Covenants and Kingdoms

Join Nathan and Brad for a gripping dive into Genesis 22, the heart-wrenching story of Abraham’s test to sacrifice his son Isaac. With their Southern charm and theological insight, they unpack this challenging narrative, exploring Abraham’s faith, God’s sovereignty, and the profound foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice. From the cultural context of ancient pagan practices to the hope of eternal life, this episode connects the dots between Abraham’s obedience and Jesus’ ultimate act of love. Tune in for a lively discussion that wrestles with tough questions and points to the gospel!Intro Readings:Christian perspective excerpt from The Gifts of the Jews by Thomas Cahill.Muslim perspective from the Quran, Surah 37:99–113.Jewish perspective from But Where Is the Lamb? by James Goodman.---------------------------------------------------------------------We are sponsored by Baba Java Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster and cafe based in Birmingham, AL. Visit babajavacoffee.com and use code "covenants" for 10% off your order!Support us on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes and exclusive "Deeper Waters" content! patreon.com/covenantsandkingdomshttps://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdomshttps://www.covenantsandkingdoms.com/

In this episode Nathan and Brad dive into Genesis 18, exploring the mysterious visit of three men to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre. They unpack the theological depth of this passage, revealing how one of these visitors is none other than Yahweh Himself, physically manifested, alongside two angels. Drawing parallels to Ovid’s Metamorphoses and its tale of divine visitors, they discuss how Abraham’s radical hospitality (washing feet, preparing a feast, and offering shelter) sets a powerful example for believers today.The episode delves into the promise of Isaac’s birth, Sarah’s laughter, and Abraham’s bold negotiation with God over Sodom’s fate, highlighting themes of faith, righteousness, and justice. Nathan and Brad connect these events to New Testament teachings, like Hebrews 13:2 and Romans 12:13, emphasizing the Christian call to show hospitality to strangers, who might just be angels unaware. From the Trinity’s foreshadowing to practical lessons on generosity, this episode ties ancient encounters to modern faith. Tune in for a lively discussion that brings the Bible to life!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------We are sponsored by Baba Java Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster and cafe based in Birmingham, AL. Visit babajavacoffee.com and use code "covenants" for 10% off your order!Support us on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes and exclusive "Deeper Waters" content! patreon.com/covenantsandkingdomshttps://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdomshttps://www.covenantsandkingdoms.com/

In part two of our deep dive into circumcision, Nathan and Brad explore the profound connection between the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 17 and the New Testament sign of baptism. Picking up from the theological foundations laid in part one, they unpack how circumcision, as a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham, points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Colossians 2:9-12, they discuss how Christ’s death and resurrection accomplish a spiritual circumcision of the heart, freeing believers from the bondage of sin and making them complete in Him.The episode bridges Old Testament shadows to New Testament realities, examining baptism as a reenactment of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, a public pledge of faith that mirrors the covenant sign of circumcision. With their signature southern humor, Nathan and Brad address interpretive differences, from Baptist believer’s baptism to infant sprinkling, emphasizing unity in the body of Christ despite diverse practices. They challenge listeners to focus on the heart of the matter: the transformative work of Christ that brings life and fullness, not ritual acts. Tune in for a lively discussion that ties ancient covenants to modern faith!---------------------------------------------------------------------We are sponsored by Baba Java Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster and cafe based in Birmingham, AL. Visit babajavacoffee.com and use code "covenants" for 10% off your order!Support us on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes and exclusive "Deeper Waters" content! patreon.com/covenantsandkingdomshttps://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdomshttps://www.covenantsandkingdoms.com/

