Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro

Ryan Sarver
  • 4.9 (19)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

A podcast about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith. Hosted by Ryan Sarver and Brian Johnson..

  1. 1D AGO

    The Book of Enoch

    Overview: In this episode of Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro, the hosts dive into the intriguing world of First Enoch, a pseudepigraphical text that has captured the curiosity of many within and beyond Christian circles. Ryan and Brian discuss its origins, content, and significance while addressing common questions about its relationship to the biblical canon and its historical context. This episode offers a fresh perspective, including Brian’s first-time reading impressions, and aims to clarify what First Enoch is—and what it isn’t. What is First Enoch? Defined as a pseudepigraphical book, meaning it’s falsely attributed to Enoch, a descendant of Adam and father of Methuselah, who didn’t actually write it.Likely composed between the 3rd century BC and post-New Testament times, with parts dated to the intertestamental period.Fits the genre of apocalyptic literature, characterized by divine guides and supernatural narratives (e.g., similar to Revelation and Daniel).Genesis 5:24 highlights Enoch’s unique story: “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away,” sparking fascination as one of two Old Testament figures (alongside Elijah) not said to have died. Structure of First Enoch Comprises 108 chapters divided into five sections: Book of Watchers (Ch. 1-36): Focuses on fallen angels (sons of God) intermarrying with human women, producing the Nephilim (giants), and introducing evil via figures like Azazel.Similitudes of Enoch (Ch. 37-71): Explores angelology, the “Son of Man,” and divine judgment, with debated dating relative to the New Testament.Astronomical Book (Ch. 72-82): Details a solar calendar (364 days), contrasting with the Jewish lunar calendar, found in the Dead Sea Scrolls.Book of Dream Visions (Ch. 83-90): Recasts Israel’s history through animal allegory (e.g., sheep as the righteous, boars as adversaries), ending with the Maccabean period.Epistle of Enoch (Ch. 91-108): Offers exhortations, an “Apocalypse of Weeks,” and additional Noah-related content. Why the Interest in First Enoch? Answers curious questions left open by canonical Scripture, such as the identity of the Nephilim (Genesis 6) and the origins of evil.Referenced in Jude 14-15 (quoting 1 Enoch 1:9), and possibly alluded to in 1 Peter 3:19-20 and 2 Peter 2:4-5, raising questions about its early Christian reception.Included in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s canon (81 books total), with the only complete manuscript preserved in an Ethiopian language.Parallels in other texts like the Book of Jubilees and the Mormon Book of Moses fuel further intrigue. First Impressions and Observations Brian shares his initial reaction: First Enoch feels “wild” and disjointed compared to Scripture, lacking the Bible’s narrative continuity and spiritual coherence.Ryan notes its appeal lies in sensationalism (e.g., YouTube videos about hidden knowledge), but it lacks the authoritative character of canonical texts. Key Passages Explored 1 Enoch 20: Lists seven archangels (Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Sariel, Gabriel, Remiel), expanding biblical angelology beyond Michael and Gabriel.1 Enoch 13:1-2: Enoch condemns Azazel for teaching humanity unrighteousness, casting him as a source of evil.1 Enoch 89:72+: Animal allegory depicts the rebuilding of Zerubbabel’s temple, critiquing its inadequacy.1 Enoch 40: Four archangels praise God, reminiscent of...

    56 min

  2. MAR 18

    The Heart of Worship

    Welcome back to Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro! In this episode, hosts Ryan and Brian explore what worship really means. Inspired by the late '90s Christian song "The Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman, they discuss how worship is less about getting the form right—hymns, modern songs, or rituals—and more about the heart behind it. They start with a throwback to the "Worship Wars" of the '90s and a funny story from Ryan’s early days as a worship leader (spoiler: someone wasn’t thrilled about a missing hymn!). Then they dive into Scripture, beginning with Zechariah 7, where God questions the motives behind fasting, and moving through 1 Samuel, Isaiah, Micah, the Psalms, and Jesus’ run-ins with the Pharisees in the Gospels. The main point? God values a heart focused on justice, mercy, and humility over perfect religious routines. From Saul’s half-hearted obedience to the Pharisees’ rule obsession to modern debates over worship styles, it’s clear: worship should change us, not just be a task to complete. Ryan and Brian share personal takes too—covering Lent, the Lord’s Supper, and even Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (no judgment on your snacks). They wrestle with balancing form and heart, asking: How do we keep worship meaningful without fixating on the "how-to"? Highlights: Why God asked, “Why are you fasting—or feasting?” in Zechariah Samuel’s blunt words to Saul: “Obedience beats sacrifice” Isaiah’s call-out: “Your sacrifices? Meaningless without justice.” Jesus shutting down the Pharisees with “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” Practical ideas on shaking up routines to refocus on God Join Us: If this episode hits home (or makes you rethink your playlist), share it with a friend! Reach out at thebiblebeeshare.com, follow us on Instagram or Facebook, or rate us on Apple Podcasts. We’ll be back next Tuesday—unless we mix it up to keep you guessing. Resources: Find recommended books at thebiblebistro.com See you at the Bistro!

