Jesus Changes People

Mike and Ken tackle the next 5 verses of chapter 2. In these verses, Paul continues his narrative, which he started in verse 1, about what happened during the meetings in Jerusalem. In them, we learn that the apostles and leaders in Jerusalem add nothing to Paul’s message and bless him and Barnabas to continue on sharing the message with the Gentiles. They also ask that Paul remember the poor, which he’s eager to do. Ken and Mike discuss how ministry is divvied up, what brings unity between everyone, and what a grace changed life looks like. A listener wants to know if there are Bible names that make the guys chuckle. Also, what causes one of the guys to complain about back pain and the other to commit a blooper?

Passage: Galatians 2:6-10

Support the show

Ken and Mike are back in the book of Galatians after their Easter intermission. They begin in chapter 2, which in Paul’s account was fourteen years since the end of chapter 1. And Paul is back in Jerusalem, along with Barnabas and Titus. He’s setup a private meaning with the leaders in the Jerusalem church, which then will lead to a public meeting. The question to be settled is, can someone be saved without coming under the Mosaic law? The Judaizers think no, Paul thinks yes. What will the council decide? Mike and Ken discuss the characters, the dispute, and what it means to preserve the gospel, then and now. Also, it’s April Fool’s Day. Will the guys even acknowledge it? And is that the James Bond Theme song? Who’s outed as a secret spy?

Passage: Galatians 2:1-5

Support the show

Mike and Ken finish the last episode in their Easter intermission from Galatians. They focus in on Jesus’ last words “It is finished” recorded in the book of John. They are the 3 most important words in scripture. But what exactly was finished? To understand what was finished requires us to understand the problems that needed to be fixed. Mike and Ken look at the issues that existed because Adam and Eve snacked on fruit from a tree they shouldn’t have. With that background, they discuss what Jesus finished and how that brought a remedy to our situation, changing who we are and how we live. A listener wants to know what Easter traditions the guys enjoy. Also, where are some of the great and not so great places to hide Easter eggs? And Hot Cross Buns banned, say it ain’t so? Is there any hope for these tasty treats to live on?

Passages: John 19:1-30, Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 8:5, Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 5:1b-3, Romans 5:12-19, 1 Peter 1:20, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Colossians 1:13, Romans 6:3-8, Romans 8:28-29

Support the show

Ken and Mike continue their intermission from Galatians to focus on Easter. In this episode, the focus is Jesus’ crucifixion, which is the focus for many churches on the Friday before Easter. Historically, this Friday has been called Good Friday. Mike and Ken recount the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. They also discuss two key elements that Jesus’ death saves us from. And how these elements fit into the communion meal. Their discussion helps us find our place in Jesus’ story. Finding ourselves there changes us in the here and now. A listener wants to know what Holy Week activities have the guys taken part in and what they thought of them. Also, are Hot Cross Buns a cure all and protector from all calamity?

Passages: Romans 3:23, 1 Corinthians 15:3b, Ephesians 1:7-8a, Isaiah 53:6a, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:3, Romans 6:6a, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Luke 22:14-22, Matthew 26:26-29

Support the show

Mike and Ken take an intermission from Galatians to focus on Easter. Up first, Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, a week before His crucifixion. This is celebrated by churches on the Sunday before Easter and is called Palm Sunday. During Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, some are confused and others think they are in control. But there is someone who isn’t confused and is in complete control of what’s going on. Ken and Mike discuss Palm Sunday and what applications we can draw from it for ourselves. Also, a listener wants the guys’ advice on a Palm Sunday reenactment at their church. And how in the world does Hot Cross Buns end up in this episode?

Passages: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19

Support the show

Following Paul sharing how his life was changed by Jesus, he turns to share how others were affected by his new life. Who were these others? The church in Jerusalem, Peter, James, and the churches of Judea. The churches in Judea had never seen Paul in person, but knew of his changed life. And his story led them to praise God because of his conversion. Ken and Mike discuss Paul’s life change and its impact, and how our changed lives can have an impact as well. Also, a listener asks the guys about the Restoration Movement, which they mentioned a few episodes back. And do you hear all those bells? Where could so many bells be rung all at one time?

Passage: Galatians 1:18-24

Support the show

Paul continues on in his letter, telling the Galatians how everything was going his way as an unconverted rabbi. But then a sudden change happened. Paul had an encounter with Jesus, which showed him his outward work hadn’t brought inner change. Through this interaction with Jesus, he learned God was pleased to have Jesus dwell in him. From this inner change came a ministry to the Gentiles. Mike and Ken discuss the miraculous story of Paul’s changed life and how that gives us hope in our own stories. Also, does the leap have some linkage to church history? And a listener wants to know what does the word Bible actually mean, and where does it come from?

Passage: Galatians 1:13-17

Support the show

Immediately following his reprimand, Paul wants to know if the Galatians think he’s out to win people’s approval. He quickly answers that popularity is not his goal because that would negate him being a slave of Jesus. He then lets the Galatians know that not only is his ministry from God and Jesus, but also his message. Ken and Mike discuss these transitional verses and how even here in Paul’s writing there’s much for us to learn and apply. Also, a listener wants to know what the guys think Noah and his family did for fun on the ark. And how do the Amish, President’s Day, popularity contests, and pastors stumping for their jobs find their way into this episode?

Passage: Galatians 1:10-12

Support the show

Paul skips his regular thankfulness for those he’s writing to and launches right into reprimanding the Galatians. He does so because the Galatians are in danger of rejecting the gospel for a phony, knock-off message. Paul loves them too much to let that happen. And he’ll even speak hard words to keep them from fully deserting God and the gospel message. Mike and Ken discuss Paul’s rebuke and how it translates to us today. It’s almost Valentine’s day. Will the guys mention it at all or have they totally forgotten? And what causes them to consult AI for an answer? 

Passage: Galatians 1:6-9

Support the show

Paul shifts from giving his credentials to blessing the Galatians. Every word of his blessing is loaded with meaning. And Paul is sharing it to remind the Galatians they’ve been set free because of what Jesus did and not what they do by living under rules and regulations. Ken and Mike go word by word through Paul’s blessing and help us see what it meant for the Galatians, and what it means for us. A listener asks the guys for ideas on how to celebrate the true meaning of February 2nd. And Candlemas is what made Groundhog Day possible. But did you know it spawned another national holiday? Can you guess what holiday it might be?

Passage: Galatians 1:3-5

Support the show