Melchizedek is one of the most mysterious figures in the Bible, with only two incredibly brief mentions in the Old Testament. Yet, in Hebrews 7, the author makes the astounding argument that this fleeting character from Genesis anticipates the end of the Levitical priesthood and the establishment of Christ's eternal role.

Join Kirk E. Miller and Dr. Madison Pierce on What in the Word? as they unravel this challenging passage, exploring how a complex theological argument can provide a practical anchor for our souls and a better hope for believers.

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Learn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-who-is-melchizedek-hebrews-7?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw

Outline:

(00:00) Mystery of Melchizedek

(03:07) Why Hebrews 7 Matters

(06:14) Hebrews: Big Picture Context

(13:20) Four Views on Melchizedek

(17:23) Reading Hebrews 7:1-3

(21:13) Without Genealogy, Explained

(23:46) Dead Sea Scrolls Connections

(26:22) Applying the Traditions

(28:06) Qumran Melchizedek Traditions

(28:58) Angelic Priests and Genealogy

(30:04) Saint Nicholas to Santa Analogy

(31:12) Hebrews Comparison Strategy

(34:03) Tithes Blessing and Levi

(41:09) Law Change and Better Covenant

(44:13) Perfection Indestructible Life

(49:38) Oath Priest Forever

(52:47) Preaching Takeaways and Conclusion

In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller talks with Richard Middleton about one of the Christian theology's most foundational and widely discussed ideas: humanity as the image of God (imago dei). Yet despite how important this concept is, its meaning has long been debated.

Does the image of God refer to some special human trait like reason? Does it describe our capacity for relationship? Or is it primarily about a task God has given humanity? Together Kirk and Richard discuss Genesis 1:26–28 and unpack its theological implications.

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Learn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-image-of-god-genesis-1?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw

Outline:

(00:00) What Is God’s Image?

(00:47) Meet Richard Middleton

(02:11) Context Context Context

(03:24) Human Vocation In Genesis

(05:55) Reading Genesis 1:26

(06:49) Why It’s Debated

(07:47) Assumptions and Exegesis

(11:52) Representing, Not Resembling

(12:53) Substantial View Explained

(15:54) Relational View And Barth

(21:11) Vocational Functional View

(24:39) Image as Gift and Call

(27:29) Dignity Beyond Abilities

(29:14) Image and Likeness Debate

(31:07) Case for Vocational Image

(37:27) Imago Dei Ethics

(40:38) Christ and New Humanity

(42:36) Abraham Israel and Mission

(46:06) Ancient Near East Context

(49:28) Practical Takeaways Preaching

(52:18) Final Thanks and Outro

In this episode of What in the Word?, Thomas H. McCall joins Kirk E. Miller to discuss Jesus’s cry of dereliction from the cross (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34), a remark that has often played an important role in Christians' understanding of the atonement.

Together they explore different historical interpretations and viewpoints on what it meant for Christ to cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Tom helps listeners navigate the exegesis and theological implications of this passage, as well as avoiding important pitfalls.

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Learn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-did-god-forsake-jesus?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw

Episode outline:

(00:00) Introduction: Did God Forsake Jesus?

(00:14) Meet Dr. Tom McCall

(02:43) Understanding the Cry of Dereliction

(03:34) Theological Implications and Context

(04:34) Exploring Matthew’s Gospel

(08:17) The Significance of Jesus’ Cry

(12:00) Historical and Modern Interpretations

(17:28) Divergent Theological Views

(21:35) Logos Bible Study Tool

(24:46) Exploring Theological Perspectives on Christ’s Forsakenness

(25:50) Calvin’s Interpretation of Christ’s Descent into Hell

(27:17) The Cry of Dereliction and Its Theological Implications

(30:06) Exegetical Insights from Psalm 22

(46:42) Practical Applications for Preaching the Cry of Dereliction

(50:37) Conclusion