The Two Trees Podcast

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Two Trees Podcast, we explore the story of Cain in Genesis 4, asking what it means to bear God’s image outside the Garden—and what happens when that calling is rejected. Tracing Cain’s motives, his refusal to master sin, and his failure as both priest and brother, we examine how the ground itself becomes a witness to his rebellion and how exile shapes the biblical theme of wandering “east of Eden.” Yet even in judgment, God’s unexpected grace appears in the mysterious “mark of Cain,” not as punishment but protection. This episode challenges us to look beyond the mark itself and wrestle with the deeper question at the heart of the story: why does Cain choose violence, and why does God extend mercy to the undeserving?

Send us Fan MailIt's a dark and stormy night here in Ohio, and Martin and Jon use the opportunity to read and discuss some of Jon's book, "The Way of Eden.  https://www.amazon.com/Way-Eden-Resisting-Darkness/dp/B0G9HLLMZ6/ref=sr_1_2?crid=WL0H54WXN4V8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Q1rmWAhwAQcqjZIU9FL5-NXnPumP_Nj34IthV0lQFCcIBGlFZ8lcu4MURp8ZC4dqBQgep-vfArcV9cCxTpyaL9M1Rq7lm5a48dSQzWQ9TkPuhpkapGFxfRgRIJsftCDyqcFOEs6rn3u-PaxZHD9aD7DpY9wWTzTG9yGWNhnxJpK9Tv4PcR5SWNgVsuXGmCpdGwMiEmERZUAfJRamaDBC6e3BmZkhXD0l6WWsuDFDJd4.oe3iFPTu3Cw6WfBLi9N98o39IS6o6W2sePjqOj9GM40&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+way+of+eden&qid=1777330814&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=%2Caps%2C378&sr=8-2

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Two Trees Podcast, we step into the haunting story of Cain and Abel in Book of Genesis 4:1–16 and explore what lies beneath the surface of the first recorded act of worship—and the first act of violence. Why are these brothers bringing offerings in the first place, and what makes Abel’s sacrifice acceptable while Cain’s is rejected? As we trace the role of Eve as life-giver and namer, we begin to see early echoes of civilization, vocation, and identity taking shape east of Eden. But at the center of the story is a divine confrontation: God’s warning that “sin is crouching at the door,” inviting Cain—and us—into a deeper question of what it means to rule or be ruled. Is humanity destined to be a victim or a predator? This episode invites you to wrestle with the tension between calling and corruption, and to consider how the story of Cain is not just about one man’s failure, but a mirror held up to life in exile.

Send us Fan MailIn our previous episode, we explored how names in the world of the Bible were never just labels—they carried identity, authority, and relationship. But what happens after humanities fall into sin? In this follow-up episode of The Two Trees Podcast, we trace the story forward—from Adam in Eden to Adam in exile, still speaking, still naming, but now in a fractured world. Drawing from the ancient Near Eastern understanding of names and the biblical story itself, we explore how naming was meant to bless, order, and bring life—and how it becomes distorted after the fall. Yet even east of Eden, Adam names again, calling his wife Eve, “the mother of all living,” a surprising act of hope in the shadow of death . From garments of grace to the guarded tree of life, this episode invites you to consider how humanity still bears the calling to speak life in exile—and how that calling ultimately finds its restoration in the name above every name.

Send us Fan MailIn the world of the Bible, names were never just labels—they carried identity, authority, and even power. In this episode of The Two Trees Podcast, we explore how the ancient cultures surrounding Genesis understood naming as an act of ordering the world, and how that context reshapes our reading of Adam in the garden. When God brings the creatures to Adam, this is more than observation—it is a divine invitation into stewardship, priesthood, and participation in God’s rule. But what happens when that gift is distorted? From the blessing and cursing of the tongue to the deeper meaning behind renamed figures in Scripture, this episode invites you to rediscover the weight of words and the calling to speak life in a world shaped by exile.Authors note:. I MADE A MISTAKE. Around 53.26 I said Adam called his wife Ezer that is incorrect he calls her Isah which means woman Ezer is the word translated helper in verse 8.  It's the word what describes what the Isah is suppose to be.  I apologize.

Send us Fan MailWe finish our discussion of Adam's exile from the Garden of Eden, and Martin tells us about his new love of theater. 

Send us Fan MailIn Genesis 3 we encounter one of the most important moments in the entire Bible: the fall of Adam and Eve and the exile from the Garden of Eden. But what actually happened in the garden?In this episode of The Two Trees Podcast, we explore the ancient story of the first human rebellion against God’s kingdom. The serpent challenges the rule of God, Adam and Eve seize control for themselves, and the result is the fracture of creation itself.

Send us Fan MailWe discuss the imagery of stars and the importance of storytelling in scripture.  

Send us Fan MailWe continue our study of Chaos and Sea imagery 

Send us Fan MailAncient Near Eastern cultures had some interesting ideas about the sea.  Let's begin a conversation about how the Biblical authors made use of the sea to discuss spiritual ideas.  

Send us Fan MailWhy does God get so angry at Moses for striking the stone? 

