God and His Prophets: A verse-by-verse study through the Bible’s major and minor prophets

The Significance that Jesus was both Priest and King: The Zechariah series, part 14 (6:9-15)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0500

So many things in the Old Testament Levitical laws pointed forward to actions and characteristics of the future Messiah, Jesus.

The passover lamb was a foreshadowing of Jesus; that’s why it was killed without any bones being broken, just as Jesus- despite all the things He suffered- had no broken bones.

The sabbath rest principle in the 10 commandments was fulfilled by Jesus, who is our sabbath. To sabbath means to do no work; we can do know work to earn our place in heaven because we trust in the work that Jesus did.

And even the priesthood itself pointed forward to Jesus.

Hebrews 4:14 tells us

We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God.

But wait a minute. The Old Testament priesthood was given specifically to the tribe of Levi. Only Levites could be priests. Yet when God sent the Messiah, He did so through the tribe of Judah.

That actually doesn’t make much sense, since everything else lines up so perfectly. And it creates a problem- how could the Messiah be our priest if He wasn’t from the priestly tribe?

The priest was supposed to represent the people before God. The priest offered up the sacrifices to appease God’s wrath on sin. And Jesus did that by offering up Himself. We understand, I hope, the significance of all that- except how could Jesus fulfill that part of the Old Testament law if He wasn’t qualified to be an Old Testament priest?

We’ll answer that question today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

If you’re looking for a Bible study podcast that goes deep into the major and minor prophets, God and His Prophets offers a verse by verse Bible study through these powerful Old Testament writings. Each episode explores the prophecy in the Bible, from the Book of Ezekiel study and later in Zechariah, helping listeners in understanding prophetic books and seeing their relevance today. We also connect the prophets’ words to end times Bible teaching and highlight connections to Revelation, giving you a Christian Bible commentary that equips you for spiritual insight and growth.

Israel Caught in the Middle (Night Vision #8): The Zechariah series, part 13 (6:1-8)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500

One of the greatest proofs that the Bible is true is that everything it said about Israel is happening right now today.

Prophecy said Israel would return as a nation someday. It did.

Prophecy said Israel’s land would be desolate and them become fruitful again. It has.

Prophecy even said itty-bitty Israel would be repeatedly attacked by coalitions of nations bigger than itself, and that they would overcome these attacks every time. And they have.

Prophecy said Israel would become a stumbling block for the whole world. It is. You turn on the news or open up a paper and just about every day, it’s about news out of Israel. In fact, the United Nations has passed a resolution condemning Israel 10 to 20 times a year ever since its inception. No other country receives that kind of attention. In fact, little itty-bitty Israel about the size of New Jersey in the middle of the desert has received about as many condemnatory resolutions by the United Nations human rights council as all of the other countries in the world combined. Combined.

This little nation the Bible said- in the book of Zechariah, in fact- would be a stumbling block for the world. Why is the world like this? You’ll find out today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

The Antichrist’s Religion: Catholicism? Islam? Something else?

Luke Taylor — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Revelation is a pretty dark book, and chapter 17 might be its darkest chapter.

John has a vision of a woman riding a beast, and this is meant to communicate to us about the evil religion of the Antichrist.

The reason I want to talk about this is that last time, in the book of Zechariah, we studied how God still yet has a plan for Babylon in the end times. What is that plan? Revelation shows us that it will be the capitol of his last days empire.

I probably bit off more than I could chew with this one. This is a tough chapter; in fact, I’d say it’s probably the hardest chapter to understand in all of Revelation.

Which means, we’ll just look at one piece at a time and try to put them together as best we can today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

Will Babylon Return in the End Times? The Zechariah series, part 12 (5:5-11)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Today we’re going to answer one of your burning questions when it comes to Bible study: can angels be girls?

OK, that’s probably not one of your burning questions. But we will address that today.

The main thing we’re gonna have to talk about, though, is God’s plan for Babylon. You may say: wait, Babylon was destroyed by the Persians, like, 2,500 years ago. Babylon’s old news. God even said nobody would ever set foot in it again for forever and ever, that’s how irrelevant it is now. So how can you say that Babylon’s gonna make a comeback in the end times?

Well, it’s not just me. John the Revelator said it. And the prophet Zechariah told us that, too.

And you’ll be saying it after you listen today to the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

The Vision of the Flying Scroll: The Zechariah series, part 11 (5:1-4)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

"You can be humbled or you can be humiliated."

Zechariah has a vision that reminds us: your sins will find you out. The things we've tried to hide deep down have a way of finding their way to the surface. And it's always better to humble yourself than to need God do it for you.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

Theories: The Identities of the Two Witnesses of Revelation 11

Luke Taylor — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In Revelation 11, we read about two figures who show up near the end of the world and prophesy about God in Jerusalem.

Revelation 11:3 says - "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth."

These mysterious two men are never named, and that’s resulted in 2000 years now of speculation as to their identities.

They demonstrate supernatural powers, such as the ability to call down fire from heaven, bringing plagues upon the earth, and they even die and rise again- and it’s all gonna be on TikTok. The whole world is going to be clued in on what these guys are doing and saying.

But who are they? Let’s study and speculate about these two superstuds of the end times - today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

By His Spirit: The Zechariah series, part 10 (4:1-14)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of God and His Prophets, we walk verse-by-verse through Zechariah 4, the fifth of Zechariah’s night visions. At the center of the vision stands a golden lampstand fed by two olive trees—an image packed with meaning about the Holy Spirit’s power, God’s faithfulness, and how His work is accomplished.

This chapter delivers one of Scripture’s most quoted truths:

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

The vision was given to Zerubbabel, the governor charged with rebuilding Jerusalem after the exile, at a time when the task felt overwhelming and progress painfully slow. God’s message is clear: the work will be finished—not through human effort or strength—but through divine empowerment.

Along the way, we explore discouragement, small beginnings, perseverance, and how God supplies exactly what His servants need to complete the work He assigns.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

A Psychoanalysis of Balaam

Luke Taylor — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

(This is a sermon I preached earlier this year at First Assembly of God in Carl Junction)

There is so much to pick apart in Balaam’s story. There are a lot more strange things going on than just a talking donkey.

For example, in the first chapter where Balaam appears, he does exactly what God says, and then it says that God wanted to kill him for it.

Some men approached Balaam and asked him to curse the Israelites for them, and here’s what it said:

Numbers 22:20-22

20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you.” 21 So Balaam rose in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.

So far so good, right? God says go. Balaam goes.

22 But God's anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary.

It will even say later that this angel of the Lord was standing there to literally kill Balaam! But why- wasn’t Balaam doing exactly what God wanted? That’s the question we’re going to analyze in this message.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

Joy to the World: The Zechariah series, part 9 (3:6-10)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Joy to the World, the Lord is come, let earth receive her king.

We sing those words every Christmas, but did you know those lyrics are not about when Jesus came into this world? Not the first time, anyway.

That’s a song about the Second Coming of Christ- when Jesus returns to take over as King of the World, when for a thousand years He rules the world with truth and grace.

We’re gonna learn about what we can expect when Jesus comes back today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

What to Do when a Friend Drifts Away from the Faith: The Zechariah series, part 8

Luke Taylor — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:47:27 -0600

How do you handle it when a Christian friend is starting to drift away from the faith?

How do you navigate tricky issues like when to say something, and how forceful about it to be?

And most importantly: does the Bible give us any guidance about this sticky subject?

I am happy to say: YES, yes it does- in fact, the book of Zechariah is going to help get us there- and you’ll find out what it says today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

The Christmas Prophecy that Isn’t in the Bible (Weird Stuff in the Bible)

Luke Taylor — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

This is an episode of the Weird Stuff in the Bible podcast, which I'm also sharing here on God and His Prophets as a follow-up to Monday's episode.

What I like about Matthew’s Gospel is that he connects the Old Testament to the New. He’ll include a verse from the Old Testament and say something like, “As the prophet Jeremiah said…” or “As the prophet Isaiah said…” I appreciate that he cites his sources.

Except for that time that, well, he didn’t. And we have no idea where it came from.

It’s in the Christmas story, Matthew chapter 2, where it says in

Verse 23

And he [Jesus] went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

That all sounds fine, except: which prophet said that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene? And it wasn’t just one; Matthew said it was “spoken by the prophets” which means more than one. And yet you can scour your Old Testament and you will never find a single verse that the Christ would be called a Nazarene. In fact, you won’t find a single mention of Nazareth at all.

So what prophecy is Matthew talking about?

I find this to be weird, and I’d like to explore why it’s NOT in the Bible.

Turn to Matthew 2, and let’s get weird.

Check out the website! www.weirdstuffinthebible.com

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0:00 - Introduction

2:00 - The Context

5:10 - The Nazareth Prophecy

13:50 - Mailbag

18:00 - Next Time

If you want to get in touch, my email is weirdstuffinthebible@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

If you’re intrigued by strange Bible stories, uncovering Bible mysteries, or learning about unusual biblical teachings, this podcast is for you! Dive deep into weird Bible facts, biblical controversies, and the supernatural in the Bible, while exploring the hidden stories of the Bible you may have never heard. Get a fresh perspective as we explain the Bible in ways that challenge the norm and uncover the unexpected. I’m so glad you’re here- don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss an episode!

The 6/7 Types of Prophecy in Christmas

Luke Taylor — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

As you’re driving down the road, you’re going to notice a lot of different types of signs. Some signs are instructional, like “stop” or “yield.” They’re telling you something to do.

Other signs are informational; they’re communicating some kind of relevant information to you. They might say the name of the road you’re on, or what the street up ahead is called.

And then you have the invitational signs; the gym I used to go to had a sign that said “You are now entering the judgment free zone.”

And then you also have warning signs, the signs that try to caution you that there is some kind of danger or impending doom; they’ll say “the road is out ahead” or “abandon all hope ye who enter here” or “Welcome to California.”

In the Bible, God would use particular things called “signs” to direct people to spiritual truth. For example, the miracles of Jesus were often called “signs” because they authenticated His deity. In other words, they proved that he was God. Another type of “sign” in the Scripture is prophecy: the foretelling of future events. Telling us about things that have not yet happened, the things yet to come.

By telling us what would happen before it happened, God proved that He is real, that He is the one who made these things happen, and that He knows the future, and that we can trust Him.

In the Christmas story, in the book of Matthew, we see 7 prophecies that are fulfilled in the first coming of Christ. But not just 7 prophecies; we see 7 different categories of prophecy. 7 different ways that an Old Testament prophecy can be fulfilled.

So today we’re going to answer some questions like:

How did the wise men know that the star above Bethlehem meant the Messiah was there?
Why did those wise men bring myrrh to the baby Jesus?
Can a prophecy be fulfilled more than once?
You’ll find all that out and MORE today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

What the Devil Knows About You: The Zechariah series, part 7 (3:1-5)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:24:58 -0600

If you ever feel like you’re not good enough for God- not clean enough- not worthy enough- to stand in His presence, let me just tell you- you’re right.

In fact, we’re going to see today that the holiest man in all of Israel was in the same boat. He stands before God absolutely filthy, and Satan is standing by to point out every last one of his flaws.

But also in this passage we’re going to study today- the fourth of Zechariah’s eight night visions- we will observe one of the clearest previews of the Gospel that you’ll find anywhere in the Old Testament.

Learn all about it today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

Gog, Magog, Ezekiel 38 and Zechariah 2: The Zechariah series, part 6

Luke Taylor — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

One year ago, we were digging through Ezekiel 38 and 39, one verse at a time, picking apart what all happens in the Battle of Gog and Magog.

That was when we were working through the book of Ezekiel, which we finished last April. But today, the book of Zechariah is pulling us back in that direction.

Also one year ago at this time, Gog and Magog looked a long way off. But after the events of the past few months, the doomsday clock might need some updating.

Let’s take a review of that chapter today and see if it sheds some light on what’s happening in Zechariah 2 on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

Why is Jerusalem the ‘Apple of God’s Eye’? (Night Vision #3): The Zechariah series, part 5 (2:1-13)

Luke Taylor — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Does Israel matter today in God’s plan?

Are there any prophecies about Israel that must be fulfilled before Jesus comes back?

Is the rebirth of the modern nation of Israel a construct of God, or is it a sinister deception of the devil?

And do our theological beliefs about these things necessarily need to affect our opinions on foreign policy?

We’re going to talk about all these things, not because Tucker Carlson is asking these questions, not because Candace Owens is asking these questions, but because the book of Zechariah asks these questions- and, I believe, answers these questions.

Including one more that we’ll look at today: Does God have a weakness?

You’ll find out today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

4 Horns and 4 Craftsmen (Night Vision #2): The Zechariah series, part 4 (1:18-21)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

So what are the 4 horns and 4 craftsmen of Zechariah’s second dream? You’ll find out today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

Did Donald Trump create the Antichrist’s covenant this week?

Luke Taylor — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Some people are asking if Donald Trump is the antichrist because he created a peace deal with Israel in the middle east this week.

But that’s ridiculous guys, listen. The Bible says the antichrist is going to be loud and boastful.

The Bible says the antichrist is going to claim great things. And that the world will marvel after him and question who can make war against him.

The Bible says the antichrist is going to suffer a head wound that looks fatal, yet he will survive it-

Wait.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

The Man Among the Myrtle Trees (Night Vision #1): The Zechariah Series, Part 3 (1:7-17)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:02:37 -0500

Have you ever had someone tell you about their dream? It’s just about the most excruciating thing to sit and listen to because it’s just a bunch of random gobbledygook that someone’s brain came up with.

One of my pet peeves is when someone comes to me and wants to tell me about their dream that they had the night before, and I have to sit there and act interested for the next five minutes while they recount a story that never happened full of things nobody actually said and none of it means anything at all or has any application to anyone’s life.

Now let’s read about the prophet Zechariah’s dreams. Why? Because unlike when your coworker stops by your desk to tell you about her ex-boyfriend who flew an elephant into a tornado and turned into a butterfly- Zechariah’s dreams actually mean something.

The things that happen, no matter how crazy they sound, actually symbolized something true and mean something that God wants us to know.

They meant something to his original audience, and they can also mean something to our lives right now today.

And you’ll hear all about his first dream today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcasts

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

How to Be a God Magnet: The Zechariah Series, Part 2 (1:2-6)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Remember a few years ago when we were using this phrase “social distancing.” We were told to stay six feet away from other humans when out in public. That you were endangering people if you got too close. That for safety reasons, we must stay six feet away at all times.

Well what if I told you that God respects social distancing. If you want God to stay six feet away, God will stay six feet away.

If you want God a hundred miles away, God will stay a hundred miles away.

And if you want God up close and personal God will be up close and personal.

What am I talking about? I’m talking about a principle we see in James 4:8, Proverbs 8:17, and what we’ll be looking at right here today in Zechariah 1.

How close do you want God? How can you get more of God in your life?

I’ll help you figure that out today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

Let’s Get to Know Zechariah: The Zechariah Series, Part 1 (1:1)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Here are some facts about the book of Zechariah:

Lots of Zechariahs in Scripture- at least 25, maybe 30
The most prominent are the author of the Book of Zechariah, and the father of John the Baptist.
It’s the 11th minor prophet, and 38th book of the Old Testament- second to last book of the Old Testament
Chronologically, the OT closes with a Zechariah, the NT opens with one
He is the most “major” of the minor prophets, with 14 chapters
He uses the phrase “Lord of Hosts” more than anyone else in the Bible- 50 times in 14 chapters
Zechariah has the most Messianic prophecies of Jesus of all the minor prophets
In fact, he probably has the most prophecies about the Second Coming of Jesus, not just the first. We are going to talk A LOT about the future as we study this book, because Zechariah is the next verse-by-verse Bible study we’re undertaking on the God and His Prophets podcast.

Need to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.com

Expectations vs Reality - A Prophetic Profile of Elijah

Luke Taylor — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:16:55 -0500

Are you ever reading your Bible when God suddenly just stops you and says, “look at this”?
Well, that happened to me earlier this summer. I was reading through I Kings and I got to chapter 19 where God gives Elijah some instructions. God says to Elijah
In verse 15
“Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.
Verse 16
And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.”
So that’s well and clear. Anoint Hazael and Jehu and Elisha. Cool.
But then verse 19 says this:
So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him,
Wait, what? He skipped the first two and went straight to Elisha.
In fact, Elijah didn’t anoint Hazael at all. He never anoints Jehu either. He just anointed one of the three, and totally ignored God’s command about the first two guys.
And so my question as I read this was: did Elijah sin in this chapter?
And if so, why?
And what were the ramifications of all this?
And if Elijah did sin, then why does God take him on up to heaven in a fiery chariot without dying just a few chapters later?
What we’re going to find is that Elijah was supposed to learn a lesson in this chapter, and he failed to get it. He was so busy feeling sorry for himself that it went right over his head.
But if you listen all the way to the end, we’ll answer all those questions I laid out, and maybe you and I can receive what Elijah missed. You’ll get all of that today on the God and His Prophets podcast.

God and His Prophets: Launching September 8

Luke Taylor — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Hey everybody, it is Luke Taylor of the Cross References podcast, thanks for hanging in there. The relaunch, reboot, reset of this podcast is underway.

So you probably saw this in your podcast lineup and you thought: what’s this? I don’t remember subscribing to this podcast???

This is the Book of Ezekiel: A Cross References Bible Study. Or, that’s what was, but earlier this year, we finished the book of Ezekiel. And many of you encouraged me to keep this going but to dive into another book of Scripture, another prophet. Which means the name of the podcast needed to change.

So here it is: God and His Prophets. Because I really like teaching the prophets of the Bible. I don’t think they get enough attention. There’s a lot in these books that I don’t know about and that I’d like to discover. And so I’ll let you take a front seat on the ride with me.

So starting in September, the first Monday after Labor Day- which is September 8, 2025- we will start back into this podcast with a prophetic profile of Elijah. It’s just a one-and-done. I might not even do it, but I just feel that the Lord has been showing me something this summer from the life of Elijah. If I can collect my thoughts on it, I’d like to share them with you.

Then on September 15, we’ll start into my favorite of the Minor Prophets: Zechariah. And from then on, the regular format of this podcast will be going verse-by-verse through various books of the Bible. It will go at about the pace that my Ezekiel study this past year. It’s gonna take us 3 or 4 episodes just to get through chapter 1.

And also like my Ezekiel study, we may take a week here and there to examine an issue that relates to what we’re studying in Zechariah- or whatever book we find ourselves in in the future.

So that’s the plan. If you liked how the Ezekiel episodes have gone the past year, that same basic format will continue in the future for more books.

That’s the plan, anyway. James 4 tells us, 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

So, if the Lord wills, that’s the plan for the future of this podcast. If God wants to interrupt my plans with the rapture, that’s fine, too. I won’t complain. I even kinda hope that’s the case.

