The Bible Is Good

The Psalm Behind the Cry (Psalm 22 / Matthew 27)

When Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” on the cross, he is not just expressing pain. He is pointing somewhere.

In this episode, we follow that line back to Psalm 22. What we find is not just a moment of suffering, but an entire pattern—complaint, trust, suffering, rescue, and ultimately global praise.

This psalm mirrors the crucifixion in striking detail. Mocking crowds, pierced hands and feet, divided garments—it is all there. But it does not end in despair. It moves toward victory.

Jesus isn’t losing on the cross. He is fulfilling something bigger.

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Episode Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
Setting the context: Matthew 26–28 and the cross

01:00 – Jesus’ Cry on the Cross
“My God, my God…” and what it means

02:30 – A Deeper Possibility
Is Jesus pointing to Psalm 22?

03:30 – The “Hyperlink” Idea
How Scripture often references entire passages

05:00 – Psalm 22: Complaint
God feels far, no rest, no answer

06:30 – Psalm 22: Trust
Remembering God’s past faithfulness

08:00 – Mocking and Scorn
Direct connection to the crucifixion

09:30 – Created for Trust
God as Creator and foundation.

10:30 – Surrounded and Suffering
Bulls, lions, dogs, and enemies.

12:30 – Physical Breakdown
Bones, thirst, and exhaustion.

13:30 – Pierced Hands and Feet
A striking connection to the cross.

14:30 – Dividing Garments
Fulfilled in Matthew 27.

15:30 – The Turning Point
“Be not far… come quickly.”

17:00 – From Suffering to Praise
God hears and responds.

18:30 – Corporate Worship
Praise spreads to others.

20:00 – From Israel to the Nations
All the earth joins in.

21:30 – Future Generations
“This will be told…”

22:30 – Final Reflection
Read Psalm 22 through the lens of the cross.

From the Cross to the Commission (Matthew 27–28)

This episode walks through the most important moment in history: the death and resurrection of Jesus. From the darkness over the land to the empty tomb, Matthew 27–28 shows that Jesus’ death was not an accident but a plan—and his resurrection was not symbolic but real.

We see the meaning behind the torn curtain, the power displayed in the resurrection, and the surprising reactions of both soldiers and disciples. The episode ends with the Great Commission, where Jesus gives one clear command: make disciples. This is not just their mission—it is ours.

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Episode Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
 Finishing the crucifixion story and its significance.

01:00 – Darkness Over the Land
 From noon to three, pointing back to Exodus and Passover.

02:30 – “Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
 A preview of Psalm 22 and what’s coming next episode.

03:30 – Jesus Yields His Spirit
 Not taken—given. Jesus is in control.

04:30 – The Curtain Torn
 Access to God is opened through Jesus.

05:30 – Earthquake and Split Rocks
 Creation reacts to the moment of his death.

06:30 – Tombs Opened
 The power of resurrection spills outward.

07:30 – The Centurion’s Confession
 A hardened soldier recognizes who Jesus is.

09:00 – Jesus Is Buried
 Joseph of Arimathea and the sealed tomb.

11:00 – Guarding the Tomb
 Religious leaders try to prevent what’s coming.

13:00 – The Empty Tomb
 The angel, the earthquake, and the risen Jesus.

15:00 – Fear and Joy
 The women encounter both at once.

16:30 – Jesus Appears
 Worship replaces uncertainty.

17:30 – The Cover-Up
 Guards are paid to spread a false story.

18:30 – Some Worship, Some Doubt
 A realistic response from real people.

19:30 – The Great Commission
 The command: make disciples of all nations.

21:00 – Jesus With Us Always
 From Emmanuel to “I am with you always.”

22:30 – Final Challenge
 Live in light of the resurrection and make disciples.

27:00 – Closing Prayer

The King Who Stayed (Matthew 27:1–44)

Matthew 27 brings us to the most pivotal moment in history: the path to the cross. Jesus is condemned, betrayed, mocked, beaten, and crucified—all while being declared innocent again and again.

