Christian Natural Health

Epizode

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  Interview with Dr Beth Livengood from Nature Cure Family Health 07.08.2026 16min

  Dr. Livengood offers exceptional in-person treatment and convenient telemedicine services with an integrative approach that supports a healthy mind, body, and spirit. As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Livengood helps you establish the foundations for health in your life, customizes the most effective yet safe and natural treatment protocols and collaborates with you to help you reach your health goals. Natural healing modalities may include: utilizing foods as medicine, creating effective exercise plans that are safe for you along with the coaching to help you implement them; offering nutritional supplements, homeopathic or vitamin injections. She can also write conventional and custom compounded prescriptions. These healing therapies prove beneficial in Dr. Livengood’s areas of expertise such as autoimmune conditions, hormone replacement, cardiovascular and women’s health.  Dr. Livengood loves working with inquisitive, motivated patients. She will listen, inquire, empathize and laugh with you. She will dive deep into research for you while striving to understand what your history reveals and what motivates you towards your future. She is an avid hiker, reader, traveler and nature lover. She is a student and teacher of yoga with experience creating and teaching courses for middle school through medical school. After ten years in practice in the Valley of the Sun, she is excited to join the Nature Cure Family Health team in Tucson. To learn more about Dr Beth or to make an appointment for AZ residents, see https://www.naturecurefamilyhealth.com/doctors/dr-livengood/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  EMDR, A Nervous System Reset: Interview with Mark Odland 07.08.2026 37min

  Mark Odland is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and faith-based counselor on a mission to help men break free from the cages holding them back and step into the strength and purpose they were created for. Over the last 15 years, he's conducted over 15,000 therapy sessions, trained over 1,000 therapists, and helped over 1,000 clients, with a particular focus on supporting high-achieving men through individual EMDR therapy and marriage counseling. As an Approved EMDR Consultant and Continuing Education Provider through EMDRIA, he's trained therapists around the world through his consultation, books, and online courses. He also offers executive coaching for business leaders and mental coaching for athletes. To learn more about Mark, go to escapethecagenow.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Algae, Superfood for Longevity and Health: Interview with Catharine Arnston 31.07.2026 59min

  When Catharine Arnston’s younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, she set out to find the most powerful, alkaline nutrient-dense foods that could aid healing. What she discovered would change her life—and the future of wellness. Her journey led her to algae, the world's most potent alkaline, high protein sustainable superfood, backed by 100,000 scientific studies, the United Nations and NASA. As the Founder & CEO of ENERGYbits®, Catharine has spent 15+ years researching algae’s incredible benefits —from boosting energy and mental clarity to reversing aging at the cellular level. To learn more about EnergyBITS, go to energybits.com, and you can use the coupon code CNH for 20% off at checkout.  Podcasts referenced in the intro: - Anthropic Fine Tuning: https://drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/anthropic-fine-tuning- Irreducible Complexity: https://drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/irreducible-complexity - Information Theory Negates the Possibility of DNA's Evolution: https://drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/information-theory-negates-the-possibility-of-dnas-evolution - The So-Called "Missing Links" in the Fossil Record: https://drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/the-so-called-missing-links-in-the-fossil-record- Genetic Mutation- Nearly Always Bad, and Not Enough Time: https://drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/genetic-mutation--nearly-always-bad-and-not-enough-time- The Age of the Earth: https://drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/the-age-of-the-earth- The Miller-Urey Experiment: https://drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/the-miller-urey-experiment Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Preventing Cognitive Decline : Interview with Dr David Teitelbaum 24.07.2026 32min

  Dr. David Teitelbaum is a veterinarian and osteopathic physician who has practiced integrative and functional medicine in Fort Worth, Texas for more than 40 years. He earned his veterinary degree from Texas A&M University in 1976 and later received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 1984. Throughout his career, Dr. Teitelbaum has focused on helping patients achieve long-term wellness through a combination of osteopathic medicine, osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, prolotherapy injections, and lifestyle-based approaches to health. His work emphasizes restoring function and supporting the body’s natural capacity for healing. Dr. Teitelbaum is the author of several books, including Optimal Brain Wellness, as well as two Christian books exploring faith, purpose, and spiritual growth. He continues to write and speak about lifelong health, resilience, and holistic wellness. To learn more about Dr Teitelbaum and to find his books, see www.doctor-t.com  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  The Book of Us: Discovering Ourselves in the Story of the Bible 17.07.2026 42min

