Jesus Changes People

Ken and Mike review some of the key elements from season 5’s trip through the book of Ruth. They discuss the effects of unbelief; belief that leads to striving; and how an identity of being fully redeemed affects how we live our lives. Also, a listener wants to know if Mike and his family made it to Oregon safely. And Christian Industrial Metal, what prompts the guys to wax intellectual about it?

Passage: Ruth 1-4

Support the show

In the rousing conclusion to be book of Ruth, Boaz attempts to redeem Ruth. It looks like the other redeemer has the upper hand and then Boaz says Ruth is a part of the deal, and that’s just too much, and the other redeemer backs out. This means Boaz is the one who can redeem Elimelek’s land and marry Ruth. The storybook ending proceeds with a wedding and a child, but there’s more than just fairytales here. Join Mike and Ken as they wade through the details of a sandal trade, weddings, and a child. Also, a listener is using an ancient baking recipe and asks the guys for some help with the biblical measurements. Can they help this baker in distress?

Passage: Ruth 4

Support the show

A day comes when Naomi feels the need to find a home for Ruth, so she will be provided for. She lays out a plan that Ruth follows to the letter. But isn’t it weird that Boaz is sleeping at the threshing floor? And why does Ruth uncover his feet and lay down by them? Join Ken and Mike as they discuss these mysteries found in the third chapter of Ruth. And someone did it, they asked about hyssop. The guys will tackle the listener’s question. Also, they talk about some handsome guy with large amounts of flowing hair. Who could it be?

Passage: Ruth 3

Support the show

It’s a tale as old as time, boy meets girl, which leads to boy and girl falling in love. That’s what’s recorded next in the story of Ruth. She is gleaning in the fields and ends up in a field owned by a relative of Naomi’s. How will this relationship begin and where will it go from this first chance meeting? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the second chapter of Ruth’s story. And it’s the time of year Ken has been dreading, the end of summer and the return to school. Not really, but a listener wants to know if the guys have any back to school memories. Also, how does Cletus Take the Reel end up in an episode about love and romance?

Passage: Ruth 2

Support the show

To really understand the book of Ruth is to first understand the characters involved. And not just the details offered, but also what their names actually mean. With an understanding of name meanings, the backstory of what lands Naomi and Ruth in Bethlehem at harvest time has a much greater meaning. Join Ken and Mike as they make their way through this first chapter discussing not only name meanings but also two types of commitment and country music. Yes, country music. And did a listener really ask the guys about what their favorite flower might be?

Passage: Ruth 1

Support the show

Has Jesus Changes People become a Hallmark movie? Mike and Ken discuss the possibility as they begin Season 5, which will focus on a love story from the Bible. The book of Ruth tells the story of 3 prominent characters: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. The guys will give a high level view of the book; map out where they’re headed in this season; and discuss the things to be looking for as you work your way through Ruth. Also, the listener question makes Ken hungry. Why might that be?

Passage: Ruth 1-4

Support the show

Ken and Mike review some of the key elements from season 4’s look at the Life and Times of David. They discuss David’s faith; how he’s a man after God’s own heart; what we can learn from his intimacy with God; the significance of shepherding in these accounts of David’s life; how David served God in his generation; and how he modeled for all of us the way to grow. The guys help translate what we’ve learned about David into our own lives. Also, the demolition of the Holy Land Experience brought sadness, but there may be hope on the horizon! And a listener asks, what are the plans for season 5 of Jesus Changes People?

Passages: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Samuel 17, Psalm 51, 1 Chronicles 22, 28

Support the show

David had wanted to build a temple for the Lord and even made preparations for it before his death. But God had told him, “You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. He is the one who will build a house for my Name.” David handles this with grace and a commitment to helping his son succeed. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss finishing well, God saying no, and elevating others. Also, Veggie Tales takes over the show in the Did You Know, Listener Questions, and Post Credit segments of the show.

Passage: 1 Chronicles 22, 28

Support the show

Psalm 51 is a powerful expression of repentance and restoration. Written by David in the aftermath of his affair with Bathsheba, it shows humility, brokenness, and a willingness to do whatever God asks of him. It is in this chapter that David writes these words, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Join Ken and Mike as they dig into this rich Psalm loaded with lots of practical insights for us today. And don’t miss the Listner Question segment, one of the guys shares some big news. 

Passage: Psalm 51

Support the show

The story of David and Goliath is well known in and out of church circles. In popular culture, it is used to highlight the underdog and how people can overcome great odds. Within the biblical context, the story of David and Goliath is also about trusting God to provide victory, and having a willingness to fight in your unique style. Ultimately, God gives David the victory. Join Mike and Ken for the third episode of their mini season focused on The Life and Times of David. If the guys are talking about David, shouldn’t they have a Did You Know segment about the statue of David? And did Ken have a previous run in with the statue of David?

Passage: 1 Samuel 17

Support the show