The Firstborn Dilemma

When Americans hear the word "firstborn," they often think of the eldest child—someone who grows up with first-time parents and becomes the guinea pig as the family navigates parenting. But in the Bible, the term firstborn carries a much deeper significance. In this episode, we explore the meaning behind Jesus being called the "firstborn son of the Father." Is the Bible suggesting that Jesus was created by the Father, making Him the first physical-born child and thus implying He is not eternal? Or is there a broader, more profound interpretation than our typical American perspective? Join us as we dive into the different meanings of "firstborn" in Scripture and how Jesus fulfills these rich, multifaceted implications.

Beyond Replacement Theology: A New Look at Israel and the Church

Israel is once again at the center of global attention, with the world watching to see what will happen next. In the Bible, Israel is depicted not only as a nation but also as a people and even an individual man. But what does Israel mean today? Many in the church hold the view that Israel has been replaced—either by the church as the new bride of Christ, or by the church fulfilling God’s will while Israel exists as a separate nation outside of God’s covenant people. Both interpretations can be confusing, especially when considering biblical books like Jeremiah, which speak of a renewed covenant with Israel. These theological frameworks raise more questions than answers. In this episode, Pastor Mark and Justin offer a fresh perspective, challenging traditional views and introducing a new theological approach that honors Israel while fully embracing the New Covenant as the true path to salvation. Tune in as they break down this complex issue and explore a more nuanced understanding of God's promises.

The Original Sin

In the beginning, God created a perfect world and placed Adam and Eve in a garden overflowing with beauty and divine provision. Imagine walking in the cool of the evening alongside the Creator of all things—it sounds almost too incredible to be true. Yet, within this paradise, the Serpent lay in wait, ready to seize the moment and introduce sin into the world.

In this podcast, we explore the story of humanity’s first sin and its far-reaching implications. How does this pivotal moment in Scripture shape our understanding of the human condition today? Join us as we examine the theological concept of original sin, its enduring impact over centuries, and how we, as believers, are called to respond in our daily lives.

Visions in the Night

What if the dreams you have aren’t just random thoughts or fleeting images? What if they are messages? Throughout history, God has used dreams to speak to men, rulers, prophets, and even to protect the Savior of the world. But does He still communicate with us in this way today? Are our dreams simply products of our subconscious, or could they be a deeper, divine invitation? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the Biblical foundation of dreams and challenge you to consider how God might still be using them to guide, warn, and inspire us in our modern lives. Prepare to rethink the way you see your dreams—and discover how they might carry more meaning than you ever imagined.

Is Hell Eternal?

For nearly 2,000 years, the doctrine of eternal Hell has shaped traditional Christian beliefs. But today, many are grappling with a challenging question: How can a “good” person who doesn't accept Jesus face eternal suffering? Is it fair? Can a merciful God truly allow such pain? Join Pastor Mark and Justin as they dive into this thought-provoking topic, unpacking the complexities of Hell and challenging long-held dogmas. Together, we’ll explore what Revelation calls the Lake of Fire and what it implies about the final destination for the wicked. Tune in for an engaging discussion that aims to deepen our understanding of faith, mercy, and the afterlife!

Taking Care of the Orphan and More with Rabbi Alex Yalenga

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rabbi Alex Yelenga a compassionate leader dedicated to sharing and spreading the Gospel from Lusaka, Zambia. Through his incredible ministry, Rabbi Alex cares for nearly 400 orphans, providing food, clothing, education, and sharing God’s Word to each child. In this episode, we dive into his mission and the profound impact it has, discuss the importance of caring for the fatherless, and talk about the significance of supporting Israel in challenging times. Rabbi Alex also shares about his work planting churches in areas deeply influenced by voodoo and other spiritual practices, bringing the Gospel to communities where it has never been shared before. Don’t miss this uplifting episode and Rabbi Alex’s message of hope and resilience.

Election Day and the American Church

Today, we're tackling a subject that often gets overlooked in American churches: the power of voting. Many congregations steer clear of politics, but why is that? Is it because we struggle to find candidates who are godly enough? Or do we believe that God's plan will unfold no matter our choices at the ballot box? If that's the case, should we just stay home while millions of Americans cast their votes?

We believe voting is a vital way to bring God's kingdom to earth. It might sound bold, but we encourage you to listen in—your perspective might just shift. Join us as we explore the intersection of faith and civic duty!

Trick or Truth?

As the witching hour approaches and spooky season envelops us in its chilling embrace, we're surrounded by skeletons, witches, and all things eerie. For those of us following Jesus, how do we navigate the Halloween culture that creeps in each year? Is there a way to repurpose this haunting season for good, or has it strayed too far into the shadows of evil? Join us as we delve into this topic, asking the pivotal question: Trick or Truth?

Shemini Atzeret: New Beginnings

In this episode, we delve into the mysterious festival of Shemini Atzeret or the  "Eighth Day," which is the concluding celebration of the Fall Festivals. Scripture offers limited insights about this day shrouding it in mystery and inviting curiosity. Yet, using the rest of Scripture, we can uncover fascinating connections to Jesus and the concept of His new creation. Join Pastor Mark and Justin as they explore the various biblical connections, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and debate the deeper meanings of this overlooked feast and its implications for believers today.