  Tim Mulgrew is a Bible teacher and author who is passionate about helping people understand how Scripture applies to everyday life. After a successful career in business, finance and tax consulting, Tim retired, sold his company and relocated from California to West Virginia, where he and his wife Dawn live on a 275-acre wooded farm raising chickens and goats and enjoying time with their large blended family. For twenty-five years, Tim has taught Bible studies focusing on practical, relatable insights that help readers understand Scripture in clear, everyday language. His writing explores the tension between human nature and God’s design, encouraging believers to deepen their faith and walk more closely with God. Along with writing and publishing books, including “The Book of Us: Discovering Ourselves in the Story of the Bible,” Tim is working on his ministry, Enjoy Scripture. He says, “Relevance to our life is key to enjoying what we read.” To learn more about Tim and find his books, go to www.enjoyscripture.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Phosphorus vs Phosphates (In Processed Foods) 10.07.2026 4min

  This week's podcast comes from this blog post: Phosphorus vs Phosphates (In Processed Foods): https://www.naturecurefamilyhealth.com/phosphorus-vs-phosphates-in-processed-foods/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  UFOs and God - Interview with Derrick Warfel 03.07.2026 47min

  Derrick Warfel is an award-winning filmmaker whose new book, UFOs and God, offers a serious biblical response to the modern UFO narrative and its growing impact on the church. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from Princeton University, a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary — where he studied under Drs. Charles Ryrie and John Walvoord — and an MFA in Cinema from the University of Southern California. He spent eight years on staff with Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ), then devoted four decades to writing, directing and producing films from a biblical Christian worldview, including eight feature films. Owner/Producer of Winter Star Productions, Derrick is the executive producer of the companion documentary film, UFOs and God (set to release in August), and is developing a six-week Bible study guide for small groups. He resides in Tequesta, Florida. To learn more about Derrick and the book, go to UFOsandgodbook.com You can find the documentary trailer and the documentary eventually on ufos.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Biblical Counseling AI Platform from Hope for the Heart: Interview with Dr Eric Scalise 26.06.2026 34min

  Dr. Eric Scalise is the President of Hope for the Heart, which, together with Pray.com, built the first AI platform grounded entirely in Scripture and built on their Keys for Living Library. These include over 40 years of professionally informed, biblically sound counseling content covering more than 100 real-life topics. You can access the platform and other resources at hopefortheheart.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Why SIBO Recurs 19.06.2026 9min

  Today's podcast comes from this blog post: Why SIBO Recurs https://www.naturecurefamilyhealth.com/why-sibo-recurs/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Controlling Our Emotions 12.06.2026 10min

  Verses covered include: - Eph 4:26-27- James 1:19-20- 2 Peter 1:5-9- Eph 4:1-3- Prov 15:18- Prov 15:1- Prov 14:29- Ecc 7:9- Prov 19:11- Prov 25:28- Prov 16:32- Prov 29:11- Gal 2:20     - Gal 5:16-24- Phil 4:13- 2 Tim 1:7- 1 Cor 10:13- 1 John 1:9- Phil 4:6-7- 1 John 2:16- James 4:7- Eph 6:11-18- Romans 12:2- Romans 8:5-8- Prov 4:23- 2 Cor 10:5-  Col 3:15- Prov 22:24- Luke 6:45- Heb 4:15- Heb 12:1-3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Presence, Not Productivity: Interview with Sandy Martin 05.06.2026 36min

  Sandy Martin is the author of “Biological Edge: A Practical Guide to Longevity,” and  the founder of the bioEDGE Longevity Summit, where practitioners, researchers, and health explorers gather to connect and explore what it truly means to live well longer. She speaks about longevity, health decision-making, and the growing noise of the wellness industry. Her work encourages audiences to slow down, ask better questions, and focus on the foundations that allow the body to work as it was designed. To learn more about Sandy, see bioedgelongevity.com  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Cultivating a Positive Mindset 29.05.2026 9min

