Bible Streams

In this episode of Bible Streams, hosts Chris, Alex, and Jo continue their deep dive into the Book of Revelation, focusing on the dramatic imagery and profound messages found in chapters 8 and 9. As they explore the opening of the seventh seal and the sounding of the first six trumpets, the hosts unpack the apocalyptic symbols and their historical and theological significance. This episode highlights how Revelation's vivid imagery offers insights into God's ultimate victory over evil and encourages listeners to find courage and faithfulness in the present.Throughout the episode, the hosts reflect on the themes of judgment, repentance, and God's sovereignty. They emphasize the ongoing relevance of Revelation's message for contemporary believers, encouraging listeners to find hope and courage in the unfolding of God's plan.Resources"Revelation (NIV Application Commentary)" by Dr Craig Keener– A detailed analysis that bridges the historical-cultural context and application for today."The IVP Bible Background Com

In this episode of "Apocalypse Now: The Book of Revelation," we dive into the mysterious world of the Four Horsemen and the opening of the seven seals. Join us as we explore the vivid imagery and profound messages hidden within these ancient texts, all while keeping it light-hearted and engaging.As we approach the middle of our series, we unpack the symbolism of the Four Horsemen—riders on white, red, black, and pale horses—and their roles in the unfolding narrative of Revelation. We discuss the historical context, potential interpretations, and what these apocalyptic figures might mean for us today. From the heavenly throne room to the cries of the martyrs, we journey through the cosmic drama that reveals God's ultimate victory over evil. Whether you're a seasoned theologian or just curious about the end times, this episode offers insights and reflections that will inspire and challenge you.Resources"Revelation (NIV Application Commentary)" by Dr Craig Keener– A detailed analysis that bridges the historical-

The scene changes and the curtains open on a scene of heavenly worship: angels crying out, elders bowing down, multitudes responding to a Lion who is a Lamb as though it had been slain... The heat is really turning up as we continue through the book of Revelation!Join Alex, Chris & Jo as they discuss these impacting chapters, give some good background information that help make sense of what John is writing, and then talk aboput how we might be able to bring some meaning to us today. For the one who has ears to hear...Resources"Revelation (NIV Application Commentary)" by Dr Craig Keener– A detailed analysis that bridges the historical-cultural context and application for today."The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament" by Dr Craig Keener – Offers essential historical and cultural insights on the New Testament, including Revelation."Discipleship on the Edge" by Darrell W. Johnson – A study on Revelation that considers its relevance for Christian discipleship."Reading Revelation Responsibly" by Mi

The letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 are possibly some of the best known parts of the apocalypic book, mainly due to their accessibility compared to the rest of it. But how should we read these seven letters? Are they examples of the history or eras of the church? Are they addressed to different types of church today? Are they symbolic? And why all the Old Testament references?Join Alex, Chris & Jo as they discuss these significant chapters, give some good background information that help make sense of what John is writing, and then talk aboput how we might be able to bring some meaning to us today. For the one who has ears to hear...Resources"Revelation (NIV Application Commentary)" by Dr Craig Keener– A detailed analysis that bridges the historical-cultural context and application for today."The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament" by Dr Craig Keener – Offers essential historical and cultural insights on the New Testament, including Revelation."Discipleship on the Edge" by Darr

“Worship is central to what's happening in Revelation—it’s not just about the ‘end times,’ but about allegiance to the Lamb in the here and now.” - Dr Craig Keener.In this third episode of the "Apocalypse Now?" series, Jo, Chris, and Alex are joined by world-renowned Biblical scholar, Dr Craig Keener, to explore the major themes of the Book of Revelation. Together, they uncover the rich symbolism in the text, focusing on themes like cosmic conflict, worship, God's justice, and hope for the future. The conversation also delves into practical insights on how the broader church can better engage with Revelation’s challenging imagery and prophecies.With Dr Keener's expertise, the discussion balances theology, history, and personal application, encouraging listeners to move beyond surface-level readings of Revelation and instead see it as a deeply spiritual and transformative book.Resources "Revelation (NIV Application Commentary)" by Dr Craig Keener – A detailed analysis that bridges the historical-cultural conte

