The Bible Dept.

What kind of God would ask a father to sacrifice his son? And what kind of son would willingly go along with it? In Genesis 21–23, we see two parallel stories: Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah, and Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness. Both stories involve sons in danger, divine intervention, and a powerful revelation about who God really is. This isn’t just about obedience—it’s about presence, pain, and provision.✈️ Overview:• Genesis 21 and 22 are deeply connected—two sons, two parents, two stories of near-death, and two pictures of divine rescue.• Hagar avoids her son’s suffering, but Abraham walks with Isaac into it—revealing two very different kinds of presence.• Isaac isn’t tricked or overpowered—he willingly walks alongside his father, foreshadowing Jesus’ surrender at the cross.• God provides a ram caught in a thicket, just as He would one day provide a substitute for all humanity.• Abraham’s final test reveals not only his faith—but God’s character.🔎 Context Clues:• “Early the next morning” appears in both stories—Abraham sending Hagar away and later ascending the mountain with Isaac.• Both sons carry the burden: Ishmael with water on Hagar’s back, Isaac with wood on his.• Divine intervention shows up both times—angels calling from heaven and redirecting the outcome.• The phrase “Here I am” repeats, showing Abraham’s posture of availability, not certainty.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• The Akedah (“binding of Isaac”) is a well-known Jewish tradition—but some rabbis also refer to a “phantom Akedah” involving Ishmael.• Isaac’s willing participation is essential—otherwise, it’s not a picture of Jesus.• The ram is caught in thorns—a reminder of the curse in Genesis 3 and Jesus’ crown at the crucifixion.• Abraham knows how to perform a human sacrifice—because all the gods of his culture required it. Yahweh is showing He’s different.• Leviticus was a gift to ancient people—finally, they didn’t have to guess what God wanted.✅ Timeless Truths:• Salvation is provided—not earned. The ram wasn’t bought; it was given.• Presence is powerful. God doesn’t always give us solutions, but He asks us to stay present.• Faith grows through testing. Abraham’s journey included both failure and faithfulness.• God doesn’t require child sacrifice. He provides one—His own Son.• Our theology must be shaped by God’s actions, not just our assumptions.This story isn’t just about Abraham’s faith—it’s about God revealing who He truly is. See you tomorrow for Genesis 24–27!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🤠 JOIN US IN NASHVILLE ON APRIL 26TH FOR ARMA ONE-DAYOur first ever ARMA One-Day event is coming to Nashville, TN. Join Dr. Manny for a live teaching experience based on his new book, Crushing Chaos. Seats are limited. Tickets are available now HERE! 🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What does it really mean to be righteous? In Genesis 18-20, we see Abraham intercede for Sodom, only for God to reveal that influence—not isolation—is the true test of righteousness. Lot lived in a wicked city, but had no impact on it. His failure to lead, protect, or influence his own household stands in stark contrast to Abraham’s radical hospitality and leadership. This episode explores how righteousness isn’t just personal—it’s public, visible, and contagious.✈️ Overview:• Abraham offers radical hospitality—even while recovering from circumcision—rushing to serve strangers with urgency and honor.• God invites Abraham into a conversation about judgment, as Abraham bargains for Sodom’s salvation.• We meet Lot’s household in Sodom, where his lack of influence reveals that personal righteousness must also impact others.• The episode ends with disturbing events involving Lot’s daughters and Abraham once again misrepresenting his wife—stories that set up the future of two nations.🔎 Context Clues:• Middle Eastern patriarchs didn’t run—yet Abraham runs to meet guests, signaling extraordinary honor.• Abraham prepares 36+ pounds of flour—enough for over 20 loaves of bread—highlighting lavish hospitality.• The bartering scene in chapter 18 reveals Abraham’s belief that righteousness can preserve cities—but God’s standard includes influence, not just morality.• Lot’s household likely included ten people—the exact number Abraham bargains for—but none are righteous in God’s eyes.• Fire from heaven in Sodom mirrors the flaming sword from Eden, tying judgment and exile back to Genesis 3.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• “Hurrying” appears 3x and “running” once—rare language for patriarchs in Scripture.• Righteousness is first tested in one’s household—Lot fails to influence his own family.• The Moabites and Ammonites descend from Lot’s incestuous relationships with his daughters—tragic consequences of compromised leadership.• God’s judgment on Sodom is an answer to Abraham’s question: are there truly 10 righteous people there?