In this episode Ronn and Mike explore the story of Joseph’s trials in prison, considering how his experience speaks to the universal experience of suffering. They discuss how Joseph's faith and character became evident in a situation which was not of his own doing. Their conversation also touches on the broader theological implications of suffering and God's presence in difficult times. They conclude by looking forward to the implications of Joseph's story for his brothers and future studies.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 37-39, the beginning of the Joseph narrative. They highlight the significance of Joseph's garment, the deception of the brothers which spanned two decades, and Judah's ironic transformation. The discussion also touches on the nature of sin, the essence of discipleship, and the character of Joseph as seen through Potiphar's eyes.      

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the curious situation of Esau. It can be argued, with a fair amount of certainty, that Easu did not worship Yahweh but instead chose to become loyal to other gods. This will be the primary reason that, in the end, the prophets can say that Jacob is "loved" by Yahweh while Esau is "hated" by him (Malachi 1:2-3). Yahweh will still show authority over Esau (and the god that controls the land of Seir, the territory owned by Esau), ultimately bestowing riches upon this man and his family.

What happens when a life of chaos transforms into a mission to change lives? In this episode of Divine Council Worldview, Mel and Rich sit down with Jorge Gil—a producer, host, and all round workhorse behind not only this podcast, but also the podcast series, 'I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist' and 'Rara Biblia.' Jorge’s story is one of dramatic transformation, from a troubled youth in Costa Rica to finding faith in the most unlikely place: a jail cell. There, he discovered a calling to apologetics that would shape his life and ministry. The episode dives deep into Jorge’s journey, including his discovery of Michael Heiser’s groundbreaking work, his mission to bring these teachings to Spanish-speaking audiences, and the divine connections that shaped his path. Listen in as the hosts explore the profound legacy of Michael Heiser—his mentorship, authenticity, and relentless focus on community over accolades. Jorge, Mel, and Rich share heartfelt reflections on leadership, the importance of empathy, and the power of relationships in ministry. But it doesn’t stop there. The episode also tackles key challenges of modern ministry: how to engage younger generations with theology, the cultural lens of supernatural beliefs, and innovative digital outreach to Latin America. Jorge unveils exciting educational initiatives and highlights the role of sacred space in evangelism, painting a hopeful picture for the future of the global church. This conversation will inspire you to reflect on your own journey and the lasting impact one life can have on countless others. Don’t miss this powerful episode packed with wisdom, faith, and practical insights for anyone passionate about ministry and community.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis chapters 33-34, exploring themes of reconciliation, morality, and divine intervention. They review Jacob's reunion with Esau, the implications of the Dinah incident, and the theological significance of Jacob's journey back to Bethel. The conversation highlights the complexities of faith, the nature of God, and the moral dilemmas faced by biblical characters, all while emphasizing the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context of the scriptures.

Discover the complexities of Jacob's story in Genesis, highlighting his unique encounters with the divine. The discussion delves into the significance of his transformative wrestling match, exploring themes of faith and identity. The hosts analyze ancient interpretations of divine authority and the implications of the name change to Israel. They also examine Jacob's emotional journey towards reconciliation with Esau, underscoring themes of loyalty and personal growth throughout his biblical narrative.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the "Two Powers in Heaven" controversy that developed among Jewish rabbis in the early centuries after Christ. They begin by explaining how Judaism reacted both in favor of and also against the idea of Yahweh "sharing" his power with another being in the Old Testament. This then turns the conversation, of course, to the person of Jesus and how he was viewed by first century Christians. Was Jesus Christ Yahweh's "second power"? The conversation touches on relevant texts such as Daniel 7 and Exodus 24 before moving into key NT texts and their relationship to contemporary faith and theology. Resources mentioned: Two Powers in Heaven: Early Rabbinic Reports about Christianity and Gnosticism by Alan Segal Boyarin, Daniel, “Two Powers in Heaven; or, The Making of a Heresy,” Pages 331-370 in The Idea of Biblical Interpretation: Essays in Honor of James L. Kugel. Leiden: Brill, 2003 The Glory of the Invisible God: Two Powers in Heaven Traditions and Early Christology (Jewish and Christian Texts) by Andrei Orlov Israel's LORD: YHWH as "Two Powers" in Second Temple Literature by David E. Wilhite, Adam Winn Two Powers in Judaism in Second Temple Texts w/Dr. Michael Heiser

In this episode, Bryan’s story is one of resilience, faith, and profound healing. He candidly recounts the highs and lows of his life—from the challenges of childhood, through the grip of addiction, to the heartbreaking loss of his son, Wesley. His journey highlights how faith, supported by a loving community, can lead to recovery and transformation. Inspired by Dr. Heiser’s teachings, Bryan advocates for a church that embodies love over condemnation, emphasizing the unshakable truth that the divine image within us is never lost. This episode is an inspiring reminder that no matter your past, there is always a path toward healing and hope when faith and recovery unite.

The discussion dives into Jacob's transformative dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, symbolizing access between divine and human realms. They explore the concept of spiritual portals, comparing locations like Bethel to biblical narratives. The hosts reinterpret Jacob’s encounter with divine beings through a cultural lens, discussing the implications of divine hierarchy and authority. They also delve into the dynamics of Jacob's family, emphasizing Leah's faithfulness and her crucial role in forming the twelve tribes of Israel.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 27 and Isaac’s mistaken blessing of Jacob over Esau. They begin by noting the cultural significance of a father blessing a favored son, and discuss possible reasons for Isaac’s decision to bless Esau over Jacob. They then walk through the narrative itself, especially taking note of how Jacob’s decision to say “your elohim” to his father fit the theology of his non-Yahwist brother. It is interesting that the Quran does not record this incident between the brothers at all. The conversation concludes with a discussion on Jacob's journey of faith and his tenuous path to Yahweh worship.