Discover Your Roots

In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision in Joppa—a sheet lowered from heaven, filled with animals once considered unclean—and hears a command that changes everything: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Moments later, Peter is summoned to Caesarea, the Roman seat of power, where Cornelius and his household become the first Gentiles to receive the gospel.This story hits even deeper when you know the setting. Joppa is the ancient port where Jonah once ran from God’s call, and Peter’s hesitation echoes Jonah’s. Caesarea is filled with monuments to empire—yet it becomes the place where God makes clear that the gospel is for all people.Join Avery Chenault and Dr. Eric Turner as they explore how geography, history, and culture bring Acts 10 to life—and what it means for us to see the world the way God does.

In Jesus’ final days, nearly every step happened within sight of the Temple Mount. From the Mount of Olives—where He entered Jerusalem to shouts of “Hosanna”—to the Garden of Gethsemane—where He prayed in agony and surrendered to the Father’s will—to Golgotha—where He was crucified and the temple curtain tore in two.In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Avery Chenault is joined by Dr. Eric Turner to trace the geography of Holy Week and uncover why these locations matter. As Passover lambs were being sacrificed at the temple, Jesus—the true Passover Lamb—moved toward the cross as the final sacrifice, fulfilling prophecy and reshaping what “sacred space” truly means.📖 Scripture: Matthew 21:1–11; Matthew 26:36–46; Matthew 27:32–54

What happened when Jesus cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem—and why does it still matter today? In this episode of Discover Your Roots, we explore the Temple Mount, the center of Jewish worship during Jesus’ life. From overturned tables to Jesus’ declaration that God’s house should be a house of prayer for all nations, this powerful moment reveals God’s heart for true worship. Host Avery Chenault is joined by Michael McAfee to uncover the history, geography, and spiritual significance of the Temple. From Mount Moriah and the Courts of the Gentiles to the Southern Steps and Pentecost, this episode shows how the Temple shaped Jesus’ ministry and points directly to His sacrifice. Recommended Resources: Holy Land Illustrated Bible: https://www.christianbook.com/csb-holy-land-illustrated-bible-hardcover/9781535997928/pd/997928?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=bibles-20-40%7C997928&p=1179710&utm_source=google&p=1234073&dv=c&cb_src=google&cb_typ=shopping&cb_cmp=20704420694&cb_adg=150161845570&cb_kyw=&utm_medium=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20704420694&gbraid=0AAAAAD_dTHakhXzJkbspWCx_WpYik6hWY&gclid=CjwKCAiAv5bMBhAIEiwAqP9GuNhdu6pZgvIreLSfEMi1aXLNsHSHdBLyk9EI9HSrtqJjxyVamwa01xoCM4sQAvD_BwE Bible Map App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible-map/id1100364686

At Caesarea Philippi—a city filled with temples, idols, and imperial power—Jesus asked His disciples the most important question of all: “Who do you say that I am?” In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Avery Chenault is joined by pastor and professor Bobby Moss to explore how this striking setting deepens Peter’s confession and the foundation of the Church.Set near the headwaters of the Jordan River and long associated with pagan worship and the “gates of hell,” Caesarea Philippi provides powerful context for Jesus’ declaration that nothing would prevail against His Church.

Step onto the Sea of Galilee—the setting of one of the most dramatic moments in Jesus’ ministry. In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Avery Chenault is joined by biblical scholar and pastor Jared Ulrich to explore the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35–41.Why were storms on the Sea of Galilee so sudden and dangerous? What made this lake uniquely prone to violent winds and waves? And how would Jesus’ command—“Peace, be still”—have sounded to first-century Jewish ears who believed only God had authority over the sea?Together, Avery and Jared unpack the geography, history, and culture of Galilee, from ancient fishing boats and trade routes to the deep symbolic meaning of water and chaos in Scripture. As the disciples move from fear of the storm to awe of the One who calms it, this episode invites us to see how understanding the physical world of the Bible transforms a familiar story into a powerful revelation of who Jesus truly is.

