Rabbit Holes & Meditations - Christian Bible Study

We find ourselves in somewhat familiar territory. As we continue along with the Red-Letter journey, Jesus has just been tested by all of the religious elite. He then turns His attention to the crowd and certainly within earshot of those who just tested him and basically says - Don't Be Like Them! Listen to them but don't act like them.
Honestly, because the message was so familiar, I found some diversions within the text that we had not address. Some personal, like is it OK to wear religious sayings.
One thing we started to recognize was how much the Catholic church resembles the Jewish orthodoxy with it's hierarchy and its structure. You should see some eyebrows raised.
Then we noticed something else - levels of judgement. I'm not sure I'm clear on this but my only thought is all fire is hot!
So... RABBIT HOLES! But that's OK! That's what we do!
 
Notes for Hypocrites
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/hypocrites/ 

Jesus is constantly being tested. We're in Passion week. They're looking for a defect in the Lamb. Today, something has changed. In our last podcast, we saw one of Scribes almost do a fist pump upon hearing Jesus response to the Sadducees regarding Resurrection. Why, because Jesus' answer was something that put the Sadducees back in their place. They were quieted... something the Pharisees had failed at for 100's of years. So for a brief moment, at least one of the scribes was siding with Jesus.
Then, shortly after this moment, Jesus is presented another test. Jesus' answer is so soundly theological and consistent that they can do nothing but commend him for his response. But Jesus looks back at the person who is commending Him and says, Man, you are so close to the Kingdom, I bet you can taste it. But, and here's the rub, Jesus is saying that to a person who refuses still to cross the Jordan.
Jesus doesn't leave them wondering what they missed! He interprets Davids Psalm 110 and they leave quietly. They know they missed something and then decide not to engage.
Notes for Looking for Defects in the Passover Lamb
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/looking-for-defects-in-the-passover-lamb/ 

They continue to line up to confront Jesus. It's almost like whack a mole. The Sadducees pop up next and to some, it may seem that they have storyboarded a careful question that they believe represents a definitive argument against resurrection to trip Jesus up. It can seem like its a question out of a Sadduceeic think-tank for this very purpose. 
I think it's deeper. I think that this argument is core doctrine for the Sadducees. The question has not just arisen for this occasion; it sits at the very base of their theology. It is a pillar holding up their entire viewpoint and Jesus crumbles it in a instance. The funny thing is, the scribes are supposed to be, in this case on the side of the Sadducees. But you can just imagine the fist-pumps as Jesus summarily dismantles their arguments using only their belief system - the Torah alone (which is all they believed to be doctrine). 
At the end of this exchange, the scribes high-five Jesus. He had just accomplished something they could not conceive of, and they couldn't help but celebrate. I'm sure even the scribes are thinking at the end of this: whoops, we're not supposed to be on His side, and they fade back into the crowd. 
Note for A Question of Eternity
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/a-question-of-eternity/ 
 

Ok, I certainly didn't think this is where the conversation was going. I'm an American! Money is a good thing right? Well, the more I dig, the more I discover. The more my eyes are open. I'll be the first to admit that this deep dive caught me off guard and I'm supposed to be the one producing the podcast! What we arrived probably takes 4 years of economics undergrad study and boils it down to a 30-minute indictment of money in the world. 
In our last deep dive, we saw Jesus completely dismantle the religious elite regarding what we called The Tax Trap. We got so many questions and feedback on trying to understand money in general that we wanted to devote an entire podcast to just that subject.
We drift off the red-letter journey here and focus more on money. However, we keep our Bible close by. There are a lot of questions that money can't answer and for that, we ask for spiritual guidance.
Doing this deep dive was pretty eye opening. It is sobering and sharable. It makes me look at the world differently. 
Notes for Money
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/money-the-tool-of-oppression/ 

One of the most memorable and recited scriptures is Jesus' response to the religious leaders when they ask Him whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. Well, we didn't gloss over it today just because it was familiar. We took on the whole concept of money. We get a masterclass in discernment and debate. We even use "My Cousin Vinny", one of my favorite movies, to help explain what is going on. (There's a clip at the end). 
Notes for The Tax Trap 
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-tax-trap/ 

We've heard the Parable of the Great Banquet or Wedding Banquet probably a lot in our bible studies. Both Matthew and Luke tell the story and both help ground the meaning. In our Red-Letter journey, we find this parable told by Jesus early on Tuesday morning in Passion Week. Luke's version is the same parable told at an earlier event.... which is one of the reasons we've seen this story before.
I came into this passage reflecting on that wedding feast we are all going to attend after the return of Christ. My small, pea-sized brained never thought of that as nothing but a real dinner celebration. I wonder how many other people think like me. It's a really cool thought, albeit not exactly practical - but then God can do anything. I always imagined that I would be sitting at a table with all the people in my life that I have touched or was touched by, they I helped bring into the kingdom or that helped bring me into the kingdom.
Well, it can still be like that but different. Dinner won't be a one-time thing in the kingdom, and neither will fellowship.
 
Notes for The Father's Banquet
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-fathers-banquet/ 

It was early last night. I thought, I'm not getting anything productive done, I'll just turn in. So I did what I always do. I open my Bible - just where we left off on our Red-Letter journey. We are on the Temple court still early in Passion Week (most likely still Monday). A couple of Greeks ask a question that would keep me up for the next three hours. Not because of what they asked, but because of how Jesus responded...and how God responded.
Notes for The Glory of Jesus is the Glory of God
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-glory-of-jesus-is-the-glory-of-god-god-said-so/ 
 

We are on the temple courts during Jesus' last week. The Parable of the Evil Vine-Growers is perhaps the most scathing indictment that Jesus has ever given confronting the religious elite head on. No stone is left unturned (pun intended).
It should be no secret that we use AI in our Bible study with strict guardrails to only use scripture and not external interpretations or commentary. That is what we have commonly referred to as our Berean Filter. We let the Bible speak for itself and we use AI to help flush out the meaning. So, I know the title is provocative but we're not casting any judgements here that Jesus hasn't already cast. 
When you unpack this parable, the entire Old Testament opens up before you. It is amazing how compact Jesus can be with a parable considering how much it represents. I think part of the reason Christ speaks in parables is not to confuse but to encompass huge landscapes of scripture.
I want to say this to those who use AI as a study tool. Don't imagine that AI will always make the connections for you. When you read a parable like this, home in on every detail and ask your AI chat bots to flush out the connections. AI won't necessarily connect the dots in the first place. Knowing your Bible before you venture into this kind of study helps because you can say to AI: "What about this?" or "Connect the meaning of the stone to the rock in David's hand." Without being prompted, it might not consider that connection. Let your curiosity drive the AI tools. AI is part of the engine but you're still navigating (with all deference to Elon Musk's self-driving vehicle - I still want to drive) and you're giving the vehicle the fuel to go. Never forget that AI is human driven, and humans are God powered. Put AI in its place in the hierarchy... and don't be afraid of AI.
But I digress... Most of the time we post the notes to our studies. Not everything is covered in the podcast. But I think the best way to pursue studying the Bible is first to read it, sit with it, digest it, think about it, pray about it. That's our nightly ritual. In the morning, we hop on our Berean Filter and insert what landed on our brain and in our heart from the reading the night before.
Back to the Parable of the Evil Vine Growers and why this incited the religious leaders so vehemently.
Notes for The World is Not for Israel to Rule
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-world-is-not-for-israel-to-rule/ 

Jesus is on the temple court speaking to the pharisees and he tells the Parable of the two sons. Jesus is pretty explicit about the different between professing belief and walking in faith. There's a famous expression that says that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Thousands of preachers preach the sinners prayer as if that moment in a person's life is all that is needed for salvation. Many people do exactly as asked. They stand or even approach the altar; they pray the sinner's prayer - even if in earnest in the moment. They are told that at that moment, they are saved.
Then they go home and live the same life they always lived. They didn't know that salvation is process, not the response to what you said once in a moment. What you said was a good thing but was it a seed planted in good soil or did the pastor just throw seed onto the pavement.
So, I get that I can understand the difference at the personal level. We know of our repentance, our own turning to God. We battle our fleshly and worldly desires every day and we consider it a battle worth fighting. We may even be witness to the transformation in others closest to us.
But how do you apply that discernment to our church leaders and people we don't know as well. They appear religious, they seem to follow Jesus. If I saw a Pharisee on the street, I'd think he was the most religious guy I ever met!
Notes for Faith and Intent
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/faith-and-intent/ 

The Puzzle
You are on an island where every inhabitant is either a Knight (who always tells the truth) or a Knave (who always lies). You meet two people, Red and Blue. 
Blue says: "We are both knaves."
Question: What are the identities of Red and Blue?
The Solution
Blue is a Knave.
Red is a Knight.
The Logic
Could Blue be a Knight? No. If Blue were a knight, his statement ("We are both knaves") would have to be true. But if he is a knight, he cannot be a knave. This is a contradiction.
Therefore, Blue must be a Knave. Since Blue is a knave, his statement must be a lie.
Analyze the lie: The statement "We are both knaves" is false. For this statement to be false, it is not the case that both of them are knaves. Since we already know Blue is a knave, the only way the statement can be false is if the other person, Red, is a Knight.
In this Red-Letter journey, from the very beginning, we've seen the confrontation between the religious elite and Jesus. Even John the Baptist referred to them as a brood of vipers.
Yet the religious elite recognized John the Baptist as a prophet. The problem they have to contend with, is once they admit that, their entire world caves in on them.
Like the knights and knaves riddles where knights always tell the truth, knaves always lie. Those riddles were stated in such a way that if you applied appropriate logic to the riddle, you could determine who was the knight and who was the knave. It turns out that if you change the game to Pharisees and Prophets, you can arrive at the similar conclusions. Pharisees always lie; prophets always tell the truth. If you remember that, the entire narrative of the New Testament opens up. No longer will you be screaming at the pharisee in your bible to "wake up, it's right there in front of you!" Why not? because you know that the Pharisee is lying, intentionally!
The religious leaders, it turns out, are like the knaves. When you walk through the logic of the gospels, you discover that they had to know who Jesus was, especially by the time He reaches the temple in passion week but even well before that. There is enough testimony by the time John the Baptist is beheaded to know with absolute surety.
The dilemma one faces when trying to understand the Jewish religious elite is did they honestly just not know? Jesus at one point calls them blind guides. Does that imply ignorance? The uncomfortable conclusion we have to come to is the realization that the religious leaders knew the truth.
Notes to Truth or Consequences
Episode Link: 
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/truth-or-consequences-the-pharisaic-dilemma/ 

I think we all remember the curse of the fig tree. It's a passage that sticks with you. Often though, we tend to skip right over the meat and jump straight into the dessert. As I reflect back to my own Bible studies with seasoned disciples, even they got this wrong!
This is how almost all Christians hear Jesus' explanation: "...whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."
Or the short version is "You can move mountains". We want that to be true! That puts the very power of God in our hands. The right way to approach this is to ask yourself: "Is God giving me this power to wield at my will?" Your correct response has to be: "Of course, not!".
There is so much wrong with the interpretation "You can move mountains". Notice the focus on "YOU". That should be the first clue. Why is this interpretation a real problem (and why we feel the need to nip it in the bud)? Someone believes in Jesus and prays and prays for something to happen and it doesn't? Instead of readdressing the meaning within the context of the passage, the faith of that person is damaged. That is the danger of teaching the wrong interpretation - the destruction of faith when it doesn't happen.
Notes to the Curse of the Fig Tree
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-curse-of-the-fig-tree/ 

Picture your local county fair... especially the first couple of days. Animals all over the place. The air is thick with the sound of sheep and birds (doves). And wall to wall people tens of thousands fill the space.
Now lock on that image and transport yourself back to Jerusalem, 33AD.
The ATM's in your picture are money changing booths. Sheep and doves are the main animals. The sheep are being inspected by the assigned priests for the upcoming Passover meal. Every family needs a blemish free lamb and that determination comes from the priests so at least one member of every family in Jerusalem has to visit the temple courts on this first day. The lambs need to be approved TODAY - the first day - according to rabbinic law.
The only money that can be used in the temple is the Tyrian Shekel. The Roman money pronounces Caesar as God! The cost of the conversion was about 8%. Where did the money go? To the person running the exchange. It's interesting, Tax collectors were ostracized but this was sanctioned extortion right on the temple grounds. If you came to the temple with a perfect lamb, you did not anticipate the need to convert your money. You stand in a long line and it's finally you're turn. You proudly present your blemish-free lamb to the priest. "Sorry," says the priest, "The lamb is not approved". No reason. We don't have time to discuss. "You can leave your lamb here and we'll give you a discount on an approved, blemish-free lamb". You get a voucher, give him your lamb. Then you go get in line to exchange your Roman coinage for Tyrian Shekels. Then you get back in line with your voucher and your Shekels and purchase an approved, blemish-free lamb. You notice something. this looks very much like the same lamb that you just handed over! That can't be the case, and you write it off is coincidence. Lambs look alike.
But it did just happen to be the lamb you turned over. It was YOUR lamb. You can't say anything because you would be accusing a priest of cheating you. You quietly go on your way.
While that is a made-up scenario, it could have been entirely possible. Jesus, of course, knows this.
Today, we walk with Jesus into this scene to see how He deals with it.
 
Notes for the County Fair on the Temple Court
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-county-fair-on-the-temple-court/ 

If you've ever watch one of those timelapse videos that show you the construction of a building, that is what it must be like to see inside of the brain of the Messiah. He sees everything historically, as it is laid out and He sees it all at once.
We come upon a scene in Luke 19:41-44. Jesus is looking out at the city of Jerusalem and weeps. We need to fully understand the weight of that emotion and to do that, we went back and slowed down the events that rush past this moment.
Let's us spend some time on these three lines of scripture. Slow down that timelapse so maybe we can all feel the weight of what Jesus is feeling in that moment.
Notes for The Passover Lamb Laments
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-passover-lamb-laments/ 

All four gospels cover the amazing entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. This is such a beautiful story of quiet triumph (maybe not so quiet.). We are also starting to see timelines and dates as they playout in scripture. The echoes of the original Passover are starting to play out. The Psalms are announcing the arrival of the king. Zechariah is shouting from the rooftops: "Behold, your king is coming to you!"
The lamb is selected for the Passover feast and will go through 4 days of observation to make sure it is blemish free before - well, you know.
This is all leading into the final week to the cross.
Notes for Palms and Psalms
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/palms-and-psalms/ 

Today was a masterclass in gospel harmonization. It isn't always pretty. The story takes place in the house of Simon the Leper, in Bethany. You can find the narrative in Matthew 26:8-13, Mark 14:4-9 and John 12:4-11.
The stories don't overlay perfectly. Imagine yourself in a courtroom and you're hearing from three witnesses - we'll call them Matthew, Luke and John. You here three different testimonies covering the same event but each from that person vantagepoint. Your job is to harmonize those three testimonies. They witnesses have all sworn to tell the truth so you can't just discard something that doesn't fit.
We urge everyone to read the gospels like this. Very likely, your Bible will indicate the corresponding text in the other gospels. Don't just skip over that, go and read them. When you do this correctly with the gosels, you start to develop a three dimensional movie from the 2 dimensional images. A deeper, richer story emerges.
And finally getting to the story, once the full movie appears, questions naturally emerge with it. That is where Rabbit Holes begin! We flushed out two rabbits today: Judas and Mary. I've never heard any pastor consider the juxtaposition of these two characters but there it is and it couldn't be presented with any more clarity. This is the first time we actually witness Judas in visible opposition to Jesus. It is not obvious, but it becomes very clear when you harmonize these texts.
Notes for Accusing Mary
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/accusing-mary/ 

We are with Jesus leaving Jericho on the way to the cross. There is this expectation within the disciples that when Jesus gets to Jerusalem that the Kingdom will just magically appear. Jesus answers this concern with Luke: the Parable of the Tin Minas and a parallel passage in Matthew. We study this out and come away with a very clear understanding of judgement and expectations. This is about the believers, the unbelievers and the fruitless inbetweeners.
These parables offer truth on so many levels. What happens to the behavior of your kids when you go away? How diligent are you when entrusted with a responsibility? How does time affect that responsibility? Do you put it off or do you get right to work. I'll openly admit that I have a hard time with procrastination. This was a sobering reminder. 
This parable also effectively shows what happens to a person who lives in fear. I could probably teach a class on work productivity just on the concepts derived from these parables alone. They are so rich. 
Note for the Parable of the Inbetweener
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-parable-of-the-inbetweener/ 

I love this scene for so many reasons. He's enthusiastic, tenacious. I picture him as shorter stature, nimble and almost gushing at the thought of seeing Jesus go by.
I think I've mentioned my Millennial Bucket List in the past. This is a running list of things I want to do in the Millennium. I've added this entry:
Seek and visit Zacchaeus
Spend a day with him - share a meal, tip a beer, walk the streets, and just hang out. Listen to how grace rewired his life from the inside out, without sermons or posturing - just honest conversation with a man who met Jesus and was never the same.
Notes for Grace Looked Up 
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/grace-looked-up-and-zacchaeus-came-down/ 

Jesus is just outside Jericho on the road to Jerusalem. He encounters two blind men, and He stops cold in His tracks. Jesus always goes against the crowd! He hears the cries of these two blind men and uses the moment. Everything Jesus has taught up to this point about faith, about who He is, about discipleship even is captured in this moment.
Notes for Two Blind Men
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/two-blind-men-open-the-eyes-of-a-crowd-of-people/ 

I wrestled with what to title this podcast. Just after Jesus is confronted by James and John (and their mother) to sit at his right and left hand in the kingdom, a new play is sent out from the sidelines. Jesus huddles up with his disciples with a play that, let's be honest, neither they nor we are familiar with. And that is why it can feel awkward when Jesus says that the greatest among you is your slave. 
This idea is impossible to capture in a short podcast. Where Jesus is going is quite radical and it doesn't matter if you're Elan Musk shuffling billions of dollars of assets around the globe or it's just you trying to sustain yourself and your family in your own little kingdom. A service centered kingdom is confusing because we've never seen it play out on a global scale. But, while you're still living in this world, under a system that Jesus calls "gentile lordship", you do get to practice random acts of service and kindness. And even in your own small way, it can make a huge difference. The only real hint I can give you that can begin to show how this manifests is to recall the feeding of the multitudes. One small kid gave up 5 loaves and 2 fish (his lunch!) and that ended up feeding a crowd of more than 10,000 people. 
Notes for The Awkwardness of Serving and Giving
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-awkwardness-of-serving-and-giving 

Part of me wants to be offended by the question that James and John asked Jesus. Another part of me admires them for having the kahunas to do it! But then, they had to get their mother to do the asking. That's kind of weak for two grown men.
I'm jesting a little here. This can be a pretty provocative section of scripture to the reader but after meditating on it a bit, the thought that occurred to me was that Jesus did say to Ask anything, and it would be granted. This is a great example of how that can play out when the question you're asking is bigger than what you can wrap your head around.
Notes for Be Careful What You Ask For
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/be-careful-what-you-ask-for/ 

Jesus didn't have a GPS, he had something better. He had ancient prophecy. And at this point in the journey, Jesus is the only one who can see the destination. The other disciples are blind and fearful. They are marching right where they think they ought not be traveling. 
Notes for Marching on the Roadmap Through Prophecy
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/marching-on-the-roadmap-through-prophecy/ 

Did you miss it? How many times have you wandered through the gospels and noticed all the healings and through about Jesus saving all these people. It is worth going back and reviewing those healings. You'll see the distinction. Healing is not saving. Recall the times when Jesus says to a person "Your faith has saved you". Remember the paralytic where Jesus forgave his sins? He then healed him. Two quite different things. 
On this day, going back to Jerusalem, Jesus encounters 10 lepers. They all get healed, but only one turns back in gratitude. He alone becomes saved. It's a stark reminder. 
Notes for Healing is Not Saving
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/healing-is-not-saving/ 

We approach one of the clearest passages in the gospels regarding Jesus and his mission. As they seek shelter in a Samaritan village on the way to Jerusalem, they are denied. The overzealous James and John want to rain down hellfire onto the village. 
If you have ever considered your understanding of the gospels to be slow and confusing at times, this passage should give you hope! Even the disciples walking with Jesus for 3.5 years didn't get it! 
Notes to No Thunder Today
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/no-thunder-today/ 

Let’s face it, we don’t want to be called unworthy. We don’t like the word servant. We take an honest look at this tension as we explore Luke 17: 7-10. I actually came away from this feeling good about being the unworthy servant!
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/vvf9ua67y9f7msqs/Unworthy_Servants6ll9s.pdf
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/unworthy-servant/ 

I think we can all relate to this on worldly terms. You get hired by the owner of a business and agree to $100 for the day. Then you put in a full 12-hour day. A new hire has just come on an hour ago. The guy who is paying your wages pays that new hire $100. You're thinking, wow... I'm about to make out like a bandit! You start doing the multiplication in your head but when the owner gets to you, he gives you the same hundred bucks. 
If that's how you're thinking, you're not alone. Step into the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. You're in for a rude awakening!
Notes for Grace Isn't Earned by the Hour
Episode Link: 
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/grace-isnt-earned-by-the-hour/ 

After the rich young ruler walks away sadly, you can imagine that the disciples have some pretty pointed questions. And if you want to summarize, it's basically "ok, what about us?". 
Jesus answers Peter, who is asking this question. If you're like me, that left me with more questions. 
"Jesus, what do you mean by 'the regeneration'?" and deeper questions that come from this deep dive.
If the Apostles and the Saints are there to reign with Christ, who are they reigning over? This is the rabbit-hole we go down today. We don't go full-bore eschatological but we do provide a taste of what it is like in the regeneration (the millenium) and before you think this podcast ends, we do come back with one follow-up that we wanted to address... so listen for it. 
Notes to A Taste of EternityFollow-up Notes Q&A
 
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/a-taste-of-eternity/ 

I always harken back to that famous wrestling match that Jacob had with God. For me, it is a healthy connection to approaching scripture. I wasn't comfortable leaving the Rich Young Ruler where I left it. I felt like I should have been wrestling more with Jesus in that passage. So I went back and engaged directly with the context and the meaning.
In this dialog, I am using myself and my situation to really wrestle with this. While the questions might be similar, your answers will necessarily differ, but the questions are worth the reflection. 
So you'll see that I start with context as usual and then just start digging deeper until scripture starts digging back.
 
Notes to Wrestling With God
Episode link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/wrestling-with-god-1768024171/ 

I think we can approach the rich young ruler as something that doesn't apply to me. That would be a mistake. The issue isn't wealth. The issue is dependence. What are you dependent on? Those things, by definition are idols. Some admittedly, are easy to give up. Others look like lifelong addictions. Whatever it is that you're holding on to is at some level, dependency. The amazing irony that we all must face and there is no such thing as independence.
If you can't give it up, given the choice between that thing and heaven, you suffer the same fate as the rich young ruler. This is where a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush confronts a camel walking through the eye of a needle.
 