In this episode of our series 'Apocalypse Now?', we delve into the opening chapter of the Book of Revelation, setting the stage for an exploration of its profound imagery and messages. Join Chris, Jo, and Alex as they unpack the initial verses, discussing the significance of the seven churches, the symbolism of numbers, and the powerful vision of the risen Christ.We explore the dual nature of Revelation as both a prophetic and apocalyptic text, revealing how it offers not just predictions of future events, but a call to faithful living amidst trials. Discover how the themes of divine sovereignty, the eternal nature of God, and the role of Jesus as the faithful witness resonate with believers today.From the historical context of the first-century church to the timeless truths that continue to inspire, this episode invites you to see Revelation not as a cryptic puzzle, but as a source of hope and encouragement. Tune in as we begin this journey through one of the most intriguing books of the Bible, and find your

What’s the deal with Revelation? It’s got beasts, thrones, dragons, and a lot of confusion—but is it really about the "end of the world"?In this episode of our series 'Apocalypse Now?', we kick off our deep dive into the Book of Revelation, exploring its authorship, historical context, and key themes. We’ll uncover how this ancient apocalyptic text isn’t just about mysterious visions and future predictions, but a powerful, hope-filled message for faithful living in any generation. From its audience in the first century to its relevance today, join us as we navigate the rich symbols and profound theology that continue to inspire and challenge believers.SourcesRichard Bauckham - The Theology of the Book of RevelationDavid deSilva - An Introduction to the New TestamentN.T. Wright - Revelation and the Politics of Apocalyptic InterpretationMichael Gorman - Reading Revelation ResponsiblyJ. Ramsey Michaels - Interpreting the Book of RevelationBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast

As the year draws to a close, the Bible Streams team gathers for a special end-of-year wrap-up episode! Hosted by our producer, Tim Whittle, and joined by regular hosts Jo, Chris, and Alex, this episode is a classic mix of reflection, fun, and excitement for what's ahead.What’s in This Episode?2024 in Review:The team takes a moment to reflect on a year filled with incredible series, challenging discussions, and moments of revelation. From deep dives into atonement theology to exploring the Pentateuch and other powerful biblical themes, we revisit the highlights and favourite moments from the past year.The Bible Streams Quiz of the Year:It wouldn’t be a Bible Streams wrap-up without a bit of fun! Tim challenges Jo, Chris, and Alex with a difficult (and hilarious) quiz, testing their knowledge of the topics we’ve covered and some obscure Bible trivia. Who will emerge victorious?Sneak Peeks for 2025:Get ready for what’s coming next! The team shares a glimpse into the exciting series and discussions planned for 2

In this episode, we dive into Gary Schnittjer’s insightful and engaging book, Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch. If you've ever felt that the first five books of the Bible are daunting, this book (and our review!) might be just what you need. Schnittjer offers a fresh way of approaching Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy with clarity, curiosity, and a pastoral heart. We’ll unpack his key ideas, explore how he makes the Torah feel relevant for today, and share why this resource is a must-have for students, pastors, and curious readers alike. Plus, you can win a copy for your very own!!!Featured Resources:Gary Schnittjer - Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the PentateuchBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon. 

As we complete our series on the Atonement, Chris and Jo discuss their learnings and surprise take-home applications. We wrap up the series with a message from Jo preached at Riverlife on the way we can practically apply the atoning work of Jesus to our lives.ResourcesThe Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. EddyPerspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. SnoebergerMapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel ScandrettWhat Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. WrightBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

Join Alex, Chris, and Jo as they dive into the deep (and sometimes nerdy!) waters of atonement theology. From heated debates on who exactly Jesus died for, to a fun detour into quantum theory and open theism, this episode blends big ideas with a light-hearted twist.In this episode, we explore the different views on the extent of the atonement, including Limited Atonement (or Particular Redemption), Unlimited Atonement, and Amyraldianism (Four-Point Calvinism). We also touch on Universalism and the eternal question of how wide God's grace extends. Things get extra theological as we discuss infralapsarianism and supralapsarianism—how God’s plan for salvation unfolded in relation to the fall—and even dip into some quantum theory for all you theology geeks out there! If you're ready for an episode packed with both profound insights and a good dose of humour, now's the time to listen!Featured Resources:Gary Schnittjer - Torah StoryGary Schnittjer - How to Study the Bible's Use of the BibleOther ResourcesThe Nature

