159 SNS: How We Are Saved

Hello,

Welcome to the Simple Not Shallow Podcast, where the coffee is good, and the conversation is even better. Oh, it’s going to be a good chat!

Before we begin, I want to thank Eino Shikongo for suggesting such an interesting topic. And, if you have a topic you’d like to discuss, let me know in the comments section. I have had suggestions for the next two chats as well, but your suggestion very well could be the next one after those. Thank you.

So, the question we are looking at is: How are we saved? This is a pretty important question, if mean, if we are going to be Christians, it would be helpful to know how we can become one, right? And yes, we are going to kick this around while looking at it through the lens of what it means to be a Christian. Which is being a follower of Jesus, the Christ; which involves a relationship, leading to studentship, leading to a life lived from everything learned. Not one, not the other, but always linked.

And, if you think about it, this actually tells us exactly how we are saved: through accepting his gift of a relationship with himself and the Father, one that leads to our learning from him and our living for him.

Chapters

00:00 – 00:56 – intro

00:57 – 01:17 – Thank you Eino.

01:19 – 01:42 – Topic Suggestions?

01:43 – 03:55 – How We Are Saved.

03:56 – 06:24– Who Saves Us

06:25– 10:48 – Believe in Jesus

10:49 – 13:59 – Confess Jesus is Lord

14:00 – 17:32 – Odds, Ends, & Conclusion

Scripture Referenced:

Through God Alone:

John 6:44 Jesus tells us in John that without the Father drawing us to him, we can’t get to him.

Matthew 19:25, 26; Mark 10:26, 27 Who can be saved? He says that with man (the word used to mean all people), this is impossible but with God, all things are possible.

Ephesians 2:1-9 God being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us made us alive with Christ, by grace you have been saved….by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; a gift of God, not of works that no one can boast.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our savior, being justified by his grace.

Matthew 18:3 Unless we become like little children, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 5:1,2 We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand.

Colossians 2:11-13 we are raised with Jesus into life with God through our faith in God and the working of God.

Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18 We are reconciled to God through Jesus’ death.

John 17:3 This is eternal life, knowing God the Father and Jesus.

1 John 5:1-13 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God….

1 John 3:1-14 As Children of God we have passed from death unto life.

Acts 4:12 Salvation is in no one else, no other name under heaven… by which we can be saved.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 God appointed us to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:25-31 God chose the foolish things to shame the wise, the weak things to shame the strong, Because of God you are in Christ Jesus.

How we are saved:

Acts 16:30-32 What must I do to be saved? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. And they spoke the word of the Lord to him.

Acts 4:12 No other name under heaven by which we can be saved.

Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18 We are reconciled to God through Jesus’ death

John 17:3 This is eternal life, knowing God the Father and Jesus.

John 3:14-18: whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.

John 5:24 has heard my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.

John 6:47 Anyone who believes has eternal life.

John 8:51 who keeps my words will never see death.

1 John 5:1-13 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God…. Whoever has the Son had life and whoever has not the Son has not life.

Romans 10:8-13 if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved…. For whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Revelation 3:19, 20 Be earnest and repent and Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and will dine with him, and he with me.

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologists: Mike Winger , Frank Turek

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

158 SNS: Calvinsim or Arminianism... Really?

Welcome to the Simple Not Shallow Podcast, where the coffee is good, and the conversation is even better.

Recently, I’ve been hearing a lot about Calvinism vs Arminianism. Have you ever noticed that when one ism starts talking about a different one, tones get hard, words get harsh, and voices tend to get raised? Aren’t we supposed to be family? This has always bothered me. And since we look at everything here through the lens of what it means to be a Christian. I thought that is what we’d do as we look at this whole Calvinism vs Arminianism thing and see what we can see.

And just to get us on the same footing, what we mean when we say Christianity is a following of Jesus the Christ, which involves, first and foremost, a relationship with him, which then leads to studentship from him, leading to a life lived from everything learned.

Chapters:

00:00 – 00:53 – intro

00:54 – 02:19– The lens we will use to look at this

02:20 – 06:57 – What teacher should we follow?

06:58 – 13:09 – How should we think about our teachers?