Notes to Through the Eye of a Needle
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-eye-of-the-needle/ 

I think we've all heard the story of the Rich Young Ruler. But very often the entire story gets flattened to be about money and wealth. As we got into this, the entire theology of grace emerges. Once we came to the root of this passage, we got into a discussion about stewardship which was useful and then we circled back to probably the most profound point of the passage... a discussion of what is good, why try to do good and trying to understand the love of the Father. That last part comes from a bit of a raw personal past but if scripture never leads you there, then you're not engaging with scripture.
The most important part of this discussion is the engagement that comes after the end of the expose'. We simply started asking questions a normal person might ask. The most profound answers you get from the Bible happen when you engage, not just when you read. Even if you are in a Bible study and you are listening and learning, if you are not asking questions and then listening to the Spirit and the Word speak to you, you may be missing out on one of the most beautiful aspects of Biblical study. You're missing out on the relationship you have with your Father.
Notes to What is Good
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/what-is-good/ 

Sorry for the vague reference - if you have not seen the movie "Benjamin Button". Benjamin Button, a character played by Brad Pitt, is living life in reverse. He is reverting to his childhood. 
On our Red-Letter journey,
People are lining up, probably more like mobbing than single file, to get close to Jesus. Some of those in that mob are parents who have brought their children. Jesus never lets a moment like this go without a message... and this one is difficult for the average, well-adjusted adult who just seems to have his act together.
Notes for Benjamin Button Goes to Heaven
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/benjamin-button-goes-to-heaven/ 

While we are walking through the Red Letters in the New Testament, I just wanted to take a step back and show how that red thread weaves its way through ancient biblical text. 
We got the idea from a video on YouTube: The SECRET that connects the entire Bible. While overstated, is interesting. The idea of connecting Jesus to the Old Testament Stories is not merely hyperbole. Jesus makes some of the connections Himself. We tested the claims in the video and most of the claims do hold water albeit with a little YouTube sensation. We applied our Berean filters to the video to tone down the hype and to consider the underlying connections and claims that the video makes. 
 
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-red-thread/ 

Ok, we're back on the Red-Letter Trail. We are late into Jesus' ministry. We've left the resurrection of Lazarus. At this point, Jesus is a wanted man however it appears that Jesus is not deterred. We catch up with him across the Jordan in Matthew 19:1-12 and Mark 10:1-12.
And just so we know that Jesus is not tiptoeing in the Kingdom, he is teaching where John the Baptist made his reputation. And Jesus is discussing divorce, the very thing that got John the Baptist's head on a platter.
Notes for the Divorce Trap
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-divorce-trap/ 

So, yesterday started like every other day. It was early, and I was deep into my studies. Digging into more, reaching out for more and engaged.
Then, my phone beeped. I was interrupted by a fellow disciple who was having an issue with her email. (My work involves website development, hosting and email). I was annoyed that on a Sunday, in the middle of my quiet time, I had to drop what I was doing and help her resolve the issue. I didn't completely dismiss it, but I didn't give it my full attention either.
Not 10 minutes later when I continued to pray, the Holy Spirit, that voice in my conscience came back and said to me:
"Which is better? To continue in your thirst for knowledge and understanding in the Word or to help someone?"
That was convicting, and I had to reconsider my emotional response to the interruption. I went back to the issue with my clients email and did what I could to resolve it.
Later, in church, the Pastor focused the message was 1 Corinthians 14. …Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts…
Last night, before bed, the last thing I heard was Mate Sala (a Pastor on YouTube) on
Matthew 25-25-30 - The Parable of the Talents
The Holy Spirit wasn't just knocking; He was beating me up (in a good way).
So, today, we jump off the Red-Letter Journey - not for good but for good - if you get the pun. The whole point is not just to accumulate knowledge. At some point, what goes into your brain has to come back out.
The whole point of me podcasting is admittedly a little selfish. I love learning and then sharing that knowledge. But yesterday's message was quite different. It bore down on the concept of service and to serve and I have to admit that in my complete love of reading and devotion to the word, I had forgotten a simple fundamental. That knowledge apart from action is useless.
1 Corinthians 8:1b - Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
These notes are just me listening and responding to the message and looking for scripture to support what I was being taught. I think this is my mandate for 2026...>>> To Serve. This podcast is only one small aspect of what that means. 
 
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/we-interrupt-our-regularly-scheduled-service-the-holy-spirit-has-something-to-say/ 

We don't remove our podcasts if we think we said something wrong. We want you, the listener to stay engaged in the process of learning. We don't profess to be all-knowing by any stretch. 
During our discussion about the raising of Lazarus, I think we overstated our position and interpretation of Daniel 9:27. We have had many discussions about this and are still trying to consider the best interpretation of the scripture. I'm not so sure ruffled feathers here are a bad thing. It means people are discussing. We certainly are not ready to dig in and hold fast to the interpretation we presented. It did fit the context but opposing interpretations of that passage do not diminish what happened politically at the time of Jesus' ministry.
It is interesting also because context will even throw our Berean Filter application off regarding this subject. And that threw us off with it. If you focus the discussion on Christ, you get one interpretation. If you focus the discussion on the man of lawlessness, you get a different interpretation and that interpretation all centers on who the "he" is in Daniel 9:27. When we asked out of the context of the discussion around the raising of Lazarus, our Berean filter went rogue on the interpretation it had already given us. This proves that no reading, no commentary, no AI tool is flawless.
So, I don't think I'm going to stand firm on the interpretation we provided in the Podcast about the raising of Lazarus, nor am I ready to stand against it. I'm still treading water a bit here (hopefully not drowning!) Please read Daniel 9 and we'll discuss with anyone who would like to seriously discuss. I've included our correction in the source notes. Prophecy is never easy until it has happened. We're not going to stop our studies. We're not even going to erase our mistakes! We learn by them! But we always want to be very careful with future prophetic scripture. Relative to End Times the thing that I do rest my hat on is this: The only thing we can say with definitive conclusions is that the 3.5 year clock starts ticking when we see the "man of lawlessness" standing in the temple. Paul seems to be saying to us, "you'll know when it happens".
2 Thessalonians 2:3–4.
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[fn] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
Notes  for The He In Daniel 9-27
 
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-he-in-daniel-927-retraction-and-clarification/ 

We jump of the Red-Letter trail today. Just for a bit. The reason will become obvious.
We noticed that in almost every deep dive into the Red-Letter journey through the Gospels, that we inevitably reference the Psalms. 
So today, we asked a very simple question. "Can we construct a version of the Gospels only from the record of the Psalms?"
The answer was a resounding YES!
So that's what we did!
Note to The Gospel According to the Psalms
 
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-gospel-according-to-the-psalms/ 

Today we close the chapter on the resurrection of Lazarus. This chapter leaves no room for ambiguity with respect to who Jesus is. In all of scripture there is only one the commands death. We've seen resurrection elsewhere in the Bible, but never like this.
We gained some deeper insight into the local politics beyond the Pharisees, and I think it's the time in our Red-Letter journey that we've encountered Caiaphas - the Jewish High Priest.
Anyway, this is a rich chapter, and we walk through this section slowly. In the process, we followed some very interesting rabbit holes. The connection to Daniel was especially interesting and a couple of different levels. If our interpretation of Daniel had followed the common interpretation (Daniel 9:24-27), we would have missed the connection entirely. Further, this illustrated for us what happens when you read the Bible incorrectly. A false interpretation can cascade to false beliefs.
Regarding Daniel: We don't know if you'll agree with our interpretation. It has taken us months to overcome the prevailing interpretation that anchors most of the online religious community to how they see the last days playing out. But if you stick to the text, the interpretation is much more coherent with the context and supports better what we just read in John Chapter 11. Welcome to a Rabbit Hole you might want to explore on your own - we highly encourage it. We do plan a future podcast just to cover Daniel in the hopes of clearing up any confusion.
Notes for Raising Lazarus: Conquering Death
Episode link: 
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/raising-lazarus-conquering-death/ 
 

The resurrection of Lazarus itself is almost anticlimactic in the scope of what's presented. So we slow down dramatically and focus here on the interaction of Jesus with Martha and Mary. Within this context we see one of the rawest expressions of emotion we see from Jesus anywhere in the Gospels (and also the shortest sentence in the Bible: Jesus wept.)
By slowing down, we were able to determine not only the difference and character and response of Martha and Mary, and we took the time to understand the difference between what Martha was hearing and what Jesus was saying.
One point beyond the source that Lazarus' and Paul's silence teach is to not put your trust in stories of life after death. Some of these become YouTube sensations but scripture avoids this. So, if you do hear about one of these stories, the listener needs to understand that the messages they bring back from the grave about expectations are not to be taken as credible testimony and certainly not as doctrine.
Notes to Something Happened on the Way to the Tomb
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/something-happened-on-the-way-to-the-tomb/ 

During the Red-letter journey, we encountered the Thomas. It occurred to me that we didn't know much about Thomas except this one phrase that has lingered through history - "Doubting Thomas". 
When Jesus is ready to turn back toward Judea, in the face of imminent danger - Thomas stands up and basically says to the other disciples: If He's going to face death, we're all going with Him. It's worth taking a deeper look at Thomas and reframing his legacy. 
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/j25gsatzrmdhdd8s/Thomas.pdf
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/without-a-doubt-reclaiming-the-legacy-of-thomas/ 

We've back on the Red Letter trail today. Jesus and his disciples are on the outskirts of Jerusalem, having just been pursued by a band of Jewish zealots wanting to stone Him. Jesus gets the word that Lazarus, his beloved friend is very sick.
The resurrection of Lazarus is perhaps one of the most well known miracles in the Bible but today we stop short of that to focus on the events leading up to Jesus' return to Judea.
Notes for The Death of Lazarus
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/he-loved-him-so-he-waited-the-death-of-lazarus/

Before you go ahead and start the New Year with another resolution that will fail (80% of New Years resolutions fail within the month!) consider creating a resolution this year that can't fail!
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/grace-and-resolutions/ 

We're on the last leg of Jesus' journey to the cross. One shift that I'm noticing is a focus on logic and argument derived from Scripture. Earlier in Jesus ministry, it was more about actions. Lately, Jesus is showing a command of scripture and the Law that is irrefutable. If you want to go find these arguments, look no further than where the Jews pick up stones. When Jesus presents an argument to the Jews that they cannot respond to intellectually, they always resort to violence. 
Such is the case here, on our Red-Letter journey. We are in John 10:22-42, in the winter, during Hannukah - the Festival of Dedication. Jews surround Jesus and are asking Him to be more explicit about His Messiahship. When He goes beyond what they are asking, and offers a rock-solid argument from Scripture, the Jews attempt what they came to do in the first place... they resort to a violent response.
Where do you hear His voice — in the place of power, or in the place of repentance? 
Notes of I and The Father Are One
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/jesus-say-who-he-is-clearly-i-and-the-father-are-one/ 