In this episode, we see the layers of irony and truth woven through the story. Judas confesses innocent blood. Pilate declares it. The crowd rejects their king. The soldiers mock the very reality they cannot see. Everyone involved exposes their own guilt, while Jesus quietly carries the weight of it all.

And at the center of it is one simple, powerful truth: Jesus stayed. He did not defend himself. He did not call down angels. He endured the suffering, the shame, and the cross—for us. This is not just history. This is the moment everything changes.

00:00 – Introduction
Setting up the cross and why this moment matters.

01:00 – Historical Backdrop
Empires, exile, and Rome’s rule over Israel.

03:30 – Reading Matthew 27:1–10
Jesus delivered to Pilate; Judas’ regret and death.

05:30 – Innocent Blood
Judas and the priests reveal what they already know.

07:30 – The Potter’s Field
Prophecy fulfilled and the cost of betrayal.

09:00 – Reading Matthew 27:11–26
Jesus before Pilate and the crowd’s decision.

10:30 – The Real Charge
From blasphemy to treason: “King of the Jews.”

12:00 – Pilate’s Dilemma
A leader trying to escape responsibility.

13:30 – Barabbas or Jesus
The crowd chooses the wrong savior.

15:00 – Let Him Be Crucified
The turning point and the crowd’s guilt.

16:30 – Washing Hands
Why Pilate is not innocent.

18:00 – Scourging Explained
The brutal reality before the cross.

19:30 – Reading Matthew 27:27–44
Mockery, crucifixion, and public humiliation.

21:00 – Mocked as King
The soldiers unknowingly speak truth.

22:30 – Simon of Cyrene
A random man pulled into the story.

23:30 – Golgotha: The Place of the Skull
From Gethsemane to Calvary.

24:30 – The Crucifixion
A restrained but horrific reality.

26:00 – The Sign Above His Head
“This is Jesus, King of the Jews.”

27:00 – Everyone Rejects Him
Crowds, leaders, and criminals all join in.

28:30 – The Power of Staying
Jesus endures when he could have left.

29:30 – Final Challenge
Sit with this moment this week.

30:30 – Closing Prayer
A call to awe, reflection, and gratitude.

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More Powerful Than Power (Matthew 26:36–75)

Matthew 26 moves from the Passover table into the darkness of Gethsemane. Jesus wrestles in prayer, asking the Father if there is any other way to deal with the problem of human sin. The answer is clear: there isn’t.

In this episode, we walk through Jesus’ prayer in the garden, Judas’ betrayal, the arrest, the trial before Caiaphas, and Peter’s denial. At every step Jesus stands increasingly alone, yet he moves forward willingly.

The cross is not weakness. Jesus could call twelve legions of angels at any moment. Instead, he shows that the gospel is something more powerful than power.

00:00 – Introduction
Matthew 26 continues the story from the Passover meal.

01:00 – Reading Matthew 26:36–46
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.

02:30 – Gethsemane: The Oil Press
Jesus is emotionally crushed as he prepares for the cross.

03:30 – The Inner Three
Peter, James, and John are invited to watch and pray.

04:30 – The Two Parts of Jesus’ Prayer
“Is there another way?” and “Your will be done.”

05:30 – The Father’s Plan
Jesus goes to the cross in obedience to the Father.

06:30 – The Disciples Fall Asleep
“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

07:45 – Praying Three Times
Jesus confirms there truly is no other way.

08:30 – Reading Matthew 26:47–56
Judas arrives with the crowd to arrest Jesus.

09:30 – The Betrayal Kiss
Judas identifies Jesus in the darkness.

10:30 – Peter’s Sword
A servant’s ear is cut off during the arrest.

11:30 – Twelve Legions of Angels
Jesus could call overwhelming power—but doesn’t.

13:00 – Something More Powerful Than Power
The cross accomplishes what force cannot.

14:30 – Reading Matthew 26:57–68
Jesus stands before Caiaphas and the council.

16:00 – A Trial Looking for Evidence
False witnesses struggle to make their case.

17:30 – Jesus Remains Silent
He refuses to defend himself against the circus.

