Podcasts about New Testament

Washington Wednesday on Trump's most significant achievement, World Tour on Prime Minister Mark Carney's political leverage, and digitizing New Testament manuscripts. Plus, Cal Thomas on unconventional alternatives for Los Angeles voters, a misnamed Bluetooth speaker, and the Wednesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from And from Dordt University, host of the upcoming At Work in the Garden conference, celebrating God's good design of work. Dordt.edu/gardenFrom Pensacola Theological Seminary... Preparing students to preach God's Word. go.pcci.edu/startseminaryAnd from rom Ambassadors Impact Network, a group of Christian investors funding companies that share the gospel through business. More at ambassadorsimpact.comnonprofit investor group that has helped investor members deploy over $26 million into more than 60 companies since 2018. The network seeks growth-stage businesses led by Christians who tangibly show and share the gospel. If you know an investor interested in faith-aligned private company opportunities, encourage them to explore membership at ambassadorsimpact.com

We continue our Big Questions series by exploring a question many people have asked at one time or another: "Is God angry with me?" Together, we'll examine what both the Old and New Testaments reveal about God's character.

The resurrection of Jesus is probably one of the most well known stories from the New Testament. But how do historians deal with this miraculous event? Should it be discounted in its entirety, or can it be investigated using the historical method? Today, we're talking about what historians can and can't say about the resurrection.

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Substackhttps://substack.com/@theoccultrejects?r=7auau0&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageCash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsBIBLIOGRAPHYHidden Rooms, Holy Water, and the DeadWhite, L. Michael. The Social Origins of Christian Architecture, Volume I: Building God's House in the Roman World: Architectural Adaptation Among Pagans, Jews, and Christians. Trinity Press International, 1996. Key use: Essential source for early Christian architectural adaptation, especially the shift from domestic and semi-domestic gathering spaces toward more specialized Christian buildings. White's work is useful for showing that early Christian architecture develops inside a broader Roman social and architectural world, not in isolation.White, L. Michael. The Social Origins of Christian Architecture, Volume II: Texts and Monuments for the Christian Domus Ecclesiae in Its Environment. Trinity Press International, 1997. Key use: Companion volume for the textual and archaeological evidence behind the domus ecclesiae, early meeting spaces, and the built environment of pre-Constantinian Christianity.Yale University Art Gallery. “Christian Building.” Dura-Europos: Excavating Antiquity. Key use: Strong anchor for the Dura-Europos Christian building and its wall paintings. Yale notes that the Christian paintings were uncovered in 1932 and that Clark Hopkins described the murals as preserved from more than three-quarters of a century before Constantine recognized Christianity in 312.Yale News. “House Call: A New Study Rethinks Early Christian Landmark.” 2024. Key use: Useful cautionary source for not oversimplifying Dura-Europos as merely a domestic “house church.” The report highlights recent scholarship reexamining how domestic the Dura Christian building really was and why its architectural classification needs care.Smarthistory. “Dura-Europos.” Key use: Accessible overview of Dura-Europos as a multicultural Roman frontier site, including the adapted Christian building used as a meeting place and baptistery in the first half of the third century.Peppard, Michael. The World's Oldest Church: Bible, Art, and Ritual at Dura-Europos, Syria. Yale University Press, 2016. Key use: Major source for the Dura-Europos Christian building, its baptistery, biblical imagery, ritual use, and the danger of reading the site too simply through later church categories.Snyder, Graydon F. Ante Pacem: Archaeological Evidence of Church Life Before Constantine. Mercer University Press, revised edition, 2003. Key use: Important archaeological source for Christian life before Constantine, especially material evidence for worship, burial, symbols, and everyday Christian practice before public imperial privilege. Mercer University Press identifies the book as focused on archaeological evidence of church life before Constantine.Jensen, Robin M. Baptismal Imagery in Early Christianity: Ritual, Visual, and Theological Dimensions. Baker Academic, 2012. Key use: Core source for baptismal images, ritual meaning, water, initiation, death and rebirth, and the way visual programs frame baptismal practice.Jensen, Robin M. Understanding Early Christian Art. Routledge, 2000. Key use: Early Christian visual culture, catacomb imagery, baptismal scenes, Good Shepherd imagery, Jonah, Daniel, Lazarus, and the visual language of salvation and resurrection.Ferguson, Everett. Baptism in the Early Church: History, Theology, and Liturgy in the First Five Centuries. Eerdmans, 2009. Key use: Major historical and theological source for baptismal practice, initiation, immersion, anointing, catechesis, and the development of baptismal rites.Johnson, Maxwell E. The Rites of Christian Initiation: Their Evolution and Interpretation. Liturgical Press. Key use: Development of initiation rites, catechumenate, baptism, post-baptismal rites, and how Christian initiation becomes structured over time.Spinks, Bryan D. Early and Medieval Rituals and Theologies of Baptism: From the New Testament to the Council of Trent. Ashgate, 2006. Key use: Long-range ritual and theological development of baptism, useful for tracking how early baptismal space later becomes more formalized.Britannica. “Catacomb.” Key use: Baseline definition of catacombs as subterranean cemeteries composed of galleries or passages with recesses for tombs; useful for correcting the popular misconception that catacombs were primarily secret churches rather than burial landscapes.Stevenson, James. The Catacombs: Rediscovered Monuments of Early Christianity. Thames & Hudson, 1978. Key use: Classic overview of Roman catacombs, burial architecture, inscriptions, symbols, and early Christian memory.Rutgers, Leonard V. Subterranean Rome: In Search of the Roots of Christianity in the Catacombs of the Eternal City. Peeters, 2000. Key use: Catacombs as archaeological and social evidence, including burial practice, community identity, and the relationship between Jews, Christians, and Roman funerary culture.Fiocchi Nicolai, Vincenzo, Fabrizio Bisconti, and Danilo Mazzoleni. The Christian Catacombs of Rome: History, Decoration, Inscriptions. Schnell & Steiner, 2002. Key use: Detailed treatment of catacomb history, inscriptions, burial spaces, and visual programs.Brown, Peter. The Cult of the Saints: Its Rise and Function in Latin Christianity. University of Chicago Press, enlarged edition. Key use: Essential source for the holy dead, saint veneration, relics, tombs, pilgrimage, and the way corporeal remains became central to Christian religious life. The University of Chicago Press describes Brown's work as exploring how worship of saints and their corporeal remains became central to religious life in Western Europe.Brown, Peter. The Body and Society: Men, Women, and Sexual Renunciation in Early Christianity. Columbia University Press, 1988. Key use: Christian body theology, asceticism, holiness, discipline, and why the body is so central to late antique Christian imagination.Yasin, Ann Marie. Saints and Church Spaces in the Late Antique Mediterranean: Architecture, Cult, and Community. Cambridge University Press, 2009. Key use: Churches, saints, relics, cult practice, community identity, and how sacred spaces are organized around holy bodies and memory.Grabar, André. Martyrium: Recherches sur le culte des reliques et l'art chrétien antique. Key use: Classic work on martyr shrines, relic cult, and the relationship between architecture, art, and the holy dead.van Gennep, Arnold. The Rites of Passage. Key use: Separation, liminality, and incorporation. Crucial for baptism, catechumenate, thresholds, initiation, and the movement from outsider to insider.Turner, Victor. The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure. Key use: Liminality, threshold states, ritual transition, and communitas. Useful for baptism, catacomb descent, martyr devotion, and controlled access.Kilde, Jeanne Halgren. Sacred Power, Sacred Space: An Introduction to Christian Architecture and Worship. Oxford University Press, 2008. Key use: Christian buildings as arrangements of power, worship, divine presence, and embodied access. Useful for thresholds, sanctuary divisions, nave, altar, and congregation.Kieckhefer, Richard. Theology in Stone: Church Architecture from Byzantium to Berkeley. Oxford University Press, 2004. Key use: Church architecture as theology made spatial. Useful for altar, pulpit, nave, threshold, symbolic layout, and worship practice.Krautheimer, Richard. Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture. Yale University Press / Pelican History of Art. Key use: Classic architectural history for early Christian and Byzantine buildings, including the shift from pre-Constantinian spaces to basilicas, baptisteries, martyr shrines, and later monumental forms.Mathews, Thomas F. The Clash of Gods: A Reinterpretation of Early Christian Art. Princeton University Press, 1993. Key use: Early Christian imagery, visual conflict, ritual meaning, and the development of Christian art within the Roman world.Elsner, Jaś. Imperial Rome and Christian Triumph: The Art of the Roman Empire AD 100–450. Oxford University Press, 1998. Key use: Roman visual culture, Christian adaptation, imperial imagery, and the shift into Christian public art and architecture.MacMullen, Ramsay. Christianizing the Roman Empire: A.D. 100–400. Yale University Press, 1984. Key use: Social and historical context for Christian expansion before and after Constantine, useful for understanding how Christian space changes as Christianity grows.Mango, Cyril. Byzantine Architecture. Key use: LonAlso want to remind people about the website, if you're into reading we have tons of information by multiple contributors, and we got t-shirts up on the site if you're interested. Fun fact, the art is all based on the eyeball. A

In this episode of The Leader's Notebook (Ep. 315), I begin a journey through the New Testament epistles with Paul's remarkable letter to the believers in Rome. Written to Christians living in one of the most powerful, corrupt, and morally confused cities in history, Romans answers timeless questions: Who is God? How are we saved? And how can we faithfully follow Christ in a culture that is moving away from Him? From Romans 1, Romans 8, Romans 10, and Romans 12, we discover the unshakable foundations of the Christian faith—God's love, salvation through Jesus Christ, the transforming power of grace, and the call to present our lives as living sacrifices. Paul reminds us that while the world may pressure us to conform, God transforms us by renewing our minds. Most importantly, Romans declares the great hope of every believer: nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. If you need fresh confidence in God's grace and strength to stand firm in challenging times, this message is for you.– Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:26) - Congratulations! Travis Rutland Launches a Podcast(00:01:58) - The Early Epistles(00:03:52) - Book of Romans(00:10:51) - The Book of Romans(00:18:32) - All the Divisions of the World(00:19:38) - Paul wrote the Book of Romans(00:28:28) - The Leader's Notebook

Can external discipline actually change you from the inside out? In this Beyond the Notes teaching, Pastor Russell Howard works through Colossians 2:16-23, where Paul identifies two dangers for believers: the legalistic judgment of others and the illusion of holiness through self-made religion. From dietary restrictions to ascetic practices to claims of superior spiritual experience, Paul's argument is direct. These things have an appearance of wisdom, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. The episode closes with Galatians 5:16, what Pastor Russell calls the single most concise and powerful verse in the New Testament on gaining mastery over the desires of the flesh. There are no rules to add, no habits to adopt. There is one command: walk by the Spirit. This teaching is for anyone who has tried harder and still come up short, and who wants to understand what actually produces real growth. Presented by McGregor Podcast 2026 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com New to McGregor? Plan a visit at mcgregor.net/plan-a-visit

In this informative teaching series, Kevin Conner outlines the 3-fold purpose for the church of Jesus Christ.  For more in-depth teaching about the church, be sure to get a copy of Kevin's best-selling book 'The Church in the New Testament'. Visit www.kevinconer.org/church for details.

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

The Gospel of Matthew is a wonderful book, the first text in the New Testament, which gives us an exciting shift from the prophecies of the Old Testament to the fulfillment of those very prophecies in the person of Jesus. You are sure to be equipped and inspired as Jesus Himself shares about the hope we have, gives practical lessons for how to live life the way God intended, shows the love of God through miracles and healings, and makes a way for you to be reconciled to God for all eternity.  Join Jerry as he dives into Matthew and walks us through the life, ministry and profound teachings of Jesus. There's no better day than today to take your daily reading to another level with The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann—so grab your Bible and let's get started!   Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:  « FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » To listen to or download more teachings from Jerry and others from Solid Lives ministries, visit our new media library at: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library « THE NEW TESTAMENT DAILY PODCAST » https://thenewtestamentdailywithjerrydirmann.buzzsprout.com « SOLID LIVES » Find out more about the ministries of Jerry Dirmann and Solid Lives at https://www.solidlives.com/  « SUPPORT » You can help us get free resources like this out to more people. Visit https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you!This month we welcome in, for the first time as a pair on the podcast, Ryan Joy and Bryan Schiele, the Bible Geeks, a couple of the best podcasters I know. Links to the show and to Ryan's work with the North church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, are included in the show notes. We start the blessed ball rolling by talking about the nature of daily bread – what it is, what it isn't, and whether praying for something beyond that is good initiative or just plain rudeness.Check out the Bible Geeks Podcast at https://biblegeeks.fm/podcastCheck out Bryan's blog at https://www.fieldready.faith/Check out the North church of Christ in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at fortwaynechristians.org and https://www.facebook.com/northchurchofchrist  Check out Hal on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@halhammons9705Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.  

