LIVING FAITH BIBLE INSTITUTE

Did the Gospel of Mark originally end at Mark 16:8 or does Mark 16:9–20 belong in Scripture? For nearly two centuries, modern textual critics have questioned the authenticity of the final twelve verses of Mark, leading many modern Bible translations to bracket the passage or include editorial notes suggesting it may not have been part of the original text. 

In this episode, Brandon Briscoe is joined by Dr. Jim Alter, pastor of Grace Baptist Church and founder of Purified Seven Times, to examine one of the most debated passages in the New Testament.

Rather than focusing solely on competing manuscripts, this episode explores what is ultimately at stake in the debate over Mark 16:9–20. Brandon Briscoe and Dr. Jim Alter discuss how the doctrine of preservation shapes a believer's approach to Scripture, examine the historical testimony of the Church Fathers, and evaluate the claims surrounding Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus. They also consider the doctrinal significance of the longer ending of Mark—including Christ's post-resurrection appearances, the Great Commission, the apostolic sign gifts, the Ascension, and the confidence Christians can have that God has faithfully preserved His Word. 

Whether you're interested in biblical preservation, textual criticism, church history, or the reliability of Scripture, this conversation offers a detailed look at one of Christianity's most significant textual debates.

If you enjoyed this discussion, please like the video, subscribe, and share it with others interested in the history and preservation of God's Word.

And don't forget to catch this week's episode of SoundMind! 

What do you do when the fog lifts, God feels near, and life finally feels clear again? In this reflective episode, Jonathan Kindler continues The Places We Find Ourselves series by exploring the mountain — those moments where clarity feels like mercy, truth feels obvious, and obedience feels possible again. Through Matthew 17:1–8 and Psalm 121, this episode looks at the gift of mountaintop moments and the danger of trying to build your life around keeping the feeling.

Conflict is everywhere. Nations wage war against nations. Churches divide, families fracture, friendships dissolve, and even within the human heart there is pride, fear, and bitterness. Scripture reveals that conflict is not merely psychological or circumstantial—it is spiritual. 

From Satan's rebellion in heaven to the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden, the story of humanity has been marked by disunity and broken fellowship. Yet in the midst of that reality, God reveals Himself as the Great Peacemaker in the short but powerful epistle to Philemon. Through this personal letter, the Apostle Paul provides a living picture of Gospel-centered reconciliation.

In this episode of The PostScript, Brandon Briscoe welcomes Pastor John Wright, author of Peacekeepers: Conflict Management and the Epistle to Philemon, for a discussion on the spiritual roots of conflict and the biblical path toward reconciliation. Together, they examine how Paul's mediation between Philemon and Onesimus demonstrates God's heart for restoration, forgiveness, and unity among believers.

And don't forget to catch this week's episode of SoundMind!

What happens when something artificial starts feeling safer than actual relationship? In this episode, Jonathan Kindler thinks through the rising world of AI companions and what it reveals about loneliness, comfort, and the deep human desire to be known. Beginning with the movie Her, this episode explores why artificial companionship can feel so compelling, especially in a world where real relationships are costly, inconvenient, and vulnerable.

When Christians think of missionary history, the names most often remembered are the bold pioneers, famous martyrs, and larger-than-life evangelists. Yet, some of Christ's most influential servants lived lives marked not by public acclaim but by quiet, steadfast faithfulness. 

In this episode, we continue our Unknown Missionary series by exploring the life and ministry of Wesley Duewel—missionary to India, missions leader, author, and passionate advocate for prayer. Though his name may not be widely recognized today, his influence has reached across generations and around the world through his teaching, leadership, and deep conviction that the true power behind missions is dependence upon God.

Joining us is James Fyffe as we discuss Duewel's remarkable century-long ministry and the enduring lessons his life offers to ordinary believers who simply desire to obey Christ faithfully.

Whether you are involved in missions, ministry leadership, or personal discipleship, this conversation will encourage you to pursue a life of faithful service and prayerful dependence upon the Lord.

And don't forget to catch this week's episode of SoundMind!

 

 

What do you do when growth feels painfully slow? In this reflective episode, Jonathan Kindler continues The Places We Find Ourselves series by exploring the garden—those seasons where God is working, but the fruit is not obvious yet. Through John 15:1–8 and Psalm 1:1–3, this episode looks at what it means to abide in Christ, stay planted in the Word, and trust the Father’s careful cultivation when change feels hidden, unfinished, or slower than expected.

Few responsibilities shape the next generation more profoundly than parenting, yet few areas of life are more vulnerable to subtle compromise, misplaced priorities, and spiritual drift. Many parents genuinely love their children, provide for their needs, protect them, and give them every opportunity to succeed, yet still unknowingly cultivate homes where Christ is not central, discipleship is neglected, biblical discipline is inconsistent, and a passion for the Lord slowly fades. 

In this episode, we examine the hidden patterns that can poison a home over time—not only through overt abuse or hostility, but through distraction, passivity, emotional disengagement, worldly influences, and a lack of intentional spiritual leadership. We discuss the tremendous impact of parental example, the biblical purpose of discipline, the God-given mission of the Christian family, and how parents can cultivate a home where truth, grace, conviction, and authentic faith thrive together.

Whether you are raising young children, shepherding teenagers, preparing for parenthood, or reflecting on your own upbringing, this conversation offers a sobering yet practical challenge to evaluate the spiritual culture of your home and embrace God's design for biblical parenting.

Today, we are joined by Pastor Justin Trotter of Callie Harbin Baptist Church and a recent guest host on PS+, where he has been exploring the dangers of "Poisonous Parenting" and calling believers back to a Christ-centered vision for the home.

And don't forget to catch this week's episode of SoundMind!

 

What do you believe God is doing when nothing appears to be moving? In this reflective episode, Jonathan Kindler explores the quiet ache of waiting through the lens of Psalm 40 and Lamentations 3. The waiting room is not always dramatic. Sometimes it is just slow. The answer has not come. The door has not opened. The grief has not lifted. And the longer we wait, the more our hearts start interpreting the silence.

There is a theological thread woven throughout Scripture that many Christians have never fully traced—a theme that stretches from Eden to eternity, from the wilderness tabernacle to the New Jerusalem. It is the story of God dwelling with humanity. 

In this episode, we explore the "Seven Temples" of the Bible and uncover how each temple reveals something profound about God's character, humanity's rebellion, Christ's redemptive work, and the ultimate purpose of history itself. From the Ark of the Covenant and the glory of Solomon's Temple to the New Testament believer and the future temple yet to come, this conversation brings together prophecy, theology, typology, and the gospel into one sweeping biblical narrative. If you enjoy seeing how the whole Bible connects, this episode will be deeply rewarding.

To discuss today's topic, we are joined by Sam Miles, President of the Living Faith Bible Institute and a Biblical Studies instructor at LFBI.

And don't forget to catch this week's episode of SoundMind!

What happens when Jonathan tries to take a break… and somehow still records an episode? In this lighter episode, Jonathan celebrates 52 straight weeks of Sound Mind by turning episode 53 into an automated help desk. Instead of a normal deep dive, this “day off secret show” gives listeners a quick guide for how to use the first year of episodes, where to start if they’re new, how to search by topic at lfbi.org/soundmind, and how to share episodes with people who might need them.