The Alabaster Jar
by Dr. Lynn Cohick
The Alabaster Jar is a weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Lynn Cohick. Dr. Cohick is a highly respected New Testament scholar and the founding president of the Center for Women in Leadership, a 501C3 organization designed to encourage women as they minister and lead in the church and in the academy.
Episodes
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S7 E9 | Dr. Holly Beers | The Cross of Christ in the Book of Luke
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn continues our Cross of Christ series with Dr. Holly Beers to explore how the Gospel of Luke presents Jesus’s cross and resurrection. They discuss the cross’s brutality and shame, Jesus’s encounters with Herod and Pilate, and the significance of his...
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S7 E8 | Dr. Jeannine K. Brown | The Cross of Christ in the Book of Matthew
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohicks continues our 4-part episode series on the Cross of Christ with Dr. Jeannine K. Brown as they explore how the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus’s death and the cross. They explore the hints and predictions leading to the crucifixion, and how...
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S7 E7 | Dr. Holly J. Carey | The Cross of Christ in the Book of Mark
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn kicks off a 4-part episode series on the Cross of Christ with Dr. Holly J. Carey as they explore the Passion narrative in the Gospel of Mark. They discuss how Mark’s fast-paced story leads to the cross, the shame of crucifixion, and Jesus’s…
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S7 E6 | Teresa I. Whitman | Faith, Fear & the Future of AI: Why the Church Must Engage
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with pastor and author Teresa I. Whitman about faith, theology, and artificial intelligence. They explore how AI works, the challenges of distinguishing AI-generated content, and concerns ranging from deception to data centers’ impact on...
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S7 E5 | Dr. Carmen Imes | Fierce and Faithful: Rediscovering the Women of the Bible for Our Kids
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with Dr. Carmen Imes about Fierce and Faithful, a new kids’ book she co-authored with Dr. Nijay Gupta, highlighting 25 women of the Bible who dared to trust God. Carmen shares why children need more than “flannelgraph” versions of...
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S7 E4 | Dr. Christa L. McKirland | A Theology of Authority
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Crista McKirland joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to talk about her book A Theology of Authority: Rethinking Leadership in the Church. They discuss how authority, leadership, and power should function in the church, emphasizing the dignity of all the saints and the...
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S7 E3 | 2 Corinthians Part 3: Power Perfected in Weakness
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer explore the closing chapters of 2 Corinthians, focusing on Paul's conflict with the so‑called “super apostles.” Lynn explains how these opponents twist half-truths, claim credit for Paul's work, and promote a...
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S7 E2 | 2 Corinthians Part 2: Habits of Community and the Grace of Giving
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer continue their series on 2 Corinthians, focusing on chapters 6–9. Lynn explains how Paul defends his apostleship not through impressive achievements but through hardship, endurance, truthful speech, and sincere love,...
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S7 E1 | 2 Corinthians Part 1: The Drama Behind The Letter
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer kick off a new series on 2 Corinthians by setting it in the messy, very human story of Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church. Lynn recaps 1 Corinthians, highlighting the factions, celebrity culture, and...
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Scones, Ships, and Scripture: Previewing Season 7 of The Alabaster Jar
In this Season 7 preview of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer share summer stories from Oxford museums, seaside hikes, and scones with clotted cream, all setting the stage for what’s ahead. Lynn introduces the upcoming focus on Paul’s letters and Acts, including a…
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From The Archives | Dr. Michelle Knight | Faithfulness in a Compromised Kingdom – Examining King Ahab and Queen Jezebel
In this archived conversation, Dr. Michelle Knight joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to delve into the complex biblical figure of Jezebel, exploring her multifaceted role in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. Through a detailed examination of key passages, including the infamous story of Naboth's vineyard, they...
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From The Archives | Chaplain Dr. Eva Bleeker | Grief, Creativity, and the Book of Lamentations
In this archived conversation, Chaplain Dr. Eva Bleeker joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to talk about the Book of Lamentations and its significance for processing grief and loss. Dr. Bleecker shares insights from her experience as a chaplain and discusses how Lamentations serves as a compassionate…
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From The Archives | Dr. Nika Spaulding | And Upon This Rock: A Fresh Look at the Apostle Peter
In this archived conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito speak with Dr. Nika Spaulding to discuss her role as co-editor of the book And Upon This Rock: Peter's Transformative Journey from Fisherman to Follower to Foundational Leader. They dive into the themes of Peter's life, his...
