The Bible Explained with Jenn Kokal
Reading the Bible shouldn't be a chore, it should be fun! Grab your cup of coffee and tune in to The Bible Explained podcast, where Jenn explains the Bible in a simplistic, approachable way. Launched in 2020, this podcast does not follow "the Bible in a year" format - it's more like "The Bible in a decade." Each weekday morning, you will hear Jenn read and discuss Scripture in a way that you (probably) have never experienced before. Touted by many listeners as "The best Bible-reading podcast out there," you won't regret tuning in, especially if you are looking to deepen...
On The Ground with Samaritan's Purse - Keeping Faith through Difficulty
In this special, Saturday episode, Jenn is joined by Kristy Graham, a dedicated wife, mom, and communications expert at Samaritan's Purse. Kristy shares her personal story of how her family's life was shaped by their involvement with Samaritan's Purse, and how her role in the organization's podcast, On the Ground, has been a game-changer for her faith.
Kristy talks about the importance of prayer in the ministry, and how the organization's staff starts each day with Scripture and prayer. She shares stories of the organization's work in disaster relief, including training for doctors and nurses fighting the...
1 Peter 1:10-16 - What is the Trinity? Is Modalism Biblical?
This episode of The Bible Explained takes a deep dive into the Book of First Peter, exploring the concept of salvation and the Trinity:
The prophets of the Old Testament searched diligently for the salvation that would come to us through Jesus Christ. The prophets didn't know the name of Jesus, yet still understood that a Messiah was coming and that salvation was on its way. Who or what is the Trinity? The Holy Spirit is a separate member of the Trinity, working together with God the Father and Jesus to accomplish the same goal. This discussion touches...Esther 2 - Esther is Chosen as Queen
Today, we explore the story of Esther's selection as the new queen of King Ahasuerus:
After the king's wrath against Vashti subsided, he remembered her sadly and decreed a beauty contest to find a new queen to take his mind off her. The king's servants sought out beautiful young virgins from all provinces, who were taken to the citadel of Susa to be trained and prepared for the king's harem. The significance of Esther's family background, revealing that she was from the royal bloodline of the Benjamites, a lineage that dates back to King Saul. Mordecai, Esther's cousin...1 Peter 1:1-9 - Faith Through Trials
Welcome to The Book of First Peter! Today we highlight Peter's encouragement for those struggling through trials:
Peter's letter is addressed to Christians living as foreigners in various communities, reminding them to obey Jesus and be sprinkled with his blood - what this means and its significance today. Peter's letter is meant to encourage Christians to have faith and obedience, as these go hand in hand. Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born of water and spirit to enter God's kingdom. What does Jesus mean by this? Peter's letter reminds Christians that trials are for the proof...Esther 1 - The Cruelty of King Xerxes I and Persian Culture
Esther begins with King Xerxes I, also known as Ahasuerus, who was a Persian ruler:
Xerxes throws a six-month-long celebration to showcase his kingdom's wealth and power. A grand feast was attended by officials, nobles, and commoners, with the king displaying his riches and honor. (This this event likely took place before King Xerxes' failed conquest of Greece, which is what the famous movie "300" is loosely based off of.) Queen Vashti is summoned and refuses to attend the king's banquet. The king banishes Vashti from his presence, with the king issuing a decree that men must rule their h...James 5:9-20 - The Prayer of Faith and Healing - With Guest Speaker Garett Kokal
In this episode of The Bible Explained, Garett joins Jenn to discuss the last bit of James. Garett shares his insights on the importance of perseverance, repentance, and the role of elders in the church.Â
The theme of the judge standing at the door, referencing the prophets who called people to repentance, including Job, who endured suffering and persevered in his faith. The importance of honesty and integrity in one's words, referencing Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches to let one's yes be yes and one's no be no. Are wedding vows wrong since Jesus tells us...Nehemiah 13:15-31 - Nehemiah's Last Reforms (Part 2)
The book of Nehemiah ends by discussing the problems that are constantly plaguing Israel. No matter what Nehemiah does to fix things, the Israelites need a Savior:
The Israelites profane the Sabbath by working on the Sabbath The importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy and what that means for the modern listener. Sabbath is a sign of the eternal rest we'll experience in God's presence and how it's meant to be a delight, not a burden. Nehemiah finds that some men are marrying women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab, leading to their children speaking the language of...James 4:13-5:8 - The Wealth Idol
In this episode covering James 4-5, we discuss the importance of living a life that prioritizes God's will over earthly desires.Â
Christians should not be consumed by the things of this world, such as wealth and material possessions, but rather focus on building a relationship with God. The dangers of boasting and the importance of always giving credit to God for one's accomplishments. The parable of the rich man in Luke 12:13-21, who prioritized his earthly wealth over his relationship with God, and the consequences that followed.Â
Related Episode:
2 Chronicles 28:16-27 - Why Id...
Nehemiah 13:1-14 - Nehemiah's Last Reforms (Part 1)
Nehemiah leaves for a while to go back to the king of Persia. While he's gone from Jerusalem, things begin to change for the worse:
Nehemiah comes back to a corrupted temple. The storage rooms were being used as personal apartments for evil men like Tobiah. Nehemiah throws out all of Tobiah's belongings and commands the rooms be used for storage again. The people learn that Ammonites and Moabites are not allowed to enter the assembly of God due to their past mistreatment of the Israelites. However, there are exceptions, such as Ruth, a Moabitess who converted to Ju...James 4:11-12 - Secret Meetings and Gossip Sessions Have No Place in the Church
In today's episode, we discuss two verses from James 4 that warn against gossip, secret meetings, and judgement of brothers and sisters in Christ:
Jenn shares personal experiences and biblical examples to illustrate how gossip can be detrimental to the church. Judgement is not about calling out sin, but rather speaking against others to manipulate or destroy their reputation. The difference between judging and discerning - examples from James 4:11-12, Romans 14, and 1 Corinthians 5. As Christians, we're not to abandon the church, but follow the law of love and encourage a thriving, God-honoring church. Jenn encourages listeners to be mindful...Nehemiah 11 and 12 - Jerusalem Becomes a Capital City Once Again
As the city of Jerusalem begins to flourish once again, the people are faced with a crucial decision: who will stay and help rebuild their new home?
The key players and events that shaped the city's rebirth. We meet the princes of the people who lived in Jerusalem, the Levites who were tasked with rebuilding the city, and the priests who played a vital role in the community. As the city's walls are completed, the people come together to celebrate with music, singing, and praise. How worship and praise correspond with thanksgiving. The logistics of the celebration, including...James 4:1-10 - Divided Hearts Produce Divided Churches
James 4 delves into a crucial topic that affects the church worldwide: the problem of selfish ambition and its devastating consequences. This issue is not limited to Western churches, but is a global phenomenon that James calls "demonic" because it's a direct result of the enemy's hatred for the church.
How wars and factions among church members originate from their own pleasures and selfish ambitions. James is addressing the church, not non-believers, and that this issue is not new, but has been present since the early days of Christianity. The importance of taking issues to God, but doing so...Nehemiah 10 - Overcompensating is Not the Answer
The Israelites make a promise to follow God's law and dedicate themselves to His service:
The Israelites' make a covenant with God, promising to follow His law and observe His commands, ordinances, and statutes. Three specific promises made - not giving their daughters in marriage to foreigners, foregoing the seventh year crops and debts, and not purchasing goods on the Sabbath day. The Israelites begin to move into overcompensation for the sins of their forefathers, especially as we journey to the New Testament. Balancing God's heart for the foreigner, and His hatred of the foreigner's idolatry.Related...
James 3:13-18 - Are You Operating with Worldly Wisdom or Spiritual Wisdom?
James 3 delves into the importance of humility and self-reflection in the church, highlighting the dangers of selfish ambition and jealousy among leaders and congregants:
Distinguishing between earthly, sensual, and demonic wisdom, and the wisdom that comes from above The American church breeds narcissism. Calling out pastors, who should strive to be humble and gentle in their conduct. The importance of self-reflection and accountability through examining your own heart before judging others. Jenn shares personal stories and biblical examples to illustrate the dangers of selfish ambition and jealousy.If you're interested in learning more about how to cultivate hu...
Nehemiah 9:24-38 - The Israelites Rededicate Themselves to God
The Israelites acknowledge their disobedience and rebellion against God, which led to their punishment and suffering:
The prayer highlights the Israelites' tendency to become complacent during times of prosperity, forgetting about God and worshiping idols. This pattern is evident through their history, from the wilderness to the Babylonian captivity. God's mercy is a recurring theme in the Israelites' story. They cry out to Him in times of trouble and He delivers them. However, they continue to disobey and rebel again and again. The Israelites make a new covenant with God, promising to follow His laws and statutes.R...
