Jesus is the most controversial figure in human history. Everyone has an opinion about him, for better or worse. Today we look at the sham trial of Jesus, and all of the irony it contains. The trial of Jesus shows us how people in every generation can get Jesus wrong. Both the religious and irreligious can misjudge the Judge of all. --The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Q. How has the world misjudged Jesus?Famous atheists (irreligious) who did it:Bertrand Russell (Philosopher and Mathematician): "Historically, it is quite doubtful whether Christ ever existed at all, and if He did, we do not know anything about Him."Christopher Hitchens (Author and Journalist): "The teachings of Jesus are not the Sermon on the Mount, where he behaves in an exalted and wise manner. It's the idea of the prodigal son, where he says that if you're really, really sorry, if you're genuinely sorry, if you really ask for forgiveness, you can be forgiven. It's a horrible idea."Richard Dawkins (Biologist and Author): "The alternative to the God hypothesis is not the hypothesis that Jesus was God incarnate. It is the hypothesis that Jesus was a zealot, executed for sedition, whose followers perpetuated his cult by deifying him." from Dawkins' book "The God Delusion," in which he argues against the existence of a personal god and criticizes religious beliefs, including those related to Jesus.The God Hypothesis: the idea that there exists a supernatural creator who is responsible for the universe and everything in it. Dawkins argues that this hypothesis is not supported by evidence and should be rejected.Irony: Jesus is the Judge!John 5:22-23 (NLT) …the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.Today we’ll see Jesus on trial. Can you imagine it? The Judge of all, the Creator, in court being judged by his creations!? We’ll see that misjudging Jesus is nothing new. But when it happened 2000 years ago for the first time, it was not a group of atheists making such offensive statements. It was the religious elite themselves. Let’s get to the text…Mark 14:53-54 (NLT) They took Jesus to the high priest’s home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and went right into the high priest’s courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious lawThis was the Sanhedrin, the “influencers” in Jesus’ dayThe Sanhedrin was a Jewish council that existed during the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It was made up of 71 members and served as the highest religious and legal authority among the Jews in ancient...

How should a Christian view the debate on immigration? --The PursueGOD Men's podcast helps guys apply God's Word to their lives to become full circle followers of Jesus. Join us for a new men's episode every other Thursday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/men.Learn more about "full circle" Christianity through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources with men and boys at church.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --In this episode, Pastor John interviews Pastor Rene about the immigration crisis and the topic of amnesty. They discuss the current situation at the border, the process of filing for asylum, and the temporary amnesty available to immigrants. They also address the propaganda and false promises being spread through social media, particularly targeting immigrants from Venezuela. The conversation explores the biblical perspective on amnesty and the government's role in addressing immigration issues. They emphasize the importance of showing compassion and love to all individuals, regardless of their legal status. TakeawaysUnderstanding the process of filing for asylum and the temporary amnesty available to immigrantsRecognizing the propaganda and false promises being spread through social mediaConsidering the biblical perspective on amnesty and the government's role in addressing immigration issuesShowing compassion and love to all individuals, regardless of their legal status

Paul, a former Mormon, shares his journey as a Jack Mormon and his eventual encounter with the Jesus of the Bible. He discusses his struggles with doubts, questions about Mormon teachings, and the challenges of being a non-believer in a devout Mormon family. Paul also explores the concept of sealing and eternal families in Mormonism and how it affected his own family dynamics. Ultimately, he shares how his encounter with Jesus transformed his life and brought him a deeper understanding of grace and love.Takeaways:Questioning and seeking answers is a natural part of faith journeys.The concept of sealing and eternal families can be a source of confusion and conflict for Mormons.Encountering the Jesus of the Bible can bring a deeper understanding of grace and love.Leaving a religious community can be challenging, but finding a supportive community and focusing on the teachings of Jesus can bring transformation and peace.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

