Dive deep into the Bible's most profound question: Why did Jesus have to die? In this eye-opening episode of Biblically Literate, hosted by Jon Rhoades, Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, we unpack God's word in its original context from Genesis to the Gospels. Explore the foundational story in Genesis 1-3: God's good creation, the Garden of Eden, the tree of life, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam's formation from dust (adamah), the serpent's deception, sin's entry, exile by cherubim and flaming sword, and the wages of sin as death (Romans 6:23). Discover how death means separation from God, the source of life, and God's severe mercy in preventing eternal corruption.

Journey through the Old Testament: the tabernacle as Eden on earth with garden imagery, pomegranates, trees, cherubim curtains; animal sacrifices in Leviticus 17:11 for atonement (kipper - to cover or ransom); the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 with two goats - one sacrificed for purification, the scapegoat bearing iniquities into the wilderness (Isaiah 53:6 fulfilled); temple in Jerusalem with veil and altar like flaming sword.

See how it all points to Jesus: the Word tabernacled among us (John 1:14), sinless yet made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21); His crucifixion in Luke 23 - innocent affirmed by Pilate and Herod, swapped for guilty Barabbas, forgiving persecutors, promising Paradise to the criminal, temple curtain torn, darkness over the land (Amos 8:9). Fulfilling prophecies like Zechariah 9:9 (triumphal entry), Jeremiah 7:11 (temple cleansing as den of robbers), Passover new covenant with body and blood; quoting Psalm 31:5; absorbing sin's wage as the ultimate scapegoat (1 Peter 2:24); superior high priest in heavenly tabernacle (Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 2:9).

Understand redemption: all have sinned (Romans 3:23-25), justified by grace through propitiation by His blood; redemption through His blood (Ephesians 1:7); Christ died for our sins according to Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4); God's love while we were sinners (Romans 5:8). His resurrection overcomes death, opening Eden's gate.

Whether you're studying God's loving nature, justice, mercy, or how He interacts with us, this episode connects the dots on sin, death, sacrifice, atonement, and eternal life in Christ. Perfect for families exploring the Bible together!

Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Biblically Literate episodes! Leave comments below - would you like a deeper dive on free will and the tree? Email Jon or rate us 5 stars on your podcast app. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get podcasts. Posted September 9, 2025. #WhyDidJesusDie #BiblicalTruth #GenesisToGospels #Atonement #JesusSacrifice #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #YouTubeBible #SinAndSalvation #EdenExile #Scapegoat #Crucifixion #Resurrection #Romans623 #Leviticus1711 #Isaiah536 #Hebrews91114

Dive into this powerful sermon by Jon Rhoades on 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), where Paul urges believers to be imitators of him as he imitates Christ. Explore the complex, controversial topics like head coverings for women while praying or prophesying, the meaning of 'head' (kephalē) as source, leader, or supremacy, and the hierarchy: Christ as head of every man, man as head of woman, and God as head of Christ. Jon wrestles with cultural backgrounds from Greco-Roman settings, Jewish norms, and Old Testament references like Numbers 5:18, Isaiah 47:1-3, Genesis 24:64-67 (Rebekah's veil), and even the Apocrypha's Susanna 13:31-33 for historical context on modesty and authority.Discover how this passage fits into Paul's broader letter on worship order and decorum (chapters 11-14), emphasizing unity amid diversity, self-denial, holding to traditions, and equality in Christ (echoing Galatians 3:28 and Ephesians 5:22-24 on marital roles). Learn why men shouldn't cover their heads, the disgrace of uncovered women or shaved heads, long hair as glory for women but dishonor for men, and the symbol of authority because of the angels. Jon challenges progressive views that prioritize experiences over Bible teachings, urging us to avoid reading cultural beliefs into the text and focus on glorifying God over personal expression.Bible professor Craig Blomberg calls this the most opaque New Testament text – and Jon unpacks it unfiltered! See how creation order (woman from man, all from God), nature's teachings on hair, and appeals to judge for yourselves promote God-centered humility, not demeaning women. Connect to themes of freedom tempered by love, avoiding promiscuity signals, building up the body of Christ, and edifying through spiritual gifts and the Lord's Supper without self-centered displays.If you're grappling with gender roles, hierarchy, authority in worship, or making church about God not us – this is a must-watch! Drop your opinions at the cross and seek God's way for harmony in marriages, church governance, and daily life. Subscribe for more Bible-deep dives, like if this resonated, and comment your thoughts below. #1Corinthians11 #HeadCoverings #BibleSermon #GenderRoles #WorshipAboutGod #PaulLetter #ChristianPodcast #ModestyInChurch #CreationOrder #ImitatorsOfChrist

Referenced article: https://relevantmagazine.com/faith/5-uncomfortable-issues-church-needs-start-talking-about/

Join Jon Rhoades and Dan Stribling on FCC Talk as they dive deep into uncomfortable subjects every church Christian needs to talk about more—addiction, sexuality, sincere doubt, mental illness, and loneliness. From AA meetings and therapy sessions avoiding church gossip on alcoholism and smoking, to loaded topics like premarital sex condemnation, sexual identity struggles, brokenness, frustration, sinful desires, and flawed marital expectations. Hear raw stories of pastors hiding sincere doubt despite apologetics and prayer, feeling hollow in worship songs while questioning God's goodness and ethically questionable Bible parts. We tackle mental illness stereotypes keeping struggles silent and unresolved, pushing beyond prayer-alone failures to encouraging environments with professional help, spiritual healing, and physical healing. Plus, uncover the isolation affecting lonely people, senior pastors, and priests—lacking open communication, vulnerability, honest fellowship beyond free coffee and donuts in the fellowship hall. Addressed with humility, understanding, and grace as fellow hospital patients, not museum curators. This eye-opening podcast episode is a must-listen for believers seeking safe spaces to share burdens and find they're not alone. Available now on your favorite podcast platforms and YouTube—subscribe, like, and comment your thoughts below! #ChurchStruggles #AddictionInChurch #SexualityAndFaith #ChristianDoubt #MentalHealthInChurch #OvercomingLoneliness #FCCTalk