S5:E4- Dr. Michael Graves- "Reading Scripture Like Jesus"- Monday, February 7th, 2022

02/06/22 • 62 min

Welcome to Season 5! Today we speak with Dr. Michael Graves, the Armerding Professor of Biblical Studies in the Bible and Theology Department at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. His primary area of teaching is the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and is highly respected scholar and amazing teacher. Dr. Graves also teaches and lectures at Gary Church– where he serves in many capacities as well as an usher. Have you ever wanted to ask what scripture actually was . . . and were too afraid to ask? What is the best ways to begin reading the Bible? Why should we read scripture? Does it have any real benefits? Or curious about what scripture can teach about reading scripture? Join us as we have a conversation about faith, scripture, and God’s call in our everyday life.
We begin with a prayer (00:41), our lunch menu (01:27) Dr. Graves' work, and name of new book (02:51), Michael's own story of faith in Christ (04:27), how God called him to be a professor (06:34), the process of becoming a scholar and faculty member (10:31), what he loves about teaching at Wheaton College and in congregations (14:50), what is scripture (16:11), why scripture so important to Christians (22:40), main obstacles people have to reading the Bible (26:58), key concepts to interpreting the Bible (35:13), the ways Jesus uses scripture and "Inner-Biblical Interpretation" (38:39), advice for people picking up a Bible the first time (45:26), ways people who are familiar with scripture can continue to grow in Christ through the Bible (49:35), how scripture has been shaping him in the last 10 years (54:00), what he hopes people find in reading scripture (57:08), and a final prayer and blessing (59:02).
For more information about Michael and his work:

Menu for Today's Lunch with Michael:

Gazpacho Paired With Pineapple Carpaccio, Pomegranate & Vanilla Salt by Gordon Ramsay

Menu for Today's Lunch with Michael:

Gazpacho Paired With Pineapple Carpaccio, Pomegranate & Vanilla Salt by Gordon Ramsay

Previous Episode

S5:E3- Joe Davisson and Shelley Kenyon- "The Ministry of Christmas Sharing"- Wednesday, December 8th, 2021

Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 5! Today we speak with Joe Davisson and Shelley Kenyon about the large, diverse, and amazing ministry of "Christmas Sharing." Both Joe and Shelley have served Christ and his Church in so many ways- through school, work, and ministry. But in this conversation we will concentrate on an fantastic ministry and their part in the ministry . . . Christmas Sharing. Christmas Sharing is not only in their congregation, but throughout Wheaton, IL and the Illinois 200 School District. Also, we will discuss ways folks and congregations can begin a similar ministry to reach out and serve along side others in Christ Jesus!

We begin with a prayer (00:40), the ways God called Joe and Shelley to faith in Christ (02:16), what is Christmas Sharing (04:32), why Christmas Sharing was founded (06:40), what is unique about Christmas Sharing and how it draws them into ministry (09:11), what did it look like before the COVID-19 pandemic (12:19), how it has changed (20:06), stories of Christmas Sharing (26:09), ways for people to be involved (32:45), avenues in which people and congregations can begin a ministry to reach others (34:33), and how Christmas Sharing has changed their congregation (41:16), and a blessing (44:12).

Some information on organization from the podcast:

Next Episode

undefined - S5:E5- "Marissa Sabio and Outreach Community Ministries: Salvation, Faithfulness, and Empowering the Forgotten"- Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022

S5:E5- "Marissa Sabio and Outreach Community Ministries: Salvation, Faithfulness, and Empowering the Forgotten"- Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022

Welcome to Season 5! Today we speak with Marissa Sabio, one of the Program Directors for Outreach Community Ministries. Outreach is an amazing ministry that helps the most vulnerable in our community and I am sure many of our listeners have similar ministries within their own communities. Thus, I am so excited to have a talented and gifted person like Marissa on to speak about the exciting work Outreach is doing, but also how Christians can become involved in the mission the gospel compels us all to be part of in caring for and empowering the most vulnerable, forgotten, and oppressed in our communities.
We begin with a prayer (00:41), our lunch menu (01:35) Marissa's work (02:21), Marissa's personal story of faith in following Christ as Lord and Savior (03:46), what is Outreach Community Ministries (09:05), the main areas of contact for Outreach Community Ministries in the Western Chicago Suburbs (10:22). why was Outreach Community Ministries founded (11:40), Marissa's role and ministry within Outreach Community Ministries (14:00), what compelled her to be part of Outreach Community Ministries (24:10), stories she loves to share about Christ's love, grace, and salvation to others through Outreach Community Ministries (29:24), why she feels it is vital for Christians to be part of ministries like Outreach (and organizations like it) around the nation and the world (37:36), ways a congregation or group of churches can begin to reach out and alongside the poor and oppressed (40:00), ways working in ministry through Outreach Community Ministries strengthened and changed her walk with Christ (42:51), and a blessing (46:18).
For more information about Marissa and Outreach Community Ministries: