Podcasts by Fig Tree Ministries Podcast

Fig Tree Ministries Podcast

Fig Tree Podcast's mission is to help you understand the Bible through the lens of first-century cultural context.

Further podcasts by Fig Tree Ministries

Podcast on the topic Religion und Spiritualität

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#149 - How Old Were the Disciples? - The Great Commission? (pt. 3) from 2023-12-06T21:09:28

In the Great Commission, Jesus commands us to make disciples. But what exactly is a disciple? What was Jesus envisioning when He gave us this command? How did discipleship take shape within the uni...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#148 - Did Jesus Command us to Go? - Great Commission (pt. 2) from 2023-11-21T02:09:43

In this lesson, we'll explore the debate surrounding whether or not Jesus gave us a command to 'Go!' in Matthew 28:19. The disagreement revolves around the translation of the Greek participle Πορευ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#147 - The Great Commission or Great Omission? - Great Commission (pt. 1) from 2023-11-11T20:32:12

Welcome to our series on the Great Commission – or should we say,"The Great Omission?"Join us as we explore a fresh perspective on Matthew 28:19-20, a passage that has shaped the mindset and missio...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#146 - Unlocking the Mysteries: Enter the Kingdom of God - Good News (pt. 9) from 2023-10-28T17:30:17

Entering the Kingdom of God involves a dynamic, ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by the consistent acknowledgment of His lordship over our lives. This commitment requires con...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#145 - Christ and the Cosmos: Regenerating the Soul - Good News (pt. 8) from 2023-10-10T14:01:19

Today's lesson delves into the relationship between Jesus, the cosmos, and the Myth of the Eternal Return. Ancient religions often perceived the cosmos as an endless cycle. They believed that, peri...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#144 - Unveiling the Divine Reality: Exploring Mark's Inclusio - Fig Tree Five from 2023-09-25T15:13:48

Mark employs a sophisticated literary technique known as Inclusio to unveil the true nature of Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah and the Son of God. Inclusio functions as a literary framework, wher...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#143 - Mystical Meaning of the Hebrew Word for"Good News"- Good News (pt. 7) from 2023-09-25T15:10:06

In this lesson, we delve into the profound essence of a Hebrew word often translated as “to bear” or “to bring Good News.” Hebrew, as the foundational language of the Bible and the Israelites, is...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
142 - Unlocking the Secrets of Inclusio? Acts&the Kingdom of God - The Good News (pt. 6) from 2023-09-25T15:06:48

Luke, the author of the book of Acts, employs a sophisticated literary technique known as Inclusio to illuminate his audience's grasp of his narrative. Inclusio functions akin to bookends, where ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
141 - Caesar Cult in the Land of Israel - The Good News (pt. 5) from 2023-08-30T15:17:50

In the first century, the Imperial Cult had extended its presence even into the land of Israel. King Herod, aiming to honor the Caesar who bestowed upon him his power, constructed three shrines o...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
140 - The Good News of Caesar Augustus? - The Good News (pt. 4) from 2023-08-20T21:27:54

In today's lesson, we will delve into the Roman Imperial Cult and the officially sanctioned worship of Caesar Augustus. As the message of the Kingdom of God, centered around Jesus as Lord, spreads...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#139 - The Original"Good News"- Acts 10:34-43 - The Good News (pt. 3) from 2023-08-20T21:23:05

Before anything was documented in writing, how did the disciples and the early church communicate the message of the"Good News"? In today's lesson, we will delve into the book of Acts and examine w...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#138 - Chiastic Structure of the Good News - Mark 1:1-15 - Fig Tree Five from 2023-07-14T20:08:04

Chiastic structures were utilized by Bible authors to effectively communicate their intended messages. These underlying structures not only shape the scriptures but also aid the audience in visua...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#137 - Background to the Good News? - Bible 101: Good News (pt. 2) from 2023-07-14T15:19:59

Welcome to today's lesson, where we delve into the origins of the Hebrew and Greek words associated with the term"Good News."Regardless of whether you identify as a Jew, Roman, or Greek, the concep...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#136 - What is the Good News? - Bible 101: Good News (pt. 1) from 2023-06-24T21:59:45

What is meant by the term"Good News"? This question is crucial and needs to be addressed by both ourselves and others.The definition of this term varies between scholars and laypeople, but in thi...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#135 - Chiastic Structure&the Tower of Babel - Fig Tree Five from 2023-06-18T16:31:58

This lesson explores the ancient literary technique called a chiastic structure or a chiasm. The biblical authors use literary devices such as the chiastic structure to add depth to the text.The...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#134 - Jesus, Our Bridegroom? - Bible 101 - Redemption (pt. 5) from 2023-06-12T18:22:58

The Hebrew Bible uses a metaphor of marriage for the relationship between God and Israel. God is the faithful and true husband, while Israel is an unfaithful bride. The wedding takes place at Mou...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#133 - Underlying Structure to Mosaic Covenant - Bible 101 Covenant (pt. 4) from 2023-06-03T18:38:47

