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Carey Griffel

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Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotTorah and the Two Ways: Wisdom unto Life, Not Legal Death - Episode 135This episode of Genesis Marks the Spot centers on an example of biblical theology, reframing how we understand law—not as rigid legislation, but as wisdom anchored in covenant relationship. Drawing from The Lost World of the Torah by John Walton and J. Harvey Walton, Carey challenges modern assumptions about law, obedience, and divine command theory, while weaving in reflections on context, tradition, and the role of interpretation in the church. Why does it matter how we define “law”? What does Torah as wisdom mean for our modern theological frameworks? And how can covenant thinking reshape our underst...2025-07-111h 10Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotTorah on Trial: Rethinking Law in Ancient Israel - Episode 134This illuminating episode of Genesis Marks the Spot dives deep into the nature of biblical law—just in time for the Fourth of July. What is law, really? Is the Torah a legislative code or a curated teaching tool for ethical formation? Drawing from Michael LeFebvre’s scholarly work Collections, Codes, and Torah, Carey unpacks how law functioned in the ancient world and how it evolved into what many of us assume today. From ancient Near Eastern ox-goring laws to the reforms of Josiah and the philosophical pressures of Hellenistic thought, walk through a legal labyrinth to unco...2025-07-041h 00Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotCarved in Covenant: Bronze Age Sinai and the Making of a People - Episode 133Walk through the ancient Near Eastern background of biblical covenants to arrive at the archetypal Sinai covenant.  Picking up where Episode 132 left off, Carey explores the formal elements of Late Bronze Age treaties and how they echo within the biblical text—especially in the Ten Commandments. Through historical, grammatical, and theological analysis, Carey challenges modern assumptions about covenantal law, explores the dynamic interplay between law and grace, and examines how the Sinai covenant shaped Israel's identity.  Are biblical covenants commands, ideals, or something even richer? Also included are reflections on Abraham’s covenant, the significance of cov...2025-06-271h 00Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotCovenants Before Contracts: The Ancient Near Eastern Frame - Episode 132In this episode of Genesis Marks the Spot, Carey takes listeners beyond prooftexts and into the deep structure of biblical meaning by asking: What kind of thing is a covenant? Drawing from ancient Near Eastern treaty forms, the episode explores how covenantal frames shape not only Genesis but also our understanding of baptism, representation, and the sacramental life.    This isn’t a systematics lecture or a typology sweep—it’s a frame-based investigation that pulls together Bronze Age political rituals, Reformed theology, and embodied covenant signs. Along the way, Carey untangles the difference between representation and substitution, explains...2025-06-201h 09Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Cups of the Cross: Cana, Gethsemane, and Golgotha - Episode 130What does it mean that Jesus drank the cup—and said he would not drink again until the kingdom came? What is that mysterious cup that Jesus didn't want to drink? In this final episode on alcohol in Scripture and with the help of Mark Scarlata's book, Wine, Soil, and Salvation, Carey draws together themes of covenant, celebration, and sacrifice as she explores the messianic banquet and the wisdom of wine.    From the wedding at Cana to the crucifixion, wine serves as a sign of joy, a symbol of suffering, and a seal of the kingdom to come...2025-06-061h 09Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Cup of Wisdom: Drinking in Creation’s Order - Episode 129In this episode of Genesis Marks the Spot, Carey uncorks the surprising biblical connection between wine and wisdom. What begins as a reflection on the interconnection of John Walton’s New Explorations and a survey of wisdom literature in Mark Scarlata's Wine, Soil, and Salvation blooms into a deeply interwoven meditation on creation order, covenant, and the spiritual maturity that wine represents in Scripture.   You'll hear how Lady Wisdom's banquet in Proverbs aligns with Walton’s evolving theology of creation-as-order, and how biblical wisdom challenges both moralistic and hedonistic extremes in our view of alcohol.  We also tease n...2025-05-301h 03Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotGoodnight, Adam. Goodnight, Eve. Goodnight, Functional Ontology. - Episode 128Reviewing John Walton’s newest entry in the Lost World series: New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis. With clarity and candor, Carey explores Walton’s theological evolution—particularly the move from “functional” to “ordered” creation—and discusses the role of biblical theology in understanding Genesis 1–3.   Carey also responds to popular-level criticisms of Walton’s work, emphasizing the need for good-faith engagement and theological humility. Along the way, she previews ideas from J. Harvey Walton’s dissertation and highlights the foundational theme of covenant, presence, and participation with God—over and above the traditional sin-salvation narrative.   What you'll hear in th...2025-05-231h 00Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotWrath and the gods: Deut. 32 and the Mirror of Judgment - Episode 127What does it mean when the Bible speaks of gods being judged? Is wrath just God's angry impulse, or is it the just consequence of misplaced allegiance?   In this episode, Carey dives deep into Deuteronomy 32, reading it not just as a poetic song, but as a cosmic indictment—against Israel, against the nations, and against their gods. Drawing from biblical imagery, ancient Near Eastern thought, and cosmic geography, this episode unpacks why wrath in the biblical story often comes not through lightning bolts, but through the unraveling of covenantal faithfulness.   You'll explore:   Why the mirrorin...2025-05-161h 10Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Cup of Wrath: Inheriting Your Desire at the Banquet - Episode 126What does it mean to drink the cup of wrath? And why does Scripture use the language of vineyards, vintage, and wine to describe divine judgment?    In this richly layered episode, Carey walks us through the biblical vineyard—from Genesis to Revelation—where wine is not merely a blessing but a mirror. Here, wrath is not divine temper but a giving-over: the slow fermentation of unrepentant desire, poured back upon those who distilled it.    Drawing from Mark Scarlata, Geoff Johnson, 1 Enoch, and a range of biblical texts, this teaching explores how judgment, joy, and justice are deep...2025-05-091h 04Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotBetween the Vines: Soil, Symbol, and the Cups of Consequence - Episode 125In this mid-series episode of Genesis Marks the Spot, Carey takes a step between the Cup of Joy and the Cup of Wrath—into the vineyard itself. With the help of Mark Scarlata’s Wine, Soil, and Salvation in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, we explore how the land, the vine, and the embodied experience of cultivation shape biblical theology.    From Genesis to Leviticus, from midrash to metaphor, we trace the deep roots of wine as both blessing and judgment. Why is God’s wrath described as a cup? Why is the soil cursed? Why does pruning...2025-05-021h 04Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotEden to Ararat: A Ground-clearing Look at the Genesis Curse - Episode 122Did the Flood reverse the curse of the ground? Carey builds a compelling case for a concept that’s often overlooked—or outright dismissed: that the Flood narrative in Genesis 6–9 isn't just about judgment, but also about restoration—specifically the cleansing of the cursed ground from Genesis 3.    