Send us a text In this episode of "Pondering the Bible," co-hosts Ken Corkins and Pastor Rocky Ellison delve into 1 John 1:5-10, focusing on the key themes of truth and fellowship in Christianity. The conversation highlights John's emphasis on living out one's faith, the heresy of Docetism, and the necessity of acknowledging and confessing sin. The…

Send us a text Ken and Rocky dive into 1 John, discussing its context and primary themes. They compare John's approach to combating heresy with Paul's method in 1 Timothy. The episode emphasizes John's first-hand experience with Jesus and his message of love and fellowship, contrasting it with Paul's structured and disciplined style. They explore t…

Send us a text In this episode co-host Ken Corkins welcomes guest Katie Bristow, who is filling in for Rocky while he is away celebrating his 45th wedding anniversary. The discussion covers various topics, including the challenges and rewards of adulthood, and a reading from Genesis 37:12-36 focusing on the story of Joseph. Katie shares her approac…

Send us a text This week we conclude our study of First Timothy by examining the final verses of chapter six (verses 11-21). We discuss Timothy's divine calling emphasized by Paul, who urges Timothy to adhere to orthodox teachings amidst widespread heresies. The episode also explains significant passages and doctrines, including the meaning of Timo…

Send us a text I'm back, sorry for the "extra" delay, as I contracted Covid while on vacation. In this episode, we jump to chapter 6 verses 5-10. Paul discusses the importance of godliness with contentment and the dangers of loving money. Our conversation covers Paul's teachings on how church leaders should not expect financial compensation for the…

Send us a text Rocky returns, and we delve into Paul's teachings on how members of the church should treat each other like family, with emphasis on respecting elders, treating peers as siblings, and supporting true widows. We also discuss the financial and moral responsibilities of taking care of widows, including the distinction between true widow…

Send us a text This week, Rocky is out of town, so we have one of our favorite Lay Speakers, Tori Dickens filling the pulpit. She covers Matthew 9:35-38. Tori shares her insights and the reasons behind choosing this particular passage, which emphasizes the need for more workers to help spread the message of Jesus. The Sermon for this episode is tit…

Send us a text Paul discuss the importance of teaching orthodox Christian beliefs and resisting heresy, emphasizing the value of persistent and humble teaching. Paul highlights Timothy's challenges due to his youth and his need to exemplify godliness in his personal conduct. The episode also explores Paul's insistence on relying solely on scripture…

Send us a text In this episode of "Pondering the Bible," co-hosts Ken Corkins and Rocky Ellison return after a brief hiatus, reflecting on their recent experiences at Vacation Bible School. The discussion transitions to a deep dive into 1 Timothy Chapter 4, verses 1-5. Ken and Rocky explore themes of end-times prophecy, apostasy, and confronting he…

Send us a text We are halfway through the letter to Timothy. We recap what Paul has covered so far, as Paul sets up the second half of the letter where he will directly confront the heresies in the church. The Sermon for this episode is called "Identity" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons Scheduling note: We will not have an episo…

Send us a text (correct episode uploaded) Paul writes to Timothy discussing the qualifications, duties of deacons in the early Christian church. Ken and Rocky explore how translations of the Bible vary based on denominational beliefs, especially regarding female leadership. The episode highlights the historical context of deacons, their comparison …

Send us a text This week, Paul discusses the qualities of a church leader, focusing on the responsibilities and characteristics required for the position. He delves into the importance of integrity, family management, and public perception for individuals aspiring to lead within the church community. The sermon for this episode is called "A Few Goo…

Send us a text This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, therefore, we jump out of 1 Timothy to deep dive into the biblical account of Pentecost, examining the significance of languages, wind, and fire in the story. Additionally, we explore the idea of Pentecost as a potential reversal of the curse of Babel from the Old Testament, highlighting the unity and…

Send us a text This week, Rocky discusses the interpretation of Paul's teachings on women in the church, providing historical context to understand his instructions to Timothy. We explore the controversial topic and reconcile Paul's views on women's roles in varying contexts within the church. The Sermon for this episode is called "Women" and can b…

