Rebuilding Faith

By Jeremy JerniganReligion & Spirituality Christianity Spirituality

Rebuilding Faith episodes

March 02, 2025A Lamb and a Dove (John 1:29-34)
Ever had a moment where something finally clicked? John the Baptist did—when he realized who Jesus truly was. This episode explores what made John recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God, why that title is so significant, and what it means for us today. Could our understanding of salvation be too small? Tune in to find out.
Click here to watch the episode on video.
Episode Highlights:
Seeing Clearly – Sometimes, it takes a moment to truly grasp what we're looking at. Jeremy kicks off with examples of optical illusions and how our perception can be challenged, setting up the moment when John the Baptist finally understood who Jesus was.
The Lamb of God – What did John mean when he called Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”? Jeremy unpacks the deep connection to the Jewish Passover and how Jesus redefines salvation—not just for Israel but for the entire world.
Salvation for All – The idea that Jesus came to save everyone—not just a select group—was controversial then and still is today. Jeremy challenges us to consider: Do we believe in a God who saves only people like us, or a God who saves the world?
Doubt and Discovery – Even John the Baptist had doubts. If you've ever struggled with faith, you're in good company. John’s journey from uncertainty to conviction reminds us that questioning can be part of spiritual growth.
The Dove’s Confirmation – The moment John saw the Holy Spirit descend like a dove on Jesus, everything changed. This was his confirmation that Jesus was the chosen one. What signs are we looking for in our own faith journeys?
Our Role in Salvation – Who are the people we struggle to include in God's grace? How might Jesus be inviting us to participate in bringing salvation to others?
Final Thought:
If the Lamb of God takes away the sin of the world, what does that mean for those we find hardest to love? Let’s reflect on how we can align our perspective with God’s inclusive grace.
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10 min
February 23, 2025Making Sense (John 1:19-28)
Do humans really have five senses? In this episode, we explore how we perceive the world and how even with all our senses, we often struggle to make sense of things—just like the people trying to understand John the Baptist. What can his story teach us about faith, identity, and our purpose today? Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that will challenge the way you think about our role in pointing others to truth.
Click here to watch the episode on video.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we dive into John 1:19-28, where John the Baptist faces questions about his identity. The religious leaders struggle to categorize him—Is he the Messiah? Elijah? A prophet? John’s response shifts the focus away from himself and onto Jesus, modeling a powerful lesson in humility and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
More Than Five Senses: Science suggests humans may have 22-33 senses, yet even with all these, we still struggle to understand the world—just as people struggled to understand John the Baptist.
John’s Identity Crisis (For Others, Not Him): Religious leaders couldn’t figure John out, but he knew exactly who he was—a voice preparing the way for Jesus. Instead of seeking status, he pointed people toward Christ.
Scripture as a Signpost, Not the Destination: The Bible, like John, directs us to Jesus. It’s not the endpoint but a tool to reveal Christ’s mission.
The Danger of Misguided Faith: Today, many claim to follow Jesus but point more toward power, influence, or ideology than Christ. True faith should always reflect Jesus’ love and humility.
A Challenge for Christians Today: Are we truly pointing people to Jesus, or are we just seeking attention, control, or comfort? John’s example challenges us to refocus on what really matters.
Final Thought:
Just because something sounds Christian doesn’t mean it actually points to Jesus. This episode encourages us to reflect on what we’re truly directing people toward. Join us for this insightful discussion on faith, humility, and purpose!
👉 Listen now and share your thoughts!
10 min
February 16, 2025Crossing the Line (John 1:15-18)
What if Christianity isn’t about crossing a line but about embarking on a journey? In this episode of Rebuilding Faith, we challenge the idea that faith is just about making converts and explore how following Jesus is more than just a one-time decision. If you've ever felt stuck in your faith or unsure of what comes next, this episode is for you.
Click here to watch it on video.
Want to support the work of Rebuilding Faith? Become a patron and get access to exclusive content. Find out more here: https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/rebuilding-faith
In Crossing the Line, we dive into the common belief that the purpose of a Christian is to make converts. Many Christians experience anxiety about this responsibility, but is that really the goal? Examining John 1:15-18, we uncover a deeper perspective on what it means to follow Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
The Problem with Conversion Anxiety: Many Christians believe that making converts is the primary goal. However, statistics show that it takes 85 Christians an entire year to make one new convert. If conversion is the goal, this model seems unsustainable.
John’s Perspective on Jesus: John the Baptist declares that Jesus has revealed God to us. Unlike Moses, who could only see God’s shadow, we have the privilege of seeing God fully through Jesus.
Faith as a Journey, Not a Line: Many view Christianity as crossing a line—once you're “in,” the goal is to bring others across. But what happens after that? Instead of a line, what if we saw faith as an ongoing journey toward Jesus?