Moses acts as a covenant mediator for the brand-new nation of Israel. God uses the ancient Near Eastern Suzerain Vassal covenant structure to communicate this new relationship to his people.When ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#132 - Why did Jesus have to Die? Abrahamic Covenant - Bible 101 pt. 3 from 2023-05-28T21:37:15

Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministrieswww.figtreeteaching.com Download the Class Handout:https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/abrahamic-covenant#/ ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#131 - The Father's House - a Picture of Redemption - Fig Tree Five from 2023-05-25T21:24:16

The message of the Bible is Redemption, and God has a plan to redeem the world. How does God communicate his plan of redemption to his people?He uses straightforward cultural metaphors that every...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#130 - Bible 101 - Noah&God's Bow - Redemption&Covenant (pt. 2) from 2023-05-23T00:51:43

The generations following Adam and Eve became wicked, violent, and murderous. God's heart was grieved, and, in His wisdom, He decided to"start over"through Noah and his family. Noah's story is a"d...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#129 - Bible 101 - Redemption&Covenant (pt. 1) from 2023-05-14T00:33:13

Join us as we explore the foundational concepts of the Bible - Redemption and Covenant. God has a plan of redemption and he is executing this plan through a series of covenants.Understanding the ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#128 - Jesus Celebrates Hanukkah - God's Feasts (pt. 12) from 2023-04-22T21:47:18

In John 10:22, he tells us that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah - or the Feast of Dedication in English. Hanukkah celebrates a historical event in 165 BCE, led by the Maccabees family, which ultimately...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#127 - Jesus Birthday? Not December 25 - God's Feasts (pt. 11) from 2023-04-15T19:55:18

Scholars have long recognized that Jesus was not born on December 25th.So when was he born? Does the Bible give us any clues as to the time of year of his birth? The answer is yes!Join us as we e...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#126 - Jesus"Tabernacled"Among Us - God's Feasts (pt. 10) from 2023-04-02T19:24:11

In today's lesson, we look at the final of the seven holidays – the Festival of Tabernacles. This festival is the dress rehearsal for Heaven, and it celebrates the fullness of redemption! And it ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#125 - Day of Atonement - Jesus Scapegoat - God's Feasts (pt. 9) from 2023-03-26T01:15:43

For humanity to be reconciled with God, sin must be atoned for. God, in his wisdom, provided a ritual in the Day of Atonement ceremony for this exact purpose - to restore the covenantal relation...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#124 - Rosh Hashanah - Renewal of Time - God's Feasts (pt. 8) from 2023-03-19T22:10:53

In today's lesson, we explore how the Feast of Trumpets - the first day of the seventh month - became a New Year's celebration - Rosh Hashanah. In the cultures surrounding ancient Israel, the pur...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#123 - The Cross IS a Tree of Life - Fig Tree Five from 2023-03-13T00:56:03

In Revelation 22:2, John does something profound with his choice of a particular Greek word. Bibles in English all translate this Greek word as"tree,"but there is something much deeper happening....

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#122 - The Trumpet Blast of God - God's Appointed Feasts (pt. 7) from 2023-03-09T01:23:08

Continuing through this series on God's Appointed Feasts, we make a jump over to the Fall festivals. Jesus has fulfilled the first four holidays - the Spring Feasts - and next up on his agenda is...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
# 121 - What is a Gethsemane? - Fig Tree Five from 2023-03-04T18:27:44

The Bible never mentions the phrase"the garden of Gethsemane."We tend to treat the word Gethsemane as if it is the name of a city or village that happens to have a garden.But this is not the case! ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#120 - Acts 2 Pentecost - God's Appointed Feasts (pt. 6) from 2023-02-27T01:06:45

In today's lesson, we explore the Feast of Weeks holiday. The holiday is called Shavuot in Hebrew, and in Greek, Pentecost. This is the holiday we see in Acts chapter two when God delivers the Ho...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#119 - Jesus Heals with Spittle? - Fig Tree Five from 2023-02-27T00:59:48

Jesus heals a blind man with his saliva! What are we supposed to make of this miracle? Why does Jesus use saliva to heal eyes, and what would that first-century audience have thought about his us...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#118 - Counting the Omer - God's Appointed Feasts (pt. 5) from 2023-02-27T00:56:39

Today's lesson explores the"counting of the omer."This is a ritual that happens during the time between Passover and the next major holiday – the festival of Weeks. This holiday is called Shavuot i...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#117 - Garden of Gethsemane? - God's Appointed Feasts (pt. 4) from 2023-02-27T00:53:45

Today's video continues our exploration of the Passover holiday and takes us into the evening after the Passover meal. According to Exodus 12:42, this evening is a"night for watching,"a vigil to ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#116 - Last Supper - A Passover Seder? - God's Appointed Feasts (pt. 3) from 2023-02-04T22:01:32

In today’s lesson, we explore the meal that Jesus had with his disciples – what we refer to as the Last Supper – and see how it compares to the elements found in the traditional Passover celebratio...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#115 - Passover - God's Appointed Feasts (pt. 2) from 2023-02-04T21:56:10

Today's lesson is the second in our series on God's Appointed Feasts – sometimes called God's holidays. Today's lesson focuses on the first of the seven Biblical holidays – Passover.Passover was t...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#114 - God's Appointed Feasts - Leviticus 23 - Introduction from 2023-01-29T01:23:42

