Under the Hood

• Ep. 52: Who was Naaman, commander of Syria?

  In this episode of Under the Hood, hosts Sam and Will dive into the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5. Naaman, a powerful and wealthy Syrian commander, has everything the world can offer—except a cure for his leprosy. This narrative is a profound illustration of the gospel, revealing how God's grace and healing are freely given, not earned through power, wealth, or heroic deeds. We explore the historical and cultural context that brings this story to life, from Naaman's pride to his humble obedience. In this episode, we'll cover: The "Comma, but" of Life: The story of Naaman, a man of valor and high favor, serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity's condition. He has everything, "but he was a leper". Grace from an Enemy: We discuss the remarkable grace of the young Israelite servant girl who, despite being captured by Naaman, directs him to the prophet Elisha for healing. The Futility of Earthly Wealth: Naaman arrives with a vast fortune and fine clothing, believing he can buy his healing, only to be humbled when Elisha refuses to even see him. The Simplicity of the Gospel: Naaman's fury at being told to simply "wash in the Jordan seven times" highlights the human tendency to seek complex, heroic solutions over a simple act of faith. A New Life: Naaman's transformation after his seven dips in the Jordan River foreshadows Christian baptism, symbolizing a death to pride and a new life of humility and faith. The Contrast of Gehazi: We explore the story of Gehazi, Elisha's servant, who attempts to profit from Naaman's gratitude and suffers the consequences, a stark warning against exploiting God's grace for personal gain.

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• Ep. 51: Paul's Conversion: A Sudden Change?

  In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will explore the intense political and religious climate of the first century and how it shaped the man who would become the Apostle Paul. We delve into the historical context of Paul's zealousness, uncovering why his persecution of the early church was, in his mind, completely justified. This is a story of radical conversion, showing how God can transform a man of hatred and violence into an ambassador of love and grace.In this episode, we'll cover:First-Century Politics: A breakdown of the different Jewish sects—Pharisees, Sadducees, and Zealots—and how their beliefs mirror modern political divides. We'll see how Jesus' inner circle included people from opposite ends of this political spectrum.Paul the Zealot: We'll examine how Paul, a "Pharisee of Pharisees," saw his "zealous" campaign to persecute Christians as a righteous act supported by Jewish heroes like Phinehas and Elijah.The Road to Damascus: The dramatic moment of Paul's conversion where he's confronted by Jesus, who reorients his entire worldview. This encounter changes Paul's zeal from one of hate to one of love and truth.A New Mission: We'll see how God commissions the man who once persecuted the church to now go far away to the Gentiles, the very people he once hated, and suffer for their sake. Paul's transformation is the ultimate proof of God's power to change a heart and a life.

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• Ep. 50: What Was a "Covenant of Salt"?

  Join hosts Sam and Will as they uncover the historical and biblical significance of Jesus' famous expressions from the Sermon on the Mount: "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world". We’ll explore how these phrases would have been understood in the first century, the various uses of salt in the ancient world, and how we can apply these lessons to our own lives.This episode dives into:The value of salt as currency and a preservativeThe ways salt enhances flavor and beauty while remaining almost invisibleThe surprising role of salt as an antiseptic and fire retardantThe symbolic meaning of light as a source of wisdom, life, and triumph over darknessThe meaning of "losing your saltiness" and the danger of preventing lifeA look at Jesus as the ultimate example of being salt and light

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• Ep. 49: Why Did God Speak to Moses from a Burning Bush?

  Join Sam and Will as they explore the profound meaning behind Moses’ encounter with the burning bush in Exodus 3. From ancient Hebrew symbolism to Greek philosophy, this episode unpacks how God reveals His character through fire, thorns, and the mysterious name “I AM.” Discover how this iconic moment connects with the entire biblical narrative and what it tells us about God’s presence in our suffering, holiness, and purpose. Don’t miss this rich blend of biblical insight and historical depth.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!

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• Ep. 48: John the Baptist: Prophet or Madman?

  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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