Scripture & Spice

This series examines relevant topics pertinent to the Christian lifestyle.  Listening is a great tool to support and encourage others, yet effective listening is extremely difficult.  Why is effective listening so hard, and what can we do to make ourselves better listeners? Also in this episode: Why spoken words do not always accurately depict our … Continue reading "Back to Basics: Listening (to others)"

What is your favorite Bible verse?  Americans have weighed in on this question.  In this episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, Micah and Curtis  discuss Paul’s second most popular passage, this one from the book of Romans. Also in this episode: The legend of the Holy Grail Richard Dawkins concludes that religious faith is … Continue reading "Favorite Bible Verses (Part 4)"

What is your favorite Bible verse?  Americans have weighed in on this question.  In this episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, Micah reflects on the beautiful passage from Isaiah that promises that we shall mount up on wings like eagles. Also in this episode: What is a Kewpie? America’s national emblem Why we love … Continue reading "Favorite Bible Verses (Part 3)"

What is your favorite Bible verse?  Americans have weighed in on this question.  In this episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, Micah and Curtis  address assumptions regarding Philippians 4:13. Also in this episode: Should UFC Fighters praise God when the knock their opponent out? What kind of headband does Curtis use when he works … Continue reading "Favorite Bible Verses (Part 2)"

What is your favorite Bible verse?  Americans have weighed in on this question.  In this episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, Micah and Curtis  begin a discussion on our favorite Bible verses. Also in this episode The problems with taking scriptures out of context The worst bible verses to put on church signs Jeremiah … Continue reading "Favorite Bible Verses (Part 1)"

For Christians, Jesus is our Prince of Peace.  In this world that celebrates violence, what can we learn from the ways that Jesus handles violence?  During Advent, we celebrate the peace that God gives to the world through Christ.  In this episode Micah and Curtis contemplate ways to achieve peace in our world today. Also … Continue reading "Jesus: our Prince of Peace"

Why is the season of Advent is a special time to recognize the anticipated arrival of the Lord Jesus?   The festivities and family traditions of Christmas serve a purpose, but cannot match the hope God grants us through the coming of Christ.  Micah addresses the underlying message of comfort that arrives on the first Christmas. … Continue reading "Hope of Christmas"

What makes Paul, the Apostle, an authority figure in the early church?  Does he have the right education, credentials, or job experiences that make him an expert?  Questions of authority arise early and often during Paul’s career.  In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, we consider church authority in our times and in Paul’s day. Also … Continue reading "Paul the Decorated"

The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith.  He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result.  While many admire the man, others characterize him as a sexist and supporter of slavery. In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, Micah address these concerns by examining Paul’s theology and … Continue reading "Problems with Paul"

The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith.  He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result.  How does Paul handle tragedy and suffering? More specifically, what does Paul do when his faith is shaken?  In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, Micah suggests that Paul uses tragedy … Continue reading "Paul’s Faith is Tested"

 The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith.  He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result.  In a time of grief and despair, Paul receives news of unheralded success. The Thessalonian Congregation is standing firm in their convictions to follow Jesus in spite of suffering.   In … Continue reading "Celebrating Unforeseen Success"

The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith.  He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result.  In his day, Paul presented a unique religious perspective; namely, to serve a crucified messiah.  Opponents would have his considered this message foolish. In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, Micah … Continue reading "Foolishness of God"

The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith.  He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result. How did Paul handle the possibility of suffering for his faith in Jesus the Messiah?  In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, we examine Paul as he stands on trial in Athens. Also in … Continue reading "Paul on Trial in Greece"

The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith.  He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result.  How did Paul interpret his purpose in life?  In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, Micah explores Paul’s first missionary journey, and how his experiences helped him to grow as a disciple … Continue reading "Paul: On Mission"

The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith.  He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result.  Paul encountered conflict, not just with opponents of Christianity, but also faced obstacles within the church.  In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, Micah acknowledge issues of conflict that plague Paul’s … Continue reading "Paul Faces Conflict"

The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith.  He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result.  How did Paul interpret his encounter with the risen Christ?  In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, Micah offers insights into how Paul could have interpreted the Damascus Road experience that would … Continue reading "Paul and his Conversion"

The tomb is empty on Easter morning.  Jesus is not there, for he has risen!  How do we interpret the meaning of the empty tomb?  How did those close to Jesus understand his resurrection?   In this Episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, we are going to dive into ways to interpret the resurrection of … Continue reading "Understanding the Empty Tomb"

The Cross has been the symbol of Christianity for centuries.  What do we know about Crucifixion from the ancient world? How might these insights help us to understand Jesus’ death better?  In this episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, learn about Jesus’ death on the cross, and the political and religious implications. Also in … Continue reading "Lessons from the Cross"

What is the mission of Jesus? How did the disciples perceive the mission of their master? These questions are pondered in this episode. Scripture of the Day – Luke 10:1-12

Your friendly neighborhood pastor, Micah Spicer, finds himself back in the hot seat answering questions about the historical Jesus.  In this episode, Micah and Curtis discuss the mission of Jesus.  How does the church perceive that mission, and how might Jesus have perceived his own mission?  Tune in to find out.

