Bible Reading Podcast

The following podcast is from a school project that I am working on in pursuit of a doctoral degree in counseling. This will likely be a pilot episode of a future podcast that is planned to release sometime in the Fall of 2023, but potentially under a new name. Stay tuned, or write Chaseathompson@gmail.com with questions or updates.  Today we discuss whether or not Christians can be depressed and discover a whole slew of famous people - Christian and otherwise - who have struggled deeply with depression. We also discuss ways to wrestle with and overcome depressive episodes. 

Abortion: the most controversial issue in America. Though the Bible doesn't use the word "abortion," the Bible most certainly speaks to the topic. Does the Bible teach that the unborn are persons? Is there scientific or philosophical evidence that could indicate the unborn are persons? Today we look at abortion through the lens of the Bible.

In part two of our interview with Mike Licona, we discuss his seven hour debate with religion scholar and skeptic Dr. Bart Ehrman. What caused Ehrman to abandon his faith and become an aggressive critic of Christianity? Dr. Licona also shares how he discusses faith and the resurrection of Jesus with skeptics and strangers.

Today we interview best-selling author Dr. Mike Licona - a Youtuber and college professor who specializes in the resurrection of Jesus. Dr. Licona went through a long period of doubt - while in seminary! - and came through the other side convinced that Jesus historically rose from the dead. How did that transformation happen? Dr. Licona also discusses his relationship with his mentor Dr. Gary Habermas, probably the foremost expert on the resurrection in the world.

What is the most important way to live your life, according to Jesus? In this episode, we look at the life and habits of Mary of Bethany - a woman commended by Jesus. We contrast her with the irritability and anxiousness of her sister, Martha. How is it that Mary was praised by Jesus, while Martha was so disturbed and short-tempered? 

Over the last ten years, the United States has averaged MORE than one mass-shooting event PER DAY. How should Christians react to such violence? Should Christians loudly show their support for guns and gun ownership, or does God's Word call us in a different direction?

Does unanswered prayer prove that God doesn't care? How is it that a good God, who listens to and loves His people, sometimes doesn't answer their prayers? Unanswered prayer is an issue addressed throughout the Bible, and we will discuss several reasons prayers go unanswered. Today we also discuss how noted Bible scholar Bart Ehrman lost his faith, the origin of Thor's enemy Gorr, and what both have to do with unanswered prayer.

One question that Christians don't talk about enough is HOW should we actually study our Bibles? Should we read them cover to cover, starting at the beginning? Should we follow a Bible reading plan? Should we spend more time in the Old Testament or New Testament? Today we discuss Dr. Sean McDowell's Bible reading plan and its merits. We also discuss what percentage of the Bible is Old Testament vs New, and how that should inform our Bible reading decisions.

Today we discuss a question that probably isn't asked enough: Do all parts of the Bible have equal importance? Are there some chapters, or verses, or even books that are more important than others? Interestingly, as Jesus Himself will tell us - some parts of the Bible are indeed more important than others, and knowing this will better prepare us to study the Bible in a more advantageous way.

Apologist and author Lonny Robison joins us to discuss interacting with skeptics, atheists and anti-theists (?) on the internet. Is that a fruitful and wise activity? We also discuss Dr. Craig Keener's massive work on miracles, recounting testimonies of people healed of migraines, holes in their hearts, and even an older lady who was enabled to walk again after years in a wheelchair! What do all of these miracles mean, and can they be used as evidence to prove biblical accounts to skeptics?

In part 2 of our interview with New Testament scholar and best-selling author Craig Keener, we discuss how modern-day miracles demonstrate how reliable the Bible is. Dr. Keener shares with us the mind-blowing story of how Barbara Cummiskey was healed of multiple issues after doctors sent her home to die. Multiple doctors and nurses are eyewitnesses of this incredible healing, and Dr. Keener will tell us all about it. We also discuss how Christians today might themselves experience more miracles. 

On this first episode of the Deep Questions Pod, our guest is Dr. Craig Keener, author of Miracles Today, and a two-volume (1200 page!) scholarly work on Miracles. Dr. Keener is a New Testament scholar, prolific author, and without a doubt, the foremost authority in the world on miracles in history, and modern miracles. Dr. Keener shares some amazing miracles stories today, including some that he personally witnessed and experienced! He also shares about his writing career, how he wrote his four-volume (4,400 page!) commentary on the book of Acts, and how he met his wife Medine, who was a refugee in Congo for 18 months. An absolutely fascinating interview - be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you can hear part two, coming in the next episode. 

This is a short trailer for the Deep Questions podcast - visit the show's website at www.Deepquestionspod.com! This is the Deep Questions Podcast, and I'm your host, Chase Thompson, a pastor and writer in Salinas, California.  On the Deep Questions pod, we want to dive into the deepest Spiritual questions that humans have: Is the Bible reliable? Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Why are some churches and Christians toxic?  Was there a conspiracy in the early church to change the Bible and transform a humble carpenter into the Son of God? Is the Shroud of Turin a Hoax, or the genuine burial Shroud of Jesus?  That's just a sample of the questions we will tackle. Like I said, I'm Chase, and I've been podcasting since 2005. I'm also a writer, and the pastor of Valley Baptist church, in Salinas, California. I've got five kids and a lovely wife named Janet, and all of us originally hail from Birmingham, Alabama. If you want to get in touch with me with a question for the show, or a comment, then please go to our website, www.Deepquestionspod.com and hit the contact form there. I especially love to hear from critics, atheists and skeptics - even snarky ones, because I love critics, skeptics and atheists!  You can also find me on social media - chaseathompson on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Today we finish the daily run of a Bible podcast that has lasted over 730 episodes - and I reflect on the incredible value of reading God's Word every day, without missing a day. We need the Word of God in our lives!

Jesus sends His disciples out on the Great Commission to tell the Word about His death, resurrection and teachings, but FIRST, He tells them to WAIT in Jerusalem until they are clothed in power from the Holy Spirit - what does this mean?

Today is a very different episode - we look at the life of Reverend Frank M. Barker Jr., pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian in Birmingham, and see how the power of death is swallowed up by the resurrection of Jesus.

Revelation 22 is the last chapter of the Bible - what is it all about? How does the Bible actually end? What is the last word in the Bible, and the last promise in the Bible? What does the ending of the Bible mean?

Today we look at one of the most hope-filled chapters in the Bible and find what may well be the single greatest promise in all of Scripture. Also - will Christians live forever in Heaven? Actually, we won't, according to Revelation 20!

Both John in Revelation and Daniel in the Old Testament describe a "Great White Throne Judgment" of God where people are judged based on their works- their righteous deeds. Does this mean that salvation is somehow by works? If not, then why is this judgment at the end times based on works?

Today we read a very unnerving chapter that discusses the downfall of Babylon the Great/The Whore of Babylon, and consider whether or not this refers to those who call themselves the church today.

Today we conclude our discussion of whether or not the whore of Babylon/Babylon the great - the evil entity that all of Heaven rejoices when it is burned - is actually the institutional church of today. Also: What will Jesus be like when He returns?

Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived and blessed by God in every way. His life ended poorly, however, as he failed to live by his own wise counsel. How did that happen, and how can we avoid the same?

Where do we acquire wisdom from? How can we become wise? Does it take a great amount of effort to be a genuinely wise person?

One of the most mysterious and debated entities in the Bible is the "Whore of Babylon" or the "Great Harlot" Today we discuss various theories on who exactly this mysterious person or group actually is.

Seven angels pour out seven bowls of terrible judgment on the people of the Earth in Revelation 16. Are these judgments justified, or too harsh? What will the end of the world be like?

In Revelation 15 we see a wonderful picture of the saints singing on Heavenly pavement - a sea of fiery glass, apparently - and they are singing two different songs: The Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb. What are these songs all about?

Three interesting topics today: Who is the beast described in the book of Revelation? (Part 2) What is the Mark of the Beast, and could we get fooled into getting it, like by an injection or vaccine? (no!) and, finally, What does 666 represent?

Fascinating topic today: The book of Revelation talks about two figures that will be worshipped by everybody on Earth who is not saved by Jesus - these two figures are the dragon and the beast. Who could the dragon and beast possibly be? (part 1 of 2)

Wisdom is a word that is used a lot, but how is it defined- how does the Bible define wisdom? Is there any difference between wisdom and smarts? How can somebody become more wise?