Carey weaves together frame semantics, Hebrew wordplay, literary design (including an overlooked chiasm), and the theological role of Noah as a second Adam. She also unpacks how concepts like "serving the ground," the introduction of agriculture, and the story’s structural symmetry all speak to a larger narrative of renewal.      You’ll also...2025-04-111h 01Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotDevil in the Details: Rest, Relief, and Frame Semantics - Episode 121In this episode of Genesis Marks the Spot, we finally dive into a long-anticipated topic: frame semantics—a cognitive linguistic tool that could revolutionize how we approach biblical texts. From exploring how the word "rest" is more than just a Sabbath nap, to rethinking the identity of the Satan in Job and why the Sons of God are unique, this episode is a thoughtful journey into how meaning is framed, shaped, and sometimes flattened when we don’t consider conceptual structures behind words.     The usual truth-conditional semantics (where meaning hinges on objective truth) contrasts with the more holisti...2025-04-041h 08Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotLiturgy Through Time: Dead Sea Scrolls, Part 2 - Episode 086Genesis interpretation in the Dead Sea Scrolls: the "Words of the Luminaries": (4Q504) and a "Paraphrase of Genesis and Exodus" (4Q422).  The Words of the Luminaries is a set of weekly liturgical prayers and the Paraphrase of Genesis and Exodus is in the genre of "rewritten Bible," perhaps used as or with a homily.  These are excellent texts to investigate how the people of Qumran and other Jews were thinking about the creation account.  What aspects were they bringing out for use and application outside Scripture?  Some of the points might surprise us, and they can lead to s...2024-08-021h 05Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotGenesis Through Time: Dead Sea Scrolls, Part 1 - Episode 085The Dead Sea Scrolls were an amazing find for the study of the Bible and understanding the context of Jesus' time.  They can also help shed light on the ways that the biblical text is used through time by different communities.  This can help us understand this strange time we are in today, where we have so much information about the context of the Bible and we discover that historical interpretation is often quite different from interpretation at the time of the final form of the text.  Do you want to help others learn about the context of...2024-07-261h 08Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotInspiration Theories, with Mike Chu - Episode 084What is the role of the human in inspiration?  Are the Scriptures the "inspired word of God" via dictation or "holy download" to the human writer?  Is there room for editing and compiling?  Discussing the dictation view, the verbal plenary view, and the dynamic view of inspiration.  Each view holds God in high regard, but how do they portray humanity?  AND!  Exciting news from the AWKNG School of Theology!  Tune in to the end to hear all about it!  **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot AWKNG S...2024-07-191h 13Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotTwo Themes, Two Days, Two Goats; with Caleb Lewis - Episode 083The Passover and the Day of Atonement both have their fulfillment in Jesus, but how do we see this in Genesis?  Tracing the twin themes of the "two goats" and the exodus through the book of Genesis leads us right to the epicenter of Christological typology.Check out Caleb's new book, and his podcast, The Bible in Context. **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Through the Waters, A Biblical Theology of the Book of Genesis:  https://tinyurl.com/Through-the-Waters   Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebo...2024-07-121h 06Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Genesis of Exodus, with Caleb Lewis - Episode 082Exodus begins in Genesis 1.  Caleb Lewis joins me to discuss the many exoduses of Genesis.  I can almost guarantee you'll find something here that you never thought about before that will shed light on the continuity of the Torah and how it points to Jesus and the church.Check out Caleb's new book, and his podcast, The Bible in Context. **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Through the Waters, A Biblical Theology of the Book of Genesis:  https://tinyurl.com/Through-the-Waters  Genesis Marks the Spot on...2024-07-051h 07Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotMesopotamian Flood Stories - Episode 081The first and primary parallel flood accounts to Genesis are the flood stories from Mesopotamia.  Seeing how close these stories are to the narrative in Genesis will give us plenty to discuss in the future, and this will also help us investigate the question of the "many" flood accounts of the ancient world.  Reading the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis Epic along with commentary on how this can begin to inform our Bible study...and as always, our understanding of God! **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot 2024-06-281h 09Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotFlood Overview: JEDP to Chiasm, with Troy Yurchak - Episode 080The more I study the Bible, the more I come back to the same question:  Who is God, and what does the Bible tell us about Him?  Looking at the flood narrative from the common paradigm and flipping it on its head to include a more expansive view of our relationship to God and what he wants for us.  Troy Yurchak brings us a delightful symmetry of the flood narrative in contrast to the documentary hypothesis (the idea that the flood story is a combination of two sources).**Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www...2024-06-211h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Liturgical Chiasm of Genesis 1, with Troy Yurchak - Episode 079How does the structure of Genesis 1 work as a chiasm, and what does that mean for our view of liturgy--what it is and why we do it?  Troy Yurchak joins me for this great discussion that unexpectedly combines literary design with liturgy and discipleship!  **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot  The Literary Structure of the Old Testament: https://tinyurl.com/Literary-Structure-of-the-OT  Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/ M...2024-06-141h 05Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotFlood Your Bible Study with Good Note-Taking - Episode 078It's time to discuss two important things: the flood, and note-taking.  Broad points about the flood are brought up, and then we do a deep dive into my method of note-taking and why you should do it, too.  **Blog post with pictures of my notes!  https://www.genesismarksthespot.com/blog/note-taking/ My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot  How to Take Smart Notes: https://tinyurl.com/Zettlekasten  Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/ 2024-06-071h 10Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotLifting the Curtain of Figurative Language - Episode 077Is Genesis 1 poetry?  A look at biblical poetry and elements of metaphor, ending on the question of what it means to be "blotted out." **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/ Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q&a...2024-05-311h 05Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Impossibility of Calculating the Date of Creation - Episode 076Apologies to Bishop Ussher, but it is impossible to calculate the age of the earth using biblical statistics.  I don't care if you are a young earth creationist or an old earth creationist or somewhere in between or nowhere else, but the Bible's genealogies cannot be used in scientific calculations.  