Reading in Church & Other Distractions: Recent Episodes
Robert Wallace & Mike McKeever
Dr. Robert Wallace (Old Testament scholar) and Dr. Michael McKeever (New Testament scholar) come together in an inviting and inclusive conversation, developing a common narrative for use in Bible study and personal growth. Their passion for the subject matter, humor, and personal dynamic help the listener to engage in the material and understand how ancient texts apply to today’s culture. Welcome to the office, where the cool kids hang out and the fun never ends.
Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The readings for Sunday, November 24, 2019. The three year lectionary cycle comes to an end with The Reign of Christ Sunday. Jeremiah offers some clever wordplay in Jeremiah 23. Mike offers some thoughts on the beginning and end of… Continue Reading →
The readings for November 17, 2019. Both Old Testament readings focus on the end times, and both in Isaiah. 2 Thessalonians finishes by telling folks to get to work. And Jesus focus on the end times, but not the way… Continue Reading →
The readings for November 10, 2019. Someone finally listens to a prophet. The psalms sorta come to an end in Ps 145. The end times are a topic in 2 Thessalonians, and another group thinks they can outsmart Jesus. Haggai… Continue Reading →
The readings for November 3, 2019. We read Rob’s favorite scripture in the Bible and read even more Psalm 119. Mike opens the discussion of 2 Thessalonians and challenges the traditional readings of Zacchaeus. Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 Psalm 119:137-144 2… Continue Reading →
The readings for October 20, 2019. In a quick moving podcast, Rob & Mike ACTUALLY discuss Jeremiah’s “Book of Comfort.” They take a manageable bit of Psalm 119. Paul gives his last exhortations to Timothy. And a good-for-nothing judge, actually… Continue Reading →
The readings for October 13, 2019. Rob gets to talk about his favorite verses in Jeremiah. Memory is participatory in Psalm 66. Paul writes some beautiful confessions, or he copies them, we aren’t sure which. And the Samaritans maybe aren’t… Continue Reading →
The readings for October 6, 2019. Mike and Rob work through some dark (and light) texts the Old Testament readings, including the darkest worship song ever. Paul offers his last words to Timothy, and Jesus tries to teach the disciples… Continue Reading →
The readings for September 29, 2019. Jeremiah buys real estate in a buyer’s market. God speaks in the psalms. Money is a sticky topic of conversation in 1 Timothy and in Luke 16. Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 1… Continue Reading →
The readings for September 22, 2019. Things are pretty depressing this week. God laments in Jeremiah 8 (probably). The psalmist laments in Ps 79 (definitely). Paul sets up his argument to deal with church division in 1 Timothy. And the… Continue Reading →
The readings for September 15, 2019. Back after another break caused by life circumstances! Jeremiah sees creation unraveling. The psalmist worries about those who live lives without regard for God. Paul is the chief of sinners in 1 Timothy, and… Continue Reading →
The readings for August 11, 2019. The guys have a new streak going, 2 in a row. Rob deals with the same text in two books. Mike talks about Hebrews and Jesus is still on a journey. Isaiah 1:1, 10-20… Continue Reading →
The readings for August 4, 2019. Back and better than ever! Or at least back & better…okay…we’re back. We read about God’s rough breakup in Hosea. Book V begins in Ps 107. We are hidden with Christ in Colossians, and… Continue Reading →
The readings for June 7, 2019. Elisha pulls a power move against Naaman. The psalmist praises God. Paul wraps up Galatians, and Jesus sends out a crack team of 70ish missionaries who shame the 12. Also, don’t miss what’s become… Continue Reading →
The readings for June 30, 2019. Elijah gets his dramatic exit. The psalmist struggles with exile. Paul tries to get a church to focus on the Spirit, in his own quiet understated way. And Jesus stars a long journey that… Continue Reading →
The readings for June 23, 2019. Elijah has a rough day. The Sons of Korah start singing in the Psalms. One of Paul’s most quoted verses might not be saying what people think it is saying. And the guys have… Continue Reading →
The readings for June 16, 2019. It’s Trinity Sunday. Woman Wisdom works in Proverbs 8. Humanity is celebrated in Psalm 8. Mike spends more time in Eastern theology in Romans, and Jesus wraps up his sermon in John 16. Proverbs… Continue Reading →
