Wise Counsel

In this episode of Wise Counsel , Robert Smith unpacks Titus 1:2: “in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.” Eternal life isn’t wishful thinking—it’s anchored in God’s unshakable promise. Drawing on the insights of Michael S. Heiser ( The Unseen Realm )and N.T. Wright ( Surprised by Hope ), we’ll explore how the promise of eternal life shaped the earliest...

In this episode of Wise Counsel , host Robert Smith reflects on Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” This passage anchors us in God’s providence even amid suffering and uncertainty. Drawing on the insights of scholars like Michael S. Heiser ( The Unseen Realm ) and N.T. Wright ( Paul and the Faithfulness of God ), Robert explores how God weaves...

Today’s Wise Counsel episode dives deep into Jeremiah 29:11, a timeless passage speaking of hope amid uncertainty. Exploring the original context and its relevance for modern believers, host Robert Smith uncovers how this promise points to God’s future and our place within it. Featuring insights from renowned scholars Michael S. Heiser and Craig S. Keener, the episode bridges ancient texts with to...

In this episode of Wise Counsel , Robert Smith explores the story of God’s Temple Presence from Solomon’s temple filled with glory, to the Second Temple where the glory was missing—until Jesus himself entered—to the breathtaking reality that every Christian believer is now God’s temple . Our main passage is 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 , which redefines holiness and worship not as places we go, but as li...

In this episode of Wise Counsel , we explore the true meaning of Sabbath through the lens of Genesis 2:1–3 . Was God’s “rest” about inactivity—or about His kingship over creation? Drawing on the insights of Dr. Michael S. Heiser and Dr. John Walton , we’ll see how the seventh day in Genesis is not merely a pause in work but God’s enthronement in His cosmic temple. Along the way, we’ll reflect on w...

 In this episode of Wise Counsel , host Robert Smith reflects on Psalm 33:1–3 , a call to “sing a new song” and to worship the Lord with joy, skill, and sincerity. This passage reminds us that worship is both a response to God’s past faithfulness and an anticipation of His future acts. Drawing on insights from Tremper Longman III and Michael Heiser , we’ll see how the psalm ties earthly worship to...

In today’s episode of Wise Counsel, host Robert Smith explores Micah 6:6–8, where the prophet calls God’s people not to empty ritual, but to justice, mercy, and humility. This passage challenges us to consider what true worship looks like beyond church walls and Sunday mornings. Drawing on insights from Michael S. Heiser (on the covenantal faithfulness of God’s people) and N.T. Wright (on kingdom...

Romans 8 opens with a thunderous truth: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” In this short devotional, we explore the liberating power of the gospel and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re burdened by past mistakes or striving to live rightly before God, this episode will remind you that freedom isn’t something you earn—it’s something you receive...

In a world where faith is often sidelined or silenced, what does it mean to live unashamed of the gospel? In this episode of Wise Counsel , host Robert Smith explores Romans 1:16 through the lens of the ancient story of Onesimus , a runaway slave transformed by grace. With biblical insight and practical encouragement, this devotional reminds us that the gospel isn’t just a message—it’s power. Powe...

In this episode of Wise Counsel , we explore Psalm 91 , a passage rich in imagery and spiritual depth. Often turned to in times of crisis or uncertainty, this psalm isn't just poetic—it’s a bold declaration of trust in Yahweh as a divine protector . Drawing on the theological insights of Michael Heiser and Craig S. Keener , we examine how Psalm 91's language of shelter, shadow, and wings c...

In this episode of Wise Counsel , we reflect on Psalm 90 , the only psalm attributed to Moses , alongside the profound theological vision of Deuteronomy 32 . Together, these texts form a spiritual map for God's people standing in the tension between wilderness and promise. With help from Dr. Michael Heiser , we explore how the Divine Council worldview and Israel’s chosenness deepen our underst...

In this episode of Wise Counsel , we explore the Divine Council worldview —a biblically grounded yet often overlooked theme that illuminates God’s authority, the spiritual realm, and our role in God’s cosmic plan. With help from Michael Heiser , whose scholarship on Psalm 82 and related passages has reshaped how we understand the unseen realm, we look at the heavenly council where God presides ove...

In today’s episode of Wise Counsel , we explore Psalm 29 —not just as majestic poetry, but as a strategic spiritual declaration. In its ancient Near Eastern context, this psalm boldly challenges the Canaanite god Baal, often revered as the storm god. Using vivid storm imagery, the psalmist asserts that it is Yahweh , not Baal, whose voice rules the waters, breaks the cedars, and reigns over the co...