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From The Archives | Dr. Holly J. Carey | Examining Women Disciples in the Gospels
In this archived episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Holly J. Carey joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss her book Women Who Do: Female Disciples in the Gospels. In this episode, Dr. Carey analyzes stories of women in the Gospels and finds that female disciples consistently modeled virtuous...
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From The Archives | Marg Mowczko | Exploring Biblical Egalitarianism
In this archived episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick has a rich conversation with Australian Bible teacher and writer Marg Mowczko about mutuality between women and men in the church and home. Marg shares her story of coming to faith as a girl in a male-led church culture and her…
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From The Archives | Dr. Caryn A. Reeder | The Samaritan Woman's Story: Reconsidering John 4 After #ChurchToo
In this archived episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick speaks with Dr. Caryn A. Reeder about her book The Samaritan Woman’s Story: Reconsidering John 4 After #ChurchToo. Reeder explains how the wave of abuse disclosures in the church led her to re-examine how Scripture is taught…
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From The Archives | Dr. Jeannine K. Brown | Scripture as Communication
In this archived episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews her longtime friend and New Testament scholar Dr. Jeannine Brown about biblical hermeneutics and her work on Philippians. Brown explains how her book Scripture as Communication shapes her approach to interpretation,...
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S6 E52 | Dorothy Sayers: Mystery, Work, and the Drama of Redemption
In this special episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and co-host Dr. Josephine Stringer explore the life and work of Dorothy Sayers, a 20th‑century detective novelist, playwright, translator of Dante, and public theologian. They discuss Sayers’ celebrated Lord Peter Wimsey...
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S6 E51 | Dr. Michelle Knight | Men and Women at the NLT Translation Table
In this special episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with Dr. Michelle Knight, Old Testament scholar and Senior Reviewer for the New Living Translation (NLT), about their recent work with the NLT translation committee. They describe the collaborative, worshipful environment of the...
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S6 E50 | The Journey of The Alabaster Jar: Five Years of Women’s Voices and Vision
In this special episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and co-host Dr. Josephine Stringer look back on over five years of conversations, featuring more than 250 episodes, 200,000 downloads, and listeners in 25 countries. Lynn shares the story and theological richness behind the podcast’s...
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S6 E49 | Dr. Preston Sprinkle | From Genesis to Junia: Rethinking What the Bible Says About Women in Leadership
In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews Dr. Preston Sprinkle about his new book, From Genesis to Junia: An Honest Search for What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership, which traces what the Bible says about women in leadership. Preston describes his work as a genuine research...
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S6 E48 | Dr. M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall | When the Journey Hurts: Finding God’s Purpose in Our Suffering
In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews Dr. M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall (Liz Hall) about her book When the Journey Hurts: Finding Meaning in Suffering for Heart, Mind, and Soul. Drawing from her own stage two breast cancer diagnosis and a decade of research, Liz explains the psychological...
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S6 E47 | Tiffany Stein | Mourning God, Mystery, and Hope After Unimaginable Loss
In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews Tiffany Stein about her book, Mourning God: Grieving Loss, Wrestling with God, and Finding Your Way Back to Life. Tiffany shares the story of her son David, who lived 53 days in the NICU, and how his death led her into both profound grief and a...
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S6 E46 | Dr. Sandra L. Richter | Reclaiming Proverbs 31: The Heroic Woman at the Heart of Wisdom
In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews Dr. Sandra L. Richter, the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College, to talk about reading Proverbs 31 in its ancient context. Richter explains that Proverbs 31 is the climactic conclusion of a high-level work of wisdom...
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S6 E45 | 1 Corinthians Part 5: Resurrection, New Creation, and Everyday Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 15–16)
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer complete the final episode of their 5-part series on the book of 1 Corinthians by exploring Paul’s rich teaching on the resurrection in chapters 15–16 and why a bodily resurrection is central to the Christian...
