Maranatha Teachings

This episode begins an equipping series on improving our study of the Scriptures through contextual understanding. Using Dr. Craig Keener's helpful guide, The Bible in Its Context: How to Improve Your Study of the Scriptures , we begin to examine the pitfalls of building beliefs and understanding based on proof texts and word studies alone. Join us as we through contextual reading unravel the appa...

In our concluding episode on the Apostles' Creed, we unpack the Christian hope contained in the declaration that we believe in "the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting." Join us in this lively, insightful, and powerful discussion on the realities of forgiveness, the transformative nature of the resurrection, and our eternal embodied future in a redeemed and...

Regardless the number of denominations and multiplicity of houses of worship, the church of Jesus Christ is singular. He is the head and we are his body. We are called to eagerly maintain the unity of the Spirit in the Bond of peace. But why are there divisions and what is truly heresy? And why do we call it "church" anyway? Join us as we discuss the words in the creed, "I believe i...

In this episode, we look at the impact the creeds had on the canonization of the New Testament as we examine the Person of the Holy Spirit and his function within the Godhead.

Long before Tolkien put pen to paper, the mightiest king known to mankind promised to return. In the words of the Apostles' Creed: He will come to judge the living and the dead. Join us as we examine Christ's arrival for his bride and the renewal of all things and the implications these truth on our present lives.

Humanity has gone through numerous trials in the past two thousand years, replete with plagues, wars, famines, and natural disasters. The witness of Scripture is that during this same time, Christ has been seated at the Father's right hand in heaven and placed as regent of the universe. Is this just fancy or are things really getting better? What are the practical implications of Christ active...

In the resurrection, Jesus overcame the penalty for humanity's sin. In the ascension, Christ not only returned to his former glory, he also ushered in a new era for mankind. Join us as we follow the Master from his dramatic proclamation during the Feast of Tabernacles that he would pour out the Holy Spirit to his enthronement at the Father's side and see what was set in motion at the begin...

In the words of the Apostles' Creed: He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. In this episode, we set the groundwork for understanding what was declared and accomplished in the ascendancy and glorification of Jesus the Messiah. Join us as we travel from the gates of Hades to the Mount of God and all the way into the heavens.

Without the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, Christianity would collapse like a house of cards. Our preaching would be found false, our faith in vain, and our sins remaining. But he rose and is alive forevermore! Join us as we examine the reasons why the resurrection was necessary in our continued study of the Apostles' Creed.

In this powerful episode, we conclude our discussion of Christ's conquest over the realm of the dead and the impact it has for the community of faith. Join us as we delve deeper into the underworld and come out on the other side with the Victor.

What was the purpose of Jesus's descent into the underworld? Join us in this lively discussion of Scripture's description of the realm of the dead and the Old Testament saints' view of it.

Aside from the tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea, where did Jesus go during the three days and nights he was buried? The Apostles' Creed proclaims that he descended to the dead. Join us as we examine this doctrine and what it has meant for New Testament saints ever since.

In the powerful episode, we examine Jesus's defeat of the evil kingdom by way of the cross and how to walk in cruciformity, a life identified with and led by the cross.

In the words of the Apostles' Creed, Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried." Picking up from our previous episode (The Scandal of the Cross), we delve into Jesus's proclamation of his impending death and the sign of the prophet Jonah. In this episode, we have slaughtered lambs, sacrificial doves, toppled temples, lifted serpents, and sea monste...

In this episode, we look at the cultural context of crucifixion and how Jesus's disciples and detractors would have heard and thought regarding his public execution. Join us for this sobering and empowering look at our Lord's sacrifice, the One who suffered under Pontius Pilate.

We continue our series on the Apostles' Creed based on Michael F. Bird's work in his book What Christians Ought to Believe . The Incarnation is the greatest wonder and mystery of this era of human history. God entered his creation in human form to save it. Join us as we delve into the fulfilled promise that is Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah. (Along with Bird's work, I also am indebted...

The first part of the Apostles' Creed states: I Believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. Join us as we discuss the deep theological truths of the incarnation of the Son of God and the revelation of the Father through the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

That the God we worship is the Creator of heaven and earth was a foundational tenant of the apostles of Jesus Christ. In this powerful sharing, we examine the encouraging implications that our heavenly Father is the Creator of all we see, including us. Furthermore, we find that the language of creation is the language of salvation. Finally, we look at the comfort trusting our faithful Creator brin...

In this episode, we examine faith, fatherhood, and fortitude. We look at the dynamics of an open, trusting relationship with God, what it means to have a loving Father, and how the all-powerful Creator of the heavens and the earth exerts his might for our complete redemption.

This episode begins our new series on the Apostles' Creed based on Michael F. Bird's book What Every Christian Ought to Believe . Join us as we examine the history and importance of Christianity's historical creeds, their impact on the biblical canon, and their importance and benefit for us today.

In this final episode of our series, we examine the healthy functioning of the body of Christ as its members use the grace bestowments of God in their midst. Along the way we explore purpose, identity, and functionality as individuals and as a community of faith. If you have ever received instruction on "motivational gifts" out of Romans 12, you'll be blessed to find that the text ha...

Fear not, this is not a polemic against "new age" crystal faith or ESP practices! In this powerful episode, we take a fresh look at Romans 12:2 and what it means to have a renewed mind.

Sister manifestation to speaking in unknown tongues, inspired interpretation through the Spirit brings tongues out of the prayer closet into the congregation for the edification of all. Join us as we examine this simple and profound manifestation of the Spirit, how it is accessed, and how it is to be employed in the congregational setting.

In this episode, we continue our examination of the Holy Spirit manifestations listed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. If you are curious about the phenomenon of "speaking in tongues" or are a seasoned charismatic, the information here may surprise you. We investigate tongues in light of biblical theology and the Deuteronomy 32 world view.

If you, like me, were taught that discerning of spirits had to do with identifying evil spirits and casting them out, this episode is for you. If you were taught that it had to do with keen insight in to human motivations and nature, this episode is for you. In fact, since the first letter to the Corinthians is for the church, we all stand in need of a clear Scriptural understanding of the grace e...