Claim OwnershipThe Divine Council Worldview Podcast
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Welcome to the Divine Council Worldview Podcast, where hosts Ronn Johnson and Mike Chu honor the legacy of their late friend and colleague Dr. Michael S. Heiser (author of the best-selling book The Unseen Realm). Our interest is the Bible, studying it through the lens of its original authors and audience. We will specifically take notice of created divine beings and the role they play in the physical cosmos through the ultimate authority of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Join the fun conversation!
89 Episodes
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In this episode, Ronn and Mike look at John 9, reading through the extended story of the man born blind who is healed by Jesus. They discuss the significance of some of the interesting details of the story, including why Jesus patched the man's eyes with spittle, and why he had the man go a half-mile away to wash in the Pool of Siloam. Ronn recommended that the use of "sinner" in the story hearkens back to the OT understanding that this was a category akin to someone outside the covenant of Israel, as opposed to someone who simply was guilty of sin. Closing discussion noted how the man was led to confess to Jesus that he believed in the "Son of Man," a title reminiscent of Daniel 7's role of the messiah.
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer six questions sent in by listeners: 1) What is the best way to study the original authors, recipients, and cultures of the biblical world? 2) Does a DCW have any specific opinion on the issue of human free will? 3) Why didn't Jesus condemn the adulterous woman in John 8? It seems mercy is the exception in how God handles sin in the Bible. 4) Ronn has said that Jesus' death did not accomplish anything which had not already been true before. How does that work with things like death and ritual impurity? 5) Does a Mormon worship the right god? 6) What caused Mary Magdalene to be possessed by seven demons?
Rich and Mel talk with Curt Ferrell, discussing how the gospel's true power thrives in relationships—not institutions. From Indiana prisons to everyday life, discover how God builds His family through faith, community, and the transformative presence of His kingdom today. Curt's book: The Way to Discipleship: Thinking Well About the Kingdom of God: https://a.co/d/dHo6y66
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) Were the nations that were apportioned to created elohim by Yahweh expected to obey these gods? Did Yahweh hold them accountable if they did? 2) What did Jesus mean in Mark 10:18 when he said "No one is good except God alone"? 3) Why does Ronn disparage Reformed theology so often? 4) Are giants still around? Where may they be today? 5) Could "sin" (Greek, hamartia) be better understood as misalignment of one's loyalty away from God and toward Satan?
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) How does God handle ignorance about Jesus and his present lordship over all gods? 2) What are we to make about the large numbers in a book such as Numbers? 3) How do loyalty and obedience relate to each other? 4) Could Lazarus be the Beloved Disciple in John's gospel? 5) Why was the temptation to worship other gods so strong in the OT?
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) How is kosmos ("world") used in the NT? 2) How does Jesus use Psalm 82 in John 10:34-36? 3) What does the Bible teach on the state of soul after death? 4) Can Hindu polytheism be interpreted within the framework of DCW monotheism? 5) Why did Jesus use "eating flesh" language which was abhorrent to his Jewis audience?
How do culture and suffering shape our faith? Mike Chu unpacks his story with Mel and Rich, exploring the Chinese church, Awakening School, and why theology, mentorship, and mission matter more than ever in today's spiritual landscape. You can find Awakening (AWKNG) School of Theology here: https://awkng.com/ You can find the Shane & Shane songs mentioned in this podcast here: Psalms 45 https://youtu.be/-d_lQI15fxo?si=-hl3FiECl4F5C7dA Psalms 46 https://youtu.be/PKs_gQecaDY?si=k9yWx1F0Ekk1NEen Over the Sun https://youtu.be/qGbT7FkhIus?si=lDaATBgY38ACTw-i
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) How does a person go about studying the DCW and the related topics it uncovers? 2) How can a DCW increase a person's intimacy with God? 3) Are idols a human invention, and if so, does this show that gods are invented as well? 4) Can I combine Eastern Orthodoxy with western Protestant theology? 5) How should the gospel be presented to a child—say, a 7-year old?
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) Are there foundational beliefs regarding the identity of Jesus and Yahweh in order to be worshipping the correct deity? 2) Is the Hebrew text (MT) younger than the Septuagint? 3) What sins were considered "high-handed"? 4) Are spirit "hauntings" related to sacred space? 5) Does the DCW favor the New Perspective on Paul?
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: Could the effects of Jesus' "finished work" have been true while he was still active in his ministry? Did the church fathers use "faith" to mean "loyalty" or "allegiance"? How does the Septuagint handle the Hebrew definite article when it translates the phrase "the angel of the LORD" into Greek? Can a Mormon have saving faith? Is "sonship" to be understood differently than "inheritance"? Will we have different inheritances in the next age?
