EP066: John 5:1-15: Healing at the Pool of Bethesda
The Divine Council Worldview Podcast
Release Date: 07/13/2025
The Divine Council Worldview Podcast
How do culture and suffering shape our faith? Mike Chu unpacks his story with Mel and Rich, exploring the Chinese church, Awakening School, and why theology, mentorship, and mission matter more than ever in today’s spiritual landscape. You can find Awakening (AWKNG) School of Theology here: https://awkng.com/ You can find the Shane & Shane songs mentioned in this podcast here: Psalms 45 https://youtu.be/-d_lQI15fxo?si=-hl3FiECl4F5C7dA Psalms 46 https://youtu.be/PKs_gQecaDY?si=k9yWx1F0Ekk1NEen Over the Sun https://youtu.be/qGbT7FkhIus?si=lDaATBgY38ACTw-i
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In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) How does a person go about studying the DCW and the related topics it uncovers? 2) How can a DCW increase a person's intimacy with God? 3) Are idols a human invention, and if so, does this show that gods are invented as well? 4) Can I combine Eastern Orthodoxy with western Protestant theology? 5) How should the gospel be presented to a child—say, a 7-year old?
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In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: 1) Are there foundational beliefs regarding the identity of Jesus and Yahweh in order to be worshipping the correct deity? 2) Is the Hebrew text (MT) younger than the Septuagint? 3) What sins were considered "high-handed"? 4) Are spirit "hauntings" related to sacred space? 5) Does the DCW favor the New Perspective on Paul?
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In this episode, Ronn and Mike answer five questions sent in by listeners: Could the effects of Jesus' "finished work" have been true while he was still active in his ministry? Did the church fathers use “faith” to mean “loyalty” or "allegiance"? How does the Septuagint handle the Hebrew definite article when it translates the phrase “the angel of the LORD” into Greek? Can a Mormon have saving faith? Is "sonship" to be understood differently than "inheritance"? Will we have different inheritances in the next age?
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Faith, identity, and spiritual warfare collide in this powerful episode with Doug Overmyer. Discover how Chi Rho Outdoors is shaping boys through faith and nature—and why sharing your story could be more vital than ever. Doug's website: http://www.seerssee.com/ for his books or to get in contact
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In this episode, Ronn and Mike study the second half of John 8 (vv.13-59), noting that the conversation which follows Jesus' handling of the woman taken in adultery is key for understanding the full narrative. They discuss the theological implications of Jesus' claims, the nature of what it means to be a "sinner" in 2nd Temple Judaism, and the identity of believers as children of Abraham. They explore the significance of the woman caught in adultery, tying together the broader themes of covenant and identity in relation to faith. The conversation also touches on modern cultural reflections and...
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In this episode, Ronn and Mike look at John 7:32-8:12, exploring the context of Jesus' teachings and his interactions with non-believers who had been threatening to kill him. They discuss the significance of the Holy Spirit's promised arrival, the debate surrounding Jesus' identity, and the woman caught in adultery. Ronn recommended that this last story, though not originally included in John's gospel, likely found its way into the fourth gospel due to its historical and theological importance to the doctrine of salvation in the early church, underscoring the idea that the door to salvation...
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In this episode, Ronn and Mike look at John 7:1-31. They discuss the importance of constructive disagreements in theology (reflecting upon the recent death of Charlie Kirk), the secretive nature of Jesus' ministry, and the political context surrounding his teachings. Their conversation also explores the treatment of the law by Jesus, the nature of demons (a highly nuanced issue relating to the Greek concept of daimonia), and the significance of Hezekiah's prayer for God's forgiveness of Israelites who had been guilty of breaking Mosaic law (2 Chron. 30).
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Mel interviews Anthony Diastello at the DCW Conference about how his role-playing game *Allies of Majesty* weaves faith and divine council concepts into immersive storytelling. They explore how games can foster spiritual awareness, personal agency, and deeper engagement with the unseen realm. You can find his game here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HqI9JVINeg https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/purefunmedia/allies-of-majesty-chronicles-vol-1 https://subscribepage.io/iCPswe
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In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the latter part of John 6, taking on the themes of forgiveness, the identity of Jesus, and the implications of his teachings on communion (they understand the concept of eating Jesus' flesh to be metaphorical for internalizing his teachings and life). They explore the complexities of forgiveness, and how this issue often lacks clear biblical answers to our modern questions. The conclude by discussing the significance of Jesus' claims about himself, and the reactions of his followers, culminating in a pivotal moment where many disciples turn away (6:66)....
info_outlineIn this episode, Ronn Mike Chu discuss the man healed at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15). They describe how this story ultimately illustrates loyalty to the correct deity, as this pool had traditionally been understood to be dedicated to Asclepius, the Roman god of healing. Thus when Jesus cautioned the man to “sin no more” (5:14) he was warning the man to never appeal to another god for healing from that day forward. The episode concludes with a discussion of the implications of the Sabbath, as well and Jesus’ authority in relation to contemporary faith practices.