Jesus Changes People

This episode originally aired on December 12, 2022. Mark, much like John, begins his biography with Jesus as an adult. His account moves rapidly through a prophecy from Isaiah, John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness, Jesus’ baptism by John, God the Father speaking from heaven to Jesus, and Jesus heading into the wilderness for forty days, which included being tempted by Satan. Mark covers all of this in just 15 verses. Although it’s not the traditional Christmas story we’re used to, it’s still clear that Jesus’ entrance into the world is seen as an invasion by the forces that are ruling it. We also see that through Jesus, God is answering the prayer for mercy and help from Isaiah 64, where the author asks God to rend the heavens and come down. Mark’s account helps us see the powerful changes that can happen in our lives because of Jesus’ coming.

Passage: Mark 1:1-15

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This episode originally aired on December 5, 2022. Matthew begins his biography of Jesus with a genealogy. Although a genealogy seems like something we should skip, it’s surprising who we find listed in Jesus’ family tree. It’s also amazing that Matthew didn’t hesitate to include some of these individuals. From those he includes, we’re provided a great reminder that no one is beyond the grace of God. Matthew, unlike John, further shares the details concerning Jesus’ birth. However, he also includes that Jesus’ birth causes Herod to have every boy two years old and under killed in Bethlehem. This and many other details in Matthew’s account help us see that Jesus’ birth involved real people with very real hardships.

Passage: Matthew 1-2

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This episode originally aired on November 28, 2022. John begins his biography of Jesus as an adult and with what seems to be a philosophical introduction–but one that is packed with rich theology. Contrary to what we might think, the Christmas story did not begin in Bethlehem or even when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. The Christmas story–God coming from heaven to earth–has existed in the heart of God since the very beginning. That’s what John wants His readers to know. The Christmas story is part of a larger story–the overarching story of God’s redemptive plan. To truly understand the importance of Christmas, we must place it within this larger story.

Passage: John 1:1-14

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This episode originally aired on July 31, 2023. 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

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This episode originally aired on July 31, 2023. 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

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This episode originally aired on July 17, 2023. 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 Listener Question segment, one of the guys shares some big news.

Passage: Psalm 51

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This episode originally aired on July 10, 2023. 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

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This episode originally aired on July 3, 2023. 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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This episode originally aired on June 26, 2023. 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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Second Best of Did You Knows in four episodes. It’s no trick; it’s a treat. The Did You Know segments of Jesus Changes People is the time in the show when the guys share facts about the Bible, Christian History, and Christian Oddities. Five of the Did You Knows in this volume are focused on Tabletop Games. One is a brand new Did You Know for Jesus Changes People 200th episode. Join Ken and Mike as they share five of these facts with us again. And throw in a new one for this episode. The 6 Did You Knows came from these 6 episodes:

Season 8 - Episode 109 - January 29, 2024 - The Credentials
Season 8 - Episode 126 - May 27, 2024 - Father Abraham
Season 12 - Episode 200 - October 27, 2025 - Best of Did You Knows, Vol. 6 - Tabletop Game Edition
Season 8 - Episode 147 - October 21, 2024 - Character Sketch Of A Legalist
Season 10 - Episode 166 - March 3, 2025 - Love Inside And Out
Season 11 - Episode 175 - May 5, 2025 - Wrapping Up Together With Christ

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