Conversations About The Bible | Untwisting Scripture

In this special holiday episode, we dive into the fascinating details and common questions surrounding the birth of Christ. Join us for a fun and engaging "Ask Lisa Anything" format where we explore both the historical facts and popular misconceptions about the Christmas story.

KEY TOPICS COVERED:

- Mary's extraordinary journey and how she might have handled announcing her miraculous pregnancy

- The real story behind Joseph and Mary's trek to Bethlehem (spoiler: that donkey might not be biblical!)

- Debunking myths about the stable and manger scene

- The significance of the shepherds being chosen as the first witnesses

- A detailed look at the Wise Men's journey and timing

- Historical context and geographical insights about Bethlehem

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - 01:28: Festive introduction and episode format explanation (Ask Lisa Anything about the Christmas story)

02:41 - 10:23: Pre-birth discussion and Mary's pregnancy

10:44 - 12:49: Discussion of Christmas timing

13:39 - 17:30: Journey to Bethlehem details

20:02 - 22:37: Birth location discussion

26:02 - 27:26: Significance of shepherds as first witnesses

27:26 - 37:13: The Wise Men narrative

38:18 - 41:34: Closing thoughts and prayer

INTERESTING HIGHLIGHTS:

- The actual distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem (93 miles!)

- Recent archaeological insights about typical dwelling places in ancient Bethlehem

- Why the traditional December 25th date might not be accurate

- The beautiful theological significance behind God choosing shepherds for the announcement

Whether you're a longtime believer or just curious about the historical aspects of the Christmas story, this episode offers fresh insights and thoughtful discussion about one of history's most significant events. We wrap up with a powerful reminder about the true meaning of Christmas and how it should impact our lives today.

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#ChristmasStory #Faith #BiblicalHistory #Christianity #ChristianPodcast #TheologyPodcast #UntwistingScripture #ChristianEducation #BiblicalTruth #FaithJourney

In this episode of Untwisting Scripture, we dive into the story of Exodus and uncover the profound lessons it holds for our faith journey today. From Moses’ call to confront Pharaoh to the iconic parting of the Red Sea, we explore themes of God’s sovereignty, human obedience, and the echoes of salvation found in the ultimate Lamb of God. Join Jan and Lisa as they unpack the tension between Pharaoh’s hardened heart and God’s purposeful plan, bringing biblical insights to life in a relatable and inspiring way.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Welcome and episode introduction: Why Exodus matters.
5:15 – Moses, Pharaoh, and God’s call: A showdown of divine authority.
12:30 – Breaking down the plagues: Purposeful blows to Egypt’s worldview.
21:00 – The Passover: Salvation through the blood of the Lamb.
33:00 – Crossing the Red Sea: Faith in the face of fear.
44:18 – Echoes of Exodus: How this story shapes our understanding of salvation today.

MEMORABLE QUOTES:

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

God of Deliverance by Jen Wilkin - Exodus 1-18

God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin - Exodus 19-40

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In this episode, we step into Exodus Chapter 3 to explore Moses’ extraordinary encounter with God at the burning bush. What can we learn about God’s character, His faithfulness, and the audacious call He places on Moses' life? Join us as we untangle the depth of this pivotal moment in Scripture and discover how it still resonates for believers today.

KEY POINTS:

TIMESTAMPS:

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

If this episode encouraged you, we’d love for you to:

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Welcome back to Untwisting Scripture! In this episode, we're diving into the Book of Exodus to introduce you to Moses, one of the Bible's most fascinating figures. We'll kick things off with the story as it unfolds in Exodus 1, setting the stage for Moses' incredible journey. So grab a cozy spot and join us as we unravel the beginnings of this epic tale.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:

Exodus 1:1-22

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Welcome to Untwisting Scripture! In this episode, Lisa and Jan dive into the fascinating story of Abraham in Genesis 15, unpacking the progression of his faith, the tangible covenant ceremony, and God’s unshakable promises.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE:

- The significance of God’s promise to Abraham and its implications for his offspring.

- How Abraham’s doubts and struggles mirror our own—and what we can learn from his trust in God.

