As Paul has done in this letter, he continues to show concern for the Galatians. But he fears that his work with them has been in vain. Ken and Mike discuss Paul’s warning to the Galatians to not return to their old ways; he reminds them of how their relationship began when he was in need; and warns them about how legalists act. A listener wants to…

Mike and Ken venture into chapter 4 of Galatians and they bite off a sizeable chunk of verses, seven in all. Paul has used many illustrations in Galatians and he includes another one here. It’s the picture of an underage child who is no different from a slave. But when the child comes of age, his status changes. Ken and Mike discuss our status pre …

You’ve been treated to four volumes of Best of Listener Questions, now it’s time for a new series of best of volumes. These will be from the Did You Know segments of Jesus Changes People. The time in the show when the guys share facts about the Bible, Christian History, and Christian Oddities. The Did You Knows in this volume all come from season o…

Mike and Ken wrap up chapter 3 of Galatians. In this last section, Paul uses the illustration of a child guardian to demonstrate what life was like under the law. He then reminds the Galatians, they are not under the guardian any longer, but are now living as full heirs because of Jesus. Ken and Mike discuss life under the guardian, what changes on…

In this next section of Galatians, Paul asks why, then, was the law given at all? Up to this point, he’s been proving that what was promised to Abraham is all that is needed. So why have the law then, would be the next logical question someone would ask. Ken and Mike discuss three things that show why the law is not greater. It’s not greater, becau…

Paul returns to Abraham, and the promise made to him. According to the Judaizers, the way to receive Abraham’s blessing from the promise was by obeying the law. Paul uses an everyday example to show that the law is not attached to the promise. Mike and Ken discuss different types of agreements that exist, what was actually promised to Abraham, and …

It’s been a bit since the guys released a mix tape like best of episode. Actually, the last one was at Christmas time. So it’s time for volume four of the Best of Listener Questions. They really dug in the archives for this set of questions and you won’t want to miss what they’ve pulled out. Join Ken and Mike, as they answer for us again these 5 qu…

After using Abraham as a witness against the Judaizers, Paul next shows how those who rely on the law aren’t blessed but are under a curse. They also aren’t living by faith. Their only hope is not through the law, but through Jesus. Ken and Mike discuss the curse which is the law, the polar opposites of law and faith, and finally how we are redeeme…

Mike and Ken tackle the next section of Galatians 3, where Paul shifts from a subjective argument to an objective one. The Judaizers held up Abraham as the standard for their religion. Paul takes Abraham and uses him as a witness against the Judaizers. Ken and Mike discuss Abraham, his background, and why he’s talked about here. They talk about why…

Ken and Mike are back in the book of Galatians and starting chapter 3. Paul’s attention shifts from relating elements of his story to now dealing directly with the issues that exist in the Galatian churches. Verses 1-5 is a personal argument that Paul makes, challenging the Galatians to remember their personal experience with Jesus. Mike and Ken di…

Mike and Ken conclude their 2 week intermission from Galatians, which has focused on the Ascension and Pentecost. In Acts chapter 2, the gift Jesus promised was being sent from the Father arrives. The Holy Spirit comes with the sound of violent rushing wind, tongues like flames over people’s heads, and people speaking in different languages. There …

Ken and Mike take a 2 week intermission from Galatians to focus on the Ascension and Pentecost. Following His death and resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days with the apostles, as is covered in the opening verses of Acts chapter 1. During this time, Jesus showed them convincing proofs he was alive, told them to wait for the Holy Spirit, and that they w…

Mike and Ken wrap up Paul’s confrontation with Peter over his separation from the Gentile Christians in Antioch. In these three remaining verses, Paul repeatedly uses forms of death, life and the personal pronoun I. Ken and Mike discuss what died, what we died to, Jesus living in us, what we’re living for, how we’re living now, living in the body, …

The confrontation Paul has with Peter continues in these next four verses. Peter had been separating himself from the Gentile Christians, which was to say they weren’t right with God. It also said the Jews were better than the Gentiles. But the truth is, everyone is dead spiritually and does acts of sin and needs the saving of Jesus. Ken and Mike d…

Paul’s narrative of how his message was approved and everyone was together shifts to a scene where Peter pulls back from associating with the Gentiles. Peter’s actions as a leader draw even Barnabas, Paul’s close friend, to separate from the Gentiles as well. Paul doesn’t stand for it and opposes Peter to his face in front of everyone. His main mes…

Mike and Ken tackle the next 5 verses of chapter 2. In these verses, Paul continues his narrative, which he started in verse 1, about what happened during the meetings in Jerusalem. In them, we learn that the apostles and leaders in Jerusalem add nothing to Paul’s message and bless him and Barnabas to continue on sharing the message with the Gentil…

Ken and Mike are back in the book of Galatians after their Easter intermission. They begin in chapter 2, which in Paul’s account was fourteen years since the end of chapter 1. And Paul is back in Jerusalem, along with Barnabas and Titus. He’s setup a private meaning with the leaders in the Jerusalem church, which then will lead to a public meeting.…

Mike and Ken finish the last episode in their Easter intermission from Galatians. They focus in on Jesus’ last words “It is finished” recorded in the book of John. They are the 3 most important words in scripture. But what exactly was finished? To understand what was finished requires us to understand the problems that needed to be fixed. Mike and …

Ken and Mike continue their intermission from Galatians to focus on Easter. In this episode, the focus is Jesus’ crucifixion, which is the focus for many churches on the Friday before Easter. Historically, this Friday has been called Good Friday. Mike and Ken recount the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. They also discuss two key elements th…

Mike and Ken take an intermission from Galatians to focus on Easter. Up first, Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, a week before His crucifixion. This is celebrated by churches on the Sunday before Easter and is called Palm Sunday. During Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, some are confused and others think they are in control. But there is someone wh…

Following Paul sharing how his life was changed by Jesus, he turns to share how others were affected by his new life. Who were these others? The church in Jerusalem, Peter, James, and the churches of Judea. The churches in Judea had never seen Paul in person, but knew of his changed life. And his story led them to praise God because of his conversi…

Paul continues on in his letter, telling the Galatians how everything was going his way as an unconverted rabbi. But then a sudden change happened. Paul had an encounter with Jesus, which showed him his outward work hadn’t brought inner change. Through this interaction with Jesus, he learned God was pleased to have Jesus dwell in him. From this inn…

Immediately following his reprimand, Paul wants to know if the Galatians think he’s out to win people’s approval. He quickly answers that popularity is not his goal because that would negate him being a slave of Jesus. He then lets the Galatians know that not only is his ministry from God and Jesus, but also his message. Ken and Mike discuss these …

Paul skips his regular thankfulness for those he’s writing to and launches right into reprimanding the Galatians. He does so because the Galatians are in danger of rejecting the gospel for a phony, knock-off message. Paul loves them too much to let that happen. And he’ll even speak hard words to keep them from fully deserting God and the gospel mes…

Paul shifts from giving his credentials to blessing the Galatians. Every word of his blessing is loaded with meaning. And Paul is sharing it to remind the Galatians they’ve been set free because of what Jesus did and not what they do by living under rules and regulations. Ken and Mike go word by word through Paul’s blessing and help us see what it …

Paul opens his letter in a brief, formal, terse, to the point sort of way. He’s concerned for the Galatian churches and he wants to get right to the point. His first matter of business is to give his credentials as to why he’s qualified to write this letter, and that he has support from others to do so. Mike and Ken learned during their season on t…

Ken and Mike wade into another one of Paul’s letters for season 8. The book of Galatians is all about how to be and live free. Before looking at the early verses of the letter, the guys spend some time laying groundwork to help us better understand what we’ll be reading. They discuss the author Paul; the backstory involving Paul and the Galatians; …

Mike and Ken discuss the sixth and final characteristic about Jesus found in Micah 5:2-5a. Jesus is peace differs from God, man, king, and shepherd, but is like life. The guys define this characteristic, look at where it’s found in the Bible, and how knowing that Jesus is peace makes a difference in our lives. A listener asks the guys if there will…

Ken and Mike discuss the fifth characteristic about Jesus found in Micah 5:2-5a. Jesus is life is a different type of characteristic from the previous of God, man, king, and shepherd. The guys define this characteristic, look at where it’s found in the Bible, and how knowing that Jesus is life makes a difference in our lives. A listener asks the gu…

A new year causes many of us to pause and reflect on the previous year. And then turn our attention to what might lie ahead in the next. In this rewind episode, Mike and Ken discuss why it’s important to reflect on past events, the trouble with New Year’s resolutions, and offer some practices to help get the year started off on the right foot. Also…

What better Christmas tradition than to gather around the Christmas tree or fireplace with a cup of hot coco and listen to Ken and Mike answer Christmas questions from listeners? Who knows, it might become a new yearly tradition? Or not. All the same, the guys have created a third best of with questions not featured in volume 1 or 2. Every question…

Mike and Ken discuss the fourth characteristic about Jesus found in Micah 5:2-5a. It’s not baaa-d because it’s that Jesus is shepherd. Their conversation includes defining this characteristic, looking at where it’s found in the Bible, and how knowing that Jesus is shepherd makes a difference in our lives. A listener wants to know what form of trave…

In this episode, Ken and Mike tackle the third characteristic about Jesus found in Micah 5:2-5a. The fact that Jesus is king. Their conversation includes defining this characteristic, looking at where it’s found in the Bible, and how knowing that Jesus is king makes a difference in our lives. A listener asks the guys to settle the debate of whether…

Mike and Ken venture into season 7, which is a special Christmas season. They will be pulling characteristics of who Jesus is from Micah 5:2-5a. In this episode, they lay some groundwork for the season and then discuss Jesus as God and man. The conversation includes defining these characteristics, looking at where they’re found in the Bible, and ho…

