theKindFaith Bible Conversations

Jeff and Tyler spend another episode discussing "Critical Race Theory." How does the Bible invite us to understand race and ethnicity? How can we pursue unity and maintain our diversity and God-given uniqueness? #KindFaith

The Bible has a lot to say about our race, culture, and ethnicity. Does the Bible have anything to say for or against the current focus on "Critical Race Theory"? Should we be engaging this topic as Christians. Jeff and Tyler are far from experts! But they begin to open up this topic and see what Scripture might have to say. #KindFaith

Can Christians quote Ted Lasso and other sources as "truth"? What does the Bible teach about how we can engage, utilize, and critique culture?

Why majority rule is a poor way to discern God's will. The abuse and misuse of Matthew 18. Join Jeff and Tyler as we continue our series on discerning God's will. #KindFaith

How did people ask God questions in the Bible? Can we still use things like casting lots today? And what's with the Urim and Thummim? Join Jeff and Tyler they continue to unpack discerning God's will this episode. #KindFaith

What does an ancient law code from Babylon have to teach us about how to discern God's will? How are we supposed to apply Jesus' words about divorce in real life? Jeff and Tyler tackle these topics and more in today's episode! #KindFaith

Part 3 of our Discerning God's Will series. This episode camps out in Acts 16 and looks at the various ways God speaks and partners with Paul throughout this fascinating story. Send in your questions about this, or any topic, to thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction. How does Acts 16 give us some inroads to making decisions? [02:10] Verses 6-10: How and why did the Spirit forbid? What do these verse tell us about their discernment process? They were actively moving and trusting Jesus to stop them if they were in the wrong. They did not sit in a room and pray until making a move. [15:19] Vision of man… so they find a woman named Lydia! [18:15] God works through Paul's annoyance… so what is bugging you right now? Maybe that's where God will move next! Paul is in touch enough with God's heart and character that even in his weaker moments of annoyance he still acts in a way that is God-honoring. [23:40] When God opens a door… I (apparently) do not have to walk through it! Why Paul breaks with the “prison-break” motif. [31:30] Another riddle! They can leave with no further problem, but Paul decides to play his Roman Citizen card and cause more trouble!

Part 2 of our Discerning God's Will series. This is a complex and important topic that runs through the whole biblical story and impacts all our decisions in life. Jeff and Tyler discuss some of the more problematic approaches people have used the Bible to discern God's will… Send in your questions about this, or any topic, to thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction: There are a lot of ways we try to determine God's will that are flawed, or at least problematic. [2:22] God is a merciful Father who might still accept our flawed approach… but there is a wiser way forward! [5:00] "Bible roulette” approach vs. Psalm 1. Bible meditation not random verse seeking. Discernment begins as a lifestyle. [8:45] Are we studying the real thing enough that we can identify God's voice because we know what he sounds like. Like counterfeit experts studying the original rather than studying every possible false thing. (GREAT ANALOGY!) [11:15] “putting out a fleece” - Gideon in Judges 6. The fleece was not a good way to discern God's will! it was a profound lack of faith that God still in his mercy allowed. [20:21] “when God opens a door…” Do we always have to walk through the doors God “opens”? It might be a moment where God is simply saying, “so what do we want to do next?”… Can we make a decision and place ourselves “outside” of God's will? 2 Corinthians 2:12

Today is the beginning of a long-running series on Discerning God's Will. This is a complex and important topic that runs through the whole biblical story and impacts all our decisions in life. Jeff and Tyler kick us off with some broad overviews of what sorts of ideas we find in the Bible around how God reveals his will and how people discern choices in life. Send in your questions about this, or any topic, to thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction: What does the Bible say about how God speaks and how we can figure out answers to questions in our lives today? What are some ways that are problematic? [4:00] We often have levels of decision making where we feel we should bring God into or not. Is the point to “take myself out of the equation” to simply “hear from God”? How do we bring God into our decisions, and still take responsibility for our choices? [10:00] Digging deeper into the idea that I need to remove myself from the equation. Does it mean I'm hearing more authentically if my own will and desires are removed? Spontaneity is not necessarily more unique and genuine. Prayer is a good example: do we think pre-written prayers are less “authentic”? [16:00] God wants actual, human partners who exercise responsibility and wisdom in partnership with him. We are not looking for a magic 8-ball approach. The Bible is one big book about “wisdom.” “We long for absolute clarity because we lack the faith to live in ambiguity” - Jeff [23:40] Overview-What are the main things the Bible talks about around discerning God's will? Three big take-aways: God's Word: God's clearest revelation of his will is his Law, commands, his written Word. (Micah 6:8) But these don't tell me all the specifics of how to live, it is more about shaping us for wisdom. God's Identity: God reveals who he is My Identity: God reveals more about who I am to be than what I am to do. [29:00] Wrap-up and summary. Psalm 1 is a great place to start!

Today's is a Question & Response episode focusing on our Women in Church series from a few weeks back. Keep sending in your questions, we love them! Keep any questions you have about this topic, or any other topic coming! We'll do our best to answer them in future episodes. Email thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction: We're diving into questions that have come up since we started talking about women in ministry and in marriage! [02:45] Question #1: Doesn't the text of 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6, when it states that elders/overseers must be a “one woman man,” imply that they must be male? This clause is more about the “oneness” rather than the “maleness” of the leader. It would be clunky and difficult to say it any other way. There is no gender-neutral term in either Greek or Hebrew for “person” or “spouse.” [14:55] Question #2 In our marriage episode Jeff stated that “the need to create an authoritarian structure is actually about a desire to place blame.” What does that mean, and can we flesh that out? Part of the desire to allow someone else to be in authority over me is comfortable because I am allowed to blame them and not take responsibility. What's the role of taking blame and responsibility as the leader? And what could it mean for both partners to take equal responsibility? Next Jeff tried to get Tyler to answer one of two remaining questions… Tyler couldn't help himself and answered both anyway! [27:10] Question #3 What's your take on 1 Peter 3 and the way it refers to marriage and submission? The main take-away is that Peter is more focused on wives being a witness to their non-believing husbands which might explain the more “intense” tone. [29:50] Question #4 “headship” - Does head/ headship mean leadership authority or source or what? Tyler is more convinced than ever that the word means “source” far more than “authority.” In Greek, the work Kephale (head) is most often used for the metaphor of source rather than leader. Tyler gets nerdy and takes us through the Hebrew Bible, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, and the usage of this word in Greek. We look at other uses in the New Testament and show that “source” also works there—1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18; 2:10. There are a lot of passages that talk about us “ruling,” and sharing in Jesus' authority, being God's “kingdom of priests.” But the passages about men and women should not have an authority structure applied there. We are all, men and women, ransomed by the blood of the lamb to be his kingdom of priests who rule on the earth (Revelation 5)

