Pondering the Bible
A deeper dive into the bible. Hosts Rev. Rocky Ellison and Ken Corkins work through the books of the bible, uncovering historical background and word studies to deepen their understanding of God's Word. Weekly episodes. Find more information at www.pondergmc.org.
Episodes
247 episodes
S3 Ep. 5 Ezra 3:13-17
This week we're back in Ezra to continue the story of the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.The sermon for this episode is called "Hard Start" and can be found at: https://po...
S3 Ep. 4 Guest Speaker Tori Dickens
UPDATE: The original upload of this episode was cut-off at 27 minutes. I have re-uploaded the episode. It should now display as 29:04. If it does not, wait for your player to rescan the episodes.This week, while Rocky is away, Tori Dick...
S3 Ep.3 Ezra 3:1-6
In this episode, the returned Judeans decide to rebuild the Alter, so they can celebrate the feast of Shelters. Also known as the Feast of Tabernacles.The sermon for this episode is called "Old and New" and can be found at:
S3 Ep. 2 Ezra 2:1-71
This week we we talk about the list of people that returned to Jerusalem after the Exile. Who came back, and why?NEW!: Rate us at PodchaserFind us at
S3 Ep.1 Ezra 1:1-11
We launch into season 3 by introducing the Old Testament book of Ezra. In this Episode, we cover all of chapter 1, verses 1-11.Rocky and Ken discuss the historical context of the book. From the Babylonian exile, to the return of the Jud...
Intermission 2: Special Guest: Kristin Corkins
This week Rocky was tied up in Conference meetings all week, and was unable to prepare a sermon. Fear not, Lay Speaker Kris Corkins is covering the pulpit for us. We invited her to the podcast to discuss her message: "Miracle or Magic?"...
Intermission 1 Pentecost
This week is Pentecost, considered to be the birth of the Christian Church. Rocky and Ken discuss the story in Acts chapter 2.The sermon for this episode is called "That Crazy Spirit" and can be found at:
S2 Ep. 26 Season 2 Wrap-up
This is the end of our journey through the Gospel of Matthew. Ken and Rocky recall some of the notable things in this gospel. This week is Confirmation Sunday at Ponder UMC. The sermon is not related to this episode.The ser...
S2 Ep. 25 Matthew 15:1-20
In this episode, the Pharisees travel from Jerusalem to investigate Jesus. They accuse his disciples of not following the traditions of the Mishna.Jesus accuses the Pharisees of not following God's laws. The sermon f...
S2 Ep. 24 Matthew 14:22-36
This week, Rocky and Ken discuss the story of Jesus walking on water.Historically, we have tended to call out Peter for his "lack of faith" in this story, but Peter was the only disciple to get out of the boat in this famous "leap of fa...
S2 Ep. 23 Matthew 14:13-21
We continue our walk through the Gospel of Matthew. This is the story of Jesus feeding the 5000.We learn that this story is not part of the flashback from last week. Ken and Rocky discuss how this may have been a learning expe...
S2 Ep. 22 Matthew 14:1-12
After bouncing around a bit for the Easter holidays, Rocky and Ken jump back to Matthew chapter 14.This is the story of how Herod Antipas beheads John the Baptist.We try to sort out the numerous people named Herod, and talk about so...
S2 Ep. 21: Special Guest - Alan Taliaferro
Rocky is traveling this week, therefore, Lay Speaker Alan Taliaferro will be filling in for Rocky.We invited Alan to share with us some thoughts from his message. Alan chose the Gospel of John, chapter 20 verses 19:31. The story of "Dou...
S2 Ep. 20 Matthew 28:1-10 Easter
This week we celebrate Easter!Ken and Rocky talk about the timeline of Holy Week, and discuss the various conspiracy theories about the resurrections of Jesus .The sermon for this episode is called "Finishing" and can be fou...
S2 Ep. 19 Matthew 21:1-11 The Triumphal Entry
This week we jump ahead a bit to Matthew 21 because this is Palm Sunday. Ken and Rocky discuss the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.The sermon for this episode is called "Timing" and can be found at:
S2 Ep. 18 Matthew 13:53-58
This week, Jesus leaves Capernaum and heads to his childhood home of Nazareth. There he's met with disbelief.The sermon for this episode is called "Say What?" and can be found at: https...
S2 Ep. 17 Matthew 13:44-52
This week we continue to talk through the parables listed in Matthew 13.We cover the parable of the hidden treasure and the Pearl, and the Parable of the fishing net.The sermon for this episode is called "Define Valuable...
S2 Ep. 16 Matthew 13:31-35
This week, we pick up the two parables we skipped last week. The Parable of the Mustard Seed, and the Parable of the Yeast.The sermon for this episode is called "Thy Kingdom Come" and can be found at:
S2 Ep. 15 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
This week we have Matthew recalling some of Jesus' parables. This is the "Parable of the Wheat and Weeds".We split up the reading because Matthew tells two more parables before he gets to the explanation of this parable.The serm...
S2 Ep. 14 Matthew 13:1-23
Jumping back in Matthew from last week, we begin chapter 13.Jesus, having just been betrayed by his family, sits by the lake. Once the crowd shows up, Jesus begins teaching.He relays the "Parable of the Sower". ...
S2 Ep. 13 Matthew 17:1-9
We jump ahead a bit to align with Transfiguration Sunday.Jesus takes three disciples up Mt. Tabor, where Jesus changes (gr. metamorphoo).Moses and Elijah appear to give Jesus a pep talk, and God speaks from a cloud.
S2 Ep. 12 Matthew 12:38-45
This week, the Pharisees confront Jesus, asking for a sign. Once again, they are looking for a reason to have him put to death.Jesus responds with the "sign of Jonah".Ken and Rocky discuss the story of Jonah, and how Jesus respo...
S2 Ep. 11 Matthew 12:22-37
This week, we find Jesus poking the bear again, by healing a blind, mute, possessed man. The Pharisees accuse Jesus of working with Satan, trying to execute him with a charge of sorcery. Jesus refutes their claim by explaining that a ho...
S2 Ep. 10 Matthew 12:1-14
This week, we seen a turn in Jesus' ministry, he's no longer going to try to hide who is is, rather, he's going to start pushing back against the authorities. Jesus apparently deliberately pokes at a group of Pharisees that are watching him...