Bible Streams

In this episode of Bible Streams, as we conclude our examination of the Revelation's content, we delve into the cosmic drama at its heart, exploring the ultimate showdown between good and evil and the glorious promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Join Chris and Jo (but not Alex, sigh) as they unpack the rich symbolism and historical context, offering a fresh perspective on this often-misunders...

Christ Comes, Evil Falls! This episode celebrates Christ’s triumphant return and the final defeat of evil, and it unpacks the thousand‑year reign of Christ. Join Jo, Chris & Alex as they take us through a thoughtful, accessible conversation that connects vivid biblical imagery to faithful daily living. We wander through the throne‑room worship, the wedding‑of‑the‑Lamb scene and the dramatic rider...

BABYLON IS BURNING! Picture the glittering capital of corruption—draped in gold, drunk on the blood of saints—turning to ash in a single, shocking hour as kings wail, traders watch their profits vaporise and angels shout, “Fallen, fallen!”. This episode uncovers the explosive exposé behind the scarlet-clad seductress of Revelation 17, reveals how empires cannibalise themselves, and asks: will you...

In this gripping episode of Bible Streams, we plunge into the intense and awe-inspiring visions of Revelation 15 and 16. Join Alex, Jo, and Chris as they unpack the seven bowls of God’s wrath, the sea of glass mingled with fire, and the climactic cry of “It is done!”. We start with the heavenly prelude in chapter 15, where the saints stand victorious, singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. We exp...

In this episode of Bible Streams, we dive into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of Revelation 13. Join us as we explore the symbolism of dragons, beasts, and the infamous number 666, all while keeping our feet firmly planted in the historical and biblical context. We kick off with a look at the dragon and the beast from the sea, drawing connections to the apocalyptic imagery found in D...

In this episode of Bible Streams, we dive into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of Revelation chapters 11 and 12. Join Alex, Jo, and Chris as they explore the symbolic imagery of two witnesses, a measuring rod, and a beast from the abyss, all while keeping things light-hearted and engaging. The podcast kicks off with a discussion on the significance of measuring the temple and its wors...

In this episode of Bible Streams, hosts Chris, Alex, and Jo continue their deep dive into the Book of Revelation, focusing on the dramatic imagery and profound messages found in chapters 8 and 9. As they explore the opening of the seventh seal and the sounding of the first six trumpets, the hosts unpack the apocalyptic symbols and their historical and theological significance. This episode highlig...

In this episode of "Apocalypse Now: The Book of Revelation," we dive into the mysterious world of the Four Horsemen and the opening of the seven seals. Join us as we explore the vivid imagery and profound messages hidden within these ancient texts, all while keeping it light-hearted and engaging. As we approach the middle of our series, we unpack the symbolism of the Four Horsemen—riders on white,...

The scene changes and the curtains open on a scene of heavenly worship: angels crying out, elders bowing down, multitudes responding to a Lion who is a Lamb as though it had been slain... The heat is really turning up as we continue through the book of Revelation! Join Alex, Chris & Jo as they discuss these impacting chapters, give some good background information that help make sense of what John...

The letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 are possibly some of the best known parts of the apocalypic book, mainly due to their accessibility compared to the rest of it. But how should we read these seven letters? Are they examples of the history or eras of the church? Are they addressed to different types of church today? Are they symbolic? And why all the Old Testament references? Join...

“Worship is central to what's happening in Revelation—it’s not just about the ‘end times,’ but about allegiance to the Lamb in the here and now.” - Dr Craig Keener. In this third episode of the "Apocalypse Now?" series, Jo, Chris, and Alex are joined by world-renowned Biblical scholar, Dr Craig Keener, to explore the major themes of the Book of Revelation.  Together, they uncover the rich symbolis...

In this episode of our series 'Apocalypse Now?', we delve into the opening chapter of the Book of Revelation, setting the stage for an exploration of its profound imagery and messages. Join Chris, Jo, and Alex as they unpack the initial verses, discussing the significance of the seven churches, the symbolism of numbers, and the powerful vision of the risen Christ. We explore the dual nature of Rev...

What’s the deal with Revelation? It’s got beasts, thrones, dragons, and a lot of confusion—but is it really about the "end of the world"? In this episode of our series 'Apocalypse Now?', we kick off our deep dive into the Book of Revelation, exploring its authorship, historical context, and key themes. We’ll uncover how this ancient apocalyptic text isn’t just about mysterious visions and future p...

As the year draws to a close, the Bible Streams team gathers for a special end-of-year wrap-up episode! Hosted by our producer, Tim Whittle, and joined by regular hosts Jo, Chris, and Alex, this episode is a classic mix of reflection, fun, and excitement for what's ahead. What’s in This Episode? 2024 in Review: The team takes a moment to reflect on a year filled with incredible series, challenging...

In this episode, we dive into Gary Schnittjer’s insightful and engaging book, Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch. If you've ever felt that the first five books of the Bible are daunting, this book (and our review!) might be just what you need. Schnittjer offers a fresh way of approaching Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy with clarity, curiosity, and a pastoral hear...

As we complete our series on the Atonement, Chris and Jo discuss their learnings and surprise take-home applications. We wrap up the series with a message from Jo preached at Riverlife on the way we can practically apply the atoning work of Jesus to our lives. Resources The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andr...

Join Alex, Chris, and Jo as they dive into the deep (and sometimes nerdy!) waters of atonement theology. From heated debates on who exactly Jesus died for, to a fun detour into quantum theory and open theism, this episode blends big ideas with a light-hearted twist. In this episode, we explore the different views on the extent of the atonement, including Limited Atonement (or Particular Redemption...

In this episode of Bible Streams , Chris and Jo sit down with Dr. Gary Schnittjer to explore the profound theme of atonement in the Old Testament . How did God’s plan for redemption take shape in ancient Israel, and what can we learn from it today? Join us as we dig deep into the sacrificial system, covenant theology, and the rich symbolism that foreshadows Christ’s ultimate atonement on the cross...

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it...

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it...

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it...

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it stretch?...

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement is one that has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians traying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? ho...

As we wind down at the end of yet another year of Bible Streams, join our producer, Tim, as he sits down with Jo, Alex, and Chris to wrap up 2023 (with a little bit of fun along the way) and to look ahead to 2024. Fans of Star Wars may also find some fulfilling content along the way... As is now a yearly tradition with Riverlife Podcasts, there will also be bloopers and outtakes. Here's to another...

As we wrap our mammoth series on Genesis, we welcome our producer, Tim Whittle, to the front of the microphone to ask your listener questions to Alex, Chris & Jo. Listen in as we wrestle with some pretty deep and probing questions and how the themes of Genesis and its message to us today still shine through as we wrestle with how we read this ancient text. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode...