Episode Summary

In this episode, Wes and TJ dive deep into the often misunderstood concept of Sabbath, exploring how Jesus didn't abolish it but restored its original purpose as an invitation to rest and trust rather than a burdensome religious obligation. They trace the beautiful rhythm of rest-then-work from Genesis through the New Testament, revealing how Sabbath serves as both resistance against our hustle culture and a living parable of the gospel.

• Mark 2:27-28 - "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."

• Genesis 2:2 - God's rest on the seventh day

• Exodus 20:9-10 - The Sabbath commandment in context of Israel's slavery

• Hebrews 4:9-10 - Sabbath rest for God's people

1. Sabbath Was Made for Us, Not Us for Sabbath Jesus restored the original purpose of Sabbath - it's a gift of delight, healing, joy, and trust, not a legalistic burden we must bear to prove our righteousness.

2. We Were Made FROM Rest, Not FOR It Before humanity ever worked, they rested. Our identity begins in belovedness, not busyness - a counter-cultural truth that challenges our work-first mentality.

3. Sabbath as Resistance In a world that says "work, work, work, hustle, hustle, hustle," Sabbath declares: "You are not what you produce. You are God's beloved people."

4. The Gospel Rhythm: Rest Then Work God's pattern from creation is rest-then-work, not work-then-rest. We receive God's provision first, then respond from that place of security and love.

5. Sabbath as Living Parable Sabbath becomes a tangible way to practice trusting God - a weekly reminder that the world runs on God's grace, not our grind.

6. Built Into Our Biology Even science reveals a seven-day chronobiological rhythm in our bodies, pointing to God's fingerprints on creation and His design for our flourishing.

"Our identity begins in belovedness, not busyness." - TJ

"The Sabbath is an invitation to rest in the work that was opened in Christ... Apart from Christ, the Sabbath is nothing."- Wes

"Sabbath is not a law to obey, but a rhythm to embrace - a weekly reminder that the world runs on God's grace, not our grind." - Dallas Willard (paraphrased)

Sabbath isn't about perfect rule-keeping or even which specific day you choose - it's about learning to trust God enough to stop striving for 24 hours and rest in His finished work. It's a weekly invitation to remember that you are loved not for what you produce, but simply because you are His.

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Scripture conversations for the spiritually curious

Scripture FocusKey Points from Our ConversationMemorable QuotesListener TakeawayConnect and Support

Episode Summary: In this episode, Wes and TJ tackle what they consider the most misunderstood topic in Scripture: hell. They present a biblical case for annihilationism (final destruction) rather than eternal conscious torment, examining key passages and discussing how this view better aligns with God's loving character.

Main Scripture References:

• 2 Thessalonians 1:9 - "They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord"

• Romans 6:23 - "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"

• Matthew 10:28 - "Do not fear those who kill the body. Fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell"

• Revelation 20:14 - References to hell as "the second death"

• Romans 8:1 - "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"

• Colossians 3:4 - "When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory"

Key Points:

1. Scripture points to death, destruction, and perishing as the consequences of sin rather than eternal conscious torment

2. The biblical purpose of judgment is justice and restoration—setting the world right, not inflicting never-ending punishment

3. Eternal life is a gift from God, not something humans innately possess, which challenges the concept of eternal suffering

4. For those in Christ, judgment is not something to fear but a declaration of righteousness and the beginning of eternal joy

5. The doctrine of eternal conscious torment skews the picture of God's character and creates relationship based on fear rather than love

Memorable Quotes:

• "Nothing has done more damage to the reputation of God than the teaching of eternally burning hell." - Wes

• "The wages of sin is death, not torment, not torture, not burning in the fires of hell while God watches and the saints live a life of joy in eternity." - TJ

• "Perfect love casts out fear... When we can grasp this thing and we recognize that this topic is rooted in love, then the fear aspect will start to melt away." - TJ

Listener Takeaway: Understanding hell as final destruction rather than eternal torment doesn't diminish the seriousness of judgment but reveals a more beautiful picture of God's character—one that's consistent with His love and justice. This perspective removes fear as a motivator and allows believers to approach God from a place of love and gratitude.

Connect and Support:

• Support the podcast: https://thingsmybiblesays.supercast.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThingsMyBibleSays

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Episode Summary: Wes and TJ explore the biblical understanding of death, challenging common misconceptions about the afterlife by examining scripture through a gospel lens. They discuss how the Bible describes death as "sleep" - a temporary, unconscious state - and highlight Christ's resurrection as the model for our future hope.

