Self Righteousness

Binding and Loosing

What did Jesus really mean when He gave Peter the "keys of the kingdom"? For many Christians, "binding and loosing" has become a language of spiritual power, authority, and declaring outcomes. But is that what Jesus had in mind? In this episode, we trace the biblical story from Babel to the Great Commission, exploring how the keys of the kingdom, the authority to bind and loose, and the confession that Jesus is the Messiah all fit within God's plan to reclaim the nations. Along the way, we challenge popular assumptions about spiritual authority and ask a difficult question: Are we advancing God's kingdom, or trying to get God to advance ours? Join us as we examine Matthew 16, Acts 15, and the broader biblical narrative to discover why true authority begins not with power, but with surrender. References: Austin, Benjamin M. "Death." In Lexham Theological Wordbook, edited by Douglas Mangum et al. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014. Balogh, Amy L. "Tel Dan Stele." In The Lexham Bible Dictionary, edited by John D. Barry et al. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016. Charles, R. H., ed. The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs: Translation. Translated by R. H. Charles. London: Adam and Charles Black, 1908. Cullmann, O. Peter. London: SCM, 1953. Elwell, Walter A., and Barry J. Beitzel. "Belial, Beliar." In Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988. Hennecke, E. New Testament Apocrypha. Edited by W. Schneemelcher. 2 vols. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1965. Hiers, Richard H. "'Binding' and 'Loosing': The Matthean Authorizations." Journal of Biblical Literature 104 (1985). Hindson, Ed, and Tim LaHaye. Exploring Bible Prophecy from Genesis to Revelation: Clarifying the Meaning of Every Prophetic Passage. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2011. Keown, Mark J. Discovering the New Testament: An Introduction to Its Background, Theology, and Themes: General Letters & Revelation, vol. III. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2022. Kennedy, Titus. Unearthing the Bible: 101 Archaeological Discoveries That Bring the Bible to Life. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2020. Küng, H. The Church. New York: Sheed & Ward, 1968. Mangum, Douglas, and Joshua Spoelstra. "Resurrection." In Lexham Theological Wordbook, edited by Douglas Mangum et al. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014. McGuire-Moushon, J. A. "Promised Land." In Lexham Theological Wordbook, edited by Douglas Mangum et al. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014. Pace, Tommas. "Lock." In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, edited by Chad Brand. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015. Pollard, Edward Bagby. "Key." In The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, edited by James Orr et al. Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company, 1915. Schniedewind, William M. "Tel Dan Stela: New Light on Aramaic and Jehu's Revolt." Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research (May 1996). Strauss, M. L. "David." In New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, edited by T. Desmond Alexander and Brian S. Rosner. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025. Tonstad, Sigve K. Revelation. Edited by Mikeal C. Parsons, Charles H. Talbert, and Bruce W. Longenecker. Paideia Commentaries on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2019. Scripture References and Time Stamps: Matthew 16:15–19: 00:02:08 – 00:04:42 John 10:1–10: 00:04:42 – 00:05:05 John 11 (Lazarus): 00:06:05 – 00:06:11 Genesis 10–11: 00:17:07 – 00:18:00 Genesis 12: 00:21:57 – 00:22:42 Acts 15 (Jerusalem Council): 00:24:22 – 00:26:08 Hebrews 4: 00:27:30 – 00:27:36 Revelation 1:18: 00:28:48 – 00:29:05 Revelation 3:7–9: 00:29:15 – 00:30:00 Matthew 16:21–26: 00:33:56 – 00:38:44 1 Corinthians 2: 00:35:18 – 00:35:27 Isaiah 9:6: 00:35:34 – 00:36:02 Luke 4:16–30: 00:44:02 – 00:44:14 Isaiah 61: 00:44:11 – 00:44:14 Galatians 5: 00:50:30 – 00:50:41 2 Corinthians 5: 00:56:39 – 00:56:44 Matthew 28:18–20: 01:01:22 – 01:01:45 Matthew 20:20–28 / Mark 10:35–45: 01:02:33 – 01:02:39 Acts 19:13–16 (Seven Sons of Sceva): 01:03:20 – 01:03:26 John 13:2: 01:07:56 – 01:08:03

Current Events

Journalism, media, and global powers, oh my! How do we look at current events and not be consumed by the injustice that we see? Dive into a couple of the more recent events in the media with us and discover see through some of the strategy used to keep us distracted, deceived, and divided. Stand firm and know your identity in Jesus. email us @ flatwoodsmission@gmail.com [flatwoodsmission@gmail.com] for any questions, comments, or requests!