Today's is a Question & Response episode focusing on our Apocalyptic series from a few months back. Tune in next week for another Q&R on our women series! We love questions! Keep any questions you have about this topic, or any other topic coming! We'll do our best to answer them in future episodes. Email thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction: We're reviewing some questions about the apocalypse today. Specifically on the difference between reading the Bible as “code” versus “symbol.” [01:37] Question 1: Does the first word of the Bible give us a coded prophecy about the end-times? This response tackles the question of numerology and “code-breaking” in the Bible. (spoiler: it's not a code!) This is a way of reading the Bible that doesn't take the actual Bible seriously enough. [05:15] Is the Bible we have good enough? or do we think we need to fix it? [07:47] The guys discuss a set of “guardrails” for how we can look for patterns and numbers without making it too much about “code-breaking.” Patterns were placed intentionally because the authors were artistic and literary geniuses, but they are there to accentuate the themes already in the passage, not as a code about something else entirely. examples: Genesis 1 and the repetition of “7”; Matthew 1 and the repetition of “14”; and the benefit (or not) of reading the original languages. [21:53] Question 2: If Jesus warned his followers to flee the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD, should we not expect him to take his church out of the coming tribulation? This is another angle to talk about the rapture. Would God allow his people to suffer wrath and tribulation? What is the role of suffering for Christians? When does God say, ‘That one's not your fight'?

We're tackling the big topic of women in leadership and authority structures in the church! This week Jeff and Tyler turn to Ephesians 5 and talk about relationships within the household. What exactly does it mean to “submit”? We love questions! Any questions you have about this topic, or any bible-related question Email thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction - initial questions and thoughts. [12:06] Ephesians 5:21-22 - figuring out submission [23:40] Does the emphasis on the male head of household reinforce the status quo? [31:50] Is there an authority structure in this passage? A closer look at husbands and wives. [37:55] Wrap-up with a look at some practical ways forward into leading and applying this to our lives. MORE DETAILS: [00:12] Introduction: the guys talk through some of the ways this passage has been used… does it impact church hierarchy? How does “authority” factor in here? The idea of the “tie-breaker” doesn't fit in this text. “The only reason a tie-breaker vote would need to exist is if Jesus wasn't real” - Tyler [12:06] Ephesians 5:21-22 the elusive “submit.” A little Greek: Verse 22 literally says, “wives to your own husbands as to the Lord” You have to go searching for the verb “submit”! This is a strong case for attaching verse 21 to verse 22 and not to 20 since you can't even understand verse 22 without it. “Submit to one another” should be the header with each relationship listed as a bullet point expanding on what submission should look like… Something like this: I. "Submit to one another" Wife to your husband Husband love your wife Children obey your father Father don't exasperate your children slaves obey your master master treat slaves in the same way all of these are a subset filling out the original mandate that all should be in mutual submission. [23:40] Isn't Paul reinforcing the status quo and the central role of a man in the household? This household code of Paul's is actually radically counter-cultural. The one with the power is not called to enforce or police the others to get in line, but he is called to his own sort of submissive leadership. [31:50] Is “authority” in this passage? Wives and husbands in particular. The one thing that we might be able to conclude from this passage: Husband's are meant to die for their wives, and the wives “submission” is to let them! - John Goldingay “headship” (back to episode 3 of this Women in Church series) is much more likely about “source” than about hierarchy or authority structures. [37:55] Wrap-up… passivity and discipleship Both men and women need to ask the hard question about whether they are passively shirking the roles and Gifts God has given to each. We don't need to super-impose a particular way but can help each think through the ways they are called to step out and take an active role in their family, their faith, and the world. The talk about “authority” might actually be a way of placing blame, of shirking our own roles and gifts, of taking control rather than trusting in God.

We're tackling the big topic of women in leadership and authority structures in the church! This week Jeff and Tyler turn to more of the “tricky passages” in the New Testament - Can women lead men? Should women remain silent? Who can be elders? and more! We love questions! Any questions you have about this topic, or any bible-related question Email thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction [03:16] 1 Corinthians 14:33-37. Should Women really remain silent? [21:00] 1 Timothy 2 - can women have ‘authority'? MORE DETAIL: [00:12] Introduction [03:16] 1 Corinthians 14:33-37. How do we deal with this passage and not just write it off? It seems that many churches come up with ways around this passage without taking it head on. This passage seems an “all or nothing” sort of text so what can we make of it? Why do some translations split verse 33 differently? Is, “As in all the churches..” a reference to the paragraph before? or is it a heading for the women section in 34? We know of many instances where Paul works with women, and just 3 chapters before this in chapter 11 Paul assumes women will be praying and prophesying in the church. Paul can't mean that women can never speak in front of a man. The argument: Paul is quoting back to the Corinthians their bad theology in verses 34-35, to then correct them curtly in verse 36. They have written to Paul their bad theology and Paul is quickly addressing it and then saying “Not! Do you think you can just created ‘Word of God'?” [21:00] 1 Timothy 2:11-15. “I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority…” ? the only command structure in the entire paragraph is the imperative: “Let the women learn” ‘submissive and quiet' is no problem, both are virtues of a good student (“quiet” is what Paul prays for all of us up in 1 Timothy 2:2. Authority The only time this particular word shows up in the New Testament. There is a much more normal word for authority - “exousia”; this word - “authentein” has a more domineering, controlling, negative “authority”. Paul is not talking about real authority in this passage. There seems to be something going on in Ephesus, perhaps linked to the Artemis cult which was a very female dominated religion. verse 13-15 corrects some theology and centers Paul's argument around the Artemis cult centered in Ephesus. What does it mean that women can be “saved” through childbearing? What?! [36:35] 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1-2. “The husband of one wife”… must an elder/ overseer be male? The sentence in Greek reads, An overseer must be a “One woman man.” The grammar does technically mean a “husband of one wife.” But the emphasis is on the “oneness” rather than the “maleness.” There is no word for a gender neutral statement like, “a person with one spouse.” They would use the male gendered words to refer to a mixed group. The guys then talk about how both Timothy and Titus uses the word “presbyter” (elder) to refer to both men and women, but it doesn't always come through in our translations!

