Expedition 44 is Dr. Will Ryan's Theology Video Site. Dr. Ryan is the Chair of Theology and Biblical Studies for Covenant Theological Seminary.

expedition44

Doc Ryan with Expedition 44 
Why we are not dispensational: 
 
• Dispensationalism promotes escapism which hinders discipleship in the present because the goal is to escape the earth. If Christ’s goal is to be his body on earth why would he want us to escape it and if he is the pattern and his pattern was suffering leading to victory then the dispensational interpretation is opposite of the pattern of Christ. If a true disciple looks like Jesus then we are called to endure to the end not escape, this actually builds our faith and discipleship. 
• Staunch Dispensationalists see the 7 churches as ages from the ascension up till the “GREAT TRIB” and this stunts the application of Jesus’ message to these churches because they apply them to other “ages” and cannot see the application (not written to us, but written for us). To give the benefit to Dispensationalists some do see the pastoral applications of the churches (The "things that are”). 
• Dispensationalists interpretations of the 144,000 as Jews in the “Great Trib” screws up much of the rest of the letter. If they can’t see this as what John “sees” in Rev 7 (The interpretation of 144000) as all tribes, tongues, and nations (the church) who worship the lamb and follow him wherever he goes (Rev 15) and rather see it as some end times jewish army with the church “raptured” out of the picture it can really screw up the mission of the church in following the lamb in suffering and service because that is only reserved for the end times jews (The same that are called a synagogue of Satan in Smyrna?). 
• I think a major thrust is the futurist nosterdomist misinterpretation of what prophecy Is, but we addressed this in part in our intro episode. If it’s all about predicting the future then it has no bearing on the present except to just “watch” for it. It requires not action on the part of the church.

Doc Ryan with Expedition 44
Why we are not dispensational:

• Dispensationalism promotes escapism which hinders discipleship in the present because the goal is to escape the earth. If Christ’s goal is to be his body on earth why would he want us to escape it and if he is the pattern and his pattern was suffering leading to victory then the dispensational interpretation is opposite of the pattern of Christ. If a true disciple looks like Jesus then we are called to endure to the end not escape, this actually builds our faith and discipleship. 
• Staunch Dispensationalists see the 7 churches as ages from the ascension up till the “GREAT TRIB” and this stunts the application of Jesus’ message to these churches because they apply them to other “ages” and cannot see the application (not written to us, but written for us). To give the benefit to Dispensationalists some do see the pastoral applications of the churches (The "things that are”). 
• Dispensationalists interpretations of the 144,00

Expedition 44 The Church Series PART 12 Dispensationalism Biblical Exegesis CTS Covenant Theological

X44 KINGDOM COVENANT PATRIOTISM / NATIONALISM DISCUSSION 
Dr. Will Ryan, Dr. Steve Cassell, and Pastor Matt Mouzakis 
 
1. 2 masters Remnant vs salvific instruments 
2. Rival kingdom vs reclaimed kingdom 
3. Who is fighting the Battle? 
4. American Govt as pagan or potential Christian 
5. Voting 
6. Churches involvement in government

X44 KINGDOM COVENANT PATRIOTISM / NATIONALISM DISCUSSION
Dr. Will Ryan, Dr. Steve Cassell, and Pastor Matt Mouzakis

1. 2 masters Remnant vs salvific instruments
2. Rival kingdom vs reclaimed kingdom
3. Who is fighting the Battle?
4. American Govt as pagan or potential Christian
5. Voting
6. Churches involvement in government

THE CHURCH SERIES PT 11 Nationalism with Dr. Steve Cassell - Patriotism vs the Kingdom of God

Revelation 3:14-22 
 
 
 
Background/History 
 Laodicea was named after Laodice the wife of Antiochus II, the founder of the city. 
 Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae were the 3 major cities in the Lycus valley and build among the Lycus river. 
 In the first century Laodicea was the banking capitol of Asia minor (It was the home of the millionaires) 
 Laodicea was destroyed by an earthquake in 61 AD and when offered aid to rebuild from Rome it refused because they were so rich that they were self-sufficient to do it on their own. This plays into the attitude of the church in Laodicea as well. 
Laodicea was known for 3 things besides it’s wealth: It’s black wool industry, their medical eye salve ointment, and their lukewarm water. 
 
 
Description of Jesus (v14) 
The Amen: The Faithful and True Witness 
We are used to “amen” being what we end our prayers with. In Greek it means “so be it” but in Hebrew it has connections to the covenant and promises. 
 2 Cor 1:20 says that all God’s promises find their yes and amen in Jesus. 
 
 
The “beginning” of the creation of God 
The NASB, which we read from, translates this as the “beginning of God’s creation” but this is probably not the best translation. The Greek word is arche and that is better translated as the ruler of God’s creation. This is a better connection with Amen and faithful/true witness 
 
 
Jesus’ correction to Laodicea (v15-18) 
Jesus gives no praise to this church. They are very entangled to the mindsets of the world- individualism, materialism, and the systems of Babylon. 
 
 
Neither hot nor cold 
Laodicea built aqueducts to bring the hot water to town from Hierapolis but by the time it made it to Laodicea it would be lukewarm. Laodicea built aqueducts to carry the cold water from Colossae but by the time it reached Laodicea it would have also been lukewarm. Jesus uses this fact about their water to talk about the spiritual life in Laodicea. 
To Jesus their pride and arrogance of being independent, individualistic, and having no need for Jesus (self-reliance) is the opposite of being a faithful witness. And it makes Jesus sick. He says he’ll throw them up. The point is that in being this way they are not usable for the kingdom of God. He’s rather them be hot, like the healing waters of Hierapolis, Or cold, like the refreshing waters of Colossae. But instead, they are so self-absorbed that they are of no use for the kingdom. He wants to spit them out. 
 
 
Rich, healthy, no need 
James 5:1-6; Rev 18:2-3 
 
 
Repentance (v18-20) 
Gold refined by fire 
Isaiah 55:1-5 
Revelation doesn’t describe what it means to be truly rich but the echo if Isaiah 55:1-5 gives us some clues. Verses 3-5 talk about an everlasting covenant, being a true witness, and the result is the nations coming running into the true Israel because they display the splendor and beauty of the LordToday- The job of the church is to make Christ so beautiful the world cannot resist it! Our job is simply to enthrone Christ and meet his needs and evangelism, discipleship, correct doctrine and all else will take care of itself. Let’s just behold him and explore the vastness of who Christ is… THE AMEN! 
“Buying” in revelation has to do with worship

Revelation 3:14-22



Background/History
 Laodicea was named after Laodice the wife of Antiochus II, the founder of the city. 
 Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae were the 3 major cities in the Lycus valley and build among the Lycus river. 
 In the first century Laodicea was the banking capitol of Asia minor (It was the home of the millionaires)
 Laodicea was destroyed by an earthquake in 61 AD and when offered aid to rebuild from Rome it refused because they were so rich that they were self-sufficient to do it on their own. This plays into the attitude of the church in Laodicea as well. 
Laodicea was known for 3 things besides it’s wealth: It’s black wool industry, their medical eye salve ointment, and their lukewarm water. 


