This series examines relevant topics pertinent to the Christian lifestyle. Listening is a great tool to support and encourage others, yet effective listening is extremely difficult. Why is effective listening so hard, and what can we do to make ourselves better listeners? Also in this episode: Why spoken words do […]
Read MoreFavorite Bible Verses (Part 4)
What is your favorite Bible verse? Americans have weighed in on this question. In this episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, Micah and Curtis discuss Paul’s second most popular passage, this one from the book of Romans. Also in this episode: The legend of the Holy Grail Richard Dawkins […]
Read MoreFavorite Bible Verses (Part 3)
What is your favorite Bible verse? Americans have weighed in on this question. In this episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, Micah reflects on the beautiful passage from Isaiah that promises that we shall mount up on wings like eagles. Also in this episode: What is a Kewpie? America’s […]
Read MoreFavorite Bible Verses (Part 2)
What is your favorite Bible verse? Americans have weighed in on this question. In this episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, Micah and Curtis address assumptions regarding Philippians 4:13. Also in this episode: Should UFC Fighters praise God when the knock their opponent out? What kind of headband does […]
Read MoreFavorite Bible Verses (Part 1)
What is your favorite Bible verse? Americans have weighed in on this question. In this episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, Micah and Curtis begin a discussion on our favorite Bible verses. Also in this episode The problems with taking scriptures out of context The worst bible verses to […]
Read MoreCelebrating Christmas
Christmas is the day that we choose to honor the birth of Jesus. In this special edition of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, Micah Spicer and Curtis Hannah discuss the purpose of Christmas and contemplate the way we choose to spend it.
Read MoreThe Spirit of Christmas
The Christmas season is designed to be merry and bright. Christmas lights, trees decorated with ornaments and angels, carolers singing hymns of the Messiahs birth, and figgy pudding make up the ambiance of the season. Gift exchanges and family gatherings highlight our favorite time of year. More importantly we celebrate […]
Read MoreJesus: our Prince of Peace
For Christians, Jesus is our Prince of Peace. In this world that celebrates violence, what can we learn from the ways that Jesus handles violence? During Advent, we celebrate the peace that God gives to the world through Christ. In this episode Micah and Curtis contemplate ways to achieve peace […]
Read MoreHope of Christmas
Why is the season of Advent is a special time to recognize the anticipated arrival of the Lord Jesus? The festivities and family traditions of Christmas serve a purpose, but cannot match the hope God grants us through the coming of Christ. Micah addresses the underlying message of comfort that […]
Read MorePaul the Decorated
What makes Paul, the Apostle, an authority figure in the early church? Does he have the right education, credentials, or job experiences that make him an expert? Questions of authority arise early and often during Paul’s career. In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, we consider church authority in our times […]
Read MoreProblems with Paul
The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith. He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result. While many admire the man, others characterize him as a sexist and supporter of slavery. In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, Micah address these concerns […]
Read MorePaul’s Faith is Tested
The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith. He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result. How does Paul handle tragedy and suffering? More specifically, what does Paul do when his faith is shaken? In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, Micah […]
Read MoreCelebrating Unforeseen Success
The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith. He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result. In a time of grief and despair, Paul receives news of unheralded success. The Thessalonian Congregation is standing firm in their convictions to follow Jesus in […]
Read MoreFoolishness of God
The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith. He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result. In his day, Paul presented a unique religious perspective; namely, to serve a crucified messiah. Opponents would have his considered this message foolish. In this Scripture […]
Read MoreQuote of the Day
“If we believe that Jesus is the revelation of God, then the more we know about Jesus the more we know about God. ” Micah Spicer Listen to the whole story. Jesus in his Political Context
Read MorePaul on Trial in Greece
The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith. He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result. How did Paul handle the possibility of suffering for his faith in Jesus the Messiah? In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, we examine Paul as he stands on […]
Read MoreChristianity as a Lifestyle
In 1966, The Monkees made famous a song entitled “I’m a believer.” The song is a typical shallow, yet catchy love ballad. Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer Not a trace, of doubt in my mind I’m in love, I’m a believer I couldn’t leave her if […]
Read MorePaul: On Mission
The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith. He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result. How did Paul interpret his purpose in life? In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, Micah explores Paul’s first missionary journey, and how his experiences helped him […]
Read MorePaul Faces Conflict
The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith. He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result. Paul encountered conflict, not just with opponents of Christianity, but also faced obstacles within the church. In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, Micah acknowledge issues […]
