IMPORTANT
People reject Christ due to this topic alone. Bible redaction is a currently hot topic and a difficult one in many circles of theology, particularly higher criticism (those who reject inspiration of Scripture). Before I lose you on this wording, note that as Christians, this topic has implications in both Bible study AND apologetics. If you are new to this topic,  please allow this episode to be a kind of introduction, and please email us or follow links below if you need more information.

Join us in this episode with our special guest Caleb Alons as we discuss a unique and difficult topic in Bible study of our time, redaction criticism.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Caleb is currently a student at Oral Roberts University pursuing degrees in both the mathematics and Biblical Literature! A dear brother in Christ, fellow worship leader and growing theologian, I consider it a privilege to have him discuss Bible redaction with me in this episode.

If you have any questions on this episode, please email us at [email protected]. 

RESOURCES

Follow us on Instagram and on your favorite streaming platform! Links in bio. God bless! #podcast #Christian #christianpodcast #theology #biblestudy #jesus #god #exegesis #faith #grace #godsword #holyspirit #church 

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Key #2

2 Ways We Get the Word Wrong, 1 Simple Way to Get It Right

We want to know what the passage is saying, so lets talk about how to know that passages do and don't say.

Story time! My fail when I started pursuing my wife.

THE GOAL:
We don't reading the Word is not to know what's next in life, for some secret insight into a passage that only you know, or even to get a word for someone else. The primary goal of reading the Word is to KNOW Christ and by KNOWING Him, to be transformed to look more LIKE Him. To put it plainly. Reading and studying the Bible is not some ethereal experience. Our experience reading and studying the Bible, truly, is that in doing so we know what God is like, we know His love for us IN CHRIST, and that we love Him and obey Him. This is the goal of the Word, that we know  and love God and keep His commandments. Nothing more is needed, nothing less is given.  

We covered this in the last episode, but lets cover some common misconceptions.

Common misconceptions

1. The Spirit interprets the Word for us outside of studying. This is isolation, not good. -The Spirit leads us to interpret the Word as the context allows. 
2. I feel like it says this. Like I REALLY feel it! This is how the Mormons work…
3. The Spirit led me to interpret it this way. We can be led by a lot of things, but we need discernment to make this call.
4. God told me it says this. God doesn’t need to tell you what the Word says, He wants you to READ what He says  . This is plainly just overspiritualizing Bible study.

God has no necessity, no requirement on His end to speak outside of Scripture.

We get this from Paul., “do not go beyond what is written”.

Again this doesn’t mean God can’t speak outside of Scripture, but that is not something we should seek. In fact, I would argue we should avoid seeking that, His Word is sufficient.

Going From Narcigesis to exegesis

narcigesis: define

So, narcigesis is “the explanation of the Bible in a way that shows excessive interest in oneself and prioritizes one’s own ideas.”

exegesis: Define

exposition or explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis

Example:

David and Goliath and Popular Preachers

There's no problem with relating to the text in our own circumstances, but that doesn't determine what the text MEANS. 

How DO we know the Spirit is giving us insight?

1. Consistent with context and the whole counsel of the Word.
2. Glorifies Christ
3. Focuses on sanctification, not advanced revelation or even personal direction.

Understanding God more, and His purposes for us.

Interpretation based on clearly understanding the text

•  Not just understanding verbs, nouns, etc. Understand the author, understand the readers, what is the book as a whole saying?
• Example
• Philippians 4:13

Correctly interpreting a verse leads us to a richer understanding of the text, and results in applications that empower us by the Spirit, because the Truth is sanctifying us, God’s promises

What's your favorite Bible verse?

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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)

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Key #1, Context is King
PLEASE SEE THE RESOURCES AT THE END OF THE DESCRIPTION FOR VALUABLE INFO. I DO NOT RECEIVE ANY COMMISSION BY PROVIDING LINKS.

This episode is strictly talking about context.

We’re at our Bible, we are seeing the words, we are reading it, we need to know what the text is saying. 

Well, the Bible is a mix of different authors, genres, time periods, etc. So in order to understand what we are reading, we need to know the context.

How do we do that?

We need to get the text clearly.

Context

1. Genre
2. Authorship
3. Word meaning/subjects/verbs
4. Getting to the meat of the text (meaning), interpretation

So let’s get into it

1. Genre

The type of writing we read directs how we understand it and apply it.

We don’t read the Psalms the same way we read Romans. Genesis is very different from Leviticus. What are the different genres?

• Historical Narrative
• Wisdom Literature
• Poetry
• The Gospels
• Epistles
• Prophecy
• Apocalyptic Literature
• Law

2. Author

Intent and purpose

What does it do and why do we need it?

It defines the meaning of the passage.

Without getting to the meaning of the passage, we won’t understand it. 

We’ll cover the application of this more in the next episode, but for now, understand the author’s intent and purpose for writing the passage. 

How to get the authors intent?

Genre is big here. In some genres the author tells us! Paul does this A LOT.

In other genres, its important to understand how the genre works.

