Solid Food

In one of the most well-known yet often misunderstood passages in Scripture, Jesus tells Nicodemus that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are “born again.” But what does that actually mean? In this episode, we take a deep dive into John 3:1–11, exploring the meaning of being “born from above,” the role of water and the Spirit, and why Nicodemus—an expert in the law—struggled to understand it. We examine four major interpretations of “born of water” and evaluate them through careful study of the text and its Old Testament background. Ultimately, this passage is not about what we do, but about what God does—revealing that salvation comes from Him alone. If you’ve ever wrestled with this passage, this study will bring clarity, depth, and renewed appreciation for God’s grace.

Works Cited

Joseph Henry Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Being Grimm’s Wilke's Clavis Novi Testamenti (New York: Harper & Brothers., 1889), 649.

Gerald L. Borchert, John 1–11, vol. 25A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 169.

Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).

James Strong, A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009), 13.

Colin G. Kruse, John: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 4, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 109.

In this episode of Solid Food, Dr. Lee Lewis examines the sobering account of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10 and the offering of “strange fire.” What made their worship unacceptable—and why was God’s response so severe? By exploring the broader context of Leviticus and the holiness of God, this study reveals that worship is not self-defined but regulated by divine instruction. What happens when those closest to God treat Him as common? Join us as we wrestle with the weight of God’s holiness and what it means to truly honor Him.

Works Cited

Mark F. Rooker, Leviticus, vol. 3A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 158.

R. K. Harrison, Leviticus: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 3, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980), 115.

Allan Moseley, Exalting Jesus in Leviticus, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 110.

In this episode of Solid Food, Dr. Lee Lewis explores one of Scripture’s most fascinating and misunderstood figures — the serpent of Genesis 3. Is the serpent merely a snake, or something far more complex? By tracing the biblicalstoryline from Eden to Ezekiel, Isaiah, and ultimately Revelation, this study examines how progressive revelation clarifies the identity of the great adversary. What does the Bible actually say about Satan — and what assumptionshave we imported into the text? Join us as we pursue accuracy over tradition and seek to understand “The Serpent, The Devil, and Satan.”

Works Cited

A. E. Day and G. D. Jordan, “Serpent,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1979–1988), 417.

Elaine A. Phillips, “Serpent,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary, ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

Matthews Louis Sweet, “Satan,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, ed. James Orr et al. (Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company, 1915), 2694.

Duane F. Watson, “Devil,” in The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, ed. David Noel Freedman (New York: Doubleday, 1992), 183.

Why did Jesus ask “Who do you say that I am?”
At a pagan worship center.
At the foot of Mount Hermon.
At a place associated with the underworld.

In this special episode of Solid Food, Dr. Lee Lewis is joined by his covenant brother, Dr. Thomas Jackson, to explore Matthew 16:13–20 through the lens of geography, culture, language, and Second Temple worldview. Our study is amplified by relating our experience in traveling to Ceasarea Phillipi and standing upon that very rock.What if “the gates of hell” was never about defense…
but about offense?

This conversation will stretch your understanding of Scripture, deepen your biblical literacy, and remind you that the church was never meant to retreat.

🎧 Listen now and bring your Bible.

Baptism is one of the most debated and misunderstood practices in Christianity, and yet Scripture speaks about it with remarkable clarity. In this episode of Solid Food, Dr. Lee Lewis explores what baptism is, what it accomplishes, and why it matters—drawing primarily from Romans 6 and the broader testimony of Scripture. Together, we examine baptism’s roots in Second Temple Judaism, its role in Christian initiation, and its connection to grace, faith, repentance, and new life in Christ. This is not a polemic, but a careful biblical study designed to inform conscience and strengthen conviction. Wherever you land, you are encouraged to let Scripture—not tradition orassumption—shape your understanding.

Works Cited

Benjamin Espinoza, “Baptism,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary, ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, vol. 12–13, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 195–196.

Craig S. Keener, Matthew, vol. 1, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997), Mt 28:16–20.

What would happen if God showed you heaven — and then allowed you to suffer?

In this episode of Solid Food, we dive deep into Paul’s mysterious ascent into Paradise and the thorn that followed. We explore why Paul’s heavenly encounter was not a reward, but a preparation — and how God used weakness to protect him from pride. By tracing Paradise back to Eden, and Paul’s suffering alongside Job’s, we uncover a profound truth: God reveals glory not to exalt us, but to keep us dependent on His grace.

If you’ve ever wondered why God allows pain in the lives of His most faithful servants, this episode will reframe everything.

Works Cited

David E. Garland, 2 Corinthians,vol. 29, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 508.

Colin G. Kruse, 2 Corinthians: AnIntroduction and Commentary, ed. Eckhard J. Schnabel, Secondedition, vol. 8, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2015), 262.

Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete WordStudy Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMGPublishers, 2000).

Linda L. Belleville, 2 Corinthians,vol. 8, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (Westmont, IL: IVP Academic, 1996), 2 Co 12:7–10.

In this episode, we trace God’s promise to Abraham—“In you all the families of the earth will be blessed”—and watch it come to life in Acts 10. Through a trance, a vision, and an unexpected Gentile seeker, God shows Peter that the barriersseparating Jew and Gentile are coming down. The sheet, the Spirit, and the arrival of Cornelius’ men reveal that God’s plan has always included all of us.

In this moment, the door of the kingdom opens wide, fulfilling a promise made two thousand years earlier. Join us as we explore how God orchestrated people, timing, and revelation to welcome the world into the family of Christ.

Works Cited

M. G. Easton, Illustrated BibleDictionary and Treasury of Biblical History, Biography, Geography, Doctrine,and Literature (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1893), 674.

John D. Barry, “Vision,” in TheLexham Bible Dictionary, ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: LexhamPress, 2016).

"Let's get right down to it. Should Christians celebrate Christmas? Everyone knows that it's all rooted in paganism, and besides that, we all know that Jesus wasn't born on the 25th of December. Shouldn't we just avoid the whole thing altogether?"

Sure, those are things that people say, but are they true and accurate? Let's dig into the scriptures as well as some "historical resources to determine the truth for ourselves.

Works Cited

David Prior, The Message of 1Corinthians: Life in the Local Church, The Bible Speaks Today(Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1985), 140.

Ancient Sources on December 25th and Pagan Festivals

Chronograph of 354 (Philocalian Calendar) – A.D. 354                                         Earliestrecord of December 25 as Christ’s birthday and of the pagan Natalis SolisInvicti (“Birth of the Unconquered Sun”).

Hippolytus of Rome, Commentary on Daniel – ca. 200–230                              IdentifiesDecember 25 as Christ’s birth and calculates March 25 as date of the Passion.

Tertullian, Against the Jews (Adversus Iudaeos) 8 – ca. 197–200 Links the Passion to March 25, forming part of the early Christian dating tradition.

Augustine, De Trinitate 4.5 – ca. 399–419                                                          Affirms that early Christians held conception and death of Christ occurred on March 25.

John Chrysostom, Homily on the Nativity – ca. 386- 390 Defends December 25 as the true date of Christ’s birth and notes its recent adoption in the East.

Historia Augusta, “Aurelian” 25.3 – Late 4th century                            Describes Aurelian’s promotion of the Sol Invictus cult in A.D.274.

Macrobius, Saturnalia – early 5th century                                                         Defines Saturnalia as December 17–23, confirming it did not include December 25.

Have you ever wondered what it meant for God to harden Pharaoh's heart? Does it raise questions in your mind about whether we actually have free will or not? It wasn't until I went to Egypt that I developed a fuller understanding of not only the concept, but implications for Bible study in general. Briefly put, travel to ancient biblical lands can add depth to your study available in no other way. Let's talk about it.

In "About the Rapture Pt. 1" we studied the timing of the rapture in response to a recent well-known failed prediction. In Pt. 2, we will seek to answer the question, "What is the rapture and what is its purpose?" To be forewarned is to be forearmed, and to be informed is to be prepared. Let's talk about the rapture.

Works Cited

Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete WordStudy Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMGPublishers, 2000).

D. Michael Martin, 1, 2 Thessalonians,vol. 33, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995), 145.

Brandon Smith, “The Rapture,” in Lexham Survey of Theology, ed. Mark Ward et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018).