Today's lesson kicks off our upcoming series on God's Appointed Feasts found in Leviticus 23. These holidays are central to Jesus' ministry and God's plan of redeeming the world!In this video, we...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#113 - Daughters of Jerusalem - Luke 23:38 - Fig Tree Five from 2023-01-29T00:29:19

The phrase"Daughters of Jerusalem"is a Hebrew idiom. This short video explores this phrase's linguistic and cultural context and what Jesus means when he uses it in Luke 23:28.Judgment is descend...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#112 - God's Appointed Feasts- Fig Tree Five from 2023-01-07T19:56:21

Understanding God's Appointed Feasts is critical to understanding Jesus, the New Testament, and God's plan of redemption. This is an introductory video to highlight how Jesus is fulfilling God's ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#111 - Genesis and the Message of Forgiveness - Fig Tree Five from 2023-01-07T19:54:16

It's not always easy to understand the messages from the book of Genesis. Since Genesis is presented to us in narrative form, we must do some work to find meaning or principles that we can apply ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#110 - Amazing Hebrew Word"Midbar"- Fig Tree Five from 2023-01-07T19:52:23

Come join us and learn about the amazing Hebrew word - Midbar - which means wilderness or desert. Fig Tree Five - Small Video. Big Impact.Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/suppor...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#109 - Exodus and Acts 2 Pentecost - Exodus (pt. 30) from 2023-01-07T19:50:04

In today's lesson, we look at the connection between the events in Exodus, where God delivers the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai, and the Acts chapter 2 – Pentecost event – where God delivers the Ho...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#108 - Parable of the Ten Virgins - Exodus (pt. 29) from 2023-01-07T19:46:46

In today's lesson, we use Jesus' parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) as a tool to review the book of Exodus.The parable of the Ten Bridesmaids is about redemption and reflects the story of...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#107 - Sin of the Golden Calf - Exodus (pt. 28) from 2022-11-23T19:22:50

In this week's lesson, we look at the Golden Calf incident found in Exodus 32.The sin of idol worship - placing an idol or false god ahead of God - is the most common sin for humanity to commit and...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#106 - Hebrew Concept of Sin - Exodus (pt. 27) from 2022-11-13T17:48:37

Exodus 34:6-7 includes three different words for the types of sin God is willing to forgive. The Hebrew language has numerous words that denote different aspects of sin - whereas, in English, we ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#105 - God's Divine Attributes - Exodus (pt. 26) from 2022-11-13T17:44:26

In Exodus 34:6-7, God reveals his character to Moses. These two verses are foundational for understanding the nature of the God we follow and the basis for our continued relationship with him.In ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#104 - Covenant Relationship with God - Exodus (pt. 25) from 2022-11-13T17:39:37

Today's lesson examines the concept of an ancient Near Eastern Covenant. In Biblical times covenants were everywhere. God uses the idea of a covenant to help the Israelites understand the type o...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#103 - Creation Repeated? - Exodus (pt. 24) from 2022-10-22T18:11:10

In today's lesson, we explore the structure of the final fifteen chapters of Exodus and look at how the concept of creation or re-creation is woven into the narrative. We mentioned in our previou...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#102 - Awakening from Above/Below - Exodus (pt. 23) from 2022-10-15T21:09:41

There is a concept within spirituality known as"Awakening from Above/Awakening from Below."God's revelation comes down from Heaven, but an aspect ofour spiritual growth emerges from below. When w...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#101 - The"Book of the Covenant"- Exodus (pt. 22) from 2022-10-12T16:32:54

The section of Exodus that scholars refer to as"The Book of the Covenant"consist of chapters 21-23. Within these chapters are numerous commandments that, contrary to popular belief, do not concer...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#100 - A Society for God's Presence - Exodus (pt. 21) from 2022-10-02T16:25:49

So often, in the modern Western context of Christianity, we view the commandments in the book of Exodus only through the lens of individual salvation and getting into heaven. This is a misreading...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#99 - Psalm 42 and Caesarea Philippi? - Transfiguration (pt. 7) from 2022-09-23T16:18:10

We hope you have enjoyed this series on the Transfiguration of Jesus and that it helps you see deeper into this fantastic event. Today's lesson is the seventh and final in our series on understan...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#98 - Midrash on Psalm 43 - Transfiguration (pt. 6) from 2022-09-06T19:40:34

In today's lesson, we arrive at what I believe to be the foundation of understanding the overall message of the Transfiguration. This foundation is Psalm 42&43 and then a subsequent interpretatio...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#97 - Eyes that see/Ears that hear? - Transfiguration (pt. 5) from 2022-08-22T16:26:17

In today’s lesson, we explore the literary progression found in the Gospel of Mark that concerns “seeing” and “hearing” as the disciples ascend on their journey toward the Transfiguration. The ra...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#96 - Mystical Judaism and the Trinity - Transfiguration (pt. 4) from 2022-08-19T02:08:08

In today's video, we explore the Transfiguration through the lens of Mystical Judaism. A concept prevalent in first-century Judaism concerned the existence of a"Heavenly Man"- or, as in Mystical ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#95 - Beings of Light? Transfiguration (pt. 3) from 2022-08-01T14:21:39

