Podcasts about how we got

President Trump has ordered a high-stakes strike on Iran's nuclear program and decimated decades of progress in a matter of hours. In this episode of The P.A.S. Report, Professor Nick Giordano breaks down what led to this unprecedented operation, the strategic brilliance behind the plan, and the ripple effects it may cause across the Middle East and the world. From the question of whether the President has the constitutional authority to order this strike to the rising drumbeat for regime change, Professor Giordano explains why Iran is more isolated than ever and warns of the dangers of mission creep that could drag the U.S. into another endless war.   Episode Highlights Why this moment marks Iran's weakest position since 1979, and how the opportunity was seized The constitutional debate: Did President Trump have the authority to act without Congress? The real threat of mission creep and why American regime change in Iran could be catastrophic Why any true revolution in Iran must be organic, coming from within, and why outside meddling would backfire  

 “Sesame Street,” which first aired on PBS in 1969, was born of a progressive idea: that children from all socioeconomic backgrounds should have access to free, high-quality, expressly educational entertainment. In the years since, the show has become essential viewing for generations of kids around the world. On this episode of Critics at Large, Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz consider the program's radical origins and the way it has evolved—for better or for worse—over the decades. What do the changes in “Sesame Street” 's tone and content reveal about how parenting itself has changed? “The way that a children's program proceeds does give us a hint as to the kinds of people that a society is producing,” Cunningham says. “And childhood is not the same as it was when we were kids.”Read, watch, and listen with the critics:“Sesame Street” (1969–)“Rechov Sumsum” (1983–)“How We Got to Sesame Street,” by Jill Lepore (The New Yorker)“Cookie, Oscar, Grover, Herry, Ernie, and Company,” by Renata Adler (The New Yorker)New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Critics at Large wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this episode of the Executives' Exchange, which was recorded in front of a live audience on January 30th, 2025, we feature Richard Edelman, President & CEO of Edelman, along with Tom Wilson, Chair, President, & CEO of Allstate, and our gracious guest moderator, Isis Almeida, Chicago Bureau Chief at Bloomberg. This year's trust barometer touches on the rise of income-based trust inequality, rapidly polarizing trust disparity among younger generations, and what leaders can do to regain public trust across companies and government.     00:00 – Intro   00:58 – 25-year Overview on Rising Distrust  02:20 – 4 Important Developments Contributing to Distrust  03:50 – Trust Research Deep-Dive  09:10 – Businesses Role in a Time of High Grievance   11:25 – 5 Things Employees are Asking of Their Company  13:05 – 3 Actionable Steps for Recovering Trust  14:58 – Shure Ad Break  16:35 – How We Got to a High Level of Public Distrust  19:27 – 2 Responses to Addressing Organizational Distress  20:42 – How Executives Should Prepare for Trump Administration  24:15 – Perspectives on DEI Initiatives  27:20 – The Public Perception of Wealth  31:31 – AI's Impact on Employment  37:34 – Wilson's 2 Steps on Rebuilding Trust  40:16 – How Young Generations Absorb Information  43:03 – Whose Responsibility Is It to Reskill People?  45:10 – Getting Beyond the Anger Stage  47:43 - NGOs Role In Rebuilding Trust  49:35 – Merging Necessary Changes with Shareholder Value  51:09 – Outro    Episode Link: 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer | Allstate | Bloomberg    Guest Host: Isis Almeida, Chicago Bureau Chief, Bloomberg    Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago        Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.     Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.    For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.    Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram 

03.12.2025 | How We Got the Book | Part 2: Inerrancy | Pastor Jeff Wickwire

03.05.2025 | How We Got the Book | Part 1: The Revelation and Inspiration of Scripture | Pastor Jeff Wickwire

How We Launched a Virtual Event in 8 Weeks (And Got 500+ Registrants!)We're breaking down exactly how we launched our first-ever virtual event in just 8 weeks. This event featured 12 expert speakers, brought in over 500 targeted registrants, and even had a sponsor to cover all our costs. Most importantly, it generated pipeline and revenue. And we're sharing the entire virtual event playbook with you!If you're thinking about running a virtual event, but you're overwhelmed by the planning, marketing, and execution—this is for you. We cover everything from picking the right topic to driving registrations and keeping attendees engaged.Tune in and learn:+ How to pick the perfect event theme that attracts the right audience+ The secret to landing top-tier speakers (even if you have no budget!)+ How we got 500+ highly targeted registrants in just a few weeks+ The must-have assets for a seamless event (brand kits, promo videos, and more)+ The #1 mistake marketers make when running virtual events+ What we'd do differently if we were launching an event againThis episode is a must-watch for any B2B marketer looking to drive real business results with virtual events. Whether you're running webinars or large-scale summits, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to make your event a success.-----------------------------------------------------SUBSCRIBE to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theb2bplaybookSUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: https://theb2bplaybook.com/newsletter/GET the latest CONTENT: https://theb2bplaybook.com/-----------------------------------------------------00:00 Launching Our First Virtual Event – Here's How04:00 Why Virtual Events Work for B2B Marketers08:00 The Three Key Phases of a Virtual Event12:00 How We Chose the Perfect Theme and Audience16:00 Landing Big-Name Speakers for Your Event20:00 The Collateral You Need for a Successful Event24:00 The Promo Video Strategy That Drove Signups28:00 How We Got 500+ Registrants in Just 8 Weeks32:00 Getting Speakers to Promote the Event for You36:00 Engaging Your Audience During the Event40:00 The Secrets to Seamless Event Execution44:00 The Importance of Post-Event Follow-Up48:00 Why Thoughtful Speaker Gifts Matter52:00 Turning Your Event Into Evergreen Content56:00 Final Thoughts & Lessons Learned-----------------------------------------------------

Dan Owen, a seasoned preacher of the gospel for over 39 years, joins this episode to discuss bruised faith—how to address spiritual wounds and help those who have been hurt. As a longtime minister at Broadway Church of Christ and a former academic dean at Bear Valley Bible Institute, Dan brings a wealth of experience in biblical teaching and ministry. With advanced degrees in Bible and Greek New Testament, as well as a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, he has authored numerous biblical studies, including “That You May Believe” and “How We Got the Bible.” His insights help ministers and Christians navigate struggles with faith and work toward healing.       Connect with Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearchurch_podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564673680147 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DearChurch   Website: https://www.rippleoflight.org/ ROL Facebook: http://facebook.com/rippleoflight ROL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleoflight ROL YouTube: http://youtube.com/rippleoflight ROL Rumble: http://rumble.com/rippleoflight   Have a question? Email Chris at chris.mccurley@rippleoflight.com.   #BruisedFaith #HealingInChrist #ChristianMinistry #DanOwen #FaithStruggles #ChurchHurt #SpiritualHealing #BiblicalTeaching #MinistryMatters #HelpingTheHurt #BiblicalWisdom #FaithRestoration #ChristianLeadership  

Sunday School Dec 8, 2024. Class: How We Got the Bible Part 4B by Dan Crabtree This is the conclusion for: "How We Got the Bible" Sunday School classes. If you have missed a message or are viewing from home, you can catch weekend services on our Facebook page and YouTube by going to www.crossroads-ridgecrest.org or through the church app. We also have podcasts available by looking up Crossroads Community Church - available on several podcast apps. For questions or information, please contact us at: (760)384-3333 Wednesday – Friday 10am – 4pm, text (760)301-4840 or email ccc@ccc-rc.org

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Peter Gurry (PhD, University of Cambridge) professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary and Text & Canon Institute Director to discuss the canonicity of Scripture. Together they discuss common questions and misconceptions surrounding the formation and history of the Bible in an accessible and apologetic manner.  Resources Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John Meade and Peter Gurry Text & Canon Institute directed by Peter Gurry and John Meade

How did we get the Bible? How many variants of the early manuscripts are there? Can we trust our biblical texts? Joining me today is New Testament scholar Dr. Peter Gurry and Old Testament scholar Dr. John Meade to discuss the trustworthiness of Scripture and how we can have confidence in our biblical text. READ: Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible, by John D. Meade and Peter J. Gurry (https://amz.run/68IN) READ: A Rebel's Manifesto, by Sean McDowell (https://amzn.to/3u8s2Oz) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for $100 off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: @sean_mcdowell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/ Website: https://seanmcdowell.org

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Doctors Joe Boot and Michael Thiessen talk with best-selling author, podcaster, and blogger Mike D'Virgilio about Republicanism, its past, present, and future. Episode Resources: Mike's Website: https://mikedvirgilio.com/; Going Back to Find The Way Forward: Trump, A Great Awakening, and the Refounding of America: https://amzn.to/4868zRH; The Based Boomer Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@eschatology_matters/videos; Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings”: https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government; CHAPTERS:00:00 Opening01:10 Intro01:30 Welcome06:30 Going Back to Find the Way Forward: Republicanism Red-pilled09:52 Uprooted and Searching for Truth11:05 Hegel's Distorted View of History14:00 The Upcoming U.S. Election19:05 RINOs & the Red-pilled Right26:40 Growing Christian Political Influence 28:16 Getting the Cultural Task of the Church Right 33:42 The Christian's Cultural Task36:34 Reformed Con '25: Out of the Ashes37:42 What Does Going Backward to Move Forward Really Mean?43:35 From a Reformed Worldview at the American Founding and How We Got to Where We Are Now49:25 Christian Influence on American Republicanism51:29 The Antichrist Takeover of the Demo(n)cratic Party by the New Left55:15 The Death of Secularism and its Political Ramifications59:24 Special Guest Shoutout: Cromwell01:00:00 Call to Action01:01:31 Conclusion01:06:36 Outro UPCOMING CONFERENCES:Join us this October 31- November 2 @ The Presence of Christ Conference at Trinity Bible Chapel in Kitchener/Waterloo: https://mytrinitybiblechapel.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2343549; The Mission of God Conferences: UK | Sat, 2 Nov 2024 10:00 – 17:30 GMT @ Birmingham City Centre: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mission-of-god-conference-2024-tickets-932486039847; Canada – Ontario | Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 9:00 EST @ Harvest Bible Church Windsor: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstitute/missionofgod2024-ontario/587020/details; Alberta | Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 9:00 MST@ Fairview Baptist Church: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstitute/missionofgod2024-alberta/587306. The WAIT is OVER!!! Pre-order your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide! Get it here: https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition; Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/; For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com. Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885. Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Doctors Joe Boot and Michael Thiessen talk with best-selling author, podcaster, and blogger Mike D'Virgilio about Republicanism, its past, present, and future. Episode Resources: Mike's Website: https://mikedvirgilio.com/; Going Back to Find The Way Forward: Trump, A Great Awakening, and the Refounding of America: https://amzn.to/4868zRH; The Based Boomer Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@eschatology_matters/videos; Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings”: https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government; CHAPTERS:00:00 Opening01:10 Intro01:30 Welcome06:30 Going Back to Find the Way Forward: Republicanism Red-pilled09:52 Uprooted and Searching for Truth11:05 Hegel's Distorted View of History14:00 The Upcoming U.S. Election19:05 RINOs & the Red-pilled Right26:40 Growing Christian Political Influence 28:16 Getting the Cultural Task of the Church Right 33:42 The Christian's Cultural Task36:34 Reformed Con '25: Out of the Ashes37:42 What Does Going Backward to Move Forward Really Mean?43:35 From a Reformed Worldview at the American Founding and How We Got to Where We Are Now49:25 Christian Influence on American Republicanism51:29 The Antichrist Takeover of the Demo(n)cratic Party by the New Left55:15 The Death of Secularism and its Political Ramifications59:24 Special Guest Shoutout: Cromwell01:00:00 Call to Action01:01:31 Conclusion01:06:36 Outro UPCOMING CONFERENCES:Join us this October 31- November 2 @ The Presence of Christ Conference at Trinity Bible Chapel in Kitchener/Waterloo: https://mytrinitybiblechapel.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2343549; The Mission of God Conferences: UK | Sat, 2 Nov 2024 10:00 – 17:30 GMT @ Birmingham City Centre: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mission-of-god-conference-2024-tickets-932486039847; Canada – Ontario | Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 9:00 EST @ Harvest Bible Church Windsor: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstitute/missionofgod2024-ontario/587020/details; Alberta | Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 9:00 MST@ Fairview Baptist Church: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstitute/missionofgod2024-alberta/587306. The WAIT is OVER!!! Pre-order your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide! Get it here: https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition; Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/; For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com. Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885. Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

In this episode of the Podcast for Cultural Reformation, Doctors Joe Boot and Michael Thiessen talk with best-selling author, podcaster, and blogger Mike D'Virgilio about Republicanism, its past, present, and future. Episode Resources: Mike's Website: https://mikedvirgilio.com/; Going Back to Find The Way Forward: Trump, A Great Awakening, and the Refounding of America: https://amzn.to/4868zRH; The Based Boomer Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@eschatology_matters/videos; Think Christianly about politics with the help of Dr. Boot’s latest book “Ruler of Kings”: https://ezrapress.ca/products/ruler-of-kings-toward-a-christian-vision-of-government; CHAPTERS:00:00 Opening01:10 Intro01:30 Welcome06:30 Going Back to Find the Way Forward: Republicanism Red-pilled09:52 Uprooted and Searching for Truth11:05 Hegel's Distorted View of History14:00 The Upcoming U.S. Election19:05 RINOs & the Red-pilled Right26:40 Growing Christian Political Influence 28:16 Getting the Cultural Task of the Church Right 33:42 The Christian's Cultural Task36:34 Reformed Con '25: Out of the Ashes37:42 What Does Going Backward to Move Forward Really Mean?43:35 From a Reformed Worldview at the American Founding and How We Got to Where We Are Now49:25 Christian Influence on American Republicanism51:29 The Antichrist Takeover of the Demo(n)cratic Party by the New Left55:15 The Death of Secularism and its Political Ramifications59:24 Special Guest Shoutout: Cromwell01:00:00 Call to Action01:01:31 Conclusion01:06:36 Outro UPCOMING CONFERENCES:Join us this October 31- November 2 @ The Presence of Christ Conference at Trinity Bible Chapel in Kitchener/Waterloo: https://mytrinitybiblechapel.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2343549; The Mission of God Conferences: UK | Sat, 2 Nov 2024 10:00 – 17:30 GMT @ Birmingham City Centre: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mission-of-god-conference-2024-tickets-932486039847; Canada – Ontario | Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, 9:00 EST @ Harvest Bible Church Windsor: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstitute/missionofgod2024-ontario/587020/details; Alberta | Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 9:00 MST@ Fairview Baptist Church: https://brushfire.com/ezrainstitute/missionofgod2024-alberta/587306. The WAIT is OVER!!! Pre-order your copy of the NEW updated and expanded version of Dr. Boot’s Mission of God with a brand-new study guide! Get it here: https://ezrapress.ca/products/mission-of-god-10th-anniversary-edition; Got Questions? Would you like to hear Dr. Boot answer your questions? Let us know in the comments or reach out to us at https://www.ezrainstitute.com/connect/contact/; For Ezra’s many print resources and to join our newsletter, visit: https://ezrapress.com. Stay up-to-date with all things Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com;Subscribe to Ezra’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVvQDHHrOOjziyqUaN9VoA?sub_confirmation=1;Fight Laugh Feast Network: https://pubtv.flfnetwork.com/tabs/audio/podcasts/8297;Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ezra-institute-podcast-for-cultural-reformation/id1336078503;Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dW1gDarpzdrDMLPjKYZW2?si=bee3e91ed9a54885. Wherever you find our content, please like, subscribe, rate, or review it; it truly does help.

