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Reasoning Through the Bible

Glenn Smith and Steve Allem

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Taking a cue from Paul, Reasoning Through the Bible is an expository style walk through the Scriptures that tells you what the Bible says. Reviewing both Old and New Testament books, as well as topical subjects, we methodically teach verse by verse, even phrase by phrase. We have completed many books of the Bible and offer free lesson plans for teachers. If you want to browse our entire library by book or topic, see our website www.ReasoningThroughTheBible.com. We primarily do expository tea ...
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The Triumphal Entry marks a pivotal moment in Scripture where Mark's Gospel dramatically slows down, devoting six chapters to Jesus' final week after racing through three years of ministry in just ten chapters. When Jesus sends disciples to find "a colt on which no one has ever sat," He's demonstrating both divine foreknowledge and fulfilling Zecha…
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The story of blind Bartimaeus offers one of the most powerful metaphors for spiritual transformation in the Gospels. When a blind beggar on the roadside hears Jesus is passing by, he recognizes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and refuses to remain silent, even as the crowd attempts to quiet him. His persistent cry—"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy …
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What happens when ambition collides with Christ's mission? Mark 10:35-45 captures a revealing moment where James and John approach Jesus with a startling request for positions of power and prestige—immediately after Jesus has just predicted his suffering and death. Jesus responds with a gentle but firm correction: "You don't know what you're asking…
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What stands between you and fully following Jesus? In this profound exploration of Mark 10:23-31, we examine Jesus' challenging teachings about wealth and the kingdom of God, delivered just after his encounter with the rich young ruler. Jesus makes a startling statement that shocks his disciples: it's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a…
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The story of the rich young ruler confronts us with one of life's most penetrating questions: what stands between you and complete surrender to Christ? When a wealthy man approaches Jesus asking about eternal life, what begins as an eager spiritual inquiry ends in sorrow when Jesus puts His finger on the one thing blocking this man's path to discip…
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Jesus becomes visibly indignant when His disciples attempt to block children from approaching Him. In a world where children were considered insignificant until they reached adulthood, Christ's declaration that "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" represents a radical inversion of cultural values. While Roman society prized power, strength…
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Marriage reflects salvation itself—God's faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness. This profound reality explains why Jesus sets such a remarkably high standard for marriage in Mark 10, declaring "what God has joined together, let no one separate" and that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery. Yet beneath these severe-sounding statements li…
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Jesus confronts the Pharisees with a challenge that goes far deeper than their superficial question about divorce law. Rather than falling into their political trap (designed to get Him arrested like John the Baptist), Jesus takes the conversation back to the very beginning—to creation itself. What unfolds is a profound teaching that reveals marria…
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Tackling one of Jesus' most challenging teachings on unity, rewards, and the radical removal of sin, Mark records Jesus' statement that "he who is not against us is for us." In unpacking how this applies to modern church divisions and unnecessary doctrinal disputes we carefully analyze distinguishes between essential and non-essential doctrines, sh…
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With gentle wisdom, Jesus flips conventional thinking upside down: "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." This revolutionary principle challenges everything our achievement-oriented culture values. Rather than condemning his followers, Jesus waits for the right moment to redirect their understanding, demonstratin…
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When a desperate father brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus after the disciples fail to help him, we witness an extraordinary moment of both vulnerability and power. "I believe; help my unbelief!" cries the father—perhaps the most honest prayer ever spoken and one that resonates with believers throughout the centuries. This raw confession stand…
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Diving deep into Mark 9:12-28, we explore the fascinating distinction between John the Baptist coming "in the spirit of Elijah" versus the literal prophet's future return before Christ's second coming. This enlightening discussion untangles why Jewish leaders recognized prophecies about a glorious Messiah but overlooked crucial passages predicting …
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A profound transformation unfolds on a remote mountaintop as Jesus reveals his true divine nature to three astonished disciples. The Transfiguration stands as one of the most extraordinary moments in the Gospels – a glimpse behind the veil of Jesus' humanity into the fullness of his glory. Moses and Elijah appearing alongside Jesus carries tremendo…
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In this powerful episode, we explore the pivotal turning point in Mark's Gospel where everything changes. After Peter's confession of Jesus as "the Messiah," Jesus begins teaching something entirely new and unexpected - His coming suffering, rejection, and death at the hands of religious leaders. The conversation transforms into Jesus' profound tea…
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The episode reaches its climax with Jesus asking the question that serves as the turning point of Mark's Gospel: "Who do you say that I am?" After hearing what His followers are saying about His identity, Jesus turns directly to His disciples, forcing them to declare their personal belief. Peter's confession—"You are the Messiah"—marks the hinge po…
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When confronted by religious leaders demanding a sign from heaven, Jesus sighs deeply - a profoundly human moment revealing his disappointment with their hardened hearts. Rather than jumping through their hoops, he firmly declines their request and moves on. This teaches us a crucial lesson: Christ never indulges those who approach him with cynicis…