- The meaning behind the ancient covenant ceremony and how it reflects God’s faithfulness.

- Connections between Old Testament covenants and the New Testament gospel message.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. God’s Grace and Faithfulness: Even in moments of doubt, God reaffirmed His commitment to Abraham—a beautiful picture of His patience with us today.

2. Tangible Evidence of Promises: From counting stars to covenant rituals, God gave Abraham real, memorable reassurances of His plan.

3. Faith Over Works: Abraham’s righteousness wasn’t earned; it was credited to him through faith—a timeless truth that continues in Christ.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS:

- Genesis 15:1-6: Abraham’s doubts, God’s assurance, and the promise of countless offspring.

- Genesis 15:9-18: The covenant ceremony—a powerful symbol of God’s binding promise to His people.

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- Facebook: [@lisafariesscheffler](https://www.facebook.com/lisafariesscheffler), [@JanTouchberry](https://www.facebook.com/JanTouchberry)

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Welcome back to Untwisting Scripture, the podcast where we explore the Bible with fresh eyes and untangle its powerful truths. In today’s episode, we delve into Genesis 12 and the fascinating story of Abram—later known as Abraham—exploring themes of faith, fear, and God’s unwavering promises.

WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE:

- Abram’s Call: How God’s command to “go” reflects His desire for obedience and trust.

- Promises of Blessing: The repeated emphasis on blessing and its connection to God's mission to form a family.

- Faith in Action: Abram’s bold steps of faith, and how they inspire us to trust God in the unknown.

- Fear’s Role: A raw look at Abram’s failures, including his deception in Egypt, and what this teaches us about fear's power to undermine faith.

- Altars and Remembrance: The significance of Abram’s altars and how we can create “spiritual markers” in our own lives to honor God’s faithfulness.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Obedience is a Journey: Just as Abram had to trust God without knowing the full plan, we’re reminded to take life one step of faith at a time.

2. Blessed to Be a Blessing: God's blessings are meant to flow through us to others, not stop with us.

3. Faith is Imperfect: Abram’s story shows that even flawed faith can be used by God.

4. Beware of Fear: Fear can drive us to make decisions outside of God's will, but His faithfulness never wavers.

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHT:

Genesis 12:1–3 — "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing."*

LISTENER CHALLENGE:

How can you memorialize God’s faithfulness in your life? Whether it’s through journaling, storytelling, or another creative outlet, take time this week to remember and celebrate His work.

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We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts, and let’s navigate these topics together. Reach out to us on social media or send us an email.

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Have you ever thought you had an absolutely great idea and rallied all your friends - only to find out it was a HORRIBLE idea? Well, that is what we find in our story today. The tower of Babel comes from Genesis 11, and there is much we can learn from their motivation for accomplishment.

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Have you ever noticed there is weird stuff in the bible? On today's episode, Lisa and Jan dive head first into some of the weirdness in Genesis surrounding the supernatural and the darkness that came from their rebellion in Genesis 6.

LINKS WE DISCUSS:

Blurry Creatures Podcast

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We want to hear from you! How do you approach politics as a believer? What challenges have you faced in balancing your faith and political views? Share your thoughts, and let’s navigate these topics together. Reach out to us on social media or send us an email.

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In this episode of Untwisting Scripture, Jan and Lisa take a fresh look at the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4, unpacking the intense sibling rivalry, the consequences of unchecked sin, and the significance of God’s response to Cain’s actions. They explore how this account of jealousy, anger, and ultimately murder reveals deep truths about human nature, accountability, and God’s justice and mercy.

TOP 3 TAKE AWAYS:

- Sibling Rivalry and Worship: Cain and Abel's offerings to God reflect differing levels of faith and commitment, sparking Cain’s jealousy and resentment.

- Consequences of Sin: Cain’s refusal to master his anger leads to the first murder, showing how sin, left unchecked, can escalate quickly.

- God’s Justice and Mercy: Although Cain’s actions have serious consequences, God shows him mercy by protecting him from retribution, even as he is exiled.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

- [00:00] What’s Up: Jan and Lisa jump into Genesis 4, continuing the series on early Biblical events that lay the foundation for human relationships with God.