Send us a text This week Paul tells Timothy the significance of church prayer. We discuss the importance of praying for everyone, including kings and those in authority, and highlight the unique attributes of corporate prayer compared to individual prayer. The sermon for this Episode is called "Church Prayer" and can be fond at pondergmc.org/minist…

Send us a text This week, Paul talks to Timothy about faith, repentance, and dealing with challenges within a church community. Paul delves into the importance of confessing past wrongdoings, the concept of shipwrecked faith, and the necessity of dealing with unrepentant heretics within the church. The Sermon for this episode is called "Confess" an…

Send us a text We return to the first letter to Timothy, where Paul discusses the importance of orthodoxy in the Ephesian church. Paul urges Timothy to combat false doctrines, myths, and heresies. The discussion touches on issues related to love, law, sexuality, and maintaining Biblical principles in the face of challenges within the church communi…

Send us a text This week, Rocky is out of town, and Ken is the Lay Speaker. Starting with Matthew 22:15–22, Ken talks paying taxes to Caesar, transitioning into the importance of following God's commandments, with a focus on turning away from sin, believing in Jesus, and loving God and others. The Sermon for this episode is titled "Render", and can…

Send us a text We begin a new season, covering Paul's first letter to Timothy, a pastor in the early church, focusing on his relationship with the apostle Paul and his challenges in pastoral leadership. The letter highlights the themes of church organization, orthodoxy, and addressing theological controversies within the early Christian community. …

Send us a text This week, we take an in-depth analysis of the Gospel of John's account of the resurrection story. The Sermon for this episode is called "My Version" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponde…

Send us a text This week is Palm Sunday in the lectionary calendar, so we're jumping ahead to chapter 12 of John's gospel. We discuss the events surrounding Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion, focusing on the significance of the palm branches, the donkey he rode on, the crowd's reactions, and the Pharisees' increasing host…

Send us a text This week we continue the story from the book of John about the healing at the pool of Bethesda. The religious authorities confront Jesus regarding working on the Sabbath. The discussion covers Jesus' claims, Sabbath rules, and the concept of eternal life. NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: …

Send us a text This week, we cover the story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda. We delve into the historical and spiritual background of the story, focusing on the themes of sin, healing, and the Pharisee's reactions to the miracle. The Sermon for this episode is called "Do You Want To Be Healed?" and can be found at pondergm…

Send us a text This week, Rocky and Ken discuss the story of a government official seeking Jesus' help to heal his dying son. We delve into the significance of Jesus' miracles and the importance of faith over miracles, emphasizing John's focus on belief in Jesus as the Son of God. We also explore the political implications of the healing and the im…

Send us a text This week, Rocky and Ken talk about Jesus's teachings regarding spiritual purpose, the significance of the Samaritan fields, and the impact of personal testimonies in spreading the message of Jesus The Sermon for this episode is called "Tell Them..." and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find…

Send us a text This week, Tori Dickens joins us as the Lay Speaker. We discuss John 4:1-30, which tells the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. The conversation highlights the woman's background, Jesus' interaction with her, and the significance of the encounter. Tori also mentions the Eastern Orthodox tradition naming the woman "Ph…

Send us a text This week, Ken and Rocky discuss "heavenly knowledge". The Sermon for this episode is called "Firsthand" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cover Art: Joe Wagner Rec…

Send us a text *Full version re-uploaded. In this episode, Rocky and Ken discuss John the Baptist's ministry and his relationship with Jesus. They cover topics such as baptism, the Samaritans, and the role of John the Baptist as the forerunner to Jesus. The conversation also includes insights into the historical and religious context of the time. N…

Send us a text Rocky and Ken, discuss and analyze passages from the book of John, specifically focusing on John 3:1-17. They explore topics such as being born again, the role of faith in salvation, and God's love for the world. The episode also includes insights into the significance of the snake on a pole and the famous verse John 3:16. Overall, t…

Send us a text In this Episode, Jesus clears the Temple of the animals and money changers. Rocky and Ken discuss the corruption around the Passover Festival, Jesus' response, and why this story appears in chapter 2 of the Gospel of John. The Sermon for this Episode is called "Why Here?" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons. NEW!: Ra…

