Frans and Tory: Recent Episodes
Frans and Tory Du Plessis
Spiritual things for spiritual creatures. A discussion of spiritual ideas and concepts, on Life, God and the Scriptures. The religious ideas that disturb us, and spiritual ideas that inspire us. Raw, fresh and weekly from our garden.
Moses stumbles upon a holy mountain while in Midian, and gets commissioned by YHWH to go back and deliver the Israelites. We consider different names for Jethro and the holy mountain and why this oddity occurs.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Our journey begins. First stop: The birth of Moses. Do we have the strict historical narrative or is it base on an ancient heroic archetype?
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
We look at the major thematic expressions in the book of Exodus - Ideas that keep coming to the surface throughout the text. It gives us a glimpse of what was important to the writers of Exodus.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
When, by whom and why was Exodus written? Did the story happen at all, and what can be learned from archeological evidence.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
From Jacob to Joseph, and Israel in Egypt. Final summary on why Genesis is not strictly history, and how Christians should read it.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Isaac channels Abraham, as he links us to the real star of Genesis: Jacob, born as a deceiver but transformed and blessed to become Israel. The Father of twelve sons that would become the nation Israel, by whom and for whom Genesis is compiled.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
The story of Abraham is an account of trusting God in the face of uncertainty for deliverance and separation out from Babylon culture and into the promised land and God's ways. Abraham's story mirrors the Adamic and later exile account in interesting ways for 6th century Israelites who now have to trust God again to reestablish themselves back into the promised land.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Heavenly beings wreck chaos on earth, and the God of Israel has standards to which he will hold his image and likeness. We briefly look at other flood stories that were in circulation and how the Israelites adapted these to differentiate their God from the surrounding gods.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
All of Israel's (contemporary, 6th century ) enemies are cursed because Ham sees Noah naked. And the Babylonians cant get to God with their religious practices.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Understanding the story of Adam and Eve as a literary creation used to explain the origins of Israel, parallel the exile into Babylon, and offer an explanation of why life was so difficult in that beautiful world of order.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
A quick overview of Genesis, followed by a discussion on Genesis Chapter 1.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
What is the context and central theme of the book of Genesis? When was it written, by who and for who?
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
We explore the similarities between Genesis 1:1-2:3 and the Babylonian Enuma Elis. Then finally, compare the main aspects of the two creation accounts in Genesis and draw some final conclusions.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
We walk through the famous : "In the beginning...." Genesis Chapter 1:1 -2:3
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Walking through Genesis Chapter 3, we are introduced to the snake and the consequences of eating the fruit.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
We slowly walk through Genesis 2:4-25. The first section of our first story -The Creation of the human, the animals birds and the woman.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
In this session we consider the Torah and specifically the book of Genesis as the result of a complex literary process from the 10th to the 5th century BCE. We define the idea of Doublets within the Torah and suggest a inner structure for the Book of Genesis.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
In Philippians 2:6-11 we find another pre-literary portion that gives us insight into the possible beliefs of the earliest Jesus-followers. We discuss two possible interpretations for this poem-like material used by Paul.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
In 1 Cor 15:3b-5, we find what is possibly the earliest resurrection creed of the earliest followers of Jesus. In this creed we find the core of the resurrection beliefs of the earliest Christians before the time of Paul.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
We have a brief look at some of the data points for Early Adoptionist Christology and complete the assessment of Rom 1:3-4
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
In this episode we explore how pre-literary sources are identified and then start our journey with what is understood to be the oldest pre-literary source : Romans 1:3-4
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
In this episode we set the timeline and introduce the idea of pre-literary material in the New Testament
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Contrary to the traditional views, the data concerning the authorship of the Gospels of Matthew and Mark seem to point in an unexpected direction - That they were not written by Matthew the Tax collector or Mark the companion of Peter.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Paul considers the dangers of receiving the Grace of God in vain by causing an offence to the ministry or being unequally yoked with unbelievers.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Paul's 'house from heaven' that will clothe him and bring him to be 'present' with the Lord, seems to be directly tied to the resurrected, immortal heaven-like state he is hoping for in the Kingdom of God - something similar to that which Jesus experienced in his resurrection. But now available to everyone that is Christ's at his coming.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Paul contrasts the Letter and the Spirit, the Old and the New as he continues to expound on his expectation of the Coming Kingdom of God.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Harmony is restored between Paul and the Corinthian Church
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Some think Paul not spiritual enough, a man who walks after the flesh and is weak in presence and unskilled in speech.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Paul understands his suffering as authentication for his Apostleship. His weakness is what God needs to be strong in him.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
An introduction to the format and content of 2 Corinthians
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
For Paul the resurrection centres in the body, as opposed to a disembodied spiritual existence, but what type of body will it be? And what about those who haven't died yet?
