Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro

In this episode, Brian has us examine one of the Jewish festivals that serves as the backdrop for the Gospel of John. We look to some ancient historians and Jewish writers for what this festival might have looked like. We talk a little bit about Greek language -- what it included and, just as important, what it doesn’t include. Taking all of that into account, it makes us look at what Jesus says in a whole new light.

In this episode, Ryan and Brian look at the entirety of the Gospel of John and see how the temple theme is developed. We look at how even the order of the stories in the Gospel of John point towards this idea that Jesus is replacing the physical temple in Jerusalem - an idea carried through the book of Revelation. 

This time, Ryan and Brian are talking with Ryan Burge, author of The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going. In his book, Ryan looks at survey data to give us more insight into "the nones” — those who don’t declare any specific religious affiliation. While Ryan is accomplished in statistical research, he is also a pastor, which gives him a unique perspective. The discussion focuses on the data, the implications, and how the church could respond. 

In this episode, Ryan and Brian are talking about worldview. Learning about the worldview of groups of people at the time of the biblical writings is key to interpreting and gaining a greater understanding of scripture. They are discussing specific elements that shape cultures and how viewpoints and behaviors are affected, both historically and today.

Ryan and Brian are exited to welcome their first guest to the Bistro, Mark Ziese. Mark frequently leads trips through Israel-Palestine and has participated in archeological digs as well. In this episode, he discusses his involvement in biblical archeology and shares what has been meaningful to him throughout the course of his work.

This week, Ryan and Brian are doing something a little bit different. They've both been to Israel-Palestine, and in this episode, they discuss what they experienced on those trips and what stood out to them as they journeyed through the Holy Land. They talk about how the experience has impacted their understanding of some of the stories and the messages that are in Scripture.

Have you ever wondered what happened between the Old and New Testament? Ryan and Brian talk about the leaders, wars, and culture that Jesus was born into and why the Jewish nation struggled to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

In this follow-up episode, Ryan asks Brian some of his lingering questions about John 14:1-4. Ryan asks about the "many rooms" referred to in these verses and what they may mean. Brian also gives us some insight into the Greek words used and the importance of "remaining" in the Gospel of John. If you haven't listened to the previous episode, you should do that first.

John 14 contains some very popular verses that are used in a variety of songs and movies; you'll hear them often at funerals as well. Ryan and Brian discuss the first four verses of John 14 and explore a meaning that just might be different than the typical interpretation.

Ryan and Brian discuss a recent Gallup poll, which states that for the first time in surveying history, less than 50% of people in the United States affiliate themselves with a church, synagogue, or mosque. They're talking about the data, some potential causes, and how the church can respond going forward.