    1 hr
  3. The Good Shepherd: Unpacking John 10 Through an Old Testament Lens

    MAR 11

    The Good Shepherd: Unpacking John 10 Through an Old Testament Lens

    Welcome back to Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro! In this episode, your hosts Ryan and Brian dig into the rich imagery of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John 10, but with a twist—they take a long, meandering path through the Old Testament to uncover the deeper context. From Genesis to the prophets, the shepherd motif isn’t just about care and comfort (think Psalm 23); it’s a complex tapestry of God’s faithfulness, human failure, and ultimate redemption. Here’s what’s on the menu this week: Shepherds in the Bible: Ryan and Brian explore how shepherds pop up everywhere in Scripture—literally with Abel, Abraham, and Jacob tending flocks, and figuratively with leaders like Moses, David, and even God Himself (Genesis 49, Numbers 27). Sheep Without a Shepherd: A recurring Old Testament theme (1 Kings 22, Ezekiel 34, Zechariah 10) reveals the chaos of God’s people under flawed human rulers—greedy, violent, and scattering the flock. Sound familiar? Jesus picks up this thread in Matthew 9 and John 10. God as the True Shepherd: Passages like Isaiah 40 and Jeremiah 23 show God stepping in where human shepherds fail, promising to gather His scattered sheep Himself. Spoiler: Jesus fulfills this in a big way. John 10 Unpacked: Jesus declares, “I am the Good Shepherd,” contrasting Himself with the “thieves and robbers” (greedy, violent leaders) who came before. Set against the backdrop of Hanukkah—the Feast of Dedication—this claim hits different, challenging even the heroic Maccabean legacy. Practical Bible Study Tips: Learn how to dig into Old Testament backgrounds to enrich your understanding of the New Testament. (Shoutout to Logos Bible Software for making it easier!) Ryan and Brian also share a hilarious real-life shepherd encounter from the Jesus Trail and reflect on how Jesus’ voice still calls us today—unlike the noisy distractions of false shepherds. Plus, a nod to 1 Peter 5, where church leaders are urged to shepherd God’s flock with care, not greed. Grab a coffee and join us at the Bistro as we connect the dots from ancient pastures to the eternal Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Resources Mentioned: Check out Kenneth Bailey’s books, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes and his work on shepherds, linked at thebiblebistro.com. Visit our website for show notes, past episodes, and book recommendations—your purchases through our links help keep the Bistro brewing! Connect With Us: YouTube: Ryan and Brian’s Bible Bistro Facebook: The Bible Bistro Website: thebiblebistro.com If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and tune in next Tuesday for more tasty theological bites. Thanks for stopping by the Bistro!