Description of Jesus (v14)
The Amen: The Faithful and True Witness
We are used to “amen” being what we end our prayers with. In Greek it means “so be it” but in Hebrew it has connections to the covenant and promises. 
 2 Cor 1:20 says that all God’s promises fin

The Expedition 44 Church Series PART 10 Laodicea Revelation 3:14-22 Biblical Thbeology 7 churches

Revelation 3:7-13 
Background 
Philadelphia is 25 miles SE of Sardis in the Hermes Valley. It is the youngest of the churches in Revelation. 
Philadelphia means “brotherly love”. When King Eumenes II of Pergamum founded the city of Philadelphia he named it after his younger brother and successor Attalus Philadelphus. Attalus got the nickname Philadelphus (The one who loves his brother) because Attalus was deeply loyal to his brother to the point when the Romans offered to help Attalus overthrow his brother and give him the throne he refused. 
Philadelphia sat on top of a fault line and was affected by several major earthquakes in 17 AD. It was a city that was ruined and rebuilt many times 
 
Description of Jesus (3:7) 
Holy and True 
This is usually translated as “the words of him who is holy and true” but in Greek “holy” and “true” are each proceeded with the definite article. It should read “the words of him who is THE holy and THE true”. 
By taking these titles Jesus is reminding the church that he is one with God the Father. It’s also important as we look at the interaction of the Jews and Christians in Philadelphia. The claim of the church that Jesus is Lord and God is what is bringing them persecution. 
 
Has the Key of David 
Isaiah 22:15-24 
The theme here in Isaiah 22 is that the previous stewards will be removed, and a new “servant” will be set up who will have the keys to the kingdom, the key of David. WThere are a lot of Echoes of Christ in this passage: a servant, given authority, connection to David, at the seat of honor (right hand), over the father’s household. And the honor of the family hangs on Him (Jesus is the head of the church). 
 
Praise for Philadelphia (3:8-11) 
Philadelphia, like Smyrna, is a church that Jesus does not call to repent. Both churches are churches that suffer for Jesus’ name. both churches are facing persecution from the religious establishment (The Jews). 
 
Synagogue of Satan 
In Revelation 3:9 Jesus describes this synagogue as not real Jews but liars. Like in Smyrna “Those who say they are Jews but are not”. The true Jew is the one who in part of the family of the Messiah in Christ. Those who claim Jesus as Lord. 
 
NT Wright: “which of these two groups then, Jews or Christians, can claim to be the true Jews, bearing the torch of God’s ancient people? Here Jesus is quite clear; those who follow him, the Davidic messiah, are the true Jews. Those who deny him are forfeiting their right to this noble name.” 
 
Isaiah 45:14 
The Expectation was that the nations would flow into the Jewish nation, but Jesus reverses it and now at the end of Revelation we see the nations flowing into the New Jerusalem, the Kingdom. But Jesus puts the Jews in Philadelphia in the shoes of the pagan nations. Flips the script! He compares the Jews in Philadelphia to Shebna in Isaiah 22 who is removed from the house, and the keys of David are given to God’s servant Eliakim, a shadow of Jesus. It says the glory of his family will hang on him, it’s offspring and offshoots… His body the church 
 
Kept in the Trial 
There are exact word parallels with the words “keep” and “from” in Rev. 3:10 and John 17:15, which is the only other NT occurrence of “to keep” with “from” together: there Christ prays, “I ask not that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” Thus, Jesus denies a physical removal from tribulation and affirms a spiritual protection from the devil. 
 
Big idea of this section is there is judgement coming on the kingdoms and systems that oppose God but God will keep his family 
 
Conquer 
We conquer the way of the Lamb, not the way of Rome! The conquers will be a pillar in the temple of God and have God’s name, New Jerusalem, and Jesus’ name written on them. 
 
Pillar 
Isaiah 22 talks about the Servant and his household being a peg in a firm place. This is tied to being a pillar in the temple of God. 1 Peter 2:5, Eph 2:19-22 
Jesus says “He will not go out from it anymore” 
This is reassuring in a city that was plagued with earthquakes and destruction, that they would be something sturdy, unfaltering, and would stand strong and endure! 
 
Name of God 
The promise of the names builds on the first promise of the pillar. Names on pillars was a common practice in the 1st century. 
The writing of the names is about ownership which results in glorious freedom.

Revelation 3:7-13
Background
Philadelphia is 25 miles SE of Sardis in the Hermes Valley. It is the youngest of the churches in Revelation. 
Philadelphia means “brotherly love”. When King Eumenes II of Pergamum founded the city of Philadelphia he named it after his younger brother and successor Attalus Philadelphus.  Attalus got the nickname Philadelphus (The one who loves his brother) because Attalus was deeply loyal to his brother to the point when the Romans offered to help Attalus overthrow his brother and give him the throne he refused.
Philadelphia sat on top of a fault line and was affected by several major earthquakes in 17 AD. It was a city that was ruined and rebuilt many times 

Description of Jesus (3:7)
Holy and True
This is usually translated as “the words of him who is holy and true” but in Greek “holy” and “true” are each proceeded with the definite article. It should read “the words of him who is THE holy and THE true”. 
By taking these titles Jesus is reminding the chu

PART 9 Expedition 44 the church series 7 Churches of Revelation Philadelphia Biblical Theology

Scot McKnight joins Dr. Will Ryan and Matt to talk about the church. In this episode we discuss Scot’s book “A Church Called Tov” about resisting toxic church culture and forming a goodness (tov) culture that promotes healing in our churches. 
 
Follow Scot McKnight: 
 
A Church Called Tov 
https://www.amazon.com/Church-Called-Tov-Goodness-Promotes/dp/1496446003/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+church+called+tov+scot+mcknight&qid=1661285141&sprefix=a+church+calle%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1 
 
Blog 
https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/ 
 
Kingdom Roots Podcast: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kingdom-roots-with-scot-mcknight/id1078739516

Scot McKnight joins Dr. Will Ryan and Matt to talk about the church. In this episode we discuss Scot’s book “A Church Called Tov” about resisting toxic church culture and forming a goodness (tov) culture that promotes healing in our churches. 

