Rethinking Scripture

Episode 89: Matthew 1-2 - Let's Talk About the Birth Narrative

March 4, 2024 - Host: Dr. Gregory Hall

The story of Jesus’ birth has become more than familiar to many. But even after hearing it year after year during the holiday season, there are still elements we may be missing. In this episode, we’ll focus in on some of the finer details you may have never considered regarding how this story was written. 

Resources Referenced and/or Read:

• Matthew Study Resources at the Rethinking Scripture Website: https://rethinkingscripture.com/matthew-study-resources/
• Williams, Dr. Peter J. (2019). Why are Jesus's birth stories different?-  https://tyndalehouse.com/explore/articles/why-are-jesus-birth-stories-different/ (Williams is Principal and CEO of Tyndale House, Cambridge).
• August, J. M. (2018). “He Shall Be Called a Nazarene”: The Non-Citation of Matthew 2:23. Tyndale Bulletin, 69(1), 63.

Show Music:

• Intro/Outro - "Growth" by Armani Delos Santos
• Transition Music - produced by Jacob A. Hall

Podcast Website:

• The All-America Listener Challenge Updates: https://rethinkingscripture.com
• My New Podcast Studio... The Upper Room: https://rethinkingscripture.com/podcast-episodes/
• More information about The Homes and Help Initiative: https://rethinkingscripture.com/homes-help-initiative/
• Sister site: RethinkingRest.com

Rethinking Rest... the Book and now available. 

The Rethinking Rest audiobook is available only on Audible: 

• More information: https://rethinkingrest.com/the-book/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkingScripture 
• Twitter: @RethinkingStuff
• Instagram: Rethinking_Scripture
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6YCLg2UldJiA0dsg0KkvLA

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Episode 88: Matthew 1 - A Royal Genogram - Pt. 2

February 12, 2024 - Host: Dr. Gregory Hall

Mathew begins his gospel with a long list of names… and it’s a list you may be tempted to skip over just to move more quickly to the story of Jesus’ birth… but the birth story really begins with the list of names. It’s a list which includes, among other things, sexual scandal, and the stories of five faithful women.

Resources Referenced and/or Read:

• Matthew Study Resources at the Rethinking Scripture Website: https://rethinkingscripture.com/matthew-study-resources/
• https://www.olivemecounseling.com/blog/genogram
  • A genogram is the Family Tree 3.0: not only does it reveal who's who in the family, but it also is rich in information about:
    • major events, cultural factors, mental health issues, medical conditions, traumas, addictions, relationship dynamics, the role played in the family.
• Dr. Warren Gage Information:
  • Watermark Gospel Videos - https://www.watermarkgospel.com
  • Matthew Study Audio - https://alexandrian.academy/p/matthew-bible-study

Show Music:

• Intro/Outro - "Growth" by Armani Delos Santos
• Transition Music - produced by Jacob A. Hall

Podcast Website:

• The All-America Listener Challenge Updates: https://rethinkingscripture.com
• My New Podcast Studio... The Upper Room: https://rethinkingscripture.com/podcast-episodes/
• More information about The Homes and Help Initiative: https://rethinkingscripture.com/homes-help-initiative/
• Sister site: RethinkingRest.com

Rethinking Rest... the Book and now available. 

The Rethinking Rest audiobook is available only on Audible: 

• More information: https://rethinkingrest.com/the-book/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkingScripture 
• Twitter: @RethinkingStuff
• Instagram: Rethinking_Scripture
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6YCLg2UldJiA0dsg0KkvLA

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Episode 87: Matthew 1 - A Royal Genogram - Pt. 1

February 1, 2024 - Host: Dr. Gregory Hall

I’ve always thought most of scripture was inspired… I mean, let’s be honest, those long lists of names in the genealogies, somebody must have snuck those in after the final edits. If that’s what you’ve always thought, get ready, because today’s episode is going to flip your script.

Resources Referenced and/or Read:

• The Matthew Study at the Rethinking Scripture Website: https://rethinkingscripture.com/matthew-study-resources/
• https://www.olivemecounseling.com/blog/genogram
  • A genogram is the Family Tree 3.0: not only does it reveal who's who in the family, but it also is rich in information about:
    • major events, cultural factors, mental health issues, medical conditions, traumas, addictions, relationship dynamics, the role played in the family.
• Podcast: Exploring My Strange Bible by Tim Mackie - Episode 79. Yahweh Saves - Gospel of Matthew Part 1
  • https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-my-strange-bible/id1271147429?i=1000410260487

Show Music:

• Intro/Outro - "Growth" by Armani Delos Santos
• Transition Music - produced by Jacob A. Hall

Podcast Website:

• The All-America Listener Challenge Updates: https://rethinkingscripture.com
• My New Podcast Studio... The Upper Room: https://rethinkingscripture.com/podcast-episodes/
• More information about The Homes and Help Initiative: https://rethinkingscripture.com/homes-help-initiative/
• Sister site: RethinkingRest.com

Rethinking Rest... the Book and now available. 

