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 MoreScripture Reference
Favorite 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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