Follow Scot McKnight:

A Church Called Tov
https://www.amazon.com/Church-Called-Tov-Goodness-Promotes/dp/1496446003/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+church+called+tov+scot+mcknight&qid=1661285141&sprefix=a+church+calle%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1

Blog
https://www.christianitytoday.com/scot-mcknight/

Kingdom Roots Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kingdom-roots-with-scot-mcknight/id1078739516

The church Series Part 8, Scot McKnight Interview a church called Tov x44 Biblical Theology

Dr Will Ryan Th.D. and Matt Mouzakis with Expedition 44 
Revelation 3:1-6 
 
Background 
Sardis was a fortress city. It was surrounded on 3 sides by extremely steep cliffs. As a result, it was considered to be so impenetrable that “to capture the acropolis of Sardis” became a euphemism for achieving something impossible. 
 In the 5th century BC Cyrus king of Persia caught Sardis’ army by surprise and besieged the city. Even after this the people of Sardis believed they were safe but on the 14th day of this siege a few Persian troops claimed the cliff where no man was stationed because the cliff was so steep, and they thought it to be impenetrable there. But their lack of vigilance to an area they thought needed no attention was the downfall of Sardis at this time. 
 In AD 17 an earthquake ripped apart Sardis and brought sudden destruction to the city once again. 
Just prior to John’s day Sardis was a city of wealth and security once again but Jesus and John use their history of being overtaken or sudden destruction to talk about spiritual matters in the church 
 
Description of Jesus 
Seven Spirits 
Isaiah 11:1-2, Enoch 61:11, Psalms of Solomon 17:37 
It’s about the fruit the Holy Spirit produces. The idea is that this spiritual fruit is rooted in Jesus and resembles Jesus’ life. 
Seven Stars 
The big thing about Jesus’ description that is important for Sardis to notice is that It’s spiritual in nature. Sardis is said to have an appearance of being alive on the outside but are actually dead or dying spiritually 
 
Jesus’ Correction 
Alive but dead 
Sardis had the reputation (a name) to those in the community of being alive, but Jesus says they are actually dead. They are playing church 
Col 1:9-10- Bearing fruit, growing in the knowledge of God 
 
Strengthen what remains 
Jesus tell the church to “wake up”. Which is better translated as “be watchful”, echoing the story of the defeat of Sardis we mentioned earlier where they were lax in their protection of the city. 
Sardis is similar to the Pharisees in Matt 23:25 
 
Notice also in Galatians 5:19-26 with the acts of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit- All the acts of the flesh are just external actions, and the fruit is internal and spiritual that overflow into action. 
 
Consequences 
If they do not repent Jesus is coming to them like a thief in the night 
Matt 24:36-44 
Jesus attributes this coming to being a thief in the night here as well. The message is that is Sardis doesn’t “strengthen what remains” and “be watchful” (of their spiritual state) their lamp-stand will be removed and not be counted as a faithful witness. They will be overtaken like the acropolis of Sardis was in the past. 
 
Soiled garments 
Jesus mentions that there are some that are faithful in this church. Not all are spiritually dead. They are the remnant. Soiled garments is usually a way of talking about impurity by being stained by sin or the world (Jude 22) 
“they walk with me in white, for they are worthy”- This has echoes of Eden and walking with God in the garden. 
 
Conquerors 
Jesus gives 2 rewards to the conquerors- White garments and their name not erased from the book of life 
 
White garments 
White garments are mentioned a lot in Revelation (3:18,4:4, 6:11, 7:9, 7:13, 19:14)- white represented purity. It was what the early church wore when being baptized. IN revelation it is the wardrobe of those identified with the Lamb and the kingdom of God. White garments would have meant something to those in Sardis. Sardis was known for their red garments. Someone in a white garment would have stood out from the world. 
 
Book of life 
Jesus promises salvation to his faithful followers who complete the journey. This also implies that those who do not finish faithfully can be blotted out from the book of life. 
 
The idea that you can be blotted out goes back to Exodus 32:32-33 where God tells Moses “whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.” In Psalm 69:28 David calls it the book of life praying that his enemies will be “blotted out of the book of life” and “not be numbered among the righteous”. Paul uses the term of his coworkers in the gospel “whose names are written in the book of life” (Phil 4:3). 
 
In the first century many cities, including Sardis, had an official register that listed the names of the citizens. If a citizen was condemned for a crime the city authorities would first blot out the name from the book (removing their citizenship) so that the death sentence could be fulfilled without damaging the city’s reputation. 
 
 If the Christians in Sardis follow Jesus advice and wake up spiritually they may experience some persecution, they might lose their citizenship in Sardis as a result, but they will not lose their eternal citizenship in God’s kingdom.

Dr Will Ryan Th.D. and Matt Mouzakis with Expedition 44
Revelation 3:1-6

Background
Sardis was a fortress city. It was surrounded on 3 sides by extremely steep cliffs. As a result, it was considered to be so impenetrable that “to capture the acropolis of Sardis” became a euphemism for achieving something impossible.
 In the 5th century BC Cyrus king of Persia caught Sardis’ army by surprise and besieged the city. Even after this the people of Sardis believed they were safe but on the 14th day of this siege a few Persian troops claimed the cliff where no man was stationed because the cliff was so steep, and they thought it to be impenetrable there. But their lack of vigilance to an area they thought needed no attention was the downfall of Sardis at this time. 
 In AD 17 an earthquake ripped apart Sardis and brought sudden destruction to the city once again.
Just prior to John’s day Sardis was a city of wealth and security once again but Jesus and John use their history of being overtak

The church Series Part 7, Letters to the Church: SARDIS Revelation 3:1-6 x44 Biblical Theology

Doc Ryan and Matt Mouzakis with Expedition 44 
 
Background 
• In the ancient world Thyatira was not very important like Ephesus or Pergamum. 
• It was founded as a military outpost to protect the governmental seat of Asia in Pergamum. 
• It did become a bit of a trade city because many people traveled through it. 
• It was known for its trade guilds (It was a blue-collar city) such as wool and linen workers. It became known for its purple dye (Lydia in Acts 16 was in this line of work). 
• There were also a lot of metal and bronze workers in the area. 
• At this time in history, trade guilds functioned similarly to modern unions. Yet, each trade guild had a patron deity and to be part of the guild meant that you needed to worship that deity, attend the guild worship festivals, and this would have been a major problem for Christians. 
 
Faithful witness- What do we learn from Thyatira about what it means to be a faithful witness? 
• Balance of Love and Doctrine/Theology: Thyatira did love well (unlike Ephesus) but they got into the ditch. They neglected doctrine and theology. This shows the importance of being studied and having discernment in order to refute false teachings, but in love. How are we doing in the American Church? 
 
• Spirit of Jezebel: Is the mindset of the world/Ba’al/Satan creeping into the church? Immorality, power-over systems, self-seeking motives? 
 
• What does ruling look like? Do we want to rule like Jesus or Rome? Jesus is calling the church to be servants, to be shepherds and not to Lord over. The church needs to get back to “washing feet” rather than grasping for political and top down power.

Doc Ryan and Matt Mouzakis with Expedition 44

Background
• In the ancient world Thyatira was not very important like Ephesus or Pergamum. 
• It was founded as a military outpost to protect the governmental seat of Asia in Pergamum. 
• It did become a bit of a trade city because many people traveled through it. 
• It was known for its trade guilds (It was a blue-collar city) such as wool and linen workers. It became known for its purple dye (Lydia in Acts 16 was in this line of work). 
• There were also a lot of metal and bronze workers in the area. 
• At this time in history, trade guilds functioned similarly to modern unions. Yet, each trade guild had a patron deity and to be part of the guild meant that you needed to worship that deity, attend the guild worship festivals, and this would have been a major problem for Christians. 