What happened when Jesus preached His first sermon in Nazareth? Why did His hometown try to throw Him off a cliff? In this episode of Discover Your Roots, we explore Luke 4:16–30 from the breathtaking overlook of Mount Precipice.Join host Avery Chenault and New Testament scholar Dr. Eric Turner as they stand above the Jezreel Valley to unpack one of the most dramatic moments in the Gospels. From Jesus reading Isaiah in the synagogue to the sudden shift from amazement to rage, this episode reveals how geography, culture, and biblical context deepen our understanding of Scripture.Overlooking Mount Tabor, Mount Carmel, and Megiddo, Mount Precipice helps us see why Jesus’ words challenged expectations of the Messiah—and why His message of good news for all people sparked rejection.

What happens when a divided people are forced to choose—and heaven responds with fire? In this episode of Discover Your Roots, host Avery Chenault journeys to Mount Carmel, the dramatic ridge where the prophet Elijah stood alone against 450 prophets of Baal and called down fire from heaven. Joined by biblical scholar Dr. Luke Bray, this episode brings the geography, history, and spiritual weight of 1 Kings 18 vividly to life. You’ll explore why Mount Carmel was the perfect stage for this confrontation, how Israel’s spiritual compromise set the scene for Elijah’s bold challenge, and what it meant when God answered—not with words, but with consuming fire. From the meaning of Carmel as “God’s garden mountain” to the showdown that exposed false gods and turned hearts back to the Lord, this story is far more than a dramatic moment—it’s a call to faith without divided loyalty. This is Scripture set in its original landscape, a story of fire, repentance, and renewal—still speaking powerfully to us today. Recommended Resources: The IVP Bible Background Commentary by Craig S. Keener The Sacred Bridge: Carta's Atlas of the Biblical World The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible by Michael S. Heiser The Way of the Sea by Dr. Luke Bray (coming soon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CBN5ZVVG?ccs_id=0e311a9b-6598-4020-8138-efa22b117266)

Step into the cool, dark waters beneath Jerusalem and discover how one hidden spring ties together two incredible Bible stories—700 years apart.What connects an ancient water tunnel carved to protect Jerusalem from invasion and a blind man who received sight from Jesus? In this episode of Discover Your Roots, host Avery Chenault is joined by biblical scholar and worship leader Jared Ulrich to trace the flow from the Gihon Spring, through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, all the way to the Pool of Siloam.You’ll hear how King Hezekiah’s bold (and brilliant) engineering became a lifeline during the Assyrian siege, why the Pool of Siloam was a sacred stopping point for worshippers in Jesus’ day, and how Jesus’ healing of the blind man in John 9 reveals a faith that doesn’t stay passive—it moves.This is archaeology, Scripture, and spiritual insight woven into one powerful journey of God’s provision and power… still speaking today.

Step into the wilderness of En Gedi—a breathtaking oasis in the Judean Desert where David once hid from King Saul. In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Avery Chenault is joined by pastor and professor Bobby Moss to explore how this unique landscape of caves, waterfalls, and wild goats brings fresh depth to 1 Samuel 24 and the words of Psalm 23.Why did David run to En Gedi? What does this place reveal about refuge, renewal, and mercy in the middle of fear? And how might understanding the geography of the Bible help Scripture come alive in 3D? Together, Avery and Bobby unpack En Gedi’s story, its meaning as “the spring of the wild goat,” and the powerful connection between David’s real-life experiences and the imagery of green pastures, still waters, and shadowed valleys.

Step into Shiloh — Israel’s first national worship center and the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.In this episode, we discuss the significance of Shiloh, where the 12 tribes of Israel were split up and where the tabernacle rested. Join Avery and our guest, Dr. Luke Bray, as they unpack Shiloh’s geography, its role in Israelite history, and the important lessons Christians can learn today. From the troubling story of the daughters of Shiloh to the capture of the Ark by the Philistines, discover how God’s presence in contested spaces reveals His sovereignty.Dr. Bray is a biblical scholar, author, and educator with a Ph.D. in World Religions, a former pastor, and U.S. Army veteran. He helps believers connect with the biblical story in its original context.Learn more about Passages: www.passagesisrael.org