Read MorePaul and his Conversion
The Apostle Paul is considered a hero in the Christian faith. He preaches the gospel, performs miracles, and suffers immense persecution as a result. How did Paul interpret his encounter with the risen Christ? In this Scripture & Spice Podcast episode, Micah offers insights into how Paul could have interpreted the […]
Read MoreUnderstanding the Empty Tomb
The tomb is empty on Easter morning. Jesus is not there, for he has risen! How do we interpret the meaning of the empty tomb? How did those close to Jesus understand his resurrection? In this Episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, we are going to dive into ways […]
Read MoreGod’s Community
As a child my parents encouraged me to participate in a variety of sports and organizations. Swimming lessons and t-ball, along with backyard excursions with my neighbor Brett, were some of those childhood summer activities that kept my entire family on their toes. As I grew I continued to stay […]
Read MoreLessons from the Cross
The Cross has been the symbol of Christianity for centuries. What do we know about Crucifixion from the ancient world? How might these insights help us to understand Jesus’ death better? In this episode of the Scripture and Spice Podcast, learn about Jesus’ death on the cross, and the political […]
Read MoreEpisode 27 – Rev. Micah Spicer – What is the Mission of Jesus
What is the mission of Jesus? How did the disciples perceive the mission of their master? These questions are pondered in this episode. Scripture of the Day – Luke 10:1-12
Read MoreEaster
Easter is without a doubt the most important day in the Christian calendar. The argument for the assembly of churchgoers hinges entirely upon the events of the first Easter morning. On that morning Jesus rose from the dead. While this is a happy ending to the narrative of Jesus of […]
Read MoreEpisode 26 – Rev Micah Spicer Historical Jesus – The Mission of Jesus
Your friendly neighborhood pastor, Micah Spicer, finds himself back in the hot seat answering questions about the historical Jesus. In this episode, Micah and Curtis discuss the mission of Jesus. How does the church perceive that mission, and how might Jesus have perceived his own mission? Tune in to find […]
Read MoreEpisode 25 – Miracles in the Ministry of Jesus
Your friendly neighborhood pastor, Micah Spicer, finds himself back in the hot seat answering questions about the historical Jesus. In this episode, Micah and Curtis discuss the role of miracles in the ministry of Jesus.
Read MoreEpisode 24 – Rev Micah Spicer Historical Jesus Social & Economic
Your friendly neighborhood pastor, Micah Spicer, finds himself back in the hot seat answering questions about the historical Jesus. Learn about Jesus, his family, their social and economic status, and the experiences that helped shaped the theology of the Son of God.
Read MoreJesus in his Political Context
How do we reconcile the belief that Jesus is 100% divine and 100% human? What was religious and political life like during the time of Jesus? Who are the Pharisees, Saducees, and Essenes? Why should we study the humanity of Jesus and consider the context of 1st century Palestine? […]
Read MoreA Seminary President on the Role of Seminaries Today
What is the relationship between theological schools and churches? What is the goal of seminaries? How did David Cassady, Christian Publisher and entrepreneur, become a seminary President? What is BSK offering to students, churches, and communities across the country? Dr. David Cassady, President of Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, joins Micah […]
Read MoreLife Lessons from Unexpected Places
The human experience is filled with new challenges at every stage. One of my parishioners was a caregiver her entire adult life. Shortly after she married, her husband’s brothers moved in, both with severe physical and developmental handicaps. She cared for them, bathed, brushed, scrubbed, and fed them. As a […]
Read MoreBecoming a Pastor in Rural America
What are some challenges that rural congregations face today? Tell us about the challenges of moving from a youth ministry role to being a senior pastor. Let’s talk about the stereotypes of pastor’s wives. What is the best way to deal with conflict in the church? What is the most […]
Read MoreNehemiah: the Scripture, the Man, the Mission.
Nehemiah What is the historical context of Nehemiah? Tell us about the character Nehemiah. What is the relationship between the Biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah? What does the book of Nehemiah tell us about how we should live our lives today? In this special edition of Scripture & Spice, […]
Read MoreChurch Planting (Introducing Purpose Church)
What is the process of planting a church? How does a new church approach theology and core beliefs given that Purpose Church does not affiliate with a specific domination? Hear Dustin’s take on the purpose of the church. What do you preach on your first Sunday in the life of […]
Read MoreVisionary Leadership
I grew up attending church with my family. I found Jesus in a church. Moreover, I have encountered some of the nicest people on planet Earth in church. Over the years I developed a deep love and appreciation for the church, her people, and her mission. My love for the […]
Read MoreMessiah in the New Testament
Matthew 1 & 2, Luke 1 & 2 What does the term Christ mean? Is it the last name of Jesus of Nazareth? What is the difference between “Messiah” and “Christ?” Cyrus as Messiah? What does it mean to say that Jesus is the Christ? What do the birth narratives […]
Read MoreMessiah in the Old Testament
Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, 2 Samuel 7 What does the biblical term “messiah” mean? How does the faith community evolve in their understanding of messiah? Does the Old Testament hint at or predict Jesus as Messiah? How does the Old Testament shape our understanding of Christ?