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Finding the key to the book of Corinthians in chapter 15 and then reading "backwards" to better understand the context in which the previous chapters are written in: The Resurrection is a real bodily resurrection that although imminent, has not happened yet.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
The resurrection of Jesus is a cornerstone in Paul's theology, but a close second is the general resurrection from the dead at the final Judgement, which seems to be the main point of chapter 15.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Paul gives us an order in which he believes the events regarding 'the end' will take place.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
1 Cor 15:3-7 contains an earlier, pre-Pauline Christian creed that was probably in circulation amongst the early followers of Jesus. Paul quotes it here, inserts himself, and starts to build a case for the resurrection of the dead.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Paul understood that the inspiration and knowledge of his age was in-part, and that Love was the most important and lasting virtue.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
What does salvation most likely look like for Paul & Jesus?
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Understanding the context helps us to interpret the scriptures for application to our own lives and our own time. Paul's call for celibacy as the preferred mode is in context of his expectation of the imminency of the end of the Age / world. " The time is short"
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
The individual's body plays a special role in Paul's understanding of the world to come. "The body if for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body."
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Division and rumours of formication is working against the blameless, holy character that Paul is hoping to promote in the Corinthian Church, in the wake of the coming Jesus.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Paul considered himself the steward of the mysteries of God - that master builder of the foundation ( Jesus) upon which others built.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
From Chapter 2 of 1 Corinthians Paul declares an unveiling one an age-old mystery about the things of the end. This is made possible by the revelation of the spirit of God, and now we have the understanding of Christ concerning the matter: God is going to put the world on it's head.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Discussing possible streams of early divisions in the Church at Corinth. Also considering how 1 Corinthians fits into the picture of early Pauline writings.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
A short summery of Galatians and 1 Thessalonians. We also touch on why scholars dispute the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians as written by Paul.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Was Paul influenced by the book of 1 Enoch? A short introduction to the book that is responsible for countless Christian's world view, even though they have never read it.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
A short history of the rapture and why it is a distortion of “early Paul”
theology and why it is irrelevant for today.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Is Satan the god of this world? What is the context of Paul's world view concerning Satan?
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Paul's expectation of the imminent coming of Jesus seems to be the motivating factor for the patient hope he exhorts the Thessalonians to. But what does this mean for Paul? And how does it differ from our expectations today?
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
One of the two earliest writing of the New Testament is the book of Thessalonians. Does it fit with its contemporary, Galatians? What questions is it tying to answer?
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
The earlier writings of Paul. Galatians and some of the threads that run through it. Apocalyptic expectations; The nature of Faith; Jewish religion; Transition into Love.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
The canon of love is the true canon of the New Covenant.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
What is Christian liberty about for Paul? What are we free from, and what does that mean?
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
This early writing of Paul does not seem friendly to the Law (Torah). For Paul it is something to be redeemed from. - To be rescued from.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
The foolishness of the Galatians is still reflected in our human desire to deserve the things that are already given to us.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
In this early book written by Paul we see an emphases on the Gospel being the gift of Christ. Not something that we can receive through any requirements, but only through His faithfulness.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
An introduction to the book of Galatians as an early form of the Good News that Paul preached.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
We need a new perspective on the Scriptures, if we are after truth.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
If our only hope is in God for the afterlife, we are indeed the most miserable of people.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Love is the new horizon set by Jesus. His disruption of the temple status quo, ushers in a new normal. 1 John picks ups on this centrality of the Love. To love is to enter the Kingdom of God.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Systemic error is inherited, unconscious and perpetuated often in very sincere ways. It can often only be brought to light by Prophetic disruption.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Disruption as unavoidable, required, and God's method for change. Disruption as Salvation.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
The temple can be understood as an analogy for the representation of the Infinite God within the limits of human understanding. The Spirit of Jesus continues to disrupt the ways we have boxed in God in our "temples".
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
The first Chapter of the book of Mark seems to emphasise that change was coming. Change to Jesus' followers, the Synagogues (religious centres) and the Lepers ( the marginalised). This change was right at the door, it was from God and it should be trusted as good for everyone.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Fear-based incentives do not display the qualities of Love. Love and fear are not shareholders of each other.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
"Without Jesus we are "stuffed" - Me.
The reality of what we find in Deuteronomy can be shocking, especially for Christians who have only read it through their own tradition their entire lives. This 'Love' in Deuteronomy does not seem to look like the selfless Love of the Cross.
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory;
- Instagram: @frans_and_tory
Obedience, can be a beautiful thing, but it cannot fully express Agape Love. It is rather a characteristic of a master-salve relationship, of which Paul is urging us to move on from.
- Catch us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory
The trinity of virtue - Faith, Hope & Love. Love solicits trust and the expectation of beauty in our relationships. Then trust and expectation moves us to participate in the act of giving of ourselves.
- Catch us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory
When does faith become useless? Why is faith not the centre of being a follower of Jesus?
- Catch us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory
What if the only way we will ever be able to see God in this life or the next, is through the manifestation of love in each other? And what if God designed it like this?
- Catch us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fransandtory