13:10 – 16:06– How to test what we hear

16:07 – 17:58 – when teachers disagree

17:59 – 19:36 – a teaching and a prayer of Jesus

19:36 – 21:49 – who the focus needs to be

21:50 – 22:27 – conclusion

Scriptures Referenced:

1 Corinthians 1 – 4 – Do not adhere to a mere messenger of God but to God himself. And all the whys and wherefores of that.

1 Corinthians 4:6 – Paul states that he is using himself and Apollos as an illustration.

1 Corinthians 4:1, 2 – How we are to regard, think about, messengers of God.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 – Paul he proclaimed nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified. So faith no rest on human wisdom but on God’s power.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 – test all teachings and hold on to what is good.

Revelation 2:2 – Test and examine all to find the liars.

1 John 4:1 – Test the spirits.

1 Corinthians 14:29 – Others should weigh carefully what speakers say.

2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves, test yourselves to see if you are in the faith.

John 13:35 – How others know we are in Christ by our love for one another.

John 17:11, 21 – we are to be one (mind, purpose, soul) as Jesus and the Father are.

Matthew 23:13 – 32; Luke 11:42 – 52; John 5:39, 40 – The Pharisees having religious thoughts, facts, and rituals and it not being enough. It is Jesus who is important.

1 Corinthians 14:33 – God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

James 1:5 – Ask God for wisdom, and he will give generously.

John 14:26; 16:13 – The Holy Spirit guiding us into and teaching us all truth.

Galatians 1:6-10 – ignore gospels other than what Paul had preached. And if anyone taught something other than the gospel of Christ, they were under God’s curse.

2 Corinthians 11:4 – a warning about adopting a different gospel than had been taught.

1 Corinthians 13:12 – seeing through a glass darkly, seeing dim reflection.

1 Corinthians 13:9 – we know in part, and we prophesy (teach) in part.

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologists: Mike Winger , Frank Turek

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

157 SNS: Deny Yourself, Pick Up Your Cross... A Practical Step?

Hello,

Welcome to the Simple Not Shallow Podcast, where the coffee is good, and the conversation is even better.

In this episode, we are going to pick up a thought from our last one. Last time, we looked at denying ourselves and taking up our cross to follow Jesus. And how that, too, is based on love.

So, where are we going with this? Well, knowing that it’s all about being in and building a relationship with Jesus, we are going to look at a small step that we can take to give this some practicality in our lives. And worry not – this will be a really simple step, nothing earth-shattering.

Chapters:

00:00 – 00:53 – intro

00:54 – 01:42– Suggest a topic

01:43 – 05:21 – A Specific Step

05:22 – 10:50 – It Is about Growth, and You Are Not Alone

10:51 – 12:25– Please Comment and closing

Scripture Referenced:

Colossians 3:5 – 9 – what we need to cloth ourselves with.

John 16:13-15 – The Holy Spirit guiding us into all truth.

John 14:17 – 26; Galatians 5:16 – The Holy Spirit teaching and helping us. Helping us live out our relationship with God.

John 16:8 – 11 – The Holy Spirit convicting us of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

Other Interesting passages in light of this:

Matthew 5: 43 – 45; Luke 6:27 – 29 - love your enemies, pray for those who hurt you.

1 Peter 3:9 - do not return evil with evil, but with a true blessing.

Romans 12:24 – Paul saying the same thing as Peter did in 1 Peter 3:9.

Jonh 17: 11, 22 - That we will be one even as Jesus and the Father are one.

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologists: Mike Winger , Frank Turek

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

156 SNS: Deny Yourself, Pick Up Your Cross, &... Love?

Hello,

Welcome to the Simple Not Shallow Podcast.

Before we begin, I want to say thank you to AvengerClaps for suggesting our topic. And if you have a topic you’d like to chat about, let me know in the comments section. Your suggestion might be next. Thank you.

So, interesting topic: denying ourselves and picking up our cross. I must confess, at first, I found this to be a little overwhelming. This topic covers so much ground and yet is an important teaching from Jesus. But where to begin?

Chapters:

00:00 – 00:28 – intro

00:29 – 00:51– Thank you AvengerClaps

00:52 – 11:06 – Deny self, pick up cross, and love

11:07 – 11:37 – The subject for next video

11:38 – 12:50 – Please Comment and closing

Scriptures Referenced:

Matthew 16:21 – 27, Mark 8:34 – 37, and Luke 9:23 – 26 --- Deny ourselves and take up our cross.

