Translator           In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 27 and Isaac’s mistaken blessing of Jacob over Esau. They begin by noting the cultural significance of a father blessing a favored son, and discuss possible reasons for Isaac’s decision to bless Esau over Jacob. They then walk through the narrative itself, especially taking note of how Jacob’s decision to say “your elohim” to his father fit the theology of his non-Yahwist brother. It is interesting that the Quran...

Translator           Translator         In this episode, Rich and Mel interview Dr. Natalie Atwell, a therapist and adjunct professor, reveals how she integrates the Divine Counsel worldview into her counseling practice. She passionately discusses her work in missions and caregiver ministry, highlighting the significance of understanding spiritual warfare and the supernatural when addressing trauma and mental health. The conversation explores cultural challenges in...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 25 & 26. They open their conversation by mentioning the “two powers in heaven” idea that will be the subject of a future episode. They note that the genealogy of Ishmael plays a significant role in the Jew-Gentile divide throughout history. They also discuss the early relationship between Jacob and Esau, preparing to question which god these men worship according the biblical record. They conclude by exploring the themes of God’s involvement...

Translator           In this episode, Ronn and Mike consider Genesis 23 & 24, where Abraham puts his final affairs in order by finding a bride for Isaac. Throughout their discussion they explore the concept of the phrase “the god of” as applied to the stories of Isaac and Ishmael, the role of divine messengers during Eliezer’s search for Isaac’s bride, and the significance of Yahweh’s name and character for those who are committed to following him.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the famous “Akeda” story in Genesis 22, where Abraham obeyed the command of God to sacrifice his son Isaac. They consider the theological questions raised by this story, such as why God would ask Abraham to commit murder—and why Abraham would obey. The conversation touches on the cultural context of child sacrifice and the evolving understanding of Yahweh’s character by those who are committed to worship him above every god. They also discuss the concept...

In this episode, Rich and Mel interview Fern and Audrey, who share their work helping survivors of trauma-based mind control, reflecting on their personal experiences and the impact of Dr. Mike Heiser's Divine Council worldview, especially through his books, *The Myth That is True*, *The Facade* and *The Portent*. They explore the complexities of dissociation, discussing how different parts of a person’s identity function and how to discern between dissociated personalities and demonic...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 20 and 21, examining the birth of Isaac and the relationship between Ishmael and Isaac. They work through the significance of Ishmael in the biblical narrative, as well as the meaning of the terms 'righteous' and 'election' in the OT. They agree that there is ambiguity surrounding the identity of the divine being in the story of Abraham and Ishmael, raising questions about loyalty and divine interaction.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 19 and the destruction of Sodom. They explore how a divine council worldview arises directly from the cultural context of the ancient Near East when working through this narrative. They conclude their discussion by thinking through the significance of the Hebrew word 'chesed' and the tragic outcome for Lot and his daughters.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike explore Genesis 18's story of Abraham and Sarah being told by three messengers that they would soon bear a son to fulfill the promises of God. The biggest shock of the story, of course, will be to hear one of the visitors speak as though he is Yahweh! Ronn and Mike consider the possible options for identifying this messenger, leaning into the relationship ejoyned between messengers and senders as practiced in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The episode also...

In this episode, Rich and Mel interview Pastor Anthony Delgado of Palmdale Church, California, who dives deep into the transformative power of Dr. Michael Heiser's Divine Council worldview and its impact on his predominantly Hispanic, working-class congregation. Anthony shares how his church has woven this theology into their structure, striking a unique balance between formality and community. From addressing real-life challenges like substance abuse to creating an inclusive environment for...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 17 and the story of Ishmael. They explore the possibility that Ishamel made a covenant with a divine being other than Yahweh, even a god disloyal to Yahweh. They discuss the theological and historical implications of this view, particularly in relation to the rise of Muslim tradition and its attachment to Ishmael. The episode concludes with a discussion on the significance of circumcision, its meaning in the ancient world, and its possible...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 16 and the being known as "the Angel of the Lord." They begin by acknowledging that differences of opinion will be common when dealing with the word 'angel,' the transliteration of a Latin word appearing in the Wycliffe Bible of the 14th century. Ronn argues that 'angel' does not accurately represent the Hebrew term for 'messenger' (mal'ak) because it has become packed with unhelpful connotations of meaning over time. Ronn and Mike conclude...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike conclude their study of Genesis 15. Their topics of conversation include the meaning of righteousness and its connection to loyalty and promise-keeping in the story of Abraham. They also consider the significance of the land promise as the early patriarchs understood it and how it evolves throughout the biblical narrative. They conclude with an exploration of the concept of "nationing" and the possible role of borders in the new creation.

