Bible Connection

The end times is often a subject of confusion and disagreement among Christians. But pastor and bestselling author Max Lucado wants us to see the Bible's teaching about the end of this world for what it is: good news. In this episode of Bible Connection, Max talks about what motivated him to explore this subject more deeply, how eschatology liberates us from our fears, and encourages us to lift our eyes to the hope we have in Jesus.  Connect with Max Max Lucado Instagram: instagram.com/maxlucado  Max Lucado Facebook: facebook.com/maxlucado  Max Lucado on X/Twitter: x.com/MaxLucado  Max Lucado's website: maxlucado.com  Grace for the Moment Daily Bible Bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado invites you to immerse yourself in grace as you spend a few moments each day in God's Word. Excerpts from Max's works, on topics that are relevant to your life, help you connect daily with the Savior and experience the fullness of His grace.  Click here to learn more Referenced Scripture:   John 3:16  Luke 21:8  Romans 5:12-17  Revelation 20:4-6 

Butch Hartman spent years developing cartoons like The Fairly Odd Parents and Danny Phantom for Nickelodeon. But when he met Jesus when he was 37 his whole life changed and he dedicated his life to teaching children about the Bible. The Bible Connection Podcast sat down with him to better understand the intersection of his faith with his work and learn more about his new project called The Garden, a cartoon created to teach children stories and lessons from the Bible. See the Garden Bible Based on the new animated “The Garden” series by Butch Hartman (“Danny Phantom” & “The Fairly OddParents”), The Garden Children's Bible invites kids to understand the gospel in an entertaining and truth-centered way as they read the Bible alongside stunning stories and Hartman's signature illustrations. See more - https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/garden-bible/ See More About the Garden The Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardencartoon/  The Garden Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardencartoon  The Garden TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardencartoon The Garden: https://gardencartoon.com/  The Garden Bible: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/garden-bible/ Connect with Butch Butch Hartman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butchhartman/?hl=en  Buth Hartman Twitter: https://twitter.com/realhartman?lang=en  Butch Hartman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ButchHartmanart  Butch Hartman TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@butchhartman?lang=en

Butch Hartman spent years developing cartoons like The Fairly Odd Parents and Danny Phantom for Nickelodeon but has decided to turn his talents to furthering God's Kingdom. The Bible Connection Podcast sat down with him to better understand the intersection of his faith with his work. Connect with Butch and The Garden The Garden Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardencartoon/  The Garden Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardencartoon  The Garden TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegardencartoon    Butch Hartman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butchhartman/?hl=en  Buth Hartman Twitter: https://twitter.com/realhartman?lang=en  Butch Hartman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ButchHartmanart  Butch Hartman TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@butchhartman?lang=en    Recommended Bible Resource   The Garden Bible: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/garden-bible/  Based on the new animated “The Garden” series by Butch Hartman (“Danny Phantom” & “The Fairly OddParents”), The Garden Children's Bible invites kids to understand the gospel in an entertaining and truth-centered way as they read the Bible alongside stunning stories and Hartman's signature illustrations.  

Mary Jo Sharp has spent years teaching people how to defend their faith and engage with people who disagree with Christianity. In this episode, she shares her personal story of doubt and belief and teaches us how important it is to always go back to Scripture. Connect with Mary Jo Sharp:  Mary Jo Sharp website: https://maryjosharp.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confidentchristianity/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryJoSharp  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoINoNIQPQ0Jnz5jqdC9ZpQ  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryjosharp/   Recommended Bible Resource:  Evangelical Study Bible The Evangelical Study Bible offers a refreshing way to study God's Word focused on the unchanging truth of the gospel. Verse-by-verse commentary and interesting sidebars dig into the historical and contextual background of Scripture helping you grow in your understanding and appreciation of the life-changing truths of the Christian faith. Also included are more than fifty articles that help you better understand your faith and effectively share it with others.

