No Experts Allowed

Epiphany: Matthew 2:1-12

King Herod hears about a newborn King of the Jews. And like all despots, he wants to squash anyone who could be his political rival. This leads Jonathan and Seth to discuss contemporary politicians and their deep desire to remain in power. They discuss what this looks like when taken to the extreme and the way Jesus offers a different view of power that is not meant to be hoarded.

This episode also finishes our Advent and Christmas series on Christian Nationalism. We'll return during Lent with a new series that focuses on a new topic. Of course, we hope you enjoyed these episodes and will join us again starting on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd.

Christmas: Luke 2:8-20

Shepherds hear about the newborn, infant Christ. People who were dirty, spent their time with bleating sheep, and were social nobodies, hear about God in flesh first. Unlike Christian Nationalism that desires proximity to power, Jesus starts his life and continues his ministry alongside the powerless. It’s good news for all of us.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and hope the joy, peace, and love of Christ fill your heart this holy day.

Advent 4: Matthew 1:18-25

When he learns that Mary is pregnant, Joseph considers leaving her. But an angel appears to him saying that the words of the prophet are true: a virgin will give birth to a son, whose name will be Emmanuel. Emmanuel means "God with us;" Jonathan and Seth explore this phrase in particular. It can be coopted and used to create enemies, but it can also form a faithful foundation that stands against Christian Nationalism, which narrowly defines "us" for political gain.

Advent 3: Matthew 11:7-19

John the Baptist is a wild man. He's spending time in the wild, he's eating insects in the wild, and he's wild about service to Jesus Christ. In the first installment of our Advent/Christmas season, Jonathan and Seth discuss how the wild and unexpected are antithetical to Christian nationalism. God often acts unexpectedly by flipping the norms of society and prioritizing service and those deemed "worthless."

We're thrilled to be back this Advent and Christmas season. We're even happier you're here on this journey with us.

Advent/Christmas 2022-2023 Return Teaser

Since last May, when No Experts Allowed stopped, Jesus has not returned. But the podcast has; we're elated to be back. With its return comes a few changes:

• We're moving to a more serial format. Rather than episodes every Saturday, we'll produce a few episodes for each particular church season that explore a different topic.
• Episodes will air on Sunday - but you're free to listen to them whenever you'd like.
• We're also planning to have more guests on the show.

Again, we're excited to be back with a new episode with our new format this coming Sunday (12/11/22).

Grand Finale

It is finished. After 109 episodes, exploring texts from across the Bible, answering strange questions, laughing, and occasionally crying, Jonathan and Seth sign off with a special episode. They discuss some of their favorite moments and “take aways.”  They read one last text together (for the podcast, at least) and pray.

Thank you, listeners, for being our cloud of witnesses. Thanks for reading the Bible and struggling with it with us. Thanks for listening!

 

John 14:22-29

Jesus promises the Advocate, The Holy Spirit, to accompany the disciples when he returns to the Father. The Holy Spirit will empower them in Jesus' physical absence, teaching them to live as Jesus-followers until Jesus returns. So, Jonathan and Seth discuss the central theological question: How do Christians live in the period between Jesus' ascension and return? They discuss how this passage answers that question and the Holy Spirit's continued work.

This episode is the final "regular" episode of No Experts Allowed. Next week, Jonathan and Seth will return with the last episode. They plan to continue engaging Scripture together, but not for the world to hear. Thanks again to everyone who has listened. We hope these conversations have been fruitful!

Acts 11:1-18

“The Way,” as the early Church was called, was exclusive to Jews, but Peter has a vision that opens the Jesus-followers to eating foods that were previously thought unclean and to accepting Gentiles into their movement. Jonathan and Seth talk about the ways grace extends to people they may not want it to extend to. This episode asks: who do we think is unworthy of grace? Why? Who am I that I could hinder God (11:17)?

John 10:22-30

Jesus' opponents want to know if he is the Messiah. "Tell us plainly," they demand (Jn 10:24). They've seen his works but want assurance. So, Jonathan and Seth discuss doubt. They disagree, discuss it, and conclude that Seth may have been too "down" on doubt. We may be unable to accompany people experiencing uncertainty if we try to avoid it. Interpreting Scripture with others can be life-giving. We hope this episode exemplifies that process, even when disagreements arise.

John 21:1-19

“Do you love me?” asks Jesus. Just as Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus asks Peter whether he loves him three times. In English, the questions seem repetitive, but the Greek forms of “love” help clarify Jesus’ questions. Jonathan and Seth discuss this passage as great storytelling and a profound narrative about grace. It’s one of Jonathan’s favorite passages; we hope this episode becomes one of your favorites as well.