✅ Timeless Truths:• Righteousness without influence is not righteousness.• Hospitality reflects the heart of God—and the posture of true leaders.• Leadership begins in the home.• God honors intercessors—but He also sees what we cannot.• Light that doesn’t shine is useless. Real righteousness is always contagious.👉 We’re proud of you for staying on track in the Bible Reading Plan. Keep it going, and don’t break the streak. See you for Day 88 as we continue through Genesis!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🤠 JOIN US IN NASHVILLE ON APRIL 26TH FOR ARMA ONE-DAYOur first ever ARMA One-Day event is coming to Nashville, TN. Join Dr. Manny for a live teaching experience based on his new book, Crushing Chaos. Seats are limited. Tickets are available now HERE! 🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What if circumcision wasn’t just about physical obedience—but a sign of spiritual sensitivity? In Genesis 15–17, Abraham makes a huge mistake by taking matters into his own hands with Hagar. But instead of full judgment, God gives him circumcision—a symbol of both discipline and mercy. In this episode, we explore the consequences of Abraham’s actions, the compassion of God, and the revelation of a name Hagar gives to the Lord: El-Roi, the God who sees. If you’ve been reading through Genesis with us, today’s episode will stretch how you think about justice, covenant, and the kind of God who sees even the most overlooked stories.✈️ Overview:• Abraham and Sarah try to “help” God’s promise by using Hagar—leading to generational consequences.• In response, God introduces circumcision as a covenantal sign—marking Abraham’s flesh where he sinned.• God reaffirms His promise and changes Abram’s name to Abraham, signaling a new identity and renewed calling.• We meet Ishmael, who will also be blessed—but becomes a biblical symbol of the “son of the flesh.”• God reveals Himself to Hagar in her suffering as El-Roi, the God who sees.🔎 Context Clues:• The language of Sarah “taking and giving” Hagar mirrors Eve’s actions in the garden—highlighting the recurring theme of human attempts to override God’s timing.• The use of circumcision directly addresses Abraham’s misuse of his body and reorients him toward holiness and legacy.• God’s command for circumcision comes after Hagar’s violation—offering discipline, not destruction.• Hagar, an Egyptian slave with no voice or power, is the first person in the Bible to name God: El-Roi.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• Circumcision = not cancellation. God removes just enough to purify, not destroy—a pattern we still need today.• Ishmael is described as a “wild donkey of a man,” echoing animal-like descriptions used for other “sons of the serpent.”• The Isaac vs. Ishmael arc mirrors Cain vs. Abel—a son of promise and a son of the beast.• Eastern literature uses imagery and symbolism to indicate identity—don’t expect the Bible to say it outright, but to show it.• Redemption comes through patterns: God doesn’t erase Abraham’s mistake, but redirects the story toward grace.✅ Timeless Truths:• God sees you—even when no one else does. El-Roi is the God who sees pain, injustice, and your hidden story.• Real love begins with being fully seen and fully known by God.• Circumcision isn’t just physical—it’s a metaphor for cutting away anything in us that resists God.• Don’t confuse castration for circumcision. God removes what’s harmful, not what’s holy.👉 You’re doing amazing! Stay on your streak and keep going. Tomorrow we hit Genesis 18–20. Let’s go! 🚀🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🤠 JOIN US IN NASHVILLE ON APRIL 26TH FOR ARMA ONE-DAYOur first ever ARMA One-Day event is coming to Nashville, TN. Join Dr. Manny for a live teaching experience based on his new book, Crushing Chaos. Seats are limited. Tickets are available now HERE! 🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

The Tower of Babel wasn’t just a story about human pride — it’s about humanity’s desire to build their own identity apart from God. But what if God’s solution wasn’t punishment, but protection? In Genesis 11-14, we see the scattering at Babel, the calling of Abram, and the beginning of a redemption plan that reverses Babel at Pentecost. If you’re on a Bible reading plan, reading the Bible in one year, or diving into daily Bible study, this episode will help you see these famous stories with fresh understanding.✈️ Overview:Genesis 11-14 closes the first major section of Genesis with the Tower of Babel — humanity’s attempt to make a name for themselves. God scatters the nations, not as judgment alone, but to prevent dangerous uniformity. Out of this scattering, God calls Abram, a man more interested in his brother’s legacy than his own name. We also see Abram’s faith in action, Lot’s rescue (the first biblical picture of redemption), and the introduction of tithing as Abram gives a tenth to Melchizedek.