- [05:45] Cain’s Offering and Ange*: They discuss the significance of Cain’s offering, why it was less favored, and the emotional tension it sparked with Abel.

- [15:30] Sin Crouching at the Door: The conversation shifts to God’s warning to Cain about sin’s power and the responsibility to master it.

- [25:00] First Murder and Its Aftermath: The hosts explore the tragic escalation to violence, Cain’s exile, and God’s protection over him despite his actions.

- [35:00] Takeaways for Today: Wrapping up with practical insights, Jan and Lisa reflect on how unchecked emotions, jealousy, and lack of accountability impact us even now.

TRANSCRIPT:

- Check out the full transcript here: Transcript Link

QUOTABLES:

- "Not exactly your typical sibling rivalry here—'I’m mad, so I’ll kill you' wasn’t quite what we expected!"

- "Cain couldn’t kill God, so he went after God’s favorite."

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

We want to hear from you! How do you approach politics as a believer? What challenges have you faced in balancing your faith and political views? Share your thoughts, and let’s navigate these topics together. Reach out to us on social media or send us an email.

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- Facebook: [@lisafariesscheffler](https://www.facebook.com/lisafariesscheffler), [@JanTouchberry](https://www.facebook.com/JanTouchberry)

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In this episode of Untwisting Scripture, Jan and Lisa break down the consequences of Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden, examining the curses that follow their decision to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. They discuss how this event shaped humanity's struggles with work, childbirth, relationships, and spiritual warfare. The hosts also explore the significance of God’s promise to crush the serpent’s head—pointing forward to Jesus’ ultimate victory.

TAKEAWAYS:

- Rebellion Over "The Fall": Jan and Lisa challenge the common term “fall” and propose that “rebellion” better reflects the intentional decision made by Adam and Eve.

- The Proto-Gospel: They highlight the promise hidden in God’s curse to the serpent, where Jesus is foretold as the one who will crush Satan’s head.

- Consequences of Sin: The episode explains how the curses affect everything from work and childbirth to human relationships, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges we face today.

THE BREAKDOWN:

- [00:00] What’s Up: Jan and Lisa jump right into the heavy topic of humanity's rebellion and why it matters for understanding the Bible’s bigger story.

- [05:15] Cursing the Serpent: They discuss the curse given to the serpent and its implications, including the enmity between Satan and humanity, and how Jesus fulfills this prophecy.

- [10:30] Consequences for Humanity: The hosts explore how the rebellion resulted in difficult childbirth for women, frustration in work for men, and distorted relationships between men and women.

- [20:00] Warped Relationships: They examine how sin led to a power struggle between men and women, distorting the original design for partnership.

- [32:00] Hope in Jesus: The episode wraps up with a reminder of the hope found in Jesus, who restores what was broken in the Garden of Eden.

STUFF WE MENTIONED:

- Genesis 3

- Proto-Gospel (Genesis 3:15)

- Check out the full transcript here: [Transcript Link](https://otter.ai/u/cJ3xxFCE03Z5_FKyo50a-2p0V8k?view=transcript)

QUOTABLES:

- "This wasn’t an ‘Oops, I tripped’ moment—this was full-on rebellion!"

- "Have you ever met a snake and not thought, ‘Yep, cursed creature’?"

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

We want to hear from you! How do you approach politics as a believer? What challenges have you faced in balancing your faith and political views? Share your thoughts, and let’s navigate these topics together. Reach out to us on social media or send us an email.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:

- Instagram: [@lisascheff](https://www.instagram.com/lisascheff), [@JanTouchberry](https://www.instagram.com/JanTouchberry)

- Facebook: [@lisafariesscheffler](https://www.facebook.com/lisafariesscheffler), [@JanTouchberry](https://www.facebook.com/JanTouchberry)

SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW:

Never miss an episode! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Want to receive a text with the link every time we drop a new episode? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click this link to sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠ or text BIBLE to 469-359-3210.

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