Biblical Literacy Podcast

Mark interviews N. T. Wright, a leading British New Testament scholar and retired Anglican bishop. The author of numerous books and article, Wright answers Lanier questions, in a warm and engaging conversation that is both revealing and questioning.

Mark continues with Part 2 of “Why I'm not a Jew, or am I?” Mark continues with principle number 5 of Maimonides' 13 principles of the Jewish faith. Listen to the explanation of each one and the Old and New Testament Scripture that verifies them.

This week’s Biblical Literacy class features a Q & A with Professor Alister McGrath, renowned theologian and scientist. Mark begins by giving listeners insight into Professor McGrath’s personal life. McGrath was an atheist in his teens but became a Christian in college. Listen to how he abandoned atheism and embraced Christianity then went on to obtain a second and third doctorate. Among Professor McGrath’s 40 published books, his favorite is his C. S. Lewis biography.

Mark Lanier teaches, "Why I an NOT a Hindu." Hinduism pulls together and embraces all religions. Mark teaches not all roads lead to the mountaintop of God. What Hindus believe is difficult to explain because of their individual view of God. No set beliefs. No structure. No founder. No clear set of scripture. Listen to the general truths of Hinduism for a better understanding of this ancient religion. Click for the Tweaked version of My Sweet Lord by Phil Keaggy

Mark’s lesson focuses on How Do We Hear God? On decisions big and small, do we hear God or the enemy? In the Old Testament, God spoke in many ways, but with the coming of Jesus, He speaks to us through His Son. Listen to Mark discuss how Jesus is the Word for all people and has a message for everyone.

In "Why I'm NOT a Mormon Part 2", Mark points out the doctrinal differences of Christianity and Mormonism. He shares the importance of beliefs lining up with the Bible, the source of truth, and the inconsistencies depicted in the Mormon writings. Listen to Mark explain the Mormon's definition of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, creation and the explanation of humanity.

Mark began Why I am Not a Mormon Part I with the statement: “I find the Mormon faith inconsistent in core areas of teaching and practice with that of the Bible.” Joseph Smith founded Mormonism with his revelation and uncovering of The Book of Mormon. Listen to Mark delve into the history, core teachings, and theology between Mormonism and the Bible.

This SPECIAL EVENT about CHRISTMAS AND CAROLS is during Mark's series "Why I'm Not...." Subject: Series Special Event during Why I’m Not… a new series explaining why Mark is not a atheist, a agnostic, or a etc. etc. Location: Champion Forest Baptist Church

Mark Lanier teacher. These interludes during Mark's series "Why I'm Not...." are based upon Mark's New Book "Psalms for Living" published by Baylor Press. Subject: Series Special Event during Why I’m Not… a new series explaining why Mark is not a atheist, a agnostic, or a etc. etc. Location: Champion Forest Baptist Church

These interludes during Mark's series "Why I'm Not...." are based upon Mark's New Book "Psalms for Living" published by Baylor Press. Subject: Series Special Event during Why I’m Not… a new series explaining why Mark is not a atheist, a agnostic, or a etc. etc. Location: Champion Forest Baptist Church

Why I'm not a Muslim Part II. Mark identifies the core reason why he is not Muslim, and it’s historical accuracy. He explains the Muslim’s Quran does not agree to other historical documents written in that time. The Muslim faith has no need for Jesus to die, and their Quran is revered and worshiped. Listen to Mark explain the historical inaccuracies of the Quran.

These interludes during Mark's series "Why I'm Not...." are based upon Mark's New Book "Psalms for Living" published by Baylor Press. Subject: Series Special Event during Why I’m Not… a new series explaining why Mark is not a atheist, a agnostic, or a etc. etc. Location: Champion Forest Baptist Church

Mark continued his series of "Why I Am Not" with an overview of - Why I am not a Muslim. Mark’s teachings focused on the historical accuracy of the Judeo-Christian Old Testament and the Christian New Testament vs the Quran. Continue listening to the origin of Islam and the religion’s belief that Muhammad is the messenger to receive God’s revelation.

Mark teaches Why I am Not an Agnostic Part 8 in this week’s Biblical Literacy Class. This week, Mark address a controversial topic of where God fits in faith and science. He discusses the question of does a belief in God mesh with science in making sense of the cosmos? We can examine the Bible to see if it’s at odds with science, but the Bible is not a science book. The biggest difference in the worldview during ancient times regarding creation is Israel believed in one God, a spirit not part of the creation. God cannot be confined to human calculations or understanding. Listen to Mark’s lesson about how humans attempt to define God.