18:30 – The Messiah Question
“Are you the Christ, the Son of God?”

19:30 – The Son of Man Prophecy
Jesus references Daniel 7 and claims everlasting authority.

21:00 – The Verdict
The leaders accuse Jesus of blasphemy.

22:00 – Mockery and Abuse
Jesus is struck, spat on, and ridiculed.

22:45 – Reading Matthew 26:69–75
Peter denies Jesus three times.

23:30 – Recognized by His Accent
Peter’s Galilean background gives him away.

24:15 – The Third Denial
The rooster crows just as Jesus predicted.

25:00 – Peter Weeps Bitterly
 The weight of failure hits him.

26:00 – Final Reflection
 There is no other way to deal with sin except through Jesus.

27:00 – Closing Prayer
A prayer for deeper wonder at what Christ has done.

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The Lamb and the Table (Matthew 26:1–35)

As we approach Easter, Matthew 26 brings us into the final hours before the cross. The Passover story from Exodus sets the stage. A lamb without blemish. Blood on the doorposts. Death passing over. Now Jesus stands in Jerusalem during Passover and says plainly, “The Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”

In this episode, we see two very different responses to Jesus. A woman pours out a year’s wages in extravagant worship. Judas sells him for the price of a slave. At the table, Jesus transforms the Passover meal into something new. Bread becomes his body. The cup becomes his blood. Before the cross happens, he gives us a way to remember it.

The invitation is clear. Come to the foot of the cross. Be fully honest about your sin. Be fully confident in what Jesus accomplished. His work is enough. It worked. It works for you.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction
Why we never graduate from the crucifixion texts.

01:00 – The Original Passover
Exodus, the plagues, and the lamb’s blood on the doorposts.

03:30 – Why Passover Matters Now
Full moon, timing, and why Jesus is in Jerusalem.

04:30 – Fourth Passion Prediction
Jesus knows exactly what is coming.

06:00 – The Leaders Plot
Caiaphas and the plan to arrest Jesus quietly.

07:30 – Lavish Worship in Bethany
A year’s wages poured out in love.

09:30 – “Why This Waste?”
The disciples miss the moment.

10:30 – Preparing for Burial
Jesus interprets the woman’s act.

12:00 – Judas Makes a Deal
Thirty pieces of silver. An insultingly low price.

14:00 – Preparing the Passover
Jesus takes control of the details.

16:00 – “One of You Will Betray Me”
 A heavy moment at the table.

18:00 – The Lord’s Supper Instituted
“This is my body… this is my blood.”

20:00 – Remembering the Cross Before It Happens
Why Jesus commands us to commemorate his death.

21:30 – The Shepherd Struck
Prophecy, scattering, and Peter’s bold claim.

23:00 – Totally Humble, Totally Confident
Communion as the place we bring our whole selves.

24:30 – Final Challenge
Read Psalm 31 and Psalm 116 this week.

25:30 – Closing Prayer
Living in the finished work of Christ.

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Second Peter ends with a reminder that changes everything: Jesus is coming back.

After warning about false teachers in chapter 2, Peter closes the letter by lifting our eyes to the return of Christ. Scoffers will question the promise. They will forget creation. They will forget the flood. They will forget that God is holy. But Peter reminds us that the Lord is not slow—he is patient.

The day of the Lord will come like a thief. It will come with fire. And it will lead to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells.

If that is true, what kind of people should we be?

This chapter calls us to live lives of holiness and godliness now. Not later. Not when we think the return is close. Today.

Jesus is coming back. Be ready.

Today’s Challenge

For the next seven days, pray this simple but courageous prayer:

“Lord, since you are coming back, what do you want me to do today?”

Ask it sincerely.

Then live your day—your work, your relationships, your conversations—in a way that would make you glad to see Jesus return at any moment.

Grow in maturity. Stay anchored in Scripture. Refuse to drift.

And live with the quiet confidence that when he comes, you can say:

“I’m glad you’re here.”

Key Themes

1. Remember, Don’t Forget:

Scoffers forget creation and judgment. Believers remember who God is and what he has done.