🔎 Context Clues:The tower builders use waterproof materials, fearing another flood. But God’s covenant had already promised otherwise — revealing humanity’s distrust. Babel’s tower was likely a ziggurat, an elevated space meant to house divine presence. In Acts 2, the scattering of Babel is reversed in an elevated upper room with wind and tongues of fire. The languages confused in Genesis are unified by the Spirit at Pentecost. And the genealogy leading to Abram hints that Sarai may have been his niece — part of a redemptive act to continue his brother’s line.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• The Tower of Babel wasn’t destroyed; God simply confused their language, showing the power of disunity.• Babel’s builders wanted uniformity — God desires unity with diversity.• Abram’s care for his brother’s family contrasts with Ham’s selfishness in the previous narrative.• The rescue of Lot becomes one of three key Old Testament images for redemption, alongside Ruth & Boaz and Hosea & Gomer.• Melchizedek, a priest-king, foreshadows Jesus and establishes tithing before the Mosaic Law.✅ Timeless Truths:• Don’t strive to make your own name great — trust God to make your name great when your heart is selfless.• God’s desire has always been to gather the nations under His name, not ours.• Redemption isn’t just a concept; it’s a rescue mission where God fights for His people.• Generosity and tithing are timeless acts of trust and worship.👉 Keep going strong on your Bible reading streak! Proud of you.🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🤠 JOIN US IN NASHVILLE ON APRIL 26TH FOR ARMA ONE-DAYOur first ever ARMA One-Day event is coming to Nashville, TN. Join Dr. Manny for a live teaching experience based on his new book, Crushing Chaos. Seats are limited. Tickets are available now HERE! 🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

When you think of Noah’s Ark, you probably picture animals two by two, a big boat, and a rainbow. But what if the Ark was more than just a boat — what if it was a floating temple designed to house the presence of God? In today’s episode (Genesis 8-10), we break down the shocking details of the Ark, its connection to Egyptian culture, the temple parallels you’ve never noticed, and the messy, scandalous story that followed.If you’re reading the Bible in one year, this episode will challenge how you see Noah’s story forever.✈️ Overview:• Genesis 8-10 covers Noah’s story after the flood — the Ark coming to rest, burnt offerings, and humanity starting fresh.• But the Ark isn’t just a boat; it mirrors the temple: three decks (outer court, inner court, Holy of Holies), one door (Jesus as the door), and dimensions that parallel Solomon’s temple.• Noah emerges as a priest, offering sacrifices and restarting creation.• The story takes a dark turn with Noah’s drunkenness, Ham’s sin, and the cursed lineage of Canaan.🔎 Context Clues:• The Hebrew word for “ark” (teva) was used in Egyptian culture for sacred chests that housed idols, carried on water between temples — a clear parallel for freed Israelite slaves familiar with Egyptian rituals.• The Ark is described with temple-like detail: 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high — almost identical proportions to God’s temple.• Noah’s sacrifices on dry land mirror priestly functions, reinforcing that this is a sacred space.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• The flood is an act of God’s passive wrath — creation unraveling into chaos as God removes His presence.• Noah’s story parallels Adam’s: both experience gardens (vineyard vs. Eden), forbidden fruit, and nakedness.• Ham’s sin likely involved uncovering his father’s nakedness (Leviticus 18), implying either castration, assault, or incest — with Canaan’s birth as the evidence.• The bow in the clouds isn’t just a rainbow — it’s an archer’s bow pointed toward God, symbolizing that He will take the piercing for humanity (foreshadowing Jesus).✅ Timeless Truths:• The Ark teaches us that God’s desire is not just to save but to dwell with His people.• God always provides the sign of the covenant — He does the heavy lifting, both in Noah’s story and in Christ.• Humanity consistently reverts to chaos, but God continually brings order, grace, and covenant faithfulness.• God is the same yesterday, today, and forever — gracious in the Old Testament and gracious in the New.👉 See you tomorrow for Day 85 as we meet Abraham and continue the journey through Genesis. If you’re on a streak, keep going. Proud of you!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🤠 JOIN US IN NASHVILLE ON APRIL 26TH FOR ARMA ONE-DAYOur first ever ARMA One-Day event is coming to Nashville, TN. Join Dr. Manny for a live teaching experience based on his new book, Crushing Chaos. Seats are limited. Tickets are available now HERE! 🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Sin isn’t just about breaking rules — it dehumanizes us, pulling us away from the image of God and making us act like beasts. In Genesis 4-7, we see this clearly in the stories of Cain and Abel, and the flood. But these chapters aren’t just ancient stories; they reveal how sin unravels creation and how God’s grace and order remain present, even in chaos. If you’re following along in your Bible reading plan, reading the Bible in one year, or diving into daily Bible study, this episode will help you see the real consequences of sin — and God’s invitation back to true humanity.