3. Word meaning

Critical. Enriching but can be dangerous.

God is faithful, this is why we study!

The key here is to let the passage direct word meaning, let the book direct the passage meaning, and let the author direct the book meaning.

This means that the authors intent and purpose direct the meaning of the entire passage, but to get the the core of the passage, we do need to understand the whole.

Resources

Grasping God's Word
Textbook older edition
Textbook newer edition

What's your favorite Bible verse?

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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)

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Are you living God's will for your life? Are you confident in your understanding of what Scripture teaches about God's will? A touchy subject for some and downright confusing for others. Let's dive into what God's will is, and what Christians are called to in this episode!

Today we will discuss two very important truths, God's decreed will, and God's desired will, and how they direct, lead AND empower, our everyday lives.

8 Ball Decision Making
Why do we need to know God's will?
As:

• Our Creator He has made us for a purpose, and His will directs that purpose.
• Those who are made by Him and for Him need to understand this purpose to glorify Him with our lives. 

I don't include this in the episode, but our need to know God's will is yes based in created purpose, but also to simply to be faithful to what He commands, and His commands we intended first and foremost for the people He created for Him to be in relationship with Him, to obey and love Him. This is the primary reason to understand God's will, and the second half of this blurb is covered in this episode.

The Goal: Help us better understand what God’s will is for our lives.

• Theologically speaking: quick disclaimer
•  From Wayne Grudem below: The necessity of Scripture may be defined as follows: The necessity of Scripture means that the Bible is necessary for knowing the gospel, for maintaining spiritual life, and for knowing God’s will...
• God has two wills: God’s will of decree, and God’s will of desire.
  • God's will of decree (Eph. 1:11, Acts 2:23)
  • God's will of desire ( 1 Tim 2:4)
• God's will worked out in our lives
  • God's decreed will
    • God sanctifies us and shows us His favor (1 Thess. 4:3, 2 Cor. 3:18, Phil 2:12-3)
  • God's desired will
    • Our primary purpose
    • The freedom of a Spirit empowered fellowship (Romans 12:1-2, Ecclesiastes 12:13)
  • What do WE DO
    • Freedom in making decisions
    • We can't mess up His decreed will
    • God’s love overflows to us no matter what we do, yet He desires us to enjoy Him by glorifying Him with our lives. 

God bless!

Resources from this episode:
John Piper on God's Will
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/are-there-two-wills-in-god
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-hardening-of-pharaoh-and-the-hope-of-the-world#seeing-what-paul-saw-in-the-old-testament
R.C Sproul on God's will
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/comprehending-decretive-will-god
Kevin DeYoung on God's Will
https://www.christianbook.com/something-liberating-approach-finding-gods-will/kevin-deyoung/9780802411594/pd/411590?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=christian-living-0-20%7C411590&p=1179710&utm_source=google&dv=c&cb_src=google&cb_typ=shopping&cb_cmp=1065616555&cb_adg=51462729079&cb_kyw=&snav=667260&gclid=CjwKCAjw_aemBhBLEiwAT98FMrz4EcFu0lzOlPMydTbeCbfXYyNp5felvjdLHyA6OoNDZ11wmXEERBoCte0QAvD_BwE
https://www.amazon.com/Just-Do-Something-Liberating-Approach/dp/08024

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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)

Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!

Ever been to a family reunion?

One big family with a lot of weird cousins, a wise seminary professor said to us in my class. 

Little C catholic, what does that mean?

Denominations are the best we can do with what we have.

Known Fully, But Fully Know?

So what do we do when others have such different interpretations?

3 Ways For Healthy, Biblical Unity That Doesn’t Compromise

1. Be healthily dogmatic regarding the essentials

• Guard your doctrine closely 
• NOT PROUD

16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself11 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Ti 4:16.

• Be a student of the Word
• Rightly diving the word of truth

“Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭NET‬‬

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.11 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 2 Ti 2:15.

NET teaching the truth accurately 

• Not all are teachers as mentioned, a call to all believers to sound doctrine in study.
• Seek to understand how other positions were formed.
• Ask good questions.

2. Commit to sound interpretation of Scripture (will be learning process).

3. Embrace global unity, seek local fellowship in your camp

Phil. 2:

“Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:1-3‬ ‭NET‬‬

John 17:21

Why is unity hard? The flesh.

We need to be 1 Corinthians 13 Christians

Corinth not the example, exhortation is.

How? 

1. Acknowledge that we don’t know everything.
2. You may be wrong.
3. Call is to unite, not divide.
4. Don’t set your doctrines based upon division, but on Scripture. 
5. Don’t divide over tradition. 
   1. Even tradition can be a poor indicator of doctrine. If others have different traditions, it doesn’t mean bad theology. It can, but Scripture and sound teaching will show that.
6. Pray for the church to return to the Word

• Gospel centered preaching
• Evangelism founded upon election

            7. Determine to trust the Lord with disagreements and not take matters

What's your favorite Bible verse?

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Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!

