The Bible Matters Podcast

Who is Jesus? And what verdict have you reached?
In this powerful concluding address from the "Who's Jesus?" series, John Stott argues that the claims of Jesus demand a response. Drawing from Matthew 11:25-30, he explores Jesus' extraordinary statements about himself, his unique ability to reveal God, and his invitation to all who are weary and burdened.
Stott explains why Christianity is more than religion, why God reveals himself to the humble, and why so many people hesitate to respond to Jesus' call. He examines the burden of guilt, the offer of forgiveness through the cross, and the challenge of taking upon ourselves the yoke of Christ.
At the heart of this talk is a simple but unavoidable question: if Jesus is who he claimed to be, can we really remain neutral?
Questions answered in this episode:
-Who did Jesus claim to be, and why are his claims so remarkable?
-Why does Jesus say that only he can reveal God?
-Why does God reveal himself to the humble but hide himself from the proud?
-What stops people from coming to Christ?
-What does it mean to take Jesus' yoke upon yourself and follow him?
The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters
To contact us, email office@biblematters.org

Why does the church so often disappoint people? And what did Jesus actually intend it to be?
In this classic address, John Stott asks whether Christians are merely harmless spectators in society or whether Jesus intended his followers to be a transformative force for good. Beginning with the memorable question, "Are Christians cabbages or kings?", he explores God's purpose for the church and its calling to be a distinct community in the world.
Questions Answered in This Episode:
Why is the church central to God's purpose for the world?
Why do so many people become disillusioned with the church?
What did Jesus mean when he called his followers "salt" and "light"?
How should Christians be different from the culture around them?
What does it mean to build your life on the rock rather than the sand?
The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters
To contact us, email office@biblematters.org
#BibleMatters #JohnStott #SermonOnTheMount #Church #ChristianLiving #SaltAndLight #KingdomOfGod #Christianity #Faith #Jesus

Christianity sounds like good news. Forgiveness. New life. Peace with God. So what's the catch?
In this powerful talk, John Stott explores one of Jesus' most challenging teachings: the cost of discipleship. Speaking to large crowds who were eager to follow Him, Jesus stopped them and urged them to count the cost first.
What does it mean to put Christ before relationships, ambitions and possessions?
Why did Jesus make such radical demands? And why is He still worth following today?
This episode examines the difference between admiration and discipleship, and why Jesus never concealed what following Him would require.
The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters
To contact us, email office@biblematters.org
#Christianity #JohnStott #Discipleship #JesusChrist #BibleTeaching #CountTheCost

Can people really change?
Many believe that with enough effort, education, social reform, or self-discipline, human nature can be improved. But Jesus offered a far more radical answer. In His conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, He declared: “You must be born again.”
In this message, we explore the difference between turning over a new leaf and receiving a new life. Looking closely at Jesus' words, we consider the nature of the new birth, its necessity, its effects, and how it becomes a reality in a person's life.
In this episode:Can human nature really be changed?What are the signs and results of this new life?What do repentance and faith have to do with the new birth?How can a person receive the new life that Jesus offers?
The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters  
To contact us, email office@biblematters.org 

Did Jesus really rise from the dead? In this classic talk, John Stott explores both the historical evidence for the resurrection and its life-changing significance. Examining the empty tomb, the appearances of the risen Jesus, and the dramatic emergence of the early church, Stott argues that the resurrection is not merely a Christian belief but the foundation upon which Christianity stands.
More than an historical claim, the resurrection transforms how we understand the past, experience the present, and face the future. If Jesus truly rose from the dead, then it changes everything.
In this episode:
Did Jesus' tomb really end up empty?
What happened to the body of Jesus?
What difference does the resurrection make to life today?
What does it mean to live in the power of the risen Christ?
The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters
To contact us, email office@biblematters.org
#JohnStott #Resurrection #JesusChrist #Christianity #BibleMatters

Why did Jesus die?
 
For centuries, Christians have insisted that the cross stands at the very centre of the faith. But why? Couldn't God simply forgive sins without the death of Christ?
 
In this historic lecture from Cambridge University in 1977, John Stott explores the meaning of the cross, the seriousness of sin, and the relationship between God's justice and God's love.
 
This episode forms part of our series featuring recordings from Stott's final Cambridge University mission.
 
Questions answered in this episode:
Why did Jesus have to die?
Why doesn't God simply forgive?
How can God be both just and loving?
What did Jesus think his death would achieve?
The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: Support Bible Matters
 
To contact us, email office@biblematters.org
 
 

In 1977, a packed hall in Cambridge gathered to hear one question explored: What is a human being?
 
The speaker was a vicar from London named John Stott, and this would prove to be his final university mission.In this series of Bible Matters we'll be featuring the talks from this series, enhanced and restored for a new audience. 
 
Questions answered in this episode: 
- What was John Stott's preaching like? 
- What is a human being? 
- Is man good or evil? 
 
 
The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters
 
To contact us, email office@biblematters.org 
 
 
 
 

How do we reach the next generation?
 
In this episode of the Bible Matters Podcast, we speak with pastor and theologian Kevin DeYoung about how churches can faithfully answer that question. Drawing from his book The (Not-So-Secret) Secret to Reaching the Next Generation, Kevin challenges the idea that there is a hidden formula for effective ministry.
 
Rather than chasing trends or trying to stay relevant, he makes the case for something both simpler and more demanding: faithful Christian living, rooted in Scripture and expressed through truth, love, and godly character. This is a deeply encouraging conversation for anyone involved in youth ministry, church leadership, or discipleship.
 
Topics covered in this episode:
Is there really a secret to reaching the next generation?
Do you need to be “cool” to connect with young people?
What does authentic Christian ministry actually look like?
How do you truly love people in a resistant culture?
Why does holiness matter for long-term impact?
Are we underestimating what young people can handle?
How should we teach truth and doctrine today?
What makes mentoring relationships healthy and safe?
What does it mean to “amaze people with God”?
The Bible Matters Podcast is funded entirely by the generous donations of its listeners. If you would like to become a financial partner with us on this journey, you can give to the project on this link: https://linktr.ee/BibleMatters
To contact us, email office@biblematters.org