In the meantime, I continue to produce new episodes of Weird Stuff in the Bible. If you’re subscribed here, I’m assuming you already like the Bible. So if you don’t mind me making it a little weird, you can go check out the Weird Stuff in the Bible podcast.

But if the Lord wills- if Jesus tarries- I’ll be back right here as well, September 8, with a fresh look at some ancient prophets- and my prayer each time will still be that the Bible makes more sense to you after every episode.

This Podcast will Return...in September

Luke Taylor — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0500

The podcast continues to grow, despite being... "over." So I'll bring it back: September 2025.

However, be prepared for a new book to study, which means we'll need a new name- and probably a new theme song!

I Am Ezekiel: A Look Back and a Look to the Future (The Ezekiel series, part 84)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Well gang, we finally did it! After more than 3.5 years, we have traveled through the entire book of Ezekiel. This episode will put the final button on the book, reflect on the whole journey, and give you an idea of when- or if- you’ll hear anymore episodes of this podcast.

I’ll also share some of the things I’ve learned about Bible study and podcasting in general so that I can hopefully encourage and equip some of you if you’d like to embark on a similar ministry to what I’ve been doing. So some of this today will be a behind-the-scenes look at this podcast.

But most of all today, I want to share about how the story of Ezekiel has impacted me in a personal way, and so that’s what you’ll hear if you listen all the way to the end today…for one last time on the Cross References podcast.

Video available of this episode! Follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/Ikbm8lcJWeI?si=VuvWjQq6asPJ_VvA

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction
2:00 - The History of this Podcast
8:00 - Some Podcasting Advice
21:00 - Key Episodes of this Podcast
28:00 - How Ezekiel's Story Impacted Me
52:30 - This Year
59:59 - The Future of this Podcast

If you’re looking for a detailed Ezekiel Bible study, cross-referenced with supporting scripture, this podcast will provide an in-depth look at the prophets of the Bible, with clear Bible prophecy explained. We explore Ezekiel’s visions and other Old Testament Bible study topics through careful Bible exegesis to help you in understanding the Book of Ezekiel in a deeper way. I’m glad you’re here, and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode!

At the End of Ezekiel, The Lord is There: The Ezekiel series, part 83 (47:13-48:35)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500

There are two reasons you may be here today. One, perhaps you’re just really into learning about land allotments in the Millennial Reign of Christ; how the 12 tribes of Israel are going to have their land divvied up during this thousand-year time period.

And if that’s what you’re here for, don’t worry, because that’s exactly what you’re going to get!

Then there may be some of you who just want to see how the book of Ezekiel ends. If that’s the case, I hate to disappoint you, but the action climax of this book was really, to be honest, the battle of Gog and Magog back in chapters 38 and 39.

This book does not exactly go out with a bang. We already had a lot of bangs about 10 chapters ago. But even if it’s not the most exciting chapter-and-a-half of Ezekiel, it will be short, and we need to talk about where we’re going next with this podcast.

So that’s what we’re going to do today on the Cross References podcast.

Video available of this episode! Follow this link: https://youtu.be/YfVZZuyI_BA

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

What Everyone Gets Wrong about Ezekiel's River: The Ezekiel series, part 82 (47:1-12)

Luke Taylor — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 08:35:44 -0500

Back when I covered Ezekiel 37, I told you that this was one of the two most misunderstood passages in study of the entire Bible. What is the other?
Ezekiel 47, commonly known as the passage about The River. And this chapter is part of a section of Ezekiel that concerns the Millennial Reign of Christ- the thousand-year Kingdom of Jesus that’s someday coming to this earth.
And there are some translational or interpretational difficulties that pop up in all these chapters, but what is it particularly about this chapter that causes it to be so misunderstood? Well, it seems that specifically, verses 1 through 12 of Ezekiel 47 sound so mystical and mysterious that a lot of people kind of run wild with it. Personally, I’m not so sure it’s symbolic as a lot of people make it out to be.
So I’ll tell you what I think Ezekiel 47 means today, and it’s honestly not that dramatic.
And then we’ll kind of step back from this passage and just kind of talk about some general good form guidelines for Bible interpretation in general.
So what is Ezekiel’s river really all about? That’s what you’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

WATCH today's lesson on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/live/D6LheubUGSQ?si=jSe4HX__j3ZZAa5i

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Israel’s Changing Topography in the Millennium

Luke Taylor — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What is the fastest way to say: “How the Second Coming of Christ will Change the Topography of the Middle East: An Expositional Study of Zechariah 14 Depicting Christ’s Return in Slow Motion”?

Well, I couldn’t figure that out, but that’s what you’re going to learn today on the Cross References podcast.

Video available of this episode! Follow this link: https://youtube.com/live/6QvRZ5kWVbY?feature=share

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Health, Wealth and Prosperity in the Millennium

Luke Taylor — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Video available of this episode! Follow this link: https://youtube.com/live/Uq1Of9zfSLI?feature=share

When Donald Trump was inaugurated as America’s 47th President recently, the first words he said in his speech were: “The golden age of America begins right now.”

A golden age is, according to dictionary.com, “an idyllic, often imaginary past time of peace, prosperity, and happiness.”

While I hope president Trump’s golden age pans out, we’ll see; but there actually is a golden age coming to the entire world someday, and it will certainly not be imaginary; I’m talking about the Thousand-Year Kingdom of Christ that will cover the entire planet.

So what will the world be like during the Millennium when Jesus rules, sin is not tolerated, and we won’t be held back by greed and war and selfishness the way we are today? That’s what you’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Making Spiritual Decisions (Revisiting Ezekiel 21)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

This week’s episode is a recent sermon I preached on Ezekiel 21. As I open the episode, I explain why I wanted to share it here…

Video available of this week's episode! Watch it here: https://youtu.be/Rtk4oaiOyU8

Some decisions are just too big to be left to chance. There are some decisions in life that are so huge, you wouldn’t dare flip a coin on them.

What career you want to have.
Who to marry.
Which house to buy.
Whether to challenge your 6-year-old to a Fortnite rematch after he destroyed you the last time.

These are weighty matters to consider. And yet, you would actually see people in the Bible casting lots to make some of these types of big decisions. Decisions of going into battle, figuring out who was guilty of a crime- and even matters of life and death.

Ancient peoples had lots of weird, kooky ways of doing things. The weird thing about it to me…is that it worked.

God often worked through people casting lots- literally playing games of chance- to reveal His will to them and to guide them to the correct choice.

If God revealed His will like that to them, would God reveal His will like that to me?

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Sacrifices in the Millennium?!? The Ezekiel series, part 81 (Chapters 45-46)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Video available of this episode! Follow this link: https://youtube.com/live/PgafyQOcVEU?feature=share

We’ve been studying in the Millennial Kingdom of Jesus for the past few months here on the podcast, and today we’ll returning to Ezekiel once again to see what he has to say about it.

You may remember that Ezekiel was a priest, and yet he was carried off to Babylon as a captive before his priesthood would have began on his 30th birthday, so he never got to serve in the Jerusalem Temple.

However, in the last 9 chapters of his book, God gives Ezekiel something that’s pretty special: a time-traveling tour of the future Temple that will be in Jerusalem for the thousand year reign of Christ.

So we’ve been talking about that tour and covered 5 chapters of it so far. We’ll cover two more tonight.

I’m not sure if I’ve commented on this yet, but this is actually Ezekiel’s SECOND temple tour in his book.

He was also given a visionary temple tour of the Jerusalem temple back in chapters 8 through 11, and that one didn’t go so well. He bore witness to all the terrible things taking place within God’s holy temple. That vision was kind of a bummer. The glory of God LEFT.

In this tour though, the glory of God came back. So the future looks bright in God’s Kingdom.

Except for one thing we see taking place in this future Temple that doesn’t look so pleasant. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve heard that there will be sacrifices taking place in this Millennial Temple.

Why would there be sacrifices taking place when Jesus was the once-and-for-all sacrifice on the cross at Calvary? Doesn’t Hebrews make it pretty clear that God doesn’t need anymore sacrifices for sins?

We’re going to discuss that today on the Cross References podcast.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

0:00 - Introduction
4:25 - Ezekiel 45, Land Allotments around the Temple
17:00 - Fair Leadership
25:00 - Sacrifices in the Final Temple
37:25 - Ezekiel 46, Return of Feasts and Levitical Practices
46:30 - Regulations in the Final Temple
56:00 - Next Time & Closing Thoughts

The Government on His Shoulders: Society in the Millennium

Luke Taylor — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Video available of this episode! Follow this link: https://youtube.com/live/uozruwJ8R9g?feature=share

We love to quote this at Christmastime about the baby Jesus:

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

What many don’t realize is that only the first seven words of verse 6 pertained to Christmas: “for to us a child is born…”

Then there was a 33-year gap, followed by the next six words: “to us a son is given;”

And after those words has been a gap 2,000 years and counting.

The government has not been placed upon His shoulders yet. But when it is: what will it be like? That’s what we’ll be discussing today on the Cross References podcast.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Millennial Kingdom Rewards: How to LOSE Them

Luke Taylor — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

I recently re-read Dave Ramsey’s book on a Total Money Makeover. It gives you the baby steps you can take to be completely financially independent and financially healthy and even financially wealthy. It often says if you’ll live like no one else now, you can live like no one else later. Meaning if you’ll live a very frugal and sacrificial life today, you can experience a life of abundance in your later years.

A lot of us think about financial security for the future. We pay into social security. We pay into retirement accounts, Roth IRAs and investments. We accumulate land, property and possessions; we build equity in our homes. All so that we can spend the last 10 or 20 years we have on this planet as comfortably as possible.

Now, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with saving for retirement. There’s nothing wrong with Dave Ramsey’s book; like I said, I’ve read it twice. I encourage you to read it at least once as well.

But those retirement years are a drop in the bucket compared to the time we’re going to spend in the Millennial Kingdom of Jesus. And of course, statistically those 20 years are nothing compared to our eternities in heaven.

So we are way way off-base, I would say, with how much time we spend planning for our retirement compared to how much time we spend planning for forever.

And it’s one thing to earn rewards. That’s what we talked about in last week’s episode.

But did you know the Bible also has quite a bit to say about losing them?

I mean, think of the devastation you’d feel if you lost your retirement account.

What a tragedy of an even greater magnitude to put in the work and the effort and the accomplishment of gaining a millennial kingdom reward only to lose it?

And what are the things we can do to lose our rewards? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Millennial Kingdom Rewards: How to Earn Them

Luke Taylor — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 07:11:01 -0600

Video available of this episode! Follow this link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/P8JUFPp4yjM?si=oAx7LmN6sb5AsLjv

You’ve probably heard sermons or bible studies before about eternal rewards. You’ve probably heard sermons or bible studies before on the judgment seat of Christ.

But have you ever thought specifically about what rewards you can gain for the Millennial Kingdom: that thousand-year period where Christ reigns on planet earth physical after the tribulation and second coming of Christ?

This is not heaven. Heaven’s gonna go on forever. But the Millennial Kingdom will be its own unique time period. We’ve been studying it lately here on the podcast.

And what I’m finding is that a lot of the verses that we apply to our future in heaven might more accurately apply to this Millennial Kingdom. Including some of the verses on our rewards.

So you’ve probably heard about Eternal Rewards before. But today I want us to specifically focus on those millennial kingdom rewards.

And probably what you’d most like to know about them:

What you can do to earn them.

That’s what you’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Fan-Favorite (Rebroadcast): Who is Ezekiel? A Conversation with Nate Vainio

Luke Taylor — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

A conversation with Nate Vainio, host of the Something to Gnaw On podcast. He has graciously allowed me to share this interview with my listeners over here. I previously ran this interview in three segments last May, but here it is again in its entirety.

If you want to hear more of Nate's golden voice, check out the Something to Gnaw On podcast.

Check back next week for a new episode talking about the heavenly rewards we earn while on this earth. How to gain them, how to lose them, and what they actually are.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Your Role in the Millennial Reign of Christ: The Ezekiel series, part 80 (Chapter 44)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Video available of this episode! Follow this link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/_oElM-BMWgs?si=oVEnJOqYG0YY00tP

At the start of this year, I heard a tremendous quote that has motivated me like nothing else.

“If you died today, what dreams would die with you?”

Man, that has lit a fire under me going into 2025.

I’m 34. I am getting a greater grasp of the passage of time. I’m realizing my time on this earth is limited. I’m recognizing that all these dreams and ideas I’ve had that I’d like to do in my life have a time limit, and if I don’t start making them happen, I might run out of time to ever make them happen. So it’s been a very motivating thought, like I said. And I hope you’ll take it seriously for your life, too.

What if I told you the gifts you have do not have to die with you, the dreams you have do not necessarily die with you, the plans of things you’d like to someday do will not necessarily die with you?

If those dreams and ideas are of God, they may have a purpose beyond your lifetime. They could be fulfilled in the Millennium

As we look at Ezekiel 44 today, we’ll find out that our purpose in the thousand-year-reign of Christ might have a parallel to our purposes right now today? We will explore that idea on this episode of the Cross References podcast.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The Glory Returns: The Ezekiel series, part 79 (Chapter 43)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Video available of this episode! Follow this link: https://youtube.com/live/ye6GWXH564A?feature=share

Why did God want Ezekiel to see this future Millennial Temple of Jesus’ thousand-year kingdom?

Why does it go into such painstakingly precise (and often “boring’) detail?

And how was Antiochus Epiphanes able to charge into God’s Holy of Holies without dying all those years ago?

AND- what does any of this stuff about Ezekiel’s vision of a future temple have to do with our lives today?

You’ll find out the answers to all those questions today on the Cross References podcast!

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The Final Temple: The Ezekiel series, part 78 (Chapters 40-42)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600

The Final Temple: The Ezekiel series, part 78 (Chapters 40-42)

Video available of this episode! Follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/NInu4KGFKs4?si=1f7tgsTj41pYaOOy

Temples are important in Scripture. They are holy. They are sacred. They mark a point of connection between God and man.

Temples were where God would come down and dwell with His people.

The Bible has multiple temples mentioned; seven, by my count.

And Ezekiel’s Temple is the Final Temple. And the Bible tells us A LOT about it, and you’ll find out what it says today on the Cross References podcast.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

8 Things You Need to Know about the Millennium

Luke Taylor — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Video available of this episode! Follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/Qdg9ONoxKNQ?si=a_J62CCUPq9OfLgp

The way you interpret the Millennium does not just affect how you read Revelation 20.

The way you interpret the thousand-year Kingdom of Christ will affect how you read Isaiah 60 through 66, Ezekiel 40-48, Daniel 2 and 7, Micah 4, Zechariah 14, and virtually every book of the New Testament.

As I said in last week’s study, I take the premillennialism view of the end times. I believe Jesus comes back, and then the Millennium begins, and that it continues for a literal 1000-year period.

But even among us premillennialism Christians, things start to get a little fuzzy after that. What will it be like to live on the earth for a thousand years with Christ as a literal, physical King? Will there still be individual nations, or just one giant nation? Will the world still have wars? Will it be possible to sin when Christ is ruling on the throne?

And what are you and I going to be doing during all that time?

Those are questions that I plan to answer over the next 10 or so weeks of this podcast, but I’m going to give you the big-picture broad-overview of the Millennium today today on the Cross References podcast.

Watch last week’s episode about the 4 Views of the Millennium here: https://www.youtube.com/live/xuwnGPmx_yA?si=ryPO9CiNuV5lrY69

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

4 Views of the Millennium

Luke Taylor — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Watch a video version of today’s lesson right here!

https://www.youtube.com/live/xuwnGPmx_yA

Eschatology- or the end times- is a controversial topic among Christians. Not just controversial: denominations divide, pastors are kicked out of their churches, and the Twitter wars rage fiercely all because of differing beliefs about how the end times will play out.

And frankly, it’s for good reason. What you believe about things to come plays a big part in how we live our our Christian faith in the present. So we want to make sure we have all our ducks in a row when it comes to eschatology.

So what are the major views about the end times that cause Christians to draw their theological lines in the sand? Well, it all starts with what you think of this thing often called “The Millennium,” or the one-thousand-year reign of Christ talked about in Revelation 20.

Well, we’ve got to get this ironed out because Ezekiel 40 through 48 all take place during the millennium, and that’s what we’ll be studying in 2025 on this podcast.

I want to talk about the four main views of the Millennium today- and where I come down on it, and how I’ll be interpreting these last 9 chapters of Ezekiel- on the Cross References podcast.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The Heptadic Structure of the Bible: Why God Likes to do Things in 7s: The Ezekiel series, part 77

Luke Taylor — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600

As I was going through Ezekiel 38 and 39- which were the two chapters on Gog and Magog where we left off in Ezekiel- I was struck by all the 7s that kept coming up.

Like how the weapons were going to be burned for seven years following that conflict.

Or how the bodies would be left untouched for seven months.

One aspect I didn’t comment on in those two chapters is that the verses are divided up into 7 different sections to explain the story of Gog and Magog.

The way some people calculate it, they even believe Israel will be attacked by seven nations in that battle. And those aren’t the only sevens in Ezekiel.

So before we launch into the final section of the book of Ezekiel in 2025, let’s just take a week and talk about a subject that’s a little strange, kind of a diversion, but something that could give us a big tool for our tool belts when it comes to Bible interpretation.

And you’ll find out what it is today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - The Meaning of 7

8:30 - Matthew’s Beginning

18:30 - Mark’s Ending

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

BONUS EPISODE: Satan’s Master Plan

Luke Taylor — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Most Christians are regularly outwitted by Satan, and most Christians have no idea about his schemes- his devices- his designs.

We like to blame Satan for a lot of problems in life. The degradation of society, the strife in our families, the flat tire I got last Tuesday, whatever happened to Marvel after Endgame…

And I think it’s a fair question to ask: what the heck is this guy’s problem? What’s his deal? How does he expect to possibly defeat God? What’s his master plan?

I find Satan to be weird, and I’d like to understand what he’s doing throughout the Bible.

Turn to Genesis 3, and let’s get weird.

0:00 - Introduction

2:50 - Genesis 3-4

6:50 - Genesis 5-6

11:00 - Genesis 12

15:00 - II Samuel 7

21:30 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch, my email is weirdstuffinthebible@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Aftermath of Gog and Magog: The Ezekiel series, part 76 (39:9-29)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600

It’s not over until God says it’s over.

And last week, we covered what happens in the battle of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38 and 39, when a coalition of nations band together to attack Israel in the last days.

But of all the battles described in the Bible, this is the only one that goes into any detail about the aftermath. Ezekiel 39:9-29 is like that post-credits scene in a Marvel movie. Only the participants of this battle are not sitting around eating schwarma. They ARE the schwarma.