1 Corinthians 13:3 ----- If Paul surrendered his body to be burned but had no love, it would be for nothing.

Romans 8:13 -- Tells us we need to put to death our misdeeds and evil desires.

Colossians 3:5 – 9 -- Here, he also says that we are to put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature. And we are told what some of those are, both in actions and desires.

How to those things to death:

Romans 8:1 – 17 -- he says to live according to the Spirit and not according to the sinful nature.

Colossians 3 – Paul clarifies this by saying to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and bear with and forgive each other. And over all of these, put on love, which binds them together in unity.

Other interesting passage:

2 Peter 1: 5-8

Philippians 2:12,13 -- We are to work out our salvation as God is working in us.

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologist: Mike Winger

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

155 SNS: Jesus Being the Way Is.... Loving?

Hello,

Welcome to the Simple Not Shallow Podcast. My name is Charles, and this is the Coffee Side Chat series.

Recently, I’ve heard questions like, “How is it loving when Jesus says that no one can come to the Father but by him? Isn’t that a bit exclusive? Shouldn’t love be more inclusive? If God is so loving, why limit how people can connect with him?

I have a question of my own in response to these types of questions. If Jesus is who he says he is, then how is loving if he doesn’t say this? No, seriously, how would that be loving?

That's what we are going to kick around in this episode.

Scripture Referenced:

John 10:30 - That he and the Father are one.

John 10:38, 14:11, 17:21-23 - He is in the Father and the Father is in him.

John 5:17-19, 12:49, 14:10, 24 - He only says and does what the Father gives him to say and do.

John 5:18 - He identifies himself as the Son of God, which the people of that day understood as his calling himself God.

John 5:26, 27 - That even as the Father has life in himself, he gave to Jesus, life in himself.

John 14:7 - if you know me, you know the Father. If you see me, you see the father.

Luke 10:16 - if you reject me, you have rejected the one who sent me.

John 10:10 - he says he came to give an abundance of life.

John 17:3 - He gives eternal life, which he says is to know the only true God and to know himself, the Christ who the Father sent.

Philippians 2:5-8 – He gave up his status, becoming nothing in the form of a human being to die on the cross.

John 14: 6,7 – Jesus is the way the truth the life, no one can come to the Father but through him.

John 10:9; Matthew 7:13,14 – Jesus comparing himself to being a gateway, a small gate.

Matthew 7:13,14 – The pathway of life, of relating to God, is the narrow way.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he sent.

John 1:18 – The one and only Son… has made him known.

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologist: Mike Winger

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

154 SNS: Love is... What?

Welcome to the Simple Not Shallow Podcast. My name is Charles, and this is the Coffee Side Chat series.

Now, you and I do tend to think of love as an emotion; right? So, I guess the first thing to kick around is whether or not this is an accurate understanding. I mean, is it just an emotion, or is it something more?

As I began looking into this, the first thing that struck me was that it seems to be much more than mere emotion. Indeed, based on what I found, we cheapen love by limiting it to just being an emotion. No, no, no… hang with me here as I explain.

Scripture Referenced.

Luke 10:27ff, Mark 12:30, Matthew 22:37 ~ Greatest commandment: use to show love is not mere emotion.

Deuteronomy 6:5 ~ The Greatest Command found in the Old Testament.

Leviticus 19:18 ~ The second greatest command found in the Old Testament. Why love fulfills law:

Galatians 5:14 ~ love tied to serving.

Romans 13:9,10 ~ love fulfillment of law, because love does no harm to a neighbor.

1 Cor 13:4-8 ~ what love does and never fails.

1 Peter 4:8 ~ love forgives

1 John 3:16 ~ This is how we know what love is, Jesus laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

1 John 4:10 ~ This is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us.

Romans 5:8 ~ While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 ~ For God so loved the world…

John 17:3 ~ This is eternal life….

1 John 5:3 ~ This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not burdensome.

John 15: 9-12 ~ Jesus telling us how keeping Gods commands leads to our joy being complete.

2 John 1:6 ~ This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment: love one another.

1 Corinthians 13 ~ Love is the most excellent way. No matter what else we know and can do, it is worse than meaningless without love. Everything else will pass away, but love will never fail, it will always be here. So what remains is faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.