In this episode, we discuss two Biblical water crossings, crossing the Red Sea and the Jordan River, and the significance of these bodies of water in ancient times, and the connections between these two stories and the coming of Jesus.Our guest for this episode is Dr. Luke Bray. Dr. Bray is a biblical scholar, author, and educator with a Ph.D. in World Religions. A former pastor and U.S. Army veteran, he has dedicated his work to helping believers connect with the biblical story in its original context.Interested in learning more about Passages? Visit us at www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode, we travel to Be’er Sheva, the “Well of the Oath” — where Abraham made a covenant that marked the southern edge of the Promised Land. Through the geography of this desert region, we explore how faith often takes root in dry and uncertain places, and how the physical land of the Bible helps us understand the spiritual story unfolding within it. Our guest today is Jared Ulrich, who leads chapel worship services at Grand Canyon University and teaches as an adjunct professor of Old Testament and Biblical Interpretation and Application in the College of Theology. Interested in learning more about Passages? Visit us at www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

Welcome to the first episode of a new season of Discover Your Roots: Tracing the Map of God’s Story! In this episode, we explore why Christians should understand Biblical geography, its significance for our Christian faith, and provide helpful tools for understanding God’s story. In this episode, we’re joined by Bobby Moss, a pastor from Chicago and professor at the Moody Bible Institute. Bobby has visited Israel 15 times, 10 of those times having been with Passages. Resources Mentioned: The IVP Bible Background Commentary: https://www.ivpress.com/ivp-bible-background-commentary-set?srsltid=AfmBOooO4PJL0lbkkkPECj_eB29juEYIQHlRPXeyhOTtiigh72utjDVBZondervan Handbook to the Bible: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/zondervan-handbook-to-the-bible1 Interested in learning more about Passages? Visit us at www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In the final episode of Discover Your Roots Season 3, Mattanah DeWitt, Passages’ VisitingScholar Dr. Luke Bray, and special guest Anna Babcox discuss the importance of prayerand showing up in tangible ways to support the Jewish people.Thank you for joining us for this season of Discover Your Roots. The journey doesn’t have toend here! To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us onInstagram @passagesisrael.If you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review.

In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ Visiting Scholar Dr.Luke Bray welcome special guest Anna Babcox to discuss the history of antisemitism andwhy Christians should stand against antisemitism today.Anna serves as Associate Director of Advocacy and Strategy at Passages. She is passionateabout Jewish-Christian relations and advocating for the Jewish community as a Christian.To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on [email protected] you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review

In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ Visiting Scholar Dr.Luke Bray discuss how Christians think about the Jewish people theologically, and whyChristians should respect and care about the Jewish People.To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on [email protected] you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review.

In this week’s episode of Discover Your Roots, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ VisitingScholar Dr. Luke Bray discuss whether Christian advocacy actually helps or hurts others.Dr. Bray shares from his expertise regarding Christian advocacy in the Middle East, and theydiscuss the need for Christian advocates to be sensitive to cultural differences, collectivememory, and trauma and the importance of empowering others as advocates.To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on [email protected] you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review.

In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ Visiting Scholar Dr. Luke Bray discuss the difference between intercessory advocacy and embodied advocacy and why it is important to show up for others.  To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.   If you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review. 

In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ Visiting Scholar Dr. Luke Bray explore how prayer is essential to our relationship with God, our view of the world around us, and Christian advocacy.    To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.   If you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review. 

In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ Visiting Scholar discuss what prophetic witness is in the context of the church and how it impacts Christian advocacy and the Church.   To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.   If you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review. 

In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ Visiting Scholar Dr. Luke Bray discuss what Biblical love is and what it is not. They discuss how true Biblical love informs how we should advocate for those in need.   To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.   If you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review.

In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ Visiting Scholar Dr. Luke Bray discuss God’s perfect justice and how this influences Christian advocacy today.  To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.   If you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review. 

In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages' Visiting Scholar Luke Bray discuss the importance of seeing people as made in the image of God and how that influences the way we advocate for others and view the world around us.   To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.   If you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review. 

In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ Visiting Scholar Dr. Luke Bray discuss what an advocate is and how Christians can learn from biblical examples of advocacy like Jesus and the Holy Spirit.   To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.   If you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review. 

Welcome to Discover Your Roots: Season 3. This season focuses on Christian advocacy. Join us as we unpack how theology influences Christian advocacy, explore what the Bible has to say about advocacy, and discuss why Christians should advocate for the Jewish people.  In this episode, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ Visiting Scholar Luke Bray discuss what theology actually is. They give an introduction to Christian advocacy and the different forms it takes.  Luke Bray holds a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Islamic studies and Middle Eastern history as well as a Doctorate Degree in World Religions. He has served in the United States Army and has since served in various pastoral and ministry positions. Dr. Bray has a heart for advocacy and the peoples of the Middle East. We are excited to welcome him as this season’s Visiting Scholar!   To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.   If you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review. 

This stone wall is visited by millions every year, but why? From Solomon’s Temple to the Western Wall at the Temple Mount today, trace the history of this sacred historic site on today’s episode of 5 Minutes in Israel. Explore how the Temple was built, what destroyed it two times, and why this site is still revered today. Let’s dive in!Want to visit the Western Wall for yourself? Check out PassagesIsrael.org

Wander through the streets of Jerusalem’s Old City in this episode of 5 Minutes in Israel. Explore hidden sites in the four quarters of the Old City (and finally understand how those quarters work!) From the Western Wall to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to the Temple Mount, what makes these sites so holy and what do they mean for us today?Want to visit the Old City for yourself? Check out PassagesIsrael.org

Wrapping up our time in the Galilee, trace Jesus’ ministry from the Sermon on the Mount to the Great Commission, all in this one region in Israel. Jesus’ work in Galilee fulfills an ancient biblical prophecy but is also connected to the region’s unique geography. (Hint: it has to do with the Via Maris). Tune in to hear why the Galilee is so important!

Discover an ancient mosaic that reveals the place where Jesus fed the 5,000 at Tabgha in today’s episode of 5 Minutes in Israel. Only a short walk away from this small fishing harbor in Galilee lies the beach at the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, where Jesus famously asked Peter, “Do you love me?” The stories and miracles multiply here in Tabgha, leaving us asking: What can these five loaves and two fish teach us today?Want to visit Tabgha for yourself? Check out PassagesIsrael.org!

From Abraham to King David to Jesus, explore the layered history of the Temple Mount in today’s episode of 5 Minutes in Israel. This holy site in Jerusalem holds a rich history in its ancient stones. Nearby lie the ruins of King David’s palace and the very same steps that Jesus walked up to the Temple. Tune in to hear how the Temple Mount’s ancient history shows God’s desire to keep meeting his people.Want to visit the Temple Mount for yourself? Check out PassagesIsrael.org!

What do salted fish, a groundbreaking archeology discovery, and demon possession have in common? The answer is found in Magdala, the ancient hometown of Mary Magdalene. Join Mattanah as she explores the recently discovered synagogue where Jesus taught in Magdala and the story of the woman whose life he changed there. Tune in to learn about the church now standing near these ancient ruins to honor Mary Magdalene and all women who follow in her footsteps of faith.

Why did Jesus choose a grassy hillside to preach a radical message? Join Mattanah as she explores the historical church and gardens at the Mount of Beatitudes along with the meaning of Jesus’ famous sermon. We’ll study together how Matthew 5-7 lays out a new way of life in the Kingdom of God. At this breathtaking view of the Galilee, the Sermon on the Mount comes to life with its timeless message of hope for the oppressed. To travel to Israel to see the Mount of Beatitudes for yourself, go to passagesIsrael.org 

Why did Jesus pick Capernaum, a fishing village, for his ministry headquarters? In today’s episode, join Mattanah as she explores the ruins of ancient Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. At this archeological site, the meaning of Jesus’ call to be “Fishers of Men” comes alive. Learn about the home of Peter and the synagogue of Capernaum where Jesus performed so many miracles, and ponder: what could this biblical town mean for us today? To travel to Israel to see Capernaum for yourself, go to PassagesIsrael.org 

