Study Isaiah

Can God be put on trial? How are we to understand suffering? Why is the book of Job in the Bible? Dive into the book and learn about the book that brings us an amazing story of God's goodness.

The Biblical book of Ester does not mention God once. However, that does't mean God is absent. Irony is used a lot in this book to show God working through human interactions.

Nehemiah is the right man at the right time. While Ezra rebuilds the temple, Nehemiah works on the city and the community. Rebuilding and reforming a city in ruin.

God is faithful and sends Israel Ezra the scribe when they need him most. But will the people turn from their idolatrous ways and foreign wives?

What is the purpose of 1st and 2nd Chronicles if a huge part of the content is just repeated from 1st and 2nd Kings? Chronicles has more of an emphasis on David as the ideal king. In this episode, Dr. Wegner takes a look at the historical context and literary content of Chronicles to find the answer.

Tyler and Dr. Wegner finish up the books of Kings and the downward spiral of Kings in Israel and Judah that lead to the exile of all the people.

Dr. Wegner takes us on a small excursion to visit the Israelite concept of Afterlife, in order for us to better understand the passage in 1 Kings 1:21, "When my lord the king sleeps with his fathers".

Most kings in the north were evil and did what was right in their own eyes, while kings in Judah followed the ways of the Lord. This was not always the case, but in this episode Dr. Wegner takes us through the good and bad kings in the divided kingdoms.

Dr. Wegner begins 1 and 2 Kings, concluding the reign of David and entering the reign of King Solomon.

This week, Dr. Wegner finishes up the books of 1 and 2 Samuel which conclude the end of David's life and reign.

In this episode, we look at the beginning of David's life before he became king and his patience as he dealt with Saul, God's anointed, even amidst the threat of death from Saul himself.

Dr. Wegner begins this multi-episode coverage of 1 and 2 Samuel by telling us the story of Samuel's conception, his life as a prophet and the last judge of Israel, and the transition to the kingdom of Israel.

Want to find out how to be the best in-law in history? Unfortunately, we don't have a podcast for that HOWEVER in this episode of The Study Podcast, Dr. Wegner covers the book of Ruth and the many wonderful examples of "hesed" or "loving-kindness" on display from believers and from God.

Every did what was wrong in the eyes of the Lord. Should our children emulate Samson? Is a fleece a good way to receive a sign from the Lord? How many generals were killed by a women in Judges? Listen to this episode to find out.

In this episode, Dr. Wegner covers the land allotments in Judges, the time line and downward spiral of faith of those appointed judges.

This episode covers the first of the historical books, the book of Joshua. Dr. Wegner discusses the books historical and theological significance, highlighting key events such as the crossing of the Jordan River, the circumcision of the Israelites, and the fall of Jericho. Dr. Wegner emphasizes the role of God in these events, the military campaigns of Joshua, Joshua's consistent service to God and the importance of the Levitical cities for religious education.

Dr. Wegner walks us through the Law of Deuteronomy.

In this episode, Dr. Wegner walks us through the wilderness wanderings. Numbers is often a challenging book to read, but Dr. Wegner provides us with some logical, background information we may have not heard before that is beneficial to our study of this book.

Dr. Wegner overviews the next book that makes up the Pentateuch, Leviticus, going over what some of the laws mean and why they are included in the Bible.

Dr. Wegner and Tyler finish up the book of Exodus, covering chapters 19-40, mainly focusing on the covenant between God and His treasured possession, Israel.

This episode is Hebrew heavy. We are looking at names this week, what the Hebrew spelling of names says about a person, what it means when someone's name is changed, and we finish with looking at certain laws that are introduced in the book of Exodus.

As we begin a new season, Dr. Wegner kicks off the our continuation of studying the Pentateuch by examining Biblical evidence for the date of the Exodus.

Exploring the terrain of the Ancient Near East through maps and photos provides us with an immersive experience of the geography that can help us to better understand the culture of the Old and New Testaments and things that happened in Ancient Israel. We highly recommend watching this episode on YouTube.

Dr. Wegner walks listeners through examples of textual criticism found in the Old Testament. We recommend watching this episode on Youtube to see the examples and PowerPoint Dr. Wegner has put together.

Gateway Seminary acquired an old scroll this past year. Dr. Wegner walks us through the things that make our scroll exciting and rare. We recommend watching this podcast on YouTube for examples and pictures of the scroll!

Dr. Wegner walks listeners through the basics of Textual Criticism; what it is, why it's important, and how to understand the footnotes in your Bible. We recommend watching this video on YouTube as Dr. Wegner has a great powerpoint with visual examples of old manuscripts!

The original authors of the Bible wrote their manuscripts without error, but is the modern version of the Bible we have today also inerrant? What is the difference between inerrancy and infallibility? Dr. Wegner covers these things in this episode and starts to explore the idea of textual criticism.

Dr. Wegner walks us through the concepts of what the Israelites believed happened after they died. From 2,000 BC through the death of Jesus, learn about developing ideas of the afterlife.

This is the final episode of Study Podcast's third season, on Revelation. Tyler and Dr. Stewart discuss chapters 21 and 22, highlighting the themes of new creation and the absence of the sea, symbolizing chaos. They explore the New Jerusalem's immense dimensions and its symbolic significance as God's dwelling place, and the warnings about politics and wealth, urging caution and faithfulness.

Dr. Stewart and Tyler discuss the millennial debate. They cover different interpretations of the millennium, the strengths and weaknesses of each. They also describe the return of Christ and the final battle.

Dr. Stewart and Tyler discuss Revelation 17 and 18, focusing on the symbolic representation of Babylon. They explore the chiasm structure, highlighting the introduction and judgment of key adversaries like the dragon, the beast, and Babylon.

This episode covers the seven trumpets in Revelation chapters 8-11, emphasizing their role in the series of seven judgments. Dr. Stewart focuses on spiritual oppression and demonic activity, contrasting with the human-centric judgments of the seven seals.

Dr. Stewart and Tyler discuss the symbolism of the seven seals in Revelation. The seals can range from Christ's authority, to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, to cosmic upheaval, to God's final judgment, and more. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of suffering and judgment.

This episode is on Revelation chapters 4 and 5, focusing on the hymns of worship, the vision of God's throne, and the symbolism of the Lion and the Lamb. Who are the Lion and the Lamb and how do we balance the militaristic and sacrificial imagery of it all?

In this episode, Dr. Alex Stewart and Tyler Sanders read through chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation, focusing on the seven letters to the seven churches in western Asia Minor. These seven letters share a repetitive structure, influenced by Imperial edicts and Old Testament prophets. Each letter addresses a specific church, identifying Jesus as the speaker and revealing Jesus's intimate knowledge of the church, and offers either encouragement or a call to repentance.

Dr. Stewart and Tyler Sanders delve into the first chapter of Revelation, highlighting John's authority, the Trinitarian greeting, and Jesus' roles as a faithful witness, firstborn from the dead, and ruler of the kings of the earth. They explore the significance of John's suffering and his connection with the readers, and the importance of trusting John's message due to its continuity with early Christian teachings and the Old Testament.

Tyler and Dr. Stewart cover the final principle for interpreting Revelation. They discuss the importance of understanding Revelation in the context of the Old Testament and Christian theology, the theological significance of the book, and the limitations of understanding. They also explore the connection between Genesis and Revelation, the Trinity's presence in Revelation, and the challenges of balancing original historical meaning with subsequent application in the New Testament. 

Tyler and Dr. Stewart discuss the challenging 4th Principle to interpreting Revelation: Symbolism. They explore the effectiveness of apocalyptic imagery in conveying timeless messages, its ability to transcend historical context, and the importance of spiritual discernment to uncover deeper meanings. They argue that apocalyptic literature is not just historical narrative but a call to spiritual insight, with the truths being real and warn of the danger of false interpretations.

In this episode, Tyler and Dr. Stewart cover the Third Principle: Repetition, and explore the intricate visions and symbolism of Revelation, focusing on its hymns, judgment, and the seven trumpets. Discover how Revelation's repeated visions provide varied perspectives on the final battle and divine justice. They also discuss strategies for preaching Revelation and interpreting its symbolic time frames, like the three and a half year period. Tune in to understand the layered messages of Revelation and get a preview of our next episode on interpreting its rich symbolism.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Alex Stewart and host Tyler Sanders discuss the second principle for guiding interpretation of the book of Revelation, which is Historical Context. Focusing on understanding the time, location, culture, and language of the original audience can guide interpretation, provide a broader significance, and give you a better read and grasp on the message of the book.

We begin our third season with a new host, Dr. Alexander Stewart, Dean of Faculty, Vice President of Academic Services, and Professor of New Testament at Gateway Seminary. In this season, Tyler and Dr. Stewart will analyze the book of Revelation by working their way through Dr. Stewart's book entitled, "Reading the Book of Revelation: Five Principles for Interpretation", and then reading through Revelation.In episode one, they introduce the first principle; the purpose of visions. It can be easy while reading Revelation to become distracted by the grand imagery, so what are readers actually supposed to take away from the apocalyptic visions in this book?

In the season 2 finale, of The Study Podcast, Dr. Wegner covers Genesis 32-35. Jacob wrestles with an angel, refusing to let go until he is blessed. What does this signify about Jacob's person and the country of Israel? Through the events in Genesis, we see how fear, faith, and forgiveness are intertwined in the lives of biblical characters, shaping their relationships with each other and with God.Keep an eye out for special episodes while you wait for season 3!

(Abraham's Line Part III)Patriarchal Blessings are not really a thing we have in America and interestingly, in the Bible, only appear in the book of Genesis. This episode continues the story of Jacob and Esau and their conflict for firstborn birthright and patriarch blessing. After which, Jacob must leave his home to for 20 years before returning to the land of Israel.

In this episode, Dr. Wegner covers the death of Sarah, the process of finding Rebekah to be Isaac's wife, and the dynamic between Jacob and Esau, sons of Isaac. (Abraham's Line Part II)

In this episode of The Study Podcast, Tyler and Dr. Wegner look at a few passages in Genesis. Abraham and Sarah go to Egypt and tell the Pharaoh they that are siblings and God sends curses to the land for their lie.Abraham tells Melchizedek, who worships God even with no education on Him, who Yahweh actually is. Jesus is in the line of Melchizedek, a king and priest.The presence of three angels in Sodom. Is it a self-manifestation of God, a pre-incarnate Christ, or a special angel with God's permission?(Abraham's Line Part I)

In episode 12 of The Study Podcast, Dr. Wegner and Tyler continue the conversation about the covenant God makes with Abraham. There were over 15 years from the time God promised Abraham children to the birth of Isaac. God is with us even when we can't feel Him, He always comes through on His promises.

In Genesis 12, God makes a Covenant with Abraham to make him a father of a multitude of nations. Is this covenant an unconditional or conditional one? God promises blessings to all families of earth, and Abraham seals the covenant with his unwavering obedience. How do the blessings of the promise flow down to us still today?

The Tower of Babel narrative is well known even in modern pop culture, but do you know the details of the story? "Babel" in Babylon means "gate of God", in the Hebrew context of the Old Testament it means "to mix" or "confuse", but in English we use babel to mean "confused noise". Our English understanding of the word most likely comes from this passage in Genesis 11, but did you know that this narrative also has a connection to the surrounding genealogy passages?

This week on The Study Podcast, Tyler and Dr. Wegner go over the concepts of a Universal Flood and a Local Flood, what their probabilities are and what the problems with those theories are. Dr. Wegner explains powerful examples of God's might and its evidence on earth.