Maranatha Teachings

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Maranatha Church, established in 1994, is a multigenerational house church in Coastal Virginia. Most recently, we've been studying the epistle to the Hebrews.

Nikolas Larum


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 56m AVG DURATION
    • 240 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Maranatha Teachings

    Our Faithful Creator and the Wisdom in Job (The Bible in Its Context - Part 29)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 50:01


    The book of Job can prove to be beautifully frustrating. We are told Job is righteous and then we watch him lose everything. His wife urges him to give up on God. Sympathetic friends pile on painful advice. Job howls to the heavens and Heaven answers. What's it all about? Join us as we begin our journey into this wild piece of wisdom literature.

    Proverbs (The Bible in Its Context - Part 28)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 39:23


    In this episode, we dive head first into the most read wisdom literature of them all, the book of Proverbs. Join us as we examine the purpose of proverbs, the unique features of wisdom genre, and the rich poetic means the inspired writers used to bring God's guidance to our lives.

    Praying for Wisdom (The Bible in Its Context - Part 27)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 57:14


    God promises to give wisdom to all who ask it of Him in faith. What does it mean to pray for wisdom "with no doubting"? In this powerful and practical session, we discuss what wisdom is, why we need it, and how it is that we can live in its stabilizing blessing because of the goodness of God.

    The Wisdom of God (The Bible in Its Context - Part 26)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 36:37


    To fully appreciated books like Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes it is vital to have an understanding of wisdom literature and how the genre works. But above that, one must have a clear understanding of what wisdom is. Join on us on this powerful ride into Scripture as we examine the wisdom from the Garden of Eden to the throne of God.

    Psalms 1-3: The Psalter's Introduction (The Bible in Its Context - Part 25)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 44:36


    In gathering together the songs of Zion, the compilers did so purposefully. Join us as we examine the first three Psalms and how they together form the introduction to the whole book of Psalms.

    Holy Week(end) and the Psalms (The Bible in Its Context - Part 24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2025 42:08


    "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" is arguably the most heart-rending cry in all of the New Testament. Mark and Matthew both record these words from our Lord's lips. But what was the fullness of Jesus's expression and expectation? Join us as we journey through Psalms 22-24 and discover how the Psalms, along with being prayers and praises, are also prophecies.

    David and the Psalms (The Bible in Its Context - Part 23)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2025 30:57


    Though David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, did not compose all the Psalms, no other person in Scripture bears a stronger association with them than he. Join us as we momentarily step away from the psalms themselves to review David's role in establishing what would become the music service of the temple worship and how the apostles used the promise of the psalms in their evangelistic preaching.

    Psalms: Structure and Types (The Bible in Its Context - Part 22)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2025 42:40


    In the life of Israel, songs and prayers were composed and collected to offer praise, give hope, and document the honesty of hearts seeking God. These are the Psalms, treasures of devotion that have stood the test of time. Join us as we examine the collection as a whole, their poetic form, arrangement, and the various types in which they appear.

    Psalms: A Poetic Introduction (The Bible in Its Context - Part 21)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 34:23


    Psalms is the prayer and hymn book of the Judeo-Christian faith. Join us in this introductory sharing on Psalms as we explore the features of Hebraic poetry and examine the power of poetic language.

    The Law (The Bible in Its Context - Part 20)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 43:53


    Aside from long-standing controversies about which Old Testament laws a New Testament saint is bound to observe, the Pentateuch has many decrees that and demands that to modern ears sound criminal. How are we to understand these laws? How is a Christian supposed to apply them? Join us as we delve into the Law to find the love and grace codified therein.

    Parables (The Bible in Its Context - Part 19)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 52:15


    Parables are a unique genre in the Bible and particularly in the Gospels. In this episode, we examine the history of their interpretation, how Jesus used them, and the surprising characteristics story parables share with well-told jokes. While the surprise ending in jokes are tailored to make us laugh, parables are intended to make us respond to the King's invitation into His kingdom.

    The Gospel Genre Context (The Bible in Its Context - Part 18)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 43:08


    Justin Martyr referred to the Gospels as "the memoirs of the apostles." Join us as we examine how the different Gospel writers published the life and message of Jesus to bring to the communities they were serving what the Holy Spirit needed them hear.

    The Gospels, an Overview (The Bible in Its Context - Part 17)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 50:11


    In this episode, we explore the different literary structures and sources of the four Gospels to see the coordinating work of the Holy Spirit in His delivery of the canon of Scripture to us. Join us in this powerful examination as we compare the Evangelists' work and hear the testimonies of the early church fathers on the production and reception of the Gospels.

