The Regular Guys Bible Study
The Regular Guys Bible Study
Ken Strickland
The Regular Guys Bible Study podcast -- RGBS -- is a podcast for regular guys by regular guys (not theologians) studying the Bible together. It's brought to you by a couple of goofy guys who just want to study the Bible together and show you that anyone can read and study the Bible. In fact, you SHOULD read and study the Bible yourself. We're here to show you how we do it, and, hopefully, we can have some fun along the way.
John 18
Ever found yourself reflecting on the intricate moments of the biblical narrative, where human flaws and divine wisdom collide? We're Ken and Steve, and we've just wrapped up a hearty discussion on John chapter 18, where the complexities of Jesus' final hours before His betrayal and arrest come to light. Not only do we tackle Peter's hasty blade work and Jesus' profound stance against violence, but we also contrast the Gospel accounts to bring a richer, more textured understanding to these events.That heart-sinking sensation of denial—Peter felt it thrice, and we dissect it with surgical precision, examining the psychological labyrinth he must have navigated. The web of high priestly politics gets untangled as we question Jesus' peculiar initial presentation to Annas and muse over the implications. Human frailties are put under the microscope, as are the responses to them, and we find ourselves humbled by Jesus' grace, a soothing balm for our own missteps.Finally, brace yourselves as we steer the conversation into the realm of philosophy, wrestling with the enigma of truth in a world where facts sometimes bend under societal pressure. We poke fun at the absurdity of denying the undeniable, all while unpacking the profound exchange between Jesus and Pilate about kingdoms not of this world. Before you join us for the deep dive into John chapter 19, take our challenge and compare different translations—there's a wealth of insight waiting for you.
Feb 19, 2024
39 min
John 17
Ever find yourself wondering if the quirky traits that make you a "regular guy" could actually shine a light on the profound truths of the Bible? That's exactly where Ken and Steve take you in our latest episode of the Regular Guys Bible Study Podcast. Starting with a chuckle over our less-than-average quirks, we soon embark on a journey through the depths of John Chapter 17. Our discussion leaps from the comic reality of everyday life to the sacred moments shared between Jesus and His disciples, revealing the raw humanity and divine wisdom that connect us all.Strap in for a session where we not only reflect on the power of Jesus' prayer for unity but also tackle the challenges of navigating Bible translations. By comparing the ESV, NIV, and NLT, we uncover how each version can illuminate scripture in a new light. And just when you think it's all about the serious stuff, we throw in a tale from our recent skiing misadventure to prove that understanding God's word is about living life fully, not just studying it. Join us for an episode that blends humor with heartfelt spirituality, exploring how our everyday experiences can lead us to a deeper comprehension of faith, unity, and the Christian journey.
Feb 12, 2024
31 min
John 16
Have you ever wondered how a simple mix-up might lead you on a path of profound spiritual discovery? That's exactly where we begin our journey in this episode, as a lighthearted confusion over acronyms opens the door to exploring the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Embark on a candid voyage with us through John 15:26 through John 16, where we dissect the role of the Helper and Truth Bearer. Our conversation isn't just about scripture; it's a reflection on personal experiences with discernment and the often challenging task of aligning our actions with God's will. Sometimes, even the closest followers of Jesus can find themselves puzzled, as we see in John 14 with the disciples' uncertainty. We navigate through their confusion, just as we often must in our own lives, shedding light on the indelible mark the Holy Spirit left on the early church. Our talk takes a turn towards the profound, considering Jesus' bold assertion that all the Father has is also his, and what that means for the authenticity of the New Testament. This isn't your run-of-the-mill Bible study; it's an invitation to rethink what you thought you knew about the Holy Spirit's enduring guidance.As we wrap up our discussion with a look at Jesus' teachings on his impending death and resurrection, the promise of joy, and the enigmatic 40 days post-resurrection, we find ourselves at a crossroads. With hearts full and minds nourished, we decide to press pause on recording to cherish a ski trip. But the journey through scripture never stops; we leave you with a compelling challenge to immerse yourself in John 17. As we sign off with encouragement to maintain devotion to Bible study, we can't help but feel grateful for the spiritual sustenance we've shared—now, it's time for some physical replenishment on the slopes. Join us on this spiritual trek, where humor meets the holy, questions find clarity, and the search for truth is as joyous as it is endless.