Rethink Mission is a historically grounded podcast hosted by Dr. Mike Brown that reexamines early Christianity by beginning with lived communities, shared memory, and received tradition rather than later institutions or isolated texts. Focusing on what the series calls primitive Christian mission, the podcast challenges popular skeptical narratives that portray Christianity as a late textual invention or a belief system fabricated through copying and doctrinal manipulation. Drawing on early Christian writings, archaeological evidence, and historical method, the series argues that Christian belief and worship preceded the New Testament texts and that these writings functioned as occasional documents addressing real communities that already shared a coherent faith. Episodes explore the role of communal memory, apostolic authority, early creeds, and high Christology, showing that core Christian convictions—such as the worship of Jesus as Lord, belief in the resurrection, and continuity with Jewish Scripture—were established very early and received rather than invented by figures like Paul. By integrating theology, history, and philosophy, Rethink Mission offers listeners a disciplined alternative to both naïve faith and reductionist skepticism, inviting a deeper understanding of how Christianity emerged, spread, and sustained itself in the ancient world. Episode 19: Christian Identity

Here's a YouTube summary and description written from the perspective of ‘We' (Christadelphians), using British English spelling and the required elements.---**Video Title:** The Christadelphians: #13 A Priest Forever – Harry Tennant**Description:**In this **outstanding** and **thought-provoking** presentation, we explore a question that lies at the very heart of God's purpose: *Who will be the promised King?* If human sinfulness doomed Israel's kingdom, how can anything better emerge? The answer is **revealing** and breathtaking.Join us as we trace the golden thread of prophecy from Jacob's blessing over Judah to God's unbreakable covenant with David. We then examine Nebuchadnezzar's dream—a **wonderful**, divinely given panorama of world empires—and the mysterious stone that smashes them all. This stone, we learn, is none other than Christ Himself, the Priest-King forever.This **expositional** journey is packed with **insightful** connections between Genesis, Ezekiel, Daniel and the New Testament, demonstrating that God's Kingdom on earth with Christ as King is the Bible's clearest hope. If you long for a world of righteousness and peace, this video will inspire and strengthen your faith.**

Thought to share? Send me a text...Have you ever asked God, "Why did You allow this to happen?"When life feels overwhelming—whether it's a health crisis, a difficult relationship, a rebellious child, or an unexpected setback—it's natural to wonder where God is in the middle of the struggle. But what if the challenge you're facing isn't just something to survive? What if it's an opportunity for God to grow your faith in ways comfort never could?In this episode, Betsy unpacks James 1:1-4 and explores why James tells believers to consider trials an opportunity for joy. You'll discover the difference between worldly happiness and biblical joy, how God uses difficulties to strengthen your faith, and why asking "What is God teaching me?" can transform the way you walk through hard seasons.What you'll gain from this episode:• Understand what biblical joy really means and why it isn't dependent on your circumstances.• Learn how trials reveal and strengthen your faith, producing endurance and spiritual maturity.• Discover practical ways to trust God and find peace when life doesn't go according to plan.Listen now and learn how God can use your current challenge to deepen your faith, strengthen your endurance, and draw you closer to Him.New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday mornings.To connect with me for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head tohttps://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

Part 2. What is The Church For? Drawing on his experience of pastoring a church that modelled itself on the New Testament church, David Pawson argues that the latter's governance was not that of a democracy but was instead founded on “corporate leadership”. This structure enables a church that adopts it to “become not only self-governing but also self-supporting”. David states that “the scriptural pattern for the church is elders with a distinction recognised between pastor elders and teacher elders,” including “a presiding elder”, and “elders and deacons” working “together”, crucially with Christ as head of the church. David regards this as a model for the modern church. To those who view churchgoing as an optional extra, or select their church based on preference rather than proximity to their home, the emphasis on corporate leadership with an involved membership may come as a shock. It is a focus on structure and discipline that differs markedly from the approach taken in some denominations. In the New Testament church, the membership will experience every facet of church life with the goal of enabling the church body to worship as one, have fellowship with each other, evangelise, and establish the building as a prominent place of worship in the community. This requires obedience to God and the elders who serve him. The emphasis on discipline and obedience (to God and the leadership) will surprise some readers (and churchgoers) who are used to other approaches to governance. There are further surprises. In tackling the issue of money, David discusses legitimate and illegitimate ways of earning for members of the church. In addressing the issue of giving, he critiques modern tithing, arguing that instead members should give in proportion to their wealth rather than a set sum. Giving, which he sees as a form of worship, must be motivated by a sense of gratitude towards God—a feeling that is also experienced when receiving communion. This is a vision of an inclusive church that enables fellowship between people from diverse backgrounds who are brought together as one body in Christ.

What if the Bible was never meant to just give you information, but to completely transform your heart and your life?While we await the release of a new season of Paul's 5-minute Bible studies, today we're revisiting the very first episode, where he explains why every believer desperately needs the Word of God and how Scripture is God's tool for personal transformation.You can listen to the complete 5-Minute Bible Study journey through the Old and New Testaments at PaulTripp.com/BibleStudy, or by subscribing to the dedicated Paul Tripp 5-Minute Bible Study Podcast channel.

In this conclusion of a conference talk Gary gave recently, he discusses the apologetics of preterism. Many futurists are vehemently opposed to any argument put forth by any preterist, to the point that they call it heresy, even though they must reword and redefine simple words in the New Testament. Gary gives some advice about how to approach such people.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:1 Excluding gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Paul the Apostle was one of the foremost writers of the New Testament; accredited at least 13 of the books included. However, one detail many believers may gloss over is that, Paul was a Pharisee and astutely educated in the Tanakh, thus held a strong Jewish theology. Join Rabbi Schneider today in this classic series, as highlights importance of understanding the person of Paul and how it must influence our understanding of the New Testament. **** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner  **** DONATE - https://djj.show/YTADonate  **** TEACHING NOTES -  https://djj.show/32g 

In the New Testament book of 2 Peter, there are some verses  which says the nourishment of the Word of God is something we desire. We should crave the Scripture because it provides a satisfaction that can't be found anywhere else.Main Points:1.  A newborn baby craves milk. Without this nourishment, the baby will cry. In fact, without the nourishment of the milk, the baby will not survive.  The Apostle Peter uses this contrast to teach us how important it is for believers to crave spiritual nourishment. Of course, he is speaking of the Bible, the Word of God. He says, by it, that is by the Word of God, we will grow up in our salvation.2. The key issue is desire. We must have a desire for the Scripture. It's through the pages of the Bible we come to know the author. My prayer is that we would develop a hunger for the Word of God, because we have a hunger to know God personally.3. The Scripture, for all of us, is an acquired taste. Before we came to know Jesus we had no appetite for the Word of God. We had a spiritual appetite, but we attempted to satisfy this appetite with the things of the world.  But the more we partake of scripture, the more we learn from God, and the more we apply it to our lives, the more we desire the Word.Today's Scripture Verses:2 Peter 2:1-3 - “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.Psalm 119:97 - “Oh, how I love your law!  I meditate on it all day long.”Psalm 119:18 - “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

