What’s the deal with Revelation? It’s got beasts, thrones, dragons, and a lot of confusion—but is it really about the "end of the world"?

In this episode of our series 'Apocalypse Now?', we kick off our deep dive into the Book of Revelation, exploring its authorship, historical context, and key themes. We’ll uncover how this ancient apocalyptic text isn’t just about mysterious visions and future predictions, but a powerful, hope-filled message for faithful living in any generation. From its audience in the first century to its relevance today, join us as we navigate the rich symbols and profound theology that continue to inspire and challenge believers.

Sources

1. Richard Bauckham - The Theology of the Book of Revelation
2. David deSilva - An Introduction to the New Testament
3. N.T. Wright - Revelation and the Politics of Apocalyptic Interpretation
4. Michael Gorman - Reading Revelation Responsibly
5. J. Ramsey Michaels - Interpreting the Book of Revelation

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

As the year draws to a close, the Bible Streams team gathers for a special end-of-year wrap-up episode! Hosted by our producer, Tim Whittle, and joined by regular hosts Jo, Chris, and Alex, this episode is a classic mix of reflection, fun, and excitement for what's ahead.

2024 in Review:
The team takes a moment to reflect on a year filled with incredible series, challenging discussions, and moments of revelation. From deep dives into atonement theology to exploring the Pentateuch and other powerful biblical themes, we revisit the highlights and favourite moments from the past year.

The Bible Streams Quiz of the Year:
It wouldn’t be a Bible Streams wrap-up without a bit of fun! Tim challenges Jo, Chris, and Alex with a difficult (and hilarious) quiz, testing their knowledge of the topics we’ve covered and some obscure Bible trivia. Who will emerge victorious?

Sneak Peeks for 2025:
Get ready for what’s coming next! The team shares a glimpse into the exciting series and discussions planned for 2025. Expect more in-depth explorations, thought-provoking conversations, and engaging guest appearances.

Featured Resources:

• Gary Schnittjer - Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

In this episode, we dive into Gary Schnittjer’s insightful and engaging book, Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch. If you've ever felt that the first five books of the Bible are daunting, this book (and our review!) might be just what you need. Schnittjer offers a fresh way of approaching Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy with clarity, curiosity, and a pastoral heart. We’ll unpack his key ideas, explore how he makes the Torah feel relevant for today, and share why this resource is a must-have for students, pastors, and curious readers alike. Plus, you can win a copy for your very own!!!

Featured Resources:

• Gary Schnittjer - Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

As we complete our series on the Atonement, Chris and Jo discuss their learnings and surprise take-home applications. We wrap up the series with a message from Jo preached at Riverlife on the way we can practically apply the atoning work of Jesus to our lives.

Resources

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

Join Alex, Chris, and Jo as they dive into the deep (and sometimes nerdy!) waters of atonement theology. From heated debates on who exactly Jesus died for, to a fun detour into quantum theory and open theism, this episode blends big ideas with a light-hearted twist.

In this episode, we explore the different views on the extent of the atonement, including Limited Atonement (or Particular Redemption), Unlimited Atonement, and Amyraldianism (Four-Point Calvinism). We also touch on Universalism and the eternal question of how wide God's grace extends. Things get extra theological as we discuss infralapsarianism and supralapsarianism—how God’s plan for salvation unfolded in relation to the fall—and even dip into some quantum theory for all you theology geeks out there! If you're ready for an episode packed with both profound insights and a good dose of humour, now's the time to listen!

Featured Resources:

• Gary Schnittjer - Torah Story
• Gary Schnittjer - How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible

Other Resources

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

In this episode of Bible Streams, Chris and Jo sit down with Dr. Gary Schnittjer to explore the profound theme of atonement in the Old Testament. How did God’s plan for redemption take shape in ancient Israel, and what can we learn from it today? Join us as we dig deep into the sacrificial system, covenant theology, and the rich symbolism that foreshadows Christ’s ultimate atonement on the cross. Whether you’re a Bible scholar or just curious, this conversation will open your eyes to the depth and beauty of God’s Word. Don’t miss it!

Featured Resources:

• Gary Schnittjer - Torah Story
• Gary Schnittjer - How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible

Other Resources

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it stretch?

Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.

Exemplary models of the atonement examine how Jesus' obedience to death might influence humanity to put aside evil and become obedient ourselves. In this episode we look at frameworks like moral example and the scapegoat model, and explore what relevance they might have in understanding Christ's work on the cross.

Resources:

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it stretch?

Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.

This episode, we look at the Recapitulation model, where Christ's obedient sacrifice on the cross is the climax of his becoming both the fulfilment and new beginning of the human race. How might Jesus, as the new and true Adam, reconcile his people to God?

Resources:

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.