Scripture Focus:

• Ecclesiastes 9:5-6

• Romans 6:23

• 1 Corinthians 15:26

• Acts 13:36

• John 5:24

• 1 Corinthians 15:22

Key Points:

• Death is an enemy and consequence of sin, not part of God's original design (Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:26)

• The Bible consistently portrays death as a sleep-like state of unconsciousness, not an immediate transition to heaven or hell

• Our body and spirit are unified - humans are "living souls" rather than souls trapped in bodies

• The gospel doesn't promise escape from the body but resurrection of the body

• Eternal life begins now through our relationship with Christ, not just after death

• God's ultimate plan is to restore all creation, not just rescue souls from earth

Memorable Quotes:

• "Eternal life is not something you get after you die. It's something you enter into now with God and death cannot stop it." - Dallas Willard quote shared by TJ

• "Death is an enemy caused by sin... Christ is going to come and unify us again, body and breath coming together."

• "When we put on our gospel glasses, we start to see how Christ is shining through a topic that is as dark as death because it's really not that dark when you put on those gospel glasses."

Listener Takeaway: Rather than fearing death or misunderstanding it as an immediate passage to heaven or hell, Christians can find comfort in the biblical truth that death is a temporary "sleep" before resurrection. Through Christ, eternal life begins now and death has lost its sting, giving us hope beyond the grave for a fully restored creation.

Connect and Support:

• Support the podcast: https://thingsmybiblesays.supercast.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThingsMyBibleSays

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574119230780

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thingsmybiblesays/

Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking conversation, Wes and TJ tackle one of Christianity's most challenging questions: If God is good, why is there suffering? They examine how sin fractures everything it touches and how the gospel offers hope, healing, and God's presence in our darkest moments.

Main Scripture Focus:

• Romans 5:12 - "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned."

• Genesis 3 (The Fall and its consequences)

• 2 Corinthians 4:17 - "For this light momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."

Key Points:

1. Suffering is a consequence of sin, not a punishment from God. Sin introduces alienation from God, others, creation, and ourselves.

2. God doesn't cause suffering but reveals its inevitability after sin enters the world. He's not the author of pain but the healer of it.

3. Jesus doesn't just offer sympathy—he enters into our suffering, absorbs it, and begins the renewal process for all things.

4. God doesn't waste suffering but redeems it for growth, character development, and future ministry to others.

5. The gospel offers hope not by removing suffering but by providing God's presence in it, redemption through it, and the promise of its eventual end.

Memorable Quotes:

• "One of the biggest tragedies here isn't that people suffer, as bad as that is. It's that in their suffering, they tend to blame the one who wants to heal them."

• "The good news isn't that we escape suffering... it's that God is with us in the suffering, Jesus redeems the suffering for glory, and the Holy Spirit comforts and empowers us in the midst of suffering."

Listener Takeaway: When suffering comes, remember that God isn't causing your pain—an enemy has done this. But God is with you in it, working to redeem every moment of suffering for your good and His glory. As you embrace this perspective, you can find comfort and hope even in life's darkest valleys.

Connect and Support:

• Support the podcast: https://thingsmybiblesays.supercast.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThingsMyBibleSays

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574119230780

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thingsmybiblesays/

Episode Summary: In this enlightening conversation, Wes and TJ explore the nature of temptation through a biblical lens. They discuss the important distinction between being tempted and sinning, unpack how to identify the root causes beneath temptations, and share practical ways to renew your mind with scripture to respond rather than react when temptations arise.

Main Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 - God's promise to provide a way of escape from temptation

• Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus was tempted in every way yet without sin

• James 1:13 - God does not tempt anyone

• 1 John 2:1 - We have an advocate in Jesus if we do sin

Key Points:

1. Being tempted is not a sin - even Jesus was tempted, yet remained sinless.

2. God does not tempt us to sin - temptations come from the enemy, but God provides a way of escape.

3. The real challenge of temptation begins with our identity and beliefs, not the sinful action itself.

4. Focus on the root beneath the temptation (lack, offense, pride) rather than just fighting the outward sin.

5. Victory over temptation comes through renewing our minds with scripture and focusing on Jesus rather than fixating on our struggles.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Don't focus on the temptation or the sin. Look to Jesus. He's the author and finisher of our faith." - TJ

• "The way that you deal with this temptation is to go, 'Look, I know that I am safe and secure in Christ. I know that he will provide everything for me. I know that if I fall, he will forgive me.'" - Wes

Listener Takeaway: Freedom from temptation doesn't come from willpower or perfection, but from knowing who you are in Christ, understanding the root causes of your struggles, and renewing your mind with scripture to respond with truth rather than reacting out of habit.

Connect and Support:

• Support the podcast: https://thingsmybiblesays.supercast.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThingsMyBibleSays

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574119230780

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thingsmybiblesays/

Episode Summary: Wes and TJ dive into the often misunderstood biblical concepts of flesh and spirit, clarifying the Greek terminology and exploring how believers can break free from the "yo-yo Christian life." They discuss the true identity of Christians as being firmly in the spirit, not constantly shifting between flesh and spirit.

