24 Minute Bible - A Simple Journey to Understand the Bible

Episode #202In this episode enjoy a stimulating discussion as a university professor (Dr. Aaron Mattox) and an attorney and public school board member (Mr. Matt Flanigan) come along side Podcast Host Mark Minor as they discuss the challenges and decisions for parents in the  'education choices' for children. Public school? Home school? Christian schools? Which way should you parents go in our society today. Topics include 'Is the public school a mission field or a mine field'?; 'Should Christians get involved in the public schools processes'? What rights do you have as a Christian in public education'? These and other topics are part of this 'extended version' two part podcast 'How Should a Christian Parent Feel about Public Education?

Episode #201In this episode enjoy a stimulating discussion as a university professor (Dr. Aaron Mattox) and an attorney and public school board member (Mr. Matt Flanigan) come along side Podcast Host Mark Minor as they discuss the challenges and decisions for parents in the  'education choices' for children. Public school? Home school? Christian schools? Which way should you parents go in our society today. Topics include 'Is the public school a mission field or a mine field'?; 'Should Christians get involved in the public schools processes'? What rights do you have as a Christian in public education'? These and other topics are part of this 'extended version' two part podcast 'How Should a Christian Parent Feel about Public Education?

Episode #200Today's episode features a discussion on how social media can be used effectively for churches. We discuss the every-changing environment of social media with Tammy Head, Communication and Social Media Director at Whittington Church. Tammy shares philosophies and strategies for managing social media. Listen in and get some insight for using social media for the Great Commission.

Episode #199Part 2 features a continuing discussion around the topic — ‘Why We Can Believe the Bibles'. In this episode, Mark and his guess zero in on the Textual Evidence for the Bible… how the Bible stacks up against other religious ‘truth sources… Biblical archaeology and so much more. So ‘dig in' to this episode. And more importantly— dig in to the Bible and discover for yourself the ‘truth that will set you free'!

Episode #198It is one thing to know something ‘about' a subject— and another to believe it to be TRUTH. We know ‘nursery rhymes' and fantastical stories about ‘make believe worlds'. We know— but we don't ‘believe'! So… why should we believe the Bible? Is it TRUTH? Can we trust the Words of this most beloved book? In this podcast… and the one to follow… the 24 Minute Bible Presents hosts a rousing discussion about ‘Why We Can Believe the Bible'! Join us!

Episode #197Is the global phenomenon known as ‘The CHOSEN'— a Bible-focused video retelling of the Life of Jesus— a good thing or a bad thing? Now on its 5th season, the programming has found an audience of over 300 million viewers. Still— there are critics who say the show takes liberties with the Bible record. And even beyond ‘The Chosen'… what should we think about telling Bible stories in video movie or television form? Today's discussion focuses on the ‘balancing act' of making movies about the Bible and maintaining Scriptural integrity.

Episode #196Listen in on today's episode as Pastors Bob Pankey and Greg Shelton join host Mark Minor as they discuss the variety of Bible translations, which one they use, and important aspects on the background behind some of the favorite translations— from King James to the more modern versions. You will learn, you might enjoy, and we promise it will encourage you to go deeper in your study of the Word of God.

The 24 Minute Bible Presents - Episode #195Welcome to our new and exciting podcast format for this, the 24 Minute Bible Presents! Topics, personal stories and engaging discussions— all focused around God amazing word— the Bible. Our guest today is Worship Leader Justin Holman as he shares his unique insights into the Biblical topic: a HEART of WORSHIP.

Episode #194 Revelation is the BOOKEND of Genesis. What was LOST in the Garden (Genesis 1-3) will be RESTORED with the return of Christ and the Judgment of the rebellious world system called BABYLON. Paradise lost… Paradise redeemed. So much to look at in the words of Jesus spoken to and recorded by the Apostle John. What the Lord began is now restored. Satan's work is Vanquished. We will rule and reign again in the Kingdom of our Christ!! HALLELUJAH!!

Episode #193 Imposter will come. Wearing sheep skins they will try to sneak in to the church families— to pollute the Faith, seduce the Faithful and substitute a spirit of Jezebel for the Holy Spirit. THIS is the message of JUDE! Don't be deceived. This is a ‘spiritual battle' so keep you ‘spiritual eyes' open.

Episode #192 In these 3 short letters, penned by the Apostle John, it is easy to see the heart of this aged saint! John is almost 90 years of age. He is the only disciple and possible the only eyewitness left of the events of the Cross! As an old man and a ‘grandfather‘ in the faith, John has deep and personal words to share with his young readers. Those words? Love the Lord… and LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Episode # 191 Peter had some very public ‘failures'— his thrice denial of Jesus, his rebuke by Jesus, even his rescue from stormy waters after walking upon the sea. Peter was, however, PERSISTENT! He didn't give up. That resilient and overcoming spirit is evident in 1 and 2 Peter, as he encourages the church to ‘hang in there' against the very real persecution of King Nero and Roman society. Your faithfulness, Peter reminds them (and us) will be richly REWARDED!

Episode #190 Practical, down to earth, black and white! That is the book of James. A simple letter to the church, written by the half-brother of Jesus, encouraging us to avoid the lust of the flesh and follow the ‘straight and narrow' way of the Cross.

Episode #189 For 400 years the Second Temple (the Temple of Jesus' timeframe) served Israel as the center of Worship. That was about to come to an end. The destruction of the Temple at the hands of the Roman General Titus in 70AD, would signal a change. It would be the end of the Jewish Temple Worship practices— but was the destruction (prophesied by Jesus) a SIGN to Jew and Gentile alike, of a ‘new covenant' and a new and living way. The book of Hebrews was written to confirm that, Yes, Jesus has fulfilled the Old Testament promises. All the promises of God find their ‘yes' in Him!

The book of Philemon highlights a very important issue in Bible days… and in our culture today. That issue is SLAVERY! While slavery was a common practice in the New Testament world (approximately one third of the Roman world were slaves), the mission of the Gospel was not to end ‘institutional slavery' (which it eventually did) but to end ‘personal slavery' by destroying the darkness of our sin. Hope you enjoy the small but profound book of Philemon!

Episode #186 No business, no sports dynasty, no political movement is of any consequence unless it outlives its predecessor. That is equally true of the church of Jesus. Mentoring ‘leaders' and ‘handing off the baton' to a new generation is of ultimate importance. In the books of Timothy and Titus, the focus of Paul's letters is training and empowering new church leaders (Timothy and Titus) who will carry on the Gospel work of Jesus!

Episode # 186 Whether now or 2000 years ago, the promised RETURN of Jesus was of great interest to all Believers. That was especially true of the church of Thessaloniki. Paul wrote two letters to this church (and to us) giving us Holy Spirit insights about the ‘how and when' of the event— as well as encouraging us to not get ‘lazy' in the ‘present' while looking for the Glory of the future.

Episode # 185 It seems that ‘prison' is the ‘birthplace' of some great writing— Pilgrim's Progress (John Bunyan), Civil Disobedience (Henry David Thoreau) and Don Quixote (Miguel de Cervantes) to name a few. By the same token, God wrote three powerful and inspired New Testament books — Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians— through the Paul's incarceration. Known as the ‘prison epistles', these books give us insight, practical wisdom and lessons in the joy of overcoming our difficult circumstances with the power of the Spirit.

Episode # 184 Sometimes it takes stern language to get attention. That is the case with with the book of Galatians. The churches of Galatia were being drawn back into legalism and a salvation based on works. In unmistakable terms, Paul says ‘no'. Grace and the atoning work of alone are the means of our salvation!

Episode #183 Paul's letters to the church at Corinth are instructive and uniquely personal. Instructive in that Paul addresses a multitude of subjects to the church family living in Corinth. He speaks of divisions and lawsuits, sexuality and marriage, spiritual gifts and resurrection bodies. Then there are the personal stories Paul's shares about himself that he share no where else— his persecution and shipwrecks, his deprivations and pressures… and of course his out of body ‘journey to Heaven'. The incredible letters of Paul to Corinth. Enjoy!

Episode #182 Romans is the most complete book in the Bible. It is a 'precept upon precept' description of God's plan through the ages: his Redemption of mankind from the grips of sin. No other book so succinctly and methodically speaks to the ways and means of the Salvation plan. It is Paul's 'opus' -- his most important work of the New Testament.

Episode #181 When a movie is a box office 'hit,' there is almost always a sequel. In a sense, Luke's book of Acts is just that - a sequel to the Gospel account of Luke. In his gospel, Luke tells the story of Jesus. In Acts, Luke tells the story of the glorious Church birthed by Jesus' victory over sin and the freedom released into the world because of it.

Episode #186 Isn't it amazing how much one's perspective of earth changes when traveling by air. Looking down from the heights bring a whole new appreciation to our everyday view of things. Well… welcome to the Gospel of John! John's Gospel gives us a high and lofty view of Jesus and his life. John is often called the ‘Eagle gospel'. It is the last Gospel written. Ninety per cent of the material is John is not recorded in the other three gospels. Enjoy the ‘flight' as you listen through this lesson on JOHN!

Episode #179 Jesus' Gospel story is told, by God's design, from 4 different perspectives. Matthew tells if a Lion of Judah— a Jewish perspective. Mark emphasizes Jesus as the ‘sacrifice' for sin. John reveals Jesus from a ‘heavenly view (which is shying is called the ‘Eagle Gospel'. Then there is Luke! The only non-Jewish author in the Bible — Luke, the doctor and historian— writes of Jesus from a ‘human perspective'. His life, his family, his friends. Luke is written to show Jesus came to die for ALL MANKIND.

Episode #178 The main theme in the Gospel of Mark is ‘hurry'. Over 34 times Mark uses the term ‘immediately' (‘straightway' in King James Version). Mark was a young man… he was often in the presence of Jesus and the disciples… his home was probably the place we know of as the Upper Room. His is the shortest and the most ‘action filled' gospel. Enjoy this podcast on the Gospel of Mark.

Episode # 177 Matthew's Gospel, the first book of the New Testament, shouts the message loud and clear: the KING OF THE JEWS has come. In this very ‘Jewish' book (Matthew quotes the Jewish Old Testament 43 times), it is easy to see the main point of this Gospel. What God Promised Abraham so many years ago is now fulfilled on earth. The KING of KINGS has come!

Episode #176 The 12 books called the Minor Prophets are placed in the Bible in chronological order. The last two books END the Old Testament and prepare for a ‘New Day'. Both books speak in powerful ways about the ‘Coming King'. Zechariah gives us specific ‘visions' of the Coming King. And Malachi prophecies of the coming of John the Baptist— one who will ‘bridge' the gap from the Old to the New Testament. This prophet will announce the most important event in human history: the coming of the Lamb of God.

Episode #175 Habbakuk was a 'complainer'...Zephaniah was a 'singer'...and Haggai was a 'builder.' Well ...at least these three terms are the 'memory handles' to help you know ONE THING about these Minor Prophets. Enjoy!

Episode #174 Grace, repentance and judgment - that is the heart of these three Minor Prophets. The realities for the culture of Israel and Nineveh are just as true today. God gives grace...but there is a limit to His patience. And then, expect the bell of Judgment to ring!

These three books speak to issues that are 'front and center' in today's world. Joel looks at the 'locusts' of sin and decay and informs us they we can RETURN. Amos writes about God's anger with our treatment of the poor, weak and disadvantaged and promises that JUSTICE will roll like a river. Obadiah's focus is on the pride of the Edomites - a pride that the Lord declares He will bring JUDGMENT upon them. The messages of these 3 prophets are for their people - and for God's people today!!

Episode #172 Sometimes Bible characters are asked to do some odd things: build an Ark when there is no Flood or raise a staff to part a Red Sea. But perhaps God's request of Hosea was the ‘oddest': marry a prostitute. The focus of Hosea is the God-commanded ‘marriage' of Hosea to the wayward Gomer. It is also a dramatic picture of faithful God (the husband) and his relationship with the wayward and sinful nation Israel

Episode #171 Was there ever a man in the Bible like Daniel? Statesman, visionary, genius! He served (and perhaps converted) in the administrations of at least 4 Persian kings. He was the conduit for 7 powerful visions or dreams. He is referenced by Jesus in the Gospels. And maybe most interesting of all— God Himself speaks of the faith, wisdom and moral integrity of Daniel. What a testimony! What a book!

Episode #170 Jeremiah, a contemporary of Ezekiel, witnessed the physical destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. EZEKIEL vision was, perhaps, even worse as he watched the very PRESENCE… the Glory of God— depart from the Temple. ‘Glory Departed' is the theme of this amazing book.

Episode #169 Jeremiah is known as the ‘weeping prophet'— and he genuinely had a lot to ‘cry about'! The people of Judah would not listen or repent. He was the last prophet to a culture that was headed for destruction. And, Jeremiah watched as the enemy burned the 400 year old Jewish Temple of Solomon to the ground. A LOT to weep about! But still, in his ‘lamenting' (the book of Lamentations was written by Jeremiah) Jeremiah found hope in a God who remembers— ‘great is your faithfulness' (Lamentations 3:23)!