Hitting also a bit of information of the history of young earth creationism and its connections to Seventh-Day Adventism and scientific fraud.  **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com God of the Gaps: https://tinyurl.com/God-of-the-Gaps   The Creationists: https://tinyurl.com/The-Creationists  My Patreon...2024-05-241h 00Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotNever Go in Against a Serpent When Death is on the Line - Episode 075Death before the fall?  It began when Eve decided and they both ate...or did it?  It might not be that simple.  Plus, in studying, you must have learned that man is mortal, but what about animals?  If they weren't immortal, then how could creation have been a paradise?  Why do we suddenly get "permission" to eat meat after the flood of all places?  (Hint: it's not new.)  Debunking common "certainties" and giving a look at Joshua John Van Ee's disseration, Death in the Garden:  An Examinatin of Original Immortality, Vegetarianism, and Animal Peace in the Hebrew Bible and Mesopota...2024-05-171h 25Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Names of God, Part 2: YHWH - Episode 074BONUS questions this week: is Jesus Yahweh and what is the filioque?  Because I had some extra time on my hands after not finishing last week's episode properly, those seemed some fun additions to the conversation.  Talking about the divine economy before digging into the pronunciation of the name YHWH, when it stopped being pronounced, what does it mean that God is the Lord of Hosts, did the patriarchs know the name Yahweh, and why do Genesis 1 and 2 have different names for God? **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot 2024-05-101h 10Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotA Survey on the Names of God: The Fear of Isaac - Episode 073A survey on the names, titles, and designations of God in the Old Testament.  What do they mean?  What do they reveal about the character and nature of God?  In particular, why is God called The Fear of Isaac? **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/ Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the ori...2024-05-031h 05Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotExile: Life During Death - Episode 072Genesis 3, the Passover, the exile, and Jesus.  How do these relate to the wilderness, Babylon, Assyria, and why one always goes "down" to Egypt?  Each of us can relate to the theme of exile in some way, and yet the prevalence of this concept might escape us when we read our Bibles. Understanding exile can help us understand Jesus and our lives today.  **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot  Exile, An Annotated Bibliography: https://www.genesismarksthespot.com/blog/exile-an-annotated-bibliography/ Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.f...2024-04-261h 07Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Cautions of Chiasms, with Mike Chu - Episode 071Part two of the conversation from episode 70, we discuss the theodicies that Job's friends provide, the idea of Job as a member of the divine council, the structure of the book of Job, and a caution about structuring Scripture without a full knowledge of the language originally used. Also, some information about what I'm up to beyond this podcast and some thoughts on how you can support me, and why.  A big thank you to those of you who do!!  **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genes...2024-04-191h 13Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotWho is Leviathan: Chaos Monster, Satan, or Job? with Mike Chu - Episode 070If Job is a second Adam, then the satan in Job must be the serpent from the Garden, right?  In our previous conversation about Job as a second Adam, we didn't get into nearly enough talk about the satan reflecting or being the serpent from the garden, after all.  Is it an I-told-you-so moment??  Exploring that further in this episode, we come to some surprising reflections on Leviathan and chaos in general.  **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesi...2024-04-121h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotDivine Council Worldview: Comparing Translations with Mike Chu - Episode 069Comparing translations of passages that touch on the Divine Council Worldview.  Why do some Bible translations have "sons of God" in Deut. 32:8 and others have "sons of Israel"?  Can humans be elohim?  What's with the "so-called gods" in 1 Cor. 8:5?  **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/ Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the origi...2024-04-051h 27Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotExile and Forging Identity - Episode 068We hear it, and it's true: we are made to be kings on the earth, and then we lost our dominion, exiled from our true home.  But there is hope in our Messianic King who sets all to right!  But being reconciled to our true home is not all there is to the concept of exile.  Reviewing biblical theology books on exile, talking about the Deuteronomistic history, and discussing the formation of the nation of Israel helps us see exile in the scope of both narrative and history.  Are you being transformed in exile?  **Website: www.g...2024-03-291h 13Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotTorah Marks the Spot, with Lois Tverberg - Episode 067A conversation with Dr. Lois Tverberg about reading the Bible in Jesus' Jewish context: haftara, the importance of the prophetic literature, and the theme of kingship in the Bible. **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot  Links from Dr. Tverberg's blogs: Can We Call Jesus Rabbi?: https://ourrabbijesus.com/articles/can-we-call-jesus-rabbi/ Reading the Bible in Synagogue: https://ourrabbijesus.com/articles/triennial-reading/  What It Means to Fulfill the Law: https://engediresourcecenter.com/2018/11/09/what-it-means-to-fulfill-the-law-parts-1-2/  Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus  Genes...2024-03-221h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotJob, a Righteous Dude (with Mike Chu) - Episode 066 Continuing a conversation about Job with Mike Chu about the message of the book of Job, its application to us, and vindication in speaking to God honestly. **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot  Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/  Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...2024-03-151h 29Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotJob as a Second Adam (with Mike Chu) - Episode 065Job as a second Adam and other fascinating things like the dating of Job's trials, what's up with "the fear of the Lord," and a new look at the satan in Job; you won't want to miss this conversation with Mike Chu! **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot  Sermon series on Job: https://granitecity.org/connect/news-and-events/tag/yelling-at-god/?fbclid=IwAR24GyxDLU4xqUoeu5mvKqLfR1hTlhBsn3jhqGRJxycrOWoRIWSSKfiuiEc Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot  Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www...2024-03-081h 48Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Sin Offering, with Spencer Owen - Episode 064What is "the sin offering"?  What does it do?  Why don't we see it in Genesis?  What does it mean for the work of Jesus?  Spencer Owen joins me for a discussion about this oft-misunderstood offering. **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot  Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/  Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the original Marble Machi...2024-03-011h 16Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotIs the LSB a Good Bible Translation? - Episode 063Bible translations: why do we have so many of them and how do we vet them for our use?  One of the newest translations out there is the LSB, the Legacy Standard Bible.  Both John MacArthur and Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis (and the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum) say that the LSB is the "best" translation currently available.  