The Easy English Bible Study Podcast

Is God’s grace unfair? In this week’s reading, Jesus tells the “Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard”. The workers complain that the owner of the vineyard pays the workers unfairly. What about in our lives? Is God too generous to some people? Are we envious? We talk about this topic in this episode of the Easy English Bible Study Podcast where we study the bible and learn English at the same time. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please subscribe if you are enjoying it. You can also rate this podcast or your app. Finally you can email me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you! I hope you have a good week! God blessings to you! David Gray

How many times should we forgive someone? In this episode of the “Easy English Bible Study Podcast” Peter asks Jesus how many times should we forgive our sister or brother? Jesus says 77 times which means every time. Should we always forgive people. That is a tough question we talk about in this episode. Jesus tells the parable of the unmerciful servant. Here He teaches us that we should forgive other people in the same way that God has forgiven us. Thank you for listening to this podcast. I hope it is helping you to study the bible and learn English at the same time. If you would like to contact me or give me feedback please do! You can email me at [email protected] If you enjoy this podcast please consider subscribing so that you can hear it each week. Thanks for listening! God bless you! David Gray

Jesus teaches who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In this reading Jesus tells his disciples to become of low position and dependent like little children. Jesus also talks about sin that causes people to stumble and that we should not cause others to stumble and we should get rid of anything in our lives that causes us to sin (stumble). Jesus tells the short parable of finding the one lost sheep to show how much God wants to restore anyone who sins. Finally Jesus explains how to help restore someone who sins who is in your church. In all of this, Jesus shows his great love for the weak and vulnerable. Thank you for listening to this podcast. I hope that it is a great way for you to study the bible and English at the same time. I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected]. I hope you have a great week! God bless you!

Jesus predicts his death. In this episode, Jesus says he must go to Jerusalem to suffer, die and be raised on the third day. Peter says “Never Lord” and rebukes Jesus. Here we learn that the disciples did not yet understand Jesus’ mission to die for our sins and be resurrected! Jesus tells Peter “Get behind me Satan” because Peter is getting in the way of God’s plan to save us from sin. In this episode we also learn that the concerns of men and the concerns of God are different. Jesus tells us to “deny yourself and take up your cross”. He also says “whoever wants to save their life must lose it”. We will show our priorities in life by our actions and Jesus will return as judge. We discuss all these things in easy to understand English in this episode.

Jesus asks “Who do you say I am?” In this week’s bible reading. Peter answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus tells Peter he is blessed for saying this and tells Peter that he did not know this from his own understanding but it was revealed to him by the Father. There are some difficult teachings in this passage that churches interpret differently. Some common beliefs though are that Jesus builds the church. Also he gives the church the responsibility and authority to decide what behavior is allowed and disallowed. Then he tells his disciples not to tell anyone (yet) that he is the Messiah. How about you? Who do you say Jesus is? There are many different beliefs about Jesus. Do you believe he is the Savior of your soul and that he is the Son of God? This weekly podcast is for listeners who want to learn about the bible in easy to understand English. It follows a three year cycle that is used by many churches. I hope that it is helpful for you. God bless you! David

Jesus meets a woman of great faith. In the podcast we are studying the bible and learning English at the same time. In this reading a Canaanite woman won’t give up and asks Jesus again and again to heal her daughter of demon possession. The disciples want her to go away and Jesus even says that he has come for the lost sheep, the people, of Israel. But she does not give up and says “Lord, help me!” Jesus sees her great faith and heals her daughter. In this episode we talk about the woman’s great faith and Jesus’ unusual response to her. Can we learn to never give up from this great person?! Thank you for listening. The “Easy English Bible Study Podcast” has more and more listeners! That is great news. I need you to show your support by commenting on this podcast or giving us a rating or a thumbs up (if you like this podcast). Your support would be really appreciated. Take care and God bless you! David Gray

Study the bible and learn English at the same time. Listen to David as he reads and comments slowly in easy to understand English. In this episode Jesus tells his disciples to go ahead of him in a boat. Later at night there is a strong wind and Jesus come to their boat but He is walking on the water. Peter comes to Jesus on the water but then becomes afraid and sinks. Jesus reaches out and saves Peter. They get into the boat and the storm stops. The disciples worship Jesus saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” After reading and commenting on this reading David shares what he learned from the bible reading. If you are enjoying this weekly podcast please subscribe and listen regularly. It will help you in your relationship with God and will also help you improve in English.