In this profound exploration of Matthew 25:1-13, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb unpack the parable of the ten virgins, revealing it as far more than a simple warning about preparedness. Moving beyond dispensational "rapture ready" interpretations, they demonstrate how this parable addresses the spiritual condition required for entrance into God's consummated kingdom. The discussion centers on the critical distinction between outward religious profession and genuine possession of the Holy Spirit's grace. With pastoral sensitivity and theological depth, the hosts examine the meaning of the oil, the significance of the midnight cry, and the urgency of both evangelism and personal examination. This episode challenges listeners to consider whether they possess not just the lamp of profession, but the oil of saving grace that alone sustains faith through the waiting period before Christ's return. Key Takeaways The oil represents saving grace, not perfect obedience - The critical distinction in the parable is not between those who stayed awake versus those who slept (all ten virgins fell asleep), but between those who possessed oil and those who didn't. The oil symbolizes the indwelling, regenerating, sanctifying presence of the Holy Spirit—the grace that comes through effectual calling and genuine conversion. This parable warns against mere outward profession - All ten virgins carried lamps and waited for the bridegroom, representing outward religious activity and profession. The difference lay in the interior spiritual reality—whether that profession was accompanied by the transforming grace of the Holy Spirit or remained empty formalism. The "midnight cry" represents both personal death and Christ's return - Historically, Reformed expositors understood the midnight cry as either the actual cry of Christ's angels at His return or the voice of God in individual death. Each person's death functions as their personal midnight that irrevocably fixes their eternal state. Readiness is not about sinless perfection but possession of grace - The parable is not teaching a fearful "rapture ready" theology where Christians must be perfectly sinless when Christ returns. Rather, it teaches that readiness consists in possessing saving grace through faith in Christ, which sustains believers even when they "sleep" (fall into sin or spiritual drowsiness). There is urgency in the gospel call - The parable emphasizes that the opportunity for salvation has a deadline—"you know neither the day nor the hour." This creates urgency both for unbelievers to trust Christ and for believers to share the gospel, since no one knows when their personal "midnight" will arrive. Calvin's insight: you "buy" oil by receiving it freely through faith - Though the parable speaks of "buying" oil, Calvin notes this doesn't imply paying a price. Just as Isaiah invites people to buy wine and milk without money, we obtain the oil of grace not through merit or payment, but by receiving through faith what Christ freely offers. Key Concepts The Oil as Symbol of the Holy Spirit's Grace The oil in this parable has been consistently interpreted throughout church history as representing the grace of the Holy Spirit—specifically the indwelling, regenerating, and sanctifying presence that comes through genuine conversion. This interpretation aligns with Old Testament symbolism where anointing oil signified the Spirit's presence (as in "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit"). The crucial distinction Jesus makes is not about external religious activity (both groups had lamps and waited), but about internal spiritual reality. Just as a lamp cannot burn without oil, religious profession without the Spirit's grace has no sustaining power. This oil cannot be shared or borrowed; it must be personally possessed. The parable thus exposes the deadly danger of assuming that outward Christian activities—church attendance, biblical knowledge, moral behavior—constitute genuine Christianity when the transforming work of the Spirit is absent. All the Virgins Slept: Grace Overcomes Human Weakness One of the most important details often overlooked is that both the wise and foolish virgins fell asleep while waiting for the bridegroom. This demolishes any interpretation suggesting the parable is about maintaining perfect spiritual vigilance or sinless living. The wise virgins' readiness was not based on their superior wakefulness or moral stamina—they fell asleep just like the foolish ones. Their preparedness came from having secured the oil beforehand. This has profound theological implications: our salvation and readiness for Christ's return does not depend on our ability to maintain perfect spiritual alertness or sinless perfection. Even when believers "sleep"—when they fall into sin, experience spiritual dullness, or fail in vigilance—they remain prepared because they possess the oil of the Spirit's grace. The parable thus provides comfort alongside its warning: those who have truly received Christ need not live in constant fear that a moment of weakness will disqualify them when He returns. The Midnight Cry and Personal Eschatology The midnight cry in verse 6 functions on multiple levels theologically. Universally, it points to Christ's unexpected second coming at the end of history. But Reformed interpreters have also recognized its application to individual eschatology—each person's death serves as their personal "midnight cry" that ends all opportunity for preparation. This dual meaning creates urgency both for evangelism and self-examination. The parable warns that whether Christ returns globally or death comes individually, that moment will arrive unexpectedly ("at midnight," the hour of deepest sleep) and irrevocably fix one's eternal state. Once the door is shut, no amount of pleading ("Lord, Lord, open to us") can change one's condition. This underscores a biblical truth often denied in contemporary theology: there is no post-mortem opportunity for salvation, no remedial path after death. The time for obtaining oil is now, in this life, before the cry sounds. Memorable Quotes Every man's death to him is the coming of Christ. That's when our state is irrevocably fixed. And so there's an urgency here—an urgency of evangelism and self-examination because the midnight cry may come at any moment. The difference between the wise and the foolish virgins is not that one of them stays awake and one of them falls asleep. The difference between the wise and the foolish is that the ones that are wise are prepared for when the bridegroom comes, even though they fell asleep. The only way to be prepared for the end is to turn to Jesus. It's not about whether or not you've turned to Jesus and have become perfectly sinless. None of us are like that. It's about trusting Jesus. Full Episode Transcript Welcome to episode 494 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse.  [00:01:10] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey brother.  [00:01:15] Jesse Schwamb: Hey brother. Looks like you and I need to get a midnight oil check. That's if you know, you know, that's what's coming up on this episode, and we're headed to Matthew 25 to do that oil check. We're still firmly in all of these beautiful parables that Jesus tells us, and this one goes by various names. You might know it as the parable of the 10 virgins, or if you're Petra. That classic Christian rock group who produced a song called Midnight Oil, which is absolutely a banger that that should be like the the theme song of this episode. If you haven't heard that song, go check out Midnight Oil by Petra and then come back and listen to us. Like, I wish we had the rights to that. We could just drop it in right here. But we're not that cool and we're not gonna edit that. So I'm gonna leave it up to you to craft your own version of this podcast with that great backing track. Have you heard that song?  [00:02:09] Tony Arsenal: I actually haven't. I, I came, uh, came into Christianity sort of at the tail end of Petra's Big Influence. So I know, I knew who Petra is. I've listened to a few of their songs, but they weren't mainstream by any sort, sort of, uh, stretch of the imagination when I was listening to Christian music. So  [00:02:28] Jesse Schwamb: this one's so good. It's so good. And it's right on point for our conversation today. So we're gonna get into all that stuff. The oil check, the midnight nature of it, the 10 virgins. What does it all mean? Of course, Tony and me, we have for you what I believe to be the definitive exegetical and hermeneutical reflection on the parable. So that's what you've come to expect from us and we're happy to deliver, but before we deliver on that, we got all the things we have to deliver to you, and that is affirming with or denying against something that's that point of course in the podcast or our conversation where we choose something they firm with that we think is. Undervalued, something we might recommend or conversely to deny against something that maybe is a little bit too overvalued or just not that great. So Tony, as is our customer, I say to you, sir, what are you doing? Are you affirming with something or are you denying against something?  [00:03:16] Denial Memory Blank [00:03:16] Tony Arsenal: I'm denying something. This is like denial. Ception is what's going on here. So, uh, first of all, thank you, Jesse for, uh, pitch hitting a solo episode at like, literally the last minute, last week. Um, I think we normally record at seven 30 on the Lord's Day, and I think I texted Jesse like 6 45 and was like, I just don't have it in the tank today. Can you do something? And he just hopped behind the mic. So that's a bonus affirmation there. But, uh, Jesse and I were, we're having a little bit of a pregame, uh, today, very much, you know, like five minutes of how you doing and are you ready to go? And, uh, I realized I, I had a really great affirmation last week, all ready to rock. I remember being super excited about it. I remember, uh, when I decided, or when we decided you were gonna do a solo episode thinking, I gotta make sure I remember this for next week. Right? And it has totally left my brain. It's gone. And, uh, it's, it's the worst feeling in the world when that happens. And I remember reading at some point, like, there's a biochemical reason why this happens and why it feels so weird. Like, it, it feels like you should be able to just dive into your mind and like search around enough and find it. And that's just not actually how your, how like your memory works. It's not, um. I think we think of memory as though it's like a big filing cabinet and you can just, like, you can just flip through the CAD catalog like long enough and find it. That's not how it works. Um, it's kind of like more organic network kind of stuff. But yeah, the, the, it's gone. It's just gone and I hate that feeling and it's gone. And that's what I'm denying is that feeling and losing your mind and feeling like you don't remember anything.  [00:04:56] Jesse Schwamb: I'm totally with you because incidentally, as we talked, we discovered we both had that experience because I had something too. And it's not just that, well, you know, we try to set aside or do a little prep on the affirmations and denials because you know, we come across something great in life, or again, the opposite. And you think, I gotta remember this because I wanna talk about this with Tony. And the worst part of that is like twofold. One, it never is great to forget something that you had or you knew you knew at one time, but it's all the less satisfying when it was something that you're super excited about and you're like, this is gonna be great. And it's that thing that you've completely forgotten that's like double the worst. So I'm, I'm totally with you in this denial. [00:05:35] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, it's, it's a really frustrating, terrible feeling. And there's not much you can do about it. And the, the secondary denial to that is it always comes back to you in the worst possible part of whatever conversation you're having. It's like you hem and hover it and you think about it and you, and I'm doing it right now. You, you sit here and you, you continue to try to talk thingy. It's gonna come, it's gonna come. Yes. It's gonna get here.  [00:05:59] Jesse Schwamb: Yep.  [00:06:00] Tony Arsenal: And then just when you finally have resigned yourself and, and the conversation moves on, that's when it comes back around. So I don't know if that's gonna happen or not, Jesse. If it does, I will try my best to ignore it, but I probably won't be able to. So No, I think you probably should get moving. So whatever it was the amazing affirmation, I don't remember. It can come back to us.  [00:06:16] Jesse Schwamb: It can come back. Yeah. I'm hoping that it does. And when it does, you guys just tell us you got, just let it, let it rip. Like even if we're like right in the middle of some deep, heavy, robust, thick theology, I just wanna be like. I, I can't even imagine what your affirmation was. It must have been like something pretty, pretty good.  [00:06:33] Tony Arsenal: I don't know. I don't know. I, I'm sure it was something interesting. I don't even, I'm  [00:06:37] Jesse Schwamb: trying to draw it out of you now.  [00:06:38] Tony Arsenal: Course. I can't even like, think of the ballpark of what part of like, what, what the category even was. It's just totally, it's totally gone. Like it never happened. Yep. It's, it's totally, totally gone. So I keep on saying, and you would think with all of my talk of like note taking apps and how important it's to keep a journal and all the stuff we've talked about that I would finally get around to like just jotting down in Apple Notes what my affirmations are and I just never do it. So. Yeah,  [00:07:05] Jesse Schwamb: I have every intention, but then I think, well, this is the record of them and I'll have it available to me when it comes time. The talk that's, and sometimes it just goes away. Has it happened yet? I'm still trying to draw it out of you by talking.  [00:07:15] Tony Arsenal: No, I'm just gonna give up. It's just gone. It's gone. That's just gone.  [00:07:19] Jesse Schwamb: That's, that's fair enough. Maybe. What do you  [00:07:21] Tony Arsenal: got for us, Jesse?  [00:07:22] Prayer and Anointing [00:07:22] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I was gonna say, maybe I can just help push it along, as it were by my own. So I'm also affirming with something, lemme just read a couple verses from James chapter five. Is anyone Among You Sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and there to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will save the one who's sick and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they'll be forgiven him. I had really just the profound opportunity and privilege today to participate in this because. My wife at the end of this week, uh, which will be a week past when this is, this airs, is about to go undergo that serious surgery, which she spoke about in an episode, I don't know, maybe several weeks ago. And, uh, my pastor asked if it would, if he'd like us and the elders, um, to come and to pray over my wife. And they did so after our service today. And it was just a really incredible thing. Even I'm still processing it. I don't really know. Like the words to say with what I can bring forward is just like words of gratitude and gratefulness for this kind of living out of the scriptures. What I can say is that the way in which he brought this forward and the elders prayed was just so incredibly loving and genteel and spirit-filled. And I think which is a manifestation of, of God's love for us in this moment as we prepare for this great thing to give us peace, peace, and to increase our faith and to do so by just following what the scriptures say here. So my affirmation is maybe twofold. One, it's for this particular experience, it's certainly for pastors, for elders who make it their objective to care for their flock and to do so under the rubric and the instruction of the scriptures. So I'm grateful, and if you have those kind of pastors and elders in your life, I hope that you'll be grateful to them for them as well, and that you might express that gratefulness. So this was a really incredible and, and lovely thing, and, uh, fills us with a kind of hope and encouragement. And if anything else was a reminder of the feel, there's something different going to experience like this armed fully with the promises of God and asking that he would be glorified, that our testimonies would be strong, and that of course, that he would bring healing through it. So I'm ever so grateful and affirming what this passage and this passage put into practice.  [00:09:51] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And if you are listening to this, when, uh, when it comes out or shortly after, probably not even shortly after, probably for a couple weeks after or months after, um, uh, Jesse's wife Jen did talk about the surgery and the condition she's been suffering under. So, uh, she's part of the Reformed Brotherhood family. She is, uh, just as important to the show, uh, as Jesse and I are in terms of the support that our wives give us and, and the space that we need to do this. So please do pray for Jen. Um, she'll be recovering when you hear this, if it's anywhere near the time that this comes out. Uh, it's a fairly large surgery with a, a, a moderately long recovery time. So please, uh, please do pray for her, uh, and, and make sure that you're lifting her up. Um, we are trusting the Lord for good things, uh, for her. Yes. And uh, we're confident that he, his will will be done 'cause it always is. But yeah, definitely pray for her. [00:10:42] Jesse Schwamb: Yes. Thank you for saying that, Tony. I appreciate that as her husband and. We are encouraged that we've said this before, but this is where our theology matters, isn't it? It's in the times where we come before the Lord in faith and in full trust, because one, there's nowhere else to go. He has the words of life for us. He is our life, but also because. In his son, this beautiful gift of salvation whereby his son is the suffering servant. So he's well acquainted with all of this kind of thing. And so stands with us in every conceivable way to be both so incredibly transcendent and above the nonsense and the noise of our world with full power and sovereignty over all things. And at the same time, to be fully eminent. To be literally with us in all the ways. In all the things. And again, well acquainted with our condition, including the grief and the suffering, the anxiety, the all of this, which we experience as part and parcel of what it means to be human, who is like our God in this way. And so we do sense his great and uncommon care for us, and it would be dishonest of me even in the midst of these difficult and challenging things to say that he doesn't care for us. He has good and he loves us, and he's making a way, even though that way be hired. So we're sensing even from, I think, following that time of prayer, that whether we receive the bread of affliction. Uh, or the, the water of of agony that we hear God's voice behind us saying, this is the way, walk in it, and he's with us. So I hope that's encouragement maybe to others who are also going through their own things and who isn't going through something, right?  [00:12:18] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:12:18] Jesse Schwamb: So we all have this great promise in the gospel that God is for us, and I love that James here gives us some practical instruction to that end. [00:12:29] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, for sure.  [00:12:31] Support the Show [00:12:31] Tony Arsenal: Well, before we move into our topic for the evening, uh, the internet tells me that I'm supposed to do this at this point in the show rather than at the very end like we usually do. Well, let's do it. Um, we are a listener supported episode, not like PBS, uh, not like other things. Uh, maybe kind of a little bit like PBS Yeah, a little bit. Anyway, uh, we have a, a pretty dedicated group of Patreon supporters who, uh, donate a little bit and sometimes some people, a lot, a bit of their discretionary income, uh, to help make the show go. And we've said before, like, we are not interested in providing special content or special gear or swag every once in a while. I think we did it once and we've, we've got plans to do it again sometime in the future. We'll send out a thank you gift to those who are subscribing through Patreon. Um, but we are committed to producing the show and making everything that we put online and everything that we make available, available to everybody. And really the only reason that we can do that, especially in today's economy, is uh, because there are people who support the show. And so we always want to make sure that we're saying we're thank you to those people. Yes. Um, they are a part of this show. I don't know if we are not gonna do like executive producer credits, but they're as close to that as you can get. Since we don't do that, um, we really wouldn't be able to do the show, at least not the way that it is without that supporting group of people. So if that's something that you hear and you no, I kind of think that maybe I wanna be a part of that. We would love for you to go to patreon.com/reform tears. There's no special swag, there's no early releases or anything like that. Um, but we would love if you would partner with us. Um, this is a lowercase m ministry, and if you've listened to the show for a long time, you know what I mean by that. Uh, we, we do consider this to be a calling, something that God has given us and we, we understand there's a responsibility with it, but we also know that we can't do it alone. So if you're interested after you've fulfilled all your personal finance obligations, your obligation to your local church and your immediate area, if there's a little bit left over that you're looking to spend somewhere on something that is valuable, uh, please do consider going to patreon.com/form Brotherhood. [00:14:39] Jesse Schwamb: And if you've been listening for a while and you've thought, you know what, I wonder who else is out there that's like me, that's listening to these guys on the internet. Guess what? You can actually meet some of those people. They have a little spot where they hang out. It's called Telegram. It's just a chat app, and we have our own little section of that app. If you just go to your favorite browser, whatever it is, you can choose and go to wherever you like, just go to t me slash Reform Brotherhood. And that link will take you into kind of a preview land where you can see the space where everybody's talking, and you can peruse some of the different channels, everything from uh, channels just for prayer, for a crusting, prayer to general conversation, talk about the episodes, talk about baptism, all kinds of things. It is, as we always say, one of the kindest, most charitable, most loving corners of the internet. Guaranteed. You can test us on that. So in fact, you should by going to t.me back slash reform Brotherhood, Tony, back to you. [00:15:36] Eschatology Shift [00:15:36] Tony Arsenal: Well, let's just slam it right into gear. We, we, we haven't figured out how to do transitions into or out of, uh, Patreon announcements, uh, or telegram announcements,  [00:15:46] Jesse Schwamb: right?  [00:15:46] Tony Arsenal: So this, I, maybe this is the awkward charm of the show, or maybe it's just the awkwardness of the show. It's just charm, Jesse,  [00:15:53] Jesse Schwamb: all charm. [00:15:53] Tony Arsenal: We need to talk about some things tonight. We need to talk about some oil. Yes. We need to talk about some lamps. Yes. We need talk about some bridegrooms.  [00:16:00] Jesse Schwamb: Yes.  [00:16:00] Tony Arsenal: It's the parable of the 10 virgins or the 10 lamps, or the parable of the oil flasks. Yes. There's lots of different things that it's called. Uh, it's what it isn't, it's not the parable of, uh, the 24 hour Jiffy Lube, which is what it made, what you made it sound like when you talked about the midnight oil check. Um,  [00:16:18] Jesse Schwamb: I  [00:16:18] Tony Arsenal: didn't even think about that. But yeah. This is, this is a good one. And I think we've, we've sort of. I've sort of observed that the parables do tend to clump around systematic theology themes, and they clump within the narrative of the gospel within Matthew itself around themes. So the last three parables that we talked about were all sort of like parables of judgment against the Pharisees and a, a lot of things like unconditional election and reparation were all baked into that pie. You know, we talked about with the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coins and the lost, um, the lost, uh, brother. We talked about how that has a lot to do with like election. It has to do with salvation and what the gospel looks like in terms of justification in the father's initiative. And we're moving into a section of Matthew, um, where Jesus is starting to teach on the last days. And so the parables in this section start to move toward ha to have more of an eschatological bent. Yes. We talked a little bit about some of the eschatology and the parables when we, we went through the, um, through the, the. Um, my brain just left me. It happened again, Jesse. The, the denial thing, uh, when we talked about the parable of the tears and the wind field and the, the, the different kinds of soils back on track, there was an eschatological element to that. But we are in like straight up eschatology Yeah. In these, these sections now. That's right. So we're coming to the end of Matthew, uh, our plan right now and who knows what the Lord has for us. But the plan right now is once we finish Matthew, to go back and visit some of the parables that are present in the other gospels. And there's not too many of 'em, but that are present in the other gospels that aren't necessarily, uh, present in Matthew. So, like you said, there's not a ton of 'em. Uh, we do want to hit all of 'em. And if there's, if there's time, and I say if there's time as though we have some sort of time constraints, um, if there's time we probably will talk a little bit about some of the I am statements and some of the things in John. 'cause John doesn't do parables quite the same way in quite the same fashion, but he does have sort of some of this. Allegorical figurative language baked into some of his, um, some of his writings or some of the accounts of Jesus that he, he, um, captures that are probably worth talking about in the seam light. So right now we're, we're coming up quick on the end of the parables of Matthew. Um, there's not very many left and then we'll, we'll keep moving on. Uh, that said. We are, it's almost unbelievable to say this. We're going to be coming up to the end of the parable series sometime in the next, I dunno, six to 10 months. Uh, if you've got ideas for what you think the next series should be, start thinking about those now. Bring 'em to the telegram chat. Let's start percolating those ideas up, right? And, uh, like a good coffee maker. And we'll, uh, we'll brew some goodness. How many more parables? How many more, uh, metaphors can I throw in there? Puns, can I throw in there? But yeah, Jesse, let's get started. This is a good one.  [00:19:08] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, that was a really, I think, fine introduction. I always enjoyed this parable because it has some really fun, dramatic elements, but I think I, I really haven't really appreciated all the eschatological underpinnings that you were just mentioning. And when you think about it as we're, I think we're gonna soon find here. That this is one of the most searching and solemn parables, actually, that Jesus uttered, and you start to get a sense for that as we've just kind of been hitting them, one after the other. As you said, this one belongs to the great olive discourse. It's delivered by Jesus to his disciples on the Mount of Olives just days before his crucifixion. It's in direct response to their questions about the destruction of Jerusalem and the sign of his condiment coming and the end of the age. So you're right. I think this carries like unmistakable eschatological weight because it's not merely this fable about preparedness in general, which sometimes is where we go. Yeah. But it's really more of like a precise theological warning about the spiritual condition required for entrance into the consummated kingdom of God at the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.  [00:20:11] Tony Arsenal: Yeah,  [00:20:11] Jesse Schwamb: I think that's the full setup.  [00:20:12] Read Matthew 25 [00:20:12] Jesse Schwamb: We, we've gotta go to the scriptures, right?  [00:20:15] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:20:16] Jesse Schwamb: Alright. It's time. You want me to read it? [00:20:17] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, yeah, go ahead.  [00:20:18] Jesse Schwamb: Okay. Here we go. Matthew 25, beginning in verse one, then the kingdom of heaven may be compared to 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bride groom. Now, five of them were foolish and five were prudent for when the foolish took their lamps. They took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout. Behold the bridegroom come out to meet him. Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the prudent, give us some of your oil for our lamps are going out. But the prudent answered saying, no, there will not be enough for us and for you too. Go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves. And while they're going away to make the purchase, that bridegroom came and those who already went in with him to the wedding feast and the door was shut. And later the other versions came also saying, Lord, Lord, open for us. But he answered and said, truly, I say to you, I do not know you. Therefore, stay awake for you do not know the day nor the hour.  [00:21:27] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:21:29] Assurance Not Fear [00:21:29] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, this one's heavy. And I just wanna say, kind of coming into this, right, I think a lot of our audience, and I would, I would include myself in this, um, we, we came to sort of like an awareness of faith. And I, I don't say that in a sort of tongue in cheek fashion. What I mean, um. I'll, I'll just speak from my perspective, but I think it's probably one that resonates. I came to faith when I was a, you know, a relatively young teenager, 15 years old, and, um, when you first become a Christian, you're not aware of all the different theological debates or even all of the major implications of the Christian faith. And I think a lot of us and myself, uh, as, as sort of the example when we be started to become aware of the different conversations happening in different dynamics and some of the more, uh, maybe third or fourth tier doctrines that you learn when you're, um, sort of being catechized as a new Christian, uh, catechized in sort of an informal sense, eschatology is probably one of those ones that comes along fairly, fairly late in the game. And I recall, um, when I first became aware of the left behind books, right? And so I, I came to faith in a large Lutheran megachurch, uh, that wasn't really as Lutheran as you would think, cup being a large Lutheran megachurch. It was very dispensational. And I think there is a sense of dread and fear associated with rapture ready theology. And I don't, I don't think all dispensationalist that, um, believe in a, a literal rapture of the church either prior to or following or in the middle of the tribulation. I don't think all dispensationalist fall into this category. But there are definitely dispensationalist out there that would emphasize being rapture ready. And you know, you think of like the song, I wish We'd All Been Ready, you know, and, and this, this sort of existential fear that the Rapture's gonna come and I'm not gonna be ready and I'm gonna be left behind. Right. There's an, the entire book series is about people who thought that they were Christians who thought that they were justified and saved and then weren't. And, and I don't think the book gives all that much explanation other than sort of like a general sense of like, these are sort of nominal fake Christians that maybe some of them think they're saved and some of them don't. I know there were definitely characters in the book who really thought that they were followers of Jesus and then they didn't realize they weren't until they were not raptured with everyone else. The only reason I sort of launch into that progam is I think that the tendency in most circles because of the pervasive. Sort of all expansive influence of dispensationalism in the United States, and particularly sort of this like rapture ready, left behind theology that is a, a major thread within, um, American dispensationalism. There's a tendency to look at this almost exclusively in light of that sort of rapture ready fear that right the end is gonna come and I'm not gonna be ready and. I don't, I'm not a dispensationalist, I don't hold to a rapture in that sense. I don't think you do either. Jesse and I, I think there's an element of this that has that same flavor that we have to acknowledge, but I don't think we should read this in light of like, you think you're gonna be fine, but actually you're not. So you better get it together. I don't think that that's the point of the parable. Um, and I wanna say that upfront because it is easy to read a parable like this and to, to become extremely fearful to the point that it actually shakes whatever assurance you may have had. And I've said it before and, and I, I will say it again, it is not, I am not in the business of robbing the assurance away from Christians. The assurance of faith and the assurance of salvation is the rightful possession and inheritance of all those who are Christ. And so I have no, no desire to shake or rob you of your assurance. That's just not my jam. Um, so I wanted to get that out there. Like I don't think that this parable is here. To scare the daylights out of us and make us question whether or not we actually belong to the bridegroom. I actually think it's here for a different reason.  [00:25:39] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I agree.  [00:25:40] Watch and Be Ready [00:25:40] Jesse Schwamb: I, I think this may have more in common with like the tears in the wheat parable that we've spoken about before versus trying to promulgate a particular understanding of eschatology. There's no doubt that this is calibrated to the period preceding the perusia. At the same time, the parable is a reminder that describes like the visible professing church on earth as it moves toward that consummation. So this is why I think it is important for us to talk about, well, what do we mean by these 10 virgins? What do we mean about the lamps themselves? What is this saying generally about God's church? And again, him addressing the question of what does it mean for that church to be consummated in his kingdom?  [00:26:18] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And you know, I, I'm, I'm trying to find the specific passage, but um. We also should not miss the verbal affinity here. Uh, at the end of the parable, when it says truly, I say to you, I do not know you. We should really read this in light of, um, the, um, the statements. You know, I was hungry and you didn't feed me. I was, you know, and you say, Lord, we did these things. He said, away from me. I never knew you. We really should read this parable. I think in light of that passage and that phrasing, I think that's, that's actually the punchline of this  [00:26:54] Jesse Schwamb: Yes. [00:26:55] Tony Arsenal: Punchline. That's, that's the point. Parable is that last phrase, and then the, the extra parable, the outside of the parable, um, payoff or sort of like explanation that Christ gives is watch. Therefore, for you neither know the day nor the hour. The point is not, um, you may think you're a Christian. You may think you're, you're on top of things, but you actually, you might be totally wrong. And so you better get your stuff together. The point is what, what happens? Or the point is the same thing as I think it's the author of Hebrew is like, today is the day of salvation, right? Like, do not wait to turn to Christ. Do not wait. That's right to trust in Jesus. Do not wait to enter the kingdom of heaven until the last minute. Do not wait because you don't actually know when the end is coming. And I, I read this when I, when it's watch, therefore for, you know, neither the day nor the hour. I read this less in light of, um. Like universal eschatology, uh, every single person that, that Jesus was speaking to in this original audience that he actually delivered this parable to, did not see that, like, did not see the last days. Right. Whatever the last days looks like. And I mean, like, yes, the last days is from the resurrection to the end of the age. So some of them saw those last days. But what I mean is none of these people saw the return of Christ, like the second return of Christ and that the last judgment. So he would, it would be sort of meaningless to be delivering this parable to those people. With only whatever the last things are with only the rapture in mind with only Right, exactly. The great judgment. None of that would make any sense. So I read this more in light of you never know when your day and hour is coming. Not, not necessarily like the day, like the day of the Lord, although that's true. Yes. There will be a generation on earth who the last day, the final judgment is also their last day in terms of their ordinary human life. But I think this is more of a general call to all of us, and especially to those, um, out there who are in the orbits of the church who are exposed to the gospel, um, and have not yet trusted Christ. [00:29:09] Jesse Schwamb: Yes.  [00:29:09] Tony Arsenal: Um, there is a call to turn to Jesus and to, uh, to, to come into the kingdom of heaven, to be prepared by coming into the kingdom of heaven here. That's, that's the main point of the peril that we have to land on.  [00:29:21] Bridegroom And Virgins [00:29:21] Jesse Schwamb: I agree with you, and I think all of the imagery here points in that direction. So even starting with this image of these 10 virgins, which of course you've been listening to us talk for long enough, or you've read through the Old Testament, you're gonna quickly, and I think cogently see that this is the Old Testament imagery of Israel as the bride or the covenant community. It's also of course, like the Greco Roman custom in which the bridesmaids attended the bride and accompanied the wedding procession when the bride groom arrived to claim his bride. So to your point, what I think is really interesting about this is that we're basically saying that this parable is not speaking of like strangers or enemies, but those who have made a profession of faith. And so even this like idea of the bridegroom who, who's without a question? Christ here, that's a self-identification that's rooted in like John chapter three, where even John the Baptist calls himself merely the friend of the bridegroom and a revelation where you are going already, where the marriage supper of the lamb consummate, consummate redemptive history. [00:30:19] Lamps And Oil Meaning [00:30:19] Jesse Schwamb: So once we get through the idea of we have those whom Jesus is speaking about, and even those who he's speaking to as those who have made some kind of profession, religious or otherwise, to me, where this hinges is in this idea of the lamps or these torches or or burning lamps, which I take to be like this outward profession. And so the question is you have all of them coming with these lamps. Lambs represent this external common to true or false professors alike. But I think to what you are driving at, it's whether within that profession there is a true and actual reliance on Christ himself for righteousness.  [00:30:57] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And you know, oil, I think the oil is really key here too, right? Oil in the, uh, in the scriptures, particularly in the Old Testament. Um, but also in some places in the New Testament, oil is associated with the Holy Spirit.  [00:31:11] Jesse Schwamb: Yes,  [00:31:11] Tony Arsenal: exactly right. So if, if we wanna sort of take the symbolism here, take, take the, the situation sort of as a mixture of, of different kinds of symbols. We have these folks that have all of the outward things necessary to be able to light the lamps. They have the lamps, the wicks are there. Um, they're, they're sort of ready to go. They're, they're ready and waiting for a time. Uh, but what they don't have is they don't have oil, they don't have the Holy Spirit. So yes, we, we need in some senses about false professors, but I do think it's broader than that.  [00:31:43] Salvation Has A Deadline [00:31:43] Tony Arsenal: I think this is, um, again, is a generalized parable about. The, the fact that the hour of salvation, the day of salvation, the opportunity to turn to God, the opportunity to come into God's kingdom is not an indefinite opportunity. It's not going to be out there as a possibility forever. There is a day and an hour and a minute for every single person where that opportunity is no longer available. And of course we're the reformed brotherhood, not the Armenian Brotherhood, right? We're the reformed brotherhood. So yes, God has ordained who will come and who will not. He's ordained the hour and the minute of those who will, and he's ordained that some will never come. But that all operates on God's God's level in God's knowledge. And that's not something we have access to know down here, right? Deuteronomy 29, 29, the sacred things belong to the Lord, but the things that are revealed belong to us and our children forever. And one of the things that's revealed is that God calls us to salvation. He calls us to repent and trust in Jesus. And here in this passage, he is cutting us to do that, to not delay doing that.  [00:32:53] Personal Evangelism Story [00:32:53] Tony Arsenal: I think there are a lot of people, um. I can actually think of a couple really specific examples in when I was in high school. Um, I was, I, I don't do as much personal evangelism as I I did when I was, uh, when I was in high school and younger. I, I don't know for sure what the reason is. Some of it's probably my own cowardice, but I think probably just that's normal, that as you grow and you kind of settle into different kinds of relationships, you have a different context. But I remember a, a friend of mine named Dave, I'm not gonna say his last name, I remember his last name, but I'm not gonna say it, but a friend of mine named David, um, who. All of us were coming to faith, like all, all of our friend group were coming to Faith. There was one of my friends, James was sort of like the first guy who, he was raised in a Christian home and he sort of came to faith in a very real faith, real way. And he sort of brought all of us along with him and sort of one by one we, we sort of like, it was like Domino's falling. And we all came to a genuine, true saving faith kind of all right in a row. And then there was Dave and Dave just didn't like he, he with us. He did all the things we were doing. And I remember having a conversation with him where I was like, what are you waiting for? Like, what's, what's the hold up here? And I didn't have any, again, I didn't have any framework for like what apologetics were, I wasn't trying to make an argument or any sort of like, um, any sort of like persuasion. It was just a real raw like we are all loving this. We're all, we're all so joyful and happy. The lives are changing and we. This is real, Dave, what, what are you waiting for? He never had a real answer. He, he didn't ever make an argument against the faith. He was very clear that he believed that God was real. He believed that God existed, that the sort of the facts of the gospel were true. Like he, he, um, to sort of put like theological language on it, um, he had, he had a ticia and a census, right? Right. He, he acknowledged he knew the true facts of the gospel and he acknowledged the reality that, that those facts were true. He just never actually took the step to trust in Jesus. And I don't know what happened to Dave. Uh, there's another friend of mine named Theo that very similar kind of situation. I don't know what happened to Dave and Theo. I have no idea whether they eventually came to faith or not, but, but it was like, you guys never know when the day in the hours. That's the kind of person that I think this is pointing to.  [00:35:15] Against Rapture Ready Fear [00:35:15] Tony Arsenal: Not necessarily the person within the church, um, who has made some sort of credible profession of faith, but thinks, but like, because like they haven't stopped swearing yet, or because they still have lustful thoughts once in a while. Like I think that's the rapture ready theology is like. You better not hope that like that's the day that a pretty girl walks by and you have a lutful thought. 'cause if Jesus comes back right after that, you're really in trouble. Like those are, those are actually, um, again, this is, this is a caricature of dispensationalism, but it's a caricature that I experienced. It's, it was people who were being characters of themselves. Right? This idea that, look, you better, you better not sin ever. You better not be asleep. And being asleep means sinning. You better not ever sin. Because if you happen to sin right before the rapture, then Jesus is gonna leave you behind. Right? You're not gonna fly up in the clouds if you're not perfectly rapture ready. And like, again, not all dispensationalist are like that. I actually think most dispensationalist these days would probably not fit into that category. Right? But when I was coming to faith in the late nineties and early two thousands, that was the real theology being presented. I don't think that's what this is. This is about a life orientation of preparedness. This is about an entire life. Yes. That is prepared for Christ's second coming or for the hour of our death. And that the only way to be prepared for that is to be happy in Christ, is to be blessed, blessed assurance, like to have your blessed assurance because Jesus is mine. Oh, what a, you know, oh, what a happy delight like that is. The only way to be ready for death, to be prepared for the end is to turn to Jesus. It's not about whether or not you've turned to Jesus and have become perfectly sinless. None of us are like that, right? It's not about, I just got done writing this series of articles on John Piper's affectional theology, affectional Justification, like it's not about perfectly treasuring Christ. There are gonna be times where your emotions do not sync up with what you actually believe. It's not about being perfectly obedient or wanting to be perfectly obedient. It's about trusting Jesus. And there's only one day an hour that that opportunity closes, and you never know when that is, when that day an hour is gonna be. [00:37:26] Wise Versus Foolish [00:37:26] Jesse Schwamb: We know that to be true in this particular parable because of what's written for us in verse two, how Jesus himself bifurcates and labels these two groups. He says five of them were foolish and five were wise. So Christ himself introduces the critical distinction, not of course, with reference to whatever the external practice is, because both of these groups are carrying lamps, both weight, both know the bridegroom is coming, but with an interior character judgment one is literally foolish, which is the same contrast that Christ employs actually in the parable of the two builders at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, where the wise man hears and does, while the foolish man hears, but does not translate hearing into obedient transformation. So I'm with you on this. The terms carry, I think, significant Old Testament fruit because in the all the wisdom literature, wisdom is synonymous with the fear of the Lord, that true knowledge of God, right? And that practical orientation, I think as you were saying, of one's entire life toward God. The fool is not like an intellectual simpleton, but it's a world spiritual category. It's one who lives as though God does not exist or God does not matter, or refuses in the light of incontrovertible evidence to come before God and to submit to him In this way. They are foolish or they are wise. And so again, I like what you're saying. It's not as if like they've just exhibited some kind of quick departure or they've fallen into temptation or sinfulness, but instead, rather, there's something way larger at stake here with respect to a spiritual category. And I think that's really what Jesus is after, as he's bringing these two groups apart from each other, explaining that essentially that they access the same things. They heard the same stuff, they had the same on the outward, at least the same priorities, but the true internal character, the interior character of who they were, was not compatible. These are not the the same kind of person.  [00:39:20] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah.  [00:39:21] All Virgins Fall Asleep [00:39:21] Tony Arsenal: And this is actually something, um, that I hadn't picked up on before. Right. I think we can get into these ruts when we're reading and understanding, uh, the scripture, especially really familiar passages like this. Um, probably like at some point in the past, someone has taught it to me in this way. I heard a sermon or I heard it at a youth group in a particular way, and I just never really went back. The, the wise virgins also fall asleep.  [00:39:46] Jesse Schwamb: Exactly.  [00:39:46] Tony Arsenal: Like, like that, that's amazing to me, like Right. I've always heard this passage as though like, falling asleep is the equivalent of spiritual death.  [00:39:54] Jesse Schwamb: Yes. [00:39:55] Tony Arsenal: But the reality is, in this passage, the difference between the wise and the foolish virgins is not that they, one of them stays awake and one of them falls asleep. One, the, the, the difference between the wise and the foolish is that the ones that are wise are prepared for when the bride root clump comes, even though they fell asleep and, and actually, uh, they're, they're shown to be even more wise because they all fell asleep. Yes. Right. If they hadn't fallen asleep, then the foolish ones probably would've had time to go get more. But the, the wise virgins in this, uh. And not only were they wise in terms of like they had the stuff they needed, they were ready to go, but so wise that in fact their wisdom overcame sort of this happenstance that they were in a state of, of preparedness being asleep when the comes is a state of Unpreparedness, but they have able to compensate for the ready in every other area. And I think this also kind of like mitigates away away from the idea of like the, um. The, the emphasis of the parable here, the readiness of the par of the virgins is not based on the wakefulness of the virgins, right? Yes. The virgins are ready because they have the supplies they need. Right. They're not Exactly, they're not exactly, they're not un 'cause they fell asleep. They're ready because they've, they've prepared by purchasing the supplies they need, by having the supplies they need when the breadroom comes. That's true. Whether they fall asleep or not. So I think like this whole parable needs to sort of like be reoriented in reference to the way a lot of us have, A lot of us have been taught and understood this parable. I was always taught that the, the foolish virgins were foolish because they fell asleep. Yeah, that's probably partially true in that it's foolish to fall asleep when you're waiting for something, but that can't be the only thing that makes them foolish. 'cause it doesn't make the other virgins foolish. [00:41:51] Jesse Schwamb: Yes, exactly.  [00:41:52] Oil As Saving Grace [00:41:52] Jesse Schwamb: And that's why it's so interesting that Jesus basically doubles down or elaborates in verses three and four by saying for when the foolish took their lamps. They took no oil with them. Yeah, but the wises took flasks of oil with their lambs. I think it's actually, as you're, I think leading us into like the theological height of this whole thing, the foolish virgins took their lambs, but no oil. The wise took lambs and extra oil in vessels. And of course the lambs cannot burn without oil in the same way. I think what we're led to believe here is profession without grace has no sustaining power. So I know like throughout church history, this idea of the oil has been interpreted in various ways, in various forms. I think there's a lot of unification though on the point that the oil is more or less like a representation of the grace of the Holy Spirit. That like specific indwelling regenerating, sanctifying presence of the spirit imparted in effectual calling and genuine conversion. And that's why I think this has a lot in common with both like the tears and the wheat parable. But also what you've been saying about the time that is appointed onto a man to die, either for Christ to return or just for you and I to die. And so this understanding, I think is consistent with the Old Testament symbolic use of, like you said before, anointing oil is a sign of the spirit's presence. Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit. And so I'm seeing here like this oil is, I mean, is it going too far to say almost like a saving grace? It's, it's not common grace, it's not the gifts of the spirit, which the reprobate may possess, but I think we're, we're seeing here like that special sanctifying preserving grace, which is inseparable from true election and calling. [00:43:29] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I mean, I think that's spot on. While you were talking, I was actually just looking up, uh, what Calvin has to say on this. I, I think it's funny because I constantly am saying things that I feel like I'm discovering for myself in real time. But if I actually just took the, a little bit of time to read some of our great sources a little more carefully, I would run into them. This is what he says. He says on, uh, verse five, he says, some interpret this slumbering in a bad sense as if believers along with others abandon themselves sloth. And they were, they were asleep amidst the vanities of the world. This is all together inconsistent with the intention of Christ as structure of the parable. [00:44:05] Slow Down And Read [00:44:05] Tony Arsenal: Like I think it's clear now here as we're working through this and this, and this is the main benefit, um, of taking time to just walk through the parables, any, any text of scripture, but the parables is what we're looking at. Taking time to just actually slow down and read them. I didn't intend to get to like a whole discussion about Bible reading plans, but the typical, I'm gonna read the Bible through, uh, the entire Bible in a year that typically has you reading three to five chapters a day is the average. That's probably too much if you want to be reading for understanding. And there is, there's definitely value. I've, I've commented in the past, there's huge value in reading large tracks of scripture all at the same time. Like if you wanna sit down over 10 chapters of Scripture day and you've got the time and the energy and the discipline to do it, then more power to you. But I think it's not realistic to think you're gonna sit down and read 10 chapters of scripture and have good comprehension and retention of the 10 chapters that you read. This is a really good example of that. If you sit down and you read three chapters, you're gonna be reading this, you're gonna be reading, uh, another parable. The parable of the talents you are gonna be reading. You know, the all of it discourse all at the same time, all in one sitting. Um, it's not until just now when I slowed down to really look at these passages, verse by verse individually and take an hour to discuss 13 verses with my brother-in-law in front of a microphone, right? Then I realized all of the virgins fall asleep. Like that's the kind of stuff that you really only, um, you only overcome. The assumed teaching that you heard when you were in high school, 15, you know, 15, 20 years ago at a summer camp. You really only overcome that when you slow down enough to read things and actually comprehend them. So that's not much of a commentary on the passage, but it is something that I'm learning as we do these parable studies. Just slow down, slow down and read them, read them multiple times, read it over and over again. Um, it is totally fine. The, this is the last, uh, Bible reading soapbox thing I'll say tonight. Um, I think like, because. Of the influence of like expository preaching and like wanting to read things in, in context, and all of those things are good. I think there is this tendency to think that if you sit down and just read a very short portion of scripture, that you're kind of automatically taking that out of context. I don't think that's the case. Like it's totally fine to sit down in the morning and go, you know what? I've got, I've got 10 minutes, I've got five minutes. I've got two minutes before the kids are up. I've got two minutes before the bus stop, you know, before the bus gets here. I'm standing at the bus stop. I've got 30 seconds before the coffee's done. It's totally fine to open your Bible app. And read two or three verses of scripture, that's a totally fine thing to do. It's totally fine because you've got 10 minutes before the kids got up. Oh, and by the way, you've gotta unload the dishwasher before they do. Totally fine to sit down and go, I've got time to read 13 verses of scripture today. So that's what I'm gonna get done. Um, and, and then just think about those things like meditate on those scriptures all day. I just think there's a lot of values to that and that's maybe that's my takeaway from this episode. I know like that's not a takeaway directly related to this passage. That's good. But I think we can oftentimes. Have and understand that isn't right because we've been taught it and we don't ever have the time or space in our life to like realize that what we were taught is maybe exactly right. This is like something so obvious on the surface of the text. It didn't even take any real thought. It just took slowing down and actually reading the words  [00:47:45] Jesse Schwamb: right. It's also a good reminder, like we said from the beginning, that our goal here shouldn't be to torture every detail, to like press it for some kind of allegorical significance.  [00:47:55] Tony Arsenal: Yes.  [00:47:55] Jesse Schwamb: But to take it on the face and to understand in context what's being said. And by context I just mean the context of the story. Of the accounts of the drama that's unfolding. And it is pretty remarkable that all 10 virgins sleep, that maybe even as you start with the details might not be your impression that that was gonna be, was gonna be the difference here, but both the wises and the foolish alike fall asleep. So to me, the parable is not condemning sleep per se, but I think it's the absence of oil which the sleep merely reveals, right? That's the critical detail here. And so Jesus delivers that to us and that's why it's, I think, important to think about these, these variables about what the oil represents and the context in which they're tested with their preparedness. But it's not because like they had it almost times you get the impression, it's like what we're saying here is the wise had more stamina, that they were the ones that were just willing to tough it out, and they knew the bridegroom was coming. And so as a result of that, they decided that they were going to ensure that they stayed awake, even if they had the drink, a couple of extra cups of coffee, just to make sure that was the case. But really their sleepiness, which they both have to endure, is the very context in which proves that they do are not prepared by having sufficient oil, not that they're unprepared by having sufficient energy or stamina.  [00:49:18] Prepared Despite Fatigue [00:49:18] Jesse Schwamb: Well, with all.  [00:49:21] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, that's a good takeaway too, is, is we all, um, we all will succumb to temptation in this life,  [00:49:32] Jesse Schwamb: right? [00:49:33] Tony Arsenal: Right. Every single one of us. And even if we think of sleeping in this negative sense, which I think we probably need to move away from it, even if we do, I think the point that you're making is really good, for instance, between the foolish and the wises is not their ability to stay awake. So I do think that, I do think there's a slightly negative connotation to drowsy and slept here. Like I think that, I think it's intended to show some level of fatigue. Fatigue, maybe not like a moral right, maybe not a moral, uh, negativity, but there's a fatigue. There's something that overcomes both wise and foolish virgins in this parable. Fatigue and drowsiness overcomes them and they sleep. And it's because the bridegroom was delayed, right? We wanna talk about eschatology, right? This is probably also more a commentary on the church as a whole. The church becomes drowsy and sleeps right, and then there's the foolish and the wise. The foolish are the ones who are not prepared even though they are drowsy and sleep. And then there's the wise who are foolish, or the wises who are prepared and are drowsy and sleep. But E, either way, if we think of drowsy and sleep, even in moral negative terms, right? All of us will succumb to temptation. All of us will succumb to sin in this life. I would even go so far as to say all of us sin in every moment of our life in that we never love God. Truly. Yes. With our full hearts and souls. You got that right soul the way that we're, we're commanded to. Right. Right. So all of us become drowsy and sleep. The difference is not in those who pull themselves up by their bootstraps and tape their eyelids open so that they don't fall asleep. Right. I don't, I don't know if you ever like had trouble staying awake in school, but I used to, like I used to sit at my desk with my pencil under my chin. Oh my Lord. So if I started to fall asleep, it would like jab me and I would wake up so I could stay awake in school. Oh. It's not about like gimmicks to stay awake.  [00:51:20] Jesse Schwamb: Right, right.  [00:51:21] Tony Arsenal: It's about the fact that those of us who have trusted Christ. Have received the oil. Yes. So even when we sleep, yes. Even when we are drowsy, even when we are overcome by the fatigue that prevents us from, uh, from resisting sin. Right. Even when that happens, we still have the oil. We still have the grace of the Holy Spirit. We still have the empowering presence and the, the, the justifying reality of Christ's death For us, in my mind as I read this parable, that really is what it is, right? Get the oil, go get the stinking oil now, because you never know when the day or hour is coming. Mm-hmm. Whether that's the day or the hour that you fall asleep and you're not prepared, or whether that's the day or the hour that the bridegroom was, even if you're awake. That's the other element of this. Even if the virgins had stayed awake, they didn't have the oil.  [00:52:11] Jesse Schwamb: Yes.  [00:52:12] Tony Arsenal: So it it's not as though, it's not as though had they stayed awake, they would've had time to go get the oil and come back. They, they wake up right away. Like there's nothing in the parable that's like, oh, it took 'em a little while to get up. So that's why they didn't have time to get the oil. They, they didn't have time to get the oil. 'cause there wasn't time to get the oil  [00:52:31] Jesse Schwamb: right.  [00:52:32] Tony Arsenal: So the only way you're going to be properly prepared when the bridegroom comes is if you already have the oil and you're already ready to go. Regardless of whether you fall asleep or not.  [00:52:42] Gospel Call Get Oil [00:52:42] Tony Arsenal: So I, I think, I think we have to kind of close this with like a gospel, a gospel call here. Like we don't do this very often on the show, and I think the vast majority of our show are professed, regenerate Christians. I don't, I don't know anyone who listens to the show that is outwardly not a Christian, but I think this is a time for us to say, listen, if you are hearing the sound of my voice, be diligent to make your calling an election. Sure. And that both takes the form of what Peter talks about, where he talks about growing in graces and walking in, walking in the qualities of holine

