Topics discussed in this podcast include blessings for same-sex couples, the concept of time travel, the level of faith in the world today, descent from David, testing for genuine contact or experience, free will and the concept of time, emotions and personalities of angels, artificial humans and AI souls, favorite Christmas films and the dechristianization of Christmas, lack of preaching on sin and repentance in church communities, symbolism of labor pains in Revelation, circumcision and salvation, differences between bats and humans, and worship and idolatry in relation to the physical presence of Jesus.
Jesus has lineage from King David through multiple ancestors in his genealogy.
Jesus' genealogy follows a male-to-male lineage, including legal adoption practices.
Adopted sons have historically inherited thrones in upper-class societies.
Testing and verification methods can help validate the authenticity of spiritual contact.
Psychic abilities can coexist with miracles, with God utilizing and elevating these natural capabilities for divine purposes.
Deep dives
Multiple ways of descent from David
The statement that Jesus is descended from David through multiple ways means that Jesus has lineage from David through different ancestors in his genealogy. For example, Matthew preserves a genealogy where Joseph, Jesus' legal father, is descended from David through David's son Solomon. Luke preserves a genealogy where Joseph is descended from David through David's son Nathan. This shows that Jesus has connections to David through two different lines, demonstrating his lineage from the ancient king.
Importance of male to male genealogy
While ancient Jewish genealogies typically follow a male-to-male lineage, Jesus' genealogy also follows this pattern. Both Matthew and Luke present male descendants from David, where Jesus' legal father, Joseph, is part of these ancestral lines. It is important to note that the genealogy incorporates legal adoption, such as the Levirate marriage practice in ancient Israel. This means that the genealogy includes legal fathers and their descendants, reflecting customary adoption practices.
Adoption and legal claims to the throne
Contrary to the claim that adopted sons have no legal claim to the throne, historical evidence shows that adopted sons did inherit thrones especially in upper-class societies. Adoption was sometimes pursued to ensure a legitimate male heir by offering an adopted son the right to succeed to the throne and continue the family line. Therefore, Jesus being legally adopted by Joseph does not invalidate his lineage and claim to the throne, as adoption commonly played a role in succession throughout history.
Importance of Adoption in Greco-Roman Society
Adoption in Greco-Roman society was primarily motivated by the desire to continue one's family line. Upper-class individuals would adopt adults to ensure their lineage would carry on. This practice was prevalent among Roman emperors. For instance, Augustus, Tiberius, and Nero were all adopted adults who became successors. The notion that adopted sons never inherited the throne is incorrect, as adopted sons legally inherit and have a claim to the throne.
Testing the Authenticity of Spiritual Contact
When it comes to discerning true spiritual contact, it is important to rely on testing and verification. While some people may have strong subjective experiences, it becomes crucial to seek additional evidence to convince others. One effective way to test spiritual contact is by requesting a sign or an improbable event that can be attributed to the spiritual entity. Another method is through vertical information, which refers to receiving information that is unknown to the living participants but can be verified as true. These testing methods can help validate the authenticity of spiritual contact.
The Possibility of Psychic Phenomena Impacting Miracles
Psychic phenomena and miracles can coexist, and the existence of psychic abilities does not diminish the supernatural origin of miracles associated with saints. Psychic abilities, such as psychokinesis or psychic healing, are natural capabilities that some individuals possess. In cases where these abilities are present, it is the elevation and use of these abilities by God that can result in extraordinary phenomena. Whether it is a natural teaching ability, a healing aptitude, or a psychokinetic capability, God can empower and utilize these abilities for His divine purposes while confirming their supernatural nature.
The importance of respecting regional language differences
Language variations exist across different regions and it's interesting to note these differences. However, these variations do not imply superiority or inferiority, but rather reflect the diversity of language usage.
Understanding exorcisms and the significance of procession in religious ceremonies
Exorcisms are typically performed when there is evidence of demonic infestation. However, claims that inanimate objects or photos of individuals can be demonically infested require solid evidence. Processions during religious ceremonies serve to emphasize the solemnity and importance of the occasion by going above and beyond standard practices.
The Nature of the Universe
The podcast discusses the misconception that the stars form a shell just outside the orbit of Saturn, representing the physical universe. In reality, the stars are at various distances, and there is no discernible ultimate edge or center of the universe.
Circumcision and Salvation
The podcast explores the understanding that circumcision in the Old Testament was not the source of salvation. Circumcision was a sign of membership in God's covenant, but faith in God and living by His law, rather than circumcision itself, was what saved a person.
In what has become an annual tradition, Jimmy Akin spends a few hours on Christmas in a livestream, hanging out and answering questions, in particular for those who don't have anyone to be with for the holiday.
