The Bible Sojourner

Many Christians have not thought much about the idea of cremation. In this video, Peter walks through an article by Rodney Decker on the issue and tries to help believers understand some of the issues that are at stake in these end-of-life decisions. The final conclusion? Although cremation is very popular today, perhaps we ought to rethink how we make that decision.

In this episode, Peter is joined by Rick Holland to help us think through the issue of Christians and online dating. Online dating is a very popular trend, but it is not without its significant problems. Join Peter and Rick as they discuss the dangers of online dating, and how Christians should think about dating in general.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to Rick Holland

07:04 Is there a difference between dating and courting?

11:16 Why has there been an online dating revolution?

19:57 Is online dating a sin for Christians?

22:24 What are the dangers of online dating?

38:38 What are the principles & goals of the dating process?

45:30 What are some of the challenges for young adults isolating themselves?

48:23 How can the church help singles looking for a spouse?

54:45 What is an ideal first date?

57:13 What is the characteristic you should look for in a potential spouse?

59:37 What is the characteristic you should pursue in your own life?

How many resurrections does the Bible talk about? Here is a list of 14 resurrections and a few honorable mentions! Resurrections discussed include the resurrection of Jesus and Lazarus, as well as many others.

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In this episode, we examine the imprecatory psalms (aka mean psalms!) and discuss what their purpose is and whether we can apply them today. Many Christians have said that imprecatory psalms have no usefulness today. There certainly seems to be a difference between what Jesus said about loving your enemies and the psalms that call curses on the heads of your enemies. Let's talk about it. Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 06:06 Famous Quotes Saying No Christian Use of These Psalms
• 14:56 The Importance of Understanding the Biblical Covenants
• 20:30 The Importance of the Davidic Covenant
• 26:22 Thinking Through Some Examples (Psalm 137)
• 32:54 Psalms 69 and 109 as Psalms of David
• 35:24 Principles to Keep in Mind
• 45:02 Are Imprecatory Psalms for Today?

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One of the most difficult issues in Old Testament studies is what Genesis 6 is talking about! Who are the sons of God in Genesis 6? Peter Goeman sits down with Tim Miller of Shepherds Theological Seminary and discusses the three main views and whether there are some theological implications of this discussion.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:48 Overview of the Interpretations of the Sons of God

05:40 Sons of God as Judges or Rulers

10:34 Sons of God as Sethites

15:51 Does Reformed theology prefer Sethite view?

16:47 Sons of God as Fallen Angels

26:04 Can Angels have Relations with Humans?

29:00 Why No Reference to Judging Angels in Gen 6?

33:17 The History of the Angelic View

36:13 How should we view Scripture's relationship with 1 Enoch?

39:35 What are the theological implications of this discussion?

43:55 Is 1 Cor 11 related to this issue?

45:38 Outro

One of Christianity’s perennial debates is whether the Church has taken on the role of Old Testament Israel. In this episode, we examine the use of the term “replacement theology,” review historical examples of replacement language, and explore the key issues at the heart of the discussion.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:18 Sources that Use Replacement Language
• 10:53 Defining Supercessionism
• 13:22 Punitive Supercessionism
• 16:25 Economic Supercessionism
• 19:26 Structural Supercessionism
• 21:46 Summary of Supercessionism Views
• 23:48 Question 1: With whom did God make the Abrahamic covenant?
• 30:46 Question 2: What are the promises within the Abrahamic covenant?
• 52:48 Question 3: Was the Abrahamic covenant operative during disobedience?
• 59:47 Question 4: When did God stop dealing with Israel as a nation?
• 01:04:35 Summary Thoughts

Helpful Links to Study More:

How can a Christian become wise? Today we look at some of the sources of wisdom in the ancient world, and how God’s Word is the superior pathway to wisdom. We then talk about Solomon’s specific advice on how to become wise, which is a bit surprising!