Step into a world where the supernatural intersects with everyday life. In this episode, Mel is once again joined with co-host, Rich, as they interview Pastor Jim Bergen from Flatirons Community Church, Boulder, CO, and delve into the journey of his awakening to a worldview shaped by the Divine Council and its profound impact on our reality. Imagine the transformative power when this perspective infuses teaching, discipleship, and spiritual warfare within the church. Yet, bringing this...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the concept of Abraham's righteousness as won through his allegiance to Yahweh in the story of Genesis 15. They explore the idea of believing loyalty (Hebrew, aman) and how it is often misunderstood in evangelical circles when defining the gospel. They highlight the importance of understanding the OT cultural context behind the concept of faith, even recommending that we take the English word "faith" out of our vocabulary when trying to explain the story...

In this episode Ronn and Mike discuss the meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek in Genesis 14, even considering whether this kind of story supports the idea of divine portals or “heavenly gates” in the biblical narrative (Gen 12:8; 13:4; 28:11-12; 35:7). Most interesting to this story, of course, is their joint realization that they worshipped the same deity (el-elyon, ‘the high god’ cp. Pss 9:2; 7:17; 82:6; Isaiah 14:14; Luke 1:20, 32). This suggests that Yahweh (who had not revealed his name...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike recommend that Genesis 12 and 13—the story of Abraham beginning to worship Yahweh while rejecting his tribal gods of Babylon—sets the framing story for the Bible as a whole. These early narratives are not concerned with sin and forgiveness, in other words, nor even the expectation of a Messiah. They instead answer the question of which deity a person needs to worship in order to be blessed and to be a blessing to others. It is suggested that a...

Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to make a difference in the world around you! In this episode, Mel delves into the transformative power of meaningful interactions and the importance of open minds and hearts when sharing Biblical insights. He emphasizes putting knowledge into action in making disciples, urging listeners to share their personal stories of divine guidance in everyday moments. Mel expounds on missionary work, highlighting that it’s not just about far-off lands,...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike recommend that the principal problem of mankind as described up through Genesis 11—the worldwide worship of other gods—begins to meet its solution in Genesis 12 as a covenant is cut between Abram and Yahweh. The promise of this agreement, requiring faithfulness from both parties, included both individual prosperity for Abram and ultimate blessing for the entire world. In conclusion, it is recommended that the climax to this story is signaled through Abram’s...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike consider the famous story of the Tower of Babel, recommending that the purpose of the Tower was the worship of (and desire to make covenant with) created deities. They note that this event, especially in light of what it signifies in the larger story of the Bible, stands behind the problem that the New Testament gospel will someday solve—the “healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2) through the unified worship of Yahweh and his Son Jesus Christ.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 10’s genealogical record between Noah and Abraham. They begin by noting that the story of the curse of Canaan (Ham’s son) likely lays the foundation for Joshua’s later confrontation with pagan worhsip in land of Canaan. They then work their way through the lists of names and tribes in Genesis 10, observing the geographical locations settled by the sons of Noah. More importantly, they show how the text hints toward the loss of Yahweh-worship...

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion as we delve into personal journeys shaped by 'The Unseen Realm' and the profound impact of the supernatural on missions. Delve into the intriguing intersections of superstition, idolatry, and missionary work across diverse cultures. From pagan traditions in Christianity to demon possession in India, we explore how context shapes our understanding of scripture and the global dissemination of the Biblical message with knowledge. Uncover the epic...

This episode finds Ronn and Mike discussing Genesis 6-9, which begins with that odd story of the “sons of god” producing nephilim through human women (6:1-4). They agree with early Christian and Jewish tradition in viewing this story as an intense divine rebellion which led to God’s decision to destroy the world with a flood. They consider what this account might mean to the larger narrative of the Bible, admitting in the end that we are left with many unanswered questions. Their conversation...

In this episode, Ronn and Mike review the place of Genesis 5 in the early story of the Bible. They suspect that this list of fathers and sons was formatted to suit a literary purpose as well as to recognize that a line of Yahweh-worshippers could be identified between Adam and Noah. Enoch is noted as among these righteous men, mysteriously disappearing off the earth after faithfully walking with his God. At the conclusion of this episode they introduce the pivotal narrative which took place...