In today's lesson, we continue our series on the Transfiguration by exploring the connection between the First Adam and Jesus, as the Last Adam. This connection takes us back to Eden and the loss...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#94 - Jesus, Moses, and the Exodus - Transfiguration (pt. 2) from 2022-07-25T20:32:14

This video is the second in our series on the Transfiguration of Jesus. In today's lesson, we explore how the details of the Transfiguration event bring to mind the stories of Moses on Mount Sina...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#93 - Background of Transfiguration - Transfiguration (pt. 1) from 2022-07-18T17:06:08

The Transfiguration of Jesus is one of the most enigmatic stories in the Bible. Understanding the overall message of this event requires us to understand the cultural context within which it took ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#92 - The Wisdom of the Ten Commandments - Exodus (pt. 20) from 2022-06-23T20:25:06

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 2-17) contain tremendous wisdom for how to structure society to bring about God's kingdom. This wisdom is contained within the underlying structure of the order o...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#91 - Wisdom and the Mountain of the LORD - Exodus (pt. 19) from 2022-06-18T14:27:28

In today's lesson, we explore Wisdom and the importance of striving toward wisdom in our spiritual journey up the mountain of the LORD (Psalm 24:3). Wisdom is a gift from God that gives us insigh...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#90 - Ascending the Mountain of God - Exodus (pt. 18) from 2022-06-04T02:27:29

Psalm 24:3 asks,"Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?"Throughout the ancient Near East (ANE), the"Cosmic Mountain"idea was of vital importance within their view of the cosmos. So when the Isr...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#90 - Jesus Our Banner? - Exodus (pt. 17) from 2022-05-28T17:09:57

Today's lesson is part two of our previous video,"The LORD My Banner."In our previous lesson, we examined the story of Moses raising his hands on a hill while the Israelites were battling against t...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#89 - The Lord My Banner - Exodus (pt. 16) from 2022-05-28T17:06:28

In today's video, we look at the story from Exodus 17, where the Amalekites attack the Israelites. Moses goes up onto a hill with the"staff of God in his hand."When Moses' hands were up in the air...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#88 - Hearing God Speak - Exodus (pt. 15) from 2022-05-28T17:02:18

Today’s video explores the Hebrew word for wilderness – Midbar. If we take a step back and watch the movement of the Israelites from Egypt out to the wilderness, we see something unique.The Israe...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#87 - Dividing the Chaotic Waters - Exodus (pt. 14) from 2022-05-28T16:59:16

Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministriesSupport Fig Tree through Smile.Amazon.com: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741www.figtreeteaching.com Blog Post: h...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#86 - Jesus, the Afikomen? - Exodus (pt. 13) from 2022-05-28T16:55:35

Today's video explores the Last Supper as a Passover Seder. The Gospel writers include details about the meal found within traditional Passover Seder celebrations.We can even discern where some o...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#85 - Jesus, God's Passover Lamb - Exodus (pt. 12) from 2022-04-10T22:26:18

In this week's lesson, we look at the details about the Passover in Exodus chapter 12. We can then compare the details about Jesus that are included in the Gospels and the rest of the New Testame...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#84 - Passover - Introduction - Exodus (pt. 11) from 2022-04-03T17:09:39

In this video, we begin short three-part series on Passover. Passover is the most important holiday within the Hebrew Bible and for the nation of Israel.This lesson takes a ten-thousand-foot view...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#83 - Spirituality of Exodus - Exodus (pt. 10) from 2022-03-28T17:16:37

Exodus is not only a book that tells of the redemption of the Israelites, but it is also a book about the spiritual redemption of all humanity. On a spiritual level, Exodus provides a metaphor fo...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#82 - Did Pharaoh Repent? - Exodus (pt. 9) from 2022-03-13T19:20:02

Did Pharaoh repent? We tend to think about Pharaoh during the Ten Plagues as entirely immovable. We imagine that he is consistent and unemotional in his responses as he rejects Moses' requests to ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#81 - Did God Harden Pharaoh's Heart? - Exodus (pt. 8) from 2022-03-06T15:37:58

The story of Pharaoh's heart has both fascinated and perplexed Biblical scholars over the years. Considering the Biblical emphasis on humanity having free will, the fact that it appears that God ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#80 - Why Ten Plagues? - Exodus (pt. 7) from 2022-02-27T21:07:17

Why did God need Ten Plagues? Indeed, God is powerful enough that he could have delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians with one plague.So why did He insist on Ten? In today's lesson, we e...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#79 - God's Name - 'I Am What I Am?' - Exodus (pt. 6) from 2022-02-20T17:44:25

In Exodus 3, Moses inquires of God about His name. A name in the ancient world was more than just a referent but gave indications into your essence, nature, and function.God gives Moses a future...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#78 - Moses - Type of Messiah? - Exodus (pt. 5) from 2022-02-12T20:33:42

Moses is a 'type' of Messiah. There are numerous 'types' throughout the Hebrew bible, including Joseph and David. Moses is chosen for a specific task in God's plan of redemption.In this video, we...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#77 - Pharaoh's Daughter -"Daughter of God?"- Exodus (pt. 4) from 2022-02-05T18:42:04

Pharaoh's daughter has a remarkable place in redemptive history. She rescued Moses – the future redeemer of Israel - from certain death and raised him as"her son"under the nose of the Pharaoh wh...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#76 - God Ordained Civil Disobedience - Exodus (pt. 3) from 2022-01-29T23:39:54

The book of Exodus opens with several stories of civil disobedience including the midwives who disobeyed Pharaoh's command to murder the Hebrew males.