Today we cover the famous story of Jesus’ betrayal, and it’ll cause us to reflect on a personal question: are you giving God lip service?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Q. Are you giving God lip service? Do your actions today reflect your relationship with Jesus?Even when we are close to Jesus, sometimes our actions do not reflect it. Actions not consistent with our position in ChristIf you are married you have experienced this. Yes? Our actions don’t always line up with our vows to honor and cherish. Momentary lapses for sure.  Mark 7:5-6 (NLT) So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.” Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’”We studied this last year. Jesus was calling out Pharisees and teachers of religious law - basically the same group we see in today’s text in the Garden of Gethsemane.Expand on hypocrites: The word "hypocrite" originates from the Greek term "hypokritēs," which referred to an actor or stage player. It is derived from the verb "hypokrinomai," meaning "to play a part, pretend." In ancient Greek theater, actors would wear masks and play various roles, portraying different characters. Over time, the term "hypocrite" evolved to describe someone who pretends to be something they're not, particularly in terms of morality or beliefs. This evolution reflects the idea of someone playing a role or putting on a false appearance, much like an actor on stage.The Pharisees gave religious lip service – following rules and traditions but missing the point. Genuine faith changes people from the inside out.Jesus is not being sold out to a ragtag group of ruffians, but to the religious elite. They had already proven that their religion was a farce. They had already been called out for giving nothing more than lip service to God.Today we’ll see other types of lip service  This one will sting more.Mark 14:43-45 (NLT) And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.Talk about lip service! Should we name this second kind of lip service? Judas’ lip service was outright betrayal, using a kiss – a gesture that typically signified love and loyalty. The manner of betrayal becomes the first example of...

How should a Christian view the debate on immigration? --The PursueGOD Men's podcast helps guys apply God's Word to their lives to become full circle followers of Jesus. Join us for a new men's episode every other Thursday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/men.Learn more about "full circle" Christianity through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources with men and boys at church.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --In this episode, Bryan and John introduce a series on immigration and how to think about it biblically. They discuss the importance of approaching the topic with a biblical perspective rather than being influenced solely by political leanings. Pastor Rene shares his personal immigration story, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices involved. The conversation explores the biblical principles of protection and compassion, drawing from passages in Proverbs, Nehemiah, and Numbers. The conversation explores the challenges and complexities of immigration, particularly focusing on the perspective of illegal immigrants. It highlights the difficulties faced by individuals who want to immigrate legally but lack the necessary assets and resources. The speaker shares personal experiences of being smuggled into the country as a child and emphasizes the desire of most illegal immigrants to abide by the law and obtain legal status. The conversation concludes by previewing upcoming topics related to immigration and the Christian perspective.TakeawaysLegal immigration can be challenging due to the requirement of having assets and resources in the home country.Many individuals are unaware of the legal options available to them for immigration.Most illegal immigrants want to abide by the law and obtain legal status.Upcoming topics will cover amnesty for illegal immigrants and caring for the marginalized.

James and Jolene share their personal history with Mormonism and their journey of questioning and doubting their faith. They discuss the challenges they faced as they discovered historical discrepancies and began to explore alternative beliefs. James shares his experience of seeking truth in the Bible and having a mountaintop experience where he surrendered his life to Jesus. Jolene talks about the pain and struggle she went through as her husband chose Jesus over their previous beliefs. Ultimately, both James and Jolene found their faith in Jesus and became Bible-believing Christians. Click on this link to check out Jolene’s book with their whole story:Into God's Arms Takeaways:Questioning and seeking evidence is essential in the search for truth.Mormonism and biblical Christianity have significant doctrinal differences.The Bible is a reliable and trustworthy source of truth.Transformation and joy can be found in embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now Into God's Arms: A Woman and Her Family Come Out of Mormonism and Find Jesus!--Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

Today we’re looking at the famous story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. It’ll give us some insight into our question for the day: How should you pray in your hour of need?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Today we’re looking at the famous story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He’s moments away from his betrayal and death, and he knows it. His actions – and by contrast his disciples’ actions – give us some insight into our question for the day:Q. How should you pray in your hour of need?Maybe this is exactly what some of you need to hear today. You’re in an hour of need…With your emotions: fighting anxiety, depressionIn your marriageLooking for a spouseWith your financesPersonal example:Let’s go to the text…Mark 14:32-34 (NLT) They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”“Stay here and keep watch with me”Jesus brought the three disciples with him for a reason: “Stay here and keep watch with me” in view of his distress and grief. He didn’t want them to pray WITH him (to have a prayer meeting): “Sit here while I go pray.” He wanted them to pray FOR him and be available to him (“keep watch with me”) while he was going through his anguished conversation with the Father.Jesus just wanted a wing man. Can you relate? Personal story: But here’s the most interesting part:“he became deeply troubled and distressed” and “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death”“The two verbs translated ‘deeply distressed and troubled’ together ‘describe an extremely acute emotion, a compound of bewilderment, fear, uncertainty and anxiety, nowhere else portrayed in such vivid terms as here.’ (EBC)Why so much angst? It goes against what we’ve come to expect from Jesus: measured, confident, at peace. Personal story: my angst re: panic attack, felt so weak. Jesus experienced this?Here’s what was happening: the picture of Jesus at Gethsemane shows us the human side of Christ. “Gethsemane reveals the humanity of Jesus with astonishing fidelity. He is shown to be ‘anything but above temptation. So far from sailing serenely through his trials like some superior being unconcerned with this world, he is almost dead with distress.’” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary)Remember hypostatic union?The Council of Chalcedon, held in 451 AD, affirmed the doctrine of the hypostatic union, declaring that Jesus Christ is "perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable [rational] soul and body." This formulation reconciled the seemingly paradoxical aspects of