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:20 Sources of Wisdom: Tradition
• 15:19 Sources of Wisdom: Experience and Observation
• 16:55 Sources of Wisdom: Correction
• 19:25 Sources of Wisdom: Elders and Teachers
• 21:26 Sources of Wisdom: God's Revelation
• 26:49 How to Get Wisdom: Proverbs 2

Many people have heard about the Woke Left, but there is a trend toward "Wokeness" on the Right as well. Today we talk about what it looks like to be Woke Right and why it is problematic for the church. We must be vigilant as Christians not to be swayed into a worldview that does not correspond with the core tenets of the faith, whether that temptation comes from the Left or the Right of the political spectrum.Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:36 Defining Terms and Understanding History
• 12:01 Problems with Wokeism on the Left
• 24:27 The Rise of the Woke Right
• 50:52 Problems with the Woke Right (for Christians)
• 52:12 Problem 1: Emphasis on Group Identity
• 57:08 Problem 2: Overemphasis on Ethnicity
• 1:03:28 Problem 3: Unfounded Skepticism against Authority
• 1:08:34 Problem 4:Emphasizes Human Solutions to a Sin Problem
• 1:11:47 Why is it Important to talk about the Woke Right?

If the New Covenant was made with Israel, how does the church relate to that covenant? How do we understand the relationship between the church and Israel? Special guest Paul Henebury answers these questions and more. Join us as we discuss some of the interesting theological questions about the church's relationship to God's promises.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 05:47 Why is the New Covenant such an important issue?
• 11:45 Why is the discussion of Israel and the Church important?
• 18:03 Why do many people view the church and Israel as the same?
• 28:52 Does the NT reinterpret the OT?
• 33:05 Why should we believe Israel and the church are distinct?
• 44:05 How should we understand the church being described as Israel?
• 45:37 What are some incorrect dispensational views of the New Covenant?
• 50:06 Evidence that the church is a recipient of the New Covenant
• 58:07 Discussion about how the specific promises in the OT do not pertain to the church
• 1:07:53 Using Biblical Covenants Rather than Dispensations as a Framework
• 1:16:08 What's Next for Paul Henebury?

In this episode, we look at why Jeff Durbin and other Preterists are incorrect in their interpretation of "This Generation" in Matthew 24:34. We explore the Olivet Discourse and its fulfillment beyond AD 70, challenging the Preterist view that Matthew 24:34 is definitive for placing the entirety of the Olivet Discourse in AD 70. We explore the presuppositional issues, the context of the Olivet Discourse, and the three main views for what "this generation" could refer to. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 05:51 Jeff Durbin's Clip on Apologetic Value 13:42 Methodology: Where Should We Start? 18:56 The Early Church on Matthew 24 24:19 The Importance of Old Testament Background 26:32 The Early Church Apologetic Use of Matthew 24 and Premillennialism 30:52 The Context of the Olivet Discourse 37:21 The Three Main Views of "This Generation" 37:40 View 1: Preterist View of "This Generation" 44:08 View 2: Future Generation Experience 56:33 View 3: "This Generation" as Rebellious Nation of Israel 1:17:19 The Transgenerational You 1:23:20 Fitting Matthew 24:36 into the Argument 1:26:04 Summary

Original Video from Apologia Studies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bheQXNb0c9o

In this episode, we dive into a fun discussion of Deuteronomy 4:29 and talk about why many English translations may be getting this verse wrong! Instead of reading this verse as a purely conditional “if,” we’ll explore the compelling evidence that it should be understood as a statement of certainty—a prophetic guarantee that Israel will seek and find God. From Hebrew grammar to parallel passages and the Greek Septuagint, we’ll show how shifting from “if” to “when” or “because” transforms our understanding of this pivotal prophetic passage.