Faithful witness- What do we learn from Thyatira about what it means to be a faithful witness? 
• Balance of Love and Doctrine/Theology: Thyatira did love 

The church Series Part 6, Letters to the Church: Thyatira Revelation 2:18-29 x44 Biblical Theology

Revelation book recommendations 
 
 
The Sermons to the Seven Churches in Revelation (Jeffery A.D. Weima) 
Understanding the Seven Churches of Revelation (Dr. Jonathan Welton) 
Unholy Allegiances (David deSilva) 
Apocalypse and Allegiance (J. Nelson Kraybill) 
The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia (Colin J. Hemer) 
Revelation (Interpretation Commentary Series) (Eugene Boring) 
A Slaughtered Lamb (Gregory Stevenson) 
Reading Revelation Responsibly (Michael J. Gorman) 
The Triumph of the Lamb (Dennis E. Johnson) 
Revelation (G.K. Beale)

Revelation book recommendations


The Sermons to the Seven Churches in Revelation (Jeffery A.D. Weima)
Understanding the Seven Churches of Revelation (Dr. Jonathan Welton)
Unholy Allegiances (David deSilva)
Apocalypse and Allegiance (J. Nelson Kraybill)
The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia (Colin J. Hemer)
Revelation (Interpretation Commentary Series) (Eugene Boring)
A Slaughtered Lamb (Gregory Stevenson)
Reading Revelation Responsibly (Michael J. Gorman)
The Triumph of the Lamb (Dennis E. Johnson)
Revelation (G.K. Beale)

PART 5: The church series Books on Revelation Review Recommendations EXPEDITION 44 Biblical Theology

Background 
• Pergamum was the seat for the Roman Governor for the region. So, if Ephesus was like New York (Financial and commerce center), Pergamum would be like Washington DC (governing and legal center). 
• They had the 2nd largest library at the time (Alexandria had the largest) 
• In 29 AD Pergamum was the very first city to erect a temple to a Caesar (Augustus) 
• Those in Pergamum also worshipped the god Asclepius, who was a healing God in the form of a serpent. They also were the center for medical practice. This God’s temple had a medical spa connected to it and a 3500-seat amphitheater for musical therapy. 
o Asclepius was given the title Soter (savior)for his “healing power”. This would have put early Christians at odds with this cult claiming Jesus was the healer and savior. 
• On the highest peak of the hillside around Pergamum was the temple to Zeus. It had a huge altar that looked like a throne. Smoke would rise day and night from the temple from the sacrifices being made. 
• On another hilltop near Zeus’ temple was Athena’s temple the goddess of victory. 
• As well there was a massive temple to the god Serapis who was also a god of healing. Today this temple is known as Red Basilica. It contained a massive 30-foot statue that the priest could make “talk” by entering the base and speaking through a pipe. 
 
NT Wright describes the impact this environment might have had on the church in Pergamum: 
“Many local inhabitants in the first century must have been proud of all of this. But for the little Christian community it represented a threat- and a threat with which, it seemed, the Christians were not coping particularly well.” 
 
All of these temples, smoke, talking idols, altars and more must have seemed overwhelming and intimidating to the believers here. It’s no wonder Jesus describes Pergamum as the place where Satan dwells. Not only was it the governing center for the imperial cult but also a major center for false worship and some of the Christians are struggling to maintain a faithful witness in this culture. 
 
Description of Jesus (v12) 
 
Antipas the Faithful Witness (V13) 
 
Balaam/Nicolaitans (v14, 15) 
 
Call to Repent (v16) 
 
Reward: Hidden manna and New name (v17) 
 
Conclusions: How to apply this to the Church today

Background
• Pergamum was the seat for the Roman Governor for the region. So, if Ephesus was like New York (Financial and commerce center), Pergamum would be like Washington DC (governing and legal center). 
• They had the 2nd largest library at the time (Alexandria had the largest)
• In 29 AD Pergamum was the very first city to erect a temple to a Caesar (Augustus)
• Those in Pergamum also worshipped the god Asclepius, who was a healing God in the form of a serpent. They also were the center for medical practice. This God’s temple had a medical spa connected to it and a 3500-seat amphitheater for musical therapy.
o  Asclepius was given the title Soter (savior)for his “healing power”. This would have put early Christians at odds with this cult claiming Jesus was the healer and savior. 
• On the highest peak of the hillside around Pergamum was the temple to Zeus. It had a huge altar that looked like a throne. Smoke would rise day and night from the temple from the sacrifices being made.

PART 4: Letters to the Church: Pergamum EXPEDITION 44 THE CHURCH SERIES

Smyrna 
Revelation 2:8-11 
 
Background 
• Smyrna was one of the most prosperous cities in Asia Minor in the 1st Century 
• 195 bc Smyrna built a temple to Roma 
 
Remember the big idea is faithful witness! 
• Smyrna is 1 of 2 of these churches that gets praised and not correction in Revelation. 
 
Jesus’ description (v8) 
 
Poverty and Riches (v9a) 
• No health and wealth gospel is being preached to the church in Smyrna 
• Some have argued that ptocheia (poverty) is a very strong word for this concept meaning they had literally nothing 
 
Who is the true Jew? (v9b) 
• Michael Gorman sums this up in READING REVELATION RESPONSIBLY: 
o It is likely that some Jews have betrayed their own identity as God’s people (from John’s perspective) by colluding with those possessing economic power (perhaps officials in the trade guilds, the networks of tradespeople similar to modern unions, or in the temples that served also as banks) and/or Roman political officials in persecuting the Smyrnaean church. The economic impact and the potential for legal action have apparently not led any in the church to accommodate. The challenge is to remain fearless and faithful—to trust and obey. 
 
Do not fear/Tribulation for 10 days/ Be faithful unto death (v10) 
o Gregory Stevenson- A Slaughtered Lamb, Pg. 118-19: 
 In imitation of their Lord, the church in Smyrna is called upon to maintain their faithful witness, even if such witness leads to their deaths because the victory of Christ is achieved through a witness that does not faulter or fade even in the most extreme circumstances. Yet, He assures them, if they share in this part of Christ’s pattern, they will also share in the remainder of that pattern- Christ’s glorified resurrection (The crown of life)… the seven letters transform the concept of victory. If Christ sets the pattern, then our understanding of victory must conform to Christ’s own victory. Christ’s own victory achieved on a cross was not a victory over his Roman oppressors or Jewish enemies, but over the Power of Satan. 
 
Conquers (v11) 
Polycarp

Smyrna
Revelation 2:8-11
 
Background
• Smyrna was one of the most prosperous cities in Asia Minor in the 1st Century 
• 195 bc Smyrna built a temple to Roma 

Remember the big idea is faithful witness!
• Smyrna is 1 of 2 of these churches that gets praised and not correction in Revelation. 