In this episode, we explore totalita...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#76 - God Ordained Civil Disobedience - Exodus (pt. 3) from 2022-01-29T23:39:54

The book of Exodus opens with several stories of civil disobedience including the midwives who disobeyed Pharaoh's command to murder the Hebrew males. In this episode, we explore totalitarianism,...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#75 - Importance of Understanding Culture - Exodus (pt. 2) from 2022-01-29T16:34:34

God brought the Bible to the world through Israel - in the culture of the east. The Bible was written in the east by easterners and given first to easterners. The Bible is an eastern book.The cul...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#74 - Creating a Space for God's Presence to Dwell - Exodus (pt. 1) from 2022-01-16T15:04:09

In this introductory video to the book of Exodus, we take a birds-eye view of the book's flow to gain a deeper understanding of the overall message. There are two prominent themes of the book of E...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#73 - Symbolic Dismemberment? - The Book of Judges (pt. 2 of 2) from 2021-12-30T16:55:13

The book of Judges shows us the cyclical decline of Israel's society during the period of the Judges. The result of this decline is a descent into a civil war (Judges 20). Judges 19 symbolically ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#72 - Descent into Chaos - The Book of Judges (pt. 1 of 2) from 2021-12-17T02:14:41

The book of Judges tells the story of Israel's cyclical descent into chaos and eventually civil war. In this lesson, we examine the cycle that repeats six times throughout the book, each getting ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#71 - Jesus Our Example in Suffering - Matthew Study Wk 10 from 2021-12-10T02:07:17

What message can we understand from the narrative of Jesus' betrayal and unjust suffering found in the Gospels (Matt. 26&27)? Peter helps us understand the more profound message when he explains ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#70 - The Greatest Commandment - Matthew Study Wk 9 from 2021-12-03T16:37:15

Jesus is asked, 'What is the Greatest Commandment?' In this video, we explore the background to the question and how it would have been understood by his first-century audience.We also explore a...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#69 - Treasure In Heaven - Matt. 19:16-22 - Matthew Study Week 8 from 2021-11-11T22:12:17

In the first century,"store up treasure in heaven"was a common phrase used as an idiom for charity. In this week's lesson, we explore the background of this phrase as it is developed from the Old...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#68 - Transfiguration - Matt. 17:1-7 - Matthew Study Week 7 from 2021-11-05T01:14:20

The transfiguration of Jesus - Matthew 17:1-7 - is a difficult event to understand because of its mystical nature. What does this event tell us about the reality of who Jesus is?In this lesson, w...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#67 - Parable of the Weeds (Darnel) - Matt. 13:24-30 - Matthew Study Week 6 from 2021-10-29T16:41:02

Matthew 13:24-31 - commonly referred to as the Parable of the Weeds or the Parable of the Tares. In today's video, we will look at the plant that underlies the parable and how knowing the charact...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#66 - The Kingdom Breaks Forth - Matt. 11:12 - Matthew Study Week 5 from 2021-10-22T02:38:46

As translated in English, Matthew 11:12 is a difficult verse for many. In today's video, we explore this verse to see if there is a better way of understanding what is being stated. We look to a ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#65 - Measure for Measure - Matthew Study Week 4 from 2021-10-14T19:19:14

In this video, we explore the idea of Measure for Measure. Most Christians are unaware of this idea's prevalence within the Biblical text (unlike our Jewish brothers and sisters). Measure for me...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#64 - Abolish and Fulfill - Matthew Study Week 3 from 2021-10-14T19:11:33

In this lesson, we tackle a verse that is often misinterpreted - Matthew 5:17. What does Jesus mean when he uses the words"abolish"and"fulfill?"In this video, we explore Rabbinic writings that al...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#63 - Genealogy - Phases of the Moon? Matthew Study Week 2 from 2021-10-01T20:28:49

When Matthew composed Jesus' genealogy at the opening of his Gospel did he have the moon cycle in mind? Jesus' genealogy provides the foundation for what is to come in the remainder of Matthew's ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#62 - The Kingdom of Heaven - Matthew Study Week 1 from 2021-09-24T18:06:20

This video is the first of a ten-week Bible study series on the Gospel of Matthew.

We discuss the phrase "the kingdom of Heaven." What would that mean to those hearers of first-century I...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#62 - The Kingdom of Heaven - Matthew Study Week 1 from 2021-09-24T18:06:20

This video is the first of a ten-week Bible study series on the Gospel of Matthew. We discuss the phrase"the kingdom of Heaven."What would that mean to those hearers of first-century Israel? Ov...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#61 - Mary Magdalene - Sea of Galilee (pt. 21) from 2021-09-18T00:10:58

This week we tour the hometown of Mary the Magdalene - the village of Magdala. Magdala was a wealthy fishing village that was famous throughout the Roman Empire for its salted-sardines.According ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#60 - Woe to you, Korazin - Sea of Galilee (pt. 20) from 2021-09-09T22:53:15

In Matthew 11: 20-24, Jesus gives a warning to three of the cities that were closely tied to his ministry. How are we to understand what is going on in these passages?Matthew comments that the re...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#59 - Triumphal Entry (pt. 1) from 2021-09-02T20:29:39

This lesson was recorded in June 2019. This past week we had to cancel our regular bible study due to Hurricane Ida. I wanted to get a video posted, and this is one of our favorites but had not bee...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#58 - Jesus Walks on Water 2 of 2 - Sea of Galilee (pt. 19) from 2021-08-27T17:55:15

This week we take a second look at Matthew 14:22-33 and the telling of Jesus walking on the water. Matthew tells us that Peter got out of the boat and also"walked on the water."What does this mean...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#57 - Jesus Walks on Water - Sea of Galilee (pt. 18) from 2021-08-19T21:12:02

What does it mean that Jesus"walked upon the sea?"Join us in our latest lesson on the Sea of Galilee as we explore this well-known story from the perspective of Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) symbolism...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#56 - Crucifixion as a Coronation (pt. 2 of 2) from 2021-07-20T19:51:15

This video is the second in a two-part series looking at the Crucifixion (Mark 15:16-39) through the lens of a first-century Roman Triumph. The picture that Mark is painting - if we have eyes to ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#55 - Crucifixion as a Coronation (Mark 15:16-32) from 2021-07-16T17:16:20

n this week's lesson, we begin an exploration of the details and sequence of the crucifixion as presented in Mark - chapter 15. Each of the Gospel writers presents the narrative with slight diffe...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#54 - Zealot conclusion - Baseless Hatred - Sea of Galilee (pt. 17) from 2021-07-09T02:50:19

This week we complete our lesson on the Zealot movement and the impact it had on first-century Israel. By 66 AD, the Zealots had pushed the nation into an all-out war with Rome. The result of tha...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#53 - Paul the Zealot? - Sea of Galilee (pt. 16) from 2021-06-30T04:12:31

We know from Paul's statements that he acted 'zealously' regarding the Torah and resorted to violence against the early Christians. But what about Paul's upbringing? What are the factors in his u...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#52 - the 'zealous' disciples - Sea of Galilee (pt. 15) from 2021-06-23T00:48:38

In today's lesson, we explore how the mindset of the Zealot movement likely influenced some of the attitudes and actions of the disciples. Jesus called disciples who were 'zealous' about the word...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#51 - Zealots -2 - Sea of Galilee (pt. 14) from 2021-06-09T03:29:05

This week's video brings the history of the Zealots closer to Jesus' ministry. We explore some of the political events - leading up to the time of Jesus' birth - in the region of Galilee that in...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#50 - Zealots Introduction - Sea of Galilee (pt. 13) from 2021-06-02T18:59:10

Today's lesson begins a short series that focuses on the Zealots and the Zealot movement in first-century Israel. The headquarters for the Zealot movement was located in a city near the Sea of Ga...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#49 - Number 3 and a Spiritual Journey (Hosea 6:1-2) from 2021-05-26T02:03:46

The number three carries significant meaning in the Biblical narrative, Judaism, and Christianity. This lesson explores the significance of the number three and its inference toward a spiritual ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#48 - Sea of Galilee (pt. 12) - Feeding of 5000 / 4000(Mark 6:30-44) from 2021-05-18T21:32:51

The stories of Jesus feeding the 5000 and the 4000 are full of details that help us understand the overall message of what the miracles are telling us - that Jesus is the"bread"for the whole world....

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#47 - Sea of Galilee (pt. 11) - Feeding Miracles (Mark 6:30-44) from 2021-05-12T00:54:12

This week we begin a two-part mini-series on Jesus' feeding miracles - the Feeding of the 5000 (Mark 6:30-44) and the Feeding of the 4000 (Mark 8:1-9). Our first step is to look at two aspects of ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#46 - 276 And The Hope Of Israel Podcast (Acts 27:37) from 2021-04-27T22:52:13

This video is part of a series on the Sea of Galilee but we are taking a detour to talk about another"triangle number"found in the book of Acts. For more on triangle numbers - like 153 fish in Jo...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#45 - Sea of Galilee (pt. 9) - 153 and Ezekiel 47:10 from 2021-04-21T01:27:48

today's video is an extension of Sea of Galilee part 8: In this video, we dig deeper into the number 153 from John 21:11 and how this is connected to two words in Ezekiel 47:10 - Gedi and Eglaim....

