Plundering Leviathan

As war once again erupts in the Middle East—this time involving Iran—some voices in the Christian world are framing the conflict in prophetic terms. A growing conversation has emerged around the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where the Islamic Dome of the Rock now stands on the site historically associated with Solomon's Temple and (what is known as) Herod's Temple. Some interpreters of biblical prophecy believe that a “Third Temple” must be rebuilt before the return of Christ, leading to speculation about what would have to happen to the Islamic structures currently occupying the site. But is that really what Christians should expect—or even hope for—in the last days? Should believers anticipate the destruction of the Dome of the Rock and the restoration of temple sacrifices, or does the New Testament point us in a very different direction? In this episode of Plundering Leviathan, we examine the eschatology behind the Third Temple movement and what Scripture actually says about the future of God’s temple and the kingdom of Christ.

As tensions rise between Iran and the West, many Christians begin asking whether ancient biblical prophecies might relate to the modern Middle East. Passages about Elam in Jeremiah 49, Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38–39, and the climactic battle of Armageddon in Revelation 16 are often brought into the conversation. Christians have long debated how these prophecies should be understood: Do they point to specific geopolitical events in the modern era? Do they symbolize broader spiritual conflicts between the kingdom of God and the nations? Do they describe events already fulfilled in earlier periods of biblical history? In Episode #36, we offer our take on current events unfolding in Iran and its relationship to biblical prophecy. RESOURCES Book || "Before Jerusalem Fell" by Kenneth Gentry https://www.amazon.com/Before-Jerusalem-Fell-Dating-Revelation/dp/0982620608/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CV782CZRY6VW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZkWzYpkBOCheSJEs8BksMHFv_GWSx7cjmpO0XtOkRSvCWoB9v1qNu_Ern0BfiplNMBncsW1NI2IPIhjIbleRowfVC34G6Qo2qyEOYVbBOzZXXihpxZLragFi1xfEAe7D7tGqHT2_4Pc6ZsjiHnQgU2l2KEJuLQPi9VQ8APjkLaV7gsGd8BCJYD4UkaHd74xW-BB6kaLUw4Fkc5iUVseTs35BfJIkrBy3KBnt5kauur4.gnHArgo7PXGw16BZiMiOjZ3fN2fvF8fHB_-1cLrv9ik&dib_tag=se&keywords=before+jerusalem+fell+kenneth+gentry&qid=1773081658&sprefix=before+Jerus%2Caps%2C569&sr=8-1 Bible Study of the Olivet Discourse in Mark 13 || https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgVJyeWew68&list=PLz1Uv51vvJlsu9hbMBHr04Bw_IrnfgucW&index=34 Two-Part Sermon Series on Mark 13  "The End" (Part One) || https://northcenterchurch.com/media/pp7jr6w/the-end-part-i The End" (Part Two) || https://northcenterchurch.com/media/swqb3ct/the-end-part-2 LIVE Podcast Episode on THE END TIMES || https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84dsz61K5ZQ&list=PLz1Uv51vvJluNUksC6MIcYBYDTOoR_uEP&index=6

On February 15, 2026, in an interview with podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen, former President Obama said that aliens are real. Four days later, President Trump said that Obama made a “big mistake” and “gave classified information” regarding his comments on the existence of aliens. Suddenly the internet exploded again with speculation about UFOs, UAPs, and decades of mysterious sightings. What are we supposed to make of stories like the Navy’s Tic Tac encounter, the strange activity reported around Area 51, the bizarre phenomena at Skinwalker Ranch, the sudden appearance and disappearance of the Utah monolith, and even the recent report of a Hellfire missile being fired at an unidentified craft? Are we dealing with extraterrestrial visitors from distant galaxies—or something else entirely? Does the Bible have anything to says regarding such unexplained phenomena, and is there any connection between these modern mysteries and the Biblical stories of the Nephilim, Anakim, Rephaim (ancient giants), demonic deception, and the reality of spiritual warfare? Welcome to the conversation on Episode #35 of Plundering Leviathan.

