Exploring My Strange Bible

Religion & Spirituality

About

Welcome to Exploring My Strange Bible by Tim Mackie, lead theologian and co-founder of BibleProject.

Episodes

  • Protecting the Witness (Remastered)

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible discusses the New Testament theme of "witness" and its communal aspect, as traced in the book of Acts. It explores how this understanding differs from modern Christianity and how to protect commun…

  • The Cost of Following Jesus (Remastered)

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible explores the challenging aspects of following Jesus, examining the balance between his generosity and the cost of discipleship as discussed in Luke 14. It is the second message in a six-part serie…

  • The Kingdom of God Has Arrived (Remastered)

    This episode, titled "The Kingdom of God Has Arrived (Remastered)," is the first in a six-part series from the show "Exploring My Strange Bible." It introduces Jesus' message and mission as presented in the Gospel of Mark, focusing on the…

  • A God of Love, a World of Suffering

    Tim explores how Jesus processes suffering and evil, using the book of Job as a biblical framework. This message was given at Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon.

  • A Future for My Work (Remastered)

    This episode discusses how Christian beliefs about the future impact the meaning of daily work and career goals. It draws on teachings from 1 Corinthians 15 and Colossians 3 to explain how the new creation makes work more meaningful, contr…

  • A Story About Work (Remastered)

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible, titled "A Story About Work (Remastered)," delves into the theology of work, examining how modern American views compare to biblical perspectives found in Genesis 1-3. The discussion emphasizes th…

  • Prayer and Paradise

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible discusses prayer as both a personal experience and a biblical topic. It includes a personal history with prayer and a study of God's Eden paradise, tied together by a parable.

  • The Gift (Remastered)

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible discusses the Hebrew word "hevel" from Ecclesiastes, which signifies life as unpredictable and ungraspable. Tim explores how embracing this concept can enrich one's life.

  • Hevel (Remastered)

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible discusses the book of Ecclesiastes, focusing on the Hebrew word "hevel," meaning smoke or vapor, and its significance in understanding the meaninglessness of daily pursuits. It explores the book's…

  • A History of New Testament Manuscripts and English Translations (Remastered)

    This episode of "Exploring My Strange Bible" discusses the history of New Testament manuscripts and their English translations. It also covers the process of how these books were collected into an official canon of Scripture.

  • Old Testament Manuscripts & the Making of the New Testament (Remastered)

    This episode, part of the "Making of the Bible" series, examines the manuscript history of the Old Testament and how the New Testament was composed. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of the Bible's origins and purpose.

  • The Making of the Old Testament Books (Remastered)

    This episode, the first in a three-part series, examines the making of the Old Testament books. It discusses the human authors' role and their claim of divine inspiration.

  • Torah Crash Course: Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (Remastered)

    This episode of "Torah Crash Course" by Exploring My Strange Bible, remastered from a 2010s series, explores Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It covers God's covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, the 613 laws given, and Moses' prophecy…

  • Torah Crash Course: Exodus (Remastered)

    This episode, "Torah Crash Course: Exodus," from "Exploring My Strange Bible" discusses Israel's liberation from Egypt, the night of Passover, and the Ten Commandments. It explores their significance for ancient Israelites and their crucia…

  • Torah Crash Course: Genesis (Remastered)

    This episode, titled "Torah Crash Course: Genesis," is the first in a series exploring the Torah. It focuses on the book of Genesis, examining its themes and structure, and how it sets the stage for the rest of the Bible.

  • The Surprising, Actual Story of Genesis 1-2

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible explores the Genesis 1-2 creation story. Tim compares it with other ancient creation stories to discuss the origin of life, human purpose, and the nature of God.

  • Science and Faith (Remastered)

    This episode discusses the perceived tension between science and religious faith, focusing on the biblical account of the universe's origin in Genesis 1-2. It considers how to interpret these ancient Hebrew texts in light of modern scienti…

  • When God Loves Your Enemy (Remastered)

    This episode, the final in a five-part series on the Book of Jonah, examines Jonah's anger and beratement of God after Nineveh repents and is forgiven. It connects Jonah's story to the concept of loving and forgiving enemies.

