In this episode, Ronn Mike Chu discuss the man healed at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15). They describe how this story ultimately illustrates loyalty to the correct deity, as this pool had traditionally been understood to be dedicated to Asclepius, the Roman god of healing. Thus when Jesus cautioned the man to “sin no more” (5:14) he was warning the man to never appeal to another god for healing from that day forward. The episode concludes with a discussion of the implications of the Sabbath, as well and Jesus’ authority in relation to contemporary faith practices.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the second half of John 4 (verses 27 through 54) which concludes the Samaritan woman narrative. They note how eternal life, which originally was linked to promises made to Israel, now becomes a promise for the entire world as any person places their loyalty in Jesus Christ. They investigate the meaning of “savior” in the ancient world, ultimately realizing that the role of Jesus as Savior encompassed more than just salvation from sin, but also protection and guidance. They conclude by reviewing Jesus’ second recorded sign in the gospel, affirming Jesus’ authority over life and death.

Mel, Rich, and Ronn unpack their experience at the Divine Council Worldview Conference, highlighting meaningful connections, diverse perspectives, and Spirit-led conversations. They dive into deep topics like the authority of Scripture, the role of the church fathers, and the centrality of atonement within the Divine Council framework. This episode is a reflection on unity, truth, and the shared mission of living out faith with purpose.