What in the Word?

In this episode, we finish answering the question from our last podcast about Judges 11 and the tragic story of Jephthah, his vow, and the sacrifice of his daughter.

In this two-part discussion on Judges 11, we answer a question raised about whether God is inconsistent in his teaching on the value of human life and how we can understand the sacrifice Jephthah makes as a result of his rash vow.

On this final Resurrection episode of What in the Word, we finish our close reading of Henry Vaughan’s 17th-century poem, exploring how Christ’s death and resurrection dismantle the power of death and sin. 

In this episode we continue an Easter special on Henry Vaughan’s 17th-century poem, examining two stanzas that examine our changed relationship to death in light of Christ’s resurrection.

In this episode, we take our first look at a 17th‑century Easter hymn by Henry Vaughan that commands "Death and darkness, get you packing." We look at the poem's meaning, physical and spiritual death, Jesus as the light of the world, and how the resurrection removes the fear of judgment for believers.   As promised in the podcast, here's a link to the study on sunlight wave lengths.

In this episode, we look at Micaiah's vision, the mysterious lying spirit, and how God’s sovereignty shapes events when nothing is as it seems.

Join us as we look at the last chapter of 1 Kings, and see how Ahab, Jehoshaphat, and the prophet Micaiah speak to the reality that things are not always as they seem.

In 1 Kings 2 David gives Solomon his final instructions to walk faithfully before God and to settle unfinished business from his reign. The reign of Solomon points forward to the greater kingship of Christ, whose faithful rule promises lasting blessing and true worship.

This episode walks through 1 Kings 1, focusing on King David's frailty, the role of Abishag, and Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne. We look at how God uses Nathan and Bathsheba to secure Solomon's kingship and how it helps us think about God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the consequences of sin.

This episode examines a scene from Genesis 21 and what a well and a tree and bunch of lambs have to say about God. 

In this two-part special edition, we explore Genesis 6:1–8 and three big questions: who are the "sons of God" and the "daughters of humans"? What are the Nephilim and "warriors of renown?" And what good is any of this for us?  

In this two-part special edition, we explore Genesis 6:1–8 and three big questions: who are the "sons of God" and the "daughters of humans"? What are the Nephilim and "warriors of renown?" And what good is any of this for us?  

1 Samuel contrasts Hannah and Elkanah’s faithful worship with Eli and his sons’ corruption and the outcome it has for both families, their futures, and future of God's people, outlined in Hannah’s prophetic song. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

1 Sam records the dawn of a new era for Israel and reveals incredible things about how God works while calling us to humble faith as we enter a new year. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

In this episode we examine 2 Thessalonians 1, and particularly the transition from verse 4 to verse 5. There's three ways to take it, and the most likely one offers us some bad news that is actually really good news. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.  

In Hos 2, Israel's unfaithfulness to God is framed in a marriage metaphor. We explain the metaphor's purpose, its shock value, and why the harsh images point to judgment that aims at reconciliation and ultimately the rock-solid faithfulness of God.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

This episode introduces the book of Hosea as we take a look at the shocking image of Hosea's marriage to Gomer and the way God uses it as a portrait of Israel's spiritual adultery. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

This episode examines Lamentations 5, the book’s shortest poem, where a united community voice uses paired lines of Hebrew poetry to lament suffering, confess sin, and plead for restoration; with an opportunity to reflect on Christ's work in the end.    If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

This episode walks through the book of Joel, explaining some of the poetic imagery and what it means to understanding the unexpected role of God as both destroyer and watchman blowing the alarm. Heartfelt repentance, God’s swift restoration, and the promise to pour out his Spirit all connect the prophet’s message to the New Testament and the New Earth that's coming.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it

In this episode we look at 1 Peter 1 and think about the significance that prophets and even angels longed to understand the salvation revealed in Christ, and the reality that suffering comes before glory. Then we look at what Peter expects us to do with that information.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it

In this episode, we explore Psalm 103 (and its link to Psalm 104), showing how the psalmist contrasts human frailty with God’s hesed—his steadfast, covenantal love that brings mercy, forgiveness, and lasting meaning. Listeners are invited to praise God with their whole selves, recognize their dependence on God rather than themselves, and take comfort in the promise of their God's eternal faithfulness. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it

Psalm 104 complements Psalm 103 by shifting from covenantal praise to cosmic praise of God as Creator and sustainer of the earth. Join us to look at the psalm’s imagery of God ordering chaotic waters and providing for all creatures, and how it calls listeners to trust in God’s power and goodness and ultimately points to the power and work of Christ. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it

In this episode we explore 1 Chronicles 11–12 and the lists of David’s "mighty men." We unpack how Chronicles portrays God as the true builder of David’s kingship, the importance of unified, willing worshipers, and how human choice and divine sovereignty work together. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it  

This episode walks through 1 Chronicles 10 and looks at the abrupt end of Saul and the swift rise of David to explore why the Chronicler omits so much of the story that's available in 1 & 2 Samuel to make a theological point to exiled Israelites; and to us.    If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it  

It's not all big words, I promise.   If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it

In this episode we begin a short series on Chronicles, showing why these books are more than just a more boring version of Kings. Chronicles traces God’s people from creation to the return from exile and teaches important things about what it means to be God's people and God's work in history. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

In this episode of "What in the Word," we look at Romans 5:1-11 and justification by faith, peace with God, and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. We discuss how these concepts unfold from the first four chapters of Romans and explore the personal and relational use Paul makes of the ideas and how peace with God transforms our understanding of life. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

In 1 Samuel 25, there's an abrupt notice about the death of Samuel the prophet and a shift in action as David arises. Samuel has been David's primary defender up until now; how will God care for him, and how will David manage without the prophet? Join us as we witness how God orchestrates His plans through unusual means and demonstrates His remarkable ability to fulfill promises and teach lessons at the same time. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

Joshua chapters 13 through 19 can be a challenging read, but they lay out significant themes of divine promise and Israel's distinct relationship with God. They illustrate the paradox of the gospel, show how God's eternal plan unfurls, and have hope for those who are waiting in weakness.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.  