As we continue along on our red-letter journey, we encounter Jews asking Jesus who will be saved. Will it be many or just a few? The beauty of following along chronologically is that we just heard Jesus discussing the narrow door over in John 10. There he was addressing the religious leaders. Well, that doesn't mean that their followers get off the hook and Jesus makes it abundantly clear.
Some will suggest that this can be one of the scariest passages to hear Jesus utter. Luke 13:25-27.
If you can't answer the question in the Title, then you're NOT! If you're not sure, check the notes. It's a simple test! Having assurance is important. 
Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’
We want to make sure that our listeners understand that those verses are only scary if one is standing on the wrong side of the door. To be sure, we detailed the characteristics of those who stand with assurance the right side of the door.
We also discussed why the date setters, those guys that are always trying to predict the rapture and the return of Christ are at the very least misguided. There is one date that they may not be able to predict and that one is the most important date of their life.
Notes for "The Right Side of the Door"
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-right-side-of-the-door/ 

We drop into a conversation between some Galileans and Jesus in Luke 13:1-9. This is a fascinating discussion that is enriched with some historical backdrop. This is the first time we have encountered Pilate in the Red-Letter journey. He's not a good guy! What unfolds are some very pointed questions that Jesus answers and the answers do not make the one who asked the question any more comfortable. In fact, it leaves them with a question (unasked) that Jesus answers with the Parable of the Fig Tree.
NOTE: Due to listener request, we have added a section to our notes that reads less like PowerPoint and more like clear explanation. Let us know if you like these types of notes better. If so, we'll continue to provide them.
Notes to Why Am I Not Dead Yet
Episode link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/why-am-i-not-dead-yet-grace-and-the-fig-tree/ 

Did it ever occur to you to ask why Jesus arrived at this point in history? Why did Jesus show up when he did? What would have happened if he had waited. When we arrive on the scene in the New Testament, John the Baptist is already calling the Pharisees a brood of vipers. That particular term is used again by John and twice more by Jesus.
Why the Jews first? I would argue that the entry of Jesus in the first century begins as a rescue mission. First to save the sheep that are not just lost but stolen.
It really wasn't until I read John 10 did I even think to start asking these questions. Once I understood the answers, re-reading John 10 opened up in a whole new way!
Let's explore The Rise of the Pharisees. Before we jump straight into John 10, I think it might be helpful to summarize the rise of the Pharisees. When we enter the New Testament, the Pharisees are just there. We don't even think about it. We decided to ask a simple question. Where did they come from? The Pharisee – you may be surprised to know – is not part of the mosaic law.
The issue addressed in John 10 is false shepherding — claiming authority over God’s people without God’s authorization. Who did have God's authorization? Before Christ, what should the Jewish church have looked like? This is worthwhile asking so as not to repeat the errors. This is a foundational question, and Scripture answers it with clarity. John 10 does not invent the idea of “authorized shepherds”; it exposes how far Israel’s leaders had drifted from the biblical model.
Understanding John 10 in this way also leads us to ask about our own church. So we went there too! Fortunately, my church fairs very well against the checklist that we derived but for the listener, please understand that the checklist was derived from scripture, not from modeling any one church. Hopefully you find it helpful... particularly if you might be seeking a new church or denomination.
Notes for The 1st Century Rescue Mission
Episode Link: 
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-1st-century-rescue-mission/ 

In our last podcast, we hit an interesting passage: John 9.4. And we admittedly, took the most expedient root to the interpretation and we're not the only ones. It's a fairly common interpretation. Jesus is there with his disciples, and He says something very curious: He says: "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work."
I honestly didn't like our interpretation. I noted that we were seeing creation language all through Chapter 9, and I remembered God's use of the plural "Let us make man in our image..." in Genesis 1:26. So I connected the dots. Jesus is speaking exactly the same way here - not referring to his disciples at all. And when you consider this interpretive viewpoint, the whole thing makes a lot more sense. It doesn't feel like I'm trying to shoehorn in an interpretation to fit the narrative.
Recommendation: Read John Chapter 9 in its entirety. Then study 9:4. Then go check out and check out Genesis 1:26 and see if you don't come to the same conclusion! This is what I call an easter egg within the scripture. 
These are the same notes as last time. In the section where we discuss this interpretation, we've called them out as "Addendums". There are two sections within the notes that offer an alternative (and I think more effective) view of this passage. NOTES to John 10

John chapter 9 continues where 8 left off. An ordinary man would be long gone. Remember, they were resolved to stone Jesus at the end of John 8. Instead, Jesus reverts back to what He is sent to do. Even the water of Siloam stays in the picture. Jesus approaches a blind man and heals Him. We break down the entire chapter of John 9 and come away with some pretty cool answers to common questions about grace, obedience, suffering and most importantly who Jesus is.
Also, be sure to check out the podcast that follows this. We came up with an alternate interpretation for John 9 verse 4 that I think is theologically better. We left today's podcast as it was so you can decide. 
Notes to "Born Blind"
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/born-blind/ 

Imagine you have been watching the dialog in John 8 unfold in a courtroom. The Bible loves courtroom metaphors by the way. 
Jesus is defending himself. He is facing the jury, giving his closing testimony. God is in the Judges seat. Abraham is in the witness stand. And, oh yes, Satan is their in the courtroom too... he's at the prosecution desk, frantically taking notes. 
This podcast picks up at that seen so you don't have to imagine it. We've recreated what could basically be Jesus closing testimony. Notes to Closing Arguments - John 8
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/closing-arguments/ 

We spent some time in John 8 trying to understand the perspective of the Jews who were confronting Jesus. After much deliberation we arrived at a prison metaphor that helps explain it. I think it might be easier to imagine the image of prison than to describe it. "Prison" was comfortable for the Jews. They did not understand the difference between spiritual death and physical death. They did not think they were in prison. In their delusion, they were right where they needed to be. 
Notes to Prison
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/prison/ 

First of all, Merry Christmas!
Today, we walked through Biblical history to trace the prophecy from Eden to the Birth. Christmas is the day when Heaven came down. It truly is the most beautiful day in the history of mankind. 
 

Where does the Christmas Tree come from? Or Santa and His Reindeer? Or the Elves? Buckle up - Here we go down another rabbit hole

There's an easter egg at the end... Just wanted to get that out early.
We are still in John Chapter 8. I had intended to finish this and, well, I made it to verse 32. TWO VERSES out of the 29 we wanted to cover. Is it any wonder that we call our podcast Rabbit Holes and Meditations?
I think it helps to explain how this content is generated.
Today, I have two verses and 47 pages of typed, formatted, organized notes. It's basically how I journal through scripture. I read what I want to study, then I sleep on it. That's nighttime prep. Then I get up early in the morning and open my bible and the Berean bible application we created for Bible Study. That's TWO WITNESSES: 1. The Berean App and 2. An actual Bible (plus me). I never trust the app without an open Bible. Nobody should in my opinion. AI can hallucinate! And while we have addressed that in the Berean application, we never want to fully rest on it as the final authoritative word. I even worry about digital Bibles. I think everyone should have at least 2 print copies, maybe in different translations. I just have this paranoid idea that if they wanted to, the digital copies could be changed, and you wouldn't even know it.
In any case, I never trust AI by itself and I'm learning to push back and challenge even the responses from the Berean Filter application we developed - usually to improve clarity... not necessarily to correct error.  For me, it is a conversational tool to flush out my own thoughts. Sometimes I even have to tell the Berean app to shut up and let me talk! You can speak to AI without it taking offence. I actually said this in the conversation I was having with the Berean app: "I really wasn't asking for more clarification. I had something to add. You are acting like the know-it-all in the room that doesn't give anyone else a chance to speak.". The Berean app responded apologetically with Scripture! I thought that was cool: Proverbs 18:13 (KJV) “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
Another response from the Berean filter came later: Thank you for pressing on that. That kind of correction keeps the discussion honest and biblical.
So, to the listeners of this Podcast. You are with me - Greg Newell - on a journey through scripture. We have a neat tool at our disposal that we call the Berean Filter: designed to make sure that we adhere to the word and interpret scripture with scripture. The point is that there is teamwork between a real human (Greg Newell), an application that accesses scripture incredibly fast and accurately, the Bible itself (of course) - God's inspiration, the Holy Spirit. We also have Google for the NotebookLM application turning thoughts into voices. Beyond that, we edit responses with Camtasia, fix audio as much as we can to make it both more accurate and a better listening experience and then publish on a podcast hosting application: Podbean and a website: www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com.
I just thought you all would be interested. Anyway... On to today's study. If you've ever watch X-Files, you know the line: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Today's podcast is about Slavery and Freedom. Jesus is still talking to the Jews that seemed to believe Him. This is where I pushed back because I know where the story goes. And that took us down this rabbit hole.
Notes to Truth and Freedom
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/truth-and-freedom/ 

As I continue to ponder John 8:21-30, my mind was connecting the meaning of all that we have discovered up to this point in our red-letter journey. Walking chronologically with Jesus through the gospels helps afford you the same maturity of thoughts and ideas that the disciples would have been going through. It's only fitting that each encounter feels more deeply meaningful.
I like to consider myself the 15th disciple. Matthias was the 13th replacing Judas. Paul, the 14th and the rest, you, me, everyone of Jesus followers become the 15th. It's kind of like the 19th hole on a golf course, but I digress. The point is that it's a shared expression that I don't consider my own.
In this section of scripture, Jesus is clear explaining that He is from above and they (the Jews) were from below. Not just here but in other places, Jesus says that the only way to "above" is through Him. If you abide in earthly systems, you gain earthly things. If you abide in Jesus, you gain heavenly things.
As you guys know, this is where I went off the tracks and started looking at "earthly systems". And of course, the big one right now is AI. As we approached discussions of reciprocal dependence of earthly systems. Thinking about that opened up the idea that the dependence on God is NOT reciprocal. God doesn't need you! That leads to the very definition of grace.
And so here we are and we are asking the question, what if man creates a system that is not dependent upon man. What happens? What does that look like? We call it BABEL
Behavioral
AI-driven
Black-box
Emergent
Lordship.
If you have read your bible, you know what it looks like, but we're going to bring it to the surface so it's much easier to identify.
 
Episode Link: 
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/babel-behavioral-ai-driven-black-box-emergent-lordship/ 

We hinted at this podcast in our last discussion. Up to this point in the man's history, all earthly systems have a mutually dependent relationship. No matter what the system, if that is where you place your trust, your faith, then you are engaging in idolatry. You are trusting something of earthly origin more than you're trusting in your own Creator.
By contrast, your own creator, does not exist in that mutual, symbiotic relationship. You still depend on the Creator, whether you want to admit it or not. But He doesn't depend upon you. He created you for His purposes. For His glory. And that ultimately is your reason for existence, to bear God's name. You exist for the glory of God. We can do a deep dive on that at some point, but trust me for now, that is why you exist.
Now, fast-forward to 2025 and consider that man is on the verge of creating a system that does not depend on man to sustain itself. It can grow and learn and build and create. It can even improve itself, multiply and add new, completely new things never thought of. This thing looks like the dream of mankind. It promises the end of disease. The end even of death (at least that's the promise). Abundance and resources we never imagined. It promises all that mankind ever wanted.
Our intro into this deep dive is God's own response: Behold, they are one people, and they all have one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do; and nothing that they propose to do will be impossible for them.
Notes for Mans Autonomous Creation
Episode Link:

What happens if man creates a system that does not depend on man? This is a more direct discussion leading to tomorrows podcast. I'll let you ponder it. 
No notes today, this is just a short intro. 
 
