Maranatha Teachings

Justin Martyr referred to the Gospels as "the memoirs of the apostles." Join us as we examine how the different Gospel writers published the life and message of Jesus to bring to the communities they were serving what the Holy Spirit needed them hear.

In this episode, we explore the different literary structures and sources of the four Gospels to see the coordinating work of the Holy Spirit in His delivery of the canon of Scripture to us. Join us in this powerful examination as we compare the Evangelists' work and hear the testimonies of the early church fathers on the production and reception of the Gospels.

In this lively and powerful episode, we begin our examination of the gospel genre and the unique contribution the Evangelists made to the canon under the leading of the Holy Spirit.

In our capstone episode examining Hebrew narrative genre, we take a wide view of the Joseph story to see its structure and conclusion and how biblical historic narrative helps us navigate our lives in the present. Join us in this lively and powerful discussion as we look at the rest of the story.

In this episode, we compare Scripture's treatment of Joseph in narrative with his appearance in Psalm 105 to illustrate the differences in genre between narratives and psalms. Join us in this lively discussion as we see some of the ways Hebrew narratives were crafted and how knowing their structure helps us understand and apply Scripture better.

Though this episode stands mostly on its own, be sure to check out Part 13 of this series for the introduction of the Joseph story.

In this episode, we begin our focused examination of how Hebrew narrative works to better appreciate the message the inspired writer is giving. Join us in this lively conversation as we dip our toes into the beginning of the Joseph narrative, the longest single-focused narrative in the Bible.

In this introductory session of the various genres in Scripture, we discuss the different kinds of books and writings found in the Bible and how understanding their literary forms helps us receive their intended message. Included in this episode is a cautionary tale on how not to read narrative history.

In this episode, we take a fresh look at the three parables recorded in Luke 15: the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the lost son. Taking into account the purpose and form of story parables along with the cultural context within which they were told allows us to see the point Jesus was driving home and the expected response from his declaration. Join us as we step into the audience of scribes and Pharisees to hear how this message would have impacted them and how they challenge us to this day.

In this episode, we look at the political and cultural context surrounding the birth of Messiah and contrast the King of kings' arrival and promise with the prominence of Caesar Augustus and Herod the Great.

"I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse," the Lord said to Abram. Join us as we journey with the patriarch from Haran to Shechem and learn what this calling meant and what was its ultimate outcome.