How does this translation actually stack up to other versions out there?  **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot  The Journey from Texts to Translations: https://www.amazon.com/Journe...2024-02-231h 20Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Narrative Arc of the Hebrew Bible - Episode 062The main theme and story of the Hebrew Bible, seen in the order of the Tanakh, gives us an even clearer picture than do individual prophecies of who the Messiah is and of his mission.  This isn't to discount Messianic prophecy, but themes, patterns, and narrative arcs all point to Jesus, and guess what?  It all begins in Genesis and flows through the whole Hebrew Bible.  **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot  My breakdown of biblical theology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VVYetHb268&ab_channel=FaithUnaltered Dom...2024-02-161h 09Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Textual Unity of the Bible - Episode 061The Bible is a book made up of many books.  Each individual book of the Bible has its own context and meaning and purpose, but the Bible also has a unified story and meaning.  We can't simply tear the text into pieces because that ruins the whole picture.  And the way that the books are ordered in the canon affects the way that we read the Bible as a whole.  The Tanakh, the Jewish ordering of the Hebrew Bible, tells a slightly different story than the Protestant ordering of these books.  Seeing the narrative flow of Scripture can help us un...2024-02-091h 08Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotWho Causes Sickness? - Episode 060Who causes sickness, Satan or God?  And should we expect to be healed if we pray with enough faith? **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot  Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/  Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q&ab_channel=Wintergatan2024-02-021h 21Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotJesus and the Cosmic Powers - Episode 059The gospel is more than "the Romans Road."  It is not a mere story about forgiveness of sin.  It is a battle of cosmic proportions.  Part of this begins to dismantle the common depiction of atonement as an appeasement of God's wrath, but fear not, this doesn't lead to a state where we are capable of saving ourselves.  Far from it, in fact!  **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot  Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https...2024-01-261h 06Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Reality of the gods, an Argument - Episode 058Does the Bible actually affirm the existence of other gods?  Here is a defense for the argument that it does, and why it matters that we believe that.  **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot  Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/  Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch...2024-01-191h 15Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotProclaim the Song of the Lord (Worship, Part 10) - Episode 057Is modern worship practice biblical?  Is it the same as what the first century church practiced?  What does the Bible say about music and how should that inform the way we worship? Stay tuned to the end for a bonus conclusion to this episode.  :) **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Church Music: For the Care of Souls https://www.amazon.com/Church-Music-Lexham-Ministry-Guides/dp/1683597109/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AVI624A7ZBJC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oJVwQY0CiKi7Dze7EO8vjBIDvP698xOp6rkNkuQVvMJ0fxmJ0ETelSFMVlrKKv6uR1rLGsLrX8DJ8iNe9J2bvQ.N...2024-01-121h 13Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotAncestor Epics (Structure of Genesis) - Episode 056The "toledoth" structure of Genesis is useful, but feels random because we aren't using the toledoths like we should.  Genesis reflects the struture of other ancient Near East ancestor epics like Atrahasis.  Come have a listen to see what it's all about!  Coming soon, I will have links to charts for you to use in your own study! **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot  Rethinking Genesis: https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Genesis-Source-Authorship-Pentateuch/dp/1857925769/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ZLYPMKXI8X1J&keywords=rethinking+genesis&qid=1704423359&sprefix=rethinking+genesis%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-1 2024-01-051h 04Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Dark Side of the Cosmos - Episode 055What do the deep and outer darkness have to do with each other?  A survey of the dark side of the cosmos, from the deep to Sheol, to Hades and Gehenna--how does Scripture talk about these places and how related are they?  Also, a discussion on the nature of hell--is eternal conscious torment a biblical idea? **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot  Genesis in Revelation on the Storeroom of Scripture (YT channel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLn9NVe3NkY&ab_channel=StoreroomofScripture  Genesis Marks the S...2023-12-291h 23Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Christmas Dragon - Episode 054Discussing the not-so-cuddly Christmas dragon with Mike Chu.  Come find out how Revelation 12 illuminates the Christ event. **Website: www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot The Awakening School of Theology: https://awkngschooloftheology.com/  The End of the World as You Know It, by Matt Halstead: https://www.amazon.com/End-World-You-Know-Really-ebook/dp/B0CLCT29HD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36JV0GB98RDSX&keywords=matthew+halstead&qid=1703195194&sprefix=matthew+halstea%2Caps%2C241&sr=8-1 Mike Chu's original Christmas dragon sermon: https://soundcloud.com/mike_chu/2021-12-12-doyousee-christmasincosmos-week3?utm_sour...2023-12-221h 06Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotQ&A #4 - Manifestation, Discernment, and Gary Wayne - Episode 053Welcome to the podcast's fourth Q&A episode! Timestamps: 04:00 - How do the sons of God manifest themselves? 16:29 - How can we determine which entities exist and which don't? 19:55 - What do I think of Gary Wayne? 56:00 - How can we review content quickly to better discern what is worth reading? **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Ins...2023-12-151h 12Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotIt's Not the Years, Honey... - Episode 052The ancient world did not use numbers in the way that we use them today.  Learning about this can help us see Genesis 1 as historical account while acknowledging that creation may not have happened just as described.  Michael LeFebvre's book, The Liturgy of Creation, explains how the Torah's dating system is not based on precise chronology, but rather is based on the festival calendar of Israel--and this actually gives us more evidence of Genesis as historical account!  **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the S...2023-12-081h 05Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotPing Pong History (Worship, Part 9) - Episode 051Finishing up the overview of the book Sacred Power, Sacred Space, we discuss Christian worship spaces from Constantine up to the modern day.   **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/ Sacred Power, Sacred Space:  https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Power-Space-Introduction-Architecture/dp/0195336062/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15K3214WZ8PLM&keywords=sacred+power+sacred+space&qid=1699596487&sprefix=sacred+power+sacred+spac%2Caps%2C196&s...2023-12-011h 19Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotWe aren't Wiped Clean by the Wrath of God (Worship, Part 8) - Episode 050Buckle your seatbelt as Spencer Owen joins me to discuss how sacrifice isn't about turning away wrath. **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/ Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q&ab_channel=Winterg...2023-11-241h 12Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotStudy Can Be Fun and Games! - Episode 049Discussing Christian fiction with Cindy Beaver--from the Ten Commandments to the Chosen, Christian fiction can enrich our lives as we try to understand the ancient world.  