A Cup of Friendship Podcast

Join radio host Rhett Palmer and Biblical Historian Michael Bagby as they look at lessons from the Bible, trying to understand them as if they were in the room, on the mountainside, and with Jesus, His Discples, and those later disciples of the First Century.

Understanding the culture & politics of the time help us understand the message, as does the geographical setting and the nuances of the Hebrew and Greek language.

The audio versions of these episodes are available on Spotify under "A Cup of Friendship" podcast.

 

In our very first episode, Rhett and Michael explore how we can unlock the Bible to our modern culture. How do we interpret a 3000 year old document written in three languages on three different contintents?  Join us for our premier discussion.

 

 

What ws the Jesus style of making disciples? How was He effective in launching a movement in an obscure part of the Roman Empire that become the dominate world view only three hundrend years later?  Are their lessons that we can learn from Jesus ministry that apply to our modern culture?

 

 

In one of our first discussions, when we had a 'working title' of "Unlocking the Bible" which later was changed to "A Cup of Friendship' to bettwer reflect our purpose of community, Michael shares a perspective on understanding the Bible as various forms of Literature, in an ancient culture, written in another language. How do we navigate this Most Published Book in Human History?

 

 

God speaks to the personalities in the Bible in a manner that they understood, but which is often confusing to us 21st Century readers. How can we go back in time and understand exactly what God was speaking in their historical and cultural setting? If God spoke to them in a clear way, are you encouraged that He will also speak to you in the way you may receive His message.

 

 

The Bible is a complete unit. You cannot understand the New Testament unless you know what happened in the Old Testament. Join Rhett and Michael as they connect these two divisons of the Bible in an exciting and encouraging manner.

 

 

In a sidebar from a discussion on the completeness of the Bible, Rhett asks Michael to share the extraordinary experience that he had on Maui in 1981 that changed his life. It was a scene right out of the movie "The Exorcist".

 

 

 

 

In this special two-part episode of A Cup of Friendship, Rhett Palmer and Mike Bagby sit down over coffee to unpack one of the most important keys to understanding Scripture: context. From historical background to cultural setting and surrounding verses, they explore how reading the Bible in context can completely transform its meaning and application. Across both parts, Rhett and Mike break down common misunderstandings, offer practical tools for better interpretation, and emphasize why context is essential for discovering the truth of God’s Word. This episode will challenge you to dig deeper, read more carefully, and approach Scripture with greater clarity and confidence.

 

 

The Bible is written in Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic but we read it in English. How does the translation of these ancient words into modern English affect our understanding of the message of the Bible?
Join Rhett and Michael as they take a closer look at the original language to see if there is deeper significance to some familiar passages of Scripture.

 

 

Jesus describes four different types of soil that the seeds of the Word of God fall into. When we meet someone and share God's words for them, it drops along the road, in roacky soil, in thorny soild and in good soil. But does this mean that bad soil cannot become good soil?  Not according to the history of the First Century Church.  How do we help turn bad soil into good soil?

 

 

In this episode of A Cup of Friendship, Rhett Palmer and Mike Bagby explore a question we all face: What do we do when life doesn't go according to our plans? Sometimes what we see as an interruption may actually be an opportunity for God to redirect our steps and accomplish something greater than we imagined. Sitting down over coffee, Rhett and Mike turn to Mark 4:35 and discuss what it means to hear God's Word and respond when He calls us into something unexpected. Through Scripture and conversation, they consider how interruptions can test our faith, sharpen our listening, and reveal God's divine plan for our lives.

 

 

In this episode of A Cup of Friendship, Rhett Palmer and Mike Bagby explore what happens when Jesus sends us out on mission. What do we really need to accomplish the work God has called us to do—and what does Jesus provide along the way? Sitting down over coffee and turning to Scripture, Rhett and Mike discuss how Christ equips, provides for, and prepares His followers for the mission before them. The conversation offers encouragement for anyone who has ever felt unprepared, unequipped, or uncertain about answering God's call. When Jesus sends us, He doesn't leave us to figure it out alone—He gives us what we need to faithfully follow where He leads.