Mark continues with Part 4 of Why I’m not an Agnostic by weighing evidence for and against God. Words matter; words express ideas. Is there significant evidence that we should believe in God? Mark discusses how God made a cause and an effect world. Listen to his reasoning about the existence of God through the Judeo-Christian worldview. In God we have Truth, man made in His image, and purpose.

These interludes during Mark's series "Why I'm Not...." are based upon Mark's New Book "Psalms for Living" published by Baylor Press. Subject: Series Special Event during Why I’m Not… a new series explaining why Mark is not a atheist, a agnostic, or a etc. etc. Location: Champion Forest Baptist Church

Mark’s class this week, Why I’m not Agnostic, Continued Part II, uses two questions to weigh the evidence for and against God. Mark offers real questions to show a real God. Why is there beauty? Why is fair and justice important? Listen to the evidence for and against proof of God and why Mark is not agnostic.

In Part III of Why I'm not an atheist, Mark uses Scripture to show humans don't define God: he's not a genie. Mark continues by refuting the various arguments atheists use to disprove God. Listen to the lesson to better understand an atheist doesn’t understand who God is.

In Part 2 of Why I’m not an Atheist, Mark poses the question, “How do atheists know there is no God?” To claim that something is true means to carry the Burden of proof. Mark shares the writings of the 4 horsemen of the new atheism and how they use fallacies and rhetoric tricks to claim there is no God.

Pastor Melvin Tinker from Hull, England taught Part I of this week’s class, “Why I Am Not a Buddhist. Buddha believed the way to eliminate suffering in life was to eliminate desire, and that meant reducing self to nothing. Our God is alive and relational in a real world, contrary to Buddhists who claim this world is but a dream. Listen to this powerful lesson.

Mark began a new series titled “Why I am Not …”. with the first class, "Why I Am Not an Atheist.” This session takes us into Mark’s world as a trial lawyer where allegations must be proven with facts and evidence. The burden of proof belongs to the atheist to prove the nonexistence of God. Listen to Mark’s argument for a real and alive God.

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey- Lesson 49: David Capes taught 2 and 3 John. The writer, the Apostle John, identifies himself as the elder. John warned the readers of antichrists, gnosticism, and false teachers by telling the readers that Jesus is God made flesh. John encourages believers to grasp the Truth of Jesus and to show His love and humility to others, even strangers.

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey- Lesson 48:

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey- Lesson 47: This week Mark gave an introduction to Revelation. The writer is widely believed as Apostle John while imprisoned on the island of Patmos. The book is unusual, complicated, a puzzle, filled with imagery, ideas, and symbolism. Mark explains why we should study Revelation in the context of apocalyptic literature.

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey- Lesson 46: In this third and final lesson of 1 John, Mark shares some of his favorite passages. The first one is how the Disciple John explained love and feelings, with the understanding that faith is not a feeling but a decision of faith. John also deals with heresy, the progression of love, and love’s transforming power.

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey- Lesson 42:

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey- Lesson 41:

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey- Lesson 44: Mark begins the first of three lessons covering 1 John. The overview show us the Apostle John’s concerns for Christians nearly three decades after Jesus’ resurrection. John was an eye witness to Jesus, and he wanted believers to know without a doubt that Jesus was really the Son of God who came in the flesh. Mark teaches about the questions plaguing Christians then and now, and the challenges we all face.

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey- Lesson 45: 1 John focuses on the metaphors related to light and darkness, good and evil. Too many early believers were using their freedom in Christ to sin, not grasping that sin is darkness. Mark says, “God’s light makes the sun look like a 20 watt bulb.”

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey- Lesson 43:

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey- Lesson 40: Did the apostle Peter write 1 Peter? Although the beginning words indicate Peter is the writer, some disagree with his authorship. Marks gives us the arguments for and against with insight into the world during the first century church. Weigh the arguments and explanations then choose who wrote 1Peter.

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey- Lesson 39: The book of James gives us a fresh perspective on how to find encouragement and practical ways for the Christian to live in an imperfect world. Brent's teachings give us insight into how God uses life's trials, maturity, good works, and actions to show our faith in Jesus Christ.

Biblical-Literacy Lesson Paraphrases New Testament Survey – Lesson 38: Hebrews – A lesson on Prayer How do we pray? Is there a formula for prayer? Does God even care or listen? How can we be certain God wants to hear from us and speaks to us? Mark’s lesson on the power of prayer uses Hebrews as well as other Scripture passages to offer hope and reassurance in God’s desire to be in constant communication with believers.

New Testament Survey- Lesson 37: Hebrews: Faith Part 2 Mark’s lesson this week concluded Hebrews 11. The stories of faith in this chapter confirm the power of God working through frail man destined for divine purposes. God desires our faith to move beyond salvation to obedience, and faith deals with real consequences. Study Mark’s lesson to discover what God says about the how and why of faith.

New Testament Survey- Lesson 37: Hebrews: Faith Hebrews 11 gives us an overview of Old Testament historical figures who walked by faith. But what did faith mean to them, and what does faith mean to us today? Mark shows us through the range of meanings of the Greek word pistis how faith is woven with trust to provide a dynamic witness to God. Can our faith translate to what we give back to God?

New Testament Survey- Lesson 36: Hebrews: Melchizedek Ever wonder where the origin of the priesthood began? Does the name of Melchizedek jar your memory? He’s mentioned in only three places in the Bible: Genesis, Psalms, and Hebrews. What can Believers today learn from the Priest Melchizedek, and how does Jesus relate to him? Are you curious about the first instance of tithing. Mark addresses these questions and more in this week’s lesson.

New Testament Survey – Lesson 35: Hebrews – Listening to God The writer of the book of Hebrews used numerous references from the Old Testament to demonstrate the ’voice’ of God through the prophets is consistent with His actions of love in the New Testament. His speaking to us is one long event, and not only by His Word but also by His deeds. Jesus was never a new idea or a new dialogue. He is the voice and continued conversation from the beginning. He is the embodiment of an unchanging God with a constant purpose. He was prophetically one who would not only be God’s voice to us, but would bring us into relationship with God. Key Words He has spoken, laleo, God spoke, prophets, long ago, at many times, in many ways, Jesus Christ, crucified, sermon, begotten, echoed, embodiment, loving righteousness, hating wickedness, continued conversation, unchanging God, constant purpose, prophetically, Moses, receptive hearts, Aaronic priests, appointment from God, Melchizedek, Christ’s covenant, Christ’s sacrifice, persevere, live right, speak, listen

New Testament Survey – Lesson 33: Paul’s Last Letter (2 Timothy) and Last Days A quick review of what we know of Paul in the book of the Acts is recounted followed by what took place after events in the Acts. In 2 Timothy Paul is again under arrest in Rome only this time the conditions are much worse and Paul sees the coming of his death. This gives him a special perspective on his hope of salvation, which was based on in whom his faith was placed and not as much on what the doctrine was about. In his ending comments he instructed Timothy to ready in season and out of season to preach the Gospel. Key Words Death, imprisonment, dying, Paul, Timothy, Titus, Acts, Clement, Spain, Rome, Caesar Nero, ‘substituted as culprits’, Suetonius, house arrest, persecution, ‘apostle of Christ Jesus’, ‘spirit of timidity’, confidence, faith, suffering, Onesiphorous, endure hardships, disown, faithful, approved, workman, noble instrument, ‘evil desires of youth’, stupid arguments, pursue righteousness, ‘last days’, denial of God, ‘God-breathed’, martyr, Origen, Eusebius, Gaius, Ostian Way, ‘The Acts of Pau;,

New Testament Survey – Lesson 32: Paul’s Letter to Titus Titus is both a pastoral letter and it is a thorough to-do list for Titus to follow in the churches Paul expected him to minister within. Titus was a Greek convert of Paul’s who traveled extensively with him; as such he was well versed and shared much of Paul’s understanding of doctrine. And he used him as his agent or representatives to the churches. The letter to Titus provided details of what Titus needed to do to get the churches in order. He gave Titus a list of traits for those Titus would appoint to the Eldership as well as strong words of guidance on how to deal with some of the difficult situations and people he would encounter. Key Words Titus, Timothy, ‘To-do’ list, Pastoral Epistle, Jerusalem council, un-circumcised, Crete, Cretans, ‘a servant of God’, ‘apostle of Jesus Christ’, ‘faith’, ‘knowledge’, ‘true son’ in the faith, Jesus’ messenger, Elders, traits, ‘insubordinate empty talkers’, Epimenides, ‘corrupted their consciences’, ‘sound doctrine’, ‘grace of God’, ‘predicate adjective’, self controlled, upright, righteous, subject to rulers, ‘normative’, submissive, obedient, ready for every good work, avoid quarreling, gentle, perfect courtesy, justified, Zenas the Lawyer