In addition to enlightening our study, art gives us new eyes to perceive. Also, Cindy addresses whether or not it's heresy to read Dan Brown. **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/ Lost...2023-11-171h 07Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Architecture of Worship (Worship, Part 7) - Episode 048The architecture of worship space reflects the theology, doctrine, and organization of a faith tradition.  Using the book, Sacred Power, Sacred Space, we examine the history of the early Christian churches and their spaces and reflect on what that means for us today from the perspective of both high and low liturgical traditions.**New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/  Sacre...2023-11-101h 08Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotCoffee in the Temple - The Archetype of Sacred Space Thru Time (Worship, Part 6) - Episode 047Is Eden the archetype of sacred space, or is it the temple?  How do we utilize the archetype to shed light on how we worship today?  Cindy Beaver and I overview the concept of sacred space and we move the idea forward to today in our own worship contexts. **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/   Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Win...2023-11-031h 10Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotSpirit of Organization (Curses, Part 4; Spiritual Realm, Part 6) - Episode 046Spirits are not just entities.  Is there a "real" spirit of jealousy?  What about a spirit of drunkenness?  Unpack Scripture to see how it uses the term "spirit" in a much broader way than spiritual beings.  Come see how the generational curse crowd takes something true but hides the holistic way we should be dealing with our problems.**New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagr...2023-10-271h 03Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotSacrifice as Celebration - (Worship, Part 5) - Episode 045The meaning of "sacrifice" has shifted between the time of the Bible to today.  How did that happen?  Join Cindy Beaver and I and let's get back to a more biblical view of what sacrifice is!  We discuss Jeremy Davis' book, Welcoming Gifts: Sacrifice in the Bible and Christian Life, and we lay out the offerings in Leviticus--their purposes and perhaps better translations for these offerings than we might see in our English Bibles. **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Faceb...2023-10-201h 11Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotDiscipleship as Worship (Worship, Part 4; Image, Part 6) - Episode 044Worship and the image of God: both are associated with sacred space and our relationship with God.  James Russell joins me for a conversation about how these things connect with our discipleship as believers.  While we don't touch on current events and eschatology, the things discussed in this conversation are how I personally relate to the topic of the end times.  **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instag...2023-10-131h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotLife is Pain - The Babylonian Job (Worship, Part 3) - Episode 043Why do we worship God amidst suffering?  Cindy Beaver and I discuss the topic of theodicy in relation to worship, and Cindy reads the Poem of the Righteous Sufferer, also known as "the Babylonian Job."**New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/Here is a version of the Poem of the Righteous Sufferer:  http://tomsbiblesite.org/index.php/bible/christian-bible/old-t...2023-10-061h 06Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotDivination to Adoration - Worship Then and Now (Worship, Part 2) - Episode 042Worship in the ancient world and worship today seem like they're two totally different concepts and ideas.  Are they really that different?  Why would they be?  Cindy Beaver and I start to discuss this in the second part of the worship series. **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/ Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website...2023-09-291h 03Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotHeaven Calling (Worship, Part 1) - Episode 041Welcome to the series on worship!  Cindy Beaver and I introduce the topic of worship, discuss how we are going to be casting our study nets wide to see what we catch, and we track one theme in Genesis: calling on the name of the Lord.  Come listen to find out what the difference is between "bad" worship and "anti" worship and let's start thinking together about how and why we worship. **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www...2023-09-221h 03Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotQ&A #3 - Satan, Alter, and Peterson (in no particular order) - Episode 040Welcome to the podcast's third Q&A episode! Timestamps: (0:36) - So, you're saying that Satan in Job isn't the serpent? (13:55) - Wait, we really don't see Satan in the Old Testament? (17:50) - Do we really need the apkallu narrative to understand the sons of God episode in Genesis 6? (23:25) - How do you make sure people aren't misled into error with all this extra-biblical literature? (33:09) - What is the etymology of the name El? (40:58) - What do you think about Rober Alter's Hebrew translation? (55:28...2023-09-151h 03Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotAn Advent for the Cosmos, a Discussion with Jeffrey Pitts - Episode 039Merry Christmas!  ...wait?  Isn't it September?  Yes, it is!  Jeffrey Pitts, author of the book An Advent for the Cosmos, a "divine council worldview" devotional book joins me in this special Christmas-in-September episode to discuss his book as well as the idea that Jesus' birthday occurred in September. **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot   Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/ An Advent for the Cosmos...2023-09-081h 00Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotBeyond Word Studies: An Introduction to Priests - Episode 038Though this is "just" a basic introduction to the biblical concept of the priest, I am offering an invitation to deepen your Bible study with something beyond word studies by looking at concepts and themes in a more holistic way.   **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GenesisMarkstheSpot   Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Genesis Marks the Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismarksthespot/   Raising Up a Faithful Priest:  https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Faithful-Priest-Richard-Nelson/dp/0664254373/ref=sr...2023-09-011h 01Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotNachash: King of Monsters (Spiritual Realm, Part 5) - Episode 037Godzilla in Paradise??  Continuing the series of the spiritual realm and sources of the spirtual "bad guys," Paradise Lost features prominantly in our thinking, even if we aren't aware.  Here we ask three questions:  Who is Satan: serpent, seraph, or dragon?  How did he get to be the head honcho of the bad guys?  And what does Paradise Lost have to do with it?  We get into the book of Jubilees, the book of 1 Enoch, and lay out in whole the narrative of John Milton's Paradise Lost.   **New website is here!!! www.genesismarksthespot.com  My...2023-08-251h 16Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThree Nefarious Falls (Spiritual Realm, Part 4) - Episode 036Have you seen the movie Nefarious, or read the book A Nefarious Plot?  