Episodes

  • BONUS: The Birth of Christ

    BONUS: The Birth of Christ
    Dec 25 2024

    Welcome to Bible Bytes, where we work to inspire faith one byte at a time.

    As we gather with our family and friends to celebrate Christmas, we at Bible Bytes wanted to take the time to remind everyone why we celebrate this holiday by looking at the birth of Jesus Christ.

    Today's Scripture Selection:
    Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all the people were on their way to register for the census, each to his own city. Now Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased." When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2: 1-20 (NASB)Key Aspects from this Scripture:
    • The Humility of Christ's Birth
    • The Fulfillment of Prophecy
    • The Message of the Angels

    Value 4 Value:
    This podcast operates under the Value 4 Value model. We hope that we are providing value through the work we are doing, and that you would then, in turn, provide value back to us. This can come in three forms: time, talent, or treasure.

    To learn more about the Value 4 Value model and how we apply it to this show, head over to our website and read up on it at https://bible-bytes.com/v4v.

    Prayer Requests:
    Head to our website (https://bible-bytes.com/contact) and fill out the contact form to make a prayer request or send it to us in a boost in a modern podcast app.

    Theme Music:
    If you would like to download the full version of the show's theme song, you can do so by heading over to the Johns Creek Studio's music site at https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/johns-creek-studios/bible-bytes.
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida

    Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida
    Dec 21 2024

    Welcome to Bible Bytes, where we work to inspire faith one byte at a time.

    In the Gosepl of Mark we find a remarkable account of Jesus healing a blind man in Bethsaida. This story stands out for its unique process - a gradual healing that offers profound lessons about faith, spiritual clarity, and the transformative power of Jesus. By examining this scripture, we will explore how Jesus' compassionate and deliberate actions reveal truths about God's work in our lives.

    Today's Scripture Selection:
    And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought a man who was blind to Jesus and begged Him to touch him. Taking the man who was blind by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting in his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, "Do you see anything?" And he looked up and said, "I see people, for I see them like trees, walking around." Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. And He sent him to his home, saying, "Do not even enter the village." Mark 8: 22-26 (NASB)Key Takeaways:
    • Faith is often communal, as others' prayers and actions can bring us closer to Jesus
    • God's work in our lives is personal and often takes us out of our comfort zones
    • Spiritual clarity and maturity may come in stages, requiring us to trust God's timing and methods
    • Once healed or restored, we are called to walk in obedience and avoid returning to patterns or environments that could hinder out growth

    Value 4 Value:
    This podcast operates under the Value 4 Value model. We hope that we are providing value through the work we are doing, and that you would then, in turn, provide value back to us. This can come in three forms: time, talent, or treasure.

    To learn more about the Value 4 Value model and how we apply it to this show, head over to our website and read up on it at https://bible-bytes.com/v4v.

    Prayer Requests:
    Head to our website (https://bible-bytes.com/contact) and fill out the contact form to make a prayer request or send it to us in a boost in a modern podcast app.

    Theme Music:
    If you would like to download the full version of the show's theme song, you can do so by heading over to the Johns Creek Studio's music site at https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/johns-creek-studios/bible-bytes.
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Jesus Feeds 4,000 Plus Women and Children

    Jesus Feeds 4,000 Plus Women and Children
    Dec 14 2024

    Welcome to Bible Bytes, where we work to inspire faith one byte at a time.

    SCRIPTURES:
    Matthew 15: 32-39 (NASB):
    And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, "I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way." The disciples said to Him, "Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?" And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven, and a few small fish." And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and He took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces: seven large baskets full. And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. And He sent the crowds away, and got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan.

    Mark 8: 1-13 (NASB):
    In those days, when there was again a large crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus summoned His disciples and said to them, "I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me for three days already and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come from a great distance." And His disciples replied to Him, "Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?" And He was asking them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven." And He directed the people to recline on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve, and they served them to the people. They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He told the disciples to serve these as well. And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces. About four thousand men were there; and He dismissed them. And He immediately got into the boat with His disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha. And the Pharisees came out and begin to argue with Him, demanding from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. Sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, "Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation!" And leaving them, He again embarked and went away to the other side.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Jesus' Compassion Extends to All Needs
    • God's Provision is Abundant
    • Gratitude Precedes Miracles
    • God Often Works Through Us
    • Faith Requires Trust, Not Proof

    Value 4 Value:
    This podcast operates under the Value 4 Value model. We hope that we are providing value through the work we are doing, and that you would then, in turn, provide value back to us. This can come in three forms: time, talent, or treasure.

    To learn more about the Value 4 Value model and how we apply it to this show, head over to our website and read up on it at https://bible-bytes.com/v4v.

    Prayer Requests:
    Head to our website (https://bible-bytes.com/contact) and fill out the contact form to make a prayer request or send it to us in a boost in a modern podcast app.

