We open this “new” podcast telling the why and how behind “Jesus Stories”. We will cover the life of Jesus in a chronological manner using the work of F. LaGard Smith. This week’s podcast begins where the Gospels begin – before the birth of Jesus. Then, we continue by telling the stories of both Elizabeth and Mary and the babies which God gives to each of them. Scriptures covered in this week’s lesson are: Matthew 1:1-17 Luke 3:23-38 Mark 1:1-3 John 1:1-18 Luke 1:5-38 Isaiah 40:3 Malachi 4:5-6 Genesis 15-16 Numbers 6:1-21 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This episode of Jesus Stories takes us into the birth stories of both John and Jesus. Remember, both mothers – Elizabeth and Mary – had been told that their babies were to be dedicated to the service of God. Elizabeth’s child was to prepare the way for the Lord – as prophesied long ago. Mary’s child was to be called the “son of God.” These births bring us praises; special songs dedicated to the glory of God. These are the first Christmas carols! Take a listen! Scriptures used in this story are: Luke 1:39-80 Matthew 1:18-25 Luke 2:1-21 Be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram (Jesus_Stories_The_Podcast); or on Twitter (JesusStoriesPod). Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This week’s Jesus Stories introduces us to the first people who met or wanted to meet Jesus. Two of them met Jesus in the Temple and praised and prophesied about him. A third person – an evil ruler – sought to kill him; while three magi came from afar to worship him and bring him gifts. Then we meet Jesus as a twelve year old giving his parents a scare of their life-time. Scriptures used to compile this story are: Luke 2:22-40 Matthew 2:1-23 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This week’s Jesus Stories, “Cries from the Wilderness”, cements the author’s validation of the identity of Jesus. John the Baptist points at Jesus calling him the Messiah. While Matthew and Luke show Jesus confrontation with Satan in which Satan loses and Jesus wins. To them, anyone who can stand against Satan, could only be the Messiah. Scriptures covered in this episode are: Luke 3:1-18 Matthew 3:4-6 Matthew 3:13-17 Luke 3:21-23 Matthew 4:1-11 John 1:19-34 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

As Jesus ministry begins, he begins collecting followers. We meet the first followers and see the first miracle (or an early miracle) which Jesus performed. Jesus also travels to the first Passover and has his first confrontation in the Temple with the religious leaders of Israel. This is an eventful episode full of meaning which is necessary for understanding the Messiah. Scriptures used in this story are: John 1:35-2:25 1 Corinthians 5:7 1 Peter 1:19 Psalm 69:9 Hebrews 9:28 Follow Jesus Stories on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In this week’s Jesus Stories, we listen in to a conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus – a conversation which occurred in the night under the cover of darkness. Nicodemus, as one of the religious leaders of the Jewish people, had some deep questions for Jesus; and Jesus has some deeper answers for Nicodemus. We’ll delve into the conversation, explaining what is going on as it occurs. This conversation will take us further into understanding the Holy Spirit and the idea of being “born again.” We’ll look at what is probably the most quoted verse from the scriptures and think about the meaning of that verse. And we’ll wrap up with some of the images from the Old Testament which Jesus used to communicate his message to Nicodemus. (You may need to look these scriptures up from the links below.) The scriptures used in this week’s story include: John 2:23-25 John 3:1-21 Genesis 7:19-23 Exodus 14:19-30 Numbers 21:4-9 Follow Jesus Stories on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

As we open this week’s Jesus Story, the disciples of Jesus think that they are in competition with John the Baptist. However, Jesus sets them straight on this point. Even John informs us of his non-competitive position; he will become less while Jesus becomes greater. Jesus and his disciples leave Judea and head to Galilee. They use the short route which takes them through the region of Samaria. Jesus stops to rest and we drop in on another interesting conversation between Jesus and a woman from Samaria – a person whom Jesus shouldn’t have been talking with – if he listened to the culture. Jesus spoke with her, identified himself to her, and gave her water that would be life for her and her village. Scriptures used in this story are: John 3:22-36 John 4:1-42 Don’t forget! We’re on social media! Follow Jesus Stories on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter. And leave a review on iTunes. This will help people to find us! Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This episode picks up with the conclusion to Jesus visit to the Samaritan village of Sychar and how one conversation changed that village. He then travels north and revisits Cana, the village where we saw his first miracle. He heals a government official’s son from 25 miles away! From there, he proceeds to Capernaum – the town where he would base his ministry for the next couple of years. But, his ministry requires travelling. So, he will press on from there to visit his home town, Nazareth. After teaching in the synagogue there, he is almost killed, because, as he says, “No prophet is accepted in his own home town.” When his hometown folks try to kill him, he escapes and goes down to the Sea of Galilee where he teaches and calls more to be his disciples. Then we follow him back to his base, Capernaum, where we meet an evil spirit! This week’s scriptures are: John 4:39-54 Luke 3:19-20 Matthew 4:12-17 Luke 4:14-30 Luke 5:1-11 Matthew4:18-22 Mark 1:21-28 The demonstration of Jesus teaching from the boat can be found on this YouTube link. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This week’s Jesus Stories podcast continues the narrative of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. We start in Capernaum – Jesus’ home base – where he teaches and, again, confronts an evil spirit. This is followed by more teaching and lots of healings. We’ll see two well-known healings: Peter’s mother-in-law and the man let down through the roof of an over-crowded house. Jesus calls Levi (Matthew) and then attends a party which Levi throws for him. In both of these last instances, Jesus confronts the attitudes of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law. I reference a map of the region in today’s show. Here it is! Map of Jesus's Ministry in Galilee. (Click to enlarge.) Scripture references for today’s show are: Mark 1:29-34 Matthew 4:23-25 Mark 1:40-45 Leviticus 13:1-46 Leviticus 14 Mark 2:1-14 John 9:1-3 Luke 5:27-39 Matthew 9:9-13 Hosea 6:6 Don’t forget to share this podcast with your social media friends. You’ll find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and You Tube (coming). You can also find a template for making up business cards to share with your friends and acquaintances here. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Episode Ten of Jesus Stories takes us into some deep theological territory. Jesus will heal a man on the Sabbath and then be taken to task for such an action by the religious leaders of the day. So, Jesus takes the time to explain exactly who he is and by what authority he is able to do such a thing. Such authority, he says, comes from His Father – a blasphemous statement to these religious leaders. But, Jesus doesn’t back down. We learn much about Jesus in this episode. Our scripture references for this episode come from these verses: John 5:1-30 Exodus 20:8-11 Exodus 31:14-17a Genesis 2:15-17 Genesis 3:6 Genesis 3:8 Genesis 3:22-23 John 3:19-21 You can also find and follow us on social media. Check out Jesus Stories- the Podcast on Facebook and Instagram. On Twitter, we’re called Jesus Stories Pod. Links to everything are on the web-site – Jesus Stories dot info. (I want to apologize for my voice on this episode. Spring brings on the allergies – even when you take an antihistamine regularly. So, my voice suffers.) Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In this episode of Jesus Stories, we will complete the confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders of the day; including the arguments Jesus presents to prove his identity. He will make them even madder when his disciples “harvest” grain and eat it on the Sabbath and heal a man in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Finally, he leaves the city and goes out to the Sea Galilee only to be met with a crowd of people needing healing and exorcisms.  But all of this fulfills prophecy told 600 years before by Isaiah. There are lots of Scriptures used in today’s episode. They include: John 5:31-47 Numbers 35:30 John 1:23, 29, 34, 36 Luke 5:1-10 Mark 1:21-22 Mark 1:29-31 Mark 1:40-45 Mark 2:1-5 John 5:1-9 Deuteronomy 18:15-59 Matthew 12:1-21 1 Samuel 21 Hosea 6:6 Daniel 7:14 Luke 6:6-11 Mark 3:1-12 Matthew 12:18-21 Map of Jesus's Ministry in Galilee You can also find and follow us on social media. Check out Jesus Stories- the Podcast on Facebook and Instagram. On Twitter, we’re called Jesus Stories Pod. Links to everything is on the web-site – Jesus Stories dot info. And don’t forget our YouTube Channel.

