The Divine Council Worldview Podcast

In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer six questions sent in by listeners: 1) Can a DCW track alongside Reformed theology? 2) What did “salvation” mean to an ancient reader of the OT? From what or whom or where were they were being “saved”? 3) If the Law of Moses was given as a concession for Israel to realign pagan practices towards Yahweh, why does David emphasize the Law in the Psalms (19, 119)? 4) Should we note any differences ...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) What was the relationship between the human Jesus and his mother Mary during his earthly ministry? 2) What is the best argument against the thought that the divine council does not actually exist but is just a divine accommodation? 3) How does the grammar and syntax in Genesis 1:1-3 make the gap theory improbable if not impossible? 4) Does salvation deal ...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) Is it proper to say that Christians worship two beings? Or are Jesus and the Father considered the same being? 2) Is Filipino tradition possibly similar to Chinese tradition when it comes to the worship of ancestors? 3) What exactly happens to my moral sins through Jesus’ suffering and death? Are they "forgiven" or "atoned," or both? 4) How does Jesus’ vi...

In this moving episode, Mel and Rich explore Rich’s powerful journey into prison ministry, shedding light on the challenges, faith, and transformation he encountered along the way. He and Mel discuss the role of faith, the value of vulnerable male relationships, and the deep need for community within and beyond prison walls. Listeners are inspired to reflect on their own callings and the impact they can make through mentorship and ...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) What are some DCW topics that could benefit from further scholarly attention? 2) Was Jacob's vow in Genesis 28:20 unique? 3) Was the mal’ak of Yahweh in the OT the pre-incarnate Jesus? 4) How should we understand human decision-making and God's sovereignty playing out together? 5) Were some of Jesus’ miracles uniquely “messianic” in nature, proving that h...

In this episode, Ronn Mike Chu discuss the man healed at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15). They describe how this story ultimately illustrates loyalty to the correct deity, as this pool had traditionally been understood to be dedicated to Asclepius, the Roman god of healing. Thus when Jesus cautioned the man to “sin no more” (5:14) he was warning the man to never appeal to another god for healing from that day forward. The episod...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the second half of John 4 (verses 27 through 54) which concludes the Samaritan woman narrative. They note how eternal life, which originally was linked to promises made to Israel, now becomes a promise for the entire world as any person places their loyalty in Jesus Christ. They investigate the meaning of “savior” in the ancient world, ultimately realizing that the role of Jesus as Savior enco...

Mel, Rich, and Ronn unpack their experience at the Divine Council Worldview Conference, highlighting meaningful connections, diverse perspectives, and Spirit-led conversations. They dive into deep topics like the authority of Scripture, the role of the church fathers, and the centrality of atonement within the Divine Council framework. This episode is a reflection on unity, truth, and the shared mission of living out faith with pur...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike explore the story of the woman of Samaria in John chapter 4. They discuss the theological implications of faith and loyalty, responding to critiques of Matthew Bates' work on salvation. The conversation also describes the historical context of the relationship between Jews and Samaritans, highlighting the long-standing conflict and its roots in biblical history. They discover that the historical and c...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike explore the various themes present in John 3:22-36: righteousness, sin, Jesus’ atonement, the significance of baptism, and the acceptance of Gentiles into the family of Abraham. Ronn particularly introduces his understanding of the Holy Spirit’s “sanctification” of Gentile communities in the upcoming Book of Acts, recommending that this idea will satisfy so many of the tensions both in the ministry of...

In this episode, Ronn & Mike explore Nicodemus' interview with Jesus as recorded in John 3:1-21. They discuss the possiblew misconceptions surrounding the Mosaic law, the Jewish expectations of what a messiah would accomplish, the nature of Jesus' teachings, and the meaning behind the term 'born again.' The conversation highlights the historical context of the Pharisees and their relationship with Jesus, as well as the broader them...

In this episode, Ronn & Mike welcome Dr. Matthew Bates back to the podcast to discuss his recently released book, Beyond the Salvation Wars. They discuss what the NT Greek word family of pistis indicates for how all peoples are to respond to the Gospel of King Jesus. They dive into the rifts between Protestants and Catholics, and the tensions amongst various different Protestant denominations and alliances regarding how we understa...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the final three verses of John 2. This short passage allows their conversation to develop at length the concepts of “belief" and “faith” in both the Old Testament (Hebrew, aman) and the New Testament (Greek, pisteou). The study details the implications of Jesus' understanding of belief and loyalty when it comes to his expectation of “following” him into eternal life. Along the way they emphasi...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple in John 2:13-22. They use this opportunity to then talk through the complexities of the Old Testament law, its interpretation within evangelicalism, and the historical context of the temple's significance. Their discussion highlights how Jesus' fulfillment of the law is often misunderstood and emphasizes the importance of cultural context in understanding biblica...

In this episode of the Divine Council Worldview Podcast, Mel and Rich sit down with Jeff Lees to explore his remarkable journey from skepticism to a vibrant faith shaped by ministry, creativity, and the teachings of Dr. Michael Heiser. Jeff opens up about his time in youth ministry, his transition into art and toy design, and how these paths intersect through a deep passion for community and storytelling. Together, they challenge t...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike explore the significance of Jesus’ first recorded miracle, his turning of water into wine at the wedding of Cana. They discuss the implications and nature of miracles in the context of faith to Yahweh, especially in context of John’s original audience which would have known that created divine beings could perform miraculous deeds as well. Their conversation touches on personal experiences of miracles...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss John 1:29-51, especially noting how Jesus would be the “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (1:29). They begin by interpreting Old Testament “atonement” (Hebrew, kaphar) texts within their original context. They note how the practice of sacrifice across the ancient world was often accompanied by symbolic acts of “sanctification” as a person prepared to come into the presumed prese...