How We Got the Bible

In this episode, the Associate Professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary, Dr. Peter Gurry, discusses the book he co-authored with Dr. John Meade, Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible to shed light on how we got the Bibles that we study and cherish. Dr. Gurry discusses three topics in the conversation, including how the Bible was copied throughout ancient history, how the Biblical canon was formed, and how the Bible has been translated over the centuries.Sign up for USG's fall community Bible study here!Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Get the book Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

"I built a successful business and I quantum leapt into 30k months, and I've been there pretty steadily and consistently since 2021. The frustrating part is I can feel that there was something that was blocking my growth".Today I sit down with Amy Belair to discuss how addressing deep-rooted traumas, specifically the mother wound, can significantly impact business success.Amy has been in the show a couple of times, but for those of you who don't know what she does, she's a Cosmic Oracle, a Keeper of The Christ Consciousness Frequency and a Translator of Multidimensional Light Codes. She facilitates the expansion and ascension of Human consciousness through her library of courses, workshops and mentorship programs.Follow her on IG: cosmic.oracle Listen to her podcast: Third Eye AwakeningCheck out her Finding Your Soul Purpose free masterclassTake The Psychic Clairs Quiz Amy shares her journey of overcoming an invisible income plateau by pinpointing and healing unconscious patterns of self-abandonment inherited from her mother. Through profound introspection and my support, Amy was able to dissolve these barriers, leading to substantial business growth and personal clarity. How has your relationship with your mother impacted your business decisions and growth?TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS(00:00) Building a Successful Business (01:35) In Today's Episode...Amy Belair (03:44) The Power of Trauma Work (05:42) The Metamorphosis Shifting the Mother Wound (09:45) Getting to Know Amy (12:25) Amy's Journey, Discoveries and How We Got to Work Together(17:16) Understanding What is the Mother Wound(18:25) Amy's Purpose and Her Mother Wound(23:51) Unconscious Patterns and Enmeshment (34:19) Emotional Shifts and Realizations. Healing Through Business Challenges (40:48) The Importance of External Support (44:29) It's Not Only About BUSINESS STRATEGIES(54:15) Energetic Clarity and Business Success (55:52) Final Reflections and Gratitude **WAYS TO ENTER MY WORLD**Leave a review, send us a screenshot and get a $250 credit, you can apply to anything else in my world.Clear Trauma from Your Business (and Life) Cheat Sheet Learn about the familial traumas and which one of them is blocking your business.  The Metamorphosis starts in August. Heal the 4 childhood traumas that we all have and create a MASSIVE shift in your life.CONTACT ALYSEJoin my FB groupIG @alyse_breathesVisit alysebreathes.cominfo@alysebreathes.com

This is part 18 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. What tools can help you understand the bible better? Today we'll cover some recommended resources for you to deepen your study of the scriptures, including bible dictionaries, commentaries, bible software, AI, and more. Of course, it's impossible to cover everything in a reasonable time frame, so I'll just recommend two or three of each resource type, focusing primarily on tools that I personally have and use regularly. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJOFFIkNdUg&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2TrdUEDtAipF3jy4qYspM_&index=18 —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— 18 Helpful Tools to Understand the Bible Why do we need extra-biblical tools to help us understand the Bible? Different geography Different history Different cultures (ancient Near Eastern, first-century Jewish, Greco-Roman) Different economics Different literacy rates Different scientific and philosophical knowledge Bible Dictionaries International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915) Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000) Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (2015) The IVP Bible Dictionary Series Dictionary of OT: Pentateuch (2002) Dictionary of OT: Historical Books (2005) Dictionary of OT: Wisdom, Poetry, & Writings (2008) Dictionary of OT: Prophets (2012) Dictionary of NT Background (2000) Dictionary of Jesus & Gospels (2013) Dictionary of Paul & Letters (2023) Dictionary of the Later NT (1997) Commentaries Fee & Stuart: “Jesus says, ‘…It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.' You will sometimes hear it said that there was a gate in Jerusalem known as the “Needle's Eye,” which camels could go through only by kneeling, and with great difficulty. The point of this “interpretation” is that a camel could in fact go through the “Needle's Eye.” The trouble with this “exegesis,” however, is that it is simply not true. There never was such a gate in Jerusalem at any time in its history. The earliest known “evidence” for this idea is found in the eleventh century(!) in a commentary by a Greek churchman named Theophylact, who had the same difficulty with the text that many later readers do. After all, it is impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, and that was precisely Jesus' point. It is impossible for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom. It takes a miracle for a rich person to get saved…”[1] Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary (ZIBBC - 10 vols.) New International Commentary (NICOT - 30 vols.; NICNT - 20 vols.) New International Greek Testament Commentary (NIGTC - 12 vols.) The New Testament for Everyone by N. T. Wright (18 vols.) Bible Project Videos Book Overviews (OT - 39 videos; NT - 26 videos) How to Read the Bible (19 videos) Themes (41 videos) Word Studies (21 videos) Many more at com/explore/ Software Lots of translations Original language resources Cross-references Outlines Search tools Accordance & Logos Search Tools Artificial intelligence chat bots (openai.com) Crowd sourced websites (info/topics) Review Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias provide short articles on places, individuals, and topics in the Bible. Older and free research tools sometimes contain inaccuracies that more recent scholarship has overturned or updated. A good commentary tells you the options for interpreting a verse, reasons for each of those options, and a suggestion for which one makes the most sense. The Bible Project's book overview videos are really helpful to get a general understanding of a book of the Bible. Bible software on PCs, tablets, and phones provide worldclass research tools to help you study scripture. When searching for a phrase, a topic, or something specific, you can use a Bible app, openbible.info, or AI. [1] Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014). p. 29.

We use it to find bestselling author Steven Berlin Johnson's next project. I sat down with bestselling author Steven Johnson to see if we could come up with a concept for his next project—using AI. The results were amazing. We loaded 200,000 words of NASA transcripts and all of Steven's reading notes since 1999 into NotebookLM, Google's personalized research assistant. We wanted to see if it could help us explore the Apollo 1 fire and find relevant and surprising ideas from history that could work to explain it. NotebookLM condensed disparate 200,000 words of NASA transcripts into readable formats like FAQs and chronological timelines. It sifted through the material to identify the catalyst for the fire. The model even went through Steven's Readwise notes to find a relevant, and unexpected, story from history that we could use to explain the history and origins of the fire If you're a fan of Steven Johnson's work or you're interested in AI as a creative tool, you need to watch this episode.  All of this happens as a live exploration of NotebookLM, and it's a seriously wild ride. If you found this episode interesting, please like, subscribe, comment, and share!  Want even more? Sign up for Every to unlock our ultimate guide to prompting ChatGPT. It's usually only for paying subscribers, but you can get it here for free. To hear more from Dan Shipper: Subscribe to Every Follow him on X Links to resources mentioned in the episode: Follow Steven JohnsonNotebookLM Steven's newsletter, Adjacent Possible Steven's latest book about the rise of the modern detective: The Infernal Machine A few of Steven's other books: How We Got to NowWhere Good Ideas Come FromThe Ghost MapEmergenceThe Invention of Air

This is part 17 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. After reviewing the resources you can use to learn Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, we delve into the sources that translators use for their work. Next, we'll look at translation philosophies, including formal and dynamic equivalence. Lastly we'll cover the controversial issues of gender accuracy and translation bias. Over all, this episode should give you a nice introduction to a deep answer for what translations you should use and why. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsxuNfkTt-U&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2TrdUEDtAipF3jy4qYspM_&index=18 —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— 17 How to Choose a Bible Translation Translation basics Fee & Stuart: “Your Bible, whatever translation you use, which is your beginning point, is in fact the end result of much scholarly work. Translators are regularly called upon to make choices regarding meanings, and their choices are going to affect how you”[1] “Every translation is a commentary” -Lee Brice The Bible is in three languages. Hebrew: Old Testament except the Aramaic part Nearly 99% of the OT (22,945 of 23,213 verses) Aramaic: half of Daniel and two passages in Ezra Daniel 2.4b-7.28; Ezra 4.8-6.18; 7.12-26 About 1% of the OT (268 of 23,213 verses) Greek: New Testament (all 7,968 verses) How to begin learning Hebrew or Greek Immersion program in Israel or Greece Whole Word Institute offers a 9-month program. In-person college class (usually 2 semesters) Local colleges, RTS offers an 8-week summer program. In-person classes at a Jewish synagogue or Greek church or community center Online program with live instructor Biblical Language Center, Liberty University, etc. Digital program with pre-recordings Aleph with Beth (YouTube), Bill Mounce's DVD course, etc. How to improve your existing knowledge of Hebrew or Greek Reading group in-person or online Read a portion each week together. Daily dose of Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic Daily YouTube videos of one verse each (email list) Read every day. Read the Bible; read devotionals; read comic books (Glossa House produces great resources) Watch modern Hebrew and Greek shows. Izzy is like Netflix for Israel/Hebrew Greece has lots of channels streaming online. Translation process (1 Timothy 2:5 example) Greek New Testament (NA28)Εἷς γὰρ θεός, εἷς καὶ μεσίτης θεοῦ καὶ ἀνθρώπων, ἄνθρωπος Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς Literal translationOne for god, one and mediator of god and men,man Christ Jesus Finished translationFor (there is) one God, and (there is) one mediator between God and mankind, (the) man Christ Jesus. New Testament critical editions Nestle Aland 28th Edition (NA28) based on the Editio Critica Maior (ECM), which employs the coherence based genealogical method (CBGM) Tyndale House Greek New Testament (THGNT) prioritizes trusted physical manuscripts over the CBGM. Old Testament critical editions Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS) and the partially completed Biblia Hebraica Quinta (BHQ) print the Leningrad Codex in the main text, but include alternative readings in the footnotes. Hebrew Bible Critical Edition (HBCE) by Ronald Mendel is a project of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) to develop a critical edition. Resources to see decisions about alternative readings NET Bible (accessible here) New Testament Text and Commentary by Philip Comfort A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament by Bruce Metzger Formal equivalence translation philosophy Fee & Strauss: “If the Greek or Hebrew text uses an infinitive, the English translation will use an infinitive. When the Greek or Hebrew has a prepositional phrase, so will the English…The goal of this translational theory is formal correspondence as much as possible.”[2] Ron Rhodes: “Formal equivalence translations can also be trusted not to mix too much commentary in with the text derived from the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. To clarify, while all translation entails some interpretation, formal equivalence translations keep to a minimum in intermingling interpretive additives into the text.  As one scholar put it, ‘An essentially literal translation operates on the premise that a translator is a steward of what someone else has written, not an editor and exegete who needs to explain or correct what someone else has written.'”[3] Dynamic equivalence translation philosophy Ron Rhodes: “Dynamic equivalence translations generally use shorter words, shorter sentences, and shorter paragraphs. They use easy vocabulary and use simple substitutes for theological and cultural terminology.  They often convert culturally dependent figures of speech into easy, direct statements.  They seek to avoid ambiguity as well as biblical jargon in favor of a natural English style. Translators concentrate on transferring meaning rather than mere words from one language to another.”[4] Formal vs. dynamic comparison Formal Equivalence Dynamic Equivalence Formal Correspondence Functional Equivalence Word for Word Thought for Thought Literal Readable Transparent to Originals Replicates Experience Transfer Interpretation Interpretation Built In Accurate Easy to Understand Formal equivalence Bibles ESV: English Standard Version NASB: New American Standard Bible LSB: Legacy Standard Bible NRSV: New Revised Standard Version HCSB: Holman Christian Standard Bible Gender Accuracy[5] “Man” used to mean “men and women” “Men” used to mean “men and women” “he” used to mean “he or she” Translations are changing with the changes in the English language so that female readers recognize the relevance of scripture to them See Eph 4:28; Mat 11:15; etc. Combatting bias To combat bias, look at translations from different thought camps. Evangelical: NIV, NLT, ESV, NASB, NET, CSB, HCSB, LEB MSG, Passion, Amplified, LSB, CEV, TEV/GNT, NCV, NIrV Jewish: JPS, KJB, Stone, Robert Altar, Shocken Catholic: NABRE, NAB, RNJB, NJB, JB, Douay-Rheims Mainline: NRSV, NEB, RSV, ASV, KJV Unitarian: REV, NWT, Diaglott, KGV, Buzzard, NEV Review If you can, learn the biblical languages so you can read the actual words of scripture rather than depending on a translation. Translations of the New Testament depend on the Greek critical text known as the Nestle Aland 28th edition (NA28). Translations of the Old Testament depend on the Leningrad Codex, which is printed in the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS) and the partially complete Biblia Hebraica Quinta (BHQ). In addition, translators of the Old Testament are expected to look through the footnotes and commentary in these resources to judge readings from other sources. Over generations, textual critics have developed strategies and computer tools to more closely approximate the original text. As a result, newer critical texts contain reconstructions of an older stage of the text. Translation is the art of rendering a source text into a receptor language accurately. Formal equivalence translations focus on transparency to the source text and a minimum of added interpretation. Dynamic equivalence translations focus on readability in the receptor language. They seek clarity over ambiguity. Formal equivalence translations are safer, because they leave it up to the reader to figure out what a text means. However, they can contain awkward English and be difficult to read. Gender accuracy refers to the translation practice of including the feminine when a hypothetical singular masculine pronoun can refer to either sex or when masculine plurals include both genders. Bias is intrinsic to translation, especially with reference to doctrines that are widely held by committee members. The best way to expose and combat bias is to check translations from different thought camps. Although evangelical translations are better known, checking Jewish, mainline, Catholic, and unitarian translations provides a helpful corrective. [1] Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 23. [2] Gordon Fee and Mark Strauss, How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007), p. 26. [3] Ron Rhodes, The Complete Guide to Bible Translations (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2009), p. 30.  Quotation from Leland Ryken, Choosing a Bible (Wheaton: Crossway, 2005), p. 27. [4] Ron Rhodes, The Complete Guide to Bible Translations (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2009), pp. 32-33. [5] For a much deeper dive into this interesting topic, see session 15 from How We Got the Bible: Gender in Bible Translation, available on lhim.org or on YouTube.