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#44 - Sea Of Galilee (pt 8) 153 Fish - John 21:11 from 2021-04-13T18:58:08

In today's video, we explore fishing on the Sea of Galilee. In John 21, there is a miraculous catch of fish at a location called Tabgha, where seven warm water springs run into the lake. The warm w...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#43 - Sea Of Galilee (pt 7) Crossing the Jordan - Joshua 3 from 2021-03-30T02:22:13

Why did God lead Joshua and the Israelites (Joshua 3) east of the Dead Sea causing them to have to cross the Jordan River at flood stage? Why not lead them directly north along the well-worn highw...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#42 - Sea Of Galilee (pt 6) Jordan River from 2021-03-23T21:49:45

In today's video, we take a look at the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River. Sea of Galilee - There is a Jewish legend - Miriam's Well - about a rock that provided water while the Israelites were...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#41 - Sea Of Galilee (pt 5) Sign of Jonah - Luke 11:29 from 2021-03-16T03:19:09

Jesus stilling the sea (Mark 4:35-41) and the story of Jonah are intricately connected. Join us this week as we explore the possible meanings of the phrase"Sign of Jonah"and the connections to Je...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#40 - Sea Of Galilee (pt 4) Demon Possessed Man - Mark 5:1-20 from 2021-03-09T05:02:37

In this lesson, we take a detailed look at Mark 5:1-20 which is the story of the Demon-Possessed Man from the Decapolis. As we fill in the cultural details that help us understand the interactions ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#39 - Sea Of Galilee (pt 3) - Mark 5:1 - the"driven-out ones" from 2021-03-02T02:20:54

This week we continue our look at the Sea of Galilee. Today we will look at the story where Jesus calms the storms but from Mark 4:35-41 and connect this telling to Psalm 107. We also begin to lo...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#38 - Sea Of Galilee (pt. 2) Luke 8:22-25 - Authority over the Sea from 2021-02-23T04:33:05

In this video, we explore ancient Near East thought about"the Sea"and all of the symbolism that goes along with it. Once we understand the symbolism of"sea,"we can better understand the story of Je...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#37 Sea Of Galilee (pt. 1) from 2021-02-16T21:14:08

Scholars have noted how important the land is to understand Jesus' message. There has been a phrase coined to describe the life-setting as the"Fifth Gospel."In the series that follows we explore m...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#36 - Wisdom Understanding Knowledge - Proverbs 3:19-20 from 2021-02-09T21:13:04

In Jewish mystical thought (Lurianic Kabbalah), the human soul's three highest attributes are Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge. These attributes have their counterpart in the"Heavenly Man"(Je...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#35 -"Heavenly Man"- 1 Cor. 15:49 (part 2) from 2021-02-03T02:05:40

this video is the second of two the Heavenly Man. The topic is mystical and difficult to grasp the first time around. This is a review of our previous vid. but will add a few minor details. In 1...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#34 -"Heavenly Man"- 1 Cor. 15:49 (part 1) from 2021-01-26T01:56:05

In 1 Corinthians 15:49, Paul refers to Jesus as the"heavenly man"in a comparison with the"first Adam."The idea of the"heavenly man"was not new to the Jews of the first century. Join us in this vide...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#33 - Notes on Christmas (pt 4) - to be the king from 2021-01-21T00:46:25

We explore the idea of what it means to be a Christian. Christ is the Greek word for"the anointed one"and is generally applied to a king. Jesus is the Christ - the King. We then are"little kings"...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#32 - Seven Churches of Revelation: Pergamum (pt 2) (5 of 16) from 2021-01-13T21:29:33

Our second look at the ancient city of Pergamum and John's letter to Pergamum in Revelation 2: 12-17. Why does John refer to Pergamum as Satan's Throne? There are many candidates from the 1st centu...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#31 - Notes On Christmas (pt 3) - Meister Eckhart from 2021-01-13T02:06:17

Meister Eckhart was a 13th-century mystic. He was known for using the Christmas story as a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. Join us as we explore his teaching and how it can be metaphorical...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#30 - Notes On Christmas (pt 2) - Caesar Augustus from 2021-01-07T00:52:25

The story of the birth of Jesus as the Christ - or the King - in Luke is specifically set against the Imperial Cult of the Roman Empire. The reigning emperor at the time was Caesar Augustus. Join u...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#29 - Notes On Christmas (pt. 1) - Luke 2:7 from 2020-12-17T02:29:50

Over the past two thousand years, we have told and re-told the Christmas story so many times that details have crept in where they should not be. Over the next few videos, we'll take a closer look ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#28 - Seven Churches of Revelation: Pergamum (pt 1) (4 of 16) from 2020-12-09T23:01:55

Our first look at the ancient city of Pergamum and John's letter to Pergamum in Revelation 2: 12-17. Why does John refer to Pergamum as Satan's Throne? There are many candidates from the 1st centur...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#27 - Seven Churches of Revelation: Sardis (pt 2) (3 of 16) from 2020-12-09T22:32:16

Our second look at the ancient city of Sardis. John's letter to Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6 is full of historical and cultural references to the ancient city. This week we will explore the goddess ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#26 - Pakad - God's Visitation - Luke 19:44 from 2020-12-08T03:48:59

Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem is a representation of God's"visitation"where he returns to become king."Visitation"is a Hebrew word - Pakad - that carries tremendous meaning in the Old Testament. Join...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#25 - Parable of Minas - part ii - Luke 19:11-27 from 2020-12-02T00:46:19