Scripture Focus:

• Romans 8:3-9

• Galatians 5:24-25

• Galatians 2:20

• Romans 6:6-7

• Ephesians 2:1-5

Key Points:

1. Understanding the Greek words for flesh: "soma" (physical body) and "sarx" (fallen human nature seeking independence from God)

2. The Spirit refers to both the Holy Spirit and the new life believers receive when born again

3. Scripture presents clear dichotomies - you're either in the flesh or in the spirit, not both simultaneously

4. Christians are not "Jekyll and Hyde" - they are saints learning to live like saints, not sinners trying to become saints

5. The gospel doesn't expose your sin, it removes it and exposes your value

6. Living by the Spirit is about submission leading to inner transformation, not merely behavior modification

Memorable Quotes:

• "You are not a sinner trying to be a saint. You are a saint learning to live like one." - TJ

• "We are not debtors to the flesh. We are not controlled by the flesh any longer." - Wes

• "Jesus didn't come to merely forgive our sins. He came to put our old self to death and give us a new life in the spirit." - TJ

Listener Takeaway: Understanding the biblical distinction between flesh and spirit frees believers from the "yo-yo Christian life" of constant ups and downs. Christians are firmly established in the spirit, with their old selves crucified with Christ, enabling them to live with confidence in their new identity.

Connect and Support:

• Support the podcast: https://thingsmybiblesays.supercast.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThingsMyBibleSays

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574119230780

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thingsmybiblesays/

Episode Summary: In this episode, Wes and TJ explore the deeper meaning and purpose of baptism beyond its ritualistic aspects. They discuss baptism's significance as a spiritual landmark representing death to the old self and resurrection to new life in Christ, while examining scriptural perspectives and sharing personal experiences with this foundational Christian practice.

Scripture Focus:

• Acts 22:16 - "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name."

• Mark 1:9-10 - Jesus' baptism example

• Romans 6:1-6 - Baptism as death to sin and resurrection to new life

• Mark 16:16 - "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..."

• Acts 2:38 - "Repent and be baptized...for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Key Points:

1. Baptism represents more than just the washing away of sins—it symbolizes our death to self and resurrection to new life in Christ.

2. While baptism is a ritual, that doesn't diminish its profound meaning and spiritual significance.

3. Belief/faith is the primary emphasis for salvation, with baptism serving as an embodiment of that faith.

4. Baptism serves as a spiritual landmark that believers can look back to when facing doubt or spiritual struggles.

5. The reception of the Holy Spirit is a vital aspect of baptism that is often overlooked but is essential to the Christian walk.

6. As Christians mature, they develop additional spiritual landmarks beyond baptism through their ongoing relationship with God.

Memorable Quotes:

• "This is the decision that you're making... remember this moment because this is the anchor point." - Wes Via

• "The Christian life is kind of like driving through a thick fog... You just gotta keep driving. And as you get closer, your vision of that area starts to grow." - TJ Sands

• "Your ability to comprehend what God was doing does not limit the effectiveness of what he actually did." - Wes Via

Listener Takeaway: Baptism isn't merely a religious checkbox or ritual, but a profound spiritual landmark representing your death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. It's both a starting point and an anchor you can return to as you navigate your faith journey, trusting that God is continually expanding your understanding and experience beyond what you can currently see.

Links to Connect and Support:

• Support the podcast: https://thingsmybiblesays.supercast.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThingsMyBibleSays

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574119230780

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thingsmybiblesays/

Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking conversation, Wes and TJ explore the true purpose of God's law and its relationship to believers in Christ. They unpack how the law functions as a mirror to reveal sin before leading to grace, and discuss why Christians are no longer under the law but under a new covenant of liberty.

Scripture Focus:

• 1 Timothy 1:8-9 - "Now we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully. Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient..."

• Romans 5:20 - "Now the law came to increase the trespass..."

• 2 Corinthians 3:7-9 - Comparison of ministry of death and ministry of righteousness

• Hebrews 10:16 - "I will put my laws on their hearts and write them on their minds..."

Key Points:

1. The law is good when used lawfully - it's not meant for those who are righteous in Christ but for revealing sin to those who don't know Him.

2. The purpose of the law is to bring death - not to bring life. It reveals our sinful condition and our need for Christ.

3. For believers, the law moves from being written on stone to being written on our hearts and minds through the Holy Spirit.

4. Being free from the law doesn't lead to lawlessness but to a new life guided by Christ's indwelling Spirit.

5. The battle to believe what God says about our new identity in Christ takes place in our minds - we must choose to believe we are new creations.

