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

Dive deep into Matthew 7:13-14 with Jon Rhoades on Biblically Literate Episode 4! Discover what Jesus really meant by "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." As the Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, Jon unpacks the Sermon on the Mount in its original context, connecting it to the broader story of Scripture like Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalms 1, Proverbs' Lady Wisdom vs Lady Folly, Isaiah 59:7-8, and Zephaniah 3:3.

Explore key biblical concepts: the Golden Rule, Law and Prophets, fulfilling the Law, remazim (intentional nods to Old Testament passages), chiastic structure, heart transformation over outward obedience, the way of peace (shalom), false prophets as ravenous wolves, and the paradox of Jesus' easy yoke amid hardship (thlibo meaning affliction). Learn how Jesus critiques Pharisees' superficial righteousness and calls for genuine fruit-bearing faith, echoing James 2:14-17 and Matthew 5:20.

Jon draws parallels to stories like the 12 spies in the Promised Land (Joshua and Caleb's faith), Moses' commands, and God's inclusive invitation yet exclusive truth in John 14:6 and Ezekiel 18:32. This isn't just Bible study—it's an invitation to examine your path: Are you on the narrow way of denying self, relying on God, and experiencing eternal rest, or the wide gate of cultural acceptance and destruction?

Perfect for anyone seeking to become more Biblically Literate! Whether you're studying God's word, exploring Tanakh connections (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim), or wrestling with spiritual principles like blessing vs curse, life vs death, this episode reveals God's nature as a holy, merciful Father desiring transformed hearts.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & KidZone Story (Israelites, 12 Spies, Joshua, Caleb)

2:45 - Sermon on the Mount Context (Matthew 5-7, Luke's Sermon on the Plain)

5:30 - Golden Rule & Law and Prophets (Matthew 7:12, 5:17)

8:15 - Fulfilling the Law: Heart vs Checklist (No Murder/Adultery Expanded)

12:00 - Two Paths Tradition (Deuteronomy, Psalms, Proverbs, Remazim)

16:20 - Isaiah, Shalom, Jesus' Yoke (Matthew 11:28-30)

20:10 - Beatitudes & Persecution (Matthew 5:3-12)

23:45 - False Prophets & Fruits (Matthew 7:15-20, Jeremiah 23, Zephaniah)

27:30 - Narrow Gate as Jesus Himself (John 14:6, Ezekiel 18:32)

30:00 - Application & Closing Invitation

Subscribe for more episodes unpacking Scripture in context! Have questions or verse requests? Email jrhoades@fccbrazil.org or comment below. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube. #NarrowGate #Matthew71314 #SermonOnTheMount #BibleStudy #BiblicallyLiterate #JesusTeaching #OldTestamentConnections #HeartTransformation #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney

Discover the powerful message in CJ Muston's sermon on 1 Corinthians 10: Put God First. Dive into two key themes - we should not put anything in our lives above or in between us and God, and we should not be the reason someone else steps further away from God. Drawing from Paul's warnings against worshiping false gods, learn why we must run away from anything that comes between us and God. Explore verses like 1 Corinthians 10:14-15, 10:23-24 on how everything is permitted but not beneficial, and how we must build others up and look out for each other instead of seeking our own advantage.

Understand how living out our faith directly affects people around us and their ability to put God first. From eating everything sold in the marketplace (1 Corinthians 10:25-27) without questions for conscience's sake, to ensuring our actions don't get in the way of an unbeliever following Jesus. Featuring insights from For King and Country's "Broken Halos" quote: "Way too shy to bear our souls, so we shout opinions, but nobody listens." Delve into 1 Corinthians 10:28-31 on respecting others' conscience, limiting our freedom to show respect to others and God, and doing everything for God's glory.

CJ Muston challenges: Don't offend Jews, Greeks, or God's church (1 Corinthians 10:32-33). Please everyone, look out for many so they can be saved. Reflect with prayers like: "God, is there anything in my life more important than you? Please give me clear direction on steps to put you first again." And "God, are there interactions I need to change so people are drawn closer to you and not pushed further away?"