    Theme Music:
    If you would like to download the full version of the show's theme song, you can do so by heading over to the Johns Creek Studio's music site at https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/johns-creek-studios/bible-bytes.

    LIVE! Podcasting
    Join us when we livestream recording of the episode and listen to some Christian/Worship music from the Valueverse. Find us live at https://bible-bytes.com/live. Check the show calendar at https://bible-bytes.com/calendar to see when we will be live.
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Jesus Heals a Deaf and Dumb Man

    Jesus Heals a Deaf and Dumb Man
    Dec 7 2024

    Welcome to Bible Bytes, where we work to inspire faith one byte at a time.

    Episode Topic: Jesus' miraculous healing of a man who was deaf and dumb (mute).

    Scripture: Mark 7: 31-37 (NASB)
    Again He left the region of Tyre and came through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, within the region of Decapolis. And they brought to Him one who was deaf and had difficulty speaking, and they begged Him to lay His hand on him. And Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers in his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue with the saliva; and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, 'Ephphatha!' that is, 'Be opened!' And his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was removed, and he began speaking plainly. And He gave them orders not to tell anyone; but the more He ordered them, the more widely they continued to proclaim it. And they were utterly astonished, saying, 'He has done all things well; He makes even those who are deaf hear, and those who are unable to talk, speak.
    Key Takeaways:
    • Jesus is compassionate and personal in His healing.
    • Faith and intercession bring us closer to God’s power.
    • The Word of Jesus has authority to restore and transform.
    • God's mission is inclusive, reaching all who seek Him.
    • Encountering Jesus compels us to share His goodness.

    Value 4 Value:
    This podcast operates under the Value 4 Value model. We hope that we are providing value through the work we are doing, and that you would then, in turn, provide value back to us. This can come in three forms: time, talent, or treasure.

    To learn more about the Value 4 Value model and how we apply it to this show, head over to our website and read up on it at https://bible-bytes.com/v4v.

    Prayer Requests:
    Head to our website (https://bible-bytes.com/contact) and fill out the contact form to make a prayer request or send it to us in a boost in a modern podcast app.

    Theme Music:
    If you would like to download the full version of the show's theme song, you can do so by heading over to the Johns Creek Studio's music site at https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/johns-creek-studios/bible-bytes.

    LIVE! Podcasting
    Join us when we livestream recording of the episode and listen to some Christian/Worship music from the Valueverse. Find us live at https://bible-bytes.com/live. Check the show calendar at https://bible-bytes.com/calendar to see when we will be live.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Jesus Heals a Gentile Woman's Demon-Possessed Daughter

    Jesus Heals a Gentile Woman's Demon-Possessed Daughter
    Nov 30 2024

    Matthew 15: 21-28 (NASB)
    Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely demon-possessed.’ But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came up and urged Him, saying, ‘Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us!’ But He answered and said, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, ‘Lord, help me!’ Yet He answered and said, ‘It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ And she said, ‘Yes, Lord; but please help, for even the dogs feed on the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus said to her, ‘O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed at once.

    Mark 7: 24-30 (NASB)
    Now Jesus got up and went from there to the region of Tyre. And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know about it; and yet He could not escape notice. But after hearing about Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician descent. And she repeatedly asked Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And He was saying to her, ‘Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered and said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children’s crumbs.’ And He said to her, ‘Because of this answer, go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.’ And after going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Faith transcends boundaries.
    • Persistence in prayer.
    • Humility before God.
    • God’s mercy is inclusive.
    • Small acts of faith yield great outcomes.

    Value 4 Value:
    This podcast operates under the Value 4 Value model. We hope that we are providing value through the work we are doing, and that you would then, in turn, provide value back to us. This can come in three forms: time, talent, or treasure.

    To learn more about the Value 4 Value model and how we apply it to this show, head over to our website and read up on it at https://bible-bytes.com/v4v.

    Prayer Requests:
    Head to our website (https://bible-bytes.com/contact) and fill out the contact form to make a prayer request or send it to us in a boost in a modern podcast app.

    Theme Music:
    If you would like to download the full version of the show's theme song, you can do so by heading over to the Johns Creek Studio's music site at https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/johns-creek-studios/bible-bytes.

    LIVE! Podcasting
    Join us when we livestream recording of the episode and listen to some Christian/Worship music from the Valueverse. Find us live at https://bible-bytes.com/live. Check the show calendar at https://bible-bytes.com/calendar to see when we will be live.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Jesus Heals Many Sick in Gennesaret as They Touch His Garment

    Jesus Heals Many Sick in Gennesaret as They Touch His Garment
    Nov 23 2024

    Matthew 14:34-36 (NASB)
    And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word into all that surrounding region and brought to Him all who were sick; and they pleaded with Him that they might just touch the border of His cloak; and all who touched it were cured.

