Bible in Life
Religion & Spirituality
About
In 20-25 minutes, John walks through the meaning of a passage out of the Bible and reflects on the difference it makes in your life. John believes that Bible teaching should be ”blue jeans theology” - theology for everyday life. Who couldn’t use a little more wisdom from God in their life?To become a patron and support the show, go to https://www.patreon.com/johnwhittaker.
Episodes
- Were the Pharisees really the bad guys? | The Real World of the Gospels, pt. 3
Were the Pharisees really the bad guys? Who were the Pharisees? Ask that question in a Bible study at pretty much any church and you’re likely to hear answers like: “Hypocrites.” “Legalists” “Self-righteous religious leaders who opposed Je…
- The Real World of the Gospels, pt. 2 | Roman Occupation
The Real World of the Gospels, pt. 2 | Roman Occupation The Jewish world Jesus lived in was a world under foreign occupation. The Romans were in charge, and from the Jewish perspective, Roman occupation meant the exile wasn’t completely ov…
- The Real World of the Gospels, pt. 1 | History and Backstory
The Real World of the Gospels, pt. 1 | History and Backstory When you turn the page from Malachi to Matthew, 400 years have passed. Much has happened to the Jews and life hasn't been easy. Centuries of foreign occupation. Generations have…
- Spiritual Drift - Doug's Story
Spiritual Drift - Doug's Story Spiritual drift is a real possibility for any one of us. Our faith becomes second nature. Then routine. Then blah. And then ... Apathy creeps in, slowly but persistently until we find ourselves distant and di…
- Bonus Episode: Serving Jesus in Yukon Territory, with Jeremy Norton
Bonus Episode: Serving Jesus in Yukon Territory, with Jeremy Norton In this special episode of the Bible in Life podcast John shares part of his conversation with Jeremy Norton, a pastor in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. Jeremy has s…
- Listener Question: Why does it seem like the Spirit fails to transform some people? | Life in the Spirit, pt. 7
This Bible in Life episode addresses a listener question about why the Holy Spirit seems to fail to transform some individuals. It delves into the tension of the
- Set Your Mind on the Things of the Spirit | Life in the Spirit, pt. 6
This episode, "Set Your Mind on the Things of the Spirit," part 6 of "Life in the Spirit" from the Bible in Life show, emphasizes that occupying one's mind with spiritual matters is key to living in the Spirit. It cites Romans 8:5-8 to con…
- The Lord's Supper and the Last Supper
This episode of the Bible in Life podcast examines the historical context and original setting of the Lord's Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, which Jesus established the night before his crucifixion.
- Praying in the Spirit | Life in the Spirit, pt. 5
This episode of Bible in Life, titled "Praying in the Spirit," explores how the Holy Spirit aids believers in prayer, referencing Ephesians 6:18 and Romans 8:26-27 to explain the concept of praying in the Spirit and the Spirit's intercessi…
- Be Filled with the Spirit | Life in the Spirit, pt. 4
This episode of the Bible in Life podcast, part 4 of the "Life in the Spirit" series, reflects on Ephesians 5:15-18 and the meaning of being "filled with the Spirit."
- How to Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) | Life in the Spirit, pt. 3
This episode of Bible in Life discusses Galatians 5:16, focusing on the command to walk by the Spirit as foundational for Christian behavior. It explains that the Spirit's power facilitates the transformation needed to obey other biblical…
- The Christian Life is Life in the Spirit | Life in the Spirit, pt. 2
This episode of Bible in Life discusses the Christian life as life in the Spirit, referencing its promise in the prophets and its significance in the New Covenant. It outlines the Spirit's multifaceted role, including inspiration, unificat…
- What is the Essence of Spiritual Growth? | Life in the Spirit, pt. 1
This episode of Bible in Life begins a new series on "Life in the Spirit." It explores the purpose of human existence and its relation to spiritual growth, aiming to clarify the central aspect of spiritual growth.
- Why the Book of Revelation Matters
This episode of the Bible in Life podcast explores the Book of Revelation, acknowledging its challenging nature while highlighting its clear overall message and purpose. It addresses why the book is significant and who it is intended for.
- 5 Practices for Letting the Bible Shape Your Life, pt. 2
This episode of Bible in Life discusses five practices for letting the Bible shape your life, aiming for deeper knowledge of God and reflecting His image in daily living. The practices covered are reading prayerfully, reflectively, repeate…
- 5 Practices for Letting the Bible Shape Your Life, pt 1
The Bible in Life podcast episode discusses practices to let the Bible shape one's life, focusing on two methods: reading prayerfully and reading reflectively. The aim is to know God better and reflect His image in life.
- Loving Jesus, Obedience, and Grace | John 14:18-21
This episode of the Bible in Life podcast examines John 14:18-21, exploring the connection between loving Jesus, obeying His commands, and understanding God's grace, particularly when individuals struggle to keep His commandments.
- Cultivating Virtue
This episode of the Bible in Life podcast discusses cultivating virtue as a key component of spiritual growth, alongside putting off vice. It emphasizes the need for intentional effort, supported by divine grace, to develop specific virtue…
- Letting the Bible Shape our Parenting
This episode discusses two biblical insights concerning children, drawn from Proverbs 22:15 and Mark 10:13-16, to inform parenting and relational approaches.
- John 1:14 and the Tabernacle - A Christmas Reflection
This episode reflects on John 1:14 and the Tabernacle, discussing the concept of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, referencing the glory of the only Son, full of grace and truth.
- What does it mean to be "God fearing"?
The Bible in Life episode examines the meaning of being "God fearing." While the phrase is less common today, the Bible calls believers to fear the Lord and promises blessings to those who do.
- The Kingdom of God and the Gospel
This episode addresses listener questions about the gospel, contrasting Jesus' focus on the gospel of the kingdom of God with modern Christian interpretations centered on salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection.
- How is God going to work out his plans if humans are so disloyal to Him even though they have the Holy Spirit?
This episode of Bible in Life addresses the question of how God's plans can succeed with disloyal humans, even those with the Holy Spirit. It clarifies that this perspective misunderstands the biblical narrative, particularly the concept o…
- 5 Things I'm Learning about Life and Ministry from 2 Corinthians, pt. 2
This episode of Bible in Life explores five lessons on life and ministry derived from 2 Corinthians, pt. 2. Topics include God's faithfulness and integrity, embodying the cross, celebrating weaknesses, confidence in God, and focusing on et…
- 5 Things I'm Learning about Life and Ministry from 2 Corinthians, pt. 1
This episode of Bible in Life shares initial lessons on faithful ministry derived from 2 Corinthians. Key themes include the link between divine faithfulness and personal integrity, the concept of embodying the cross, and finding strength…
- Now that we're saved, how should we relate to unbelievers? | Titus 3:1-7
This episode discusses how believers should interact with unbelievers in various aspects of public life, drawing on the teachings of Titus 3:1-7. It explains that salvation is by God's mercy, not deeds, through the Holy Spirit, making beli…
- What difference does grace make? | Titus 2:11-14
In this episode of Bible in Life, John examines Titus 2:11-14 to explain four significant ways God's grace impacts believers, leading to salvation and a present-age transformation.
- Making the Teaching about Jesus Beautiful | Titus 2:1-10
This episode of Bible in Life, focusing on Titus 2:1-10, discusses how Christians can make the teachings about Jesus appealing through their actions. It outlines specific behaviors for different groups within the church, emphasizing that a…
- Sound Teaching Leads to Sound Living | Titus 1:10-16
This episode of Bible in Life features John reflecting on Titus 1:10-16. He addresses indicators of unsound teachers within the church and emphasizes the significance of sound doctrine for living a faithful life, referencing specific verse…
- God's People Need Good Shepherds | Titus 1:5-9
The episode explores the biblical concept of shepherding as a form of leadership, contrasting it with general leadership. It highlights that biblical leaders, like shepherds, are meant to be among their sheep, knowing and caring for them.…
- Four Fundamentals of a Solid Christian Life | Titus 1:1-4
This Bible in Life episode focuses on the four fundamentals of the Christian life, as outlined by Paul in Titus 1:1-4. It emphasizes the enduring importance of these foundational principles, particularly in times of uncertainty.
- Is Penal Substitutionary Atonement wrong?
This episode of Bible in Life discusses Penal Substitutionary Atonement, examining the idea that Jesus paid the penalty for sins by dying in our place. It addresses contemporary critiques that challenge this doctrine.
- Expect Little Change Without This
This episode of Bible in Life focuses on the significance of self-awareness, self-honesty, and confession for spiritual advancement. It references the Bible verse 1 John 1:9, which discusses forgiveness upon confession of sins.
- Let's Talk about Grumbling and Complaining
The Bible in Life episode "Let's Talk about Grumbling and Complaining" discusses the commonality of grumbling and complaining in adult life, referencing biblical texts like Philippians 2:14-15 and Numbers 11:1-6.
- How (NOT) to Read Old Testament Stories
The episode explores how to interpret Old Testament stories, the most common literary form in the Bible, for contemporary instruction and encouragement, referencing Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11.
- Leaders Must be Examples of Christlikeness | Learning Leadership with the Apostle Paul, pt. 4
This episode focuses on the New Testament's primary emphasis on the character of Christian leaders, specifically their Christlikeness, rather than their actions. Key scripture references include 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9.
- If God is so powerful, then why is there so much evil?
This episode of Bible in Life addresses the question of evil in the world, given God's power. It references passages from Genesis 3, Romans 8, and Revelation 21 to explore the topic.
- Weak but Not Inadequate | Learning Leadership with the Apostle Paul, pt. 3
This episode of Bible in Life examines Apostle Paul's leadership style as detailed in 2 Corinthians. It contrasts Paul's unassuming ministry with the Corinthian church's preference for charismatic leaders, explaining that Paul's perceived…
- Is Discipleship the Wrong Paradigm for the Church Today? | A Conversation with Kyle Strobel
Kyle Strobel, a theologian at Biola University, joined Bible in Life to discuss his view that the traditional framework of discipleship may be a pre-Pentecost approach and not the intended paradigm for the church after Jesus' ascension. Th…
- What's Paul's Focus as a Leader? | Learning Leadership with the Apostle Paul, pt. 2
This episode contrasts modern organizational leadership with the Apostle Paul's focus on developing people into Christlikeness. It examines biblical examples and scriptures like Colossians 1:28-29 to illustrate Paul's leadership standard.
- How Does Paul Understand Authority | Learning Leadership with the Apostle Paul, pt. 1
This episode explores the Apostle Paul's understanding of his authority as described in 2 Corinthians. It highlights that his authority was given by the Lord for building believers up, not for their destruction, and emphasizes his desire f…
- Two Great Truths about Grace from Romans 8
This episode of Bible in Life discusses two significant truths about grace found in Romans 8: the absence of condemnation for those in Christ and the reality of life in the Spirit. It references Romans 8:1-4, 8:12-13, and 8:31-39 to explai…
- Find Rest in God Alone | Psalms 131 and 62
The episode "Find Rest in God Alone" from the podcast Bible in Life examines Psalms 131 and 62. It highlights themes of humility, contentment, and trusting in God as a source of rest and hope, referencing the biblical texts directly.
- What does it mean that Jesus preached to the spirits in prison? | 1 Peter 3:18-21
In this episode of Bible in Life, John and Steven examine the passage 1 Peter 3:18-21. They discuss the meaning behind Jesus preaching to spirits in prison and the concept of baptism saving.
- What Does the Backstory to 1 Peter Have to Say about our Political Situation Today
In this episode of the Bible and Life podcast, John and Steven discuss the historical context of the original audience of 1 Peter and how this perspective can inform understanding of current political events.
- Learning Lifestyle Evangelism from 1 Peter
This episode of Bible in Life features John and Steven discussing lifestyle evangelism as taught in the book of 1 Peter. They focus on verses 1 Peter 3:14-15 regarding readiness to give an answer and 1 Peter 2:9-10 about being a chosen peo…
- Making the Bible Central to Your Life, with Philip Nation
Philip Nation, Vice President of Thomas Nelson Bibles, shares insights on integrating the Bible into daily life. He discusses his extensive background in pastoral work, church planting, and theological education.
- Ironic Boasts of the Bible - Suffering | Romans 5:3-5
This episode of Bible in Life discusses Romans 5:3-5, addressing the concept of boasting in suffering. It explores how tribulations lead to perseverance, proven character, and hope, all grounded in the love of God through the Holy Spirit.
- Ironic Boasts of the Bible - A Low but High Position | James 1:9-11
This episode of Bible in Life examines James 1:9-11, discussing the paradoxical concept of boasting in humble circumstances and the transient nature of wealth.
- Ironic Boasts of the Bible - Weakness | 2 Corinthians 12:9
This episode of Bible in Life examines the paradoxical idea of boasting in weaknesses, drawing from 2 Corinthians 12:9. It explores why the Apostle Paul would choose to boast about perceived shortcomings and what it means to allow Christ's…