

The Divine Council Worldview Podcast
Dr. Ronn Johnson
Welcome to the Divine Council Worldview Podcast, where hosts Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu honor the legacy of their late friend and colleague Dr. Michael S. Heiser (author of the best-selling book The Unseen Realm). Our interest is the Bible, studying it through the lens of its original authors and audience. We will specifically take notice of created divine beings and the role they play in the physical cosmos through the ultimate authority of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Join the fun conversation!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 18min
EP081: Q&A Session #5
 In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners:   Could the effects of Jesus' "finished work" have been true while he was still active in his ministry?  Did the church fathers use “faith” to mean “loyalty” or "allegiance"?  How does the Septuagint handle the Hebrew definite article when it translates the phrase “the angel of the LORD” into Greek?  Can a Mormon have saving faith?  Is "sonship" to be understood differently than "inheritance"? Will we have different inheritances in the next age?  

Oct 19, 2025 • 1h 20min
EP080: Raising Warriors: Faith, Identity, and the Unseen Battle
 Faith, identity, and spiritual warfare collide in this powerful episode with Doug Overmyer. Discover how Chi Rho Outdoors is shaping boys through faith and nature—and why sharing your story could be more vital than ever. Doug's website: http://www.seerssee.com/ for his books or to get in contact 

Oct 12, 2025 • 1h 24min
EP079: John 8:13-59: "Abraham Rejoiced to See My Day"
 In this episode, Ronn and Mike study the second half of John 8 (vv.13-59), noting that the conversation which follows Jesus' handling of the woman taken in adultery is key for understanding the full narrative. They discuss the theological implications of Jesus' claims, the nature of what it means to be a "sinner" in 2nd Temple Judaism, and the identity of believers as children of Abraham. They explore the significance of the woman caught in adultery, tying together the broader themes of covenant and identity in relation to faith. The conversation also touches on modern cultural reflections and the search for truth in today's society. 

Oct 5, 2025 • 1h 21min
EP078: John 7:32-8:12: The Woman Taken in Adultery
 In this episode, Ronn and Mike look at John 7:32-8:12, exploring the context of Jesus' teachings and his interactions with non-believers who had been threatening to kill him. They discuss the significance of the Holy Spirit's promised arrival, the debate surrounding Jesus' identity, and the woman caught in adultery. Ronn recommended that this last story, though not originally included in John's gospel, likely found its way into the fourth gospel due to its historical and theological importance to the doctrine of salvation in the early church, underscoring the idea that the door to salvation consisted of joining Abraham's family as opposed to simply having one's sin forgiven. 

Sep 28, 2025 • 1h 23min
EP077: John 7:1-31: Jesus, the Law
 In this episode, Ronn and Mike look at John 7:1-31. They discuss the importance of constructive disagreements in theology (reflecting upon the recent death of Charlie Kirk), the secretive nature of Jesus' ministry, and the political context surrounding his teachings. Their conversation also explores the treatment of the law by Jesus, the nature of demons (a highly nuanced issue relating to the Greek concept of daimonia), and the significance of Hezekiah's prayer for God's forgiveness of Israelites who had been guilty of breaking Mosaic law (2 Chron. 30). 

Sep 21, 2025 • 23min
EP076: Gaming the Unseen Realm: Faith and Fantasy in Allies of Majesty
 Mel interviews Anthony Diastello at the DCW Conference about how his role-playing game *Allies of Majesty* weaves faith and divine council concepts into immersive storytelling. They explore how games can foster spiritual awareness, personal agency, and deeper engagement with the unseen realm. You can find his game here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HqI9JVINeg https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/purefunmedia/allies-of-majesty-chronicles-vol-1  https://subscribepage.io/iCPswe 

Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 6min
EP075: John 6:41-71: Being Drawn to Jesus by the Father
 In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the latter part of John 6, taking on the themes of forgiveness, the identity of Jesus, and the implications of his teachings on communion (they understand the concept of eating Jesus' flesh to be metaphorical for internalizing his teachings and life). They explore the complexities of forgiveness, and how this issue often lacks clear biblical answers to our modern questions. The conclude by discussing the significance of Jesus' claims about himself, and the reactions of his followers, culminating in a pivotal moment where many disciples turn away (6:66). Peter's declaration of faith highlights the importance of loyalty to Jesus. 

Sep 7, 2025 • 1h 1min
EP074: John 6:1-40: Eating the Bread from Heaven
 In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss two miracles recorded in John 6:1-40 (the feeding of the 5000 and Jesus' walking on the water), recommending that many who wanted Jesus to be a king misunderstood his primary concern that his followers become truly human in thought and action. The motivations behind seeking Jesus are noted as being complex and often misguided, though Jesus' patience in motivating ultimate commitment and loyalty are always present. The conversation also touches on the metaphor of Jesus as the bread of life and the promise of resurrection, setting the stage for future discussions on these themes. 

Aug 31, 2025 • 1h 19min
EP073: John 5:16-47: Honoring Both Father & Son
 In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the significance of Jesus' actions and speeches in John 5. The text leads them to discuss some of the necessary complexities of the Trinity, especially the relationship between the Father and the Son. They also talk about the role of good works in faith, noticing that the early church did not fear good works as it related to being loyal to God and Jesus. The beginning of the episode includes an appreciation for the legacy of John MacArthur, who had recently passed away. Ronn had worked under Dr. MacArthur at The Master's University in Newhall, CA in the mid-1990s. 

Aug 24, 2025 • 22min
EP072: Divine Council Discoveries: Chris and Heather’s Story
 Chris and Heather share their transformative journey at a conference, revealing how divine council theology has enriched their understanding of Scripture. They delve into the illuminating connections between the Old and New Testaments, offering personal insights that enhance biblical narratives. A missed visit to Caesarea Philippi sparks reflections on ancient significance and the spiritual weight of geography in Scripture. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of historical context and diverse perspectives in grasping divine concepts, inspiring deeper faith. 