We're tackling the big topic of women in leadership and authority structures in the church! This week Jeff and Tyler turn to the “tricky passages” in the New Testament and look at 1 Corinthians. What roles do women have in the church service, and what's with those head-coverings? We love questions! Any questions you have about this topic, or any bible-related question Email thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction: We're diving into 1 Corinthians today with some of the trickier texts around women in church leadership. Tyler shares “the list”! Then they discuss the statement, “when women lead, guys go fishing.” Is male-passivity an excuse to not allow women leading? [15:32] 1 Corinthians 11. Headship and head-coverings? MORE DETAILS: [00:12] Introduction. Fact-Check: Tyler made the list of all the specific women and men leading and in the center of the New Testament Church. The results: 37 women to 93 men - 28% of this first generation were women! This coming out of 1st century Judaism which was very male-dominated seems very significant. On male-passivity: if men are passive then of course that's a problem! But that's not a women-in-leadership problem, it's a discipleship problem! Tyler argues that if a leader becomes passive simply because they are I the presence of another strong leader, then that's a discipleship problem. Jeff offers some good counter-points to what the other side might say to this idea. [15:32] 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. What can we know? What questions can we ask? What about headship? What are men and women doing in the church service? What about head-coverings? Because of the angels? Whose authority? Translations issues: the words “man” and “women” is the same word for “husband” and “wife.” Only the context tells you which one to use. Read ESV next to NIV to see how they interpret wives vs. women. Verse 10: is the authority a “symbol” of the man's on her head? or is it her authority? (ESV vs. NIV) What can we know? Both men and women are called to the exact same role - “pray and prophecy” What do those roles entail? What might “headship” mean? It can mean authority and hierarchy. It can also mean “source” - like the “head” of a river, or a trail-head. “headship” here more likely means “source” then hierarchy. Tyler unpacks some research into the Greek history of the word and the likelihood that the meaning here is “source.” The guys talk about the trinity and what “headship” might mean in a God-Jesus-Spirit dynamic? In 1 Cor. 11 Paul is clearly talking about Genesis 2 and how the man is the “source” of the woman, but now we are the offspring of women. What about head-coverings? Paul seems to be saying, Yes! Men and women are different! We need to retain our identity when we lead. Men need to lead like men, women need to lead like women. Both do the exact same roles, but the expression of those roles are unique to the individual. Don't force women to succeed by acting like a man. Paul is actually creating a third way - in both Judaism and Pagan religion the men covered their head while praying; Paul isn't actually caving to culture, he's creating a new Christian unique culture. Whose Authority? Verse 10 does not actually say that the woman needs a symbol of the man's authority; it actually just says that the women should have “authority over her head.” It's her authority, not anyone else's! Reference: Gordon D. Fee, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, NICNT Commentary series.

We're tackling the big topic of women in leadership and authority structures in the church! This week Jeff and Tyler turn to the New Testament and look at the portraits of actual women leaders throughout. From the Gospels, to Acts, to the Letters, there are women in prominent and central roles from the beginning. to Genesis to look at how relationships between men and women got their start, and what happened after that. We love questions! Any questions you have about this topic, or any bible-related question Email thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Intro and summary from last week. [02:38] Why isn't the Bible more balanced on this topic? [6:21] Why did Jesus choose 12 male disciples to be his core group? [10:05] examples of women at the center of Jesus' movement - The Gospels MORE DETAILS: [02:38] Why isn't the Bible “fully balanced” when we look at leaders and roles throughout the whole Bible. We are dealing with a male-dominated culture from the ancient world, so yes, we should expect that women stepping into more prominent leadership roles would be rare. However, when women do lead there doesn't seem to be as much of a push-back or shock as there seems to exist in today's culture. It may be rare, but there's no “outrage” when women transcend the typical role. [6:21] So why did Jesus choose 12 men to be his core disciples/apostles? Jesus is Yahweh, regathering Israel's 12 tribes around himself! It's radical that he is not one of the 12, but the one calling all 12 together. The 12 sons of Abraham are being reformed as these 12 men. It would be incomprehensible for him to have women fill this symbolic role… and yet there are clear examples of women at the center of this movement. [10:05] examples of women clearly at the center of this movement: Luke 8:1-3 - The women who financed the ministry; and women like Joanna were likely some of Luke's primary sources for writing his Gospel. Luke 10:38-42 - Mary and Martha—Mary sitting at Jesus feet was a typical male role of a disciple of a Rabbi; Martha wants Mary to step back into her female role and Jesus commends her for being a disciple instead! Luke 23:47,49, 55 - There is a big emphasis on these women being “eyewitnesses” to all these events. Luke is building his case and giving even more credence to these women. Luke 24:1-12 - The “apostles to the apostles” Significance of having women be the first witnesses of the resurrection. So how does this relate to women having authority to teach men? What message is more important than the good news that Jesus died and rose again? And that message was entrusted first to these women! [26:10] Women leading in Acts and Romans Acts 8:3 - Saul rounds up both men and women because it was known that both men and women were leading. Someone like Saul only needed to stop the leaders of this movement. Acts 16:11 - In Phillipi, Lydia starts a church in her home. The only reason we don't immediately think of her as the leader of this church is because her name is female. Backed up by the letter to Phillipi where the two central leaders mentioned by Paul—Euodia and Syntyche—are also women! Romans 16 is so important! Phoebe is a deacon (sorry ESV!) commissioned by Paul to deliver, read aloud, and teach the book of Romans to the churches in Rome! The first exegete and preacher of this magnificent letter is a woman! ESV translation butchers verse 7- Junia (a female) is outstanding among the apostles, not simply well known to the apostles!