The Rethinking Rest audiobook is available only on Audible: 

• More information: https://rethinkingrest.com/the-book/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkingScripture 
• Twitter: @RethinkingStuff
• Instagram: Rethinking_Scripture
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6YCLg2UldJiA0dsg0KkvLA

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Episode 86: Intro to Matthew - Recognizing the Ol’ Switcharoony

January 25, 2024 - Host: Dr. Gregory Hall

In the movie the Princess Bride, there is a battle of the wits between two characters, Vizzini, a “Sicilian man of genius,” and the main character Westley. For those who have seen it, you know it’s a great example of the old Switcharoony, which suggests a surprising change or reversal has taken place. Well... the gospel of Matthew is full of surprising and unexpected reversals. In today’s episode we’ll introduce the gospel and give some examples of how you’ve probably been misreading it for years. 

Resources Referenced and/or Read:

• Vocabulary.com defines "A switcheroo" as a surprising change or reversal. If your mom replaced the cookies in a cookie jar with plums, your dad might say, "She pulled the old switcheroo!" - https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/switcheroo#:~:text=A%20switcheroo%20is%20a%20surprising,could%20call%20this%20a%20switcheroo.
• Blomberg, C. L. (2007). Matthew. In Commentary on the New Testament use of the Old Testament (p. 34). Baker Academic; Apollos.

Show Music:

• Intro/Outro - "Growth" by Armani Delos Santos
• Transition Music - produced by Jacob A. Hall

Podcast Website:

• The All-America Listener Challenge Updates: https://rethinkingscripture.com
• My New Podcast Studio... The Upper Room: https://rethinkingscripture.com/podcast-episodes/
• More information about The Homes and Help Initiative: https://rethinkingscripture.com/homes-help-initiative/
• Sister site: RethinkingRest.com

Rethinking Rest... the Book and now available. 

The Rethinking Rest audiobook is available only on Audible: 

• More information: https://rethinkingrest.com/the-book/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkingScripture 
• Twitter: @RethinkingStuff
• Instagram: Rethinking_Scripture
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6YCLg2UldJiA0dsg0KkvLA

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Episode 84 - A New Year... with New Projects

Jan 15, 2023 - Host: Dr. Gregory Hall

For those of you listening in real time… you realize I’ve been absent the last four months. And the beauty being on a podcast means that for many of you… this will just simply be Episode 85… the one that follows Episode 84. In this episode I discuss the War in Israel and I discuss my new projects for the new year. 

Resources Referenced and/or Read:

• Hall, Gregory D. "Rethinking Rest; Why Our Approach to Sabbath Isn't Working." Deep River Books, Sisters, OR, 2023.

2025 Israel Trip Information - https://rethinkingscripture.com/israel-2024/

Recent Podcasts where Greg has been Interviewed:

You can track all my guest interviews on my page: https://rethinkingscripture.com/guest-appearances/ 

Show Music:

• Intro/Outro - "Wedding Song" by Jacob A. Hall
• Transition Music - produced by Jacob A. Hall

Podcast Website:

• The All-America Listener Challenge Updates: https://rethinkingscripture.com
• My Podcast Studio... The Upper Room: https://rethinkingscripture.com/podcast-episodes/
• More information about The Homes and Help Initiative: https://rethinkingscripture.com/homes-help-initiative/
• Sister site: RethinkingRest.com

Rethinking Rest... the Book: now available wherever you buy your books! Kindle version available.

• More information: https://rethinkingrest.com/the-book/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkingScripture 
• Twitter: @RethinkingStuff
• Instagram: Rethinking_Scripture
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6YCLg2UldJiA0dsg0KkvLA
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rethinkingscripture

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Episode 84 - From Exodus to Communion: Exploring the Biblical Roots of the New Covenant 

Sept 9, 2023 - Host: Dr. Gregory Hall

In an attempt to better understand the signs of the new covenant, baptism and communion, we jump into 1 Corinthians 10 and consider the significance of Paul’s instruction about baptism and communion as displayed in the story of the exodus from Egypt. I bet you haven’t had anyone walk you through what happens in this episode.