It’s Pentecost! The readings for June 9, 2019. People don’t like God being in charge in Genesis. Mike celebrates talk like a pirate day again in Ps 104. Pentecost comes in Acts…and also in John apparently. Genesis 11:1-9 Psalm 104:24-34,… Continue Reading →
The readings for June 2, 2019. Mike and Rob chose the readings for Ascension Sunday. Rob covers the place and function of Ps 93. Mike looks for Ascension language in Ephesians, and they read the two Ascension episodes from Luke… Continue Reading →
The readings for May 26, 2019. Paul founds his favorite church. Rob sees some connections to Numbers in Psalm 67. The end is a beautiful thing in Revelation, and the dialogue in John points to an interesting time in the… Continue Reading →
The readings for May 19, 2019. Mike has an ideal way to read Acts 11, though it is a little shorter. Everything is praising God in Psalm 148. Things are looking good in Revelation, and Jesus is about to show… Continue Reading →
The readings for May 12, 2019. Rob and Mike get to do a rare “in-person” podcast. Peter is on journey of faith in Joppa. Psalm 23 is back for its sixth appearance in the lectionary. The love affair with Revelation… Continue Reading →
The readings for May 5, 2019. Paul isn’t converted by commissioned in Acts 9. Translation issues bother Rob in Psalm 30. Jesus is God in Revelation 5. And John goes back to the future in John 21. Acts 9:1-6 Psalm… Continue Reading →
The readings for April 28, 2019. The book of Acts starts taking Rob’s OT readings again. The psalmist celebrates God for who God is in Ps 150. A celebration of Revelation begins, and Mike finds a new source for John… Continue Reading →
The readings for Easter Morning, April 21, 2019. This time, Rob brings up Revelation, but to talk about Isaiah. The psalm seems familiar, but different. Peter finally understands what he means when he says “all,” and the angels treat the… Continue Reading →
The readings for April 14, 2019. Rob & Mike opt for the passion readings this week. Rob gives a survey of the Servant Songs in Isaiah and briefly touches on Psalm 31, just long enough to reveal his frustration with… Continue Reading →
The readings for April 7, 2019. Isaiah remembers the Exodus. Rob works through some translation issues in the psalm of Ascents. Paul works through his resume in Philippi. John continues to tell the stories of the gospel in provocative ways.… Continue Reading →
The readings for March 31, 2019. Rob gives the odd context of Joshua. Mike starts horsing around in Psalm 32. Paul & Corinth try to reconcile to one another, and Mike & Rob both have a love affair with Luke… Continue Reading →
The readings for March 24, 2019. Rob and Mike get their podcasting groove back a little better this week. The covenant of David gets shared in Isaiah. God satisfies in the Psalm. Paul interprets more wilderness narratives in 1 Corinthians.… Continue Reading →
The readings for March 17, 2019. Abraham has some questions after 10 years. Things are up and down for David in the psalm. Paul has some words for his favorite church, and Jesus has some thoughts about Jerusalem. Genesis 15:1-12,… Continue Reading →
The readings for Sunday March 10, 2019. Moses reminds Israel to remember where they came from (and who’s responsible for them being there). This week’s psalm has had some problematic use in the New Testament. Mike finally solves the Jew/Gentile… Continue Reading →
The readings for March 3, 2019. Moses’ face shines forth in Exodus, and Rob and Mike discuss troubled translations. God’s kingships shines forth in the Psalm. Paul uses Moses to make his point in Corinth which directly connects to modern… Continue Reading →
The readings for February 24, 2019. Jospeh reunites with his brothers. The psalmist tries to understand why the wicked prosper. Resurrection seems important to Paul, and Jesus gives some bad financial advice which somehow reminds Mike of Revelation. Genesis 45:3-11,… Continue Reading →
The readings for February 17, 2019. Jeremiah and the Psalmist share a simile. Resurrection seems to be important to Paul, and Jesus decides to “get down” with the kids in his sermon in Luke. Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1 1 Corinthians… Continue Reading →
The readings for February 10, 2019. Rob and Mike work through their weather woes. Isaiah has a difficult call experience. David has more to say in Book V of the psalter. Paul finally addresses resurrection in 1 Cor 15. And… Continue Reading →
The readings for February 3, 2019. For old time’s sake, Rob and Mike have some audio issues (though thankfully not as serious as in times past!). But in the midst of it, they talk the call and frustrations of Jeremiah.… Continue Reading →