Send us Fan MailThe Bible is a timeless work written for an ancient audience with powerful modern-day implications. Join us as we discuss how we can join in with the ancient conversation, not just ignore it.  

Send us Fan MailWhat does the Bible tell us about the Garden of Eden?  

Send us Fan MailCan ancient temples help us understand the Garden of Eden?

Send us Fan MailWhat did ancient cultures mean when they talked about the "Heavens"?

Send us Fan MailThe Old Testament uses the word "god" differently than we typically do today.  What does the Bible mean when it calls the Lord the God of gods?  

Send us Fan MailJon and Martin bring you a special reading, celebrating our Lords birth.  

Send us Fan MailIt's the final week of Advent and we're looking at a very old Christian tradition the Antiphons of Advent.

Send us Fan MailRose leads us in a discussion of Joy as we continue our celebration of Advent

Send us Fan MailMartin leads a discussion of the topic of peace as we continue our celebration of Advent.

Send us Fan MailChristmas is coming and Christ is King!  Kristin leads us as we prepare our hearts for the Christmas season.  

Send us Fan MailIn our season finale we discuss what happened in the spiritual world when Christ was in the grave?  

Send us Fan MailWe take a look at Matthews description of the death of Jesus. 

Send us Fan MailWho is Pilate and how does his story add to the trial of Jesus?

Send us Fan MailListener Questions and an update on season 4 

Send us Fan MailChrist faces his foes in the garden, and shows how wield sorrow for the Kingdom of God

Send us Fan MailPastor Jon walks through his view of communion and the last supper. 

Send us Fan MailJesus is anointed outside of Jerusalem, what can we take away from one of the most beautiful moments of worship in the Gospels.

Send us Fan MailThe Crucifixion is looming on the horizon and Jesus stops to give us a glimpse into the fate of the temple and why its doom is coming.  

Send us Fan MailWhat was Jesus opinion of the Pharisees?  How can we learn from their relationship with Jesus?

Send us Fan MailJesus faces a series of challengers from the religious and political world of the first century, join us as we explore how He answers them. 

Send us Fan MailJon discusses Pastor Delgados new book God Shaped Prayer

Send us Fan MailWhy does Jesus curse a fig tree? Join us as we examine a confusing passage and what it all has to do with the temple, and with you and me. 

Send us Fan MailThe conclusion of the Fourth Sermon Of Matthew.  We examine the seriousness of forgiveness in Matthew 18

Send us Fan MailHow does God expect His people to wield power? 

Send us Fan MailWhat is the connection to Jesus rebuke to the disciples and the Old Testament?  Join us as we take a look at an exorcism and how Christ weaves Old Testament text into his sermons.

Send us Fan MailPastor Jons wife Erin joins the discussion as we take a look at the Mountain of Transfiguration, and the spiritual warfare implied in the text. 

Send us Fan MailThe episode that never quite got to the outline, we discuss resisting spiritual evil, and answer questions from last weeks episode.

Send us Fan MailWe examine the Old Testament background of demons and the why Jesus goes to Caesarea Philippi.

Send us Fan MailMatthew describes two very different ways of wielding power.  In this episode we examine the death of John the Baptist and a comparison between Herod and Jesus.I misspoke and said Sepphoris is near Jerusalem but I meant to say Nazareth 

Send us Fan MailSimple illustrations or deep mysteries? Join us as we discuss the Parables of Jesus.

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we discuss one of the most uncomfortable verses in all the Bible.  Is there an unforgivable sin? 

Send us Fan Mailapologies for the late release - hope we can still be friends 

Send us Fan MailJesus answers questions from followers of John the Baptist, and weaves Old Testament Truth into real time action, showing that the mission of the Christ is nothing the Darkness was expecting.  -also to our UK listeners please be nice to Rose while she visits y'all... if she's misbehaving feel free to send her back.  

Send us Fan MailJesus sermon in Matthew 10 has some weird images let's talk about them! 

Send us Fan MailWe discuss the calling of the Disciples, and the shepherding motif in scripture.  Warning: In a wondrous display of ineptitude I have misspoken and attributed a story of Rabbi Eliezer to Rabbi Akiva.  A Rookie mistake and I apologize.  Here are some links  to the story of the Rabbis and the miracles associated with the debate over the oven of akhani.  https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/144163?lang=bi. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Oven_of_Akhnai, https://sites.hofstra.edu/daniel-greenwood/the-oven-of-akhnai/, https://www.chabad.org/torah-texts/5455793/The-Talmud/Bava-Metzia/Chapter-4/59b

Send us Fan MailThe final miracle cycle discusses Jesus power over death itself.  

Send us Fan MailThe Ladies take over the podcast to discuss the calling of Matthew. 

Send us Fan MailWhat did it mean when Christ said He was able to forgive sin?  In this episode we examine the Pharisees reactions to the Power and message of Christ.  

Send us Fan MailHe has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.  Is 9:1–2.Jesus delivers two men from demonic possession.  Join as as we discuss the setting and supernatural implications of Matthew 8:28-34