James 3:1-12 - The Tongue is a Destructive Fire
This episode of The Bible Explained is a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of controlling our tongues:Â
James warns against the dangers of becoming a teacher, as it comes with a heavier judgment. The importance of humility and the burden of teaching the Bible, and how it's not just about personal gain, but about serving Jesus and the Gospel. Jenn shares her own experiences as a Bible teacher, highlighting the challenges and the need for self-reflection. The idea that our words have the power to either build up or tear down. Christians should strive to be consistent in s...Nehemiah 9:1-23 - God Loves You Immensely
The Israelites gather to confess their sins and seek forgiveness from God. This powerful psalm, attributed to the Levites, is a beautiful expression of God's faithfulness and love for his people, despite their constant rebellion and disobedience:
The Israelites, feeling convicted after hearing the law read to them, come together to fast, wear sackcloth, and mourn their sins. The Levites lead the people in a psalm of praise and worship, highlighting God's glorious name and his role as the creator of the universe. The psalmist recounts God's mighty acts, from the deliverance from Egypt to the giving of...James 2:14-26 - The Demons Believe and Shudder
True faith is about living out that faith through obedience and good works:
James' message is often misunderstood as contradicting Paul's teachings - but here's why that is not the case. Faith without works is dead. Does this mean that works are necessary for salvation? Lip service to God is useless, just like telling someone in desperate need to "go in peace" without providing any help. Jenn encourages listeners to test every spirit and beware of false prophets who may appear to be doing good but are actually corrupt.ÂRelated Episodes:
Hebrews 3:7-13 - Faith Wi...
Nehemiah 8:13-18 - The Feast of Booths Fulfilled in Christ
This episode explores the significance of the Feast of Booths, its connection to Jesus, and what it means for Christians today.
The people of Jerusalem learn about the Feast of Booths for the first time. They discover that this feast was a time for celebration, joy, and remembrance of God's provision, just like the water in the wilderness. How Jesus fulfilled the Feast of Booths in a profound way, connecting it to his message of being the water of life. Should Christians today celebrate the Jewish holidays?Related Episode:
Leviticus 23:23-44 (From Creation) - Fun...
James 2:8-13 - Mercy Triumphs over Judgement
James makes the argument that it is better to be merciful than judgmental:
How the OT laws still apply to modern Christians. Should Christians follow the OT laws? Jesus came to "fulfill" the laws and not destroy them - what that means for us. Breaking one of the smallest commandments makes one a lawbreaker of the whole law. Why it's important to have a brotherhood with your fellow Christian - so that we know what they struggle with and what they are in need of. The definition of love from the Bible. It's not the same as the w...Nehemiah 8:1-12 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength!
This episode of The Bible Explained podcast delves into the story of Ezra reading the Book of the Law to the people of Jerusalem, and the impact it has on them:
The significance of the seventh month in the Jewish calendar, which is a time for rest, reflection, and celebration. The people of Jerusalem gather to hear Ezra read from the Book of the Law, and how they respond with sadness. The joy of the Lord is our strength. The host shares personal anecdotes about how reading the Bible and spending time with God can bring joy and...James 2:1-9 - Partiality Among Christians
Church must be different than the world:
The importance of not showing partiality among Christians. No Christian is above another, regardless of their social status or wealth. James's example of a wealthy person and a poor person entering a meeting place highlights how we often show favor to the wealthy. God chooses those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. Wealth can corrupt individuals and make them prioritize material possessions over their faith. In contrast, the poor often have a richness of faith that comes from relying on God f...Nehemiah 7 - Nehemiah's List of Exiled Families
In the West, we often skip over chapters like this because we don't care about family names or random people, but in Nehemiah's day, family name meant everything:
God put it on Nehemiah's heart to gather the nobles and rulers to list the people by genealogy, which is a crucial task for repopulating the city of Jerusalem. Why did God put this on Nehemiah's heart when Ezra already did it? The differences between Nehemiah's account and Ezra's account in the Book of Ezra The foreign temple servants who came back to IsraelRelated Episodes:
Leviticus 25:39...
James 1:19-27 - Be Doers, Not Just Hearers
This episode delves into James chapter one, focusing on the importance of putting away anger and being swift to hear and slow to speak.
The anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God. The different types of anger, including the long-lasting, deep-seated kind that can hinder the righteousness of God in our lives. Being doers of the word, not just hearers. A discussion of James's analogy of a person looking at their natural face in a mirror, forgetting what kind of person they are after seeing themselves. James warns against being a hearer of the word and...Nehemiah 6 - Discerning the Prophets
In this episode, the Israelites are rapidly rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Sanballot, Tobiah, and Gesham, try to intimidate Nehemiah into stopping the project:
They send Nehemiah letters, claiming that he's planning to rebel against the king and become the ruler of Judah. People who are doing good for God usually face opposition and false accusations. Nehemiah's discernment and faith are put to the test when a prophet named Shemaiah tries to convince him to go into the temple for safety. The wall is completed in just 52 days - how excavation has proven that the wall was built...James 1:12-18 - The Difference Between Testing and Tempting
It's easy to get caught up in the idea that God is the one tempting us to sin. But that's not the case. In today's episode, we explore the nuances between testing and temptation:
The definition of "temptation" and how it is different from testing. A discussion of Eve and Jesus, two people who were tempted. One gave in to temptation, the other resisted. God gives us a way out of temptation, but we must put on the full armor of God to prepare ourselves for the challenges we'll face. A discussion of Abraham and Job, who illustrate t...Nehemiah 5 - The Wealthy Israelites Mistreat the Poor
In this episode, Jenn discusses Nehemiah chapter five, where the Israelites are facing internal problems that hinder the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall:
The mistreatment of the poor by the wealthy and powerful in Jerusalem, who are charging exorbitant interest rates and selling their fellow Jews into bondage. This is a clear violation of the Old Testament laws, which prohibit charging interest to fellow Jews and selling them into slavery. The divide in Jerusalem - a major concern given the city's already precarious situation. Nehemiah takes action by calling a meeting with the nobles and rulers and urging...James 1:1-12 - A Fitting Introduction to the Book of James
In this episode of The Bible Explained, we're starting the Book of James, a letter written by the brother of Jesus. James is known for its practical wisdom and straightforward advice on how to live a life pleasing to God:
How to gage if we are mature in our faith. The dangers of loving money too much. We can ask for wisdom from God, but we must do so with faith and without doubting. The importance of humility, whether rich or poor.Related Episodes:
Hebrews 12:1-3 - Are the Saints Interceding for Us?
R...
Nehemiah 4 - Hammer in One Hand, Sword in the Other
As the city of Jerusalem begins to rebuild its walls, a surprising obstacle emerges in the form of Sanballot, a governor from a neighboring region, who's determined to sabotage the project. In this episode, we explore the challenges faced by Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem as they work to complete the wall, despite the opposition from their enemies:
God's will doesn't always mean things will be easy. Despite the progress made on the wall, the people face numerous obstacles, including the mocking and insults from their enemies. Nehemiah's faith in God remains unwavering, and he prays for...Bonus: Finding Joy When God's Answer Is No with Kristy Graham of Samaritan's Purse
Today's episode features a special bonus episode from "Untangling Prayer with Rachel Wojo"
Host Rachel Wojo interviews Kristy Graham host of On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse. Through powerful stories of faith, service, and God’s work around the world, this episode offers a reminder that Scripture is not just something we study—it’s something we live out.
Discover how Samaritan’s Purse is bringing hope, meeting physical needs, and sharing the message of Christ with people across the globe.
To hear more inspiring stories from On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, vis...
Hebrews 13:12-25 - Final Words in the Book of Hebrews
This episode wraps up the Book of Hebrews, a deeply impactful and meaningful conclusion to a series that leaves Faithful Listeners with a lot to think about:
The difference between praise and worship, and what it means to offer a sacrifice of praise to God continually. A discussion about obeying church leaders and submitting to them. Why we must learn to differentiate between personal preferences and theology issues when raising concerns at church.If you're looking for a deeper understanding of the Bible and its application to everyday life, this episode is a great place to start...
Nehemiah 3 - The 10 Gates Symbolic of the Christian's Life
Jenn delves into Nehemiah chapter three, exploring the symbolic significance of Jerusalem's gates in the Christian life. There's one gate for every step a Christian takes:
The Sheep Gate - Accepting Jesus The Fish Gate - Evangelizing The Old Gate - Having faith in God's Word The Valley Gate - God with us The Dung Gate - Removing sin The Fountain Gate - Being refreshed and cleansed The Water Gate - Reading the Word The Horse Gate - Looking for Jesus' triumphant return The East Gate - Waiting for Jesus' return The Inspection Gate - The judgement...
