Unpacked with Skyler

Spiritual Warfare in the Bible for Today with Dr. Gerry Breshears

In this interview Skyler interview Dr. Gerry Breshears spiritual warfare, demons, and Jesus.  Gerry is a professor of Theology at Western Seminary, on the Board of Directors for the Bible Project, and an Elder at Grace Community Church in Oregon. Gerry I spent countless hours researching and teaching on this topic. [NOTE: Our Podcast will be releasing episodes every other week] Spiritual Warfare Couse3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare, by Clint ArnoldGerry Breshear (Website)Western SeminarySpiritual Warfare takes place in ...In the World: The narrative of what will make you successfulIn the Flesh: Our selfish desires.And the Devil: demonic beings working through attachment to attack. Most common form in the Western world is accusation and deception.Method of Attack Have an assessment of things in your life (physical, emotional, relation, and demonic) Gerry listens for an accusing voice, an oppressive presence, and if one has had involvement in spiritualism and occultism.Understand your foundation and authority you have in ChristYou're in the kingdom of light (Colossians 1), not in the kingdom of darkness.Jesus has disarmed the the demonic forces at the cross (Colossians 2), they have no authority over you.Act like Jesus  Speak Scripture out loud.Tells whatever it is to go away because you are a Son of the Most high God. Focus 100% of your attention upon Jesus.Things you must know about Spiritual WarfareDemons are real (contrary to Western opinions)Our Problems as people are Multimodal, so see... a doctor to check on your physical health a go to Christian counselor to check on your psychological healtha pastor to check on your spiritual healtha spirit led friend to help you discern your inner world 

My Strange Bible: The Rise and Fall of the Apocalypse in America

In this episode Skyler shares some of his own research and questions on the Apocalyptic literature in the Bible following his interview with Dr. Shane Wood (Episode 13). He looks at questions such as "Why do churches shy away from Apocalyptic parts of the Bible? Where did this literature come from? What do people actually believe about it? and why did God speak in Apocalypses? Skyler is the pastor at the Christian Church of Litchfield in Litchfield, IL and a student at Lincoln Christian University where he is finishing up his Master in the New Testament.Links:My Strange Bible: Shane WoodThe Bible Project: Apocalypse SeriesBrent Sandy, Plowshares and Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the language of Biblical Prophecy and ApocalypticNotes:Apocalyptic Passages: Isaiah 24–27; 33; 34–35; Jeremiah 33:14–26; Ezekiel 38–39; Joel 3:9–17; Daniel 7-12; Zechariah 12–14; Matthew 24; Mark 13; 2 Thessalonians 2; Revelation.The Fall out of Apocalyptic preaching in America happened through three cultural movementsThe rise of Higher criticismComparative study of religionDarwinismWhat is an Apocalypse? The literature existed for about 700 years.Distinctly Jewish and Christian literature.Was seen with great skepticism after a heretical group used Revelation to espouse new teaching.SBL Definition: "a genre of revelatory literature with a narrative framework, in which a revelation is mediated by an otherworldly being to a human recipient, disclosing a transcendent reality which is both temporal, insofar as it envisages eschatological salvation, and spacial insofar as it involves another, supernatural world."Skyler's paraphrase: "Apocalyptic literature is a writing style that reveals hidden truth in story form. Revealing future salvation and the supernatural world to humans by a heavenly messenger."Five theme of Apocalyptic literature:DualismSymbolismNarrativeCosmic EndFuture SalvationSix functions of ApocalypsesA call to worshipComfort that God is in controlInsight into cosmic issuesHope for the persecutedAssurance of God’s victoryCall to purity

Understanding The End of the World from the Old Testament with Dr. Tremper Longman

In this interview Skyler interview Dr. Tremper Longman III on one of the most cited passages in the Old Testament about the End of the World. Tremper is a sought after Bible scholar who has been involved with translating several english translations, author numerous popular level as well as scholarly level books and commentaries. Tremper earned his PhD at Yale University and has recently retired from his full time teaching position at Westmont College -- but he continues to write and lecture.LinksTremper Longman IIIDaniel (the NIV Application Commentary)How to Read DanielBible and the BallotConfronting Old Testament Controversies  NotesThe Old Testament uses highly symbolic language and numbers.Apocalypses communicate to the reader (without plotting it out on a calendar) that God is in control and evil will not last forever.Daniel 9 is clear on the big points, but not our specific points.Old Testament prophecy may have near term fulfillment and often further fulfillment  in Christ. We need caution when interpreting the Bible and respect toward differing opinions.

