The determinetruth Podcast

Outakes from 2022 Determinetruth podcast

If you would like a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a podcast, then this episode is for you. These are some of the classic moments from Rob and Vinnie's first year together! We are not sure you will learn a thing by listening to this episode, but we suspect you might get a few laughs in! 

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If you would like to have Rob speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this site.

 

Book of Acts #3: Beginning of the Kingdom of God

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie look at the literary nature of the book of Acts in order to discern Luke's objectives. They note that the stories in Acts parallel the Gospel of Luke. What Jesus does in Luke is what Peter and Paul do in Acts. They also note that Luke seems concerned to affirm that Paul is an apostle alongside Peter and the others. Thus, Luke demonstrates that what Peter does Paul does. Finally, they address the book of Acts and Acts' stress on the beginning of the Kingdom of God in Jesus and what this means for our understanding of the end times.  

Book of Acts #2: Is the Kingdom now?

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie continue their introduction to the book of Acts. "Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel at this time? They look at Ezekiel 37 and how that may illuminate our understanding of the kingdom of God and the message of Acts.

 

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NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

 

 

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load. 

 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

 

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

 

Book of Acts #1: how to understand Acts

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie begin a study of the book of Acts. Acts narrates the Christ movement from the Ascension of Jesus (AD 30) to Paul's imprisonment in Rome (AD 62). The book shows the first Christ-followers doing what Jesus did as they take the message of Christ to the Roman world. While going, however, they experience great opposition. the early years of the Church were filled with great tension both among the Jewish and the Roman peoples. 

 

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Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

 

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

 

 

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

 

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

Understanding Genesis #11 Noah’s Flood

In this episode, Rob leads a zoom Bible study through the Flood episode in Gen 6-9. We note many of the parallels between Adam and Noah and the Flood narrative.

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As we read the flood narrative (Gen 7-8) it is important to read the text as literature first. In doing so, note the parallels between the creation account and the flood narrative:

• Deep (Tehom) 1:2; 7:11; 8:2
• Earth covered by water 1:2; 7:24
• Wind/Spirit of God over the water 1:2; 8:1
• Water recedes 1:9; 8:1-5
• Land appears 1:9; 8:5
• Classification of animals 1:21, 24-25; 6:20; 7:14, 21, 23
• God blesses them 1:28; 9:1
• Be fruitful and multiply 1:28; 8:17; 9:1, 7
• In God’s image 1:27; 9:6

 

The flood narrative is the undoing of creation (decreation). The two sources of water (7:11) recall the water in 1:6-7. The flood uncreates and returns creation to a state it was in beforehand when there were only waters. The world after the flood represents the beginning of a new creation. The ark, in fact, is a model of Eden: those inside receive and those outside perish.

 

Interestingly, the narrative does not put the onus on God: He is not an angry, vengeful God imposing punishment on the creation. Daniel Hawk notes, “the conventional translations, however, override the grammar of the Hebrew text, which makes a statement of fact rather than a declaration of intent. The construction suggests that God has seen where the ruination of creation is headed and has decided to accelerate the process to its completion.”[1] The flood is not evil. It is a purging of evil; a cleansing; the making of a new start.

 

If there is a theme here, it is that God judges all flesh but saves a remnant. This, of course, will be a theme that pervades all of the biblical story.

 

Again, we must look to the ANE (ancient near east) world to see if we can learn from them. Moses certainly adapted his stories to reflect the biblical God. At the same time, there are numerous parallels between the biblical story and these ANE accounts.

 

One of the questions that arises from the flood account is that of the apparently universal language. The question we must ask is whether or not the author is speaking from a human perspective or the divine perspective. That is, does “all” in this text mean: “all” that I could see or know about? or “all” as in “everything” from God’s perspective (cp Gen 41:57: Deut 2:25).

[1] Hawk, L. Daniel. The Violence of the Biblical God (p. 32). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.. Kindle Edition.

 

Reading the NT

Flood is a type of baptism

1 Pet 3:20

 

Flood as an analogy for the last days

In God’s judgment he will save a remnant: “As it was in the days of Noah” (Matt 24:37-41; 25:31-46): “one will be taken and one will be left”

 

Flood is a type of God’s judgment on sin

2 Pet 3:3-7

 

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

Understanding Genesis #10 The sons of God: Nephilim

In this episode, Rob leads a study of Gen 5-6 and a discussion of the sons of God (the divine council). We will wrestle with perhaps what is the most confusing/difficult passage in the Bible (Gen 6:1-4). 