✈️ Overview:• Genesis 4-7 continues the fallout from Eden, showing how sin multiplies through Cain’s murder of Abel and the growing corruption of humanity.• The story of Cain and Abel isn’t just sibling rivalry — it’s the first clash between beast-like instinct and the call to human purpose.• Cain becomes the “beast in the field,” acting out primal violence instead of godly order.• The flood narrative shows not God’s active wrath, but His passive wrath — removing His presence and allowing creation to unravel back into chaos.• Noah’s family becomes the new beginning of order after judgment and reveals God’s mercy in preserving humanity.🔎 Context Clues:• Biblical patterns connect beasts and fields, helping readers identify Cain as the beast who destroys his brother.• The dragon-serpent imagery from Genesis 3 and Revelation 12 show Satan’s ongoing mission: make humans act like animals.• Genesis 6:3’s “120 years” is a grace period — time given for repentance before judgment.• Ancient flood narratives existed, but the biblical flood story emphasizes God’s justice, mercy, and order.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• Cain and Abel foreshadow a biblical pattern: beast vs. son of man, repeated with Pharaoh vs. Moses and Nebuchadnezzar vs. Daniel.• The flood account mirrors Genesis 1:2 — tohu vavohu (chaos) returns when God’s presence is withdrawn.• God’s passive wrath is seen as creation unraveling, not God arbitrarily destroying life.• Multiplication without fruitfulness is chaos; God’s goal is for fruitful people to multiply, not for chaos to grow unchecked.✅ Timeless Truths:• Sin makes us less human, pulling us into animalistic, instinct-driven behavior.• God’s design is for us to be fully human — made in His image, acting with wisdom, restraint, and purpose.• The enemy wants chaos to multiply, but God calls us to cultivate order and fruitfulness.• Focus on becoming fruitful, and trust God with the multiplication. Don’t let sin reduce you to instinct; live in the fullness of what it means to bear God’s image.👉 Keep showing up. Stay on track with your Bible reading plan and keep becoming who God made you to be. Proud of you!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🤠 JOIN US IN NASHVILLE ON APRIL 26TH FOR ARMA ONE-DAYOur first ever ARMA One-Day event is coming to Nashville, TN. Join Dr. Manny for a live teaching experience based on his new book, Crushing Chaos. Seats are limited. Tickets are available now HERE! 🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Genesis 1-3 is more than just the beginning — it’s the foundation of everything we know about God, creation, and humanity. But most of us have been reading it all wrong. The creation account isn’t just about God making “something out of nothing.” It’s about God bringing order out of chaos. In today’s episode, we dive deep into what Genesis 1-3 really teaches, how it compares to other ancient creation accounts, and why this matters for your daily Bible reading and understanding of Scripture.✈️ Overview:Genesis opens with a world of chaos — a wild, untamed abyss — and God’s Spirit hovering over the deep. What follows isn’t just creation; it’s God bringing order, purpose, and structure out of that chaos. Everything is intentional: from the forming and filling of days 1-6 to the ultimate climax on day 7 when God rests, reigning over the ordered cosmos. But chaos doesn’t leave quietly; in Genesis 3, the chaos serpent (the dragon) reappears, attempting to undo what God has set in order.🔎 Context Clues:The creation story was written for an audience coming out of Egyptian slavery, surrounded by Babylonian, Mesopotamian, and Egyptian myths. Unlike those myths — where humans are created to serve the gods as slaves — Genesis declares that humanity is made in God’s image, male and female, blessed and called to rule. The ancient world would have seen this as radical. The sea monsters and chaos imagery in Genesis point to a God who brings peace and structure, not randomness and oppression.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• Tohu Vavohu (formless and void) is better understood as chaotic wasteland, not emptiness.• The creation account follows a pattern: God forms (days 1-3) and then fills (days 4-6).• Dragons and serpents are interchangeable images of chaos; Adam and Eve stood before a dragon that became a serpent.• The climax isn’t the creation of humans, but God’s rest on day seven — His presence dwelling in order.• In ancient Near Eastern culture, a deity resting symbolized reigning from a temple. Eden was God’s first temple.