Tending Our Nets

This special episode features a discussion about sacrifice and atonement, featuring Spencer Owen, Phil Bray, Troy Yurchak, and Joshua Sherman. This discussion is a response to the recent Bible Project episodes on Atonement and Burnt Offerings, as part of their overview of the Leviticus scroll. Here, we hope to bring additional context to the discussion, that can help people approach the Atonement, especially.For those that haven't listened to the Bible Project episodes yet, we'd like to recommend listening to this discussion, then listening to their episode on Burnt Offerings first, then their episode on Atonement.https://bibleproject.com/podcast/what-did-burnt-offerings-really-mean/ https://bibleproject.com/podcast/what-atonement/ Additional ResourcesFor more helpful resources on Sacrifices and Atonement, we'd recommend checking out the following books and podcasts. Each of them comes at this question from a slightly different point-of-view. For those that really want to dig into the topic, and be prepared to discuss it in detail, it can be very helpful to understand multiple points of view, to both inform our own view, and to enable more effective engagement with those that hold a different view.Books - Jacob Milgrom, "Leviticus" (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001I460LK/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i1)- L. Michael Morales, "Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord" (https://www.amazon.com/Who-Shall-Ascend-Mountain-Lord/dp/0830826386/ref=sr_1_1)- Matthew Thiessen, "Jesus and the Forces of Death" (https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Forces-Death-Matthew-Thiessen/dp/1540964876/ref=sr_1_1)- Fr. Jeremy Davis, "Welcoming Gifts" (https://store.ancientfaith.com/welcoming-gifts-sacrifice-in-the-bible-and-christian-life)- NT Wright: The Day the Revolution Began (https://www.amazon.com/Day-Revolution-Began-Reconsidering-Crucifixion-ebook/dp/B01ARKFWSC/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0)Podcasts - Fr. Jeremy Davis, "Sacrifice in the Bile and Christian Life" (https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/sacrifice_in_the_bible_and_christian_life)- The Lord of Spirits podcast - episodes on sacrifice and atonement https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/lordofspirits/eating_with_the_gods https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/lordofspirits/the_sacrifices_of_righteousness https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/lordofspirits/the_priest_shall_make_atonement- Michael Heiser's Leviticus series [episodes 63-84]: (https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/podcast/naked-bible-63-introducing-leviticus/)- Almost Heretical podcast, episodes 75-90 (https://almostheretical.com/episodes?offset=1573224589178)

Michael Gorman on becoming the Gospel, being conformed to the image of Christ, and theosis.https://onscript.study/podcast/michael-j-gorman-becoming-the-gospel/ Michael Heiser's Supernatural covers this in a really helpful way, in later chapters.https://www.amazon.com/Supernatural-Bible-Teaches-Unseen-Matters/dp/1577995589

Fr. John Behr's translation of Athanasius's “On The Incarnation”, which includes a Foreword by C.S. Lewis, and Fr. Behr's Introduction, is a great read for exploring the implications of the Incarnation of Christ more deeply.https://www.amazon.com/Incarnation-Saint-Athanasius-Popular-Patristics/dp/0881414271/ref=sr_1_3

Michael Heiser's Supernatural covers this in a really helpful way, in later chapters.https://www.amazon.com/Supernatural-Bible-Teaches-Unseen-Matters/dp/1577995589

Michael Heiser's Supernatural covers this in a really helpful way, in later chapters.https://www.amazon.com/Supernatural-Bible-Teaches-Unseen-Matters/dp/1577995589

Michael Heiser's Supernatural covers this in a really helpful way, in later chapters.https://www.amazon.com/Supernatural-Bible-Teaches-Unseen-Matters/dp/1577995589

Michael Heiser's Supernatural covers this in a really helpful way, in later chapters.https://www.amazon.com/Supernatural-Bible-Teaches-Unseen-Matters/dp/1577995589Randy Alcorn has written extensively on what eternal life will be like after Jesus returns, in his book “Heaven.” I'd recommend giving it a read, to get more of a full picture of the things we know from Scripture, and the kinds of things believers have explored in trying to understand all of this.https://www.christianbook.com/heaven-randy-alcorn/9780842379427/pd/79422

