Relish: a Christian podcast

TMAD
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

RELISH is the ultimate Christian podcast where we dive deep into the timeless truths of the Bible to answer your toughest questions about Christianity and the Christian faith. Join us each week as we tackle challenging topics head-on, fearlessly exploring the intersections of faith, reason, and culture. Whether you’re a skeptic seeking answers, a believer looking to deepen your understanding, or simply curious about the Christian worldview, our podcast provides a welcoming space for dialogue and discovery. Join the conversation as we navigate the complexities of faith with humility and honesty. email your questions to tmadask@gmail.com

  1. 1d ago

    Who Is God Really? The Meaning Behind His Names

    Who Is God? Exploring the Names of the Divine Who is God, and how has He revealed Himself through Scripture? In this episode of Relish, Alex Zimmerman and Pastor Don Patterson examine the biblical names of God, including Yahweh, Jehovah, Elohim, Adonai, El Shaddai, Jehovah Jireh, and Emmanuel. The conversation begins with the meaning and history of God's names before exploring Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush. What does “I AM WHO I AM” reveal about God's eternal and self-existent nature? The hosts also discuss: The relationship between Yahweh and Jehovah. The meaning of Elohim and its use in Scripture. Questions surrounding the Trinity and heavenly beings. How God's names reveal His character, presence, and provision. Why knowing God matters for identity and obedience. Through biblical teaching, personal stories, and pastoral reflection, this episode invites listeners to consider whether they truly understand the God they claim to worship.

  2. Sep 10

    Can You Really Become a New Person? What the Bible Says

    Can You Really Become a New Person? Names are more than labels in the Bible. They often communicate identity, family history, circumstances, and sometimes God's purpose. In this episode of Relish, Alex Zimmerman and Don Patterson begin by drafting some of the most difficult—and perhaps least advisable—names to give a child from the Bible. From Ichabod and Judas to Dorcas and Mahar-shalal-hash-baz, the conversation starts with humor. But then it moves to a much bigger question. Why did names matter so much in Scripture? Why did Jacob become Israel? What did Jesus mean when He called Simon “Peter”? Why is Joseph remembered as Barnabas? And what do these examples teach us about identity and redemption? The conversation also addresses an important misconception: receiving a new identity does not mean becoming instantly perfect. If God makes someone new, why do old struggles remain? This episode explores what the Bible actually says about names, identity, transformation, and the relationship between who you were and who God calls you to become.   00:00:29 Why Names Matter: Identity and Redemption 00:01:58 Drafting the Worst Bible Names 00:06:34 Bible Names We'd Actually Bring Back 00:07:29 What Do Names Mean in the Bible? 00:10:32 Why God Changed People's Names 00:17:37 Did Peter and Paul Really Get New Names? 00:21:43 Jacob Becomes Israel: A New Identity 00:25:03 New Identity Doesn't Mean Instant Perfection

  3. Sep 3

    Does Modern Israel Still Have a Biblical Role? (Part 2)

    What does the Bible actually say about Israel—and what does that mean for Christians today? In Part 2 of Relish, Alex Zerman and Pastor Don Patterson continue their discussion about Jesus, Judaism, the early church, Paul, Israel, and biblical prophecy. The conversation begins with the Jewish roots of Christianity and the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. From there, they examine Acts 2, the persecution of the early church, Stephen's martyrdom, and Saul's dramatic conversion into Paul. The discussion then turns to Romans 11 and Paul's metaphor of the olive tree. What does it mean for Gentile Christians to be "grafted in"? Has God rejected Israel? How should Christians understand the relationship between Israel, the Jewish people, and the Church? Those questions lead directly into the modern state of Israel and biblical prophecy. Does modern Israel have a unique role in God's plan? How should Christians think about Revelation and the end times? And how do we distinguish biblical covenant promises from the political actions of a modern nation? Throughout the conversation, Alex and Don return to the same principle: Scripture must be the standard for Christian belief. The goal isn't to settle every debate about Israel or prophecy in one conversation. It is to encourage careful biblical thinking, reject conspiratorial shortcuts, distinguish political questions from theological ones, and keep Jesus at the center. Chapters 00:00:29 — Jewish Roots, Jesus, and the Cross 00:01:16 — The Holy Spirit, Saul, and Persecution 00:03:22 — Romans 11 and the Olive Tree 00:06:35 — Does Modern Israel Have a Biblical Role? 00:08:37 — Israel, Prophecy, and End-Times Bloodshed 00:14:10 — Scripture as the Standard 00:18:17 — Wisdom, Discernment, and Knowing Christ 00:18:53 — Tribulation and the Hope of Christ Listen with your Bible open, especially Romans 9–11. The important question isn't simply what Christians have traditionally said about Israel. It's what Paul actually wrote.