But this isn’t just a nerdy grammar study—there’s a rich theological payoff too! By recognizing the verse’s prophetic certainty, we see a powerful thread running throughout Deuteronomy: though rebellion and exile will come, restoration is just as sure. We discuss what this verse means for our eschatology and why it underscores God’s unwavering faithfulness to His people. Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:01 English Translations of Deuteronomy 4:29
• 05:03 Context of Deuteronomy 4:25-30
• 16:29 Broader Context of Deuteronomy
• 19:57 Hebrew Grammar Discussion of Ki Clauses
• 27:42 Looking at the LXX Translations
• 35:42 Eschatological Ramifications of Deuteronomy 4:29

Have you ever wondered if your nativity scene accurately reflects the biblical account of Jesus’s birth? In this video, we uncover six popular nativity myths that are often presented as fact but have little to no basis in Scripture. From the setting of a wooden stable to the timing of the Magi’s visit, we’ll separate tradition from the true events of that first Christmas night and shed light on how the story actually unfolds in the Bible. Join us as we explore the real narrative behind the world’s most cherished birth story!

Time Stamps:

00:00 Intro

00:54 Myth 1: There were 3 wise men

02:14 Myth 2: The wise men were at Jesus's birth

03:26 Myth 3: There was an innkeeper

04:09 Myth 4: Jesus was born in a stable

05:07 Myth 5: It was a silent night

06:56 Myth 6: Angels sang

Where did the Christmas tree come from? Is it rooted in pagan traditions, or does it carry a deeper Christian significance?

In this episode, we explore the intriguing history of the Christmas tree, tracing its origins and development over time. Discover how this beloved holiday tradition was viewed, especially in 17th and 18th-century New England, including early Christian perspectives on celebrating Christmas during that time.

Finally, we address the big question: Should Christians include a Christmas tree in their celebration of Christ’s birth? What do you think? Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:36 Three Legends about the Origin of the Christmas Tree 12:49 The Use of Trees by Pagan Religions 18:38 The Positive Use of Trees in Scripture 22:42 Possible Forerunners of the Christmas Tree 30:09 American and the Christmas Tree 49:41 Should Christians Use a Christmas Tree?

Resources Used in the Episode:

Bruce David Forbes, Christmas: A Candid History (2007)

Stephen Nissenbaum, The Battle for Christmas (1997, Pulitzer Prize Finalist)

Theology Spark Episode #5

When most people think of that first Christmas many years ago, they often picture a mean innkeeper turning Mary and Joseph away because there was no room at his inn. While this is a common part of the Christmas story, the evidence doesn't actually support the existence of an innkeeper—or even an inn at all.

The Old Testament clearly teaches God is sovereign and has ruled since day one of creation. But the Bible also says that Satan is the god of this world. Has Jesus already deposed Satan as ruler of this world? Or do we await Satan's defeat at a future time? Let's look at what the Bible says about Satan's rule in this world and what it means for Christians. Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction

03:33 Reasons We Don't Pay Attention to Satan

06:20 Is Satan Really the God of This World?

13:24 Do the Cross and Resurrection Change Things?

24:17 Vies Which Negate Satan's Present Authority

28:26 Postmillennial Idea that Satan is Bound in AD 70

48:46 Why Address This Subject?

54:51 Outro

What did 1st and 2nd century Christians believe about eschatology? The early church is a treasure trove of information and is insightful comments on eschatological expectation and hope. We join patristic scholar and expert, Dr. Michael Svigel, from Dallas Theological Seminary. He walks us through some of the beliefs of the early church as he introduces us to his recently released book, The Fathers on the Future. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:50 About the website Fathers on the Future 06:09 Why write on eschatology in the Church Fathers? 08:23 Is there any consensus in the early Church?

11:27 Was the early church premillennial?

14:01 How and when did amillennialism arise?

19:17 Is premillennialism inherently pessimistic?

24:25 How should we understand the Day of the Lord?28:11 Would 70 AD be considered a Day of the Lord?30:07 Why is the pretrib rapture falling out of favor?38:03 What do you mean "remember the future"?

42:34 How should one start studying eschatology?

In this episode, we briefly assess the Shepherds 360 Conference on dispensationalism and provide a few short interviews with some of the presenters. The sessions from the conference will definitely be worth listening to. The topics dealt primarily with dispensationalism, covenant theology, kingdom of God, Israel and the Church, premillennialism, God and Government, etc. Join us as Dr. Goeman provides his own commentary to assess the impact of the conference.