Dr. Michael Heiser approached this topic recently on the Naked Bible Podcast, when going through Revelation 20, around 00:35:25.https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/podcast/naked-bible-393-revelation-20/Dr. Justin Bass explores an important angle on this - how Christ's resurrection impacted those who were faithful to God, who died before Christ. https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Keys-Revelation-Underworld-Paternoster/dp/1625648391/ref=sr_1_2

If you want dive into this more, I highly recommend NT Wright's "The Challenge of Jesus":https://www.amazon.com/Challenge-Jesus-Rediscovering-Who-Was/dp/0830836969/ref=sr_1_1

For more on the Image and Glory of God, see:Dr. Matthew Bates, “The Gospel Precisely”https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Precisely-Surprisingly-Christ-Theology/dp/1949921662Dr. Haley Goranson-Jacob, “Conformed to the Image of His Son: Reconsidering Paul's Theology of Glory in Romans”https://www.amazon.com/Conformed-Image-His-Son-Reconsidering/dp/0830852107

For more on Bearing God's Name check out the following resources.Dr. Carmen Imes's interview with the Bible Project:https://bibleproject.com/podcast/taking-gods-name-vain/ Dr. Carmen Imes's book on this topic: https://www.amazon.com/Bearing-Gods-Name-Sinai-Matters/dp/0830852697/ref=sr_1_1

For a more detailed look at The Lord's Prayer, including “Hallowed Be Thy Name”, check out this episode from the After Class Podcast:https://afterclass.libsyn.com/225-our-fatherupdated For more on Bearing God's Name check out the following resources.Dr. Carmen Imes's interview with the Bible Project:https://bibleproject.com/podcast/taking-gods-name-vain/ Dr. Carmen Imes's book on this topic: https://www.amazon.com/Bearing-Gods-Name-Sinai-Matters/dp/0830852697/ref=sr_1_1

For more on Bearing God's Name check out the following resources.Dr. Carmen Imes's interview with the Bible Project:https://bibleproject.com/podcast/taking-gods-name-vain/ Dr. Carmen Imes's book on this topic: https://www.amazon.com/Bearing-Gods-Name-Sinai-Matters/dp/0830852697/ref=sr_1_1

For more on the Image of God, check out the following resources:Dr. Matthew Bates, “The Gospel Precisely”:https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Precisely-Surprisingly-Christ-Theology/dp/1949921662Dr. Carmen Imes's "Take Two Podcast" on the Image of God:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7cViaV350oDr. Catherine McDowell on the Image of God, on the Alabaster Jar podcast:https://thealabasterjar.podbean.com/e/the-image-of-god-in-the-garden-of-eden-conversation-with-catherine-mcdowell-aj-8/Dr. Michael Heiser on the Image of God (paper):https://drmsh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Image-of-God-LBD.pdf

For more on the Image of God, check out the following resources:Dr. Matthew Bates, “The Gospel Precisely”:https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Precisely-Surprisingly-Christ-Theology/dp/1949921662Dr. Carmen Imes's "Take Two Podcast" on the Image of God:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7cViaV350oDr. Catherine McDowell on the Image of God, on the Alabaster Jar podcast:https://thealabasterjar.podbean.com/e/the-image-of-god-in-the-garden-of-eden-conversation-with-catherine-mcdowell-aj-8/Dr. Michael Heiser on the Image of God (paper):https://drmsh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Image-of-God-LBD.pdf

For more on the Image of God, check out the following resources:Dr. Carmen Imes's "Take Two Podcast" on the Image of God:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7cViaV350oDr. Catherine McDowell on the Image of God, on the Alabaster Jar podcast:https://thealabasterjar.podbean.com/e/the-image-of-god-in-the-garden-of-eden-conversation-with-catherine-mcdowell-aj-8/Dr. Michael Heiser on the Image of God (paper):https://drmsh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Image-of-God-LBD.pdf