Self Righteousness

In this episode, we discuss the subtle danger of self-righteousness: the way we can become experts at justifying ourselves, measuring ourselves against others, and using our own moral instincts as proof that we are right with God. Luke 10:29 provides the core tension: "But he, desiring to justify himself…" That phrase exposes the human instinct to protect our image, defend our standing, and shift the focus away from the condition of the heart. The episode explores how self-righteousness is not always loud, harsh, or obviously religious. Sometimes it shows up as comparison, defensiveness, moral certainty, or the need to be seen as the "good one." It can appear in people who know the language of faith well, yet still struggle to receive grace because they are busy constructing a case for themselves. At the center of the discussion is the contrast between self-justification and Christ-centered humility. Rather than standing over others in judgment, the gospel invites us to stand before God honestly, without excuses, and without the illusion that our performance can save us. Luke 10:29 becomes a mirror: when we try to define "neighbor," control the moral terms, or narrow the demands of love, we reveal how often the heart wants mercy for itself but distance from others. This episode calls listeners to examine where self-righteousness hides in ordinary life: in arguments, in religious habits, in our responses to correction, and even in the stories we tell ourselves about why we are better, wiser, or more faithful than others. The answer is not self-hatred, but surrender. Letting the Lord expose our pride so that grace can reshape our instincts, our relationships, and our understanding of righteousness. Scripture Anchor Luke 10:29 Episode Takeaway Self-righteousness is often less about being openly sinful and more about refusing honest dependence on grace. The good news is that Jesus does not merely expose that impulse; He offers a better righteousness altogether.

FEAR

This episode, we discuss the roots of uncertainty and fear. Fear, anxiety, and phobias can be paralyzing if left unchecked with the truth. Dive into this discussion with us as we tackle this broad topic of fear with some real life examples and how we overcome them through perfect love of Jesus. As always, please email us @ flatwoodsmission@gmail.com [flatwoodsmission@gmail.com] for any questions, prayer requests, or concerns! We would love to hear from you! If you are listening from a country outside of the U.S, we would love to hear from you. Tell us your story! Let us know how you found our podcast. We love you and are praying for you!

Flipping Tables

This week we talk about the breeding grounds for idolatry in our world today. In the first century BC the Roman coin entered Israel as a symbol of the incoming empire. The coin became a part of the Israelites every day life as it was used to buy food, pay taxes, and conduct daily life. Most followers of the Torah would have been outraged, or at a minimum turned off by the coin with a graven image of a man worshipped in god-like fashion. Jesus recognized this symbol as the idol it had become to the rulers of Rome and the surrounding areas in the 1st century AD. He didn't flip the tables and clean the temple because a man was selling items to feed his family. He flipped the tables because the house of God the Father had become an altar during the holy passover week in Jerusalem. His righteous indignation poured out in the Temple because the greatest Law was being replaced by secular and unholy priorities. "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'" Join us as we read Matthew's account of this part of the Holy Week. Jesus has entered Jerusalem on a young colt fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. Shortly after this event, recorded in Matthew chapter 21 we see Jesus face off with the idolatry that has crept into the Temple as he cleanses the temple. We dig into his warning to the disciples that in the end of the age "because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm til the end will be saved."This scripture tells us to endure. When there is wickedness all around, and hard hearts shelter the love that has turned cold for our brothers and sisters, we must stand firm. We are called to choose the greatest and second greatest commandment and to stand firm in a faith that bears fruit of love, joy, peace, patience... We hope that you will listen to and gain revelation through this episode with us. We love you guys! As always, reach out to flatwoodsmission@gmail.com [flatwoodsmission@gmail.com] to connect!