Resources Referenced and/or Read:

• Hall, Gregory D. "Rethinking Rest; Why Our Approach to Sabbath Isn't Working." Deep River Books, Sisters, OR, 2023.
• Crampton, W. G. “The Sacramental Implications of 1 Corinthians 10:1–4: A Confessional Study of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.” The Reformed Baptist Theological Review 7 (2010).

2024 Israel Trip Information - https://rethinkingscripture.com/israel-2024/

Recent Podcasts where Greg has been Interviewed:

You can track all my guest interviews on my page: https://rethinkingscripture.com/guest-appearances/ 

Show Music:

• Intro/Outro - "Wedding Song" by Jacob A. Hall
• Transition Music - produced by Jacob A. Hall

Podcast Website:

• The All-America Listener Challenge Updates: https://rethinkingscripture.com
• My Podcast Studio... The Upper Room: https://rethinkingscripture.com/podcast-episodes/
• More information about The Homes and Help Initiative: https://rethinkingscripture.com/homes-help-initiative/
• Sister site: RethinkingRest.com

Rethinking Rest... the Book: now available wherever you buy your books! Kindle version available.

• More information: https://rethinkingrest.com/the-book/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkingScripture 
• Twitter: @RethinkingStuff
• Instagram: Rethinking_Scripture
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6YCLg2UldJiA0dsg0KkvLA
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rethinkingscripture

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Episode 83 - Shotgun Weddings, Rings and New Covenant Baptism 

Aug 23, 2023 - Host: Dr. Gregory Hall

Weddings are a big deal. I’m always amazed at the many details that go into such events. It usually takes months to properly plan and execute a modern wedding ceremony. But one doesn’t actually need that much time. There’s really only a few things needed for two people to get married. In today’s episode, we’ll take a closer look at the Biblical wedding metaphor and ask if, in our modern day rendition, we’re maybe unintentionally creating shotgun wedding scenarios with Jesus… where forget to bring the engagement ring.

Resources Referenced and/or Read:

• Hall, Gregory D. "Rethinking Rest; Why Our Approach to Sabbath Isn't Working." Deep River Books, Sisters, OR, 2023.
• Slow Theology Podcast - Episode 21 "Why Baptism Matters" w/ hosts A.J. Swoboda & Nijay K. Gupta - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slow-theology-simple-faith-for-chaotic-times/id1556188087?i=1000623712451

2024 Israel Trip Information - https://rethinkingscripture.com/israel-2024/

Recent Podcasts where Greg has been Interviewed:

You can track all my guest interviews on my page: https://rethinkingscripture.com/guest-appearances/ 

Show Music:

• Intro/Outro - "Wedding Song" by Jacob A. Hall
• Transition Music - produced by Jacob A. Hall

Podcast Website:

• The All-America Listener Challenge Updates: https://rethinkingscripture.com
• My Podcast Studio... The Upper Room: https://rethinkingscripture.com/podcast-episodes/
• More information about The Homes and Help Initiative: https://rethinkingscripture.com/homes-help-initiative/
• Sister site: RethinkingRest.com

Rethinking Rest... the Book: now available wherever you buy your books! Kindle version available.

• More information: https://rethinkingrest.com/the-book/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkingScripture 
• Twitter: @RethinkingStuff
• Instagram: Rethinking_Scripture
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6YCLg2UldJiA0dsg0KkvLA
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rethinkingscripture

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Episode 82 - John H. Walton - Q & R

Aug 5, 2023 - Host: Dr. Gregory Hall

In this episode I welcome Dr. John H. Walton to the podcast to answer several questions posed by members of "The John H. Walton Discussion Group" on Facebook.

Dr. Walton is a scholar and was, until just recently, a professor. He recently retired from his position as professor of Old Testament and coordinator of the Masters of Biblical Exegesis at Wheaton College in Illinois. Before Wheaton He taught at Moody Bible Institute for 20 years. He specializes in the Ancient Near Eastern backgrounds of the Old Testament. Throughout his research, Walton has focused his attention on comparing the culture and literature of the Bible and the ancient Near East. He has published dozens of books, articles and translations, both as writer and editor, including his popular book, The Lost World of Genesis One.