Jesus’ description (v8)

Poverty and Riches (v9a)
• No health and wealth gospel is being preached to the church in Smyrna
• Some have argued that ptocheia (poverty) is a very strong word for this concept meaning they had literally nothing

Who is the true Jew? (v9b)
• Michael Gorman sums this up in READING REVELATION RESPONSIBLY:
o It is likely that some Jews have betrayed their own identity as God’s people (from John’s perspective) by colluding with those possessing economic power (perhaps officials in the trade guilds, the networks of tradespeople similar to modern unions, or in the temples that served also as banks) and/or Roman political officials in persecuting the Smyrnaean church. The econo

The church series PT 3 SMYRNA (the 7 churches of Revelation) Biblical Theology Revelation 2:8-11

The Church Untangled: Expedition 44 Interview with Keith Giles Jesus untangled Biblical Theology

Faithful Witnessing is actually the big idea in revelation 
Revelation 1:4-6 
 
Revelation 2:1-7 
It is interesting that much of our New Testament was written to the church in Ephesus: Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy, 1-3 John, and Revelation. Also, the Gospel of John was likely written by John when he was in Ephesus. We know that Paul and Timothy also ministered in this church. 
 
Ephesus was the home to many major temples. The patron God of Ephesus was Artemis who was the goddess of food and fertility/childbirth 
 
Ephesus was also the hub of the imperial cult in Asia minor with a temple to the Caesars and worship of the empire. Ephesus was a center of patriotism. 
 
Ephesus was also the center of commerce of the entire world. 
 
Jesus is described in 2 ways… Power and Presence 
· Jesus is described as the one who holds the 7 stars. “Holding” was a symbol of power in the Roman world. 
· Jesus is depicted as the one that walks among the lampstands. It says he knows what they do… He is present! 
o The churches are described as lampstands here. This is temple imagery. In the Temple the lampstand was a menorah with 7 candles, representing these 7 churches. 
o the role of the lampstand in the temple was to shine light on the table of showbread. Jesus is the bread of life! 
o Our purpose as the church is to shine our light on Jesus, who is our life! 
 
Praise for Ephesus 
 
Jesus knows their hard work 
Ephesus had discernment and good doctrine 
They endured hardships for Jesus’ name 
They hated the practices of the Nicolatians 
 
Forsaken Love 
In verse 4 Jesus has something against them… They had forsaken the love they had at first. 
• There are 2 ways this can be translated- “Left your first love” (Jesus) or “left the love you had at first” (love for others) 
• The second view, but it connects to the first view too. As we see in 1 John shortly 
• Ephesus obviously loved Jesus they obeyed his commands to be in the truth and worked hard for his name but were likely hardened in their love for each other because they had spent so much energy on standing up to the culture and for pure doctrine. These are good things, but Ephesus neglected the greatest thing. 
 
Remember, Repent, Do 
The book of Ephesians if the earliest letter we have written to this church in the Bible and it’s interesting that it’s Paul’s only letter to a church that isn’t in crisis. The only command in the first 4 chapters of the book of Ephesians is to “remember” (Eph 2:11) . The letter to Ephesians is all about what Christ has done in love for the church and how that should motivate them in love for each other. 
 
“Conquering” 
Jesus redefines Roman conquering in Revelation 5 as he conquers as a slaughtered lamb. Winning in God’s kingdom often looks like losing in the eyes of the world. 
 
Conclusions: 
· This is a church that was reactive and defensive towards the outside, rather than living the love of Jesus inside the church 
· Without love for the body, we won’t be counted as a faithful witness. Jesus tell his disciples that the world would know they are disciples by their love for EACH OTHER, not by pure doctrine or good works done in his name.

Faithful Witnessing is actually the big idea in revelation
Revelation 1:4-6

Revelation 2:1-7
It is interesting that much of our New Testament was written to the church in Ephesus: Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy, 1-3 John, and Revelation. Also, the Gospel of John was likely written by John when he was in Ephesus. We know that Paul and Timothy also ministered in this church. 

Ephesus was the home to many major temples. The patron God of Ephesus was Artemis who was the goddess of food and fertility/childbirth 

Ephesus was also the hub of the imperial cult in Asia minor with a temple to the Caesars and worship of the empire. Ephesus was a center of patriotism. 

Ephesus was also the center of commerce of the entire world. 

Jesus is described in 2 ways… Power and Presence
·      Jesus is described as the one who holds the 7 stars. “Holding” was a symbol of power in the Roman world.
·      Jesus is depicted as the one that walks among the lampstands. It says he knows what they do… He is pres

THE CHURCH SERIES PT2 Revelation Letters to the Church: Ephesus Biblical Theology

https://expedition44.com/2022/07/11/the-church-series-pt1-introduction/ 
 
Before you start this, you might want to watch Pastor Matts sermon here: (message starts at 42:30) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbWOkU9vrXg 
 
We have spent our lives trying to be good Christians that “go to church”. However, you would be hard pressed to find anything that looks like modern day American church anywhere in the pages of the Bible. It might even surprise you to know that the word “church” isn’t in the Bible. We have created the traditional concept of what we call church. In this series we’ll be looking at whether the text of scripture affirms the western form of church and what might a better way be? 
 
We are happy to support anything that seeks after God but what we do here on x44 is look at what is biblical and Jesus’ ideals and then try to align our lives with that. 
 
Ekklesia 
The reason the word ekklēsía is (rightly) used is because it meant “the called-out ones.” It is an invitation, particularly focused on God’s provision of salvation (which in Hebrew is better described as an exodus or rescue). To be part of the body that was summoned and invited by the sovereign God for the purpose of rescue from immediate danger. 
 
Revelation 
The reason we want to start our series with revelation is that it’s about 7 churches living in the midst of empire (Roman) and the religious (Jewish) world as called out ones. It gives some practical things to watch out for in the churches and also things we need to strive for to be a healthy church body. Revelation is a prophecy, apocalypse, and a “pastoral” letter to 7 actual churches in Asia Minor 
 
Format 
· Jesus is displayed with an attribute that applied to the Church’s issue 
· Jesus gives praise to the churches (most the churches- Sardis and Laodicea don’t get praises) 
· Jesus gives a correction (Most churches- Smyrna and Philadelphia do not get corrected) 
· A reward to those who “conquer” 
· Jesus concludes with “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” 
 
 
How did we get here? 
Like most things the church became institutionalized by merging with the world. In the 5th century Christianity became the national religion of the Roman empire under Constantine. This led to a lot of problems. 
professional clergy 
Clergy/Laity hierarchy 
Buildings 
Handcuffing of the gifts in the body 
Institutional mindset 
 
Back to the Start 
The 2 major metaphors for the church in the Bible are the body and the family. This explains why the word adelphoi, translated “brethren,” appears 346 times in the New Testament. It appears 134 times in Paul’s epistles all the Christians in a local assembly. In most places, this word is Paul’s shorthand way of referring to all the believers in the church—both women and men. By contrast, the 
word “elders” appears only five times in Paul’s letters. “Overseers” appears only four times. And “pastors” appears only once. (346 to 10) 
 
The stress of the New Testament, then, is upon corporate responsibility. It’s the believing community that is called to carry out pastoral functions. 
 