6. Grace doesn't remove requirements for holy living, but transforms our desires so we want to live righteously.

Memorable Quotes:

• "The law diagnoses the disease, grace is the cure, just like a mirror. If you look in a mirror and there's dirt on your face, the mirror doesn't remove the dirt. It just shows you that it's there." - TJ

• "The law demands, the gospel transforms." - R.C. Sproul (quoted by TJ)

• "We are free from sin, but we're also now a slave to righteousness." - TJ

Listener Takeaway: God's law serves as a mirror to show us our sinful condition and our need for Christ, but once we're in Christ, we live under a new law of liberty with God's commands written on our hearts. Our freedom in Christ doesn't lead to lawlessness but to authentic righteousness that flows from a transformed heart.

Connect and Support:

• Support the podcast: https://thingsmybiblesays.supercast.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThingsMyBibleSays

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574119230780

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Lawless to Righteous: Shifting Your Focus from Sin to Christ

Hosts: Wes Via and TJ Sands

Episode Summary: In this season 2 opener, Wes and TJ dive into what the Bible says about sin, exploring the concept of sin as lawlessness rather than merely breaking rules. They discuss how focusing on practicing righteousness rather than avoiding sin leads to spiritual transformation and freedom.

Main Scripture References:

• 1 John 3:4 - "Sin is lawlessness"

• Romans 5:12 - "Sin entered the world through one man..."

• John 8:44 - Satan as "the father of lies"

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation"

Key Points:

1. Sin is best understood as the absence of righteousness (lawlessness) rather than merely breaking rules or committing specific acts.

2. Focusing on avoiding sin actually keeps our attention on sin, creating a spiritual "hamster wheel" that inhibits growth.

3. The Christian life is about "training" in righteousness rather than "trying" to be perfect; it's about practice and process.

4. Our identity in Christ defines us as saints being transformed by grace, not sinners merely saved by grace.

5. Spiritual growth comes from setting our minds on truth and righteousness rather than fighting against sin.

6. Relationship with God, not rule-following, should be the foundation of our spiritual journey.

Memorable Quotes:

• "You don't fight sin, you grow in righteousness. Because if you focus on sin, you empower it. If you focus on Jesus, you walk free." - TJ

• "In Christ, you are no longer a sinner saved by grace, but a saint who has been transformed by grace." - TJ

• "Don't get focused on not doing the next bad thing, but focus on doing the next rightest thing." - Wes

Listener Takeaway: Stop trying to manage sin by focusing on it. Instead, shift your focus to practicing righteousness and embracing your true identity in Christ. This change in perspective will lead to greater freedom, transformation, and a deeper relationship with God.

Connect and Support:

• Support the podcast: https://thingsmybiblesays.supercast.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThingsMyBibleSays

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574119230780

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thingsmybiblesays/

In this season finale, hosts TJ and Wes explore the concept of reconciliation as the culmination of all they've discussed throughout season one. They examine how reconciliation is often misunderstood in Christianity, with many believing it means God needed to be appeased to love humanity again. Instead, they reveal that reconciliation is about aligning our understanding with the reality of God's unchanging love, and how Jesus demonstrated this truth through His life, death, and resurrection.

• Romans 5:10: "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."
• 2 Corinthians 5:17-20: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us."
• John 3:16-17: References to God sending His Son not to condemn the world but to save it.

1. True Definition: Reconciliation means "to restore to friendship or harmony," "to settle or resolve," and "to make consistent" - which helps clarify its biblical meaning.
2. Common Misconception: Many Christians mistakenly believe reconciliation means Jesus had to convince an angry Father to love humanity again - a false view that damages our understanding of God.
3. United Purpose: The Father and Son were never at odds; it was God the Father who, through Christ, initiated reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18).
4. No Condemnation: God sent Jesus not to condemn but to save (John 3:17), contrary to some teachings that emphasize condemnation.
5. Not Counting Trespasses: The ministry of reconciliation involves not holding people's sins against them, just as God doesn't count our trespasses against us.
6. Our Role as Ambassadors: Christians are called to be welcoming ambassadors of Christ's kingdom, inviting others to become citizens of this kingdom through the message of reconciliation.

The hosts emphasize that understanding reconciliation transforms how believers:

• View themselves as truly loved by God
• Relate to God without fear or feeling unworthy
• Approach others without judgment or condemnation
• Share the gospel as an invitation rather than a burden
• Live out their freedom in Christ as a witness to others

TJ and Wes conclude season one by encouraging listeners to embrace and live out the freedom that comes from properly understanding reconciliation. They emphasize that simply living in this freedom can be a powerful evangelistic witness to others, removing the pressure of perfect performance in sharing the gospel.

Thank you for joining us for season one! We'll be returning with season two in the near future. Stay tuned for new and exciting developments around the podcast and our content.

This concludes season one of "Things My Bible Says"

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