 

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NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

 

 

Notes: 

Genesis 5 and 6 are leading us to the flood narrative. In Genesis 5 we have 10 generations from Adam to Noah—the genealogy ends with Noah’s sons. Later we will learn of the 10 generations from Noah to Abraham. The focus of the genealogy in Gen 5 is on the firstborn son and the carrying forth of the divine image (5:1, 3)—until we reach Noah, and all 3 sons are listed.

 

Note the explicit references to the creation account: “In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them Man in the day when they were created” (Gen 5:1-2).

 

The 10 generations of Seth’s genealogy in Gen 5 are in contrast to the 7 generations of Cain’s genealogy in Gen 4. In Seth’s genealogy there are records of deaths but not murders. And each of the descendants are blessed with very long lives: Adam 930; Methuselah 969.

 

Interestingly, when the genealogy of Gen 5 is compared to an ancient Sumerian king list (dated to 2000 BC), we see that the long lives of the biblical n arrative were actually short. The Sumerian king list has 8 kings who ruled 5 cities for a total 241,200 years (one king reigned for over 43,000 years). This Sumerian king list then describes a flood, after which another list of 39 kings ruled for 26,997 years.

 

Genesis 6 then sets the stage for the flood narrative. There is no question that the Creation account of Gen 1-3 is in the authors purview. Of course, Gen 6 has caused many a scholar to offer up all sorts of fanciful interpretations. We might do well to recall that the NT has an instance of a woman (Mary) being impregnated by God—the virgin birth.

 

Perhaps we are to read Genesis 3 and 6 in light of one another. In Gen 3, we see the story of Adam and Eve trying to become like God by taking the privilege to discern and evil into their own hands. In Gen 6, we learn of spiritual beings (members of the heavenly council) trying to become like people. In both accounts, there is an effort to grant humans eternal life. God responds to these failed efforts by noting that they have 120 years (Gen 6:3)—which quite likely refers to the number of years until the flood.

 

It is important to note that God is portrayed in these accounts as merciful and loving. His response to Cain’s murder to the banish and protect him. If Cain were not sent away would others have sought revenge? Now, in the flood narrative, God’s response to the increasing wickedness and violence is sorrow.[1]

 

Finally, whatever is happening in Gen 6:1-4, it appears that the audience to whom it was written knew. Thus, what is obscure for us, was perhaps clear to them.

 

 

Genesis 5

1. These are the generations (toledoth) of Adam (1):

1. Adam-Seth (3)
2. Likeness and Image (1, 3)
3. Adam lived 930 years (5)

1. Noah “____________________” (32)

1. Shem, Ham, Japheth (32)
2. Departs from the concern of the firstborn son to include all 3

 

Genesis 6:1-8 Setting for the flood

1. Mankind increases (1)
2. Sons of God (2): options:

1. Godly line of Seth and the ungodly line of Cain
2. Sons of God are dynastic rulers; the daughters of men are the harems they took; the sin is that of polygamy
3. ‘Sons of God’/ “elohim” ordinarily used of angels or the divine council

1. “__________________________” that the daughters were ‘beautiful’ (good) and they “__________________________” wives for themselves

1. “Saw”: same word used for Eve’s perception of the fruit (3:6); and for God’s repeated declaration throughout Gen 1-3 “it was good”
2. Eve “saw” that the fruit was good for food and “took” (cf 3:6)
3. Spiritual beings tempted by human women: inversion of Garden: humans were tempted by spiritual beings

1. God expresses His displeasure: “My ___________________ shall not strive with flesh forever” (3; cf 1:2: where the Spirit hovers there is order and chaos is reversed; if the Spirit is removed, chaos ensues)

1. Days shall be 120 yrs: until the flood?

1. Nephilim were on the earth (4): Parenthetical? (Cf Num 13:33)
2. Mighty men (4; cf 10:8: used of Nimrod (mighty one)—builder of Nineveh

1. Same as the nephilim?
2. Of old; reputation, famous (cf 11:4)

 