This is part 16 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Revelation is a complicated book of the Bible. It contains some of the most incredible and awe-inspiring descriptions of God's throne room and the final paradise on earth. It also describes sinister mayhem, wanton destruction, and toe-curling persecution. How can we make sense of it? In today's episode we'll go over the basics of authorship, audience, occasion, and purpose. Then we'll explore how Revelation uses visionary symbols to convey truth. Lastly, we'll go over five interpretive lenses through which you can understand the timing of the events in Revelation. We may not settle every issue, but my hope is that this overview will at least prepare you to read Revelation for yourself. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://youtu.be/98OFG5OSjNE?si=jcN6wZnbeqavNFRi —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— How to Read Revelation Authorship John is the author. (Rev 1:1-2) It is hard to say if this was the same John who wrote the Gospel of John and the Epistles. Later Christians generally believed Revelation was by the same John. The style, vocabulary, and themes are completely different. John was exiled to the island of Patmos because of his faith. (Rev 1:9) “The Roman government, beginning with the emperor Nero, no longer considered Christianity as a sect of Judaism, which was a legal religion in the empire. Instead, Rome began to view it as an undesirable foreign cult that was a menace to society. John's testimony about Jesus Christ was viewed as a political crime and hence punishable under Roman law. His suffering was the price paid for obeying a different King and testifying to a different Lord.”[1] Audience Rev 1:10 says John wrote to seven churches in the province of Asia Minor (western Turkey). These churches were in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Occasion Ephesus: enduring well, not growing weary, having discerned false apostles well, not loving Smyrna: afflicted, in poverty, slandered by Jews, facing imprisonment, and martyrdom Pergamum: holding fast, though Antipas martyred, tempted with sexual immorality and idolatry Thyatira: loving, faithful, serving, enduring, tempted with sexual immorality and idolatry Sardis: spiritually lethargic, lack vigilance Philadelphia: keeping faithful despite opposition Laodicea: arrogant, wealthy, complacent Did John learn what was going on in these churches? Was that why he wrote? Revelation is so visionary, it's more likely that God prompted John by giving him these visions than that he wrote to detail with specific situations like many of Paul's epistles. Purpose Encourage churches to endure through persecution as well as to correct them Revelation both threatens and encourages. Mode Symbols dominate the visions in Revelation (Rev 1:12-20) The seven golden lampstands = the seven churches (Rev 1:12, 20) The great red dragon = the devil = Satan = the ancient serpent (Rev 12:3, 9) Lake of fire that torments day and night = the second death (Rev 20:10; 21:8) The symbols in John's visions are like political cartoons. “Someone has drawn an analogy between the symbolism of Revelation and political cartoons in our culture, in which pictures represent a reality. They are not to be taken literally, but they are to be taken as pointing to a reality. …So, for instance, I ask my student to imagine a political cartoon in which there is a wagon full of money with ropes tied to both ends of the wagon. An elephant is pulling in one direction, and a donkey is pulling in another. I ask them, ‘Who in the room thinks that somewhere in America there is a literal elephant and a literal donkey fighting over a wagon full of money?' No one does, and I ask them, ‘What does this represent?' and they all know exactly what it represents because they are familiar with Republicans and Democrats in our political system. The picture is symbolic, but it points to a real situation in the world.”[2] The seven heads = seven mountains (Rev 17:9) “At the outset, the angel identifies the seven heads with “seven mountains,” a phrase often used for Rome in the ancient world because it was built on seven hills (see Cicero, 6.5; Pliny, Nat. Hist. 3.66–67; et al.; see Swete 1911: 220 for others). The city began with an amalgamation of groups living on the seven hills (Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Equiline, Palatine, Quirinal, Viminal), and during Domitian's reign a festival (the Septimontium) celebrated it. ”[3] Genre Revelation is an apocalypse, an unveiling. It peels back the curtain of reality to reveal God's perspective. Apocalyptic literature employs fantasy imagery to reveal truths about current and future realities. Structure Ch 1  Intro Ch 2-3 Seven letters to seven churches Ch 4-5 Throne room Ch 6-7 Seven seals Ch 8-11 Seven trumpets Ch 12-13 Dragon and the beast Ch 14 The 144,000 Ch 15-16 Seven bowls of wrath Ch 17-18  Judgement on Babylon Ch 19 Coming of Christ; Armageddon Ch 20 Millennium Ch 21-22:5 Paradise on earth Ch 22:6-21 Final exhortations Interpretive lenses Roman Empire (preterist): the visions have already all or partially been fulfilled in the past. “Our difficulties lie with that other phenomenon of prophecy, namely that the “temporal” word is often so closely tied to the final eschatological realities. This is especially true in the book of Revelation. The fall of Rome in chapter 18 seems to appear as the first chapter in the final wrap-up, and many of the pictures of “temporal” judgment are interlaced with words or ideas that also imply the final end as part of the picture. There seems to be no way one can deny the reality of this.”[4] Church History (historicist): Looks for fulfillment in the history of the church during the Roman Empire and afterwards Future Empire (futurist): Sees visions as pertaining to the future Struggles with timing statements “The time is near” (Rev 1:3) “I am coming soon” (Rev 3:11) “He knows that his time is short” (Rev 12:12) “See, I am coming soon” (Rev 22:7) “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near” (Rev 22:10) “See, I am coming soon” (Rev 22:12) “Surely I am coming soon” (Rev 22:20) Allegory: Interprets allegorically as the ongoing struggle between good and evil Two Horizons: Combine both Roman Empire and future empire views Encouragement Revelation contains a blessing for readers. (Rev 1:3) In the end, God wins. (Rev 21:3-4; 22:3-5) Review It's important to remember that John wrote Revelation within the realm of the Roman Empire when persecution from the government was a real threat. He was likely in exile on Patmos. John addressed the churches in Asia Minor, a province of the Roman Empire in western Turkey. Much like political cartoons, it is essential to recognize the distinction between the symbols in Revelation and the reality to which they point. Revelation is an apocalypse or an unveiling of God's perspective on current and future events. Preterists teach that the visions of Revelation, such as the seals, trumpets, and bowls refer to events that took place in the Roman Empire. Historicists see these same visions unfolding throughout the history of the church. Futurists believe these visions pertain to a future time when they will play out as described in Revelation. The two horizons view sees fulfillment in the Roman Empire, which foreshadows the future fulfillment at the end, just prior to Christ's return. Revelation contains many terrifying visions of human suffering and death, but also it has hope for the future when God makes everything wrong with the world right. [1] Mark L. Wilson, Revelation, vol. 4, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, vol. Hebrews to Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002). [2] George H. Guthrie, Read the Bible for Life (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2011), 207. [3]Osborne, Grant R. Revelation Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament Accordance electronic edition, version 1.0. Baker Academic: 2002, Grand Rapids. [4] Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 271-2.

Ep 234Apple unveils the redesigned 11-inch and all-new 13-inch iPad Air with M2Apple unveils stunning new iPad Pro with M4 chip and Apple Pencil ProApple introduces M4 chipMiroslav Petrović //Nedavno predstavljeni iPad modeli sustigli su konačno i iPhone - U pakovanju više nema punjača.Ian Betteridge // Worth noting: “tandem OLED” isn't an Apple thing.Thoughts and First Impressions on the New iPad Pros from Apple's Event in LondonDan Bricklin //Thoughts after Apple iPad event with implications for #VisionPro:Final Cut Pro transforms video creation with Live Multicam on iPad and new AI features on MacLogic Pro takes music-making to the next level with new AI featuresThe iPad Pro Manifesto (2024 Edition)Not an iPad Pro Review: Why iPadOS Still Doesn't Get the Basics RightApple Releases iOS 17.5 With Cross-Platform Tracking Detection, EU App Downloads From Websites and MoreSetapp's EU Alternative iPhone App Marketplace Launching on May 14Craig Hockenberry // A not fun fact: I didn't get a security bounty for a macOS release that was done specifically to address an issue I found.Strada: 24. Can Apple Vision Pro Change Filmmaking Forever? Strada: 23. How We Got an iPhone to Shoot with Cinema Anamorphic Lenses Apple's “Let Loose” iPad Event was Shot on iPhone — With Panavision Lenses50 godina TCP-aZahvalniceSnimano 17.5.2024.Uvodna muzika by Vladimir Tošić, stari sajt je ovde.Logotip by Aleksandra Ilić.Artwork epizode by Saša Montiljo, njegov kutak na Devianartu

This is part 15 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. In previous episodes, we've looked at Paul's church epistles and pastoral epistles. Today we move into the third section of epistles in the New Testament--the general epistles. Instead of surveying each of the eight general epistles, we'll just focus on two: Hebrews and 1 John. We'll ask about author, audience, occasion, purpose, and mode for each. Going through these two will hopefully provide you with helpful examples to enable you to read these epistles more fruitfully on your own. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://youtu.be/alXkHkkhn_w —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— The General Epistles Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude Some consider Hebrews to be Pauline, but even if Paul wrote it, it's not to a church or a pastor, so it still fits as a general epistle 2 John and 3 John are technical to specific individuals and thus not general epistles Hebrews Authorship Evidence for Paul Associated with Timothy and Rome (Heb 13:23-24) Pauline themes Evidence against Paul Non-Pauline themes Ancient uncertainty (Origen, Eusebius, etc.) Non-standard opening Not an eyewitness (Heb 2:3) Daniel Wallace suggested Barnabas with help from Apollos. Audience As title indicates, the audience was Jewish. Persecuted (Heb 10:32-36) Occasion Became aware of some falling away from faith (Heb 3:6; 4:14; 6:4-6; 10:23, 26-27) Concern that they will return to Judaism Purpose Convince Jewish Christians to endure in the faith instead of falling away (presumably back into Judaism) Mode Show that Jesus is better Ch 1: Jesus as God's promised Messiah is better than the angels who gave the Law. Ch 2:  Jesus' salvation is better b/c he is human. Ch 3:  Jesus is better than Moses. Ch 7: Jesus' priesthood is better than Aaron's. Ch 8:  Jesus' covenant is better than the old covenant b/c it has better promises. Ch 9:  Jesus' heavenly priestly service is better than the priests serving at the temple on earth. Ch 10:  Jesus' sacrifice is better than animal sacrifices. Ch 11: The unshakable Mt. Zion covenant is better than the covenant at Mt. Sinai. Overall rhetorical effect to ask, “Why in the world would Christ-followers want to downgrade to Judaism after they've tasted something so much better?” 1 John Authorship No author in the document itself (1 John 1:1) Early Christians refer to this letter as written by John Irenaeus (a.d. 180) attributed the Gospel of John and 1 John to “John, the disciple of the Lord”[1] Later Christians agreed, including Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and the Muratorian Canon Eusebius says, “But of John's writings, in addition to the Gospel, the first of the letters is unambiguously accepted [as genuine] both by people today and by the ancients” (H.E. 3.24.17)[2] Definitely the same John who wrote the Gospel of John (John the Apostle) Same vocabulary and writing style Audience Christians that John is worried about Occasion: concern over rogue Christians “They went out from us, but they did not belong to us” (1 John 2:19). They are trying to deceive the regular Christians (2:26; 3:7). Many false prophets have gone out (4:1). They are denying that Jesus is the Christ (2:22). They may have been teaching that sin is ok (3:7-10). Purpose Equip Christians to discern and resist false teachings Encourage them to Live righteously Believe correctly about Jesus Love one another Mode Christology “Confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh” (4:2) “Testify that the Father has sent his son as the savior of the world” (4:14). “Confess that Jesus is the son of God” (4:15) “Believes that Jesus is the Christ” (5:1) “Believes that Jesus is the son of God” (5:5) “Believes in the son of God” (5:10) “Life is in his son” (5:11) “Believe in the name of the son of God” (5:13) Behavior (1 John 3:7-10) “It is unlikely that John has in mind absolute sinless perfection, since earlier he has denounced those who say they are without sin (1:8, 10). Rather, John has in mind the blatant sinning to which those who have left the community have fallen prey (2:19). In view of the letter as a whole, such sinning probably involves denial of Christ's human nature (4:2-3; theological lapse), flaunting of God's (or Christ's) commands (2:4; ethical lapse), failure to love (4:20; relational lapse), or some combination of these grave errors.”[3] Many appeals to live righteously (1 John 1:.5-6; 2:1-6; 3:4-10, 23-24; 5:18) Live differently than the world (1 John 2:15-17; 3:1, 13; 4:4-6; 5:4-5, 19) Love your brother/sister in Christ (1 John 2:10-11; 3:11, 14-18; 4:7-12, 16-21; 5:1-3) Review General epistles are for Christians in general rather than a specific church or person. In order to understand the general epistles, it's helpful to figure out authorship, audience, occasion, purpose, and mode. Authorship is explicit for James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Jude, but takes some work to figure out for Hebrews and 1-3 John. Hebrews was probably not written by Paul but by someone who spent time with him like Priscilla, Luke, Barnabas, or Apollos. Audience and occasion are often intertwined and determinable by gleaning bits of historical information from the epistles themselves. As you read, ask yourself, "Who was the original audience?" and "What was going on with them?" To discern the purpose, ask, "What is the author's main goal in this epistle?" Mode is answering the question, "How does the author go about achieving his purpose?" Once you've figured out the author, audience, occasion, purpose, and mode, understanding the rest of the epistle's particulars is much easier. [1] Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.16.5, 8. ANF translation. [2] Eusebius, 148. [3] Yarbrough, Robert. “1 John” in Hebrews to Revelation, vol 4 of ZIBBCNT, ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 176-212.

I've always been a big admirer of Steven Johnson, whose prolific work focuses on the disruptive role of new technologies in shaping our past and future. In his new book, The Infernal Machine, Johnson writes about the turn of the 20th century, a period of feverish technology innovation and no less febrile political unrest. Our conversation focuses on the strange symbiosis between Alfred Nobel's invention of dynamite, Emma Goldman's anarchist violence and the invention of J. Edgar Hoover's modern surveillance state. Good stuff from one of the world's most eclectic thinkers. Steven Johnson is the bestselling author of thirteen books, including Where Good Ideas Come From, How We Got to Now, The Ghost Map, and Extra Life. He's the host and cocreator of the Emmy-winning PBS/BBC series How We Got to Now, the host of the podcast The TED Interview, and the author of the newsletter Adjacent Possible. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, and Marin County, California, with his wife and three sons.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