God wants to be close to you and first in your life - and in the lives of those around you. Perfect for believers seeking to live faith without pushing others away. Subscribe for more inspiring sermons, like and comment below! #PutGodFirst #1Corinthians10 #ChristianSermon #BuildOthersUp #GodsGlory #FalseGods #LivingFaith #DontOffend #ForKingAndCountry #BrokenHalos

Join Jon Rhoades and Shaylee Stantz on this eye-opening episode of FCC Talk as they dive into game-changing insights from the American Bible Society's State of the Bible series! Discover why church engagement and growing spiritually dramatically improves your life, with 62% of highly church-engaged individuals experiencing the highest levels of human flourishing and only 8% facing low flourishing. We'll tackle tough questions: Should we share how church boosts lives with unchurched friends and family? Why do only 35% of weekly attendees have a best friend at church, and just 44% get to use their giftings? Despite 64% of Americans calling themselves Christians, 45% don't attend church – is it the church's fault? Learn about nominal Christians who rarely attend and report more anxiety and less hope, nearly matching non-Christians and non-church goers. Plus, explore ways churches can improve involvement, create closest community, and help everyone thrive. Whether you're attending weekly or haven't in six months, this discussion will inspire spiritual growth! Don't miss out – like, subscribe, and comment your thoughts below. #ChurchEngagement #HumanFlourishing #SpiritualGrowth #BeatAnxiety #FCCBrazil

Discover the life-changing power of Isaiah 40:31 in this episode of the Biblically Literate Podcast with Jon Rhoades, Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church, Brazil, Indiana! Dive deep into the true meaning of "waiting on the Lord" and uncover why hopeful expectation (Hebrew: qavah) is key to renewing your strength. Learn how this verse, set in the context of Israel’s exile in Babylon, connects to God’s faithfulness, the Suffering Servant, and Jesus as the Messiah. Through careful exegesis, we explore the historical, literary, and theological depths of Isaiah 40, linking it to Exodus, creation imagery, and New Testament promises like Matthew 11:28-30. Don’t miss this transformative journey into God’s Word—perfect for anyone seeking to grow Biblically literate, know God’s nature, and find renewal in weary times. Subscribe, like, and share to join the conversation! 🦅✝️ #BiblicallyLiterate #Isaiah40 #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #Faith

Are you wrestling with your purpose in life? Wondering, "Why am I here? What's my calling?" In this powerful Sunday morning sermon from #UnfilteredChurch, Pastor Chris Gregg dives deep into 1 Corinthians 9, unpacking how the Apostle Paul ran with gospel-driven purpose in every step. Drawing from Paul's defense of his apostleship—"Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?"—Chris shows how purpose is rooted in calling, not comfort, and why we must lay down our rights for the gospel, just like Paul who said, "We endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ."

Explore everyday examples like soldiers, farmers, and oxen deserving their share, and learn why Paul chose to preach freely: "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" Discover the joy of serving others by becoming "all things to all people" through contextualization, not compromise—adapting to Jews, Gentiles, and the weak to win more for Christ. Plus, get inspired by the discipline of athletes in the Isthmian Games: "I do not run aimlessly; I discipline my body" for an imperishable crown.

Chris ties it all to the mission of the church—running as a team with 5 ways to run together: Warm Up Well, Play Your Position, Stay With the Pack, Give Your Best Effort, and Recruit to the Team. No matter your age or stage, from survival in your 20s to succession in your 70s, God has purpose for every season of life. End with Paul's humility: from "apostle" to "chief of sinners," running not out of guilt, but gratitude for grace because Jesus ran to the cross for us.

If you're tired of spiritual sprints and ready for rhythms that align your life with eternal rewards, this sermon will challenge you: "Holy Spirit, what’s my next step?" Don't miss this life-changing message on purpose, calling, laying down rights, serving others, spiritual discipline, and the gospel's blessings!

Subscribe for more #UnfilteredChurch sermons, hit the like button if this resonated, and comment below: What's one right you're willing to surrender for the gospel? Share with a friend who's searching for purpose! #RunWithPurpose #1Corinthians9 #GospelDriven #SpiritualDiscipline #ChurchMission

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: Wrestling with Purpose

2:45 - Purpose Rooted in Calling, Not Comfort

7:30 - Laying Down Rights for the Gospel

12:15 - Serving Others to Win More

17:00 - Spiritual Discipline for Eternal Prize

22:45 - Aligning with the Church's Mission

28:10 - Purpose in Every Season of Life

33:20 - Response: Run with Gratitude