What a friend we have in Jesus! Jesus is a friend of sinners, which makes him my best friend! Jesus loves us despite our faults. As a historical person, Jesus walked the streets of Galilee to make connections in the marketplaces, workshops, and fishing boats. In this episode, John and Vinnie talk about the very real relationships Jesus had with coworkers, villagers, and family. But that big question asked in this episode is who was Jesus's best friend, was he even able to have best friends? Listen and find out!

Jonathan graciously agreed to join Vinnie as of Season 2 of Simply Devotion. Jonathan is a full-time follower of Jesus, committed to helping people discover a deep, passionate, and spirited relationship with the Savior. He is currently a Bible teacher at a private school in the Orlando area but has also served as an ordained minister for almost a decade in local churches. Jonathan completed his undergraduate degree at Southern Adventist University and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University. He is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Ministry to Emerging Generations from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jonathan is married to the love of his life, Raisel Martin, and has two elementary-aged children, Railyn and Josiah. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys reading, writing, painting, globetrotting, and instigating arguments on social media. Twitter: pastor_jmartin Tik Tok @DoctorProfessorPJ

About Seasons Two:

While season 1 is still in the archives, for those who want to review it, each season of this podcast is a little bit different than the last. Last season I (Pastor Vinnie) focused on mostly stand-alone topics. I had occasional guests yet, I was the main presenter. This season we are changing things up. Our focus for this full season is the historical Jesus; including his culture, people, political situation, and geographical footprint. I am joined by Jonathan Martin who is my new co-host for the season!

It is all about seeking Jesus on deeper theological levels.

Social Media Connections: Find us @

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blogs | TikTok

Check out my blogs, articles, and spiritual growth material @ www.SimplyVinnie.com

All background music is used with permission from the following sources:

purple-planet.com

soundstripe.com

This week we finish our series on Jerusalem and find its victory! God has a plan for His holy city and we have not seen the end of this amazing city of peace. The Book of Revelation actually has a lot to say about this city's final fate.

Pastor Vinnie is joined by his long-term friend Peter Thomas and his regular co-host Jon on the second part of this great two-part episode exploring the connection between the Historical Jesus and the history of the city called Jerusalem or Salem.

In the New Testament Jesus declares the destruction of Jerusalem but is that really the end? Listen now! And find out why and city of hope, peace, and righteousness is cast down and destroyed. Are there lessons we can learn to prevent this from happening to us?

Complete show notes, including additional materials, will be found @ SimplyVinnie.com/JerusalemGetsVictory

Jonathan graciously agreed to join Vinnie as of Season 2 of Simply Devotion. Jonathan is a full-time follower of Jesus, committed to helping people discover a deep, passionate, and spirited relationship with the Savior. He is currently a Bible teacher at a private school in the Orlando area but has also served as an ordained minister for almost a decade in local churches. Jonathan completed his undergraduate degree at Southern Adventist University and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University. He is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Ministry to Emerging Generations from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jonathan is married to the love of his life, Raisel Martin, and has two elementary-aged children, Railyn and Josiah. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys reading, writing, painting, globetrotting, and instigating arguments on social media. Twitter: pastor_jmartin Tik Tok @DoctorProfessorPJ

About Seasons Two:

While season 1 is still in the archives, for those who want to review it, each season of this podcast is a little bit different than the last. Last season I (Pastor Vinnie) focused on mostly stand-alone topics. I had occasional guests yet, I was the main presenter. This season we are changing things up. Our focus for this full season is the historical Jesus; including his culture, people, political situation, and geographical footprint. I am joined by Jonathan Martin who is my new co-host for the season!

It is all about seeking Jesus on deeper theological levels.

Social Media Connections: Find us @

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blogs | TikTok

Check out my blogs, articles, and spiritual growth material @ www.SimplyVinnie.com

All background music is used with permission from the following sources:

purple-planet.com

soundstripe.com

Pastor Vinnie invites his long-term friend Peter Thomas to join Vinnie and Jon on a two-part episode exploring the connection between the Historical Jesus and the history of the city called Jerusalem or Salem.

