t know the answer to the questions, "Who am I?" or "What is my purpose?" You are not alone. Learn how you can find those answers. We want to help you be convinced that you already hear God and that everything and everyone around you can teach you if you’ll just be receptive.
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In this episode Jeremy and Rachel visit while on Facebook LIVE about the process of birthing Redux Church. A progression this podcast has seen go from "The Spiritually Wounded" podcast to the Redux Church podcast to now Redux Church the actual virtual church experience! Launching March 25th, 2022 this virtual church will occupy the space of this podcasting channel as well as many other areas of interactivity!
Get more information and connect with us at http://redux.church
Also be sure and connect with us on "BAND"
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In this episode I unfold the vision the Lord showed me over several days in 2010 that lead to my beginning of understanding of what God's "rest" really looks like.
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In this episode we talk about Jesus and the "Good Shepherd" and how people can confidently and regularly hear the voice of the Shepherd. We include some practical approaches and I am confident you will be blessed.
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In this episode we discuss what the purpose of the ministry gifts are that are talked about in Ephesians 4 and what it will take to restore their place in the revived church.
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In this episode we dive into the structure of church, weigh it against scripture, and subsequently challenge the status quo in the western church. We also talk extensively about ministry gifts and God's plan for how they operate today.
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In this episode we talk about the "organized" church and how it's become a self serving machine and what leaders in today's "machine" are doing to revert back to God's original plan to empower the Church (people) to ministry.
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In this episode I talk with John Youell about money and the what the church has done over the years to distort practical truth about God's money and our stewardship of the same.
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In this episode I talk with John Youell about money and the what the church has done over the years to distort practical truth about God's money and our stewardship of the same.
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In this installment I talk with Joseph Williams about more effective ways to communicate and more importantly "impart" revelation. We also discuss the challenges and limitations of standard "preaching only" models AND how the Millennial Generation is perfectly setup and ALREADY poised to be God's most effective tool in modern day.
Check out Joseph Williams Podcast, The Kingdom Network Podcast!
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In this installment I talk with Joseph Williams about more effective ways to communicate and more importantly "impart" revelation. We also discuss the challenges and limitations of standard "preaching only" models AND how the Millennial Generation is perfectly setup and ALREADY poised to be God's most effective tool in modern day.
Check out Joseph Williams Podcast, The Kingdom Network Podcast!
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In this part two, Lori answers the question of "What will it take to get you back to institutional church on the regular?" We also discuss the complacency that often accompanies "church buildings".
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In this episode I visit with Lori Fry about the church from the perspective of Family vs Business. I probably pontificate far too much but hopefully you'll find some value in it! LOL.
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In this episode we talk with Jim Bode about the loss of his wife to Cancer and how the limited resource of the "home church" he was attending created challenges and limited ministry during the time of need. The problem is not "Home Church" but rather the approach to a regular gathering in the western church culture.
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In this episode we talk with Jim Bode about the loss of his wife to Cancer and how the limited resource of the "home church" he was attending created challenges and limited ministry during the time of need. The problem is not "Home Church" but rather the approach to a regular gathering in the western church culture.
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In this episode we continue talking about the damage caused by placing men in too elevated a position and what's more, we discuss the church body's roll in elevating men to a wrong place.
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In this episode we talk about the damage done to the body and the leadership of organized church gatherings when the leadership is inadvertently placed in the position God should be.
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In this series we will be diving into and discovering that the authentic church is a "who" not a "what". In this episode we talk with pastor and podcast host Johnny Youell (Renewed You at http://streamgrace.com) about contrasting the "church" in Western cultures along side that of places like China and what can be learned from these differences. More importantly, we also discuss what Jesus said and prayed for and about the church today. I think you'll find this series challenging and enlightening but most of all, I believe it will help you to more greatly hear the voice of the Father in more distinct ways.