Christians all acknowledge that humility is important, but why is that? In this episode, we talk about why humility is so important and we present 11 hallmarks that give insight into what humility looks like in the Christian life. Be warned though... humility can be painful to think through. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 06:00 The Importance of Christian Character 24:31 The Biblical Emphasis on Humility 33:25 11 Characteristics of Humble Christians

Preterists argue that the internal evidence in the book of Revelation is strong enough to challenge the early church's testimony supporting a late date for Revelation. In this video, we analyze four of the most common preterist arguments, which are frequently cited as compelling evidence that Revelation was written before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction

08:39 (1) The Temporal Language in the Book of Revelation

28:06 (2) The Standing Temple of Revelation 11

49:11 (3)The Kings of Revelation 17

1:03:4 (4) Nero and the Mark of the Beast

1:21:45 Closing Thoughts on Preterist's Dating of Revelation

Although David and Goliath is one of the most well known stories in the Bible, most people assume that Goliath was a Philistine. The truth of the giant's ancestry may surprise you.

What did early Christians believe about eschatology and baptism? In this video, we analyze the Didache, one of the earliest Christian documents we have outside of Scripture. We discuss the Didache's instructions concerning baptism and its teachings about the end times. The Didache's teachings provide evidence for immersion in baptism as well as significance evidence against the preterist position.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction

06:11 What is the Didache?

17:05 The Didache on Baptism

36:41 The Didache's Testimony Against Preterism

Have you heard of the "prosperity gospel"? This Theology Spark episode challenges the idea that following Jesus is a ticket to an easy life. We dive deep into Luke's Gospel to uncover the real cost of discipleship. Jesus calls us to radical sacrifices, from prioritizing Him over family to giving up our dreams. Are you ready to face the truth about what it means to truly follow Christ?

Theology Spark Episode #2

What was the population of the earth before the flood? Today there are around 8.1 billion people alive today. Is it possible that the earth's population prior to the flood exceeded our present day population? The Bible gives us enough information to make an informed assessment. And the answer may surprise you!

In today's podcast episode, we explore some of the most common mistakes people make while studying the Bible. We'll examine various word study errors and logical fallacies that both pastors and lay-level students often encounter. By recognizing and avoiding these pitfalls, you can deepen your understanding and interpretation of Scripture.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction

03:28 Root Word Fallacies

26:20 Logical Fallacies

Theology Spark Episode #1

Did you know that there are an estimated 2.2 billion Christians in the world? But here's a critical question: Are all these self-identified Christians truly followers of Christ? In this video, we delve into what the Bible says about genuine faith versus mere professed belief. We also talk about the dangers of false teachers who are intent on deceiving and misleading others.

Two special announcements about what is going on at The Bible Sojourner.

Preterism posits that most, if not all, of the events in the Book of Revelation occurred by 70 AD. However, if Revelation was authored after this date, it fundamentally challenges the Preterist view. In this video, we delve into the methodology for dating ancient texts and thoroughly evaluate the external evidence to determine whether Revelation was written in the early or late first century. In this episode, we discuss the implications of Revelation's dating on the Preterist interpretation. Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:09 The Two Dating Options 06:15 Important Definitions 16:30 Internal and External Evidence 24:12 Foundational Principles for a Working Methodology 32:43 Clarifications about Kinds of Arguments for Dating Revelation 37:28 The Majority of Church History Evidence 49:22 Discussion of Why 1850-1900 Prioritized 70 AD 54:45 The Earliest Sources Supporting a Late Date of Revelation 1:04:47 The Evidence of Irenaeus, Victorinus, and Jerome 1:22:12 Addressing Objections to the External Evidence

Is Jesus currently on David's throne? This is one of the perennial questions within eschatology. You may be surprised to know that Scripture speaks specifically to this issue. The Bible helps us answer many questions about the Davidic throne, especially concerning where the throne is located and when Jesus will ascend to it. Join host Peter Goeman as he unpacks what the Bible says about Jesus' position on David's throne.

