Bible Wisdom Today: Systematic Bible teaching for those willing to think deeply

Stan Watkins, Bible Teacher
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity
  • Biweekly Series

The Bible was written long ago, in a foreign language, within an alien culture, using unfamiliar literary styles. This verse-by-verse Bible study confronts those challenges to discover God’s wisdom for life today. Your teacher, Stan Watkins, has always founded his personal faith on the Bible, leading him to complete a Bible degree and enter Christian ministry, ultimately going with his wife and family to Europe for 6 years. There he served in the areas of Bible teaching and music. Since returning to the states, he has supported his local church as he has had opportunity, but now he would like a more regular outlet for teaching God’s word. He has been married to his wife, Mary, since 1990 and has three adult children. In addition to this podcast, he maintains an active piano teaching studio. 

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  1. Episode 1

    Introduction to Genesis

    Welcome to a new series of studies on the Book of Genesis. In this season, we will study the early chapters of Genesis, which relate stories from primeval history, in preparation for studies in the patriarchal history of Abraham and his descendants in a later season. While Genesis is anonymous, Moses has traditionally been considered its author. Scholars have challenged that view in the last 150 years, however. This episode summarizes the authorship issue and suggests a mediating position that allows us to establish a historical context as the basis for our interpretation. We also touch on other introductory issues, such as the genre of Genesis and the book’s relationship to ancient near eastern literature and contemporary science. We conclude with an analysis of the first two verses of Genesis, setting the stage for a detailed study of the creation narrative in upcoming episodes.   00:00 Opening comments 03:34 Authorship of Genesis 13:22 Genre of Genesis 16:25 Genesis and ancient near eastern literature 20:35 Genesis and science 23:23 In the beginning… 32:30 Closing comments   Study questions for Genesis 1:1-2 1.      Genesis begins with “In the beginning,” not “In the beginning of….” What conclusions would you draw from this distinction? 2.      What is your first impression of God from these verses? 3.      Does it seem like God created the disordered state, then brought order out of it, or was the disordered state preexisting before God began bringing order? 4.      How does the phrase “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” make you feel? 5.      Why do you think that Genesis tells us that God was the creator, but does not tell us exactly how He created? 6.      How aware are you of God’s created world in your daily life? 7.      What do you hope to gain from studying the early stories of Genesis? Episodes released every two weeks on Monday Contact me:  https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/contact/ Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano"  by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

    34 min

  2. Episode 2

    Majestic hymn to the creator | Genesis 1

    In this second episode in our study of Genesis, we will continue the story of how God transformed primeval chaos into a functional universe where God may be worshiped. Genesis describes God’s transforming work over a period of seven days, which the biblical author presents in a beautiful literary structure worthy of representing the beauty of God’s universe. Through this compositional framework the writer highlights important theological emphases and demonstrates that he is not giving a chronological narrative. As a result, we do not need to carry the heavy burden of fitting scripture together with modern science. The Biblical story of creation and the scientific explanation of origins are not in conflict at all. They are discussing totally different subjects.  Additional resource: Chart of the structure of this hymn to the creator 00:00 Opening comments 07:15 The First Day 11:56 The Second Day 15:09 The Third Day 17:33 The Fourth Day 22:30 The Fifth Day 25:37 The Sixth Day 35:45 Closing comments Study questions for Genesis 1:3-2:31.      Notice the repeated words and phrases throughout this passage. What does this tell you about the orderliness of God? What does it tell you about the purposes of the human author of this section?  2.      Why does this passage describe God forming the universe on days 1-3 and filling it on days 4-6? Do you feel any sense of climax in this story? 3.      What is the relationship between God’s spoken word (“And God said, let…”) and his sovereign power (“and it was so”)? 4.      Why do you think the Bible tells us who created, but does not tell us exactly how? What does this tell you about the relative importance of the method and timing of God’s creation? 5.      In your everyday life, how aware are you of the created world around you? How does this affect your opinion of God? 6.      What does it mean to you to be created in God’s image? Does this give you a better opinion of yourself? How does this affect your relationship with God? With other people? 7.      How does this story of creation affect the way you treat the natural world around you? Episodes released every two weeks on Monday Contact me:  https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/contact/ Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano"  by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