Sharing a review of both along with a discussion of demons and where they came from, including a discussion on the book of 1 Enoch and the myth of the apkallu--this is a wide-ranging episode that gets into the "three falls" of Genesis and how that is a better way of understanding the structure of the powers of darkness.  (But also I caution that we shouldn't get too jazzed up about making a taxonomy of the spiritual realm.)***I try to avoid spoilers of the movie, bu...2023-08-181h 04Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotGenealogies and How to Cram More Into a Story - Episode 035Genesis 4 is our first action-packed genealogy in the Bible!  And seriously!  It's action packed!  Cindy Beaver and I read through the second half of Genesis chapter 4 and talk about what we see.  She reads from the Lexham English Septuagint (LES) and I read from the English Standard Version (ESV).  Amongst other things in this episode, we jump from Genesis all the way into the book of Kings because, well, this is just how the Bible works.  If you've ever thought genealogies are hard to get through, well, take a deep breath, slow down a bit, and get curious.N...2023-08-111h 18Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotWho Doesn't Love a Good Science Book? (Views of Creation, Part 3) - Episode 034Science and the Bible: how do they intersect?  Can we read the Bible and come away with a solid view of creation?  Should we fight it out as believers?  Reading the "literal" or "plain" six-day creation in the text seems a given for many of us.  We have been told by people we may trust that this is the *only* legitimate view of creation.  Those evil evolutionists are trying to destroy the authority of the Bible!! ....or are they?Join me as I discuss two views of creation: the literal, 6-day creation, and the possibility of evolution as a...2023-08-041h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotCain: Allegory and Mercy - Reading Genesis 4 with Cindy Beaver - Episode 033Special guest Cindy Beaver joins me for a public reading of Scripture where we begin reading Genesis 4 from two translations:  The English Standard Version (ESV) and the Lexham English Septuagint (LES).  We talk about the ancient Near East, sacrifices and offerings as shared meals (yep, that likely means that they weren't vegetarians!), Mesopotamian demons residing in doorways, allegories, and come across some interesting thoughts as to why Cain didn't receive the death penalty for the murder of his brother. This episode is packed full of good stuff and we hope you enjoy it!NEW!  If you...2023-07-281h 06Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotChaos and Glory: The Story of Salvation - Episode 032Did God create chaos?  What is it?  What purpose does it serve in the biblical narrative?  In this episode, we reexaminie the traditional idea that "the fall" is best seen as an introduction of sin which caused all of creation to fall alongside humanity.  We talk about another view where "the fall" is, instead, a path that moves along chaos and away from God.  From glory into the dark wilderness of uncreation.While we do see hints of God vs. Leviathan (the chaos dragon) in the Bible, in Genesis what we see is humanity vs. chaos...what does...2023-07-211h 00Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotNachash, Why'd It Hafta Be Nachash? - Episode 031I'm joined by Michael Norton for a reading of Genesis 3 and talk about the serpent figure in the garden, the nachash.  We read from two translations: the New English Translation (NET) and the New King James Version.  Michael is a seminary student, a certificate holder from the AWKNG School of Theology, and hosts his own podcast, My Mysterious Bible.  He is also author of the Divine Council Worldview Devotional.  All these and more are linked below! The Divine Council Worldview Devotional: https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Council-Worldview-Supernatural-Introduction-ebook/dp/B08Y596DJYMichael Norton's My Mysterious Bible:  https...2023-07-141h 01Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotReading Genesis 2 with Geoff Johnson - Episode 030Geoff Johnson joins me again for reading and discussing Genesis 2 from two translations: the New King James Version and the Lexham English Bible. Public readings of Scripture ought to be common practice, and reading from multiple translations provides an excellent way to delve into the original language of the text when you don’t have the years of schooling to read it yourself.  Here we compare the two creation accounts and talk about interesting things like why does it look like plants are made before humans and the possibility of man outside the garden. Geoff Johnson’s Store...2023-07-071h 05Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotTheodicy (Curses, Part 3) - Episode 029Theodicy: if there is a good God, then why is there evil and suffering?  I explore this question beginning from the ancient Near Eastern perspective and continue to what it means for us and creation. **New channel**  https://www.podpage.com/genesis-marks-the-spot/ Naked Bible Podcast 162, The Evil Eye:  https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/podcast/naked-bible-162-the-evil-eye/Faith Unaltered, Theodicy:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI8thfmPS2A&ab_channel=FaithUnalteredInspiring Philosophy, the Problem of Suffering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS16dqAjQ9k&ab_channel=InspiringPhilosophyTheodicy of Love...2023-06-301h 05Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotReading Genesis 1 with Geoff Johnson - Episode 028Special guest Geoff Johnson joins me for reading and discussing Genesis 1 from two translations: the New King James Version and the Lexham English Bible. Public readings of Scripture ought to be common practice, and reading from multiple translations provides an excellent way to delve into the original language of the text when you don’t have the years of schooling to read it yourself. Geoff Johnson’s Storeroom of Scripture channel: https://www.youtube.com/@storeroomofscripture Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ **New website coming soon! My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com...2023-06-231h 00Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotJordan Peterson, Archetypes, and Rule 8 - Episode 027I went to see Jordan Peterson live, and so here are some thoughts on that and his life and work, including a response to that nosy question: what is Jordan Peterson’s relationship with God? I get into archetypes and rule number 8 from 12 Rules for Life, which is: Always tell the truth, or at least don’t lie. Jordan Peterson’s website: https://www.jordanbpeterson.com/ Naked Bible Podcast 201, God and Deception: https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/podcast/naked-bible-210-god-and-deception/ Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebo...2023-06-161h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotQ&A #2 - Dinosaurs, Procreation, and Original Sin - Episode 026Welcome to the podcast’s second Q&A! Some fun and interesting topics…but warning: possibly NSFW or listening with kids around (not explicit, but I do talk about reproduction; yes, even dinos reproduced!). Timestamps: (0:58) - Where do we find dinosaurs in the Bible? (26:43) - How would Adam and Eve have procreated before the fall? (47:59) - What about original sin? (Mis)interpreting Genesis: How the Creation Museum Misunderstands the Ancient Near Eastern Context of the Bible by Ben Stanhope: https://www.amazon.com/Mis-interpreting-Genesis-Creation-Misunderstands-ebook/dp/B08R35P84H/ref...2023-06-091h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotWhite Fang: the gods and Believing Loyalty - Episode 025Using the story of White Fang to illustrate some points of biblical theology. What does the Hebrew term “elohim” mean? How does that map onto the English word “god,” and how do we understand what a