✅ Timeless Truths:God’s pattern is always the same: He moves life from chaos to order. That’s what He does in creation, in the church, and in your personal life. If you’re focused on multiplication (success, growth, results), remember: God’s calling you first to be fruitful. Be fruitful, then multiply. Focus on cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, and trust God to handle the growth. The enemy loves to multiply chaos, but God multiplies order and purpose through fruitful people.👉 Genesis sets the stage for everything — God’s story, your identity, and the ultimate triumph over chaos. Let’s keep going.🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🤠 JOIN US IN NASHVILLE ON APRIL 26TH FOR ARMA ONE-DAYOur first ever ARMA One-Day event is coming to Nashville, TN. Join Dr. Manny for a live teaching experience based on his new book, Crushing Chaos. Seats are limited. Tickets are available now HERE! 🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Welcome to the Torah — the first section of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh. The Torah includes the first five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Even though Moses doesn’t appear until Exodus, he’s the key figure delivering these stories and laws to the original audience — a group of newly freed slaves coming out of 400 years of Egyptian bondage.For them, these books weren’t just ancient stories. Genesis was a prequel to their identity, reminding them that their story didn’t start in slavery, but with a Creator who made them in His image. Exodus revealed that God didn’t just free them from slavery; He called them into sonship and relationship. Leviticus and Deuteronomy weren’t burdens of law but gifts of clarity in a world where sacrifice and worship were confusing and anxiety-inducing.These freed people would have been deeply influenced by Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern culture — polytheistic, hierarchical, and brutal. Their understanding of gods was rooted in fear, guesswork, and control. But the Torah introduced a radically different God: a God of grace, order, justice, and intimacy.Reading these books today, it’s easy to bring our modern expectations and discomforts into the text. But understanding the Torah means stepping into the mindset of people who had never known freedom, never known a day off (enter the revolutionary concept of Sabbath!), and were now being given a new identity and purpose.As we walk through the Torah, watch for two things: what these texts reveal about the nature and character of God, and how they point us toward Jesus. Every story, every law, and every moment is a preview of the grace, redemption, and relationship that Jesus embodies.This is the foundation for everything — the story of beginnings, identity, deliverance, worship, and covenant. Buckle up, because understanding the Torah is key to understanding the entire Bible. Let’s dive into the beginning!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🤠 JOIN US IN NASHVILLE ON APRIL 26TH FOR ARMA ONE-DAYOur first ever ARMA One-Day event is coming to Nashville, TN. Join Dr. Manny for a live teaching experience based on his new book, Crushing Chaos. Seats are limited. Tickets are available now HERE! 🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Welcome to the Old Testament — also called the Hebrew Bible, or the Tanakh. If you’ve made it through the New Testament, you’re already off to an incredible start. But this is a different world, and reading it well means understanding where you’ve just landed.The Tanakh is made up of three sections: the Torah (Law), the Nevi’im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings). This is the structure Jesus knew (Luke 24:44), and it’s why the Hebrew Bible doesn’t end with Malachi, but with 2 Chronicles. That detail might seem small, but it helps you see the story the way Jesus and the apostles did — a story that points to Him from start to finish.We’re stepping into the ancient world of Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Babylonians, Canaanites, and Assyrians. Their world was harsh, violent, and unfamiliar. Reading the Old Testament without feeling that cultural shock means you’re likely dragging modern assumptions into an ancient story. Instead, we need to let these texts take us into their world — and trust that God was present, patient, and working within it.You’ll see God use covenants, sacrifices, and strange customs to teach people who had no concept of human rights or modern morality. That’s progressive revelation — God meeting humanity where they are, not where we wish they were. It’s messy, but it’s beautiful.The Old Testament isn’t just ancient history; it’s the slow unfolding of God’s plan to redeem the world. It’s full of raw stories, flawed people, and hard questions — but through it all, you’ll see God’s faithfulness.If you’re on a Bible reading plan, working to read the Bible in one year, or building a daily Bible study habit, this introduction is here to help you step into the story with clarity and context.Welcome to the Old Testament. Let’s dive in!🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🤠 JOIN US IN NASHVILLE ON APRIL 26TH FOR ARMA ONE-DAYOur first ever ARMA One-Day event is coming to Nashville, TN. Join Dr. Manny for a live teaching experience based on his new book, Crushing Chaos. Seats are limited. Tickets are available now HERE! 🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What will heaven really be like? Revelation 21-22 paints an incredible picture of the New Heavens and New Earth — not just a spiritual reality, but a restored physical creation where heaven and earth become one. In today’s episode, we’ll break down what John’s vision really means, why there’s no sea, no temple, and no sun, and how it all ties back to Eden. If you’re following along with a Bible Reading Plan, reading the Bible in one year, or doing daily Bible study, this episode will change how you think about eternity and give you a richer hope for what’s ahead.✈️ Overview:• Revelation 21-22 closes the New Testament with a full-circle return to Eden restored.• John describes a New Heaven and New Earth — a heaven-infused earth without chaos or separation from God’s presence.• No sea represents the absence of chaos and danger; no temple represents God’s presence filling all creation.• The city of New Jerusalem is massive, symbolizing the vastness of God’s kingdom.• This is not about disembodied souls floating in heaven — it’s about resurrected bodies, purpose, and a physical reality infused with God’s glory.🔎 Context Clues:• In ancient thought, the sea was the realm of chaos. Its absence signifies total peace and order.• The temple is no longer needed; God and the Lamb are the temple. His presence permeates everything.• The absence of the sun and moon points back to Genesis, where divine light existed before physical lights were created.• The city’s cubic shape mirrors the Holy of Holies — now expanded to encompass all creation.• The twelve gates and twelve foundations honor both the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles — a united kingdom.🤓 Nerdy Nuggets:• The city measures 1,400–1,500 miles in each direction, symbolizing perfection and completeness beyond comprehension.• John pulls imagery from Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zephaniah, and Genesis to tie together God’s promises.• Numbers in Revelation are almost always symbolic — pointing to fullness, completeness, and divine order.• The phrase “new heaven and new earth” references Isaiah 65:17 and points toward a merged reality of heaven and earth.✅ Timeless Truths:• The future God promises is not just life after death — it’s life after life after death, in resurrected bodies, on a restored earth.• Heaven and earth are not meant to stay separate; God’s plan is for them to become one.• Our hope is not escape, but restoration.• God’s presence will fill all things, and chaos will be no more — both physically and spiritually.👉 Eternity isn’t just about worship services in the clouds — it’s about purpose, life, work, and joy in a renewed creation with God at the center. Let that hope shape how you live today.🚀 START HERE!Want to join us on the journey? Check out the Start Page! You can start from Episode 001 on January 1st or jump in to follow along with us, your choice.📖 DOWNLOAD THE PLAN:Whether you’re new to the Bible or ready for a fresh start in 2025, this plan is for YOU. And the best part? The plan is FREE! Download it now and start your journey today.🤓 WANT MORE BIBLE NERD RESOURCES?Check out armacourses.com for biblical literacy resources, courses, and a community to grow with! Learn the Bible for yourself with 60+ courses and counting for only $13 / Month. Also, your first 30 days are on us. Join ARMA for FREE!🐉 PRE-ORDER DR.MANNY'S NEW BOOKCrushing Chaos is available now for preorder, shipping on May 6th. Learn more & buy now at https://crushingchaos.com.🍬 CHURCH CANDY MARKETINGGet NEW church guests, EVERY Sunday without you having to stress over ads, algorithms, or figuring out Facebook or Instagram. Head over to https://churchcandy.com/manny to book a discovery call today!👍 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! LIKE & SUBSCRIBE:The Bible Dept. | YouTubeThe Bible Dept. | SpotifyThe Bible Dept. | Apple Podcasts📱 STAY CONNECTED:The Bible Dept. | InstagramThe Bible Dept. | FacebookDr. Manny Arango | InstagramARMA | Instagram📨 EMAIL US!Got questions or want to share your thoughts? Email us at hello@thebibledept.com.💥 MORE RESOURCES:Amazon Store | Shop The Bible Dept. EssentialsDr. Manny Arango’s Book | BrainwashedBook Dr. Manny to Speak🌱 WE’RE PLANTING A CHURCH!The Garden | Houston, TXThe Garden | InstagramThe Garden | FacebookSUBSPLASH: The Subsplash Platform is the complete solution for connecting with your community on Sunday and beyond. There’s no better way for your church or ministry to engage your audience, grow your giving, or host and stream your media. Learn more at https://subsplash.com/bible-departmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands