Wise Counsel

In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores the strange-sounding command in Exodus 23:19—“You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.” To modern readers, it feels arbitrary, even odd. But as scholars like Dr. Michael S. Heiser and Tremper Longman III explain, this law confronts ancient Canaanite fertility rituals and points to a deeper truth about life, holiness, and gratitude. Robert unpacks how God taught Israel to reject pagan symbolism that blended life and death—and how we too must guard against worshiping the gifts of creation instead of the Giver.

In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith unpacks one of the Old Testament’s most puzzling commands: Leviticus 19:27 — “You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard.” Was God really regulating hairstyles? Scholars like Dr. Michael S. Heiser and Dr. Carol Meyers show that this law wasn’t about grooming—it was about grief, identity, and loyalty. Robert explores how this rule separated Israel from pagan mourning rituals and declared that God’s people were to find life, not identity, in their covenant with Him.

In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith examines one of the most quoted — and most misunderstood — passages on giving: Malachi 3:8–10. Often used to pressure Christians into tithing, this text was originally spoken to Israel’s covenant community, not to the New Testament Church. Drawing on the insights of Dr. Michael S. Heiser and Dr. John Walton, we’ll uncover how this passage fits into the story of covenant faithfulness, not church fundraising. Along the way, we’ll reflect on what it truly means to honor God with our resources — not out of fear, but from freedom and faith.

In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores 1 Kings 10:14–11:8, where Solomon’s golden age begins to tarnish. What happens when divine wisdom becomes worldly success? Drawing on insights from Dr. Michael S. Heiser and Tremper Longman III, Robert unpacks the meaning behind Solomon’s 666 talents of gold and how wealth, power, and pride can quietly dethrone our trust in God. From ancient Israel to modern America, we’ll see how the pursuit of self-sufficiency still tempts us to build golden empires—and forget the Giver of every gift.

Why do Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25—or January 6—or even September 11? Are these dates rooted in pagan traditions, theological patterns, or something else entirely? In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore how God redeems time, how early Christians thought theologically about calendars, and how biblical scholarship, including the work of Dr. Michael Heiser, brings deeper insight into the real birthday of Jesus—and what it all means for living with gospel-centered purpose.

🎄 Are Christmas trees and holiday lights pagan? What about gift-giving or Santa Claus? In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore how Christians can engage with cultural traditions—especially around the holidays—without compromising the gospel. Drawing from the teachings of Dr. Michael Heiser and biblical precedent, we ask: Can tradition be redeemed for God’s glory?

In this episode of Wise Counsel, Robert Smith reflects on Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” The writer of Hebrews invites us to run the race of faith with endurance, supported by those who have gone before. Drawing on Michael S. Heiser’s The Unseen Realm and Craig S. Keener’s commentary on Hebrews, Robert explores how the “cloud of witnesses” reminds us that faith is never lived in isolation. From the perseverance of early martyrs to modern heroes of faith, this passage calls us to courage. Connections are made to American history’s “great cloud” of witnesses in the civil rights movement and even the heroic sagas of Western literature.

In this episode of Wise Counsel, Robert Smith unpacks Titus 1:2: “in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.” Eternal life isn’t wishful thinking—it’s anchored in God’s unshakable promise. Drawing on the insights of Michael S. Heiser (The Unseen Realm)and N.T. Wright (Surprised by Hope), we’ll explore how the promise of eternal life shaped the earliest Christians and continues to sustain believers today. Along the way, we’ll connect this theme to America’s founding vision of liberty and to pop culture’s longing for immortality.

In this episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith reflects on Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” This passage anchors us in God’s providence even amid suffering and uncertainty. Drawing on the insights of scholars like Michael S. Heiser (The Unseen Realm) and N.T. Wright (Paul and the Faithfulness of God), Robert explores how God weaves even pain and failure into His larger purposes. Along the way, we connect this truth to the endurance of the civil rights movement and even modern pop culture’s obsession with “happy endings.”

Today’s Wise Counsel episode dives deep into Jeremiah 29:11, a timeless passage speaking of hope amid uncertainty. Exploring the original context and its relevance for modern believers, host Robert Smith uncovers how this promise points to God’s future and our place within it. Featuring insights from renowned scholars Michael S. Heiser and Craig S. Keener, the episode bridges ancient texts with today’s cultural moments—echoing America’s history of hope and resilience through trial.