6:5-9:29 Flood

Toledoth in 6:9 marks the beginning of a new section

6:5-8 Reason for the Flood

1. God ________________: Everyone is guilty (5)
2. God felt: sorry/tormented (nacham) that He had made mankind (6-7): except for Noah (wordplay—same letters in Hebrew)

1. NIV translates this word 10 different ways in the OT—sometimes exactly the opposite of others: suggesting how difficult a word it is
2. Walton: suggests that nacham has nothing to do with regrets, grief, or being sorry: instead, it is an accounting term
3. Walton’s rendering: “The LORD audited the accounts because he had made humankind in the earth and his heart was tormented over it. So, the LORD said, ‘I will wipe humankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth . . . because I have audited the accounts since I have made them” (310-11)
4. Walton suggests the term deals with ledgers and keeping a balance
   1. Ledgers are not in balance when humanity sins
   2. God does not allow evil to remain on the books but balances with grace and mercy (Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2); or with punishment (Jer 18:10
5. Walton suggests that God is not sorry, or grieved: He is seeking to redress the situation: balance the ledger: audit the account: enforcing a system of checks and balances

NB: If we are sorry for doing something then we refrain from doing it again!

6. God’s actions are motivated by a sense of justice

1. God decides to blot them out (7)
2. But Noah found favor with God (8)

1. Found favor or won favor?

 

 

Sons of God?

• Ps 29:1; 82:6; 89:6; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7
• Second Temple literature (516 BC – AD 70) as well as Jude 6 read this verse in light of the elohim view

 

[1] See: Hawk, L. Daniel. The Violence of the Biblical God (p. 31). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.. Kindle Edition.

Understanding Genesis #9: Cain and Abel

In this study, Rob leads through a discussion of Gen 4 and the Cain and Abel story. We will note how sin is increasing and getting worse. Adam and Eve are deceived and so is Cain (1 John 3:11-12). As we move through Genesis 4 we note Cain kills his brother and hides--just like Adam and Even hid. Then as the story continues we learn that within 7 generations one of Cain's descendants (Lamech) kills 2 kids and boasts about it! Sin is getting increasingly worse! 

 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

 

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

 

 

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

 

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

 

Notes: 

It is not uncommon for readers of the Bible to assume that the narrative of the “Fall”—i.e., humanity’s fall from grace and into sin—is depicted in Gen 3, the narrative Genesis suggests that we should read all of Gen 3-11 as one account of humanity’s “fall.”^[1] What happens next is that humanity gets what it wished for. They wanted the ability to make decisions for themselves. Now, Gen 4 describes over the course of the next seven generations what happens when humanity makes the decisions. One way of describing it is that in Gen 3 the vertical relationship with God was broken, now in Gen 4, the horizontal relationships follow. 

As a result of Adam and Eve’s decision to determine good and bad for themselves, conflict entered into human relations. Instead of ruling together as one, they now are distinct from one another and vying for power against one another.

The story of Cain and Abel demonstrates what happens when deception is allowed to be a part of humanity. Not only does sin continue, but it also intensifies (see 1 John 3:7-12). In fact, sin becomes murderous (Gen 4:1-15). Then, humanity begins to relish in their murderous ways (4:23). Thus, the sin of Adam and Eve worsens in the account of Cain and Abel.

NB: Note the parallels between Gen 3 and Gen 4: Adam and Eve knew they were naked (3:7); Adam knew his wife (4:1): in both accounts, God says, ‘where are you’ (3:9); ‘where is your brother’ (4:9); in both accounts, God asks “what have you done?” (Gen 3:13; 4:10): in both accounts, the earth is cursed (3:17; 4:11); and both Adam and Cain are banished from the presence of God (3:24; 4:14); to the east (3:24; 4:16).

In Gen 4, God announces that Cain’s punishment will be an intensification of the punishment brought on Adam and Eve. They were expelled from the garden of Eden, but now Cain will be a “restless wanderer on the earth” (Gen. 4:12).

God told Adam that his labors would be a struggle, but, though the land would produce thorns and thistles, “you will eat of the plants of the field” (3:19). When Cain works the ground, “it will no longer yield its crops for you” (4:12).

The story of Cain and Abel demonstrates how when unchecked sin continues to worsen. Eventually, sin will increase to the point that God becomes grieved (Gen 6:6) and decides to start over (Gen 6:7).