god is? If other “gods” are real, then what about the Most High God? What does it mean to have faith and what does it mean to worship? Also: are Christians actually monotheists? Responding to William Lane Craig’s response to Dr. Swamidass’ question concerning Dr. Michael Heiser’s suggestion that monotheism may not be the best way to understand our relationship to the spiritual worl...2023-06-021h 04Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotImage and Idol - “Show Me the Money!” with Joshua Sherman (Image Series, Part 5) - Episode 024Continuing the image of God series with Joshua Sherman, we delve into Scripture to see that this concept is deeply embedded everywhere, and in places that you might not expect! Being God’s Image by Carmen Imes: https://www.amazon.com/Being-Gods-Image-Creation-Matters-ebook/dp/B0BLD43TVC/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1684376442&sr=8-1 The Image of God in the Garden of Eden by Catherine L. McDowell: https://www.amazon.com/Image-God-Garden-Eden-Mesopotamia/dp/1575063484/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ALMVM276C533&keywords=image+of+god+in+the+garden+of+eden&qid=1684376488&sprefix=image+of+god+in+the+ga...2023-05-261h 16Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotGen X isn’t Cursed, I Hope (Curses, Part 2) - Episode 023Digging into the concept of generational cursing—is it a biblical concept? What do we do about generational curses? Also, responding to the book, Free at Last: Breaking Generational Curses by Larry Huch and Benny Hinn. Why the Gospel? by Matthew Bates https://www.amazon.com/Why-Gospel-Living-Jesus-Purpose/dp/0802881688/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MSFRAV4EBHH9&keywords=why+the+gospel&qid=1684450560&sprefix=why+the+gospel%2Caps%2C340&sr=8-1 Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Li...2023-05-191h 07Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotWave It at Anything that Slithers - Episode 022Was light created? A study in biblical theology on the theme of light and what it means. Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q&ab_channel=Wintergatan2023-05-121h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotImage Embodied: Verb or Noun? with Joshua Sherman (Image Series, Part 4) - Episode 021Continuing the discussion about the embodied image of God, Joshua Sherman and I talk about the ancient Near East context of the image and also ethical and philosophical implications of it.  Is the image ontological or is it functional?  It is a noun or is a verb--or can we see it as both? Carmen Joy Imes, Being God’s Image: https://www.amazon.com/Being-Gods-Image-Creation-Matters-ebook/dp/B0BLD43TVC/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1683274732&sr=8-1 Catherine L McDowell, The Image of God in the Garden of Eden: https://www.amazon.com/Image-God-Garden-Eden-Mesopotamia/dp/1...2023-05-051h 01Answers to Giant QuestionsAnswers to Giant QuestionsA Chat with Carey GriffelTJ shares a conversation about the early chapters of Genesis with the host of the "Genesis Marks the Spot" podcast, Carey Griffel.2023-05-0552 minGenesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotCurses, Foiled Again (Curses, Part 1) - Episode 020Discussing the concept of curses in the ancient world, exploring some of the ways we see them in the Bible, looking at their impact through the NT, and seeding a few questions along the way for further exploration. Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Faith Unaltered: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithUnaltered Myths, Mysteries, and Majesty: https://www.youtube.com/@3mmm777 Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Li...2023-04-281h 06Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotDocumentary Hypothesis and JEDP: May the Priest be With You - Episode 019What is the “documentary hypothesis”? Also known as the four-source hypothesis, or JEDP, is there any good basis for this theory of higher criticism? These are questions we look at, ending up focusing on some of the “priestly” texts of the Bible. Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q&ab...2023-04-211h 01Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotToo Much LDS: My Journey into Biblical Theology - Episode 018How did I go from strong LDS belief to believing in Christianity as formulated in biblical theology? This is my story and a little bit of exposition as to what I think it all means. Do you know what faith is? What is “believing loyalty,” anyway? Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/wa...2023-04-141h 19Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Embodied Image with Joshua Sherman (Image Series, Part 3) - Episode 017Continuing with the series on the image of God, in this episode I talk to Joshua Sherman about the important aspect of the image being embodied in both Christ as well as in us as individual humans and the church as the body of Christ. Book recommendations:Bearing God’s Name by Carmen Imes https://www.amazon.com/Bearing-Gods-Name-Sinai-Matters/dp/0830852697/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1680889175&sr=8-1 Being God’s Image by Carmen Imes https://www.amazon.com/Being-Gods-Image-Creation-Matters/dp/1514000202/ref=sr_1_2?crid=342N6UTNAJ78&keywords=bearing+god's+name&qid=1680889225&sprefix=bear...2023-04-071h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotA Postoperative Examination of the Cosmic Temple - Episode 016The theme of the cosmic temple is a popular one in the halls of biblical theology—how solid of an idea is it, though? Here we are going to talk about temples, including touching on the purposes of the temple in LDS theology to compare that with the temple in the Bible, and I’m going to discuss Daniel Block’s pushback on this idea that Eden can be seen as a temple. Bible Project videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTnq6I3vUbU&ab_channel=BibleProject https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K60T...2023-03-311h 00Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotLiterature and How to Love and Date Genesis - (Views of Creation, Part 2) - Episode 015Exploring two views of creation: the analogical view (the days of creation are analogically similar to the workweek of the Israelite, but the days are not necessarily 24-hour days) and the literary view (Genesis 1 is literarily designed to give us theological truth). Both of these views ask the question, “What is Genesis 1 supposed to teach us?” The episode concludes with the question of how to date Genesis--are there enough literary clues in the text to help us figure that out? (Stay tuned for further episodes exploring this question!) Livestream mentioned in the intro: https://www.youtube.com/watc...2023-03-241h 04Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotBeing Treeish with Jon Dillon - Episode 014Discussion with Jon Dillon (of the Two Trees Podcast) centered on the theme of trees, fruitfulness, and multiplication. What does it mean to be fruitful? Why trees? Is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil a “bad” tree? Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergatan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUU8joBb1Q&ab_cha...2023-03-171h 03Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotQ&A #1 - Deconstruction, Polytheism, Resources, Eschatology - Episode 013Our first Q&A! Timestamps: (1:11) - What do we do when we grew up Christian, or have been in a particular Christian tradition or church for a while, and…we start thinking in terms of biblical theology, of studying the Bible in its ancient context? (18:00) - In college years ago, I heard about the idea that the Israelite’s religion evolved from polytheism to monotheism. It looks to me like you’d disagree with this, but the professor made it seem like such a sensible idea, and when I look at all this parallel literature, I really can see a poin...2023-03-101h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Image of Christ through Biblical Theology, with Joshua Sherman (Image Series, Part 2) - Episode 012Joshua Sherman joins the podcast to talk about the image of Christ.  