Entropy happens in science (and our personal lives) since all things eventually fall apart unless an outside force acts on them. The same might be said about our societies. Unless we consciously and consistently make positive choices, everything will gradually descend into evil and chaos. The inevitable question is: how do we confront evil and choose the good?In our season finale, Dr. Dru Johnson skillfully guides us through the implications of the topics we’ve covered thus far about the nature of good and evil and wraps this season up. Enjoy the episode, and thanks for joining us on this incredible journey exploring the Hebraic roots of your Christian faith! National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

Is it ever okay to lie to protect someone’s feelings? Is it okay to lie to save someone’s life? Should a nation go to war? Is it okay to murder an evil person? Christians are often faced with tricky ethical dilemmas, but this podcast is here to help! In this week’s podcast, we tackle whether ends justify the means and what the Bible says about these big questions. Take a listen!National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

Humans naturally form institutions and societies. While these can be a major source of blessing, they also cause a lot of harm, resulting in institutional and organizational evil.The Torah has robust guidelines for how people should act—both communally and individually. In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson breaks down the distinction, or lack thereof, in the Hebrew Bible between the personal and the corporate, and he explores what this means for us today as 21st-century Christians. National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

Life hurts. It seems like suffering is a universal part of being human, so this has led people across all ages to ask deep existential questions about the meaning and the nature of suffering. Let’s bring it to our context here in this podcast: How do the biblical authors view suffering? Is suffering the result of sin? What wisdom do they offer us as we come to terms with our own pain? Dr. Dru Johnson addresses all this and more in today’s fascinating episode. Take a listen!National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

Does God do evil? Verses like Isaiah 31:2 seem to say He does: “Yet [God] also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words” (KJV). If that’s the case, what does this mean and how would Isaiah’s Ancient Hebrew audience have understood this? Dr. Dru Johnson walks through these complex questions and more in today’s episode as we grapple with the relationship between God and evil.National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

There’s a strange sound in the middle of the night. In the dark water, something brushes against your leg…  What goes through your mind? In this week’s episode, Dr. Dru Johnson explores the psychology and theology behind the fear of the unknown and evil. He gives us a glimpse into how our imaginations have been shaped by popular culture. Dr. Johnson also explains the relationship that Ancient Near East people had with spiritual warfare, the spiritual world, and the divine, helpfully reframing much of what we read in the Hebrew Bible! Make sure to save this episode and listen—you’ll be glad you did!National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

Sometimes people do bad things. No one debates that. However, this simple fact cracks open the door to a world of complex moral and theological questions about the nature of evil in the realm of human choice.In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson dives into what Scripture means when it says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. He also talks through whether evil actions are committed voluntarily or involuntarily. This brings up questions about the figure of Lucifer—who is he and what role does he play in the cosmic story of good and evil? Let’s dive into these questions together and begin to understand more about the people around us and the world we live in!National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

Is there such a thing as a purely good or purely evil person? Can bad people be redeemed? What did the word “satan” originally mean?Join Dr. Dru Johnson on this week’s journey to discover the foundations of our understanding of good and evil. The concepts of good and evil are undeniably fundamental to our experience as humans. However, this struggle has been conceptualized in many ways over the past 4,000 years. We’ll get to all this and more in this week’s episode. You won’t want to miss this!National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

It’s pretty intuitive that evil shouldn’t exist. Things like the Holocaust or kids with cancer just seem wrong. However, some might argue that the fact that good exists is just as philosophically complex as the existence of evil.In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson unpacks the idea of “good” in the Scriptures. Starting right from the beginning of Genesis, he shows us how original readers of the text probably understood both the word and concept of “good.” Pull up a chair and enjoy your insider peek into this fascinating conversation.National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