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand. After hearing about the death of John the Baptist, Jesus is sad and want to go away by boat to a quiet place to mourn. However a large crowd of people follow Jesus by foot. Jesus cares deeply for them and heals the sick. It is getting dark and the disciples tell Jesus that the crowd of people need to go the villages to eat. Jesus take five loaves of bread and two fish and prays and then feeds the 5000 men and women and children. There is even a lot of food left over. David talks about the many lessons from this reading and shares what he has learned too. What about you? What is your lesson from this reading? What did you learn from this bible reading or from this podcast episode? You can contact David Gray at [email protected] or leave a comment or rating on your podcast app. Please do leave a rating or comment as it will help support this podcast. You can also subscribe and listen to this podcast every week. Take care and God bless, David

Jesus’ parables of the hidden treasure, the pearl and the net. Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven, as being like a treasure or pearl that is very valuable to you. It is so valuable that you would sell everything you have to have this treasure. It is the most important thing in your life. Jesus also compares the last days to catching fish in a net. The fisherman separates the good and the bad fish. So too the angels at the end of time will separate the righteous from the bad (wicked). I talk about a story where I was willing to work very hard for a “treasure” when I was in high school. I also talk about how we often avoid talking about people going to hell because it is a difficult subject. I hope this podcast is helpful. I am following a three year church calendar of bible readings that are used in churches around the world. (With some variations). Please leave a comment or a rating on this podcast. If you are enjoying the podcast you can subscribe to it so that you can listen to it weekly. Take care and God bless you! David Gray

The Parable of the Weeds. In this week’s podcast Jesus explains the kingdom of heaven with a parable about weeds (the people of the evil one or the devil) and wheat (the people of Jesus). The parable is about the wheat and the weeds growing up together but then are separated at harvest time (judgment time at “the end of the age”). The wheat are saved and shine like the sun in God’s kingdom, but the weeds are gathered up and burned in fire (hell) where there will be great sadness and bitterness. Jesus’ parable is a promise and a harsh warning. Jesus says “He who has ears, let him hear. We should listen to Jesus’ words with an open heart and receive his message and believe. We are being warned not to be deceived by the devil. I hope this weekly podcast is helpful for you. The purpose of the podcast is to help English second language learners improve their English and learn about the bible at the same time. The podcast follows a three year church calendar of bible readings used by many churches (both Protestant and Catholic) around the world. Take care and God bless you! David

Welcome to the Easy English Bible Study Podcast. In this week’s episode Jesus preaches and explains “The Parable of the Sower”. The parable is about seed (God’s message or God’s word) being sown or scattered (preached or shared) on different kinds of soil (human hearts in different conditions). The question we can ask ourself is: What about my heart? Do I truly hear the word of God? Does it grow in my heart? Is is changing me? Or Do the worries of this world, the wealth I have prevent the word from growing in my heart? Is the word of God fruitful in my life? Am I helping other people know Jesus? I hope that you are enjoying this podcast. If you are, please tell others about it. Also remember that you can subscribe to this weekly podcast and listen to it regularly!

In this episode Jesus is thankful to the Father for his close relationship with him. He talks about how the Father shows himself to us when we are humble like little children. Jesus offers us rest. Rest from the many things in life that are a heavy weight on us, a burden. Jesus asks us to “Come to Him” for rest. I hope this podcast helps you to both study and bible and learn English at the same time. God bless you! Please leave a positive comment if you enjoy this podcast and subscribe if you would like to listen to it regularly.