In this episode, Ronn and Mike study the second half of John 8 (vv.13-59), noting that the conversation which follows Jesus' handling of the woman taken in adultery is key for understanding the full narrative. They discuss the theological implications of Jesus' claims, the nature of what it means to be a "sinner" in 2nd Temple Judaism, and the identity of believers as children of Abraham. They explore the significance of the woman caught in adultery, tying together the broader themes of covenant and identity in relation to faith. The conversation also touches on modern cultural reflections and the search for truth in today's society.
In this episode, Ronn and Mike look at John 7:32-8:12, exploring the context of Jesus' teachings and his interactions with non-believers who had been threatening to kill him. They discuss the significance of the Holy Spirit's promised arrival, the debate surrounding Jesus' identity, and the woman caught in adultery. Ronn recommended that this last story, though not originally included in John's gospel, likely found its way into the fourth gospel due to its historical and theological importance to the doctrine of salvation in the early church, underscoring the idea that the door to salvation consisted of joining Abraham's family as opposed to simply having one's sin forgiven.
In this episode, Ronn and Mike look at John 7:1-31. They discuss the importance of constructive disagreements in theology (reflecting upon the recent death of Charlie Kirk), the secretive nature of Jesus' ministry, and the political context surrounding his teachings. Their conversation also explores the treatment of the law by Jesus, the nature of demons (a highly nuanced issue relating to the Greek concept of daimonia), and the significance of Hezekiah's prayer for God's forgiveness of Israelites who had been guilty of breaking Mosaic law (2 Chron. 30).
Mel interviews Anthony Diastello at the DCW Conference about how his role-playing game *Allies of Majesty* weaves faith and divine council concepts into immersive storytelling. They explore how games can foster spiritual awareness, personal agency, and deeper engagement with the unseen realm. You can find his game here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HqI9JVINeg https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/purefunmedia/allies-of-majesty-chronicles-vol-1 https://subscribepage.io/iCPswe
In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the latter part of John 6, taking on the themes of forgiveness, the identity of Jesus, and the implications of his teachings on communion (they understand the concept of eating Jesus' flesh to be metaphorical for internalizing his teachings and life). They explore the complexities of forgiveness, and how this issue often lacks clear biblical answers to our modern questions. The conclude by discussing the significance of Jesus' claims about himself, and the reactions of his followers, culminating in a pivotal moment where many disciples turn away (6:66). Peter's declaration of faith highlights the importance of loyalty to Jesus.
In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss two miracles recorded in John 6:1-40 (the feeding of the 5000 and Jesus' walking on the water), recommending that many who wanted Jesus to be a king misunderstood his primary concern that his followers become truly human in thought and action. The motivations behind seeking Jesus are noted as being complex and often misguided, though Jesus' patience in motivating ultimate commitment and loyalty are always present. The conversation also touches on the metaphor of Jesus as the bread of life and the promise of resurrection, setting the stage for future discussions on these themes.
In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the significance of Jesus' actions and speeches in John 5. The text leads them to discuss some of the necessary complexities of the Trinity, especially the relationship between the Father and the Son. They also talk about the role of good works in faith, noticing that the early church did not fear good works as it related to being loyal to God and Jesus. The beginning of the episode includes an appreciation for the legacy of John MacArthur, who had recently passed away. Ronn had worked under Dr. MacArthur at The Master's University in Newhall, CA in the mid-1990s.
Mel sits down with Chris and Heather at the first DCW Conference in Indiana to discuss their journey and how Dr. Michael Heiser's work has reshaped their understanding of Scripture. They reflect on the power of exploring divine council theology and cosmic geography to deepen faith and bring clarity to the biblical narrative.
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer six questions sent in by listeners: 1) Can a DCW track alongside Reformed theology? 2) What did "salvation" mean to an ancient reader of the OT? From what or whom or where were they were being "saved"? 3) If the Law of Moses was given as a concession for Israel to realign pagan practices towards Yahweh, why does David emphasize the Law in the Psalms (19, 119)? 4) Should we note any differences in meaning for the two words translated as "sin" in the Greek NT (hamartia & parabasis)? 5) Is worship at stake in Torah observance, or strict obedience to God's laws? 6) Was Yahweh's "Word" a separate person in Exodus 34:5?
In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) What was the relationship between the human Jesus and his mother Mary during his earthly ministry? 2) What is the best argument against the thought that the divine council does not actually exist but is just a divine accommodation? 3) How does the grammar and syntax in Genesis 1:1-3 make the gap theory improbable if not impossible? 4) Does salvation deal with what you call "sin management"? 5) How should we think of Jews who worship Yahweh, but don't believe that Jesus is God? Are they worshipping Yahweh?
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Did Heiser not think the "serpent should be shining one?
What's your theme song? I'm thrilled that more and more Christian hip hop is being produced, and I like to support those artists when I can.