SWAT Bible Study
Religion & Spirituality
About
Podcast by Doug McCary
Episodes
- SWAT Bible Study 5/6/26 Phil 4:8-9 Focused or Foolish Thinking
This week, God instructs the Philippians (and us) to FOCUS on Christ-like virtues and allow that focus to become such a discipline in our lives, that it is a daily habit/mindset. We are a product of our thinking. God says in Proverbs 23:7…
- SWAT Bible Study 4/29/26 Phil 4:1-7 Peace in Christ, or the World
This week, we press into chapter 4 and the path to the peace and contentment that comes from Jesus. Where do most people look for peace and contentment? Especially when my wife has a chronic or terminal illness, bills aren’t getting paid,…
- SWAT Bible Study 4/22/26 Phil 3:15-21 Pressing on the Right Course
This week, Paul drives down deeper into what it means to pursue the one thing, encouraging the Philippians to do that, while revealing some pitfalls to watch out for. The key idea is that we continue to “PRESS ON” toward the goal of being…
- SWAT Bible Study 4/15/26 Phil 3:1-14 The Secret to Life - The One Thing
This week, Paul gives us insight to a Christian’s Secret to Life, the ONE THING! Many people try to figure out what the one thing is and live out this philosophy. They make their spouse, their kids, or their family their “one thing.” They…
- SWAT Bible Study 4/8/26 Phil 2:19-30 Everyday Living Proof
This week, Paul gives us two great models of what we’ve been studying over the past few weeks - Timothy and Epaphroditus. They lived lives worthy of the Gospel of Christ (Phil 1:27); they lived in unity with Paul and the church (Phil 2:1-2…
- SWAT Bible Study 4/1/26 Phil 2:12-18 How Should We Then Live
This week, we dive into chapter 2, verses 12-18 and learn what it means to reflect Christ light in a dark world. After reminding the Philippians of Jesus example, Paul instructs them that they are not just to try and imitate Jesus, but inc…
- SWAT Bible Study 3/25/26 Phil 2:5-11 Walk the Talk, Pt 3
This week, in verses 5-11, Paul reminds the Philippians of the ultimate and only perfect example of humility, loving others, and someone who counts others “more significant” by pointing them to JESUS! If Jesus, the King of the universe, ca…
- SWAT Bible Study 3/11/26 Phil 2:1-4 Walk the Talk, pt 2
This week, we continue looking at this section that really runs from Ch. 1:27- Ch. 2:11 and deals with unity, harmony, and living out a life that reflects Christ’s values. Specifically, we see the “why” of living out a life worthy of our c…
- SWAT Bible Study 3/4/26 Phil 1:27-30 Walk the Talk, Pt 1
This week, we finish up chapter one with another challenging teaching on our stewardship of the Gospel. Paul reminds the Philippians to “live a life worthy of their calling.” This phrase or a variation of this phrase is found in Col. 1:10,…
- SWAT Bible Study 2/25/26 Phil 1:19-26 The Joy of Gospel Service, Pt 2
In 2002, Pat Tillman, safety for the Arizona Cardinals, left the NFL in 2002 (and almost 4 million dollars) to enlist in the army after 9/11 and ultimately gave his life for freedom. Many people followed Tillman’s example and signed up to…
- SWAT Bible Study 2/18/26 Phil 1:12-18 The Joy of Gospel Service, pt1
This week, we move into a new section and will be looking at part 1 of Serving with Joy. Our Spiritual maturity can often be measured in how easily we lose our joy in Christ. The joy that is produced by the Holy Spirit. I’m not sure anothe…
- SWAT Bible Study 02/11/26 Phil 1:3-11 A Divine Partnership
Last episode, we looked at verse 1 and 2 and the theme of unity and God calling us to unity in our view of ourselves, our view of the church and our view of God and Jesus. The foundation for all of these is humility. Paul records Jesus’ mo…
- SWAT Bible Study 02/04/26 Phil 1:1-2 Joy only in Christ
Philippians is a letter written to thank the church at Philippi for sending financial aid to help Paul during his 1st imprisonment in Rome. It’s theme is often referred to as Joy, but it is a specific joy related to Jesus Christ. In fact,…
- SWAT Bible Study 12/3/25 Mark 16:1-8 guest David Gray, He's Not Here
SWAT Bible Study 12/3/25 Mark 16:1-8 guest David Gray, He's Not Here by Doug McCary
- SWAT Bible Study 11/19/25 Mark 15:42-47 Echoes from the Tomb
This week, we see the burial of the Son of God and two unlikely disciples, boldly step out to be part of Jesus’ burial. Why do all four Gospel writers write about His burial They all write about it because His burial, according to Paul in…
- SWAT Bible Study 11/12/25 Mark 15:22-41 Death Destroyed
This week, we see the crucifixion and death of Jesus at Golgotha, the “Place of the Skull.” Mark doesn’t focus on the physical pain or even the physicality of the crucifixion. Instead, he gives more detail about the mockery, scorn, and rej…
- SWAT Bible Study 10/29/25 Mark 15:1-21 Christ or the Crowd
This week, we see the Gentile (Roman) trial which also has three phases. Jesus will go before Pilate, Herod, and then Pilate again. Pilate over and over again says that Jesus is an innocent man, a man not guilty of anything deserving death…
- SWAT Bible Study 10/22/25 Mark 14:43-15:1 Darkness at Every Turn
This week, we see darkness at every turn. We see the betrayal by Judas. Jesus is then arrested and tried by the people responsible for instructing and leading God’s people. We see the “Shepherds of Israel,” the Sanhedrin and High Priest ho…
- SWAT Bible Study 10/15/25 Mark 14:32-42 The Weight of the World
This week, we see a final attempt by Satan to try and keep Jesus from going to the cross by tempting Him to not take up the cup of God’s wrath. We see the weight of the world’s sin and the wrath of God start to weigh heavy on Jesus. How do…
- SWAT Bible Study 10/8/25 Mark 14:22-31 The Table and the Test
Last session, we saw a contrast in a devoted follower who was a true worshipper of Jesus and a “wolf” in sheep’s clothing. We saw the passion of Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, for Jesus demonstrated in her actions and also saw the…
- SWAT Bible Study 10/1/25 Mark 14:1-21 A Contrast in Affection
This week, we see a contrast in a follower who is a true worshipper of Jesus and a “wolf” in sheep’s clothing. We see the passion of this follower for Jesus demonstrated in her actions and also see the traitorous deception of a fraudulent…
- SWAT Bible Study 9/24/25 Mark 13:28-37 Don't Get Sleepy
Last session, we looked at chapter 13:1-27 and the beginning of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus’ final prophecy before the cross. It was late on Wednesday of Passion Week and Jesus left the Temple for the last time. When the disciples marveled…
- SWAT Bible Study 9/17/25 Mark 13:1-27 From Bad to Worse
Today, we dive into chapter 13 and the Olivet Discourse, Jesus’ final prophecy before the cross. It is one of the most difficult passages in the New Testament, filled with Old Testament allusions, imagery, and layers of fulfillment pointin…
- SWAT Bible Study 5/7/25 Mark 12:40-44 Posers or Priests Pt. 2
This week, we continue to look at Jesus’ warning to the crowd and His disciples about the religious “Posers.” Jesus warns us against them, their pride, their pretense, and their perversion of the faith. He points out a lonely widow who had…
- SWAT Bible Study 4/30/25 Mark 12:38-39 Posers or Priests
This week, Jesus gave the crowd and His disciples a final warning about the religious “Posers.” He has already exposed their character and faulty theology. Now, he condemns them and their hypocrisy and states that their judgment is coming.…
- SWAT Bible Study 4/23/25 Mark 12:35-37 Is Jesus God?
This week, it was Jesus’ turn to ask the questions, and he poses a question to the religious leaders (with the crowd listening) and then exposits an Old Testament passage that Jewish teaching had always affirmed was about the Messiah. Ever…
- SWAT Bible Study 4/16/25 Mark 12:28-34 The Mark of a True Believer
This week, we come to a text that is simple and straightforward. There is not a lot of interpretation with this passage, but a lot of application and accountability with it. This will probably cause many of us to be uncomfortable or uneasy…
- SWAT Bible Study 4/9/25 Mark 12:18-27 Heaven is for Real
This week, we see the wave of attacks continue. All these groups, Chief Priests, Pharisees, Herodians, Scribes try to trap Jesus with questions that reveal how they have departed from God’s Word in some way. The Sadducees, a group in charg…
- SWAT Bible Study 4/2/25 Mark 12:13-17 Rome Isn't the Problem
This week, the religious leaders desperately want to get rid of Jesus. So, they come up with a plan that has a series of traps with questions about 1) how much do they defer to Roman authorities, 2)the resurrection, and 3)which commandment…
- SWAT Bible Study 3/26/25 Mark 12:1-12 Don't Wait until it's too late
This week, Jesus goes further into exposing the unbelief of the religious posers and their coming judgment with a parable about a landowner who leases out a vineyard to tenants who were greedy and violent. It is another revelation from Jes…
- SWAT Bible Study 3/19/25 Mark 11:27-33 A Question Of Authority
This week, the religious leaders question Jesus as to whose authority He was operating under as He cleared out the temple and taught the things that He taught. Jesus responded to their questions with a question of His own and His question…
- Swat Bible Study 3/5/25 Mark 11:12-25 A Symbol of Judgment
This week, Jesus uses a Fig tree to symbolize the departure of Israel from True Faith in God. He cursed the Fig tree and within 24 hours it was dead. He also took the disciples into the temple, where He overturned tables and chairs, shut d…
- SWAT Bible Study 2/26/25 Mark 11:1-11 Which Jesus will you Follow
On 2/26/25, SWAT Bible Study examined Mark 11:1-11, discussing Jesus' prophetic entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. The episode highlighted the crowd's celebratory, yet misguided, reception, as they viewed Jesus as a national deliverer rathe…
- SWAT Bible Study 2/19/25 Mark 10:46-52 A Divine Appointment with the King
SWAT Bible Study on Mark 10:46-52 explores Jesus healing blind beggars, who then followed Him. The episode highlights the theme of serving, not being served.