The questions include the following topics (with time stamps) - and contributors

1. The weight of an unladen swallow. (10:38) - Colby Hammer

2. How to apply ancient Jewish and Platonic thinking to modern interpretations. (11:44 ) - Hashim Warren

3. Should we interpret Jacobs "heel grab" back into Genesis 3:15? (15:43) - Hector Grijalva

3. Understanding the "pain" and "toil" caused by the fall. (19:45) - Luis Barceló

4. How we should understand the events of the conquering of Jericho. (22:30 ) - Joel Montes

5. The role of the Torah's "wisdom" in OT, how that changed in the NT, and modern implications. (27:27) - Steve Bell

6. The OT tithe and if it's required today. (29:57) - Paul Robinson

7. Material origins of creation vs. Phenomenological Origins. (33:06) - Vernon Goodman

8. Critiques of the "Demons and Spirits in Biblical Theology" book. Whether demons and spirits exist, and if so, how should we understand the Bible's descriptions in both the OT and NT. (3 questions) (36:30) - Jeremy Smith

9. Why God created dinosaurs.(46:44) - Frank Fleming

10. "Kelly's story" from the NIV Application Commentary on Job. (49:11) - Buddy Coffey

Resources Referenced and/or Read:

• Hall, Gregory D. "Rethinking Rest; Why Our Approach to Sabbath Isn't Working." Deep River Books, Sisters, OR, 2023.
• 2024 Israel Trip Information - https://rethinkingscripture.com/israel-2024/
• Thomas J. Farrar published a review in “Journal of Theological Studies" published by Oxford University Press.” Here is the authors original version of that review: https://www.academia.edu/45148436/Review_of_Demons_and_Spirits_in_Biblical_Theology_Reading_the_Biblical_Text_in_Its_Cultural_and_Literary_Context_by_John_H_Walton_and_J_Harvey_Walton)
• Dr. Michael Heiser's Podcast Critique of the Demons and Spirits book: https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/podcast/naked-bible-430-john-walton-on-demons-and-spirits/ 

The YouTube interview with Dr. John H. Walton is available here: https://youtu.be/FaRhASBLmv0  

Recent Podcasts where Gregory Hall has been Interviewed:

You can track all my guest interviews on my page: https://rethinkingscripture.com/guest-appearances/ 

Show Music:

• Intro/Outro - "Wedding Song" by Jacob A. Hall

Other Covers of the song

1. Blind Melon made a cover of the song, which appeared in track 3 of Schoolhouse Rock! Rocks.
2. The song was covered, with rewritten lyrics, by Greg Raposo, Matthew Ballinger, and Stevie Brock to promote Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers. Their cover appears on the original release of the film's soundtrack, while a music video appears on the film's original DVD release.
3. The album version is slightly longer than the TV version, because it has an extra verse explaining the pattern of each set of ten containing three multiples of three. It was also used in the original 1971 broadcast in the form of a carnival duck shooting game. This scene was never rebroadcast or available on home media or streaming sites.

Podcast Website:

• The All-America Listener Challenge Updates: https://rethinkingscripture.com
• My Podcast Studio... The Upper Room: https://rethinkingscripture.com/podcast-episodes/
• More information about The Homes and Help Initiative: https://rethinkingscripture.com/homes-help-initiative/
• Sister site: RethinkingRest.com

Rethinking Rest... the Book: now available wherever you buy your books! Kindle version available.

• More information: https://rethinkingrest.com/the-book/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkingScripture 
• Twitter: @RethinkingStuff
• Instagram: Rethinking_Scripture
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6YCLg2UldJiA0dsg0KkvLA
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rethinkingscripture

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Episode 81 - Three... It's a Magic Number

July 29, 2023 - Host: Dr. Gregory Hall

I grew up listening to School House Rock. I know that dates me a little… but I suspect with the internet and all… there are many in every generation that are familiar with songs like Interjections, I’m Just a Bill, and Conjunction Junction. These songs were formative during my development years. It was during those years that I also learned that the number three… well... there’s something about that number that’s magic. In today’s episode we’ll look into the significance of the number three, both culturally and biblically.

Resources Referenced and/or Read:

• Hall, Gregory D. "Rethinking Rest; Why Our Approach to Sabbath Isn't Working." Deep River Books, Sisters, OR, 2023.
• Hall, Gregory D. Beyond the Sabbath’s Shadow; A Biblical Understanding and Application of Godly Rest. DMin Major Project, Knox Seminary, 2017.