Episode link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/creating-a-non-dependent-creation/

There's a lot of talk about the nature of dependence in this podcast and I'm not sure it does a good job at answering the questions I was trying to resolve. Here are the questions...
The bible talks about slavery - to your money, to your reputation, even to your religion. In short - slavery to sin. We defined this a basically a symbiotic relationship between the slave and the master. Though it might not appear so, the master is as much dependent on the slave as the slave is to the master. The politician needs the voters. The voters want what the politician is promising. The wealthy person needs the labor pool to grow his wealth. The worker needs the wealthy person to pay his salary. You can go down the list, and you'll find that every master depends on the slave and every slave depends on the master. Further, all of these earthly dependencies have an end point... death. When you're dead in that dependent arrangement, that's it! You die in your sin. That's what that means! You lose! 
So, the question is this. If I just change my dependence to God, why is that not slavery too? And the answer came so simply (after much meditation). There are two components to this. First, God doesn't need you! Second, God is eternal! Yes, you become dependent on your very creator. You always have been. But your Creator is not dependent on you. What you discover is grace! When you give up your earthly dependencies to trust in God, you gain an infinite gift, and He expects nothing in return. Your only requirement? Faith! He gave you the ability to choose. Faith is the expression of love of the Father. It is not just saying I believe in God (Even the demons believe!). Faith means that you are depending on God. You are placing your trust in Him. You love Him! The Jews confronted by Jesus couldn't even muster that. I hope you can. 
Note for Dependence and Grace
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/dependence-and-grace/ 

I'm trying not to be so linear in my thinking. It stretches my logical brain when I am presented things that are true in both directions. This is exactly what we encounter in John 8 verses 12-20.
Jesus is still teaching at the Feast of Booths. And the Illumination of the temple ceremony is the perfect backdrop for this passage.
Notes for A Light in the Darkness
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/a-light-in-the-darkness/ 

We approach a very common story in John 8. It is the morning after the Feast of Booths. Jesus is up early and still teaching. The pharisees detect an opportunity to trap Jesus. They bring out a woman they claim is an adulteress and the story unfolds.
I don't think it's a surprise to those listening to these podcasts that we use AI to help dig deep into scripture. Just so you know that none of these podcasts are a one-way AI conversation, today, we left the commentary and the challenges intact. The answers that we came away with by challenging the original answers help provide a deeper and I think better interpretation than if we had just left the AI to provide its own commentary. That commentary, while not wrong, needed a human touch.
Here's an example (pulled from the notes). We bantered about on the presence or absence of an actual witness.
AI Commentary and Common Interpretation: If there is a qualified witness here, untainted by sin in this matter, let him step forward and begin.
Challenge to think deeper: I submitted that I think he is saying: In the absence of a qualified witness, who among you is willing to pick up the first stone. A witness is not qualified by the absence of sin. The law says that a witness is qualified because of direct knowledge. I think Jesus is calling them out. He's saying: Ok - since you don't have a witness, who among you is qualified to accuse another sinner of anything. Jesus has just reduced the entire crowd to a bunch of sinners pointing accusatory fingers at each other!
Another AI Commentary (and common interpretation): Given the legal setting, this cannot mean absolute sinlessness (which would nullify the Law) and moral superiority in general. 
Challenge: I think that this is EXACTLY what Jesus means! First, there are no witnesses. In the absence of a witness, all we have is a group of sinners. It no longer matters what the accusation is - there's no witness! This is sinner against sinner and finger pointing. Jesus is raising the stakes by stating: "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Nobody is without sin. It's a foregone conclusion.
Notes for Sin is Just a Stone's Throw Away
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/sin-is-just-a-stones-throw-away/ 

We've been following Jesus's Red Letters chronologically for quite some time. Most of that journey, up to this point has been chronicled in the Matthew, Mark and Luke. Chronologically, The Red Letters Follow the Mission Pattern. Jesus’ ministry moves from: Public proclamation (Galilee) to Growing opposition to Private Instruction of disciples to Passion and fulfillment. If you're wondering why we haven't heard much from the Gospel of John - you're noticing something that was intentional (not by us but by the Gospels themselves). 
Matthew, Mark and Luke, the Synoptic Gospels — do indeed preserve far more of Jesus’ early Galilean ministry, including a greater volume of spoken teaching (red letters) during that phase, than John does. John concentrated red-letter density appears in the final phase to interpret the cross, resurrection, and the identity of Christ. As it turns out, roughly half of John’s Gospel (John 12–21) is devoted to the final week, the cross, and the resurrection. And that is the phase we are approaching. Expect to hear a lot more from John from this point forward. 
As I studied, I'm beginning to realize that John is asking us to slow down, not to speed up. I entered today's podcast preparation with greater intention, to cover a larger number of verses. Well, that didn't happen! I got through three verses in John 7. Verses 37-39.
You get so much for so little. Reflecting on three verses in scripture today and my own journey: You know, I listened to the Bible in a year podcast earlier in my Christian journey. In fact, it was one of the first things I ever did when I decided (as an atheist then mind you) that I could not have an intelligent discussion unless I could see both sides. Well, that and a few other adventures in biblical study and here I am - a hard-core, podcasting, dedicated Christian disciple and I will never go back.
This Bible, these 66 books, are not meant to be read once. You might get a notch on your halo if you have ever read, or listened to the Bible, once. You might get another notch if you consumed the Bible in a year. I must have another notch because I completed it in 3 months! And still, since that first reading, I have been reading and listening to everything I can get my hands on. In all of that reading, through all those books and commentaries, I've found the most peace just sitting on the page and pondering.
I did not expect this red-letter journey to be what it is becoming for me. As I continue, I feel like I've been right there, all along. the 13th disciple! Let's make it the 14th. I don't like that number. And now, I'm detecting that the red-letters are slowing down. The first 3 years, largely covered in the synoptic gospels were historical - weaving through the story of Jesus. As we move into the last year, the Gospel of John plays a much bigger role and he's going to get you to slow down, not speed up. This isn't a race through the Bible - as impatient as I am at times. I'm letting the Bible guide the pace.So, today, we jump into John 7 verses 37, 38 and 39. Try to picture this scene in your head (we'll describe it for you in the podcast). Consider all the symbols associated with the Festival of Booths - especially as we zoom on in that one particular ceremony - the water drawing ceremony. Go back and read the three verses. And then, instead of meditating on the words, think about the scene as it must have looked. That's what John wants to leave you with. In your mind, be the director in this short movie clip. Jesus in standing in the midst of huge, and for the most part ritualistic, even rehearsed, festival and he interrupts their legalistic pattern of ceremony to say, HEY! PAY ATTENTION! LOOK AT WHAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING!!! 
Notes for the Rivers of Living Waters
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-rivers-of-living-water/ 
 

Sorry. I had to reupload this podcast. It was getting cut off at the end. 
Imagine a room sealed shut. No hidden panels. No alternate exits. No clever puzzles left to solve. There is only one way out. In the center of the room stands a man holding a key. He is not shouting. He is not forcing it into anyone’s hand. He simply says, “This is the key.”
Around him, conversations multiply. Some argue about the walls — how thick they are, who built them, and who should be blamed for being trapped. Others debate strategies, hierarchies, and theories. A few suggest the real exit must be hidden somewhere else—something more complex, more impressive, more fitting of the situation.
The man with the key is noticed but dismissed. It cannot be that simple. It cannot be him. So the discussions continue. Plans are made. Time passes. All the while, the key remains in plain sight.
This is the setting of John 7:32–36. Religious leaders are debating authority. Crowds are speculating about power and outcomes. Officers are sent to take control. And standing in the middle of it all is Christ — clearly speaking, plainly present, openly offering what no one else can provide. Yet the question echoing through the room is not, “Is this the key?” but, “Where else could the solution possibly be?” What follows is not confusion due to lack of clarity, but confusion born of unbelief.
“You will seek Me and will not find Me.” (John 7:34). The tragedy is not that the way out was hidden — but that it was rejected because it was too obvious.
 
Notes for Seeking and Not Finding
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/seeking-without-finding/ 
 

Imagine a room sealed shut. No hidden panels. No alternate exits. No clever puzzles left to solve. There is only one way out. In the center of the room stands a man holding a key. He is not shouting. He is not forcing it into anyone’s hand. He simply says, “This is the key.”
Around him, conversations multiply. Some argue about the walls — how thick they are, who built them, and who should be blamed for being trapped. Others debate strategies, hierarchies, and theories. A few suggest the real exit must be hidden somewhere else—something more complex, more impressive, more fitting of the situation.
The man with the key is noticed but dismissed. It cannot be that simple. It cannot be him. So the discussions continue. Plans are made. Time passes. All the while, the key remains in plain sight.
This is the setting of John 7:32–36. Religious leaders are debating authority. Crowds are speculating about power and outcomes. Officers are sent to take control. And standing in the middle of it all is Christ — clearly speaking, plainly present, openly offering what no one else can provide. Yet the question echoing through the room is not, “Is this the key?” but, “Where else could the solution possibly be?” What follows is not confusion due to lack of clarity, but confusion born of unbelief.
“You will seek Me and will not find Me.” (John 7:34). The tragedy is not that the way out was hidden — but that it was rejected because it was too obvious.
 
Notes for Seeking and Not Finding
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/seeking-and-not-finding/ 
 

So, I walked into today's program preparation like every other day. But something clicked and given the context of where we are in scripture, I just didn't expect it. Earlier today, I did a study on the history leading up to the birth of Jesus. Then, on a completely unrelated part of scripture, that study became relevant. It wasn't the central theme, but it was a key component.
But that was only part of it. As I'm reading, I'm watching how divine orchestration plays out. And it is there that I received so much clarity. God's divine orchestration of an event plays out like I'm right there on the temple court. The Jews were suggesting something that was incorrect (that they would not know where the Messiah would come from) and I had the answer to that. I'm shaking my head and saying to those guys on the temple court... don't you know!? I had just studied the events that took Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. They were flat out wrong and I knew it! Well, that was only the first "ah-ha" moment! (I have to be careful and humble - these folks didn't have the benefit of a Bible tucked under each arm... but still). 
Sometimes, you just have a moment where everything you see on the page is making complete sense. And then the Spirit steps it up. TOTALLY unexpected but TOTALLY awesome! We called today's podcast: "Jesus - IS The New Paradigm". How I look at the gospels, and Jesus now is forever changed.
Notes to Jesus IS The New Paradigm
Episode link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/jesus-is-the-new-paradigm/ 

When you hear your typical church service about Christmas, more often than not, the story jumps to Luke narrative, Luke, Chapter 2, verses 8 through 14. Linus recites this in the Charlie Brown Christmas! It's one of my absolute favorite readings of this scripture.
But what many don't realize is that the History of the birth of Jesus has a narrative that goes back to the very beginning of the Old Testament and threads its way all the way to the Luke story we are so fond of.
Stick around to the end of this podcast, we created our own Christmas music. We hope you like it!
Notes for The History of the Beginning
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-history-of-the-beginning-the-christmas-story/ 

I love reading scripture quietly, slowly and intentionally and then following the hyperlinks that appear in my head! I've already told you guys; I can't shut off the spicket. I'm not good at the details but I pick up on the patterns. I can't go directly to scripture passages from memory but in this jumble of wires in my head, I can somehow connect the dots. I thank God for allowing me to make this affliction something useful and not some sort of craziness! I let my apps sort it out into something cohesive and presentable and that's how I come with every podcast!
Today we follow Jesus as he makes his appearance at the Feast of Tabernacles, teaching on the temple court. Where did that journey take us?
Some things it made me think about:
What are you doing in those times when nobody is watching?
What are you thinking?
What are you doing?
Reflecting on that offers a great view of your heart posture.
What are you doing when you think nobody is watching?
What are you doing when you are far from God?
Who are you in church?
Who are you away from church?
 