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S6 E44 | 1 Corinthians Part 4: Headship, Hierarchy, and the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 11-14)
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer cover part 4 of their 5-part series on the book of 1 Corinthians by exploring 1 Corinthians 11–14, where Paul addresses worship, headship, and life together in the church. Dr. Cohick unpacks the debated term...
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S6 E43 | 1 Corinthians Part 3: Freedom to Love in Community (1 Corinthians 7–10)
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer begin part 3 of their 5-part series on the book of 1 Corinthians by exploring 1 Corinthians, un 7-10, showing that Paul’s vision of freedom in Christ is not for personal autonomy but for loving service within...
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S6 E42 | 1 Corinthians Part 2: Relearning the Wisdom of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1–6)
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer embark on episode 2 of this 5-part series on the book of 1 Corinthians by exploring 1 Corinthians 1–6, unpacking Paul’s call to a cross-shaped life marked by humility rather than status or eloquence. Lynn...
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S6 E41 | 1 Corinthians Part 1: Setting the Stage for Corinth
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer introduce a 5-part series on the book of 1 Corinthians by setting the historical and cultural scene of ancient Corinth. Dr. Cohick explains Paul’s 18‑month ministry there, the city’s significance as a hub for...
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S6 E40 | Dr. Scot McKnight and Adrienne Gibson | How Trauma-Informed Ministry Heals the Body of Christ
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick sits down with New Testament scholar Dr. Scot McKnight and trauma counselor Adrienne Gibson to discuss their new book, Traumatized Church: What Paul's Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us About Helping Those Who are Hurting....
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S6 E39 | Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing | True Forgiveness: Letting Go Without Letting It Slide
In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with theologian and author Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing about her new book, Forgiveness: Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear. Together they explore why forgiveness is often misunderstood in both secular culture and the church, and...
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S6 E38 | More Than a Beauty Pageant: The Real Story of Esther and Vashti
In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer explore the Book of Esther through the lives of Esther and Vashti, highlighting how both women display courage under an abusive and volatile king. They set the story in its historical context in the Persian palace at Susa, unpacking...
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S6 E37 | Dr. Joseph R. Dodson and Mattie Mae Motl | Conquerors, Not Captives: Rethinking Romans 7
In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Joseph R. Dodson and his daughter Maddie Mae Motl about their book, Conquerors, Not Captives: Reframing Romans 7 for the Christian Life. They challenge the popular view that the “I” in Romans 7 is Paul describing the normal Christian struggle...
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S6 E36 | Dr. Cyndi Parker | Hidden Women, Holy Places: The Samaritan Woman at the Well and the Sisters of Bethany (Part 2)
In Part 2 of their conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Cyndi Parker, an expert in biblical context, continue their discussion about the women in Jesus’ life and the importance of place in understanding Scripture. They focus on the Samaritan woman at the well and Dr. Parker first situates the...
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S6 E35 | Dr. Cyndi Parker | Hidden Women, Holy Places: Mary of Nazareth and Anna in the Temple (Part 1)
In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Cyndi Parker, an expert in biblical context, about the women in Jesus’ life and the importance of place in understanding Scripture. They begin with Mary, the mother of Jesus, challenging modern labels like “unwed teenage mother” by situating...
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S6 E34 | Coffee with Cohick: Listener Q&A, Cultural Context of Adoption, and Naming in the Bible
In this 3rd edition of "Coffee with Cohick" episode of The Alabaster Jar podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelley Mathews answer listener-submitted questions that explore various themes centered around women's empowerment, biblical understanding, and the significance of questions in faith. They...
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S6 E33 | Dr. Sandra Glahn | A Woman's Place is in the Story
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Sandra Glahn joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss her upcoming book (releasing August 25th, 2026), A Woman's Place Is in the Story: Seeing Women in the Biblical Narrative. They explore the question of why women-focused study Bibles are necessary,...
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S6 E32 | Dr. Eve Tibbs | Seeing the Gospel Through Icons
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Eve Tibbs joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss her book, Seeing the Gospel: An Interpretive Guide to Orthodox Icons. They explore the significance of Orthodox icons, their unique visual language, and how they convey biblical stories and theological...