The fall of the city of Ai in Joshua chapter 8 is a tough thing to understand, and it's natural it should inspire the question: "What did Ai do to deserve this?" We look into the cultural, historical, and theological context to address the question and how it all applies to us.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.  

Deuteronomy 21 has some unique, often puzzling laws. These laws, like many in Deuteronomy and Leviticus, are not always easy to apply 1-to-1 onto our modern cultures, but what they do reveal is more and more of God's character, culminating in the revelation of the Trinity through Jesus Christ. Deut 21 is a great place to look back and look forward and reflect on how to faithfully apply biblical laws in today's world.    If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

Zechariah speaks to God's people who've returned to their homeland yet faced disappointment and unmet expectations. Discover how Zechariah encourages the people to look at the true reality behind visible reality, where God remains their active king despite the absence of a temple or a Davidic ruler.   

Psalm 116, like many others, is rich with wordplay and parallelism, some of which helps us understand the Psalmist's talk of being God's "slave" yet celebrating freedom from his bonds. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

Take a look with us quickly at the various perspectives on judgment presented by these three books.  

How can Paul rejoice that there are people out proclaiming the gospel with false motives, doing it in envy or to hurt another Christian? Join us as we look at how Paul's circumstances fuel a bold proclamation among believers and his strategic use of it as an encouragement to the Philippians.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

Num 28 and 29 repeat some information we get earlier in the law; but they're not just empty repetition. They offer a new generation of Israelites implicit promises of blessing, connect creation and redemption through the God who gives both, and shine a light on the only path for true self-worth and rest found in life with God. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

Numbers 24 and 25 have funny and important moments surrounding Balaam, a pagan prophet, who experiences firsthand how God can use an unexpected instrument. His story is set up to illustrate three key points of Numbers that are worth thinking through for everyone who loves to live with God.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

In this episode, we take a very brief look at the next events in the life of Israel after the rebellion of Moses in Num 20. Discover how God begins to restore Israel and what their story has to teach us about the loss and disconnection that sin can bring and what reconnection God can forge.   If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

From the ritual of the red heifer to the infamous story of Balaam and his talking donkey, Num 19-25 are interesting and sometimes confusing. Today we look at the first part and at Moses, whose rebellion marks a low point and sets up the theological points to be made in the next few chapters. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

Zephaniah 1 talks about "the day of the Lord." This pivotal day is about both judgment and salvation, as God's promises are fulfilled. Zephaniah emphasizes that salvation can only come through judgment, both in the immediate context of judgment upon Judah and the ultimate cosmic judgment that God promises. Comparing the language of Zephaniah with the accounts of Jesus's crucifixion, we gain a deeper understanding of the "day of the Lord" and what it really means.   If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

In this episode, we look at Micah chapter 6 and how God highlights simple ingratitude as a serious sin that's often at the root of seemingly more significant sins, like idolatry. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

The basic narrative of King Hezekiah appears in three different books of the Bible. We dissect what the focus of 2 Kings is in telling it, and the epic battle of words between God and the King of Assyria that takes place.   If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

The concluding chapters of 2 Samuel weave patterns of sin, provision, and deliverance, foreshadowing the deliverance to come in Jesus Christ.   If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

What does Jesus mean when he tells his disciples that they can't possibly know when he'll return, but they're to prepare for it? Through three parables, Jesus illustrates that readiness is not about predicting dates or looking for signs of his coming but about faithfully living out our discipleship, using every opportunity, and living for God now rather than thinking there will be time to do that later.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected], and we'll try to cover it.

In the lead-up to Matt 24, Jesus corrects poor understandings of his work and kingdom, and, as he approaches Jerusalem, deliberately confronts religious leaders, ultimately pronouncing woe upon them and upon the temple. This prompts some questions from his disciples (who misunderstand again). Join us to think for a few moments about how Jesus answers the disciples' questions. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected] and we'll try to cover it.

In this episode, we look at the recurring use of the verb "do" in this chapter and four sets of contrasts that Jesus sets up to describe what it means to be part of the kingdom of heaven.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected] and we'll try to cover it.

Jesus' radical call to his disciples challenges natural human inclinations and societal values.   If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected] and we'll try to cover it.

Jeremiah 23 is rich in poetic wordplay and powerful lessons. Join us as we explore how God addresses the spiritual failings of Judah's leaders and prophets and of Judah as a whole and how the worthless words of false prophets contrast with the powerful words of God.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected] and we'll try to cover it.

Jeremiah chapter 2 contains some vivid metaphors that show what it means to wander away from God and remind us how all that Christ has done was not to win us things but God himself.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected] and we'll try to cover it.

What does Jesus mean when he claims to be Messiah?   If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email [email protected] and we'll try to cover it.