21st Talks

There are some stories in the Bible that seem "strange" or unusual at first sight. Some may read them and question God's character. Others might be offended and forsake Scripture altogether. But are those stories really that strange? What is the background behind the stories, and why would we find such stories in the Bible? STORY #4: God's Left-Handed Assassin (Judges 3:12-30) In a time of darkness and trouble, God's people cry out after 18 years of captivity. They realize that they have broken their covenant with the LORD and repentance is needed. God hears their cry, raises up a deliverer - Ehud - and lets this left-handed man kill the enemy in a nauseating way... Episode 09: "Decoding Strange Stories in the Bible - God's Left-Handed Assassin" Hosts: Phil & Vince © 2019 - 21st Talks. All Rights Reserved. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/21sttalks/support

There are some stories in the Bible that seem "strange" or unusual at first sight. Some may read them and question God's character. Others might be offended and forsake Scripture altogether. But are those stories really that strange? What is the background behind the stories, and why would we find such stories in the Bible? STORY #3: God Told Me to Eat Poop-Baked Bread (Ezekiel 4) Episode 08: "Decoding Strange Stories in the Bible - God Told Me to Eat Poop-Baked Bread" Hosts: Phil & Vince © 2019 - 21st Talks. All Rights Reserved. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/21sttalks/support

There are some stories in the Bible that seem "strange" or unusual at first sight. Some may read them and question God's character. Others might be offended and forsake Scripture altogether. But are those stories really that strange? What is the background behind the stories, and why would we find such stories in the Bible? STORY #2: A Man, A Fake Prostitute & Jesus (Genesis 38) Editor's Comment: There is another interesting detail to the story of Judah. Leah, Judah's mother found herself in a horrible family situation, being in constant strife with her sister as they were married to the same man (Jacob). Beyond daily competition and anger, the LORD eventually allowed her to have kids first (Gen 29:31). The names of her first three children inevitably cause the reader to think that she is not over her pain and grief. She calls her firstborn Reuben, "for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction, now therefore my husband will love me." (Gen 29:32). Although she reacts in a similar way when giving birth to her second and third son, something fascinating happens at the birth of her fourth child, Judah. Genesis 29:35 reads "And she conceived again, and bare a son, and she said, NOW will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing." What a pivotal moment! A woman in severe grief turns all of her attention away from the pain, and even though it had not been resolved, she decides to PRAISE GOD anyway. Episode 07: "Decoding Strange Stories in the Bible - A Man, A Fake Prostitute & Jesus" Hosts: Phil & Vince © 2019 - 21st Talks. All Rights Reserved. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/21sttalks/support

There are some stories in the Bible that seem "strange" or unusual at first sight. Some may read them and question God's character. Others might be offended and forsake Scripture altogether. But are those stories really that strange? What is the background behind the stories, and why would we find such stories in the Bible? STORY #1: Elisha, Two Bears & 42 Children (2 Kings 2:23-24) Editor's Comment: The fact that two bears killed 42 children and not one single person escaped points to a supernatural incident. This was a divine judgment of GOD, and He used bears to execute it. The same way He stopped the lion's mouth when Daniel was in the den, He now used animals to do the exact opposite. Instead of witnessing an ordinary happenstance, we find evidence that those animals were indeed being used supernaturally. Episode 06: "Decoding Strange Stories in the Bible - Elisha, Two Bears & 42 Children" Hosts: Phil & Vince © 2019 - 21st Talks. All Rights Reserved. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/21sttalks/support

God does not care so much where I go to school or what I eat for breakfast. He rather cares about... about what? Does He have a "Plan A" for my life? What if I decide to do something else? If I make mistakes? How do I practically find out what God's calling is for my life? Phil & Vince answer these and many more questions and provide a step-by-step plan how do find God's will. Episode 05 (extended): "Knowing God's Will For Your Life" Hosts: Phil & Vince © 2019 - 21st Talks. All Rights Reserved. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/21sttalks/support

There are 3 essential things every person needs, and those things cannot be purchased or bought. Rather, the desire for them is implanted by our Heavenly Father. Why do we have them and how can we receive them on a very practical level? Episode 04: "Three Things Every Person Needs" Hosts: Phil & Vince © 2019 - 21st Talks. All Rights Reserved. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/21sttalks/support

Disappointments are part of life. Beyond personal disappointments that we might experience, there are a number of big disappointments in history. The probably greatest one in a Christian context happened in October 1844. Why does God allow His faithful believers to spread a "lie", why does He let us walk "in darkness" if He could show us the "right" solution immediately? Can it be that God wants His children to find certain things on their own? And if so, why does He use disappointments to make it happen? Episode 03: "Why Disappointments?" Hosts: Phil & Vince © 2019 - 21st Talks. All Rights Reserved. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/21sttalks/support

The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:16 that God is love. But looking around us, we see colossal amounts of pain and suffering. Why is that? Did God change His mind and suddenly become evil? Is He a distant God who created everything and then leaned back to watch us do whatever we want? Who is responsible for the misery in this world? What are the causes? And how can we make a difference? Episode 02: "Why Is There Pain & Suffering?" Hosts: Phil & Vince © 2019 - 21st Talks. All Rights Reserved. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/21sttalks/support

As Christians, we should be nice and meek people. Jesus calls us in Matthew 5:39 to "hold the other cheek". But how does that practically look like? Are we now doormats for everyone, do we have to swallow what people are throwing at us? How do you define true meekness in a biblical sense? And what does our personality type have to do with all this? Episode 01: "The Meek Christian - Where Do I Draw the Line?" Hosts: Phil & Vince © 2019 - 21st Talks. All Rights Reserved. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/21sttalks/support