We're tackling the big topic of women in leadership and authority structures in the church! This week Jeff and Tyler turn to the beginning, to Genesis to look at how relationships between men and women got their start, and what happened after that. We love questions! Any questions you have about this topic, or any bible-related question Email thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction: [04:19] Genesis 1 [14:50] Genesis 2 [22:12] Genesis 3 [33:16] Genesis 4 [40:20] Wrap up and Summary. MORE DETAILS: [00:12] Raising the questions: Are women allowed to have leadership in the church? A short intro of our background, and then we're going all the way back to the beginning. [04:19] Genesis 1:26-29 God's image: God created “man”, in the image of God he created “him”, male and female he created “them.” The core of the “image” is relational. it's also primarily about “rule.” Male and Female together are created as God's image-bearing Kings and Queens to co-rule alongside God over creation. If we are isolated from the other than we are less able to bear God's image. Ray Andersen - Divine preference (God's ideal) vs. biblical precedent (God condescending to broken humanity) [14:50] Genesis 2:15-18 “it is not good for man to be alone… I will make a helper” “helper” (ezer) is a strong, powerful word. Every other time it's used to describe God! And when it's used it parallels words like deliverer, strength, rescue. (see Exodus 18:4; Deuteronomy 33:7, and so many more) This has ZERO context of any subservient or demeaning ideas attached to it here in Genesis 2. God takes from Adam's side or rib: This also points to a mutuality and equality. Woman is the helper who stands alongside the Man equally. [22:12] Genesis 3. 3:6 the man was standing right next to her! The woman deceived, but the man passively rebelling? That strong word “helper” could have applied to the man in this moment. He should have helped her and did not. 3:16 is NOT another “John 3:16… it is a curse and should never be emulated. “in pain” - this is a word that means more emotional, heartache. While the woman has physical pain in birthing, it's also the pain of Eve watching one son kill another; it's the word that shows up in Genesis 6:6 when God “grieved” over his creation. “your desire will be toward your husband” [PET PEEVE time: ESV adds “your desire will be contrary to your husband”] …”and he will rule over you.” Both of these roles- the woman finding her worth and desire in the man, or the man abusing that and ruling over her- are wrong! We were created to co-rule over creation, there should be no “ruling” over another human. [33:16] Genesis 4 rounds out our picture so far 4:1 The art form of ambiguity: “I have gotten a man along with the LORD?” Eve seems to be saying that she's become like God… just what the snake tempted her with. Whereas 4:25 has a lot more humility. Chapter 4 plays out the “pain” that Eve has to endure as she watches her son kill her other son. 4:7 is the exact same phrase as 3:16 “Sins desire is for you, and you must rule over it.” What's going on? Just as the man's and woman's relationship is broken by the fall, brother and brother is broken by fall. Ultimately our struggle is against “sin,” as depicted here in 4:7. [40:20] Wrap-Up: Genesis 1 & 2 sets the Divine preference for how relationships were supposed to go; Genesis 3 & 4 shows us the brokenness of humanity after the Fall that will require the later Biblical precedent to condescend to our weakness and sin.

More Apocalypse! Jeff and Tyler are finishing up their conversation (for now!) about “apocalyptic literature” by walking through the Book of Revelation again and tackling some of the most popular questions like, “what about the 144,000?” “What about the Millennium?” and “Is Jesus coming back to kill all his enemies?” Dive in with us! Email us your questions at thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction [1:40] Who are the 144,000 in Revelation 7? [12:26] What about the Millennium? (chapter 20) [25:16] Will Jesus come back to kill all his enemies? Revelation 19 MORE DETAIL: [1:40] How are we to interpret the 144,000? An important literary technique is at play “hearing” vs. “seeing”… Revelation 5:2-6 John “hears” that the one worthy is “the lion” but he “sees” a lamb standing though slain. Throughout the book John hears one thing and sees something else. Revelation 7:4 “I heard the number of those sealed” but in 7:9 “after this I looked…” The 12,000 from each tribe is symbolic. 12 as a number of the tribes of Israel… 12 x 12 x 1,000 is a way of saying “the entire number of God's people.” Another clue that this is symbolic lies in the fact that the list of the tribes are different than any other place. Ephraim and Dan are missing, Levi and Joseph are there, Judah is first. This is symbolic rather than literal. [12:26] The Millennium (chapter 20). Is Jesus coming back to begin a golden-age, 1,000 year reign? Will the church usher in the 1,000 year age before Jesus' coming? Or is the whole image another symbol? John seems to be connecting us to several other passages where Jesus is currently reigning—Matthew 26, Acts 1, 1 Corinthians 15. Right now Christ is King and will continue to reign until he puts all his enemies under his foot. John is describing the same thing as 1 Corinthians 15:25 with apocalyptic symbolism. a bit on “the satan”… what might it mean if the satan is in the pit but not yet destroyed? Our accuser's power is broken, but he's not completely gone. The satan can still sway individuals, but his ability to accuse and deceive the nations has been broken. One potential problem with this view: verse 4-5 talks about the martyrs being resurrected in the “first resurrection”… this certainly seems like we might be waiting for a resurrection to usher in the 1,000 years. Tyler unpacks his current take on how to see this talk of 1st and 2nd resurrections and 1st and 2nd deaths as a symbol of our current age in Christ. Tom Wright: What we get about the future is like a “signpost pointing into a fog.” We don't know a lot about what the end will really look like, but we know we're heading in the right direction. We don't need to be too hung up on knowing the true landscape will be when we get there. [25:16] Is Jesus coming back to lead a massacre? NO! Revelation 19 gives a picture of Jesus coming, stained in blood, with a sword coming out of his mouth. What is going on? Some say Jesus came the first time in peace and died for his enemies, but the second coming will be with a sword and a massacre. That is not what the text is trying to tell us. This figure is Jesus from chapter 1. He shows up covered in blood BEFORE the battle. This is Jesus' blood, just like the bloody lamb in chapter 5. The sword coming from his mouth is a symbol of “The Word of God,” not an actual sword. Revelation 12:11 the saints conquer by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony… The whole point is that the power of the cross is all Jesus needed to conquer the enemy. To pick up a sword after all that would completely defeat his purpose!