In this two-part series, we focus on the ancient historical origins of the city and why it was important to Abraham, David, and Jesus. In part one we explore particularly the ironic nature of its origins as it passes hands from Melchizedek to Abraham and then from David to Jesus. As we watch Jerusalem rise in the Old Testament as the beloved city of Peace and Righteousness it becomes a symbol of hope and communion with Heaven which is what makes it shocking when in the New Testament Jesus declares its destruction! Listen now! And find out why and city of hope, peace, and righteousness is cast down and destroyed. Are there lessons we can learn to prevent this from happening to us?

Complete show notes, including additional materials, will be found @ SimplyVinnie.com/JerusalemRises

Jonathan graciously agreed to join Vinnie as of Season 2 of Simply Devotion. Jonathan is a full-time follower of Jesus, committed to helping people discover a deep, passionate, and spirited relationship with the Savior. He is currently a Bible teacher at a private school in the Orlando area but has also served as an ordained minister for almost a decade in local churches. Jonathan completed his undergraduate degree at Southern Adventist University and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University. He is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Ministry to Emerging Generations from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jonathan is married to the love of his life, Raisel Martin, and has two elementary-aged children, Railyn and Josiah. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys reading, writing, painting, globetrotting, and instigating arguments on social media. Twitter: pastor_jmartin Tik Tok @DoctorProfessorPJ

About Seasons Two:

While season 1 is still in the archives, for those who want to review it, each season of this podcast is a little bit different than the last. Last season I (Pastor Vinnie) focused on mostly stand-alone topics. I had occasional guests yet, I was the main presenter. This season we are changing things up. Our focus for this full season is the historical Jesus; including his culture, people, political situation, and geographical footprint. I am joined by Jonathan Martin who is my new co-host for the season!

It is all about seeking Jesus on deeper theological levels.

Social Media Connections: Find us @

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blogs | TikTok

Check out my blogs, articles, and spiritual growth material @ www.SimplyVinnie.com

All background music is used with permission from the following sources:

purple-planet.com

soundstripe.com

Who is King? The Chief Priest in the time of Jesus famously declared, “We have no king but Caesar.” (John 19:15) Is that true? And is a King a Messiah? Are those words really interchangeable or is the Messiah more than a mere earthly political King?

Jon and Vinnie, explore the shocking vast amount of contenders to the throne in the time of Jesus's kingship. Everyone wanted to be king, and everybody wanted to rule, yet the true King of the Jews came to serve.

Dig in and go super deep with Vinnie and Jon in the episode as they uncover the depths of the history behind that Messiahship of Jesus. They will uncover hyperlinks to what a Messiah is all the way back to the infamous and mysterious Melchizedek, Samuel, David, and more. They will unpack a holistic view of the work, title, and purpose of the Messiah and that examine who is the only one who fulfills that identity.

Join us for this most thrilling episode of Season Two of Simply Devotion as we ask that questions; "Will The Real King Please Stand Up?"

Complete show notes, including additional materials, will be found @ SimplyVinnie.com/TheRealKing

Jonathan graciously agreed to join Vinnie as of Season 2 of Simply Devotion. Jonathan is a full-time follower of Jesus, committed to helping people discover a deep, passionate, and spirited relationship with the Savior. He is currently a Bible teacher at a private school in the Orlando area but has also served as an ordained minister for almost a decade in local churches. Jonathan completed his undergraduate degree at Southern Adventist University and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University. He is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Ministry to Emerging Generations from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jonathan is married to the love of his life, Raisel Martin, and has two elementary-aged children, Railyn and Josiah. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys reading, writing, painting, globetrotting, and instigating arguments on social media. Twitter: pastor_jmartin Tik Tok @DoctorProfessorPJ

About Seasons Two:

While season 1 is still in the archives, for those who want to review it, each season of this podcast is a little be different than the last. Last season I (Pastor Vinnie) focused on mostly stand-alone topics. I had occasional guests yet, I was the main presenter. This season we are changing things up. Our focus for this full season is the historical Jesus; including his culture, people, political situation, and geographical footprint. I am joined by Jonathan Martin who is my new co-host for the season!

