Differing Things

The concept of liberty is central to the Bible's message of salvation and freedom through faith in and of Jesus Christ. This Differing Things podcast will explore the Biblical meaning of liberty, tracing its themes through Old and New Testament passages about deliverance from oppression and new life in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

This Differing Things Podcast is a message our host gave at the recent Northeast Ohio Bible Conference. Bill's message on dealing with worry and anxiety is critically important in today's world. How often have you asked the question, "What if"? We ask it with regrets about the past, sometimes we ask it with worry about the future. "What if I get laid off"? "What if I had done something different"?...

This Differing Things Podcast is a message our host gave at the recent Northeast Ohio Bible Conference. Bill's message on dealing with worry and anxiety is critically important in today's world. How often have you asked the question, "What if"? We ask it with regrets about the past, sometimes we ask it with worry about the future. "What if I get laid off"? "What if I had done something different"?...

We are taught by religion that sin separates humanity from God. We are taught that God cannot bear to look upon it, nor can he look at the sinner. We are told that sin puts people into a place of non-ending torture called hell. But, the Bible says something totally different!

Translation from one language to another is a very difficult task, the expression of nuances in one tongue may be practically impossible in another language because of lack of appropriate vocabulary. The Greek word "aion" and all forms of this word constitute major problems for English speakers. The word is rendered over 40 different ways in common English Bibles. How should we understand this wor...

What is God's relationship with time? Many will teach that God is outside of time, others teach that time is contained within God. But we must ask, what verse states this? Where do we see any verse that shows God outside of time? We do, however, have many verses that sow us God working within the confines of time. What are the ramifications of all of this. Today we look in detail at God's relation...

The phrases "from olam" and "to olam" and "from the olam" and "to the olam" are not common in the Old Testament. The very use of “min”, the Hebrew for “from”, and “ad” for the English word “to” demands a distinguishable difference between two entities. In respect to time (as of course to space) one may speak of passing 'to' and 'from' a single entity (to-X-from); but to go 'from' one point or peri...

If the assumption that the Hebrew had some concept of endlessness as to both past and future, was not injected into the Hebrew OLAMIM passages, would these bear a rational interpretation consistent with the contexts in which this word occurs and with the Bible in general? In other words, should we use "forever," "everlasting," or "eternal" to translate 'olamim'? Are there better alternatives? Does...

O'lam is a Hebrew word that is greatly misunderstood. Many Religions construct doctrines based on a flawed understanding of this word. Consider Genesis 3:22 for example. It reads "... take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live le-olam." Most common Bible translations render le-olam as forever. Is this a good rendering? Why or why not? The way one understands olam will determine how one under...

All agree that individuals who have heard and appropriated the Gospel concerning Jesus' death, entombment, and resurrection have been assured a future life with the Lord. But what about the rest of humanity? There are really three views as to what happens to this vast majority of people. In order to understand these three views, one must understand what the underlying Greek and Hebrew words mean....

Our Host Bill Petri's opening to today's Differing Things Podcast states; "Few doctrines in Christianity are as terrifying or as misunderstood as hell." This podcast will dissect the doctrine of hell, examining its moral contradictions, its lack of Biblical foundations, and how the concept of hell evolved over time.

One of the greatest men of the Bible is John the Baptist. We all have heard his name, and most of us even know a little bit about him. But who was he really? Why is he such an important figure in the New Testament? There is much we have not considered about John the Baptist and who God intended him to be. Today's Differing Things takes an in-depth look at who John the Baptist was!

In today's world we are taught to hate our enemies. Wars have raged for as long as any of us can remember because of hatred. We must ask ourselves what does the Scriptures teach? Is there a difference between Jesus' message to Israel and Paul's message to the Body of Christ? Paul instructs us to follow him as he followed Christ. What does that look like? Today's Differing Things Podcast looks at t...

While considering the end of the Apostle Paul's earthly life, the Scriptures offer insight into his circumstances leading up to his death. What can we learn from the Scriptures to help sustain us in an increasingly anti-Christian society?

There are three great truths that confirm the historical fact -- Jesus really did rise from the grave, and by doing so He defeated death! These facts are: The tomb in which Jesus was entombed was discovered empty by women. Jesus' disciples had real experiences with one whom they believed was the risen Christ. As a result of the preaching of these disciples, which had the resurrection as its corner...

Have you ever wondered how ancient scriptures relate to contemporary mental health issues? The Bible is clear: God sees, understands, and cares deeply about our emotional and mental struggles! If you are navigating mental health challenges, know this: you are not alone, and the Bible is full of people who walked similar paths. Do not forget to give us a like, or better yet why not follow us, so th...

Recently our host, Bill Petri, did a study on sanctification. This is a very theological word that is often times misunderstood. What is sanctification? How does it work? What is the relationship between justification and sanctification? These questions form the basis for this week's Differing Things Podcast

A proper understanding of the Scriptures teaches Christians how to wage war. We fight a different kind of war, not a physical war but a spiritual war. We are to always remember in everything we are to demonstrate the love of Christ even to our enemies. What does this look like? Has it ever really worked?

This past weekend war broke out in the Middle East. The USA, Israel, and Iran began a conflict that has been brewing for some time. Many Christians believe we are entering Daniel's seventieth week prophecy, Christian Nationalists are viewing it as an opportunity to establish a Christian Theocracy, and most think we need to protect and guard Israel. Unfortunately, no Christians are asking, "Is this...

Who is are/is the higher powers of Romans 13? How can they be human governments when human governments are more likely to promote the evil with things like abortion, homosexuality, and questionable ethics? How does right division, and the Apostle to the Gentiles fit into a study of Romans 13? All these questions form the basis for the continuation of this much needed study of Romans 13.

It is crucial for a Believer to understand his relationship with earthly Governments and nations. In order to understand this relationship, it is crucial for us to know basic rules the Bible gives us in how to approach God's Word. Failure to apply these rules creates confusion, error, and frustration!

History can and often does teach us lessons that will predict our future. Nations, much like people can learn much from the past. The past teaches us that all nations have a life cycle, and how long that cycle continues in contingent on how well the nation learned some truths from the past. Back in 2012 former President Obama made a simple statement. He said, "the best is yet to come." We should a...

Special Guest Nathan Scranton explains his long winding path to ultimate reconciliation. This is a fascinating journey through addictions, fear of God our Father, and how ultimate reconciliation liberated him from a life of rebellion. Our host Bill Petri and Nathan have a really engaging conversation that will allow others to see the glorious light of how Christ won freedom for all His creation!

How does our understanding of the different Greek words translated as world or earth impact our understanding of Daniel's Seventy Weeks Prophecy? Why is it important for us to get a real understanding of these words? Be prepared to really think, this Differing Things will challenge all your preconceptions!

How does our understanding of the different Greek words translated as world or earth impact our understanding of Daniel's Seventy Weeks Prophecy? Why is it important for us to get a real understanding of these words?