The readings for January 27, 2019. Rob works through his issues with Ezra and Nehemiah. Psalm 19 puts together some different individual ideas. Paul focuses on the the body of Christ, and Jesus preaches good news for the poor, whoever… Continue Reading →
The readings for January 20, 2019. The land gets married in Isaiah. The psalmist celebrates Yahweh, but with some ulterior motives. The Spirit unifies the church in its diversity, and Jesus starts his ministry by improving the party. Isaiah 62:1-5… Continue Reading →
The readings for January 13, 2019. Isaiah offers comfort in scary international times. Anything Baal can do, Yahweh can do better in the Psalm. Mike works through some of his questions in Acts, and Jesus is baptized in Luke, but… Continue Reading →
The readings for January 6, 2019. The guys talk about some interesting kings Isaiah and model kingship in Psalm 72. Paul wants the Ephesians to know that everyone is equal, and Matthew welcomes the Zoroastrians Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14… Continue Reading →
The readings for December 30, 2018. Samuel is overachieving in his new job. The whole of creation cries out to praise God. Paul offers a model for Christian living, and Jesus starts his temple work a little early. Though the… Continue Reading →
The readings for December 23, 2018. It’s the Christmas show! Micah looks forward to good news. The lectionary picked an unusual psalm and dips back into Hebrews, and Mike and Rob love the Magnificat! Micah 5:2-5a Psalm 80:1-7 Hebrews 10:5-10… Continue Reading →
The readings for December 16, 2018. On the third Sunday of Advent, the lectionary dips into Zephaniah and Isaiah. Mike & Rob reflect on their love for Philippians, and John the Baptist’s “good news” is a challenge to the status… Continue Reading →
The readings for December 9, 2018. The lectionary dips into Malachi, then we focus on the New Testament. The Psalms reading comes from Luke. And we see Pauls thanksgiving for a church he loves. And John the Baptist starts his… Continue Reading →
The readings for December 2, 2018. It’s a brand new year! And Mike and Rob begin Year C with a small section from Jeremiah and a rather confusing Psalm. There’s a quick jump into 1 Thessalonians. And Mike explains how… Continue Reading →
The readings for November 25, 2018, Reign of Christ or Christ the King Sunday. David’s last words in 2 Samuel, though not exactly his last words overall. One more psalm of ascent. Mike and Rob take a deep dive in… Continue Reading →
The readings for November 18, 2018. Apocalyptic is in the air as year B winds down. Samuel’s origin story (or is it Saul’s) is followed by one of the lectionary’s few dips into Daniel. Christ’s new and living way is… Continue Reading →
The readings for November 11, 2018. The guys talk about the suggestive language in Ruth. Psalm 127 has a complicated organization. The author of Hebrews continues his argument for the superiority of Christ. And context provides an important way to… Continue Reading →
The readings for November 4, 2018. We start a brief two week drop into Ruth, with a caution about what to name your children. Psalm 146 celebrates God as king (as opposed to David). Hebrews keeps subtweeting the old cultic… Continue Reading →
The readings for October 28, 2018. God apologizes in Job 42 (maybe). We get some interesting bits of an acrostic psalm in Ps 34. Our high priest is clearly better than any other high priest, says Hebrews. And the blind… Continue Reading →
The readings for October 21, 2018. God has come harsh answers for Job. God is celebrated as creator in Psalm 104 (with some debate about the nature of the Leviathan). High priest qualifications are worked out in Hebrews, and Mark… Continue Reading →
The readings for October 14, 2018. Job is tired of waiting for an intermediary. The psalmist tries to balance despair and faith. Hebrews joins some clever Jewish and Helenistic philosophy, and Jesus makes things difficult in Mark. Job 23:1-9, 16-17… Continue Reading →
The readings for October 7, 2018. The lectionary dips into Job for a few weeks, which makes Rob happy. The psalmist is totally crushing it. Hebrews will featured to the end of the church year, and Mike finds an interesting… Continue Reading →
The readings for September 30, 2018. We dip into our ONLY Esther reading in the lectionary. The second of the Ascent Psalms tries to make a word count, and Mike wanders around through James and Mark, which is fine because… Continue Reading →
The readings for September 23, 2018. Rob offers some alternative readings of the OT passages this week. Proverbs 31 might close out Proverbs celebrating Woman Wisdom. Psalm 1 might be as simple as it looks. James sounds a little like… Continue Reading →
