Unraveling the mysteries of the spiritual realms depicted in the Bible
How should we understand the word Elohim? What is the significance of idols in scripture? Are we espousing polytheism? We receive many questions and concerns about how we understand concepts like the giants, the Nephilim, angels, demons, and, lowercase-g, gods. In this episode, Jon and Doug seek to address some of this feedback and offer their reasoning of these concepts through a reformed, confessional understanding of scripture.
Many will tell you that demons come from fallen angels, but is this true? Several pieces of scripture point towards a different origin for demons, the spirits of the dead giants! In this episode, Jon and Doug discuss the unholy nature of the giants and why the unclean spirits seen in Jesus’s time are an evolution of the giants in the ancient world.
The history of giants in the Bible is far more extensive than just David and Goliath. In scripture, we find evidence of many different factions and societies of giants that are often misunderstood and overlooked! In today’s episode, Jon and Doug debunk theories regarding the translation of “Nephilim” and discuss how God used the Israelites to destroy these clans of giants!
The Book of Enoch is one of the most famous pieces of extra-biblical literature. What is the context of the book of Enoch, and how is it used and referred to in scripture? What does it say about supernatural creatures like angels and the giant Nephilim? How can it help inform our understanding of human civilization in biblical times? Jon and Doug discuss this and more!
Should Christians study extra-biblical literature like the Apocrypha and the Pseudepigrapha? Jon and Doug make the case that these writings can help Biblical scholars better understand ancient cultures, ideas, and events. While not canon to scripture and outside of God’s inspired word, can these historic documents help our understanding of ancient times?
Genesis 6 introduces us to beings known as the “Nephilim.” Beings that are the product of humans and the divine. What is the history of these beings? How do we understand that they were giants? Jon and Doug delve back into Genesis 6 and how scripture makes a distinction between the line of Noah and the Nephilim.
Here we are, Genesis 6. This chapter of scripture, particularly verses 1-4, is a large focus of hundreds of thousands of works over thousands of years. In this episode, Jon and Doug aim to showcase the different thoughts throughout the centuries and identify the beings known as the “sons of God” and what their actions mean for Biblical history and our understanding.
There are many mysteries relating to what seem to be mythical creatures in the Bible. Two passages of interest can be found in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. Passages that many are uncomfortable with or don’t know how to approach! Jon and Doug delve into these passages today and expose misconceptions tied to culture and translation.
Are there other gods? Are the other gods seen in the Bible just idols or are they real entities? We know the one, true God holds sovereignty over all, so how do these other gods operate in the spiritual realm and our reality? Jon and Doug delve into these questions and more.
Does the Bible give us insight into how the spiritual realms operate? In the second of two episodes on Daniel 10, Jon is joined by Doug Van Dorn to discuss the spiritual realities of “the watchers” and the celestial courtroom in the scriptures.
In this segment, guest Doug Van Dorn joins Jon Moffitt to delve into the topic of angelic warfare as depicted in Daniel 10. Paul cautions us about spiritual entities, authorities, and the ruler of darkness. Where can we gain insights into these celestial beings? The Old Testament holds the key!
The Bible talks about a lot of supernatural things that most of modern Christianity seems to ignore. These are important parts of our Bibles that need to be understood! In today’s episode of Kingdoms Unveiled, Jon is joined by acclaimed pastor and author, Doug Van Dorn, well known for his studies and discussions on the more metaphysical parts of the Bible. Join Jon and Doug as they discuss how doctrinally confessional believers can better understand the history and role of demons, giants, and other spiritual forces in our reality.
Mediums?! Occultism?! Speaking to the dead?! These are all things some of us may not be familiar with, but these New Age ideas have seeped into many millions of Christians and their institutions. Many write them off as hocus pocus, but that may be even more dangerous than participating in these practices. Paul tells us in Ephesians that we wrestle “against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” In this episode, Jon is joined by a famous New Age dissenter, Doreen Virtue, to help guide us through the alarming nature and lies of New Age, unbiblical spirituality.
How do we seek first the kingdom of God? What is the purpose of the kingdom? Can we really, honestly, say that we put God’s kingdom first in our daily lives as Jesus tells us we should in the Lord’s prayer? Most people struggle with this, and don’t even know what putting the kingdom of God first looks like. Jon is back to clarify the gospel and reclaim the purpose of the kingdom.
Christmas isn’t always the happiest time of year for everyone. Some grieve each year as December shows up on their calendar. How should we, as Christians, view this holiday when we suffer? How do we find joy when there seems to be nothing to celebrate? Jon provides the hope of the gospel for those who are struggling. Joy can be found, but it may not be in presents or hallmark endings but in the love of Christ.
Jon picks up where he left off last week, “Feel like quitting?” He walks the listener through the hope of the Gospel and how it fuels our lives in the Kingdom. Life is not about what we can see and feel but what is true and in our future. How does the Kingdom bring us true joy and hope?
Have you hit the point where nothing in life seems to matter anymore? Even faith seems pointless. Every day seems worse than the day before. In this episode, Jon speaks on how easy it is for all Christians to fall into this trap and how it happens. What hope is there for us? How does the Kingdom of Christ help us through these times?
Why were the outcasts of the culture drawn to Jesus? Why did they consider him to be their friend? In today’s episode, Jon speaks to how the gospel should be the sweat aroma that draws sinners to us, not repel them away. Those who know they are saved by grace should be the most pleasant to be around in the world, but often they feel judged and confused. We love sinners, but we do not affirm their sin. We point to the rest found in Christ, which is freedom from sin.
What does it mean to be an antinomian? Can we emphasize grace so much that we keep people from obeying? In this episode, Jon explains what antinomianism historically means and how Theocast and the Reformed Tradition have never been antinomian. The actual danger is believing the law can change the heart toward Christ instead of the gospel. We use the gospel to motivate our obedience, not fear or doubt.
In a war, the truth can determine who wins. In this war against Satan, if we are not clear on what the power of the gospel truly is, we will not be set free by it. Satan has been adding to the gospel for two thousand years, but not lies we would recognize. He adds God’s law into the gospel. Commands we know are good and healthy, but not when it comes to the gospel. Only grace is attached to the gospel, not the law. In This episode, Jon explains how the gospel being confused with the law is a tactic by Satan to confuse and discourage the soldiers of the King.
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