It is all about seeking Jesus on deeper theological levels.

Social Media Connections: Find us @

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blogs | TikTok

Check out my blogs, articles, and spiritual growth material @ www.SimplyVinnie.com

All background music is used with permission from the following sources:

purple-planet.com

soundstripe.com

We are back!

After many unexpected life events and a long unexplained hiatus, Jon and Vinnie return with an extra special episode of Simply Devotion!

In this special "Behind The Scenes" episode Jon and Vinnie will give you a deep personal insight into their lives and ministries and explain to you why they have been away so long and what to expect next.

Simply Devotion will continue to move forward and we are super thankful for all our faithful listeners who have reached out to us to ask when the next episode is coming. It is because of you all, it is here!

Let's get caught up!

Full Show Notes @ SimplyVinnie.com

Jonathan graciously agreed to join Vinnie as of Season 2 of Simply Devotion. Jonathan is a full-time follower of Jesus, committed to helping people discover a deep, passionate, and spirited relationship with the Savior. He is currently a Bible teacher at a private school in the Orlando area but has also served as an ordained minister for almost a decade in local churches. Jonathan completed his undergraduate degree at Southern Adventist University and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University. He is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Ministry to Emerging Generations from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jonathan is married to the love of his life, Raisel Martin, and has two elementary-aged children, Railyn and Josiah. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys reading, writing, painting, globetrotting, and instigating arguments on social media. Twitter: pastor_jmartin Tik Tok @DoctorProfessorPJ

About Seasons Two:

While season 1 is still in the archives, for those who want to review it, each season of this podcast is a little be different than the last. Last season I (Pastor Vinnie) focused on mostly stand-alone topics. I had occasional guests yet, I was the main presenter. This season we are changing things up. Our focus for this full season is the historical Jesus; including his culture, people, political situation, and geographical footprint. I am joined by Jonathan Martin who is my new co-host for the season!

It is all about seeking Jesus on deeper theological levels.

Social Media Connections: Find us @

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blogs | TikTok

Check out my blogs, articles, and spiritual growth material @ www.SimplyVinnie.com

All background music is used with permission from the following sources:

purple-planet.com

soundstripe.com

Finishing up the Passion Week of Jesus we divide into the absolute historical certainty of the cross!

Pastor Vinnie and Jon deeply explore both consensuses of modern scholars as well as the political and theological reasons as to why we can be certain that the historical Jesus really died on the cross for us. This is perhaps one of our most in-depth episodes this season so far this season and you will be thrilled with the certainty that Jesus finished the passion week dying for our sins.

Full Show Notes @ WWW.SimplyVinnie.Com/Certainty_Of_The_Cross

Jonathan graciously agreed to join Vinnie as of Season 2 of Simply Devotion. Jonathan is a full-time follower of Jesus, committed to helping people discover a deep, passionate, and spirited relationship with the Savior. He is currently a Bible teacher at a private school in the Orlando area but has also served as an ordained minister for almost a decade in local churches. Jonathan completed his undergraduate degree at Southern Adventist University and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University. He is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Ministry to Emerging Generations from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jonathan is married to the love of his life, Raisel Martin, and has two elementary-aged children, Railyn and Josiah. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys reading, writing, painting, globetrotting, and instigating arguments on social media. Twitter: pastor_jmartin Tik Tok @DoctorProfessorPJ

About Seasons Two:

While season 1 is still in the archives, for those who want to review it, each season of this podcast is a little be different than the last. Last season I (Pastor Vinnie) focused on mostly stand-alone topics. I had occasional guests yet, I was the main presenter. This season we are changing things up. Our focus for this full season is the historical Jesus; including his culture, people, political situation, and geographical footprint. I am joined by Jonathan Martin who is my new co-host for the season!

It is all about seeking Jesus on deeper theological levels.

Social Media Connections: Find us @

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blogs | TikTok

Check out my blogs, articles, and spiritual growth material @ www.SimplyVinnie.com

All background music is used with permission from the following sources:

purple-planet.com

soundstripe.com

Additional featuring music used by permission of Solidrocksda.com and Pastor Vinnie.