The readings for September 16, 2018. After a brief delay, the podcast is up. Rob & Mike discuss Lady Wisdom in Proverbs and a beautifully combined psalm in Ps 19. James urges Christians to tame their tongue (something the guys… Continue Reading →
The readings for September 9, 2018. Rob works through his frustration with Proverbs, which is really frustration with people. Psalm 125 reminds us that faith is hard. James actually thinks Christians should act like Christians. And the Syrophoenician woman can… Continue Reading →
The readings for September 2, 2018. Love is in the air in the Old Testament readings this week–but we aren’t sure exactly for whom, and maybe that’s okay. James provides his usual practical advice that never seems to catch on.… Continue Reading →
The readings for August 26, 2018. Mike has his audio problems fixed! Rob struggles more with Solomon and proposes different context for Psalm 84. Mike discusses the armor of God by not actually discussing the armor of God, and the… Continue Reading →
The readings for August 19, 2018. Mike had some technical issues this week which created a really interesting effect. So, pretend it was on purpose, and this podcast comes from the early days of podcasting when podcasts ran on kerosene… Continue Reading →
The readings for August 12, 2018. David deals with the Absalom’s rebellion. The lectionary repeats Ps 130 again. Ephesians uses baptism language to talk about Christian behavior, and the journey through John 6 continues. 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 Psalm… Continue Reading →
The readings for August 5, 2018. David sees the fall out the Bathsheba incident and decides to write a song about it. Paul emphasizes unity in Ephesians. And Jesus begins to unpack the miraculous feeding in John to a group… Continue Reading →
The readings for July 29, 2018. Things go badly for David. The psalm laments fools. Paul finally finishes his prayer in Ephesians that he started in Chapter 1, and Jesus feeds the 5000 in John. Meanwhile the guys discuss the… Continue Reading →
The readings for July 22, 2018. Davidic Covenant is the focus of the Old Testament texts. Rob fills in the verses that are left out of the Psalm (which certainly change the tone). Ephesians celebrates the wall of separation being… Continue Reading →
The readings for July 15, 2018. Mike & Rob have a new audio arrangement to cope with Rob’s new job opportunity. So, new opportunities to make mistakes are ahead! David brings the ark to the Temple (though not quite as… Continue Reading →
The readings for July 8, 2018. David takes over Jerusalem. Yahweh is the true king of the north. Paul has a “friend” who’s seen the 3rd heaven. And Jesus is rejected by his own in Nazareth. 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10… Continue Reading →
The readings for July 1, 2018. The astute among you will notice we missed a week. BUT we have attempted to make amends by providing a blues guitar riff to Mike’s reading of a classic lament psalm (performed by Dr.… Continue Reading →
The readings for June 17, 2018. God decides to make some choices in 1 Samuel. Then end breaks into the middle in the psalm. We learn from Cicero’s sick burn that the Corinthians are fickle. And we try to work… Continue Reading →
The readings for June 10, 2018. Israel wants a king like the cool nations. The last cycle of Davidic psalms begins in Book V of the Psalms. Mike & Rob marvel at Paul’s rhetorical gifts in 2 Corinthians. And the… Continue Reading →
The readings for June 2, 2018. The second Sunday after Pentecost, and Rob truly gets his OT readings back. Samuel gets a hard call. The lectionary turns Ps 139 into a happier psalm. Paul’s evidence for the Christian faith makes… Continue Reading →
The readings for May 27, 2018. It’s Trinity Sunday and with it come some familiar texts. Rob focuses on texts that aren’t included with Isaiah’s call. Yahweh shows off in Psalm 29 (and scares Mike’s dog). Paul & John have… Continue Reading →
The readings for May 20, 2018. It’s Pentecost and the spirit of God is busy! The dry bones raise in Ezekiel. God has an extreme pet in Ps 104. Mike summarizes his dissertation in the discussion of Acts 2. And,… Continue Reading →
The readings for May 13, 2018. Rob struggles with the apostles decisions in Acts. Mike things Rob has gone full rabbinic interpretation in Psalm 1. Jesus seems to be paid by the pronoun in his prayer in John 17, and… Continue Reading →
The readings for May 6, 2018. In Acts, Peter finally understands what his Pentecost sermon meant. The whole earth celebrates Yahweh as King in the Psalm. The teaching of 1 John weaves together love and maybe even apocalyptic. And Jesus… Continue Reading →
The readings for April 29, 2018. Better late than never, at least that’s what is hoped. After an unscheduled week off, the guys return with the readings from the 5th Sunday of Easter with some stories and some mysterious popping… Continue Reading →
The readings for April 22, 2018. The story of Acts continues. Psalm 23 returns. And some Hebrew gets the guys wondering about connections between the Old & New Testament shepherds. They also answer some questions about these texts which lets… Continue Reading →
The readings for April 15, 2018. Mike and Rob discuss God dragging the church in Acts to inclusion whether they like it or not. They review a psalm which challenges the rich (possibly), and they revisit themes of sin and… Continue Reading →
The readings for April 8, 2018. Rob whines again about losing an Old Testament reading in favor of the book of Acts during the Easter season. They celebrate community in Acts 4 and Psalm 133. Plus we get the detail… Continue Reading →
The readings for April 1, 2018. The readings for Easter Sunday. Rob & Mike talk eschatological food in Isaiah and celebrate with Ps 118 again. They talk resurrection in 1 Corinthians and how John draws readers into the resurrection. Isaiah… Continue Reading →
The readings for March 25, 2018. With all the options for verses this week, Mike and Rob had to make some choices. Their first choice was to answer email. Then they hear the words of the Servant in Isaiah and… Continue Reading →
The readings for March 18, 2018. It will be hard to pick a favorite part of this episode. It might be the movie discussion or the three minutes of looking for references that neither could find, but it’s all good… Continue Reading →
The readings for March 11, 2018. Rob and Mike answer a twitter question. Rob makes an interesting (but confusing) discovery in Numbers. The lectionary breaks up a psalm again. The guys reflect on the use of Ephesians 2 early in… Continue Reading →
The readings for March 4, 2018. The guys work through the 10 commandments. Rob breaks down a complicated (but beautiful) Torah psalm. They guys talk about wisdom and foolishness in 1 Corinthians. And Mike explains why Jesus’ ONE temple cleansing… Continue Reading →
The readings for February 25, 2018. It’s the 2nd Sunday of Lent and the guys talk name changes and circumcision in Genesis. They focus on the happy parts of Psalm 22, but naturally Robert wants more. They unpack Paul’s arguments… Continue Reading →
The readings for February 18, 2018. It’s the first Sunday of Lent. Mike & Rob talk about God’s covenant not to flood the earth again. They discuss half the alphabet of an acrostic psalm. They try to interpret a difficult… Continue Reading →
The readings for February 11, 2018. Mike and Rob deal with deja vu in 2 Kings. They read the happy parts of Psalm 50. Mike tries to navigate what is happening in 2 Corinthians. And Rob gets a little closer… Continue Reading →
The readings for February 4, 2018. Israel returns from exile remembering how cool God is. Paul shows the Corinthians what it means to limit his freedom with love, and Rob has a breakthrough in the Gospel of Mark that makes… Continue Reading →
The readings for January 28, 2018. It’s the 4th Sunday after Epiphany. The guys talk about what makes a prophet and the pithy acrostic in Ps 111. They see Paul’s pastoral care in 1 Corinthians and marvel at who understands… Continue Reading →
The readings for January 21, 2018. It the third Sunday after Epiphany and the guys spend their only lectionary time in Jonah and focus on trusting God in the psalms. There is more going on in Mark than meets the… Continue Reading →
The readings for January 14, 2018. Samuel hears a difficult call. David’s tone in Ps 139 is a mystery. Paul answers the Corinthians questions, and the call of the Nathanael in John comes with plenty of Old Testament allusions. 1… Continue Reading →
The readings for January 7, 2018. It’s the “Baptism of the Lord” Sunday (spoiler alert: it’s Jesus).Though the readings are water themed, these readings suggest it might also be called the “Moving of the Spirit” Sunday.There’s a brief look at… Continue Reading →
The readings for December 31, 2017. It’s the first Sunday after Christmas. Rob and Mike find hope in Isaiah and try to organize creation’s choir in Ps 148. They note Paul’s skill in Galatians and share some student stories about… Continue Reading →
