Jesus Changes People

Paul returns to Abraham, and the promise made to him. According to the Judaizers, the way to receive Abraham’s blessing from the promise was by obeying the law. Paul uses an everyday example to show that the law is not attached to the promise. Mike and Ken discuss different types of agreements that exist, what was actually promised to Abraham, and how that promise overrides the law. A listener finds it hard to share their faith with others and is wondering why that may be the case for them and others. The guys find another typo in the Geneva Bible. And what sort of things would the guys leave as an inheritance?

Passage: Galatians 3:15-18

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It’s been a bit since the guys released a mix tape like best of episode. Actually, the last one was at Christmas time. So it’s time for volume four of the Best of Listener Questions. They really dug in the archives for this set of questions and you won’t want to miss what they’ve pulled out. Join Ken and Mike, as they answer for us again these 5 questions from these 5 episodes:

Season 1 - Episode 5 - February 1, 2022 - Born Again
Season 1 - Episode 6 - February 9, 2022 - Becoming Less
Season 1 - Episode 9 - February 28, 2022 - Your Son Will Live
Season 1 - Episode 26 - June 27, 2022 - The Triumphal Entry
Season 1 - Episode 32 - August 8, 2022 - The Way, Truth and Life

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After using Abraham as a witness against the Judaizers, Paul next shows how those who rely on the law aren’t blessed but are under a curse. They also aren’t living by faith. Their only hope is not through the law, but through Jesus. Ken and Mike discuss the curse which is the law, the polar opposites of law and faith, and finally how we are redeemed, purchased, to be set free from the law. A listener wants to know what books the guys are currently reading. The guys end up down all sorts of rabbit holes from games like Jenga, cafeteria style dining, and games that youth leaders shouldn’t try. And what causes both of them to shout manna?

Passage: Galatians 3:10-14

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Mike and Ken tackle the next section of Galatians 3, where Paul shifts from a subjective argument to an objective one. The Judaizers held up Abraham as the standard for their religion. Paul takes Abraham and uses him as a witness against the Judaizers. Ken and Mike discuss Abraham, his background, and why he’s talked about here. They talk about why Christians are his children not by race but by faith. And how Christians have a right to Abraham’s blessing because they are his spiritual children. A listener wants to know if God has ever made Himself known in a special way to either of the guys. Also, what does the game Apples to Apples and the King James Version of the Bible have in common?

Passage: Galatians 3:6-9

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Ken and Mike are back in the book of Galatians and starting chapter 3. Paul’s attention shifts from relating elements of his story to now dealing directly with the issues that exist in the Galatian churches. Verses 1-5 is a personal argument that Paul makes, challenging the Galatians to remember their personal experience with Jesus. Mike and Ken discuss how in this personal argument the whole trinity is present: Father, Son, and Spirit. Also, they point out there is a different use of the word flesh than what was used in Galatians 2:20. A listener wants to know what people from the Bible would the guys want to have a conversation with and why. And who sewed britches to hide their nakedness?

Passage: Galatians 3:1-5

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Mike and Ken conclude their 2 week intermission from Galatians, which has focused on the Ascension and Pentecost. In Acts chapter 2, the gift Jesus promised was being sent from the Father arrives. The Holy Spirit comes with the sound of violent rushing wind, tongues like flames over people’s heads, and people speaking in different languages. There are two different responses to these events, which leads Peter to step forward and deliver a powerful sermon. Ken and Mike discuss characteristics and actions of the Church that are found in Peter’s message and the events that surround it. A listener wants to know what worship music the guys like. And what miracle help have the guys discovered for the excruciating pain of a minor wound?

Passage: Acts 2

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Ken and Mike take a 2 week intermission from Galatians to focus on the Ascension and Pentecost. Following His death and resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days with the apostles, as is covered in the opening verses of Acts chapter 1. During this time, Jesus showed them convincing proofs he was alive, told them to wait for the Holy Spirit, and that they would be His witnesses. Then He ascends to heaven and angels tell them Jesus will be back. Mike and Ken discuss the significance of these events and the applications they have for our lives. A listener wants to know if the guys participated in a youth group and if so, what was that like? Also, who are Tommy and Kooky?

Passage: Acts 1:1-11

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Mike and Ken wrap up Paul’s confrontation with Peter over his separation from the Gentile Christians in Antioch. In these three remaining verses, Paul repeatedly uses forms of death, life and the personal pronoun I. Ken and Mike discuss what died, what we died to, Jesus living in us, what we’re living for, how we’re living now, living in the body, and living by faith. A listener is wondering what three “dream” sponsors the guys would want for the podcast? Also, what are the guys trying to get out of by disappearing? And Ken learns something new about Mike that may expand their audience. What could it be?

Passage: Galatians 2:19-21

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The confrontation Paul has with Peter continues in these next four verses. Peter had been separating himself from the Gentile Christians, which was to say they weren’t right with God. It also said the Jews were better than the Gentiles. But the truth is, everyone is dead spiritually and does acts of sin and needs the saving of Jesus. Ken and Mike discuss what it means to be saved by faith and to be justified by Jesus. They also explore how, although we are saved and justified, we can still fall back into external measures, motivators, and laws. A listener shares they are a new Christian and are thinking about baptism. They have some questions concerning baptism and ask for the guys’ help. Also, what would a leaning pulpit help us determine about a church? And are the guys marked as safe from the eclipse on social media?

Passage: Galatians 2:15-18

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Paul’s narrative of how his message was approved and everyone was together shifts to a scene where Peter pulls back from associating with the Gentiles. Peter’s actions as a leader draw even Barnabas, Paul’s close friend, to separate from the Gentiles as well. Paul doesn’t stand for it and opposes Peter to his face in front of everyone. His main message: Why is your behavior inconsistent with who you know you are as a Christian? Mike and Ken discuss this powerful confrontation. They look at the fear and peer pressure involved, the fact that Paul says it was hypocrisy, not heresy, and what it means for our actions to be inline with the truth of the Gospel. A listener wants to know about what are some of the best concerts/festivals the guys have ever been to. Also, what Christian history do the guys unearth in Santa Fe, New Mexico?

Passage: Galatians 2:11-14

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