This is part 14 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. The Pastoral Epistles are letters to church leaders, instructing them how churches should function. Though they are not well read by most Christians today, they remain authoritative for pastors, elders, and deacons. Today we'll cover 1-2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. We'll explore the major theme of how the church should be a well-run household where godliness prevails. Additionally, we'll consider qualifications for leadership, warnings against false teachers, and the incredible importance of sound teaching. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-zdww6-Udk&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2TrdUEDtAipF3jy4qYspM_&index=14&t=1004s&pp=iAQB —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— The Pastoral Epistles 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon Philemon is not always included as a pastoral Epistle since it only deals with a specific issue regarding a single person. Household Paul employs the metaphor of a household in the pastorals to illustrate the order he'd like to see in the churches (1 Tim 3:14-15). ZIBBC: “In Xenophon's essay, the husband instructs his fourteen-year-old bride (the average age for marriage among Greek and Roman girls was fourteen to sixteen) on her vital role in managing the household resources, including the care and supervision of household slaves, while he supervised the gathering of produce from the farms. Because of the presence of slaves and freedmen in an average ancient household, management of sometimes large households could be demanding.”[1] Lynn Cohick: “The family in the Greco-Roman world valued the community over the individual and promoted corporate honor and fortune. Those living in the domus (“home”) included parents and children, and perhaps extended family, such as adult siblings, cousins, and grandparents, as well as slaves, freedmen, and freedwomen. Each individual had a specific status within the home, and each family member deemed the social status of the family, including its wealth and social prestige, as of equal or greater value than their personal happiness.”[2] Paul is concerned for how outsiders will perceive the churches (1 Tim 3:7). Everyone has a place and a role. Men's role (1 Tim 2:8), older men (Tit 2:2), younger men (Tit 2:6-8). Women's role (1 Tim 2:9-15), older women (Tit 2:3), younger (Tit 2:4-5) Respect elders (1 Tim 5:1-2, 17-19). Young widows should marry (1 Tim 5:11-15). Take care of your own family (1 Tim 5:7-8, 16). Support real widows (1 Tim 5:3-6, 9-10). Slaves obey & submit (1 Tim 6:2; T 2:9-10) Rich be humble/generous (1 Tim 6:18-19) Godliness (Eusebia) 1 Tim 4:7-8; Tit 2:11-12 (See also 1 Tim 2:1-2; 5:4.) Translated “godliness” but has nothing to do with being like God or imitating God. Showing expected reverence Piety (Latin = pietas) Pious, reverent, dutiful Shown not just to God (or gods) but also to the city and to one's household Church Leadership Overseer's qualifications (1 Tim 3:2-7; T 1:7-9) Elders' qualifications (Tit 1:6) Deacon's qualifications (1 Tim 3:8-13) Standards are high for service in the church. Overseers must manage their own households well (1 Tim 3:4-5). Warnings Against False Teachers Some strange Jewish teachings (1 Tim 1:4, 6-7; Tit 1:10-11, 14) Asceticism (1 Tim 4:1, 3) Proto-gnostics (1 Tim 6:20) Unlabeled false teachings (2 Tim 2:14, 16, 23, 25; Tit 3:9) Warn those who cause divisions (twice), then have nothing more to do with them (Tit 3:10-11) Names individuals: Hymenaeus & Alexander (1 Tim 1:20), Phygelus & Hermogenes (2 Tim 1:15), Hymenaeus & Philetus (2 Tim 2:17-18), Alexander the coppersmith (2 Tim 4:14) Sound Teaching (Healthy Doctrine) Sin is when you live contrary to healthy doctrine (ὑγιαινούση διδασκαλία) (1 Tim 1:10). Sound teaching nourishes you (1 Tim 4:6). Encouraged to hold the standard of sound teaching (2 Tim 1:13) “People will not put up with sound teaching” (2 Tim 4:3). “Rebuke them sharply, so that they become sound in the faith” (Tit 1:14). “Teach what is consistent with sound instruction” (Tit 2:1). Reading the Pastoral Epistles Mostly focused on church leadership Church leaders NEED to read them. The pastorals tell us who is qualified and who is disqualified for church leadership. It's good for everyone to know what they say so you can hold your leaders accountable. Philemon Philemon was a wealthy Christian leader who had a house church. His slave, Onesimus, ran away and later became a Christian. Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon, asking Philemon to treat him as a brother. This Epistle is a masterful piece of rhetoric, Paul at his finest. Ben Witherington III calls Philemon the emancipation proclamation of the NT. Review Paul wrote the pastoral Epistles toward the end of his life. The metaphor of a household illustrates how the churches should function. Everyone should play their role according to their duty, whether men or women or elderly or young. Godliness is a major concept in the pastoral Epistles. It refers to performing your duty with proper honor. It's important that Christians live respectfully and with proper dignity before a watching and suspicious world. The pastoral Epistles include clear qualifications for church leaders, including that they manage their own households well. The churches in Ephesus and Crete were beset with false teachers from both Jewish and Greco-Roman sources. Paul encourages Timothy and Titus to adhere to sound teaching (healthy doctrine), so that people will escape the dangers of false teachers. Philemon was a wealthy church leader who managed a household that included slaves. Paul sent Philemon his runaway slave, instructing him to accept Onesimus as a brother. Paul told Philemon to charge any debt Onesimus owed him to his account. Such a request radically reconfigured social norms in a way that undermined the system of slavery. [1]Baugh, S. M. “1 Timothy” in Romans to Philemon, vol. 3 of ZIBBCNT-5, ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002), 444-478. [2] Lynn H. Cohick, "Women, Children, and Families in the Greco-Roman World," in The World of the New Testament, ed. Lee McDonald Joel Green (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013), 179.

This is part 13 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Before getting to the Church Epistles, we'll begin with an overview of how letters were written, read, and performed. Then we'll see how they are arranged in our Bibles. We'll spend a good deal of time talking about occasion. Why did Paul write each letter? What was going on that prompted him to initiate the expensive and elaborate process of writing to them? Lastly, we'll briefly consider how to apply what we read to our lives. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg3tInZU9JY&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2TrdUEDtAipF3jy4qYspM_&index=13&pp=iAQB —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Letters in the First Century Letters written on papyrus with ink by a professional scribe (amanuensis) Though most letters that have survived from the ancient world were short and to the point, Paul's Epistles are extremely long. Because there was no postal system, someone had to carry the letter to its destination. Upon arrival, most people couldn't read, so a professional would need to read it aloud. This was difficult because there were no chapters, verses, paragraphs, punctuation, or spaces between words (scriptio continua). Name Greek Words English Words Verses Chapters Romans 7113 9506 432 16 1 Corinthians 6832 9532 437 16 2 Corinthians 4480 6160 257 13 Galatians 2232 3227 149 6 Ephesians 2424 3047 155 6 Philippians 1631 2261 104 4 Colossians 1583 1993 95 4 1 Thessalonians 1484 1908 89 5 2 Thessalonians 826 1065 47 3 Church Epistles in Chronological Order Galatians 48 1 Thessalonians 49-51 2 Thessalonians 49-51 1 Corinthians 53-55 2 Corinthians 53-55 Romans 57 Philippians 62 Colossians 62 Ephesians 62 Developing Your Knowledge of the Greco-Roman World Get background books like The World of the New Testament by Green and McDonald and Zondervan's Illustrated Bible Background Commentary by Clinton Arnold. Read the literature that has survived. Hundreds of volumes are available in the Loeb Classical Library. Learn about archeology in the Mediterranean world around the time of Christ (Biblical Archeological Review). Take a tour to visit the sites in Greece and Turkey (Spirit and Truth International). Study the geography of the region on maps that show the correct place names for the first century. Deciphering the Occasion Each letter arose out of a specific circumstance. What was going on among the Christians in that city that caused Paul to write? Galatians: Judaizers had visited churches Paul founded, telling people they needed to follow the law of Moses. 1 Corinthians: Chloe sent word of divisions in Corinth; Paul also received a letter asking specific questions. 2 Corinthians: false teachers had ensconced themselves in Corinth who criticized and undermined Paul. Philippians: Epaphroditus brought Paul financial assistance from Philippi. Reading the Church Epistles The first time through, just get your bearings. Read for scope. What's going on in that church? What's going on in that city? What are their concerns? What are the doctrinal errors that Paul is correcting? The second time through, read more slowly, paying attention to major units of thought (usually paragraphs). Ask yourself how each section contributes to the whole. Sometimes it is difficult to understand a particular sentence or phrase. 1 Cor 15:29  “baptism on behalf of the dead” 1 Cor 11:10 “because of the angels” No one understands everything. It's more important to get the main point than understand every little nuance. Form of ancient letters[1] Author(s) Recipient(s) Greeting Prayer/thanksgiving Content Final greeting(s) and farewell Content Section These Epistles are loaded with theology and practical application. Not systematic theologies, neatly organized Rather, they move from topic to topic based on the need of the congregation, oftentimes based on a previous (now lost) letter or communication they made to Paul. Romans and Ephesians come closest to laying out a theological system. Application What is Paul asking them to do? Are my particulars similar enough to say this instruction applies to me as well? How much of what he said is culturally conditioned? Can I derive a principle that applies in general today? Review Sending long letters in the Roman world was expensive and difficult due to the cost of materials, the skill required to write, and the need to have someone carry and read your letter aloud to the recipients. Paul sent the Church Epistles to Christian churches living in major Greco-Roman cities. We know much about the culture, politics, and geography of these cities due to surviving literature, archeological discoveries, and the ability to travel to them. Deciphering the occasion for which Paul wrote is the single most beneficial piece of information to help you understand an Epistle's overarching purpose. As you read through an Epistle for the first time, try to get the big picture. Then as you read through it again, try to figure out how each section relates to the whole. It's ok not to understand a particular verse. It's more important to understand the point Paul is making rather than the particulars. When applying the Epistles to your life, look for comparable circumstances and general principles. [1] See Fee & Stuart, p. 59

This is part 12 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Acts is an action-packed book full of excitement and wonder. We learn about the early expansion of the Church from a small group of ragged Christ-followers to dozens of house churches throughout major cities in the Mediterranean world. How did Christianity "go public"? The book of Acts tells that story. In this episode you'll learn four major emphases in Acts as well as how to think through application for us today. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TIzpc3mfOg&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2TrdUEDtAipF3jy4qYspM_&index=12&pp=iAQB —— Links —— For more about Family Camp visit LHIM Check out the UCA conferences for USA, UK, and NZ here See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Luke wrote Acts. Acts 1:1-2 Acts is the second volume. Luke is about the life of Christ. Acts is about the early expansion of the church. Major events of Acts 1:1-11  Jesus commissions and ascends. 1:12-27 Peter initiates replacing Judas. 2:1-47 Spirit is poured out, and Peter preaches. 3:1-26 Peter heals lame man and preaches. 4:1-6:7  Communal living in Jerusalem 6:8-7:60  Stephen's martyrdom 8:1-40  Philip's expansion to Samaria, Ethiopia 9:1-31  Paul's conversion, expansion to Damascus 9:32-9:43  Peter's mission to Lydda and Joppa 10:1-11:18 Peter converts Cornelius in Caesarea. 11:19-30 Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch. 12:1-24 Peter's arrest and miraculous escape 12:25-16:5 Paul's 1st missionary journey 16:6-19:20 Paul's 2nd missionary journey 19:21-21:17 Paul's 3rd missionary journey 21:18-28:31 Paul's arrest and trip to Rome Organization of the book The first half is about Peter (1-12). The second half is about Paul (13-28). Acts 1:8 outlines the book: they expanded from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth. Leading and experience of God's spirit Baptized with the spirit, filled with the spirit, pour out the spirit, receive the spirit, spirit fell upon: 1:5, 8; 2:4, 17; 4:31; 8:17; 9:17; 10:44-45; 11:15-16; 13:52 Speaking in tongues; prophecy: 2:4, 17-18; 10:46; 11:28; 19:6; 20:22-23; 27:21-22 Exorcisms: 5:16; 8:7; 16:18; 19:12-16 Healing and miracles: 3:6-7; 5:12, 15-16; 8:39; 9:17-18, 34-35; 12:7-10; 13:11; 14:10; 19:11; 20:9-10; 28:3-6, 8-9 Supernatural direction: 1:16, 26; 8:26, 29; 9:10-16; 13:2; 15:28; 16:7; 18:9-10; 20:28; 21:11; 23:11; 27:23-24 Rapid expansion through conversion Convert 3,000 on day of Pentecost (2:41) 5,000 after healing lame man at the temple (4:4) Conversions of whole towns: Samaria (8), Lydda, and Joppa (9) Conversions of key people: Ethiopian treasurer (8); Paul of Tarsus (9); Cornelius the centurion (10); Sergius Paulus, proconsul of Cyprus, (13); Lydia, a wealthy Philippian merchant, (16); Crispus, a synagogue leader in Corinth, (18); Publius of Malta (28) Perseverance through persecution Sadducees arrest Peter and John (4). Sadducees arrest apostles (5). A mob stones Stephen (7). Paul leads persecution in Jerusalem (8). King Herod executes James (12). King Herod imprisons Peter (12). Jewish leaders expel Paul and Barnabas from Pisidian Antioch (13). Jewish leaders stone Paul at Lystra (14). City magistrates arrest Paul and Silas at Philippi (16). Jewish mob attacks Jason at Thessalonica (17). Jewish leaders accuse Paul before Proconsul Gallio at Corinth (18). Demetrius instigates riot against Paul at Ephesus (19). Jewish mob attacks Paul at Jerusalem (21). Plot of Jewish leaders to murder Paul (23) Paul's trial before Felix (24) Paul's trial before Festus (25) Paul's defense before King Agrippa (26) Paul's shipwreck (27) Paul's house arrest at Rome (28) Respectful of Roman authorities Paul is respectful to his arresting officer, Claudius, (21:33, 37-40). He asserts his Roman citizenship (22:24-29). He cordially converses with Felix, Roman governor of Judea, (24). Paul appeals to have a trial before Caesar in Rome b/c he's afraid he won't get a fair hearing in Judea. Paul interacts respectfully with Festus and King Agrippa. King Agrippa says Paul should've been set free (26:31-32). Paul complies on the whole journey while under arrest. Including the Gentiles Originally, Christianity was 100% Jewish. Gentiles (non-Jews) began believing in Jesus, and God demonstrated his acceptance through his spirit (see Acts 10:44-45). Both Peter and Paul preached to Gentiles and accepted them as part of God's family. After a disagreement broke out over the Gentiles (Acts 15:1-2), the disciples decided Gentiles could be part of the church without keeping the law. Acts is the historical spine of the NT Acts tells you about how Christianity came to many places mentioned in other parts of the NT. On Paul's second missionary journey, he visited Galatia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus. These are all places to which he wrote Epistles. Prescriptive vs. descriptive Does Acts prescribe how we should live or describe what they did? Acts 2:44-46 talks about sharing all our possessions. Is this normative for all Christians for all time? Fee & Stuart: “Unless Scripture explicitly tells us we must do something, what is only narrated or described does not function in a normative (i.e. obligatory) way—unless it can be demonstrated on other grounds that the author intended it to function in this way.”[1] Review Acts is a history of the church that Luke wrote to follow his biography of Christ. Acts describes the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth (i.e. the Mediterranean world). In Acts, Luke is interested in the activity of God's spirit, missionary activity resulting in conversions, and how Christians are respectful to Roman authorities. The inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian movement caused a significant controversy, resulting in the decision that they did not need to keep the law. Acts provides the historical backbone into which fit many of the Epistles of the NT. Luke tells of Paul's three missionary journeys, as well as his final treacherous journey to Rome under arrest. Although Acts shows us what is possible as we walk with God, it does not prescribe that Christians today must do everything the way they did it (descriptive not prescriptive). [1] Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 124.

Greg explains why the Apocrypha isn't part of the canon, then he talks to callers about what to say to a good pastor who has been taking verses out of context and thoughts on cessationism.   Topics: Commentary: Why the apocrypha is not part of the canon (00:00) How should I approach a pastor I love about taking verses out of context? (26:00) What do you think about cessationism? (49:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John D. Meade and Peter J. Gurry Why Jesus Rebuked Doubting Thomas by Greg Koukl

In this episode, join Drs.Mikel Del Rosario and Peter Gurry for a historical journey that explains how we got the Bible, focusing on the 27 books of the New Testament. This interview also helps you answer the question "Which Bible translation is the best one?" Peter Gurry is Associate Professor of New Testament and Co-Director of The Text & Canon Institute.

This is part 11 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. The Gospels are evangelistic biographies of Jesus. In today's episode you'll learn the basic storyline of the four biblical Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Then we'll go through them from shortest to longest to see how each brings a unique and helpful perspective in telling the life of Christ. We'll also hit some important concepts like the kingdom of God, parables, and the word of God. Lastly, we'll ask about application. How can you figure out which sayings of Christ apply to you today and which ones do not? Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://youtu.be/0iHhidbL4e8?si=3rs4fGGtQjsJAObB —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— The Four Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Gospel = good news The Gospels are biographies about Jesus which seek to convince readers about the good news that he is the Messiah. Basic Storyline of the Gospels Birth narratives John's ministry John baptizes Jesus. Jesus calls the twelve. Teachings of Jesus Miracles of Jesus Conflict with critics Triumphal entry Intensified conflict Last supper Arrest, trial, execution Resurrection appearances Great commission Mark (11,305 words) Papias: “And the elder used to say this: ‘Mark, having become Peter's interpreter, wrote down accurately everything he remembered, though not in order, of the things either said or done by Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but afterward, as I said, followed Peter, who adapted his teachings as needed but had no intention of giving an ordered account of the Lord's sayings. Consequently Mark did nothing wrong in writing down some things as he remembered them, for he made it his one concern not to omit anything that he heard or to make any false statement in them.'”[1] John (15,633 words) Purpose statement: John 20:30-3130 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. Matthew (18,348 words) Five blocks of teaching 5-7 Sermon on the Mount 10 Missionary Instruction 13 Parables of the Kingdom 18 Discourse on the Church 24-25 Olivet Discourse Luke (19,483 words) Luke's method: Luke 1:1-41 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3 I, too, decided, as one having a grasp of everything from the start, to write a well-ordered account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may have a firm grasp of the words in which you have been instructed. Luke's historical precision: Luke 3:1-21 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. The Synoptic Gospels Matthew, Mark, and Luke Matthew and Luke quote Mark extensively. Both quote another source of sayings as well. Still, much of Matthew and Luke is unique to them. Fee & Stuart: “Take, for example, the fact that there is such a high degree of verbal similarity among Matthew, Mark, and Luke in their narratives, as well as in their recording of the sayings of Jesus. Remarkable verbal similarities should not surprise us about the sayings of the one who spoke as no one ever did (John 7:46). But for this to carry over to the narratives is something else again—especially so when one considers (1) that these stories were first told in Aramaic, yet we are talking about the use of Greek words; (2) that Greek word order is extremely free, yet often the similarities extend even to precise word order; and (3) that it is highly unlikely that three people in three different parts of the Roman Empire would tell the same story with the same words—even to such minor points of individual style as prepositions and conjunctions.”[2] Fee & Stuart: “The best explanation of all the data is …that Mark wrote his gospel first, probably in part at least from his recollection of Peter's preaching and teaching. Luke and Matthew had access to Mark's gospel and independently used it as the basic source for their own. But they also had access to all kinds of other material about Jesus, some of which they had in common. This common material, however, is scarcely ever presented in the same order in the two gospels, a fact suggesting that neither one had access to the other's writing. Finally, John wrote independently of the other three, and thus his gospel has little material in common with them. This, we would note, is how the Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Gospels. …[W]ith the Spirit's help, they creatively structured and rewrote the materials to meet the needs of their readers.”[3] Kingdom of God Understanding what Jesus meant by the kingdom of God is critical Fee & Stuart: “[T]he major hermeneutical difficulty lies with understanding “the kingdom of God,” a term that is absolutely crucial to the whole of Jesus' ministry…”[4] Likely, Jesus was pulling from Daniel who prophesies extensively about God's kingdom coming to earth (Dan 2:44; 7:26-27) Parables Short fictional stories that make a point Get the main point; don't get lost in trying to find a meaning for every aspect of the story. Jesus told some parables to hide truth from those who didn't want it. He told others to teach his disciples important truth simply and effectively. Still others, he told as zingers to confront his critics. Word of God The Bible does not typically call itself “the word”. “The word” is the message Jesus preached to repent due to the coming Kingdom. He wasn't telling his Jewish listeners to repent and believe in the Bible, since they already believed in it. Compare Mark 4:13-15; Luke 8:11-12; Mat 13:19 Word = word of God = word of the Kingdom Application Must discern between the sayings Jesus limited to the people in front of him at that time and those that remain applicable to all his followers today Mat 10:9-11 tells his disciples not to carry any money with them. Does that mean true Christians don't use money and just mooch off their neighbors? Luke 6:27-28 tells us to love our enemies, a commandment repeated in Mat 5:43-48; Rom 12:17-21; 1 Pet 3:9-11 and exemplified by Jesus' actions. Review The NT begins with four evangelistic biographies of Jesus called Gospels. Mark is the shortest Gospel. Its action-packed narrative is probably derived from Peter's recollections as well as God's direction via his spirit. John is the most theologically developed, and it contains monologues where Jesus talks about himself and his relationship to his Father. Matthew showcases Jesus as a Rabbi who teaches his followers how to live in light of the Kingdom of God. Luke was a careful historian who made an effort to present a "well-ordered account" to present the life of Christ to a noble Roman audience. The Kingdom of God is the core of Jesus' message and ministry. It refers to a coming age when God sets everything wrong with the world right. Jesus' favorite self-title was "Son of Man," which could either mean a human being or the ruler of the coming Kingdom. Parables are short fictional stories told to make a point. In the Gospels, the "word" refers to the message Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God, not the Bible in general. Although it's hard to be sure, most think Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source as well as another sayings source. In order to discern what sayings of Jesus apply to you, consider the circumstances in which they were given, whether other parts of the NT repeat the statement, and what Jesus' example can tell you. [1] Fragments of Papias 3.15 in Apostolic Fathers, trans. Michael Holmes, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, Baker Academic, 2007). [2] Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 141. [3] Stuart, 142. [4] Stuart, 132.

This is part 10 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. We've taken our time working through the Old Testament, section by section. Before we tackle the New Testament and look at the Gospels, we need to talk about the time between the Old and New Testaments. In the gap of roughly four hundred years, massive political and cultural changes occurred. Nowhere in the Old Testament do we see anything about the Romans, Pharisees, Sadducees, or the Sanhedrin. In today's episode I'll catch you up on what happened after the OT and before the NT so you can better understand the world in which Jesus functioned. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3humYIVYho&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2TrdUEDtAipF3jy4qYspM_&index=10 —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Recent History Persians: Cyrus the Great Greeks: Alexander the Great, Antiochus Epiphanes Hellenization (2 Maccabees 4.7, 10-15; 1 Maccabees 1.41-53) Maccabean Revolution: Mattathias, Judah the Maccabee, Jonathan Apphus, Simon Thassi, John Hyrcanus, Aristobulus I, Alexander Jannaeus, Salome Alexandra, Hyrcanus II, Aristobulus II Romans: Pompey the Great annexed Judea in 63bc Herodian Dynasty: Herod the Great and his descendants Geographical and Political Setting Roman Empire: Augustus (27bc-ad14), Tiberius (14-37), Caligula (37-41), Claudius (41-54), Nero (54-68) Provinces: every region outside of Italy Galilee: Herod the Great (37-4bc), Herod Antipas (4bc-ad39), Herod Agrippa I (37-44) Judea: Herod the Great (37-4bc), Herod Archelaus (4bc-ad6), Coponius (6-9), Marcus Ambivulus (9-12), Annius Rufus (12-15), Valerius Gratus (15-26), Pontius Pilate (26-36), Marcellus (36-37), Marullus (37-41), Herod Agrippa I (41-44) Samaria: under Judean jurisdiction; Samaritans and Jews conflicted with each other Jewish Groups Sadducees controlled the temple partners with Roman governors wealthy aristocrats chief priests were the leaders only accepted the Torah as scripture didn't believe in resurrection or angels Pharisees focused on obedience to Torah accepted the law (Torah), prophets (Nevi'im), and writings (Kethuvim) oral tradition & fence laws not in power at the time of Jesus, except those in the Sanhedrin Sanhedrin Romans established 5 councils over 5 districts most important council was in Jerusalem had temple police at their disposal to arrest people could meet out punishments except capital punishment, which was reserved for the Roman governor Scribes every group had scribes even Paul used scribes to write his letters (Tertius in Rom 16.22) writing was a skill copy scripture to preserve it called lawyers or experts in the law Revolutionaries wanted to overthrow Roman occupation Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews23 “But of the fourth sect of Jewish philosophy, Judas the Galilean was the author. These men agree in all other things with the Pharisaic notions; but they have an inviolable attachment to liberty; and say that God is to be their only Ruler and Lord. They also do not value dying any kind of death, nor indeed do they heed the deaths of their relations and friends, nor can any such fear make them call any man Lord” John's Renewal Movement called people to repent baptized them in the Jordan River possible connection with the Essenes Important Issues Temple Taxes Torah Unrest Review When the Greeks conquered the world, they made cities adopt their customs, culture, language, and religion. When Antiochus Epiphanes forcibly Hellenized Judah, it resulted in the Maccabean Revolution under Mattathias and his sons. After they won their independence, the Hasmonean Dynasty ruled up until 63bc when Pompey annexed Judea into the Roman Empire. Herod the Great and his descendants ruled over the region for many years, though in Judea the Romans directly ruled through governors. During Jesus' ministry Herod Antipas ruled in Galilee and Pontius Pilate governed Judea and Samaria. Sadducees partnered with the Roman government and controlled the temple. The Pharisees focused on obedience to Torah, according to the traditions of the elders. The Sanhedrin was a council in Jerusalem made of Sadducees and Pharisees that controlled a police force and ruled on legal issues. Scribes copied scripture and had expert knowledge of the Law of Moses. Jesus lived in a time of fragile peace when Roman provocations threatened to light the match of Jewish revolution at any moment.

This week Bart will be interviewing New Testament scholar and public intellectual Candida Moss, on her new book, God's Ghostwriters: Enslaved Christians and the Making of the Bible. In the book, Dr. Moss (Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Birmingham) maintains that parts of the Bible may have been written by slaves (Mark, possibly); or co-authored by them (enslaved secretaries of Paul?); or copied by them (in our surviving manuscripts). No one has broached the topic of "How We Got the Bible" from this perspective before, and the episode provides a lively discussion of numerous issues of real significance.

This is part 9 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. The 17 books of the prophets comprise 27% of the Old Testament. Although some parts can be difficult to comprehend, they reveal the heart of God with raw pathos and brutal honesty. To read the prophets, then, is to draw near to God. No other section of scripture so beautifully and tragically reveals God's feelings. In this episode you'll learn about the major time periods, how to read the prophets within their context, and some of the major themes. As always, this brief survey should help you read and understand the bible for yourself. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nOkfIUxJJw&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2TrdUEDtAipF3jy4qYspM_&index=9 —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Canonical Arrangement 5 Major Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel 12 Minor Prophets Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Chronological Arrangement early pre-exilic: Amos, Hosea, Jonah, Micah, Isaiah late pre-exilic: Nahum, Zephaniah, Obadiah, Joel, Habakkuk, Jeremiah exilic: Ezekiel, Daniel post-exilic: Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi Setting The historical context is helpful In Jer 1.1-3, Jeremiah prophecies during the last days of the kingdom. He's the last chance for the people to repent. Since they go into exile anyhow, it's easy to anticipate that the people will not respond to Jeremiah. The Prophet God calls prophets into his service (Jer 1.4-6) oftentimes, the prophet has access to the king and speaks to him competition with false prophets (Jer 28.1-3, 15-17) Acting out prophecies Ezekiel built a model of Jerusalem and acted out a siege against it (Ezek 4.1-3) lay on his side for 390 days (Ezek 4.4-5) cooked his food over animal excrement (Ezek 4.12, 14-15) Jeremiah shattered a piece of pottery (Jer 19.10-11) wore an oxen yoke around (Jer 27.2) bought a property while city is under siege (Jer 32.24-25) Isaiah walked barefoot and naked for 3 years (Is 20.2-4) Hosea married an unfaithful prostitute to illustrate God's relationship w/ Israel who kept cheating on him with idols (Hos 1.2) Preaching to the People fidelity to the Torah, the covenant justice in business dealings and courts take care of the vulnerable quartet (Jer 22.11-16) practice moral and ritual aspects of religion (Jer 7.4-10) avoid fake righteousness and hypocrisy (Jer 9.8) do not worship idols (Jer 7.16-18) Prophesies of the Future near judgment or restoration judgment upon nations (Edom, Egypt, Syria, etc.) use Assyrians/Babylonians to judge Israel/Judah return to the land and enjoy covenant blessings be faithful or lose the land again eschatological judgment and restoration a Davidic king will rule wisely and execute justice healing for the lame, deaf, blind, etc. healing for the land, especially the deserts abundance and prosperity peace among the nations no need for militaries or even training for war peace among the animals elimination of death itself Prophets Reveal God's Heart God is a lover prophets express God's emotions lots of colorful language God provides hope for the remnant Review The prophets make up a huge portion of the Old Testament (17 books) Some prophets served before the exile, others during the exile, and others after the exile. Pay attention to the historical context, including who was king and what was happening with Israel or Judah. Prophets are commissioned by God to speak his words to his people and his king. The prophets sometimes had encounters with false prophets who challenged their message and authority. A prophet's predictions served to authenticate or disprove their legitimacy. The prophets fought injustice, especially the exploitation of the quartet of the vulnerable: the widow, the orphan, the sojourner, and the poor. The prophets railed against idolatry and hypocrisy. Yet they also prophesied about the coming kingdom judgement and restoration, offering hope for the remnant. Because the prophets were close to God, they reveal his heart in a way no other part of the Bible does.