Mark Mittelberg has been following where Christ leads for over 40 years. He's developed a passion and a calling to equip and unleash ordinary Christians to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. Mark shares his story, how the Lord has worked in his life, and, through his partnership with Lee Strobel, how he's able to help teach practical apologetics to the next generation.    Connect with Mark Mark's Website: https://markmittelberg.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkMittelberg The Strobel Center: https://www.ccu.edu/strobelcenter/ Contagious Faith: https://shopcontagiousfaith.com/

For the past forty years, Michael Card's music has touched the lives of countless people. On this episode of the Bible Connection Podcast, Michael tells us about his lifelong passion for engaging the Word of God and even plays a song for us. Connect with Michael Michael's Website: https://www.michaelcard.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelCardMusic/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQI32_GIl-iWjvJo3X_LSdg The Gomer Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU_NR6edj6Y  The Nazerene Book: http://store.michaelcard.com/thenazarenefortydevotionsonthelyricallifeofjesus.aspx Recommended Bible Reource The Abide Bible The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that come from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is designed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ.  

During an Emmy Award-winning career that spans over 40 years, Kathie Lee Gifford has allowed the Lord to place her in unique positions to impact others for the Kingdom. She joins the podcast to talk about her walk with Jesus and how that has helped her love others as Jesus loves them.   Connect with Kathie Lee   Kathie Lee's Website: https://www.kathieleegifford.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathieLGifford  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathieleegiffordspage  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathielgifford The Jesus I know Book - https://www.kathieleegifford.com/thejesusiknow/   Recommended Bible Resources:  The Love God Greatly Bible    The Love God Greatly Bible and the Young Women Love God Greatly Bible are designed to help you grow in your faith and see God's heart for the world. These Bibles include memory verses, reading plans, devotions and more, all designed to help you understand Scripture, God's love for you, God's work around the world, and the importance of community.   Quoted Scripture:  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+3%3A16&version=NKJV    Jesus curses the fig tree Matthew 11: 12-25   “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”  Jeremiah 31:3, NKJV  

By the time he turned 21, Haris III had made over a million dollars performing magic. By the age of 22, he lost it all. Going through that process forced him to question many things about the world and his life. Those questions led him on a faith journey where he learned how important it is to maintain a sense of wonder and a sense that there is something more and greater in the world.  Harris shares with the Bible Connection Podcast how important it is to know real truth and real joy so you do not fall for fakes, conterfeits, and deceptions. He stresses the importance of reading and memorizing Scripture, to write God's Word on your heart, so you can know and understand the real truth. He talks about the dangers of living in the information age and how that has hampered our ability to have a child-like faith in a God who is often mysterious.  In his book Wonder Switch, Harris guides readers on a journey through their own journey and narrative and allows them to re-engage with that sense of wonder that allows people to step into a new story of joy. He talks about how trauma can impact our ability to experience wonder and learn new stories. Episode Links:  The Wonder Switch Book: https://harrisiii.com/the-wonder-switch/  Social Links:  Harris III website: https://harrisiii.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harristhethird  Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarrisIII  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisiii/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HarristheThird Recommended Bible Resources:  The Abide Bible The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that come from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is designed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ.  

Author, blogger, and speaker Rebekkah Lyons joins the Bible Connection Podcast to talk about her ministry, Q, that encourages faithful Christians at the forefront of culture to ask and answer big questions in the modern age. She talks about her experience with anxiety and panic attacks that ushered her into a faith journey of trusting God for rescue and freedom and shares what she has learned that helps her reset her mind and armor herself against temptation. Connect with Rebekah and her ministries:  Rebekah Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebekahlyons  Twitter: https://twitter.com/rebekahlyons  Instagram: http://instagram.com/rebekahlyons    Q Ideas Conference:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qideas/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qideas  Twitter: https://twitter.com/qideas  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/officialqideas   Recommended Bible Resources:  The Abide Bible The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that come from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is designed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ.   Quoted Scripture:  “Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6, NKJV  “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7, KJV  “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.”  Genesis 15:6, NKJV  Psalm 18 “You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.”  Psalm 139:5, NKJV  

What does it look like to be a Jesus follower in Hollywood? TV and film producer and screenwriter Brian Bird sits down with The Bible Connection Podcast to discuss his faith journey and the importance of telling Christ-centered stories to the entire world. He talks about the power of story and the impact we can have for God's Kingdom through telling His story. Connect with Brian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brbird/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/brbird?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrianBirdWriter/  When Calls the Heart: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/when-calls-the-heart   Recommended Bible Resources:  The Abide Bible The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that come from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is designed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ.   Quoted Scripture:  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Hebrews 8:10 “looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 “Moreover He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.”” Ezekiel 3:1