Other interesting passages:

1 John 2:5 ~ the one who keeps Gods word, his commands, in him the love of God is perfected.

1 John 5:2 ~ How we know we love the children of God when we love God and observe His commandments.

James 1:27 ~ the religion God accepts as pure and faultless.

Isaiah 55:9 ~ God’s ways are higher than our ways, his thoughts higher than ours.

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologist: Mike Winger

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

153 SNS: The End of Times... What... Again?

Welcome to the Simple Not Shallow Podcast. My name is Charles, and this is the Coffee Side Chat series.

So, let me ask you a question. Have you recently been hearing all the talk about the End of Times being upon us? You know, Jesus’ second coming. I have. And I must admit that my first reaction to it all was to say, “Again?” I mean, if I had a dime for every time someone said, “The end is here; Jesus will return in two months,” or the like. I’d be a rich man.

But that got me thinking. I wondered if, before getting too wound up over any of this, there was a reason we are told about the second coming, one not so filled with hype? And is there any way to legitimately know when this will happen?

Scripture Referenced.

Matthew 24:42-51 and Luke 21:34-36 ~ Jesus talking about the destruction of the temple, the end times, and his second coming. Telling us why we need to know these things. To not be deceived or have this sprung like a trap.

2 Peter 3:1-14 ~ Be stirred up to a sincere mind. Knowing this, be the sort of people you ought to be. Be diligent to be found by Jesus in peace, spotless, and blameless.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-9 ~ Since you know the day of the Lord is coming…. Be awake and sober. Not like those who don’t believe, those who are asleep. Put on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

2 Peter 3:3ff. ~ Do not allow yourself to be lulled asleep, thinking things don’t matter. That everything will always be as it always has been.

Revelation 3:11; 16:15 ~ Jesus is coming quickly so stay awake and hold on to what you know so as to keep your crown and not be shamefully exposed.

Revelation 22:12 ~ Jesus is coming soon and bringing a reward to each person based on what that person has done.

Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32; cross reverence Acts 1:7 ~ Only God the Father knows when any of this will happen.

2 Peter 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Revelation 3:3; 16:15 ~ Peter, Paul, and John telling us that the second coming will be at an unexpected time, like a thief unexpectedly showing up to rob a home. It will be when folks are saying, “There is peace, there is safety.”

2 Peter 3:10 ~ The second coming, though at an unexpected time, will be unmistakable. Kind of like an earthquake; you won’t overlook it.

Additional Scripture:

Matthew 24:45 – 25:30 ~ Jesus is kindly letting us know that this is no game. These tell us what happens to those who do not stay awake, alert, and live out what they know. A warning is given ahead of time so preparations on our part can be made.

Revelation 22:14 ~ This I see as an encouragement. He is saying, Hold on, I’m coming. And you will be blessed if you have lived from what you know of me. Or as it is phrased, “who wash their robes, they have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologist: Mike Winger

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

152 SNS: Repentance Is... What?

Welcome to a Coffee-side Chat

So, let me ask, what is your first reaction to the word repentance? I mean, did you just cringe a little bit? I don’t know about you, but I find that, too often, this word is one of the big, bad, negative words in the Christian vocabulary. When it is one of its most positive words.

To see this will mean that we need to look at this through the same lens of what it means to be a Christian. Which is a following of Christ that involves a relationship leading to studentship leading to a life lived from what is learned. All three altogether, not one or the other. But all are intrinsically linked and in balance with each other.

Scriptures Referenced:

2 Corinthians 7:10 ~ Godly sorrow brings repentance, leading to salvation.

Luke 3:8 ~ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.

Acts 26:20 ~ Repent and turn to God and repentance is shown true by what you do.

Luke 24:47 ~ Repentance leads to the forgiving of sins.

Acts 3:19 ~ Sins are wiped out, forgiven, when we turn to God, that is repent.

Mark 1:4; 4:12; Luke 3:3; Acts 2:38; 5:31; 8:22; and even Old Testament 2 Chronicles 7:14: all share repentance comes before forgiveness.

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologist: Mike Winger

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

151 SNS: Forgiving Others... Why It's Important

Welcome to a Coffee-side Chat

Hello, Welcome to the Simple Not Shallow Podcast. My name is Charles, and this is the Coffee Side Chat series. So named because of this amazing cup of coffee sitting on the counter right beside me. We are coming to you from the hallowed halls of Mykitchen University. The kitchen counter is the perfect place to stand, talk, laugh, and learn together while sipping on a cup of beautiful coffee.