    Mark 6:53-56 (NASB)
    When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, and anchored there. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized Him, and ran about that entire region and began carrying here and there on their pallets those who were sick, to wherever they heard He was. And wherever He entered villages, cities, or the countryside, they were laying the sick in the marketplaces, and imploring Him that they might just touch the border of His cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Faith is active and seeks connection with Jesus, even through simple acts like touching His garment
    • Jesus’ healing power is available to all who come to Him with genuine faith
    • Collective faith in a community can draw people closer to God and result in miracles
    • Jesus responds with compassion to those who earnestly seek Him
    • The physical healings performed by Jesus point to a deeper spiritual restoration available to all believers

    Value 4 Value:
    This podcast operates under the Value 4 Value model. We hope that we are providing value through the work we are doing, and that you would then, in turn, provide value back to us. This can come in three forms: time, talent, or treasure.

    To learn more about the Value 4 Value model and how we apply it to this show, head over to our website and read up on it at https://bible-bytes.com/v4v.

    Prayer Requests:
    Head to our website (https://bible-bytes.com/contact) and fill out the contact form to make a prayer request or send it to us in a boost in a modern podcast app.

    Theme Music:
    If you would like to download the full version of the show's theme song, you can do so by heading over to the Johns Creek Studio's music site at https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/johns-creek-studios/bible-bytes.

    LIVE! Podcasting
    Join us when we livestream recording of the episode and listen to some Christian/Worship music from the Valueverse. Find us live at https://bible-bytes.com/live. Check the show calendar at https://bible-bytes.com/calendar to see when we will be live.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Jesus Walks on Water

    Jesus Walks on Water
    Nov 16 2024
    Matthew 14: 22-33 (NASB)Immediately He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already many stadia away from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”Mark 6: 45-52 (NASB)And immediately Jesus had His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He Himself dismissed the crowd. And after saying goodbye to them, He left for the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. Seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night, He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought that it was a ghost, and they cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.John 6: 16-21 (NASB)Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. In addition, the sea began getting rough, because a strong wind was blowing. Then, when they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” So they were willing to take Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.Key Takeaways:Jesus is aware of our struggles, even when we do not see HimFaith requires us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in JesusDoubts and fears can arise when we take our focus off Christ, but He is always ready to save usJesus’ presence brings peace and calm, even in the midst of stormsRecognizing Jesus as Lord changes our perspective and strengthens our faith Value 4 Value:This podcast operates under the Value 4 Value model. We hope that we are providing value through the work we are doing, and that you would then, in turn, provide value back to us. This can come in three forms: time, talent, or treasure.To learn more about the Value 4 Value model and how we apply it to this show, head over to our website and read up on it at https://bible-bytes.com/v4v.Prayer Requests:Head to our website (https://bible-bytes.com/contact) and fill out the contact form to make a prayer request or send it to us in a boost in a modern podcast app.Theme Music:If you would like to download the full version of the show's theme song, you can do so by heading over to the Johns Creek Studio's music site at https://serve.podhome.fm/episodepage/johns-creek-studios/bible-bytes.LIVE! Podcasting Join us when we livestream recording of the episode and listen to some Christian/Worship music from the Valueverse. Find us live at https://bible-bytes.com/live. Check the show calendar at https://bible-bytes.com/calendar to see when we will be live.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Jesus Feeds 5,000 Plus Women and Children

    Jesus Feeds 5,000 Plus Women and Children
    Nov 9 2024
    Scriptures:Matthew 14:13-21 (NASB)Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard about this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. When He came ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is secluded and the hour is already past; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go; you give them something to eat!” They said to Him, “We have nothing here except five loaves and two fish.” And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” And ordering the crowds to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves, He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces: twelve full baskets. There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children. Mark 6:30-44 (NASB)The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) And they went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves. But the people saw them leaving, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. And when it was already late, His disciples came up to Him and said, “This place is secluded and it is already late; send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread, and give it to them to eat?” But He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out, they *said, “Five, and two fish.” And He ordered them all to recline by groups on the green grass. They reclined in groups of hundreds and fifties. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and broke the loaves, and He gave them to the disciples again and again to set before them; and He divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied; and they picked up twelve full baskets of the broken pieces of bread, and of the fish. There were five thousand men who ate the loaves. Luke 9:10-17 (NASB)When the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done. And taking them with Him, He withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and He welcomed them, and began speaking to them about the kingdom of God, and curing those who had need of healing. Now the day was ending, and the twelve came up and said to Him, “Dismiss the crowd, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get something to eat; because here we are in a secluded place.” But He said to them, “You give them something to eat!” But they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless perhaps we go and buy food for all these people.” (For there were about five thousand men.) But He said to His disciples, “Have them recline to eat in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all recline. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied; and the broken pieces which they had left over were picked up: twelve baskets full. John 6:1-15 (NASB)After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). A large crowd was following Him, because they were watching the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. But Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. So Jesus, after raising His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread so that these people may eat?” But He was saying this only to test him, for He Himself knew what He intended to do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not enough for them, for each to receive just a little!” One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are these for so ...
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins