The PursueGOD Truth Podcast

Why do so many churches and Christians make such a big deal of the Bible? Isn’t it just an out-dated, irrelevant piece of ancient literature? Shouldn’t we keep it on the shelf and use more modern books to teach us how to live? These are the questions we’ll explore today.--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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --before we examine the Bible, let’s start with some fun trivia about all those other books on the shelf…10 notable best-selling books of all time:The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss - 10.5 millionThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - 20 millionThe Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - 29 millionTo Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - 40 millionThe Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle - 43 millionPurpose Driven Life by Rick Warren - 50 millionThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis - over 85 millionHarry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling - 120 millionA Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - Over 200 million  Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes - Over 500 millionTop three best-selling books of all time:The Quran - Estimated 800 million copies sold and distributed.Quotations from the Works of Mao Tse-tung - Over 900 million copies sold.The Bible - Estimated 5 billion copies sold and distributed.So, back to the question we’ll unbox today:Q. Is the Bible Just Another Book?Think about how all of those other books were written: All of those other books were the product of one or more clever mindsThey all followed a similar process:Come up with the conceptCreate a storyline, characters, etc.Do some research if needed for accuracy Write and re-writeMy favorite book on the topic: “On Writing Well” by William Zinsser“Simplify, simplify.”“There’s no minimum length for a sentence that’s acceptable in the eyes of God.”“Writers must constantly ask: what am I trying to say? Surprisingly often they don’t know.”"Ultimately the product any writer has to sell is not the subject being written about, but who he or she is."But this is what separates the Bible from every other book: it is not the product of one person’s ideas or creativity. Nobody had to dream up the storyline or characters, and no one had to read “On Writing Well” to turn out the best chapters and verses. The Bible, Christians believe, is unique because it alone was inspired by God. Here’s how Paul explained it to Timothy:2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.See Where Did We Get...

In this conversation, Bryan, Bo and KD discuss the question of whether there is only one true church, specifically focusing on the Mormon Church. They explore the concept of a testimony in Mormonism and how it differs from the Christian understanding of a testimony. They also discuss the idea of the church as an organization, denomination, or building, and explain that the biblical definition of the church is the assembly of called out believers in Jesus. They conclude that while there may not be one true church in the sense of a specific institution or denomination, there is a capital C church that includes all true believers in Jesus throughout history.Takeaways:Mormons believe that the Mormon Church is the one true church, and this belief is ingrained from a young age.The biblical definition of the church is the assembly of called out believers in Jesus, and it is not limited to a specific organization, denomination, or building.A testimony in Mormonism is a memorized statement that focuses on the prophet, the church, and sometimes the family, rather than on Jesus.While Mormonism as an institution is not part of the one true church, individuals within the Mormon church can still have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.Core doctrines such as belief in the Bible, the Trinity, the deity of Jesus, salvation by faith, and life after death are important in determining if a church is part of the one true church.--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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --NotesMentioned in this episode:Donate Now

Several religions claim to be the one true church or the exclusive path to heaven. But what does the Bible say? Is there only one true church? And if not, do all roads lead to heaven? These are the questions we’ll explore today.--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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Q. Is there only one true church?DefinitionsLet’s start by defining terms. Before we answer the question about whether or not there is one true church, we need to make sure we understand what the “church” is and what it isn’t. The church is not a building.  You might say, “I’ll meet you at the church.” or “Our men’s group meets at the church.” But the building itself is not the church. The church isn’t an organization.The church isn’t a denomination. Ex: Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Assemblies of GodSouthern Baptist Convention (SBC): The largest Baptist denomination in the United StatesAmerican Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA): with a more moderate theological stance compared to the SBC.Conservative Baptist Association of America (CBAA)National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (NBCUSA): One of the oldest and largest African-American Baptist denominations in the United States, known for its emphasis on social justice and missions.National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. (NBCA) Baptist Union of Great Britain Canadian Baptists of Western Canada Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) National Baptist Convention of Nigeria (NBCN)General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC)Estimating the exact number of Christian denominations is challenging due to various factors, including differing criteria for what constitutes a denomination and the existence of many small, independent churches. However, scholars and religious experts often cite figures ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 Christian denominations worldwide!!From Sys Theo, Lesson 10: The church is neither a building nor an organization. It is a people, the community of all those who stand in a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.Ekklesia - assembly of the called out ones - called out by the proclamation of the gospel to gather around Christ.  John 10:9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.So, back to our question: Is there only one true church?Answer: NO – in the sense that there’s only one institution/denomination that gets it rightYES – in the “C” sense of the global community of true believers in the basic Bible messageJohn 17:20-21 (NLT) “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you...