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In this episode I was honored to talk with a person I first met when she was 5 years old. Today, at 28, we talk thru the loss in her life of "protectors" and how she has dealt with those losses. I was blessed to have the time to sit down with Taylor Hill and discuss and honor the men in her life that loved and served her so well.
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In this episode I visit with Jonathan Goza about his battles with self esteem and self worth and and how he's begin to move beyond those struggles.
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In this episode I talk with Jennifer Brem about her life and being diagnosed with cancer at 17, her 4 year battle, it's role in her marriage, the struggles with a partner in addiction and everything in between.
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I talk with my wife Lori Griffin about where she thinks "Christianity" as a religion has gone wrong.
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In this episode Brian Anderson and I talk about PTSD, comparative hurts, cognitive distortions, and the effects of 2020 in terms of mental health and wellbeing.
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In this episode I speak with Paul Ellis about his journey thru life and his realization that his efforts do not change or effect his position with God. We talk about how that has affected his outlook on life, ministry and relationships.
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In this episode we continue visiting with Rachel Burchett about how things have progressed in the aftermath of her life upheaval. If you missed the first episode check out "The Pastor's Wife" to get caught up!
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In this episode I talk with worship pastor Adam Jones about some of the mis-steps and hazards he's endured and been a part of over the years and how he is processing the let downs of ministry and loss in his life.
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In this episode I talk with reoccurring guest on my Conversations podcast and author John Downing about the way's racism exists and has existed in the local church.
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In this episode I visit with Rachel Burchett about becoming a wife and mother at the age of 16. We then talk about her role as the wife of a Pastor and the pressure's and disfunction that flowed throughout her life and marriage through today where she has found hope and a fresh perspective, where she has "woke up" to who she is.
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In this episode I speak with my friend and results coach Danelle Rush about how unmet and un-communicated expectations as well as assumptions play a significant role in becoming spiritual wounded.
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In this episode I visit with Lori and Rick Fry about the grace message and the benefit of having the Spirit within guiding us and speaking truth to us directly.
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In this episode I talk with Casey Burnett about his experiences with "church family" and the differences between what actually happens and what would be ideal.
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In this episode I talk with my son Gabe Griffin about growing up in church, what his perspectives were through church transitions and what he and others his age long for in the church today.
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In this episode I talked with Chris Drake. We talk through his journey through drug abuse to a life of hope and how these experiences have helped shape his life and ministry to others.
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Love Conquers All - In this episode I talk with my long time friend and pastor Jeff Donaldson. We discuss the two commands Jesus gave us and the sufficiency we find in those commands.
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Fearfully And Wonderfully Made - In this episode I talk with Sonya Brunner, survivor of childhood abuse and advocate for all those who have dealt with or are dealing with abuse. Her message brings hope and restoration as she acts as a "first responder" in combating this epidemic.
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Disruptive - In this episode Bruce Barteaux and I talk through what drives hurt as well as some of the things that ultimately are disruptive in the modern Christian structure. It was such a blessing for me personally and I am certain you're going to find it beneficial.
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Go and Sin No More? - In this episode we visit with Rick Fry (Inside The Man Box - Host) about Jesus telling people to "go and sin no more” as well as what it looks like to "Deconstruct" ones faith in an effort to refine beliefs toward truth.
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What DID Jesus Do? - In this episode we talk with Pastor Johnny Youell about the "history" of churches spiritually wounding believers going back to when Jesus walked the earth. Just as Jesus dealt with the religious of the day we explore how and who should address issues today.
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In this episode we talk with Entrepreneur Jeff Plunkett about how to deal with unmet expectations and make sure we stay in the right frame of mind with one simple question… “How does this glorify God?”
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In this episode we talk with Author Rick Brewster and gain perspective on hurt and loss and how to move forward unrestrained and focused on all God has for your future.
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In this episode we talk with Sr. Pastor Dan Anderson about the current state of the church in America…Where it’s falling short, why people are leaving and how we are to start winning people to Christ not to the church.
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