Jesus Changes People

This episode originally aired on September 11, 2023. Ken and Mike review some of the key elements from season 5’s trip through the book of Ruth. They discuss the effects of unbelief; belief that leads to striving; and how an identity of being fully redeemed affects how we live our lives. Also, a listener wants to know if Mike and his family made it to Oregon safely. And Christian Industrial Metal, what prompts the guys to wax intel...

This episode originally aired on September 4, 2023. In the rousing conclusion to be book of Ruth, Boaz attempts to redeem Ruth. It looks like the other redeemer has the upper hand and then Boaz says Ruth is a part of the deal, and that’s just too much, and the other redeemer backs out. This means Boaz is the one who can redeem Elimelek’s land and marry Ruth. The storybook ending proceeds with a wedding and a child, but there’s more...

This episode originally aired on August 28, 2023. A day comes when Naomi feels the need to find a home for Ruth, so she will be provided for. She lays out a plan that Ruth follows to the letter. But isn’t it weird that Boaz is sleeping at the threshing floor? And why does Ruth uncover his feet and lay down by them? Join Ken and Mike as they discuss these mysteries found in the third chapter of Ruth. And someone did it, they asked a...

This episode originally aired on August 21, 2023. It’s a tale as old as time, boy meets girl, which leads to boy and girl falling in love. That’s what’s recorded next in the story of Ruth. She is gleaning in the fields and ends up in a field owned by a relative of Naomi’s. How will this relationship begin and where will it go from this first chance meeting? Join Mike and Ken as they discuss the second chapter of Ruth’s story. And i...

This episode originally aired on August 14, 2023. To really understand the book of Ruth is to first understand the characters involved. And not just the details offered, but also what their names actually mean. With an understanding of name meanings, the backstory of what lands Naomi and Ruth in Bethlehem at harvest time has a much greater meaning. Join Ken and Mike as they make their way through this first chapter discussing not o...

This episode originally aired on August 7, 2023. Has Jesus Changes People become a Hallmark movie? Mike and Ken discuss the possibility as they begin Season 5, which will focus on a love story from the Bible. The book of Ruth tells the story of 3 prominent characters: Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. The guys will give a high level view of the book; map out where they’re headed in this season; and discuss the things to be looking for as you ...

This episode originally aired on December 26, 2022. Ken and Mike wrap up their second season and the first year of Jesus Changes People. They reflect on the previous year and look forward to what might lie ahead in the next. During the main sections, they discuss why it’s important to reflect on past events, the trouble with New Year’s resolutions, and offer some practices to help get the year started off on the right foot. Also in...

This episode originally aired on December 19, 2022. Luke begins his biography of Jesus, explaining why he’s undertaken the writing of his account. He desires to put down an orderly record so that people won’t be fuzzy about something so important as the life of Jesus. If we’d heard the story of Jesus’ read from scripture, it’s most likely been read from the book of Luke, so it is quite familiar to us. However, the stories of Mary a...

This episode originally aired on December 12, 2022. Mark, much like John, begins his biography with Jesus as an adult. His account moves rapidly through a prophecy from Isaiah, John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness, Jesus’ baptism by John, God the Father speaking from heaven to Jesus, and Jesus heading into the wilderness for forty days, which included being tempted by Satan. Mark covers all of this in just 15 verses. Althou...

This episode originally aired on December 5, 2022. Matthew begins his biography of Jesus with a genealogy. Although a genealogy seems like something we should skip, it’s surprising who we find listed in Jesus’ family tree. It’s also amazing that Matthew didn’t hesitate to include some of these individuals. From those he includes, we’re provided a great reminder that no one is beyond the grace of God. Matthew, unlike John, further s...

This episode originally aired on November 28, 2022. John begins his biography of Jesus as an adult and with what seems to be a philosophical introduction–but one that is packed with rich theology. Contrary to what we might think, the Christmas story did not begin in Bethlehem or even when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. The Christmas story–God coming from heaven to earth–has existed in the heart of God since the very beginning....

This episode originally aired on July 31, 2023. Ken and Mike review some of the key elements from season 4’s look at the Life and Times of David. They discuss David’s faith; how he’s a man after God’s own heart; what we can learn from his intimacy with God; the significance of shepherding in these accounts of David’s life; how David served God in his generation; and how he modeled for all of us the way to grow. The guys help transl...

This episode originally aired on July 31, 2023. Ken and Mike review some of the key elements from season 4’s look at the Life and Times of David. They discuss David’s faith; how he’s a man after God’s own heart; what we can learn from his intimacy with God; the significance of shepherding in these accounts of David’s life; how David served God in his generation; and how he modeled for all of us the way to grow. The guys help transl...

This episode originally aired on July 17, 2023. Psalm 51 is a powerful expression of repentance and restoration. Written by David in the aftermath of his affair with Bathsheba, it shows humility, brokenness, and a willingness to do whatever God asks of him. It is in this chapter that David writes these words, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Ho...

This episode originally aired on July 10, 2023. The story of David and Goliath is well known in and out of church circles. In popular culture, it is used to highlight the underdog and how people can overcome great odds. Within the biblical context, the story of David and Goliath is also about trusting God to provide victory, and having a willingness to fight in your unique style. Ultimately, God gives David the victory. Join Mike a...

This episode originally aired on July 3, 2023. While many people think of 2 Samuel 11 and 12 as simply David’s affair with Bathsheba, it is actually much more. Throughout the chapter we see David ignoring warning signs, not listening to advisors, and ultimately allowing his desire for Bathsheba to cause him to have her husband murdered. It begins with David not being where he should be–out to war with his army. When we are not wher...

This episode originally aired on June 26, 2023. When Samuel goes to anoint the next king of Israel, he makes a common mistake: he judges the potential candidates based on outward appearances. God uses this opportunity to share his perspective: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearanc...

Second Best of Did You Knows in four episodes. It’s no trick; it’s a treat. The Did You Know segments of Jesus Changes People is the time in the show when the guys share facts about the Bible, Christian History, and Christian Oddities. Five of the Did You Knows in this volume are focused on Tabletop Games. One is a brand new Did You Know for Jesus Changes People 200th episode. Join Ken and Mike as they share five of these facts wit...

Back to back best of Listener Questions episodes. This is volume six of the Best of Listener Questions. These 5 questions span from August 2022 to May 2023, and they focus on some of the funny things Christians say. Join Mike and Ken as the help us understand these words and phrases in their answers to these 5 questions from these 5 episodes:

Season 1 - Episode 35 - August 29, 2022 - Putting It Into Practice | John 12:37-1...