The readings for December 24, 2017. The fourth Sunday of Advent comes as late in the calendar as it can. Mike & Rob discuss Davidic Covenant and the Temple and read what might be the sassiest psalm in the Bible.… Continue Reading →
The readings for December 17, 2017. It’s the third Sunday of Advent. Mike and Rob debrief from their recent trip to Boston, and Mike makes some movie recommendations. They find the jubilee message in Isaiah, and they “listen to the… Continue Reading →
The readings for December 10, 2017. The guys trade “eagles” for “vultures” in the book of Isaiah. They work through a psalm in Book III. They read one of the two 2 Peter readings in the whole lectionary, and officially… Continue Reading →
The readings for December 3, 2017. The new year begins with a selection from the end of Isaiah. Psalm 80 prays for restoration, and the beginning of 1 Corinthians provides the overview of the whole book. Of course, Rob and… Continue Reading →
Readings for November 26, 2017. Our last show of Year A is an extra long one. It’s “Christ the King” Sunday so all of our texts celebrate God’s reign with an allusion of sheep…except for Ephesians, which celebrates by highlighting God’s… Continue Reading →
It’s the readings for November 19, 2017. Rob tries to savor the only lectionary reading from Judges. The guys interpret another song of ascents. And, (un)fortunately, they aren’t done with apocalyptic in 1 Thessalonians or Matthew 25. The good news… Continue Reading →
The readings for November 12, 2017. This week, the Old Testament readings are merely prelude to Mike’s discussion of two eschatological passages. For good or for ill, Mike’s previous encounters with other ways of reading the text create what might… Continue Reading →
With readings for November 5, 2017, Rob & Mike talk about crossing the Jordan in Joshua, personifications of chaos in the Psalms,Paul’s fatherly advice for Thessalonica, and Jesus escalating his rhetoric with the leadership in Jerusalem. Joshua 3:7-17 Psalm 107:1-7,… Continue Reading →
This weeks readings are for October 29, 2017. It’s the 21st week after Pentecost. Rob deals with the lectionary’s choice to skip to the end of the Torah. Mike points out the gentle and nurturing spirit of Paul, seriously…AND more… Continue Reading →
The readings for October 22, 2017, the twentieth Sunday after Pentecost. The lectionary drops us into the middle of a story in Exodus. The psalmist looks forward to God’s justice being everywhere. Mike explains Paul’s adaptation of 1st century correspondence,… Continue Reading →
The readings are for October 15, 2017 and the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost. God and Moses argue over who brought the people out of Egypt, Rob wants to focus on extra verses in Philippians, and Mike sheds some light on… Continue Reading →
The readings for October 8, 2017 give us a chance to talk about the Ten Commandments and a Torah psalm. We continue our lightening round journey through Philippians, and we get the “big finish” vineyard parable from Matthew. PLUS, we… Continue Reading →
It’s the 17th Sunday after Pentecost with the readings for October 1, 2017. Rob and Mike talk about the two water from rocks stories in Exodus & Numbers. They look for Exodus in Exile in Psalm 78. Mike reminds us… Continue Reading →
It’s the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, and the readings for Sunday, September 24, 2017. Mike and Rob debate manna. Paul finds a supportive church, and the Rob’s mind gets blown again, this time in Matthew. Exodus 16:2-15 Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 Philippians… Continue Reading →
It’s the 15th week after Pentecost. Rob and Mike seem to have finally fixed the audio problems. They reflect on the Red Sea crossing scene in the Prince of Egypt, finish up the readings in Romans, and talk about how… Continue Reading →
It’s Proper 18, or the 14th Sunday after Pentecost. Rob answers the #1 Old Testament question, “Why is God so mean in the OT?” Mike answers the #1 New Testament question, “Why is Paul so mean in the NT?” And… Continue Reading →
It’s the 13th Sunday after Pentecost. Mike struggles to introduce himself again, but the audio issues are fixed. They have their typical rhythm. Rob dives deep into Moses call. Mike talks about the challenges to the Christian in Romans 12… Continue Reading →
It’s Proper 16 and the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost. Rob and Mike have a new sound set up, which works really well at the beginning and seems to go off the rails during the Matthew conversation. We discuss the name of pharaoh,… Continue Reading →