  - Ask for help in changing your mindset - Deliberately choose to focus on good things - Regardless of what might seem to go wrong, believe that God will make it work in your favor - We aren't promised perfect circumstances, but we have strength to handle what comes and can choose to be content - God will provide anything you truly need, when your focus is on Him - Be thankful (in general) - A cheerful attitude attracts God's help - Be patient in affliction, and don't give up - Watch what you say - Watch what you think, so you will watch what you say Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Gallbladder Gone? Now What?- Interview with Jami McQuivey 22.05.2026 37min

  Jami McQuivey is a holistic nutritionist, author, workshop leader, and the host of the podcast Gallbladder Gone? Now What?, a podcast for Christian women supporting them in navigating digestive health challenges while growing in faith and finding practical ways to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually. To learn more about Jami, her books, podcasts, and courses, see www.healthybydesign4you.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Creatine: A Potential Caution 15.05.2026 7min

  Today's podcast comes from this blog post: Creatine: A Potential Caution, with all the studies linked.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Courage for Life: Interview with Ann White 08.05.2026 34min

  Ann White is an internationally known author, speaker and passionate Bible teacher. She founded her global ministry, Courage For Life, out of a calling to share with others how God and His Word brought restoration to her life. In her book, Courage For Life, Ann shares with transparency a message of restoration, hope, healing and how to walk in God-given courage in the face of fear. Ann has published inspirational books, discipleship curriculum, Bible studies, two devotionals, two fully female-voiced audio Bibles (in English and Spanish), and two comprehensive Study Bibles that help readers take a deeper dive into God’s Word and encourage them to fully embrace their God-given courage for life. A wife, mother and grandmother, Ann resides in Chattanooga, TN.  To learn more about Ann and her ministry, you can go to courageforlife.org or go to the app store for Apple or Android, and type in Courage for Life Bible for all her ministry resources!  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Energy Reserves, Hormonal Decline, and the Cell Danger Response 01.05.2026 11min

  This podcast comes from this blog post: Energy Reserves, Hormonal Decline, and the Cell Danger Response https://www.naturecurefamilyhealth.com/hormonal-decline-danger-response/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Love and Respect: Interview with Dr Emerson Eggerichs 24.04.2026 30min

  Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topic of male-female relationships. Based on over three decades of counseling as well as scientific and biblical research, Dr. Eggerichs and his wife Sarah developed the Love and Respect Conference which they present to live audiences around the country. Dr. Eggerichs has authored many books, including the national bestseller Love & Respect, which is a Platinum and Book of the Year award winner, selling over 2.3 million copies. Dr Eggerichs is also the Founder and President of Love and Respect Ministries, and Sarah serves as Vice President. Married since 1973, they live in Grand Rapids, MI and have three adult children. To learn more about Dr Eggerichs, visit https://www.loveandrespect.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  Methylation and Our Toxic Environment 17.04.2026 6min

  This podcast comes from this blog post, "Methylation and Our Toxic Environment" (all the studies referenced are linked) https://www.naturecurefamilyhealth.com/methylation-toxic-environment/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  AI, and (Biblical) Knowledge vs Wisdom 10.04.2026 23min