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S6 E31 | Dr. Michelle Knight | Ruth Beyond the Hallmark Story
In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Knight joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to talk about how to read the book of Ruth with careful hermeneutics rather than as a “Hallmark” love story. They explore the harsh realities of famine, displacement, and economic vulnerability in the days of the Judges and how these...
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S6 E30 | Galatians Part 3: Freedom, Faith, and the Spirit
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer conclude their three-part series on Paul's letter to the Galatians. They delve into what freedom in Christ truly means, emphasizing that faith—rather than strict adherence to the law—welcomes believers into...
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S6 E29 | Galatians Part 2: Belonging, Equality, and Adopted by Faith
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer continue their exploration of Paul's letter to the Galatians, focusing on chapters 3 and 4. They delve into Paul's frustration with the Galatians' confusion over faith, Mosaic law, and the meaning of true...
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S6 E28 | Galatians Part 1: The Gospel of New Creation
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer begin a three-part series exploring the book of Galatians. Dr. Cohick discusses its historical context, the significance of Paul's message, and the implications of the resurrection. They also delve into the...
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S6 E27 | Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson | Reading for the Love of God
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss her book, Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice. Together, they explore the transformative power of reading as a spiritual practice and talk through how stories…
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S6 E26 | Coffee with Cohick: Listener Q&A, Women Leading Boldly, and Biblical Exegesis
In this 2nd edition of "Coffee with Cohick" episode of The Alabaster Jar podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelley Mathews answer listener-submitted questions that explore practical advice for women leading Bible studies, drawing lessons from biblical figures such as Phoebe, Priscilla, and Junia.…
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S6 E25 | Rev. Dr. Tracey Bianchi | Waiting with Women (Advent Series Part 4): Mary - The Girl Interrupted
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito conclude their Advent series focusing on the theme of love as they reflect on the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus. They discuss how Mary's life was interrupted by divine purpose, her response to the angel...
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S6 E24 | Rev. Dr. Tracey Bianchi | Waiting with Women (Advent Series Part 3): Elizabeth, Mary, and the Gift of Friendship
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito continue their Advent series with a focus on the theme of joy. They reflect on the stories of Elizabeth and Mary in the Gospel of Luke, highlighting how profound joy is magnified in the context of friendship and...
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S6 E23 | Rev. Dr. Tracey Bianchi | Waiting with Women (Advent Series Part 2): Hannah's Story and the Gift of Peace (Shalom)
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito continue their Advent series with a focus on the theme of peace. They explore the biblical story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, drawing lessons about honest prayer, enduring hope, and the nature of biblical peace...
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S6 E22 | Rev. Dr. Tracey Bianchi | Waiting with Women (Advent Series Part 1): Sarah and the Gift of Deferred Hope
In this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito begin their Advent Series with Rev. Dr. Tracey Bianchi to explore the meaning of Advent as a season of waiting and hope, drawing from the story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis. They also dive into why waiting…
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VM 17 | Dr. Sandra Glahn & Dr. Kelley Mathews | Art, Faith, and the Lost Legacy of Praxedes & Pudenziana
In this episode of the Visual Museum Podcast Series, Dr. Sandra Glahn and Dr. Kelley Mathews delve into the extraordinary lives of sisters Praxedes and Pudenziana, celebrated for their unwavering devotion and service. Drawing from the Visual Museum of Women in Christianity, they reveal the…
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S6 E21 | Dr. Elizabeth Backfish and Dr. Cynthia Shafer-Elliot | Exploring Ancient Israel’s World in the Hebrew Bible (Part 2)
In Part 2 of their conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by both Dr. Cynthia Shafer-Elliot and Dr. Elizabeth Backfish, co-authors of "Grounded Theology in the Hebrew Bible: Exploring the Cultural Context That Formed Ancient Israel." They explore the cultural, historical, and theological context...
About this show
The Alabaster Jar is a weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Lynn Cohick. Dr. Cohick is a highly respected New Testament scholar and the founding president of the Center for Women in Leadership, a 501C3 organization designed to encourage women as they minister and lead in the church and in the academy.
Hosted by
Dr. Lynn Cohick
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