The Bible Speaks to You: Think, Pray, Love like Jesus
By: James Early
Language: en-us
Categories: Religion, Spirituality, Christianity
Have you ever poured out your heart, almost begging God to solve a problem, but it doesn’t feel like your prayer is ever answered? You wonder if there’s a better way to pray you don’t know about. Then some days, you really connect with God in prayer and it just makes you want to be closer to Him? Each week The Bible Speaks to You Podcast helps you rediscover the original Christianity of Jesus. Host James Early, Bible teacher and speaker, and an occasional guest dig deep into how to think, pray, and love like Jesus. And how to...
Episodes
342 – Replace Bad Motvies with Good Motives
Jan 09, 2026342 – Bad motives versus good motives
Have you ever kept making the same mistakes and committing the same sin, even though you’ve tried to stop?
You’ve tried to do what’s right but you keep slipping back into old patterns of thinking and acting.
Sometimes, trying to change one behavior by a different behavior doesn’t really get at the root of the problem.
We need to go a little deeper and deal with the mental and spiritual motives, with our thinking...
Duration: 00:08:20341 – Who Do You Want to Be in 2026?
Jan 06, 2026341 – What are your hopes for 2026? Who do you want to be?
At the beginning of a new year a lot of people set goals and make resolutions of what they want to accomplish or stop doing during the next 12 months.
The focus is usually on achievements and results, changing behavior, establishing new habits, things like that.
Other people like to pick out a phrase or a word as a theme for the year.
But a lot of folks I know have trouble...
Duration: 00:18:39340 – Accept Responsibility for Your Sins
Jan 02, 2026340 – Ever have trouble admitting your mistakes?
Have you ever had a hard time accepting responsibility for the mistakes you’ve made and the sins you’ve committed?
I know, it’s all too easy to blame someone else or circumstances, the way you were brought up, the way someone treated you, or whatever it may be.
But if you really want to heal the burden of guilt you’re carrying around, you’ll accept full responsibility for your mistakes and sins. This will bring healing and freedom...
Duration: 00:09:50339 – Best Podcast Episodes 2025
Dec 30, 2025339 – Thank You 2025!
It's been a great year in many ways, but it had its challenges as well.
There have been ups and downs for sure, but from all the people I talk to and interact with online, I feel a gradual and growing momentum in the way people’s hearts are reaching out for things of the Spirit.
Before we launch out into a new year, it can be really helpful to appreciate all the lessons learned in 2025 and the good received and experienced.
I...
Duration: 00:46:32338 – Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Dec 26, 2025338 - It's Freedom Friday
How often to you compare yourself with others? How's that workin' for you?
One of the things I’ve really had to work at over the years is not to compare myself with others.
When I’ve seen someone who is more successful, is smarter, stronger, better looking than me, it’s easy to feel inferior to them.
I've felt guilty I didn’t work as hard as they did, or maybe I tried but didn’t succeed lik...
Duration: 00:08:19337 – Being the Light of Christmas in a Troubled World
Dec 23, 2025337 – Let the light of Christmas shine bright
One of the major themes at Christmas time is the light of Christ shining into a dark world. In fact the Christmas story has all kinds of light in it.
There’s the star that appears to the Wisemen from the East. There’s the glory of God shining on the shepherds as the angels talk to them.
And most important of all is the birth of Jesus, who came as the Light of the world.
But Jesu...
Duration: 00:20:41336 – Learning to Obey God out of Love, Not Fear of Punishment
Dec 19, 2025336 – What makes you want to obey God?
People sometimes ask: "Is there a way to obey God from a place of love instead of from a sense of duty or fear of punishment?"
And my answer is always: Absolutely, Yes! It is totally possible to obey God from a place of love instead of duty or fear.
God doesn’t want you to obey Him because you’re afraid of Him. God wants a loving relationship with you.
When you realize He always...
Duration: 00:07:57335 – Overcoming Loneliness at Christmas
Dec 16, 2025335 – Will you or anyone you know be alone for Christmas this year?
An estimated 14 million Americans will spend Christmas alone in 2025.
That’s a lot of people! I don’t have numbers for other countries, but this really opened my eyes to a problem that’s a lot bigger than I realized.
There’s a wide variety of reasons why people are alone at Christmas, and a small percentage of them actually prefer to be by themselves.
But the vast majority of these 14...
Duration: 00:22:39334 – Overcoming Temptation in Your Life
Dec 12, 2025334 – It's Freedom Friday
How good are you at overcoming temptation?
What do you do when you are tempted to do something you know you shouldn’t do? How do you resist the temptation? Or do you just give in to it?
A question I get a lot is: How do I resist the temptations in my life? This is something we all have to deal with.
And at some point, as you grow spiritually, it’s not just about resisting temptation, but get...
Duration: 00:11:01333 – God Uses Ordinary People to Prepare for Christ’s Coming at Christmas
Dec 09, 2025333 – God still uses ordinary people to accomplish His purpose
Christmas is just a few weeks away, and a lot of people I know are busy getting ready for this special time of year when we celebrate Christ’s coming. And I don’t just mean making all the preparations for holiday meals, gifts, and seasonal activities.
A lot of people take very seriously getting ready spiritually to be more receptive to the spirit of Christmas, the appearing of Jesus here on earth and the significance of that event, not just 2...
Duration: 00:16:40332 – How Can I Be Made in the Image and Likeness of God if I’m Still Sinning?
Dec 05, 2025332 – FREEDOM FRIDAY
You are made in the image and likeness of God. The Bible makes this clear in the very first chapter of Genesis.
But then the Bible tells story after story of how people have sinned and not been true to the way God created them.
Someone asked the other day: If I’m really made in the image and likeness of God, why do I keep sinning?