Your friendly neighborhood pastor, Micah Spicer, finds himself back in the hot seat answering questions about the historical Jesus.  In this episode, Micah and Curtis discuss the role of miracles in the ministry of Jesus.

Your friendly neighborhood pastor, Micah Spicer, finds himself back in the hot seat answering questions about the historical Jesus. Learn about Jesus, his family, their social and economic status, and the experiences that helped shaped the theology of the Son of God.

How do we reconcile the belief that Jesus is 100% divine and 100% human? What was religious and political life like during the time of Jesus? Who are the Pharisees, Saducees, and Essenes? Why should we study the humanity of Jesus and consider the context of 1st century Palestine?    

What is the relationship between theological schools and churches? What is the goal of seminaries? How did David Cassady, Christian Publisher and entrepreneur, become a seminary President? What is BSK offering to students, churches, and communities across the country? Dr. David Cassady, President of Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, joins Micah in this episode of Scripture … Continue reading "A Seminary President on the Role of Seminaries Today"

What are some challenges that rural congregations face today? Tell us about the challenges of moving from a youth ministry role to being a senior pastor. Let’s talk about the stereotypes of pastor’s wives. What is the best way to deal with conflict in the church? What is the most intriguing thing you have discovered … Continue reading "Becoming a Pastor in Rural America"

Nehemiah What is the historical context of Nehemiah? Tell us about the character Nehemiah. What is the relationship between the Biblical books of  Ezra and Nehemiah? What does the book of Nehemiah tell us about how we should live our lives today? In this special edition of Scripture & Spice, the team travels to a … Continue reading "Nehemiah: the Scripture, the Man, the Mission."

What is the process of planting a church? How does a new church approach theology and core beliefs given that Purpose Church does not affiliate with a specific domination? Hear Dustin’s take on the purpose of the church. What do you preach on your first Sunday in the life of a church?    

Matthew 1 & 2, Luke 1 & 2 What does the term Christ mean?  Is it the last name of Jesus of Nazareth? What is the difference between “Messiah” and “Christ?” Cyrus as Messiah? What does it mean to say that Jesus is the Christ? What do the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke tell … Continue reading "Messiah in the New Testament"

Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, 2 Samuel 7 What does the biblical term “messiah” mean? How does the faith community evolve in their understanding of messiah? Does the Old Testament hint at or predict Jesus as Messiah? How does the Old Testament shape our understanding of Christ?    

Preaching is a historic method of delivering God’s words to God’s people.  Preachers have conveyed truth to hearers for thousands of years.  Just like all skills, crafting sermons and delivering them takes effort and practice.  In this episode of Scripture and Spice, theologian and preacher, Dwight Moody joins Micah to discuss the role of preaching … Continue reading "The Role of Preaching Today"

Forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer What does Jesus teach about forgiveness? Bitterness, Resentment, and Anger Who has the authority to forgive sin? Is forgiveness a gift or an act of justice?  

What does justice look like today?  How can Christians be good neighbors?  Chris George, pastor of Smoke Rise Baptist Church, joins Micah Spicer to grapple with these practical questions for churches and people of faith. Also in this Episode: “Mine” as a naughty word. How can churches address issues of economic justice in our community. … Continue reading "Jesus, Justice, and the Church"

Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-22 What economic implications does the temple have in Israel during the lifetime of Jesus? What does Jesus think about taxes and sacrifices associated with the Temple in Jerusalem? Why does Jesus cleanse the temple? Luke’s Gospel as good news for the poor. Was Jesus a Capitalist?

2 Chronicles 9:1-28 God establishes justice while his people are in the wilderness.  When they settle the land of Israel, do they continue to practice God’s justice? A unified monarchy is established under Saul, but doesn’t last forever. Solomon is a rich and wise ruler, but he is not perfect.

Genesis 47: 13-31, Exodus, Deuteronomy Joseph helps Pharaoh build an exploitative economy in Egypt Given current economic trends, does Pharaoh’s economy compare to our  context? How does wilderness differ from dwelling in Egypt? What are ways that Christians can seek justice in spite of unfair economic practices?

Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 21 The ascension of Jesus What is the great commission? Are there multiple ways to live out the great commission? Is mission work subjective?  

John 21 Jesus walking through walls Do we treat “Doubting Thomas” fairly? What is the place of guilt and shame after Easter? “Going Fishing” after the crucifixion

John 21 What are the minister’s favorite holidays? How should churches build off the  momentum of Easter? Implied forgiveness in the gospels.

1 Corinthians 15 1st Century perspectives on afterlife Heaven, Hell, Immortality of the Soul How does the rapture fit into the afterlife? What is so important about the resurrection of Jesus?  

Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 21 Defining resurrection What is so important about the resurrection of Jesus? Unique perspectives on Easter morning

Romans 3:26, John 15:13 How might we think of Jesus’ death as an act of love? Peter Abelard’s understanding of atonement Implications of God’s love

Hebrews 2:14, Colossians 2:14-15, Romans 8:3 How can someone perceive such a humiliating death as a victory? What is Christus Victor? How can Christ’s death create victory in us?