    The Gospels, an Introduction (The Bible in Its Context - Part 16)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 46:31


    In this lively and powerful episode, we begin our examination of the gospel genre and the unique contribution the Evangelists made to the canon under the leading of the Holy Spirit.

    Joseph, the Rest of the Story (The Bible in Its Context - Part 15)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 31:32


    In our capstone episode examining Hebrew narrative genre, we take a wide view of the Joseph story to see its structure and conclusion and how biblical historic narrative helps us navigate our lives in the present. Join us in this lively and powerful discussion as we look at the rest of the story.

    Continuation of the Joseph Story (The Bible in Its Context - Part 14)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 31:40


    In this episode, we compare Scripture's treatment of Joseph in narrative with his appearance in Psalm 105 to illustrate the differences in genre between narratives and psalms. Join us in this lively discussion as we see some of the ways Hebrew narratives were crafted and how knowing their structure helps us understand and apply Scripture better. Though this episode stands mostly on its own, be sure to check out Part 13 of this series for the introduction of the Joseph story.

    Understanding Narratives: The Joseph Story (The Bible in Its Context - Part 13)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2025 53:22


    In this episode, we begin our focused examination of how Hebrew narrative works to better appreciate the message the inspired writer is giving. Join us in this lively conversation as we dip our toes into the beginning of the Joseph narrative, the longest single-focused narrative in the Bible.

    Context of Genre (The Bible in Its Context - Part 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 44:43


    In this introductory session of the various genres in Scripture, we discuss the different kinds of books and writings found in the Bible and how understanding their literary forms helps us receive their intended message. Included in this episode is a cautionary tale on how not to read narrative history.

    The Parables of Lost Things (The Bible in Its Context - Part 11)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2025 41:28


    In this episode, we take a fresh look at the three parables recorded in Luke 15: the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the lost son. Taking into account the purpose and form of story parables along with the cultural context within which they were told allows us to see the point Jesus was driving home and the expected response from his declaration. Join us as we step into the audience of scribes and Pharisees to hear how this message would have impacted them and how they challenge us to this day.

    The Three Kings (The Bible in Its Context - Part 10)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 43:33


    In this episode, we look at the political and cultural context surrounding the birth of Messiah and contrast the King of kings' arrival and promise with the prominence of Caesar Augustus and Herod the Great.

    The Gospel Preached to Abraham (The Bible in Its Context - Part 9)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 36:36


    "I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse," the Lord said to Abram. Join us as we journey with the patriarch from Haran to Shechem and learn what this calling meant and what was its ultimate outcome.

    Introduction to Bible Background (The Bible in Its Context - Part 8)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 46:54


    Considering that the Scriptures were written and edited by approximately thirty-five different writers and other unknown persons under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit over the course of roughly 1600 years, familiarity with the biblical background of the text is crucial to our understanding and interpretation of it. We introduce the subject in this episode and discuss methods of discovering and applying the cultural context of holy writ.

    Anticontext Methods to Avoid (The Bible in Its Context - Part 7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 59:38


    Have you ever heard that "apostle" means "sent one"? How about "the church are the 'called our' or agape is the highest form of love? These were understandings that I carried for decades, not knowing that their conclusions came to me via a faulty road. In this episode, we discuss common ways of examining Scriptures that pull them out of context and thus from their intended meaning. Join us for this lively how-not-to discussion.

    Context of Author (The Bible in Its Context - Part 6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 58:43


    In this episode, we examine how reviewing words and ideas across the body of work of a particular author in Scripture can help us understand their meaning. In this sharing, we put a spotlight on Paul's use of "wrath" in 1 Thessalonians 1:10 and John's use of "life" in John 10:10.

    The Great Commission in Whole-Book Context (The Bible in Its Context - Part 5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 31:01


    Like any skilled writer, Matthew finishes his book in a way that capstones all that he told before. In this episode, we explore the solid bullet points in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) in light of Matthew's entire Gospel. If you are not accustomed to (and even if you are) reading Matthew as an independent book, the consistency of the themes may surprise you. Join us as we launch down this fast-paced and practical review of the first book in the New Testament canon.

    More Whole-Book Context - John 3:16 (The Bible in Its Context - Part 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 50:16


    John 3:16 is perhaps the most widely used evangelistic verse in the New Testament. In light of John's entire Gospel, what does it mean to believe in Jesus? Join us as we examine John's exposition of faith and the various types of "believers" Jesus encountered and what he required of them and ultimately of us.