In this episode of the Easy English Bible Study Podcast, Jesus gives warnings to his apostles as he is sending them out to preach. Jesus makes a shocking statement when he says that he has “not come to bring peace … but a sword”. He is talking about division. Even family may become an enemy to those who believe in Jesus. We care about our family, but if they are against our faith, we must be more devoted to Jesus than to family. We must also be ready to take up our own cross (hardships, difficult things) when we believe in Jesus. Jesus promises blessings to those who welcome the apostles as they travel. For me, verse 39 is very deep and meaningful. Here Jesus says “whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” I talk about what this verse means to me in my life in the podcast. I hope this podcast is both meaningful to you in your faith and also helpful for you as you study English. Please do subscribe if you enjoy the podcast. You can also leave a comment, a review or send me an email if you wish at [email protected] Take care and God bless you! David Gray

In this week’s episode of the Easy English Bible Study Podcast Jesus is sending out the 12 apostles with instructions and warnings. He tells them that many believers will be persecuted, even by family members. He tells them not to be afraid of people who can only kill the body but be afraid of God who can destroy both the body and soul. And yet we do not need to be afraid of God since God cares for us deeply. We need to tell others about our faith in Jesus. Never deny Jesus. This bible reading has tough commands but also the comforting truth that God cares for us. We can trust in God even if we are hurt by others because of our faith. If you enjoy this weekly podcast please subscribe to receive episodes automatically. You can also email me at [email protected] God bless you! And I hope you have a great week! David Gray

Welcome to the Easy English Bible Study Podcast. Together we learn about the bible and learn English at the same time. In today’s reading, Jesus preaches the good news of the kingdom in many towns and villages. He then sends out the 12 disciples to preach the message of the kingdom of heaven and to perform many healing miracles. Jesus tells them to not bring any money but to depend on God and the kindness of the people they visit. He tells them to be “as shrewd (wise and careful) as snakes and as innocent (pure) as doves.” He warns them that they will suffer many things because of the message they preach. Jesus tells the disciples that the Spirit of the Father will give speak through them.

In this episode Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. Tax collectors were not liked by the common Jewish people because they worked for the Romans and overcharged and keep the extra money for themselves. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners. We learned why Jesus tells them that God “desires mercy and not sacrifices”. How about you and me? Do we show mercy to people or do we care more about being religious? Also we talk about Matthew’s example of following Jesus right away.

Welcome to the Easy English Bible Study Podcast! Today we are looking at the Trinity. David briefly explains the trinity in easy to understand English and he reads this bible verse about the “Great Commission” where Jesus commands his disciples to make disciples in all nations. We also look at a few more bible verses that show the trinity. If you benefit from this podcast please subscribe and listen weekly!

Welcome to the Easy English Bible Study Podcast. In today’s bible reading, it is the harvest festival of Pentecost. Many Jewish people from many far away countries have gathered for this festival in Jerusalem. The disciples and many believers in Jesus are gathered in one place and all of them are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives them the ability to speak in many languages. The visitors are very amazed to hear the wonders of God spoken to them in their own language. This event was spoken about (promised) in the book of Joel. God had promised to give his Holy Spirit to all kinds of people. Finally there is the promise that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” The Christian message is for everyone who will accept it and believe.

In this episode of the Easy English Bible Study Podcast the disciples choose a disciple to replace Judas. It is just after Jesus has ascended to heaven. Peter speaks about the terrible things that Judas had done. They must choose someone who has been with them the whole time of Jesus’ ministry from John’s baptism to Jesus’ resurrection. They cast lots and Matthias is chosen.

In this episode Jesus appears to the disciples for the last time. He tells them that he has done everything that was written about Him in the Old Testament. He helps them understand the scriptures. He says that the scriptures say that the Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. He predicts that repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached to all nations. He promised them “power from on high” which is the Holy Spirit. He blesses them and ascends up to heaven. Then they worship Jesus and return to Jerusalem with great joy.

