Charlie and Abigail dive into bibliology in this week’s Cultivate Podcast, exploring the complexities of the Bible’s inspiration, canonization, and interpretation. We delve into how sacred texts, like the Bible and even the U.S. Constitution, are often seen as “living documents” and what that means for interpretation. Charlie emphasizes the importance of understanding the original intent behind scripture, while Abigail brings a modern twist to biblical figures. Together, they highlight the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us to properly interpret and apply God’s word, stressing the need for community, study, and spiritual discernment.

This week, Charlie dives into the delicate balance between faith and money, kicking off a new series with a powerful personal story. He shares how selling tickets to a major game to prioritize his daughter's birthday taught him about values and priorities—only to have her choose a youth ministry event instead! Using this story as a backdrop, Charlie explores how we navigate the tension between personal interests and God’s call on our lives. We are challenged to reflect on our relationship with money, as Charlie unpacks Jesus’ teachings from Matthew 6:19-24 about storing up treasures in heaven. He emphasizes that true freedom comes from generosity and aligning our finances with our faith. Through stories of real-life transformation, we are invited to see giving as an act of worship. Join us as we explore how to put God at the center of financial decisions, making faith our ultimate priority.

What does the Greek word mammon mean? Why is money an incomplete translation?

What does Jesus mean that you can’t serve both God and mammon? How have you seen that play out?

How can giving be an act of worship? What can it do for your heart?

Charlie and Abigail dive into the fascinating journey of how the Bible was historically compiled and canonized. Together, they explore the careful process early Christians followed to recognize sacred texts, discussing key criteria like apostolic authority, universal acceptance, and the inherent power of these writings. The episode also tackles controversies surrounding certain books, like Revelation and Hebrews, shedding light on the human and transparent nature of these pivotal decisions.

We invite you to consider the reliability and trustworthiness of the Bible, as Charlie and Abigail explain how translations today connect directly to the original languages and are meticulously cross-checked. They also touch on historical events, such as the Reformation and the printing press, and their impact on Christian practices and scripture inclusion.

This episode encourages questions and curiosity, welcoming listener inquiries for future discussions. Join us for a deeper understanding of the Bible’s origins and trustworthiness on Cultivate!