In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito begin a four-part series exploring the book of Ephesians. Dr. Cohick introduces listeners to the historical and cultural context of Ephesus, highlighting its significance as a bustling metropolis and the intended audience for Paul's letter. They delve into key theological themes in Ephesians 1, including predestination, adoption, and the Trinitarian nature of God, highlighting how these concepts shape our understanding of salvation and our place in God's family.  

Resources Mentioned:  

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

The Letter to the Ephesians (New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT)) by Dr. Lynn H. Cohick  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this conversation, Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to talk about her new book, "Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender." Dr. Martin shares her journey of developing a redemptive approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of learning from failure, embracing empathy, and surrendering perfectionism. They also explore the complexities of power, the challenges women face in leadership, and how true leadership is rooted in Christ-like sacrifice and service.

Resources Mentioned:   

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender by Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin  

Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Conditions by John Kotter and Holder Rathgeber  

Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence for a Changing Church by Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah  

Soulfire International Ministries  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this conversation, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to talk about her upcoming book, "Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters." They discuss the concept of the church as a spiritual family, emphasizing the importance of community, service, and God’s presence over individualism. Dr. Imes also shares insights from both the Old and New Testaments, explores the global and communal dimensions of faith, and addresses challenges such as church hurt and reasons people might leave a local congregation.

Episode Resources: 

Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Joy Imes  

Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Joy Imes  

Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Joy Imes  

Teach Us to Pray: The Lord's Prayer in the Early Church and Today by Dr. Justo L. González  

Santa Biblia: The Bible Through Hispanic Eyes by Dr. Justo L. González  

Reading Romans Backwards: A Gospel of Peace in the Midst of Empire by Dr. Scot McKnight  

The Scandalous Message of James: Faith Without Works Is Dead by Dr. Elsa Támez  

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at: https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.

In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Knight joins Dr. Lynn Cohick for Part 2 of their discussion, as they explore two powerful stories from the Book of 2 Kings that feature women of faith. They discuss the widow's miraculous oil provision and the Shunammite woman's journey of faith, highlighting God's compassionate care for people in desperate situations. They also examine how God provides supernatural help through the prophet Elisha, demonstrating divine provision that goes beyond immediate circumstances. Through these narratives, the Scriptures reveal God's character as consistently caring, faithful, and able to overcome life's most difficult trials.

Resources Mentioned:   

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

The Prophet's Anthem: The Song of Deborah and Barak in the Narrative of Judges by Dr. Michelle Knight  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Knight joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to delve into the complex biblical figure of Jezebel, exploring her multifaceted role in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. Through a detailed examination of key passages, including the infamous story of Naboth's vineyard, they unpack Jezebel's influence on King Ahab and her aggressive promotion of Baal worship in Israel. The discussion reveals Jezebel not just as a villainous character, but as a nuanced representation of the spiritual and political challenges faced by God's people during a tumultuous period in Israelite history.

Resources Mentioned:   

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

The Prophet's Anthem: The Song of Deborah and Barak in the Narrative of Judges by Dr. Michelle Knight  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this conversation, Dr. Karen Swallow Prior joins Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito to discuss her new book You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful. Prior challenges common misconceptions about calling, work, and passion, offering a nuanced perspective on how individuals can understand their vocational journey. She also explores the interconnected concepts of truth, goodness, and beauty, arguing that our calling is not just about what we do, but how we do it with love and integrity.

Resources Mentioned: 

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful by Dr. Karen Swallow Prior

Why Work? Discovering Real Purpose, Peace, and Fulfillment at Work. A Christian Perspective. by Dorothy L. Sayers

Dr. Karen Swallow Prior

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this conversation, Kat Armstrong joins Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito to discuss her latest Storyline Bible Study volumes on "Gardens" and "Deserts". She shares her insights into biblical locations, exploring how gardens and wilderness spaces are not just physical settings but powerful metaphors for spiritual transformation. Kat also unpacks biblical narratives like Eve in Eden, Esther's garden experiences, Joseph's journey through the desert, and Jesus's wilderness moments, revealing themes of trust, provision, and God's redemptive work.

Resources Mentioned:

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing: A Theological Commentary by Dr. Jonathan T. Pennington

Holy Curiosity Podcast with Kat Armstrong

Kat Armstrong

Gardens: Growing an Evergreen Faith in a Trustworthy God (Storyline Bible Studies) by Kat Armstrong

Deserts: Journeying through the Wilderness to Experience God's Provision (Storyline Bible Studies) by Kat Armstrong

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick speaks with Dr. Sandra Glahn to explore the remarkable Megiddo mosaic. This groundbreaking archaeological discovery offers a stunning glimpse into early Christian worship around 230 AD. This fascinating conversation reveals how a single mosaic floor challenges historical assumptions about women's roles, Jesus' divinity, and Christian community in the ancient world. You’ll learn hidden stories of women donors, martyrs, and leaders, and learn how art can speak volumes about faith when words are scarce.

Resources Mentioned:   

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

The Megiddo Mosaic (Museum of the Bible – Washington, D.C.)  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this conversation, Dr. Eva Bleeker joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss Narrative Medicine, explaining how storytelling and listening are crucial in pastoral care and healing. Dr. Bleeker explores biblical themes of story, song, and silence, particularly in the Book of Revelation, highlighting how God attentively listens to human prayers. They also delve into the importance of telling our stories authentically, using Psalm 107 as a model for recognizing God's love in difficult experiences.

Resources Mentioned:

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity

Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible (Edited by Dr. Sandra Glahn)

Narrative Medicine: Honoring the Stories of Illness by Dr. Rita Charon

The Conflict of Interpretations: Essays in Hermeneutics (Studies in Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy) by Dr. Paul Ricœur

A Companion to the Book of Revelation (Cascade Companions) by Dr. David L. Matthewson

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.

In this conversation, Rev. Dr. Shively Smith joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to explore the liberation gospel view, uncovering how faith intersects with social action. Through art, biblical interpretation, and powerful personal insights, Dr. Smith reveals how Jesus' ministry challenges us to see beyond our comfort zones and engage deeply with our neighbors.

Resources Mentioned:  

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Paul and His Companions Tour with Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. George Kalantzis

Five Views on the Gospel (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology)  

Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman  

Aspects of Negro Life: An Idyll of the Deep South by Aaron Douglas (New York Library Digital Collections)  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.