The Divine Council Worldview Podcast

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 episode concludes with a discussion of the implications of the Sabbath, as well and Jesus’ authority in relation to contemporary faith practices.

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 encompassed more than just salvation from sin, but also protection and guidance. They conclude by reviewing Jesus’ second recorded sign in the gospel, affirming Jesus’ authority over life and death.

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 purpose.

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 cultural context of Samaritan worship is ultimately what is at stake in Jesus' concern for this conversation. In conclusion, the dialogue emphasizes the transformative nature of true worship and the understanding of Jesus' role in bridging cultural divides.

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 Jesus and the growth of the later church. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of understanding the gospel in the context of Abraham family dynamics and the unfulfilled story of Israel.