This episode of the Jesus Stories podcast covers some interesting events and begins some famous teaching. Jesus chooses his apostles and then moves to his most famous teaching – the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins the Sermon with what are known as the Beatitudes. We break these teachings down to show Jesus’ upside down view of the Kingdom of God. Scriptures used in today’s podcast are: Luke 6:12-19 Ephesians 2:20 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 Matthew 5:1-12 Exodus 20:18-19 If you’d like to sponsor one or more of these podcasts, I invite you to contact me. Just visit the podcast web-site, Jesus Stories, and click on the contact tab. You can also find and follow us on social media. Check out “Jesus Stories- the Podcast” on Facebook and Instagram. On Twitter, we’re called “Jesus Stories Pod”. Don’t forget about the YouTube channel , tool. Links to everything are on the web-site – Jesus Stories.info. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In this Jesus Story episode, we continue to break down the famous Sermon on the Mount. We move on from the Beatitudes to the next set of teachings. In contrast to the Beatitudes, Jesus speaks woes – the opposite of blessings – for those who are not seeking and submitting to Jehovah. Then he considers the character of his followers as salt and light and then begins to address what may have been some misconceptions about his teaching that were raised by the religious leaders of the day. Jesus then contrasts the teachings of the law with the teaching of those religious leaders. He specifically addresses six teachings. We’ll talk about the first two of those teachings. The scriptures used in today’s podcast are: Luke 6:24-26 Matthew 5:13-28 2 Corinthians 3:18. See also Ephesians 5:6-7 and Philippians 2:15. If you’d like to sponsor one or more of these podcasts, I invite you to contact me. Just visit the podcast website, Jesus Stories, and click on the contact tab. You can also find and follow us on social media. Check out Jesus Stories- the Podcast on Facebook and Instagram. On Twitter, we’re called Jesus Stories Pod. Links to everything are on the web-site – Jesus Stories.info. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

We continue reviewing Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus continues to challenge his listeners with his look at “the Law”. He outlines what the law says and continues with “but I say” to explain the expectation that Jehovah God held. In each case, the heart of the individual was to match the observed behavior. He talks about divorce, vows, retribution, and loving your enemies. Then he moves to talk about the acts of worship which are given to Jehovah God. In talking about giving, praying and fasting, he warns against posturing before “our Father” – an unusual term for his Jewish listeners. He warns that such posturing is its own reward. There is no heavenly reward to follow. Scriptures referenced in this episode: Matthew 5:31-48 Matthew 6:1-18 Luke 6:27-36 Deuteronomy 24:1 Jesus Stories are on the major social media sites. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. More information about this podcast is found on our web-site: Jesus Stories. Narration by George’s feature book for this episode is Seasons of Change, by Michael Gardner. If you’d like to be a sponsor for this podcast, please send an e-mail to narrationbygeorge@outlook.com. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

We conclude looking at the Sermon on the Mount in this Jesus Stories episode. Jesus starts by getting into our wallets and our stuff. “Don’t store up treasures here on earth…” He tells us not to worry since Jehovah God will take care of his followers. He reminds us that judgment of others brings judgment back upon us. We can only judge with the guidance of Jehovah God. Then he points out the choices that we have to make. Which road will we travel? Which voices will we listen to? What foundation with will build our lives upon? Scriptures used in this episode: Matthew 6:19-34 Luke 6:37-42 Matthew 7:6-29 Luke 7:24-30 You’ll find Jesus Stories on social media. Click to find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. And don’t forget our web-site: Jesus Stories. The featured book for this Jesus Stories episode is Second Earth, M-104, by Michael Miller. If you’d like to be a sponsor for this podcast, contact me at narrationbygeorge@outlook.com. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In this episode of Jesus Stories, we hear of two remarkable people who have faith which is commended by Jesus. A Roman Centurion is sure that Jesus can hear a deathly ill slave just by speaking. And a prostitute honors Jesus at the home of a Pharisee exercising a faith that Jesus says saves her. In between, Jesus raises the son of a widow and shows John’s disciples that he is the one for whom they have been waiting. SCRIPTURES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: Luke 7:1-50 Matthew 8:11-12 Malachi 3:1 Jesus Stories is found on many social media platforms. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. And don’t forget our web-site: Jesus Stories. Don’t forget to leave a rating on Apple Podcasts To find the suggested book from Narration by George for his episode, just click here for Avatars of Websurfer. We are still looking for sponsors for this podcast. If you’d like to consider this opportunity, please contact us at narrationbygeorge@outlook.com. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In this episode of Jesus Stories, we find out who provides support for Jesus and his disciples as they travel around Israel. We see the opposition to Jesus ministry increase. But, we also see Jesus fighting back with some very “to the point” teaching. In this episode, Jesus is accused after he throws a demon out of a man of working in league with the devil. Jesus corrects that misconception with some simple logic. Then he refuses the Pharisees demand for a miraculous sign; he changes the definition for family; and roundly condemns the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Luke 8:1-3 Matthew 12:22-50 Mark 3:20-21 Luke 11:24-28 Luke 11:39-54 Micah 6:8 The link to the featured book for the episode from Narration by George, An Opened Heart: http://narrationbygeorge.com/books/An-Opened-Heart/ Find us on social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgJ3Tf0R_aiF-uxG-G97ortxPZMFC7kPu We’re on most of the podcast platforms. Just don’t forget to subscribe where you listen and leave a rating for us there and on Apple Podcasts. If you’d like to be a sponsor for this podcast, want to leave a comment or a correction, contact us at narrationbygeorge@outlook.com. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This Jesus Stories episode picks up where the last one left off. Jesus is in the midst of a crowd of thousands of people. People are stepping all over each other – in spite of Jesus rough teaching to the Pharisees. Now Jesus turns to these people with his own warnings about the Pharisees. He continues with a challenge to speak up for him even when it is difficult. Remember, he says, don’t be afraid of the ones who can just kill you. Be afraid of the One – Jehovah God – who can condemn you in eternity. He is the One who deserves your focus. Jesus then teaches about greed. “Life is not measured by how much you own.” To illustrate his point, he tells a parable – a story. A man with much gains more. But, he loses his life. And he has no relationship with Jehovah God Jesus then repeats his lessons from the Sermon on the Mount. Don’t worry about what you’ll eat or wear. God knows you need these things. He’ll take care of you. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” So, sell your possessions; give the money to the poor. And be ready. Jesus will return at a time that we cannot know. Be ready. There is more teaching based on some current events. People have died in a couple of catastrophes. Jesus says that it is more important to recognize that we must repent; we must be ready. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Luke 12:1-59 Luke 13:1-17 The link to the featured book for the episode from Narration by George, Non Prophet Murders: http://narrationbygeorge.com/books/non-prophet-murders/ Find us on social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgJ3Tf0R_aiF-uxG-G97ortxPZMFC7kPu We’re on most of the podcast platforms. Just don’t forget to subscribe where you listen and leave a rating for us there and on Apple Podcasts. If you’d like to be a sponsor for this podcast, want to leave a comment or a correction, contact us at narrationbygeorge@outlook.com. We are looking for people who want to and can provide support to this podcast. You may donate on the Jesus Stories website, http://jesusstories.info/support-this-podcast/. Any donation from $1 up is appreciated. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

I start out by telling you that you're listening to episode #18. Nope. It was late and I was wrong. This is episode #19! Jesus tells stories in this episode of Jesus Stories! Jesus was the consummate story teller. But, his stories all had a purpose. They were used to teach secrets about the Kingdom. These are secrets that some can hear and understand; others cannot. We go through some of Jesus’ stories in this episode including the explanations which Jesus offers to his disciples. Then, we begin telling the stories of Jesus’ miracles. We watch as Jesus stills a storm at sea. And we meet a man who is possessed by a Legion of demons – until Jesus meets him. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR THIS EPISODE: Matthew 13:1 –52 Isaiah 6:9-10 Mark 4:21-41 Matthew 8:18-22 Luke 9:57-62 Mark 5:1-20 Find us on social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgJ3Tf0R_aiF-uxG-G97ortxPZMFC7kPu We’re on most of the podcast platforms. Just don’t forget to subscribe where you listen and leave a rating for us there and on Apple Podcasts. If you’d like to be a sponsor for this podcast, want to leave a comment or a correction, contact us at narrationbygeorge@outlook.com. Check this link for sponsoring this podcast on a monthly basis. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This is a busy episode for Jesus as he moves from teaching and story-telling to action. At the request of a leader of a synagogue, he heals her daughter. But, not before healing a woman whom he calls “my daughter” from a disease which has ostracized her from society for 12 years. He helps two blind me to see because of their faith. And he throws out another demon. But, opposition is beginning to build against his healing. The Pharisees think that he is throwing out demons by the power of Satan. And, when Jesus goes back to his home town of Nazareth, he is rejected and not believed. “Where did he get all this wisdom and power to perform such miracles.” He’s just a carpenter and the son of Mary. Travelling around with a great crowd following, Jesus sees a massive work-load. So, he commissions his apostles to go – teach, heal, and throw out demons. He gives them specific instructions for their task ahead. Some of those instructions apply to us as well. Finally, we learn of the fate of John the Baptist at the hands of King Herod. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Mark 5:21-43 Matthew 9:27-38 Mark 6:1-6 Psalm 23:1 Isaiah 53:6 Matthew 10:1-11:1 Mark 6:14-33 Find us on social media platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgJ3Tf0R_aiF-uxG-G97ortxPZMFC7kPu We’re on most of the podcast platforms. Just don’t forget to subscribe where you listen and leave a rating for us there and on Apple Podcasts. If you’d like to be a sponsor for this podcast, want to leave a comment or a correction, contact us at narrationbygeorge@outlook.com. Check this link for sponsoring this podcast on a monthly basis. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.