The Eikon Podcast

Was the great hope of the first Christians to fly away one day, or was it something far more rooted in the biblical story of creation? The Eikon team discusses this important question as they examine the pivotal passages of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and demonstrate how Paul might have been saying something very different from what many modern readers have presumed. 

00:00 - Introduction and Banter

10:32 - The Importance of Resurre...

Michael, Jeff, and Gianna continue the discussion of resurrection and its implications within Christian faith. They explore the differences between cultural views of the afterlife and early Christian teachings, emphasizing the importance of understanding resurrection as a physical and spiritual event. The conversation also touches on the role of Jesus in resurrection, the nature of the resurrection body, and how these beliefs shoul...

This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Robert Johnson, the legendary blues musician, and the myth surrounding his supposed deal with the devil at the crossroads. The discussion explores the origins of this myth, its implications in music history, and the broader cultural phenomenon of the 27 Club, where many famous musicians have died at the age of 27. The conversation also touches on theological perspectives regardin...

Michael and Jeff explore the themes of the gospel, focusing on the direction of hope and restoration. They discuss the misconception of the gospel as an evacuation to heaven versus God's intention to restore and renew creation. The conversation delves into scriptural insights, focusing in on 2 Peter 2, and emphasizing the importance of living out the new creation in the present age. They highlight the call to be active partici...

Michael and Jeff discuss the significance of heaven, resurrection, and the early church's teachings, contrasting them with contemporary beliefs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel's beginning and end, the nature of eternal life, and the implications of resurrection for Christian living.

00:00 Introduction

02:56 Understanding the Gospel: Beginning and End

05:48 Heaven, Resurrection, and C...

In our monthly expedition in the strange side of the Bible, Hidden Chapters (previously: The Other Realm), Michael, Jason, and Elijah explore the intriguing concept of time travel, both in popular culture and within biblical narratives. They discuss various time travel stories, including urban legends and hoaxes, and delve into the theological implications of time manipulation as depicted in scripture, creating a dynamic and engagi...

Michael and Jeff explore the theme of how the gospel creates a sense of family within the church. They discuss the importance of community, shared honor, and identity, and how Jesus redefined what it means to be part of God's family. The conversation touches on cultural aspects, the role of the church, and the significance of meals in forming deep connections among believers. They emphasize the need for churches to focus on fa...

The Eikon team introduces a framework for understanding beliefs categorized as blood, ink, and pencil, emphasizing the need for clarity in what constitutes essential Christian doctrine.  They discuss the importance of accepting differences in beliefs and practices within the Christian community, emphasizing unity and mutual respect. The conversation also touches on the challenges of fellowship and separation over doctrinal disagree...

Michael and Jeff explore the complexities of interpreting scripture in modern contexts, the role of tradition in understanding faith, and the evolution of Christian doctrine. They discuss the impact of individualism on Christianity and the importance of recognizing the varying weight of doctrinal beliefs. The episode culminates in the introduction of the concept of 'Blood, Ink, and Pencil,' which categorizes beliefs and p...

Summary

The conversation in this episode highlights the need for flexibility in understanding doctrine, the importance of community and cooperation among different faith groups, and the ongoing struggle to navigate boundaries in faith without losing sight of the core message of Jesus.

Chapters

00:00 The Icon Podcast Introduction and Community Dynamics

04:26 Exploring the Centered Gospel

15:31 Balancing Centered and Bounded Set Gospel...

The Other Realm Team delves into the fascinating world of zombies, exploring their cultural significance, the evolution of zombie movies, and the science (or lack thereof) behind the undead. They discuss iconic films and TV shows, share personal reflections on the genre, and ponder what they would do in a zombie apocalypse. Michael, Jason, and Elijah explore the hypothetical scenarios of a zombie apocalypse, discussing survival str...

The Eikon Team delves into a deeper exploration of the centered and bounded gospels, particularly through the lens of table fellowship as illustrated in Luke 14 and 15. They reflect on the implications of social status in biblical times and how it relates to modern spiritual practices, including communion. 

00:00 Opening Banter

15:01 Understanding Table Fellowship in the Gospel

20:02 Bounded vs. Centered Gospel Discussion

25:36 Indivi...

Summary

Michael and Jeff discuss the challenges of measuring spiritual maturity and the need for a deeper understanding of faith that goes beyond mere rule-following. 

00:00 Opening

09:04 Exploring Centered Set Church Concepts

30:57 Bounded vs. Centered Churches

38:06 Leadership in Bounded vs. Centered Models

42:28 Blood, Ink, and Pencil Issues in Faith

46:54 Centered Approach to Faith and Community

50:04 The Challenge of Sin Management ...

The Eikon team explores the differences between bounded and centered gospels, discussing the implications of church dynamics on inclusion and exclusion. They delve into the nature of bounded churches, the judgmentalism that can arise, and the importance of fostering a community that encourages exploration of faith. The discussion highlights the spectrum of church mentalities, the impact of exclusion on individual identity, and the ...

Michael and Jeff explore the themes of living as Christians in a world that often feels like an empire. They discuss the importance of community, the call to live honorably, and the challenge of embodying the way of the cross. The conversation delves into the role of the Christian community in society, the complexities of engaging with government, and the need for humility and love in the face of cultural challenges. They emphasize...

In this episode of The Other Realm, Michael and Elijah Burns delve into the controversial topic of the flat Earth hypothesis. They explore its historical roots, the resurgence of interest in modern times, and the main arguments put forth by flat-earth proponents. They then dive into the critiques of flat-earth claims. The discussion emphasizes the importance of discernment, truth, and the need for a faithful reading of scripture in...

Jeff, Gianna, and Michael explore the challenges and responsibilities of living as a Christian community in today's world. They discuss the importance of embodying the teachings of Jesus, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, and the need to focus on community engagement rather than just individual conversion. They highlight the tension between political power and the cross-shaped life that Jesus exemplified, urging listeners ...

S7E209 – Exilic Gospel: Subversive Witness

Gianna, Jeff, and Michael explore the complex relationship between the kingdom of God and the dynamics of empire, particularly in the context of exile. They discuss the importance of understanding one's identity as an exile, the instructions given in Jeremiah 29 for those in Babylon, and the call to seek shalom in a foreign land. The conversation also delves into the various responses...

The Eikon team explores the themes of exile, identity, and leadership in the context of the gospel and the Old Testament. They delve into the concept of exile as a central theme in the Bible, and examine God's design for kingship, militarism, the economy and status in Israel's history. They consider this as a clarifying metric for the embodied gospel and a conundrum for claims of any country that wishes to claim the statu...