In this captivating episode, Nathan and Brad dive into the ancient practice of circumcision, starting with insights from Herodotus on Egyptian customs and moving into the theological depths of Genesis 17. They explore the Abrahamic covenant, where God establishes circumcision as a sign of His everlasting promise to Abraham and his descendants. Unpacking the tension between God’s eternal covenant and the consequence of being “cut off” for non-compliance, they connect this ancient rite to spiritual truths about sin, obedience, and salvation.The discussion takes a dramatic turn with the mysterious Exodus 4 narrative, where Zipporah’s quick thinking and priestly act of circumcising her son saves Moses from divine wrath. Nathan and Brad wrestle with the ambiguous pronouns, the cultural significance of “bridegroom of blood,” and the surprising role of Zipporah as a priestly figure, sparking debate about women in ministry. With humor and southern charm, they bridge ancient texts to modern faith, challenging listeners to embrace the deeper truths of God’s covenant.Join us for part one of this thought-provoking journey into circumcision, theology, and the wild grace of God. Stay tuned for part two!---------------------------------------------------------------------We are sponsored by Baba Java Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster and cafe based out of Birmingham, AL. Grab your Baba Java Coffee at babajavacoffee.com with code "covenants" for 10% off!Support us on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes and exclusive "Deeper Waters" content that dives into the wild, weird, and wonderful! patreon.com/covenantsandkingdomshttps://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdomshttps://www.covenantsandkingdoms.com/

In this episode Nathan and Brad delve deeper into Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, drawing connections between its stages of awakening and the Christian call to move from darkness to divine light. Tackling listener comments, they explore the biblical reality of spiritual beings, citing Colossians 1, Hebrews 1, and Psalms to highlight Christ’s supreme authority over all things seen and unseen.Responding to comments questioning their approach and credentials, they passionately defend the accessibility of Scripture’s depths for every believer, not just scholars. They challenge listeners to move beyond simplistic faith toward the rich, transformative truths of God’s Word. Why linger in the shadows when Christ’s radiance beckons?Join us for a vibrant conversation blending philosophy, theology, and the liberating power of the gospel. Step into the light and discover the fullness of God’s truth!---------------------------------------------------------------------We are sponsored by Baba Java Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster and cafe based out of Birmingham, AL. Grab your Baba Java Coffee at babajavacoffee.com with code "covenants" for 10% off!Support us on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes and exclusive "Deeper Waters" content that dives into the wild, weird, and wonderful! patreon.com/covenantsandkingdomshttps://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdomshttps://www.covenantsandkingdoms.com/

In this thought-provoking episode, Brad and Nathan dive into Plato’s Allegory of the Cave to explore the journey from shadows to sunlight, drawing powerful parallels to the Christian faith. Responding to a viewer comment urging them to "just preach the blood of Jesus and Christ crucified," they unpack why the gospel is both beautifully simple and profoundly deep. From the crucifixion's foundational truth to the rich "gobbly goop" of spiritual warfare, Old Testament prophecies, and the preeminence of Christ, they challenge listeners to move beyond spiritual milk to solid food. Why settle for shadows when the full light of God's truth awaits? Join us for a discussion that bridges ancient philosophy and biblical wisdom, revealing how the whole story of Scripture transforms our understanding of reality. Will you stay in the cave, or step into the sunlight?

Welcome to Episode 8 of Covenants & Kingdoms! Brad and Nathan are back, diving into the world of ancient covenants with a story that fits our namesake. They start with a tale from Herodotus about a war between the Lydians and Medes, stopped by an eerie eclipse and sealed with a blood oath and a marriage. It’s a window into how ancient people made covenants that changed everything. Then they turn to Genesis 15, where God makes a covenant with Abraham that sets up all the rest of our scriptures. There’s a ritual with split animals, a strange fire, and something moving in the dark, but what does it mean? Brad and Nathan explore how this moment ties to Jesus in ways that will make you rethink everything, from shared cloaks to a meal that feels incredibly familiar. They’re holding back some of the biggest connections, so you’ll want to tune in to catch the full picture.Join them as they unpack a promise that still shapes our faith today. It’s deep, it’s powerful, and it’s all about God’s faithfulness. Plus, they give a shoutout to their Patreon for deeper dives into spiritual beings. Grab a coffee—maybe from Baba Java with the “covenants” code for 10% off—and come see what this ancient covenant reveals!-------------------------------------------------------------------We are sponsored by Baba Java Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster and cafe based out of Birmingham, AL. Grab your Baba Java Coffee at babajavacoffee.com with code "covenants" for 10% off!Support us on Patreon to get early and ad free episodes, and special "Deeper Waters" episodes that are a little too wild, weird, or in the weeds for our regular podcast!patreon.com/covenantsandkingdoms https://www.covenantsandkingdoms.comhttps://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdoms

In this faith filled episode, Nathan and Brad dive into Genesis 15:1-6 where Abram encounters the divine Word in a vision that shakes the cosmos. They unpack the mind-blowing theology of the logos, the Word that not only speaks, but walks Abram outside to gaze at the stars, promising a legacy vast and glorious. Drawing from the vivid imagery of the Apocalypse of Abraham, they explore how this encounter echoes through scripture, from Samuel’s call to John’s proclamation of Jesus as the eternal logos. The hosts tackle big ideas: justification by faith, the organic relationship God craves with His people, and the cosmic promise that Abram’s offspring will shine like heavenly stars, transformed to reign with Christ. With passion and humor, they connect the dots from ancient covenants to the radiant fulfillment in Jesus, urging listeners to embrace the one story of scripture. Plus, enjoy a sip of Baba Java’s passion fruit-fermented coffee and get 10% off with the coupon code "Covenants"!---------------------------------------------------------------------For the scriptures referenced at the end of the episode, visit covenantsandkingdoms.com/episodes and click on S1 E7.Support us on Patreon to get early and ad free episodes, and special "Deeper Waters" episodes that are a little too wild, weird, or in the weeds for our regular podcast!patreon.com/covenantsandkingdoms https://www.covenantsandkingdoms.comhttps://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdoms

Welcome to Episode 6 of Covenants & Kingdoms! In part two of their exploration of Melchizedek, Nathan and Brad continue unraveling the mystery of this enigmatic figure mentioned only a few times in scripture, yet described as greater than Abraham and a forerunner to Jesus. Building on Episode 5, they dive deeper into Genesis 14, Psalm 110, Hebrews 6-7, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, exploring Melchizedek’s roles as priest and king. Nathan examines ancient texts, including Philo of Alexandria and early church fathers, to uncover what scholars believed about Melchizedek’s identity: mortal man or divine manifestation? They also discuss Jesus’ own interpretation of Psalm 110 in Matthew 22, revealing connections to the Messiah. Join us as we dig into the Hebrew, ancient debates, and the profound link between Melchizedek and Jesus!Who is Melchizedek? Join in our episode and let's see if we can figure it out!---------------------------------------------------------------------We are sponsored by Baba Java Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster and cafe based out of Birmingham, AL. Grab your Baba Java Coffee at babajavacoffee.com with code "covenants" for 10% off!Support us on Patreon to get early and ad free episodes, and special "Deeper Waters" episodes that are a little too wild, weird, or in the weeds for our regular podcast!patreon.com/covenantsandkingdoms https://www.covenantsandkingdoms.comhttps://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdoms

Welcome to episode 5 of Covenants & Kingdoms! Today Nathan and Brad dive into a mysterious figure who is only mentioned three times in all of scripture, mostly with no context for us to know anything about him, yet Hebrews describes him as greater than Abraham, and a predecessor to Jesus! To figure him out and provide context for the scripture, Nathan digs into the Hebrew meanings in his name, what the ancient scholars believed about him, and more!Who is Melchizedek? Join in our episode and let's see if we can figure it out!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------We are sponsored by Baba Java Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster and cafe based out of Birmingham, AL. Grab your Baba Java Coffee at babajavacoffee.com with code "covenants" for 10% off!Support us on Patreon to get early and ad free episodes, and special "Deeper Waters" episodes that are a little too wild, weird, or in the weeds for our regular podcast!patreon.com/covenantsandkingdoms https://www.covenantsandkingdoms.comhttps://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdoms

Join us in the thrilling world of ancient giants and epic battles in Episode 4 of Covenants & Kingdoms! Hosts Brad and Nathan explore the mysterious Book of the Giants from the Dead Sea Scrolls, unpacking the story of the Nephilim and their descendants—towering figures like the Rephaim, Anakim, and Amorites. From Genesis 14’s account of Abram’s daring victory against a formidable alliance of kings to the spiritual significance of Bashan and Mount Hermon as the "gates of hell," this episode connects ancient texts to profound theological truths. Discover how God’s people reclaimed the land from these giant clans, fulfilling divine promises through faith and courage. Plus, learn about the historical and archaeological evidence supporting these biblical narratives, including ancient tablets mentioning the very kings from Genesis 14!We are sponsored by Baba Java Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster and cafe based out of Birmingham, AL. Grab your Baba Java Coffee at babajavacoffee.com with code "covenants" for 10% off!https://www.covenantsandkingdoms.compatreon.com/covenantsandkingdoms https://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdoms

In Episode 3 of Covenants & Kingdoms, Dr. Nathan Parvin and Brad Haynes delve into the Abrahamic covenant, starting with a dramatic reading from the Apocalypse of Abraham. Through ancient narratives and pivotal biblical moments, they explore how a single divine call reshapes history and points to a greater fulfillment. They also discuss things you've never noticed about God's name and presence, and something Jesus declares for the first time at a historic location. Expect rich discussions, surprising connections, and a fresh perspective on faith that will leave you inspired. Subscribe and dive in to uncover the story!We are sponsored by Baba Java Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster and cafe based out of Birmingham, AL. Grab your Baba Java Coffee at babajavacoffee.com with code "covenants" for 10% off!https://www.covenantsandkingdoms.compatreon.com/covenantsandkingdoms https://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdoms

Today’s episode begins with an excerpt from God’s Rivals by Gerald McDermott, introducing Mary, Shang, and Sarah—three people wrestling with questions about other gods and religions in light of their Christian faith. Join hosts Brad Haynes and Nathan as they dive into the biblical reality of spiritual beings, exploring passages like 1 Kings 22, Daniel 10, and Psalm 82. What are these "Elohim," and where do they fit in God’s plan? From the divine council to the Tower of Babel’s fallout, discover how scripture reveals a cosmic battle—culminating in Jesus, the preeminent Creator who redeems all nations. Tune in for a deep, historical look at faith, deception, and ultimate hope.Subscribe for more, and grab your Baba Java Coffee at babajavacoffee.com with code "covenants" for 10% off!https://www.covenantsandkingdoms.comhttps://www.patreon.com/covenantsandkingdomshttps://linktr.ee/covenantsandkingdoms

Join Nathan Parvin and Brad Haynes, hosts of Covenants & Kingdoms, as they unravel the fascinating world of biblical history through the lens of ancient Near Eastern culture and mythology. In their debut episode, they dive into the Mesopotamian creation epic, the Enuma Elish, to shed light on Genesis 11 and the Tower of Babel, revealing how ancient cosmology, spiritual beliefs, and historical events deepen our understanding of Scripture.Drawing from their unique experiences living in Muslim countries and exploring texts like Isaiah 14 and Deuteronomy 32, Nathan and Brad challenge Western materialism, offering fresh perspectives on the Bible’s timeless stories. Expect a captivating blend of scholarly insight and personal anecdotes that bridges the ancient and the modern, the material and the spiritual.Subscribe now for a journey through the covenants, kingdoms, and enduring truths of Scripture—new episodes await!-----------------------------------------Use the discount code "COVENANTS" for 10% off your coffee order at babajavacoffee.com!Join our Patreon and help support Biblical teaching in historical context! https://www.patreon.com/covenantsandkingdoms CoffeeU Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zT8dCpNL3CqVnTtDGryVw?si=m0V3lpdkR_uiiLTAyIQYNwLink to cosmology image:https://www.deviantart.com/jaysimons/art/Ancient-Sumerian-Cosmology-878264085-----------------------------------------CovenantsandKingdoms.com