  • Thrones and Ashes (Remastered)

    This episode discusses Jonah 3, focusing on Jonah's sermon to Nineveh and the concept of repentance. It also clarifies what biblical repentance means and doesn't mean.

  • A Severe Mercy (Remastered)

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible examines Jonah's experience inside the fish, drawing lessons from Jonah chapter 2 about moments of crisis and personal transformation. The discussion focuses on how Jonah's severe mercy relates to…

  • Asleep at the Wheel (Remastered)

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible, titled "Asleep at the Wheel (Remastered)," explores Jonah chapter 1. Tim discusses Jonah as a prophet who struggles to hear God's voice, inviting listeners to reflect on their own spiritual aware…

  • Running From Your Life (Remastered)

    This episode, "Running From Your Life," is the first in a five-part series exploring the story of Jonah. It examines why Jonah fled from God and the relevance of his choices to our lives. The message was originally given on August 4, 2013.

  • What Is the Kingdom of Heaven?

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible explores the question "What is the Kingdom of Heaven?" Tim teaches from Matthew 4:12-25 on Jesus’ beginning proclamation, the call of the first disciples, and his pattern of Kingdom teaching and h…

  • The Meaning of Hope (Remastered)

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible, titled "The Meaning of Hope (Remastered)," discusses the virtue of hope cultivated by God's people for thousands of years. Tim explores messianic hope in the Hebrew Bible and its relevance for fo…

  • (Re)introducing Exploring My Strange Bible

    Tim Mackie reintroduces "Exploring My Strange Bible," announcing the re-release of remastered episodes and occasional new sermons. He shares his personal journey from skateboarder to Bible scholar and pastor.

  • An Update From Tim

    Tim announces that the Exploring My Strange Bible podcast is being put on pause. Previous episodes will remain available online, and listeners are encouraged to check out The Bible Project Podcast for more content from Tim.

  • The Crocus Flower and the Empty Tomb - Gospel of Matthew Part 35

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible reflects on the significance of Easter and Jesus' resurrection. It explores the historical implications of the empty tomb and its impact on the history of the world.

  • The Blood Cries Out - Gospel of Matthew Part 34

    In this episode, the series explores the final events in the Gospel of Matthew, focusing specifically on Jesus’ trial and the aftermath of Judas’ betrayal, including his remorse and suicide. The discussion examines these events as reflecti…

  • Panic Attack - Gospel of Matthew Part 33

    In this episode of Exploring My Strange Bible, the host examines the narrative of Jesus in the olive grove before his arrest and execution. The episode explores Jesus' emotional distress and his request to God regarding his upcoming suffer…

  • The Passover Meal - Gospel of Matthew Part 32

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible explores the Messianic Passover and how Jesus reinterprets the meaning of the meal in the Gospel of Matthew. The discussion examines the themes of liberation in the retelling of the Passover story.

  • Gold, Darkness, and Dwarves - Gospel of Matthew Part 31

    This episode examines the Parable of the Talents from the Gospel of Matthew, exploring how context changes the interpretation of the story as a warning to the leaders of Jerusalem.

  • Signs of the Times - Gospel of Matthew Part 30

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible explores Matthew chapter 24. The host discusses the historical context, symbolism, and modern interpretations of this passage, which is frequently associated with discussions regarding "the end ti…

  • Love and the Rebirth of the Universe - Gospel of Matthew Part 29

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible, part 29 of a series on the Gospel of Matthew, examines Jesus' controversies with priests during his time in Jerusalem for Passover. It highlights how Jesus addresses questions regarding scripture…

  • Love Poems, Vineyards, and Rocks - Gospel of Matthew Part 28

    This episode explores a parable told by Jesus during his final week in Jerusalem. The story concerns a landowner and violent farmhands, which serves as a confrontation regarding Israel's history and offers a challenge for all followers of…

  • Jesus, Prophet and Provocateur - Gospel of Matthew Part 27

    This episode discusses Matthew Chapter 21, focusing on Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem during Passover, his protest in the temple, and the story of the fig tree. The teaching explores Hebrew word plays and prophetic poetry within the text.

