Jesus Changes People

The day when both edicts of Haman, Esther, and Mordecai go into effect has arrived. What will happen to the Jews and those opposed to them? Will King Xerxes remain in power when this day ends? Join Ken and Mike as they discuss these events and the allegorical picture they paint for us of how we live life in the Spirit. They point out that life in the Spirit is not passive, watches for true outcomes, and stands ready for ongoing spiritual battles we will face. This episode drops Thanksgiving week. The Did You Know segment shares some Thanksgiving history, and a listener wants to know what are some of the guys’ favorite Thanksgiving day dishes. Also, the guys discuss duos, including some they think are great. And who gets sappy during the episode? 

Passage: Esther 9-10

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With Haman out of the picture, what should be done with his estate and the decree to destroy, kill, and annihilate the Jews? Xerxes has some decisions to make. How’s he going to clean up the mess left by Haman? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the allegorical pictures found in the kingdom's cleanup. Their conversation focuses on how a life switches from flesh as a ruling force to the Holy Spirit; how we handle remnants of the flesh in our lives; the two laws found here pointing to the two laws found in Romans 8:2; and how the change from flesh to Spirit brings freedom and celebration versus bewilderment. The guys also kick around houses they might be willing to have someone give them; sweet treats they’ve found in their new locales; and a mini golf course that holds a Guinness World Record. Did the guys set a record with the amount of stuff they’ve crammed into this episode?

Passage: Esther 8

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Esther finally unmasks Haman. She tells the King about Haman’s plot to destroy, kill and annihilate her and her people. Xerxes is so unhappy he gets up and leaves his wine at the table. Now that says something for a guy that threw a 187 day party! Join Ken and Mike as they discuss the events of Haman’s unmasking and demise. And how these events help us see the way we’re to deal with the flesh in our own lives, from its revealing to its crucifixion. The guys also answer a great question from a listener about similarities and differences between Christian and church culture in Colorado, Florida, and Oregon. What is Ministr-eeze? And are certain biblical characters about to have a run in with their local HOA?

Passage: Esther 7

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King Xerxes can’t sleep, so he has the book of the chronicles read to him. He discovers that Mordecai saved his life. How did he forget in the first place? Mordecai wasn’t honored for this heroism. So what to do? Ask Haman how to honor his archenemy! How’s this going to turn out? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss how the realization of our life being saved affects us; the king missing Haman’s true character; Haman is about to drop all subtly; how Haman can act good when his neck is on the line; and how Haman’s path only leads to ruin. It’s also harvest festival, fall festival, Halloween, whatever time. Will the guys debunk Halloween? Have conversations about candy? Who knows with these two?

Passage: Esther 6

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In this chapter, lives are on the line. Esther risks her life to approach the king, and Haman concocts a plan to kill Mordecai. What will happen to these two main characters? Join Ken and Mike, as they discuss how human free will is respected by God and won’t be forcibly overridden; and also what might be behind the two delays Esther makes in her great reveal about Haman to the king. A listener wants to know how many questions Jesus asked during His ministry. The guys wonder what they might wish for, if they had just one wish. And what are some great and not so great cheesy Christian t-shirts?

Passage: Esther 5

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Mordecai catches wind of Haman’s plot. In response, he tares his clothes, and changes into sackcloth and ashes, and then weeps loudly and bitterly. He and Esther pass messages back and forth, using Hathak as their messenger. The chapter ends with everyone fasting for Esther, who plans to risk her life going before the King. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss Godly grief; when we feel we’ve don’t something wrong but don’t know what it is; the interactions between the human soul and spirit and the Holy Spirit; and how we’re to have victory over the flesh in all areas of our lives. Ken’s running on fumes. What does that mean for the show? Also, has he really been up all night playing video games?

Passage: Esther 4

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Haman enters the scene and immediately goes toe to toe with Mordecai. He hates him so much that he doesn’t just want to hurt Mordecai, but kill him and all his people. When does he want to do this? He’s not sure, so he roles dice to figure it out. Join Ken and Mike as they dig into Haman’s history and the war between the flesh and Spirit. They also discuss what really makes Christians free to make a choice, whereas those who are not Christians are locked in to one way of doing things. A listener wants to know what the elements in communion represent. Why did Thomas Welch invent grape juice? And, the post credits conversation swerves into reading from a burger restaurant menu.

Passage: Esther 3

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With no queen, King Xerxes is sad and lonely staring out his window. He’s remembering his days with Vashti, but those are long gone and can never happen again because of his decree. Well, what better way to make the blues go away than to hold a beauty pageant to find a new queen? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss how being dead spiritually is like a vacuum that sucks the life out of anything; how the Holy Spirit draws us, changes us, gives us a new spirit and fills us with life; and how Christians are no longer inline with the world, devil, and the flesh, so they have entered a war. Also, a listener asks for some help regarding the Holy Land park that may be built in Branson, Missouri.

Passage: Esther 2

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Chapter 1 of Esther begins with a bang. It lets us know that King Xerxes third year of ruling over the provinces stretching from India to Cush includes a 187 day party. That sounds exhausting! The festivities didn’t end so well when King Xerxes requests Queen Vashti to appear and parade her beauty. She refuses, which leads to a decree that Xerxes will never see her again along with other consequences. Join Ken and Mike as they talk about the allegorical elements of this chapter, which include Vashti and Xerxes. And how the decisions that Xerxes make affect the whole kingdom. Also, fantasy football, a boo baby, and drawings made in church sneak their way into the conversation along with many other rabbit trails.

Passage: Esther 1

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If Season 5’s trip through the book of Ruth was the Hallmark channel. What will Season 6 be with the book of Esther, which includes plotting, revenge, murder, and a beauty pageant? Mike and Ken discuss some differences between the stories of Ruth and Esther. They also dig into the Jewish Exile, the characters in the story of Esther, and some themes we will find in this book. Also, a listener wants to know what are the guys’ favorite translations of the Bible. And what can we learn from Johann Sebastian Bach?

Passage: Esther 1-10

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