Let me ask you a question. Why is forgiving others so important to our faith? Well, let’s kick this around while looking at it through the lens of what it means to be a Christian and see what we come up with. Now, this lens is a following of Jesus that involves a relationship leading to studentship leading to a life lived from what is learned. All three altogether, not one or the other. But all are intrinsically linked and in balance with each other.

So, forgiving others… Why is it so important?

Matthew 6:9-15 ~ The Lord’s Prayer, forgiveness linked to forgiving others. And Jesus saying that if we do not forgive others God will not forgive us.

Matthew 22: 36-40 ~ The 2 greatest commands ever given and Jesus saying that these 2 from the basis for all other commands.

1 John 4:8, 20, 21 ~ If we do not love we do not know God.

Proverbs 10:12; 1 Corinthians 13:5; and 1 Peter 4:8 ~ Love forgive, covers over sin.

Proverbs 17:9 ~ Forgiveness promotes love.

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologist: Mike Winger

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

150 SNS: When God Seems Distant

Welcome to a Coffee-side Chat

In this episode, we will do this by delving into the common experience of feeling that God has withdrawn from us as Christians. Many of us have encountered this feeling where he seems so distant, though there was a time when we felt so close to him. What’s up with that?

In looking into this, I came up with two suggestions. I know there may be more, and please leave others in the comments section for me.

Scripture Reference:

Romans 8:11 ~ God makes his home in us.

Hebrews 13:5 ~ God promises he will never leave or forsake us.

Psalm 22 ~ King David feeling that God was distant.

Psalm 44 ~ Son of Korah, the Psalmist, feels God is distant.

1 Kings 19 ~ Elijah feels God is distant.

Matthew 27:46 ~ Jesus feels God the Father is distant. Isaiah 59:2 ~ Our sin hides God from us.

Luke 9:1-6; 10:1-11; Mark 6:7-12 ~ Jesus "letting go of the disciple's hands" and sending them out two by two.

Matthew 10 ~ A third mention of Jesus "letting go of the disciple's hands."

Other interesting videos on this.

1. Reformed Theological Seminary https://youtu.be/Gcb6hM0TzCU?si=AMJq_Bgjsx9xjRUN

2. Capturing Christianity: https://youtu.be/PMrsFqBZgWI?si=A4EL-0J-uGdkNQVP

3. HTBB Church https://youtu.be/ZJfaIVulEgI?si=th-t9M5cXbtZU1lO

4. Tim Keller https://youtu.be/4Gj3x8C5umk?si=Stbb-5XHJkIq9M_d

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologist: Mike Winger

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. Follow the link below to our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

149 SNS: The Best and the Worst Parts of A Christian Life

Welcome to A Coffe-side Chat

In this episode, we are going to look at the best and worst parts of Christian life. And we are going to do this while looking through the lens of what it means to be a Christian, which is a following of Jesus that involves a relationship leading to studentship leading to living a life based on everything learned. Indeed, it is only as we look through this lens that we can see these parts as being fully the best and fully the worst.

Let’s start with the best part. I like to start on the positive side of things. Don’t you? Oh, and before beginning, I may not mention them while we chat, but all Scriptures referenced will be listed in the description area of this podcast. Do take a moment and let me know if there are others I could have referenced. Thank you.

Scriptures Referenced:

John 3:16ff ~ Jesus only came because God loved. With no love, Jesus would not have come.

1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:17, 18; John 14:27; Ephesians 3:17-19; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ~ what love does in us, for us, and through us.

John 13: 34,35 ~ How others know we are followers of Jesus.

John 15 ~ how we stay connected (abide in) with God.

Matthew 22:34-40 ~ The 2 greatest commandments and they are the basis for all other commands.

John 13:34; Romans 12:10; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:12, 17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Peter 4:8; 2 John 1:5; 1 John 3:23; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 3:8 ~ Ten times love one another is listed.

1 John 4:8, 20, 21 ~ No love = no know God.

Romans 14:22-23 ~ Sin is what is not from faith.

James 2:19 ~ even demons believe God is the One True God and tremble.

James 2:8-19; 1 Corinthians 13 ~ Tieing love to faith.

Mark 7:15, 20-23 ~ Jesus telling us where sin comes from, within us. J

ames 1:14-15 ~ as we are tempted by our own evil desires.

