Star-Crossed Kingdoms: Recent Episodes
Ian Panth
Following Jesus in the present age is a perennial task, join Ian Panth, biblical scholar and theologian, as he walks through the Christian Scriptures and thinks theology aloud. If you want to dig deeper into the Bible or engage in God-talk, then this is the podcast for you.
Nothing serious. I just feeling a little blah. I’ll get back to making new podcasts soon.
In this episode, I consider the further evidence that despite Gideon’s verbal refusal to rule over Israel he acts like a king and priest. Moreover, he begins to take on the behaviours of tyrant like the Sons of God in Genesis.
In this episode, I consider another way translators have unnecessarily sanitized the text. Why use the word uncircumcised rather than foreskinned as it is in the Greek? I continue to note the emphasis on the Holy Spirit and God’s vision of the Kingdom in the New Covenant.
In this episode, I consider some ambiguities and subtle hints that may be further indications of character flaws in Gideon.
In this episode, I consider evidence for Peter’s humility as an early Christian leader and the inclusion of the Gentiles as evidenced by their receiving the Holy Spirit.
In this episode, I reflect on the significance of idolatry in biblical theology and the questionable practice of imitating Gideon’s “laying out a fleece” to test God.
In this episode, the Song of Deborah provides an opportunity to discuss the nature of Hebrew Poetry and reminded me of how significant poetry was in my life.
In this episode, in response to the early persecution of the church, I consider recent claims of persecution by North American evangelicals in response to Covid restrictions.
In this reflection, I consider God’s testing of Israel and, in reaction to Joel’s translation, I talk about sanitizing our English translations.
In this episode, I consider the Apostles’ decision to appoint Deacons in response to a source of conflict in the early church. This scenario reminds me that even at the beginning Christian communities were not perfect. Part of being a follower of Christ is maturing and adapting, being Christ-like in the face of conflict. They way we do things is part of walking in the Spirit.
In this episode, I reflect on the quick shift of the Israelites to following alternative practices that betray their sole allegiance to the God who brought them out of Egypt.
In this reflection, I focus on the communal sharing of the early churches, I emphasize its voluntary nature, and I consider the harsh judgement on Ananias and Sapphira.
In this episode, I note the way in which the author/editor recaps events from Joshua, re-introduces Othniel, and reflect on violence in Scripture.
In this episode, I read aloud without commentary John Henry Newman’s second sermon, “The Immortality of the Soul”, from his Plain and Parochial Sermons Volume 1
In this episode, I reflect upon the relationship between mighty deeds and witness to who Jesus is in the book of Acts.
In this episode, I reflect upon the final words of Joshua and the implications for the future of the Sons of Israel in the land of promise.
In this episode, I focus on Peter giving something other than silver and gold to a panhandler. I consider this passage in light of a recent interaction I had in which someone suggested that giving anything other than what a panhandler asks for is paternalistic.
In this episode, I discuss why John might be in exile on Patmos, what might be the cause of suffering (tribulation) in Asia Minor, and the nature of John’s visions.
In this episode, I draw attention to the external threats to Israel as they interact with the non-Israelites in the land. This leads me to consider the illusion of the separation of the sacred and the secular in the modern world.
In this reflection, I consider the coming of the Holy Spirit as fulfillment/reversal of Old Testament promises and themes.
In this episode, I note how the author/editor of Joshua foreshadows conflict between the tribes and questions about proper worship now that they are settling in the promised land.
In this episode, I begin reading the book of Acts. I raise questions about Peter’s insistence that Judas’s spot be filled by casting lots given that Jesus had told them to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
In this reflection, I draw attention to the role of the cities of refuge and the allotment of towns to the Levites.
In this reflection, I consider my own relationship with music and worship. I encourage us to have music as part of our daily life and to look for truth in surprising places.
In this reflection, I note the significance of Shiloh in the history of Israel and consider the attention given to Benjamin. You can find the M’Cheyne Reading Plan at www.bibleplan.org
In this reflection, I consider the significance of understanding God as the Creator God as well as the God who brought Israel out of Egypt.
In this reflection, I consider some of the foreshadowing the author presents as he details the inheritance of Ephraim and Manasseh. I also see an interesting contradiction in the way these tribes present their situation as they ask for more land.
In this reflection, I consider the danger of trusting in human institutions and Jesus own reference to this Psalm in his answer to John the Baptist.
This morning, I read and reflect on Joshua 14 & 15 and note how the author ties up some narrative elements and foreshadows future plot and character development.
Sermons are meant to be heard. So, I thought I would record the sermons of John Henry Newman (1801-1890) for my benefit and the benefit of others. This sermon is the 1st Sermon in the 1st Volume of Newman’s Plain and Parochial Sermons.
Surprising to myself, this song of praise to God and God’s character led me to reflect on grief, human evil, the veneer of holiness and how Christian ritual can become a stench to the God of grace, mercy, and steadfast love.
In this reflection, I engage with Joshua 12 & 13. I note that land is a gift. I note that there are still giants in the land.
In this reflection, I discuss the basic difference between a “literal” and “spiritual” reading of Scripture. I focus on the use of “adam”/man, “ben adam”/son of man, “hevel”/breath and “tsel”/shadow in Psalm 144.
In this episode, we take a brief look at John’s use of Daniel 7:13 and Zechariah 12:10 in his description of Christ Jesus.
In this reflection, I focus on the references to “horses and chariots” and to the “Anakim”, in Joshua 11. I see a connection to biblical understanding of the role of the Good King in contrast to the Kings of the Earth.
Reading of and Personal Reflection on Psalms 142 & 143 as I follow M’Cheyne’s Bible Reading Plan.
My personal reflection in response to reading Joshua 10 as a I follow the Robert Murray M’Cheyne Reading Plan.
My personal evening reflection on Psalms 140-141 as I follow the M’Chene Bible Reading Plan.
My personal reflection on the daily Scripture reading following the Robert Murray M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan.
In this episode, I reflect on the biblical concept of “the image of God” and recall my own intellectual journey toward my current understanding of what it means to be made in God’s image.
I continue my leisurely walk through The Book of Revelation and take some time with John’s unique Trinitarian greeting.