Sukkot and the Birth of Jesus

As Sukkot, or the Festival of Tabernacles, approaches, we are going to jump into a unique tie in between the birth of Jesus and this festival.  In this episode, we uncover the deep significance behind the word 'dwell' in John 1, which can be translated as 'tabernacled.' This concept links Jesus' coming to earth to the festival of Sukkot, suggesting Sukkot may go beyond God simply dwelling with Israel in the OT. As we explore the ancient scrolls, we reveal how the church has shifted celebrating Jesus’ birth in its theological framework to the celebration of Christmas. Join us as we unpack this forgotten theology.

Atonement, Jesus, and Azazel

In this episode, Pastor Mark and Justin explore the significance of the Day of Atonement for believers in Christ. While we often focus on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we rarely consider its deep connections to the Old Testament. Leviticus 16 and Yom Kippur reveal a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus' work, including His descent into Hades. Join the discussion as they unpack the symbolism and mystery behind Azazel and the greater story of redemption.

God's Trumpet

Ever wondered if God has a trumpet? Believe it or not, He does! In this episode, we dive into an ancient festival dedicated to blowing the shofar, or ram’s horn, and explore its surprising connection to Jesus as King. Why is a ram’s horn so significant, and what does it mean for us today? Join us as we unravel the mysteries of this unique festival and discover why God designed it as a yearly celebration for His people. Tune in to uncover the deeper meanings behind God's trumpet and its relevance to our lives.

God's Calendar: Part 2

Welcome to Part 2! Did you know that God’s calendar includes eight annual festivals? Why does the modern Christian church often overlook these divine holidays? While we commonly celebrate Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter in the Church today, this wasn’t the case for the Israel or the early church. When it came to the Apostles, you don’t find them marking these days or seeing them outlined in Scripture. Instead, the early believers observed the Jewish feast days, all of which point to and are fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Join us as we delve into God’s calendar, explore the rich meaning behind these festivals, and discover how to celebrate Jesus in a way that aligns with His plans rather than human traditions.

God's Calendar: Part 1

Do you follow a calendar? Ever wondered what it’s based on? Calendars keep us on track with appointments, work weeks, and holidays, but rarely do we consider God’s own calendar outlined in the Old Testament. In this episode, Pastor Mark and Justin dive into God’s calendar and how it contrasts with the Greco-Roman system we use today. Join us as we explore the fascinating details of how God’s calendar could shape our daily lives and our year-round journey with Him.

What Happened to Elijah?

In 2 Kings 2, the Bible tells us that Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind and brought into the heavens. This incredible scene is described in only 2 verses. The question we ask is, what actually happened to Elijah, and can we ever truly know? Did he avoid death? Did he go to the same heaven as Jesus or a different place? Will he return (or has he already returned)? Join us as we jump into this intriguing topic!

God’s Pagan Civil Rulers

Nebuchadnezzar was the pagan king of Babylon from approximately 605-562 BC. He was filled with worldly motives that revolved around conquering nations and expanding his own personal rule. In Daniel 2:37, God reveals this about Nebuchadnezzar, “you, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength, and the honor.” This proclamation was expressed after Nebuchadnezzar had conquered Jerusalem and took Judah captive. The question you may ask yourself is, why would God lift up a pagan ruler in such a way knowing he was not God-fearing, nor had he treated Judah with kindness and compassion? Join us as we unpack this mysterious revelation.

Jesus and the Law: Part 2

Ready for part 2 of Jesus and the Law? In this episode we continue to unpack the implications of Jesus and His teaching on “fulfilling” the Law of God. In fact, directly following Matthew 5:17-19, we begin to see Jesus reveal how He fills up the teachings of the Torah (OT) instead of tearing them down. After understanding this revelation, we as believers in Him can bring out the fullness in our own lives and radically contradict the world we live in just as Jesus did during His days on Earth.

Jesus and the Law: Part 1

In Jesus’ (paraphrased) words, “I did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill it.” The question must be asked, what does it mean to “fulfill”? In this episode we discuss the Jewish background of the word for “fulfill” and explain the historical and literary context of this passage. In the end, we conclude Jesus’ words about the Law of God have been misrepresented and misinterpreted for centuries. Our hope is to shed light on the text and dialogue about the words of our Messiah.

Jonah: The Overlooked Death

The story of Jonah is well known story for a reason. It’s short, satirical, and fantastic! When you think of Jonah being swallowed up by the great fish, are you picturing a lonely man camping in the belly of a whale, waiting to be brought to shore? This is the picture usually painted of Jonah’s time in the belly of the great fish. But, we posit a different interpretation of Jonah’s time in the fish’s belly. Jonah 2 gives us a unique perspective that may differ from the traditional telling of the story of Jonah; however, it is a perspective that gives us a direct link to Jesus.

The Illuminator

In John 1:4-5, the Bible speaks of Jesus being the life and light of mankind. Life and light are terms we use often in believing circles. Their common use can lead to a loss of their rich and deep theological meanings. In biblical times, the terms light and darkness had significant connotations that implied forces of power at work. In this episode, we will discuss how John uses this imagery to develop the theology of Jesus’ role and effect over the dark world we live in.