Under the Hood

In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will explore the extraordinary spread of the early Christian church, focusing on how the gospel offered dignity and hope to the most marginalized people of the ancient world. From women and slaves to the sick and poor, they delve into historical context, societal norms, and how the revolutionary message of Jesus Christ challenged and changed the Roman Empire. Discover why the gospel was so transformative, and what we can learn from the early church today. Don’t miss this deep dive into faith, history, and the enduring power of the gospel!

Welcome to Episode 21 of Under the Hood! Join Sam and Will as they dive into the third part of the Gospel Revolution series. Discover how historical events like the Pax Romana, the Roman road system, and the spread of Greek culture set the stage for the rapid growth of the gospel. Learn how even the Roman Empire’s soldiers became unlikely carriers of this revolutionary message, showcasing God’s sovereignty in the most unexpected ways.

Dive into the historical backdrop of Jesus' arrival amidst the Roman Empire's tyranny. Explore the stark contrast between the oppressive reigns of emperors and the revolutionary message of peace that Jesus embodied. Uncover the moral choices made by leaders like Tiberius and Nero, whose brutalities are sharply juxtaposed with the hope of early Christians. Reflect on the call to a higher allegiance, urging listeners to prioritize spiritual citizenship over earthly politics. Discover how these themes resonate in today's world!

Dive into the explosive spread of Christianity in the first century! Discover how historical events like the Babylonian exile set the stage for the Gospel. Explore the intersection of Greek philosophy and early Christian thought, emphasizing figures like Plato and Aristotle. Delve into profound concepts like justice and the 'unmoved mover' as they relate to God and faith. Join the discourse on how these philosophical foundations shaped the transformative message of Jesus and its lasting impact on society.

In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will take a deep dive into one of the Bible’s most jarring stories—the moment when God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. They discuss the historical and cultural context of child sacrifice in ancient times and how this shocking request fits into a broader narrative of faith, redemption, and resurrection. Through a mix of historical insight and biblical reflection, Sam and Will unpack the deeper meaning behind this story, revealing how it points to God’s ultimate plan for humanity through Jesus Christ. Tune in as they explore how Abraham’s journey of faith challenges our understanding of trust, life, and the power of resurrection, and see how this ancient story resonates with the central message of the gospel today.

In this episode of Under the Hood, hosts Sam and Will dive into one of the most colorful and controversial figures in the Bible: Samson. Journey with them through the Book of Judges as they uncover the historical and archaeological evidence that supports the existence of these biblical events. From the cycle of Israel’s rebellion and deliverance to the scoundrel judge Samson, you’ll learn how even flawed figures can point to the gospel. Along the way, Sam and Will draw intriguing parallels between Samson and Jesus, illustrating how God can use imperfect people for His purposes. Tune in as they go “under the hood” of this fascinating story, connecting biblical truth with historical reality.

In this episode, Sam and Will dive into the world of textual criticism to tackle one of the most debated questions: Can you trust the Bible as it is today? They explore the reliability of ancient biblical manuscripts and address common criticisms brought forward by scholars like Bart Ehrman. The episode sheds light on the process of how scriptures were copied by hand before the printing press, compares the Bible’s preservation to other ancient texts, and explains the overwhelming manuscript evidence that supports the accuracy of the New Testament. Tune in as they break down myths and misconceptions and provide you with compelling reasons to trust in the Bible’s authenticity. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this episode will challenge and encourage your understanding of scripture.Don’t miss this deep dive under the hood of biblical history!

In this episode of “Under the Hood,” Sam and Will take another deep dive into the intriguing mystery of the Shroud of Turin. Known for centuries as a possible burial cloth of Jesus Christ, the Shroud has captivated believers and skeptics alike. Join the discussion as Sam and Will explore the historical, scientific, and theological aspects of this controversial relic. Is the Shroud an authentic artifact from the time of Jesus, or is it a clever medieval forgery? They examine various pieces of evidence, from radiocarbon dating results to microscopic analyses, to unravel this mystery. With insights into ancient burial customs, the history of relics, and recent scientific studies, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the Shroud’s significance and the debate surrounding its authenticity. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just curious, this episode will leave you with plenty to ponder.

In this episode of “Under the Hood,” we dive deep into the fascinating story of the Star of Bethlehem and the Magi’s journey to find baby Jesus. We explore ancient prophecies, astronomical signs, and the incredible celestial events that may have guided the wise men from the East. Using modern astronomy tools, we unravel the mysteries behind this biblical event, revealing how the night sky itself proclaimed the birth of the Messiah. Join us as we uncover the beautiful poetry God has written in the stars, pointing to the truth of the Christmas story.

Join Sam and Will as they delve into the historical evidence that supports the existence of Jesus Christ beyond biblical texts. Discover archaeological findings, ancient writings, and historical figures that corroborate the New Testament accounts. From the ossuary of James, the brother of Jesus, to the inscriptions about Pontius Pilate and Caiaphas, they present compelling arguments against the skepticism of Jesus’ existence. Watch as they explore how early testimonies and miraculous accounts spread Christianity, turning the world upside down. Don’t miss this fascinating journey through history and faith!