There is a theological thread woven throughout Scripture that many Christians have never fully traced—a theme that stretches from Eden to eternity, from the wilderness tabernacle to the New Jerusalem. It is the story of God dwelling with humanity.In this episode, we explore the "Seven Temples" of the Bible and uncover how each temple reveals something profound about God's character, humanity's rebellion, Christ's redemptive work, and the ultimate purpose of history itself. From the Ark of the Covenant and the glory of Solomon's Temple to the New Testament believer and the future temple yet to come, this conversation brings together prophecy, theology, typology, and the gospel into one sweeping biblical narrative. If you enjoy seeing how the whole Bible connects, this episode will be deeply rewarding.To discuss today's topic, we are joined by Sam Miles, President of the Living Faith Bible Institute and a Biblical Studies instructor at LFBI.For more information, please follow the link to read the notes for Episode 272.Visit http://lfbi.org/learnmore

What role does the family play in advancing the Gospel? In this final episode of our three-part series on God's purpose for the family in the New Testament, Dr. Rob Rienow explores the launch of the early church and reveals how God designed the church and the home to work together for the sake of His Kingdom. Beginning in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost, Rob traces the biblical pattern of Gospel ministry: reaching you, your children, and the world. Along the way, he highlights God's calling for parents—especially fathers—to take spiritual leadership in the home and explains why family discipleship is essential to the mission of the church. Whether you are raising young children, investing in grandchildren, or carrying the burden of an adult child who is far from God, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical hope for your family. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why the Gospel is intended for you, your children, and the nations - How the early church partnered with families to advance the Kingdom of God - God's specific calling for fathers to lead their children spiritually - Why family discipleship begins in the home and is supported by the church - How parents and grandparents can continue encouraging faith in adult children - Biblical hope for families who are carrying the burden of prodigal children Featured Resources: Foundations of the Christian Family Video Bible Study — Discover God's design for marriage, parenting, family worship, and multigenerational faith through this 19-session video study. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/foundations Upcoming Visionary Family Events — Join Dr. Rob Rienow and the Visionary Family team at a conference or family event near you. View the schedule: https://visionaryfam.com/events Visionary Family Community — Connect with families who are committed to passing faith to the next generation. Receive encouragement, prayer support, and exclusive resources. Learn more: https://visionaryfam.com/community Need Prayer? If you are burdened for a child or grandchild, or simply need encouragement for your family, we'd love to pray for you. Contact us at podcast@visionaryfam.com to share a prayer request or schedule a prayer call with a member of our team. Love this episode? If Family Vision encourages your faith and strengthens your family, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share this episode with a friend. Your support helps more families discover God's vision for the home. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 2, 24, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: Exodus 24:12-18, Ian Lasch, First Canticle: 16, New Testament: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, David Sibley, Second Canticle: 21. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.