    Whole-Book Context (The Bible in Its Context - Part 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024 50:34


    In this dynamic episode, we examine who "the least of these my brothers" (Matt. 25:40) are in light of the context of the entire book of Matthew. Give a listen as we discuss the benefits of reading aloud, review some of the history of how Scripture was published, and gain clarified insight into the meaning of Jesus's prophetic Olivet Discourse as recorded by Matthew.

    Paragraph Context (The Bible in Its Context - Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 46:47


    In this dynamic session, we grapple with three very familiar verses and concepts: the fire baptism in Matt. 3:11, the cattle on a thousand hills in Ps. 50:10, and the thief in John 10:10. What do these verses mean in the paragraph and portion context of where they appear. If you like me learned these verses as proof texts of particular ideas, the answers may surprise you.

    Context Is King (The Bible in Its Context - Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 39:12


    This episode begins an equipping series on improving our study of the Scriptures through contextual understanding. Using Dr. Craig Keener's helpful guide, The Bible in Its Context: How to Improve Your Study of the Scriptures, we begin to examine the pitfalls of building beliefs and understanding based on proof texts and word studies alone. Join us as we through contextual reading unravel the apparent contradiction between Romans 3:28 (one is justified by faith apart from the works of the law) and James 2:24 (a person is justified by works and not by faith alone).

    World Without End (The Apostles' Creed - Part 19)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 42:09


    In our concluding episode on the Apostles' Creed, we unpack the Christian hope contained in the declaration that we believe in "the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting." Join us in this lively, insightful, and powerful discussion on the realities of forgiveness, the transformative nature of the resurrection, and our eternal embodied future in a redeemed and renewed creation.

    The Communion of Saints (The Apostles' Creed - Part 18)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 68:33


    Regardless the number of denominations and multiplicity of houses of worship, the church of Jesus Christ is singular. He is the head and we are his body. We are called to eagerly maintain the unity of the Spirit in the Bond of peace. But why are there divisions and what is truly heresy? And why do we call it "church" anyway? Join us as we discuss the words in the creed, "I believe in . . . the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints."

    I Believe in the Holy Spirit (The Apostles' Creed - Part 17)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 40:22


    In this episode, we look at the impact the creeds had on the canonization of the New Testament as we examine the Person of the Holy Spirit and his function within the Godhead.

    The Return of the King (The Apostles' Creed - Part 16)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 58:11


    Long before Tolkien put pen to paper, the mightiest king known to mankind promised to return. In the words of the Apostles' Creed: He will come to judge the living and the dead. Join us as we examine Christ's arrival for his bride and the renewal of all things and the implications these truth on our present lives.

    Regent of the Universe (The Apostles' Creed - Part 15)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 52:20


    Humanity has gone through numerous trials in the past two thousand years, replete with plagues, wars, famines, and natural disasters. The witness of Scripture is that during this same time, Christ has been seated at the Father's right hand in heaven and placed as regent of the universe. Is this just fancy or are things really getting better? What are the practical implications of Christ actively ruling the cosmos and the culmination of the history of the age? Join us as we continue to delve into the treasure trove of truths contained in the reality of Christ's ascension and exaltation.

    Seated at the Father's Right Hand (The Apostles' Creed - Part 14)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 45:35


    In the resurrection, Jesus overcame the penalty for humanity's sin. In the ascension, Christ not only returned to his former glory, he also ushered in a new era for mankind. Join us as we follow the Master from his dramatic proclamation during the Feast of Tabernacles that he would pour out the Holy Spirit to his enthronement at the Father's side and see what was set in motion at the beginning of the session of Christ.

    Christ's Ascension: An Introduction (The Apostles' Creed - Part 13)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 23:12


    In the words of the Apostles' Creed: He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. In this episode, we set the groundwork for understanding what was declared and accomplished in the ascendancy and glorification of Jesus the Messiah. Join us as we travel from the gates of Hades to the Mount of God and all the way into the heavens.

    Alive Forevermore: The Significance of the Resurrection (The Apostles' Creed - Part 12)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2024 42:44


    Without the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, Christianity would collapse like a house of cards. Our preaching would be found false, our faith in vain, and our sins remaining. But he rose and is alive forevermore! Join us as we examine the reasons why the resurrection was necessary in our continued study of the Apostles' Creed.