That’s a pretty deep question and that's what this episode...
Duration: 00:07:21331 – Where Does Self-Worth Come From?
Dec 02, 2025331 – What gives you a sense of self-worth?
Over the years, I've met some people who are very, very wealthy.
I've also met people who probably didn’t have $20 to their name. And lots of people in between.
Some of these very wealthy people, even though they have been incredibly successful in many areas of their life, have a very low sense of self-worth.
And a few of the homeless people I’ve met, who don’t have enough money to get a good mea...
Duration: 00:20:58330 – Does God Tempt Us to See if We’re Faithful?
Nov 28, 2025330 – Does God ever tempt us?
A lot of people are convinced God sends temptations to see if they are faithful.
You’d be surprised how many Christians believe some version of this, that God tempts us or puts tempting things and thoughts in our path.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
God never tempts you.
That's what we're talking about this week on FREEDOM FRIDAY.
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Show notes:
Full transcript at thebi...
329 – Being Grateful Even When Life Gets Hard
Nov 25, 2025329 – Are you grateful when things don't go the way you want them to?
A lot of folks I’ve been talking to lately are facing some pretty serious challenges. And they don't really think they have anything to be grateful for.
They’re worried about the rising cost of living, if they can pay their bills and put food on the table for their families.
They’re worried about the rising costs of health care. Some folks have lost their jobs and haven’t been able to fin...
Duration: 00:21:41328 – You Can Stop Being Influenced by Others to Sin
Nov 21, 2025328 – How do you quit being influenced by others?
Have you ever worked hard to quit making the same mistakes or committing the same sins and finally got your life cleaned up and straightened out, when someone, maybe even an old friend, tries to pull you back into that old life style?
You feel negatively influenced by others to do things you don’t want to do.
It can be a pretty hard situation to deal with. But there are things you can do and new w...
Duration: 00:07:41327 – The Blessing of Being Hungry and Thirsty for Righteousness
Nov 18, 2025327 – What are you most hungry and thirsty for?
What do you want more than anything else in the world? To be successful, to have a great job and make lots of money, to have a loving family and good friends?
Do you want to have a lot of power and influence? Do you want to make a difference in the world and help people who are less fortunate than you?
Maybe a better question is: What does God want you to do more than anything els...
Duration: 00:19:37326 – How to Deal with Judgmental People
Nov 14, 2025326 – FREEDOM FRIDAY
How do you deal with judgmental people?
Have you ever been talking to someone who gets very judgmental of you because of mistakes you've made in the past, things you're not still doing, attitudes and actions that you have left behind, but they want to keep you in the past?
Do you know how to deal with judgmental people like this?
Maybe it's not on purpose, but they make you feel guilty all over again for something that happened a...
Duration: 00:09:16325 – Jesus's Promise of Wholeness
Nov 11, 2025325 – Does your life ever feel incomplete?
How often do you feel like there’s something missing in your life?
It could be a relationship, a better job, enough money to pay the bills, better health. It could go deeper than that.
You might feel like your life is incomplete because you don’t know what your higher sense of purpose is, and if you do, you’re not sure how to fulfill it.
Why is it that most of us at some time o...
Duration: 00:21:31324 FF – What if Someone Won't Forgive You?
Nov 07, 2025324 - What do you do when someone won't forgive you?
Have you ever apologized to someone, but they won’t forgive you?
They're still feeling hurt or betrayed and they just can’t bring themselves to forgive you.
It’s a pretty lousy feeling. And sometimes it seems like you can’t get on with your own life until there’s some reconciliation and you get that relationship healed.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.
So what do you do whe...
Duration: 00:07:09323 – What the Destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 C.E. Teaches Us Today
Nov 04, 2025323 – You’ve probably heard of the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem when the Roman army destroyed it in 70 AD.
But have you ever wondered how that event is relevant to us today?
What can you and I learn from the destruction of Jerusalem, now almost 2,000 years later?
Well, actually there’s a lot we can learn and my guest this week, Ward Sanford, and I are going to dig into some important lessons we need to learn, individually and collectively as the church, that ca...
Duration: 00:50:23322 FF – How to Accept God's Forgiveness
Oct 31, 2025322 – It's time to accept God's forgiveness
Have you ever had trouble accepting God’s forgiveness for mistakes you made or sins you committed?
And you still feel a burden of guilt even though you’re not making those same mistakes or committing those sins anymore?
That’s what we’re talking about this week on Freedom Friday. Here are a few key points to help you in this process.
Forgiveness is a gift from GodYou are worthy to accept this giftConfess your mistakes and sins to you... Duration: 00:07:26321 – What Would Jesus Do in Your Community?
Oct 28, 2025321 – If Jesus came to your home town, what would he do?
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Jesus came to your community?
Who would he talk to? Who would he preach to? Who would he heal?
Who would be receptive to his message?
Who would oppose him and try to stop him or get rid of him?
In this week’s episode, we dig into
The way Jesus ministered to people in their communities How some... Duration: 00:22:34320 FF – How Do I Forgive Myself?
Oct 24, 2025312 FF – Have you ever struggled to forgive yourself?
In this week's Freedom Friday episode, we're going to tackle what is sometimes one of the hardest things to do, forgive yourself.
I share my friend Jim's story where he learned to forgive his father and himself for things that happened years ago.
The thing that helped him the most was an odd little exercise I had him try.
It worked!
And it's helped a lot of folks since the...
Duration: 00:11:34319 – Getting Back to Bible Basics
Oct 21, 2025319 – It's time to get back to Bible basics
Have you ever been in a conversation about the Bible with someone who is so caught up in some minute detail of something the Bible mentions only once, maybe twice?