What does the Great Commission look like when it takes you behind prison bars — or into the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains? RESOURCES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx0U4s6VV2g

Personality tests are everywhere—used in workplaces, churches, counseling rooms, and even casual conversations to explain why we are the way we are. Tools like Myers-Briggs, the Enneagram, Strength Finders, and DISC promise insight into our strengths, weaknesses, relationships, and leadership styles—but they also raise serious questions. Are these frameworks genuinely helpful tools for self-understanding and discipleship, or do they subtly reshape how we think about identity, responsibility, and growth? On today’s episode of Plundering Leviathan, we are debating the usefulness of personality tests—looking honestly at what they can clarify, where they can confuse, and how Christians in particular should think about personality, wisdom, and the formation of the soul in light of Scripture.

While road-tripping across Minnesota, Steve and Jeremiah record a conversation about road etiquette, driving with your knees, and how Christians can be redeeming the time (Eph 5:16) as they spend hours behind a steering wheel. The first episode (Part 1) ends with Steve concocting a work of fiction about how he and Jeremiah first met. In this episode (Part 2), Jeremiah shares the historically accurate version of their dramatic meeting.

While road-tripping across Minnesota, Steve and Jeremiah record a conversation about road etiquette, driving with your knees, and how Christians can be redeeming the time (Eph 5:16) as they spend hours behind a steering wheel. This episode (Part 1) ends with Steve concocting a work of fiction about how he and Jeremiah first met. In the next episode (Part 2), Jeremiah shares the historically accurate version of their dramatic meeting. Stay tuned...

Currently, over 3.3 million U.S. citizens are actively serving across all branches of the United States miliary. We recently had the privilege of sitting down with Marine Private First Class Aukeem Knoop to talk about his experience in boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruitment Depot in San Diego, California. How does a Christian man seek to be a light in the military? Should Christians be enlisting in the armed forces? What is the history of women serving in the Marine Corps? Are there opportunities for evangelism & spiritual growth at boot camp? This and more on Episode #30 of Plundering Leviathan.

How does a follower of Jesus plunder the serrated edge of suffering for the glory of God? This valley of shadow is covered with the footprints of the saints. What did they have to say about their suffering that can give us hope and courage in the midst of ours? This is the question on Episode #29 of Plundering Leviathan. QUOTES “God had one Son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering.” ~ Augustine of Hippo (354–430) “They gave our Master a crown of thorns. Why do we hope for a crown of roses?” ~ Martin Luther (1483–1546) “When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord’s choicest wines.” ~ Samuel Rutherford (1600–1661) “Suffering so unbolts the door of the heart, that the Word hath easier entrance.” ~ Richard Baxter (1615–1691) “Such fatigues and hardships as these serve to wean me more from the earth; and I trust will make heaven the sweeter.” ~ David Brainerd (1718–1747) “I love to live on the brink of eternity.” ~ David Brainerd “It is good for me to be afflicted, that I might die wholly to this world and be led more fully to God.” ~ David Brainerd “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” ~ Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892) “Suffering, then, is the badge of true discipleship. The disciple is not above his master.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom (1892–1983) “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom “Of one thing I am perfectly sure: God’s story never ends with ‘ashes.’” ~ Elisabeth Elliot (1926–2015) “The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually.” ~ Joni Eareckson Tada (1949–Present) HYMNS "Sovereign Over Us" ~ Shane & Shane “It Is Well with My Soul” ~ Horatio Spafford “Is He Worthy?” ~ Andrew Peterson “He Will Hold Me Fast” ~ Keith & Kristyn Getty “Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me” ~ CityAlight "You Are God" ~ WeakSide “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” ~ Civilla Martin “Blessed Be Your Name” ~ Matt Redman

"Fairy tales and magic remind us of the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the walls of the world." ~ G.K. Chesterton Truly, there is infinitely more to this world than what our physical eyes can see. There is a supernatural power beyond our wildest imaginations, and God's Word is clear when it comes to entertaining powers that don't belong to us (e.g., Exod 22:18; Lev 19:31; Deut 18:10-12; Gal 5:19-21; Rev 21:8). So, what about the wizards in Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings"? What about the deep magic in Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia"? What about the sorcery in Rowling's "Harry Potter"? What about the witches in Maguire's "Wicked"? What about the arcane magic in "Dungeons & Dragons" (D&D)? What about the dark magic in "Magic: The Gathering" (MTG)? Adam and Sarah Heim join the conversation as Plundering Leviathan asks the question: "Is there any place for FANTASY MAGIC in Christian entertainment? And, if so, how can we plunder this genre for the glory of Christ?" RESOURCES Table Top Recovery || https://www.tabletoprecovery.com/ 

