Hebrews 12:14-24 - Only 1 Way You Can Effectively Approach God

Today, we discuss the topic of God's approachability. Christians are called to be peaceful, not argumentative or volatile. The story Esau, who sold his birthright for a bowl of stew, illustrating the dangers of instant gratification. God's people were commanded not to touch the mountain - yet every…

Ezra 10:9-44 - The Strange End of Ezra

This is the last episode of the Book of Ezra, focusing on the issue of Israelites marrying pagan women. Israel was in direct disobedience to God's command. Pagan wives were leading the Israelites away from Yahweh. A critique of Ezra's "solution" to the problem - divorce and abandonment Jenn argues…

Hebrews 12:4-13 - Does God Really Discipline Christians?

This episode of The Bible Explained delves into the often uncomfortable topic of God's discipline, exploring how it's a sign of his love and care for us. God's discipline is not something to be despised, but rather something to be understood and appreciated. God's discipline can be a catalyst for …

Ezra 10:1-8 - God Hates Divorce

In the last chapter of Ezra, things escalate quickly: Ezra is encouraged by an Israelite man to force the Israelites to divorce their wives Why descriptions in the Bible are not the same as prescriptions Ezra forces the men to comply or lose everything Why divorce is considered cruelty in the eyes …

Hebrews 12:1-3 - Are the Saints Interceding for Us?

This episode of The Bible Explained delves into the concept of the "cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews 12:1-3.  Who are the cloud of witnesses, and what are they witnessing? Is praying to the saints biblical? Why we look to Jesus as the ultimate example of faith and perseverance The episode also touch…

Ezra 9 - What People Don't Understand about Sin

Ezra learns of a great sin that the leaders are doing only a few months after he arrives in Israel: The Levites, priests, and elders have intermarried into pagan families Was God against "interracial" marriage? What Deuteronomy 7 tells us about sin 99% of Christians don't view sin strongly enough …

Hebrews 11:30-40 - Faith Through Persecution

This is the final portion of Hebrews eleven, exploring the faith of several individuals from the Old Testament, including Rahab, Samson, Gideon, and David. These stories serve as a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity, and the speaker highlights  Faith led to the walls of Jerich…

Ezra 8 - The Dangerous Journey Home

Before Ezra and his companions start on their long journey to Israel, problems already arise that need ironed out: No Levites decided to make the journey, so Ezra needs to find some willing Levites to change their minds Ezra felt ashamed to ask the king for assistance from the Persian army, so he o…

Hebrews 11:17-29 - Belief and Faith are Not the Same Thing

Jenn delves into the concept of faith, exploring its difference from belief and/or obedience. The discussion centers around the Hall of Faith in Hebrews chapter eleven, where the author of Hebrews highlights various individuals who demonstrated remarkable faith in God's promises: What is the diff…

Ezra 7:11-28 - Introducing Ezra, the Powerful Scribe

In this episode of TBE, Jenn delves into Ezra chapter seven, where we meet the main character, Ezra, a skilled scribe and leader of the Israelites: King Artaxerxes gives Ezra a letter granting him permission to lead some Israelites back to Jerusalem The king's letter shows the power dynamics at pl…