Almost every world religion offers a pathway to heaven through good works and personal efforts. Some even include a list of sacraments: Holy rituals by which a person can merit salvation. But Christianity is different. According to the Bible, there’s only one way to know if you’re good enough for God, and it has nothing to do with what you can do. --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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Before we look at what the Bible says, let’s do a quick survey of a few popular world religions…Hinduism: Hinduism does not have a singular concept of salvation but rather multiple paths (yogas) that lead to spiritual liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). These paths include devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and selfless action (karma yoga), among others. Salvation is achieved when an individual realizes their true self (atman) as one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). (Liberation depends on YOU.)Buddhism: Salvation in Buddhism is the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth, achieved through the elimination of desire and ignorance. In Buddhism, the goal is to attain enlightenment (nirvana) by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes principles such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. (Nirvana depends on YOU.)Islam: In Islam, the plan of salvation involves belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. Muslims believe in living a righteous life according to the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Muhammad). Salvation is achieved through faith, repentance, and good deeds, with the ultimate reward being entry into paradise. Salvation in Islam is not guaranteed solely by faith or deeds but is ultimately dependent on the mercy and judgment of Allah. Muslims strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah and to follow the teachings of Islam in the hope of attaining salvation in the afterlife. (Paradise depends on YOU.)(Note: similarity with Mormonism. “Saved by grace after all we can do.”) - Don’t include this in sermon!TRANS: So what does Christianity teach? To find that answer we need to look at one more world religion: Judaism. Jesus was Jewish. Christianity came out of Judaism. Understanding the link between those two religions, and specifically the key difference between them, will give us the insight we need to answer our question today. Let’s start with the words of Jesus from his famous Sermon on the Mount:PerfectionMatthew 5:17 (NLT) “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”When Jesus talks about “the law and the prophets” he’s referring to Judaism. Here’s Judaism in a nutshell:God chose Abraham and made him some promises (Gen 12)God gave the...

KD shares her amazing story of how the God of the Bible got a hold of her heart. She talks about growing up in a Mormon household, the fear of her parents' potential divorce, and her deep desire to have an eternal family. She also discusses the pressure she felt to be a perfect wife and the impact of learning about polygamy in heaven. Her and Bo discuss the challenges of perfectionism and the burden of trying to earn their salvation within the Mormon Church. They discuss the impact of checklist mentality and the struggle to find grace within the confines of their faith. The loss of their daughter becomes a turning point in their spiritual journey, leading them to reevaluate their beliefs and seek a deeper understanding of Jesus. TakeawaysGrowing up in a Mormon household can come with unique challenges and pressures, such as the fear of divorce and the emphasis on eternal families.Learning about polygamy in heaven can be unsettling, especially for those who have witnessed infidelity or unhealthy relationships.The pressure to be a perfect spouse and maintain a worthy image can lead to controlling behaviors and mental distress.Discovering the true God of the Bible can bring relief and freedom from the burdens and expectations of Mormonism. The pressure to be perfect and earn salvation can create a heavy burden and lead to feelings of inadequacy.Navigating the tension between grace and checklist mentality can be challenging, especially within the Mormon faith.Finding a Christian church and embracing the true meaning of grace can bring relief and a deeper understanding of God's love.--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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

We’ve been on a long journey through the gospel of Mark.  We started this in January of 2023.  Throughout Mark’s gospel, he has been building a case that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.  He opened his gospel with this declaration and has spent the last 16 chapters stacking up the evidence. Today we're looking at this question: What would it take to convince you that Jesus is the Son of God? --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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --We’ve seen testimonies:Mark 1:11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”Mark 1:24 (NLT) “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”Mark 8:29 (NLT) Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”We’ve seen teachings: Mark 2:17 (NLT) “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”Mark 7:15 (NLT) “It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”Mark 10:15 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”We’ve seen his miracles: Physical miraclescleansing the lepergiving sight to the blindHealing the lameResuscitating LazarusNature miracles:Feeding the multitudes… twice! Walking on water  Calming the stormEven a spiritual miracle:casting out evil spirits TRANS: But there’s one miracle that stands out above them all. It’s the final and most important piece of evidence to point us to the true identity of Jesus. Today we’re looking at the incredible resurrection of Jesus.The resurrection is the climax of Mark’s gospel. Without the resurrection, there is no good news. Jesus’s death would simply be the most tragic case of injustice in history, with not an ounce of goodness to it. It was the resurrection that changed the minds of his disciples. It was an encounter with the risen Christ that changed them from cowardly, sniveling men who deserted him and were always arguing about who would be the greatest… to brave, faith-filled men who unashamedly proclaimed Mark 1:1 – that Jesus is the Son of God. NOTE: As we dig into Mark 16, we’re going to go through verse 8.  If you’re reading in your Bible, you’ll likely have a footnote that says the “earliest manuscripts stop at verse 8.”  I want to talk about that for just a moment. I want to share with you why this strengthens my confidence in the accuracy, historicity, and authority of God’s Word.  I’m going to give you some reasons why we’re choosing to stop at verse 8 today and why many Bibles still include verse 9-20. Earliest manuscripts we have...

A Roman officer had a front-row seat to the most consequential death in human history: the crucifixion of Jesus. What he saw that day changed his life forever, and the lessons learned still apply 2000 years later.--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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --The climax of the book of Mark, the answer to 1:1. But who speaks these words? A Roman officer?! Where are the disciples? Takeaway: this message, this mystery, is for everyone who would call on the name of Jesus. It takes three things, as we take a closer look at that passage: Mark 15:39 (NLT) When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”“Stood facing him” Freedom in Christ takes the courage to face Jesus.Today, that might mean investigating his claims. Courage to look into Christianity, willingness to submit - that dirty “s” wordJohn 7:16-17 My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.If you’re unwilling to submit to God’s will, your pursuit is over before it has even started. But if you are willing to come to God on his terms and take him at his word, then Jesus promises that you’ll discover the truth… and the freedom that comes with it!Back to the text:Mark 15:39 (NLT) When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”brutal, yet resolved to suffer. Mark 15:23 (NLT) They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it.He kept his vow at the Last Supper: Mark 14:25 (NLT) I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.”Mocked, yet did not open his mouthWho? The people passing, The leading priests and teachers of religious law, Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him.This was truly a fulfillment of Psalms 22:7-8 (NLT) Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, “Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!”Q. Have YOU ever mocked Jesus? Between two thieves (yet he was not a sinner)Isaiah 53:12 (NLT) I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.One more thing:Mark 15:39 (NLT) When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”The climax of the book of Mark, the answer to Mark 1:1 (NLT) This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It was the third time someone made the...

 In this episode, Bryan and Bo discuss the concept of priesthood in Mormonism. They explore the Mormon belief in the restoration of the church and the priesthood through Joseph Smith. They discuss the biblical perspective on priesthood, emphasizing Jesus as the ultimate high priest and mediator. They explore the idea of a royal priesthood, and the role of leadership and authority in the church. They highlight the toxicity of priesthood authority in Mormonism and contrast it with the biblical concept of authority. The conversation also dives into the two orders of the priesthood, the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods, and the significance of Jesus as the ultimate high priest. Takeaways:The Mormon belief in the restoration of the priesthood through Joseph Smith is a central aspect of their faith.The biblical perspective on priesthood emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate high priest and mediator between God and humanity.New Testament Christianity did not have priests or temples, as Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial system and became the final mediator.Leadership and authority exist in the church, but Mormonism takes the concept of authority to a toxic level, elevating it to a priesthood authority that only certain individuals possess.The Aaronic priesthood originated with Aaron, the brother of Moses, and the Levites. The Melchizedek priesthood is a more obscure reference in Genesis, but the book of Hebrews explains that Jesus is the ultimate high priest in the order of Melchizedek.The worthiness aspect of priesthood in Mormonism can lead to guilt, shame, and public humiliation for those who are deemed unworthy. However, the Bible teaches that salvation is not based on good works or priesthood authority, but on God's grace through faith in 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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