The resurrection is not just a cause for Easter celebration, though it is an opportunity to truly celebrate our risen Savior. The resurrection is the very means by which God chose to grant us favor with God. If Christ was not raised, we of all people are to be pitied! 

In this episode we seek to understand resurrection on a doctrinal level, while being equipped with empowering truths to encourage our walks with Christ.  

The question we are answering today is what does the resurrection truly do for Christians? 

1.  Completes righteousness for our sake.  
   • We are made right with God because of the resurrection. Rom. 4:2 
   • Our faith isn't just dependent on Christ's finished work,His raising to life literally makes us right with God! 
   • His work on the cross bore the wrath of God for us, but God's favor was earned for us by Jesus raising from the dead! 
2. Empowers your life as a Christian. 
   • God's work in you as a Christian 
   • Two implications here 
     1. Victory over sin in this life, even though we will never be sinless on earth. (Rom. 6:4) 
     2. Power to evangelize! (Acts 1:8) 
3.  Guarantees our resurrection. 
   • Christ didn't merely raise to life again, He CONQUERED sin and death through His resurrection. (Romans 6) 
   • We are promised resurrected bodies, a wonderful promise we have for eternity. (1 Cor 6:14) 
4. False beliefs. 
   • Does not guarantee salvation 
   • It is about us 
   • Gives example for modern day physical resurrections 

The focus of the resurrection is on the Deity of Christ, His victory over sin and death, and believing in Jesus so that we may eternal life in Him. 

What's your favorite Bible verse?

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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)

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New Year New You! Wait...... I'm already new. Then what does that mean for Christians? Are new year's resolutions helpful for us? Let's talk about it in this last episode of the year and dive into 3 Things we should consider. Grab a Bible or your Bible app and let's go!

3 Things To Consider:
A. Most new year’s resolutions revolve around the self, when Christians are called to deny ourselves.   

B. You don’t need a new year as an excuse to change, the Gospel is our compelling.

C. Sanctifying Versus Gratifying

Resources for this episode:
https://insideoutmastery.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/
biblehub.com

What's your favorite Bible verse?

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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)

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Finding true joy in the ultimate gift, hint… it’s not your new 8K TV.

Luke 2:10

Why great joy? 

• Salvation: God met our greatest need, forgiveness, by Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection.
• Even as Christians, our natural inclination is not to obey and love God. 

Fighting consumerism and materialism and enjoying Christ in the little things.

How do Christians avoid the worldly drive of Christmas?

• Approaching Christmas with Christ-like generosity, trusting the Lord to use even the little things. 
• Godly vs. ungodly desires
• God has wired us with desire, but those desires don’t ultimately satisfy us.

             a. Psalm 23:1
             b. Psalm 27:4
Applications: what we can do.

1. Enjoying gifts to the glory of God, reminded of eternity with Him.

            2. Be generous, even in a small way, and ask the Lord to bless it!

Was there a time when you experienced generosity during Christmas?

Share with us what it was and how it blessed you! You can share by commenting on our Instagram post from this episode and share with us! You can also email us at [email protected]!

Your response, with permission, may even end up being featured in a future episode!

I invite you to join us for our last episode in this series this week tomorrow at 3pm!

What's your favorite Bible verse?

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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)

Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!

Good grief, Charlie Brown's famous quite. Yet, suffering isn't fun, and most of the time it doesn't feel good! But God is able to be a refuge for us. In this episode, we seek to answer the question, how do we celebrate in the midst of suffering?

The points covered in this episode:

A recent example of hardship for us.

Question: How do we celebrate when we or others are suffering?

1. The God of all comfort

          A. Jesus Himself is our hope and comfort.\
          B. God's Word is our hope
          C. God's purpose for hope
      2. So what do we do?
          A. Pray, asking God for comfort.

     3.How do we know we are being comforted?
          A. When other Christians show us care: the local church
          B. When we care for others while we are suffering

      4. We are not called to retreat in suffering, but to receive.

      5. Celebrate not because it is easy, but because God is worthy of it.

What's your favorite Bible verse?

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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)

Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!

Whether we are eating at a restaurant with family you haven't seen since the start of Covid, or walking down the street with your wife of 50 years, God wants to use  our time with family and friends this year for His glory. But we have spiritual needs as believers that God wants to meet in order for us to be used by Him effectively. Here are 4 Ways that God wants to pour into us and to use us this week as we Savor Christ before Christmas.

1.  Take care of your soul
2. Be innocent of evil, and wise about the good.
3. Be a good listener.
4. Speak the truth in love.

Resources from today's episode:
https://www.amazon.com/Can-You-Hear-Me-Now/dp/0781438969
https://biblehub.com/1_peter/5-7.htm
https://biblehub.com/romans/16-19.htm
https://biblehub.com/james/1-19.htm
https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-15.htm

What's your favorite Bible verse?

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Disclaimer: Any links are NOT affiliate links. They are merely links to resources I found helpful in study. I receive NO COMMISSION on any links. Please enjoy any resources linked to episodes. I pray they are helpful in your walk with Christ. :)

Comments, questions, prayer requests? Click here!