The determinetruth Podcast

In this study, Rob leads through a discussion of Gen 4 and the Cain and Abel story. We will note how sin is increasing and getting worse. Adam and Eve are deceived and so is Cain (1 John 3:11-12). As we move through Genesis 4 we note Cain kills his brother and hides--just like Adam and Even hid. Then as the story continues we learn that within 7 generations one of Cain's descendants (Lamech) kills 2 kids and boasts about it! Sin is getting increasingly worse! 

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Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

Notes: 

It is not uncommon for readers of the Bible to assume that the narrative of the “Fall”—i.e., humanity’s fall from grace and into sin—is depicted in Gen 3, the narrative Genesis suggests that we should read all of Gen 3-11 as one account of humanity’s “fall.”[1] What happens next is that humanity gets what it wished for. They wanted the ability to make decisions for themselves. Now, Gen 4 describes over the course of the next seven generations what happens when humanity makes the decisions. One way of describing it is that in Gen 3 the vertical relationship with God was broken, now in Gen 4, the horizontal relationships follow. 

As a result of Adam and Eve’s decision to determine good and bad for themselves, conflict entered into human relations. Instead of ruling together as one, they now are distinct from one another and vying for power against one another.

The story of Cain and Abel demonstrates what happens when deception is allowed to be a part of humanity. Not only does sin continue, but it also intensifies (see 1 John 3:7-12). In fact, sin becomes murderous (Gen 4:1-15). Then, humanity begins to relish in their murderous ways (4:23). Thus, the sin of Adam and Eve worsens in the account of Cain and Abel.

NB: Note the parallels between Gen 3 and Gen 4: Adam and Eve knew they were naked (3:7); Adam knew his wife (4:1): in both accounts, God says, ‘where are you’ (3:9); ‘where is your brother’ (4:9); in both accounts, God asks “what have you done?” (Gen 3:13; 4:10): in both accounts, the earth is cursed (3:17; 4:11); and both Adam and Cain are banished from the presence of God (3:24; 4:14); to the east (3:24; 4:16).

In Gen 4, God announces that Cain’s punishment will be an intensification of the punishment brought on Adam and Eve. They were expelled from the garden of Eden, but now Cain will be a “restless wanderer on the earth” (Gen. 4:12).

God told Adam that his labors would be a struggle, but, though the land would produce thorns and thistles, “you will eat of the plants of the field” (3:19). When Cain works the ground, “it will no longer yield its crops for you” (4:12).

The story of Cain and Abel demonstrates how when unchecked sin continues to worsen. Eventually, sin will increase to the point that God becomes grieved (Gen 6:6) and decides to start over (Gen 6:7).

The Cain and Abel narrative also affirms that humanity is failing to heed God’s desire to “fill the earth” (Gen 1:28). Instead, they build cities (Gen 4:17).

The account ends with a note of hope. Adam and Eve have another son who will replace Abel. That this son appears to be the hope of mankind is evident from his name: “Seth” lit. “seed” (see Gen 3:15). 

4:1-7 Cain and Abel

1. Adam knew his wife and Cain is born (1; cf 3:7)

1. Cain’s no adjectives: therefore, just plain old vegetables?

God addresses Cain (6)

1. Sin is crouching at your door

4:8-16 Cain is Judged

1. Cain told Abel (8): told him what?

Although Yahweh condemns Cain to wandering, Cain finds a place to settle down and builds a city.

1. 1. ‘Nod’ is related to the verb ‘nud’ (14) which means “wanderer”

4:17-24 Genealogies of Cain

Cain has a son Enoch (17)

1. Cain builds a city and names it after his son Enoch

Lamech has 2 wives (19)

1. Lamech’s sons are associated with cultural accomplishments (21-22)

4:25-26 The Birth of Seth

1. Seth: zera; ‘seed’; ‘offspring’ (25)

Moving to the NT:

Why Cain’s offering was not accepted (1 John 3:11-12)

Abel is a type of Christ (Heb 12:24)

[1] I am not sure that “fall” is the proper term. They are excluded from the Garden and cas

Rob and Vinnie interview Johannine scholar and former professor Marianne Meye Thompson to discuss her thoughts on the Gospel of John. What is John's objective? What does John want us to know and do? 

