In this episode of Under the Hood, hosts Sam and Will dive into the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5. Naaman, a powerful and wealthy Syrian commander, has everything the world can offer—except a cure for his leprosy. This narrative is a profound illustration of the gospel, revealing how God's grace and healing are freely given, not earned through power, wealth, or heroic deeds. We explore the historical and cultural context that brings this story to life, from Naaman's pride to his humble obedience. In this episode, we'll cover: The "Comma, but" of Life: The story of Naaman, a man of valor and high favor, serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity's condition. He has everything, "but he was a leper". Grace from an Enemy: We discuss the remarkable grace of the young Israelite servant girl who, despite being captured by Naaman, directs him to the prophet Elisha for healing. The Futility of Earthly Wealth: Naaman arrives with a vast fortune and fine clothing, believing he can buy his healing, only to be humbled when Elisha refuses to even see him. The Simplicity of the Gospel: Naaman's fury at being told to simply "wash in the Jordan seven times" highlights the human tendency to seek complex, heroic solutions over a simple act of faith. A New Life: Naaman's transformation after his seven dips in the Jordan River foreshadows Christian baptism, symbolizing a death to pride and a new life of humility and faith. The Contrast of Gehazi: We explore the story of Gehazi, Elisha's servant, who attempts to profit from Naaman's gratitude and suffers the consequences, a stark warning against exploiting God's grace for personal gain.

In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will explore the intense political and religious climate of the first century and how it shaped the man who would become the Apostle Paul. We delve into the historical context of Paul's zealousness, uncovering why his persecution of the early church was, in his mind, completely justified. This is a story of radical conversion, showing how God can transform a man of hatred and violence into an ambassador of love and grace.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• First-Century Politics: A breakdown of the different Jewish sects—Pharisees, Sadducees, and Zealots—and how their beliefs mirror modern political divides. We'll see how Jesus' inner circle included people from opposite ends of this political spectrum.
• Paul the Zealot: We'll examine how Paul, a "Pharisee of Pharisees," saw his "zealous" campaign to persecute Christians as a righteous act supported by Jewish heroes like Phinehas and Elijah.
• The Road to Damascus: The dramatic moment of Paul's conversion where he's confronted by Jesus, who reorients his entire worldview. This encounter changes Paul's zeal from one of hate to one of love and truth.
• A New Mission: We'll see how God commissions the man who once persecuted the church to now go far away to the Gentiles, the very people he once hated, and suffer for their sake. Paul's transformation is the ultimate proof of God's power to change a heart and a life.

Join hosts Sam and Will as they uncover the historical and biblical significance of Jesus' famous expressions from the Sermon on the Mount: "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world". We’ll explore how these phrases would have been understood in the first century, the various uses of salt in the ancient world, and how we can apply these lessons to our own lives.

This episode dives into:

• The value of salt as currency and a preservative
• The ways salt enhances flavor and beauty while remaining almost invisible
• The surprising role of salt as an antiseptic and fire retardant
• The symbolic meaning of light as a source of wisdom, life, and triumph over darkness
• The meaning of "losing your saltiness" and the danger of preventing life
• A look at Jesus as the ultimate example of being salt and light

Join Sam and Will as they explore the profound meaning behind Moses’ encounter with the burning bush in Exodus 3. From ancient Hebrew symbolism to Greek philosophy, this episode unpacks how God reveals His character through fire, thorns, and the mysterious name “I AM.” Discover how this iconic moment connects with the entire biblical narrative and what it tells us about God’s presence in our suffering, holiness, and purpose. Don’t miss this rich blend of biblical insight and historical depth.

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In this episode of "Under the Hood," Sam and Will delve into the life of John the Baptist, exploring his unique ministry, prophetic role, and surprising moments of doubt. They begin by establishing John's supernatural birth and his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies as the forerunner of the Messiah, particularly those found in Isaiah 40 and Malachi 4, which describe him preparing the way for the Lord and coming in the spirit of Elijah.

The episode concludes with a poignant exploration of John's doubts while in prison, where he sends disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?". Jesus's response, by quoting Isaiah's prophecies and adding that "the dead are raised up," shifts John's focus from earthly liberation to spiritual resurrection. Sam and Will emphasize that John, despite his questions, is called "no one greater" by Jesus, offering encouragement that God is not afraid of our doubts, but rather commends our trust amidst them.

In this episode of "Under the Hood," Sam and Will explore the compelling story of Nehemiah, presenting him as a historical figure and a powerful "type of Christ." They begin by setting the historical stage, detailing Israel's decline from King Solomon's glory to the Babylonian and Persian exiles, leading to Jerusalem's destruction. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, learns of his people's suffering and Jerusalem's ruined walls, prompting him to weep, mourn, and pray for days. The hosts highlight Nehemiah's Christ-like heart, as he leaves the comfort of the palace to intercede for and rebuild his broken city, mirroring Jesus's descent from heaven to redeem humanity.

In this episode of "Under the Hood," Sam and Will discuss Epicureanism, contrasting it with Stoicism and showing how Christianity provides a more complete worldview than either philosophy. They explain that Epicureanism, while not pure hedonism, aims to achieve pleasure by avoiding pain and trouble in the soul through a simple, guarded life. This contrasts with Stoicism's emphasis on virtue and enduring suffering. The hosts illustrate this cultural pendulum swing using Disney movies, noting a shift from older films emphasizing character transformation (Stoic) to newer ones promoting self-acceptance (Epicurean).

Join Sam and Will on "Under the Hood" as they explore the compelling evidence for God's design in the universe. This episode delves into the Kalam Cosmological Argument, examining whether the world's intricate design points to a creator. They discuss how modern science, including the work of Stephen Hawking, increasingly supports the idea that the universe had a beginning, challenging the long-held atheist fortress. The discussion also covers the overwhelming statistical improbability of Earth's conditions and life emerging by chance, highlighting the fine-tuning observed by physicists. Finally, Sam and Will explore how the very design of human senses and natural cycles suggests a personal, caring designer.

Dive deep into the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and its intriguing relationship with Christian teachings. We explore how Stoicism, with proponents like Zeno, Epictetus, Seneca, and the emperor Marcus Aurelius, offers a framework for navigating suffering and finding virtue by focusing on what you can control. But how does this compare to the Christian perspective on hardship, meaning, and the human condition as detailed in books like Ecclesiastes and the words of Jesus Christ? This video unpacks the core tenets of Stoicism, from living according to nature to the bracing realities faced by Marcus Aurelius during the Antonine Plague, and contrasts them with Christianity’s message of hope, sovereign grace, and ultimate purpose beyond the "here and now." Discover the strengths and limitations of a "me on my own" philosophy versus one that calls us to lean on a divine rescuer. If you're grappling with life's big questions or seeking a resilient mindset, this discussion offers profound insights. Don't miss out – watch the full video to understand these compelling worldviews! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking content.

In this powerful episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will explore the deep historical and spiritual rift between Jews and Samaritans, uncovering centuries of animosity rooted in culture, religion, and race. Through thoughtful discussion and biblical insight, they reveal how Jesus dismantled these divides with radical compassion, dignity, and truth. Discover how His example provides a transformative roadmap for Christians today in addressing racial tensions and embracing unity.