1 John 2:1,2 ~ If we sin, Jesus is our advocate with God the Father.

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologist: Mike Winger

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

148 SNS Jesus Is... Who?

Welcome to a Coffee-side Chat

In this episode, we are going to talk about the question: Who is Jesus? I know. In a fairly short video, are we going to explore this question fully? Yeah, no. But we are going to talk about a framework you can use while pursuing your relationship with him while learning who he is.

So, what comes to mind when you hear the question, who is Jesus? You might be saying, “He is God.” Yes, but is that all we know about who he is? What else can you think of? “Lord and Savior?” Yes. What else? “Son of God, Our redeemer?” Yes, what else? “He died on the cross and was raised for our sins?” Yes, that is what he did, but who is he? “You going to keep asking that question or get on with the chat?”

Alright, I’ll move on. But the reason I ask is that, well….

Scripture references:

John 1:1-18 ~ Jesus is God, the Word of God through his being the One and Only God

John 15:13,14 ~ He is our friend.

Hebrews 2:9-18 ~ He is our brother.

Acts 17:7, Revelation 1:5 ~ He is our King.

Hebrews 3:1 ~ Our High Priest and intercessor.

2 Timothy 4:1, Acts 10:42, John 9:39 ~ Our Judge.

John 16:12,13 ~ Jesus not overwhelming us with information.

John 1 - whole book. I find this book to be the best for learning who Jesus is.

Other Resources:

A.W. Tozer’s books The Attributes of God, vols. 1 and 2 Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologist: Mike Winger

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. Follow the link below to our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

147 SNS: What Is Prayer?

Welcome to A Coffee-side Chat

In this episode, we are going to consider the questions: what is prayer, and why is it so important? Many have talked about prayer, going into depth on the hows and whys of it all.

So… what can a man, even one standing in these hallowed halls while chatting over a cup of coffee, contribute to the insights of such heavy hitters as these and other thoughtful scholars? I don’t know, but what better place to kick around an idea than at a kitchen counter over coffee?

Resources for Payer:

Dallas Willard’s book: Hearing God,

Andrew Murray’s: The School of Prayer

Resources for getting to know God:

A.W. Tozer: The Attributes of God vol.1 & 2

Matthew 6:9ff ~ The Lord’s Prayer Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologist: Mike Winger

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. Follow the link below to our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

146 SNS: What is Christianity?

In this episode, we are going to consider the question, what is Christianity? Or to phrase it another way, what does it mean to be a Christian?

I mean, the goal here is to view every topic discussed through the lens of what it means to be a Christian. We should probably discuss what it means to be a Christian. Right?

Scripture:

It is a Relationship:

Revelation 3:20 ~ I stand at the door and knock, if anyone opens the door, I will come in. I will dine with him and he with me. (The relationship begins. Doesn’t say, learn from me or do these things for me and I will dine [spend time] with you. Just open the door).

Ephesians 5:1 ~ we are called beloved children.

1 John 4:7-21 ~ Those who do not love (love is always relational) do not even know God. (So the relationship must first be established before all else).

Matthew 22:34-40 ~ The greatest commands are to love. (Relationship is a must.)

Involves Studentship (Discipleship):

Matthew 11:29 ~ Take my yoke upon you and LEARN from me. (The relationship means to be learning.) Matthew 28:19 ~ Tells us to go make Disciples, not converts. We are to be teachers and trainers; this implies the studentship that is part of the relationship. Yes, this is a very brief look at the Great Commission, and I do not mean to remove any other aspect from it. But I am simply highlighting the studentship aspect that is integral to it.

John 15:15 ~ Jesus calls us friends because we know (have learned) what he has taught and made known to us.

Involves Doing, the Religion aspect:

James 2:17 ~ Faith without works is dead. It is not faith at all. A loving relationship that does nothing is not a loving relationship at all.

James 1:27 ~ Religion is a way of life, not mere church-time worship.

John 15:10 ~ Doing results from abiding in love (actively pursuing a relationship with God). If you abide, you keep the commands. Interesting that the command then given (v.12) is to love each other as he loves us.

Examples of studentship and doing religion without a relationship:

John 5:39 ~ Pharisees and Scribes pore over scriptures and miss out on Jesus.

Luke 11:42; Matthew 23:23 ~ Doing religious things but neglecting what is really important.

