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The Bible Project Daily Podcast is an in-depth, daily study of the entire Bible, chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

Episode Notes: The Counterfeit Version of Real Religion. (2 Kings 17: 1-41)

We use the word religion all the time; we say someone is “religious.”

When we talk about “world religions", we usually refer to beliefs, rituals, and practices connected to a deity. Usually, when we use the word, we’re thinking of the major systems of belief: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

But interestingly, the Bible doesn’t use the word religion very often. The word, when translated in this way, appears only three or four times in the New Testament, and when it does appear, it’s used in two very different ways:

Sometimes negatively describes an empty, external ritual. Sometimes, positively, describing what James calls “pure and undefiled religion.” And if Scripture speaks of pure religion, then by implication, there must also be impure religion. Religion that looks spiritual… sounds spiritual… feels spiritual… but is actually defiled.

So, what does impure religion look like and how does it affect us today?

There is a story in the Old Testament that helps answer those questions with remarkable clarity and it’s found in 2 Kings 17, I would say one of the most important chapters in the entire book, and a chapter that helps explain events in the New Testament, especially in the Gospel of John.

So, let’s walk through it together…..

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Check out my other Podcasts.

The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891

The Classic Literature Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:

Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Send us Fan Mail

The Bible Project Daily Podcast is an in-depth, daily study of the entire Bible, chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

Episode Notes: The Depths to Which Some People Can Fall. (2 Kings 17: 1-20)

Now and then, we hear stories of people who have committed truly shocking sins, the kind that make you pause and ask: “How low can a person go?”

When we ask it honestly, Scripture gives us insight, not just into the human heart, but into the grace of God, the consequences of sin, and the dangers of drifting.

And today, as we continue our journey through the book of 2 Kings, we come to a king who sinks lower than any king before him. His story is disturbing. It’s dark. It’s tragic…. But it’s also instructive.

So, here’s what we’re going to do today.

First, we’ll walk through 2 Kings 16 and see just how far this king fell.

Then, we’ll step into the New Testament and ask what this means for us today.

Two passages, but one very important lesson.

Let’s begin….

Support the show

Follow and support me on Patreon.

Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon

To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:

Jeremy McCandless | Substack

Check out my other Podcasts.

The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891

The Classic Literature Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:

Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Send us Fan Mail

The Bible Project Daily Podcast is an in-depth, daily study of the entire Bible, chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

Episode Notes: When Tradition Helps… and When It Hurts. (2 Kings 15: 1-38)

We all have traditions.

Some are personal.

You celebrate birthdays. You mark wedding anniversaries. You gather the family, blow out candles, cut the cake, and take the photos.... And that’s a good thing.

We pause, reflect, and give thanks.

Traditions can be beautiful.

They can create belonging and reinforce values.

They give us memories that warm the heart.

But — and here’s the tension —

Traditions can also lose their meaning.

Because the bottom line — the three‑word application at the end of this episode — is something every believer can agree on.

Support the show

Follow and support me on Patreon.

Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon

To receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:

Jeremy McCandless | Substack

Check out my other Podcasts.

The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).

https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com

The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891

The Classic Literature Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:

Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update