    1h 4m
  4. Faith Over Sight: Spiritual Blindness and John 9

    MAR 4

    Faith Over Sight: Spiritual Blindness and John 9

    Show Notes: Faith Over Sight: Unpacking Scripture at the Bible Bistro Episode: Walking by Faith, Not by Sight Hosts: Ryan and Brian Date: March 03, 2025 Website: thebiblebistro.com Welcome back to Ryan and Brian’s Bible Bistro! In this episode, your hosts Ryan and Brian serve up a hearty discussion on what it means to "walk by faith, not by sight." With their signature bistro charm—real, unpolished, and full of heart—they dig into scripture, explore narrative storytelling in the Bible, and connect it all to our lives today. From the healing of the blind man in John 9 to Elisha’s angel armies in 2 Kings, this episode is all about seeing the unseen. Grab a seat and let’s unpack it! Opening Banter: The Bistro Charm Ryan and Brian kick things off with their usual laid-back vibe—no bloopers reel needed, just authentic charm. They tease the topic: Bible theology and all things Christian faith, with a focus on "walking by faith, not by sight." Main Discussion: Walking by Faith, Not by Sight Scripture Starter: 2 Corinthians 5:6-7 Text: "Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight." Ryan’s Take: Living 2,000 years after Christ, faith means trusting the Bible’s truth without seeing Jesus firsthand—like leaning on the book in front of us. Brian’s Insight: Paul’s talking about trusting God for our eternal state, even when we can’t see it. It’s a funny spot to be in—betting our eternity on someone we’ve never met face-to-face! Deep Dive: John 9 – The Blind Man’s Story Text: John 9:1-38 (Healing of the man born blind). Key Moments: Verses 1-2: Jesus sees a man blind from birth; the disciples ask, “Who sinned—him or his parents?” (Reflecting the 1st-century Jewish view tying blindness to sin.) Verses 3-5: Jesus flips the script: “Neither… but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” He’s the light of the world! Verses 6-7: Jesus spits, makes mud, sends the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam (“Sent”)—and he comes back seeing. Verses 13-15: Plot twist—it’s the Sabbath! The Pharisees grill the man: “How’d this happen?” Verses 24-34: The man sticks to his story—“He put mud on my eyes, I washed, now I see”—even as the Pharisees excommunicate him. Verses 35-38: Jesus finds him, reveals Himself as the Son of Man, and the man worships Him.Brian’s Narrative Lens: Why tell it this way? John withholds the Sabbath detail to pull us in—miracle vs. lawbreaker tension! The man’s consistent testimony, despite never seeing Jesus till the end, mirrors our faith today. Ryan’s Thoughts: The Pharisees can’t accept any explanation—sin or no sin, they’re stuck. The man’s boldness stands out. Big Idea: This story’s about seeing with faith—Jesus as the light, and us as witnesses, boldly sharing what He’s done, even without seeing Him ourselves. Connecting the Dots: More Scripture on Faith and Sight 1 Peter 1:7-9 Text: “Though you have not seen him, you love him… you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” Takeaway: Peter nails it—we love...

    48 min
  5. The Intermediate State: What Happens After We Die?

    FEB 25

    The Intermediate State: What Happens After We Die?

    Brian and Ryan have a conversation about a question many people wrestle with: what happens after we die? They acknowledge that it’s a heavy topic, especially for those grieving loved ones, and discuss common ideas about the afterlife—like the belief that the dead watch over us or reunite with family in another realm. While these ideas can be comforting, they question whether they align with what the Bible actually says. Looking at scripture, they point out that the New Testament often describes death as “sleep,” suggesting a temporary state rather than a permanent end. They highlight the emphasis on resurrection, explaining that, for believers, death isn’t the final stop but a step toward being raised and glorified in God’s presence. LinksSupport Ryan and Brian’s Bible Bistro Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebiblebistro Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiblebistro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiblebistro/ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3H7qRmg Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3I7Gw6A Website: https://www.thebiblebistro.com Ryan and Brian’s Bible Bistro is a podcast all about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith.

    55 min
  6. Exploring John 15: The True Vine and Its Significance

    FEB 18

    Exploring John 15: The True Vine and Its Significance

    The discourse provided within this podcast episode delves profoundly into the theological implications of John 15, where Jesus proclaims, "I am the true vine." This segment is meticulously crafted to elucidate the significance of Jesus' metaphorical representation as the vine, asserting the necessity of remaining connected to Him for the bearing of fruit. The speakers, Ryan and Brian, engage in a thoughtful dialogue that juxtaposes Jesus' assertion with Old Testament references, particularly emphasizing Israel's historical role as God's vineyard. This discussion reveals that while Israel was intended to produce good fruit, it ultimately yielded bad fruit, thereby establishing a contrast with Jesus, who embodies the fulfillment of that divine purpose. Hence, the episode articulates that Jesus not only assumes the role of the true vine but also invites His disciples to partake in a fruitful relationship characterized by obedience and love. The exploration of the terms "remain" and "abide" underscores an imperative for active engagement in the relationship with Christ, moving beyond mere passive existence to one of vibrant participation in His mission. Takeaways: The podcast presents an in-depth discussion on John 15, emphasizing the metaphor of Jesus as the true vine. Listeners are encouraged to understand the significance of remaining in Jesus to bear good fruit as disciples. The relationship between obedience to Jesus' commands and remaining in His love is a critical theme explored in this episode. The concept of friendship with Jesus is examined, highlighting the responsibilities and benefits associated with such a relationship. The podcast draws parallels between the farewell discourses of Jesus and Moses, emphasizing the importance of choosing life and obedience. Listeners are reminded that true discipleship involves actively making other disciples, reflecting the love and teachings of Jesus.