In this episode of Wise Counsel , we unpack Psalm 24 not merely as a beautiful hymn, but as a bold theological polemic. Rooted in the ancient Near Eastern context, Psalm 24 directly challenges the claims of the Canaanite storm god Baal by asserting Yahweh’s unmatched kingship. Drawing on the insights of Dr. Michael Heiser and biblical scholars like Peter C. Craigie and Craig Keener , we explore ho...

In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore Psalm 24 and Psalm 29, two ancient hymns that assert Yahweh’s cosmic authority using language deliberately aimed at undermining the Canaanite deity Baal. Through polemical poetry and powerful imagery, these psalms declare Yahweh—not Baal—as Creator, King, and Storm God. Drawing on the work of Dr. Michael Heiser and biblical scholars Tremper Longman III a...

In this episode of Wise Counsel , we turn to the timeless words of Psalm 23 , a passage cherished across generations for its tender imagery of God as our Shepherd. With insights from Michael Heiser , Tremper Longman III , and Craig S. Keener , we uncover the rich theology embedded in this ancient text. Psalm 23 is more than poetic comfort—it’s a declaration of divine loyalty, protection, and abund...

In today’s episode of Wise Counsel , we explore Matthew 28:16–20 , the Great Commission—not just as a call to missions, but as a declaration of cosmic authority and spiritual warfare. With insights from Michael Heiser’s Deuteronomy 32 worldview and "Reversing Hermon," we uncover the deeper theological meaning behind Jesus' command to "make disciples of all nations." Scholar...

In this episode of Wise Counsel , we explore the transforming reality of God’s indwelling presence through 1 Corinthians 3:16 —“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” Drawing on the work of Dr. Michael Heiser , N.T. Wright , and Craig S. Keener , we discover how the presence of God is not a feeling to chase but a truth to live by. From Eden to the Temple, f...

In this episode of Wise Counsel , we reflect on Matthew 6:25–34 , a key moment from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount where He addresses the universal struggle of anxiety. Through His words, we learn how trust in God's provision reshapes our priorities and relieves our fears. Scholars like Michael S. Heiser and N.T. Wright help us explore the theological and Second Temple context behind these ver...

In today’s episode, host Robert Smith explores the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1–12 , revealing how Jesus’s blessings flip our cultural values upside down. Drawing on insights from scholars like Michael S. Heiser and Craig S. Keener , Robert invites us to live out a radical kind of blessing—one that values meekness over dominance and mercy over pride. With reflections on American history and pop cul...

In this episode of Wise Counsel, we explore Job 35:10, where Elihu poses a question to Job and his friends: “Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night?” We’ll read a longer portion of Job 35 to grasp the context, draw insights from biblical scholars like Michael Heiser, John Walton, and Tremper Longman III, and reflect on how these ancient words resonate with moments in American history...

On today’s Wise Counsel , host Robert Smith explores Ezekiel 1 — one of the Bible’s most mysterious and symbolically charged passages. What did Ezekiel really see by the Chebar Canal? Was it merely a dazzling hallucination, or something far more theologically profound? Drawing from biblical scholars such as Dr. Michael Heiser and Dr. Daniel Block, this episode uncovers the meaning behind the wheel...

In this episode of Wise Counsel , host Robert Smith reflects on the most inspiring aspect of Genesis 37—God's providence at work through suffering and betrayal. Using Joseph’s story as a touchstone, he considers how God’s unseen hand works even in the darkest moments. With insights from biblical scholars like Bruce Waltke and Michael Heiser, Robert draws connections to both American resilience...

In today’s episode of Wise Counsel , host Robert Smith explores Genesis 4:21 and the often-overlooked figure of Jubal, the “father of all who play the lyre and pipe.” What does it mean that music—this deeply spiritual and emotional human gift—emerges not in Eden but in a world shaped by sin and exile? Drawing on insights from Dr. Michael Heiser and Dr. Bruce Waltke, we’ll consider how creativity p...

In today’s episode of Wise Counsel , host Robert Smith explores Genesis 36, a chapter often skimmed but rich in theological depth. What can we learn from a genealogy? More than you think. With insights from scholars like Michael Heiser and Walter Brueggemann, this episode reflects on how God’s purposes extend beyond Israel—even to the so-called "non-elect." Scripture, scholarship, and a...