The Naked Bible Podcast

Dr. Heiser and special guest David Burnett answer questions from a live audience. Thank you to everyone who came and joined us in Boston, Massachusetts.

In this second installment of ETS interviews, Mike chats with Carl Sanders and Ronn Johnson, two long-time friends. In the first part of the conversation with Carl and Ronn, we focused on their own response to “higher life” sanctification and reminisced about our academic and teaching experiences. In Part 2, Mike, Carl, and Ronn conduct a thought experiment to illustrate what biblical-theological geeks do at these meetings by asking Ronn to toss out a new view of the atonement he’s been thinking about and then probing it for strengths and weaknesses.

It’s that time of year – a new round of interviews with scholars and professors at the annual meetings of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) and the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL). In this first installment we talk to Hugh Ross about his new book, Improbable Planet, and his apologetics ministry; Doug Groothuis about anti-intellectual attitudes in the believing Church; Andy Naselli about his new book on “higher life” (Keswick) theology; and Maurice Robinson about his scholarly work on the Byzantine-Majority text type of the New Testament.

Mike and Trey recently visited Fern and Audrey. The visit produced an opportunity not only to share some of the items discussed during that visit, but also new developments in their ministry to trauma survivors. This episode explores some of their work and methods in more detail and highlights a new direction in widening that ministry. Fern & Audrey are no longer associated with Discovering Mercy. Fern & Audrey are still helping survivors. You can contact them at info@fernandaudrey.org

The discussion highlights the intriguing figure of Melchizedek and his unique priesthood, which predates the Levitical order. It dives into Christ's high priesthood and its theological implications. The interpretation of Jeremiah 1:4-5 sheds light on the concepts of preexistence and God's omniscience. The complexities of corporate solidarity surrounding Levi's existence prompt a fresh view of biblical texts. Additionally, the historical influence of pre-existence on early Christian thought is explored, challenging traditional theological interpretations.

Our series on the book of Hebrews continues the writer’s emphasis on the faithful priesthood of Christ – this time as the basis for turning away from a theology of dead works and clinging to faith. The centrality of not turning from the true gospel of faith in the work of Christ and God’s acceptance of the ministry of his Son – of continuing in “believing loyalty” to the gospel – is the central focus of the controversial statements in Heb 6:4-6. Does this passage teach that believers can lose salvation or reject salvation? Is there a difference? What about eternal security? This episode focuses on these questions.

Hebrews 4:14-5:10 focuses on the fact that our high priest—the person who runs interference between us and God when it comes to eternal life—is the same person who gave his life for that purpose: Jesus. It is inconceivable in the writer’s mind that anyone who believes in Christ would be turned away from eternal life because Jesus, our high priest, understands the weakness of humanity and the power of external temptation. After all, he became a human precisely to provide salvation, knowing that it would mean experiencing human weakness and temptation. Human weakness and failure are therefore not going to change Christ’s disposition toward those who believe in him.

Dive into the themes of faith and rest as presented in Hebrews 4. The discussion beautifully contrasts belief and unbelief, urging listeners to grasp the assurance of salvation. Explore the active nature of divine rest, emphasizing community and the role of Christ as the ultimate Sabbath. Learn how traditional Sabbath observance relates to salvation without meriting it. Finally, understand the profound connection between faith and entering God's promised rest, showcasing the power of God's Word in revealing our true beliefs.

The discussion dives into Hebrews 3, revealing the complex tension surrounding believers' salvation. It highlights how salvation depends on ongoing faith rather than adherence to the law or moral performance. Comparing Moses to Jesus, the speakers emphasize Jesus' superior role in God's kingdom. The importance of belief in the gospel is underscored, illustrating that rejection leads to eternal insecurity. Listeners are also teased with insights into upcoming themes in Hebrews 4, such as rest and Christ's priesthood.

This episode continues our discussion of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) from the previous episode. Our guest on this episode is Dr. Michael L. Brown, biblical scholar and host of the well-known radio show, Line of Fire. Dr. Brown has long been part of the charismatic wing of Christianity and has ministered in a wide variety of capacities in that context. He has also been a persistent internal critic of the abuses and fringe behaviors within the charismatic movement. In this episode Dr. Brown relates his own experience with the NAR as an infrequent point of discussion within charismatic circles. He therefore doubts its validity as a movement, though the general influence of charismatic ministry has had great impact despite clear abuses in doctrine and practice. Book: Michael L. Brown, Saving a Sick America: A Prescription for Moral and Cultural Transformation