Tough Texts

This week on Tough Texts, Scott and Dan explore Romans 5, a chapter that addresses the concept of original sin and its implications for humanity. They discuss how Paul's writings can make readers uncomfortable by pushing them beyond their natural understanding of justice and righteousness. The conversation delves into the roles of Adam and Christ, contrasting the spread of sin through one man's tr...

In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price look at the book of Philemon, focusing on the issue of slavery in the context of Christianity. Paul emphasizes his authority in Christ but chooses to appeal to Philemon out of love for Onesimus, a runaway slave who became a Christian under Paul's influence. Paul suggests that Philemon should receive Onesimus back not as a slave but...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price discuss Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac in Genesis 22:1-14. In what ways does Isaac prefigure Jesus as the sacrificial lamb? What does Abraham show us about faith? And how does this story deepen our understanding of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ? Join us as we explore these questions and more. Show...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price discuss the ministry of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:1-17. John prepares the way for the coming of Jesus Christ with the message of repentance and baptism. This chapter also highlights the baptism of Jesus, affirming His identity as the Son of God and marking the beginning of His public ministry. What significance does Jesus' b...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price cover Matthew 22:23-33. In this text, Jesus confronts the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, by pointing them to the Scriptures and God's power. He explains that in the resurrection, believers will be like angels, no longer marrying or being given in marriage, but living in the fullness of life with God. This passage challeng...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price cover Ephesians 5:1-6. Paul encourages believers to imitate God as beloved children, walking in love and avoiding the ways of darkness. What would it look like to be imitators of God? How do we walk in love like Christ? How does this passage reveal the idolatry in all of us? Join us as we unpack these questions and more. Show No...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price  cover Mark 12:13-17. Jesus confronts the Pharisees' attempt to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. He astutely responds, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." How does the parable of the tenant(Mark 12:1-12) provide context for Mark 12:13-17? How does Jesus' re...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price look into Romans 9:6-1. Paul addresses how God chooses His people, emphasizing that it is not based solely on physical descent but on His divine work. How does this passage bring comfort and assurance to believers? What role does faith play in God's choosing of His people? Does the OT narrative of Jacob and Esau foreshadow Chris...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price dive into the teachings of Ephesians 1:15-23, a passage that reminds shows us that God has given Christ to the church. In this epistle, the Apostle Paul expresses gratitude for the faith and love of the Ephesian believers, praying for God to grant them a deep understanding of His revelation. As we explore this text, consider the...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price dive into Matthew 16:24-28, a passage that holds profound significance for Christians. In these verses, Jesus calls on his disciples to take up their crosses and follow him, emphasizing the cost of discipleship and the eternal reward for those who lose their lives for his sake. How does this passage highlight ones desire to self...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price look into Luke 13:1-9, a strange passage that challenges us to reflect on one's desire to self justify. In this scripture, Jesus addresses the crowd, emphasizing the need for repentance and the consequences of a life lived without turning to God. As we unpack this text, consider these questions: How should Christians understand...

In Today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery take a look at an interesting dialogue between the disciples of John the Baptist and Jesus, addressing the practice of fasting. As we explore this text, we'll contemplate the significance of Jesus referring to himself as the bridegroom, examine Jesus's response, and consider the implications of the new wine and old wineskins metaphor....

We begin the New Year of Tough Texts with James 1:5-8, where James instructs believers to seek wisdom from God. How does the context of the book of James help us better understand this passage? What is antilegomena? What is faith? Is James suggesting Christians can have faith without doubt? What should we ask God for? Join us as we unpack these questions and more. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Pod...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Daniel Emery Price and Scott Keith dive into Acts 1:15-26. In this passage, we witness a pivotal moment in the early Christian community as they grapple with the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot's betrayal. What does Jesus say prior to this passage and what context does it provide? As the disciples gather to select a replacement, we explore the significance of lead...

In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price focus on 1 John 2:1-6, a passage that speaks to the grace offered by Christ. As Christians, how do we understand the role of Jesus as our Advocate in verse 1 and the significance of His righteousness covering our sins? What does it mean for us to "keep his commandments?" How do we avoid the trap of works righteousness when reading...

In this episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price focus on Matthew 18:1-6, a passage that invites us to explore the theme of humility and childlike faith. As Christians, how do we interpret Jesus' call to become like little children in verse 3, and what does it reveal about the nature of faith? How does this passage reveal our desire to self justify? How do we understand the warni...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price focus on Matthew 7:12-14, a passage that carries profound significance in shaping our Christian life and understanding of salvation. How should christians interpret the Golden Rule in verse 12, and what role does it play in our daily interactions as believers? How do we navigate the challenging concept of the narrow gate in vers...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price dive into 1 Corinthians 7:12-16, a passage that speaks to the complexities of mixed-faith marriages. In this section, the Apostle Paul offers guidance to the Corinthian Christians facing the challenge of being married to unbelievers. How does Paul instruct on the delicate balance between maintaining a Christian household and nav...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price explore the teachings of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. In this passage, the Apostle Paul provides profound insights into the Christian understanding of death and the hope we have in the resurrection. How does this passage challenge cultural views regarding death and life? What comfort does this passage offer to believers in the face...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Daniel Emery Price and Scott Keith explore a critical conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3:1-8. As we dive into this passage, we'll explore what it means to be "born again" or "born from above" as Jesus emphasizes. What does this text reveal to us about baptism and the Holy Spirit? How does it shape our understanding of salvation? Join us as we expl...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price dive into a difficult passage in John 14:12-14. How do we understand the meaning of 'greater works' in context? Is it possible to do greater works than Jesus? How does this passage reveal our desire to self justify? What should we ask from Jesus? Join us as we explore these questions and more. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podca...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, we jump into Judges 11:29-40, a strange and concerning passage that raises thought-provoking questions about how we try to make deals with God. How do we understand this text in context? How does Jephthah's narrative ultimately reaveal our lack of faith in God's promises? How does God choose deal with us when it comes to His promises? Join us as we answer these q...

Today on Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price explore Hebrews 6:1-6, a passage that can be especially difficult to navigate. This scripture holds significant weight in understanding the nature of faith and apostasy. What warnings does it offer to believers? What does it mean to crucify Jesus again and what harm does it bring? How do we see this issue arise in our lives today? Join us as...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price delve into Mark 4:10-12. In this scripture, Jesus teaches about parables, prompting his disciples to ask why he teaches in this manner. Why does Jesus choose to conceal certain truths when telling parables? What are some of the common misconceptions people have about parables? How does this passage inform us on how to read and i...

In today's episode of Tough Texts, Scott Keith and Daniel Emery Price dive into 2 Timothy 2:8-13, a text that reveals Christ for the elect. Who are the elect? How are they elected? How does Paul remind us of the enduring power of Christ's resurrection? What does it mean to be 'faithful even when we are faithless,' as this passage suggests? Join us as we unpack these questions and discover the asur...