This is part 8 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. The Book of Psalms is an eclectic collection of poetry that you can use to connect to God. In today's episode you'll learn about the different kinds of psalms, who wrote them, and how Hebrew poetry works. The goal, as always, is to equip you to read and understand on your own. Whether you've been reading the Psalms for years or are brand new to them, this episode should empower you to get more out of them than ever before. Also, I conclude by recommending a method of reading, called Lectio Divina, which you can use to meditate on the Psalms. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2lJMxFR7n4 —— Links —— Check out All 150 Psalms Categorized See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Basic Facts Phenomenal for devotional reading, emotional connection 150 total psalms Called psalms, not chapters (Psalm 50:4 not Psalms 50:4) Authors: David (73), Asaph (12), Sons of Korah (11), Heman the Ezrahite (1), Ethan the Ezrahite (1), Moses (1), Solomon (2), Anonymous (49) Book 1: 1-41 Book 2: 42-72 Book 3: 73-89 Book 4: 90-106 Book 5: 107-150 David reassigned the Levites to develop a music ministry to worship God (1 Chron 16:4-6, 41-42). Chesed כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ (1 Chron 16:41) for his chesed (is) forever. הוֹדוּ לַיהוָה כִּי־טוּב כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ (Ps 118:1) O give thanks to Yahweh for (he is) good for his chesed (is) forever. chesed is an extremely important word in the Psalms. “EVV [English versions] translate chesed by expressions such as ‘steadfast love' and ‘constant love.'  It is sometimes described as covenant love, though in the OT it rarely appears in the company of the word ‘covenant.'  It is used in two connections: when someone makes an act of commitment for which there is no reason in terms of prior relationship, and when someone keeps their commitment when they might be expected to abandon it (e.g., because the other person has done so).  It is the Hebrew equivalent to the Greek agape.”[1] Walter Brueggemann's Three Kinds of Psalms Orientation: celebrate order in creation and in morality (Psalm 8) Disorientation: complaints about injustice and God's inactivity (Psalm 88) Reorientation: renewed sense of trust; thanksgiving for deliverance (Psalm 30) The psalms nicely compliment the various types of wisdom literature we covered last time. 14 Types of Psalms Praise Psalms Historical Psalms Torah Psalms Creation Psalms Royal Psalms Enthronement Psalms Wisdom Psalms Prophecy Psalms Trust Psalms Petition Psalms Complaint Psalms Repentance Psalms Imprecatory Psalms Thanksgiving Psalms Hebrew Poetry Word play Acrostic psalms Thought rhyming instead of word rhyming Synonymous parallelism Antithetical parallelism Synthetic parallelism Transliterated Terms Selah (71x) may mean a pause (perhaps for a musical interlude). Maskil (13x), miktam (6x), gittith (3x), alamoth (1x), higgaion (1x), and shiggaion (1x) were probably musical instructions of some sort. Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) First reading Read the psalm or a section of it twice. Pause to reflect on what you read. Second reading Read text once. Look for a verse or phrase that sticks out to you. Pause and reflect on that phrase turning it over in your mind Third reading Read text once. Ask God what he wants you to do in relation to the phrase you have been contemplating. Listen for a response. Review The book of Psalms contains 150 poems, songs, and prayers written by several different authors, divided into five books. More psalms are associated with David than anyone else (73). He was responsible for tasking the Levites with praising God through music. A key reason to praise God in the Psalms is because his chesed (steadfast love) endures forever. Psalms of orientation celebrate the orderliness of creation and the moral universe. Psalms of disorientation cry out for help amidst times of injustice, persecution, and suffering. Psalms of reorientation thank God for his deliverance in a situation. The many kinds of psalms are for you to use when you go through similar blessings, trials, doubts, and deliverances. Lectio Divina is an ancient meditative practice that you can use to get more out of the psalms you read. Appendix: All the psalms categorized by type # Types Description Psalms 1 praise extolling God for his character and actions 23, 24, 34, 46, 67, 76, 95, 100, 103, 111, 117, 139, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150 2 historical overviews of interactions between God and his people 78, 81, 89, 105, 106, 114, 132, 135, 136 3 Torah poems about the Torah and the benefits of obedience 1, 19, 112, 119 4 creation songs about the well-ordered creation 8, 19, 65, 104, 148 5 royal poems about the king; messianic psalms 2, 20, 21, 45, 61, 72, 101?, 110, 144?, 149? 6 enthronment poems about God sitting on his throne and ruling 9, 24, 29, 33, 47, 50?,  93, 96, 97, 98, 99, 102?, 113, 145, 146 7 wisdom extolling wisdom and disparanging folly 1, 14, 15, 37, 49, 52, 53, 73, 90, 101, 112, 127, 128, 8 prophecy words spoken by God to the people 2, 50, 81, 82, 91, 108, 110, 132 9 trust expressing confidence in what God will do 57, 61, 62, 63, 68, 69, 71, 73, 77, 82, 85, 91, 94, 102, 115, 121, 125, 131 10 petition asking for deliverance (usually from enemies) 3, 6, 7, 17, 22, 25, 26, 27, 31, 36, 40, 41, 54, 56, 59, 60, 69, 70, 79, 86, 108, 123, 141, 142, 143, 144 11 complaint complaining, asking "how long?" "why?" etc. 13, 42, 43, 44, 60, 74, 80, 88, 89, 120 12 repentance repenting from sinful action(s) 32, 38, 39, 51, 130 13 imprecatory wishing God to harm one's enemies 5, 10, 11, 12, 28, 35, 55, 58, 69, 70, 79, 83, 109, 129, 137, 140 14 thanksgiving thanking God for the deliverance he has provided 4, 16, 18, 30, 40, 64, 65, 66, 75, 92, 107, 116, 118, 124, 138 15 Zion, pilgrimage songs praising Zion/Jerusalem or talking about going there 48, 84, 87, 122, 125, 126, 128, 129, 133, 134, 147 [1] John Goldingay, Psalms, vol. 3: Psalms 90-150, Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Wisdom and Psalms, ed. Tremper Longman III, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008), 753.  I altered his spelling from hesed to chesed to conform to the actual pronunciation.

17 How to Choose a Bible Translation – Notes Download Translation basics Fee & Stuart: “Your Bible, whatever translation you use, which is your beginning point, is in fact the end result of much scholarly work. Translators are regularly called upon to make choices regarding meanings, and their choices are going to affect how you”[[Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 23.]] “Every translation is a commentary” -Lee Brice The Bible is in three languages. Hebrew: Old Testament except the Aramaic part Nearly 99% of the OT (22,945 of 23,213 verses) Aramaic: half of Daniel and two passages in Ezra Daniel 2.4b-7.28; Ezra 4.8-6.18; 7.12-26 About 1% of the OT (268 of 23,213 verses) Greek: New Testament (all 7,968 verses) How to begin learning Hebrew or Greek Immersion program in Israel or Greece Whole Word Institute offers a 9-month program. In-person college class (usually 2 semesters) Local colleges, RTS offers an 8-week summer program. In-person classes at a Jewish synagogue or Greek church or community center Online program with live instructor Biblical Language Center, Liberty University, etc. Digital program with pre-recordings Aleph with Beth (YouTube), Bill Mounce's DVD course, etc. How to improve your existing knowledge of Hebrew or Greek Reading group in-person or online Read a portion each week together. Daily dose of Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic Daily YouTube videos of one verse each (email list) Read every day. Read the Bible; read devotionals; read comic books (Glossa House produces great resources) Watch modern Hebrew and Greek shows. Izzy is like Netflix for Israel/Hebrew Greece has lots of channels streaming online. Translation process (1 Timothy 2:5 example) Greek New Testament (NA28) Εἷς γὰρ θεός, εἷς καὶ μεσίτης θεοῦ καὶ ἀνθρώπων, ἄνθρωπος Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς Literal translation One for god, one and mediator of god and men, man Christ Jesus Finished translation For (there is) one God, and (there is) one mediator between God and mankind, (the) man Christ Jesus. New Testament critical editions Nestle Aland 28th Edition (NA28) based on the Editio Critica Maior (ECM), which employs the coherence based genealogical method (CBGM) Tyndale House Greek New Testament (THGNT) prioritizes trusted physical manuscripts over the CBGM. Old Testament critical editions Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS) and the partially completed Biblia Hebraica Quinta (BHQ) print the Leningrad Codex in the main text, but include alternative readings in the footnotes. Hebrew Bible Critical Edition (HBCE) by Ronald Mendel is a project of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) to develop a critical edition. Resources to see decisions about alternative readings NET Bible (accessible at org) New Testament Text and Commentary by Philip Comfort A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament by Bruce Metzger Formal equivalence translation philosophy Fee & Strauss: “If the Greek or Hebrew text uses an infinitive, the English translation will use an infinitive. When the Greek or Hebrew has a prepositional phrase, so will the English…The goal of this translational theory is formal correspondence as much as possible.”[[Gordon Fee and Mark Strauss, How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007), p. 26.]] Ron Rhodes: “Formal equivalence translations can also be trusted not to mix too much commentary in with the text derived from the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. To clarify, while all translation entails some interpretation, formal equivalence translations keep to a minimum in intermingling interpretive additives into the text.  As one scholar put it, ‘An essentially literal translation operates on the premise that a translator is a steward of what someone else has written, not an editor and exegete who needs to explain or correct what someone else has written.'”[[Ron Rhodes, The Complete Guide to Bible Translations (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2009), p. 30.  Quotation from Leland Ryken, Choosing a Bible (Wheaton: Crossway, 2005), p. 27.]] Dynamic equivalence translation philosophy Ron Rhodes: “Dynamic equivalence translations generally use shorter words, shorter sentences, and shorter paragraphs. They use easy vocabulary and use simple substitutes for theological and cultural terminology.  They often convert culturally dependent figures of speech into easy, direct statements.  They seek to avoid ambiguity as well as biblical jargon in favor of a natural English style. Translators concentrate on transferring meaning rather than mere words from one language to another.”[[Ron Rhodes, The Complete Guide to Bible Translations (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2009), pp. 32-33.]] Formal vs. dynamic comparison Formal Equivalence Dynamic Equivalence Formal Correspondence Functional Equivalence Word for Word Thought for Thought Literal Readable Transparent to Originals Replicates Experience Transfer Interpretation Interpretation Built In Accurate Easy to Understand Formal equivalence Bibles ESV: English Standard Version NASB: New American Standard Bible LSB: Legacy Standard Bible NRSV: New Revised Standard Version HCSB: Holman Christian Standard Bible Gender Accuracy[[For a much deeper dive into this interesting topic, see session 15 from How We Got the Bible: Gender in Bible Translation, available on lhim.org or on YouTube.]] “Man” used to mean “men and women” “Men” used to mean “men and women” “he” used to mean “he or she” Translations are changing with the changes in the English language so that female readers recognize the relevance of scripture to them See Eph 4:28; Mat 11:15; etc. Combatting bias To combat bias, look at translations from different thought camps. Evangelical: NIV, NLT, ESV, NASB, NET, CSB, HCSB, LEB MSG, Passion, Amplified, LSB, CEV, TEV/GNT, NCV, NIrV Jewish: JPS, KJB, Stone, Robert Altar, Shocken Catholic: NABRE, NAB, RNJB, NJB, JB, Douay-Rheims Mainline: NRSV, NEB, NKJ, RSV, ASV, KJV Unitarian: REV, NWT, Diaglott, KGV, Buzzard, NEV Review If you can, learn the biblical languages so you can read the actual words of scripture rather than depending on a translation. Translations of the New Testament depend on the Greek critical text known as the Nestle Aland 28th edition (NA28). Translations of the Old Testament depend on the Leningrad Codex, which is printed in the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS) and the partially complete Biblia Hebraica Quinta (BHQ). In addition, translators of the Old Testament are expected to look through the footnotes and commentary in these resources to judge readings from other sources. Over generations, textual critics have developed strategies and computer tools to more closely approximate the original text. As a result, newer critical texts contain reconstructions of an older stage of the text. Translation is the art of rendering a source text into a receptor language accurately. Formal equivalence translations focus on transparency to the source text and a minimum of added interpretation. Dynamic equivalence translations focus on readability in the receptor language. They seek clarity over ambiguity. Formal equivalence translations are safer, because they leave it up to the reader to figure out what a text means. However, they can contain awkward English and be difficult to read. Gender accuracy refers to the translation practice of including the feminine when a hypothetical singular masculine pronoun can refer to either sex or when masculine plurals include both genders. Bias is intrinsic to translation, especially with reference to doctrines that are widely held by committee members. The best way to expose and combat bias is to check translations from different thought camps. Although evangelical translations are better known, checking Jewish, mainline, Catholic, and unitarian translations provides a helpful corrective. The post 17: How to Choose a Bible Translation first appeared on Living Hope.

Greg reflects on the sudden finality of death and what that means for how we should live, then he answers questions about whether the Apocrypha was in the Bible for 1,000 years before Protestants removed it and whether Jesus had a soul.   Topics: Commentary: The sudden finality of death (00:00) Was the Apocrypha in the Bible for 1,000 years before Protestants removed it? (30:00) Why would Jesus need a soul, and did he have one? (47:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – March 22–23, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA; April 19–20, 2024 in Augusta, GA Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John Meade and Peter Gurry Related Links: Are Jesus' Two Natures Compatible? by Melinda Penner

What Bible did the Apostle Paul grow up reading? This complex question demonstrates the need for understanding the Septuagint, a fancy name for a stream of translations of the Hebrew Bible into Greek. Dr. Greg Lanier joins us to discuss what the Septuagint is and why it matters today. We talk about common misconceptions about the Septuagint as well as issues of textual transmission and translation. We also dive into debates about the apocrypha or “deuterocanonical” books accepted by Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox, but rejected by Protestants. Get ready for a deep dive into history and theology. Enjoy this episode. Show Notes Greg's Books The Septuagint: What It Is and Why It Matters Old Made New: A Guide to the New Testament Use of the Old Testament A Christian's Pocket Guide to How We Got the Bible Support us on Patreon Website: thatllpreach.io IG: thatllpreachpodcast YouTube Channel  

Summary This sermon explores the importance of the Bible and how it was preserved throughout history. It discusses the inspiration and writing of the Bible, the various writing materials used, the role of scribes, and the preservation of manuscripts and fragments. The sermon emphasizes the enduring nature of God's Word and the need for individuals to turn to the Bible for guidance and salvation. Takeaways The Bible is the Word of God and has been preserved throughout history. The Bible was inspired by God and written by men. Various writing materials were used, including stone, clay, wood, papyrus, and leather. Scribes played a critical role in copying and preserving the Bible. There are thousands of manuscripts and fragments that confirm the authenticity of the Bible. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of the Bible 02:56 How We Got the Bible: Inspiration and Writing 16:06 Writing Materials: Stone, Clay, Wood, Papyrus, Leather 39:46 The Preservation of the Bible: Manuscripts and Fragments 48:48 Conclusion: The Enduring Word of God --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/benjaminlee/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/benjaminlee/support

This is part 7 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. The Bible contains a treasure trove of wisdom literature that can help you navigate the ups and downs of life. Today you'll learn how to read and understand the books of Proverbs, Song of Songs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. Proverbs and Song of Songs teach us how to handle ourselves when the world is working the way it should while Job and Ecclesiastes address how to think and live when chaos strikes. Taken together these four books offer a full-orbed perspective on practical wisdom that you can incorporate into your life. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MZCAxSSNzU —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Proverbs “[Proverbs] should not be read as promises but as guidelines, as principles for living. They show the way life works best 80 to 95 percent of the time. The Bible is clear throughout Scripture: if you live a life oriented to God, you will tend to have a good life.”[1] Proverbs 14:7: Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not find words of knowledge. The Fool Mouth of a fool brings ruin near (10:14) Utters slander (10:18) Doing wrong for fun (10:23) Broadcasts folly (12:23) No restraint, careless (14:16) Despises parent's instruction (15:5) Does not receive a rebuke (17:10) Has plenty of personal opinions (18:2) Perverse speech (19:1) Quick to quarrel (20:3) Devours wealth (21:20) Despises wise words (23:9) Vents anger (29:11) Hasty in speech (29:20) The Wise Honoring your parents (1:8-9; 10:1) Handling money well, avoiding debt (3:9-10; 22:7 Discernment between right and wrong (3:21; 10:9; 28:5) Understanding (3:13; 4:7; 18:2) Fidelity in marriage (5:15-19; 6:32-35) Hard work instead of laziness (6:6-11; 15:19) Fearing the LORD (9:10; 24:21; 31:30) Teachability, humility (9:9; 11:2) Controlling what you say (10:19; 21:23) Righteousness, honesty, morality (11:3; 12:22; 29:6) Generosity (11:25; 19:17; 22:9) Choosing good friends (12:26; 13:20) Disciplining children (13:24; 22:15) Patience, slow to anger (14:29; 15:18) Self-control (16:32; 25:28; 29:11) Song of Songs This collection of romantic poems is a commentary on Proverbs 5:18-19 The focus of the book is a woman who pursues and fantasizers about romantic love. Her speech begins the book (1:5-6), ends the book, and utters the key truth of the book (8:6-7). Far from relegating women to a passive role, Song of Songs affirms a woman's desires and her pursuit of them. She does not ignore that her body has yearnings, nor is she ashamed of them.  Our heroine knows who she is; she's in touch with her sexuality.  She goes after him, attempting to woo him with her charms.  Over and again, the two get separated, and one searches for the other until they find each other, panting with desire.  Then, the section abruptly ends, and the two find themselves apart again, ready to repeat the cycle.  “This poem should be read in light of Genesis 1 and 2. Following the command to “be fruitful and increase in number” (Gen 1:28), God plants a garden (2:8) in which he placed the man and woman he created in his own image. The narrative concludes with the words: “A man will … be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame” (2:24-25, emphasis added). The picture of sexual love in this book recaptures that scene, where the woman and the man take utter delight and pleasure in each other's bodies and do so without shame. This is thus God's way of recapturing both the fidelity and the unity and intimacy of marriage, which the enemy has tried to take away from God's people by making it seem either titillating outside of marriage or something shameful and unmentionable within marriage.”[2] Job Job 15:20–2420 The wicked writhe in pain all their days, through all the years that are laid up for the ruthless. 21 Terrifying sounds are in their ears; in prosperity the destroyer will come upon them. 22 They despair of returning from darkness, and they are destined for the sword. 23 They wander abroad for bread, saying, ‘Where is it?' They know that a day of darkness is ready at hand; 24 distress and anguish terrify them; they prevail against them like a king prepared for battle. Do the wicked “writhe in pain all their days?” No. Many wicked people are just fine. You must be careful with the book of Job. It is a philosophical treatise, dealing with the question of justice. The key question is whether Job did something wrong to deserve the calamities he experienced. The book answers with a resounding “No,” but does not explain why God allowed Job to suffer so much. Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes 9:11–1211 Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to the skillful, but time and chance happen to them all. 12 For no one can anticipate one's time. Like fish taken in a cruel net or like birds caught in a snare, so mortals are snared at a time of calamity, when it suddenly falls upon them. “Vanity” הֶבֶל hevel (38x) is the key word in Ecclesiastes. Vapor, breath, smoke, pointless Smoke appears solid, but you can't grab it. Chasing the wind Pursuing money, success, or knowledge is hevel (temporary, fleeting). Ecclesiastes 12:13–1413 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments, for that is the whole duty of everyone. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. Review Proverbs offers conventional truisms that generally work in an ordered world. Pursue wisdom and avoid folly. Song of Songs is an anthology of poems celebrating the delights of physical beauty, romance, and sexuality. Job disproves the notion that those who suffer calamity deserved it by sinning in some big way. Ecclesiastes bemoans the futility of pursuing wealth, success, pleasure, or even wisdom. Life is uncertain, so fear God and keep his commandments. Although ultimately all one's achievements disappear like smoke in the wind, we can enjoy the blessing of enjoying a good meal, working hard, and the delights of marriage. Conventional wisdom offers principles that generally work, whereas subversive wisdom acknowledges that chaos and catastrophe strike, resulting in the righteous suffering. Reading just one of these books limits you to a partial view of wisdom. Reading them together presents a robust understanding of how to live wisely through the complexities of life in the real world. [1] George H. Guthrie, Read the Bible for Life (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2011), 141. [2] Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible Book by Book (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2002), 163.