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Meet a deaf man whose life changed forever when Jesus touched him. His fingers in the ears, saliva on the tongue, and the powerful command "Ephaphatha" ("be opened") instantly transformed not just his physical abilities but serves as a profound metaphor for our spiritual condition. We're all spiritually deaf and mute until Christ touches us, openin…
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What truly makes us unclean before God? Is it what we eat, drink, watch, or listen to? Or is there something deeper at work? In this eye-opening exploration in Mark chapter 7, we uncover Jesus' revolutionary teaching about what actually defiles a person. "From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts..." With these words, Jesus locate…
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Jesus delivers a scathing critique of religious hypocrisy that cuts straight to the heart of authentic faith. When the Pharisees criticize his disciples for skipping ritual hand-washing, Jesus exposes something far more serious: these religious leaders had elevated their traditions above God's actual commands. The conversation reveals a dangerous p…
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What happens when human traditions eclipse divine commands? As we study our way into Mark chapter 7, Jesus confronts this timeless religious tension with piercing clarity. As Jesus continues to travel crowds recognize Him immediately, bringing their sick to be healed by merely touching his cloak. Meanwhile, religious scholars from Jerusalem arrive …
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Caught between miraculous provision and frightening storms, the disciples experience Jesus' power in this section of Mark through contrasting divine encounters that challenge their understanding and faith. Most striking is the contrast between the immediate provision of food and the prolonged struggle that follows. Jesus intentionally sends his dis…
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Join us in a gripping exploration of the story of John the Baptist and King Herod in Mark Chapter 6. This episode delves into the intricate themes of power, guilt, and morality showcased through John’s unwavering commitment to truth amidst formidable opposition. We unpack the dynamics of Herod’s character as he wrestles with fear and societal expec…
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This episode delves into a profound exploration of Jesus' return to his hometown, where familiarity breeds contempt. As he teaches in the synagogue, the townspeople grapple with recognizing the authority of someone they once knew as just a carpenter. The tension between remarkable insight and everyday familiarity shapes not only their reaction but …
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Encounter a profound story of faith and healing in this engaging episode where we delve into the struggles and triumphs of Jairus, a desperate father seeking Jesus’ help for his gravely ill daughter. As we navigate through the emotional terrain of heartache, we explore how Mark’s Gospel portrays the actions of Jesus, emphasizing a dynamic and immed…
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Jairus, a man of authority, strips away his societal facade to kneel before Jesus in desperate need for his dying daughter. In contrast, a woman, ostracized and deemed unclean, bravely touches the hem of Jesus' garment, believing that even this simple action could restore her health. Their encounters reveal essential lessons about faith, humility, …
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Step into a powerful narrative as we explore the captivating account of the demoniac from Mark chapter 5 in our latest episode. This biblical story depicts a man tormented by evil spirits, living among the tombs, and how a single encounter with Jesus leads to radical transformation. As the power of Jesus is displayed, the story raises critical ques…
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Tune in to Reasoning Through the Bible as we explore the fascinating parable of the mustard seed from Mark chapter 4. We promise a fresh perspective on how this tiny seed symbolizes a surprising characteristic of The Kingdom of God. Next, we shift our focus to the awe-inspiring narrative of Jesus calming the storm, an event that vividly illustrates…
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What if the secrets of spiritual growth were hidden in plain sight? In this insightful episode, we promise to unravel the profound layers of Jesus' parables as recorded in the Gospel of Mark, beginning with a pivotal shift in his teaching style. We navigate through Mark 4:10-12 to understand how Jesus used parables to communicate deep truths to tho…
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Can the condition of your heart truly determine your spiritual growth? Join us as we unlock the secrets of Jesus' parables in the Gospel of Mark, focusing on chapter 4, where Jesus begins to teach using vivid, relatable stories. Experience the profound impact of the Parable of the Sower, which reveals how the Word of God is received differently dep…
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Can any sin truly be beyond forgiveness? This episode challenges conventional wisdom as we delve into the complex topic of the unforgivable sin in Mark, chapter 3. Explore the intense scrutiny Jesus faced from those who misunderstood his mission and labeled him out of his mind. We confront the skepticism from an official delegation from Jerusalem, …
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Why did a diverse multitude, ranging from believers to skeptics, flock to witness the miracles and teachings of this extraordinary figure? We dive deep into the motivations of those who followed Jesus, from genuine faith seekers to those pursuing personal advantage, and why it's crucial to honor his true identity as the Messiah. Venture with us as …
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Can compassion and rule-keeping coexist without conflict, or are they irrevocably at odds? Join us as we explore the tension between these two forces through the lens of Mark Chapters 2 and 3, beginning with the simple yet controversial act of Jesus and his disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath. With this scenario, Jesua challenges the rigid trad…
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Can a socially shunned tax collector transform his life with a single invitation? Discover the powerful story of Levi, also known as Matthew, as he responds immediately to Jesus' call and experiences profound acceptance and change. We examine the dynamic actions of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, focusing on His mission to call sinners, not the self-r…