YouTube interview with Dr. John H. Walton available here: https://youtu.be/FaRhASBLmv0  

2024 Israel Trip Information - https://rethinkingscripture.com/israel-2024/

Recent Podcasts where Greg has been Interviewed:

You can track all my guest interviews on my page: https://rethinkingscripture.com/guest-appearances/ 

Show Music:

• Intro - Three is a Magic Number is a song from Multiplication Rock! It goes over multiplying by three. This song was the pilot episode of the whole Schoolhouse Rock! series. It features a magician, who goes over multiplying by three while many examples are provided. (A man and a woman having a baby –three in the family; heart, soul, body – three parts) The music and lyrics are by Bob Dorough, and it is also performed by him (with uncredited backing vocalists and a male singer). It first premiered on the pilot episode of "Curiosity Shop" on September 2, 1971. Two years later, when Schoolhouse Rock! premiered, the airdate was on January 6, 1973. (https://schoolhouserock.fandom.com/wiki/Three_Is_a_Magic_Number)
• Transition Music - produced by Jacob A. Hall
• Outro - Hip-hop trio De La Soul interpolated the "Three is a Magic Number" song as "The Magic Number", which was included in their 1989 debut studio album, 3 Feet High and Rising. The track gained further exposure when it was featured in the 2021 superhero crossover film Spider-Man: No Way Home. Watch De La Soul's full video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxkOWjZAPLs

Other Covers of the song

1. Blind Melon made a cover of the song, which appeared in track 3 of Schoolhouse Rock! Rocks.
2. The song was covered, with rewritten lyrics, by Greg Raposo, Matthew Ballinger, and Stevie Brock to promote Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers. Their cover appears on the original release of the film's soundtrack, while a music video appears on the film's original DVD release.
3. The album version is slightly longer than the TV version, because it has an extra verse explaining the pattern of each set of ten containing three multiples of three. It was also used in the original 1971 broadcast in the form of a carnival duck shooting game. This scene was never rebroadcast or available on home media or streaming sites.

Podcast Website:

• The All-America Listener Challenge Updates: https://rethinkingscripture.com
• My Podcast Studio... The Upper Room: https://rethinkingscripture.com/podcast-episodes/
• More information about The Homes and Help Initiative: https://rethinkingscripture.com/homes-help-initiative/
• Sister site: RethinkingRest.com

Rethinking Rest... the Book: now available wherever you buy your books! Kindle version available.

• More information: https://rethinkingrest.com/the-book/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkingScripture 
• Twitter: @RethinkingStuff
• Instagram: Rethinking_Scripture
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6YCLg2UldJiA0dsg0KkvLA
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rethinkingscripture

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Episode 80 - The Translation/Transliteration Trouble Within Testament Texts

July 8, 2023 - Host: Dr. Gregory Hall

Most people are familiar with the process of translation. But, fewer people are familiar with the process of transliteration. Translation is the process of reworking text from one language into another to maintain the original message and communication. Translation answers the question… what does that mean. In contrast… Transliteration changes the words from one language into another with similar-sounding letters. It answers the question… what did the original word sound like. In English Bibles, we usually translate the biblical text to convey meaning, but sometimes we transliterate the text to protect the way the original words sounded when they were spoken. This often happens with names of people and places. In this episode we discuss these two methods and take a look at some of the troublesome complications that arise when they are employed within the pages of sacred text.

Resources Referenced and/or Read:

• Hall, Gregory D. "Rethinking Rest; Why Our Approach to Sabbath Isn't Working." Deep River Books, Sisters, OR, 2023.
• Hall, Gregory D. Beyond the Sabbath’s Shadow; A Biblical Understanding and Application of Godly Rest. DMin Major Project, Knox Seminary, 2017.

2024 Israel Trip Information - https://rethinkingscripture.com/israel-2024/

Recent Podcasts where Greg has been Interviewed:

You can track all my guest interviews on my page: https://rethinkingscripture.com/guest-appearances/ 

Show Music:

• Intro/Outro - "Wedding Song" by Jacob A. Hall
• Transition Music - produced by Jacob A. Hall

Podcast Website:

• The All-America Listener Challenge Updates: https://rethinkingscripture.com
• My Podcast Studio... The Upper Room: https://rethinkingscripture.com/podcast-episodes/
• More information about The Homes and Help Initiative: https://rethinkingscripture.com/homes-help-initiative/
• Sister site: RethinkingRest.com

Rethinking Rest... the Book: now available wherever you buy your books! Kindle version available.

• More information: https://rethinkingrest.com/the-book/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkingScripture 
• Twitter: @RethinkingStuff
• Instagram: Rethinking_Scripture
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6YCLg2UldJiA0dsg0KkvLA
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rethinkingscripture

Powered and distributed by Simplecast.