The Bible has much to say about our language. It tells us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Pro 18:21), that "the tongue is a fire" (James 3:6). It tells us to "let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth" (Eph 4:29) and to "let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt" (Col 4:6). Yet, the Bible also recounts the stories of godly men who used "strong language" on occasion. Indeed, there is a time to use our words "to build" and a time "to destroy" (Eccl 3:3). But this leaves all kinds of questions: When should Christians use their words to destroy? What does this look like in the church today? Who should be allowed to use strong language? This is the conversation in Episode #27 on Plundering Leviathan. RESOURCES MESSAGES Jeff Durbin, "Jeff Durbin Confronts The Woke Church" (here) starting at 1:00:35. BOOKS Doug Wilson, "A Serrated Edge: A Defense of Biblical Satire and Trinitarian Skylarking" ARTICLES Doug Wilson, "Understanding Bad Words" (here).  www.protestia.com PODCASTS JD Hall, "Insights to Incite" Doug Wilson, "Blog & Mablog" VIDEOS Douglas Wilson and Gabriel Hughes, "Flipping Off Idols" (here). Joe Rigney, "Gracious Speech, Salty Language, and the Sexual Revolution" (here). John Piper, "Can Christians Cuss to Prove a Point" (here). 

The Bible tells us that the last enemy to be destroyed is death (1 Cor 15:26). In recent days, superstar individuals such as Hulk Hogan (the wrestler), Ozzy Osbourne (the musician), and John MacArthur (the pastor) have walked through the doorway of death and into eternity. This spurs the question: how should Christians prepare for the finish line? Should we join those like Bryan Johnson, the centimillionaire tech entrepreneur, who is seeking to find a way to keep his body alive forever? Should we join those like Elon Musk who are investing into transhumanism, seeking to override the aging and dying processes through artificial intelligence and nanotechnology? Is it possible for human beings to conquer death? What does it mean to "finish well"? This is the conversation on Episode #26 of Plundering Leviathan.

Words create worlds, and phrases create philosophies. Truly, the language we use is more powerful than we will ever know - for better or for worse. This is true in every sphere, including the church. In this episode, Pastor Jeremiah argues that we are unintentionally harming the church by the way we talk about it. Instead of strengthening the covenant community of believers, our words have unwittingly created a world of individualism, consumerism, and entertainment. "What church do you attend?" = no good "What time does your church start?" = no good "Where is your church located?" = no good "Welcome to church!" = no good "Let's grab lunch after church." = no good The way we talk shapes the way we think. Therefore, Pastor Jeremiah suggests a better kind of "church talk".

Every worldview has a wardrobe. For over 1900 years of church history, Christian women wore head coverings in congregational worship on the Lord's Day. This was the universal practice across every continent. Today, however, this practice has all but disappeared in the Western world. Why is that? What is the meaning of head coverings? What are the biblical arguments & historical evidences for head coverings? Were they merely a cultural practice in the Corinthian church (1 Cor. 11).  And why is there a resurgence of this practice in evangelicalism today? This is the question on Episode #24 of Plundering Leviathan. RESOURCES WEBSITES Garlands of Grace || www.garlandsofgrace.com Head Covering Movement || www.headcoveringmovement.com    Femina Sola Gratia || https://feminasolagratia.com/  PODCAST Bright Hearth || S2E18 || www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPDDixO2Gr4  BOOK "Head Coverings" by Jeremy Gardiner || https://www.amazon.com/dp/0995203601/?tag=gebcover-20  ARTICLE Purely Presbyterian || https://purelypresbyterian.com/2019/07/15/head-coverings-in-worship/comment-page-1/ 

Church Clothes Should Christians really wear their "Sunday best" to the church gathering? Why does Pastor Jeremiah wear a hoodie when he preaches? What is the history of "church clothes" over the past 2,000 years? When it comes to our Sunday attire, are some standards timeless and universal while others are merely cultural? This (and more) in Episode #23 of Plundering Leviathan.