This podcast is for learners of English as a foreign language who also want to study the Bible. The context or situation in today’s bible reading is that Jesus will soon be arrested. He will soon die. He is going away. He is still comforting the disciples that he will “not leave them as orphans”. He will not leave them forever. Jesus is promising the disciples that he will see them again. He also promises them a “helper”. The helper (or advocate) is the Holy Spirit. In verse 20, Jesus also tells the disciples that they will soon understand that they have a close relationship with Jesus and the Father. At the beginning and at the end of today’s reading Jesus says that “if you love me, keep my commands”. My takeaway from today’s reading is that we show our love of Jesus in obedience to his commands. We obey Jesus because we love Him. We know that God has loved us first. He created us, his Son died for us on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and so we see that God loves us. In return we love and obey God. Love and obedience go together! I hope today’s podcast was helpful for you. I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] Take care and God bless you!! David Gray

In this reading and in this episode Jesus is comforting and preparing the disciples. He tells them that he is going away to be with the Father. They are likely very upset by this news and Jesus says “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.” He tells them that he is “the way, the truth and the life”. He explains that if they have seen him they have seen the Father. He says “I am in the Father and the Father is in me”. Finally he tells them that they will do great things in his name. We talk about these sayings of Jesus in this episode. Thank you for listening to this podcast. God bless you! . You can contact me at: [email protected] David Gray

Here Jesus tells the Pharisees that he is the Good Shepherd. The Shepard symbolizes the religious leaders and sheep are the people that they lead. Jesus is the shepherd promised by God in the Old Testament (see Ezekiel 34). Jesus speaks against, (he is critical of) the false shepherds who are evil and do not care for their people. Through this symbolism he is being critical of the Pharisees (religious leaders). Thank you for listening to this episode. If you would like to contact me, you can email me at [email protected] God bless you! David Gray

Jesus has resurrected and walks with two men along the road to Emmaus. They do not recognize Jesus. They are sad about his death. Jesus explains what the scriptures (Old Testament) say about him. He says that “the Christ had to suffer these things and then enter his glory”. Later they have a meal together and as Jesus breaks the bread they recognize him and then he disappears. The two men to back to Jerusalem and tell the disciples what they experienced. Thank you so much for listening! You can comment on this episode or give general feedback at [email protected] David Gray

The resurrected Jesus appears to the group of disciples for the first time. He says “Peace be with you” and allows them to touch his wounds (his hands and his side). Thomas is not there and says he will not believe unless he sees Jesus and touches him. Jesus appears again and Thomas touches his wounds and believes. Jesus says “Blessed out those who have not seen and yet have believed.” You and I can not see or touch Jesus. We do not have physical proof of his resurrection. We are blessed for having faith in him, in his resurrection and in his gospel message.

Happy Easter! This episode is based on the reading John 20:1-18. Here Mary Magdalene visits the tomb of Jesus and sees that the tomb is empty. She tells Peter and John and they go running to the tomb and also see that it is empty. John believes that Jesus has resurrected. Mary is still worried about the body of Jesus and wants to know who took his body. Jesus appears to Mary and tells her that he will ascend to the Father. Mary tells the disciples that she has seen Jesus. She is the first person to see the risen Lord and to share the good news! In this episode I also give some background information on Mary Magdalene. Hope you have a great Easter! If you want to contact me or give feedback or suggestions on this podcast, you can email me at [email protected]. God bless! David Gray

This episode is about the death of Jesus on the cross; the crucifixion. Here Jesus carries his cross. Pilate writes a notice that reads: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”. The soldiers divide Jesus’ clothes among themselves. Jesus has John take care of his mother from now on. Finally, Jesus says “It is finished” and he dies. Jesus has completed the work that the Father has given him to do on earth. He has died as a sacrifice for our sins. This is a sad day as we remember the suffering and death of Jesus.

This episode is about the Last Supper. Jesus has already arranged the place where they would celebrate the Passover meal. At the meal Jesus tells the disciples that one of them will betray him. It is Judas. Jesus also gives the words and actions to what is today called Holy Communion or Holy Eucharist. Thank you for listening to this podcast. There are many bonus episodes this week. You can contact me or give feedback at: [email protected] Take care and God bless! David Gray

Matthew 27:11-31 is about Jesus before Pilate. Pilate is surprised that Jesus will not answer the charges (accusations) given against him. Pilate tries to find a way to free Jesus. There is a custom to free one prisoner each year at the festival. However, instead of Jesus the crowd yells for Barabbas to be freed. They cry for Jesus to be crucified. Jesus is flogged and mocked by the soldiers. Earlier, Jesus was very upset in the garden of Gethsemane because he knew he would be tortured and then crucified and yet he was able to face this. Pilate is weak here. He knew Jesus is innocent but did not have the courage to free Jesus. Thank you for listening to this bonus episode! You can give feedback or contact me at: [email protected] God bless! David Gray