Why does the Bible spend several verses talking about the clean-up after this battle? I think I know why, and you’ll learn it today, too, on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - v9-16, Welcome to the New Age

9:25 - v17-20, The Birds and the Beasts

14:00 - v21-24, That All May Know

18:00 - Next Time?

20:40 - v25-29, Ezekiel and You

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The Battle of Gog and Magog: The Ezekiel series, part 75 (38:17-39:8)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In 1948, Israel was attacked by a coalition of five nations. The Israelis were outnumbered 2 to 1, outgunned 3 to 1, outclassed in every way, and yet they were victorious against their enemies.

In 1967, Israel was attacked again by another coalition of nations. They again were outnumbered 3 to 1, outgunned 4 to 1, outclassed in every way, and yet they were victorious against their enemies.

In the future- perhaps the near future- Israel is going to suffer another attack: from Russia, Iran, Turkey, and a few nations in Africa. Russia alone is 800 times larger than Israel. We don’t quite yet know how much they will be outnumbered, outgunned and outclassed. But we do know how it’s going to turn out.

And if you don’t know, you’ll find out what happens today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:00 - v17-23, A Series of Fortunate Events

11:30 - v1-6, God Retaliates

23:50 - v7-8, Why

30:00 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Why Gog Invades Israel: The Ezekiel series, part 74 (38:12-16)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600

You might think that there’s been a lot of things going on the world this past week, and this month, and this year- but that’s nothing in comparison to what’s coming in the future.

The Bible has a lot to say about the future. In fact, if you added up all the things the Bible says about future things that haven’t even happened yet, there would be more pages about things yet to come than it even said about any other time period- even the time that Jesus spent on this earth in the four Gospels.

And one of the next things we could see happening soon is a coalition of nations who invade Israel in the last days.

We aren’t talking about the timing of this attack; we talked out all those theories last week. Today, the question I want to analyze is “why?”

What is it that drives Russia to partner with Turkey, Libya, Iran and Sudan to eliminate Israel?

Most of those nations are Muslim, and it wouldn’t take much to get them to attack Israel. Some of them are already trying. But how does Russia fit into all this?

You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

1:30 - v10-11, The Land

5:20 - v12-13, The Wealth

14:50 - v14-16, The People

17:25 - The Ukraine War

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The Timing of Gog and Magog: The Ezekiel series, part 73 (38:7-11)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Many Bible prophecy teachers have incorrectly said something about Gog and Magog’s battle in Ezekiel 38, and I might be one of them. We have incorrectly said that Gog and Magog could happen at any moment.

Upon some careful study of the words here, I no longer think it could happen at literally any moment. I believe there are a few things that need to take place before Gog and Magog can come about.

Gog and Magog, at a minimum, is several months away. It could be years. It could even be a thousand years. There’s a lot of possibilities, and we’ll talk about those possibilities today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - v7-11, A Land of Unwalled Villages

11:00 - A Timeline of Things to Come

13:30 - #1, Before the Tribulation

20:00 - #2, At the Beginning of the Tribulation

26:30 - #3, Armageddon

32:00 - #4, End of the Millennium

38:00 - Next Time & Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The Nations of Gog’s Alliance: The Ezekiel series, part 72 (38:5-6)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

The Bible has a lot of strange locations thrown at us in Ezekiel 38 and 39.

Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, Meshech, Tubal, Beth-Togarmah, Mos Eisley, Alderaan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’d need a time machine to know where all these places are.

In fact, you’d need a space ship, too, because some of them only exist in a galaxy far, far away.

Since we don’t have time travel technology all figured out yet, we’ll have to rely on history to tell us where all these places are.

But why is knowing all these names important, anyway? Because these are the nations or peoples who are prophesied to come against Israel in an epic battle in the last days. The famous prophecy of Gog and Magog.

And this prophecy’s fulfillment may be close. And it may not. That’s why we have to understand what nations we should be watching closely. Once we’ve established who is who in this biblical drama, we’ll know how to see them coming into alignment with this prophecy- and perhaps be able to track how close we are to Gog and Magog’s battle play out.

I’ll teach you the signs we’re looking for today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

5:00 - Persia

9:50 - Cush

12:50 - Put

14:10 - Gomer and Beth-Togarmah

18:00 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Who is Gog?: The Ezekiel series, part 71 (38:1-4)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

We’re finally here, the most famous section of Ezekiel: chapters 38 and 39. The battle of Gog and Magog.

This chapter is about an alliance of nations that band together to attack Israel in the end times. The list of nations includes names like Cush, Put, Togarmah and more, and they’re led by a figure named Gog.

I don’t know about you, but these sound like someone in Scrabble trying to make up words with whatever tiles they have left. In fact, it’s hard to know who all it’s talking about unless we do some historical research to find out what these words meant to Ezekiel’s original audience.

And that’s not difficult to do, except when it comes to the identity of the leader of this alliance: Gog.

Who is Gog? That’s the question we’re going to start this multi week study with, and it all begins today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:30 - Meshech and Tubal

14:50 - Magog

18:25 - Gog

28:25 - Is Gog the Antichrist?

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

SPECIAL: Back to 'The Day Satan Called' - with Bill Scott

Luke Taylor — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

It was the week before Halloween in the fall of 1988 when Bill Scott picked up the phone at his job at a Christian radio station and his life was never the same.

What follows is a story of demonic possession, deliverance, and a long list of what to do and what NOT to do when standing up to the powers of darkness.

I’ve been doing a series on the abilities of demons here on this podcast. Bill joins me today to share his story with my listeners here. It’s going to add some insight and depth to your understanding of spiritual warfare. But let me warn you: parts of his interview will rock your world, get a little scary, and a lot weird.

So if you’re ready, let’s get weird.

Find Bill's book right here: https://www.amazon.com/Day-Satan-Called-Encounter-Possession/dp/0892968982/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
The Day Satan Called: A True Encounter with Demon Possession and Exorcism. Available in paperback and on Kindle.

If you want to get in touch with me (Luke Taylor), my email is weirdstuffinthebible@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Myths of Replacement Theology and the 10 Lost Tribes: The Ezekiel series, part 70 (37:15-28)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500

I’m going to give you a great Bible Study tip, because some people have a really hard time figuring out what the Bible is saying. So here’s a little tip that always helps me: when the Bible tells you what it’s saying, then you don’t have to try to figure out what it’s saying. You can just go with what the Bible tells you it’s saying.

Sound good? Great. Now you can throw out half your commentaries on the book of Ezekiel. Or, at least, you can come throw out half of mine, because it’s astounding how many Bible teachers- literal scholars- will totally miss the point of Ezekiel 37.

We talked about it last time, and it’s going to come up in this lesson, too. Now, I don’t want to sound arrogant, or like I’m smarter than all these guys. Why do I say they get it wrong? Well, because they bring all these preconceptions to the table when the crack open their Bibles, and whatever they read in the Bible must always fit the preconceptions they had before they opened it.

And these preconceptions are things like covenant theology or replacement theology. And if you want to make Ezekiel 37 fit replacement theology, you have to ignore what the Bible says when it tells you exactly what it says it means and make words mean things that the Bible never said.

The Book of Ezekiel creates some major headaches for people who want to make the Bible fit their preconceptions rather than letting the Bible mean what it clearly says.

So today, we’re going to leave our preconceptions right here in the intro, and we’ll let Ezekiel 37 tell us exactly what it’s telling us. And you’ll learn what that is today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

2:00 - v15-16, A Tale of Two Sticks

10:50 - v17-21, The Power of One

18:55 - v22-28, Who is David?

25:05 - Debunking Replacement Theology

30:40 - Plans for the Rest of This Year

34:10 - Remembering October 7, 2023

40:45 - The 10 Lost Tribes Myth

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

What ‘The Valley of the Dry Bones’ Really Means: The Ezekiel series, part 69 (37:1-14)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 08:44:51 -0500

There are two chapters of the book of Ezekiel that I feel are most abused when it comes to interpretation. Two chapters that people seem to just want to allegorize and make them mean whatever they want. And one of those chapters is right here. Ezekiel 37.

Many Christians try to make this chapter about a future resurrection. That may be the most popular interpretation of this chapter. But Ezekiel 37 has a context, and that’s not it.

Some try to take this passage literally and say it’s about the power of our words. But Ezekiel 37 has a context, and that’s not it.

Some try to make this passage about the origin of the church. But Ezekiel 37 has a context, and that’s not it.

Some try to make this passage about how God can bring life to things that seem dead and revive things that looked long-gone and turn your whole life situation around. And God certainly can do all those things, but Ezekiel 37 is not about you. Ezekiel 37 has a context, and that’s not it.

So today, we’ll talk about the context of Ezekiel 37 to try and understand what it really means. It had a meaning back then, and it also has a meaning for modern times, and you’ll learn it today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:20 - v1-6, Death Valley

10:05 - v7-10, Revival

15:25 - v11-14, What It All Means

20:00 - Regathered and Restored

35:40 - Next Time

37:25 - Regenerated

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

What is Dispensationalism- and why does it make everyone so angry? (with Craig of GotQuestions.org)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

I can't figure out why I keep making everybody mad at me, so I brought in an expert to explain it. Craig of Awaiting Christ ministry and podcast joins me today to explain dispensationalism and how it relates to the modern state of Israel and rapture theology- both hot button issues in today's political and church climate.

Craig is a seminary student and also a writer for GotQuestions.org. Find out more about him at: https://linktr.ee/AwaitChrist

The Abrahamic Covenant vs The Mosaic Covenant: The Ezekiel series, part 68 (36:28-38)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

There’s a strange contradiction in God’s promises to the Jewish people.

In Genesis 12, God makes a covenant with Abraham to give him the land of Israel. In Genesis 17:7, God told Abraham that His covenant with him and his descendants would be an everlasting covenant.

But then in Leviticus 26, God warns that if the Jewish people break His commandments, He will kick them out of their land.

And then we know from our studies in the book of Ezekiel that that’s exactly what happened. In fact, in Ezekiel 16, God even tells us that the covenant was broken.

This was in the 500s BC. But God had said He was making an everlasting covenant around 2000 BC. So since when does “everlasting” have an expiration date after 1500 years? How can God say that a covenant can ever be broken if God had already promised it was everlasting?

And does this mean that the Jewish people actually have no right to the claim of the land of Israel today?

Now, I actually believe there are NO contradictions in God’s Word, and that when we think we’ve found one, we actually just need to rightly divide the Word of Truth to figure out how it all fits together.

And that’s what we’ll do today as we finish up Ezekiel 36 on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

5:30 - v28-30, The Return

10:35 - v31-32 True Repentance

18:00 - v33-38, The Regrowth of Israel

23:25 - Two Covenants (with Craig from Awaiting Christ)

31:50 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

How to Advance in Your Calling without Getting Stuck - Interview with Chris Pace about Level Up

Luke Taylor — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Trying to figure out the next step in your life's journey? Today, I chat with Chris Pace about his new book Level Up. As I tell the story in this episode, I actually met Chris recently while on vacation, and he gave me a copy of his book. This interview will share several insights with you about discovering God's will. Here is a link where you can find more about Chris' book: https://chrispace.org/

I will also paste my Amazon review below...
I was incredibly blessed to come across this book by Chris Pace! It spoke directly to some issues I have been dealing with in my own life. I really took my time with it because I wanted to soak it all in. Sometimes I didn't even read a full chapter before I put it down because it gave me so much to think about.

I highly encourage this book to people who feel "stuck" at their current place in life and want direction on discovering what God may have next for them. If you want encouragement, are feeling aimless in life, or you need a recalibration of your calling, this book can give you the tools you need to reset yourself.

I also encourage you to finish it, because I found that the book became better and better the deeper I got into it. This surprised me because many books try to put its most important information first and then they kind of drag out the rest to increase the page count. Not this one. Every chapter got more engaging and practical, all the way up to the very end. I couldn't believe some of the insights I was still discovering even in the last 10 pages of the book.

I think anyone who reads this book will find something helpful! Easily 5 stars.

BONUS EPISODE: Who Hardened Pharaoh's Heart?

Luke Taylor — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Today, I am sharing an episode from my other podcast, Weird Stuff in the Bible. Each week, I dive into a different weird topic regarding bizarre things in scripture. Hear more by subscribing to this podcast as well! And tune back in on Cross References next week to hear an interview with Chris Pace of Messenger International about his new book, Level Up.

On a recent episode of this podcast, I was discussing a weird story about Moses in Exodus 4, I came across another pretty odd verse that generates some confusion among Christians: Exodus 4:21.

Now, I didn’t want to stop and analyze that verse because it would have taken me on a rabbit trail, and I was already trying to talk about a different weird thing, and I would have had to go down a weird-ception of weird-within-a-weird. So I decided to come back to it this week.

And what does Exodus 4:21 say? Well, it’s as Moses is on his way back to Egypt, and God says

(Exodus 4:21)

“When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.

So that’s strange because it raises the question of whether Pharaoh even had a choice about how everything was going to play out. Because if you know the story, Pharaoh doesn’t want to let the people go, and he pays a pretty steep price for it.

And yet Pharaoh never relents. All throughout the story, his heart is harder than your grandma’s fruit cake at Christmas.

But this claim that God would harden Pharaoh’s heart makes it seem like Pharaoh wasn’t even really able to let the people go if he wanted to. So what gives? Did Pharaoh have free will?

And perhaps more importantly to us: do you and I have free will?

I find this to be weird, and I’d like to explore why it’s in the Bible.

Turn to Exodus 4, and let’s get weird.

0:00 - Introduction

2:40 - What is a Hard Heart?

6:20 - God vs Pharaoh

9:40 - Is Anyone at Fault?

13:40 - Next Time

15:25 - Would God Harden our Hearts?

If you want to get in touch, my email is weirdstuffinthebible@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

A New Spirit: The Ezekiel series, part 67 (36:27)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Last week I talked about how I did my parental duty and instilled the love of star wars into my child.

Now let me talk about one of the stupidest things in star wars.

And it comes from the same place that all of the stupidest things in star wars come from: the new Disney movies.

This one is flies right into the face of common sense.

It comes from the inner turmoil experienced by the villain of Episode 7: Kylo Ren.

Kylo is on the dark side. He seeks to prove himself a true, fully committed disciple of the dark side throughout the movie, and throughout the film he makes some comments. One of them is:

Forgive me. I feel it again. The pull to the light.

Throughout the film, Kylo is dealing with this “quote-unquote-temptation” to turn good, and this is one of the lines he uses.

Now, to write a line like that betrays any understanding of how the human heart actually operates. We want to be good, but we wrestle with the temptation to be bad.

Like it says in Galatians 5: the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh…to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

The Bible says we “want” to do good, but it’s our sinful desires that pull us back. But Kylo wants to be bad and wrestles with a temptation to be good. It’s completely backwards. It’s like saying, “Pray for me, I’m really tempted to eat this salad when I know I should order a double cheeseburger.”

There is not something naturally inside of us that pulls us toward righteousness and away from evil. What is inside of us pulls us to the flesh, to our natural instincts, toward selfishness and evil, toward…the dark side.

We aren’t tempted toward the light. The decision to pursue the light does not come from something within us naturally; but something that is given to us by God.

To be drawn toward the light requires God to put a new heart and a new spirit within us.

Which sounds like what we’ve been studying as we go through the book of Ezekiel, and it’s something you’ll find out about today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:00 - The Spirit

11:00 - The Spirit Empowers You

14:15 - The Spirit Seals You

17:30 - The Spirit Guides You

27:00 - The Spirit is a Point of Connection Between You and God

32:00 - Next Time

34:15 - A Note about Hearing from the Spirit

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

A New Heart: The Ezekiel series, part 66 (36:24-26)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Poor Nicodemus. That guy really gets a bad rap.

Nicodemus was the Pharisee who famously came to Jesus by night, because he was afraid if he approached Jesus during the day that people might see, and people might talk. He was a wise man, a religious man, a scholar.

And it’s a good thing that he comes to Jesus in the middle of the night like this because if anyone did hear what Nicodemus was saying, he’d never hear the end of it. When he was told that he must be born again, in

John 3:4, he replied to Jesus,

How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?

And if this were a sitcom, modern people will stick the laugh track right here and we’ll all high-five and laugh at the dumb question. So Jesus makes this statement:

(Verse 5)

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus is still confused. He says to Jesus,

“How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?”

Now the laugh track probably goes off again, but we should stop and consider this question. It’s actually kind of a tricky one. Jesus expects Nicodemus to know this.

But why should he be expected to understand this? Why should Nicodemus know about concepts like “born again” and “born of water and the Spirit.” It’s not like the Old Testament teaches about these things.

Or does it? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

2:00 - v24, The Return

4:20 - v25, Cleansed by Water

13:00 - v26,

19:30 - A Note on the Future

23:40 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Don’t Misrepresent God: The Ezekiel series, part 65 (36:16-23)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

A lot of people misunderstand the third commandment. The third commandment says, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”

Most Christians think that means you shouldn’t say OMG. Now, you probably shouldn’t say OMG, but that’s just one part of what it means to break the third commandment.

The third commandment means to misrepresent God. Now, you may say, how can taking God’s name in vain be a way of misrepresenting God? The reason is, because when you are a follower of God, you place God’s name upon yourself. Therefore, the way you behave will be a signpost of God to the world.

For example, we followers of God today are most commonly known as Christians. Now think about this: what are the first six letters of Christian? Christ. When you’re known as a christian, you’re seen by unbelievers as a representative of Christ.

That means when you show love as a Christian, you are showing people that God sees them and loves them and wants to know them.

Likewise, if we show hate or malice toward people as a Christian, it gives the impression that God is angry with them and doesn’t like them, either.

And that’s the essence of the third commandment. Yes, we shouldn’t use God’s name as a swear word. We shouldn’t tack God’s name onto things as a marketing strategy. We shouldn’t speak of God in a mocking way. That’s all part of this commandment. But misrepresenting God is the main way we take His name in vain.

And what we’re going to see today is that God is not as laidback as Joan Jett when it comes to giving him a bad reputation. Turn to Ezekiel 36 as we continue that chapter today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

2:15 - For the Sake of His Name

18:45 - Secondhand Embarrassment

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Prophecy Literally Fulfilled: The Ezekiel series, part 64 (36:1-15)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Is prophecy meant to be taken literally, or is it all symbolic? And if it’s both, then how can you know the difference? That’s the question we’re going to answer today.

Because we Christians find a lot to argue about on the subject of prophecy. How can we know if the Israel of today is the fulfillment of prophecies in Old Testament Scripture? How can we know if the Millennium is something future or something happening now? How can we know if it is 1000 actual years?