Read MoreThe Role of Preaching Today
Preaching is a historic method of delivering God’s words to God’s people. Preachers have conveyed truth to hearers for thousands of years. Just like all skills, crafting sermons and delivering them takes effort and practice. In this episode of Scripture and Spice, theologian and preacher, Dwight Moody joins Micah to […]
Read MoreImmaculate Conception or Virgin Birth
As we approach Christmas, I am enjoying my time spent preparing for a sermon series on Jesus’ family tree. Each week, I examine another woman listed in Jesus’ family tree according to the genealogy in Matthew’s Gospel. Five are mentioned: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Uriah’s wife, and Mary. As we read […]
Read MoreForgiveness for Christians
Forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer What does Jesus teach about forgiveness? Bitterness, Resentment, and Anger Who has the authority to forgive sin? Is forgiveness a gift or an act of justice?
Read MoreJesus, Justice, and the Church
What does justice look like today? How can Christians be good neighbors? Chris George, pastor of Smoke Rise Baptist Church, joins Micah Spicer to grapple with these practical questions for churches and people of faith. Also in this Episode: “Mine” as a naughty word. How can churches address issues of […]
Read MoreJesus & Temple Economics
Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-22 What economic implications does the temple have in Israel during the lifetime of Jesus? What does Jesus think about taxes and sacrifices associated with the Temple in Jerusalem? Why does Jesus cleanse the temple? Luke’s Gospel as good news for the poor. […]
Read MoreEconomics in Israel’s Glory Days
2 Chronicles 9:1-28 God establishes justice while his people are in the wilderness. When they settle the land of Israel, do they continue to practice God’s justice? A unified monarchy is established under Saul, but doesn’t last forever. Solomon is a rich and wise ruler, but he is not perfect.
Read MoreEconomics in Egypt
Genesis 47: 13-31, Exodus, Deuteronomy Joseph helps Pharaoh build an exploitative economy in Egypt Given current economic trends, does Pharaoh’s economy compare to our context? How does wilderness differ from dwelling in Egypt? What are ways that Christians can seek justice in spite of unfair economic practices?
Read MoreThe Great Commission
Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 21 The ascension of Jesus What is the great commission? Are there multiple ways to live out the great commission? Is mission work subjective?
Read MoreAppearances of the resurrected Jesus
John 21 Jesus walking through walls Do we treat “Doubting Thomas” fairly? What is the place of guilt and shame after Easter? “Going Fishing” after the crucifixion
Read MoreChristians as post-Easter people
John 21 What are the minister’s favorite holidays? How should churches build off the momentum of Easter? Implied forgiveness in the gospels.
Read MoreInterpreting Easter and thinking about eternity
1 Corinthians 15 1st Century perspectives on afterlife Heaven, Hell, Immortality of the Soul How does the rapture fit into the afterlife? What is so important about the resurrection of Jesus?
Read MoreThe first Easter
Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 21 Defining resurrection What is so important about the resurrection of Jesus? Unique perspectives on Easter morning
Read MoreEpisode 5 – Crucifixion & Love Review
Romans 3:26, John 15:13 How might we think of Jesus’ death as an act of love? Peter Abelard’s understanding of atonement Implications of God’s love
Read MoreCrucifixion as Victory
Hebrews 2:14, Colossians 2:14-15, Romans 8:3 How can someone perceive such a humiliating death as a victory? What is Christus Victor? How can Christ’s death create victory in us?
Read MoreCrucifixion as Sacrifice
John 19:14-15, 1 Corinthians 5:7 How do we define sacrifice? What are common types of sacrifice in the bible? What is the Day of Atonement? Propitiation or Expiation?
Read MoreCrucifixion as an Act of Justice
Colossians 2: 13-14, Romans 3: 23-25, Galatians 2: 15-16 Act of Crucifixion How do we define atonement? What is penal substitution? John Piper vs. NT Wright debate
Read MoreHistorical Jesus & Crucifixion
Why have a podcast on the Bible? Who is the historical Jesus? What are some beliefs about his death? How certain are we that Jesus died on a Roman Cross? What does the Quran teach about the crucifixion of Jesus?
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