Will there be a future return to animal sacrifices when Christ returns? If that's what the Bible says, how would such a position reconcile with the all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus on the cross? Peter looks deeply into these questions by analyzing a chapter from Matt Waymeyer on how one can reconcile a future temple and return to sacrifices with the book of Hebrews.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Importance of Topic

06:29 Texts Dealing with a Future Temple

11:40 Different Views on Future Sacrifices

13:26 View 1: Symbolic View

20:30 View 2: Memorial View

26:33 View 3: Ceremonial Cleansing View

31:51 The Nature of Atonement in Ezekiel 40-48

37:37 The Sacrificial System in the OT and Ezekiel

41:47 Harmonization with Hebrews 9-10

44:37 The Absence of the Day of Atonement in Ezekiel

47:35 The Broad Language of Hebrews

50:42 Paul's Example in Acts 21

Peter answers questions from listeners on various issues, including the roles of women, how God receives glory, whether one can be legalistic in pursuing holiness, and what it means to take the name of the Lord in vain. The topics and time stamps are as follows:

00:00 Introduction

01:45 Why do some Bible translations capitalize pronouns that refer to God and others don’t?

06:33 Is God more glorified in salvation than in creation?

09:46 Does the Bible address the issue of a woman worship leader?

13:50 Does the Bible allow female deacons?

15:55 Should Christians partner with Roman Catholics?

19:13 Should Christians abstain from voting?

23:54 Can women teach other women theology?

30:48 Do dispensationalists believe in multiple ways of salvation?

37:38 Am I legalistic for pursuing holiness?

43:56 What does it mean to take the name of the Lord in vain?

48:11 How should we understand Matt 21:43 and Jesus taking away the kingdom?

Peter Goeman is joined by Dr. Andy Burggraff to talk about discipleship in the early church and what discipleship should look like in the modern church. Goeman and Burggraff explore the practices of the early church and how discipleship was a central feature to the nascent church. They also discuss practical ways that today's church can implement discipleship practices. 00:00 Introduction

01:49 Intro to Dr. Andy Burggraff

04:45 How to Define Discipleship

10:57 Is there a difference between Mentorship and Discipleship?

19:48 How did the early church do discipleship?

39:15 Why does the Bible stop using the term discipleship?

46:23 What are some ways to practice discipleship?

56:37 What are some of the passages of Scripture that deal with the idea of discipleship?

1:17:02 What are the dangers in practicing discipleship?

1:22:12 Conclusion and Giveaway information

Books by Dr. Andy Burggraff:

Everyone has heard about servant leadership, but is it biblical? In today's episode, Peter Goeman critiques an article by Bnonn Tennant who argues that servant leadership is an unbiblical idea and destroys true masculine leadership. Peter discusses masculinity, gender roles, and why servant leadership is an important part of the Christian life.

In this exciting episode, join Peter Goeman as he welcomes Mark Ward, a gifted NT scholar who works for Faithlife and Logos. They delve deep into the intriguing discrepancies found among key Bible translations regarding Deuteronomy 32:8. Discover the interesting evidence translators consider and the likely interpretation of this text. Dive into an engaging discussion about the influence of the Septuagint (the Greek Translation of the Old Testament) and the Masoretic Text (the principal Hebrew Text) on modern English translations. Understand how these texts shape our understanding of biblical history and theology.

Moreover, Peter and Mark explore the critical question: How should we integrate the teachings of Deuteronomy 32:8 into our theological framework? This conversation is not just about translation—it's about understanding the essence of biblical teachings.For more on Mark Ward:

In this digital era, we enjoy unparalleled access to information. Increasingly, Christians are leveraging YouTube and podcasts as tools for growth and education. While this represents an extraordinary opportunity, it's not without its pitfalls for church communities. Many pastors and church leaders express concern over unique challenges they face in this information-saturated age. In this episode, I aim to spark a dialogue about the role of podcasts in Christian learning. It's vital to understand how these resources can complement, not substitute, the invaluable guidance of the godly church leaders God has placed in our lives.

