In this episode of "Under the Hood," Sam and Will delve into the life of John the Baptist, exploring his unique ministry, prophetic role, and surprising moments of doubt. They begin by establishing John's supernatural birth and his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies as the forerunner of the Messiah, particularly those found in Isaiah 40 and Malachi 4, which describe him preparing the way for the Lord and coming in the spirit of Elijah.The episode concludes with a poignant exploration of John's doubts while in prison, where he sends disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?". Jesus's response, by quoting Isaiah's prophecies and adding that "the dead are raised up," shifts John's focus from earthly liberation to spiritual resurrection. Sam and Will emphasize that John, despite his questions, is called "no one greater" by Jesus, offering encouragement that God is not afraid of our doubts, but rather commends our trust amidst them.
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Ep. 47: Who Was Nehemiah the Wall Builder?
In this episode of "Under the Hood," Sam and Will explore the compelling story of Nehemiah, presenting him as a historical figure and a powerful "type of Christ." They begin by setting the historical stage, detailing Israel's decline from King Solomon's glory to the Babylonian and Persian exiles, leading to Jerusalem's destruction. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, learns of his people's suffering and Jerusalem's ruined walls, prompting him to weep, mourn, and pray for days. The hosts highlight Nehemiah's Christ-like heart, as he leaves the comfort of the palace to intercede for and rebuild his broken city, mirroring Jesus's descent from heaven to redeem humanity.
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Ep 46: Is Disney Shaping Our Worldview?
In this episode of "Under the Hood," Sam and Will discuss Epicureanism, contrasting it with Stoicism and showing how Christianity provides a more complete worldview than either philosophy. They explain that Epicureanism, while not pure hedonism, aims to achieve pleasure by avoiding pain and trouble in the soul through a simple, guarded life. This contrasts with Stoicism's emphasis on virtue and enduring suffering. The hosts illustrate this cultural pendulum swing using Disney movies, noting a shift from older films emphasizing character transformation (Stoic) to newer ones promoting self-acceptance (Epicurean).
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Ep 45: Is There Evidence for a Designer?
Join Sam and Will on "Under the Hood" as they explore the compelling evidence for God's design in the universe. This episode delves into the Kalam Cosmological Argument, examining whether the world's intricate design points to a creator. They discuss how modern science, including the work of Stephen Hawking, increasingly supports the idea that the universe had a beginning, challenging the long-held atheist fortress. The discussion also covers the overwhelming statistical improbability of Earth's conditions and life emerging by chance, highlighting the fine-tuning observed by physicists. Finally, Sam and Will explore how the very design of human senses and natural cycles suggests a personal, caring designer.
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Ep. 44: Can Stoicism Save You from Suffering?
Dive deep into the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and its intriguing relationship with Christian teachings. We explore how Stoicism, with proponents like Zeno, Epictetus, Seneca, and the emperor Marcus Aurelius, offers a framework for navigating suffering and finding virtue by focusing on what you can control. But how does this compare to the Christian perspective on hardship, meaning, and the human condition as detailed in books like Ecclesiastes and the words of Jesus Christ? This video unpacks the core tenets of Stoicism, from living according to nature to the bracing realities faced by Marcus Aurelius during the Antonine Plague, and contrasts them with Christianity’s message of hope, sovereign grace, and ultimate purpose beyond the "here and now." Discover the strengths and limitations of a "me on my own" philosophy versus one that calls us to lean on a divine rescuer. If you're grappling with life's big questions or seeking a resilient mindset, this discussion offers profound insights. Don't miss out – watch the full video to understand these compelling worldviews! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking content.
Under the Hood is a thought-provoking biblical series that offers a fresh perspective on well-known stories from the Bible. Delving into each narrative, the series explores (1) the distinctive historical context of each story, (2) archaeological evidence supporting the events, and (3) the profound ways in which each story illuminates the gospel of Jesus Christ. Join Sam and Will as they guide you through captivating insights, dispel myths, and present compelling evidence of the Bible's historical reliability and spiritual significance.
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