Hebrews 13:7-14 - Jesus is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
This episode of the Bible Explained Podcast delves into Hebrews 13:7-14, where Jenn emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing leaders and their conduct. The way the American church is set up can promote narcissism, with a single leader at the top, but this is not a scriptural system:
The Bible calls for a system of shared leadership with checks and balances to ensure that no one leader goes off the rails. Imitate the faith of your leaders, but only if their conduct is in line with Scripture. Elders should be held to high standards, as seen in 1 Timothy and T...Nehemiah 2:11-20 - Nehemiah Encourages the Jews to Build the Wall
Nehemiah has a heart to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after a long period of exile. But what drove Nehemiah to take on this monumental task, and how did he overcome the obstacles that stood in his way?
In this episode, we explore the early days of Nehemiah's journey, from his conversation with King Artaxerxes to his initial inspection of the walls of Jerusalem. We learn about the challenges he faced, including the ridicule and opposition from neighboring governors who didn't want to see the Israelites succeed. Despite these obstacles, Nehemiah remained steadfast in his faith and...
Hebrews 13:1-6 - Choosing Love in Spite of Anger or Bitterness
Jenn delves into the importance of brotherly love in the Christian community. This concept is often misunderstood, and many Christians struggle to show love to others, especially when faced with difficult situations or hurtful experiences.
There are 8 different ways every Christian should illustrate brotherly love:Â
Hospitality to Christian strangers Standing for the mistreated Christians Remembering the Christians in prison Being content with what we have Letting go of anxiety Refusing to love money Honoring marriage Honoring the marriage bedJenn encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationships and consider how they can show brotherly l...
Nehemiah 2:1-10 - Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem after His Bold Request
For the first time ever, Nehemiah appears before the king sad:
The checkered history of King Artaxerxes, and why Nehemiah was right to be afraid of him The mysterious queen mentioned - was she Artaxerxes wife, or possibly queen Esther? Artaxerxes allows Nehemiah to leave, and grants him the materials needed in order to build the walls of Jerusalem Two men are very upset when they learn that Nehemiah has come to Jerusalem to repair the wallBe sure to click every link:
YouTube -Â https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw
K...
Hebrews 12:18-29 - God is a Consuming Fire
In this episode, we dive into the significance of reverence and awe in our relationship with God:
The importance of reverence and awe in the face of God's power The significance of the New Covenant, and how it brings us into a personal, intimate relationship with God. The warning: if the Israelites did not escape God's wrath when He spoke to them from earth, how will we escape if we ignore His heavenly commands?If you're looking for a deeper understanding of what it means to reverence and awe God, this episode is a must-listen. Join Jenn...
Nehemiah 1 - 4 Ways to Have Effective, Biblical, and Powerful Prayers
The Book of Nehemiah tells the story of the Israelites rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. But before we get to the action, we see Nehemiah's heart and his relationship with God through his prayer. He's a man who knows how to talk to a king, but more importantly, he knows how to talk to God. His prayer is a model for us, showing us how to approach God with reverence, humility, and a deep understanding of our need for Him.
As we examine Nehemiah's prayer, we see that it's not just a list of requests, but a...
Hebrews 12:14-24 - Only 1 Way You Can Effectively Approach God
Today, we discuss the topic of God's approachability.
Christians are called to be peaceful, not argumentative or volatile. The story Esau, who sold his birthright for a bowl of stew, illustrating the dangers of instant gratification. God's people were commanded not to touch the mountain - yet everyone's innate desire is to touch the mountain. God is approachable, but we must approach Him in the right way. There's only ONE way we can do it.Related Episodes:
John 14:15-31 (From Christ) - Why You May Not be Experiencing the Peace of God
John 14:1...
Ezra 10:9-44 - The Strange End of Ezra
This is the last episode of the Book of Ezra, focusing on the issue of Israelites marrying pagan women.
Israel was in direct disobedience to God's command. Pagan wives were leading the Israelites away from Yahweh. A critique of Ezra's "solution" to the problem - divorce and abandonment Jenn argues that the real solution was for men to teach their children about Yahweh and love their wives, as Paul advises in Ephesians 5.Related Episodes:
Ezra 10:1-8 - God Hates Divorce
Ephesians 5:21-33 - Love and Submission in Marriage (Part 1)
Ephesians 5:21-33...
