Hebrews 11:1-16 - Faith and Obedience Go Together

In this episode, Jenn delves into the concept of faith, exploring what it means to have faith in God and how it's demonstrated in the lives of biblical figures like Abel, Enoch, and Abraham: The definition of faith - the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. The live…

Ezra 6:14 - 7:10 - The 2nd Temple is Finally Finished

In this episode of the Bible Explained podcast, Jenn delves into the story of Ezra and the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Despite facing opposition from neighboring nations and even some of the Persian kings, the Israelites remained committed to their faith and worked tirelessly to c…

Hebrews 10:26-39 - The Scariest Verse for Christians

**Hebrews 10: A Call to Action** In this episode, Jenn delves into the difficult topic of Hebrews 10, where Christians are reminded that actions have consequences, and that God is a God of justice: The concept of willful sinning - how it leads to a "fearful expectation of judgment" and a "fiercene…

Ezra 6:1-13 - God Has the Right to Preserve His Word

In today's episode from Ezra 6: Who was king Darius? Why did he sponsor the rebuilding of the temple? The Apharsachites are fully humiliated by Darius's letter Darius promises destruction to anyone who adds or takes away from his decree A warning to those who misuse the Bible by adding or taking aw…

Hebrews 10:19-25 - The Major Church Misconception Nearly Every Christian Believes

The author of Hebrews says not to "forsake" the assembly: What it means to "forsake" the assembly. What is church for - yourself, others, or God? Why "being fed" is not a good reason to go to church. Jenn shares personal testimonies to illustrate the value of meeting together, even in difficult tim…

Ezra 5 - When You Are Weak, God is Strong

In today's episode: When the cards are stacked against us, God wants us to do our best YHWH's message to the complacent Israelites The bordering nations try to stop the temple being rebuilt again The manipulative letter sent to king Darius You should always expect discouragement when following God'…

Hebrews 10:1-18 - Religion Doesn't Save; Only Jesus Saves

In this episode, Jenn explores the concept of atonement:   What the word "atonement" means  Animal sacrifice only covered sins; they could not take them away.  Jesus' sacrifice is the ultimate forgiveness God will now "forgive and forget" Psalm 40 highlights God's desire for a willing heart over an…

Ezra 4:4-24 - The Accuser's Gonna Accuse

This is the story of the Samaritans' opposition to the Jewish people rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem: The Samaritans lie to the king about the Israelites The king forces the Jews to stop working on the temple Other accusations against God's people in Scripture. (It's the same over and over again…

Hebrews 9:11-28 - Why Won't Jesus Save People Who Don't Believe in Him?

In this episode of the Bible Explained, we dive into the concept of blood and its significance in the Bible: Animal sacrifices were a temporary solution for sins, but ultimately, a permanent solution was needed Why is blood needed for forgiveness?  Jesus' sacrifice provides the permanent solution t…

Ezra 4:1-10 - The Start of the Samaritan/Jewish Conflict

Today, we discuss the infancy of a decades-long conflict between the Israelites and Samaritans: The Israelites continue to build the temple to God, and the Samaritans are having none of it Who were the Samaritans? Jesus's ground-breaking conversation with a Samaritan woman during the peak of distru…