In this episode of Bible Streams, Chris and Jo sit down with Dr. Gary Schnittjer to explore the profound theme of atonement in the Old Testament. How did God’s plan for redemption take shape in ancient Israel, and what can we learn from it today? Join us as we dig deep into the sacrificial system, covenant theology, and the rich symbolism that foreshadows Christ’s ultimate atonement on the cross. Whether you’re a Bible scholar or just curious, this conversation will open your eyes to the depth and beauty of God’s Word. Don’t miss it!Resources:The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. EddyPerspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. SnoebergerMapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel ScandrettWhat Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. WrightBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Ge

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it stretch? Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.Exemplary models of the atonement examine how Jesus' obedience to death might influence humanity to put aside evil and become obedient ourselves. In this episode we look at frameworks like moral example and the scapegoat model, and explore what relevance they might have in understanding Christ's work on the cross.Resources:The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. EddyPerspectives on the Extent of the Atonement

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it stretch? Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.This episode, we look at the Recapitulation model, where Christ's obedient sacrifice on the cross is the climax of his becoming both the fulfilment and new beginning of the human race. How might Jesus, as the new and true Adam, reconcile his people to God?Resources:The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. EddyPerspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. SnoebergerMapping

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it stretch?Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.This episode, we look at the Substitutionary models, including Penal Substitutionary Atonement, some of its complexities and challenges, as well as its misunderstandings, and what we can learn from it.Resources:The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. EddyPerspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. SnoebergerMapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it stretch? Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.This episode, we look at the Christus Victor model of the Atonement, some of it's strengths and gaps, and what we can learn from it.Resources:The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. EddyPerspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. SnoebergerMapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel ScandrettWhat Did the Cross Acco

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement is one that has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians traying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? how far does it stretch? Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.Resources:The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. EddyPerspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. SnoebergerMapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel ScandrettWhat Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. WrightBig thanks to Tim

As we wind down at the end of yet another year of Bible Streams, join our producer, Tim, as he sits down with Jo, Alex, and Chris to wrap up 2023 (with a little bit of fun along the way) and to look ahead to 2024. Fans of Star Wars may also find some fulfilling content along the way...As is now a yearly tradition with Riverlife Podcasts, there will also be bloopers and outtakes. Here's to another awesome year ahead!Resources/Links mentioned in this episode:Riverlife Podcast Network: Going Deeper | Bible StreamsBible Streams - Facebook | Instagram | XBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

As we wrap our mammoth series on Genesis, we welcome our producer, Tim Whittle, to the front of the microphone to ask your listener questions to Alex, Chris & Jo. Listen in as we wrestle with some pretty deep and probing questions and how the themes of Genesis and its message to us today still shine through as we wrestle with how we read this ancient text.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Genesis (NIVAC) - by John WaltonBook: Genesis (NICOT) - by Victor P. HamiltonBook: Genesis (Tyndale) - by Andrew E. SteinmanBook: Genesis: A Commentary - by Bruce K. WaltkeBook: Genesis 16-50, Volume 2 - by Gordon J. WenhamBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

As we reach the end of Joseph's story, and the end of Genesis, the authors start to lift their audience's eyes to the ongoing work of the covenant in the family of Abraham as it grows and responds to God. Jacob, in his dying days, blesses his sons, and begins the next stage of the redemptive story, as the nation of Israel is foreshadowed and prophesied. Join Alex, Chris & Jo as they begin to wrap up the threads of Genesis and our journey through it.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode, or as references or helpful for Bible Streams:Book: Genesis (NIVAC) - by John WaltonBook: Genesis (NICOT) - by Victor P. HamiltonBook: Genesis (Tyndale) - by Andrew E. SteinmanBook: Genesis: A Commentary - by Bruce K. WaltkeBook: Genesis 16-50, Volume 2 - by Gordon J. WenhamBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.