Bible in Life

Were the Pharisees really the bad guys?  

Who were the Pharisees? Ask that question in a Bible study at pretty much any church and you’re likely to hear answers like:

“Hypocrites.” 

“Legalists” 

“Self-righteous religious leaders who opposed Jesus.” 

In short, the Pharisees are the “bad guys.” 

In Christian circles to describe someone as a “pharisee” is no compliment. It’s usually a way of criticizing them for being self-righteous and legalistic. 

But all of this paints a caricature of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. So, who were the Pharisees, really?  

 

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The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

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The Real World of the Gospels, pt. 2 | Roman Occupation  

The Jewish world Jesus lived in was a world under foreign occupation. The Romans were in charge, and from the Jewish perspective, Roman occupation meant the exile wasn’t completely over. And that brought new realities and new tensions. 

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we explore both the blessings and curses of the Roman presence in Galilee and Judea, how Jesus engaged with that Roman presence, and what that teaches us. 

 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - [email protected]

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

The Real World of the Gospels, pt. 1 | History and Backstory 

When you turn the page from Malachi to Matthew, 400 years have passed. Much has happened to the Jews and life hasn't been easy. Centuries of foreign occupation. Generations have come and gone longing and aching for God to act. Yet the heavens seem silent. When will God fulfill his promise to Abraham and all his glorious promises in the prophets? 

This is the world Jesus grew up in. 

 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - [email protected]

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

Spiritual Drift - Doug's Story

Spiritual drift is a real possibility for any one of us. Our faith becomes second nature. Then routine. Then blah. And then ...

Apathy creeps in, slowly but persistently until we find ourselves distant and disconnected from God. 

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, I share the story of a regular listener who grew up going to church, was saved at 11, and never didn't consider himself a Christian. 

But spiritual drift slowly moved him away from God. 

He shares what caused the drift for him and what brought the drift to an end. 

 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - [email protected]

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

Bonus Episode: Serving Jesus in Yukon Territory, with Jeremy Norton 

In this special episode of the Bible in Life podcast John shares part of his conversation with Jeremy Norton, a pastor in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. Jeremy has seen many people come to Christ through his ministry in Whitehorse. 

To learn more about Jeremy, visit https://www.leadbiblically.com/

And to check out his new book titled Meeting Jesus: The Transformational Encounters of John’s Gospel, click here. 

 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

 

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

 

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

 

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - [email protected]

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

 

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