Faith in Real Life: Bible, Questions & Stories
Season 1
by Floyd Schneider
I began posting these "podcasts" as videos on Youtube and our website: www.thebiblecompass.com. That's why, in the first few episodes, I refer to watching the video. I'm switching to just audio. Questions — The Jesus Way of Learning When you read a passage of Scripture or listen to a story, ask six key questions. They fall into two simple categories: 1. Who, What, Where, When — These nail down the context. 2. How and Why — These uncover the deeper reasons and meaning. In the Gospels, Jesus was asked roughly 180–183 questions, yet He only gave direct answers to a small handful (commonly counted as just 3). In the Gospel of Mark especially, Jesus Himself asked around 30–40 questions (some counts are higher depending on how you classify them). Far from rushing to give simple answers, He used questions to draw people into real conversation and honest thinking. Jesus rarely responded to questions with straightforward explanations. Instead, He often replied with another question, a parable, a challenge directed back at the asker, or by pointing people to Scripture and action. Why did He do this? Because Jesus had no interest in spoon-feeding easy, second-hand answers. God created us in His image — with minds, free will, and the ability to think. He wants us to use them. Real faith isn’t blind belief; it’s thoughtful trust built on evidence. Jesus’ questions really boil down to two things: 1. Do you actually want the truth — about God, yourself, your past, present, and future? 2. How much are you willing to risk to receive it? In these podcasts, I’ll probably say more than Jesus would have — but my goal is to restrain my own opinions and help you wrestle with the text yourself. I want to equip you to study the Bible with confidence, so you can discover what it really says.
Open your Bible and read John 1:6-13.