Pure and Simple Bible

Works is a word that can be scandalous in the many circles, but the Bible writer James is not shy about using it. How are we justified by works when Paul says we're justified by grace through faith? And aren't we not saved by works lest anyone boast? Those powerful phrases add to the confusion around James 2. Join Jonathan as we process the second half of James chapter two. We'll move slowly and deliberately to understand what the Scripture is teaching us.

Links:

(1) Support Pure and Simple Bible:

A - become a Patron at www.patreon.com/PureandSimpleBible.

B - One time donations at www.buymeacoffee.com/JonathanEdwards

C – Send a private donation via Venmo to @Jonathan_Edwards85

(2) Get free resources for PDF download from www.pureandsimplebible.com/studyseries. These study books can help you, your family, and others in your life.

Join Jonathan as we learn that genuine faith is merciful, not partial. In James 2:1-13, the Bible confronts the sinful tendency to favor others based on wealth, appearance, or social standing. Such favoritism violates God's righteousness and our words and actions must reflect the mercy we have received. Join us as we examine why partiality has no place among God's people and what it means for mercy to triumph over judgment.

Links:

(1) Support Pure and Simple Bible:

A - become a Patron at www.patreon.com/PureandSimpleBible.

B - One time donations at www.buymeacoffee.com/JonathanEdwards

C – Send a private donation via Venmo to @Jonathan_Edwards85

(2) Get free resources for PDF download from www.pureandsimplebible.com/studyseries. These study books can help you, your family, and others in your life.

Join Jonathan as we process the next lesson in a James workbook prototype entitled Genuine Faith Under Fire. In James 1:19-26, we are challenged to hear God's word while humbly receiving it and faithfully obeying it. Look for the images of implanted seed, a mirror, and a law of liberty, showing us both the gift we've received and the responsibility we bear. Watch out for the self-deception and forgetfulness of hearing without doing. Join us as we examine what it means to be not merely hearers of the word, but doers who are blessed in their obedience.

Links:

(1) Support Pure and Simple Bible:

A - become a Patron at www.patreon.com/PureandSimpleBible.

B - One time donations at www.buymeacoffee.com/JonathanEdwards

C – Send a private donation via Venmo to @Jonathan_Edwards85

(2) Get free resources for PDF download from www.pureandsimplebible.com/studyseries. These study books can help you, your family, and others in your life.

This is a special episode of heartfelt reflection with gratitude, hope, and entrusting a church's next chapter to Jesus. After nearly two decades of ministry at the Valley Parkway Church of Christ, Jonathan preached his final sermon as the evangelist for the congregation. In this episode, he reflects on the people, memories, dreams, and faith that have shaped the congregation. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14–16, this was both a farewell and a call to action for the next chapter: our shining light as the reflection of Jesus; the source of light is the Christ; and the church’s work is commended and entrusted to the beloved Christ followers at Valley Parkway.

Links:

(1) Help make PSB better: become a Patron at www.patreon.com/PureandSimpleBible.

(2) Get free resources for PDF download from www.pureandsimplebible.com/studyseries. These study books can help you, your family, and others in your life.

(2 of 2) What does Paul mean when he tells the Corinthians (and us) to take every thought captive? Join special guest Marcus Mathis and Jonathan as they process and break down this Scripture. Behind the verse are some very practical steps for believers to overcome sin, mental health struggles, and personal identity issues. You don't want to miss this conversation!

(1 of 2) What does Paul mean when he tells the Corinthians (and us) to take every thought captive? Join special guest Marcus Mathis and Jonathan as they process and break down this Scripture. Behind the verse are some very practical steps for believers to overcome sin, mental health struggles, and personal identity issues. You don't want to miss this conversation!

(2 of 2) John the Baptizer's godly purpose, preaching, and perspective always elevated Jesus as the Christ. As a result, John would lose his freedom, popularity, and eventually his life. But how would John look at such a sacrifice? And what should we think about when we observe John's mission and calling?

Join guest Jacob McKinney and host Jonathan Edwards as they discuss the three godly P's (purpose, preaching and perspective) of John the Baptist.

(1 of 2) John the Baptizer's godly purpose, preaching, and perspective always elevated Jesus as the Christ. As a result, John would lose his freedom, popularity, and eventually his life. But how would John look at such a sacrifice? And what should we think about when we observe John's mission and calling?

Join guest Jacob McKinney and host Jonathan Edwards as they discuss the three godly P's (purpose, preaching and perspective) of John the Baptist.

(2 of 2) The Parable of the Shrewd Manager was told by Jesus in Luke 16:1-13. It is one of the most difficult parables to understand. Its meaning has been disputed by scholars. How could the unrighteous behavior of the main character serve as our example? What does it mean to be shrewd anyway? And what lessons can we learn from this shred manager? Join guest Shaun Wackerly and host Jonathan Edwards as they discuss the parable together.

(1 of 2) The Parable of the Shrewd Manager was told by Jesus in Luke 16:1-13. It is one of the most difficult parables to understand. Its meaning has been disputed by scholars. How could the unrighteous behavior of the main character serve as our example? What does it mean to be shrewd anyway? And what lessons can we learn from this shred manager? Join guest Shaun Wackerly and host Jonathan Edwards as they discuss the parable together.