Today we read the last Psalm and discover it is absolutely pure and single-minded in purpose - this Psalm is all about worship: Why praise? Where praise? How praise? And who praises? Let's dive deep into worship talk today!

Today we discuss a little known Christmas passage - Revelation 12- which tells about the birth of Jesus from a spiritual and spiritual warfare perspective. We also learn from Scripture the key to overcoming Satan.

Revelation 11 presents us with two mysterious figures who prophesy on earth for 3.5 years, do miracles, and call down God's judgments. Who are these powerful and faithful witnesses?

If you were to see an angel, what would it look like? Do Angels have wings? Can they fly? Do they look human, or quite a bit different than humans? Why do people seem to pass out in terror every time an angel is around?

Who is the King of the Abyss known as Apollyon? Is he Satan, or a demon, or some other mysterious and terrifying being? Also - who are the strange "locusts" that he is the king of? Reading Revelation 9 - a most mysterious Bible chapter!

Focused on the End Times today - what will they be like? Revelation 8 has a glaring description, which includes the mysterious "star" Wormwood. What is Wormwood?

How can we possibly describe God's nature and character in just a few words? In Psalm 145:8, we find what might just be the perfect short description of exactly who God is.

Psalm 148 is a wonderful and soaring song of praise to God - but, does it call for dragons or sea monsters to actually worship God from the depths of the sea?? Sort of.

Two end-times mysteries today. #1 What happened to the tribe of Dan - who is not listed in the list of the tribes of Israel sealed in Revelation 7. More controversially - who are the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation? Are they faithful and elite Jehovah's Witnesses?? No!

Today our focus is on the end-times. Who are the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and what is an apocalypse, anyway? Also: What is the scroll that Jesus opens in the book of Revelation, and what do it's seals represent?

Some have used the Bible to justify racism. Others have accused the Bible of somehow supporting racism. What's the truth of the matter - does the Bible teach that Christianity is to be a white person religion only? Is Christianity to be an American religion only. NO, NO, NO!

Does God have a physical appearance or a particular color? We might think the answer is no, but John describes God as having a very particular color in today's passage. Also: who or what are the Seven Spirits of God?

Should we ever whine or complain to God in prayer? Today we discuss prayers for deliverance - how we should cry out to God when we are in desperate need for Him.

Jesus wrote seven letters to His churches almost 2000 years ago, but what does He have to say to His churches TODAY? Aren't those old letters outdated? No, actually - they are as fresh today as they were then. Also: What Does Jesus commend in the church and what does He disfavor?

When did you come into being? Did you begin to exist at conception or - did your soul exist before your body was made? Also- is it possible for us to fully understand God and His ways?

Did Jesus write or dictate any letters in His lifetime, or did others write about Him? Today we look at 4 of the 7 letters that Jesus wrote, and consider another possible/improbable letter written by Jesus. Also: Revelation says that Pergamum is the place where Satan's throne is - what does that mean?!

What will the return of Jesus be like - will everybody around the world be able to see His return? Also: What does the risen and glorified Jesus look like in Heaven now? Does He still have an appearance like a human man? John answers both questions for us - and more - in the first chapter of the book of Revelation.

Jude is a fascinating, but short book of the Bible. In it, the author warns us against slandering an sort of heavenly being, including Satan himself. We aren't supposed to talk bad about the devil? Also: How can we practically pray in the Spirit - is praying in the Spirit the same thing as praying in tongues?

Why has it taken so long for Jesus to return - what is causing His slowness? You might be surprised to find out that He hasn't delayed long at all, because time is quite different from God's perspective than from ours. Today we focus on the second coming and how time works differently for God!

Both 2nd Peter 2 and Jude 6 talk about angels who are kept in dark chains for a particular sin they committed. Were these angels the ones referred to in Genesis 6:1-4 - the ones who had relations with human beings? Also: the dangers of false teaching.

What Bible verse is repeated more than any other? Plus: What a wonderful Psalm of Thanksgiving teaches us about the act of Thanksgiving!

Two short, but deep Psalms today, and two topics. First, we discuss the wonderful blessing of unity and the strange use of metaphors in the Old Testament. Second we discuss "raising hands" in worship. Is this a charismatic-only practice?