Hitler is evil. Helping an old lady cross the street is good. Simple, right? But there’s an underlying question here: Why? What are good and evil?Biblical scholar, Dr. Dru Johnson is back with us in Season Two of Discover Your Roots to unpack weighty questions about the nature of good and evil. In this episode, Dr. Johnson gives us an overview of the season, walking us through a few common conceptions (and misconceptions!) about good and evil through the lens of psychology, philosophy, culture, and—ultimately—Scripture. You won’t want to miss this season!National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

While our modern method of determining truth is to interpret information as either true or false, the Bible takes into account another side of “truth” that may not be so simple. In our final episode of the season, we discuss the concept of truth in light of the Hebrew word “emet” used all throughout the Bible, and how this Hebraic thought pattern enriches the way we view the Word.References & additional resources: https://passagesisrael.org/story/reading-the-bible-as-the-living-word-of-god/Visit: https://passagesisrael.org/⁣⁣Follow: https://www.instagram.com/passagesisrael⁣⁣Like: https://www.facebook.com/passagesisrael

Epistles in the Bible are letters written to God’s people by the apostles and prophets. Similar to the modern-day sermon, they reason with their listeners and offer wisdom for their lives. We’ll be taking a deeper dive into the epistles and how they helped the early church grow their knowledge of God’s word and think and act more like Jesus.References & additional resources: https://passagesisrael.org/story/how-the-new-testament-letters-preach-to-us/Visit: https://passagesisrael.org/⁣⁣Follow: https://www.instagram.com/passagesisrael⁣⁣Like: https://www.facebook.com/passagesisrael

So now that we know what stories do, let’s look at how they do it. If you dissect any good story and look at its structure, you’ll get a conflict, tension, rising action, and conclusion. But what does that have to do with reading the Bible? It turns out that knowing a story’s structure is a key aspect in developing Hebraic thought, revealing so much more than just a story.References & additional resources: https://passagesisrael.org/story/how-to-decode-the-stories-of-the-bible/Visit: https://passagesisrael.org/⁣⁣Follow: https://www.instagram.com/passagesisrael⁣⁣Like: https://www.facebook.com/passagesisrael

Why are stories so important? Stories, both fictional and non-fictional, have been used since the beginning of time to impart wisdom and reason upon their listeners. We’re discussing what makes up a great story and how biblical authors used stories within their writing to share with us the nature of our worldly and eternal realities.References & additional resources: https://passagesisrael.org/story/why-are-there-so-many-stories-in-the-bible/Visit: https://passagesisrael.org/⁣⁣Follow: https://www.instagram.com/passagesisrael⁣⁣Like: https://www.facebook.com/passagesisrael

How is biblical law unique from other legal systems throughout history, or even today? In this episode, we’ll be taking a closer look at how biblical law is unlike any other—how it functions as a narrative, its communal nature, and what all this means for the law’s followers.References & additional resources: https://passagesisrael.org/story/seeing-beauty-in-the-old-testament-law/Visit: https://passagesisrael.org/⁣⁣Follow: https://www.instagram.com/passagesisrael⁣⁣Like: https://www.facebook.com/passagesisrael

What do you think of when you hear the word “law”? Does it sound rigid, harsh, or punishing? Contrary to our modern assumptions, biblical law doesn’t work in the ways our law does today. When we look at the law of the Bible through the lens of Hebraic thought, it becomes something that reasons, rather than dictates. In the next two episodes, we’ll be reframing how we think about biblical law and the God who gave it to us.References & additional resources: https://passagesisrael.org/story/stop-saying-we-broke-gods-law/Visit: https://passagesisrael.org/⁣⁣Follow: https://www.instagram.com/passagesisrael⁣⁣Like: https://www.facebook.com/passagesisrael

Now that we’ve established how biblical poetry works, it’s time to look at some biblical examples. We'll be reading through Philippians 2 together, giving you tools to interpret it through the lens of Hebraic thought, and discussing how understanding biblical poetry is essential to understanding the rest of the Bible’s message.References & additional resources: https://passagesisrael.org/story/how-poetry-reasons-with-us/Visit: https://passagesisrael.org/⁣⁣Follow: https://www.instagram.com/passagesisrael⁣⁣Like: https://www.facebook.com/passagesisrael