In this reading, Matthew 26:69-27:10 shows us Peter denying knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Peter weeps bitterly (cries strongly) after he does this. Judas sees that Jesus is being handed over to Pilate. He has great remorse (regret) for what he did and wants to give back the money to the chief priests. Judas then hangs himself (kills himself). At times we might do something very serious and feel that it is too great a sin for God to forgive us but God will forgive us if we repent of our sin. Peter did go on to repent of his sin and was forgiven. I felt bad for Jesus in this moment that two of his disciples denied or betrayed him at this time. Jesus put his trust in God the Father and not in men.

We start at the garden of Gethsemane in this reading of Matthew 26:36-68. At first, Jesus prays to the Father asking if there is another way. But Jesus prays for God’s will not his own will. Jesus accepts that he must suffer and die on the cross. Judas betrays Jesus and Jesus is arrested. Jesus is put on trial before the Sanhedrin (the religious leaders). Jesus says that he is the Messiah when he says “you will see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven”. The high priest charges Jesus with blasphemy and decides he should be killed as punishment. My take away is that Jesus is able to face his upcoming suffering and death through prayer to the Father. He accepts the Father’s will. He is able to bravely face the situation and declares who he really is.

In this reading, Matthew 26:1-16 and 31 to 35 there are several events. In this bonus podcast episode, the religious leaders met and planned (schemed) to arrest Jesus and have him killed. Jesus is anointed with oil by a woman and Jesus again predicts his death. Judas agrees with the chief priests to betray Jesus. Jesus predicts that Peter will deny knowing him (disown him) three times. You can contact me or give me feedback by email at: [email protected] Thank you for listening! David Gray

This episode is based on John 12:12-19, which is the reading for Palm Sunday. A great crowd welcomes Jesus, who is riding on a donkey, into Jerusalem with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the king of Israel!” The Pharisees felt threatened by Jesus’ popularity. While the people likely saw Jesus as a political Messiah, Jesus has come humbly on a donkey and will soon die and resurrect and be the Savior of our souls, overcoming sin and death. You can contact me by email at: [email protected] God bless! David Gray

This episode is about John 11:1-53 You can email me and comment on this podcast at [email protected] Lazarus gets very sick. His family send for Jesus but Jesus waits a few days before going to see Lazarus in Bethany. He learns that Lazarus has died. Mary and Martha say that if Jesus had come earlier Lazarus could have been healed of his sickness. However, Jesus came late on purpose. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. While many believed in Jesus and spread the word about Jesus, the Pharisees saw Jesus as a threat to their power and their nation. From that time they plotted (planned) to take his life (to kill Jesus). Thank you for listening to this episode. If you would like to contact me or comment on this podcast you can email me at: [email protected]

This reading, John 9:1-41 is about Jesus healing a man who was born blind. Some wondered if the man was blind because of sin that he or his parents committed. Jesus said that he was blind so as to give glory to God. The Pharisees questioned the man who was healed as well as his parents. They rejected the testimony of the blind man as well as Jesus. The man but his faith in Jesus but the Pharisees remained spiritually blind. Thank you for listening to this episode. If you would like to contact me by email you can reach me at: [email protected] Thank you and God bless! David Gray

In this reading. John 4:5-26, Jesus speaks with a Samaritan women at a well in Samaria. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected] The whole situation is amazing. Jesus travelled through Samaria even though the Jews of that time usually avoided traveling there. He talked to the woman, even though men usually did not talk with women in such situations. He told her about her life. He told her that he is the Messiah. She later became a messenger about Jesus to her town. There were many reasons for Jesus to condemn her but he did not condemn her. Instead she became a messenger about Jesus to her town. This is encouraging to all of us. We should never feel like we are “not good enough” for God to use us. God can do good things through us if we believe. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]