The Danger of Gatekeeping: Some Christians act as gatekeepers, deciding who is “Christian enough.” This approach misses the point. Our role isn’t to police the faith of others but to guide people toward Jesus.
Moving Beyond Complacency: If you feel stuck in your faith, it might be because you're focused on the line rather than the journey. Instead of worrying about who is “in” or “out,” what if we focused on experiencing more of Jesus every day?
Final Thought:
Christianity isn’t about simply getting people to cross a line—it’s about continually pursuing Jesus. Are you just standing at the line, or are you moving forward on your journey?
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Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in
10 min
February 09, 2025Do You See It? (John 1:9-14)
Have you ever struggled to see something that others claim is right in front of you? Whether it’s a hidden image in a Magic Eye book or a deeper truth about life, sometimes we just don’t see what we’re meant to. In this episode, we explore John 1 and the heartbreaking reality that Jesus came into the world He created, yet many failed to recognize Him. What does this mean for us today? Tune in as we unpack the profound truth that seeing Jesus clearly changes everything.
Click here to watch it on video.
Want to support the work of Rebuilding Faith? Become a patron and get access to exclusive content. Find out more here: https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/rebuilding-faith
Episode Summary:
In this episode, we dive into John 1:9-14, where John describes Jesus as the true light who entered the world, yet was rejected by His own creation. We contrast this with Moses’ experience in Exodus 33, where he longed to see God but could only catch a glimpse of His presence. Unlike Moses, we have the opportunity to see God fully through Jesus.
Key Points:
The Struggle to See – Jeremy shares his childhood frustration with Magic Eye books, using this as an analogy for how people often struggle to recognize Jesus.
John 1:10-11’s Tragic Truth – Jesus came to the world He made, yet people failed to recognize or accept Him. This rejection wasn’t just intellectual—it was violent and led to His crucifixion.
God Became One of Us – Unlike past revelations of God, where He remained distant, John 1:14 tells us that Jesus "became human and made His home among us." This moment changed everything.
The Invitation to Share in God’s Nature – 2 Peter 1:3-4 reminds us that through Jesus, we are invited to share in God's divine nature. Seeing Jesus clearly should lead us to live more like Him.
No More Guessing – Unlike Moses, who only saw the remnants of God’s presence, we have full access to knowing who God is through Jesus.
Final Thought:
Jesus isn’t a hidden image we need to strain to see—He has made Himself visible. The question is: Do you see it?
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Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in
10 min
February 02, 2025Can I Get a Witness? (John 1:6-8)
In this episode, we explore the role of John the Baptist as a witness to the "light," Jesus Christ. We discuss the importance of clear communication, the transformative power of living for something beyond yourself, and the impact of pointing others toward hope and purpose. Whether you're new to faith or a longtime believer, this episode offers insights to help you reflect on the purpose your life serves and the legacy you leave behind.
Click here to watch it on video.
Want to support the work of Rebuilding Faith? Become a patron and get access to exclusive content. Find out more here: https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/rebuilding-faith
Key Themes:
Clear Communication Matters:
The episode begins with humorous examples of unclear communication and contrasts this with John the Baptist's clear purpose—pointing others to Jesus.
Introduction to John the Baptist:
John the Baptist is introduced as a central figure in John 1:6-8. His mission: to testify about the "light," Jesus Christ.
Unlike other Gospels, John’s Gospel focuses more on John the Baptist’s purpose than his identity or backstory.
John's Influence and Significance:
John the Baptist was a pivotal figure in Jesus’ ministry, appearing multiple times throughout the Gospel of John and other New Testament texts.
His baptism of repentance was widely recognized, but his ultimate goal was to direct people toward Jesus.
Life Lessons from John the Baptist:
John serves as a model of living for a purpose bigger than oneself. This resonates deeply in a culture often overwhelmed by self-focus.
Studies affirm that having a purpose improves mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Practical Reflection:
Listeners are encouraged to examine their own lives: What is your life pointing to? Are you living with purpose and directing others toward something meaningful?
Pointing to Jesus:
For Christians, reflecting on the people who introduced them to Jesus is an exercise in gratitude and inspiration to be a guide for others.
Non-Christians are invited to consider how faith in Jesus might address feelings of hopelessness, boredom, or feeling overwhelmed.
Memorable Quotes:
“A problem bigger than you requires a solution bigger than you.”
“We cannot desire what we cannot imagine, and we cannot imagine what we have not seen.” – Karen Swallow Prior
The episode wraps up with a challenge: Reflect on how your life can point others toward something greater—be it faith, hope, or purpose—and live as a testament to the transformative power of Jesus. See you next week!
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Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in
10 min
January 26, 2025Speaking the Language (John 1:1-5)
In this episode of Rebuilding Faith, Jeremy explores the profound theological insights in John 1:1-5, unpacking how Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and God. Drawing parallels between spiritual language and modern cultural communication barriers, Jeremy illustrates the significance of Jesus as "The Word" and mediator. He dives into the creation narrative, connecting it to the Trinity and Christ's role, ultimately pointing to the cross as the clearest revelation of God's character.
Click here to watch it on video.
Want to support the work of Rebuilding Faith? Become a patron and get access to exclusive content. Find out more here: https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/rebuilding-faith
Key Points:
Cultural Language Barriers:
Jeremy shares a relatable anecdote about generational language gaps (e.g., “rizz,” “sigma,” “sus”) to highlight how understanding spiritual language can feel similarly daunting. This sets up the episode's focus on Jesus as the ultimate communicator between humanity and God.
Jesus as "The Word":
John’s Gospel uniquely describes Jesus as “The Word” (Logos), emphasizing His eternal presence and role in creation.
Jesus is not just a figure of faith but the personification of God’s communication and action.
Jesus and the Trinity in Creation:
Jeremy revisits Genesis through the lens of John’s Gospel, illustrating how the Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit) collaboratively acted in creation.
The connection between Jesus as the Word and God’s act of speaking creation into existence is emphasized.
Jesus as Mediator:
Using a simple analogy of two people who speak different languages relying on a translator, Jeremy explains how Jesus bridges the divine and human realms. As the mediator, He enables us to experience God directly.
The Cross as Central Revelation:
The cross is presented as the ultimate demonstration of God’s self-giving love.
Jeremy explains that without viewing God through the cross, we miss the full nature of His character—defined by humility, sacrifice, and love.
This radical portrayal sets Christianity apart from other spiritual or religious views.
Application for Believers:
Listeners are invited to embody the self-giving, sacrificial love modeled by Jesus in their daily lives, reflecting the nature of the Trinity.
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Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in
10 min
January 18, 2025Intro to the Gospel of John
What makes the Gospel of John stand out from the rest? Dive into this engaging introduction to John’s unique perspective on Jesus, his mission, and his miracles. Whether you're rediscovering your faith, deconstructing it, or just looking for answers, this episode will guide you toward seeing Jesus in a new way. Don’t miss this foundational conversation on faith, life, and the signs pointing us to the Messiah.
Click here to watch it on video.
Want to support the work of Rebuilding Faith? Become a patron and get access to exclusive content. Find out more here: https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/rebuilding-faith
Episode Summary:
Welcome to the first episode of Rebuilding Faith! This series explores the Gospel of John, taking a thoughtful, step-by-step journey through its rich insights. Whether navigating doubt, deconstructing faith, or simply curious, this podcast is designed for you.
This week’s episode introduces John’s Gospel by focusing on its core purpose, as stated in John 20:30-31. The Apostle John wrote his gospel so that readers would believe in Jesus as the Messiah and find life in His name. Here are the key points discussed:
Key Highlights:
The Purpose of John’s Gospel
John clearly states in John 20:30-31 that his purpose is to lead readers to faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. This “thesis statement” will guide the study of the entire book.
Historical Context
The Apostle John wrote during a time when false teachings about Jesus were spreading, particularly from figures like Cerinthus. Understanding this context enriches our appreciation of John’s emphasis on Jesus' divine and human nature.
John’s Unique Focus
Unlike the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John takes a distinct approach, sharing only about 10% of the same material. He organizes his gospel around seven miracles or "signs," carefully chosen to reveal Jesus' identity and mission.
Personal Reflection and Faith
The podcast challenges listeners to reflect personally on key questions:
Can Jesus meet you in your pain, disappointments, and hopes?
How can you see Jesus more clearly in your life today?
Insights from Modern Voices
Quotes from thinkers like Brian Zahnd and Greg Boyd remind us of the beauty and mystery of Jesus. Boyd says, “God is infinitely more beautiful than you could ever conceive, but spend a lot of your energy trying.”
Invitation to Engage
This series isn’t just for passive listening. Listeners are encouraged to read the Gospel of John for themselves, reflect deeply, and participate in group discussions or personal journaling to deepen their understanding.
Final Thoughts:
Join us on this journey to see Jesus more clearly and discover the life He offers. Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or revisiting it with fresh eyes, this series promises to be transformative.
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Do you want to read the Bible without falling behind? Sign up your email and I'll send you a PDF to download and use my custom-made reading plan system. There's no way to fall behind on this system and every day will be different no matter how long you use it! https://www.jeremyjernigan.com/opt-in
10 min

About Rebuilding Faith

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Rebuilding Faith is a podcast for people who haven't given up on the Bible but can no longer read it the way they used to. Hosted by Jeremy Jernigan (a recovering megachurch pastor), each episode…

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