Ken and Mike review some of the key elements from season 6’s trip through the book of Esther. They break their discussion down into the three types of people found allegorically in this book. These types are non-Christians, fleshly Christians, and spiritual Christians. Also, it’s Jesus Changes People’s 100th episode! As you can imagine, the bunny t…

The day when both edicts of Haman, Esther, and Mordecai go into effect has arrived. What will happen to the Jews and those opposed to them? Will King Xerxes remain in power when this day ends? Join Ken and Mike as they discuss these events and the allegorical picture they paint for us of how we live life in the Spirit. They point out that life in t…

With Haman out of the picture, what should be done with his estate and the decree to destroy, kill, and annihilate the Jews? Xerxes has some decisions to make. How’s he going to clean up the mess left by Haman? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the allegorical pictures found in the kingdom's cleanup. Their conversation focuses on how a life switche…

Esther finally unmasks Haman. She tells the King about Haman’s plot to destroy, kill and annihilate her and her people. Xerxes is so unhappy he gets up and leaves his wine at the table. Now that says something for a guy that threw a 187 day party! Join Ken and Mike as they discuss the events of Haman’s unmasking and demise. And how these events hel…

King Xerxes can’t sleep, so he has the book of the chronicles read to him. He discovers that Mordecai saved his life. How did he forget in the first place? Mordecai wasn’t honored for this heroism. So what to do? Ask Haman how to honor his archenemy! How’s this going to turn out? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss how the realization of our life bei…

In this chapter, lives are on the line. Esther risks her life to approach the king, and Haman concocts a plan to kill Mordecai. What will happen to these two main characters? Join Ken and Mike, as they discuss how human free will is respected by God and won’t be forcibly overridden; and also what might be behind the two delays Esther makes in her g…

Mordecai catches wind of Haman’s plot. In response, he tares his clothes, and changes into sackcloth and ashes, and then weeps loudly and bitterly. He and Esther pass messages back and forth, using Hathak as their messenger. The chapter ends with everyone fasting for Esther, who plans to risk her life going before the King. Join Mike and Ken as the…

Haman enters the scene and immediately goes toe to toe with Mordecai. He hates him so much that he doesn’t just want to hurt Mordecai, but kill him and all his people. When does he want to do this? He’s not sure, so he roles dice to figure it out. Join Ken and Mike as they dig into Haman’s history and the war between the flesh and Spirit. They also…

With no queen, King Xerxes is sad and lonely staring out his window. He’s remembering his days with Vashti, but those are long gone and can never happen again because of his decree. Well, what better way to make the blues go away than to hold a beauty pageant to find a new queen? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss how being dead spiritually is like …

Chapter 1 of Esther begins with a bang. It lets us know that King Xerxes third year of ruling over the provinces stretching from India to Cush includes a 187 day party. That sounds exhausting! The festivities didn’t end so well when King Xerxes requests Queen Vashti to appear and parade her beauty. She refuses, which leads to a decree that Xerxes w…

If Season 5’s trip through the book of Ruth was the Hallmark channel. What will Season 6 be with the book of Esther, which includes plotting, revenge, murder, and a beauty pageant? Mike and Ken discuss some differences between the stories of Ruth and Esther. They also dig into the Jewish Exile, the characters in the story of Esther, and some themes…

Ken and Mike review some of the key elements from season 5’s trip through the book of Ruth. They discuss the effects of unbelief; belief that leads to striving; and how an identity of being fully redeemed affects how we live our lives. Also, a listener wants to know if Mike and his family made it to Oregon safely. And Christian Industrial Metal, wh…

In the rousing conclusion to be book of Ruth, Boaz attempts to redeem Ruth. It looks like the other redeemer has the upper hand and then Boaz says Ruth is a part of the deal, and that’s just too much, and the other redeemer backs out. This means Boaz is the one who can redeem Elimelek’s land and marry Ruth. The storybook ending proceeds with a wedd…

A day comes when Naomi feels the need to find a home for Ruth, so she will be provided for. She lays out a plan that Ruth follows to the letter. But isn’t it weird that Boaz is sleeping at the threshing floor? And why does Ruth uncover his feet and lay down by them? Join Ken and Mike as they discuss these mysteries found in the third chapter of Rut…

It’s a tale as old as time, boy meets girl, which leads to boy and girl falling in love. That’s what’s recorded next in the story of Ruth. She is gleaning in the fields and ends up in a field owned by a relative of Naomi’s. How will this relationship begin and where will it go from this first chance meeting? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the se…

To really understand the book of Ruth is to first understand the characters involved. And not just the details offered, but also what their names actually mean. With an understanding of name meanings, the backstory of what lands Naomi and Ruth in Bethlehem at harvest time has a much greater meaning. Join Ken and Mike as they make their way through …