In this episode I read John 3:1-17. I give comments on this reading in easy to understand English. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected] I hope this helps you study the Bible and improve your English at the same time. In this reading, Jesus teaches Nicodemus. Jesus tells him that to see the kingdom of God you must be born again. Nicodemus does not understand Jesus and thinks Jesus is talking about being born again physically. However, Jesus is talking about being born again spiritually. Jesus also explains that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Nicodemus has trouble understanding Jesus but he listened to Jesus and followed Jesus. Many times in life we have trouble understanding what God is doing in our lives. Let us keep looking to Jesus even when we don’t understand. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]

In this episode, Jesus is led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan in the wilderness. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected] In the reading, Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus is tempted: (1) to turn stone to bread,(2) to have God save Him from falling and (3) to worship Satan. Jesus rejects all of these temptations strongly. He also quotes the scriptures each time. What did you learn from this reading? Personally, I learned that it is good to know the Bible (the scriptures) in difficult times when I am being tempted. The wisdom of the Bible can help us overcome temptation. Also, Jesus did not need to prove he is the Son of God. The Father declared (announced) that Jesus is the Son of God at His baptism. God also said that He loves Jesus and is pleased with Jesus. So Jesus has nothing to prove. Neither do we. God loves us. We are his children if we believe in God. We don’t resist temptation to prove that we are God’s children. We resist temptation (with the help of Jesus) because of our love for God. There are so many things we can learn from this passage. I would love to know what you learned! You can share that in your comments. You can also give a rating of this podcast. Any feedback or comments you give would be very helpful to this podcast. Thank you so much for listening! David Gray You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]

Here Jesus talks about giving to the needy (the poor), praying and fasting in secret. (  You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]  ) We should not do these things so that other people will see us. We do these things in secret so that only God will see us. The reward will be that we will be closer to God and we will have a character that is more like Jesus. Jesus also says “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. Lasting treasures are a close relationship with God and a Christ-like character. Wow! This is quite a good challenge for us in the season of lent. We can fast, pray, reflect quietly to please God and to grow in character. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]

Matthew 17:1-9 is the Bible verse for our episode this week. Jesus is transfigured before some of the apostles. (  You can contact me, David Gray, or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected] They see His great light, his glory shine and they hear the Father’s voice. They also see Moses and Elijah. We also witness God’s greatness from time to time in our lives. Let’s remember how great God is, even in difficult times. Please tell your friends about this podcast. It also helps if you leave a comment on YouTube, Podbean or leave a rating on Apple Podcasts. This helps others find this podcast. Take care and God bless you! David You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]

Matthew 5:13-20 is the Bible reading for this episode. Here, Jesus tells us that we are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world”. ((  You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]  ))  He wants us others to see our good deeds. Why? So that we might glorify our Father in heaven. Jesus also says that He has come to fulfill the law. He wants our righteousness to surpass those who care only about “following rules”. He wants us to follow the spirit of the law with an upright heart. I hope you are enjoying this podcast. Please feel free to leave a comment. That would be helpful for this podcast. God bless you! David You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]  

Matthew 5:1-12, known as the “Beatitudes” is the Bible reading for this week’s podcast. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]   The is the first part of Jesus’ famous message called the “Sermon on the Mount”. What Jesus teaches is often the opposite of what we think is right. For example, Jesus teaches “blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”. We would say that mourning (being sad for the death of someone we love) is not a blessing. But Jesus says that it is a blessing because God will comfort us. It is a blessing to need God and to be comforted by God. It is dangerous to be a Christian in some countries. Is it difficult, hard or dangerous for you to be a Christian where you live? If so, may these words give you comfort as you deal with your situation. God be with you and give you strength. David Gray You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]      

