The Divine Council Worldview Podcast

In this episode, Ronn and Mike explore the transition from the book of Genesis to the Gospel of John, the next subject of study for this podcast. They recommend that the Bible's authority lies primarily in the overarching story it tells, and that for this reason we must know the background and context of any biblical book before studying it. Their discussion presents a sweeping overview of the major events of biblical history and theological developments, including the calling of Abraham, the significance of loyalty, Israelite rituals of faith, and the model of leadership exemplified by David. It concludes by showing how the consequences of idolatry, the experience of exile, the promise of a new covenant, and the political landscape of Jewish independence gives way to John the Baptist and the story of John’s gospel.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike study the concluding chapters of Genesis. They begin by briefly overviewing the concept of biblical inspiration, anticipating that the poem of chapter 49 is likely the work of more than one person or even one era. They note Jacob’s curious mention of an elohim/mal’ak (48:15-16) who was responsible for the protection of the patriarch for many years. At the conclusion of this podcast they pause to review some practical aspects of this book, noticing that there are a fair number of themes found in Genesis that seem to be ignored by the modern church and—just the opposite—there are many ideas Christians talk about today which find no mention in Genesis at all.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike explore Joseph’s announcement to his brothers, appreciating how this kind of story makes us consider God’s involvement in human affairs. They recommend, in the end, that a Divine Council worldview plays an important and unique role in working through the complex question of God's sovereignty and human freewill. Their conversation moves through the complex narrative of Jacob's faith journey, his interactions with Yahweh, and the significance of family dynamics as they move to Egypt.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike explore the significance of Joseph's actions which led to his release from Egyptian prison. Their conversation touches on the possible significance of the absence of Yahweh’s name in the narrative, as well as themes such as deception, emotional burden, transformation, and character development. The discussion highlights the significance of Judah's leadership, emphasizing how individuals can change over time and the importance of understanding each person's journey of loyalty.

In part 1 of this thought-provoking episode of the Divine Council Worldview Podcast, hosts Mel and Rich sit down with Dr. Michael Bennett, a trailblazer in technology, as well as provocative Christian podcasting. Together, they reflect on Bennett’s journey from engineer to host of the acclaimed FutureQuake radio show, sharing his unique experiences at conferences and the transformative impact of Dr. Michael Heiser’s work on his understanding of spirituality. Bennett opens up about his personal encounters with Heiser, offering poignant reflections on the critical role Heiser played in reshaping his spiritual perspective. The discussion explores the legacy Heiser leaves behind, the need for critical engagement in spiritual scholarship, and how future thinkers can expand upon his groundbreaking contributions. Whether you’re a scholar, seeker, or simply curious about the intersection of faith, media, and community, this episode offers a compelling blend of personal stories, critical insights, and encouragement to pursue truth with discernment and grace.

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.