EP079: John 8:13-59: "Abraham Rejoiced to See My Day"
In this episode, Ronn and Mike study the second half of John 8 (vv.13-59), noting that the conversation which follows Jesus' handling of the woman taken in adultery is key for understanding the full narrative. They discuss the theological implications of Jesus' claims, the nature of what it means to be a "sinner" in 2nd Temple Judaism, and the identity of believers as children of Abraham. They explore the significance of the woman caught in adultery, tying together the broader themes of covenant and identity in relation to faith. The conversation also touches on modern cultural reflections and the search for truth in today's society.
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1:23:57
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1:23:57
EP078: John 7:32-8:12: The Woman Taken in Adultery
In this episode, Ronn and Mike look at John 7:32-8:12, exploring the context of Jesus' teachings and his interactions with non-believers who had been threatening to kill him. They discuss the significance of the Holy Spirit's promised arrival, the debate surrounding Jesus' identity, and the woman caught in adultery. Ronn recommended that this last story, though not originally included in John's gospel, likely found its way into the fourth gospel due to its historical and theological importance to the doctrine of salvation in the early church, underscoring the idea that the door to salvation consisted of joining Abraham's family as opposed to simply having one's sin forgiven.
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1:20:42
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1:20:42
EP077: John 7:1-31: Jesus, the Law
In this episode, Ronn and Mike look at John 7:1-31. They discuss the importance of constructive disagreements in theology (reflecting upon the recent death of Charlie Kirk), the secretive nature of Jesus' ministry, and the political context surrounding his teachings. Their conversation also explores the treatment of the law by Jesus, the nature of demons (a highly nuanced issue relating to the Greek concept of daimonia), and the significance of Hezekiah's prayer for God's forgiveness of Israelites who had been guilty of breaking Mosaic law (2 Chron. 30).
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1:22:47
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1:22:47
EP076: Gaming the Unseen Realm: Faith and Fantasy in Allies of Majesty
Mel interviews Anthony Diastello at the DCW Conference about how his role-playing game *Allies of Majesty* weaves faith and divine council concepts into immersive storytelling. They explore how games can foster spiritual awareness, personal agency, and deeper engagement with the unseen realm. You can find his game here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HqI9JVINeg https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/purefunmedia/allies-of-majesty-chronicles-vol-1 https://subscribepage.io/iCPswe
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22:32
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22:32
EP075: John 6:41-71: Being Drawn to Jesus by the Father
In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the latter part of John 6, taking on the themes of forgiveness, the identity of Jesus, and the implications of his teachings on communion (they understand the concept of eating Jesus' flesh to be metaphorical for internalizing his teachings and life). They explore the complexities of forgiveness, and how this issue often lacks clear biblical answers to our modern questions. The conclude by discussing the significance of Jesus' claims about himself, and the reactions of his followers, culminating in a pivotal moment where many disciples turn away (6:66). Peter's declaration of faith highlights the importance of loyalty to Jesus.
Welcome to the Divine Council Worldview Podcast, where hosts Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu honor the legacy of their late friend and colleague Dr. Michael S. Heiser (author of the best-selling book The Unseen Realm). Our interest is the Bible, studying it through the lens of its original authors and audience. We will specifically take notice of created divine beings and the role they play in the physical cosmos through the ultimate authority of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Join the fun conversation!
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