    57 min
  7. Rivers of Living Water: Zechariah 14

    FEB 11

    Rivers of Living Water: Zechariah 14

    As we navigate through the theological implications of Zechariah's prophecies, we focus on the eschatological significance of the events foretold in Chapter 14. The narrative culminates in a vivid depiction of the future, where God's justice prevails, and the faithful are rewarded. The Feast of Tabernacles emerges as a critical focal point, embodying themes of gratitude and remembrance of God's providence. Takeaways: This episode delves into the profound theological significance of the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing its role in Israel's history and its implications for understanding God's provision. The discussion draws connections between Zechariah and the New Testament, particularly highlighting the relevance of living water in the context of Jesus' ministry. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate the complexities of biblical texts, as the conversation illustrates the importance of historical context and literary structure in interpretation. The hosts emphasize the necessity of diligent study and familiarity with scripture, advocating for both breadth and depth in biblical reading practices to uncover deeper meanings. The conversation reveals how communal worship during significant feasts reflects a collective memory of God's fidelity and provision throughout Israel's history. Finally, the episode serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of scripture, inviting listeners to explore how various biblical narratives inform one another. Chapters: 00:11 - Introduction to Bible Bistro03:11 - Discussion on Zechariah's Messianic Imagery09:57 - Understanding the Feast of Tabernacles10:52 - Understanding the Feast of Tabernacles20:24 - The Flow of Living Water28:26 - Understanding Scripture: The Importance of Context and Connections32:32 - The Importance of Studying Scripture35:15 - Understanding the Importance of the Feast of Tabernacles42:45 - Transition to the Festival of Tabernacles46:11 - The Festival of Tabernacles: A Libation Ceremony51:43 - Introduction to the Water Libation Ceremony58:01 - Living Water and the Bread of Life

    1h 1m
  8. WHAT Happens on THAT DAY According to Zechariah 14? Part 1

    FEB 4

    WHAT Happens on THAT DAY According to Zechariah 14? Part 1

    The primary theme of this discourse revolves around the prophetic nuances encapsulated within Zechariah 14, specifically addressing the dichotomy between judgment and redemption. We delve into the apocalyptic imagery employed within the text, discerning its implications for both historical and eschatological contexts. Throughout our exploration, we scrutinize the complexities of interpreting the "day of the Lord," a concept laden with both immediate and future significance as it pertains to the people of Jerusalem and the broader Christian narrative. The dialogue further elucidates the transformative power of divine intervention, as exemplified by the anticipated reversal of fortunes for God's people amidst adversity. As we traverse these intricate theological landscapes, we invite our listeners to reflect upon the profound implications of these prophetic declarations for contemporary faith and practice. Takeaways: The podcast delves into the intricate themes presented in the book of Zechariah, focusing on prophetic imagery and its implications for understanding the Christian faith. A significant discussion revolves around the concept of the 'Day of the Lord,' emphasizing its multifaceted nature and historical interpretations throughout scripture. Listeners are encouraged to consider the apocalyptic literature's role in providing hope and assurance that God remains sovereign amidst turmoil and crisis. The dialogue explores the implications of living water flowing from Jerusalem, symbolizing divine restoration and abundance in the Messianic age, and invites listeners to reflect on its relevance today. Chapters: 00:11 - Introduction to Bible Bistro01:51 - Introduction to Zechariah 1406:01 - Understanding the Day of the Lord11:15 - The Day of the Lord: Judgment and Reversal20:56 - Divine Intervention in Battle29:26 - The Mount of Olives and Its Significance31:30 - The Olivet Discourse and the Siege of Jerusalem44:06 - The Concept of Living Water in Prophecy44:28 - The Concept of Living Water in Biblical Texts54:08 - The Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles54:40 - Exploring the Feast of Tabernacles

    59 min
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A podcast about the Bible, theology, and all things related to the Christian faith. Hosted by Ryan Sarver and Brian Johnson..

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