Click here for Dr Thompson’s book on Introducing the NT

Click here for her book on the God of the Gospel of John 

Click here for the painting Dr Thompson refers to 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie look at the center of John's Gospel and look at Jesus as the fulfillment of the Sabbath, Passover, and Pentecost and what this means for the church today. 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

In this episode, we take a look at the abortion debate by contending that pro-life and pro-choice advocates are going about things the wrong way?

Today's guest is Andy Smith. Andy is is a practicing attorney disability rights attorney and the coordinator for Evangelicals 4 Justice. She has been involved in reproductive justice organizing for over 30 years.

We have asked Andy to come on to discuss her soon-to-be-published book A Justice Oriented Approach to Ending Abortion.

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie look at John's emphasis on the Holy Spirit and how John is a missional gospel. We also examine Jesus' words regarding "His hour." Why does He tell Mary that He isn't supposed to turn the water into wine because "His hour had not yet come"? And why when the Greeks come to see Jesus (John 12:20-26), does Jesus suddenly realize that His hour had come? 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie continue their overview of the Gospel of John by looking at the Prologue (John 1:1-18). What is John trying to say and how does this affect our understanding of the Gospel of John, Jesus, the Father, and Jesus' mission--as well as our mission? 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

Rob and Vinnie continue an introduction to the Gospel of John and explore John's uniqueness as compared to Matt, Mark, and Luke, and John's use of the New Creation motif--Jesus' resurrection was on the "first day of the week" (John 20:1, 19). 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie begin a look at the Gospel of John. They explore some of the keys to understanding John's Gospel and what makes it unique from the Synoptics (Matt-Luke).  

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie interview a prominent NT and ancient Roman scholar Warren Carter and discuss the Bible and Empire and how to read Jesus and His proclamation of God's empire in the midst of the Roman empire (spoiler alert: they crucified Him: but He rose so it worked out for Him!) 

Warren is the author of numerous books on empire and the NT: including, The Roman Empire and the NT and 

Jesus and the Empire of God

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.

Rob and Vinnie continue to wrestle with the Gospel of Luke and Jesus' call to love the poor and the marginalized even if it doesn't benefit us in the now. In this episode, they interview Lisa Sharon Harper of Freedom Road and wrestle with the questions of Jesus, race, gender, and justice.

https://lisasharonharper.com/ (see Bio below) 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Lisa is a prolific speaker, writer, and activist. She is the author of several books, including Evangelical Does Not Equal Republican... or Democrat (The New Press, 2008); Left Right and Christ: Evangelical Faith in Politics (Elevate, 2011); Forgive Us: Confessions of a Compromised Faith (Zondervan, 2014); and the critically acclaimed, The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong can be Made Right: Which was recognized as the “2016 Book of the Year” by Englewood Review of Books. Her newest book Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World - and How to Repair It All

Lisa has appeared on TVOne, FoxNews Online, NPR, and Al Jazeera America.

She writes extensively on shalom and governance, immigration reform, health care reform, poverty, racial and gender justice, climate change, and transformational civic engagement. Her writing has been featured in CNN Belief Blog, The National Civic Review, Sojourners, The Huffington Post, Relevant Magazine, and Essence Magazine.

Lisa earned her Master’s degree in Human Rights from Columbia University

In 2015, The Huffington Post named Lisa one of 50 powerful women religious leaders

In 2019, The Religion Communicators Council named Lisa’s monthly Freedom Road Podcast “Best Podcast Series of The Year”.

And in 2020 Lisa received The Bridge Award from The Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth and Reconciliation in recognition of her dedication to bridging divides and building the beloved community.

During the episode, Lisa notes that many inner city schools do not have textbooks. Here is a link to a NY Times articles.  

The use of prison labor is noted in this report on Whole Foods and their statement that they will no longer sell such products: