What in the Word?

In this episode, we answer a question about what Jesus means when he says to "hate" father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and even life itself, and whether those who say that "hate means hate" are correct. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and we'll try to cover it.

In this episode we answer a listener question about Matthew 23, where Jesus condemns religious hypocrisy and tells his followers not to crave titles like "rabbi" or "father." We explore the context, consider whether Jesus is making a blanket ban on calling anyone "father," and consider his warning against seeking honor and status that belongs to God. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you w...

In this episode, we examine two passages to answer the question of whether Satan truly rules the world or has god-like authority over it. We examine Paul’s context in 2 Cor about spiritual blindness and what Satan’s influence is, then look at Luke 4 and think about what Jesus is really doing there in his answers to Satan. In the end, Jesus holds final authority, models how to resist temptation, an...

In this episode, we answer a question about Matthew 25 and the parable of the sheep and the goats, and specifically whether the passage teaches salvation by works. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and  we'll try to cover it

In this episode, we finish answering the question from our last podcast about Judges 11 and the tragic story of Jephthah, his vow, and the sacrifice of his daughter.

In this two-part discussion on Judges 11, we answer a question raised about whether God is inconsistent in his teaching on the value of human life and how we can understand the sacrifice Jephthah makes as a result of his rash vow.

On this final Resurrection episode of What in the Word, we finish our close reading of Henry Vaughan’s 17th-century poem, exploring how Christ’s death and resurrection dismantle the power of death and sin. 

In this episode we continue an Easter special on Henry Vaughan’s 17th-century poem, examining two stanzas that examine our changed relationship to death in light of Christ’s resurrection.

In this episode, we take our first look at a 17th‑century Easter hymn by Henry Vaughan that commands "Death and darkness, get you packing." We look at the poem's meaning, physical and spiritual death, Jesus as the light of the world, and how the resurrection removes the fear of judgment for believers.   As promised in the podcast, here's a link to the study on sunlight wave lengths.

In this episode, we look at Micaiah's vision, the mysterious lying spirit, and how God’s sovereignty shapes events when nothing is as it seems.

Join us as we look at the last chapter of 1 Kings, and see how Ahab, Jehoshaphat, and the prophet Micaiah speak to the reality that things are not always as they seem.

In 1 Kings 2 David gives Solomon his final instructions to walk faithfully before God and to settle unfinished business from his reign. The reign of Solomon points forward to the greater kingship of Christ, whose faithful rule promises lasting blessing and true worship.

This episode walks through 1 Kings 1, focusing on King David's frailty, the role of Abishag, and Adonijah's attempt to seize the throne. We look at how God uses Nathan and Bathsheba to secure Solomon's kingship and how it helps us think about God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the consequences of sin.

This episode examines a scene from Genesis 21 and what a well and a tree and bunch of lambs have to say about God. 

In this two-part special edition, we explore Genesis 6:1–8 and three big questions: who are the "sons of God" and the "daughters of humans"? What are the Nephilim and "warriors of renown?" And what good is any of this for us?  

In this two-part special edition, we explore Genesis 6:1–8 and three big questions: who are the "sons of God" and the "daughters of humans"? What are the Nephilim and "warriors of renown?" And what good is any of this for us?  

1 Samuel contrasts Hannah and Elkanah’s faithful worship with Eli and his sons’ corruption and the outcome it has for both families, their futures, and future of God's people, outlined in Hannah’s prophetic song. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and  we'll try to cover it.

1 Sam records the dawn of a new era for Israel and reveals incredible things about how God works while calling us to humble faith as we enter a new year. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and  we'll try to cover it.

In this episode we examine 2 Thessalonians 1, and particularly the transition from verse 4 to verse 5. There's three ways to take it, and the most likely one offers us some bad news that is actually really good news. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and  we'll try to cover it.  

In Hos 2, Israel's unfaithfulness to God is framed in a marriage metaphor. We explain the metaphor's purpose, its shock value, and why the harsh images point to judgment that aims at reconciliation and ultimately the rock-solid faithfulness of God.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and  we'll try to cover it.

This episode introduces the book of Hosea as we take a look at the shocking image of Hosea's marriage to Gomer and the way God uses it as a portrait of Israel's spiritual adultery. If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and  we'll try to cover it.

This episode examines Lamentations 5, the book’s shortest poem, where a united community voice uses paired lines of Hebrew poetry to lament suffering, confess sin, and plead for restoration; with an opportunity to reflect on Christ's work in the end.    If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and  we'll try to cover it.

This episode walks through the book of Joel, explaining some of the poetic imagery and what it means to understanding the unexpected role of God as both destroyer and watchman blowing the alarm. Heartfelt repentance, God’s swift restoration, and the promise to pour out his Spirit all connect the prophet’s message to the New Testament and the New Earth that's coming.  If you have a bit of the Bible...

In this episode we look at 1 Peter 1 and think about the significance that prophets and even angels longed to understand the salvation revealed in Christ, and the reality that suffering comes before glory. Then we look at what Peter expects us to do with that information.  If you have a bit of the Bible that makes you wonder, email whatintheword@tuta.com, and  we'll try to cover it

In this episode, we explore Psalm 103 (and its link to Psalm 104), showing how the psalmist contrasts human frailty with God’s hesed—his steadfast, covenantal love that brings mercy, forgiveness, and lasting meaning. Listeners are invited to praise God with their whole selves, recognize their dependence on God rather than themselves, and take comfort in the promise of their God's eternal faithfuln...