But the way the conversation is going, it sounds like it's the most important thing in the whole Bible?
Maybe you’ve seen it happen when you’re watching a Bible-based video on social media where all the attention is focused on something very obscure or rarely mention...
Duration: 00:23:02318 FF – How Do I Stop Committing the Same Sin?
Oct 17, 2025318 FF – Are you committing the same sin over and over?
You're not alone. A lot of people struggle with this. I sure have.
In this week's Freedom Friday episode, I share just a few ideas that can help you face these temptations to keep committing the same sin.
Take an honest look at your self and what you think this sin is giving youRealizing whatever sin "gives" you is a counterfeitSin never really meets a needGod is the only one who can meet your needsTemptations don't come from yo... Duration: 00:11:09317 – Why You Need the True Spirit of Evangelism Today
Oct 14, 2025317 – What do you think of when you hear the word "evangelism"?
Is it a good thing? Or does it make you cringe?
All too often evangelism today has a negative connotation with some folks. The word is often associated with Christians, who may or may not be imbibing the true spirit of Christ.
Others, even many within the Christian church, get evangelism and proselytizing mixed up.
They don’t want to be too pushy in sharing their faith, so they don’t share i...
Duration: 00:26:18316 FF – Why Do I Feel Guilty Even After I Repented?
Oct 10, 2025316– Welcome to Freedom Friday
Ever wondered why you still feel guilty, even after you repented?
Being free from guilt is so much more that just repenting.
It's really about learning to see yourself in a whole new light, as a child of God instead of as a miserable sinner.
Paul says to put off the old man, be renewed in the spirit of your mind and put on the new man.
He doesn't say to fix up th...
Duration: 00:08:00315 – If You Don't Know Where You're Going or How to Get There, Keep Following Jesus
Oct 07, 2025315 – Keep following Jesus
Have you ever been at a point in your life when you just didn’t know what to do next? It could be a simple project you’re working on at home, at school, or at work.
It could be a career choice or something with long term consequences. Or it could be a major life change on a much grander scale. If you don’t know where you’re going, what do you do next?
You’ve done all you’re allowed to or know h...
Duration: 00:22:04314 FF – What Does it Really Mean to Repent?
Oct 03, 2025314 – Welcome to Freedom Friday
What does it really mean to repent?
It's not just feeling sorry for something you did wrong. It goes much deeper. It's really about getting a deeper spiritual perspective on who you are, who God is, and how much He loves you.
It's about looking at things from the perspective of what is already true in heaven and letting go of old habits and negative ways of thinking that lead to sin.
When you see how much God l...
Duration: 00:07:31313 – Do You and Your Church Really Want to Grow Spiritually?
Sep 30, 2025313 – How much do you and your church really want to grow spiritually?
A lot of churches are struggling these days with dwindling membership numbers, but just getting more warm bodies in the pews on Sunday morning is not necessarily a solution or a fulfillment of your church’s mission.
The real need, which is not a new idea, since Jesus talked about it 2,000 years ago, is to be hungry and thirsty for things of the Spirit.
A church that is on fire with the Holy Spiri...
Duration: 00:23:26312 FF – Finding Freedom from Guilt and Shame
Sep 26, 2025312 Freedom Friday – Finding freedom from guilt and shame
Welcome to Freedom Fridays: A new series from The Bible Speaks to You Podcast
Too many people these days are walking around with a heavy burden of guilt and shame from past mistakes and how others have harmed them.
If that sounds like you, this episode is for you.
Show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/312
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Duration: 00:06:40311 – Loving Your Neighbor So They Know They're Loved
Sep 23, 2025311 – Do the people you love know you love them?
Have you ever felt a deep sense of love and affection for someone, but they had no clue you cared so much about them?
All too often someone feels unloved, while people actually do love them, but they never tell the person or express their love in a tangible way.
In this week’s episode we’re going to talk about the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself from a little different angle:
How to love... Duration: 00:24:01310 – Talking Face to Face with God
Sep 16, 2025310 – Do you ever look God in the face?
It's probably not on the top of your to-do list. It’s probably not something you think about very often or even consider as a possibility.
In fact, you may not want to talk to God face to face, for a variety of reasons.
And what does that even mean, to look at God this way? To talk to God this way?
Doesn't the Bible say you can't see God's face?
Yes...
Duration: 00:21:40309 – Why You Need to Repent, but Don’t Want to, and How You’ll Be Blessed When You Do
Sep 09, 2025309 – What’s your first thought when someone says, “You need to repent.”?
Does it make you uncomfortable or uneasy? Or do you agree and admit to yourself that you do need to repent?
It might depend on the context and tone of voice someone uses to say those words, but all too often it happens during a sermon that sounds like a shouting match with the preacher yelling at his audience, using fear and emotional triggers to convince them of the consequences if they don’t stop sinning.
Some peo...
Duration: 00:22:20308 – You Are in the Presence of God
Sep 02, 2025308 – Do you ever feel separated from God?
Maybe because of something hurtful someone said or did to you?
Or maybe because of bad choices you made that weren’t good for you or someone else?
Or maybe it’s just because of all the problems the world is facing right now?
Where is God in all this? Sometimes God does seem far away.
In this week’s episode we’re going to talk about God’s nature as omnipresent...
Duration: 00:23:26307 – God Wants a Covenant Relationship with You
Aug 26, 2025307 – How often do you think about your relationship with God?
Not very often, once in a while, maybe a lot, maybe even every day?
What kind of a relationship do you have or would like to have with God?
Maybe a more important question is: What kind of relationship would God like to have with you? God has infinite love for you and is always willing and able to support you.
In this week’s episode, we’re going to talk about a dee...
Duration: 00:22:11306 – Let God Happen
Aug 19, 2025306 – What will it take for you to let God be in charge?