It’s the “how-can-we-know” questions that I want to settle for you today. And the best way to understand how future prophecy should be interpreted is to examine how past prophecy was fulfilled. And you’ll learn about that today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - The Taylor Test

4:45 - v1-7, Thus Says the Lord

9:15 - v8, Timing of the Return

20:05 - v9-15, Restoration of the Land

26:30 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Esau, Edomites and the Palestinians: The Ezekiel series, part 63 (35:1-15)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

We’re coming up on three years since I started this podcast, and when I started it, I didn’t know that by the time we got done, Israel would be attacked in the largest one-day massacre of Jewish people since WWII. I didn’t know Israel would be engulfed in a literal war with the Palestinian terrorists who have been seeking to overthrow it for decades. And I didn’t know we’d be seeing Ezekiel 35 being repeated so vividly right before our eyes.

But that’s exactly what’s going on. And the battle you see playing out in the Middle East right now is a battle that started- not on October 7, 2023, but- all the way back in the book of Genesis.

So how did all of this start, and where is all this going? I can’t wait to tell you about it today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:30 - v1-4, The Identity of Mount Seir

13:50 - v6-9, The Sins of the Edomites

20:30 - A Brief history of Edom

33:33 - The Origin of Palestine

40:10 - v10-15, Edom’s Doomed Future

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The Best is Yet to Come: The Ezekiel series, part 62 (34:11-31)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Ezekiel has not been the easiest book of the Bible to study. Up until today’s lesson, most of it has been dark, depressing, gloomy and full of judgment and wrath.

But regardless of the past, I have some news about the future: the best is yet to come.

Because the book is making a major turning point in this section we’re in. So far, we’ve just encountered the bad news. But now we’re in a part called the Gospel According to Ezekiel. That’s what some commentaries call it.

And the word “Gospel” means good news.

So we have some good news for you today, and this good news will be in the form of future prophecy. This book is turning it’s attention toward the future for the material we’re going to talk about in today’s verses.

We’re covering the back half of Ezekiel 34 on this episode, and we’ll answer these questions…

Why does God bring trials into our lives that cripple and hobble us?
Who is the David spoken of in verse 23?
Is it possible that we’re in the Millennium right now?

You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

1:20 - v11-16, The Best Shepherd

12:45 - v17-24, Judgment Within the Church

19:45 - v25-31, The Millennial Sheep Pen

24:30 - Closing Thoughts

Special thanks to the Two Witnesses Live podcast for inviting me on their show recently! Here is a link if you’d like to see/hear it: https://www.youtube.com/live/Mh0bTZhUKwk?si=vqVdx6KZx9tQIZSo

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Good and Bad Pastors: The Ezekiel series, part 61 (34:1-10)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

A pastor must be a good public speaker, able to draw large crowds with his authority and charisma.

A pastor must be like a CEO, an expert in management and leadership.

A pastor must be a skilled fundraiser, and know how to execute a building program.

A pastor must be on-call 24/7, even on holidays and vacations.

A pastor must be an expert psychologist and counselor, able to diagnose and treat every mental illness.

A pastor must have a picture-perfect family, a wife who leads the women’s ministry and teaches children’s church and does it all with a smile- and their kids must never misbehave or embarrass their parents.

And by the way, the pastor is supposed to be one of the poorest members of the church, driving an old used vehicle, living in a 1000 square foot house, taking now more of a salary from the church than the absolute minimum needed to survive, as a way to show his true devotion to God.

These are some of the modern expectations of a pastor or ministry leader. This is what many in the modern American church want- or think they want- from their pastors.

But are these expectations biblical? Are these the priorities that God said He expected from a pastor when He gave us the New Testament? Or are some of these things that we’ve added over the years? And if we’re adding human standards to God’s Word for what qualifies a pastor, is it wrong of us to do that?

We’re going to explore that question today by looking at a text from Ezekiel 34 where he shares God’s heart on the qualifications of a spiritual leader. All of that today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:50 - The Pastor as Shepherd

15:20 - A Pastor’s Job Description- I Timothy 3

21:20 - Ezekiel 34, verses 1-10

33:00 - Closing Thoughts- The Good Shepherd

Special thanks to the Two Witnesses Live podcast for inviting me on their show recently! Here is a link if you’d like to see/hear it: https://www.youtube.com/live/Mh0bTZhUKwk?si=vqVdx6KZx9tQIZSo

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hit Mute and Know God: The Ezekiel series, part 60 (33:21-33)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0500

I have heard all my life about declaring God’s promises. The idea was that certain things in scripture became true in reality as long as you declared them to be so.

Sounds a little bit magical. But is it biblical?

We’re going to talk about that today. We’ll also wrap up Ezekiel 33, and for the first time in 30 chapters, Ezekiel is going to be allowed to speak freely. You may have forgotten, but Ezekiel’s mouth was shut for a large chunk of his time in ministry. God supernaturally prevented him from speaking.

We’ll talk about that. And nobody wants to be unpopular, but if you listen to the end today, you’ll also learn about the dangers that come with being too popular.

So are God’s promises something you just have to declare? Are they activated by faith? Or are there conditions that have to be met for God’s promises to be fulfilled?

You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:30 - v21-22, No Longer Mute

7:00 - v23-29, Standing on the Promises of God?

18:30 - v30-33, The Dangers of Popularity

25:15 - Mailbag

26:35 - He Opened Not His Mouth

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

What “Faith without Works is Dead” Actually Means

Luke Taylor — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Entire books have been written about the thorny theological issue I want to talk about today.

James chapter 2. At face value, James 2 seems hard to reconcile with the rest of the New Testament.

That’s because the rest of the New Testament pretty clearly teaches this doctrine of salvation by grace through faith not of works. That’s a direct quote, actually.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Romans 4:2-3

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

Galatians 2:16

yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ,

So it’s like, every page of the New Testament makes this clear: salvation is only by grace through faith. There is nothing you can do to earn your salvation. Works play no part in it.

And then James comes along and says this in his second chapter,

Verse 14

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

Wait a second here. Let me read that again. (Re-read it)

Is James going against Paul? I can’t emphasize enough how much this seems to be saying the exact opposite of so many other verses in the Bible.

Is James contradicting Paul? Is James contradicting the Bible? Is James contradicting God Himself?

I find this to be weird, and I’d like to explore why it’s in the Bible.

Turn to James 2, and let’s get weird.

0:00 - Introduction

3:00 - James 2

6:15 - The Context of James

11:30 - Going Back to the Greek

17:00 - Next Time

20:00 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Sometimes-Confusing Relationship Between Faith and Works: The Ezekiel series, part 59 (33:10-20)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500

So we’re in this chapter called Ezekiel’s Greatest Hits. That’s my name for it. Ezekiel 33 recaps some of Ezekiel’s earlier lessons; in fact, some of my favorite lessons from earlier in the book. And today we’ll be looking at verses 10 through 20, which recap my favorite chapter of Ezekiel: chapter 18.

This is the chapter on personal responsibility. It was one of my most popular podcast episodes before, and it’s still getting a lot of play even today. If you heard the lesson on Ezekiel 18 before, don’t tune out, because even though this is recapping something we’ve already studied, I’m going to expand on it today.

A lot of people question how Ezekiel 18 fits in with the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, not of works. We’re going to talk about dispensationalism. We’re going to talk about Calvinism and God’s sovereignty. And if you listen until the end, we’re even going to talk about the difference in worldly sorrow and true repentance that Paul discusses in the New Testament.

So you’re gonna get a lot of good theology if you stick around today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

2:30 - Javascript Bible

5:20 - v10-12, The Limits of Calvinism

13:35 - v12-13, The Limits of Dispensationlism

20:30 - Faith and Works

30:50 - Next Time

34:10 - v17-20, Worldly Sorrow vs Godly Sorrow (II Corinthians 7)

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

A Major Announcement about the Future of this Podcast

Luke Taylor — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0500

I am looking at changing this podcast's name to "The Book of Ezekiel: A Cross References Bible Study."

I hope you will agree that I have a good reason to make this change.

Ezekiel’s Greatest Hits: The Ezekiel series, part 58 (33:1-9)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500

You are probably going to regret listening to today’s episode. I’m just gonna put that out there now.

Why do I say that? Do you ever learn something and you just kind of wish you didn’t know?

Like, I wish I didn’t know about germs. Sometimes I just really wish I didn’t know that there are these tiny little microscopic bacteria all over virtually everything and if you get too many of them you’ll get sick and feel yucky.

That sounds like pretty helpful information to know, except for the fact that I have this awareness at all times that I’m constantly surrounded by germs. I’m a bit of a germaphobe. I keep hand sanitizer in my car, on my desk at work, and sitting over here by me as I say these words at my desk at home.

Yes, it makes me feel better to have it. But I kinda wish sometimes I didn’t worry about germs as much as I do.

Well, there are things about spiritual reality that we don’t know and that we are perfectly happy not to know and yet that we should know. For example, whose responsibility is it when someone goes to hell? Is it just that person’s fault? Can another person be responsible for it? Can YOU be responsible for it?

The answer might make you a little uncomfortable. But, it’s something you need to know, and you’ll learn that answer today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:50 - v1-9, The Burden of the Watchman

19:50 - A Note about the Future

23:50 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Pray With Me

Luke Taylor — Mon, 27 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, I'm just asking for prayer for the family of a friend of mine. Though my heart is heavy right now, I hope you all have a Happy Memorial Day :)

How Ezekiel Changed My View of God: A Conversation with Nate Vainio (Part 3)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 20 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

A conversation with Nate Vainio, host of the Something to Gnaw On podcast. He has graciously allowed me to share this interview with my listeners over here for the month of May, and this is part 3 of 3.

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 122

(And Part 57 of my Ezekiel series)

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Who Was Ezekiel?: A Conversation with Nate Vainio (Part 2)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 13 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 121

(And Part 56 of my Ezekiel series)

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Why Study Ezekiel?: A Conversation with Nate Vainio (Part 1)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 06 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 120

(And Part 55 of my Ezekiel series)

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Egypt in the End Times

Luke Taylor — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Adolph Hitler hoped and prayed that he was this antichrist that the Bible spoke of. Hitler may have been a deranged maniac; he did at least know a thing or two about what the Bible said. And as he went through Europe swallowing up nation after nation, he was convinced more and more that he would be this man.

(it’s strange; he wanted to fulfill the scriptures that spoke of the antichrist’s power; I wonder how he thought he would then stop the scriptures that spoke of Jesus returning and casting the antichrist into hell. but like I said, Hitler was deranged.)

The book Hitler’s Cross by Ewrin Lutzer: Hitler offered himself as a messiah with the divine mission to save Germany. On one occasion, he displayed the whip he often carried to demonstrate that “in driving out the Jews I remind myself of Jesus in the temple.” He declared “Just like Christ, I have a duty to my own people.” He even boasted that as Christ’s birth had changed the calendar, so his victory over the Jews would be the beginning of a new age. “What Christ began,” he said, “I will complete.”

Well, Hitler didn’t get his wish. Not that he didn’t accomplish a lot of evil. 6 million Jews murdered. 1/3 of all the Jews in the world. I’ve spoken on this podcast before about why the devil wants all of the Jewish people dead. And the devil is going to keep trying, whether that means working through Hitler or working through the future antichrist.

Now, the Antichrist isn’t going to win, either. He’ll be successful in killing 2/3 of the remaining Jews during the seven-year tribulation. But he won’t succeed. As he is conquesting the land of Israel during that time, he will be attacked by another nearby nation. A nation we’ve been studying quite a bit here lately on the podcast: Egypt.

So on today’s episode, you’ll learn six things about the Antichrist, including hints about his nationality and his love life. You’ll also learn about God’s plan for Egypt in the end times.

There is actually a plan for Egypt during the Great Tribulation. And the plan involves opposing the Antichrist. Have you ever heard about this before? If not, you will today on the Cross References Podcast.

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 119

0:00 - Hitler Wanted to Be the Antichrist

2:45 - The Daniel 11 Context

5:40 - His Big Mouth

8:20 - His Nationality

11:00 - His Love Life

12:55 - His Religion

15:40 - His Enemies

27:50 - His Palace

31:45 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Pharaoh Takes a Tour of Hell: The Ezekiel series, part 54 (32:17-32)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Death is not the end.

A couple episodes ago, I took a little detour into Jude and analyzed this phrase “twice dead.” It was kind of a side-quest because I primarily use this podcast to dive into the book of Ezekiel. In that lesson, we focused on how the Second Death talked about in Revelation is not teaching the doctrine of annihilationism, or the idea that we cease to exist at the moment of death. The second death means eternity in hell, or the lake of fire, and you never stop existing.

I had no idea when I took that side-journey how well it would intertwine with what we’re discussing today in the book of Ezekiel, where the main idea of this chapter can be summed up as this: death is not the end.

I didn’t plan it this way. Maybe God did. Maybe God has something he wants us to get from this chapter. And if so, it’s no accident that you’re listening today.

The last episode was about the death of pharoah. Today’s episode will show you what happened to Pharaoh next. I’ll also share some thoughts on what chapters 25-32 as a whole in Ezekiel are communicating to us. And you will see more than ever that death is not the end.

This episode WILL end, though, and by the time you finish it, you’ll hear about when Pharaoh took a tour of hell and WHO he saw when he got there.

All of that today on the Cross References podcast.

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 118

0:00 - Introduction

3:30 - The Fate of Pharaoh

15:00 - Death is NOT the End

21:30 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

God Slays the Chaos Dragon: The Ezekiel series, part 53 (32:1-16)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

We live in a world of absolute chaos. Where does it all come from? Well, you’ll find out today.

Today’s episode will start into chapter 32 of Ezekiel, which will be God’s final word on Egypt and the Gentile Nations. Egypt is truly one of the most fascinating nations in the Bible; it plays a huge role in the creation of Israel as a nation, in some of Israel’s struggles throughout the Old Testament, and even factors into God’s plans for the future.

And we’ll talk about that in the weeks ahead, but today, you’re going to learn about some of the Old Testament passages that speak of God fighting some kind of sea monster; levitathan, or the chaos dragon.

Also, you’ll learn why the new heavens and the new earth in Revelation 21 are said to have no sea.

And if you listen to the end, you’ll gain a greater understanding of what may be going on in our world today- especially right here in America. All of that today on the Cross References podcast.

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 117

0:00 - Introduction

2:30 - The Death of Pharaoh

12:00 - God vs The Chaos Dragon

27:00 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

“Twice Dead” in Jude

Luke Taylor — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

0:00 - Introduction

2:00 - The Poetic Language of Jude 12-13

3:40 - Blemishes at your love feasts

6:40 - Clouds without rain

8:00 - Autumn trees without fruit

9:55 - Foaming up their shame

12:50 - Wandering Stars

14:30 - Twice Dead

22:45 - A Second Death?

27:30 - Survivors Gather Here Monday

29:00 - Connections to Believers and the Cross

The Cosmic Tree: The Ezekiel series, part 52 (31:1-18)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Lessons from Loki and Ezekiel 31. No one is too big to fall.

Captain America: “There’s only one God, ma’am. And I’m pretty sure He doesn’t dress like that.”

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 115

0:00 - Lessons from Loki

5:15 - The Tree Motif in Scripture

7:45 - v1-9, My Life as a Tree

14:30 - v10-18, The Judgment of the Pharaonic Tree

26:00 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Description:

Introduction:

In this episode of the Cross References Podcast, host Luke Taylor delves into the intriguing parallels between the prideful ambitions of Egyptian Pharaohs and the character journey of Loki from the Marvel cinematic universe.
Luke opens with a captivating comparison, illustrating how both Pharaohs and Loki sought godlike status, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Ezekiel 31.

Main Content:

Luke draws attention to the motif of divine judgment and the consequences of human pride, using the character arc of Loki as a contemporary lens to examine ancient themes.
Through insightful analysis, Luke highlights the imagery of the towering tree in Ezekiel 31, representing the greatness and eventual downfall of nations like Assyria or Egypt.
The discussion navigates through key verses, unpacking the symbolic significance of the majestic tree and its ultimate fate, echoing the timeless message of humility and divine sovereignty.

Conclusion & Call to Action:

As the episode draws to a close, Luke reflects on the enduring relevance of biblical narratives in contemporary contexts, emphasizing the importance of humility and reverence in the face of divine judgment.
Luke teases the next episode, enticing listeners to explore further insights into biblical themes and narratives by subscribing to the podcast.
Finally, Luke invites listeners to engage with the podcast community by sending feedback via email and leaving a 5-star review to support the show's growth and reach.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The gods of Egypt: Did God love the Egyptians?

Luke Taylor — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

One time I was studying through the book of Exodus and I had this thought: Did God love the Egyptians?

It’s a question you’ve probably never really thought much about before.

So, in Exodus, this is the story of the Egyptians who enslaved the Israelites and wouldn’t let them go. They were forced to work all day under grueling conditions in the desert, building whatever Pharaoh wanted for his cities. And for centuries, pharaoh after pharaoh wouldn’t let them leave.

So, they’re clearly the bad guys in this story. Then God sends a deliverer named Moses out of the wilderness to come and set these people free, and the rest is history- and a really epic four-hour Charlton Heston movie from 1956. And it’s rated G even though it’s kinda scary for a G-rated movie. But you’ve got the water turning to blood and mass killing from a death angel and later drowning. And according to IMDB, there’s some canoodling between lovers. I’m not sure what that’s referring to. I’m not even sure what canoodling is, but it sure doesn’t sound G-rated to me.

Then again, the Bible is not a G-rated book. Speaking of IMDB, let me look here at how it rates the agro-appropriateness of movies: violence and gore? Yes. Alcohol? Yes. Frightening and intense scenes? Yes. Profanity? That’s debatable but if you read the King James Version, you’re going to find a few words that I sure wasn’t allowed to say growing up. Oh, and sex and nudity? Well, if you read Song of Solomon, there’s definitely some canoodling going on.

The Bible is a book of violence, destruction, depression, fear, wrath- and a God who loves all of humanity on every page. But it’s a little easy to lose sight of that fact as you read about the mass destruction that God visits upon people throughout His Word- including on the Egyptians in Exodus.

And this can cause us to question: even when God judges people, does He still love them?

Let’s go back to my original question: Did God love the Egyptians?

I have a theory about this, and I’d like to share it today on the Cross References podcast.

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 114

0:00 - Why Jesus was Sometimes Harsh

7:20 - The 10 Plagues

28:00 - Did God Love the Egyptians?

Description:

In this captivating episode of the Cross References podcast, host Luke Taylor delves deep into the biblical narrative of Exodus, exploring the intriguing question: Did God love the Egyptians? Through a thought-provoking analysis of Exodus 7-12, Taylor uncovers profound insights into the complex relationship between divine judgment and love.