It’s the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, and the guys wrap up the story of Joseph, talk about the Bible’s love of cliffhangers, and Mike redeems the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman for Rob so that Jesus doesn’t seem so mean.… Continue Reading →
It’s the 10th Sunday after Pentecost. Jacob continues his family dysfunction. We go back to Psalm 105, more Romans, and Jesus & Peter go strolling on the sea. Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33
It’s the ninth Sunday after Pentecost and Mike can’t even get through the introduction this week without playing with his toys. Rob takes a radical position on Jacob’s wrestling match. The psalmist confidently proclaims his innocent. Paul wrestles with Israel’s… Continue Reading →
It’s the eighth Sunday after Pentecost. And Jacob’s crazy family dynamics continue. The psalm celebrates God’s creation of a new people. Romans crescendos in chapter 8, and Jesus offers a number of parables on the kingdom. Genesis 29:15-28 Psalm 105:1-11,… Continue Reading →
It’s the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, and Jacob decides to make a deal with God, even though God didn’t ask for one. The psalmist tries to play hide and seek with God. Creation wants humanity to get their act together,… Continue Reading →
It’s Proper 10 and Rob and Mike debate exactly HOW Esau brought food to his father in the Jacob narratives . They also revisit Psalm 119, finally get to Romans 8 after Mike’s teasing for weeks, and start looking at parables… Continue Reading →
It’s “Proper 9.” After some conversation on the solstice, the guys talk about type scenes and Rebekah, wedding psalms, Romans, Matthew 11, and then wander boldly into Song of Songs. Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 Psalm 45:10-17 Song of Solomon 2:8-13… Continue Reading →
It’s the 4th Sunday after Pentecost and Mike & Rob continue their consecutive reading of Genesis, explore the power of lament, appreciate Paul’s depth, and try to find balance between the challenges of the Christian life and the comfort one… Continue Reading →
It’s the third Sunday after Pentecost. Mike & Rob continue the journey through Genesis and Romans. Genesis 21:8-21 Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:24-39
It’s the second Sunday after Pentecost. What about the Exodus as a controlling narrative underlying all of the New Testament readings? Mike is more and more convinced. Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 Romans 5:1-8 Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23)
It’s Trinity Sunday, and Mike lets Rob make up for lost time and Old Testament readings by talking about Genesis 1…and talking and talking about Genesis. Can you tell if Rob likes Genesis 1? Genesis 1:1-2:4a Psalm 8 2 Corinthians 13:11-13… Continue Reading →
Pentecost Year A and Mike & Rob have lots of texts to choose from. Rob lobbied for getting an Old Testament reading back. Numbers 11:24-30 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Acts 2:1-21 John 20:19-23
It’s the seventh Sunday of Easter. Mike & Rob talk about the beauty of Hebrew poetry, rotten movie adaptations, and yet MORE connections between 1 Peter and James. Acts 1:6-14 Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 John 17:1-11
It’s the 6th Sunday of Easter Year A. Rob works through his PTSD regarding the Aeropagus sermon. They both wrestle with the biblical authors’ references from outside the Bible. Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:8-20 1 Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21
Week 5 of Easter. Refuge in Yahweh, the martyrdom of Stephen, the community in 1 Peter, and theological challenges of Jesus in John. And while we are at it, some lifehacks for free Diet Cokes. Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 1… Continue Reading →
It’s the fourth Sunday of Easter. Mike’s cold medicine seems to have worn off, so Rob & Mike continue reading in Acts, noting ways the church looks like Jesus. They revisit Psalm 23 after just a few weeks. They talk about… Continue Reading →
It’s the third Sunday of Easter and unfortunately, Mike is fighting a head cold. Even more unfortunately, he’s taking cold medicine and brought a cowbell. Once Rob gets the podcast under control, the guys talk about Pentecost, suffering, and the… Continue Reading →
It’s the 2nd week of Easter readings and Rob works out his frustrations at losing an Old Testament text for the whole Easter season, Mike struggles to stay in Year A, and the disciples don’t receive quite as much peace… Continue Reading →
It’s Easter Sunday of Year A, and Rob & Mike have a lot of texts to choose from. Mike was kind of enough to let Rob have two Old Testament texts. Jeremiah 31:1-6 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Acts 10:34-43 John 20:1-18