The parable of the minas (or pounds) is told just as Jesus is about to arrive in Jerusalem as king. This is a complex parable that even includes historical data about Herod Archelaus. Join us as we...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#24 - Parable of Minas - part i - Luke 19:11-27 from 2020-11-24T00:58:19

The parable of the minas (or pounds) is told just as Jesus is about to arrive in Jerusalem as king. This is a complex parable that even includes historical data about Herod Archelaus. Join us as we...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#23 - Zacchaeus P.S. and Parable of Minas Intro - Luke 19:11-27 from 2020-11-18T03:05:39

This video has two connected parts. We start with a P.S. on the Zacchaeus story - Luke 19:1-10 - which explores Ezekiel 34. The very next story in Luke - 19:11-27 - is what we call the Parable of ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#22 - Zacchaeus the Tax Collector - Luke 19:1-10 (part II) from 2020-11-10T01:44:43

The story of Zacchaeus the tax collector is a popular one in the minds of Christians. But was he the"notorious sinner"that many claim him to be? How often do we slow down to take a closer look at t...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#21 - Seven Churches of Revelation - Sardis (pt 1) (2 of 16) from 2020-11-04T15:00:24

One of the great cities of the ancient world was Sardis. In this lesson, we introduce the city of Sardis and how John weaves their history and cultural context into his letter. John also inserts t...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#21 - Zacchaeus the Tax Collector - Luke 19:1-10 (part I) from 2020-11-02T21:27:48

The story of Zacchaeus the tax collector is a popular one in the minds of Christians. But was he the"notorious sinner"that many claim him to be? How often do we slow down to take a closer look at t...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#20- Parable: Pharisee And Tax Collector - Luke 18:9-14 from 2020-10-27T02:04:03

The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector provides a unique glimpse into human nature and what happens when we turn people into"them"or"other."

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#19 Parable: the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) - Part 2 of 2 from 2020-10-20T00:57:15

We take a second look at the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus which is found in Luke 16:19-31. In this episode, we will look at how, with one detail, Jesus points his message directly at a chara...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#18 Seven Cities of Revelation - Introduction (1 of 16) from 2020-10-13T00:46:37

This is part of a 16 part series we did on the Seven Cities of Revelation. Over the next 15 weeks, we look at each of the seven cities as well as some of the histories from that timeframe that aff...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#17 Parables: The Rich Man and Lazarus - part I from 2020-10-12T21:51:58

In this lesson, we look at Luke 16:19-31 - the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Many people debate whether this story is a parable or not. Join me as we break down the details to show you how i...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#16 Biblical Holidays: Festival of Tabernacles from 2020-10-06T15:04:18

This video explores the seventh and final holiday from Leviticus 23 - the Festival of Tabernacles. We explore the meaning of the holiday and the traditions which developed before Jesus' birth. When...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#15 Biblical Holidays: Day of Atonement from 2020-09-29T03:51:45

God's appointed seven holidays in Leviticus 23. Jesus fulfills all seven holidays. In this video, we look at the Day of Atonement and how Jesus is our atoning sacrifice.

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#14 Biblical Holidays: Festival of Trumpets from 2020-09-22T01:02:28

Fig Tree Ministries - smile.amazon - https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 Jesus fulfills all seven of the biblical holidays from Leviticus 23. This lesson explores the fifth holiday - the Feast ...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#13"Baseless Hatred,"Forgiveness, and Leviticus 19:18 from 2020-09-15T01:38:26

Jesus preached and demonstrated a message of forgiveness. People didn't want to hear it. Many in the first century thought they could bring about the kingdom of God through violence. It ended in wh...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#12 Parables (part 4) The Wicked Tenants part II (Mark 12:1-12) from 2020-09-11T22:11:07

#12 Parables (part 4) The Wicked Tenants part II (Mark 12:1-12) by Scott Broberg

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#11 Parables (part 3) The Wicked Tenants (Mark 12:1-12) from 2020-08-21T18:34:52

Jesus directs this complex parable at the religious leaders - the priests and the teachers of the law. This parable is a masterful weaving together of Old Testament texts (and 1st-century interpret...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#10 Footsteps Of Paul: the Book Of Acts (week 2) from 2020-08-18T02:30:05

The book of Acts tells the amazing story of how the Kingdom of God is spreading unstoppable. In this video, we look at how Luke structured the book of Acts to tell us this message.

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#9 Footsteps of Paul: Pisidian Antioch (week 1) from 2020-08-18T00:57:01

Join us as we follow Paul (Saul) out on his first missionary journey. A careful reading of the text will shed considerable context of what is happening with Paul and Barnabas.

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#8 Parables part II - Mustard Seed from 2020-07-31T00:36:47

The parable of the Mustard Seed is one of the most well known of all Jesus' parables. Unfortunately in many interpretations there seem to be a few things missing. Join us in this episode as we expl...

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#7 - Parables Part 1 from 2020-07-25T01:32:16

Understanding parables is foundational to understanding Jesus message. Join us as we walk through what a parable is and how they are used to communicate a message.

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Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
#6 - Like An Arar In The Desert from 2020-07-17T22:47:53

#6 - Like An Arar In The Desert by Scott Broberg

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