  This was the first podcast I did on AI in 2024: https://drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/what-the-bible-says-about-artificial-intelligence And these are the rest of my notes, if you want to visit some of the verses I didn't read...  שָׁמַע šāmaʿ: - to hear, listen to, obey, discern, perceive, understand- Listening to God specifically, and obeying:  - Solomon's request (1 Kings 3:9): what he asks for is a heart that שָׁמַע šāmaʿ - to hear, listen to, obey, discern, perceive, that he might שָׁפַט šāp̄aṭ - judge, govern, vindicate, punish, and בִּין bîn - discern, understand, consider between good and evil. God gives him a heart that is חָכָם - ḥāḵām - wise, skilful, shrewd, learned, prudent, as well as בִּין bîn - discern, understand, consider between good and evil.  - Gen 22:18: Abraham obeys God and was willing to offer Isaac (and now all the nations of the earth will be blessed), and then God reiterates this promise to Isaac (Gen 26:5) - Ex 15:26: If the people will listen and do God's commandments, they will be healed - Ex 23:22: if the people will listen, God will fight against their enemies - Ex 24:27: The people promise they will do what God said - (and many more examples of listening to God and obeying, esp in Psalms)- God's šāmaʿ to our prayers--if He hears, He responds (1 John 5:14-15) - Gen 16:11: He heard Hagar's distress and told her she'd have Ishmael - Gen 17:20: Abraham asks God to bless Ishmael and God agrees  - Gen 29:33: Leah's prayers to God for children because she is hated - Ex 2:24: God heard the groanings of the Israelites - (and many, many more)- Listening and taking action (whether the action is good or bad, doing what the other person wanted or not--what is heard just prompts a response):  - Gen 3:8: Adam and Eve šāmaʿ God after they ate the fruit, and hid themselves.  - Gen 3:17 Adam šāmaʿ Eve (hearkened to): he ate the fruit when she asked him to. - Gen 11:7: God confused speech at the Tower of Babel so that they would not šāmaʿ each other - Gen 14:14: Abram heard (šāmaʿ) Lot was taken captive, and it caused him to gather an army - Gen 16:2: Sarai told Abram to sleep with Hagar, and he listened (šāmaʿ) to her - Gen 18:10: Sarai overhears (šāmaʿ) God's promise of a child... but her response is to laugh - Gen 27:5: Rebekah overhears (šāmaʿ) Isaac's word to Esau and takes matters into her own hands. - (and many, many more) שָׂכַל śāḵal:  to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper, skill. Interesting that the same word means the knowledge of how to act, and also to prosper and gain favor - cause and effect are wrapped up in the same word. - Incidentally, the same word (sāḵāl), but spelled with a samekh (סָכָל) instead of a shin (שָׂכַל), means fool (Ecclesiastes 2:19, 7:17, 10:3, 10:14, Jeremiah 4:22, 5:21) - samekh סָ root meaning: a shield, leaning on, "supporting" or, in a negative sense, "blocking" (blocking one from God's wisdom) - vs shin שָׂ: A letter of fire, illumination, light - This is the word used in Gen 3:6, describing the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. It apparently thus also means the ability to choose your allegiance. It is spelled there with a shin... - To understand the bigger picture and act accordingly:  - Deut 32:29: "O that they were wise, that they understood (śāḵal) this, that they would consider their latter end!" - 1 Sam 18:5: "And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely (śāḵal): and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants." - Same word twice - for emphasis? 1 Sam 18:15: "Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself (śāḵal) very wisely (śāḵal), he was afraid of him." - Ps 32: 8: "I will instruct thee (śāḵal) and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." - Prov 1:2-3: This is the purpose of Proverbs:  - "To know wisdom (hok-maw) and instruction; to perceive (bîn) the words of understanding (bînâ), To receive the instruction of wisdom (śāḵal), justice, and judgment (mišpāṭ), and equity." - This is the action as well as the adjective in most Proverbs translated "wise": 10:5, 10:19, 14:35, 15:24, 16:20, 16:23 (here it was the verb, to teach), 17:2, 19:14 (translated prudent here), 21:11 (here it's the passive verb, is instructed), 21:2 (here it's to consider), 21:16 (understanding here),  - Isa 44:18: Jesus quoted this about people not understanding his parables " They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand (śāḵal)"  - To prosper or to have favor:  - Deut 29:9: "Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper (śāḵal) in all that ye do." - Joshua 1:7-8: "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper (śāḵal) whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (śāḵal)." - Also used for this meaning in Proverbs: 17:8- To be skillful: Dan 1:4, 1:17 (describing the Hebrew children) - In Job 34:35, Elihu speaking: "Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom (śāḵal)."