The big idea is that the church is not an institution … it’s an organism (it’s organic)! 
 
Throughout this series we’re going to be looking at what could be a better picture of the church. Invested in relationships rather than rituals, being a living organism rather than an institution, having all the giftings of Christ on display rather than a few gifts by a few people, making disciples rather than converts.

https://expedition44.com/2022/07/11/the-church-series-pt1-introduction/

Before you start this, you might want to watch Pastor Matts sermon here: (message starts at 42:30) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbWOkU9vrXg

We have spent our lives trying to be good Christians that “go to church”. However, you would be hard pressed to find anything that looks like modern day American church anywhere in the pages of the Bible. It might even surprise you to know that the word “church” isn’t in the Bible. We have created the traditional concept of what we call church. In this series we’ll be looking at whether the text of scripture affirms the western form of church and what might a better way be?

We are happy to support anything that seeks after God but what we do here on x44 is look at what is biblical and Jesus’ ideals and then try to align our lives with that. 

Ekklesia
The reason the word ekklēsía is (rightly) used is because it meant “the called-out ones.”  It is an invitation, particula

Expedition 44 THE CHURCH SERIES - Part 1 Introduction to the Biblical Church - Theology

Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Leak 
• Molech is the act of sacrificing babies 
• or the god himself 
History is filled with barbaric cultures - ancient Canaanites 
The Bible mentions Molech about ten times. Here are a couple of them. 
“Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel who sacrifices any of his children to Molech is to be put to death. The members of the community are to stone him.” — Leviticus 20:2 
“They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded — nor did it enter my mind — that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin.” — Jeremiah 32:35 
THE PROBLEM OF EVIL: “why does God allow all this evil to happen in the world?” and “Why does he not put a stop to it?” 
Canaanites: God was patient for 400 years and then decides it’s judgment day. It is one of the times in history that God actually does choose to NOT allow the evil that pervades in the world and utterly decimate it. 
ARCHETYPE OF EVIL The Canaanites were particularly Evil. 
Genesis 19 Sodom and Gomorrah would be rebuilt 
In (Deuteronomy 9:4–5) God did not decide to command the Israelites to destroy all the inhabitants of Canaan simply because 
He promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit that land 
He commanded them to do it because the Canaanites were utterly wicked and evil people. 
If you’re connecting the dots… the ugliest most horrific thing in Genesis is the nation of Canaan. Why are they horrific? Because they sacrifice babies. Because of this, God sought to wipe them out. Israel was meant to purify and bring peace to the nations yet failed, we as Christians of the New Covenant are now called to the same commission. Have American Christians utterly failed? 
 
A God of Genocide? Total annihilation? 
The Bible uses a lot of figurative language and so do we. 
God is Grace love and mercy and even though we don’t have all the answers of an event that took place 4-5000 years ago we can trust the nature of God to be complete and holy and acting for the good of humanity, His treasured possessions. 
In Exodus 21:22-25 If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely, but there is no serious injury, court for a monetary fine 
But if there is a serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. 
 
Luke 1:41-44 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb. 
baby (Greek, brephos). 
children outside the womb (Lk. 18:15). 
Where do we go from here? Well first, everyone I know is a sinner, but some worse than others! (That’s another post on the problems of thew Calvinistic doctrine of total depravity though). 
We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s grace. 
We need the continued transformation to be more like Jesus each and every day. 
Luckily, the Lord’s arms are always open and outstretched to return to Him for healing. 
So, if you have made poor decisions, then you should seek to reconcile them before the Lord. Your already forgiven for them but sometimes there is some continued work to be done that comes with real healing. 
 
• Unfortunately, many Christians forget what the Love of Jesus looks like. 
• They represent hate, hostility, and animosity more than they represent the love of Jesus. 
• Jesus makes it clear that judgment and life in the kingdom are antithetical to one another. 
• Jesus came to free us from judgment and to restore our capacity to love the way God loves. 
 
You can change the culture. 
 You can be the advocate that brings the Lord. 
 You can be the ambassador that brings life. 
You can be agent of healing. 
You can lead Jesus to the world and the world to Jesus. 
And you’re not alone. Together as a royal nation, a kingdom set apart we are called in Jesus in one accord to first bring life to ourselves and our families and then to the world. The Refining fire of the unity of believers modeling the love grace and mercy of Jesus.

Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Leak 
• Molech is the act of sacrificing babies 
• or the god himself
History is filled with barbaric cultures - ancient Canaanites
The Bible mentions Molech about ten times. Here are a couple of them.
“Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel who sacrifices any of his children to Molech is to be put to death. The members of the community are to stone him.” — Leviticus 20:2
“They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded — nor did it enter my mind — that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin.” — Jeremiah 32:35
THE PROBLEM OF EVIL:  “why does God allow all this evil to happen in the world?” and “Why does he not put a stop to it?”
Canaanites: God was patient for 400 years and then decides it’s judgment day. It is one of the times in history that God actually does choose to NOT allow the evil that pervades in the world and utterly decimate it.
AR

ROE V WADE Leak Abortion Molech What does the Bible say? Jesus says love don't judge.

The apostasia is not the rapture. 
 
2 Thessalonians 2:1 would actually refer to that, if indeed there is a rapture. It depends how you read verses 1 and 2. 
 
“coming of the Lord Jesus Christ” 
 
WHAT IS APOSTACY? apostasia 
Possibilities: defiance, rebellion, abandonment, a breach of faith, or a betrayal. 
 
It’s either rebellion against normal civil order (This is the view shared in our Eschatology Man of lawlessness video) WATCH VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/JXmIynCa90Q 
 
or it’s rebellion more specifically against God and God’s truth. Which is the position this video takes.

The apostasia is not the rapture. 

2 Thessalonians 2:1 would actually refer to that, if indeed there is a rapture. It depends how you read verses 1 and 2. 

“coming of the Lord Jesus Christ”

WHAT IS APOSTACY? apostasia 
Possibilities: defiance, rebellion, abandonment, a breach of faith, or a betrayal. 

It’s either rebellion against normal civil order (This is the view shared in our Eschatology Man of lawlessness video) WATCH VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/JXmIynCa90Q

or it’s rebellion more specifically against God and God’s truth. Which is the position this video takes.

End Times Eschatology apostasia Apostacy 2 Thessalonians man of lawlessness antichrist Expedition 44

If I were a complementarian… CTS Defend what you don’t believe. 
The truth is, whether you consider yourself a complementarian or egalitarian, in many ways if you simply follow scripture, both perspectives are going to have similar looking end results. Some might even say it is a matter of semantics particularly in regard to marriage. 
The church has the distinct difference of whether or not women are viewed as able to “lead” in positions of authority within the church. 
Philosophical Debate – exegesis can go either way 
DEFINITIONS: 
• Both sides agree that gender is ordained by God, women and men have equal value, and abuse in any relationship is a sin. 
 