What if the primary message of Jesus wasn't personal salvation or the afterlife, but something far bigger—something present and active right now? This episode dives deep into the oft-overlooked theme of the kingdom of God, exploring what Jesus really meant when he talked about the kingdom over a hundred times in the Gospels. Discover why this message is still central today, how it changes our understanding of faith, and what it looks like to live as a citizen of the kingdom right where you are. If you're ready to rethink what it means to follow Jesus, this episode will challenge and inspire you."The kingdom of God is wherever God is allowed to rule and reign." - Tim WindersAccess all show and episode resources HEREEpisode Resources:NT90 Hub – This is the central website for the 90-day New Testament reading plan, with downloadable, printable plans, background information, and links to all episodes and resources.Episode Highlights:00:00 Kingdom Central Message 00:41 Series Setup and Reading Plan 02:15 Episode Focus Kingdom Today 05:20 Jesus and Kingdom Priority 09:17 Kingdom Means Reign 11:56 Where God Is Allowed 15:25 Kingdom At Hand Now 19:17 Apostles Preached Kingdom 21:59 Already Transferred In 25:18 Kingdom Keeps Expanding 26:21 From Customers to Citizens 29:12 Kingdom Living Practices 30:14 No Temple No Priest Class 32:16 Letters as Kingdom Instructions 32:46 End Times Means Action 34:00 Kingdom Ethics Checklist 36:36 Hope Beyond Escape 42:09 Kingdom Already Here 44:26 Grief Over Lost Rapture 45:52 Reading Scripture In Context 46:55 What Kingdom Meant Then 48:33 Modern Misread Consequences 49:50 Kingdom Hope Today 50:14 Four Areas Of Impact 50:29 People Over Tribalism 51:09 No New Priest Class 52:11 Politics Under King Jesus 53:24 Kingdom At Work 55:01 Kingdom Message Recap 55:58 Next Episode Women Leaders 56:57 Read And Count Kingdom 58:40 Final Challenge And Sendoff

Does Scripture really say women shouldn't teach or hold positions of authority? How do we interpret Paul's instructions here in light of the Biblical precedent for women in leadership across the Old & New Testaments? Together we explore the hidden context behind this passage and the implications for women in leadership today. Women in Leadership Position Statement This message is from our Sunday morning service on May 31st, 2026.We meet at 957 Main St., Louisville, CO 80027 on Sunday mornings at 10am.Connect with us:kindredchurch.co@kindredchurch.cofacebook.com/kindredchurch.co

Melchizedek appears just three times in the entire Bible. Twice in the Hebrew Bible. Once in the New Testament. And yet entire priesthoods, theological systems, and centuries of Christian doctrine have been built on top of this one figure. So who was he really? And what if the text was changed to hide his true identity?Dr. Robert Cargill, Associate Professor of Classics at the University of Iowa, former editor of Biblical Archaeology Review, and one of the most recognized biblical archaeologists in the world, sits down to walk us through the evidence. His Oxford University Press book argues that Melchizedek was originally the king of Sodom, and that ancient scribes deliberately altered Genesis 14 to distance Abraham from a city God would later destroy. That single scribal edit sent ripple effects through the Psalms, into the book of Hebrews, and straight into the foundation of Christ's priesthood. This conversation takes you inside the Hebrew text, into the caves of Qumran, through the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Pseudepigrapha, and into the hard question of what archaeology can and cannot prove about the Bible.In this episode you will learn:- Why Melchizedek is one of the most leveraged figures in biblical history and how different groups used him for their own purposes- The textual and grammatical evidence that Melchizedek was originally the king of Sodom, not the king of Shalem- Why scribes changed a single word in Genesis 14:18 and how that edit reshaped centuries of theology- How the tithe in Genesis 14 may have gone the opposite direction from what English translations suggest- What the Dead Sea Scrolls actually are and why they changed how scholars read the Bible- What the Pseudepigrapha (1 Enoch, Jubilees, the Genesis Apocryphon) reveal about what Second Temple Jews actually believed- How the book of Enoch rewrites the flood story to solve an ethical problem in Genesis 6- The most common types of bogus archaeological claims and how to spot them- Real archaeological discoveries that illuminate the biblical text, from the seal of Hezekiah to the Tel Dan inscription- Why Dr. Cargill believes archaeology should never be used as a tool for evangelism- The story of the Greek Orthodox archaeologist whose answer about faith and science changed everythingDr. Robert Cargill's Books:Melchizedek, King of Sodom: How Scribes Invented the Biblical Priest-King (Oxford University Press) - https://a.co/d/0e3LmMWEThe Cities That Built the Bible (HarperOne) - https://a.co/d/04VqTMt6Dr. Cargill's Website: bobcargill.comDr. Cargill's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC6TIKnUUWEhh1nspJ62komg Stay Connected:Website: Johnnyova.comSubscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejohnnyovaGet my book! The Revelation Reset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZSM695Y

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

The Gospel of Matthew is a wonderful book, the first text in the New Testament, which gives us an exciting shift from the prophecies of the Old Testament to the fulfillment of those very prophecies in the person of Jesus. You are sure to be equipped and inspired as Jesus Himself shares about the hope we have, gives practical lessons for how to live life the way God intended, shows the love of God through miracles and healings, and makes a way for you to be reconciled to God for all eternity.  Join Jerry as he dives into Matthew and walks us through the life, ministry and profound teachings of Jesus. There's no better day than today to take your daily reading to another level with The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann—so grab your Bible and let's get started!   Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:  « FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » To listen to or download more teachings from Jerry and others from Solid Lives ministries, visit our new media library at: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library « THE NEW TESTAMENT DAILY PODCAST » https://thenewtestamentdailywithjerrydirmann.buzzsprout.com « SOLID LIVES » Find out more about the ministries of Jerry Dirmann and Solid Lives at https://www.solidlives.com/  « SUPPORT » You can help us get free resources like this out to more people. Visit https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

Guided Question How does returning to God's original design for men and women—through submission to Scripture and dependence on the Holy Spirit—challenge the way you currently understand leadership, responsibility, and relationship in your own life? Summary In this message, Dr. Robert Lewis continues his Genesis series by examining roles as part of God's original design for humanity. Building on the prior discussion of equality and difference between men and women, he explores how biblical roles are revealed in Genesis 1–3 and how New Testament writers interpret these passages. Dr. Lewis argues that while men and women are created equal in value and dignity as image-bearers of God, they are given distinct, complementary roles. He highlights several features from Genesis 2 that suggest male headship: Adam's creation first, his assignment to cultivate and guard the garden, his receiving God's command directly, and his role in naming both the animals and the woman. These elements, Lewis explains, are foundational to how the New Testament understands leadership in the home and the church. The sermon then turns to Genesis 3 and the Fall, showing how sin disrupts God's intended order. Satan approaches Eve first, roles are reversed, and Adam fails to lead—resulting in devastating consequences. God's curse affects men and women differently, distorting both leadership and submission into struggle, domination, and resistance. Dr. Lewis explains that this “battle of the sexes” flows directly from the Fall, not from God's original design. Finally, the message offers hope through redemption in Christ. While the curse still affects believers, it can be progressively reversed through radical submission to God's Word and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3, Dr. Lewis emphasizes that Spirit-filled living restores God's design—calling husbands to loving, sacrificial leadership and wives to respectful submission—so that God's original intent for harmony, purpose, and witness can again be displayed to the world. Outline Introduction: From Differentness to Roles Review of Genesis 1: equality and distinction Cultural resistance to biblical roles Trusting God's conclusions rather than human reasoning Genesis 2: Roles Revealed Adam as primary focus of the chapter God as Father providing occupation and wife Man's role as leader; woman as helper Symbiotic design for subduing and multiplying Theological Indicators of Headship Man created first Adam receiving God's command directly Adam's responsibility to instruct Eve Naming as an act of authority New Testament Affirmation Paul's grounding of church roles in Genesis Key passages: 1 Timothy 2; 1 Corinthians 11 & 14 Roles rooted in creation, not culture Genesis 3: The Fall and Role Reversal Satan's strategy and temptation Doubting God's Word and motives Eve leads; Adam follows Adam held responsible for the Fall The Curse and Distorted Roles Pain in childbirth and toil in work “Desire” and “rule” explained through Genesis 4:7 Struggle, domination, and oppression introduced Roles Restored Through Christ The curse still affects believers Radical commitment required The Word and the Spirit working together Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 as the pathway forward Conclusion God's design as a witness to the world Faithfulness to Scripture despite cultural opposition Key Takeaways Men and women are equal in worth but distinct in role, according to God's design. Biblical roles are rooted in creation, not culture or convenience. The Fall distorted both male leadership and female submission into struggle and oppression. Adam bears responsibility for the Fall because headship includes accountability. Every temptation involves doubting God's Word and His character. The conflict between men and women is a result of sin, not God's original plan. Restoration of roles requires radical submission to Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Spirit-filled, Word-centered lives enable loving leadership and willing submission. God's redeemed design in marriage and church serves as a testimony to the world. Scripture References Genesis 1:26–28 — Men and women are equally created in God's image and given shared purpose. Genesis 2:15–25 — Distinct, complementary roles are established in creation. Genesis 3:1–19 — Sin reverses God's design and introduces conflict and hardship. Genesis 4:6–7 — “Desire” describes a struggle for control. Luke 3:38 — Adam's representative responsibility is affirmed. 1 Corinthians 11:8–9 — Creation order informs male and female roles. 1 Timothy 2:12–13 — Church roles are grounded in creation, not culture. Ephesians 5:18–33 — Spirit-filled living restores God's design in marriage. Colossians 3:16–19 — God's Word directs healthy marital relationships. Recorded on 1.31.82

In Part I of this 2-part series, we introduced several reasons why many Christians believe women should be able to serve as pastors. Our scriptural considerations began with understanding what the “equality in Christ” in our theme text means. We found that it is pointing to an immovable foundation for people of differing ethnicities, different social standings and both genders to stand firmly upon. While Christ does not change our heritage, social standing or gender privileges, he equally welcomes all of us. We also briefly examined the roles of a few prominent Old Testament women. Here we discovered that even though they were wise and chosen prophets of God, that did not open the door for them to be in any way related to the priesthood of Israel. In Part II of our series, we continue examining the question of whether women should serve as pastors or elders by looking closely at New Testament women in ministry by including examples often raised in support of egalitarian views. We explore the lives of Priscilla, Phoebe and Junia—women of remarkable faith and influence—and consider how their contributions fit within the structure God designed for the early church. These women served powerfully and sacrificially, yet Scripture never presents them as holding the governing or teaching offices reserved for elders. Gift vs. office A major theme of this episode is the difference between gifts and offices. God gives spiritual gifts broadly to both men and women, enabling all believers to teach, encourage, counsel and serve. But the New Testament consistently assigns the formal teaching and governing roles of the church to qualified men. This distinction becomes especially important when we look at Pentecost. Peter quotes a prophecy from Joel to show that God's spirit was being poured out on both sons and daughters, but his purpose was to highlight the arrival of miraculous gifts—not to redefine church leadership. Pentecost was a preview of God's power, not a restructuring of the elder role. The Competency Argument We also address the modern argument of competency. Many women today are highly educated, capable leaders in every sphere of society. Scripture never denies their ability. Instead, it provokes us to consider how God arranges His body according to His design, not human preference. The pattern of male eldership is rooted not in culture, but in creation, headship and the consistent teaching of both Paul and Peter. This episode encourages all Christians—men and women—to embrace their God given roles with humility, gratitude and purpose, recognizing that leadership in the body of Christ begins and ends with faithful service. Key Takeaways • New Testament women served powerfully, but none are shown holding the office of elder. • Gifts and offices are different: gifts show ability; offices show responsibility. • Pentecost demonstrated God's power, not a change in church leadership structure. • Competency is not the issue—God's design and order are. • Headship is rooted in creation, not culture. • Every Christian can lead by example, regardless of role.

What are you actually doing when you read the Bible? Interpretation. Every time we open the text, we're already choosing which questions to ask, which lenses to bring, and whose interests get served by the answers we land on. In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Garcia Bashaw and Aaron Higashi, authors of Serving Up Scripture, to talk about what responsible interpretation looks like, why certainty works against it, and how the same passages have been used both to enslave and to liberate. We also walk through different types of questions to ask while reading scripture.Jennifer Garcia Bashaw is a professor at Campbell University and an ordained Baptist minister. She has a PhD in New Testament from Fuller Seminary and is the author of Scapegoats: The Gospel through the Eyes of Victims and John for Normal People: A Guide through the Drama and Depth of the Fourth Gospel.Aaron Higashi is a public Bible scholar with a PhD in biblical interpretation from Chicago Theological Seminary. He writes Bible commentaries, including 1 & 2 Samuel for Normal People: A Guide to Prophets, Kings, and Some Pretty Terrible Men, and answers Bible questions on Instagram at @abhigashi.Jennifer and Aaron's Book:Serving Up ScriptureJennifer's Recommendation:Reading the Women of the BibleConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeSupport the podcast and the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Support the show

That All May Be One sermon by Rev. Dr. David Brown on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from St. Francis Episcopal Church in Palos Verdes Estates, CA. Readings by John Booth. Wayfarers Chapel is an Ecumenical Ministry of the Swedenborgian Church and the National Memorial to Emanuel Swedenborg located in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. The chapel was dismantled in 2024 due to land movement issues. We are currently attempting to relocate and rebuild the chapel. Visit our website for more information about an online community called Exploring New Earth. The title of this online community is an exploration into the deeper spiritual states of consciousness that has been a prophecy of both the Old and New Testaments in the Bible. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail“Church” can feel like a place you go, a brand you join, or a service you attend. We want to slow that down and let the Bible define its own terms. When the New Testament calls the church the ecclesia, it is using language tied to an assembled people with a public identity, and Scripture keeps reinforcing that identity with words like house, nation, citizens, ambassadors, rule, authority, and kingdom. Once you spot that pattern, passages you've heard for years start sounding like a single story instead of disconnected verses. We walk through a rapid-fire chain of texts, from Hebrews and 1 Peter to Matthew 16 and Ephesians, asking one repeated question: where is the kingdom language? Along the way we talk about “more than conquerors,” Christ leading “captivity captive,” the armor of God, and why “the gates of hell” is not just comfort language but a claim about Christ's unstoppable reign. Then we zoom out to Daniel 2 and 1 Corinthians 15 to see the big arc of history: Christ reigns until every enemy is subdued, with death as the last enemy to fall. We also tackle confusion points that come up fast when you talk about dominion, government, and end-times theology. We draw a bright line between biblical kingdom language and modern dominion theology that pushes a physical takeover of worldly governments. Jesus says his kingdom is not of this world, yet it is still a real kingdom with real citizens and a real “law of faith.” If you've wrestled with dispensationalism, pre-trib assumptions, or how Revelation fits the rest of the Bible, this conversation is built to make you re-read with clearer eyes. If this helped you think more carefully about the kingdom of God, share it with a friend, subscribe for the next study, and leave a review so more listeners can find it. What verse most changed the way you hear the word ecclesia?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

There is a prison beneath the earth — and it's currently occupied. When fallen angels abandoned their heavenly domain and crossed into the physical world in Genesis 6, God didn't let them roam free. He chained them in Tartarus, a word the New Testament uses only once, reserved specifically for this judgment. Are we approaching the moment those chains come off? In this episode, Lance Wallnau unpacks what the Bible actually says about the Watchers — the angels who left heaven, cohabited with women, and produced the Nephilim. This isn't speculation. It's in Jude, in 2 Peter, and in the ancient Hebrew literature the disciples themselves read. Lance connects this ancient rebellion directly to modern AI, transhumanism, and the coming global system the Bible calls the mark of the beast — and explains why Jesus came to undo THREE rebellions, not just one. In this episode: * The 4 rebellions in Genesis most pastors never preach * What Tartarus actually is — and why God used it specifically for the Watchers * Michael Heiser's research connecting ancient Hebrew texts to the UFO/alien phenomenon * Lucifer's role in Eden BEFORE his fall — and the kill switch God built into him * Why the Tower of Babel was an occult portal, not just a construction project * The AI/nanotechnology connection Lance saw coming 30–40 years ago This is the unseen realm study that rewires how you read your Bible. Podcast Episode 2136: The Prison Beneath the Earth the Bible Actually Describes | don't miss this! Listen to more episodes of the Lance Wallnau Show at lancewallnau.com/podcast  SUBSCRIBE — new episodes drop weekly  LIKE if this opened something in you  COMMENT: Do you think the release of the imprisoned Watchers connects to what we're seeing in the world right now?  SHARE with someone asking questions about the supernatural ────────────────────────────────────────  Follow Lance Wallnau: Website: lancewallnau.com Facebook: Lance Wallnau Instagram: instagram.com/lancewallnau X (Twitter): twitter.com/LanceWallnau ──────────────────────────────────────── #WildBibleStudy #Watchers #UnseenRealm #LanceWallnau #Nephilim #Tartarus #MichaelHeiser #Genesis6 #EndTimes #FallenAngels #SpiritualWarfare #AIMarkOfTheBeast #Transhumanism #Antichrist #Prophecy

Did the Apostle Peter predict the destruction of the universe—or the end of the Old Covenant world? In Episode 8 of the Revelation Series, Jay Rogers examines one of the most debated prophecy passages in the New Testament: 2 Peter 3. Many Christians assume Peter was describing the end of the physical cosmos. But was he actually warning about the coming judgment on Jerusalem, the temple, and the Old Covenant order? In this episode: What Peter meant by "the day of the Lord" The meaning of the Greek word stoicheia ("elements") Why fire imagery appears throughout biblical judgment language The connection between Peter's warning and AD 70 How a preterist reading changes our understanding of prophecy Was Peter describing the end of the universe—or the end of an age?