Have you ever been so involved in getting something done, wanting everything to turn out just right that you put your whole heart into it but somehow you ended up having to push and shove to get things to come out the way you wanted them?
And even after all that effort, things don’t always work out?
Maybe you’ve even prayed about it and asked God to help you, but at the end...
Duration: 00:21:46305 – The Healing Power of Being Persistent
Aug 12, 2025305 – Do your prayers need to be more persistent?
Have you ever been praying about something and just didn’t seem to be getting any answers?
You poured your heart and soul into praying and studying the Bible, but after a while, you just couldn’t see any progress or evidence of your prayers having any effect at all.
Maybe some of your friends even told you it was ridiculous to pray for whatever it was you were praying about. And so you gave up.
Ma...
Duration: 00:23:24304 – Satan Has No Power over You
Aug 05, 2025304 – Have you ever felt like the devil was trying to control you?
A preacher on social media recently warned all his listeners about how powerful the devil is and how careful you have to be not to fall into all the temptations that come to you.
It seemed to me he actually was trying to scare his audience so they would listen to him and do what he said.
I agree, it's important not to give in to temptations, but the question for today is: Doe...
Duration: 00:24:44303 – What Does it Mean to Be a Christian?
Jul 29, 2025303 – Who decides what it means to be a Christian?
Have you ever been told by someone you’re not a Christian because you didn’t agree 100% with them on every tiny detail of theology? It’s not a great feeling.
Some churches have a pretty wide and inclusive definition what it means to be a Christian, including people from many different denominations.
Some churches believe they are the only ones with the truth but that God will be merciful to others.
But there are...
Duration: 00:25:27302 – Learning to Heal Like Jesus
Jul 22, 2025302 – Is it possible for you and me to heal like Jesus did?
Have you ever struggled with a problem and reached out to God in prayer for healing and resolution, but never really felt your prayers were answered, at least not in the way people who asked Jesus for help were healed?
Somehow you got through and were able to cope with the situation, but you didn’t have the kind of healing you read about in the Bible.
Is it even possible for you and...
Duration: 00:23:18301 – The Book of Acts as a Model for Church Growth
Jul 15, 2025301 – What is the secret to church growth?
How is your church doing these days?
Are you growing? Are you holding steady? Are you barely hanging in there trying to keep the doors open?
A lot of churches are struggling right now. Some are closing. Some are growing.
What is it that makes a church not just survive but thrive?
There are lots of factors, but what really helps a church grow, and I’m not just talking number...
Duration: 00:24:43300 - Questions for Jesus
Jul 08, 2025300 – If you could go back in time and talk to Jesus, what would you ask him?
This is the question I posed to you, my listeners, several weeks ago and in today’s episode I share all your answers.
I am totally blown away with the amazing responses you sent me, over 150 questions.
Now, there’s an incredibly wide variety in these questions. You will see very quickly these questions come from very diverse theological perspectives.
Some of them have an assumpti...
Duration: 00:35:48299 – Using What God Has Given You with David Laton
Jul 01, 2025299 – Has God put a calling on your life?
Have you ever felt a calling from God on your life but just didn’t feel you were qualified, or didn’t have the talents, time, or resources to accomplish what was being asked of you?
Well, you’re not alone. There are lots of people today and even in the Bible who have felt the same way when God called them to their purpose.
The beautiful thing is, God takes what you have – what He has already giv...
Duration: 01:01:56298 – You Are not an Accumulation of Unsolved Problems
Jun 24, 2025298 – Do you ever feel like your life is full of unsolved problems?
Life seems to be racing along and it’s hard to deal with everything when it comes up.
This can happen on a personal level, but it happens at work, at school, at church. And just think of all the unsolved problems on a national and international level as well.
But the solution is more than just finding a way to get all these problems resolved.
Believe it or not, it...
Duration: 00:23:37297 – Always Remember Who You Are
Jun 17, 2025297 – Do you know who you are?
When you ask someone who they are, all too often, they respond with what they do or maybe what their hobbies and interests are.
Sometimes they define themselves by their past, either good or bad, their education, their social and economic status, their cultural, religious, ethnicity and/or country of origin.
But none of these descriptions really answer the question, Who are you?
How would you answer the question: Who are you?
In this week...
Duration: 00:23:41296 – Preparing for a Job Interview with Jesus
Jun 10, 2025296 – What if Jesus was interviewing people to work for him?
Would you apply for the job? How would you get ready for the interview?
Do you think Jesus would hire you?
I know, it sounds kind of odd to even talk about this. But when someone asked me these questions, it got me to thinking.
How did Jesus choose people to work for him? We call them his disciples. But they were working for him and with him. He gave them on...
Duration: 00:21:37295 – Smashing Modern Day Idols in the Church with Jake Doberenz
Jun 03, 2025295 – What do you think of when you hear the phrase: worshiping idols?
You probably think of something that happened thousands of years ago, but isn't relevant in today's world.
I mean really, who bows down to idols today?
Well, you’d be surprised. We may not make idols the way people in the Bible did, but there are modern day idols that we need to quit worshiping.
My guest this week, Jake Doberenz, host of the Smashing Idols Podcast, talks about some...
Duration: 01:00:08294 – Winning a Theological Debate Doesn't Get You into Heaven
May 27, 2025294 – Are you tired of all the theological debates?
Social media is full of people from different churches "explaining" why their theology is right and everyone else's theology is wrong.
The basic problem is they are defining what it means to be a true Christian by doctrinal beliefs instead of actually living the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives.
This mistake has gone on for at least 1,700 years.
It's time to stop the theological debate mindset, trying to prove you are righ...