    38 min

  3. Episode 3

    God rested. Was he tired? | Genesis 2

    Today, we come to the seventh day of creation where we read that God rested. Why would God rest? Was the all-powerful God exhausted after all his work of creating? In flippantly asking this question, we demonstrate that we are modern people, far removed from the original audience of Genesis. In this episode, we will spend an extended time examining the ancient cultural context, particularly the literature surrounding near eastern temple dedications. There we find the concept of a god at rest in his temple. When God rests, he can begin to work, managing his world and receiving our worship. This is a radical mind shift for us, but deeply meaningful for our day-to-day relationship with him.   00:00 Opening comments 03:11 The seventh day 08:28 Understanding Genesis through ancient near eastern literature 25:18 What does God’s creation mean to us? 33:38 Closing comments Study questions for Genesis 2:1-31.      What evidence do we have that the whole cosmos is God’s temple? 2.      Why did God cease from work on the seventh day 3.      How did God make the seventh day holy? What does this mean in your life? 4.      What is the connection between Genesis’ record of the seventh day and God’s instruction to the children of Israel to keep the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11) 5.      How can you delight in God as you enjoy his good creation? 6.      Has your study of this passage challenged you in your understanding of God and what he is like? Episodes released every two weeks on Monday Contact me:  https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/contact/ Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano"  by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

    36 min

  4. Episode 4

    Finding Significance in Eden | Genesis 2

    Systematic Bible teaching for those willing to think deeply In the larger scheme of this world, is my life significant at all?   As we transition from Genesis’ opening hymn to the first narrative section, we discover just how significant we are to God. We are important enough that he formed our body personally and infused us with his breath. He planted a beautiful garden for mankind to live in, abundantly watered and complete with all kinds of trees for food and beauty. God also gave us work in his garden, providing purpose and an opportunity to worship him by choice. God did not intend work as drudgery. God also realized our need for human companionship. He fashioned a wife for the first man to be a suitable helper and equal partner in a permanent new family. All this goodness and extravagance show our extreme significance to God. When we long for significance we are longing for something that God intended for us from the beginning.   00:00 Opening comments 03:59 Preview of the structure of Genesis 09:11 Significance of a God-crafted body 15:59 Significance of a God-planted world   23:02 Significance of a God-framed purpose 27:21 Significance of God-blessed relationships      34:59 Closing comments   Study questions for Genesis 2:4-25  1.      How does this account of creation compare with Genesis 1-2:3? What are the similarities? Differences? 2.      Why did the author of Genesis go into such detail about the rivers flowing from Eden? 3.      How did God provide for mankind’s physical needs? For our need for purpose? For our need for companionship? 4.      God himself is often described as a helper for us. How does that help us understand the phrase “suitable helper” in this story? 5.      What aspects of the intimacy and openness exhibited in this first human relationship seem normal to you? What seems abnormal? Episodes released every two weeks on Monday Contact me:  https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/contact/ Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano"  by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

    37 min

  5. Episode 5

    Why is life so hard? | Genesis 3

    In this episode we attempt to answer the age-old question, “Why is life so hard?” by studying the story of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. The serpent’s dialog with the woman provides a model for our own temptation and God’s response to the man and his wife are a model of God’s mercy. Although they are worthy of immediate punishment, God graciously calls them, corrects them, clothes them, banishes them from the garden for their own protection, and promises the serpent’s ultimate defeat through the offspring of the woman. Along our detailed walk through Genesis 3, we also consider the questions… ·         Are Adam and Eve historical, detailing four models of human origins ·         What is the meaning of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil ·         What does this story teach us about the nature of sin We also contrast the essential selfishness of the human nature with the selfless character of Jesus.   00:00 Opening comments 02:41  Are Adam and Eve historical? 10:05 Temptation 20:09 Disobedience and guilt 25:50 Consequences 40:36 Final questions   Episodes released every two weeks on Monday Contact me:  https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/contact/ Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano"  by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

    44 min

  6. Episode 6

    Life Lessons from the First Murder | Genesis 4

    Systematic Bible teaching for those willing to think deeply The first murder isn’t just history—it’s a mirror. This episode traces the shocking shift from Eden’s innocence to Cain’s murder of Abel, revealing patterns that still shape human nature today. With careful Bible study and thoughtful reflection, we explore what this story reveals about worship, temptation, justice, and the human heart.  2:25 Motives matter to God — Why God values the heart behind our worship. 10:57 Sin is always optional — Understanding temptation and our power to choose. 16:00 God is just, but He loves to show mercy — Judgment and grace in tension. 24:20 Life may be filled, without being fulfilling — When a full life still feels empty. As we detail this story of murder, we will learn how to deal with our own unsightly inclinations and gain insight into a God who really wants to have a deep relationship with us. Episodes released every two weeks on Monday Contact me:  https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/contact/ Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano"  by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

    40 min

  7. Episode 7

    More Than a List--The Hidden Wisdom of Genesis 5

    What if the Bible’s most overlooked passages held deep truths that you have missed? In this episode we dig deeper beneath the “boring list” of Genesis 5 to uncover rich theological insight hidden within Adam’s family history. With thoughtful reflection, we explore the purpose of biblical genealogies, wrestle honestly with the question of long lifespans, and discover what this passage reveals about God’s character. Far from random names, this chapter points us to three profound realities: God is the Father of us all, He administers justice, and—most remarkably—God desires to walk with us. If you’ve ever been tempted to skip the genealogies, this episode invites you to slow down and see what you’ve been missing. Chapters: 01:58 The account of Adam’s family history 13:44 Did they really live that long? 18:36 God is the father of us all 20:12 God administers justice 22:22 God wants to walk with us If you would like to see this genealogy in a chart form: https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/blog/how-should-we-understand-the-long-lives-in-genesis-5/ Episodes released every two weeks on Monday Contact me:  https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/contact/ Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano"  by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

    32 min

  8. Episode 8

    When Heaven and Earth Collide: Rebellion, Judgment…and Grace | Genesis 6

    Today we take a thought-provoking journey through one of the Bible’s most debated stories. Genesis 6 begins with the sons of God marrying the daughters of humans, resulting in the Nephilim. It continues with God’s resolve to judge all humanity except Noah and his family. This strange story of mysterious beings, ancient giants, and a great flood has provoked intense debate for more than two millennia. We will slow down, trace the logic of the text, weigh the major interpretations, and seek to understand what the author of Genesis intended his original audience to see. No easy answers. Along the way, we will uncover how this ancient text challenges us concerning our own struggles with boundaries, choices, and moral character. Timestamps 01:59 Rebellion. Who are the sons of God?  20:20 Judgment…and Grace  26:35 Preparation for the flood     Episodes released every two weeks on Monday Contact me:  https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/contact/ Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano"  by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

    36 min

  9. Episode 9

    God remembers Noah…and you | Genesis 7-8

    In this episode, at the very heart of one of the most familiar stories in the Bile, we find a single, easily overlooked line: “God remembered Noah.” It is easy to miss, but if you understand how the story is written, you understand that it is the central point in the whole story.  Today, we are not simply retelling the flood story—you’ve heard it before. We will uncover the literary structure of the text itself, a carefully crafted design that ancient readers would have recognized immediately, but we could completely miss. Why does that matter? Because the central point of Noah’s story is also the central point of yours. If you ever felt like God was keeping his distance from you. If you ever struggled with waiting for God, wondering if He was truly active in your life, then this episode is for you. Timestamps 01:57 Structure of the flood story 10:24 The Central Point: God Remembers Noah 13:30 God remembers his people just as He promised 15:49 God remembers his people even while they wait 17:59 God remembers his people with intentional strength 20:23 God remembers his people through both the ups and downs of life 23:13 Final Comments  To see the chiastic structure of the flood story, as described in this episode, see this blog post Episodes released every two weeks on Monday Contact me:  https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/contact/ Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano"  by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

    25 min

  10. Episode 10

    After the Flood: New World, Same Heart Problem | Genesis 9

    What if the new beginning after the flood wasn’t as new as it seemed?  In Genesis 9, Noah and his family step out into a cleansed world—but not with a cleansed heart. In this episode, we explore how God responds to persistent human sin with both blessing and restraint. You’ll discover how Noah functions as a kind of second Adam, how God’s covenant with humanity provides stability in a broken world, how the rainbow is a sign of peace, and what the disturbing story of Noah’s drunken nakedness and Ham’s dishonor reveals about the ongoing corruption of the human heart. This episode does not simply explain the world after the ancient flood. It illuminates the struggles we still face with sin, justice, and shame, and points forward to the only solution God ultimately provides. Timepoints 04:25 God blesses Noah and his family 11:32 God establishes a Covenant with mankind 17:18 Humanity’s continued heart problem 20:35 Issues raised by this uncomfortable story 32:41 Final Comments Episodes released every two weeks on Monday Contact me:  https://www.biblewisdomtoday.com/contact/ Musical excerpts from "Pour le Piano"  by Claude Debussy (Public Domain) performed by your host.

    35 min
See All Season 2 (10)

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About

The Bible was written long ago, in a foreign language, within an alien culture, using unfamiliar literary styles. This verse-by-verse Bible study confronts those challenges to discover God’s wisdom for life today. Your teacher, Stan Watkins, has always founded his personal faith on the Bible, leading him to complete a Bible degree and enter Christian ministry, ultimately going with his wife and family to Europe for 6 years. There he served in the areas of Bible teaching and music. Since returning to the states, he has supported his local church as he has had opportunity, but now he would like a more regular outlet for teaching God’s word. He has been married to his wife, Mary, since 1990 and has three adult children. In addition to this podcast, he maintains an active piano teaching studio. 

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