2. God’s Patience Is Salvation:

The delay is not slowness. It is mercy.

3. The Day of the Lord:

He will come like a thief. He will come with fire.

4. A New Heaven and New Earth:

Judgment is not the end. Righteousness will dwell in the world to come.

5. Grow and Stay Stable:

False teachers twist Scripture. Mature believers grow in grace and knowledge.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

Finishing 2 Peter and reviewing chapters 1–2.

01:30 – Reading 2 Peter 3:1–7

Remembering the prophets and apostles.

03:30 – Scoffers Will Come

Questioning the promise of Christ’s return.

05:00 – Forgetting Creation

God as creator and sustainer.

06:30 – Forgetting the Flood

Judgment before, judgment again.

08:00 – Fire Stored Up

The coming day of the Lord.

09:00 – Reading 2 Peter 3:8–18

Time, patience, and promise.

11:00 – A Day Like a Thousand Years

God is not constrained by time.

12:00 – Not Slow, But Patient

Why the Lord delays.

13:00 – Like a Thief

The unexpected return of Christ.

14:30 – What Sort of People Should You Be?

Holiness and godliness now.

16:00 – Why We Don’t Know the Day

Living ready instead of procrastinating.

18:30 – A New Heaven and New Earth

Righteousness dwelling forever.

20:00 – Diligent and at Peace

Growing without spot or blemish.

21:30 – Paul’s Letters and Twisted Scripture

False teachers misuse the Word.

23:00 – Grow in Grace and Knowledge

Stability through maturity.

24:00 – Final Exhortation

Live ready. Stay anchored.

25:00 – Closing Prayer

“To him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity.”

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Second Peter 2 is not a comfortable chapter, but it is a necessary one. Peter warns that false teachers will come, and many will follow them. They will secretly introduce destructive ideas, deny Jesus in subtle ways, exploit people for greed, and indulge their passions without shame.

The warning is strong because the stakes are high. God does not ignore corruption. Peter reminds us of angels cast into darkness, the flood in Noah’s day, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Judgment is real.

But this chapter is not meant to create fear. It is meant to build discernment. The best defense against false teaching is growing in Christ. When you know the real thing, you can recognize a counterfeit.

Today’s Challenge

Take time this week to evaluate your influences.

Are the voices you listen to pointing you toward Jesus as Savior and Lord?

Are they anchored in Scripture?

Are they marked by humility and integrity?

And most importantly, continue growing.

The best way to avoid counterfeit teaching is to know the truth deeply.

Key Themes

1. Expect False Teachers: 

Do not be surprised. Scripture prepares us for this reality.

2. Know the Real Thing: 

The more you know the Bible, the easier it is to recognize distortion.

3. Watch for the Markers:

Subtle denial of Jesus

Greed and self-exaltation

Rejection of accountability

Sensual indulgence without repentance

Exploiting immature believers

4. Judgment and Rescue:

God both judges corruption and rescues the righteous. Both truths stand together.

 Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

False teachers and why discernment matters.

01:00 – Growing First (Chapter 1 Review)

Spiritual maturity as protection.

02:00 – Reading 2 Peter 2

The full chapter and its intensity.

05:30 – False Teachers Will Come

Not “if” but “when.”

06:30 – Destructive Heresies

Subtle distortion of biblical truth.

07:30 – Denying the Master

Making Jesus smaller and self greater.

08:30 – Success Is Not Proof

Many will follow them.

09:30 – Greed and Exploitation

Using people instead of serving them.

10:30 – Judgment Is Certain

“Condemnation is not idle.”

11:00 – Angels in Chains

God did not spare rebellious angels.

12:00 – The Flood in Noah’s Day

Judgment and rescue side by side.

13:30 – Sodom and Gomorrah

Sensual sin and divine destruction.

15:00 – God Knows How to Rescue

Delivering the godly, judging the wicked.

16:00 – Despising Authority

Rejecting correction and accountability.

17:00 – Sensuality and Self-Indulgence

Passions without repentance.

18:00 – Enticing Unsteady Souls

Why spiritual growth matters.