Duration: 00:26:13293 – Finding the Beauty of Holiness within Yourself Brings Healing
May 20, 2025293 – Can you see God's beauty in yourself?
Have you ever been out in nature and were just amazed at the beauty of the scene in front of you?
Maybe you were in a forest with towering trees above. Maybe it was a view of majestic mountains that took your breath away. Maybe it was the crisp yellow and red of fall foliage.
Or maybe it’s just the tulips and daffodils, the lilacs, iris, and the peonies blooming in your own yard showing the beauty of God...
Duration: 00:23:40292 – How Did Jesus Cast out Evil Spirits?
May 13, 2025Does your church need a mentor to help you find fresh ways to reach out to your community with the healing message of Christ?
For more information: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/speaking-bible-workshops
292 – How do you deal with evil influences in your life?
What do you do when you, or someone you know, is barraged by and overcome with evil influences?
How do you respond? How do you pray?
There no simple answers to these questions. But in this week's ep...
Duration: 00:23:21291 – Preach the Gospel to All Creation, Who Me?
May 06, 2025291 – What does it really mean to preach the Gospel to all creation?
How do you feel when you read Jesus’s command to his disciples to preach the gospel to every creature, to all creation, to all mankind?
Does this get you excited to go share your faith with as many people as possible?
Or does it make you cringe because you don’t feel qualified to preach the gospel to even one or two people, let alone the whole world? And how would you be able...
Duration: 00:22:20290 – When You Feel Helpless
Apr 29, 2025Does your church need a mentor to help you find fresh ways to reach out to your community with the healing message of Christ?
For more information: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/speaking-bible-workshops
290 – What do you do when you feel helpless?
Have you ever been so worried about something you couldn’t sleep?
The problem just loomed too large for you to fix personally.
And you couldn’t even imagine how anyone individually or collectively could resolve the situation.
Just rec...
Duration: 00:22:12289 – What You Can Learn from Miriam about Women in Leadeship even if You're a Guy
Apr 22, 2025Does your church need a mentor to help you find fresh ways to reach out to your community with the healing message of Christ?
For more information: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/speaking-bible-workshops
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289 – What can you learn from women leaders at church?
What is your response to some Christians who insist that women should not be in any leadership roles in church?
This is more prevalent than you may be aware of. And these folks quote a few Bible passages, sometimes way out of context to support their con...
Duration: 00:19:53288 – Jesus's Death on the Cross Doesn't Save You from Your Sins; it's the Resurrection
Apr 15, 2025Does your church need a mentor to help you find fresh vision for ways to reach out to your community with the healing message of Christ? For more information: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/speaking-bible-workshops
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288 – Jesus's death on the cross cannot by itself save you from your sins
I know, this is a pretty bold statement. But have you ever noticed how lots of Christians focus on the crucifixion as the basis for their salvation?
But then at Easter, they suddenly start talking about the resurrection, as if they just discovered how impor...
Duration: 00:19:20287 – The Healing Power of Loving Strangers
Apr 08, 2025287 – Have you ever been a stranger in a foreign country?
You didn't speak the language. You couldn’t read any of the signs, you couldn’t understand what people are saying. You don’t understand the customs.
And you felt lost or confused by what was going on around you.
Or maybe you've been in a strange location and felt out of place.
Then, all of a sudden, someone helps you get where you're going or explains what's going on. A simple act of hospit...
Duration: 00:23:06286 – Healing Broken Relationships with Greg Stephens
Apr 01, 2025Need a church mentor? Contact James
286 – Do you have a broken relationship in need of healing?
Maybe you’re having trouble with someone at work, either your boss or an employee. Maybe it’s someone at church. Or could it be someone in your family? Or maybe you’re completely estranged from someone.
Whatever the situation is, there’s always a possibility of healing and restoring these broken relationships, even though it may not be easy and require a lot of soul searching.
I’ve been think...
Duration: 01:00:53285 – Standing Before the Throne of God Brings Healing and Justice
Mar 25, 2025285 – What do you do when you need healing and justice?
Is there something in your life, at work, or at church right now that needs healing?
What about justice? Have you or anyone you know experienced any injustice lately?
And if you look at what’s going on in the world as a whole, it almost seems everyone is crying out for healing and justice.
What on earth is the remedy to all this?
Well, the solution is never going t...
Duration: 00:21:42284 – Your Age Doesn't Matter to God's Purpose for Your Life
Mar 18, 2025284 – Do you ever get judged by your age?
Have you ever felt pigeonholed by someone as to what you're capable of doing based on how young or old you are?
Have you ever judged your own capabilities based on you age.
The world is always stereotyping what you can and can't do based on how old or young you are.
This week's episode looks at some of the people in the Bible who broke those age stereotypes and how they did it...
Duration: 00:24:15283 – Where Is Your Church Going?
Mar 11, 2025283 – How is your church doing these days?
A lot of churches, in many different denominations are struggling.
Is your church growing? Are you holding steady? Are you barely treading water?
Does your church have a vision for where you're going?
In today’s episode, we’re going to look at some ideas that will hopefully give you a few fresh ways to pray for and be active in your church.
What to do if your church members are hesitant to share t... Duration: 00:22:46282 – A Unique Way to Receive God's Blessings
Mar 04, 2025282 – Could you use a blessing from God right now?
Have you ever felt like you needed a little extra blessing from God in your life?
Maybe things are a bit challenging at the moment or you’ve just come through some rough waters and are on the other side of things, but you need to find some peace of mind?
It’s at times like this that we need to feel God’s presence and the blessings that come with it.
There are lots...
Duration: 00:18:08281 – Putting All Your Trust in God
Feb 25, 2025281 – How would your life be different if you trusted God completely for everything?