  4. Aug 27

    “Jew” vs. “Israel”: Why Christians Keep Getting These Terms Wrong (PART 1)

    Who exactly does the Bible mean when it talks about Jews, Israelites, Hebrews, and Israel? In this episode of Relish, Alex Zimmerman and Pastor Don Patterson examine how these terms developed throughout Scripture and why Christians should be careful about treating them as interchangeable. The conversation moves from Abraham and the calling of Israel, through the kingdom and diaspora, to the New Testament and Revelation's 144,000. Along the way, we discuss the difference between ethnicity, religion, politics, biblical Israel, and the modern nation-state of Israel. The episode also begins with a practical discipleship question: If you sell an animal knowing it will be used in another religion's ritual, where does personal responsibility begin? Ultimately, the discussion comes back to a larger biblical question: Why did God's chosen people repeatedly rebel against Him, and what should Christians learn from that? The answer challenges both simplistic views of Israel and simplistic views of ourselves.   00:00:44 — Selling Goats for Religious Sacrifice: Where Is the Line? 00:03:12 — When Does Religious Participation Become Our Responsibility? 00:05:17 — Who Are the Jews? Israel, Israelites, and Hebrews Explained 00:09:54 — The 144,000 in Revelation: Who Are They? 00:14:57 — Why Were the Jews Scattered? Understanding the Diaspora 00:18:46 — God Chose Israel to Bless the Nations—So Why Did They Rebel? 00:23:01 — The Sanhedrin, Pharisees, and Sadducees: Who Were They?

  5. Aug 25

    Mosques in My Backyard? Christians, Conscience, and Community

    Join hosts Alex Zimmerman and Don Patterson for a lively Relish conversation that moves from friendly Bible-study banter into a serious exploration of how Christians should respond when a mosque is proposed in their town. With references to Sunday school dynamics, Bible translations (including The Message and original Greek), and real-life study-group questions, the episode blends humor and pastoral concern. The main discussion centers on a recent controversy about a mosque being built and asks whether Islam—as presented in some public debates—is primarily a religion or a political system. The hosts weigh First Amendment freedoms against worries about political ideology and radicalization, share personal experiences with Muslim neighbors, and consider how Sharia law and cultural separatism might clash with American civic life. Practical issues are raised as well: is it appropriate for farmers to sell animals for religious slaughter (halal or otherwise)? What do Scripture and tradition say about supplying animals used in worship to other faiths? The hosts reference Levitical thinking and Acts 10 and promise further research to clarify any biblical restrictions on commerce tied to religious rites. Throughout the episode they emphasize discernment, prayer, and the role of conscience when legal options feel morally complicated. They discuss how Christians can be hospitable without compromising community safety, the difference between personal conviction and public policy, and the importance of seeking God’s guidance even when answers feel uncomfortable or unexpected. Listeners can expect candid, at-times-provocative dialogue, a mix of pastoral wisdom and common-sense practicality, and follow-up plans: next episode will dig into conversations often framed as being "about the Jews," aiming to bring clarity and care to how we talk about different faith communities.

  6. Aug 13

    Can You Trust the Bible? Communion, Manuscripts & Christianity Explained

    One episode. Three foundational questions. What would happen if everyone in society were genuinely Christian? Does the Bible teach that communion literally becomes the body and blood of Christ? And is there good historical evidence that the Bible we read today accurately reflects the original writings? Don, Grant, and Rowan examine these questions by comparing biblical texts, historical evidence, and competing Christian traditions. Along the way, they discuss John 6, transubstantiation, the Dead Sea Scrolls, New Testament manuscripts, and why textual reliability matters for everyday faith. The episode concludes with a personal farewell as Rowan leaves for college and reflects on what nearly 150 episodes of RELISH have meant. Chapters 00:00:32 Would a Truly Christian Society Work? 00:02:52 Is Communion Really the Body and Blood of Christ? 00:06:50 What Did Jesus Mean by "Bread of Life"? 00:11:06 Can We Really Trust the Bible? 00:16:41 Rowan's Farewell & Final Reflections

  7. Aug 6

    Should Christians Fight in War? Mennonites, Catholics & What the Bible Says

    Christians often agree on the gospel while disagreeing on difficult questions of ethics and church practice. Why? In this episode of Relish, Rowan Miller, Don Patterson, and Grant Bender examine three major areas where Christians reach different conclusions from Scripture. They discuss biblical care for the poor, the debate over just war and Christian pacifism, and Catholic and Mennonite views of baptism. Along the way they consider Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Christian involvement in public life, and several key biblical passages including the Good Samaritan, 1 Peter, 1 John, and John 3. Rather than assuming easy answers, this conversation asks how Christians should interpret Scripture carefully and consistently when faithful believers disagree.   00:00:28 — What Does the Bible Say About Helping the Poor? 00:01:45 — Can Christians Ever Support Just War? 00:06:11 — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Hitler & Christian Responsibility 00:09:17 — Church, Government & Christian Nationalism 00:11:50 — Why Catholics Practice Infant Baptism 00:17:55 — Infant Baptism vs. Believer's Baptism 00:20:03 — Final Thoughts: Where Christians Still Disagree

  8. Jul 30

    Does the Bible Teach Social Justice? Catholics, the Apocrypha & Biblical Truth

    How should Christians think about social justice? Why do Catholics pray to saints? What authority do the Pope and church tradition have? Why do Catholic and Protestant Bibles contain different books? In this episode of Relish, Rowan Miller is joined by Pastor Don Patterson and theology student Grant Bender for a thoughtful discussion of several questions that regularly create confusion among Christians. The conversation explores: Does the Bible teach social justice? Christianity's historical influence on society Saints, intercession, and prayer The Pope, church tradition, and biblical authority The Apocrypha and why different Christian traditions recognize different canons How Christians should evaluate doctrine through Scripture Whether you've wondered about Catholic beliefs or simply want a clearer understanding of biblical authority, this episode provides historical context and careful biblical discussion. 00:00:36 — Does the Bible Teach Social Justice? Christianity's Impact on Society 00:03:15 — Why Catholics Pray to Saints: Intercession Explained 00:08:17 — The Pope, Church Tradition & Biblical Authority 00:13:47 — Why Catholic Bibles Have More Books 00:17:47 — The Apocrypha, the Septuagint & the Biblical Canon 00:20:10 — Final Takeaways: Evaluating Doctrine Through Scripture

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

RELISH is the ultimate Christian podcast where we dive deep into the timeless truths of the Bible to answer your toughest questions about Christianity and the Christian faith. Join us each week as we tackle challenging topics head-on, fearlessly exploring the intersections of faith, reason, and culture. Whether you’re a skeptic seeking answers, a believer looking to deepen your understanding, or simply curious about the Christian worldview, our podcast provides a welcoming space for dialogue and discovery. Join the conversation as we navigate the complexities of faith with humility and honesty. email your questions to tmadask@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    TMAD
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Relish: a Christian podcast

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