19:30 – The Way of Balaam

Personal gain from wrongdoing.

20:30 – Waterless Springs

Promises that never satisfy.

22:00 – Slaves of Corruption

Promising freedom while enslaved.

23:30 – The Dog and the Mire

Knowing the truth but returning to sin.

25:00 – Is This About Losing Salvation?

Understanding Peter’s warning clearly.

26:30 – Evaluating Leaders

Questions we should not be afraid to ask.

28:00 – What About Us?

Testing teaching against Scripture.

30:00 – Personal Confession

Jesus as Savior and Lord.

32:00 – Final Challenge

Grow in Christ and stay alert.

34:00 – Closing Prayer

Discernment, humility, and hope.

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Episode 005  The Upward Spiral (2 Peter 1)

In 2 Peter 1, the apostle Peter shows us how to live a fruitful and effective Christian life. Jesus has already given us everything we need for life and godliness, but we are called to respond with diligence.

Peter lays out seven qualities that mark spiritual maturity: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Growing in these qualities leads to an “upward spiral” of life and stability. Neglecting them leads to blindness and spiritual decline.

This chapter also reminds us that the Bible is trustworthy. Peter was an eyewitness to Christ’s glory, and the prophets spoke as the Holy Spirit carried them along. The Word is reliable, and it calls us to grow.

The question is simple: will we move toward life and godliness, or drift into the downward spiral?

Today’s Challenge

Spend time this week in 2 Peter 1.

Ask the Lord to show you which of the seven qualities needs attention. Pray specifically. Practice deliberately. Remember that your sins are forgiven.

Step onto the upward spiral.

Life and godliness are already yours in Christ.

Episode Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

The desire to be fruitful and effective.

01:00 – Reading 2 Peter 1:1–2

Grace and peace multiplied through knowing God.

02:30 – A Letter to Believers

Faith of equal standing and Peter’s authority.

03:30 – Reading 2 Peter 1:3–4

Everything we need for life and godliness.

05:00 – Divine Power Through Knowledge

Knowing Jesus fuels transformation.

06:30 – Called to Glory and Excellence

Partaking in the divine nature.

08:00 – The Upward and Downward Spiral

Escaping corruption and sinful desire.

08:45 – Reading 2 Peter 1:5–11

Seven qualities that shape maturity.

10:00 – Faith and Virtue

Belief expressed in action.

11:00 – Knowledge and Self-Control

Thinking clearly and mastering desires.

13:00 – Steadfastness and Godliness

Standing firm and seeking what pleases God.

15:00 – Brotherly Affection and Love

Kindness that grows into Christlike love.

17:00 – Growth, Not Perfection

The upward spiral of spiritual maturity.

18:30 – The Warning

Blindness and forgetting we were cleansed.

20:00 – Confirming Your Calling

Practicing these qualities brings stability.

22:00 – Reading 2 Peter 1:12–21

Peter’s reminder and approaching death.

24:00 – Not Clever Myths

Eyewitness testimony of the Transfiguration.

26:00 – The Prophetic Word Confirmed

Scripture carried along by the Holy Spirit.

28:00 – The Bible Is Good

The Old and New Testaments are reliable.

29:00 – Final Challenge

Pray and ask God which quality to grow this week.

30:00 – Closing Prayer

A call to pursue life, godliness, and joy in Christ.

Let Us Draw Near (Heb 10)

1. Once for All (Hebrews 10:1–25)
2. From Shadow to Reality (Hebrews 10)
3. Drawing Near with Confidence (Hebrews 10)

Episode Description / Show Summary

Hebrews 10 explains how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system. The law was not bad, but it was a shadow. It pointed forward to something greater that could actually deal with sin once and for all.

In this episode, we see Jesus as both the perfect sacrifice and the perfect high priest. His work is finished, and because of that, we have confidence to draw near to God. The passage ends with five clear responses that shape how we live now: drawing near, holding fast to hope, encouraging one another, doing good works, and living in light of Christ’s return.

Episode Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

Jesus and the Old Testament sacrifices.