In this conversation, Bryan, Ross, Bo and KD discuss the misinterpretation of Mormon doctrine into the Bible. They explore passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:39-42, 1 Peter 3:19, and James 2:17-18, which Mormons use to justify their beliefs. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the language, context, and author's intent when interpreting biblical passages. They debunk the Mormon interpretations and emphasize the biblical teachings of salvation by grace through faith, while exploring the role of works in Mormonism and comparing it to the Christian perspective. The episode dives into the interpretation of James 2:14-26 and the relationship between faith and works. It concludes with a personal testimony of experiencing newness in Christ.Takeaways:Misreading Mormon doctrine into the Bible can lead to a distorted understanding of biblical passages.Understanding the language, context, and author's intent is crucial for accurate interpretation of the Bible.Mormon interpretations of passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:39-42, 1 Peter 3:19, and James 2:17-18 are not supported by the larger context of the New Testament.The biblical teachings emphasize salvation by grace through faith, not by works or ordinances. Mormonism places a strong emphasis on works as evidence of faith and as a means of salvation.In contrast, Christianity teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and good works are the result of genuine faith.James 2:14-26 is often misunderstood, but it emphasizes that true faith will produce good works as evidence of its genuineness.Accepting Jesus and experiencing newness in Him brings a transformation in motivation and a reliance on the Holy Spirit.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

Today we look at the story of Peter’s betrayal of Jesus, a classic example of “mission drift” in the Bible. Jesus had called Peter to make disciples, but now his commitment was in question. Peter, as with the other disciples, is brimming with confidence that his faith will not fail. But then it does, in shocking fashion. So that’s the famous story, but today we’re putting the story in the context of a broader question:  Have you ever experienced mission drift?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --Q. Have you ever experienced mission drift?Examples in marriage, in the workforceMarriage vows: Chris, do you take Brandi to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor her and keep her, and forsaking all others remain loyal to her as long as you both shall live? If so, say “I do”.Kodak: Founded in the late 19th century, Kodak was a pioneer in the photography industry with the mission of making photography accessible to the masses ("You press the button, we do the rest.") However, as digital photography began to emerge in the late 20th century, Kodak struggled to adapt and continued to prioritize its traditional film business. In 2012, Kodak filed for bankruptcy, a stark reminder of the consequences of mission drift and the failure to adapt to changing market dynamics.What it looks like in Christianity: (Go make disciples…)Matthew 28:19 (NLT) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.So many churches just miss this. So many Christians never get it.Before we get to our text today in ch 14, we need to set the stage by going all the way back to chapter 1, when Jesus first called his disciples. Pay attention to where this all happens, because it’s going to come up again in ch 14:Mark 1:16-18 (NLT) One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.Talk about mission of Jesus, they left their nets, spent 3 years with JesusAmazing faith! What sacrifice!Their expectation - this is going to be good. We’ll be famous! Rich!?Now let’s get to our text today from Mark 14. Last week we covered the Last Supper, and Jesus’ identification of the one who would betray him. Luke adds context in his account: Luke 22:24 (NLT) Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.Can you imagine? Hilarious! In the Luke account Jesus goes on to define greatness: (NLT) Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.So let’s...

In this conversation, Bryan, Bo, KD, and Ross discuss the misinterpretation of certain Bible passages by Mormons. They focus on three specific passages: Ezekiel 37, Isaiah 29, and John 10. The hosts explain how Mormons often read their own beliefs into these passages, claiming that they prophesy the coming of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel. However, they demonstrate that these interpretations fail to consider the language, context, and author's intent of the original texts. By examining these passages more closely, they debunk the Mormon misinterpretations and provide a more accurate understanding of the biblical message. Takeaways:Mormons often misinterpret certain Bible passages to support their beliefs, particularly regarding the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel.These misinterpretations fail to consider the language, context, and author's intent of the original texts.By examining the passages more closely, it becomes clear that they do not prophesy the coming of the Book of Mormon or the restoration of the gospel.It is important to read the Bible in context and be aware of proof texting, which can lead to misinterpretations. Focus on the broader story and Jesus when studying the Bible.Beware of proof texting and misreading Mormonism into the Bible.Mormon cultural folklore can perpetuate misinterpretations.Understanding language, context, and author intent is crucial for Bible study.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now --