• Complementarians believe men and women complement each other in their giftings and roles but see men to be given a servant leader position by God to lead their family and church as the Head. 
 
• Egalitarians believe women and men have equal authority in the church and marriage and would encourage interchangeable roles according to gifting 
 
 
1. Men have led for all of History, Maybe that has something to do with Biblical design. 
- America has become Egalitarian but not so much the rest of the world 
2. Men and women are created differently. There are differences that aren’t simply anatomy 
- Women and men seem to be think differently PINK - BLUE 
3. Adam was made first Genesis 1:26-28 
- Equal as image bearers 
- Eve was an afterthought 
- Story would have been written differently and better had God intended on true role equality 
- He names eve which is the same thing he did with every other animal God gives him dominance over 
4. Throughout the Bible the vast majority of Biblical leaders are men. 
- Mariam, Deborah, Huldah, Mary Magdalene, Percilla, Phoebe, and Junia 
- Why weren’t there Levitical priests that were women? (God’s ideal) 
- Why weren’t there women disciples, Jesus wasn’t afraid to offend or break cultural norms 
 
5. The Pauline Epistles (I Corinthians 11:2-16, 14:33b-35, Colossians 3:18-19, Ephesians 5:21-33, I Timothy 2:9-15 and possibly I Peter 3:1-7) all seem to plainly read that Men should and do, naturally lead the church. 
 
- Or - Paul was simply an Egalitarian, but that was simply Paul 
 
6. Marriage seems to have a head. When I read Ephesians 5 in English and Greek, I get the sense that the responsibilities of a man and women in marriage are unique to gender and different. 
- It goes back to the way the text is written again. If the author was really trying to write that everyone is equal why talk about each one separately? Why not just use the term “husbands and wives” each and every time? It would be much better written that way if that was the intent. 
- For example, Paul nowhere says, “husbands, submit to your wives, as the church submits its (wife?), Christ.” The text doesn’t seem to read both directions. 
 
We shouldn’t make major doctrines based on minor dynamics of the text. 
7. Jesus often set the Biblical record straight and doesn’t come right out and preach an egalitarian view. If Jesus meant to communicate that theory He would have made it known.

If I were a complementarian… CTS Defend what you don’t believe.
The truth is, whether you consider yourself a complementarian or egalitarian, in many ways if you simply follow scripture, both perspectives are going to have similar looking end results. Some might even say it is a matter of semantics particularly in regard to marriage. 
The church has the distinct difference of whether or not women are viewed as able to “lead” in positions of authority within the church.
Philosophical Debate – exegesis can go either way
DEFINITIONS:
• Both sides agree that gender is ordained by God, women and men have equal value, and abuse in any relationship is a sin. 

• Complementarians believe men and women complement each other in their giftings and roles but see men to be given a servant leader position by God to lead their family and church as the Head. 

• Egalitarians believe women and men have equal authority in the church and marriage and would encourage interchangeable roles according to gif

Expedition 44 Biblical Theology - If I were a complementarian - The best philosophical defense

X44: 7 Reasons we are Egalitarian 
 
 
Will Ryan Th.D. & Pastor Matt Mouzakis 
 
 
1. Creation teaches mutuality 
• Men and Women each created in the image of God 
• “rib” vs. side/half 
• Ezer- helper= Savior 
• If you get creation wrong, you get it all wrong- Paul and etc. 
 
 
2. Men ruling over women is a result of the fall and desecration of the world 
• If Jesus’ death and resurrection reverses the effects of the “fall” it disproves complementarian roles 
 
 
3. The idea of gender “roles” is not biblical. “Giftings” is a more biblical approach. 
• The Spirit always gives gifts indiscriminately 
• God doesn’t show partiality. 
 
 
4. Authority (rulership) and hierarchy are antithetical to the Kingdom of God. 
• Throughout the Bible we see many instances of God’s ideal that that no person have rulership over another, but rather that we rule mutually 
• We obey God alone, we submit to each other out of reverence for Christ, our King 
• When Paul used head in Col 3 and Eph 5 it’s talking about the thing on top of your shoulders and not authority. Preeminence. 
• Considering marriage in 1 Cor 7 everything is applied mutually 
 
 
5. 1 Tim 2 and 1 Cor 14 were dealing with specific issues, in a specific church, at a specific time. These passages do not prohibit women from speaking, teaching, or leading today. 
• These passages are descriptive and not prescriptive. 
• The command in 1 Tim 2 is for the woman to learn (This is exciting for the women!) 
• Women being commanded to be silent in 1 Cor 14 must be reconciled with all the other instances of women praying and prophesying in 1 Cor 11, 12, and 14 in the same letter. 
6. The Bible teaches a priesthood of all believers (not just men) 
• Adam and Eve were the original priesthood 
• 1 Tim 3 and Titus 2 use neuter (masc/fem) pronouns when referring to the giftings and character of the elders and deacons. (I counted 11 he/his pronouns in the NIV and ESV that aren’t in the text) 
• There’s lots of evidence of women leading and exercising their mutual priesthood in the Bible… Here’s a few: 
o Mariam (led Israel with Moses) 
o Deborah (Led as a judge) 
o Huldah (Prophet who explained the law) 
o Mary Magdalene (first to preach the resurrection) 
o Percilla (discipler/teacher) 
o Phoebe (deacon, house church leader, Roman’s letter carrier/reader) 
o Junia (apostle/church planter) 
• Unity and mutuality … All are one in Christ! 
 
 
7. Biblical Theology and the entire lens of scripture point to God’s ideal of mutuality 
• We need to view the bible not as a flat text but as a narrative 
• The Bible begins and ends with a picture that looks like Eden 
• We see the early church in the Bible living out this ethic of the age to come in the present because it has broken in with the resurrection of Jesus

X44: 7 Reasons we are Egalitarian


Will Ryan Th.D. & Pastor Matt Mouzakis


1. Creation teaches mutuality
• Men and Women each created in the image of God
• “rib” vs. side/half
• Ezer- helper= Savior
• If you get creation wrong, you get it all wrong- Paul and etc. 


2. Men ruling over women is a result of the fall and desecration of the world
• If Jesus’ death and resurrection reverses the effects of the “fall” it disproves complementarian roles


3. The idea of gender “roles” is not biblical. “Giftings” is a more biblical approach. 
• The Spirit always gives gifts indiscriminately 
• God doesn’t show partiality. 


4. Authority (rulership) and hierarchy are antithetical to the Kingdom of God. 
• Throughout the Bible we see many instances of God’s ideal that that no person have rulership over another, but rather that we rule mutually 
• We obey God alone, we submit to each other out of reverence for Christ, our King
• When Paul used head in Col 3 and Eph 5 it’s talking about the thin

7 Reasons why we are Biblical Egalitarians Expedition 44 Theology

Doc Ryan with Expedition 44 
Follow this link to a more in depth discussion: 
 
https://expedition44.com/2022/04/17/happy-easter-youre-a-few-days-early/ 
 
Easter is a pagan Festival imported into the Christian church. 
4th Century, but the pagan festival or Holiday itself dates back to before the Baylonians. 
“Easter” is derived from Eastre, or Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon Goddess of spring and dawn. 
There also is some historical connection existing between the words “Easter” and “East,” where the sun rises. 
The festival of Eostre was celebrated on the day of the Vernal Equinox (spring). Traditions associated with the festival of the Teutonic fertility Goddess survive in the Easter rabbit and colored eggs. 
 
The rites connected with the death and resurrection of the gods Tammuz, Osiris, and Adonis are the Forerunners of the “Christian” Easter; they are the first East services. 
  
Ezekiel 8:13-16 
 
Easter is Pagan. Calling is Christian doesn’t make it Christian, in fact that is part of the real problem; wanting to still be of the world but take on the title “Christian” didn’t work for in the gospels and it still doesn’t work today. 
One of my favorite things about Christ’s death and resurrection is that it follows God’s calendar. It doesn’t work to simply declare another day! 
If you’re celebrating the resurrection on Easter, it means that you have decided mans way is better than God’s and your technically worshipping the wrong god! Let that sink in!

Doc Ryan with Expedition 44
Follow this link to a more in depth discussion:

https://expedition44.com/2022/04/17/happy-easter-youre-a-few-days-early/

Easter is a pagan Festival imported into the Christian church. 
4th Century, but the pagan festival or Holiday itself dates back to before the Baylonians.  
“Easter” is derived from Eastre, or Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon Goddess of spring and dawn. 
There also is some historical connection existing between the words “Easter” and “East,” where the sun rises. 
The festival of Eostre was celebrated on the day of the Vernal Equinox (spring). Traditions associated with the festival of the Teutonic fertility Goddess survive in the Easter rabbit and colored eggs.

The rites connected with the death and resurrection of the gods Tammuz, Osiris, and Adonis are the Forerunners of the “Christian” Easter; they are the first East services.
 
Ezekiel 8:13-16

Easter is Pagan. Calling is Christian doesn’t make it Christian, in fact that is part of the real 

Should Christians celebrate Pagan Easter? Resurrection Day God's Calendar and idolatry

Dr. Will Ryan of Covenant Theological Seminary takes you on a Journey to explore why He holds to a pre-adamite Biblical theology view 
 
1. Were Adam and Eve the first Human Beings 
2. Were Adam and Eve real people or just a typological example 
3. What about Science 
4. How should we best interpret the story of Adam and Eve? 
 
MY BASIC PREMISE: 
1. I believe God created Adam and Eve by His direct hand and in His image and that they were actual people but also serve as a typology, they were the first priests in the line of the Messiah but likely not the first people on earth. 
2. God inaugurated creation in 7 days as a cosmic temple 
3. The focus of Genesis 1-3 is God’s relationship with humankind and not necessary the details of building the creation. The Bible therefore becomes the love story of God reclaiming the treasured possession of humanity that was lost. (house vs home story) 
4. Genesis 1-3 (specifically) should be read in light of its intended audience (Ancient Near East Mesopotamian) Israelite culture. 
 
We mostly struggle with the concept of Adam and Eve and ancient things because we think in terms of western cosmology and Platonic logic. 
We don’t think like the ANE authors of Genesis did. 
We want to read the Bible like a history or science book and that simply isn’t what the Bible is or how it was intended to be read. 
The Bible describes the earth as sitting above deep waters with spheres connecting the heavens. 
Does this make the stories mythology? 
 In most cases God meets people and even allows them to be part of the story. 
 Sometimes that means borrowed words, and ideas become part of the story and we find that God in his mercy goes along with a lot of man’s ways. 
The nature of God and his mission to reclaim what was lost reads a whole lot more like a love story that isn’t overly concerned with painting any other pictures. 
To get the whole story we have to find our place in the culture. 
Our goal should be to understand the story as it was given to the intended audience and figure out how we are impacted and fit in. 
What does God desire of you based on the story we are given? 
As you explore the possibilities, I pray that you will find you are also falling in love with the Word and the Word is Jesus. 
This is the pre-emanate calling of the New Testament, to grow deeper in intimacy with Jesus and lead others to also embark on that beautiful journey. 
 
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you. -Dr. Will Ryan

Dr. Will Ryan of Covenant Theological Seminary takes you on a Journey to explore why He holds to a pre-adamite Biblical theology view 

1. Were Adam and Eve the first Human Beings
2. Were Adam and Eve real people or just a typological example
3. What about Science
4. How should we best interpret the story of Adam and Eve?

MY BASIC PREMISE:
1. I believe God created Adam and Eve by His direct hand and in His image and that they were actual people but also serve as a typology, they were the first priests in the line of the Messiah but likely not the first people on earth.
2. God inaugurated creation in 7 days as a cosmic temple
3. The focus of Genesis 1-3 is God’s relationship with humankind and not necessary the details of building the creation. The Bible therefore becomes the love story of God reclaiming the treasured possession of humanity that was lost. (house vs home story)
4. Genesis 1-3 (specifically) should be read in light of its intended audience (Ancient Near East Mesopotamian

Expedition 44 Genesis 1-2 Adam and Eve YEC Day Age Theistic Evolution Creationism Biblical Theology

In this episode we had a conversation with Nick Quient about some biblical texts on marriage from and Egalitarian position. 
 
Nick Quient is a PhD candidate in New Testament at Ridley College in Melbourne, AU. He also earned an MA in New Testament from Fuller Theological Seminary and a BA from Biola University. He has published in the Canadian-American Theological Review, Priscilla Papers, and the Evangelical Review of Theology and is the author of “The Perfection of Our Faithful Wills” (Wipf & Stock, 2019). He is an ordained Baptist pastor and resides in Southern California. 
 
NIck’s YouTube and Podcast: 
 
The New Testament Theologist: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQsupQJMc69c_TmiUlP05PA 
 
The Split Frame of Reference Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-split-frame-of-reference-podcast/id1176375687

In this episode we had a conversation with Nick Quient about some biblical texts on marriage from and Egalitarian position. 

Nick Quient is a PhD candidate in New Testament at Ridley College in Melbourne, AU. He also earned an MA in New Testament from Fuller Theological Seminary and a BA from Biola University. He has published in the Canadian-American Theological Review, Priscilla Papers, and the Evangelical Review of Theology and is the author of “The Perfection of Our Faithful Wills” (Wipf & Stock, 2019). He is an ordained Baptist pastor and resides in Southern California. 

NIck’s YouTube and Podcast:

The New Testament Theologist: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQsupQJMc69c_TmiUlP05PA

The Split Frame of Reference Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-split-frame-of-reference-podcast/id1176375687

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