Discover the untold story behind the plagues of Egypt and their significance in exposing idolatry and leading to repentance. Taylor navigates through historical context, biblical parallels, and modern-day analogies to unravel the layers of divine love and justice.

Join us as we explore the theological depths of God's actions in the Old Testament and their relevance to contemporary faith. Gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of divine love and the transformative power of biblical narratives.

Tune in to the Cross References podcast for a compelling journey through scripture, where every small piece tells one big story connected to the cross and Christ.

Key Topics:

Biblical narrative of Exodus 7-12
Divine love and judgment in the Old Testament
Significance of the plagues of Egypt in exposing idolatry
Theological insights into God's actions and motives
Modern-day reflections on faith and divine justice

Connect with Us:

Subscribe to the Cross References podcast for more insightful episodes.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The Prophecy Against Egypt: The Ezekiel series, part 51 (30:1-26)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

On this podcast the past several months, we have studied the prophecies against Ammon, Moab, Philistia and Edom; we studied the prophecy against Tyre in great detail, and then the prophecy against Sidon; today we are continuing through the prophecy against Egypt.

This series of prophecies against ancient Egypt at the time of Ezekiel takes up chapters 29 through 32 of his book, and we will cover all of chapter 30 today.

This chapter contains a lot of interesting tidbits: why is it talking about the future Day of the Lord as if it was thousands of years ago? Who are the mysterious people of the land that is in league in verse 5? Why did God say He would break Pharaoh’s arm? And here’s an interesting one: is Cleopatra prophesied in verse 12? We’ll answer those questions, and we’ll talk about the main idea of this chapter that ties all of it together. All of that today on the Cross References podcast.

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 113

0:00 - Introduction

3:00 - v-14, Egypt in the Day of the Lord

7:25 - v5-8, What Team Are You On?

14:45 - v10-12, Is Cleopatra Prophesied?

20:00 - v13-19, Cities of the gods

27:10 - v20-26, Breaking Pharaoh’s Arm

31:15 - American Decadence

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

All Other Ground is Sinking Sand: The Ezekiel series, part 50 (29:1-21)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

What can you turn to when even the most powerful nation in the world is falling apart?

2024 is shaping up to be a chaotic year. Elections, Civil War, high profile political prosecutions, war in Europe, war in the Middle East- and another Chinese Spy Balloon. And who knows what else is on the horizon?

Well, someone knows, and that’s what we’ll talk about today.

We’re returning to the study in the book of Ezekiel with chapter 29. This chapter is going to be the first of four that all deal with the nation of Egypt. For a time in world history, near the days of the prophet Ezekiel, Egypt was seen as the most powerful nation in the world. As long as you were on Egypt’s good side, you were probably going to be OK.

They didn’t need NATO. They had Egypt.

And yet, Egypt is not gonna be good enough. The most powerful nation in the world is not gonna be good enough when God comes against you. For the first half of the book of Ezekiel, God came against Jerusalem. Now, God is coming against Egypt.

What can you turn to when even the most powerful nation in the world is falling apart? We’ll talk about that today on the Cross References podcast.

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 112

0:00 - Introduction

3:15 - v1-5, The Crocodile King

8:25 - v6-9, Egypt, the Broken Reed

11:00 - v10-16, The 40-Year Exile

16:45 - v17-21, A Prize for Tyre

22:40 - What Happens When You Worship Cats

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Can You Handle God’s Holiness: The Ezekiel series, part 49 (28:20-26)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0600

What’s one word you would use to describe Jesus?

I’ll tell you mine today. And you can tell me yours, or be thinking on it, if you want.

A second question: what might happen if you came face-to-face with Jesus? We see in the Gospels story after story of people meeting Jesus. Some get mad. Some fall to their knees. Some adore him. Some nailed Him to a cross. What would your reaction be?

We’re going to study a couple of peoples who had a visitation from God here at the end of Ezekiel 28, and that’s where we’ll start today, but it will take us on a journey to a few other passages as well.

And if you listen until the end of today’s lesson, we’ll even get to my favorite chapter in the entire Bible: John 18. Why is John 18 so cool? When you find out, it’ll knock you off your feet. Hear it all today on the Cross References podcast.

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 111

0:00 - Introduction

4:20 - v20-26, The Prophecy Against Sidon

16:30 - Can You Stand in God’s Holiness (John 18)

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The Year of the Dragon: Satan’s Fate in Revelation

Luke Taylor — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0600

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 110

You may or may not be familiar with the Chinese Zodiac, which assigns one of 12 creatures to each year. Some years are the year of the horse, or the year of the rat, or the year of the snake.

We’re about to start the Year of the Dragon- THIS WEEK- February 10, 2024, and it will last until January 28 of 2025.

The end times also talk about a year of the dragon. Not just 1 year, but 7 years.

This episode is going to cap off my multi-episode deep dive into Satan- who he is, where he came from, and today- where he’s going.

The devil is going to lose, and get everything he deserves. But it’s going to get worse before it gets better. The earth will endure seven years of the dragon. And Revelation lays it all out.

So today, we’re going to talk about what the book of Revelation teaches us about the devil’s end. And if YOU listen until the end, I’ll share a story about when I confronted a demon with these verses.

All of that today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Year of the Dragon (Chinese Zodiac)

2:00 - Revelation 12- The Dragon

12:00 - The Second Holocaust

21:10 - Revelation 20- The Bottomless Pit

31:10 - Mailbag- Snakes with Legs?

35:10 - A Conversation with a Demon about Revelation 20

In this episode of Cross References, host Luke explores the intersection of the Chinese Zodiac's "Year of the Dragon" and biblical prophecy from the book of Revelation. Delve into the symbolic connections, unravel the seven-year tribulation, and gain insights into Satan's role in the end times. Discover the profound biblical meaning behind the dragon, the woman, and the cosmic conflict that unfolds. Stick around until the end for a personal encounter with a demon and an exploration of the profound implications for the future. Join us on this journey where every small piece of the Bible connects to one big story.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

How to Fight the Devil- and WIN

Luke Taylor — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0600

In II Corinthians 2:11, Paul says that we are NOT ignorant of Satan’s devices.

Now “devices” is an interesting word. In the Greek, it’s the word “noema,” and it doesn’t have a direct English equivalent. It means “a mental perception,” “an evil purpose” or “that which thinks.” It’s talking about how Satan can twist the mind. Satan has his ways of warping our thoughts for his own evil purposes.

Now, if Paul was writing this letter to modern Christians in America, I wonder if he would say it this way. I think he might actually say: “You Christians are very ignorant of his devices.”

You need to listen today because this will teach you his tricks.

Listen today because you have an enemy who wants to destroy your life and everything you love and he won’t lose a wink of sleep over it. We call him Satan, or the devil, the serpent in the garden, the dragon, or that guy who wrote the last season of LOST.

Whatever you want to call him, he’s real, and the Bible warns us about his devices, and we’ll be studying them on this episode of the Cross References Podcast.

0:00 - The Full Court Press

3:35 - Defense

22:55 - Offense

32:10 - A Warning About Fighting Satan

Unlock the secrets of spiritual warfare in this gripping episode of Cross References! Dive into the biblical revelations on the devil's tactics as revealed by Paul in II Corinthians 2:11. Host Luke Taylor explores the intricacies of the devil's "full court press" on our minds, drawing parallels with aggressive basketball defense. From defense to offense, learn practical steps to fortify your spiritual armor against the enemy's onslaught. Discover the significance of closing open doors to the demonic and the subtleties that can give the devil a foothold in your life. Luke delves into the powerful weapons of our spiritual warfare, emphasizing the importance of prayer as the ultimate offensive tool.

Tune in to prepare for battle against the spiritual forces of evil, gaining insights that will transform your understanding of the devil's schemes. Don't miss this enlightening episode that unravels the mysteries of Satan's devices and equips you with the wisdom to stand firm in the face of adversity.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The Details in the Devil: A Description of Satan: The Ezekiel series, part 48 (28:11-19)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0600

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 108

He’s the angel of light and the prince of darkness.

And no, I’m not talking about Michael Jackson. I’m talking about the devil.

A recent Barna research poll revealed that only 35% of Christians believe the devil is an actual spiritual being.

That means at least 65% of Christians are deceived. Actually, most of these Christians aren’t even Christians, but that’s another story. Let’s just be clear on one thing today: the devil is real, and the Bible tells us all about him.

And if you have any questions about the devil, we will probably answer them today on the Cross References Podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

2:00 - v11-12, Satan- The Power Behind the Power

5:25 - v13, Lucifer- The Prince of Darkness

11:30 - v14-15, The Imposter Who Looked Like a Cow

19:25 - v16-17, The Dragon- The King Under the Mountain

27:40 - Mailbag

30:30 - v18-19, The Devil Who Looked Like a Worm

In this episode of the Cross References podcast, join Luke Taylor as he explores the intricacies of Ezekiel 28, shedding light on the devil's past and unveiling the detailed descriptions found in the scripture. From Satan's role in Tyre to his appearance in Eden, each verse is dissected to reveal the broader narrative about the adversary. Luke delves into the symbolism behind Satan's characteristics, from being the "signet of perfection" to the "prince of darkness."

Episode Highlights:

Introduction:
- Luke Taylor sets the stage for a verse-by-verse exploration of Ezekiel 28.
- Emphasis on understanding the devil's presence in the chapter.
Verses 11-12: Satan, the Power Behind the Power:
- Interpretation of Ezekiel 28:11-12 and the identification of the king of Tyre as Satan.
- Insights into Satan's potential control over nations, drawing parallels from Matthew 4:8-10.
Verse 13: Lucifer, the Prince of Darkness:
- Examination of Satan's appearance in Eden and the significance of precious stones.
- Dr. Michael Heiser's insights on the descriptors of Satan's shining nature.
Verses 14-15: The Imposter, Who Looked Like a Cow:
- Revelation of Satan as an anointed guardian cherub.
- Exploration of the cherubim's faces and the symbolic connection to Baal worship.
Verses 16-17: The Dragon, the King Under the Mountain:
- Satan's expulsion from heaven and his subsequent revenge on God's creation.
- The role of pride in Satan's fall and its implications for believers.
Closing Thoughts and Housekeeping:
- Luke Taylor reflects on the imagery of Satan falling from heaven "like lightning."
- Teaser for upcoming episodes on fighting Satan and exploring his final fate.
Closing Verse:
- Luke 10:18-19 is revisited, highlighting the authority given to believers to tread on serpents and scorpions.

Closing Message:

Luke encourages listeners to recognize their spiritual authority and previews upcoming episodes focused on combating the devil.

Join the conversation and deepen your understanding of the Bible with Luke Taylor on the Cross References podcast. Subscribe now for future episodes and insights into the spiritual battle against Satan.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Does Ezekiel 28 Speak of the Devil?: The Ezekiel series, part 47

Luke Taylor — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0600

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 107

In this episode, you’ll receive incontrovertible proof that Ezekiel 28 is a chapter about no mere human ruler but the devil himself.

0:00 - Introduction

2:45 - Ezekiel 28- Speak of the Devil

8:55 - Nachash- The Shining Serpent

15:55 - Great Balls of Fire

19:50 - Notes and Closing Thoughts

Unveiling the Spiritual Realm in Ezekiel 28: Speak of the Devil

🎙️ Welcome to the Cross References Podcast!

Join me, Luke Taylor, your guide through the labyrinth of biblical wisdom, as we embark on a fascinating journey into the mysterious world of Ezekiel 28. In this episode, we peel back the layers of this enigmatic chapter to reveal the spiritual ruler behind the ancient nation of Tyre. Brace yourself for revelations as we make the case that Ezekiel 28 is, beyond doubt, talking about none other than the devil himself.

🔍 Understanding Ezekiel 28: Delving into the Spiritual King of Tyre

Last time, we explored the human ruler of Tyre, the sophisticated maritime nation laid to waste by God. Now, we shift our focus to the spiritual king, the power behind the throne. Ezekiel 28 unfolds like a cosmic drama, describing a figure of unparalleled beauty, wisdom, and a connection to the garden of Eden. But who could this be?

🔮 Decoding Symbolism: Gemstones, Serpents, and Divine Beings

Dive deep into the symbolism of Ezekiel 28. Uncover the significance of gemstones, shining serpents, and the role of cherubs in the divine narrative. We draw connections to Genesis 3, revealing Satan's luminescent nature and his cunning role in the garden.

🔥 The Fall of Satan: A Prideful Descent

Explore the pivotal verses (Ezekiel 28:15-17) detailing the once blameless Satan's fall from grace. Pride, the chief characteristic of this spiritual being, led to his expulsion from the divine council and a transformation from the lofty guardian cherub to a cast-out profane entity.

🌐 Connecting with Other Scriptures: Satan's Consistent Image

Witness the consistent portrayal of Satan across various biblical passages, from Genesis 3 to Revelation 20. Discover the symphony of scripture as it paints a vivid, unambiguous picture of the dragon, the ancient serpent, the devil, and Satan.

📖 Housekeeping/Mailbag and Closing Thoughts: Unraveling the Mystery

As we wrap up, I share my theory on why Ezekiel 28 introduces the devil seemingly out of the blue. Could Satan have been the spiritual force behind Tyre, influencing even its human ruler? Join me next time as we delve into the profound meaning behind Ezekiel 28.

🔗 Stay Connected: Subscribe and Engage!

Make sure you're subscribed to the Cross References Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Edifi, YouTube, and Rumble. Your feedback is invaluable, so drop me an email at crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com.

🎵 Outro: Until Next Time, Thanks for Listening!

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

The Devil is Wise: The Ezekiel series, part 46 (28:1-10)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0600

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 106

AND Weird Stuff in the Bible: Episode 10

The Bible is clear about the importance of seeking wisdom. But will growing in wisdom actually get you any closer to heaven? We’ll talk about that in this special crossover episode.

Explore the mysterious prophecy in Ezekiel 28:1-10 that was given on January 8, 585 BC, and released on the exact 2,608th birthday of this prophecy in 2024 AD.
Dive into Ezekiel 28, one of the most peculiar chapters in the Bible, unraveling the backstory of the devil through the King of Tyre.

0:00 - Introduction

3:15 - Ezekiel 28, verses 1 through 10

11:20 - What is Wisdom?

13:05 - Evil, Wise People

20:30 - Wisdom is Not Enough

Verses 1-10, the Prince of Tyre:

Contextualize the prophecy within Ezekiel's messages to Gentile nations, focusing on Tyre's pride and impending judgment.
Examine the King of Tyre's arrogance, comparing himself to a god, accumulating wealth through wisdom, and the impending consequences.
Highlight the parallels between the King of Tyre and Satan, emphasizing the strange compliment of being "wise" despite evil intentions.

What is Wisdom?

Define wisdom as an understanding of how the world operates based on God's principles.
Emphasize the distinction between wisdom and virtue, showcasing examples of morally compromised yet wise figures like Solomon and the devil.

Evil, Wise People:

Explore Solomon's wisdom juxtaposed with moral failings, illustrating that wisdom alone does not ensure virtue.
Delve into the Bible's portrayal of the devil as "full of wisdom," questioning the apparent contradiction between wisdom and expulsion from heaven.
Highlight the Antichrist's foretold wisdom and success, reinforcing the idea that wisdom does not equate to moral goodness.

Closing Thoughts - Wisdom is not Enough:

Encourage listeners to subscribe for upcoming episodes addressing the devil's tactics and strategies to combat him.
Challenge the perception of the devil's intelligence, stressing the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to resist him.
Conclude with a reminder that wisdom alone is insufficient in the spiritual battle against the devil, advocating for submission to God as the key to victory.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

What Should Christians Be Ready for in 2024? (with Gary Culp)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 105

Pastor Gary Culp of the Exceedingly Abundant Ministries podcast joins me for a reflection on what happened in Bible prophecy in 2023 and what might be on the horizon as we enter this new year.

Thanks to everyone who listened to this podcast this year, it was a pleasure to have you join! 2024 will shake the world. Make sure you’re subscribed so that you can hear all the fascinating things I have planned to share with you in the new year!

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Why Land in the Middle East is So Important: The Ezekiel series, part 45 (27:1-36)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:41:00 -0600

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 104

The Strategic Significance of the Middle East in History and Prophecy

In this episode, we explore the historical and geographical significance of the Middle East through the lens of Ezekiel 27. Delving into the fallen city of Tyre and the bustling trade routes of ancient times, Taylor unravels the layers that make this region a crossroads of humanity.

0:00 - This Land is (Not) Your Land

3:55 - A Promised Land

6:30 - Why the Middle East is Special

12:00 - Tyre, the World Trade Center

27:40 - Housekeeping/Mailbag

31:40 - A Land of Milk and Honey

Features of this Episode

Episode Highlights:

Land of Promise:
- Examining God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15, highlighting the vast territory promised to Abraham's descendants in the Middle East. The promised land, stretching from the river of Egypt to the river Euphrates, encompasses the Fertile Crescent, known as the "cradle of civilization."
Geopolitical Significance:
- The Middle East, especially Israel, serves as a land bridge connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. The geopolitical importance of this region, which has been a hub for trade and commerce throughout history.
Tyre, the World Trade Center:
- Drawing parallels between Tyre and the fallen city's impact on the Middle East, we finally explore Ezekiel 27. Tyre, a maritime powerhouse, is likened to a sinking ship, affecting 23 different places negatively. The chapter unveils the economic and trade connections of Tyre with various nations.
Secular Reflections:
- Notably, Ezekiel 27 stands out as a secular chapter in the Bible, focusing solely on the physical world. I draw parallels with the city of Laodicea in Revelation 3, highlighting the dangers of materialism and pride.
Application and Reflection:
- Encouraging listeners to reflect on the application of the episode's insights to contemporary news headlines, underscoring the ongoing significance of the Middle East in global affairs.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Prophecy Against Greedy Tyre: The Ezekiel series, part 44 (26:1-21)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 103

Get into your Bible today in Ezekiel 26. A chapter you’ve probably never heard a sermon or Bible study on before. But you will today, and you might just learn something new.

0:00 - Lego Batman is Not Enough

4:55 - v1-6, The Judgement Against Tyre

9:20 - v7-11, The Siege Against the City

15:10 - v15-18, The Reaction to Tyre’s Fall

16:45 - v19-21, Tyre is Dragged Down to Hell

19:00 - Mailbag

20:35 - When it Comes to Prophecy, Don’t Assume

24:40 - Getting What You Deserve

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

How to be Thankful Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Luke Taylor — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0600

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 102

I get it, life is hard right now. Prices are going up at the store, bills are going up, Disney+ is going up, we’re living paycheck to paycheck and by God’s grace, and it never feels like we have enough. But do we have enough? Let’s figure that out today with a story about King David from II Samuel 11-12. This story may be familiar to you, but I’m going to try to look at it from a different way.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Prophecies Against the Muslim Nations: The Ezekiel Series, part 43 (25:1-17)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0600

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 101

Talk about God’s timing. I started into my Ezekiel series two years ago. If I had started working on this lesson a month ago, I would have had a totally different take on it. But with everything going on in the Middle East lately, I see this chapter in a whole new light.