- Prophecies of Jesus having śāḵal: Isaiah 52:13 Wisdom: חָכְמָה: (hok-maw):—skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," Ps 111:10, and "For the LORD giveth wisdom" (Prov 2:6). You can't have wisdom apart from His counsel (Prov 21:30).- God made the earth with wisdom (Jer 10:12, 51:15, Ps 104:24)- Humility precedes wisdom (Prov 11:2)--because fear of the Lord is a posture of humility (Prov 15:33, 1 Pet 5:6-7, Matt 5:3, 5). - If instead you trust in your own heart (reasoning), you are a fool - but wisdom will deliver you from trouble (Prov 28:26). - But too much wisdom can also somehow lead to pride, and pervert: Isaiah 47:10, Eze 48:4-17 (allegory of Satan) - and "knowledge puffs up" (1 Cor 8:1)- It's "the principal thing" (Prov 4:7), better than anything else we can desire (Prov 8:11, 16:16).- It described the Israelites if they followed God's laws (Deut 4:6), leaders anointed by God with the wisdom to lead (Deut 34:9) - For children, physical discipline eventually teaches wisdom (Prov 29:15).- An example: 2 Sam 20:22: the Israelite woman whose city is besieged because Sheba son of Bichri, a rebel against King David, was within. She speaks to Joab, finds out they want Sheba and if they give him up, Joab will spare the city. So "in her wisdom" (hok-maw) she promises they will throw his head to them over the wall. They do so, and Joab and his army departs. This is wisdom: not simply reacting with the typical emotions of anger, fear, etc from being besieged, but instead identifying and articulating both problem and solution. - Elihu says that he will teach Job and his three friends, who accuse God, wisdom (Job 33:33).  - He later says that it is God who puts wisdom and understanding in our hearts (Job 38:36), and that he deprived animals of the same ability. A person who lacks understanding can only be controlled with physical consequences, by contrast (Prov 10:13) - and kids have to start out learning by physical discipline (Prov 29:15) as they are inherently foolish.  - Numbering our days leads to wisdom (Ps 90:12) - bc we're "redeeming the time bc the days are evil?" (Eph 5:16) This sounds like wisdom is also discerning what truly matters vs what is passing away. - 2 Chron 1:10: in this version Solomon does ask for חָכְמָה: (khok-maw), and knowledge מַדָּע madāʿ- Then 1 Kings 3:28: after Solomon's judgment between the two would-be mothers (where he infers from the story that the real mother will love the child more than herself, and uses that to reveal hearts), the people conclude that he has חָכְמָה: (khok-maw). The Queen of Sheba came and asked him hard questions and there was nothing he couldn't answer (1 Kings 10:1-9).- Jesus displayed this kind of wisdom:   - Prophesied: Isaiah 11:2 "And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD" In the NT:  akouō (to hear, hearken, give audience): carries a similar "and to understand and obey/respond" implication as does šāmaʿ: Matt 15:10, 17:5, 18:15, Mark 7:14, Mark 12:29, Luke 8:21, 9:35, 10:16, 11:28, John 6:60, 8:23, 8:47, John 10:20, John 11:41-42- Matt 7:24, Luke 9:47-48: the man who hears and does what Jesus says is like the house built on the rock- John 5:25: those who hear Jesus (and respond) will have life--spiritually and literally (v 28)- If the people in the cities don't hear your words, shake the dust off your feet: Matt 10:14, Mark 6:11 - Matt 10:27: preach whatever you akouō from Me- Matt 12:42, Luke 11:31: The Queen of Sheba went to akouō Solomon's wisdom- Luke 10:39: Mary prioritized hearing Jesus- John 10:3, 16, 27: the sheep hear His voice- John 16:13 The Holy Spirit tells us what He hears from the Father- "He who has ears to hear, let him hear": Matt 11:15, 13:9, 13:43, Mark 4:9, 4:33, 7:16, 8:18, Luke 8:8, 14:35- Those who heard and understood were astonished: Mark 6:2- Luke 16:29-31: Those who hear Moses and the prophets and understand what they hear will also hear about Jesus (because they pointed to Him)- Matt 11:4-5, Luke 7:22: John's disciples were to go back and tell him what they had seen and heard- Luke 10:24: Wise men of old desired to hear what the disciples heard - He speaks in parables bc the people don't have ears to hear: Matt 13:13-18, Mark 4:12, 4:23, Luke 8:10 - The parable of the sower: those who hear but don't understand have nothing to take root. This is the precondition for wisdom. Matt 13:19, Mark 4:15, Luke 8:12 - But if you