In the words of Newton, "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." In other words, when something (e.g., feminism) exerts a force on another thing (e.g., masculinity), the second object exerts an equal force back on the first. Enter: the "Manosphere" - a varied collection of voices promoting groups like Misogyny, PUA (Pickup Artists), MGTOW (Men Going Their Own Way), Men's Rights Activism, The Red Pill Movement, Fathers' Rights groups, Incels, Etc. ...all aimed at countering the onslaught of feminism. In this episode of Plundering Leviathan, Pastor Steve and Pastor Jeremiah argue that, while many young men have rightly diagnosed the problem of feminism, they are using the wrong prescriptions. How can a young man stand against this tidal wave of feminism while embracing a biblical vision of masculinity? This is the overarching question of Episode #22.

In a culture that has been deliberately and systematically shaped by the movement known as "feminism", there is a fresh wave of confusion and controversy regarding the role of women in the church. What is God's design for women within the context of the local church? Does the Bible have a category for female pastors, elders, and overseers? What is the connection between being a preacher and being a protector? How can the local church stand against this tidal wave of feminism with unwavering confidence in and allegiance to the unchanging and inerrant Word of God? This is the trajectory in this multi-episode conversation of "Feminism & the Church". In this final episode, Pastor Steve and Pastor Jeremiah seek to highlight the practical ("what now") side of the conversation. RESOURCES BOOKS "Eve in Exile: The Restoration of Femininity" by Rebekah Merkle "Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age" by Rosaria Butterfield "Women in the Church" by Dr. Andreas Kostenberger "Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism" by John Piper & Wayne Grudem PODCASTS "After Complementarianism, What? Why Egalitarians Are (Still) Winning the Evangelical Gender Debate" by Christ Over All (Doug Ponder, June 2025)

In a culture that has been deliberately and systematically shaped by the movement known as "Feminism", there is a fresh wave of confusion and controversy regarding the role of women in the church. - What is God's design for women within the context of the local church? - Does the Bible have a category for female pastors, shepherds, and leaders? - What is the connection between being a preacher and being a protector? - How can the local church stand against this tidal wave of feminism with unwavering confidence in and allegiance to the unchanging and inerrant Word of God? This is the trajectory in this multi-episode conversation of "Feminism & the Church". In this episode, Pastor Steve and Pastor Jeremiah dig into the 3rd and 4th waves of feminism. 

In this episode of Plundering Leviathan, Tyler Cornelius joins the podcast to talk about "Christian Entertainment". Working as the video director for mainstream bands such as Casting Crowns, MercyMe, We The Kingdom, David Crowder, For King and Country, TobyMac, Skillet, and many others, Tyler is well acquainted with the global industry of "Christian Entertainment". What is the God-ordained role of entertainment in the life of a Christian? Are there expressions of entertainment in the Bible? How has the church been infected by the pagan version of entertainment? Should "Christian" bands charge for their concerts? These questions (and many more) on this episode of Plundering Leviathan. Is there a difference between "Christian" entertainment and "secular" entertainment? These questions and more on this episode of Plundering Leviathan. RESOURCES "Amusing Ourselves to Death" by Neil Postman "Worshiptainment: The Modern Church's Golden Calf" by Matthew Everhard

In a culture that has been deliberately and systematically shaped by the movement known as "Feminism", there is a fresh wave of confusion and controversy regarding the role of women in the church. - What is God's design for women within the context of the local church? - Does the Bible have a category for female pastors, shepherds, and leaders? - What is the connection between being a preacher and being a protector? - How can the local church stand against this tidal wave of feminism with unwavering confidence in and allegiance to the unchanging and inerrant Word of God? This is the trajectory in this multi-episode conversation of "Feminism & the Church".

In a culture that has been deliberately and systematically shaped by the movement known as "Feminism", there is a fresh wave of confusion and controversy regarding the role of women in the church. What is God's design for women within the context of the local church? Does the Bible have a category for female pastors, shepherds, and leaders? What is the connection between being a preacher and being a protector? How can the local church stand against this tidal wave of feminism with unwavering confidence in and allegiance to the unchanging and inerrant Word of God? This is the trajectory in this multi-episode conversation of "Feminism & the Church".