01:00 – Reading Hebrews 10:1–4

The law as a shadow, not the reality.

02:00 – Why Sacrifices Didn’t Work

Blood points to life, but animals aren’t enough.

04:00 – A Substitute Must Be Human

Why sheep and goats cannot replace people.

05:00 – Reading Hebrews 10:5–10

Jesus enters the story.

06:00 – Psalm 40 and God’s Will

A body prepared to obey.

07:00 – Once for All

Jesus’ sacrifice actually works.

08:00 – Reading Hebrews 10:11–14

Priests stand, but Jesus sits.

09:00 – No Chairs in the Temple

The work was never finished.

10:00 – Perfected and Being Sanctified

Clean in God’s sight, growing in daily life.

11:30 – Reading Hebrews 10:15–18

A new covenant promised.

12:30 – Law Written on the Heart

Doing what God means, not just what he says.

14:00 – Forgiven and Forgotten

No more sacrifice needed.

15:30 – Reading Hebrews 10:19–25

The “let us” responses.

16:30 – Confidence to Enter God’s Presence

The torn curtain explained.

18:00 – Jesus the Great High Priest

A perfect priest offering himself.

20:00 – Let Us Draw Near

God invites us into his presence.

21:00 – Let Us Hold Fast to Hope

Resting in God’s faithfulness.

22:00 – Stir One Another to Good Works

Spurring each other on.

23:00 – Do Not Neglect Meeting Together

Why community matters.

24:00 – Encourage One Another

Living in light of Christ’s return.

25:30 – Final Challenge

Read Hebrews 10, Psalm 40, and Psalm 110.

27:00 – Closing Prayer

Confidence, hope, and drawing near to God.

Luke 15 is often remembered for the Prodigal Son, but that name misses the point. In this episode, we walk through all three parables in Luke 15 and discover that the real focus is not the lost son, but the searching, celebrating Father.

Jesus shows us that repentance is not the hero of the story. God’s love is. Whether we relate to the younger son who ran away or the older son who stayed but judged, the invitation is the same. God wants to be with us, and his love moves toward the lost, the broken, and even the resentful. This chapter gives us a bigger view of God’s heart and challenges us to stop missing it.

Episode Highlights
00:00 – Introduction

Luke 15 and the most misnamed parable in the Bible.

01:00 – Reading Luke 15:1–7

Tax collectors, sinners, and the grumbling Pharisees.

02:00 – Who the Tax Collectors Were

Why these outsiders mattered so much.

04:00 – The Lost Sheep

Seeking until found and celebrating the recovery.

06:00 – Joy Is the Point

Most of the parable is about celebration.

06:30 – Reading Luke 15:8–10

The woman and the lost coin.

07:30 – Diligent Searching

Intentional seeking until the lost is found.

08:00 – Heaven Rejoices

Joy before the angels over one sinner.

08:30 – Setting Up the Big Parable

The first two parables prepare the way.

09:00 – Reading Luke 15:11–16

The younger son leaves and hits rock bottom.

11:00 – The Cost of the Younger Son’s Request

Wanting the inheritance before the father’s death.

12:30 – Feeding Pigs

Total humiliation and spiritual uncleanness.

13:00 – Reading Luke 15:17–24

The return and the father’s response.

14:30 – Does the Son Really Repent?

Motivation versus transformation.

15:30 – The Father Runs

A shocking, humiliating act of love.

17:00 – Restored Immediately

Robe, ring, shoes, and celebration.

17:30 – Reading Luke 15:25–32

The older son enters the story.

18:30 – “This Isn’t Fair”

The resentment of the faithful son.

19:30 – The Father Goes Out Again

Grace extended to both sons.

20:30 – The Pharisees in the Story

Why this parable was told.

21:30 – Judgment Misses God’s Heart

Why the older brother is dangerous.

22:30 – Repentance Isn’t the Hero

God’s love carries the day.

23:30 – The Father’s Humiliating Love

Running, embracing, and celebrating.

24:30 – The Parable’s Real Name

This is not about the prodigal son.

25:00 – Final Challenge

See others and yourself through God’s heart.