Curtis Zackery joins us on this episode of The Bible Connection Podcast to talk about his new book, Soul Rest. This book was born out of Curtis' own history with finding identity in his work and his ministry and seeks to show how often we push to do more of God's Work without stopping to see if God is with us in the work. In the Bible, God gives us the example of resting from work and finding refreshment in the work only God can do - a practice that Curtis stresses the importance of today. Although true rest only comes from Christ, Curtis gives us some helpful advice to point us back to resting in Jesus. Connect with Curtis:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/whoiscz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoiscz/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/curtiszackery?app=desktop   Learn More about Curtis' Work:  Curtis' ministry, Find Rest: https://www.findrest.org/ Church of the City, Curtis' church: https://cotc.com/ Soul Rest Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-soul-rest/id1538858162 Soul Rest Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683590627/ref=as_glm?linkCode=ml1&tag=curtiszacke06-20   Recommended Bible Resources:  The Abide Bible The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that come from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is designed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ. Quoted Scripture:  Genesis 2:2: “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.”  Exodus 31:17: “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” Matthew 11:28-29: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Ephesians 2:8-10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Romans 12:1-4: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function.”  

I n this episode of the BIble Connection Podcast, Lisa Whittle talks about her realization, gleaned from her study of the Bible, that Jesus is to be placed over everything in her life and how hard it is to realize that goal. Even though it can feel like a heady to-do list, Lisa explains how placing Jesus over everything is actually a way to uncomplicate your life and operate the way the Bible says you should.    She talks about lies that we often believe about service. That we often get off track by thinking whatever has the biggest spotlight is doing the best. We look at service the way man judges it instead of how God does it. Often, we think of service incorrectly. Lisa talks about how to have a proper perspective on service and how that can change your heart. Then, she talks about how service can often be painful and something she must pray for and work for.    Lisa talks about the importance of choosing holiness over freedom and how that relinquishment leads to an abundant life that God has promised. Pursuing legalism isn't Biblical, but choosing holiness isn't legalism, as Lisa explains in the episode. She explains how so often we are enslaved by our own free choices and choosing holiness is so much less complicated.    People constantly chase substitute saviors and things to distract us that ultimately don't bring us true joy and happiness. At the end of the day, we're back to complicated lives and stress. Lisa shows us that following Christ and putting Jesus over everything is truly a way to bring joy and an uncomplicated life. Lisa encourages us that God will empower us to do what He asks us to do. It will be difficult, but it is possible.    Episode Links:    Lisa Whittle's Website: https://lisawhittle.com/  Lisa's books, including Jesus Over Everything: ​​https://lisawhittle.com/books/ Jesus Over Everything Study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7wDKUfHR1Q   Recommended Bible Resources:    The Abide Bible   The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that come from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is designed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ. Quoted Scripture:    John 16:33: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.    Colossians 1:17-18: And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.    Psalm 142:5:  I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, “You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.    

For 32 years, Klaus Krogh has created and operated a graphic design company dedicated to doing the best possible quality of work on every single project. Designing Bibles and typesetting the Word of God quickly became the core of the business. In this episode of the Bible Connection Podcast, Klaus tells the story of 2K/Denmark, the philosophy behind everything he does, and how his faith and his love have driven him to create beautiful Bibles because he knows it can change lives. Social Links:    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2kdenmark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2k-denmark/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2kdenmark/   Episode Links:  2K/Denmark Website: https://www.2kdenmark.com/   Recommended Bible Resources:    NET Bible, Full Notes Edition   The NET offers a completely new solution: pairing a readable, everyday English translation with the largest set of translators' notes ever created for a Bible. The NET's 60,000 notes bring complete transparency to every major translation decision and invite you to look over the translators' shoulders, allowing you to come to your own understanding of the Scriptures. It is an indispensable resource for every Bible reader. Quoted Scripture:  Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

For 32 years, Klaus Krogh has created and operated a graphic design company dedicated to doing the best possible quality of work on every single project. Designing Bibles and typesetting the Word of God quickly became the core of the business. In this episode of the Bible Connection Podcast, Klaus tells the story of 2K/Denmark, the philosophy behind everything he does, and how his faith and his love have driven him to create beautiful Bibles because he knows it can change lives. Social Links:    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2kdenmark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2k-denmark/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2kdenmark/   Episode Links:  2K/Denmark Website: https://www.2kdenmark.com/   Recommended Bible Resources:    NET Bible, Full Notes Edition   The NET offers a completely new solution: pairing a readable, everyday English translation with the largest set of translators' notes ever created for a Bible. The NET's 60,000 notes bring complete transparency to every major translation decision and invite you to look over the translators' shoulders, allowing you to come to your own understanding of the Scriptures. It is an indispensable resource for every Bible reader. Quoted Scripture:  Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

Through an incredible life and ministry of trusting in God and relying on His guidance, CeCe Winans, the best-selling female gospel artist of all time, has pointed millions of people to the love of Jesus. She sat down with the Bible Connection Podcast to talk about her career and how important it has been for her to stay connected to the truth found in the Scripture.   Social Links:  CeCe Winans website: http://cecewinans.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecewinans/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/cecewinans YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC86Zlc-v_kkZ-yKG2cJZkxQ  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Official.CeCe.Winans/   Episode Links CeCe's new song, I've Got Joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ2vBAw_1uY  Generations Video Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuHH5jvsGxjlbFfmVPzzSqVh5L-BYobGv  Generations Live Conference: https://www.compassionlive.com/event/generations-live/ Nashville Life Church website: https://www.nashvillelifechurch.com/   Recommended Bible Resources:  The Love God Greatly Bible    The Love God Greatly Bible and the Young Women Love God Greatly Bible are designed to help you grow in your faith and see God's heart for the world. These Bibles include memory verses, reading plans, devotions and more, all designed to help you understand Scripture, God's love for you, God's work around the world, and the importance of community.   Quoted Scripture:    Psalm 16:11: “In His presence is fullness of joy.” Proverbs 11:21: “The seed of the righteous shall be delivered.”

Thomas Hunter began his career in athletics, first as a player and then as a coach. Through the calling of the Holy Spirit, Thomas followed God into a career in Community Relations for the Davidson County Sheriff's Office as well as pastoring Nehemiah Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville. Through his multi-vocational ministry, Thomas Hunter has touched countless lives around Nashville.    In the 12th episode of the Bible Connection podcast, Thomas shares with us how important it is to be involved with your community. The church is designed to reach out and touch the hurting and the broken, no matter how difficult that is. Thomas shares how God has given him a deep love for his neighbor. He also shares how he is always open to meeting with anyone and cherishes the opportunity to cross bridges and see others as sons and daughters of God.  The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. Thomas Hunter shares how his church and his ministry are trying to obey that commandment. He shares how the living, breathing Word of God is essential to reach the broken.  Episode Links    Davidson County Sheriff’s Office website Nehemiah Missional Baptist Church website Gotham Leadership Training page   Recommended Bible Resource   NET Bible   The NET offers a completely new solution: pairing a readable, everyday English translation with the largest set of translators’ notes ever created for a Bible. The NET’s 60,000 notes bring complete transparency to every major translation decision and invite you to look over the translators’ shoulders, allowing you to come to your own understanding of the Scriptures. It is an indispensable resource for every Bible reader. Featured Scripture   John 3:16   “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  

Through her life-changing work and ministry, Becca Stevens has received national recognition. She was awarded the 2016 Hero of the Year by CNN as well as a Champion of Change by the White House. An ordained Episcopal priest, Becca founded Thistle Farms to help women break out of the horrible cycle of abuse and addiction. Since its founding in 1997, Thistle Farms has changed and saved the lives of countless women.    In the 11th episode of the Bible Connection podcast, Becca tells us her life story and how it led her to found her ministry. She explains how Thistle Farms provides much-needed community for women and how that community makes an impact. The motto of Thistle Farms is “Love Heals” and Becca explains the meaning and purpose behind the phrase.    Also, Doris, a member of the Thistle Farms community, joins the episode to share her own story. Doris is open and vulnerable about her past and how Thistle Farms changed her life.    Through the power of the Holy Spirit and a reliance on the love of God, Becca Stevens has started a ministy that truly saves lives. Her story is one that will inspire people to show others a love that can heal everybody.    Episode Links    Becca Stevens Website Thistle Farms Website   Recommended Bible Resource   The Open Bible    The Open Bible offers clean and easy navigation through the connectivity of Scripture with a time-tested complete reference system trusted by millions. Plus, The Open Bible gives you even more access into the pages of the Word with book introductions and outlines to provide context and themes from beginning to end.   Featured Scripture   Matthew 6:28-30   “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”  

Love God Greatly is a ministry designed to help women follow the greatest commandment: to love God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Based out of founder Angela Perritt’s home in Dallas, Love God Greatly reaches over 500,000 thousand women in over 100 countries with Bible Studies in their own language. A team of volunteers sacrificially give of their time and resources to translate these valuable resources into their country’s languages so that every woman can read and understand the Word of God in her own language. These resources, devotions and Bible studies are free and distributed to anyone who might need it.    In the 10th episode of The Bible Connection Podcast, Angela Perritt talks about her heart behind the ministry, how it came to be, and the passion that drives it. So often it is hard and scary to find a community of women to support you, but Love God Greatly fuels passionate communities all around the globe dedicated to helping women love God and know Him better. The Bible study tools are a free resource for every Love God Greatly group, no matter where they meet, so there are no obstacles keeping women from God.    Through it all, Angela has learned to lean on God and trust in His vision. She admits that she never dreamed any of this would happen, but God did. Sometimes His plans are so much greater than ours. Angela and the incredible volunteers of Love God Greatly work tirelessly to get women into God’s Word in their language and in their communities.   Episode Links   Love God Greatly Website     Featured Scripture:    Mark 12:30-31  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  

For over 30 years, pastor and writer Max Lucado has been encouraging others with his powerful ministry. In this episode of the Bible Connection podcast, Max shares his journey into writing and the different places his books have taken him over the years. From Brazil to San Antonio, Texas, Mas has worked hard to develop his spiritual gifts and share them with others.    In his most recent book, How Happiness Happens, Max examines the current state of happiness in the modern world. Anxiety levels are rising at the same time as personal happiness is dropping. Why is that? Where has our happiness gone? Max shares some of his findings and the paths we can take to find happiness again. Max believes that God cares about our happiness and has given us clear paths towards happiness, including encouraging others.    Throughout his ministry, Max has developed a deep love for and dedication to the Word of God. He shares what the Bible is currently teaching him and the ways it speaks to him in every season of his life.    Episode Links    Max Lucado Website How Happiness Happens Website   Featured Scripture   John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

Before becoming a hero during a catastrophic moment on one Southwest flight, Tammie Jo Shults spent a lifetime faithfully serving the Lord as a pilot. In a lot of ways, she had to blaze her own trail in the world of aviation and she faced major obstacles along the way. From a pilot telling her to “find something women can do” at a career fair to being rejected by the Air Force and Army, Tammie Jo relied on the Lord to guide her into a successful career as a pilot for the U.S. Navy.  After her time in the military, Tammi Jo spent time as a commercial airline pilot. During one flight in April of 2018, a catastrophic failure occurred on the Southwest aircraft Tammie Jo was flying. Her composure, ability as a pilot, and reliance on the Lord made her able to successfully land the badly disabled plane.    In this episode of the Bible Connection podcast, Tammie Jo talks about how her devotion to the Word of God and love for the Lord has guided everything she has done. Despite the many adversities and obstacles she has faced, and overcome, in her life, Tammie Jo stood firm in her identity as someone who is loved by God.    Listen to Tammi Jo’s routine for spending time with the Bible every morning and how it has impacted her entire life. She shares about the importance of knowing and reading Scripture, God’s love letter to you as she calls it, and the ways it can change and shape your understanding of the world.    Episode Links   Nerves of Steel - Tammie Jo Shults book   Recommended Resource   Premier Collection Bibles  Heirloom-quality Premier Collection Bibles feature hand-bound goatskin covers, premium European paper, 3 satin ribbons, and more classic touches that add to the experience of reading God’s word. Now available in several leading translations. Find more information at PremierCollectionBibles.com.    Featured Scripture   2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  

Sean McDowell has a long history with the theological discipline of apologetics. His father, Josh McDowell, has authored or co-authored over 150 books, including Evidence That Demands a Verdict, A Ready Defense, and More Than a Carpenter. Following in his father’s footsteps, Sean McDowell is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, the author of several books on Christian apologetics, intelligent design, and youth ministry.    In this episode of Bible Connection, Sean shares his invaluable perspective on apologetics. He explains what it is and why it is so important for each Christian to be prepared to defend the faith they have. As he says, every Christian is an apologist. Sean makes the case that apologetics is not just for unbelievers, but is also useful for strengthening the faith of believers.    Engaging and reaching the next generation is a theme that runs through Sean’s life and ministry. From his time as the head of the Bible department at at Christian high school to his most recent book on Generation Z, Sean longs to see the next generation know and love Jesus as Savior. During this conversation, Seam shares how vital apologetics is in engaging the culture of today. He shows the recurring themes in the questions he hears every day and the cultural shift from seeking truth to seeking what is good.    Finally, Sean explains how apologetics is so much more than explaining the truth. It involves showing what is good and what is beautiful about the truth.  Episode Links   Sean McDowell Website Josh McDowell Ministries Website So the Next Generation Will Know - Sean’s book with J. Warner Wallace about Gen Z   Recommended Bible Resource NET Bible   The NET offers a completely new solution: pairing a readable, everyday English translation with the largest set of translators’ notes ever created for a Bible. The NET’s 60,000 notes bring complete transparency to every major translation decision and invite you to look over the translators’ shoulders, allowing you to come to your own understanding of the Scriptures. It is an indispensable resource for every Bible reader.   Featured Scripture   Hebrews 10:39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. 1 Peter 3:15-16  But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.

In this episode of Bible Connection, Will and Andrea McGinniss share the journey of the Hands and Feet Project, a ministry serving orphaned and abandoned (restavek) children of Haiti. Started in 2004 by the members of Christian band Audio Adrenaline, of which Will is one of the founding members, Hands and Feet pre-dated Haiti’s national social services organization and the devastating hurricane and earthquake that brought the world’s attention to the nation.   Initially, Will and Andrea planned to support the ministry through the band’s platform from the U.S. But after a few years, they and their three young children moved to Haiti full time to oversee the day-to-day operations. They describe the criticism they faced from friends and family, and how initial mishaps on their first day actually helped them settle in.   Today, Hands and Feet is a mult-faceted organization fighting the Haitian orphan crisis. The ministry not only provides the long-term family-style care for these children in need, but also developed programs that support families in the surrounding community. Hands and Feet now has multiple locations in the southern peninsula of the Caribbean nation. They have created an entrepreneurial employment opportunity called Haiti Made, host economically-sensitive mission trips, and more. All of these serve to create sustainable solutions to help families thrive.   Finally, Will and Andrea reflect on the lessons they’ve learned about faith, family, and how the Bible is speaking into their lives today. Episode Links:  Hands and Feet Project website Haiti Made website Losing My Voice to Find It Audio Adrenaline co-founder, Mark Stuart’s book on his faith journey, including the work at Hands and Feet Project.   Recommended Bible Resource: Premier Collection Bibles  Heirloom-quality Premier Collection Bibles feature hand-bound goatskin covers, premium European paper, 3 satin ribbons, and more classic touches that add to the experience of reading God’s word. Now available in several leading translations. Find more information at PremierCollectionBibles.com.  Featured Scripture:   Psalm 27 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!   Numbers 6:23-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” ’

Making the Bible available to people in their own language has been the sacred task of scholars for centuries. In fact, 16th century English translator William Tyndale, whose work greatly informed the King James Bible about 80 years later, stated that his goal was to make a Bible that a ploughboy could understand.    Today’s translators, such as Dallas Theological Seminary scholars Dr. W. Hall Harris and Dr. Daniel B. Wallace, continue this responsibility. But today’s technology has allowed for a new approach used by these scholars in the NET Bible project that provides an unprecedented glimpse into the translation process. Their work gives an even deeper understanding and appreciation not only for this Bible translation, but of the decisions other translators have made, even back to the days of Tyndale.   In this episode of Bible Connection, Hall and Dan tell the story about the NET Bible project, and how key decisions were made to allow everyone to virtually look over the shoulder of leading biblical language scholars and understand the Scriptures more clearly.  Episode Links:  Bible.org Netbible.com Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts   Recommended Bible Resource: NET Bible  Ever feel lost in translation? With the new NET Bible and translator notes, you don’t need to be. Modern readers can find it challenging to connect with the ancient words and cultural contexts of the biblical writers. The NET offers a completely new solution: pairing a readable, everyday English translation with the largest set of translators’ notes ever created for a Bible. The NET’s 60,000 notes bring complete transparency to every major translation decision and invite you to look over the translators’ shoulders, allowing you to come to your own understanding of the Scriptures. It is an indispensable resource for every Bible reader.   Featured Scripture:  1 Peter 5:6-7 And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you.  

Pastor Chad Veach founded the Los Angeles-based Zoe Church, named for the Greek word, zoe (pronounced zo-ay) which means abundant life, or absolute fullness of life. An abundant life in Jesus does not avoid the suffering of a broken world, but provides hope for tomorrow and strength for today.   In this episode, Chad discusses the day when he and his wife Julia received the devastating diagnosis that their first born, Georgia, was born with a brain disorder. In this dark time, he clung to the hope of heaven and faith in a good God. As he says, “Because God is good, He doesn’t make these things happen, but He can use them to teach me things, to shape some things in my life that are broken.”   Their experience has since shaped how he relates and ministers to others with empathy. Suffering doesn’t just look like illness; it comes in many ways. But the source of hope is the same: Jesus.  Episode Links:  Zoe Church website Zoe Church Youtube channel Recommended Bible Resource: Premier Collection Bibles  Heirloom-quality Premier Collection Bibles feature hand-bound goatskin covers, premium European paper, 3 satin ribbons, and more classic touches that add to the experience of reading God’s word. Now available in several leading translations. Find more information at PremierCollectionBibles.com.  Featured Scripture:  Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  

Many people have pain and wounds they don’t talk about. Fear and shame create a cycle of isolation and hopelessness. But the Bible is light to these dark places.   After suffering decades of abuse of all kinds, Paula found herself as a single mom in a new city, jobless, with three young boys to homeschool. In these circumstances, she heard God’s call to start a ministry helping people still caught in the darkness of brokenness and shame. Bloom in the Dark started with real, raw stories of people who found hope and restoration in the gospel with the slogan, “Use the fertilizer of your past to bloom in your future.”   The book turned into a TV show, Bloom Today, now syndicated around the world and on Amazon Prime. Paula’s co-host and ministry partner, Ginny Priz, adds her own story of addiction and choices that turned into painful and embarrassing consequences.   Together, Paula, Ginny, and their team of counselors, life coaches, pastors, and more, share the good news that there is no pit too deep in your life to experience freedom, joy, and abundant life in Christ.   Episode Links:  Bloom in the Dark website Bloom in the Dark book Bloom Today on Amazon Prime   Recommended Bible Resource: The Open Bible  For over 40 years, The Open Bible has helped people easily navigate Scripture to see the connections and message of God’s word for themselves. It’s a great choice whether you are familiar with the Bible or completely new to it.    Featured Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.  

The Scriptures could not be more current as they speak into the very real questions and struggles people face every day. Pastor Jonathan “JP” Pokluda talks about using the Bible as a blueprint given by a loving God to a culture hungry for answers and hope.    Episode Links:  Welcome to Adulting Harris Creek Baptist Church: https://www.harriscreek.org/ The Porch at Watermark Community Church: https://www.watermark.org/dallas/ministries/the-porch   Recommended Bible Resource: NET Bible  Ever feel lost in translation? With the new NET Bible and translator notes, you don’t need to be. Modern readers can find it challenging to connect with the ancient words and cultural contexts of the biblical writers. The NET offers a completely new solution: pairing a readable, everyday English translation with the largest set of translators’ notes ever created for a Bible. The NET’s 60,000 notes bring complete transparency to every major translation decision and invite you to look over the translators’ shoulders, allowing you to come to your own understanding of the Scriptures. It is an indispensable resource for every Bible reader. Featured Scripture: Jeremiah 29:7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

The Bible says love is an action word. In this episode of BibleConnection, Pastor Paul Palmer shares how the Atlanta Dream Center began from a simple beginning to a multi-faceted ministry with programs to reach, rescue and restore children and families in need, the homeless, and the sexually exploited.   Episode Links:  Atlanta Dream Center: https://atldreamcenter.com/   Recommended Bible Resource: The Open Bible  For over 40 years, The Open Bible has helped people easily navigate Scripture to see the connections and message of God’s word for themselves. It’s a great choice whether you are familiar with the Bible or completely new to it.    Featured Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,     because the Lord has anointed me     to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,     to proclaim freedom for the captives     and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor     and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,     and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty     instead of ashes, the oil of joy     instead of mourning, and a garment of praise     instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness,     a planting of the Lord     for the display of his splendor.