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What if the way we approach faith could transform our spiritual journey? Join us as we navigate the powerful stories within Mark, chapter 2, where Jesus' awe-inspiring return to Capernaum provokes a spectrum of reactions from eager followers to skeptical onlookers. We promise an exploration of how modern-day reactions to Jesus mirror those of the p…
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What happens when extraordinary acts meet divine authority? Join us as we unravel the mystery of Jesus' powerful demonstrations in Mark 1:29-45, where authority over illness and demons is brought to life through his miraculous deeds. Discover how Jesus' compassionate nature and divine purpose are intertwined with his human need for solitude and pra…
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Ever wondered what it truly means to walk away from a life you've always known for a new path filled with uncertainty and faith? Journey with us into the first chapter of the Gospel of Mark, where Simon, Andrew, James, and John make the life-altering decision to leave their fishing nets behind and follow Jesus. This episode promises to unravel the …
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Following is the link to the episode referenced in this session. The Kingdom of Heaven vs. The Kingdom of God in the Gospels - Topical Session 3 - Reasoning Through the Bible Are you ready to explore the profound themes of the Gospel of Mark like never before? Discover the symbolic power of baptism and the humble yet powerful message of John the Ba…
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Discover the transformative power of the Gospel of Mark as we journey through its profound teachings. We promise you’ll gain a fresh perspective on how the opening verses establish Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God, drawing a stark contrast between human sinfulness and the redemptive hope found in Christ. Through personal stories of faith, we…
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What if the Gospel of Mark wasn't the first Gospel penned? Join us as we challenge traditional assumptions and unravel the mystery behind the order of the synoptic Gospels. Together with insights from scholar Etta Lineman, we explore the unique characteristics of Mark's fast-paced narrative, its powerful portrayal of Jesus as the suffering servant,…
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What if you could break free from the chains of exercise addiction and eating disorder and transform your life? Part two of our conversation with Teresa Lopez offers a raw and poignant exploration of her struggle with exercise addiction, food, and body image issues. Teresa courageously shares the severe physical and emotional toll these challenges …
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What happens when an exercise addiction and food disorder result from a relentless drive for success? Teresa Lopez joins us to share her powerful story of grappling with career expectations and personal setbacks, all while on a journey toward spiritual fulfillment. Teresa's life seemed picture-perfect with her degree in mechanical engineering from …
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What if the world was ruled from Jerusalem, echoing the peace of the Garden of Eden? Explore this fascinating vision as we journey through Zechariah 14, where the return of Jesus to Jerusalem heralds an era of unmatched tranquility and divine governance. We'll discuss the theological implications of His reign and what it means for all nations to re…
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Could Zechariah 14:4-5 be hinting at a literal event or is it all symbolic? Explore this fascinating debate with us as we unpack one of the Bible's most intriguing prophecies. You'll gain insights into the contrasting views that shape our understanding of these verses: from the belief in a physical return of Jesus to the Mount of Olives to the amil…
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Prepare to unravel the enigmatic prophecies of Zechariah 13 and 14 with us, as we promise a journey through prophetic symbolism that intricately connects to the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As we explore the language where the "sword" symbolizes the cross, we also ponder the prophecy's unfulfilled aspects and the mysterious future they may…
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Unlock the mysteries of Zechariah 13 as we navigate the intricate layers of biblical prophecy and the powerful imagery woven throughout this pivotal chapter. Ever wondered how different time periods get interwoven into a single prophetic vision? We promise a deep dive into the concept of "telescoping" and the profound implications of the phrase "in…
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What if a single verse could unlock profound insights into the Trinity and redefine how we view biblical prophecy? Join us for a deep examination of Zechariah 12:10, where we discuss how this pivotal scripture suggests early foundations for the concept of the Trinity. This episode unravels the prophecy of Israel's future recognition of Jesus as the…
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Angel of the LORD in the Old Testament Link HERE Could the mysteries of God's nature and the future of Jerusalem be interwoven in prophetic scriptures? Join us as we unearth the captivating military imagery found in the first few verses of Zechariah 12, where a future siege of Jerusalem is foreseen. We scrutinize why this prophecy doesn’t align wit…
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The episode takes a critical look at the ominous presence of false shepherds, drawing parallels from biblical teachings to our contemporary world. We discuss how God's sovereignty allows such leaders to emerge, tasking us with the responsibility of discerning truth from deception. With references from Zechariah and the New Testament, we illustrate …
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What if the leaders you trust are leading you to spiritual ruin? In this compelling episode, join us as we unravel the intense and challenging messages found in Zechariah 11, illustrating the dual nature of God as both loving and serious about justice. Through the metaphor of shepherding a rebellious flock destined for slaughter, they highlight the…
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Can wealth and power shield us from divine judgment? Through the prophetic messages of Zechariah 11, we explore the powerful imagery of Lebanon's once-majestic cedar forests, a stark reminder that true security lies not in material possessions or national pride, but in a steadfast relationship with God. As we unravel the fate of leaders likened to …
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