The Divine Council Worldview Podcast

In this episode, Ronn and Mike look at John 9, reading through the extended story of the man born blind who is healed by Jesus. They discuss the significance of some of the interesting details of the story, including why Jesus patched the man's eyes with spittle, and why he had the man go a half-mile away to wash in the Pool of Siloam. Ronn recommended that the use of "sinner" in the story hearkens back to the OT understanding that this was a category akin to someone outside the covenant of Israel, as opposed to someone who simply was guilty of sin. Closing discussion noted how the man was led to confess to Jesus that he believed in the "Son of Man," a title reminiscent of Daniel 7's role of the messiah.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer six questions sent in by listeners: 1) What is the best way to study the original authors, recipients, and cultures of the biblical world? 2) Does a DCW have any specific opinion on the issue of human free will? 3) Why didn't Jesus condemn the adulterous woman in John 8? It seems mercy is the exception in how God handles sin in the Bible. 4) Ronn has said that Jesus' death did not accomplish anything which had not already been true before. How does that work with things like death and ritual impurity? 5) Does a Mormon worship the right god? 6) What caused Mary Magdalene to be possessed by seven demons?

Rich and Mel talk with Curt Ferrell, discussing how the gospel's true power thrives in relationships—not institutions. From Indiana prisons to everyday life, discover how God builds His family through faith, community, and the transformative presence of His kingdom today. Curt's book: The Way to Discipleship: Thinking Well About the Kingdom of God: https://a.co/d/dHo6y66

In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) Were the nations that were apportioned to created elohim by Yahweh expected to obey these gods? Did Yahweh hold them accountable if they did? 2) What did Jesus mean in Mark 10:18 when he said "No one is good except God alone"? 3) Why does Ronn disparage Reformed theology so often? 4) Are giants still around? Where may they be today? 5) Could "sin" (Greek, hamartia) be better understood as misalignment of one's loyalty away from God and toward Satan?

Ronn and Mike dive into listener-submitted questions, tackling everything from God's judgment of those ignorant of Jesus to the meaning behind large numbers in biblical texts. They explore the concepts of loyalty versus obedience within faith, and the intriguing possibility that Lazarus could be the beloved disciple. Additionally, they discuss the historical allure of worshiping other gods in the Old Testament, highlighting human motivations and the pursuit of beauty. The conversation blends theological insights with personal reflections and pastoral implications.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) How is kosmos ("world") used in the NT? 2) How does Jesus use Psalm 82 in John 10:34-36? 3) What does the Bible teach on the state of soul after death? 4) Can Hindu polytheism be interpreted within the framework of DCW monotheism? 5) Why did Jesus use "eating flesh" language which was abhorrent to his Jewis audience?

How do culture and suffering shape our faith? Mike Chu unpacks his story with Mel and Rich, exploring the Chinese church, Awakening School, and why theology, mentorship, and mission matter more than ever in today's spiritual landscape. You can find Awakening (AWKNG) School of Theology here: https://awkng.com/ You can find the Shane & Shane songs mentioned in this podcast here: Psalms 45 https://youtu.be/-d_lQI15fxo?si=-hl3FiECl4F5C7dA Psalms 46 https://youtu.be/PKs_gQecaDY?si=k9yWx1F0Ekk1NEen Over the Sun https://youtu.be/qGbT7FkhIus?si=lDaATBgY38ACTw-i

In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) How does a person go about studying the DCW and the related topics it uncovers? 2) How can a DCW increase a person's intimacy with God? 3) Are idols a human invention, and if so, does this show that gods are invented as well? 4) Can I combine Eastern Orthodoxy with western Protestant theology? 5) How should the gospel be presented to a child—say, a 7-year old?

In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) Are there foundational beliefs regarding the identity of Jesus and Yahweh in order to be worshipping the correct deity? 2) Is the Hebrew text (MT) younger than the Septuagint? 3) What sins were considered "high-handed"? 4) Are spirit "hauntings" related to sacred space? 5) Does the DCW favor the New Perspective on Paul?

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?