- SWAT Bible Study 2/12/25 Mark 10:32-45 Kingdom Leaders-"in training"
In this episode of SWAT Bible Study, Jesus
- SWAT Bible Study 2/5/25 Mark 10:13-31 Trust or Duty
SWAT Bible Study discusses Mark 10:13-31, comparing how young children and a wealthy ruler approach Jesus. The episode explores the kingdom of God through these interactions and the required heart condition.
- SWAT Bible Study 1/29/25 Mark 10:1-12 Marriage and Divorce
This SWAT Bible Study episode analyzes Mark 10:1-12, discussing God's view on divorce and contrasting it with modern perspectives. It references Malachi 2:16 and Deuteronomy, also comparing the interpretations of Rabbi Hillel and Rabbi Sha…
- SWAT Bible Study 12/4/24 Mark 9:30-50 True Kingdom Disciples
In SWAT Bible Study 12/4/24, Jesus teaches disciples about humility and service, contrasting it with worldly ambition and self-exaltation. The episode explores the call to be humble servants, a salting influence for good, and how God uses…
- SWAT Bible Study 11/20/24 Mark 9:14-29 This Battle Belongs to the Lord
In this episode of SWAT Bible Study, the discussion focuses on Mark 9:14-29. Jesus encounters chaos after descending a mountain, with disciples unable to cast out a demon from a young man. The episode highlights Jesus educating the discipl…
- SWAT Bible Study 11/13/24 Mark 9:2-13 A Glimpse of His Glory
SWAT Bible Study reflects on Mark 9:2-13, detailing Jesus's transfiguration before Peter, James, and John. This event served as a preview of His glory, intended to bolster their faith and prepare them for future challenges.
- SWAT Bible Study 11/6/24 Mark 8:35-9:1 Kingdom of Me or Kingdom of God
David Gray leads a discussion on Mark 8:35-9:1, exploring Jesus's call to follow Him and contrasting personal kingdoms with God's kingdom, including the consequences of choosing self over God.
- SWAT Bible Study 10/30/24 Mark 8:34 A Costly Invitation
This episode of SWAT Bible Study discusses Mark 8:34, where Jesus explains the meaning of following Him. It emphasizes that trusting in Jesus requires a life surrendered to His Lordship, demonstrating ultimate loyalty and willingness to fo…
- SWAT Bible Study 10/23/24 Mark 8:27-33 Who Do You Say That I Am?
SWAT Bible Study examines Mark 8:27-33, where Peter identifies Jesus as the Messiah. The episode explores this pivotal moment, Jesus' subsequent teachings on his death and resurrection, and the introduction of the term 'church'.
- SWAT Bible Study 10/16/24 Mark 8:11-26 Blind or Blinded
SWAT Bible Study on Mark 8:11-26 explores Jesus teaching the disciples about spiritual growth and the difference between being permanently blind and temporarily blinded, following an encounter with religious leaders demanding a sign.
- SWAT Bible Study 10/2/24 Mark 8:1-10 The God Who Cares
This week, we see Jesus finish His training trip into the Gentile world with the last recorded miracle of this particular journey. Remember, the theme of this training trip that began in Tyre- the grace and mercy of God’s Euangellion is fo…
- SWAT Bible Study 9/25/24 Mark 7:31-37 Ears to HEAR (Shema)
Jesus continues to train His disciples teaching them that God's plan includes the Gentiles (Syrophoenecian woman-Tyre/deaf/mute-Decapolis). I hope you'll join us for this important study.
- SWAT Bible Study 9/11/24 Mark 7:1-23 True Love and Biblical Spirituality
This week, we dive into Mark 7 and see Jesus school the religious leaders on what true love of God looks like and Biblical Spirituality!! It comes from the heart!! I hope you are encouraged by this look at what it means to really love God…
- SWAT Bible Study 5/08/24 Mark 6:45-56 Never Fear, Jesus is Near, Discipleship 301
This week, we finish up Mark 6 by looking at how Jesus continues to stretch and grow His disciples through different trials. We all can identify with the disciple here. Why is this happening? Is God aware? Does God care? Will He help me? W…
- SWAT Bible Study 05/01/24 Jesus - The Bread of Life, Discipleship 201 Mark 6:30-44
This week, we see Jesus perform His biggest miracle yet. He feeds 5,000 men and their families with a few crackers and some sardines. It's not what you have, but what you do with what you have-Give it to Jesus.
- SWAT Bible Study 04/24/24 Herod Antipas, An ungodly, wicked leader Mark 6:14-29
This week, God reveals the marks of an ungodly and wicked man, Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great. He is the complete anti-thesis of the man he murdered, John the Baptist. In this text, we see when evil rules, it's deadly for the fa…