  • Forgiveness - Gospel of Matthew Part 26

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible examines Matthew chapter 18, focusing on Jesus' teachings regarding forgiveness and reconciliation within the kingdom's value system. It explores why Jesus considered forgiveness to be a fundament…

  • Of Millstones and Guardian Angels - Gospel of Matthew Part 25

    This episode explores Matthew Chapter 18, focusing on Jesus' teachings regarding conflict resolution and interpersonal relationships within the kingdom of God. It examines Jesus' guidance on self-reflection and understanding the impact of…

  • Death and Taxes - Gospel of Matthew Part 24

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible explores Matthew Chapter 17, focusing on Jesus' teachings regarding taxes, death, and his approach to existing religious and political power structures.

  • The Other Side of the Lake - Gospel of Matthew Part 23

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible explores Matthew Chapter 15, focusing on the interaction between Jesus and a woman seeking healing for her child. The discussion examines why this encounter is included in the Gospel and its conne…

  • Severed Heads & Hungry Crowds - Gospel of Matthew Part 22

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible explores Matthew Chapter 14, examining the beheading of John the Baptist alongside the story of Jesus feeding a hungry crowd in the wilderness.

  • Weeds and Wheat - Gospel of Matthew Part 21

    This episode explores the Parable of the Weeds and Wheat from Matthew chapter 13. The discussion examines how Jesus uses the parable to explain his identity, the kingdom of God, and new paradigms for life and faith.

  • Jesus Gives Us a Sign - The Gospel of Matthew Part 20

    This episode discusses Matthew chapter 12, focusing on the leaders of Israel challenging Jesus for a sign. The teaching explores the sign of Jonah and examines the human tendency to bargain with Jesus when life does not unfold as expected.

  • One Way Road to the Grave - Gospel of Matthew Part 19

    In this episode, the host explores the rejection of Jesus by his contemporaries in Matthew chapters 11 and 12. The discussion focuses on Jesus' role within the Hebrew prophetic tradition and his involvement in first-century religious and p…

  • The Hammer that Heals - Gospel of Matthew Part 18

    This episode examines Matthew Chapter 11, focusing on John the Baptist's doubts about Jesus while in prison. The discussion explores historical Jewish expectations of the Messiah and how they compare to personal expectations of Jesus today.

  • An Open-Minded Faith - Gospel of Matthew Part 17

    This episode explores the concept of faith and trust in Jesus as presented in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically focusing on the story of Jesus healing a blind man in Chapter 9. The discussion examines why people in the Gospels have varyi…

  • Who Can Forgive Sins? - Gospel of Matthew Part 16

    This episode explores the account from Matthew chapter 9 where Jesus heals a paralyzed man and forgives his sins. It examines the historical and religious significance of Jesus forgiving sins within a first-century Jewish context.

  • A Jesus-Centered Community - Gospel of Matthew Part 15

    In this episode, the series explores Matthew chapter 9 to understand Jesus’s identity and his mission to form unique communities. The discussion focuses on the mindset behind Jesus bringing diverse groups of people together around the King…

  • Storms and Swine - Gospel of Matthew Part 14

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible explores the narrative chapters of Matthew 8 and 9. It focuses on two specific accounts: Jesus calming chaotic waters and his encounter with two men in a graveyard.

  • Make Me Clean - Gospel of Matthew Part 13

    This episode of Exploring My Strange Bible covers Matthew chapter 8, focusing on Jesus healing a man with a skin disease. The discussion explores the symbolic meaning of the event and the concept of Jesus’ contagious holiness rooted in Old…

  • Ask and You Will Receive - Gospel of Matthew Part 12

    This episode examines Jesus’ teaching on prayer from the Gospel of Matthew, specifically the “ask and you shall receive” passage. It explores the challenges of prayer and addresses common questions or objections that arise when attempting…