Acts 9:1-22 is the Bible reading for this bonus episode. Here we are learning about Saul’s (later know as Paul) conversion. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] Saul was attacking or persecuting the early Christians who belonged to the Way. He went to Damascus to find them and have them put in prison. However, on the way to Damascus he was knocked down by a bright light. In a special vision he encountered Jesus himself. Saul became a Christian and immediately started preaching that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. From this story we see the very extreme change in Saul from someone who persecuted Christians to a great evangelist for Jesus. We see such dramatic conversions today too. However, our own personal conversion might be very simple or quiet in comparison. That is ok! Some of us convert more gradually and in a much less dramatic way. The most important thing is that we now believe and trust in Jesus. How we are converted is much less important than the simple fact that we have been changed. I hope you benefit from this bonus episode. If possible please leave a comment. If you enjoy this podcast feel free to subscribe. Take care and God bless! David Gray You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]  

This podcast is for people who want to study English as a second language or as a foreign language and also learn about the Bible at the same time! You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] Matthew 4:12-25 is the Bible reading for this episode. Here Jesus begins his ministry. John the Baptist is put in prison. Jesus leaves Nazareth and lives in Capernaum. He calls his first disciples and they immediately leave their work of fishing and follow Him. Jesus teaches in synagogues, proclaims the good news of the kingdom and heals many kinds of sicknesses and diseases. Large crowds from many regions follow him. After the reading I talk about Jesus starting His ministry at a dangerous time. I also comment on the fact that there are times when we need to immediately respond to the call of God. I hope this podcast is helpful for you! How is this podcast for you? Is is helpful? How could it be better? Please leave a comment and let me know. You can also tell me about yourself if you want to. What is your first language? Where are you from? Thank you so much for listening! David Gray You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]  

Mark 8:27-9:1 is the reading for this Bonus episode of “The Easy English Bible Study Podcast.” Jesus asks “Who do people say that I am?” You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] Peter says that Jesus is “the Messiah” but later when Jesus says that he will be killed and rise again Peter wants to stop Jesus from such a future. Jesus rebukes Peter. Jesus then teaches that we are to lose our lives for Jesus and the gospel. In my comments I ask: What does it mean for you and for me to lose our lives for Jesus? Are we embarrassed of Jesus? Or are we willing to tell others about Jesus and his teachings? You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]

John 1:29-42 is the reading for this episode of “The Easy English Bible Study Podcast.” You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected] Here John the Baptist gives a testimony about Jesus. He tells us what happened at Jesus’ baptism and he tells us that Jesus is the Lamb of God. Andrew and one other leave John and start to follow Jesus. Andrew tells Simon (later to be called Peter) about Jesus saying that Jesus is the Messiah. In my comments I talk about how we too can give our own testimony about Jesus and about what He is doing in our lives. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected]

This reading is about the baptism of Jesus. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] John the Baptist was surprised when Jesus came to him to be baptized. John thought that he should be baptized by Jesus. After Jesus is baptized we see in one moment the trinity. The Father says “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Also the Holy Spirit comes down to Jesus like a dove. One take away is that we too can tell our children that we love them and that they please us just as the Father did to Jesus. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]

Matthew 2:1-12. This is a bonus episode about the Magi (or the Wisemen) visiting Joseph, Mary and Jesus. This is a special day on the church calendar called “The Epiphany of Our Lord”. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] In the reading the Magi come from the East and at first they see King Herod in Jerusalem and state that they are looking for the King of the Jews. This disturbs Herod. The Maji visit Jesus and when they return, they go home a different way and they do not tell Herod where to find Jesus. In my comments I explain some of the text and I also clear up two false ideas about this story. One take away that I have from this reading (one lesson I learned) is that this story shows that Jesus is not only the “King of the Jews” but also the Lord or King of all people. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]

Happy New Year! This is a bonus episode for January 1st. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] The Bible passage is only one verse, Luke 2:21. It is about the circumcision and naming of Jesus on the child’s eighth day of his life. I also take a moment to thank you, my listener for listening to this podcast. We already have listeners from many countries! What country are you from? How is the podcast for you? I am looking forward to reading the Bible with you in the new year! God bless you in the new year! David You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]  

This reading is about the baptism of Jesus. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] John the Baptist was surprised when Jesus came to him to be baptized. John thought that he should be baptized by Jesus. After Jesus is baptized we see in one moment the trinity. The Father says “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Also the Holy Spirit comes down to Jesus like a dove. One take away is that we too can tell our children that we love them and that they please us just as the Father did to Jesus. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]