Today we look at the interaction between Jesus and Pilate, as Jesus continues his march toward the cross. Pilate asks six different questions in the Mark text, and we’re going to look at each one of them to see what we can learn about Pilate’s search for truth. Before we get to the six questions in Mark, we’ll start with a question that Pilate asks in John’s gospel. --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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --John 18:38 (NLT) “What is truth?” Pilate asked.What is truth? Such a profound question for a politician to ask!Today’s fluid concept of truth in the postmodern worldChatGPT: Postmodernism challenges traditional notions of truth by suggesting that truth is not objective and universal, but rather subjective and context-dependent. In this view, truth is not a fixed reality waiting to be discovered, but rather a product of social, historical, and cultural influences. Postmodernists argue that different groups or individuals may have their own truths that are valid within their own frameworks or perspectives, and that these truths are not necessarily in conflict with each other. Here’s today’s key question:Q. How will you handle the truth about Jesus?A Few Good Men: “You can’t handle the truth!” Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, played by Jack NicholsonNow we’re ready to turn to the text. Mark chapter 15…Mark 15:1 (NLT) Very early in the morning the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law—the entire high council—met to discuss their next step. They bound Jesus, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.Let’s talk about Pilate.(Expositor's Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) Early in the morning, because that is when Pilate held trials, Jesus was led to Herod's palace. This explains why the Sanhedrin held their session late at night and very early in the morning.(Pillar New Testament Commentary) The Gospel of Mark was probably written in the middle 60s during Nero's reign. The Roman Empire, in contrast to the earlier Republic, was a totalitarian state, and at no time more so than under Nero. Discretion, if not loyalty, dictated that Rome be portrayed in the best possible light in Mark's Gospel. Mark desired to encourage Christians in Rome, who were themselves victims of persecution, by Jesus' faithful example before Pilate. At the same time, he wanted to avoid making claims that could be regarded treasonous, lest his Gospel become cause of further trouble for Christians in the Empire. The delicate task before Mark in chap. 15 is how to report the crucifixion without causing unnecessary offense to the Romans who crucified him. Mark needed to exercise sensitivity in the crucifixion narrative because the tyranny of Pilate paled in comparison to the tyranny of Nero, under whom the recipients of the Gospel were living.The Jewish historian Josephus and the Jewish philosopher Philo both provide some insights into the...

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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --In today's episode, John and Pastor Rene discuss various aspects of immigration and how to show compassion to those in need. They touch on topics such as controlled immigration, meeting needs at the source, false promises and misinformation, and showing compassion regardless of legal status. The conversation explores the decision between enabling and helping, the importance of meeting both physical and spiritual needs, being generous with resources, addressing poverty at the source, the impact of international outreach, and taking action to make a difference.TakeawaysMeeting needs at the source is crucial for long-term sustainability.False promises and misinformation contribute to the immigration crisis.It is possible to be frustrated with government policies while still showing compassion to those in need.Compassion should be shown to individuals regardless of their legal status. It is important to be wise in how we care for people in need, enabling them to become self-supportive.Meeting physical needs is important, but the biggest need people have is Jesus.

Todd shares his personal history with Mormonism and his journey of questioning and seeking to understand Jesus. He discusses the differences between the Mormon Jesus and the biblical Jesus, as well as the challenges he faced in leaving Mormonism. Todd emphasizes the importance of seeking truth and experiencing the transformation that comes from knowing the real Jesus. He offers advice for those still entangled in Mormonism and encourages them to take off their Mormon backpack and embrace the grace and truth found in biblical Christianity.Takeaways:Questioning and seeking to understand Jesus is a natural part of the spiritual journey.There is a stark contrast between the Mormon Jesus and the Biblical Jesus.Leaving Mormonism can be challenging, but seeking truth and experiencing the transformation that comes from knowing the real Jesus is worth it.It is important to give grace to others and embrace the grace and truth found in biblical Christianity.--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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --

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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate 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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate 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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate 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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate 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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate 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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate 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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate 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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate 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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate 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...