do understand, you still have to maintain single focus so it's not choked out: Matt 13:20-23, Mark 4:16-20, Luke 8:13-15- "Take heed what/how you hear" precedes "with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you" (Mark 4:24, Luke 8:18: what you listen to (and respond to) determines the direction of your life. - Also often used to just mean to hear with your ears (many places) phronimos (intelligent, wise, prudent, i.e. mindful of one's interests)- Matt 7:24: the man who builds his house upon a rock by doing what Jesus says rather than just hearing it is phronimos - Matt 24:45, Luke 12:42: the wise servant is the one whom the Master will find doing what he was told, when the Master returns.  - Matt 25: the parable of the wise virgins (also prepared with oil); the parable of the talents right after this seems to imply the same (looking ahead and making the most of what we've been given) though the word 'wise' doesn't appear there.  - Luke 12:42-48: describes the foolish servants who know the will of their master but when he returns, he finds them disobeying. - Matt 10:16: wise as serpents, harmless as doves:  - AW: This means we aren’t totally defenseless. Wisdom is a powerful force that gives us an advantage. - Luke 16:8: the parable of the unjust steward - he's called wise (shrewd) for looking out for his own interests. (Still not sure what the point of this parable was) Sophia: wisdom, broad and full of intelligence; used of the knowledge of very diverse matters. The varied knowledge of things human and divine, acquired by acuteness and experience, and summed up in maxims and proverbs, the science and learning, the act of interpreting dreams and always giving the sagest advice, the intelligence evinced in discovering the meaning of some mysterious number or vision, devout and proper prudence in intercourse with men not disciples of Christ, skill and discretion in imparting Christian truth, the knowledge and practice of the requisites for godly and upright living; supreme intelligence, such as belongs to God.- Matt 12:42, Luke 11:31: Jesus used this word to describe Solomon's wisdom  - Acts 7:10 same word describes Joseph, and 7:22: Moses - Matt 13:54, Mark 6:2: the people said Jesus had this after listening to his teachings and were astonished- Luke 12:11-12, 21:15: God promises to give His followers such godly wisdom that none of our adversaries would be able to resist it - Acts 6:10: example of this - 1 Cor 1:17, 2:5: and yet Paul says the wisdom of words is insufficient; the gospel needs power to back it. That's because (worldly) wisdom wouldn't receive it--the world considers godly wisdom foolishness (1 Cor 1:19). The wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God are diametrically opposed! (1 Cor 1:20-25) - 1 Cor 2:6-8: Paul again contrasts the wisdom "of this age" with the wisdom of God. (Makes me think of sāḵāl - same word, two spellings, one meaning foolish, depicting that the person is blocked off from God's wisdom, and one meaning wise, and the letter means that he is guided by the light of God's wisdom). Even so, the natural man considers the things of God foolish (1 Cor 2:14), and God likewise considers the wisdom of this world foolish (1 Cor 3:19-20). - Jesus also said God hid Him from the "wise and prudent" (of that age) and revealed them to babes (Matt 11:25).- James 1:5: we can ask God for sophia- Matt 5: The Beatitudes teach an inversion of the world's wisdom: how the world actually works. - It's summed up with Matt 6:33 (and Luke 12:22-34): "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."  - Matt 10:27-31 says similar: don't fear men; fear God (trusting that He loves you). Live in single-minded allegiance to Him. And 11:39: "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." If you "find your life" apart from Him, you've lost everything: the ultimate foolishness. He repeats this: Matt 16:25-26 - and Deny yourself, take up your cross - if you desire to save your life you'll lose it, and if you lose your life for Him you'll find it (Luke 9:23-27, John 12:25). - As you do this, by abiding in Him, You get whatever you desire (John 15:7-8, 16) - Mary and Martha: another lesson about singleness of focus on Him being the most important thing (Luke 10:38-42). - Luke 11:33-36: it takes light and a receptive eye to see. Jesus is always shining - It’s our eyes that don’t see. Jesus was telling us how to get our eyes opened to His light: we have to be single in our focus on Him. The Greek word that was translated “eye” in this verse is “OPHTHALMOS.” Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines this Greek word as “singleness of motive.” If our attention is divided, however, we will have the darkness of this world in us instead of God’s light.  - So it isn't that we have to have "VIEW" rather than a POINT of view in order to see the bigger picture. Rather, our point of view needs to be fixed on Him, and then everything else will find its proper alignment.  - True leaders must serve all (Mark 9:35, 10:43-45, Luke 22:26). Last will be first, and first will be last (Mark 10:31, Luke 13:30). If you humble yourself you will be exalted, and if you exalt yourself you will be humbled (Luke 14:11, 18:14). - What you give, you get back and then some (Luke 6:38, 14:14, 18:29-30) - Luke 12:16-21: Conversely, a fool is one who lays up treasure for himself in this life.  - Luke 19:12-27: the parable of the minas: The wicked servant was motivated by fear; he didn't trust the master's heart, and didn't use what he had. So he lost even that. - He draws a hard line: all in or all out (Luke 11:22)-- because this is a war (Luke 9:58-62). You must comparatively hate everyone, even your own life, in comparison to Him (Luke 14:26). No one is neutral. He describes opponents in adversarial language ("lambs among wolves", Luke 10:3), and everything hinges on what people do with the message of the Kingdom (10:11-16). You either love the light or love the darkness (John 3:19-21). - So many parables Matt 24:45, Matt 25, Luke 12:42-48, Luke 13:24-30)  are about servants doing what their master wants while he is away so that he will find them so doing when he returns... probably bc the point is "redeem the time bc the days are evil" (Eph 5:16) and numbering our days gives wisdom (Ps 90). It seems the point is, time is short, and the stakes are very high, so be single-minded in your focus on Jesus and the Kingdom.  - Luke 14:25-33:  Just as a king wouldn’t engage in war without thoroughly considering all the possible outcomes, so no one should attempt to become a disciple of Jesus without counting the cost. It would be better never to start following Jesus than to start and then turn back (Luke 9:62 and 2 Peter 2:20-22). - The rest of the Sermon on the Mount: teaches that what matters isn't actions (as all their teachers had told them), but motive--and ultimately this goes back to allegiance. - Matt 11:28: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden" - with trying to follow the law. So stop both trying to be good enough, and also trying to follow your own wisdom.  - Spirit vs flesh: allegiance determines this too. We have to come to Him, and He will give us the Spirit, without which we cannot successfully worship Him (John 4:24). Outwardly keeping the OT was all in the flesh, and it would never work. It was never meant to. Only the Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing (John 6:63).- He repeatedly says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Matt 11:15, 13:9), and explains that those who have [wisdom] will get more, and those who have chosen not to hear and see will lose even what they have (Matt 13:10-17) - The parable of the sower: God's word brings wisdom (Prov 21:30), but the people have to hear and understand (šāmaʿ). If they don't, the enemy will steal it right away (13:19). The one who hears, understands, and receives with joy, but has no root--he might šāmaʿ, but if he doesn't śāḵal (act accordingly), he won't bear fruit either. Same with the one who is choked with the cares of the world. But the one who both šāmaʿ (hears and understands) and śāḵal (acts accordingly, is a doer of the word) is the one who will bear a harvest--seeking the Kingdom and letting God bring the supply for their needs and increase.  - The parable of the two sons: the one who says he won't do the will of the father but does has truly śāḵal, while the one who says ok and doesn't is just a hypocrite: Matt 21:28-32 - In dealing with the Pharisees: their "wisdom" said good was following the law, and anyone who didn't do so according to their own teachings must be evil. The people surely could have been confused by what is good and what is evil. So Jesus clarifies: - makes the distinction of the spirit vs the letter of the law (Matt 9:11-13, 12:3-8, 12:11-12, 15:17-20, John 7:22-24) -- and also illustrates how they've added their own "letters of the law" and elevated those above what God actually said (Matt 15:3-9) - Uses the logic of motive (a house divided cannot stand): Matt 12:24-30, Luke 11:16-22). - tells the people to judge good and evil by the fruit it produces: Matt 12:33-35 - When they're trying to trap them, He:  - turns the tables and asks them a question He knows they won't answer for political reasons: Matt 21:23-27 (John's baptism: from heaven or men), Matt 22:41-45 (how David can call his son 'Lord' - bc He's also God, which they didn't want to admit) - gives them an accurate non-answer: Matt 22:15-22 (the image of Caesar on the denarius) - answers the real question, rather than the one they were asking: Matt 22:23-33 (is there a resurrection of the dead?)