We discuss how we can trace the image of God through the Bible forward into its ultimate picture in the incarnation of Jesus and how we ought to think of both the image of God and the image of Christ in relationship to who we are and how we live our lives. “You are called to this purpose because of who God created you to be. And we're inviting you to live into that through Christ because he is the one that makes it possible.” —Joshua...2023-03-031h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotWhat is the Image of God? (Image Series, Part 1) - Episode 011This episode takes a bit of a diversion from biblical theology into the question of “What is the image of God?” Does God have a physical aspect that we copy (could the LDS church be right about us becoming gods)? Is the image of God proof against evolution? Is the image of God the soul of man? What about relationality or rationality or consciousness or morality, are any of those the image of God? Is the image of God a status or a function? Main podcast site with bonus files: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ Music cred...2023-02-241h 07Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Lost and Found World of Creation Texts (Views of Creation Series, Part 1) - Episode 010Several views of creation are introduced and in particular John Walton’s “functional” or “identity” view of creation is discussed. We look at how that fits into the Bible and explore whether or not this is the likeliest way the ancient person would have thought regarding the creation of the cosmos by looking at some ancient Near Eastern creation accounts. Main podcast site with bonus files: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link to the original Marble Machine video by Wintergat...2023-02-161h 03Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotFingerprints of the Journalist: Graham Hancock and Ancient Apocalypse - Episode 009Who is Graham Hancock and is his Netflix show, Ancient Apocalypse supposed to mirror the History Channel show, Ancient Aliens? Do his ideas have any basis in reality or the Bible? What does his work have to do with the study of the ancient Near East? And who are the apkallu and why should we care? These questions and more will be discussed in this episode of Genesis Marks the Spot. Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Piri Reis Map...2023-02-101h 05Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotEnuma Elish: Babylonian Creation (ANE Literature, Part 1) - Episode 008Reading ancient literature can help us understand the Bible.  Following on from the conversation in episode 7 about how to read myth in relation to the Bible, this episode includes a reading of the Babylonian creation account known as Enuma Elish. A bonus question at the beginning of the episode: did God really only have 70 “sons of God”? Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesismarksthespot Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan Link to Wintergatan’s website: https://wintergatan.net/ Link...2023-02-031h 04Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotThe Myth of Mythology - Episode 007What is mythology and why should the student of the Bible be interested in it? Isn’t mythology just a bunch of made up stories? Or, can mythology actually relate directly to history? In this episode, the concept of mythology is explored along with the field of form criticism, which is a fancy of way of talking about genre. As life-long listeners of stories, we are all capable of looking at a text and finding cues which tell us what kind of a story we are reading or hearing and we can use this information to study Scripture.  However, we...2023-01-271h 03Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotBiblical Context: The Divine Council (Spiritual Realm, Part 3) - Episode 006Did the Bible steal all its ideas from its neighbors? Was Israelite religion merely an off-shoot of Canaanite religion? How do we understand ancient literature that is similar to the Bible? These questions and more are explored, focusing in on how the Bible describes God having a divine council that seems in some respects eerily similar to pagan pantheons. Have a listen to find out how we can read the Bible and pagan literature and reach an even higher understanding of who God is than we might have had previously.Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/ 2023-01-201h 09Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotIt is the Trinity: Two Powers in Heaven (Spiritual Realm, Part 2) - Episode 005As Christians, we may have a difficult time in seeing the connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament and early Christian belief, especially when it comes to understanding the divinity of Christ. How would a Jew of the first century understand a man living amongst them as God? Many Christians have understood appearances of YHWH in the Old Testament as Jesus pre-incarnate, but surely Jews would not have understood these in the same way—would they? As a matter of fact, a Jewish belief in a binitarian godhead did exist at the time of Jesus and only la...2023-01-131h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotIt’s Not the Trinity: Gen 1:26 (Spiritual Realm, Part 1) - Episode 004Most Christians have an image of the heavenly realm that contains more than just God. We believe in angels and we might even have an idea that there are strange creatures with a lot of eyes and wings and heads...well, once we get that far, maybe we get a little freaked out so we stop looking too closely. But the inhabitants of the spiritual realm are no small part of the Bible’s narrative, and once we start looking, we find that there may be more to this than mere abstract knowledge; it may, in fact, teach us mu...2023-01-071h 09Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotDid the Gods Return? (A Book Review of "The Return of the Gods" by Jonathan Cahn) - Episode 003Who is Jonathan Cahn and what is the “explosive mystery” that he reveals in his book The Return of the Gods? Though he suggests that you need to read the entire book to uncover the mystery because it can’t be pared down to a short description, I actually found it quite easy to summarize the mystery…and I’m not even going to make you listen to this whole episode to “reveal” it. (Stop reading here if you like anticipation and want to keep the suspense of my reveal inside the episode!) Cahn claims that the New T...2022-12-3159 minGenesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotDesign: It's More than DNA - Episode 002How do we understand the days of creation in Genesis 1? That question can only be answered after exploring what the Bible is and how it is a book written by ancient people in a specific time and place. The Bible, science, cosmic temples, a flat earth, and would an ancient person have used a DeLorean to look back at the creation of the world? All this and more in this episode of Genesis Marks the Spot. Bonus material: https://genesis-marks-the-spot.castos.com/   Genesis Marks the Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.c...2022-12-231h 02Genesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotGenesis: Raiding the Ivory Tower - Episode 001An introduction to the show, discussing why critical thinking is essential to our pursuit of the study of the Bible and how questioning our assumptions about the text doesn’t need to break our faith. A “scientific” reading of Genesis chapter one is compared and contrasted with a more contextual reading.Music credit: "Marble Machine" by Wintergatan2022-12-1746 minGenesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the SpotGenesis Marks the Spot TrailerA brief introduction to the podcast's focus.2022-12-1601 min