1 Corinthians 13 ~ This chapter shows the true value of trying to study and do things without love. Without a relationship to Jesus, they are worthless.

James 2:14-25 ~ Can you love without doing? ~ No.

Here are some links to:

My favorite YouTube apologist: Mike Winger

My favorite online church service: Alistair Begg

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. Follow the link below to our store on Spring.com.

If the comment box is missing below, click here to go to this episode’s home page, , scroll to the bottom, and comment away!

145 SNS: No Stranger to the Pain

This is a spoken-word video.

Jesus says that in this world we will have troubles. It's not going to be a cakewalk... whatever that truly is... So, here is a piece about expecting the troubles. And remember, there is a huge difference between expecting them to happen and seeking them out. The first is healthy, and the second is not. Also, this is not to say that we should not seek remedies for what causes the pain. That would also not be wise. But expect them, and bring the troubles and the pain to Jesus that you may grow stronger through them.

Let me know what you think.

Have a great day.

Mykitchen U has partnered with Simple Not Shallow to create these fun spoken word pieces. Mykitchen U is always nearby and always open for learning and fun conversations. Where exactly is Mykitchen U located? The name says it all, really. Talk with you soon. Have a beautiful day.

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

144 SNS: Geth Sem Ene

This is a spoken-word video.

This is my take on one of the most powerful and yet often overlooked episodes of Jesus' life. One that shows not only how divine he was but also how human. This is found in Matthew 26:36-46. Let me know what you think. Have a great day.

Mykitchen U has partnered with Simple Not Shallow to create these fun spoken word pieces. Mykitchen U is always nearby and always open for learning and fun conversations. Where exactly is Mykitchen U located? The name says it all, really.

Talk with you soon. Have a beautiful day.

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

143 SNS: Tried Jesus

This is a spoken-word video.

A poetical discussion that highlights that Jesus and Christianity are not mere religious things to be tried. Indeed, if that is the approach taken, you have not encountered Jesus at all. There is more to Jesus, and so, to following him, than mere religious activities or things.

Let me know what you think.

Have a great day.

Mykitchen U has partnered with Simple Not Shallow to create these fun spoken word pieces. Mykitchen U is always nearby and always open for learning and fun conversations.

Where exactly is Mykitchen U located?

The name says it all, really. T

alk with you soon. Have a beautiful day.

If you like what you have seen, and would like a memento... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com.

You can also check out some of our mugs on the mugs home page here on our site.

142 SNS: It Has Begun Changed I'll Be

This is a spoken-word piece. A possible conversation from a long, long, long time ago. Can you guess who is speaking? Let me know.

Have a great day.

Mykitchen U has partnered with Simple Not Shallow to create these fun spoken word pieces. And will help begin a series of videos done in the style of conversations around the kitchen table. Where conversations are more laid back and informal. And usually accompanied by much laughter.

Talk with you soon.

If you like what you have seen, and would like some bling... or at least a coffee mug. We have some wonderful drinkware at our store on Spring.com. Click here to go there.

OR

Go here for a picture of some of the mugs we offer.

Thank you so much for your support.

141 SNS: A Christian Portrait

This is a spoken-word piece. I wrote this poem a little while ago because it's so important to remember that while we are forgiven, we are still only human beings.

This is never a reason or an excuse, but it is a fact. Remembering this is part of humility, and this helps us make value judgments without descending into judgmentalness.

Let me know what you think in the comments section. Should I make more videos of this type?

Oh, to learn more about Mykitchen U, visit the Simple Not Shallow website. For now, the home page for Mykitchen U will be located here.

Basically, it is a tribute to conversations around the kitchen table. Where conversations are more laid back and informal. And usually accompanied by much laughter.

Talk with you soon.

140 SNS: Psalm 72: Of God and Blessing Others

To help you hear the prayerfulness of the Psalms, here is a Monday Morning Psalm just for you.

Can I just say that once again, the Psalms have turned what I have thought about asking for God’s blessing on its head? Here, the psalmist asks God to bless the king so that others may also become blessed. Also, this gives a whole new perspective to something that two other psalms say. For instance, in Psalm 1….

Let’s first watch this psalm. Then if you want to hear more, follow the link below, and we’ll chat about it.

To hear our discussion of this psalm, follow this link to the podcast episode:

Narrated by: Charles Yerkes

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