Entering the World of the New Testament with Dr. Tyler Stewart

In this interview Skyler interview Dr. Tyler Stewart on the time between the Old and New Testament often referred to as the Second Temple period. This is an often overlooked period that has tremendous impact on how we understand the Bible. Without it, it would be nearly impossible to enter the world of the New Testament. Dr. Tyler Stewart earned his PhD at Marquette University and is currently teaching New Testament at Lincoln Christian University.Tyler's Recommended ResourcesNRSV Harper Collins Study BibleMatthias Henze, Mind the GapWarren Carter, Seven Events that Shaped the NT WorldSteve Mason, Josephus and the New TestamentJames VanderKam, Dead Sea Scrolls TodayKenneth Schenk, A Brief Guide to PhiloNotes:1. Three Biggest discoveriesLearning Greek and HebrewThe Unity of the BibleStudying Second Temple Judaism2. Four Reasons why we shouldn't call the period between the Old & New Testament years of silenceThis is a period of explosive literary production.The Jews then thought God was still speaking to his people. This was an important time for the formation of the Old Testament.3. Five Major eventsDeath of Alexander the Great (323 BCE)Ptolemaic Rule (301–200 BCE); the Old Testament is translated into Greek Seleucid Rule (200–167 BCE) Hasmonean Dynasty (166–63 BCE)Roman Rule (63 BCE) 

Leadership Lessons Learned through Covid with Eddie Lowen

In this episode Skyler interviews Eddie Lowen on what it was like to transition a large church completely digital (due to Covid-19) while undergoing one the biggest building project in the churches history, and leadership lessons he's learned along the way. Eddie is a seasoned leader with lots of experience and lives and breaths leadership. Eddie is the lead pastor at Westside Christian Church in Springfield, IL. Westside Christian ChurchHighlights from interviewCovid has revealed and accelerated what has already been in our hearts and minds. This seasons has unlocked the genius of the church.The church doesn't require a location to be activated for mission.The quicker we are to accept that disruption is our realityThe church was designed to flourish in and with instability.God's favorite  part of my story is the part where I trust him.

My Strange Bible: How To Interpret Apocalyptic Literature For All Its Worth.

In this episode Skyler interviews Dr. Shane Wood on one of the most particular literature in the Bible know as Apocalyptic. Many wrongly understand this genre as short hand for prediction of the end of the world. However, Shane helps us understand what it actually does and how reading it that way side steps what God intends to do inside of people.  Shane is a New Testament scholar who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh on Revelation and currently teaches New Testament Studies at Ozark Christian College where he is the Associate Academic Dean at Ozark Christian College.Shane WoodGarden City Project: Online Class on RevelationBlue Letter Bible Next Level Revelation (Free Course)Revelation's Rhapsody (Book)Breaking the Code (Book)Commentary on Revelation (Book)Highlights on Apocalyptic LiteratureApocalyptic literature is a group of texts that are communicating transcendent realities, (things beyond our senses) often communicated by otherworldly beings (e.g. angels), that are heavily laden with symbolism that emerges out of a time of perceived or real persecution.The goal is to reveal clearly who God is through exaggerated images.Apocalyptic texts are intentionally designed to communicate truth at the emotive side of humanity. This allows us to be challenged and transformed at the deepest part of ourselves. And it invites us to place ourselves into the redemptive story of the Bible.Fun Fact: only 17% of all prophetic words and phrases are predictive in nature.

Civil disobedience, rioting, and politics with Dr. Mark Moore

In this episode Skyler interviews Dr. Mark Moore on the pressing issue happening right now in our country and where Christians should do about it. More than that, how we move forward from here. Mark is a New Testament scholar who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wales on the Politics of Jesus and currently the Teaching pastor at Christ Church of the Valley in Arizona.LinksMark MooreChrist Church of the Valley (CCV)Ozark Christian CollegeCore 52 (Website)Core 52 (Book)The Chronological Life of Christ (Book)Recommended Resources from Mark How the West Won, Rodeny Stark (Book)Mark's recent sermon on Racism

Transformation from Death to Life with Dr. Shane Wood

In this episode Skyler interviews Dr. Shane Wood on his most recent book Between Two Trees: our transformation from death to life. Shane is a New Testament scholar who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh and currently resides in Joplin, MO where he is Professor of New Testament Studies and the Associate Academic Dean at Ozark Christian College. The book originally was designed to be about explaining how to read the book of Revelation, but it soon morphed into a book about God transformation in our lives. Shane helps students of the Bible understand the importance of sin, salvation, and the message of spiritual transformation in a fresh and insightful way.Shane WoodOzark Christian CollegeBetween Two Trees BookBetween Two Trees Class (free)