The Cain and Abel narrative also affirms that humanity is failing to heed God’s desire to “fill the earth” (Gen 1:28). Instead, they build cities (Gen 4:17).

The account ends with a note of hope. Adam and Eve have another son who will replace Abel. That this son appears to be the hope of mankind is evident from his name: “Seth” lit. “seed” (see Gen 3:15). 

 

4:1-7 Cain and Abel

1. Adam knew his wife and Cain is born (1; cf 3:7)
2. Abel kept the flocks; Cain tilled the soil (2)

1. Cain’s no adjectives: therefore, just plain old vegetables?
2. Abel’s ‘the firstlings’ and of their ‘fat portions’ (4:4): reflects gratitude (Exod 23:19; 34:26; Num 15:17-21; 18:12-13; Deut 26:1-11)

God addresses Cain (6)

1. Sin is crouching at your door
2. Its desire is for you (cp 3:16)
3. You must master it (cp 3:16)

4:8-16 Cain is Judged

1. Cain told Abel (8): told him what?
2. Cain finds Abel and kills him
3. Blood cries out from the ground (pl): (10)
4. God addresses Cain (9): Where is Abel your brother?
5. Cain’s response
   1. First, he lies: “I don’t know”
   2. Then he suggests that God’s question is inappropriate: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (cf Ps 121:4-8; 2:15; 3:24)
6. God becomes the interrogator (10-12)
   1. What have you done! (accusation not a question)
   2. Blood cries out (cf Heb 11:4)
7. Punishment: cursed: the ground (11)
   1. He will be a wanderer
8. Cain protests (13)
   1. Punishment is too great 
9. God promises to protect Cain (15)
   1. Cain receives a mark
10. Cain settles in Nod (16): East of Eden

Although Yahweh condemns Cain to wandering, Cain finds a place to settle down and builds a city.

1. 1. ‘Nod’ is related to the verb ‘nud’ (14) which means “wanderer”

4:17-24 Genealogies of Cain

Cain has a son Enoch (17)

1. Cain builds a city and names it after his son Enoch

Lamech has 2 wives (19)

1. Lamech’s sons are associated with cultural accomplishments (21-22)
2. Lamech’s song (23-24)
3. Killed a young man for injuring him
4. Moves well beyond an eye for an eye

4:25-26 The Birth of Seth

1. Seth: zera; ‘seed’; ‘offspring’ (25)
2. Seth fathers Enosh (26); another Hebrew word for ‘man’; includes ‘weak, frail’
3. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord

Moving to the NT:

Why Cain’s offering was not accepted (1 John 3:11-12)

Abel is a type of Christ (Heb 12:24)

 

[1] I am not sure that “fall” is the proper term. They are excluded from the Garden and cas

 

Gospel of John #6: Interview with Marianne Meye Thompson

Rob and Vinnie interview Johannine scholar and former professor Marianne Meye Thompson to discuss her thoughts on the Gospel of John. What is John's objective? What does John want us to know and do? 

Click here for Dr Thompson’s book on Introducing the NT

Click here for her book on the God of the Gospel of John 

Click here for the painting Dr Thompson refers to 

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.

Then share it with others so that we can get the word of the Gospel of the Kingdom to more people!

 

NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

 

 

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

 

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

 

Gospel of John #5: Jesus as the Fulfillment

Please "follow" this podcast and give a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your review will go a long way towards helping others find this podcast.

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NB: our goal is to keep these episodes free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.

 

 

Good news: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and they will automatically load. 

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie look at the center of John's Gospel and look at Jesus as the fulfillment of the Sabbath, Passover, and Pentecost and what this means for the church today. 

 

 

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this Rob’s determinetruth site.

 

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site. 

Abortion: are we going about this the right way? Interview with Andy Smith

In this episode, we take a look at the abortion debate by contending that pro-life and pro-choice advocates are going about things the wrong way?

Today's guest is Andy Smith. Andy is is a practicing attorney disability rights attorney and the coordinator for Evangelicals 4 Justice. She has been involved in reproductive justice organizing for over 30 years.

We have asked Andy to come on to discuss her soon-to-be-published book A Justice Oriented Approach to Ending Abortion.