- Enigmatic, dark sayings: Matt 8:20-22, 9:16-17, 12:31-32, Matt 13:35 (prophesied that this would be the case, in Ps 78:2) - He seems to jump topics without bothering to explain the connection (Matt 12:38-42: the pharisees ask for a sign. He says they'll get the sign of the prophet Jonah - in retrospect we know this was his death and resurrection. Then because they still won't believe, they will be condemned... and says "this wicked generation" will be like a wicked spirit cast out that then returns and brings more evil spirits, 12:43-45) - He jumps from one metaphor to another without explaining the connection (from the parable of the sower - God's word - to a lamp - God's word too) and then just says "if anyone has ears to hear, let him hear" (Mark 4:21-22). Then "take heed what you hear" - if you steward and obey the word you have been given, you'll get more. But he never says that this refers to the word explicitly either (Mark 4:24-25) - Luke 12: all over the place: the "do not worry" passage, followed by servants being faithful while their master is away, followed by Christ bringing division on the earth within families, and then "discern the time," and then "make peace with your adversary" -- are these related? - He speaks to John's disciples in a riddle only John will likely understand (Matt 11:2-6) - In what way is the kingdom of God "tiny" only to later grow and become large? (Luke 13:18-21) and what is the point of saying so? - He just changes the subject to what He wants to talk about (Matt 12:48-50): "your mother and brothers are here," and he says, "those who are my mother and brothers are those who do the will of My Father."  - Another example: Luke 12:14-15: someone comes to him and asks him to arbitrate inheritance between brothers. He says that's not his job, and then warns the crowd against covetousness.  - He clearly understood the foundations of how the world worked--why things were the way they were. Everyone around him saw only the carnal, visible, literal reality, and lived and reacted on that level. He was frustrated by this, and tried to teach: - What matters is not external actions, but the motive of the heart, which eventually comes out in words (Matt 15:16-20) - Reality bows the knee to faith: Matt 16:8-11, 17:20-21, 18:18-20, 21:21-22, Mark 11:22-24 - This is why He was so impressed with the Centurion: he understood that Jesus' authority transcended the physical world (Luke 7:9). Everyone else was so focused on the practical reality that this never even occurred to them.  - Jesus met people on this physical level and gave them evidence (Luke 24:38-43) but said that wasn't the highest form of faith (John 20:29) - He understood the big picture: not just what was, but why things were the way they were, God's original purpose, and how He fit in (Luke 4:18-21, 24:25-27) - Because He knew context, rather than just the words and commands of scripture, Satan couldn't twist it to trap Him either (Luke 4:2-12.)  - All the prophets that the Pharisees spent their life studying pointed to Jesus, and they missed it (Matt 16:2-4, John 5:38-40, 46-47)... because they were focusing on keeping the literal letter of the law (to the point of physical phylacteries, from Deut 6:8). It seems to never have occurred to them why things were the way they were.  - I suspect their focus on minutiae and not on the underlying realities was also what allowed them to stop looking at the Lord as their source, which led to misplaced priorities, and greed (John 2:16 - buying and selling at the temple). I can see how they might have justified this, that it didn't *preclude* prayer and sacrifice to have a little side business going there too. But it revealed the focus of their hearts, and where their trust was, and effectively made God's real purpose for the Temple into a footnote.    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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  The Resurrection: A Biblical Retelling 03.04.2026 1h 12min

  This biblical retelling of the Resurrection comes from my book, "Messiah: Biblical Retellings." It's read for you by James R Cheatham, the narrator for all five of my Biblical Retellings series on audio! The books are free on Kindle Unlimited, and they're on "All You Can Listen" on Audible here. Happy Easter!  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.