It’s the sixth Sunday in Lent, Passion Week is about to begin, and Mike has brought a sound effect board…cause apparently, that’s what Lent needed. Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 27:11-54
Week 5 in Lent, and Rob & Mike discuss dry bones, the right way to make siege cakes, and the subtext of the Lazarus story. So much good stuff, it wouldn’t fit in an hour, so they super sized it.… Continue Reading →
It’s the fourth Sunday in Lent, and this week Rob & Mike look at one of the most beloved texts in the history of the church, Psalm 23. 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 23 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41
It’s the third Sunday in Lent, and you’ll finally get some of those nagging Greek grammar questions answered. Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 95 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42
It’s the 2nd Sunday in Lent. Everything changes in Genesis. God’s guarding through everything in Psalms. Romans is still complicated. And Rob & Mike go swimming with elephants in John 3. Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17
Back on Year A, Rob & Mike tackle the texts from the first Sunday in Lent. It seems they are in the theological deep end–from extreme nudity at creation to a quick dip into a complex argument in Romans… Genesis… Continue Reading →
So, did you hear the one about the two guys who were doing a podcast, in order, based on the Revised Common Lectionary but mistakenly took texts from Year B Transfiguration Sunday when they were supposed to be doing Year… Continue Reading →
It’s the seventh week after Epiphany. This week, Rob and Mike find the center of the Gospel message…in Leviticus… Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 Psalm 119:33-40 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 Matthew 5:38-48
Sixth Sunday after epiphany and Rob & Mike skew old with more references to 70s Rock Bands, but they make up for it by giving some sound potty-training advice…oh…and Bible interpretation. Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 119:1-8 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany and I think everyone agrees what this podcast needs is more dude ranch humor. Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalm 112:1-10 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Matthew 5:13-20
It’s the texts from 4th Sunday after Epiphany, and Rob and Mike interpret some favorite passages and give life tips on how to avoid reading what the Bible actually says. Micah 6:1-8 Psalm 15 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12
It’s the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany. Rob and Mike divide up the plunder and pick up their “people nets.” Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1, 4-9 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23
Year A Epiphany 2: Rob and Mike thought sleep deprivation would really boost the quality of their podcast. Does it work? Well, they are certainly enjoying themselves… Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 40:1-11 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 John 1:29-42
In spite of some audio problems, Rob & Mike look at the texts of the first Sunday after Epiphany, full of Servant Songs & Jesus’ Baptism: Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 3:13-17
It’s the 1st Sunday after Christmas and Rob and Mike aren’t sure what texts they are reading! But they finally settle on: Isaiah 63:7-9 Psalm 148 Hebrews 2:10-18 Matthew 2:13-23
Year A Christmas Readings: A Christmas to remember! Rob and Mike celebrate Christmas in the most extreme ways. Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)
Israelite history, math in the Bible, the New Testament’s use of Old Testament scripture, and of course, pig apologetics on the Advent Week 4 podcast. Rob and Mike know people can’t get enough of math and pig apologetics. Isaiah 7:10-16… Continue Reading →
Week 3 and still going. This week, Rob and Mike provide a bonus 5th text. This week’s scriptures: Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 Luke 1:46b-55 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11
Rob and Mike are back for Week 2! Free range conversation on this week’s scriptures: Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12
Rob and Mike begin their new podcast with the lectionary texts from the first week of Advent. They also host their first guest to talk about “What IS a lectionary?” Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44