Send us a text Ken and Rocky discuss the wedding miracle at Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine. They delve into the significance of the miracle and its impact on Jesus' disciples. The Sermon for this episode is called "Do You Believe" and can be heard at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. …

Send us a text This week, hosts Ken Corkins and Pastor Rocky Ellison, discuss the Gospel of John chapter 1 verses 29 through 34. We explore various aspects, such as the significance of Jesus being called the Lamb of God, John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus, and the baptism of Jesus. The Sermon for this episode is called "I Remember" and can be…

Send us a text In this episode Ken and Rocky discuss the events surrounding John the Baptist and his ministry of baptism. They delve into the questions asked by the Pharisees about John's authority and explore the significance of Jesus being present in the crowd. The conversation highlights the hope and salvation that John the Baptist offers to the…

Send us a text No Episode this week. We'll be back next week with another episode for you. Thank you for listening, and Have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cover Art: Joe Wagner Recorded, e…

Send us a text This week, John describes Jesus as "Glorious" and "Incarnate" The sermon for this Episode is called "The Bridge" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cover Art: Joe Wa…

Send us a text WE continue to work our way through the Gospel of John. John (the Apostle) sets the context for John (the Baptist) The Sermon for this episode is called "Can I get a Witness?" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons. NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com M…

Send us a text We begin our journey through the Gospel of John. The sermon for this episode is called "In the Beginning" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cover Art: Joe Wagner Re…

Send us a text This week, we reach the pinnacle of Jesus' titles, with Christ the King. The Sermon for this Episode is called "King of Kings" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cov…

Send us a text This week we discuss Jesus as the Perfect High Priest, and discuss the concept of "the Sufficiency of Christ" The Sermon for this episode is titled "We Have A High Priest" and can be fouvd at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music …

Send us a text This week, we talk about Jesus the Prophet, starting out with Deuteronomy 18:15-18 The Sermon for this episode is called "A Prophet Like Me” and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC wor…

Send us a text This Sunday is All Saints Sunday. We cover John 14:17, where Jesus tells the disciples not to worry, because He is God. The sermon for this episode is called "Heaven IS Real" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Mus…

Send us a text This week, we finish our walk through of the book of Ephesians. We talk about the major themes through Paul's letter, and some of the most popular verses in the book. We also give a big shout out to Tychicus. The sermon for this episode is called "Sent" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser F…

Send us a text This week, Paul gives the Christian church advice on how to protect yourself from persecution and unseen enemies. The sermon for this episode is called "Stand" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by…

Send us a text This week, Paul has advice for masters and Slaves. The Sermon for this episode is called "Toxic Lives" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cover Art: Joe Wagner Recor…

Send us a text This week, Paul has radical advice for Fathers. The Sermon for this episode is called "Children" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team. Cover Art: Joe Wagner Recorded, e…

Send us a text This week, Paul brings a radical new way for the Christian world to behave in marriage. The Sermon for this episode is called "Marriage" and can be found at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship…

Send us a text We return to Paul's letter to the church in Ephasus, covering the first half of chapter 5. Paul wants the church to live better lives, not because of the threat of a vengeful God, but because of a loving God. The Sermon for this episode is called "In the Name Of Love" and can be found at pondergmc.org.ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us…

Send us a text Kris Corkins joins us this week. She talks about prayer, and specifically, The Lord's Prayer. The Sermon for this Episode is called "The Lord's Prayer" and can be found pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performed by the Ponder…

Send us a text This week Paul talks about the "Dos" and "Don'ts" for church members to produce harmony in the body of Christ. The Sermon for this episode is called "Just Say No" and can be found at; pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback is welcome: PonderMethodist@gmail.com Music performe…

Send us a text Paul continues to encourage the church in Ephesus to build unity in the church. He lists the spiritual gifts that can either build up a church, or tear it down. The Sermon for this episode is called "Spiritual Gifts" and can be heard at pondergmc.org/ministries/sermons NEW!: Rate us at Podchaser Find us at www.pondergmc.org. Feedback…