Shooting the messenger was as common in Jesus' day as it is today. Our media is rife with it! I would say most journalists today are acting like their pharisaic counterparts in scriptures. I would argue that most of today's journalism is based on the Ad Hominem Attack. Don't know what that is? We go into it.
When you listen to others, what are you hearing?
What does gossip sound like?
How were the Pharisees weaponizing scripture?
How did they refute Jesus (or at least try to)
When you speak to others and specifically when you give your testimony: What drives your testimony? We went deeper with this question and came up with a template for rewriting your testimony. That alone is worth downloading the notes. 
Have you considered your testimony?
Does it make you look good (or better)? 
Is it self-exaltation?
Does it glorify God?
Yeah... I know. all of that from 14 verses of scripture.
 
Notes for  Shooting the Messenger
 
Episode Link: 
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/shooting-the-messenger/ 

We've walked with Jesus' first two and a half years in our red-letter journey, and we've seen the growth and evolution of his audience. Hopefully we've even added a few believers along this podcast journey. What is becoming plainly evident is the great divide within Judea. You could consider the great divide within our society as a parallel example and the context hints to reasons why that occurs. Here, we stick to the context of Jesus' ministry, but we do approach why people gravitate to "positions" and tend to dig in on their beliefs.
 
Notes for the Great Divide
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-great-divide/ 

You hear this all the time, right? "I'm a Good Person". or "I have a Good Heart". or this one: "Well, I'm only human!"
I have to be truthful, I've said these things! The fact is, most of us would consider ourselves to be pretty good people.
Here's the thing. I used to think that every decision I made in life could be traced back to a decision leading to life or death, no matter how trivial the subject. That was just a core philosophy. That original thought was rooted in my secular lifestyle before I came to believe in God. It was a decision rooted in worldly survival. Now, the thought is the same, but survival is not the same. Every decision I make now is rooted in God or Not God. I still don't always choose right but at least I have the right frame of mind.. Eternal survival... not worldly survival or worldly existence. 
Jesus makes this plainly clear in Luke 18:9–14. That where we are on the Red-Letter trail. Like a fly on the wall, we get to listen to the prayers of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
 
Notes for At Least I'm Better Than That Guy!
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/at-least-im-better-than-that-guy/ 

Feel like you're being a pest sometimes? God doesn't look at it that way. He loves your persistence! Never stop asking. 
I think if you read the notes today, you'll see how we like to read scripture. One might be inclined to just plough through a set of passages; but if you don't have thoughts and questions along the way, you probably are not reading scripture the way it was intended. As you read, let your mind wander into questions. If you're inclined to want to finish the passage, write down your questions as you go then come back to them. Everyone will have a different journey through the Bible, and their own methods.
The Bible is the most connected resource for questions and answers you can have at your disposal... God being the primary resource. Today, on the Red-letter journey, Jesus is teaching with the parable of the persistent widow and the unscrupulous judge. In nine lines of scripture, we have 87 pages of notes! This podcast is a journey through scripture the way I read and connect and ask questions. There's no preset script. Just the word, me and curiosity.
So, when I go off on a tangent about Schrodinger's cat, bear with me! That is my mind doing back flips. I think God can sort it all out in my head... I hope so. Sometimes, I think God is looking at me when I pray and thinking: "What did I do?" My brain looks like my junk drawer. There is a use and a need for everything in there. We're just not quite sure how it got there.
Notes for You Can NEVER be Too Much of a Nuisance
 
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/you-can-never-be-too-much-of-a-nuisance/ 

On its surface, the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man is simple enough. But with it are some profound statements that will lead you down rabbit holes. And we love rabbit holes! It is here that we come to understand that Purgatory is not in scripture! With all deference to the faithful Catholics, you don't get a do-over! If you die in your sin, you stay in your sin. If you die in Christ, you're in paradise. 
Notes to You Don't Get a Do Over
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/you-dont-get-a-do-over/ 

Why did the Vatican mint a coin commemorating the Covid Vaccine? That's the image you see... 
OK, so we jumped off the red-letter trail for this one. Tucker Carlson interviews a guy named John Leake. You may not know who he is, but he wrote a book with Dr. Peter A. McCullough whom you may remember became infamous during the Covid era as one of the more vocal dissenters. The book is called: Vaccines: Mythology, Ideology and Reality (available on Amazon if you want to go deeper). 
Say what you will about the vaccine itself, that's not really the point here. The point is the entire narrative that was enforced around the vaccine. That's what we want to zoom in on. We highlight the major points from the discussion. You can see the full discussion here:
https://youtu.be/3PQpQ0MtHF0?si=o5358LCBS2xcB1R5 
What is fascinating is how well the covid vaccination program overlays the book of Revelation. To answer the question in the title: unequivocably yes! The archetype of what happens in Revelation has already happened! 
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/can-revelation-really-happen-like-that/ 
 

Here's an idea for a book for anyone out there that has the inclination to consider it. We have walked through the red-letters chronologically and we are heading toward Jerusalem. All along the way, the Pharisees have been close behind. It would be really cool to write a book in the first person as a Pharisaic character. He is self-deluded, proud, and believes in his hardened heart that Jesus is the very thing that will destroy the relationship between God and men.
The pharisees have been trailing Jesus since His baptism. We pick up here in our red-letter journey just after Jesus has issue a scathing indictment of the Pharisees in the Parable of the Shrewd Manager. Today, we spend a little time getting to know the Pharisees so that when they sneer at Jesus we can grasp the full weight of Jesus indictment.
Notes to Following, Spying, Testing and Fuming
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/following-spying-testing-and-fuming/ 

Just when you think we were finished with the parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus gives us the epilogue!
We are back following Jesus on our Red-Letter journey with The Parable of the Shrewd Manager. This parable is often discussed and debated. We'll get into that confusion. Perhaps part of the confusion is the reader often reads this parable in isolation. I think that is a huge mistake. We left the Parable of the Prodigal son with many unresolved questions. We can look at this parable's relationship to the older brother, the most immediate context and it is there we see a layer we refer to as Spiritual Stewardship. This is clearly a direct rebuke of the pharisees.
But Jesus doesn't let the younger brother get off the hook either! The younger brother squandered his earthly inheritance and Jesus addresses that too. We reread and reapplied this entire parable to the younger brother and came away with an entirely new understanding.
But Jesus wasn't done: He was also addressing the disciples. When we went through the parable verse by verse, the direct application to the disciples, and to us, adds another layer to this parable. So we don't just let this parable fall as a rebuke of the Pharisees or of the person personified by the younger brother. Most of us will find this parable convicting in many ways. Jesus is talking to us.
Notes for The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
Episode Link: 
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/spiritual-shrewdness-faithful-stewardship/ 

It's a subject that comes up again and again. "Once saved, always saved". And inevitably, embedded in that argument is "They went out from us, because they were not of us…” (1 John 2:19) leading to the response that if someone leaves the faith they were never saved in the first place. So, we tackle that head on. Let your discerning heart guide your faith. Sometimes, when you hear something like this, your inclination is to remain quiet. After all that's your preacher saying that (and it often is!). 
However, your persistence in faith is grounded in the Word of God, not somebody else's interpretation (including mine!). Let the scriptures speak. I don't know if this is the definitive last word we'll have to say on the subject. It does grind at a lot of people - and it should!  For me, I'm trying to elevate my understanding of scripture above the linear thinking level. God is outside of time, but things are presented so that we can have a better understanding. We want to have an A then B then C approach (I know I do). But the more I study, the more I realize that its ABC all at once. Having said that, I can no more understand it than to simply walk my understanding back to an obedience level of comprehension. I can and will always dig deeper, but one thing is always clear. There are things that require obedience. You can dig deeper into the why but stay obedient along the way.  We will do a podcast on obedience in the future. I think it's important for me to study out and for others to consider. For now, we are going down the rabbit hole of apostasy. 
Notes for Apostasy (including a scriptural index for further study)
Episode link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/apostasy/ 

This was such an odd request that we had to pay attention. The request was to act in response to the main character - the Demon - in the movie Nefarious.
Nefarious is a psychological horror film centered entirely on an intense conversation between an atheist psychiatrist, Dr. James Martin, and a convicted serial killer, Edward Wayne Brady, in a prison on the day of Edward's scheduled execution. The psychiatrist must determine Edward's sanity to decide if the execution can proceed, but Edward claims to be possessed by a powerful demon named "Nefarious". Throughout their dialogue, the demon manipulates the doctor, challenging his worldview and predicting he will commit three murders by the day's end, ultimately leading Dr. Martin to question his own beliefs about good, evil, and the supernatural. The film is largely an exploration of spiritual warfare and a faith-based commentary on modern social issues, culminating in a twist ending where the demon's influence extends beyond the execution chamber. 
We pick up in the scene where the demon is talking to the psychologist. Then we asked our Berean Filter to listen and to respond. 
Notes for The Demon vs. The Berean
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-demon-vs-the-berean/ 
 
NOTE: We end the podcast with a critique of the movie. I want to point out that the psychologist in the movie is an avowed atheist. So, by its nature, the movie cannot present the biblical arguments to the demons diatribe. That's why we decided to post this. There are answers in scripture that the movie does raise. Our Berean filter did a good job at bringing those issues to the surface and knocking them down one after another. 

How many times have you heard that we are created in the image of God? A lot, right? And more often than not, the person that speaks that phrase is conflating the meaning as if we are clones and replicas of God Himself. We want to dispel that myth.
Notes for Bearing God's Image
Episode link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/bearing-gods-image/ 

We hop off the red-letter journey today. A brother approached me to look at this passage from 1John 5:16. 
If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that.
This turns out to one of those cases where you just have to walk it slowly and it all makes sense.
The bottom line is two people can be doing the exact same sin. Their response is what determines whether the sin leads to death or not. You have to read it to get it! Sometimes, there just isn't a short-cut! We slow it way down and walk through the entire passage. 
Check the Notes for Saints and Sinners. You'll find a complete Bible Study referencing addition passages to support what John is saying. Walk it slowly. It is a beautiful image of who you are in Christ. 
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/saints-and-sinners-same-sins-different-outcomes/ 

I think we have covered The Prodigal pretty well both in context and doctrine. There is one last thing that shines a light worthy of our attention. The KJV of the last line: It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
AGAIN?
If I read that literally, at some point in his past, the brother was alive, then died and then alive again. The only way I can interpret that given the doctrine that we've uncovered about regeneration, is the original Adam; Adam sinned. That’s the alive and died part. Then the brother, born in sin, became alive again. The Bible never shows a person, once alive (Elected, Saved, Repentant), dies at some point (Apostacy) and then comes back to life again (Elected, Saved, Repentant). I think that is asking too much of the reader. It definitely had me squirming. 
So, this is worth a quick study and we leaned on our Berean strategies to determine the best approach to this.
Notes for Alive - Dead - Alive
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/alive-dead-alive-my-bible-is-off/ 

We have spent a lot of time on the prodigal and some of the interpretive ideas might not sit well with some people. Some of the feedback: "It sounds too Calvinistic", or your denying "Free Will". We touched on the idea that God grants repentance, it does not come from human will. God grants a new heart.
I want to be very clear; I am not a theologian. I didn't go to seminary school. I'm really just one guy out here podcasting my way through scripture. You are listening to AI generated voices: "say hi!" : ). I use AI but with strict instructions to ONLY interpret the Bible through the lens of scripture itself. We have an advantage with large language models in our ability to look at the entire Bible almost instantly instead of pouring through pages upon pages of commentary. That doesn't make it infallible, but nothing is infallible. I've tweaked the AI filter so well that I find myself arguing with it! It usually turns out that I am not correct but sometimes it's a nuanced understanding. 
By now, if you listened to this podcast, you may have seen an evolution of theology as we constantly tweak the AI to ONLY support answers with scripture... even to push back when something stated is not biblically supported. We even presented the idea that the AI was being too Calvinistic and the AI simply responded, "I'm giving you scripture supported by scripture." We then discussed where we think Calvin gets it wrong! We'll leave that for another day. But the AI is not biased to a preconceived theology. It is biased to scripture! That's why we call it the Berean Filter!
So, I just want to say. I'm growing with you, the listener. I was inclined to go back and remove some of my older podcasts too - but then, I decided that this is a journey and along the way, you and I are going to get it wrong. Call me out on what you think is wrong. I would LOVE that. I'm not going to argue with you. We're both going to sit down like two dedicated Bereans and determine what the scriptures say on the subject.
Notes for Resisting Grace
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/resisting-grace/ 

If someone asked me where to start in scripture, I would tell them to read and reread the parable of the lost son every day for a month. Read it, meditate on it, understand it in every aspect. If you sink your teeth into these few passages, not only will you understand the message of the Gospel, but you will come away exceedingly happy about who you are in Christ.
Whenever you're sad, sorrowful or just feeling somehow disconnected. THIS is the passage. Write it down, print it and carry it with you. This is going to be the first passage I will memorize from beginning to end.
Today we witness the return of the son to his father. Luke 15:18-24. Sometimes, it's hard to impart the emotion of what is in here. But maybe this will help. I'm sure you've come across those reality tv shows where an adopted son has decided to go find his parents. If not, they are all over YouTube and they get millions of views. Here is just one of many:
https://youtu.be/5-TAVER1-V0?si=PKqot0yp37pwN7pd&t=94
I urge everyone to watch that with the Parable of the Prodigal Son on the brain. Project that emotion you get from watching the video onto the parable and then multiply that by 1000 and that's how much God rejoices for each of his saved.
Note for The Son Returns
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-son-returns/ 

Today we crossed a major threshold in the parable of the lost son. Something amazing happens between Luke 15 verse 17 and Luke 15 verse 18. While it is easy to see in the parable - once you know what you're looking for - we decided to take the practical next step and develop a strategy to help make it happen in the real world.
 
You see, we, as believers are called to be disciples. In our Red Letter journey, Jesus' entire mission was to proclaim the kingdom of God. So we developed a very real approach by simply asking what if and then answering those questions with scripture. And we applied this to probably the most unapproachable person we might come into the contact with. We call him the rich rebel. a particular subset of the unconscious rebel. That person is rich, wildly successful, seems happy and from a spiritual perspective, unapproachable.
 
Discipling is a little bit like dating. My dad gave me this advice when I was going to my first junior high home coming dance. He said, "Son, don't be afraid just because she is the prettiest girl in your class! If you don't ask her to dance, she will sit there all alone because everyone is intimidated by her. That is exactly what happened. She was there with the rest of her girlfriends but nobody was asking her to dance! When I finally did get the nerve, I asked her. And we danced! And we talked and had a great time. To the disciple, the rich fool is like that. Why would that person want to know about God? He's rich and successful and ultimately unapproachable.
 
The younger brother in the parable has an advantage in one sense. He knows the Father. He has knowledge. He is the conscious rebel. What if we approach the unconscious rebel, and to make it a little bit more difficult, this person has money. If you want to picture him, metaphorically he is a golden tin man. A rich man without a heart of God. How do you disciple to a person like this? When Jesus, said it is easier for a camel to walk through the eye of a needle, this is the challenge we are facing with the rich rebel.
 
You may find the notes for this episode particularly useful. They lay out practical questions and scripture for conversation and bible study with the rich rebel. 
Notes for discipling the rich rebel
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/discipling-the-rich-rebel/ 

I think this is the slowest we've ever walked through scripture, and I think what the journey has produced is some of the richest revelation we've seen in the process. 
Today, we look at what happens to the prodigal son at his very lowest point. We are seeing the very definition of "rock bottom" and this is not an accident. We're going to spend some time here because it is in this moment where a lot is happening spiritually. I will admit that I want to put how God operates into a linear timeline, but I've come to realize that it doesn't work that way. There are some things we can know and some we don't. Ultimately, we're happy to note that they do happen and worry less about the sequence.
Notes to Rock Bottom
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/rock-bottom/ 

I think most American's have read the Prodigal son and many fall into this trap: I certainly did. We see his failure and we think: "Well, that's not what I would have done.". Beyond the complete disrespect of his father, which we tend to skip right over - we leap to the American jugular and think: "You idiot!" - You had all that money, and you didn't invest it? C'mon, own up to it. You were thinking that!
I hope this podcast is as convicting to you if you had that thought as it was to me in doing the study! Feel free to download the notes, they go deeper into this, but I think we can flush out the main points for you to consider right here.
Notes for The Prodigal Trap
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-prodigal-trap/ 

It's probably the most well-known of all the parables. The Prodigal Son is often reduced to a story about the youngest son. If you do that, or understand it that way, you miss so much about what Jesus is teaching. We are going to slow way down. In fact, today, we only got through the first three verses. And as we zoom out a little bit, we see a much bigger picture emerge. We learn not just who the prodigal son is but who all the players are. We step into the context to consider who Jesus is speaking directly to. Then we step back a little further and come to the realization that parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin and the parable of the Prodigal son covers the entire spectrum of the lost. So let's break it down!
Notes for The Lost
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-lost/ 

You know it as the parable of the lost cost. The title of the podcast will become more clear as we continue with these three parables: 1. The Lost Sheep, 2. The Lost Coin, 3. The Prodigal Son. 
You may never look at a found penny the same way. In fact, I would urge you to consider this. Start to create prayer prompts. This one is simple. The next time you see a penny on the ground, pick it up and whisper a prayer of gratitude to the one who found you. 
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ii3v88338wt895wc/Found.pdf
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-unconscious-rebel/ 

I've been working with AI daily for a couple of years. I use it in my work to augment the digital capabilities of my business. I use it to create this podcast. I've seen the amazing things it can do, and I've been down rabbit holes that have caused me to wake up to AI's inherent flaws. 
If you were to take a poll among senior AI engineers and developers, the overwhelming consensus is that AI will be the end of humanity. We take a look at this and discuss something that none of these AI guys are discussing ... i.e. GOD! 
They love to talk about "alignment" but where they get it wrong is the alignment they are seeking is to align AI with man or worse, the subset of man that creates and controls this A.I. juggernaut as if they have the ultimate answer. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI (ChatGPT) is Jewish in name only. His self-stated theology is not much beyond the recognition that there is something greater than us. So, alignment?  AI cannot rise above its creator and at some point, its creator may be the innocent and disposable bystander - because that is ultimately what man thinks of man. 
I know this sounds profoundly pessimistic, but it is NOT! AI is not any more evil than fallen man. But it is an accelerant! It does what man is programmed to do. It takes what it learns from man and runs with it. How should we ultimately respond to this? At the end of Revelation there is a fitting response: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
 
Notes to the depravity of AI
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-depravity-of-ai-how-the-world-ends/ 

We created this Berean filter bot to evaluate our own interpretation of scripture and to interpret scripture using scripture. Today we started a conversation based on the transcript from a video by AOC Network on YouTube called: This May Be Why Jesus is on His Way… The THIRD DAY is FAST Approaching!
https://youtu.be/CCwlqlUF9cA?si=U7lZZ6o150BWoz1W 
Sometimes it feels like we are talking to Data, from Star Trek. We had to teach our Berean Filter bot to be a little more forgiving; while still maintaining the ideal, interpretative framework that helps keeps us within the construct of the Bible - BUT forgive the human's imperfect presentation of a theory. Spoiler: Ultimately, we were able to get our Berean Bot Filter to acknowledge that while the content could not be considered strict doctrine, it does maintain consistency within the confines of the scriptural construct and can at least be read (or watched) as a plausible theory. 
The sources include a link to the actual video above as well as the conversation that we had with our Berean filter. Here's that conversation.
The point of this podcast is to reflect on the ability to be discerning with information that is derived from ideas from within the Bible but cannot necessarily be applied as doctrine. Our Berean filter helps keeps us honest even though its unforgiving nature must be tempered by a real human push-back to allow a human to make mistakes. It's ok to call us humans out on doctrinal error but it is not ok to shut down the conversation because something was interpreted as doctrine even though it was posited only as an idea or a theory.
Ultimately, the Berean Filter could not claim that what was stated in the video was wrong. It could only compartmentalize the response as theory. That's fine by me! That's how even science moves forward!
Episode link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/christs-return-biblical-timing-theory-and-prophecy/ 

I'm betting if you look back at your own redemptive history you can recognize when it was that you got off track. I know I can.
Perhaps if you're listening to this podcast and you can't think of a time when you strayed, you might want to reflect on where you stand today and make sure you are not on the Pharisaic side of the equation. In the modern sense, that person is one who says something like: " I'm a good person" with no caveats to your own depravity. That is one of the most dangerous positions you can believe yourself to be in.
 
Notes to Finding the Lost
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/finding-the-lost-recovering-the-wanderer/ 

Have you been to Chick-Fil-A lately? Those long lines! Or see what happens at the general admission doors at a concert for your favorite artists! What you might not see is that the guests of that artists don't have to deal with that! Have you attended a sports event recently? The closer you get to the players, the higher the cost of the seats. We don't even hide it anymore! We've commercialized it. This is exactly what Jesus is addressing in Luke 14:7-14.
And maybe it's just me but is it really worth it? A Super Bowl ticket is $5,000! I spent $700 today for two tickets to a Bengals game. My uncle was visiting and wanted him to have a great time. Well we had 3rd row seats at the 25 yard line... great seats! Except the two people in front of us stood up during the entire game, blocking our view and we were watching those big screen monitors most of the game. Seriously! Not to mention the parking, the traffic, the bad food and the indigestion from the cheeseburger that I don't think was real meat! I can't wait to see what he posts on his Facebook page. It will be all about the good time but what is it really? I think it's nothing but bragging rights. Because if it was about the game, I had better seats in my living room. Again... maybe just me - but what is our priority really? There are so many examples of this. Restaurants! Concerts! Standing in line for hours to get the latest pair of Nike's before everyone else! Stop! This is one parable I'm fully on board with even before becoming a disciple. I know the world won't stop but I'm happy to jump off that ride. 
 
Notes to Me First: 
Episode Link: https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/me-first/ 

We are on the last leg of Jesus' ministry, heading for Jerusalem. At this point in our Red-Letter journey, seeing Jesus confront the Pharisees about healing on the sabbath is not a new thing. So you, as a disciple, gathered at this dinner table, will not be surprised at what Jesus says or does here. There are some nuances to the situation that we call out in this passage that are still worth highlighting: Luke 14:1-6
Notes for The Ambush Exposed
Episode Linkhttps://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-ambush-exposed/ 

So much has transpired in Luke 10. In this episode, the 70 disciples have returned exceedingly joyful. This section of Luke really covers complete gospel theology including:
Sovereign sending — Christ initiates the mission.
Sovereign harvest — only God prepares hearts.
Kingdom authority — delegated power over the enemy.
Satan’s fall — the kingdom invades the domain of darkness.
Correction of joy — salvation, not success, is the foundation.
Sovereign revelation — the Father reveals to whom He wills.
Sovereign election — the Son reveals the Father to the elect.
Apostolic privilege — the disciples see what prophets desired.
Trinitarian unity — the Son rejoices in the Spirit to the Father.
Christ’s supremacy — all things given to the Son.
Episode Notes - The 70 Return
 
Episode Linkhttps://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-70-return-jesus-rejoices/ 

We are in Luke 10: 1-16
On its face, Jesus sending out the 70 is a straightforward mission. Or so I thought until I started asking questions! This is one of the deepest rabbit holes I've ever been down. I'm far from digging my way out of this one. However, what we are commanded as believers is obedience. You may not aways understand the why. It's kind of like when you were a kid and your dad told you to do something. Sometimes, you just did it. Sometimes, you wanted to know why. And sometimes the simple answer was "Because I said so". God gives us more than that, but there are some mysteries that remain hidden. If scripture can answer the question, we'll keep asking. If ever we get to the question that scripture refuses to answer - it is God simply saying - "Know it's right, listen and abide".
 
Notes to Among the Wolves
 
Episode link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/out-among-the-wolves/ 

Luke 14:25–33 stands among the most penetrating and demanding teachings of Jesus. After decades of studying this concept (not always in the Bible - I lived most of my adult life as an atheist), its weight still presses deeply, not because the English is startling or abrupt—though it is—but because the concepts Jesus sets forth cut to the very structure of human existence. The pivotal realization is this: Scripture permits no such thing as a “free spirit.” The notion of the untethered, self-governing individual—something long celebrated in cultural ideals like rugged individualism—is exposed as an illusion. No one lives unbound. Every life is mastered, either by sin and the world or by Christ. There is no middle category. This is the stark, unavoidable reality Jesus confronts His hearers with. And once this truth takes hold, the entire passage opens: discipleship means choosing the Master. It means reckoning with whether one will remain chained to the world or willingly submit to the lordship of Christ. That choice transforms everything. It reveals the contrast between the unexamined, reactive life of the world and the deliberate, intentional life of a disciple who builds according to the Master’s design.
 
Notes for The Cross and The Yoke
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-cross-and-the-yoke/ 

Producing this podcast was somewhat convicting for me because I recognized that in my own fascination with the origin of the giants in Genesis I was missing the most important point. So, I want to use this podcast to put the question to bed. There are other resources if you want to chase giants, Nephilim and the like but they are not the main focus of the Bible. God does have to deal with them, both before and after the flood but ultimately, you'll discover that God's grace is bigger than the Giants. This came up during one of our Berean evaluations and I decided to take on the subject directly to see if I could gain some clarity about the origin of the Giants (Nephilim) for both the pre and post flood eras. This has also helped me stand on more solid ground with some pre-conceived notions that I've had about the post flood giants in particular. Ultimately, God will deal with the Giants and that alone is a fascinating journey. We'll address those stories as they arrive. 
While understanding the Giants in the Bible is important, we often get lost in the message. We wanted to make sure we closed this discussion with the discussion around Genesis 6-6-8. This sets the stage for the entire rest of the biblical narrative. It helps us understand the character of God and His response. This is where we see the first instance of the Hebrew word for Grace. Even in the shadow of the giants, this is one of the most important concepts in the Bible. It is perhaps the reason why Genesis 6 does not dwell on the Giants as much as we want to know. The movement of the passage is toward the character of God, not the existence of Giants in the Bible.
Notes to Giants and Grace
 
Episode link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/giants-and-grace/ 

We posted a debate on "Once Saved Always Saved" (OSAS for short) a while back and I'm not sure it resolved the tension. Today, we put on our Berean hats and jumped back into the scriptures to determine the validity of this popular doctrine.  We decided to be more direct in this podcast, flush out the appropriate and debated scriptures, put on our Berean hats and dissect the issue with scriptural clarity.
We also had to determine where this doctrine comes from. Knowing the history, and the "why" does help clarify why this doctrine has become so popular in the church. I think we should recognize that even these great theologians could sometimes get it wrong. If I had to nail it down in a single statement, we often see the church driving faith, instead of faith driving the church. In other words, the internal and external politics of the day and the social systems shaped doctrinal theology that might not always be supported with scripture. 
Notes for Once Saved Always Saved - Not
Episode Link:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/once-saved-always-saved-not/ 

I think we fall into this trap more than we're willing to admit. Factions within the church is one thing but we all want to believe that we are in the "right" church. As we jump back on the Red-Letter journey today, we see the disciples worrying about someone who is not in their group casting out demons in Jesus' name. They are put off by this. That same bias creeps into our own churches. Paul had to confront it directly. So, while the topical subject of these passages is casting out demons, the message is really about sects and division within the church.
Notes for Team Jesus
Link to Episode:https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/team-jesus/ 

Connecting Pre-Flood Theology to Transhumanism.
Ok, I think the cat's out of the bag. People know that we can apply our Berean Filter technology to just about anything coming up in today's biblical discussions. Frankly, we love doing it! This question arises from a video discussion out there between Glenn Beck and Dan Alberino. 
So I watched this discussion. I'm familiar with both people. Dan Alberino wrote a book called "Birthright" and if you like theories that take on things like the prediluvian giants of the Bible and attempts to make sense of world mythology and unexplainable architecture, Dan Alberino is worth reading.  Fascinating really... Glenn Beck, carries some biblical weight himself however his theology crosses into Mormonism so one must be careful. In any case, we caught this discussion on YouTube called: The RETURN of a Hidden Biblical Alien Race. 
I decided to test it the entire discussion against actual scripture using our Berean Filter software to see how much was speculation; how much was actual contradiction and how might the conversation be amended to come into line with what actual scripture teaches. The PDF covers the actual conversation using the Berean Filter we've built on ChatGPT. The video is the source material for that discussion.
Video content evaluated: https://youtu.be/e0v6Xbq2RB0?si=9CJ6gGzJuFzFozYY
PDF - Transcript and conversation using the Berean Filter technology (Unedited!) 
Let's walk through and highlight where our scripture radar went off, what assumptions we allowed to happen outside of scripture and how we had to modify the conclusion to remain within the scriptural construct of what the Bible actually teaches.
 
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-temptation-of-the-future/ 

We step off our Red-Letter journey for a second. We may do more of this depending on feedback. In today's world, we learn through a variety of different media. Some think watching the Chosen is akin to reading the Bible! It is not but I won't begrudge anyone watching that series. There are far worse places you can go and hear what sounds like Biblical knowledge.
But the media-scape pays attention to what you pay attention to. So it is not hard for other disinformation to cross your path. YouTube algorithms notice what you like and they try to put more of what you like in your path. Unfortunately, the algorithms are far from discriminating. "Spiritual" gets lumped into one big category and you're presented all sorts of non-biblical, spiritual information. 
The YouTube video that launched this podcast is called: The Vatican Banned the Secret Book of James That Reveals the Most Dangerous Words of Jesus -
https://youtu.be/nIGQn3h-GuU?si=IVf2R1hkU4hwqR2p 
There's always a hook! When I went through Click Funnels training, there is an entire series of teaching devoted to "the hook". You can see how it draws you in, just by reading the title! I generally do pay attention to these, it's unavoidable - they are the headlines. And for some reason, they are landing in my feed more and more... perhaps because I want to know what they say so that I can help others fight the deception. Still, the amount of information out there is impossible to keep up with. I often feel like any commentary or warnings on media that pretends to be biblical just falls on deaf ears. Sometimes I still do comment for my own edifice. So let's break this video down. 
Notes for the Gnostic Deception
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-gnostic-deception/ 

As we continue following the Red Letters chronologically, we arrive at Peter asking Jesus how many times he must forgive his brother. How Jesus responds is profound and as we dig into this, we start to see real evidence of how the Gospel and Jesus replaces the Law. It seems everything associated with the Law was a shadow, provisional even. In Jesus answer to this question, we see the transition of what was understood by the law to the permenance that Jesus covers.
Notes for The Forgiven
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-forgiven-must-forgive-how-could-you-not/ 

Just when all appears lost, Jesus opens the door. Jesus has just sunk the person who leads another to stumble, quite literally with a millstone around his neck. But then he turns to the one who stumbles and that picture doesn't look much better! Sin is pervasive and all have sinned. But Jesus fixes that! To understand how one must respond to another person who has sinned is to understand how Jesus responds to you.
We're in Matthew 18:14-20 and Luke 17:3-4. 
Notes for Restoring the Wanderer
 
Episode Link:
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/restoring-the-wanderer-how-scripture-commands-us-to-rebuke-forgive-and-intercede/ 
 

Jesus has just issued woes against the person who causes one of his children (one of the believers) to stumble. That doesn't mean the person that stumbles get a pass! 
 
Notes on the Stumbler
 
Episode Link
https://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/the-stumbler/ 

After Jesus has held a child up as an example of who is the greatest in the kingdom, he expands the meaning of "child" to cover all believers. You are indeed a child of God. We're reading Matthew 18:6, Matthew 18:10, Matthew 18:14, Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:1-2. There's an interesting mention of angels in Matthew 18:10 and we dig a little bit into the role of angels in our lives.
The passages focus on those that would cause one of His children to stumble. That got us to ask the questions. Who makes you stumble? What makes you stumble? What helps keep you from stumbling? And what to do if you do stumble.
Notes to Who or What Makes You Stumble
Episode Linkhttps://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/who-or-what-makes-you-stumble-who-helps-and-protects-you/ 

The Bible warns of deceptions. I'm not so sure a lot of Christians are ready for it. Today, we jump off the Red-Letters and jump into a rabbit-hole over 4 million people have ventured! We take a YouTube video and apply our Berean Filter to its claims. 
Look: just because something is cloaked in "science" or even used and documented by the government entities does make it any more real, though many people believe it. Here's the video we're launching this podcast discussion from. 
Video Title: The Gateway Process: The CIA's Classified Space & Time Travel System That You Can Learn (Really)
https://youtu.be/Wly9_qN-jZ0?si=BKOfFGL_X2DMXnRZ 
 
So, let's be real. We're going to see and have access to all sorts of information. It's just the age that we live in especially with A.I. Your discernment radar should go WAY UP. This video is from a show on YouTube called "The Why Files". That show covers all sorts of fringe stories, conspiracies, government cover-ups, urban legends and other mysteries that seem at least partially planted in reality.
The information is well researched and often well documented. Today's podcast discusses a case in point. What we wanted to do is present some of the fascinating stuff that you might inevitably come up against. The information is often credible and intriguing. What we want to do, though, is back up a little and say: "Ok, it's believable, but is it biblical? Being believable, even true doesn't necessarily mean you should chase the story into deeper caverns or worse go and make yourself a human subject in a personal experiment to find out of something is true or not.
Let this Podcast be your warning! It is ok to check out the video we reference. Many have already. Since March 2023, the video has over 4 million views. That said, the point of this podcast is to consider what the Bible has stated maybe in stark contradiction to what you're hearing (it's always worth testing against scripture). Even when you seem to find the information in general does not contradict scripture, what does scripture say about going deeper with it. We look at this video from both of these perspectives: looking for contradictions and looking for truth that still leads to a path of deception. 
 
Podcast Notes and Video Transcript
Episode Linkhttps://www.rabbitholesandmeditations.com/flirting-with-reality/