More Apocalypse! Jeff and Tyler dive into the Hebrew Bible book of Daniel. This is one of the original apocalyptic texts in the Bible and there's a lot to unpack. The more we can understand the symbols in this book, the more the book of Revelation and other apocalyptic texts start to make sense! Email questions about this or anything to thekindfaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction. Review of apocalyptic, and background for Daniel. [03:40] unpacking Daniel 7 [06:03] Why is Alexander the Great the G.O.A.T. ?! [17:04] The role of Daniel in later Jewish and Christian interpretation. The importance of the “beast” symbol. [22:40] The Son of Man Vision and Jesus. Suffering leads to victory? MORE DETAIL: [00:12] Background on Daniel (see Jeremiah 29) Daniel and friends are examples of how to “seek the welfare” of Babylon while staying faithful to God. Daniel 7-12 is the main “apocalyptic” section of the book. [03:40] Daniel chapter 7. The Revelation takes up so many of these same images—winds, beasts, clouds etc. [06:03] Alexander the Great is in the background in most of these images. Especially Daniel 8. Alexander conquered the world by the age of 32; then his kingdom was immediately split into 4, with one eventually coming to power. In the original understanding of these texts the “fourth beast” of chapter 7 is most likely Alexander (320's BC), leading to the Seleucids, leading to Antiochus IV Epiphanies (160's BC). Antiochus' persecution of the Jews would have been one of the worst things the people could imagine. It's the reason we have the book of the Maccabees, where we get the story of Hanukkah. [17:04] How Daniel continues to speak today even if it's original focus was on Alexander the Great etc… Jesus and other early Christians and Jews continued to re-read Daniel in new fresh ways. “Beasts” link us back to Genesis 1 and 2… [22:20] The Son of Man. the one to finally rule over the beasts like Genesis 1 pointed to. This all points to Jesus! Matthew 26:64 is Jesus quoting Daniel 7. “Coming on the clouds” in NOT a description of transportation, but an image about power and authority. How does suffering, and particularly the suffering of the Son of Man lead to God's victory? It's all there in Daniel!

Is there a rapture? Our answer might surprise you! Jeff and Tyler talk about ‘interpreting the times,' the rapture, and what this has to do with us today. This one brings up a LOT of questions, and we'd love to hear them! Send questions you have about the “end times” (or anything else!) to theKindFaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction: Ground to cover; “interpreting the times” [10:28] Wait, there's no rapture? [32:36] Practical: How what we think about the rapture impacts our view of creation now. MORE DETAILS: [00:12] Luke 12:54-56 interpreting the “times.” certainly we are always called to urgency and watchfulness… but are we in some sort of “heightened awareness”? No! The “times” Jesus was calling immediate attention to in many of his “end times' speeches was actually the destruction of the Jewish temple in A.D. 70, which would happen within a generation and became a very important call to urgency. Matthew 24 Jesus just predicted the fall of the temple… and the next thing that happens is the disciples sit down on the Mt. of Olives and ask “when will this happen” (see Matthew 24:3). [10:28] So there's no rapture? Referenced: Walter Brueggemann, The Land. Everything in the life of Israel was about migration toward the land… When we rebel against God, God exiles us from the land. The idea that the faithful would be taken from the land in the rapture would make zero sense in a biblical worldview. Matthew 24:36-44 “two will be at the field, one taken, one left” But you want to be LEFT BEHIND! To be “taken” means you're dead! (see verse 37-39!) New T-Shirt Idea: “Left Behind and Lovin' it!” Mark 13:14 “Let the reader understand”… was Mark's hint to his first readers to get out of Jerusalem and save themselves from the Roman Army! (And it worked!) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. multiple layers here: {Big shout-out to Tom Wright!} One, this is an image of a town exiting the town to welcome a visiting caesar outside the gates to escort him back into the town. The expectation is not that the Caesar would then take them away from Thessaloniki, but that he was coming to them. Two, there are way more verbs and images about Jesus coming, rather than any emphasis on us leaving. Three, there are multiple Hebrew Bible passages at play here—Exodus 19; Daniel 7; Ezekiel 1 to name a few! [32:36] Practical take-away… how much “this world” matters. How what we think about the rapture matters for how we view the creation. and more on why the guys don't think the rapture is biblical.

What exactly is in the Bible? Jeff and Tyler are breaking down 6 major sections in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament to help us gain clarity when reading this amazing book. Today we turn to The Book of the Revelation, The Apocalypse! Send questions you have about The Revelation (or anything else!) to theKindFaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] introduction- SPOILER ALERT! “Apocalypse” does NOT mean the “end of the world”! [3:35] “apocalyptic literature” as a type of early Jewish literature. [11:30] Didn't Jesus call us to prepare for the End Times? [19:30] unpacking The Four Horsemen and The Mark of the Beast [34:20] Conclusion and come back next week for The Apocalypse round 2! More Detail: [00:12] “Apocalypse” is the Greek word for “revelation”, it does not mean “end of the world.” The book is the Revelation (singular), and it's the book about the “revelation of Jesus” (Revelation 1:1). This is a book about Jesus. [3:35] The genre of writing called “apocalyptic”. It's not a “code” to break, but “symbols” to help us interpret the world and God's dealings with us. Michael Gorman, Reading Revelation Responsibly. 2011. Examples of “symbol” rather than code: Babylon is an oppressive empire that takes on different iterations in any age. The cross as a symbol for christians today of the real event that happened 2,000 years ago. Political Cartoons are a type of parallel to what “apocalyptic” literature did in the 1st century. [11:30] Didn't Jesus speak about the end times? Yes, and No! The call to urgency, watchfulness, and preparation is always the call to the church. We are not waiting for some “end time” to finally become watchful. Mark 13; Matthew 24 etc. is more about Jesus predicting the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 than any look for the 2nd coming. The theme is remain faithful, keep your eyes on Jesus, don't worship false gods or give your allegiance to any but Jesus. But there's always something seeking our worship. [19:30] The book alludes to the entire Old Testament over and over and over again. The best way to understand Revelation is to read the entire Bible over and over and over again. The four horsemen: This comes from Zechariah 1. These are symbols of God taking responsibility for the injustice of the nations and bringing his people back from exile. We're not looking for actual horse riders! The Mark of the Beast: A symbol of allegiance- Whose mark will you take? Revelation 13:16 This was a call to worship the rulers of Rome and somehow this mark allows one to buy and sell in the marketplace. The “mark” is about economy, politics, and religion. It's a call to not compromise your ethics, your worship, your allegiance for the sake of doing well in business and society. [34:20] Conclusion: We should be able to read this book like we read all the Letters. This was a book written for believers 2,000 years ago about how to worship Jesus and not compromise with the world. And in that way it will continue to speak today just as Romans, Philippians etc. continues to be God's Word for us today.

What exactly is in the Bible? Jeff and Tyler are breaking down 6 major sections in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament to help us gain clarity when reading this amazing book. Today we turn to the Letters of the New Testament. We answer questions like: How do we read someone else's mail? And how are these ancient letters God's Word for us today? Send questions you have about The Letters (or anything else!) to theKindFaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction: What are the “letters” [9:14] Pet-peeve time! What exactly is the Gospel? A look at Romans 1:16-18 vs. 1:1-6 [15:30] What makes the Letters unique? How can we best read this part of our Bible? [23:30] How do our paradigms of “Curiosity, Challenge and Wonder” help us read the Letter? We get into topics like “The Doctrine of Justification” More Detail [00:12] These letters (fancy title “epistles”) are the letters from the apostles to the churches. We are essentially reading someone else's mail without the other side of the conversation! What should we expect to find in these letters? When reading these letters, don't skip the opening address! They are so important! The beginning verses often give you the theme of the whole letter. The guys discuss Philemon; Romans 1:1-6, 16-17 [09:14] Look at Romans 1. The “gospel” is not verse 16-17, the “gospel” is found in Paul's introduction in Romans 1:1-4. The guys take aim at the “Romans Road” formula for using Paul's letter as a formula for salvation. The “gospel” is not about “me” or “you”... it is the event about Jesus. Now because of that event it changes everything for you and me and the entire world. Romans 1:16-17 is an effect of the gospel, not the gospel itself. What is revealed by this gospel? [15:30] What makes the Letters unique? How do we read this part of the Bible differently? These are one side of a two-sided conversation. We have to fill in the gaps. We often need to fill in a sort of “narrative” background to imagine the story happening behind these letters. Example: 1 & 2 Corinthians is likely the 4th or 5th correspondence. How is the Bible written for “me” when it is clearly written for a church 2,000 years ago? [23:30] How do our paradigms of “Curiosity, Challenge and Wonder” help us read the Letter? The Letters all build off the Gospels, and the Hebrew Bible is a story that points us to Jesus. The Gospels are our foundation before reading all the rest. Paul is not writing a “systematic theology book.” Paul is doing theology to promote unity and holiness. We use theology to divide churches, Paul writes theology to unite! CORRECTION [29:11]: When talking about Galatians Tyler says that Paul “invents” justification.” That term (Righteousness/Justification) is a major word in both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. It's not a brand-new idea, but it is true that Paul takes it to level and in directions never conceived of before. [32:09] Wrap up. Ask “What's the Story under this?” How is the Gospel event behind this? Read the beginning, Read the end, then go back and read through the entire letter. Fun-Fact: Don't skip the end of letters either! Romans 16. This is a great chapter to talk about Women in Leadership. Phoebe (16:1) was the one entrusted to bring the letter, read it out loud, and then teach the book of Romans to the church in Rome first! Resources: N.T. Wright's Podcast “Ask NT Wright Anything”

What exactly is in the Bible? Jeff and Tyler are breaking down 6 major sections in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament to help us gain clarity when reading this amazing book. Today we turn to the Gospels and Acts. We answer questions like: Do these Gospels actually give us “the gospel”? And why does that word get so overused in our churches today? Send questions you have about The Gospels (or anything else!) to theKindFaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction: Overview of our “messy Bible.” Getting into the Gospels. [1:42] The Gospels are telling us “the gospel.” But that word is so often misused. [14:00] How should we read the Gospels differently than other sections of our Bible? [20:15] The importance of the Sermon on the Mount in relationship to the gospel. [22:30] “Repent” is a term about “allegiance” [25:32] The Crucifixion was Jesus' coronation day [28:31] The inclusion of the Book of Acts [35:53] wrap up and application More detail: [00:12] Overview of the 6 sections of our Bible: Torah, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Letters, Apocalypse. [1:42] The “gospel” is news not advice. It is the event of Jesus' life, death and resurrections that means Jesus is now King. Hint: it is NOT about “how I get to heaven”! The Hebrew Bible used the term “good news” to talk about God's reign (Isaiah 52:7) The Roman Caesars used the term “good news” to talk about their rule. Look at the first line of each Gospel to see what story they're telling. [14:00] How the Gospels stand out as we read the Bible. The entire Hebrew Bible is a story leading us to Jesus. The Letters and all the rest of the New Testament are building on the foundation of the Gospels. We are used to a “didactic” style of teaching. We look for condensed statements of truth, pithy sayings, morals. We lose the brilliance of the narrative of the Gospels if we don't allow the story to be the point. [20:15] What was the content of Jesus' Kingdom-gospel? The importance of the Sermon on the Mount. Mark 1:15 Jesus says the “gospel” is that the Kingdom of God is at hand, and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is what Jesus taught about when he defined that Kingdom. [22:30] “repent” is a political term about allegiance. The phrase “repent and believe” would have been heard in the ancient world as a call to change your allegiance to a new king and kingdom in your life. The ancient historian Josephus used that language with political rebels (Life, 110). [25:32] The heart of the gospels is crucifixion. N.T. Wright, How God Became King? The Gospels are writing the story about how Jesus became King. Jesus' coronation day is his crucifixion. Completely backwards, upside-down, but it's true! If I follow a king who came to power by dying on the cross, then what does that mean for how I pursue power today? [28:31] Why the Book of Acts is included in the Gospels. The main character of Acts is Jesus, not Peter, Paul or anyone else. It should be re-titled “The Acts of Jesus and the Spirit” rather than “The Acts of the Apostles.” Acts ends like a story without an ending… Acts 1:8 tells us that the goal was to reach “the ends of the earth.” But Acts 28 ends with Paul in Rome—which was seen as the gateway but not itself the “end of the earth!” It's up to us to finish the story! [35:53] Wrap up and application Look for the character of God Read them as a whole.

What exactly is in the Bible? Jeff and Tyler are breaking down 6 major sections in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament to help us gain clarity when reading this amazing book. Today we look at “The Writings”—the rest of the Old Testament. These writings helps us practically and concretely experience God and grow in our faith. Let's dig in! Send questions you have about The Writings (or anything else!) to theKindFaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Introduction. Overview of the TaNaK and the Ketuv'im (the “writings”) [11:00] Does the order of books in the Bible matter? Why the Jewish ordering and the Christian ordering of the Old Testament is different. [14:31] What about the extra books in the Catholic Bible? What should we do about those? [18:55] Focus on Psalm 1, the first book, first chapter of the Ketuv'im [25:13] Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) links with Psalm 1. The deeper meaning of “blessedness.” [28:00] Getting practical! How can the Psalms and all of the Ketuv'im shape our practices as Christians. [00:12] Overview on the TaNaK (Torah, Prophets, Writing). Fun fact Daniel is never called a “prophet” and is considered one of the “writings.” The “five-scrolls” (Ruth, Esther, Lamentations, Songs, Ecclesiastes) are tied to various Jewish festivals and are still read in full every year in Jewish communities. Working Metaphor for how to understand the TaNaK: fine-dining… Torah is the menu; the Prophets are the waiters and the Sommelier telling you what's on the menu; Writings are the feast. These books are linked to wisdom and the life of the people. Example: Jeremiah 29 tells the exiles to settle in Babylon and “seek the welfare”... stories like Esther and Daniel show us a clear example of what that looked like. Psalm. 34:4 “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” [11:00] Does the Order of the Bible books matter for Christians? The TaNaK ordering is different from the typical protestant/Christian ordering. [14:31] The Catholic Bible includes many writings between the Old and New Testament called the Deutero-canonical or apocryphal books. Should Christians read those? (Yes! But they are not on the same level as the rest of the Bible) [18:55] Focus on the Psalms, Psalm 1 in particular. Psalm 1 links with the entire story of Scripture and sets us on the path of wisdom and pursuit of God. Challenge: Memorize Psalm 1 [25:13] Jesus links us to Psalm 1 with the “Blesseds” at the start of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) [28:00] Wrapping up with some practical take-aways for how to incorporate this section of the Bible into your life. The Psalms are the prayerbook of the Bible. Jesus Prayed the Psalms daily. The Psalms are quoted more throughout the Bible than any other book. They teach us how to pray.They are also where the New Testament church received much of its theology.

What exactly is in the Bible? Jeff and Tyler are breaking down 6 major sections in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament to help us gain clarity when reading this amazing book. Today we look at the Prophets in a way that many Christians might not expect. These books answer questions like, "where are we as a people?" "where are we going?" and "Who is God?" Send questions you have about the prophetic writings (or anything else!) to theKindFaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES Nevi'im: What are the prophets and what was their purpose? Why no “history” like in Christian OT? It's more about theology: Why reading the prophets as future telling Jesus is a problem. “Word of God” and yet also the most idiosyncratic and human. Heavily influenced by Deuteronomy- regular focus on the poor, the orphan, widow, foreigner. Incredible that this sort of divergent voice was always valued in Israel. In today's world we silence all opposition and call it “Fake News!” There were some kings who tried to do that like Ahab, but the Bible continues to promote these prophetic voices who speak truth to power. Questions about the Bible? email theKindFaith@gmail.com #theKindFaith #Prophets https://thekindfaith.org

We're kicking off 2021 with a new series on what exactly the Bible really is. This episode Jeff and Tyler talk about the Torah, the first 5 books in the Bible, and show how it's really more about wisdom than "rules." This series will look at six major section of the Bible—Torah, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Letters, Apocalypse. Send us your questions this week about the Torah (or anything else) at theKindFaith@gmail.com SHOW NOTES First, an overview of the six major sections of the Bible. Torah, Prophets, Writings, (see Luke 24:44) Gospels, Letters, Apocalypse. The “Torah” is a path to life, it is wisdom… How should Christians read those laws? What is their purpose? First, What is in the “Law” and why do we call it that? Genesis 2:9,17; 3:5-6 Life and Death; Good and Bad. Mostly Narrative Genesis 12 613 laws - think “case study” - not enough to run a government… so what are they? (Think: marriage covenant with case studies) Deuteronomy 30 is one of the most important chapters in the entire Law. 1 Kings 3:16ff - Solomon's wisdom email your bible questions to theKindFaith@gmail.com #theKindFaith #Torah https://thekindfaith.org

Only 4% of the population attends church? 80% of college Christians are leaving the faith behind forever? Shock-and-awe statistics like this abound in ministry circles today, but there's a lot of evidence out there that seems to refute such an extreme outlook. This is a bit of a "Bonus Episode" where Jeff & Tyler have an impromptu conversation about how we in the church often misuse statistics and why that matters. What are some ways that we can love others and invite people into conversations about Jesus in a KindFaith sort of way. There is more evidence that many of the people we interact with daily are more open to spiritual conversations and more open to the story of Jesus than we might ever imagine. https://thekindfaith.org #theKindFaith #evangelism #spirituality #myStory #yourStory #GodsStory

In this episode Jeff and Tyler look at the Christmas story and ask some questions you may never have asked. How exactly does the New Testament use the Old Testament? When Matthew says this "fulfills" something a prophet said, what exactly does that mean? Seeing the Christmas narrative in this context shows the extent Jesus went to connect with our humanity and suffering. The shadow of the cross is revealed even in his birth. https://thekindfaith.org #KindFaith #BibleConversations SHOW NOTES: Main text: Matthew 2:15-18; Hosea 11:1; Jeremiah 31:15

In this ongoing series Jeff and Tyler address some of the harder passages in the Bible and offer some tools and ideas to navigate the minefield while still pointing us to Jesus. This week we're looking at the topic of slavery in the Bible. Does Paul promote slavery? Does God condone it? https://thekindfaith.org #KindFaith #BibleConversations SHOW NOTES: Book quote - Howard Thurman, Jesus and the Disinherited, Beacon Press, 1996., page 19-20. Main text Ephesians 6:5-9 see also Philemon 16

In this ongoing series Jeff and Tyler address some of the harder passages in the Bible and offer some tools and ideas to navigate the minefield while still pointing us to Jesus. This week we're looking at Deuteronomy 21:10-14. Does God essentially allow rape and conquest in war? https://thekindfaith.org #KindFaith #BibleConversations SHOW NOTES: Deuteronomy 21:10-14 is awkward, nauseating, infuriating. So how should we read it? We need to ask if this is a "mountain-top" moment—God showing us his "ideal" for humanity—or a "ground-level" moment—God meeting humanity in its brokenness? Look to Exodus 1:11 and Isaiah 53:7 the word "afflict" and "humiliate" is the same root word in the Hebrew. Please Like and Subscribe to help others find our podcast!

We begin with a question from a friend about one of those passages in the Bible that many try and skip. In this ongoing series Jeff and Tyler address some of the harder passages in the Bible and offer some tools and ideas to navigate the minefield while still pointing us to Jesus. This week we're looking at Number 5:11-31. Does God condone magic curses and Jealous husbands? And what's is up with that dusty water? https://thekindfaith.org #KindFaith #BibleConversations SHOW NOTES: Main Text: Numbers 5:11-31 Jeff's Seminary Professor/Viking: Ray Andersen said that when we approach scripture a question we should ask is: "Is this a Divine Preference?—Is this how God wants things to be? or Is this a moment of Biblical Precedent?—Is this a moment of God meeting humanity where we are?" Tyler shared the illustration of seeing the Divine Ideal as the "mountain-top" versus the "ground-level" where God meets us where we are. John 8 was brought up to show an amazing link to Jesus from this passage.

In this series Jeff and Tyler unpack the four lenses we should "put on" to help us fully engage with the Bible's story. This week we look at "wonder" and "expectation," and offer some good practices to adopt. https://thekindfaith.org #KindFaith #BibleConversations SHOW NOTES: intro/ hook. “Talking about wonder and expectation!” Core Question: How am I encountering a living God through this text today, and how does this lead me to worship? Let's first talk about some examples, then we'll spend a good amount of time getting practical. Part 1 (10 min) Examples and “tricky” sections for finding “wonder” All those lists! Numbers 7 (my current favorite example!) All those names. Keep Genesis 3:15 in mind… The value of community… especially new believers. (Tyler: Story from college and John 3:16). My sense of wonder is reignited when I encounter someone else discovering God through the text in a new way. Part 2 (10 min) Getting practical: Regularly reading scripture (all of it!) God speaks most clearly through the Bible; If we're not reading it, or if we are only reading a very narrow portion, then we're not giving him very much to work with. The Bible tells us about God, so the whole Bible is important to get as full a picture as possible. The Psalms are invaluable. If the rest of the Bible is “God speaking to us”; the Psalms teach us how to speak to God. Read through the entire Bible Slowly (if you're new start with the Gospels; but eventually all of it) and add a Psalm every time you read. You don't have to be “wow-ed” everytime and it is ok to be bored! Sometimes this element of wonder shows up immediately, other times its a commitment to soak in scripture over the long haul. Pay attention to repeats (God bringing up the same verse in multiple places) (currently it's Romans 8:28 for me) Pay attention to when a verse you read earlier that week comes back to mind. Personal question: What is your (Jeff/Tyler's) current rhythm to regularly engaging with scripture? “EXPECTATION” “Do I expect scripture to speak to me?” Part 3 (10 min) practical ways and spiritual practices for fostering expectation: “Holy spirit open my ears to hear you today” Physically. Body posture, setting the space, lighting a candle. While not necessary, creating some sort of physical rhythm can be a great way to tune your heart. (i.e my best way is early morning before the girls are awake with a cup of coffee…) Praying the Lord's Prayer Psalm 51: Confession “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” and a prayer (also from Psalm 51) that looks outward: “Lord open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.” Please "like" and "subscribe" to help others find this podcast!

In this series Jeff and Tyler are unpacking four of the most helpful lenses we can put on as we engage with the biblical story. This week we focus on the lens of "challenge." https://thekindfaith.org #KindFaith #BibleConversations SHOW NOTES: Core Question: “How is the text challenging me, my place in society, my decisions, my allegiances? Part 1: What are some earliest memories/ personal examples of being challenged by scripture? Part 2: What are some ways to go deeper into this lens? “Let scripture set the agenda” Letting God break our boxes Question your privilege Part 3 (5 min) practical applications Ideas to cultivate challenge- With a familiar text list out everything you already know about this story… now put those aside and specifically look for things you've never thought of before. This works even better in community. “What is my “status quo”, how might this text challenge that? Identify your own privileges and status…. How might someone who didn't have those privileges read this story? Who can you pursue conversations with outside of your “group”? Diverse small group. Authors. Speakers. Do I tend to always listen to people “like me”? Don't forget to "like" this video, and leave comment! Thanks for joining us!

'Be curious, not judgmental' Walt Whitman In this series Jeff and Tyler unpack 4 of the "lenses" we need to put on to help us read the Bible. This week we dive into the crucial lense of "curiosity." https://thekindfaith.org SHOW NOTES: - 2-minute overview of all the lenses—expectation; curiosity; challenge; wonder... Four reasons we aren't curious (Actually 5): - Why people tend not to approach scripture with curiosity...what are some common approaches that look like curiosity but aren't..(i.e. - Going just for answers or “words to live by”). Also, we tend to have closed ideas about God we aren't even aware of so we read to see Scripture agree with us. - we get so focused on understanding. It is important but we land there too soon. - It is only for Experts... Remember, Scripture is first about God… Remember, Scripture is for formation… The core question for curiosity: What questions does the text want me to ask? It is about asking questions: Listen for your “Huh?” There are two types of questions to ask: Context - What? (definitions) Significance - Why? how to cultivate curiosity, what to look out for. Good observations, the tension in the text, questions the author wants us to ask… - types of questions: the difference between context questions vs. interpretive questions -context=history of a word, place names, etc. Bible dictionaries are great for these (Lexham Bible Dictionary is free over at Logos.com! -interpretive=why? - Significance of? What did the author mean by writing it this way? What tension exists? Has this word/sentence/theme shown up in the Bible elsewhere? The Practice: Choose 1 text (Mark 1:9-15?) and model curiosity; What questions aren't being asked? (Trinity, etc) What “What” questions are there? What “Why” Questions do you see? Sidebar: cultivating curiosity in community-the need for diversity in our conversation partners. (example: bedouin hospitality and Palestinian priests) How does this lens make me a better human in life? How can “curiosity” become how I approach the wider world? Always assume there is more to learn Being judgmental (thinking we've already heard it, got it, or know it) is a huge obstacle for curiosity. We have to open our minds. Being in a hurry is the second biggest obstacle. When relationships get stale, it is often because we stopped being curious. Curiosity takes time. You have to take time, carve out time, read it more than once, don't just stop with one or two questions but ask many and refine them!

In this series Jeff and Tyler are unpacking four of the most helpful lenses we can put on as we engage with the biblical story. This week we introduce "Expectation," "Curiosity," "Challenge," and "Wonder." #KindFaith #BibleConversations