If "singing is a weapon", then it is imperative for Christians to wield it well. - What is the history of Christian music? - Why is singing so powerful? - When did secular music take over the mainstream music industry? - How do we encourage men to sing out during our worship services? - Should churches be dimming the lights during the singing?  Ryan Zimmer (recording artist, audio technician, and music pastor) joins the podcast to share his perspective on the Christian music scene today.

In a culture that thrives off of the "hospitality industry", there remains an epidemic of loneliness. Why? Why is our Western world one of the most relationally disconnected societies in the history of humanity, and how can followers of Jesus fight against this culture of isolation by recapturing the biblical vision of hospitality? What does biblical hospitality look like in our homes? What does it look like in our churches? Why is it a biblical command for Christians and a qualification for church leadership? This is the topic of this week's episode of Plundering Leviathan.

Now that recreational cannabis (marijuana, weed) is legal in many states, including Minnesota, how should the church respond? Is it permissible for Christians to smoke a joint or to eat a THC gummy? Is there a link between cannabis and biblical φαρμακεία [pharmakeia] (i.e., sorcery, witchcraft, drugs)? What are the effects on the brain? And can Christians use it for the glory of God and the good of others? This is the question on this week's episode of Plundering Leviathan.

Is our humanity being replaced by artificial intelligence? What are the opportunities & dangers of artificial intelligence in our relationships, creative energy, inquisitive nature, prayer, memory, etc.? How can the church leverage artificial intelligence for the advancement of the gospel? This and more on Episode #13 of Plundering Leviathan.

Should Christians baptize their babies? Should churches be chanting the Psalms? Is it okay for pastors to be called a priest or father? Jeremiah Knoop wrestles with these questions in a conversation with an Anglican priest in Hawaii.

Can Christians get tattooed in good conscience? Is there any redemptive element in the culture of tattoos? And what does the Bible have to say about this?

Is there a way for video games to strengthen relationships, build up the local church, and bring glory to God? Yes? No? Maybe so...? In this episode, Steve & Jeremiah follow up with a previous conversation about video games to reflect on whether or not Christians can plunder this cultural form of entertainment for the glory of God. 

Can Christians plunder video games for the glory of God. In this episode, Adam Heim, a seasoned gamer, joins the podcast and attempts to convince two anti-gamers that video games have a strategic place in kingdom of God.

 How should Christians engage with social media? Should we allow our children to have social media accounts? What are wise practices when it comes to the world of social media? In this episode, Steve & Jeremiah wrestle with "The Poison and the Possibilities of Social Media".

In this episode, Jeremiah Knoop defends a post he made on social media regarding parenting, discipline, and the tactic of "counting to three" before dealing with disobedience. 

In light of the Christmas season, Steve gives a history of Saint Nick (including the infamous moment when Nicholas allegedly punched Arius). 

In this episode, Pastor Jeremiah Knoop gives a brief overview of textual criticism and biblical translations before making an argument for the New King James Version.  BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: "The Case for the Byzantine Priority" by Maurice A. Robinson "Rethinking New Testament Textual Criticism" Ed. D.A. Black "The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?" by F.F. Bruce "The Old Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?" by W.C. Kaiser Jr "The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus" by Lee Strobel

In this episode of Plundering Leviathan, Jeremiah & Steve anticipate the Christmas season by diving into the promise of advent (the coming of Jesus) and the prophet names of Christ.

Pastor Stan Weese joins the podcast as its first guest to tell the divine providence in the first Thanksgiving. 

Admidst a society full of negative news, how should Christians seek to cultivate a biblical view of the world and the future? Book Recommendations: "How Christianity Changed the World" by Alvin J. Schmidt "Postmillennialism Made Easy" by Kenneth Gentry, Jr

Should Christians be actively and vocally engage in the realm of politics, and how do we see George Orwell's prophetic novel, "1984", unfolding in our culture today?

The introduction to Plundering Leviathan, a weekly podcast of North Center Church: reclaiming culture's gold for the glory of Christ.