Biblical Conversations

Andrew and I discussed the three-sided triangulation between God (the Covenant Maker), Israel (the Covenant people) and the Land of Israel (the covenant blessed).

“the economic sphere is like a thermometer that reveals both the temperature of the theological relationship between God and Israel (angle A), and also the extent to which Israel was conforming to the social shape required of them in consistency with their status as God’s redeemed people (angle B).”

Does God promise blessings for the faithful? Does daily life bear this out? We see the primary position in the OT that God blesses the faithful. But the NT seems to change positions and claim that there is no guarantee of this. We look at Rom 8: 35-end, Luke 13:1-5, John 9:1-5 and Matt. 5:43-48. Study Guide: 1) How does loving your enemies make you “children of your father in heaven?” (Matt 5:45). How does the “rain on the just and unjust” explain the nature of God? 2) Explain how the two tragedies in Luke 13 display both moral and natural evils. Does Jesus equally reject both as indications of divine wrath? 3) What is the meaning of Jesus’ words in John 9:3, “but that the works of God might be revealed in him.” 4) Explain how Paul’s claim in Rom 8 that nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ Jesus our Lord relates to the issue of Godliness and the good life. How is Paul answering the question, “Does God promise blessings for the godly? Do my sufferings prove that I’m ungodly?”

Here we discuss the books of Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes on the question - does God secure the good life for those who live in accordance with God’s wisdom? Each book has a very unique perspective. Study Questions: 1) Read Job 38:1-11 Who is “darkening my counsel with words without knowledge?” (See v. 2) 2) How does mystery in Job provide a real answer for him? 3) Read Job 42:1-6. Describe how Job feels at the end of this whole process he’s gone through. 4) Flip through Ecclesiastes and name all the things the author (Qohelet) says are pointless. 5) In 1:2, Qohelet says “Vanity of Vanities, all is vanity.” Why does he say it this way? Put this message into your own words. 6) Describe the role played by Wisdom in creation as described in Prov 8:22-31.

Brandon Vetter and I here discuss biblical wisdom literature. How can we make this stuff applicable for today?

In this episode, we will consider the tensions in scripture on the topic, “Does God bless and prosper those who keep God’s laws?” Some places say yes (Lev 26, Deut 28), some aren’t sure (Ps 44) and others no (Ecclesiastes, Job). Study Questions: 1) Is there a distinction to be made between God’s promised blessings to individuals and/or to groups? Perhaps God will bless nations and/or larger groups for their godliness? 2) Read Lev 26. Write down every blessing promised and count them up. 3) Read Ps 44 carefully. Starting in vs. 9, what has happened to make him believe God has rejected them? Why does he claim that this suffering is undeserved? 4) In Habakkuk, what is his original complaint? (1:2-4). 5) What does Habakkuk think about God’s answers to his questions? (1:2-11 and 3:16 to end).

Jeff and I had a wonderful conversation about God’s knowledge of the future, human free will and the A and B theories of time.

Rebecca and I discuss the podcasts on “Does God change God’s mind?” looking for pastoral perspective and insight.

The second half of the episode exploring the differing opinions in scripture on whether God changes God’s mind? Either a contradiction is in view or this could be a paradox.

This episode-first of several-examines the biblical texts for and against the idea that God can, like humans, change God’s own mind.

In this episode, Karl and I reflect on the biblical shifts of perspective on the notion of intergenerational punishment and pastoral implications.