 

 

In this episode of A Cup of Friendship, Rhett Palmer and Mike Bagby sit down over coffee to take a closer look at a fundamental question: What is the objective of the Church? Beyond programs, buildings, and traditions, what did Jesus establish His Church to accomplish? Through Scripture and thoughtful conversation, Rhett and Mike explore the Church's calling to make disciples, proclaim the Gospel, build up believers, and faithfully represent Christ to the world. This engaging discussion challenges listeners to consider whether we truly understand the mission of the Church—and how each of us is called to participate in it.

 

 

Join Rhett Palmer and Mike Bagby as they gather over a cup of coffee to begin an in-depth study of one of the most transformative teachings in all of Scripture—the Sermon on the Mount. In Part 1 of this new series, they explore the setting, purpose, and foundational truths of Jesus' message, revealing how His words continue to shape the lives of believers today. As they examine the biblical context and timeless principles found in Christ's teaching of the Beatitudes, Rhett and Mike discuss what it means to live as citizens of God's Kingdom in a world that often values very different priorities. How do we related to those around us? Jesus says to be 'Salt & Light'. What did his disciples think when he said this?

Whether you're studying these passages for the first time or revisiting them with fresh eyes, this conversation provides practical insights and biblical encouragement to help deepen your walk with Christ.

 

As we continue a study of Jesus' most famous teaching, we come to a very confusing passage on how we should view the Hebrew Scriptures. What does the Greek language say about Jesus 'fulfilling the Law'?. How do we apply the principles in the Hebrew Scriptures to our lives in the 21st century? Join us for this most profound teaching that Jesus gives on the validity and importance of the Old Testament in the lives of the Christ Followers today.

 

 

As we continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus turns to our relationship with our Heavenly Father and how we are to handle anxiety and fear, and what should our attitude be toward our material possessions?  Take a few moments to understand how we are to avoid the current crisis of anxiety and depression. Grab a cup of coffee and join A Cup of Friendship for an engaging conversation about Scripture, discipleship, and what it means to build our lives on the foundation of Jesus’ truth.

 

How does Jesus direct us in dealing with our own personal issues? How do we avoid being critical of others?  Where is our source of wisdom when dealing with personal issues? How do we distinguish true prophets and teachers from those who speak unbiblical principles?What is the criteria for entering Heaven?

Join us as we finish our study on Jesus' most significant teaching- The Sermon on the Mount.

 

 

Jesus told Nicodemus that he must have a 'spiritual birth". What does Jesus mean by this? Does every Christian have to have this experience? 

In this episode of A Cup of Friendship, Rhett Palmer and Mike Bagby explore what it truly means to be “born from above” and transformed through faith in Christ. Sitting down over coffee, they discuss spiritual renewal, salvation, and the life-changing experience of becoming a new creation through God’s grace. With biblical insight and honest conversation, this episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journey and the deeper meaning behind a transformed life.

 

 

Some prominent historians have written that Jesus never claimed to be God, that it was something his disciples invented after he died. What is the Truth? If we were standing with Jesus and heard the word He spoke to the religious authorities, what woudl we think?

In this episode of A Cup of Friendship, Rhett Palmer and Mike Bagby sit down over coffee to explore one of the foundational truths of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ is God. Through Scripture and thoughtful discussion, they examine what the Bible reveals about the identity, nature, and divine authority of Jesus. Rhett and Mike look at the biblical evidence for Christ's deity and why understanding who Jesus truly is matters so deeply to our faith, salvation, and relationship with God. This approachable and Scripture-centered conversation invites listeners to go deeper into God's Word and discover the truth about the One at the heart of the Gospel.

 

 

In this episode of A Cup of Friendship, Rhett Palmer and Mike Bagby sit down over coffee to explore Jesus' answer to one of the most important questions of faith: What are the greatest commandments? Looking at Christ's teaching in Scripture, they examine the call to love God and love our neighbors—and what those commands look like when lived out in everyday life. Through biblical discussion and practical reflection, Rhett and Mike consider how these two commandments provide a foundation for Christian living and discipleship. What does it truly mean to love God, and how should that love shape the way we treat others?

 

 

 

Paul wrote a letter to his friends in Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis where he explains many things that are very relevant to our lifes as Christ Followers in the 21st Century. Michael visited these communities in 2021 and shares his experience and understanding of the very significant letter in the Bible.