Jan 29, 2024
49 min
John 15
Ever felt like everyday life is sprinkled with moments that could lead you to deeper reflections on faith and spirituality? Join Steve and myself as we share a candid conversation that weaves together the mundane with the profound. We kick things off discussing the unpredictable weather and my latest fitness escapades, only to find ourselves drawn into the rich metaphor of Jesus as the true vine in John chapter 15. Our discussion is far from your typical Bible study—it's an authentic exchange between friends dissecting the necessity of abiding in Jesus to bear fruit and how this intertwines with love, obedience, and the joy that comes from a deep connection with the divine.As we peel back the layers of living in Christ's presence, we tackle the visible—and often invisible—manifestations of spiritual fruit in our lives. From the subtle acts of anonymous giving to the loud declarations of faith, we question the assurance of salvation and what it truly means to reflect a Christian worldview. This part of our dialogue offers an honest examination of our personal journeys and invites you to look inward at the testimony of your own life. Our conversation is a heartfelt exploration that encourages both introspection and a sense of solidarity with fellow believers navigating the complexities of modern Christian living.Wrapping up, we don't hesitate to venture into more theological territory, probing questions of sin, righteousness, and how Jesus's teachings challenge us to be at odds with the world while maintaining respect for others. Balancing our faith with the realities of the workplace and social dynamics, we ponder the interpretation of sacred texts and their relevance to contemporary life. It's a space where we support each other through the maze of doctrinal ideas, emphasizing the strength and importance of community in these faith discussions. Tune in for an episode that promises to be as enlightening as it is real.
Jan 22, 2024
49 min
John 14
Ever found yourself vacillating over the purchase of fancy workout gear, like a high-tech rowing machine, wondering if it's a stroke of genius or a soon-to-be dusty relic in the corner? That's exactly where our episode takes off, with a hearty laugh over the conundrums we all face when trying to mesh fitness into our daily grind. My co-host Steve and I go back and forth on the allure of gadgets like Peloton and Aviron, but don't be fooled by the light-hearted banter; this episode dives deeper as we segue into how these everyday choices can ripple into our spiritual lives, even touching on the unexpected, like property taxes. Midway through, we shift gears and delve into the profound, examining the teachings of Jesus in John 14 and the transformative power of prayer. This isn't your average Bible study chat – oh no. We wrestle with big questions: Was Jesus' message exclusive to his disciples, or does it echo through the ages to all of us? And what about that promise of the Holy Spirit? We navigate these waters with the curiosity of explorers and the candor of friends, providing insights that might just bridge gaps across different denominations. Wrapping up, we bare our souls a bit, sharing personal anecdotes about discerning God's will amidst the cacophony of life's desires. It's a candid confession from regular guys discussing the tug-of-war between divine guidance and our own stubborn wills. Join us for a conversation that's as much about finding humor in our spiritual journey as it is about the earnest quest for faith and identity. So, pull up a chair and lend an ear; this is one episode where laughter and profundity sail in the same boat.
Jan 15, 2024
50 min
John 13
Have you ever considered the profound humility in Jesus' act of foot-washing, or is it just an ancient ritual lost to time? As Ken and I reunite in this episode, we take you through the maze of symbolism in John Chapter 13, where the simple act of foot-washing unfolds as a lesson in servant leadership that still resonates today. I'll even share a personal peeve about modern misconceptions of this powerful gesture. We dissect the layers of meaning behind Jesus' actions, particularly the weight of His knowledge of the impending betrayal, and how this shapes our understanding of true service to one another.As our conversation deepens, we tackle the complexities of using Jesus' name in prayer, aiming to strip back the rote repetition and restore its sincere invocation. The narrative of Judas' betrayal under Satan's influence and the disciples' bewildering reactions come under our scrutiny too, prompting us to question their understanding—or lack thereof. With Jesus' prediction of His betrayal, the dialogue swerves into the concepts of glorification and the timeless commandment to love one another, challenging us to grasp the intricacies of His message. Join Ken and me as we navigate these spiritually charged waters, seeking clarity and application for our lives today.
Jan 8, 2024
38 min
John 12
Have you ever bellowed a hymn so off-key you felt a kinship with Peter's sinking faith on the waves? That's where Ken and I begin our latest podcast foray, drawing parallels between our own spiritual stumbles and the biblical tales that resonate with our journey. We saunter through John 12, where Mary's perfume-laden tribute to Jesus stirs more than just the air—it ignites a discourse on devotion and betrayal that weaves through the laughter and lessons in our discussion. And don't miss out on the high school memory that Ken shares, lightening the mood as we tackle the heavier themes within the scriptures.Ken and I know the unexpected can bring both confusion and clarity—like the time I spotted a donkey at church, a moment as peculiar as it was profound. We recount personal tales of misinterpretation and the eventual understanding of God's intricate plans. As we reminisce, we weave in the biblical narrative of expectation versus reality, and how hindsight often illuminates what once was murky.Wrapping up, we're candid about our challenges, from technical slip-ups to the inner conflict of seeking human praise versus divine approval. We examine Jesus' foreboding words about his destiny, linking them to our own pursuit of purpose and the struggle to shine our light amidst the shadows. Before you depart, we encourage you to engage with John 13, setting the stage for our next spiritual rendezvous. It's been a ride of enriching dialogue and hearty chuckles, so join us again as we continue to translate age-old wisdom into our daily lives. Goodnight, fellow travelers.
Dec 19, 2023
1 hr 1 min
John 11
Fancy a trip through the mesmerizing narratives of the Bible with your hosts Ken and Steve? Brace yourself for an enlightening exploration as we discuss Jesus' profound affection for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in John 11. This captivating journey will reveal the enigma behind Lazarus' illness, Jesus' delayed intervention, and the disciples' apprehensions about heading back to Judea. We promise, you're about to witness the Bible as never before.Ever wondered how Jesus' arrival at the scene of Lazarus' death stirred emotions and expectations? As we unfold Martha and Mary’s reactions and the consequential events, get ready to be engrossed in the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept." Moreover, we'll share our awe for a friend who impressively memorized the entire book of Philippians and recited it flawlessly. But the discussions don't end here. Climaxing our discourse is an intriguing query: Why did Jesus cry upon hearing of Lazarus' death? Compassion, empathy, or something more profound? We're also analyzing the skepticism of Jews who challenged Jesus' identity, despite acknowledging His miraculous abilities. The finale is centered around the miraculous story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and His unwavering faith in God. So, get set to delve into the enigmatic tales of the Bible and unravel their profound relevance to our everyday lives.
Dec 11, 2023
49 min
John 10
Ready for a spiritual journey? Buckle up and join us, Ken and Steve, as we traverse the intricate landscapes of the Book of John, focusing on Chapter 10. We'll dig into Jesus' analogies of himself as both shepherd and the door of the sheepfold, dissecting his declaration that those entering by another route are false prophets or anti-Christ. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of this chapter's profound symbolism and its crucial role in the narrative of John.We further examine the metaphor of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, highlighting interesting parallels with Old Testament shepherd stories, like those of King David. Our discussion expands to Jesus' mention of other sheep, not from his fold, who he also has the duty to guide. This resonates the message of unity, envisioning a single flock under one shepherd. As we reach the end of the chapter, we interpret the Feast of Dedication and Jesus' audacious claims that spark division among the Jews. We unpack Jesus' clever reference to Psalm 82 in his defense and outline the nuanced theological implications it carries. To enrich your comprehension, we also provide a historical background to the festival of Hanukkah. Listen in as we unravel these complexities and draw personal insights from these profound narratives. Join us on this journey and let's unravel the mysteries of John together.
Nov 20, 2023
48 min
John 9
Ever wonder what it's like to witness a miracle? Ever been intrigued by how the people around Jesus might have reacted to his divine acts? Your hosts, Ken and Steve, unravel these questions and more in a compelling conversation about Jesus healing a man born blind in John 9. We discuss everyone's reaction to the miracle, from the healed man to the Pharisees. We also delve into thought-provoking topics such as the societal views on disability at the time, the implications of the miracle, and the powerful identity of Jesus as a Prophet.As we explore further, we analyze intriguing Pharisees' reactions and their questioning of Jesus. We ponder over the possibility of some Pharisees being open to the idea of Jesus being from God, and dissect Jesus' statement of 'though I was blind, now I see'. Drawing parallels between this profound story and the parable of the lost sheep, we examine how Jesus seeks out the man and asks him about his belief in the Son of Man. So, join us on this extraordinary journey that takes us back in time, and helps us draw lessons for our modern lives. It's a conversation that bridges the gap between the ancient scriptures and contemporary life, shedding light on our spiritual path.
Nov 13, 2023
37 min
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