Episode #168 The book of Isaiah is filled with incredible and long reaching prophetic insights— from the Virgin Birth to details of the ‘Suffering Servant' to the prophetic promise , fulfilled in 1948, that Israel would be ‘reborn' as a nation. Hope you enjoy this teaching on Isaiah and his part in the Narrative of God.

Episode #167 Song of Songs is probably the most ‘PG-13' book in the Bible. It explores the beautiful creation of God: Romantic Love. ‘Take a listen' to this podcast and hopefully understand how God has wires is to know the deepest ‘pleasures' of our human existence.

Episode # 166 Every action begins with a belief or philosophy. What we ‘do' is what we ‘believe'. Solomon shares his experiences and his ultimate conclusion on the search for the meaning of life. Welcome to Ecclesiastes.

(Episode #165) How to BEHAVE WISELY— that is the thrust of the book of Proverbs. The 31 chapters of ‘rememberable sayings' speak to the down to earth issues of our lives— marriage, money, work, sexuality, character and so much more.

Episode #164 Psalms is a book written to address the human EMOTIONAL states that impact us all. Sometimes we rejoice, sometimes we question, sometimes we repent and sometimes we reflect on the twists and turns of our human existence. Psalms covers all of our emotions....and brings us peace!

Episode #163 Probably taking place during the days after the FLOOD of Noah and the CALLING of Abraham, the book of Job describes the life of a man named Job from an ‘earthly' AND a ‘Heavenly' viewpoint. So much deep truth and insight… contained in the book of Job.

Episode #162 From a slave girl to Queen of Persia. Only a God who ‘sees' could do that! And He did that! Even greater, though was her deeper mission— to save the Jewish lineage of the Messiah from total destruction.

Episode # 160 ‘Walls' are hot political topics today. Building them, especially! The book of Nehemiah is almost exclusively about that very subject— rebuilding the WALLS of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was the man chosen for the task… he persevered through the opposition… and rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem!

Episode #160 It has been 70 years since the babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar burned Jerusalem - including the Temple - to the ground. Now....it is time to rebuild the Temple. And that is the job of Ezra - to get the Temple rebuilt. For one day....a King of Kings will teach in it's court.

Episode # 159 The definition of a ‘chronicle' is ‘a factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence'. Well… welcome the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles. These two books give an orderly account of, predominantly, the background , plan and building of the greatest structure ever built— the TEMPLE of Solomon. God filled it with His PRESENCE… and for 400 years it served as the focal point of God's People.

Episode #158 The books of 1 and 2 Kings starts with the reign of the last great king (Solomon), then details the ‘civil war' that breaks the ‘united' Israel into two separate countries/kingdoms (Northern kingdom of ISRAEL and the Southern kingdom of JUDAH) to the final destruction of these kingdoms (the burning of Solomon's Temple). Enhance your understanding with a ‘listen' to this episode — Talking Through KINGS!

Episode #157 Two Kings… One Nation… and the Last Judge. That is what we ‘talk through' in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. As the last Judge of Israel, Samuel is charged with anointing TWO kings for the new ‘United States of Israel. The lives of these two kings (Saul and David) are the focus of the books of Samuel.

Episode #156 The Book of of Ruth is a ‘love story' on many levels. A love story about a man and a women (Boaz and Ruth)— but also a deep love between two women (Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth)… AND about a Moabite lady who abandons her pagan god and commits to love and serve the God of Israel. Enjoy the fascinating story of RUTH!

Episode #155 One of the most ‘intriguing' books of the Bible is JUDGES! The odd list of characters and their twisted and depraved exploits would put any ‘Hollywood' movie to shame. JUDGES shows the sad depths of humanity— and how God in grace raise up ‘heroes' to help in times of despair.

Episode #154 Over 500 years earlier, a promise was given by God to Abraham— a promise that ‘one day' his children will have their own nation and a land to call their own. A PROMISED Land. That day is now here… and the book of Joshua is about the battles to ‘fulfill' God's promise and to give the Nation of Israel a place to live.

(Episode #153)Moses has lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, across the wilderness and to the border of the Promised Land.  And he is about to DIE. His FAREWELL SPEECH to this new generation of Israelites... is the book of Deuteronomy.

What we call the book of 'Numbers' is call 'Bemidbar' in the Jewish tradition, which means 'the WANDERINGS.  Numbers is the record of the 40 years of 'wanderings' in the wilderness.  It is an exciting and event filled book. Enjoy the journey!!