The Divine Council Worldview Podcast

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...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike study John 1:19-28, noting how John the Baptist’s story was pivotal in understanding Jesus’ identity. They discuss how John’s prophetic ministry faced resistance from Jewish leadership, how John’s practice of baptism functioned as an act of allegiance in early Christianity, and how the concept of a “messiah” (even "the messiah”) evolved in both the Old and New Testaments. Their conversation emphasized...

In this episode, Ronn, Mike, Mel, and Rich come back together as a podcasting team to reflect on a year's worth of episodes, adjustments, and hopes for the DCW, Dr. Heiser's legacy, the work of the Michael S. Heiser Foundation, and the glimmers of change within society at large. They talk about their thoughts and feelings on having lost Dr. Heiser over two years, including the questions they still have and the shared common bond th...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike explore John 1:2-18. They consider John’s explanation of Jesus’ pre-existence, his role as co-creator with the God, the active role of disciples “taking” Jesus in becoming “children of God” (1:12), and the description of Jesus as “the only begotten” of God (1:14, 18). They explore the invisibility of the God of Israel, the unique relationship between Jesus and his Father, and the broader implications ...

In this episode, Rich and Mel sit down with Pastor Jeremy Keys from Calgary, Alberta, to explore his incredible journey from a traumatic childhood and struggles with addiction to a life transformed by faith. Jeremy shares how his experiences shaped his understanding of the gospel and the importance of family and community in healing.

The conversation delves into spiritual warfare and the unseen realm, emphasizing how these element...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike begin their study of the Gospel of John, focusing specifically on its opening verse. They explore the Greek concept of logos, the apparent distinction between logos and theos, and the concept of the pre-existence of Jesus. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between Jesus and Yahweh, delving into the complexities of understanding the nature of Jes...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike Chu discuss the meaning of the term “God” in the New Testament, especially noting the lexical movement between the words elohim and theos as Semitic and Greco-Roman languages developed over the centuries. The importance of this study will be reflected in the opening lines of John 1:1 and the identification of Jesus (“the Word with with God, and the Word was God”) as this podcast begins its study in th...

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 t...

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 revie...

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 intera...

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 ove...

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 und...

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 impli...

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.