A VISION of Noah was inserted into the Book of 1 Enoch, with interesting references to Leviathan and Behemoth. These are chaos monsters. Leviathan, described as female and from the sea, and Behemoth, male and occupying the wilderness—possibly the same one into which the Watcher Azazel was thrown as punishment for his role in corrupting humanity. We discussed the “already but not yet” prophecies of 1 Enoch 57–59 and the end times fulfillment of the vision ascribed to Noah in chapter 60. As a reminder, this month's study comes from the Book of Parables, the prophetic section of 1 Enoch written just before the birth of Jesus. The importance of this section of the book is in its prophecies of a coming messianic figure called the Chosen One, the Anointed One, and, most frequently, the Son of Man, a title not found in any prior Jewish writing. Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man 78 times in the New Testament. The high regard for 1 Enoch held by Jesus, the apostles, and the early church suggests that it's worth our while to study this book for ourselves. It's not in the Bible, nor should it be, but there are teachings in the New Testament that come straight from the book of 1 Enoch. Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, has been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our latest book The Gates of Hell is available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Substack: GilbertHouse.substacdk.com | SharonKGilbert.substack.com• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation | @thebiblesgreatestmysteries• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the left-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

Long before church history became filled with councils, creeds, and formal traditions, early Christians were already learning how to live as faithful followers of Jesus.In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany introduce the Didache, one of the most important early Christian writings outside the New Testament. They explain how this ancient document helps us understand the worship, discipleship, church practices, and spiritual priorities of believers in the first generations of the church.Chapters:01:20 What Is the Didache?The Didache is one of the most important early Christian writings outside the New Testament. Its name means “teaching,” and its full title presents it as instruction passed from the Lord through the apostles to the Gentile church.03:00 Was the Didache Written by the Apostles?The Didache was likely not written directly by the apostles, but it was compiled very early in church history. It functions like an early church handbook for Christian living, worship, and church practice.05:30 How the Didache Was Lost and RediscoveredThe Didache was highly valued by early Christians, but it was not included in the New Testament canon because it was not apostolic Scripture. After disappearing for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1873.07:30 The Four Main Sections of the DidacheThe Didache is organized around four major themes: the way of life and the way of death, instructions for baptism, fasting, and communion, guidance for handling traveling teachers, and a final call to live ready for Christ's return.08:30 The Two Ways: Life and Death The Didache begins by presenting two paths, the way of life and the way of death. This theme echoes Scripture's call to choose the narrow way that leads to life, reminding believers that discipleship includes both right belief and faithful obedience.11:15 Baptism, Fasting, and Holy Preparation The Didache gives practical instructions for baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while allowing flexibility in how it is practiced. It also connects baptism with fasting, showing that the early church treated baptism with seriousness, reverence, and spiritual preparation.14:15 Communion, Worship, and Reconciliation The Didache presents simple instructions for communion and Sunday worship, including thanksgiving, confession of sin, and gathering together as the church. It also emphasizes reconciliation before worship, reminding believers that repentance and worship belong together.19:15 Living Ready for Christ's Return The Didache ends with a call to watchfulness and faithfulness in light of Christ's return. Though it is not Scripture, it remains a valuable witness to how early Christians practiced apostolic teaching through worship, holiness, repentance, hope, and faithful obedience.“It might be an ancient document, but its call to us is fresh. Follow Christ seriously, joyfully, and together.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

He is mentioned in the Epistles of St Paul (Romans 16:14). He served as a bishop in the first-century Church, and died a martyr. His book, The Shepherd, is one of the earliest Christian writings outside of the New Testament, and was held in such esteem by the early Church that it is sometimes found in ancient collections of the Holy Scriptures.   Hermas had been a wealthy man, but had fallen into poverty through his sins. A man, clad all in white and holding a staff, appeared to St Hermas and, telling him that he was an angel of repentance, gave St Hermas twelve commandments: To believe in God To live in simplicity and innocence To love truth and flee from falsehood To guard his thoughts in chastity To learn patience and magnanimity of soul To know that a good and an evil spirit attend every man To fear God, but not the devil To perform every good deed and to restrain himself from every evil one To pray to God in faith from the depths of his heart, so that his prayer might be heard To preserve himself from melancholy, the daughter of doubt, and from anger To try true and false prophecies To preserve himself from every evil desire.

God has designed us to be relational beings who desire true friendship. But in today's society, people seem to be moving farther and farther apart from personal connections. So how can we bridge the gap? Stay with us to find the answer from God's Word! In this series, One Another, we will discover powerful truths from the New Testament and learn about God's divine plan for cultivating healthy, godly relationships.

What do you do when the pressure is telling you to be quiet? In this episode, Apostle Raley preaches from Acts 2 and Acts 4 and walks through what happened when the same people who were filled at Pentecost got threatened, arrested, and told to stop. They did not run. They ran straight back to the fault line and prayed the most dangerous prayer in the New Testament: shake us again. This word is for anyone feeling pressure to shrink back, anyone hungry for more of God, and anyone who has been mistaking distance from the shaking for spiritual maturity. The epicenter has not moved. The Holy Ghost has not retired. And the fault line is still active. Episode: Aftershocks Series: King's Table Scripture: Acts 2:1-2, Acts 4:13-17, Acts 4:23-31 Stay connected at https://calvaryfl.com

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“The belly is an ungrateful wretch, it never remembers past favors, it always wants more tomorrow.”~Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008) in One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich “…sin is treason against a Holy God… Sin lurks in our hearts and grabs us by the throat to do its bidding.”~Rosaria Champagne Butterfield, English professor and author “As if we could think of anything more difficult than to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength! Compared with this law, everything could be considered easy…[For] the law cannot do anything else than to accuse and blame all…, to convict, and, as it were, apprehend them; in fine, to condemn them in God's judgment: that God alone may justify, that all flesh may keep silence before him.”~John Calvin (1509-1564), French-born theologian and reformer “…reason is not king in human beings, the heart is. Therefore, to change your actions, you must change your desires. But your desires will change, only if the Holy Spirit who wrote the Bible also writes his laws on your heart…. Now, in effect, justification gives us a heart transplant. For at the same time that we receive the gift of justifying faith by which we are credited with Christ's extrinsic righteousness, God also sheds abroad in our hearts a new love for him and one another. This new heart love for him, from him, naturally redirects our wills away from sinful selfishness towards a life lived in thankful obedience to God's commands. Even though we continue to have to struggle with the pull of concupiscence in our mortal bodies, the supernatural power of God's abiding love has fundamentally changed us….”~John Ashley Null, theologian at Humboldt University Berlin and North African Bishop “…the unique message of the New Testament is this: For those who are in Christ, and therefore in the Spirit, the battle against sin is to be fought in an atmosphere of victory, not defeat.… Our way of viewing ourselves should reflect this kind of victorious faith.”~Anthony Hoekema (1913-1988), Dutch-born theologian “The pharisee within usurps my true self whenever I prefer appearances to reality, whenever I am afraid of God, whenever I surrender the control of my soul to rules rather than risk living in union with Jesus, when I choose to look good and not be good….”~Brennan Manning (1934-2013), author and former priestSERMON PASSAGERomans 7:7-25 (NASB)Romans 6 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in relation to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 7 1 Or do you not know, brothers and sisters (for I am speaking to those who know the Law), that the Law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? 2 For the married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he is alive; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. 3 So then, if while her husband is alive she gives herself to another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress if she gives herself to another man. 4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you also were put to death in regard to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were brought to light by the Law, were at work in the parts of our body to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.7 What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Far from it! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin came to life, and I died; 10 and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; 11 for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me, and through it, killed me. 12 So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. 13 Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? Far from it! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by bringing about my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful. 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, that the Law is good. 17 But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully agree with the law of God in the inner person, 23 but I see a different law in the parts of my body waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin, the law which is in my body's parts. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. 1 Corinthians 1556 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Did the Apostle Peter predict the destruction of the universe—or the end of the Old Covenant world? In Episode 8 of the Revelation Series, Jay Rogers examines one of the most debated prophecy passages in the New Testament: 2 Peter 3.Many Christians assume Peter was describing the end of the physical cosmos. But was he actually warning about the coming judgment on Jerusalem, the temple, and the Old Covenant order?In this episode:What Peter meant by "the day of the Lord"The meaning of the Greek word stoicheia ("elements")Why fire imagery appears throughout biblical judgment languageThe connection between Peter's warning and AD 70How a preterist reading changes our understanding of prophecyWas Peter describing the end of the universe—or the end of an age?Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere

The Gospel of Matthew is a wonderful book, the first text in the New Testament, which gives us an exciting shift from the prophecies of the Old Testament to the fulfillment of those very prophecies in the person of Jesus. You are sure to be equipped and inspired as Jesus Himself shares about the hope we have, gives practical lessons for how to live life the way God intended, shows the love of God through miracles and healings, and makes a way for you to be reconciled to God for all eternity.  Join Jerry as he dives into Matthew and walks us through the life, ministry and profound teachings of Jesus. There's no better day than today to take your daily reading to another level with The New Testament Daily with Jerry Dirmann—so grab your Bible and let's get started!   Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:  « FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » To listen to or download more teachings from Jerry and others from Solid Lives ministries, visit our new media library at: https://app.jesusdisciple.com/jesus-way/media-library « THE NEW TESTAMENT DAILY PODCAST » https://thenewtestamentdailywithjerrydirmann.buzzsprout.com « SOLID LIVES » Find out more about the ministries of Jerry Dirmann and Solid Lives at https://www.solidlives.com/  « SUPPORT » You can help us get free resources like this out to more people. Visit https://pushpay.com/g/jdglobal Thank you for joining us today! For more resources like this, or to support the ministry of Solid Lives, visit one of the links below:FREE MEDIA LIBRARY » Download or listen at https://SolidLivesMedia.com/ ABOUT SOLID LIVES » Find out more at https://www.solidlives.com/SUPPORT » Help us get the word out at https://solidlives.com/give/

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

In one of the most stunning passages in the Gospels, the glory of Jesus Christ is revealed, he was changed right before the eyes of three of his disciples and had a conversation with Moses and Elijah on top of a mountain. It's a major event in Peter, James, and John's lives that is reflected in other places in the New Testament as well. We will take a look at why the Transfiguration matters, and what it tells us about Jesus and why we ought to listen to what he has to say.------------------------------------------- Connect with us on Social Media ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Threads⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Vimeo⁠------------------------------------------- Download our App⁠Apple App Store⁠ | ⁠Google Play Store⁠

Throughout the New Testament, we see a church that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and strengthened through the ministry of spiritual gifts. These gifts were never intended to be confusing, divisive, or pushed to the margins of church life. They were given by God to build up His people, reveal Jesus, and help the church fulfill its mission in the world. This weekend, we'll explore what it means to be a spiritually-gifted church, the vision God has for His people, and why this matters for Northwest Church. Speaker: Pastor Ben Dixon Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-11 Series: Stand Alone Connect Card - https://nwc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/118663 Northwest Church - www.nwcfoursquare.org "On mission with Jesus to see the lost saved and disciples made."

This Sunday, we'll continue our study through 1 Timothy as we come to chapter 3 and Paul's teaching on Elders and Deacons. At first glance, this passage can feel like it's only about church leadership, but as I've been studying it this week, I've been reminded that it gives us something much bigger: a picture of what spiritual maturity actually looks like. Paul spends very little time talking about talent, charisma, or personality, and instead focuses almost entirely on character: integrity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, humility, hospitality, and wisdom. In many ways, this passage answers the question every Christian eventually asks: What does a mature follower of Jesus look like? One of the things we'll explore together is how God's design for leadership is deeply different from the world's. The New Testament presents church leadership not as status or celebrity, but as sacrificial service. Paul even compares ministry labor to an ox treading grain. This is steady, faithful, often unseen work done for the nourishment of others. It's a powerful reminder that the church is not built on personalities or platforms, but on spiritually mature people who quietly and faithfully serve Christ and His people. My prayer is that this passage would not only challenge all those in leadership, but encourage every one of us to pursue the kind of character that reflects Jesus. I'm thankful for the many men and women in our church who already serve so faithfully, and I look forward to more gospel fruit as we continue building God's kingdom side by side.

Can a villain in Scripture still function as a type of Christ?In this episode of Shadows to Substance, Pastor George Sayour responds to criticism surrounding the claim that Saul — particularly in 1 Samuel 11 — can be understood typologically.Using Romans 5, Hebrews, biblical parallels, and examples from Adam, Jonah, Solomon, Cyrus, Isaac, and Saul, this episode explains how biblical typology works through both comparison and contrast.A type is not morally identical to Christ. Rather, Scripture uses patterns, echoes, and narrative structures to point us to Jesus as the greater and final fulfillment.This episode explores:• Biblical typology explained• Saul as a possible type of Christ• Adam and Christ parallels• Jonah as a foreshadowing pattern• Shadows and substance in Scripture• How the New Testament interprets the Old TestamentIf you enjoy covenant theology, biblical theology, typology, and Christ-centered interpretation of Scripture, subscribe to Eschatology Matters Network for weekly episodes.