In this episode of the Winter Gospel Series 2025, we dive deep into Luke’s birth narratives—not as sentimental Christmas tales, but as a radical reshaping of Israel’s story. From John’s birth breaking the silence of the priesthood to Jesus’ birth mirroring an inverted Year of Jubilee, Luke’s narrative is rich with allusions to the Tanakh.

We explore:

• How John’s birth echoes Samuel, Zechariah’s muteness reflects Ezekiel, and Elizabeth’s joy parallels Hannah.
• Why Luke’s census likely never happened as described—and why that matters for understanding his message.
• How the shepherds aren’t just humble evangelists, but a reworking of Israel’s history with Joseph and his brothers.
• What it means to let go of rigid “factual” readings and embrace the deeper truth Luke is telling.

Join us as we question, rethink, and rediscover the power of these stories.

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The church claims to follow Jesus—but do we even recognize Him when He shows up? In this episode, we unravel Luke’s Gospel to see how Mary is portrayed as the Ark of the Covenant, how Jesus embodies the Temple, and how Simeon and Anna saw what so many others missed. But what about us?

For centuries, the church has rewritten its own story—erasing its Jewish roots, weaponizing scripture, and turning God’s presence into a tool for control. High-control groups like the ICOC, ICC, and the broader Stone-Campbell Movement have taken this even further, twisting the Bible into a rulebook while ignoring the bigger story.

Luke wasn’t just writing history—he was placing us in the Temple, forcing us to ask: Do we recognize God when He moves? Or have we, like Israel’s leaders before us, become blind to His presence?

This isn’t just an academic discussion—it’s about reclaiming the real story before it’s too late.

Winter Gospel Series 2025

Luke - Mary Visits Elizabeth and the Temple

Season 2 - Episode 7

Luke’s Gospel isn’t just a new beginning—it’s the continuation of an ancient story. In this episode, we trace how Zechariah’s silence echoes Israel’s exile, how Mary and Elizabeth embody God’s renewal, and how Luke weaves the Tanakh’s grand narrative into his Gospel. What does this mean for a church that has lost its way? Can we see, listen, and be open to new life? It’s time to rethink what we thought we knew.

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In this episode of ourWinter Gospel Series, we dive into the parallel birth announcements in Luke’s Gospel—the angelic proclamations to Zechariah and Mary. Many have been taught to read this story as a simple lesson in obedience: Zechariah doubts and is punished, while Mary submits and is blessed. But is that really what’s happening here?

We read both stories side by side, taking note of key details and asking the hard questions. Was Gabriel being unfair? Was Zechariah’s punishment too harsh? Why does Mary receive comfort while Zechariah is silenced? More importantly—what is the real message Luke is trying to convey?

This conversation sets the stage for something deeper: the way these texts are in conversation with the Tanakh. Luke isn’t just telling us a new story—he’s weaving together the voices of scripture, alluding to ancient narratives that shape how we should understand these events. If we want to hear the full voice of scripture, we must learn to recognize and engage in this intertextual dialogue.

Join us as we uncover the patterns, echoes, and deeper meanings embedded in this familiar yet often misunderstood story.

📖Passages Covered: Luke 1:5-38
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What sources did Luke use to craft his Gospel and the book of Acts? How do these sources shape our understanding of Jesus and the early church? In this episode, we explore the origins of Luke-Acts, diving into ancient texts, oral traditions, and lost writings that influenced the narrative. But beyond that, we confront a deeper tragedy—the closing of the biblical canon. What voices were left out? What perspectives were lost? And how does this impact how we read scripture today?

Join us as we unravel the complex history behind Luke-Acts and challenge the idea that the canon was sealed without controversy.

🔹 Topics Covered:
✅ The sources behind Luke-Acts: Eyewitness accounts, written traditions, and more
✅ Why Luke’s methodology matters for understanding the Bible
✅ The lost voices of early Christianity and what they tell us
✅ How the closing of the canon shaped Christian history

📖 Book References:

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In Episode 3 of our Luke-Acts Winter Gospel Series, we turn to the early church fathers to explore their perspectives on Luke-Acts. Who were these influential figures? What did they write about these two remarkable volumes?

Join us as we dive into the lives and writings of these early Christian leaders, uncover their thoughts on the authorship and purpose of Luke-Acts, and discover how their insights continue to shape how we read and understand these texts today.

This episode offers a fascinating look into the historical reception of Luke-Acts and the voices that have preserved its significance through the centuries. Don’t miss this enriching exploration!

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Welcome to Episode 2 of our Luke-Acts Winter Gospel Series! This week, we’re diving into the mystery of who authored Luke-Acts by examining fascinating internal scriptural clues. We explore:

Join us as we piece together these clues and uncover the possible figure behind this remarkable two-part narrative. Don’t miss this thought-provoking exploration into the text’s origins and its hidden connections!

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We're back! After a long hiatus, our podcast returns as part of our yearly teaching series. This season kicks off with the Winter Gospel Series, where we'll take a deep dive into Luke-Acts. In this episode, I break down the large-scale structure of Luke-Acts, showing how the two books are deeply connected. We also explore fascinating clues within the text and Paul's letters that may reveal the identity of the mysterious author behind these volumes.

Next week, we'll build on this by looking at insights from the Church Fathers and examining potential sources that influenced Luke's two-part narrative.

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https://www.ysuperstars.com/giving-page-podcast