So today, I’m going to start into Ezekiel 25, and these are his prophecies against the Gentile nations. Now this was written to the ancient versions of these nations, but they contain a message that could be applied some of the geopolitics of modern times- and perhaps to yours and my life as well. If you listen to the end, you’ll gain a new perspective on what’s going on with these people called the Palestinians that you hear about so much in the news. So grab a Bible, turn to Ezekiel 25, and let’s hear all about it today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

1:10 - Welcome Back

4:05 - v1-7, The Prophecy Against Ammon

13:55 - v8-11, The Prophecy Against Moab

16:00 - v12-14, The Prophecy Against Edom

21:50 - v15-17, The Prophecy Against Philistia

28:35 - Closing Thoughts & Mailbag

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Weird Stuff in the Bible (NEW PODCAST)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 08:30:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 100

AND

Weird Stuff in the Bible: Episode 1

The Bible is weird right? Can’t we all agree that the Bible has got some strange things going on?

Judging angels? Talking donkeys? Six-fingered Giants?

Are you ever just reading along and then you come across something that seems totally out of left field? Something that challenges some of your beliefs about the supernatural realm? Have you ever wanted to stop and drill down on what they meant? If so, this is a podcast just for you.

0:00 - Introduction

4:20 - A Weird Time and Place in History

13:45 - The Bible is Weird

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to weirdstuffinthebible@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Why Satan Hates Israel

Luke Taylor — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 99

There’s something that the Bible and the average Jew-hater can agree upon: there is something different about Israel.

there’s lots of racism going on in the world today, but there’s something different about anti-semitism. There is a racial hatred for the Jewish people that goes far outside the scope of typical racism. That’s because there’s a spirit behind anti-semitism that comes right from the devil himself.

So today, I want to explain why there’s a spirit of anti-semitisim permeating the world. Also, I will disprove replacement theology with just one verse. Because that’s actually all it takes. I’ll explain why Israel is called the apple of God’s eye in the Bible. And I’ll answer the question: Why does Satan hate Israel so much? You’ll find out today on the CRP.

0:00 - Introduction

3:00 - Replacement Theology vs Romans 11

9:20 - Muslims and Jews: Two Very Different Groups

19:30 - Why Satan Tries to Kill the Jews

29:15 - Coming Soon- Weird Stuff in the Bible

32:00 - Hamas is in the Bible

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

What We Learn about God in Ezekiel: The Ezekiel series, part 42

Luke Taylor — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 98

A recap of some of the highlights in our journey through the book of Ezekiel. We have just finished chapter 24, so we’re halfway through.

Also: an exciting announcement about episode 100!

0:00 - Introduction

2:00 - Our Nation’s in Jeopardy, Baby

8:40 - Chapters 1-3, God is in Control

19:00 - Chapters 4-5, A God of Precision

23:50 - Chapter 7, The Lord Who Strikes

29:30 - Chapter 14, A God Who Deceives?

37:00 - Chapter 17, An Extreme Example about Integrity

41:00 - Chapter 18, Not Your Dad’s God

45:00 - A Special Announcement abut Episode 100

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

How God Hides Patterns in the Old Testament

Luke Taylor — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 97

The Old Testament does not get great ratings. Most sermons, most bible study, most bible reading is centered around the New Testament. And that’s understandable. Testament means covenant. And we are, after all, in the New Covenant.

But the OT still has something to say, and it says them on a level that you’ve probably never realized before. So if you’re somewhat familiar with the story of Israel in the Old Testament, you might know the stories of getting out of Egypt and the Wilderness Wanderings and taking the Promised Land. But did you know that Israel’s experiences during that time have a direct parallel to your Christian life?

It’ll make you reflect on where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going. And if you feel defeated, I’ll give you an answer for how to live victoriously. Learn all about it today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction to Typology

13:30 - Wilderness Typology

37:15 - Mailbag: CBDC still a few years away?

40:30 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

You Don’t Want to be a Prophet: The Ezekiel series, part 41 (24:15-27)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 96

Ezekiel as a book has been full of sign-acts- ways that Ezekiel acts things out in his life to demonstrate what God wants to communicate to the people of Israel. And in this chapter, he’s going to get his toughest one yet.

Everybody wants to be a prophet. They think giving oracles and performing sign-acts sounds so cool and exciting. They don’t realize what being a prophet costs.

Hosea had a unique assignment; he had to marry an unfaithful woman and then deal with a cheating wife.

Daniel was thrown into a pit of lions.

Jeremiah was thrown into a pit of waste-deep mud and left there for days.

Isaiah was sawed in half. Being a prophet carried a heavy cost.

And today, we’ll find out what it would cost Ezekiel on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Intro

4:50 - v15-18, Ezekiel’s Wife Dies

7:10 - v19-24, Ezekiel’s Life is a Sign

14:15 - v25-27, Ezekiel Was Dumb

17:45 - Mailbag: Does the Rapture Have to Wait Until the “First Resurrection” of Revelation 20

27:20 - Closing Thoughts: God is in Charge

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

What to do When You Blow It: The Ezekiel series, part 40 (24:1-14)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500

I think we’ve all been there: those times that we pushed a little too far, got in over our head, tried to do it our own way, and it all blew up in our face. And that’s certainly what happened to the city of Jerusalem in Ezekiel chapter 24. They just thought they were invincible, that nothing they did would have longstanding consequences- because after all, they were God’s city, right? But, they blew it. And it was going to be a long, hard road to setting things right.

So what do we do when we’ve blown it? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Intro

4:00 - v1-5, The Boiling Pot

7:45 - v6-11, The Day of Reckoning

15:45 - v12-13, Blowing It

18:30 - Mailbag: Is a Rapture Belief just a Coping Mechanism Against Suffering?

28:25 - Closing Thought: Don’t Blow It

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Dangerous Ideas About the Rapture

Luke Taylor — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 06:01:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 94

There’s a lot of things that I hear Bible prophecy teachers say that actually aren’t predicted anywhere in the Bible. There are things that just get repeated and repeated and repeated for years, but don’t actually have a scriptural basis. There’s a lot of assumptions that get thrown into the mix when we talk about the timeline of the rapture.

Now, I believe in the rapture, but I don’t want to make assumptions. We need to re-analyze the basis for everything we believe- and always be ready to prove it when asked.

So, what common mistakes do people make when studying Bible prophecy? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Intro

5:00 - The Dangers of Assuming in Bible Prophecy

17:05 - Does the Church Need to End Triumphantly?

24:55 - What about the Fig Tree prophecy?

31:00 - Don’t Assume

36:45 - Prove What You Think You Know

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Did Some Guy Named John Nelson Darby Invent the Rapture?

Luke Taylor — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 93

Every time I talk about the rapture, I’m told “you just believe the rapture because you follow John Nelson Darby.” But after years of being told I’m a disciple of John Nelson Darby, I finally researched who the guy is. And you get to benefit from that research if you listen to today’s episode.

0:00 - Intro

6:55 - Has the time of Jesus’ return already been appointed?

10:45 - Could the rapture be a catalyst for the Antichrist’s kingdom?

12:30 - Explaining the “fullness of the gentiles” in Romans 11

16:35 - John Nelson Darby- Does it matter if he invented the rapture?

22:00 - John Nelson Darby- who was he?

29:20 - John Nelson Darby- so did he invent the rapture?

37:45 - Closing Thoughts: Danny Lewin

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Stories of the Supernatural in the Joplin Tornado (with Dr. Larry Brothers)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 92

Interview with Dr. Larry Brothers about his new book “And the Angels Came,” available at the links below. This is a collection of stories of people with supernatural experiences during the Joplin tornado in 2011.

Buy it on Amazon (paperback): https://a.co/d/bpayEFE

Amazon Kindle: https://a.co/d/eMfB5bf

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Oholah and Oholibah: The Ezekiel series, part 39 (23:1-49)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:50:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 91

Who are Oholah and Oholibah? These two sisters appear in chapter 23 and God doesn’t have many nice things to say about them. But who are they?

And also, what does God think about entering partnerships with non-Christians?

What are the different cups mentioned in the Bible- and why do they matter? What is the biggest cup mentioned in the Bible? You’ll be glad when you know about the biggest cup in the Bible, and you’ll find out what it is today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Intro

5:30 - v1-21, A Tale of Two Cities

23:30 - v22-35, Make Love and War

33:10 - v36-49, The Charges

44:30 - Cups of the Bible

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

How Close Could the Rapture Be?

Luke Taylor — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 06:16:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 90

As you read the headlines, it looks like things are falling apart. But perhaps they’re actually just falling into place. Does that mean the rapture is right around the corner? Well, it always could be any moment, but I suspect that it might be still at least a few years out. We’ll look at some reasons why today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Intro

7:30 - Long, Hard Times to Come

22:30 - A Timeline of the End

29:35 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Great Preset

Luke Taylor — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 06:15:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 89

“Today’s conspiracy theories are tomorrow’s headlines.” That’s what I told Youtube when they deleted one of my episodes recently for spreading conspiracy theories. Well, Youtube probably won’t like what I’m sharing today, either. There’s an acronym you need to know: W-E-F. You’ll learn what it stands for today. Could their plans be setting up the kingdom of the Antichrist in the near future? We’ll discuss that and more today on the CR podcast.

0:00 - Intro

2:45 - Another Important Acronym- WEF

10:15 - The Great Preset

15:00 - the Bible’s Vision of the Future

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Stand in the Gap: The Ezekiel series, part 38 (22:17-31)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 06:13:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 88

We were, by nature, deserving of wrath. Ephesians 2:3

0:00 - v17-22, The Dross of Silver

8:20 - v23-29, Bad Leaders

18:10 - v30-31, Someone to Stand in the Gap

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

15 Reasons God Destroys a Nation: The Ezekiel series, part 37 (22:1-17)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 05:52:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 87

What actions can incite God to wipe out a nation? Israel had 15 of them. Is America copying Israel’s homework? And does the solar eclipse crossing over America next year mean anything spiritually? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:45 - v1-12, 15 Reasons Why

29:35 - v13-16, No Empty Threats

34:00 - Notes

38:10 - Parallels with the USA

49:00 - Is God Drawing an X Over America?

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Power of a Good Story (with Nate Vainio)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 05:51:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 86

This time, we’re joined by Nate Vainio, host of the Something to Gnaw On podcast. Nate is here to talk about the impact a story can have. His podcast is full of deep truth packed in charming anecdotes. Check out his show at SomethingToGnawOn.com

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

3 Acronyms Every Christian Needs to Know

Luke Taylor — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 05:47:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 85

Three important topics in the news that you need to be paying attention to if you want to be an informed Christian. These three developments are setting up the Antichrist’s empire. Understand the times!

0:00 - Introduction

2:25 - The AntiChrist’s Surveillance System

23:30 - The AntiChrist’s Enforcement System

37:00 - The AntiChrist’s Financial System

51:10 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Nothing is Random: The Ezekiel series, part 36 (21:18-32)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:15:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 84

What’s the process God gives us for making the correct decision on issues where the Bible is silent? Is there any justification for this Old Testament practice of Casting Lots to determine the will of God? And what is the best flavor of ice cream? The answers to all these questions may surprise you, and you’ll find out what they are today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Mint Chocolate Chip

3:30 - v18-24, Making a Decision

10:30 - v25-27, The Sword of Nebuchadnezzar

14:20 - v28-32, The Sword Against Ammon

17:45 - Letting the Lot Lead

29:00 - Led by the Spirit

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Song of the Sword: The Ezekiel series, part 35 (21:1-17)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 06:04:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 83

Why does God threaten “the righteous” of Israel in Ezekiel 21? How was Ezekiel different from Jeremiah in his personality. And what hope do you have if your nation falls under God’s judgment? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:00 - v1-7, Why the Righteous?

16:10 - v8-17, The Song of the Sword

22:00 - Mailbag

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Christians and Pronouns

Luke Taylor — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 06:04:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 82

Should Christians use the preferred pronouns of people who identify as transgender? Some say yes, some say no, some propose a third way. What about using someone’s so-called deadname? We’ll analyze those issues today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Review: Embodied by Preston Sprenkle

12:30 - Christian Views on Pronoun Usage

19:00 - My Views

31:45 - Deadnaming

35:55 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Tongues for Today: Answering Your Questions and Objections

Luke Taylor — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 06:05:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 81

Can somebody generate tongues on their own- or can they learn it in a classroom setting? How do you explain tongues that show up in other religions? And why is it that you don’t see tongues show up a lot in much of church history? You’ll find out the answers to those questions today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Mailbag on Tongues

19:10 - Objections to Tongues for Today

36:00 - Questions for Cessationists

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

When a Transgender Person Visits Your Church

Luke Taylor — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 06:01:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 80

What are you going to do if a transgender person walks into your church? We’ve spent three episodes this month talking about the topic of transgenderism. But a topic is not what is going to walk into your church. A person is walking into your church. We can talk about topics all day long. It’s not that hard to talk about a topic. It’s another thing to talk to a person, and show love to a person. You’ll find out how to do that today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

14:45 - Choices

36:00 - Decide Before You Have To

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Tongues for Today: Receiving the Gift

Luke Taylor — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 06:01:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 79

We’ve spent a couple weeks talking about why there’s a gift of speaking in tongues, and how it operates. Or at least, how it’s SUPPOSED to operate. But where do tongues come from? There’s only one pattern I find in Scripture, and you’ll find out what that is today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:40 - The Testimony of Acts

8:00 - The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is Subsequent to Salvation

14:15 - Tongues Come With or Follow Baptism in the Holy Spirit

18:50 - My Own Story/Experience

29:00 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Transgenderism vs the Bible

Luke Taylor — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 06:20:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 78

What does the Bible say about transgenderism? Can a person be born in the wrong body? Can our soul be out of alignment with the body we were born into? We will look at what God’s Word says about that today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:00 - What Modern Gender Ideology Says

14:20 - Causes of Gender Dysphoria

27:50 - Effects of Transitioning

33:10 - What the Bible Says

47:30 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Tongues for Today: Tongues and Interpretation

Luke Taylor — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 77

The gift of tongues has a public usage and a private usage, with different rules to govern both. And what are those rules? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

6:10 - 7 Principles for the Gift of Tongues

33:00 - Answering Some Objections to Tongues

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Transgenderism: The Downfall of Our Society

Luke Taylor — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 76

What does the modern LGBT movement have in common with the fall of Satan? What is an indication that someone has been given over to a reprobate mind? And: what is a woman? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

9:45 - What is a Depraved Mind?

24:20 - The War on Reality

38:50 - The War on Children

50:50 - How to Fight Back

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Tongues for Today: A Personal Prayer Language

Luke Taylor — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 05:24:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 75

Is the gift of tongues for today? And how is it to be used? Is it selfish to pray in tongues for self-edification? We’ll answer all those questions today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:30 - Private Use in Prayer

11:15 - Two Applications

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Transgenderism: A History of Evil

Luke Taylor — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 05:32:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 74

It is June 1, 2023, which is kicking off LGBT Pride Month of 2023, and it’s a Thursday. I don’t normally do Thursday episodes, but I’m going to this month, every Thursday, God-willing, and we’re going to be doing the same thing all month long: destroying the transgender movement with facts, truth and God’s Word, right here on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

10:00 - Presuppositional Thinking

18:00 - Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

21:40 - William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

24:00 - Percy Shelley (1792-1822)

25:30 - Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)

27:05 - Karl Marx (1818-1883)

29:45 - Charles Darwin (1809-1882)

30:45 - Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

37:45 - Wilhelm Reich (1897-1957)

42:30 - Alfred Kinsey (1894-1956)

47:15 - Herbert Marcuse (1898-1979)

49:25 - John Money (1921-2006)

59:30 - Review

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Bible is Literal: The Ezekiel series, part 34 (20:45-49)

Luke Taylor — Thu, 25 May 2023 06:02:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 73

What does it mean when we say that the Bible is literal? How can we trust the the prophecies of Christ’s return are literal and not figurative? And what is the Taylor Rule of Bible Interpretation? You won’t know the answer to that last one, because I just made it up. But you’ll learn what it is today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

8:00 - v45-48, I See Fire

12:00 - v49, Literally

19:00 - God Means What He Says

41:00 - A Tribute to Michael Heiser and Tim Keller

53:00 - God Says What He Means (Closing Thoughts)

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Esau Sought it With Tears: The Ezekiel series, part 33 (20:33-44)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 22 May 2023 06:01:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 72

What is the difference in guilt and repentance? We’ll talk about that today as we continue our study in Ezekiel on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Stephen, the First Martyr

3:15 - v33-39, Under the Rod

8:30 - v40-44, The King Over the Mountain

14:35 - Things and Stuff

17:25 - Repentance

22:30 - Conviction

32:55 - True Conviction, True Repentance

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Stephen’s Speech to the Sanhedrin (Acts 7)

Luke Taylor — Thu, 18 May 2023 06:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 71

Stephen is known as the first martyr in the book of Acts. He was going around Jerusalem proclaiming the Gospel. The Jewish Sanhedrin arrested him and put him on trial, asking why he felt compelled to preach Jesus. His response was a history lesson. Now, what’s that all about? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Stephen, the First Martyr

6:20 - Stephen on Trial

20:52 - Why Stephen Had to Die

23:30 - Recap and Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Cycles of History: The Ezekiel series, part 32 (20:18-32)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 15 May 2023 04:10:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 70

What do most Christians get wrong when they pray? What can we learn from the Bible and history about the life cycle of a nation? And where is America on that cycle? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

5:45 - v18-26, Rebellion in the Wilderness, Again

25:30 - v27-32, Rebellion in the Promised Land

31:10 - Mailbag

38:50 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

History Teaches Us About the Future: The Ezekiel series, part 31 (20:1-17)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 08 May 2023 04:23:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 69

Why do some people ignore the Old Testament- even pastors? What does history teach us about what God is going to do in the future? And does it make any sense for Chick-Fil-A to be closed on Sundays? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

6:10 - v1-4, Israel is Arraigned

9:15 - v5-9, Rebellion in Egypt

13:00 - v10-17, Rebellion in the Wilderness

26:00 - Mailbag & Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Differences in the Rapture and Second Coming (with Chet Morton)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 01 May 2023 04:57:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 68

There’s a lot of confusion over the rapture and the second coming- with many Christians believing they’re the same event, or not quite knowing how to differentiate in which is which. I’m bringing back my Bible teacher and friend, Chet Morton, to help us sort these things out on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

2:15 - Chet Morton Returns

12:00 - The Rapture & Second Coming

19:40 - The Set-Up of Things to Come

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

7 Raptures in the Bible? (with Chet Morton)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 04:56:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 67

There’s a theory that’s been batted around that there are 7 raptures in the Bible. Is there any truth to this? I will chat about this with my friend and teacher, Chet Morton, on today’s episode of the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

9:15 - Various Theories

21:50 - Chet Morton’s Analysis

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Point of No Return: The Ezekiel Series, part 30 (19:1-14)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 04:07:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 66

Our society has been collapsing for the past several years. Many of us have been praying for the country to turn around and be saved. But have we reached the point of no return? We’ll talk about that today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Intro

19:20 - v1-9, The Lion Kings

28:45 - v10-14, A Vine

36:30 - Mailbag

44:30 - Closing

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

No Pleasure in the Death of the Wicked: The Ezekiel Series, part 29 (18:30-32)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 65

Jesus left this earth 2,000 years ago. Why hasn’t He come back yet? Would you be surprised to learn that He actually told us why He hasn’t come back? I’ll let you in on that secret today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - The Lord's Soon Return

4:00 - v30-32, God’s Heart for the Lost

16:30 - The Delay of the Lord

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Two-Step Apostasy

Luke Taylor — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 04:05:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 64

A continuation of the lesson in the previous episode. So how DO you make two step pasta? And how does that relate to salvation? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Intro

2:50 - Two-Step Pasta

6:30 - Two-Step Apostasy

11:25 - In Their Own Words

16:30 - Three!