Sometimes it's almost easier to trust God when something terrible happens because there's no where else to turn.
Or when you're afraid and don't know what to do.
But what about your everyday life when there are just the normal challenges and obligations? Do you trust God then?
It's so easy to just let things work out and not bother God, right? Not necessarily.
What does it even mean t...
Duration: 00:26:02280 – Jesus' Solution for Every Problem
Feb 18, 2025280 – What if there was a simple solution to every problem you ever had?
The good news is that Jesus has given us a solution that will solve every problem, whether it's in your personal life or a collective problem.
But just like any solution, you have to do what is required of you.
Jesus offered this solution to lots of people who came from
A wide variety of education levelsDiffering job skill setsDifferent socioeconomic backgroundsDifferent religious and cultural heritageAnd he offered this solution to men... Duration: 00:26:24279 – What Did Jesus Say to Zacchaeus?
Feb 11, 2025279 – What would you say to someone like Zacchaeus?
Zacchaeus was notorious for cheating people by making them pay more taxes than they owed. He was in cahoots with the Romans, which was basically a betrayal of the Jewish people.
What did Jesus say to Zacchaeus that caused him to have such a radical moral and spiritual transformation?
In this week's episode, I talk about:
Why did Zacchaeus want to see Jesus?Why did he climb a tree to see him?Why did Jesus want to... Duration: 00:25:36278 – Overcoming Discouragement
Feb 04, 2025278 – What do you do when you're overwhelmed with discouragement?
I've been talking to a lot of folks who are VERY discouraged by everything that's going on in the world right now.
Is there a way to overcome this feeling of despair and discouragement?
Yes, of course. And it's encouraging to see all the folks in the Bible who were face with all sorts of discouraging situations and how they overcame them.
That's what this week's episode is all about:
The tu... Duration: 00:27:41277 – How to Overcome Evil with Good
Jan 28, 2025277 – How do you deal with all that's going on in the world today?
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with gloom and despair with all that's going on these days?
Or have you ever been in a threatening situation, either because of people or circumstances?
Whether it's on personal or global level, sometimes it seems like evil influences are wreaking havoc on our lives or in society.
How do we deal with this? Is it possible to overcome all this evil in th...
276 – How to Leave Your Nets to Follow Christ
Jan 21, 2025276 – Do you have trouble letting go of things to follow Christ?
When Jesus asked Peter and Andrew to leave their nets to follow him, it was a pretty big deal. Fishing was their livelihood.
If Jesus walked up to you and asked you to leave your job, your profession, the way you earned money for your family, would you leave it all to follow him?
Peter and Andrew immediately left their nets to follow Jesus.
Is it possible to follow their example in to...
275 – You Are the Salt of the Earth: It's Time to Take Your Salt out of the Salt Shaker
Jan 14, 2025275 – Jesus says you are the salt of the earth. What are you doing about it?
Recently, my friend Terese said: It's time to take your salt out of the salt shaker.
I took that to mean: quit hiding yourself, your God-given gifts and talents, and what you have to contribute to society. Be who God made you to be and share it with the world.
Being the salt of the earth can mean lots of things. In the Bible salt had numerous uses and metaphorical me...
274 – Putting God First in Everything You Do
Jan 07, 2025274 – Putting God first in 2025
First of all, Happy New Year!
I wish you all the best in 2025 and that you'll discover more of who God made you to be and live this out in your daily life.
A new year is a wonderful time to think about your priorities, to let go of things and thoughts you've outgrown. It's a time to embrace more fully where God is calling you.
In this first episode of the new year, I focus on pu...
273 – Best Podcast Episodes 2024
Dec 31, 2024273 – Year in Review for The Bible Speaks to You Podcast
2024 has completed it's designated rounds!
I hope your year has been full of spiritual growth and progress. And I hope you'll take some time to reflect on the the things you have to be grateful for and the lessons you've learned this year.
This week's episode shares some of the highlights from the podcast this past year.
Want to listen to an entire episode?
Here are links to all episodes me...
272 – A Reading: The story of the Birth of Jesus Christ
Dec 24, 2024272 – When was the last time you read the story of Jesus's birth?
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. How well do you know the story?
When was the last time you read the whole thing?
In this week's episode, I read the entire Christmas story.
That's it.
No commentary.
No explanations.
No historical context or data.
Just the story, all by itself, of Jesus's birth.
This Christmas, take a fe...
271 – Finding a Deeper Spiritual Meaning of Christmas
Dec 17, 2024271 – How do you celebrate the spiritual meaning of Christmas?
The world tries to make us forget about the real reason we celebrate Christmas with its focus on the excess materialism of the day.
To keep a spiritual approach to Christmas, the best place to start is focusing on Jesus and all he taught and did.
This week I talk about ways to discover the deeper spiritual meaning of Christmas.
270 – Who Do You Relate to Most in the Christmas Story?
Dec 10, 2024270 – Have you ever put yourself into the Christmas story as one of the Bible characters?
If you're like me, you've probably read the Christmas story so many times, and seen so many Christmas pageants that it seems like the same story over and over, with nothing new or fresh.
But what if you were one of those characters? Which one would you be? Who do you relate to most in the Christmas story?
Have you ever seen yourself in the role of:
269 – What if Jesus Came to Your Church?
Dec 03, 2024269 – If Jesus walked into your church, would you recognize him?
Would he look the way we have imagined him with a beard and flowing hair? Would he be in a coat and tie or in blue jeans and a flannel shirt?
I know, this is a totally hypothetical situation, but it's helpful to ask these questions once in a while.
In this week's episode I talk about:
268 – The Best Way to Express Your Gratitude for Jesus
Nov 26, 2024268 – How do you express your gratitude for Jesus?