(c) 2020 – 2025

Just in time for Easter week we present the passion week of Jesus! Jon and Vinnie get deep into the historical Jesus and his last week before his crucifixion. Jesus in the passion week marched in to Jerusalem with the populace declaring him King, but he refused to be crowned. Learn the lesson of fig tree in the last week of Jesus's life. The fig tree, and the people, and the supper, all declare His truest passion for you!

Full Show Notes @ simplyvinnie.com/Passion

Jonathan graciously agreed to join Vinnie as of Season 2 of Simply Devotion. Jonathan is a full-time follower of Jesus, committed to helping people discover a deep, passionate, and spirited relationship with the Savior. He is currently a Bible teacher at a private school in the Orlando area but has also served as an ordained minister for almost a decade in local churches. Jonathan completed his undergraduate degree at Southern Adventist University and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University. He is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Ministry to Emerging Generations from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jonathan is married to the love of his life, Raisel Martin, and has two elementary-aged children, Railyn and Josiah. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys reading, writing, painting, globetrotting, and instigating arguments on social media. Twitter: pastor_jmartin Tik Tok @DoctorProfessorPJ

About Seasons Two:

While season 1 is still in the archives, for those who want to review it, each season of this podcast is a little be different than the last. Last season I (Pastor Vinnie) focused on mostly stand-alone topics. I had occasional guests yet, I was the main presenter. This season we are changing things up. Our focus for this full season is the historical Jesus; including his culture, people, political situation, and geographical footprint. I am joined by Jonathan Martin who is my new co-host for the season!

It is all about seeking Jesus on deeper theological levels.

Social Media Connections: Find us @

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blogs | TikTok

Check out my blogs, articles, and spiritual growth material @ www.SimplyVinnie.com

All background music is used with permission from the following sources:

purple-planet.com

soundstripe.com

Additional featuring music used by permission of Solidrocksda.com and Pastor Vinnie.

(c) 2020 – 2025

How did Jesus keep spiritual with all the stress and temptations that were placed on him? Jesus remained perfectly balanced in his very own spirituality that nothing nor no one could touch. How did Jesus keep it all together? Were Shema and Shabbat his secret weapons?

What does Shema or Shabbat even mean at the time of Jesus? Why did Jesus do the Shema? Why did Jesus practice Shabbat? What did these practices mean at the time of Jesus and how did they help Jesus stay in tune with His Father in Heaven? In this episode pay attention. and learn how you can be more like Jesus.

Full Show Notes @ simplyvinnie.com/Shema

Jonathan graciously agreed to join Vinnie as of Season 2 of Simply Devotion. Jonathan is a full-time follower of Jesus, committed to helping people discover a deep, passionate, and spirited relationship with the Savior. He is currently a Bible teacher at a private school in the Orlando area but has also served as an ordained minister for almost a decade in local churches. Jonathan completed his undergraduate degree at Southern Adventist University and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University. He is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Ministry to Emerging Generations from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jonathan is married to the love of his life, Raisel Martin, and has two elementary-aged children, Railyn and Josiah. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys reading, writing, painting, globetrotting, and instigating arguments on social media. Twitter: pastor_jmartin Tik Tok @DoctorProfessorPJ

About Seasons Two:

While season 1 is still in the archives, for those who want to review it, each season of this podcast is a little be different than the last. Last season I (Pastor Vinnie) focused on mostly stand-alone topics. I had occasional guests yet, I was the main presenter. This season we are changing things up. Our focus for this full season is the historical Jesus; including his culture, people, political situation, and geographical footprint. I am joined by Jonathan Martin who is my new co-host for the season!

It is all about seeking Jesus on deeper theological levels.

Social Media Connections: Find us @

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Blogs | TikTok

Check out my blogs, articles, and spiritual growth material @ www.SimplyVinnie.com

All background music is used with permission from the following sources:

purple-planet.com

soundstripe.com

Additional featuring music used by permission of Solidrocksda.com and Pastor Vinnie.

(c) 2020 – 2025