20:21 - American Apostasy

24:30 - Closing Thoughts

The Tenets of So-Called “Progressive Christianity

there are many paths to heaven (universalism)
the Bible is not the inerrant Word of God
even if Jesus wasn’t God, He was still a good teacher
hell is not real
we need to “decolonize” our faith (saying Christianity is too “white”)
God doesn’t judge/have wrath
pro-abortion
gay-affirming churches
there are more than two genders (or that someone can change their gender)

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Right Before the Rapture

Luke Taylor — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 04:03:00 -0500

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 63

What is the world going to be like right before the rapture? What is the Great Falling Away in II Thessalonians 2? What does "apostasy" mean? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Intro

3:00 - What Needs to Happen Before the Rapture

19:55 - The Definition of Apostasy

30:15 - The Path to Apostasy

35:05 - The Timing of the Apostasy

Come back next time for the conclusion of this study!

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

How to Lose Your Salvation: The Ezekiel series, part 28 (18:21-29)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:04:00 -0500

A longstanding debate in Christianity: Can salvation be lost? And if salvation CAN be lost- HOW can it be lost? We’ll try to answer those questions today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Intro

3:00 - My Journey on This Issue

17:00 - Ezekiel 18:21-29, Losing My Religion

29:00 - How to Lose Your Salvation

46:00 - Closing Thoughts (Hebrews 3)

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Taking Responsibility (I Samuel 15)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 04:16:00 -0500

How does making excuses just pour fuel on a fire? Why did God instruct the Israelites to kill every last Amalekite, even destroying their property? And is it ok to break the traffic laws to make it to church on time? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Personal Responsibility: The Ezekiel series, part 27 (18:1-20)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 04:43:00 -0500

Why did Harry Truman like to say “the buck stops here”? Does God hold a child responsible for the sins of his parents? Are some people more genetically predisposed to certain sins- and if so, does that get them off the hook for them? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Intro

2:30 - v1-4, Sour Grapes

15:55 - v5-18, Case Studies in Salvation

23:40 - v19-20, God’s Mouse Trap

29:10 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

I Am a Saint

Luke Taylor — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 04:16:00 -0600

The Cross References Podcast with Luke Taylor: Episode 59

Where does the word Christian come from? Why did Naomi try to change her name? Is there a difference in a soul and a spirit? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - I’m a VIP

12:25 - The Definition of a Saint

24:20 - Mailbag

31:00 - Naomi or Mara?

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Eagle Riddle: The Ezekiel series, part 26 (17:1-24)

Luke Taylor — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 08:10:00 -0600

What is the riddle of the eagles in Ezekiel 17 all about? Are we bound to the promises we make to everyone- even people who seek our harm? Also, I have a few thoughts to share on the Asbury revival going on in Kentucky, including an eyewitness testimony. Make sure you stick around for that, and a lot more today, on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Elephants and Donkeys

3:00 - v1-10, The Riddle

11:20 - V11-21, The Point

30:55 - The Asbury Revival

48:20 - The #HeGetsUs Super Bowl Commercial

57:40 - v22-24, The Gospel

If you want to get in touch with me, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Why I’m Going to Stop Saying “Progressive Christianity”

Luke Taylor — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 04:04:00 -0600

Why am I going to stop using the term “progressive christians”? And how many times does Andy Stanley need to put himself in the hot seat before we just stop listening to him? Also, might be a good time for a prophecy update, as things are happening and they seem to just keep happening. And after that, we’ll run through a few more mailbag questions; all of that today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Unhitch from Andy Stanley

14:40 - Where Christians Get Their Identity

26:35 - Progressive Christianity- does it exist?

40:10 - Prophecy Update- (Ukraine vs Russia)

51:30 - Mailbag

If you want to get in touch, send an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

What Was the Sin of Sodom?: The Ezekiel Series, part 25 (16:44-63)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 04:34:00 -0600

What was the sin of Sodom? It might seem obvious, but the answer to this question has become a controversial topic over the past few years. We’ll sort it all out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

5:00 - v44-52, The Family Tree

19:30 - v53-58, Apologize to Sodom

23:00 - v59-63, Remembering the Covenant

31:00 - Mailbag: Answering Your Questions

54:00 - The Sin of Sodom

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Parable of the Adulterous Wife: The Ezekiel Series, part 25 (16:1-43)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 05:35:00 -0600

What is the connection between idolatry and adultery. Why is Ezekiel so explicit and crude at times? And what is the most logical response to getting saved? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

6:30 - v1-14, Israel’s Origins

17:50 - v15-22, The Honeymoon is Over

32:30 - v23-34, Scatology 101

40:40 - v35-42, Grace is Suspended

48:20 - Updates & Recap

54:00 - v43, Be Thankful

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Love of Jesus

Luke Taylor — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 04:01:00 -0600

Why did people have such a hard time recognizing Jesus after His resurrection? The answer to that question will make you love Jesus more than ever. And you’ll find out that answer today on the Cross References podcast.

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

My Last Sermon at Second Assembly

Luke Taylor — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 06:14:00 -0600

Earlier this year, I ended a nine-year run as a youth pastor. I would like to share my final message to the teens at that church on this episode of the Cross References podcast.

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

What Does God Look Like?

Luke Taylor — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 05:11:00 -0600

What does God look like? Is this something you’ve ever asked yourself before? Does the Bible give any kind of answer? You might be surprised to find out that it gives several. And you’ll hear all about them today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:30 - Genesis 3

8:25 - Genesis 15

11:00 - Exodus 33

15:50 - Numbers 9

17:30 - I Kings 19

20:20 - Daniel 7

22:30 - Luke 2

24:40 - John 1

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Useless Christians: The Ezekiel Series, part 23 (15:1-8)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 05:02:00 -0600

What does God think about Christians who don’t accomplish anything? What does the common Old Testament vine metaphor mean to us today? And what’s the most pointless thing Ezekiel could find to talk about? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:10 - Israel the Vine

11:05 - Cross References

17:30 - Jesus the True Vine

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Daniel’s 70 Weeks, Explained

Luke Taylor — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 03:28:00 -0600

If you’ve learned much about end-of-the-world Bible prophecy, you have probably heard about “the great tribulation”: a 7-year length of time that brings about cataclysmic and apocalyptic events on the earth. Revelation is the book of the Bible that tells us the most about what happens during this time. But did you know that Revelation never mentions a 7-year period? Of all the 7s you can find in that book, it never talks about 7 years. It talks about periods of 3-and-a-half years, but it never says anything about a 7-year period. So, where does that 7-year idea come from? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:30 - How Far We’ve Come (Daniel 9)

10:45 - Verse 24: The Who, When and What

20:00 - Verse 25: The Breakdown

27:40 - Verse 26: The Cutoff

39:20 - Verse 27: The Final Week

47:30 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Four Strikes, You’re Out: The Ezekiel series, part 22 (14:12-23)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 03:25:00 -0600

Why does God send judgments in fours? How do we know that Daniel wrote Daniel? And why does God need to judge the entire planet in Revelation? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

7:50 - v12-14, Strike 1

13:30 - v15-16, Strike 2

17:35 - v17-18, Strike 3

20:05 - v19-20, Strike 4

31:20 - v21-23, Consolation Prize

34:15 - Coming Soon

39:45 - Recap & Application

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

7 More Reasons to Believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture (with Daniel Moore)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 03:21:00 -0600

Daniel Moore joins us once again this week to give us seven reasons we can trust that the rapture will take place before the tribulation. You don’t want to miss this one, and you don’t want to miss part one either. Make sure you listen to the previous episode first, and then join us as we continue right here on the Cross References Podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:40 - Recap

7:30 - Reason #7

11:45 - Reason #8

15:35 - Reason #9

17:30 - Reason #10

20:30 - Reason #11

23:05 - Reason #12

25:15 - Reason #13

30:00 - Conclusion

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

6 Reasons to Believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture (with Daniel Moore)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 03:20:00 -0600

A lot of Christians believe in a rapture, but we sometimes disagree about when it’s going to be. I place it before the seven-year tribulation period kicks off, and my friend Daniel Moore is going to be with us today to give us several reasons why on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

5:20 - What is the Rapture?

13:25 - Reason #1

14:40 - Reason #2

20:30 - Reason #3

23:50 - Reason #4

25:45 - Reason #5

33:30 - Reason #6

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Idols of the Heart: The Ezekiel series, part 21 (14:1-11)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 03:30:00 -0600

Would God ever deceive someone? The answer might surprise you. We have a deep, deep dive into how God operates today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:10 - v1-5, Taking Idols into Your Heart

9:40 - Would God Actually Deceive Someone?

23:00 - Balaam Was Deceived

29:10 - v6-11, Giving the People What They Want

38:20 - Case Study: Micaiah & Ahab

48:00 - Recap & Application

59:50 - Pursue Truth

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Origin of the Pharisees

Luke Taylor — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 03:20:00 -0500

About 95% of Christians get this stuff wrong. Was Jesus extra-hard on the Pharisees? Are Pharisees basically the same as Sadducees? Were the Pharisees part of the crowd who put Jesus to death? The answer to all of those questions is actually “no.” There are a lot of misconceptions about the Pharisees, which we’re going to bring some clarity to on today’s episode. Something else we’ll discuss: where do Pharisees even come from? You see them all over the New Testament, but they’re never around in the Old Testament, so they must have sprung up sometime between the Testaments. But why? You’ll find all that out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

5:20 - The Pharisees Between the Testaments

13:35 - The Pharisees During the Gospels

27:40 - The Pharisees After the Cross

31:45 - Recap

36:10 - 3 Things to Remember about the Pharisees

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

2 Types of False Prophets: The Ezekiel series, part 20 (13:8-23)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 02:02:00 -0500

Why is the Bible a dangerous book? What were the false prophets of Ezekiel’s day up to? What are the false prophets of today up to? Could YOU be a false prophet and not even know it? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

2:30 - v8-16, The First Type

11:20 - v17-23, The Second Type

22:00 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Can You Name It and Claim It?: The Ezekiel series, part 19 (12:21-13:7)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 02:59:00 -0500

I love praying the promises of God. But before we do that, let’s make sure we’re praying things that God has actually promised. For example, just about every Christian has Jeremiah 29:11 somewhere in their house, but does it apply to us today? And can you really, as some say, name it and claim it? Maybe you’ve heard the phrase before that God said it, I believe it, and that settles it. But does that really settle it? You’ll find out the answer to all those questions today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:45 - 12:21-28, A False Proverb

13:35 - 13:1-7, Delusional Prophets

21:00 - Name It and Claim It?

27:20 - God Said It, I Believe It, Does That Settle It?

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Why Paul Wrote Galatians

Luke Taylor — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 04:55:00 -0500

Why did Paul write the book of Galatians. Are Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses fellow Christians, or do they believe a false gospel? And we know that salvation isn’t earned by our good works- but do we have to do good works to keep our salvation? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:50 - Finding the Main Idea

10:00 - Jesus+

17:45 - Gospel Matters

30:00 - The Man on the Middle Cross

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

We Don’t Talk About Ezekiel: The Ezekiel series, part 18 (12:1-20)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 04:54:00 -0500

Theologian Dr. Michael Brown says the only reason we like the prophets is that they are dead. If they were alive, we’d probably be trying to kill them. I hope that’s not true but it’s such a profound thought. Would we have listened to the Biblical prophets or would we have despised them if they were alive today? We’ll discuss that idea today on the Cross References Podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:30 - v1-7, Pack Your Bags

9:00 - v8-13, Contradictions in Prophecy

19:25 - v14-20, Unlikely Missionaries

22:40 - Do We Listen to Our Prophets?

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

5 Myths about Temptation

Luke Taylor — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 04:53:00 -0500

Do you have enough self-control to resist any temptation? Can you become so spiritual that you don’t have to deal with temptation anymore? And how can we win against the devil? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:00 - The Myth about God’s Protection

9:10 - The Myth about Being too Spiritual

13:15 - The Myth about Sin

16:00 - The Myth about Weirdness

25:50 - The Myth about Self-Control

29:20 - Recap & Application

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Spiritual Bankruptcy: The Ezekiel series, part 17 (11:14-25)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 04:52:00 -0500

Ezekiel’s big vision from God lasted four chapters, from number 8 through 11, and today we’re at the end. So how does it all wrap up? And why do some churches probably need to drop the word “church” from their name? And can the Gospel of Jesus be found in the Old Testament book of Ezekiel? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:00 - v14-21, The Gospel According to Ezekiel

12:45 - v22-25, The Temple Vision Concludes

15:10 - Churches that Shouldn’t be Churches

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

How can Hell be Fair?

Luke Taylor — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 04:51:00 -0500

The average life expectancy in America is 77 to 78 years years. It’s not that long in the scope of eternity. And yet, for a short lifetime of sins, an unbeliever has to spend forever and ever in hell. How can that be fair? This is a question Christians have wrestled with for the past 2,000 years, and one that we’ll do our best to make sense of today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Six Common Objections to Hell

3:45 - The Lake of Fire

13:30 - The Great White Throne

18:45 - Objection 1: Annihilationism

22:25 - Objection 2: Hell Isn’t Loving

33:50 - Objection 3: Finite Sins/Infinite Punishment

37:00 - Objection 4: Eternal Destruction?

41:30 - Objection 5: Hell is Narrow-Minded

44:10 - You Can Be a Mailman

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

When God Says No: The Ezekiel series, part 16 (11:1-13)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 03:50:00 -0500

Ezekiel was one of the first Jews to be captured by Babylon. So why did that make him one of the lucky ones? How are the Jews of Ezekiel’s day similar to the people during the tribulation period? And Jesus says God answers every prayer- but is that answer always yes? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

6:45 - v1-4, We Got the Meat

12:40 - v5-13, Ezekiel Scrooge

24:20 - Follow-Up to Episode 35

28:45 - Application: When God Says No

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

What is Abraham’s Bosom? (Luke 16)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 04:12:00 -0500

In Luke 16, Jesus tells a story about a place in the afterlife known as Abraham’s Bosom. What is that all about? Also, there are several different Greek and Hebrew words that all get translated as “hell,” but they all have unique meanings. So why does the Bible have so many different words for hell? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:30 - Textual Problems

6:30 - Hades

10:25 - Gehenna

12:00 - Tartarus

14:45 - Outer Darkness, Everlasting Fire

16:55 - Sheol

31:10 - A Big Announcement

34:15 - The Lake of Fire

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

What Does Satan Look Like?: The Ezekiel Series, part 15

Luke Taylor — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0500

What does Satan look like? That’s such a weird question, you might never have asked it before. You might think I’m weird for even posing it. But whether you ever wanted to know or not, you can find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:30 - What is a Cherub?

7:25 - What is Satan?

11:38 - What is Baal?

19:10 - I Grew Up on a Farm

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Old Testament Law

Luke Taylor — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 03:21:00 -0500

Do we follow the Old Testament law? Most of us would say no, that we’re not “under the law,” as the New Testament says. But what about the 10 Commandments? Most of us would still hang the 10 Commandments in our living room, or at least our bathroom, and we’d still say those apply, right? Well, they’re part of the Law. So do we follow the Law or not? We’ll hash those issues out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

7:15 - Religious/Ceremonial Law

21:00 - Civil Law

36:25 - Moral Law

42:55 - A Modern Case Study

48:00 - Under Law vs Under Grace

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Glory Departs: The Ezekiel Series, part 14 (10:1-22)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 03:11:00 -0500

In Ezekiel 10, God leaves. But when does He come back? And why did Antiochus Epiphanes not die when he entered the Holy of Holies? And how many Baptists does it take to change a lightbulb? You’ll find out the answers to all those questions today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction: Why I’m Pentecostal

8:20 - v1-8, The Return of the Cherubim

13:35 - v9-17, The Wheels Have Eyes

17:10 - v18-22, When God Checks Out

21:00 - Seek God’s Presence

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse

Luke Taylor — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 02:17:00 -0500

How much of the world is going to die in the 7-year tribulation of the end times? With all the calamities we’ve seen over the past few years, could we be in the end times already? And is Marilyn Manson the Antichrist? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:20 - Behold, a Green Horse

10:15 - Death and Hell

15:00 - Mailbag: The Mark of the Beast

20:25 - Closing: The Math of the Beast

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Mark of the Best: The Ezekiel series, part 13 (9:1-11)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 05:23:00 -0500

In Ezekiel 8, God introduced a massive vision to show Ezekiel what was happening in Jerusalem spiritually: idolatry in the Temple. We’ll tell you today what the consequences for that will be. Also, what happens to your spirit when you get saved? Does the mark in Ezekiel 9 have anything to do with the Mark of the Beast in Revelation? And speaking of the Mark of the Beast, why does the Antichrist decide to mark his followers in the End Times? You’ll find all that out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:50 - v1-2, The Angel Executioners

6:55 - v3-7, Strike the City

12:10 - v8-11, The Angel’s Report

15:10 - What is the Mark?

