Why did God forbid Moses, the great leader whom God used to lead Israel out of Egypt, from entering the Promised Land? In this episode of What in the Word? Michael Morales joins Kirk E. Miller to tackle one of the more perplexing passages in the Old Testament: Numbers 20.

Together they unpack the text's rich theological layers, explaining how Moses's failure to "sanctify" God by publicly misrepresenting his character before the people.

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Outline:

(00:00) Moses and the Rock

(00:44) Meet Michael Morales

(03:10) Why Numbers 20 Is Hard

(04:15) Reading the Passage

(06:11) Setting the Wilderness Context

(10:16) Common Views on Moses Sin

(14:32) Rebellion at Meribah

(15:56) Exodus 17 Parallels

(18:22) Aaron Rod and Kingship

(22:47) Misrepresenting God Holiness

(25:06) Moses Misrepresents God

(26:15) Ezekiel Temple Waters

(26:53) Whose Rod Was It

(28:36) High Handed Rebellion

(31:06) Why The Sin Matters

(34:24) Hinge To New Generation

(37:13) Edom Sandwich Structure

(40:59) Kingship Theme Emerges

(41:59) Practical Takeaways Today

(47:55) Teaching And Preaching Tips

(50:54) Final Thanks And Outro

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

Did the apostle Paul allow for divorce and remarriage? In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller sits down with renowned New Testament scholar Craig Keener to navigate the challenging and often debated passage of 1 Corinthians 7:12–16.

They explore its historical context, dissect key Greek terms like "leave" and "not bound," and survey the different interpretive viewpoints on what Paul's words mean for believers in religiously mixed marriages.

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Learn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-paul-divorce-remarriage?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw

Outline:

(00:00) Introduction and Purpose of the Episode

(00:59) Meet Dr. Craig Keener

(02:06) Understanding the Context of 1 Corinthians 7:12-16

(04:38) Diverse Interpretations of Divorce and Remarriage

(05:50) Paul’s Teachings on Marriage and Divorce

(09:36) Implications of Being ‘Bound’ and ‘Loosed’

(27:23) Practical Considerations and Exceptions

(28:48) Permissions for Divorce and Remarriage

(29:44) Key Terms in the Passage

(30:29) Cultural Context of Divorce

(31:40) Exceptions for Divorce

(32:23) Analogous Situations and Abuse

(40:49) Hyperbole in Jesus’ Teachings

(55:17) Pastoral Implications of Divorce

(01:00:18) Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Genesis 6:6–7 says that God “regretted” making humanity. This seems to imply divine change, sorrow, or even error. But how can God regret anything if he is all-knowing, unchanging, and perfectly wise?

In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller is joined by Wyatt Graham to unpack the theological and interpretive challenges of Genesis 6:5–8. Together, they explore role of anthropopathism in Scripture and answer questions like, Does God experience emotion? Can he change his mind? And how should pastors faithfully teach such texts?

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Learn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-does-god-change-his-mind?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw

Outline:

(00:00) Introduction and Theological Questions

(01:01) Guest Introduction: Dr. Wyatt Graham

(03:13) Discussing Genesis 6:5-8

(04:10) Theological Implications of God’s Regret

(06:56) Linguistic Connections in Genesis

(10:11) Salvation Through Judgment: The Flood

(10:49) Tools for Biblical Study

(19:58) Historical and Theological Perspectives on God’s Immutability

(25:42) Understanding Biblical Metaphors for God

(27:15) Jeremiah’s Insight on God’s Unchanging Nature

(29:48) Theological Perspectives on God’s Immutability

(32:39) Synthesizing Biblical Passages on God’s Nature

(34:39) Augustine’s Doctrine of Signs and Biblical Interpretation

(38:38) Practical Implications of God’s Immutability

(45:04) Preaching and Teaching on God’s Unchanging Nature

(55:15) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Jude 14–15 appears to quote directly from the non-canonical book of 1 Enoch and attribute it to Enoch. What are we to make of this?

In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller welcomes Wes Huff. They discuss the background of 1 Enoch and whether Jude's citation of means he considered the pseudepigraphal book to be authentic prophecy.

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Learn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-jude-quotes-enoch?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw

Outline:

(00:00) Introduction and Purpose of the Show

(00:56) Meet the Expert: Wes Huff

(02:31) Understanding the Controversial Passage in Jude

(05:36) Exploring the Book of Enoch

(09:43) Debating the Canonicity of Enoch

(20:37 )Early Church Perspectives on Enoch and Jude

(25:30) Exploring the Archangel Michael and Jude's References

(25:48) Jude's Use of Enoch: Countering Angelic Impurity

(28:18) Different Interpretations of Jude's Reference to Enoch

(30:23) Jewish Understanding of Scripture in Jude's Time

(32:18) Jude's Argument Against Angelic Authority

(34:07) The Prophetic Witness of Enoch and Jude's Perspective

(41:00) Paul's Use of Pagan Concepts and Jude's Argument

(45:28) Practical Takeaways for Understanding Jude

(51:33) Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

What in the Word? wraps up a rich and thought-provoking first season. In this special finale, host Kirk E. Miller turns the mic on himself, as Matt Barrios, the show’s producer, leads a reflective interview covering lessons learned, favorite passages, surprising insights, and behind-the-scenes moments.

From tackling tough texts like Genesis 6, 1 Corinthians 15, and the Canaanite conquest to unforgettable interviews with scholars like Carmen Imes, Lynn Cohick, and Mike Horton, this recap offers a meaningful look back—and a peek forward at what’s to come in Season 2.

Explore more: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-season-1-recap?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social