Why is Christianity unique among other religions? How does it differ from Buddism, Islam, Mormonism, etc. Peter Goeman is joined by Dr. Paul Weaver to discuss how Christianity stands out as unique among other religions. Weaver discusses four areas where the centrality of Christ stands out against other religions.

00:00 Introduction

07:12 Overview of the Four Areas of Uniqueness in Christianity

08:45 The Exclusive Message of Christ

17:30 The Apostolic Confirmation of Christ's Message

21:08 The Character of Christ

30:55 The Resurrection of Christ

40:15 The Provision of Christ

45:15 Concluding Thoughts on Christianity

47:51 Conclusion

Today Peter Goeman is joined by Scott Christensen to talk about why a good God would allow evil things to happen in this world. Scott introduces us to the free will defense and the greater good defense, ultimately arguing that God’s glory is the best way to understand why God allows evil. Scott has written What About Evil? (P & R, 2020) and recently released a new book, Defeating Evil (P & R, 2024).

The giveaway has Closed. Make sure to subscribe for content and future giveaways!

Time stamps for discussion on the problem of evil:

00:00 Introduction

01:24 Who is Scott Christensen?

06:06 Why is everyone interested in the problem of evil?

12:35 Why does Scott have a particular interest in the problem of evil?

16:45 Introduction to ways people typically deal with problem of evil

25:30 Why is the free will defense so compelling to Christians?

30:50 What is the greater good defense to the problem of evil?

38:44 What are the problems with the free will defense?

51:36 Why is the greater glory defense?

01:12:45 How all this impact daily life?

01:30:05 Giveaway information and conclusion

If you’re interesting in buying the new book (and you should be!), Defeating Evil, check out the following bookstores:

In this episode of The Bible Sojourner, we discuss the cultural revolution and how we should think about those who are a part of the LGBT community. The conversation includes what cultural phenomena have led to the point where we have abandoned traditional sexual morality, and how LGBT folk view their sexual identity. Brady Cone from Calibrate Ministries joins me in this important conversation.

In this episode of The Bible Sojourner, we invite Kyle Swanson to talk about the book of Isaiah and how the Servant Songs in Isaiah encapsulate the gospel message in the Old Testament. We discuss Kyle's new book, "Isaiah's Great Light" and why Christians should spend time in the book of Isaiah.

In this episode, we look at whether Hosea 6:7 supports the idea of a Covenant of Works. Many people use Hosea 6:7 to support Covenant Theology and the Covenant of Works, but what is the context of Hosea 6:7?

In this episode, we explore what the Bible has to say about self discipline and self control. The Bible says a lot about the need to be disciplined, and it is an unfortunate reality that Christians often neglect the Bible's emphasis in this area. The first half of the video talks about the need for self discipline, and the second half talks about practical steps in how to grow in self discipline.

Matt Waymeyer joins us again to talk about the disputed text of Revelation 20. We talk about whether Satan is currently bound, or if Revelation 20 is speaking of a future event. We also talk about the resurrections and whether those should be viewed as physical resurrections or if one can be spiritual. Finally we talk about whether we should expect the multiple mentions of 1000 years in Revelation 20 to be symbolic or whether we should expect Jesus to come back and reign for a 1000 years. A great discussion on eschatology and how we should understand Revelation 20.

How should we understand Revelation 20? Is it true that Revelation 20 is the only evidence for premillennialism? Does amillennialism and postmillennialism provide an adequate understanding of Revelation 20? Matt Waymeyer joins me to talk about the details of Revelation 20 and how we should understand this text in relationship to Revelation 19.

Stay tuned for Part 2 soon!

The last year has seen an unparalleled advance in Artificial Intelligence. What does the recent innovation mean for the Christian? More specifically, what are some of the real dangers that people in churches will face due to Artificial Intelligence?