    The Harrowing of Hades [2 of 2] (The Apostles' Creed - Part 11)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 51:48


    In this powerful episode, we conclude our discussion of Christ's conquest over the realm of the dead and the impact it has for the community of faith. Join us as we delve deeper into the underworld and come out on the other side with the Victor.

    The Harrowing of Hades [1 of 2] (The Apostles' Creed - Part 10)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 30:23


    What was the purpose of Jesus's descent into the underworld? Join us in this lively discussion of Scripture's description of the realm of the dead and the Old Testament saints' view of it.

    Jesus's Descent into the Underworld (The Apostles' Creed - Part 9)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 41:15


    Aside from the tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea, where did Jesus go during the three days and nights he was buried? The Apostles' Creed proclaims that he descended to the dead. Join us as we examine this doctrine and what it has meant for New Testament saints ever since.

    The Victory of the Cross (The Apostles' Creed - Part 8)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 36:54


    In the powerful episode, we examine Jesus's defeat of the evil kingdom by way of the cross and how to walk in cruciformity, a life identified with and led by the cross.

    The Sign of the Cross (The Apostles' Creed - Part 7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2024 40:31


    In the words of the Apostles' Creed, Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried." Picking up from our previous episode (The Scandal of the Cross), we delve into Jesus's proclamation of his impending death and the sign of the prophet Jonah. In this episode, we have slaughtered lambs, sacrificial doves, toppled temples, lifted serpents, and sea monsters, oh my.

    The Scandalous Cross (The Apostles' Creed - Part 6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2024 42:11


    In this episode, we look at the cultural context of crucifixion and how Jesus's disciples and detractors would have heard and thought regarding his public execution. Join us for this sobering and empowering look at our Lord's sacrifice, the One who suffered under Pontius Pilate.

    The Virgin Birth (The Apostles' Creed - Part 5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2024 52:06


    We continue our series on the Apostles' Creed based on Michael F. Bird's work in his book What Christians Ought to Believe. The Incarnation is the greatest wonder and mystery of this era of human history. God entered his creation in human form to save it. Join us as we delve into the fulfilled promise that is Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah. (Along with Bird's work, I also am indebted to Robert P. George and Christopher Tollefsen and their book Embryo as well as O. Carter Snead's What It Means to Be Human.)

    I Believe in Jesus Christ (The Apostles' Creed - Part 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 58:52


    The first part of the Apostles' Creed states: I Believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. Join us as we discuss the deep theological truths of the incarnation of the Son of God and the revelation of the Father through the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

    Creator of Heaven and Earth (Apostles' Creed - Part 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 34:37


    That the God we worship is the Creator of heaven and earth was a foundational tenant of the apostles of Jesus Christ. In this powerful sharing, we examine the encouraging implications that our heavenly Father is the Creator of all we see, including us. Furthermore, we find that the language of creation is the language of salvation. Finally, we look at the comfort trusting our faithful Creator brings.

    I Believe in God, Father Almighty (The Apostle's Creed - Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2024 39:22


    In this episode, we examine faith, fatherhood, and fortitude. We look at the dynamics of an open, trusting relationship with God, what it means to have a loving Father, and how the all-powerful Creator of the heavens and the earth exerts his might for our complete redemption.

    I Believed, and so I Spoke (The Apostles' Creed - Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2024 32:06


    This episode begins our new series on the Apostles' Creed based on Michael F. Bird's book What Every Christian Ought to Believe. Join us as we examine the history and importance of Christianity's historical creeds, their impact on the biblical canon, and their importance and benefit for us today.

    Romans 12 Grace Gifts (Living in the Outpouring - 16)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2024 45:27


    In this final episode of our series, we examine the healthy functioning of the body of Christ as its members use the grace bestowments of God in their midst. Along the way we explore purpose, identity, and functionality as individuals and as a community of faith. If you have ever received instruction on "motivational gifts" out of Romans 12, you'll be blessed to find that the text has richer truths to reveal to us than a personality battery.

    A New Age Mentality (Living in the Outpouring - 15)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 55:23


    Fear not, this is not a polemic against "new age" crystal faith or ESP practices! In this powerful episode, we take a fresh look at Romans 12:2 and what it means to have a renewed mind.

    The Interpretation of Tongues (Living in the Outpouring - 14)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2024 40:30


    Sister manifestation to speaking in unknown tongues, inspired interpretation through the Spirit brings tongues out of the prayer closet into the congregation for the edification of all. Join us as we examine this simple and profound manifestation of the Spirit, how it is accessed, and how it is to be employed in the congregational setting.

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