After Class

She is the keeper of the vineyard, but not her own. Dark and alluring, she is not one to be overlooked. Her passions have been aroused, yet this serves as a warning to other women. Join Sam, John, and Ron this week as they dive into the poetic innuendos of Song of Songs and work to uncover a common thread in the skipping narrative. What could go wrong? 

"The whole world was not worthy of the day in which this sublime song was given to Israel.” - Rabbi Akiva What differentiates the Song of Songs from other ballads sung in the common pub? What purpose does it serve to the people of God? Why has a song about intimacy been included in the Holy Scriptures? The Song of Songs is the most interpreted book of the Bible, and over the years, interpretations have varied. In today's episode, the guys will survey those various interpretations as they get prepared to walk through the text itself.

New Year, New Series! A preposition can wield immense power in altering meaning and establishing ownership. When ancient language becomes an intimate affair, where the eloquence of antiquity embraces the rhythmic sensuality of poetic expression, the modern reader may find themselves lost between the sheets of paper that the Bible is written on. To kick off the New Year, John, Ron, and Sam delve into a biblical figure most associated with wisdom, Solomon. More specifically, the trio explores Solomon’s Song of Songs, seeking wisdom from this biblical poetry's approach to the often-taboo topic of sex. Today, the guys ask: What does this book reveal about itself? Who are the characters, and did Solomon truly pen it? Join us as we set the stage for our study of Song of Songs, in today’s episode of the After Class Podcast

It's 2024! We are here to celebrate with you, the listener!  As we enter the 7th season of the After Class Podcast the guys explore the theme of New Year's resolutions and share moments from their lives when they renewed their way of thinking about God’s word and the magnitude of His mission and witness to the world.  We want to thank you for sticking with us each week and for engaging with us through email and Facebook! A special thank you to Great Lakes Christian College and to all those who make the podcast possible! Tune in and get personal with Sam, John, and Ron—perhaps you'll even experience your own paradigm shift this year! Happy Birthday Jenelle! Link to Drew Nyquist Professional Audio Production: https://drewanthonynyquist.wixsite.com/drew-anthony-nyquist?fbclid=IwAR2Cw1FQcncqjB28ya__kiEJ4KypaG5d3apIXFRxIqwxQiLK6k4bMKCf7

Share your Christmas Morning with the After Class Podcast this year and listen to the reading of the birth of Jesus from Matthew & Luke. Each author has their own theological agenda and calls the reader to pay attention to different aspects of Jesus’s birth and salvation history. Today, the guys read both perspectives and ask, how are the characters portrayed, and what is the author trying to do in their account? Let's compare, contrast, and appreciate both accounts of the birth of our Lord. Merry Christmas!

What is the nature of Christ's millennial kingdom referred to in the book of Revelation? What must happen before Jesus returns, and what part does the church play? The above questions are not answered in this podcast, but now that we have your attention: This week, Ron, Sam, and John engage the pre-, post-, and amillennial 'when's' of the Bible. When does it happen? What would the original audience have in mind? And what message does it hold for the martyrs? You are just in time to find out!

In last weeks episode, Sam, Ron, and John satirically covered the story of Shamgar, playfully pushing the limits of exegetical fallacies. Today, they revisit the story of Shamgar to offer correction and set the record straight, while pointing out how easy it can be to get carried away when we do not stick to sound hermeneutic principles.  

The guys take a second look at Shamgar, questioning the traditional classification of Shamgar as a minor judge. With only two verses dedicated to his legacy in the scriptures, some might be led to believe he is not a significant figure. However, it’s not the size of the story, but the work it does that matters. Let’s slow down and take a closer look at how these two verses say more than you think.  ***Attention!*** The following episode is satirical and stretches exegetic and hermeneutic fallacies to their extremes. The views in this episode are meant to entertain the listener while showing how quickly we can go off the rails when interpreting the Bible. In the following episode the guys will expose these fallacies giving proper justice to the text. Listener discretion is advised. #justiceforshamgar

We suffer through back pain, migraine, and Sams’s sarcasm to bring you today’s episode on evangelism in the NT. Who was the first evangelist and to whom and how was the message proclaimed? What does it look like today for our evangelism to be accompanied by signs? The Kingdom of God has broken into world history. There is a new kingdom reality and human dynamic to be experienced in the Lord, even now. How is it displayed in your life? How beautiful are your feet? 

Today, the guys delve into evangelism and its origins for God’s people, starting with the Old Testament. How does God help His people piece together the puzzle to reveal the full picture of His plan for them and their mission to evangelize the nations? Do we have a reference, or are we simply holding onto corner pieces? 

Are you being discipled by someone? If not, why not? Are you discipling someone? If not, why not? What is discipleship? What does it mean to make disciples? Interestingly, some of the most effective evangelists are recent converts, but who are they discipled by? Are we disciples of our favorite pop icons? Today, the guys discuss (you guessed it) discipleship, mentoring, and the role of dedicating your life to making disciples as a Christian.  

"Yes, I believe in Jesus! What do I do now?"  Saying "Yes" to Jesus is an amazing moment full of joy, but it can also be a time of confusion, leaving one to wonder, "Where do I go from here?" In today's episode Sam, John, and Ron point to a few habits, best practices, and resources to guide new Christians on their walk. For those of us who have been seeking the Lord long enough to forget what it is like to be new, today's episode serves as a helpful reminder of how we can be intentional about welcoming others into the body of Christ.  Tune in to hear the discussion on why, and how to truly get connected.  Complementary Episodes: Episode 1:28-2:3, Highpoints of the Bible story Episode 2:4-2:9; 2:28-31, An Introduction to the Gospel Episode 4:3-22 Introduction to the Bible External Beginner Resources: Bible Project, Study Bibles such as the NRSV, NIV, etc., ChristianBook.com, A Christian Mentor Invest in Christian Education – www.glcc.edu   Series of interest: 4:24 - 26 History of Israel 6:27 - 6:44 - God's Peo

Can we partake in occupations and activities that are contrary to the message of the cross? How do we view recreation, sports, video games, parenting, and political and global affairs through the lens of non-violent Christian activity? In today's episode, the guys conclude the series on God’s people and the use of violence, addressing remaining listener questions and sharing their final thoughts on the matter. Just in time for Halloween!

As we near the end of the series the guys draw conclusions on what it might look like to overcome evil with good in light of our study. Sam, John, and Ron return to the lead question of the series: What is an acceptable reaction to someone breaking into my house? Are there acceptable levels of physicality? Join Sam, John, and Ron as they present the implications and applications of our study on the Christian use of violence.

A few more passages, principles, and... perplexities?  The guys open to more listener-provided verses in today’s episode addressing Revelation, Maccabees, and Centurion encounters with Jesus & the Holy Spirit. We are to overcome evil with good and turn the other cheek. But is there ever a time for avoidance? Alternatively, can there be a place for the use of violence if it is part of your job?   

In today’s episode, the guys begin to wind down the series and respond to listener emails. If God’s people are not supposed to use violence, what do we make about the story of Phinehas? What about Jael, Nehemiah, and the Judges of the Old Testament? Today you get your answer.

The temptation to use violence often comes from our desire to defend our belongings or our lives. We need to stop the narrative of acceptable violence and move toward maturity, actively pursuing peace and break through the power of enmity. In today’s episode, the guy’s survey multiple New Testament passages in rapid succession and ask the question, “Where does violence fit in with God’s people?”  

Embracing Christ's example involves active participation. When we face revilement, will we respond with blessings? When persecution arises, will we endure with grace? When slander is directed at us, will we reply with kindness? Are we prepared to forsake worldly ideologies and wholeheartedly embrace an alternative way of life, even in the face of worldly opposition? We must ask ourselves, 'Which holds greater power: worldly violence or the path of Christ?' Tune in for Sam, John, and Ron’s discussion on the matter.

Jesus was a pacifist, committed to enemy love, committed to peace, and renounced the sword… but that was Jesus. His unique vocation was to take on all the evil of the world and defeat it on the cross. We should not believe that Jesus expected his followers to do the same… or should we? Join Ron, John, and Sam as they test that claim, beginning in Romans and continuing forward in the letters. Will the thesis stand up, or will the guys debunk flawed theology? Tune in to find out.   On campus announcement! Restoration Appreciation Week Join us on campus or online on October 17th and 20th 2023.

Today, the guys turn to Luke 22 and Jesus’ instruction to bring a sword. Why do they need it? Did Jesus change his mind? Was it just to fulfill prophecy? Is it just a practical tool for the road? Is it metaphorical, or perhaps it was Jesus in a moment of temptation? Join Sam, John, and Ron as they test the strength of these theories and more… And what should we make of Jesus flipping tables and using a whip?