There are always so many things to be grateful for during the Thanksgiving season here in the United States. But if you don't live in the US and don't have an official Day of Thanksgiving, I hope you always have some kind of gratitude practice.
Gratitude is always in season.
Right now, I am focusing on how grateful I am for Jesus. And I encourage you to do the same. That's what this week's episode is all ab...
267 – The Real Reason to Go to Church, with Tom Wadsworth
Nov 19, 2024267 – What's the most important reason to go to church?
Most people today would probably say it's to worship God. But according to Tom Wadsworth, PhD, the early Christian church did not have worship services, the way we do today.
Tom says the main reason to go to church is found in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 14.
It is to build each other up. Everything we do when we gather together is to edify on another other.
And everyone contributes to this, not just a pastor or church leaders.
266 – Are You Trying to Fit in But Don't Feel You Belong?
Nov 12, 2024266 – Have you ever wanted to be part of a group so bad you tried to fit in but you still felt left out?
It happens all the time. You want to be in a group or community or a church, but to feel part of things and be accepted you have to copy the attitudes and behaviors of the members of the group.
It's hard because you don't feel you can really be yourself, but being part of the group is important. So you sometimes end up compromising your own values an...
265– Trusting God No Matter What Happens
Nov 05, 2024265 – Are you trusting God no matter what happens with the election?
Have you ever felt like your life goes from one challenge to another, or one crisis to another?
And just look at the national scene.
As soon as one political battle comes to an end another one starts. And what about the election!!!
How do you keep your peace in all these situations? It’s not always easy.
The question is: Do you trust God in the m...
264 – Finding Peace During Political Turmoil
Oct 29, 2024264 – How do you find peace in the midst of political divisiveness?
Politics can be so divisive. And messy! It's so easy to get caught up in the drama, but at some point, we all need to get away from all the chaos and find a sense of peace.
Some folks think they will only get some peace when their candidate(s) win. But that kind of peace is pretty fragile, when it depends on people and situations to be just right.
True peace comes from God; it’s sp...
263 – Paul Granger: Walking in the Footsteps Jesus as an Ambassador of Christ
Oct 22, 2024263 – Do you ever think of yourself as an ambassador of Christ?
What does that even mean?
Well, it starts with walking in the footsteps of Jesus and living the way he taught us to, loving like he did.
And most of all it means letting the light of Christ in your heart shine in the world so others can see this light and be drawn to it.
This week's episode is a conversation with Paul Granger, host of the Where Did Yo...
262 – Redeeming and Healing the Past
Oct 15, 2024262 – What needs to be healed from your past?
Have you ever felt that because of things that happened to you in the past, either mistakes you made or things other people did to you, you haven’t been able to live your life the way you wanted to or be as successful as you could be?
Once in a while, it a can be a good idea to take a look at your past: mistakes you've made, things others have done that harm you, or situations that had a nega...
261 – The Best Motive for Prayer that Heals
Oct 08, 2024261 – What is your motive when you pray for healing?
Is there anything in your life right now that you’re praying about for healing?
Maybe you’re praying for healing for someone else. It could be a health issue, a relationship problem, finding a new job, financial struggles, or maybe an emotional challenge.
The Bible says that God "heals all your diseases." But have you ever not felt your prayer for healing was being answered the way you felt it should be? I sure have.
It's...
260 – What Will Your Spiritual Legacy Be?
Oct 01, 2024260 – Is it possible for you to bless people 100 years from now?
Have you ever wondered what impact your life might have on future generations? Will people remember you 100 or 200 years from now or will your life be forgotten by the world in general?
You just might have more influence on the future than you can imagine. Think of folks who lived hundreds of years ago who are a blessing to you: maybe an author or an artist, or some historical figure.
And of course, think of...
259 – Sandra Richter: Deborah, the Judge and Prophetess, Claiming Territory for the Kingdom of God
Sep 24, 2024259 – What does your church need to learn from Deborah?
Deborah, the Judge and Prophetess in the Old Testament, has a message for you and your church, and it's probably not what you'd expect.
Most Christians don't really know much about Deborah and how she broke the female stereotypes of her day as a Judge, a Prophet, and her role in a military victory.
This week's episode is a conversation with Sandra Richter, who has unlocked the lessons Deborah has for us today. Sandy sheds light on
258 – What Does It Really Mean to Be a Disciple of Jesus Christ?
Sep 17, 2024258 – If you had lived 2,000 years ago, would you have been a disciple of Jesus?
Imagine you lived in the time of Jesus and heard him preach. You saw him heal people. Would you decide to follow him? Would you want to be one of his disciples?
Would you have realized he was the Messiah? We would like to think we would, but it's hard to know for sure.
Jesus made some pretty strong demands on those who decided to follow him. Those expectations apply to yo...
257 – And God Said: Show Me Who You Are
Sep 10, 2024257– How do you show someone who you really are?
You've probably heard the phrase, “When someone shows you who they really are, believe them.”
I had a friend who used to say that all the time to remind herself that one person in particular she had been associated with in the past were not a good influence on her.
She had been fooled by his attractive personality and the smooth words he spoke. But his actions, the way he actually treated her, were harmful and even ab...
256 – The Biblical Cure for Loneliness
Sep 03, 2024246 – Do you feel lonely at times--or all the time?
Maybe you’ve lost someone you felt close to, or maybe there are lots of people in your life but there’s no one you can connect with, no one on the same wave length enough that you enjoy being in their presence?
Maybe at work or church, everyone is satisfied with the status quo, but you have some new ideas you think would make things better. But no one else feels that way. That's a pretty lonely feeling.
255 – The Only Thing that Will Completely Satisfy You
Aug 27, 2024255 – Is it really possible to find true satisfaction in life?
So many people today are looking for satisfaction in getting a new car or a new job, accomplishing their personal and career goals, or maybe it's getting lots of followers on social media. Or whatever!
But the satisfaction that comes from these sorts of things never lasts very long. And then you always want something else.
The only thing that can bring you complete satisfaction, on every level and dimension of your life, is knowing Go...
254 – God Already Knows What You Need
Aug 20, 2024254 – Is it really true that God already knows what you need?
If that's the case, why do we need to ask God for anything? Why doesn't He just give it to us?
Well, sometimes He does, but usually it's important to ask because it reminds us that God is the source of all our blessings and we are not.
The question is: What do you really need?
Sometimes we get what we need mixed up with what we want and we en...
253 – What's the Most Important Thing to Surrender to God?
Aug 13, 2024253 – Is it ever hard for you to surrender to God's will?
How often do you pray for God to give you what you want? And how often do you pray for what God wants?
You'd be surprised how many people actually tell God what they want and try to convince Him to give it to them.
There's a tiny little (actually big) problem with this. Sometimes, what we think we want and pray for is the worst thing for us.
This week' ep...
252 – The Reason You Should not Follow Jesus and the Reason You Should
Aug 06, 2024252 – Are you following Jesus for the wrong reason?
Hey, it happens sometimes. Once in a while we get our priorities mixed up and our motives for following Jesus can get a little selfish.
You just want a blessing or a healing or a new job or whatever. Is that so bad? Well, there's nothing wrong with any of those things, but following Jesus just to get something is a bit self-focused.
The real reason to follow Jesus is because he's the Messiah, the Son of God. He gives us eternal life. He shows us our...
251 – Sharing Your Faith in Unexpected Places
Jul 30, 2024251 – Are you sharing your faith in unusual ways?
Have you ever been hesitant sharing your faith with someone who you thought probably wasn’t receptive or that you really didn’t even want to talk to?
What would you do if God told you to go directly to that person and tell them about Jesus and the difference he had made in your life?
Would you just automatically go at God’s command or would you try to explain to God why it might not be such...
250 – Joshua Tapp: Learning from People with a Different Faith than Yours
Jul 23, 2024250 – How often do you have a conversation with someone who has a different faith than you do?
I know some Christians who won't talk to anyone except people they agree with 100%. They live in a "safe" little bubble.
But over the years, I have learned so much from people in other faiths. In fact, it always ends up strengthening my own faith when I talk to someone I don't agree with on everything.
That's what this week's podcast is all about.
And to make th...
249 – What Keeps You from Finding Your Self-Worth?
Jul 16, 2024249 – What do you base your self-worth on?
Have you ever met someone who seemed to be full of confidence , but when you got to know them, you realized they based their self-worth on things like how much money they have, where they went to school, what job they have, or where they're from? Or maybe how good looking they are or how many followers they have on Social Media?
Unfortunately, when you define your worth based on these external factors, you'll never find your true self worth. In fact, th...
248 – That's Not the Jesus I Believe In.
Jul 09, 2024248 – Have you ever heard someone talk about Jesus in a way that just didn’t quite fit with what was in the Bible?
Or maybe you read a book or saw a movie or a play about Jesus that either fell short of capturing the true essence of Jesus or it kind of stretched the truth and over-exaggerated things?
Recently in Season 4 of "The Chosen," there was a scene where Jesus made no effort to heal Ramah, when Thomas asked him to and openly confessed his...
247 – Finding freedom from man-made doctrines
Jul 02, 2024247 – Have you ever felt like some folks are preaching man-made doctrines without even realizing it?
Have you ever felt intimidated by people insisting their doctrines are correct? And then someone with a different doctrine insists they are right and the other person is wrong?
How do we tell if a doctrine is man-made or a God-ordained truth?
This week's episode jumps into this and give some basic tools you can use to help determine if a doctrine is man-made or not.
We talk about:...
246 – How to Make Your Faith Your Own Instead of Copying Someone Else
Jun 25, 2024246 – Is your faith based on what someone told you you're supposed to believe or on your relationship with God?
I've talked to several people lately who have recently realized they believe what they were taught without questioning it. They never really made their faith their own.
They have finally given themselves permission to ask questions, read the Bible for themselves, and focus on their relationship with God, instead of just believing and doing what other people tell them they should.
This week's episode is about making your faith your own. Jesus's disciples had to...
245 – How To Be Joyful No Matter What Happens
Jun 18, 2024245 – What do you do when people or circumstances rob you of your joy?
Have you ever been on top of the world and full of joy when something terrible happens, your joy vanishes, and you feel like you're sinking into a pit of quicksand?
Is there a way to hold onto your joy when a challenging situation comes up?
That's what this week's episode is all about.
The Bible talks a lot about joy. But it's not the fleeting happiness that is like a weather vane, which shi...
244 – Raising Kids with Love and Faith with Jared Haley and Chris Wilson
Jun 11, 2024244 – Do you want to be a more effective dad, or know someone who does?
This week I talk with Jared Haley and Chris Wilson about what it means to be a good dad, to nurture your kids and support their spiritual growth.
Jared and Chris are both passionate about being good dads, spending quality time with their families, and guiding their kids spiritually as they grow up. But most important of all, loving and respecting them under all circumstances.
We talked about all kind of dad things. I...
243 – The Secret to Spiritual Restoration
Jun 04, 2024243 – What's the best way to experience spiritual restoration?
Have you ever felt like you needed some spiritual restoration in your life? I sure have.
The key word here is "restoration." It means that God is restoring us to the original condition of how He made us in His image and likeness.
It's kind of like someone cleaning an old oil painting, removing all the dirt and varnish from so you can see the original intention of the artist in the original colors. Check out the vi...