Jesus Changes People

While many people think of 2 Samuel 11 and 12 as simply David’s affair with Bathsheba, it is actually much more. Throughout the chapter we see David ignoring warning signs, not listening to advisors, and ultimately allowing his desire for Bathsheba to cause him to have her husband murdered. It begins with David not being where he should be–out to war with his army. When we are not where God wants us to be, we place ourselves at risk. Join Ken and Mike, as they continue through their mini-season focused on The Life and Times of David. They also discuss tabloids, the King James Version of the bible, and fireworks. And is there a listener trying to call in to the show, while the guys are recording?

Passage: 2 Samuel 11-12

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When Samuel goes to anoint the next king of Israel, he makes a common mistake: he judges the potential candidates based on outward appearances. God uses this opportunity to share his perspective: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7). God still has this same perspective today. Join Mike and Ken, as they begin season 4, a mini-season focused on The Life and Times of David. They also talk about a band that’s celebrating a 50th anniversary, and tackle a Listener’s Question about women’s roles in ministry.

Passage: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

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Do remember making mix tapes and having more songs than a 90 minute cassette would hold? That’s how the guys felt when they created the first volume of the Best of Listener Questions. So, they’ve created a second best of with questions not featured in volume 1. Join Ken and Mike, as they answer for us again 5 questions from these 5 episodes:

Season 1 - Episode 7 - February 16, 2022 - Putting It Into Practice | John 1-3
Season 1 - Episode 20 - May 16, 2022 - Casting the First Stone
Season 1 - Episode 33 - August 15, 2022 - Keeping His Commands
Season 1 - Episode 27 - July 4, 2022 - The One God Honors
Season 1 - Episode 44 - October 31, 2022 - Life In His Name

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Mike and Ken review some of the key elements from season 3’s trip through the book of Colossians. They discuss the supremacy of Jesus, how those of us who are Christians are brought to fullness in Jesus, and how we live as people who’ve been made alive with Jesus. The guy’s discussion will feel like a trip through the potluck or smorgasbord line, and you may leave feeling like you’ve had a little too much to eat. Also, will there be a season 4 of Jesus Changes People? And if so, what will be the topic?

Passage: Colossians 1-4

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Paul wraps up his letter to the Colossians with a couple more greetings. He also asks that the letters he’s written be shared between the churches in the area. There’s a specific message for one individual and it leaves us wondering, was Paul calling him out? He concludes by signing the letter in his own hand and reminding the Colossians of his chains. His last words are “Grace be with you.” What a fitting end! Join Ken and Mike as they discuss these final 5 verses, house churches, and that Paul did not write this letter comfortably sitting at a word processor. Also, it’s the 75th episode of Jesus Changes People! The guys answer a listener question about some of their highlights over the past 75 episodes.

Passage: Colossians 4:14-18

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It can feel like there isn’t much to learn from the closing of a letter where everyone wants to say hi. However, when you know the stories of the individuals saying hi, you discover these people are testimonies of Jesus’ work in a person’s life. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the 5 people listed in these 4 verses, and what we can learn for ourselves from their stories. Also, how do the guys end up talking about wrestling again, biblical measurements of weight, and greeting cards?

Passage: Colossians 4:10-13

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We may think the end of a letter doesn’t have much to teach, but that’s not the case with Paul’s closing words to the Colossians. There’s a lot to be learned from Tychicus and Onesimus, the first two names Paul mentions. These two are dear brothers and faithful. Join Ken and Mike, as they discuss the back stories of Tychicus and Onesimus. They also ponder why some biblical names are used for children and others are not. And how was Ken’s first year as a prof?

Passage: Colossians 4:7-9

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Paul encourages the Colossians to be ready at all times in prayer. And He invites them to pray so that the message of Jesus will be shared by him in a way that will be clearly understood and received. He also spurs them on to live lives that cause others to want to know more about Jesus. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss devotions that border on obsession, salty speech, and how we’re able to pray at all times. Also, what’s one of the most stolen items of all time, and does anyone know what an Ebenezer is?

Passage: Colossians 4:2-6

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What can we learn from a passage in a letter addressing slaves and masters? We don’t have those conditions today. Well, actually a lot. We must contextualize Paul’s writing and then bring it forward to the present. When we do, we see there’s much that can be applied to our work environments. Join Ken and Mike as they discuss work relationships and how people changed by Jesus can change society. Also, the Holy Land Experience is back in the Did You Know segment. What could have landed it a second appearance?

Passage: Colossians 3:22-4:1

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Four sentences, four verses, no problem, right? Not so fast. These verses are not as easy as they look. And one of them has been hotly contested in many church circles time and time again. Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the roles of husbands, wives, parents, fathers, and children. Also, there’s a big reveal, and lots of talk about Star Wars. What does any of that have to do with family relationships? You’ll just have to listen to find out. 

Passage: Colossians 3:18-21

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