For more on the Image of God, check out the following resources:Dr. Carmen Imes's "Take Two Podcast" on the Image of God:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7cViaV350oDr. Catherine McDowell on the Image of God, on the Alabaster Jar podcast:https://thealabasterjar.podbean.com/e/the-image-of-god-in-the-garden-of-eden-conversation-with-catherine-mcdowell-aj-8/Dr. Michael Heiser on the Image of God (paper):https://drmsh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Image-of-God-LBD.pdf

For more on the Image of God, check out the following resources:Dr. Carmen Imes's "Take Two Podcast" on the Image of God:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7cViaV350oDr. Catherine McDowell on the Image of God, on the Alabaster Jar podcast:https://thealabasterjar.podbean.com/e/the-image-of-god-in-the-garden-of-eden-conversation-with-catherine-mcdowell-aj-8/Dr. Michael Heiser on the Image of God (paper):https://drmsh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Image-of-God-LBD.pdf

For more on the Image of God, check out the following resources:Dr. Carmen Imes's "Take Two Podcast" on the Image of God:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7cViaV350oDr. Catherine McDowell on the Image of God, on the Alabaster Jar podcast:https://thealabasterjar.podbean.com/e/the-image-of-god-in-the-garden-of-eden-conversation-with-catherine-mcdowell-aj-8/Dr. Michael Heiser on the Image of God (paper):https://drmsh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Image-of-God-LBD.pdf

Have you ever wondered what it means to be made in the Image of God? In this episode, I give a quick rundown on the main views on what this means, and propose what I think the best understanding of it is. Of course, as we continue this series, I'll discuss a lot more about the Image, and how it ties in with the Gospel.For more on the Image of God, check out the following resources:Dr. Carmen Imes's "Take Two Podcast" on the Image of God:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7cViaV350oDr. Catherine McDowell on the Image of God, on the Alabaster Jar podcast:https://thealabasterjar.podbean.com/e/the-image-of-god-in-the-garden-of-eden-conversation-with-catherine-mcdowell-aj-8/Dr. Michael Heiser on the Image of God (paper):https://drmsh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Image-of-God-LBD.pdf

In this episode, a quick summary of the "Gospel of God's Victory" series we just wrapped up, and a look at the upcoming series, "The Purpose of Humanity and the Destiny of Believers."Note - We're taking a quick break until the beginning of September. See you then!

Jesus's victory over death - and "him who held the power of death - that is, the devil" (see Hebrews 2), is central to the Gospel. As Paul argues, "if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is futile; you are still dead in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15), and "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." (Romans 4)

The connection between Jesus's death and the Passover Lamb is pretty well understood. In this episode, we take a look at another detail that connects Jesus's death and resurrection with the Old Testament - Luke referring to Jesus's "exodus" in his account of the Transfiguration.Just as YHWH's victory over pharaoh and the gods of Egypt resulted in freedom for the people of Israel, Jesus's victory over sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness would - and did - result in freedom for all people who confess faith in Jesus.

How does better understanding the Gospel, and God's expectations for our response to it, help us think more clearly about how - and how not - to engage in politics?

For more on seeing “Faith” as “Allegiance”, I recommend spending some time with Matthew Bates's work. “Gospel Allegiance” is a bit briefer, and aimed more at pastors and lay people.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CbqMMh_xb8 https://www.amazon.com/Salvation-Allegiance-Alone-Rethinking-Gospel/dp/0801097975https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Allegiance-Misses-Salvation-Christ/dp/1587434296

In this episode, I ask the question, "Is the Gospel good news for everyone?", and look at how it is good news for all people without distinction, but not good news for people without condition. The Gospel is only truly good news for those who respond with faith/trust/allegiance in Jesus.

In this episode, I critique a view that is becoming more common - that we should use the incarnate Christ as our only measuring stick for telling us what God is like. Yes, it is one of our clearest views, but looking only at Jesus' earthly ministry ignores what the Son was doing before the Incarnation, and what the Son will do at the second coming.

In this episode, I mention John Nugent's "Endangered Gospel". For this and other recommended books, podcasts, and resources, check out my recommended resources here: https://ravencreeksc.com/tendingournets/2021/2/3/recommended-reading-and-resources

For more detail, check out the following resources.The Naked Bible Podcast describes the process Israelite kings would generally go through to be coronated - a pattern that the Gospels display with Jesus. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/podcast/naked-bible-333-the-israelite-king-and-jesus-as-king/ The Bema podcast talks about Mark's Gospel presenting Jesus being coronated "like" a Caesar - putting Jesus in direct opposition to Caesar. https://www.bemadiscipleship.com/85

For more detail on this, check out Mark Ward's video on the “false friend” (word that we think we understand, but probably don't) that I'm highlighting here.

In this episode, I take a look at how a better understanding of gospel helps us make sense of the persecution the early church faced.

Note - I mentioned Julius Caesar a few times in this episode. I was intending to talk about Caesar Augustus with those comments, as he is the more immediate, contemporary example of emperors seeing themselves as divine, declaring their own "gospel", etc.NotesThe OnScript podcast hosted R. Alan Streett recently, where they talked about baptism as a loyalty oath - comparing the oath that Roman soldiers would take, with the way the church approached baptism in the 1st-Century. This was a great discussion!

The Bema Discipleship podcast has a great series covering context like this, and a longer episode discussing this precise point - Alexander the Great's “gospel” of Hellenism.

This episode starts a new series - on the context of the term "Gospel" in the Bible - starting with the context in the Old Testament.

In this episode, I review what we've covered in the "Big Picture Gospel" series. Next up - the Gospel of God's victory and Kingship.

In this episode, I talk about one specific example of the good news - the reversal of Babel that God brought about at Pentecost. This brings a whole new perspective on the Exile!

In this episode, I talk about the Gospel in the Old Testament - the Good News that God told to Abraham, and how followers of Jesus fit into that story by faith.

In this episode, we talk about the big picture story of the Bible as a chiasm or “sandwich" - that God made creation for a specific purpose, and that God is bringing creation toward that purpose one step at a time. This story centers on Jesus - His incarnation, life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

In this episode, we talk about the good news that God isn't done with creation. The brokenness that we see around us isn't permanent! God has great plans to restore creation and bring people into His family, through Jesus.

In this episode, I pivot to looking at the big picture “good news” - beginning with the recognition that when God made creation, He called it “good”, and when God made humankind, He called us “very good.”

In this episode, I take a quick look at the third facet of the bad news that ultimate Good News needs to address - natural "evil".

In this episode, I continue our look at the "bad news", setting the baseline for our look at the truly Good News - the big picture Gospel of Jesus Christ!NotesFor a more detailed look at the image of God, check out Dr. Carmen Imes' “Take Two Podcast” episode on that topic, here.

In this episode, I start our look at the “big picture” Gospel, by giving us a baseline, the “bad news” - the current human condition.

In this episode, I discuss the relationship between the "Romans Road" approach to presenting the Gospel, and the things I'll be discussing as we move forward.

In this episode, we continue our quick look at the Romans Road presentation of the Gospel, looking at some of its limitations, and talk about why it helps to go deeper in our understanding of the Gospel.”NotesTeen Missions has a printable version of the “Romans Road” presentation of the Gospel on their website, for those that would like to have a visual, print a copy, etc.

In this episode, we take a quick look at the "Romans Road", exploring the strengths and weaknesses of this presentation of the Gospel.Check out our website for more resources on engaging with this topic. https://ravencreeksc.com/tendingournets

This episode explores some of the big reasons Christians need to be sharing the Gospel. We're familiar with some of these, but I hope something new here catches your attention, and helps Christians step beyond their comfort zones to share the hope they have with those around them.For a quick description of Spiritual Warfare, check out this episode from Remnant Radio, especially at around 55:45. YouTubeThis is also described in Tim Steadman's “Answers to Giant Questions”, on pp. 312-317Check out our website for more resources on engaging with this topic.

In this episode, we explore reasons why it can be hard for Christians to share the Gospel. These are things we need to overcome, if we're going to be effective witnesses!

This episode introduces the Tending Our Nets podcast. This podcast is focused on exploring the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in as much of its fullness, impact, and beauty as we can. It is aimed at equipping Christians to share the Gospel with everyone they know. Non-Christian explorers are most welcome, too!"Tending Our Nets" is based on Jesus' statement that He would make His followers "fishers of men."Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @TendingOurNets