Where did the Bible come from? Why are Catholic and Protestant Bibles different? In this episode, join Drs. Mikel Del Rosario and John Meade on a historical journey that explains how we got our Bibles, focusing on the books of the Old Testament. By the end of our conversation, you'll finally discover a CLEAR answers that explains WHY Catholic and Protestant Bibles are different. John Meade is a distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary and Co-Director of The Text & Canon Institute.

This is part 6 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Tragically, many Christians skip over reading the Torah. They focus on the Gospels or Epistles of the New Testament. However, the first five books of the Bible contain many rich insights into God's heart and how he asked Israel to live. In fact, it's impossible to understand the rest of the Bible, or even Jesus, without first becoming familiar with the Law. This episode will provide you an overview of the Torah's instruction about holiness, sacrifice, justice, and sacred time. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://youtu.be/a9wxI1TWBlE —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Check out the class New Covenant Theology to learn more about biblical covenants as well as this podcast episode on the New Covenant and this one responding to typical arguments for Torah observance today Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Reading the Law takes work Sometimes it's just weird (Lev 11:20-23) Sometimes it's tedious (Ex 26:7-9) Important to focus while reading Eliminate distractions Read aloud if you can Keep track of things (underline, highlight, write notes in the margin) The books of the Law (Torah) Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Four categories of Law Holiness Sacrifice Justice Sacred time Sinai and the giving of the Law God came down on the mountain and spoke audibly (Ex 19:16-21) The people agreed to obey and then “stood at a distance” while Moses went up and received the rest of the Law (Ex 20:18-21) Tabernacle The 2nd half of Exodus contains meticulous instructions on how to build the tabernacle and everything that went outside and inside of it. The tabernacle is where God dwelled and where the people made animal sacrifices. Inside the tabernacle was a lampstand, table, bread, alter of incense, and ark of the covenant. Outside of the tent stood the bronze basin and the bronze altar for sacrifices. Numbers Organization of the camp Tabernacle was in the center, surrounded by Levites the Levites set up, tore down, and transported the tabernacle (Num 18:21-24). Later on, David commissioned the Levites to sing and play instruments to praise God (1 Chron 16) A man named Korah instigated a rebellion that resulted in disastrous judgement with God showing that he wanted only the Levites to serve him through the tabernacle worship system. Leviticus Priests maintained the inside of the tabernacle. They butchered animals and offered them on the altar. They managed cleansing ritual when someone became unclean for touching a dead person, touching the carcass of an unclean animal, nocturnal emissions, monthly menstruation, childbirth, bodily discharges, and skin diseases. Israel => Levites => Priests => High Priest Types of sacrifices (Lev 17:11) Burnt offerings Grain offerings Peace (well-being) offerings Sin offerings Guilt offerings Holy day offerings Covenantal structure of Deuteronomy Preamble (Deut 1:1-5) Historical review (Deut 1:6-4:49) Individual laws/requirements (Deut 5-26) Deposit of the text (Deut 31:9, 24-26) List of witnesses (Deut 4:26; 30:19) Blessings and curses (Deut 27-28) Ratification ceremony (Deut 29) Exhortation (Deut 29-30) Deuteronomy Second telling of the law to the next generation Shows so much of God's heart Apodictic laws: general commands (ex. 10 Commandments) Casuistic laws: specific scenarios (ex. Deut 22:6-7; 23:15-16) Dealing with embarrassing or sexist laws God gave the Law to move the people of Israel forward. Comparisons to other ancient near eastern (ANE) law codes (like the Code of Hammurabi) show how the Torah curbed abuses and protected the vulnerable. On first reading, a law (ex. Deut 21:10-14) may seem bizarre or barbaric, but when you consider the historical setting and the options available in a patriarchal society, the wisdom of the Torah shines through brilliantly. Two books that can help you make sense of confusing laws include Is God a Moral Monster? by Paul Copan and How (Not) to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball. Why the Law matters to you The Torah teaches you who God is and what his preferences are. The new covenant includes many of the same prohibitions and commandments as the old covenant. The Law shows how highly God values holiness over syncretism. Understanding the Pentateuch is necessary for understanding the rest of the Bible. You can extract ethical principles from laws even when the particulars don't line up. Review: The Torah or Pentateuch includes Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, though much of these books contains narrative. The Law was God's gracious covenant with Israel, detailing how he wanted them to live and be different than the nations around them. The tabernacle was the worship facility God had his people construct. Under King Solomon, the temple in Jerusalem replaced the tabernacle. God set apart the tribe of Levites to manage the tabernacle and the offerings made there. They didn't receive a land inheritance; instead, the people supported them financially. God set apart the priests, a subset of the Levites, to manage the sacrificial system, maintain holiness, and cleanse those who became unclean. The high priest was the only one allowed to enter the holy of holies in the tabernacle on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Deuteronomy contains the clearest expression of the covenant God made with Israel, updated for the second generation. Although some of the laws contained in the Torah seem backward or offensive to us, they limited abuse and protected vulnerable people amid a patriarchal and unequal society. Although most of the specifics of the Torah don't apply to Christians today, it's critical to understand to know God better and understand other parts of the Bible.

This is part 5 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Now we begin the second main part of this class on reading the Bible for yourself. We'll be breaking the Bible into major sections so I can explain how each works. To start we'll consider the first 17 books of the Bible--the books of Old Testament historical narrative. You'll learn what to look for while reading, the major events covered, the various cultural backgrounds of those periods, God's personal name, and why reading OT history is extremely valuable. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtvJv-NfvBU —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Old Testament history includes the following books: Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Chronology of major OT events: Creation and Eden Rebellions and Consequences Abraham & Sarah & Descendants Sojourning in Egypt 10 Plagues and Exodus Receiving Torah at Mount Sinai 40 Years of Wandering Entering the Promised Land Judges Samuel (Hinge of History) Kings of the United Kingdom Succession of the Northern Tribes Assyrian Deportation of Israel Babylonian Deportation of Judah  70 Year Exile  Return from Exile Cultural backgrounds: Pre-flood Patriarchs Egypt Tribes (Judges 17:6) Monarchy Empires Their History vs. Our History: Real Events Ancient Historiography Biased but Honest Genealogies Etiologies The Name of God: God's Name is יְהוָה Hebrew Letters: yod hey vav hey (YHVH) Pronounced “Yahweh” Typically translated “the LORD” God's proper name (Ex 20:2-3) “Lord GOD” = “Lord Yahweh” (Ezek 3:11) Parallels Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 Chronicles and Kings Prophets sometimes rehearse historical overview (Daniel 9:4-19; Ezra 9:5-15; Nehemiah 9:6-37) Assyrian threat to Jerusalem triply attested (2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chron 32; Is 36-37) Value of reading OT history Sacred history Your history Hones moral intuitions Necessary background Review: Read OT history asking the question, "What does this tell me about God?" OT history serves as the backbone of the entire OT. Getting your bearings amid the chronology of major events will help you understand the rest. When you encounter "the LORD" or "GOD", substitute in “Yahweh”, God's personal name. Since the OT covers thousands of years, it's helpful to determine the cultural background for the time period you're reading. It's fine to skim or even skip genealogies, though they do have value in establishing legitimacy in their culture. OT history is not objective or as concerned with precision as our modern history books. Names of individuals and places bespeak the parents' faith in God, a historical event, or a play on words. Reading OT history influences your moral intuitions as you encounter positive and negative examples.

This is part 4 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Exegesis and application take work. Today you’ll learn how to grasp the content of scripture by asking the question, “What did this text mean to the original audience?” Looking for a book’s author, audience, occasion, and purpose will help you answer that question. Next, we’ll consider application and answering the question, “What does this text mean to me today?” We’ll follow Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart’s application strategy as well as their four warnings about extended application, particulars that are not comparable, cultural relativity, and task theology. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bible Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— “If there was one bit of wisdom, one rule of thumb, one single skill I could impart, one useful tip I could leave that would serve you well the rest of your life, what would it be? What is the single most important practical skill I've ever learned as a Christian? Here it is: Never read a Bible verse. That's right, never read a Bible verse. Instead, always read a paragraph at least.”[1] What to Look For Author Audience Occasion Purpose Two Tasks Figure out what a text meant to its original audience. Figure out what it means to you today. Understand Then Apply Get the author's point before asking about application. What's the author's train of thought? Do not ask, “How does this affect my life?” Do not ask, “How does this fit into my theology?” Just focus on getting what the author is conveying in his own historical context. Paragraph style Bibles help with this tremendously, whereas verse paragraphs make it hard to see what is connected to what. Look up words and phrases that you don't understand like a “Sabbath day's journey”, “high places”, a “talent” or a “mina”. In most cases, a simple internet search will provide the answer. A paper study Bible or some apps will provide footnotes with helpful information. Have an Open Posture Toward the Text Accept that you are going to disagree with the scriptures from time to time. Also, accept that sometimes your understanding of the scripture is flawed. Recognize that you are imperfect in your understanding, morals, theology, and understanding of life. Adopt a posture of obedience. Pray, “God please change me by what I read.” Recognize the role of God's spirit to inspire, convict, encourage, etc. The spirit is both lurking beneath the surface of scripture and hovering over it as you read. Pray and ask God to show you what to do in light of what you just read. Covenants Covenant is an agreement between God and the people with clear expectations and commitments from both. Old covenant God established this with Israel at Mount Sinai after he brought them out of Egypt through Moses. They would follow his Torah (instruction or law) as taught by Moses. He would take care of their fertility and protect them. New covenant God established this with the Church at the cross. They would follow Jesus' and his apostles' teaching on how to live. God would make them (even non-Israelites) his people, forgive their sins, allow himself to be known, and put his law (as taught by Jesus) in their hearts. He would resurrect them to eternal life in the age to come when he establishes his eternal Kingdom. Application Rules “A text cannot mean what it never could have meant to its author or readers” (p. 77). “Whenever we share comparable particulars with the first-century hearers, God's word to us is the same as his word to them” (p. 78). “The great caution here is that we do our exegesis well so that we have confidence that our situations and particulars are genuinely comparable to theirs. This is why the careful reconstruction of their problem is so important” (p. 79). Application Problems The problem of extended application (1 Cor 6:1-6) The problem of particulars that are not comparable (1 Cor 10:24-11:1) The problem of cultural relativity (Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Thess 5:26) The problem of task theology Three Questions to Help with Extended Application Does extending the application contradict other scriptural statements? Does extending the application align with general principles taught in scripture? Does extending the application align or contradict with the example of Jesus or the apostles? Moral vs. Custom “[O]ne should be prepared to distinguish between what the New Testament itself sees as inherently moral and what is not. Those items that are inherently moral are therefore absolute and abide for every culture; those that are not inherently moral are therefore cultural expressions and may change from culture to culture.”[2] Novel Doctrines If you've found a way of putting together verses to build a new doctrine no one in twenty centuries of Christianity has ever expressed, chances are you've made a mistake. See Restorationist Manifesto (Appendix 2-3) for simple methods of doctrinal synthesis and evaluation. Review: When reading scripture, look for clues about authorship, audience, occasion, and purpose. Figure out what a text meant to them first, then figure out what it means to you. Pray! Ask God to change you by what you read. Seek his wisdom in applying scripture to your particular situation. Understanding covenants is necessary to figure out if a particular command in scripture applies to you today. It’s easiest to apply scripture when your situation lines up closely with the biblical situation. Recognize that scripture has a limited application. Don’t extend application beyond the original intention. Sometimes our situations are so different that the best we can do is extract the principle behind a particular instruction. However, applying that principle in a new situation takes wisdom. Some instructions in scripture are culturally embedded and obeying them literally would result in new problems. Building general doctrines from biblical texts is sometimes problematic since scripture often addresses particular situations. [1] Dan Kimball, How (Not) to Read the Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2020), 39. [2] Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 85.

This is part 3 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Today is the first of two episodes on how to understand and apply the Bible. One of the greatest problems facing Bible readers today is the lifted verse. It's so common to see a verse or even half a verse posted on social media or on a sign somewhere. When most people read a random verse, they impose their own modern context and background information on it. As a result, it's easy to accidentally give a scripture new meaning that the original author never intended. How can we overcome this problem? Context. Today you'll learn about the 5 major contexts that are important to keep in mind when reading the Bible. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2UQeDoPKHA —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bibe Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— Exegesis: a careful explanation of a text synonyms: explanation, exposition, elucidation to exegete a text is to understand it correctly so that you can explain it Hunger for Scripture Ask God to give you a desire to read the Bible Two Questions What did it mean to the original audience then? What does it mean to you today? Context, Context, Context Immediate context Canonical context Historical context Geographical context Cultural context Immediate Context Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Putting this verse in context:Philippians 4:10-1410   I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. Canonical Context Leviticus 11:4, 74 But among those that chew the cud or have divided hoofs, you shall not eat the following: the camel, for even though it chews the cud, it does not have divided hoofs; it is unclean for you. …7 The pig, for even though it has divided hoofs and is cleft-footed, it does not chew the cud; it is unclean for you. To whom were these statements originally made? Leviticus 11:1-21 The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, 2 “Speak to the Israelites: “From among all the land animals, these are the creatures that you may eat. Historical Context Jeremiah 29:11For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. What were the historical circumstances in which this statement was originally made? Jeremiah 29:1These are the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. Geographical Context John 2:13The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Does this mean Jesus was south of Jerusalem? Actually, here “up” refers to elevation, since Jerusalem is on a hill. People go up to Jerusalem regardless of the direction from which they approach. Cultural Context Abraham and Sarah (nomadic) Solomon (palace life in the United Kingdom of Israel) Daniel (palace life in Babylon) Jesus (Galilee and Judea under Roman occupation) Paul (major Greco-Roman cities) Chronological Snobbery Originally coined by C. S. Lewis, this refers to the judgmental attitude that looks at people in ancient history as unsophisticated, primitive, and inferior. Ancient people were not dumb. They were no smarter or dumber than we are. Some of their technology was rather sophisticated. Literal vs. Figurative Didymus the Blind (ad 313-398): “Abraham entered then into Egypt allegorically by adapting himself as one of the perfect to the imperfect in order to do good to them instead of holding on to virtue as a privilege, as has been said above, but in showing her to all as his sister, in humility, so that by contemplating her they might come to love her. But observe how it is said that the officials saw her. There are in fact in the ranks of the allegorically viewed Egyptians some men who are purer, who have a great capacity for perceiving virtue. And they not only perceived her, but they introduced her to their superior, that is, to the reason that governs them, and they praised her” (On Genesis 228).[1] Sadly, Didymus overlayed the historical narrative of scripture with lessons about treasuring wisdom that were obviously not present in the text. Figurative sections of scripture like Isaiah 55:12 and Revelation 12:4 are fairly obvious. Generally, it's good to interpret the historical, legal, and epistolary portions as literal unless there's a good reason not to. Review: “Exegesis” is the process by which one studies, understands, and explains what a text means. The two questions you must ask when studying the Bible are: (1) "What did this mean to the original audience?" and (2) "What does this mean to me today?" Most errors in exegesis are the result of failing to read the immediate context. Getting a grip on the context of the original writing greatly improves exegesis, including immediate context, canonical context, historical context, geographical context, cultural context, and technological context. While reading historical narratives, law, biographies, and epistles, you should privilege literal interpretation over figurative, recognizing that exceptions can happen. If you don't understand something, just keep going. Figuring out the big picture can help immensely to understand the minutiae. [1]Sheridan, Mark and Thomas C. Oden, eds., Genesis 12–50 Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture 2. ICCS/Accordance electronic edition, version 2.8. InterVarsity Press: 2002, Downers Grove.

This is part 2 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. As I endeavored to show last time, the Bible is one of a kind. It's the result of dozens of authors, working under God's inspiration to produce scrolls of text over centuries. This process resulted in sixty-six books, including histories, legal texts, poetry, prophetic oracles and much more. Today we'll spend some time just getting oriented. We'll cover which books are in the Bible, the various genres, how references work, and ways that you can access the Bible. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UTTk73BX7E —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Other classes are available here, including How We Got the Bible, which explores the manuscript transmission and translation of the Bibe Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here —— Notes —— The Bible is not a single book, but a collection or library of sixty-six books. Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation The Old Testament includes 39 books, written in Hebrew and Aramaic. History [Torah, Judges, Kings, Exilic] Poetry [Philosophy, Songs, General Wisdom, Subversive Wisdom, Romance] Prophecy [Pre-Exilic, Exilic, Post-Exilic] The New Testament includes 27 books, written in Greek. History [Jesus, Church] Epistles [To Churches, Pastoral, General] Prophecy [Apocalyptic] Genres historical narrative: Genesis, Exodus (first half), Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Jonah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts biography: Ruth, Ezra (partial), Nehemiah (partial), Esther, Jonah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts (partial) law: Exodus (second half), Leviticus, Deuteronomy poetry: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations prophecy: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Revelation wisdom: Job, Psalms (partial), Proverbs, Ecclesiastes epistles: Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude, Revelation (partial) apocalyptic: Daniel (partial), Zechariah (partial), Revelation Subgenres parables (2 Samuel 12.1-7) riddles (Judges 14.14) aphorisms (Proverbs 15.1) monologues (Job 3.3-26); Matthew 5-7) dialogues (Genesis 4.9-15) Additions to the Text chapters verses paragraph headings book introductions cross-references textual notes translation notes study notes italicized words capitalized words red words How References Work 1 Kings 3.4 = First book of Kings, chapter 3, verse 4 separator between chapter and verse can be a colon, a period, or even a superscript font 1 Kings 3.1-4 = verses 1 through 4 of chapter 3 of 1 Kings 1 Kings 3-4 = chapters 3 through 4 of 1 Kings we use a semicolon to separate between chapters and a comma between verses (1 Kings 3.4, 7, 15; 16.1-20; 18) we use an “a” or “b” to mark the first half or second half of a verse (1 Kings 3.4b) we use an “f” to include the verse following the starting verse (1 Kings 3.4f = 1 Kings 3.4-5) we use an “ff” to include all the verses to the end of the chapter (1 Kings 3.4ff = 1 Kings 3.4-28) we often abbreviate book names to their first syllable. Ways to Read the Bible paper bible: any “standard” version (NRSV, ESV, NASB, CSB, etc.) website: biblegateway.com, biblehub.com app on your phone: YouVersion, Bible.is app on your computer: Logos, Accordance Review: The Bible is not a book, but a library of 66 books. The Bible breaks into two main divisions: Old Testament (39 books) and New Testament (27 books). The Bible contains different genres that affect how we read, including historical narrative, biography, law, poetry, prophecy, wisdom, epistles, and apocalyptic. Even within genres, we can find subgenres like parables, riddles, aphorisms, monologues, and dialogues. Although God inspired the text of scripture, other additions of publishers are subjective and devoid of divine authority. Reference styles vary but follow the format of book => chapter => verse. The Bible is available as a bound book, on websites, on phone apps, and on computer apps.

This is part 1 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Today we are beginning a new class called Read the Bible for Yourself. Whether you are new to scripture, or you've been reading it for years, this class will empower you to read and understand the bible like never before. You'll gain key insights into the context, content, and application of scripture so you can take your reading and understanding to the next level.Today I want to begin with the question, "Why should you read the bible for yourself?" Why is this book even worth your time? For those of you who have been reading it for years, you get it, but how would you inspire a desire in someone else to go through the hard work of learning to read the bible proficiently? In this episode you'll see why everyone, even non-Christians, should put in the effort to read the good book. Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts https://youtu.be/wXXnD1LLl-A —— Links —— See other episodes in Read the Bible For Yourself Check out the class How We Got the Bible Other classes are available here Check out Sean's book, Kingdom Journey  Get the transcript of this episode Support Restitutio by donating here Join our Restitutio Facebook Group and follow Sean Finnegan on Twitter @RestitutioSF Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe with questions or comments and we may play them out on the air Intro music: Good Vibes by MBB Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0) Free Download / Stream: Music promoted by Audio Library. Who is Sean Finnegan?  Read his bio here Notes The Bible survives in more manuscripts than other ancient documents.[1] The Bible is available in more languages than other books.[2] The Bible sells more copies than other books.[3] Which two sayings are in the Bible? Cleanliness is next to godliness Am I my brother's keeper? God helps those who help themselves This too shall pass A living dog is better than a dead lion God works in mysterious ways Moderation in all things God inspired the Bible, resulting in an authoritative book for belief and practice. 2 Timothy 3.14–17 (NRSVue[4])  14 continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have known sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. Review: The Bible is a fascinating book because it has way more surviving manuscripts, it is available in way more languages, and it has sold way more copies than other books. The content of scripture alone should make you want to read it since it teaches about God, life, morals, and eternal life. This class will help you develop the ability to discern between the genuine and the counterfeit. God inspired scripture, making its contents useful for training and authoritative. Even recognizing the authority of scripture and studying it assiduously does not guarantee correct interpretation. Footnotes: [1] If we added in manuscripts of the Old Testament the number would jump up considerably, especially after the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the documents recovered from the Cairo genizah. [2] If we limit ourselves to only the New Testament, the number of language jumps to 2,191. [3] See Guiness Book of World Records, “Best-Selling Book,” accessed Nov 10, 2023, https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/best-selling-book-of-non-fiction. [4] New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, National Council of Churches, 2021.

(1/11/24) It's Inflation Day (CPI clocked-in at +.03% month-over-month: How will the Fed React, and how might markets respond? Will the Fed end QT in May, and restart QE by Q3? Bond allocations & Media Trust. Q4 earnings season commences with a steep decline in earnings estimates. Spot ETF's for Bitcoin launch today, thanks to SEC clearance. How much Bitcoin will actually be owned by ETF's, and what will this do to the supply-demand dynamic? ETF options will add another layer of risk. How will markets react to increase in CPI? How will the Fed respond to the increase? Largest component is housing costs. Why the Fed is so bad at managing inflation. [Weather warning: Hard freeze coming to HouTx on Monday-Tuesday: We may be on Memorex!] Market expectations for interest rate easing and reversal; The Fed Repo Program = excess liquidity: what happens when that runs dry? There is no sign of recession in economic data...for now. SEG-1: Inflation Day: What Will Markets Do? SEG-2: BitCoin ETF's & How We Got the SEC SEG-3: How Will the Fed Respond to CPI? SEG-4: Weather Warning & Market Expectations for Interest Rates Hosted by RIA Advisors' Chief Investment Strategist Lance Roberts, CIO, w Portfolio Manager Michael Lebowitz, CFA Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer -------- Watch today's show video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BCJtCN2kek&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1&t=9s -------- Register for our 2024 Economic Summit: Navigating Markets in a Presidential Cycle:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ria-advisors-economic-summit-tickets-703288784687?aff=oddtdtcreator -------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Markets Prepare for the Q4 Earnings Parade,"is here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lpw9STGzHI&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 ------- Our previous show is here: "Could You Live Solely on Social Security?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZyhKIyseuc&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 -------- Articles Mentioned in this Show: "The Goldilocks Narrative Reigns For Now" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/the-goldilocks-narrative-reigns-for-now/ "2024 Market & Economic Outlook According To Twitter" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/2024-market-economic-outlook-according-to-twitter/ ------- Get more info & commentary:  https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- Register for our next Candid Coffee: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6316958366519/WN_jCrzdX9uSJSrg5MBN5Oy8g ------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #InvestingAdvice #EarningsSeason #EarningsEstimates #CPI #Inflation #Recession #InterestRates #Bitcoin #ETF #Markets #Money #Investing

(1/11/24) It's Inflation Day (CPI clocked-in at +.03% month-over-month: How will the Fed React, and how might markets respond? Will the Fed end QT in May, and restart QE by Q3? Bond allocations & Media Trust. Q4 earnings season commences with a steep decline in earnings estimates. Spot ETF's for Bitcoin launch today, thanks to SEC clearance. How much Bitcoin will actually be owned by ETF's, and what will this do to the supply-demand dynamic? ETF options will add another layer of risk. How will markets react to increase in CPI? How will the Fed respond to the increase? Largest component is housing costs. Why the Fed is so bad at managing inflation. [Weather warning: Hard freeze coming to HouTx on Monday-Tuesday: We may be on Memorex!] Market expectations for interest rate easing and reversal; The Fed Repo Program = excess liquidity: what happens when that runs dry? There is no sign of recession in economic data...for now. SEG-1: Inflation Day: What Will Markets Do? SEG-2: BitCoin ETF's & How We Got the SEC SEG-3: How Will the Fed Respond to CPI? SEG-4: Weather Warning & Market Expectations for Interest Rates Hosted by RIA Advisors' Chief Investment Strategist Lance Roberts, CIO, w Portfolio Manager Michael Lebowitz, CFA Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer -------- Watch today's show video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BCJtCN2kek&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1&t=9s -------- Register for our 2024 Economic Summit: Navigating Markets in a Presidential Cycle: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ria-advisors-economic-summit-tickets-703288784687?aff=oddtdtcreator -------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Markets Prepare for the Q4 Earnings Parade,"is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lpw9STGzHI&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 ------- Our previous show is here: "Could You Live Solely on Social Security?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZyhKIyseuc&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 -------- Articles Mentioned in this Show: "The Goldilocks Narrative Reigns For Now" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/the-goldilocks-narrative-reigns-for-now/ "2024 Market & Economic Outlook According To Twitter" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/2024-market-economic-outlook-according-to-twitter/ ------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- Register for our next Candid Coffee: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6316958366519/WN_jCrzdX9uSJSrg5MBN5Oy8g ------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #InvestingAdvice #EarningsSeason #EarningsEstimates #CPI #Inflation #Recession #InterestRates #Bitcoin #ETF #Markets #Money #Investing

Greg responds to the claim that intelligent design is pseudoscience, then he answers questions about preaching against abortion even though people in the congregation have had abortions, Bible translations, and the biblical definition of the image of God.   Topics: Commentary: Is intelligent design pseudoscience? (00:00) How can I make a biblical argument to help my pastor see that it's okay to teach about the case against abortion even if there are people in the congregation who have had abortions? (19:00) What translation do you use and/or consider to be the best out there on the market? (34:00) How is the image of God described in the Bible? (45:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Rock Solid Apologia Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity's Toughest Challenges by Greg Koukl Stephen Meyer's books Submit a question on the Open Mic Line Making Abortion Unthinkable: The Art of Pro-Life Persuasion by Greg Koukl and Scott Klusendorf Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John Meade and Peter Gurry STR Outposts Related Links: How Can God Forgive Me? by Amy Hall (for people who are struggling to understand God's forgiveness)

Greg explains why embracing pro-gay theology is a serious warning sign, offers a tactical approach for answering a question about whether one can be a gay Christian, then answers questions about the most important apologetics topics, non-believers taking communion, what we've earned vs. God's blessings, and more.   Topics: Commentary: The number one indicator of apostasy in the church (00:00) A tactical approach for answering a question about whether one can be a gay Christian. (16:00) What apologetics topics do you think are the most important to introduce to a group of men whom I'll have the opportunity to teach for two hours? (29:00) Comments from a caller on sola Scriptura (35:00) What should we do in a situation where a non-believer is taking communion? (43:00) What's the relationship between what we've earned and God's blessings, and does our work affect God's blessings? (52:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Five Things to Look for in a Christian College by Greg Koukl Andy Stanley's Unconditional Conference: Deep Dive Response – Sean McDowell's interview of Alan Shlemon Never Read a Bible Verse by Greg Koukl STR U Online Training Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John D. Meade and Peter J. Gurry

The two hottest topics in tech right now are the rise of generative AI and, with Apple's recent push into spatial computing, the mainstreaming of augmented reality. Will silicon-based machines develop sentience? Will human experience extend into virtual worlds? These distinct technologies may eventually blend to spawn a surprising future, as our “real” world becomes digitally enhanced and our machines behave increasingly like humans. Today, a provocative discussion with some big (human) thinkers: Steven Johnson, visiting scholar at Google Labs and author of ”Extra Life,” “Where Good Ideas Come from,” and “How We Got to Now”; philosopher and cognitive scientist David Chalmers, author of ”The Conscious Mind” and “Reality+;” and Betaworks founder and AI investor John Borthwick. • Want to learn more about our executive membership? Email podcast@nextbigideaclub.com • “David Chalmers Thinks We May Be Living in a Simulation (and He's OK With It)” • “Steven Johnson & Michael Specter on the Future of Life”