21:50 - Sighs and Cries

38:45 - Separation of the Righteous

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Third Horseman of the Apocalypse

Luke Taylor — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 03:40:00 -0500

Where does inflation come from? What is a denarius in the Bible? And how much is a Rolex worth on the Titanic? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

10:55 - Revelation 6:5-6

23:55 - Recap & Close

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Tammuz & Semiramis: The Ezekiel series, part 12 (8:14-18)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:08:51 -0500

Ezekiel had a mind-blowing vision in his book, chapters 8 through 11. And one of the things he saw was women in the Temple of God and they were weeping for Tammuz. This is the only place in the Bible that Tammuz is mentioned- so what is that even all about? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction: The Last Straw

3:45 - v14-15, Weeping for Tammuz

16:00 - v16-18, A Branch to the Nose

24:15 - Discerning the Spirits

38:10 - Mother of God

55:55 - Revelation 17: It’s Going to Get Worse, Again

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Second Horseman of the Apocalypse

Luke Taylor — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 03:08:00 -0500

At one time we thought civilization had finally achieved world peace, that the days of constant warfare and conquering and death were behind us. Then WWI happened. Then we said that’s enough, that the bloodshed was too great, that we would never let such a thing take place ever again. Then there was WWII. And again we said, “the cost is too high. Civilized countries such as ourselves should never allow such a slaughter of life anymore. The days of one country invading another country to conquer it are finally behind us.” And then just earlier this year, Russia invaded Ukraine. When will wars and rumors of wars finally end? Well, if you read your Bible, you know the answer to that question: they won’t. In 1969, the great American philosopher Edwin Star posed this question; “war, war, what is it good for?” The answer is that it is absolutely good for somethin’, and you’ll find out what that is today on the Cross References Podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:40 - Revelation 6:3-4

5:55 - The Resistance

12:40 - The Ezekiel 38-39 War

29:20 - The Psalm 83 Conflict

33:45 - The Daniel 11 Uprising

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Abominations in God’s House: The Ezekiel Series, part 11 (8:1-13)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 30 May 2022 03:00:00 -0500

What does the Bible mean that God is a jealous God? Does paganism ever try to creep into the God’s House? And when it happened in Ezekiel’s day, why did the ancient Israelites think they could get away with it? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

5:30 - v1-4, Preamble to the Vision

14:10 - v5-6, The Image of Jealousy

17:25 - v7-13, In the Walls

26:30 - Recap & Application

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The First Horseman of the Apocalypse

Luke Taylor — Mon, 23 May 2022 04:37:00 -0500

Who is the first horseman in Revelation 6? Why is he carrying a bow but no arrows? And nobody knows who the antichrist will be- but does Satan himself even know? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

6:55 - A Voice Like Thunder

9:30 - A White Horse and His Rider

20:00 - A Bow

36:40 - A Crown, Conqueror

40:30 - Even Satan Doesn’t Know

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Lord Who Strikes: The Ezekiel series, part 10 (7:1-27)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 09 May 2022 03:16:00 -0500

Why didn’t people take Ezekiel’s message seriously? They didn’t believe Babylon would actually destroy them until it was too late. And we’ll explain why today. Also, you might have heard of the names of God before, but I’m willing to bet you haven’t heard the one from Ezekiel 7. You will learn it today though, on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

6:35 - v1-4, The End Has Come

9:35 - v5-9, Evil Has Come

18:35 - v10-11, The Day Has Come

22:15 - v12-13, The Time Has Come

24:15 - v14-22, The Psychological Effects of God’s Judgment

28:50 - v23-27, The Political Effects of God’s Judgment

31:15 - Reflections on 25 Episodes

38:50 - Recap and Application

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Idolatry in the High Places: The Ezekiel series, part 9 (6:1-14)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 02:30:00 -0500

Why is banning idolatry one of the first commandments God gave? Do Christians still sometimes engage in idolatry in modern times? And is it possible to break God’s heart? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:00 - v1-3, Why the Mountains?

7:45 - v4-7, Crapgods

13:40 - v8-10, Breaking God

20:00 - v11-14, Then They Will Know

23:25 - Mailbag #1

27:00 - Mailbag #2

34:00 - Contemporary Applications of Ezekiel 6

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Easter Egg in Psalm 22

Luke Taylor — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 03:01:00 -0500

Who wrote Psalm 22? Your Bible says David wrote it, but I have a different theory. And it connects, like all things on this podcast do, to the crucifixion. You’ll hear all about it today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

4:00 - “My God, My God…”

14:10 - “I am a worm…”

20:40 - “strong bulls of Bashan”

26:05 - “All my bones are out of joint”

30:35 - “They have pierced my hands and feet”

36:35 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Critical Race Theory vs the Bible (Part 2)

Luke Taylor — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 01:18:00 -0500

What are the foundational beliefs of Critical Race Theory? What attitudes does this lead to with people who embrace them? And are those the same attitudes that the Bible tells us to have about race? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - What is a Belief System?

8:00 - CRT’s Unbiblical Foundations

13:20 - CRT’s Unbiblical Attitudes

22:20 - CRT’s Unbiblical Actions

36:00 - Recap & Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Critical Race Theory vs the Bible (Part 1)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 01:07:00 -0500

What is Critical Race Theory? How does it redefine the language we’ve used historically around racial issues? And is this new way of thinking about race more biblical than the old one? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

8:00 - CRT’s New Definitions (1-6)

17:00 - CRt’s New Definitions (7-11)

28:45 - How to Not Be an AntiRacist (12)

31:30 - Good Questions, Bad Answers

Our vocabulary words today as defined by CRT:

racism - Any system that leads to racial disparity or inequity.

Contemporary critical theory - a way of dividing the world between oppressors and their victims along the lines of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, age, etc.

identity - identity is found in your group (especially whether it’s the dominant suppressor group or a subordinate oppressed group.

oppression - hegemonic power; the ability of the dominant group to impose its norms and values on society.

Capitalism - an economic philosophy of choice by white people, therefore a form of oppression. It’s also blamed for the racial disparities we witness in this country, so under CRT, capitalism is also racism.

objective evidence/rational dialogue/reason - tools of the oppressors (white heterosexual men) to retain their power.

Social Justice - working to eliminate all forms of social oppression.

Reality/Truth - A narrative that the oppressors tell in order to justify/retain their power and privilege. For their oppressor, their view of reality is skewed and distorted by their participation in structures of power. Their version of reality is false. For the oppressed, their perception of reality is enhanced by their social location. The more oppressed you are, the more capable you are of creating counter-narratives to the false narratives of the oppressors.

Lived experience - an oppressed person’s experiences of oppression gives them special access to truths that are unavailable to the dominant group(s).

Privilege - the benefit of being part of the oppressor class.

internalized oppression - when a person from an oppressed group challenges the claims of a critical race theorist.

anti-racist - someone working to dismantle systems of oppression

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Cause and Effect: The Ezekiel series, part 8 (5:1-17)

Luke Taylor — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 02:57:00 -0500

Why does God say that a whole family can be punished for the sins of one person? Why did Ezekiel cut off his beard and throw the pieces up in the air? And what are some of the main ways that God judges sin? I’ll give you seven of them- and also answer those other questions today- on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

5:30 - verses 1-4, the last sign

15:05 - verses 5-12, the consequences of the siege

25:40 - verses 13-17, seven ways God judges sin

37:30 - recap and application

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Why Did Ahithophel Kill Himself?

Luke Taylor — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 01:49:00 -0500

Why did King David’s adviser, Ahithophel, kill himself? What does his suicide teach us about a root of bitterness? How does Ahithophel connect to the night Jesus died? And wait- who is this guy Ahithophel, anyway? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:20 - Absalom, Ahithophel and Hushai

17:20 - Why did Ahithophel do it?

24:00 - Three Personal Applications

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The 430-Day Mystery: The Ezekiel series, part 7

Luke Taylor — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 01:38:00 -0500

What is the purpose of the 430 days mentioned in Ezekiel 4? He says it represents 430 years of punishment on Israel- but Jeremiah prophesied that Israel would only be punished for 70 years. And history backs that up. Is there a way to reconcile all of this? What does the number 430 even come from, anyway? You’ll find all that out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

2:45 - The 430 Days

14:25 - The Perfect View

26:10 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Russia, Ukraine and Prophecy

Luke Taylor — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 22:59:58 -0600

Does the conflict in Russia and Ukraine have any relevance to Bible prophecy? Does Vladimir Putin have any justification for invading this country? How should we think about world events like this when we aren’t directly involved? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

6:30 - The Prophet Habakkuk

20:50 - What’s going on with Russia and Ukraine?

40:40 - What is God up to?

50:25 - Gog and Magog

If you want to get in touch with us, send us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Fecal Matters: The Ezekiel series, part 6 (4:1-17)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 02:40:00 -0600

What happens to a city when it goes under a siege? Why shouldn’t you put chicken litter in piles higher than 8 feet? And why did I really want my parents to spank me when I was a teenager? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

The bright spots in Israel’s history are when they got desperate for God. But now that they’ve rebelled, they are going to be quite desperate without God.

0:00 - Introduction: Desperate for God

9:20 - verses 1-3, the fact of the siege

17:35 - verses 4-8, the length of the siege

27:40 - verses 9-17, the severity of the siege

41:15 - recap & application

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Socialism vs The Bible (Part 2)

Luke Taylor — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 00:16:00 -0600

Note: Highly recommended that you listen to “Part 1” first.

Last time on the Cross References Podcast, we started a look into Socialism. Is this an economic philosophy and worldview that’s compatible with the Bible? Many Christians believe so today, but I don’t. And I think I can prove it.

0:00 - Introduction

2:50 - Does the Bible Teach Socialism anywhere?

13:50 - Karl Marx, the Creator of Socialism

21:45 - Notes on Future Episodes

24:20 - Recap

28:25 - What about Capitalism?

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Socialism vs The Bible (Part 1)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600

Is socialism compatible with Christianity? Where did socialism come from? And is capitalism any better? We’ll discuss those questions for the next few episodes of the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

7:30 - What is Socialism?

18:45 - The Fake Virtues of Socialism

25:00 - The Real Vices of Socialism

39:25 - To Be Continued…

Look for Part 2 to drop very soon!

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Watchman: The Ezekiel series, part 5 (3:16-27)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 01:00:00 -0600

What does it mean that Ezekiel was called to be a Watchman? Whose fault is it when someone dies and doesn’t go to heaven? And last time we left Ezekiel, he seemed pretty mad and resistant about his prophetic calling. Will there be any consequences to that? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Things You Wish You Didn’t Know

9:00 - v16-19

19:45 - v20-21

26:45 - Two Types of People We Need to Warn

34:40 - 3 Attributes of a Watchman

45:30 - v22-27

51:30 - Recap & Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Mass Formation Psychosis and the Antichrist

Luke Taylor — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 01:05:00 -0600

What will society be like right after the rapture happens? What is Mass Formation Psychosis? And how can the Antichrist use it to build a worldwide empire? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

3:40 - What is Mass Formation Psychosis?

9:10 - What is Cognitive Dissonance?

23:30 - The 4 Elements of Mass Formation Psychosis

27:30 - The Coming Antichrist

33:30 - The Aftermath of the Rapture

45:20 - Setting the Stage for Deception

57:25 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Eat the Scroll: The Ezekiel Series, part 4 (2:8-3:15)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 01:00:00 -0600

Why did God give Ezekiel a scroll and then tell him to eat it? What do we do when we tell someone the truth and they don’t wanna hear it? And can someone be a Christian if they won’t do what God says? We’ll talk about all that today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

5:45 - Ezekiel 2:8-10, eat the scroll

11:35 - Ezekiel 3:1-3, connection to Revelation 10

21:45 - Ezekiel 3:4-7, hard speech and hard hearts

29:30 - Ezekiel 3:8-11, hard looks and hard heads

35:45 - Ezekiel 3:12-15, why Ezekiel was angry

43:15 - Notes & Mailbag

47:45 - Recap & Application

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

7 Types of Prophecy (Part 2)

Luke Taylor — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 13:00:00 -0600

Can a prophecy be fulfilled more than once? How does the life of Jesus repeat stories of Israel in the Old Testament? And where in the Old Testament did it say Jesus would live in Nazareth? I’ll give you a hint: you won’t find it on your own. But I’ll tell you all about it today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

2:35 - Prophecy as Pattern

10:35 - Dual Fulfillment

12:55 - The “Here a Little, There a Little” Prophecy

21:20 - Recap

30:15 - Closing Thoughts

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Christmas music we borrowed for this episode was from No Copyright Sounds on Youtube.

► Ikson - Christmas (NCS - MUSIC)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVIQ...

7 Types of Prophecy (Part 1)

Luke Taylor — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 13:00:00 -0600

Why did the 12 disciples have so many wrong assumptions about Jesus’ mission? How did the wise men know that the star above Bethlehem meant the Messiah was there? And speaking of those wise men, why did they bring myrrh to the baby Jesus? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

0:00 - Introduction

5:45 - Literal Fulfillment

14:50 - Time Gap Prophecies

25:15 - Allusions

30:40 - Foreshadowing

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Christmas music we borrowed for this episode was from No Copyright Sounds on Youtube.

► Ikson - Christmas (NCS - MUSIC)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVIQ...

A Post-Christian Nation: The Ezekiel series, part 3 (2:1-7)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 01:00:00 -0600

What did God tell Ezekiel when He commissioned him to be a prophet? What does it mean when someone says they are deconstructing their faith? And what did Ezekiel’s nation have in common with America today? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

6:30 - verses 1-2, the Holy Spirit’s empowerment

11:50 - verses 3-5, a rebellious nation

21:45 - what is deconstruction?

31:05 - verses 6-7, overcoming resistance

36:25 - recap and closing thoughts

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

“Judge Not” and Church Discipline

Luke Taylor — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 01:00:00 -0600

How does Jesus’ admonition to “judge not” apply to church discipline? When should we apply church discipline- and how- and why? And what do you do when you have a personal conflict with another Christian? You’ll find all that out today on the Cross References Podcast.

NOTE: This is essentially a Part 2 to last week’s episode, even though it covers a somewhat different topic. This episode is mostly focused on church discipline. I highly recommend listening to the previous episode first, because while church discipline should be carried out when necessary, we must always search our own hearts and lives before judging someone else’s actions. Keep Matthew 7 in the back of your mind before enacting I Corinthians 5.

5:35 - What is church discipline? (I Corinthians 5)

12:55 - Why do you need to do church discipline?

15:15 - When do you need to do church discipline?

25:35 - Having high standards for volunteers

32:00 - What to do when you have personal conflicts (Matthew 18)

48:45 - recapping today's lesson

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Judge Not?

Luke Taylor — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 01:00:00 -0600

Jesus told us “judge not,” right? It sounds simple enough, but what does everyone get wrong about that little two-word phrase? Why does Jesus’ command about judging come at just the right time? And how did Jesus apply his principles about judging to the woman caught in adultery? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

NOTE: This was originally going to be a super-sized episode lasting about hour. However, once I got about 1/3 through my notes, I realized that I was going to need more time than I actually wanted to spend on one episode. Therefore, I cut my lesson off and will give the other half of it next week. So this episode ended up being closer to our regular length. Please keep that in mind as you listen to the episode; part 2 is coming next week in Episode 7. Some of my comments that I make in the introduction (about how judging relates to church discipline and personal conflicts) will actually be addressed in part 2.

6:45 - Matthew 7:1-5

15:40 - questions to ask yourself before judging

22:25 - think categorically

27:55 - John 8 (the woman caught in adultery)

40:10 - today’s recap

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Four Living Creatures: The Ezekiel series, part 2 (1:4-28)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0600

What did Ezekiel see when the heavens open and he was given a glimpse of God’s throne? What is the purpose of four-faced guardian angels around God’s throne? And are they actually angels at all? You’ll find out today on the Cross References podcast.

4:05 - verses 4-14, the Four Living Creatures

15:40 - verses 15-21, Wheels within Wheels

23:05 - verses 22-26, the Expansse

29:40 - verses 27-28, God on His Throne

35:40 - recap and applications from today’s verses

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Bible Prophecy Starter Pack

Luke Taylor — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0600

Can a Bible prophecy be 99% right? What are some misconceptions that most Christians have about the end times? And what’s the first things you need to know if you want to study Bible prophecy? We’ll answer those questions today on the Cross References podcast.

Here are 5 things you need to know first if you want to study Bible prophecy:

4:45 - Bible Prophecy cannot be wrong because God knows the future.

11:45 - False teachings always quote the Bible.

20:25 - Israel is Israel

23:55 - Prove what you (think you) know

32:30 - It’s Revelation, not Revelations

37:55 - Recapping today’s 5 points

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

Meet Ezekiel: The Ezekiel series, part 1 (1:1-3)

Luke Taylor — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we kick off a long-form Bible study in the book of Ezekiel. We’ll be here for a while so get comfortable!

What do you know about Ezekiel the prophet- the person? This is one of the few books of the Bible that doesn’t take place in Israel- so where does it take place? And are there any connections between Ezekiel and Jesus? We’ll answer those questions today as we analyze the first three verses of Ezekiel.

My goals for these Bible studies:

1) pick apart the passage verse by verse,

2) cross references,

3) connections to Jesus,

4) personal applications (if applicable)

6:55 - verses 2-3- the historical context of Ezekiel

18:15 - verse 1- who is Ezekiel?

24:15 - connections between Ezekiel and Jesus

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Nazirite Vow

Luke Taylor — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0500

The Nazirite Vow

Welcome to our second episode, where we are going to study the Nazirite Vow of the Old Testament law. What would cause someone to want to follow this voluntary procedure, and does it have any meaning or parallels to our lives today?

2:50 - Numbers 6:1-8

6:05 - 3 Elements of a Nazirite Vow

10:25 - 3 People in the Bible who took Nazirite Vows

14:30 - Completing the Vow Perfectly

17:55 - Leadership Lesson

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor

The Angel of the Lord

Luke Taylor — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 10:33:44 -0500

Welcome to the Cross References podcast, where you learn how every small piece of the Bible tells one big story- and most importantly, how they all connect to the cross and Christ.

Whether you’re a newbie Christian or a veteran Bible reader, our goal is that God’s Word will make more sense to you after every episode.

Who is this mysterious figure who repeatedly shows up in the Old Testament?

I’m going to make two big claims in this episode- the first is that The Angel of the Lord is God Himself. Why then is God called an angel? Well, there’s something special about these appearances of God. You’ll have to listen to find out what.

Here are the main reasons for my major claims today…

1) The Bible uses “The Angel of the Lord” and simply “The Lord” interchangeably.

2) He speaks as if He is God, not as if He’s delivering a message for God.

3) He accepts sacrifice

4) He accepts worship

5) He disappears when the Old Testament concludes

If you want to get in touch with us, drop us an email to crossreferencespodcast@gmail.com

Hosted by Luke Taylor