Now, in Episode 34, we stand at a critical bridge between faith seen and faith required—preparing to examine what faith becomes after the resurrection and ascension, when Christ is no longer physically present yet remains fully authoritative.

[Research Notes]

The Bible, Internet, ChatGPT

https://nealobstat.wordpress.com/2014/03/18/what-is-faith/

https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1010&context=sod_fac_pubs

https://logosofagape.com/2018/07/25/pistis-pisteos-and-pisteuo-a-greek-word-study/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Bible/comments/1e7298z/anybody_a_greek_scholar_in_here_looking_at_faith/

Lexical tools used:

• BDAG — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other
• BibleHub.com Greek and Hebrew Lexicon (cross-referenced with

A continuation of mustard seed faith. What does that mean? How is it applicable today? Does this mean my faith is worst than I thought?

The Bible, Internet, ChatGPT
Canonical Scripture References
(All Scripture accessible via Bible Gateway or Bible Hub for translation comparison)
•Matthew 14:22–33 — Jesus walks on water; rebuke of little faith
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A22-33
•Matthew 16:5–12 — Warning about leaven; disciples misunderstand
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A5-12
•Matthew 17:14–21 — Healing failure; mustard seed teaching
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+17%3A14-21
•Mark 4:30–32 — Parable of the mustard seed
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A30-32
•Luke 17:5–6 — “Increase our faith”; mulberry tree imagery
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+17%3A5-6
•John 6:5–13 — Feeding of the 5,000; disciples tested
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A5-13
•John 15:1–5 — Abiding in Christ
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-5
•Romans 4:4–5 — Faith versus works
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+4%3A4-5
•1 Corinthians 3:6–7 — God gives the increase
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+3%3A6-7
•Hebrews 11:1–6 — Definition and nature of faith
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A1-6
•Hebrews 12:2 — Jesus as author and perfecter of faith
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A2
Greek Word Studies
•πίστις (pistis) — faith, trust, allegiance
Bible Hub Lexicon
https://biblehub.com/greek/4102.htm
•ὀλιγόπιστος (oligopistos) — “little faith,” deficient trust
https://biblehub.com/greek/3640.htm
•μένω (menō) — to remain, abide
https://biblehub.com/greek/3306.htm
Non-Canonical / Second Temple Jewish Sources
(Contextual only — not treated as Scripture)
•1 Enoch 93–94 — Apocalypse of Weeks (faithfulness across generations)
https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/boe/boe096.htm
•Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 2:1–6 — Testing of the faithful
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Sirach+2%3A1-6
•Dead Sea Scrolls — Rule of the Community (1QS)
https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/explore-the-archive/manuscript/1QSa-1
Scholarly Commentary & Credible Sources
Michael S. Heiser, PhD
Hebrew Bible scholar; expert in Second Temple Judaism
•The Unseen Realm
https://lexhampress.com/product/47111/the-unseen-realm
•Faith, worldview, and allegiance discussions
https://drmsh.com
Chuck Missler
Bible teacher; systems analyst; prophecy commentator
•Mustard seed & faith teachings archive
https://www.khouse.org
Ron Rhodes, ThM, PhD
Systematic theologian; apologetics scholar
•Faith under grace commentary
https://www.reasoningfromthebible.com
David Guzik
Pastor and Bible commentator
•Enduring Word Commentary (Matthew 17; Luke 17)
https://enduringword.com
Botanical & Historical Context
•Mustard Seed (Sinapis nigra) — size and growth characteristics
Encyclopaedia Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/plant/mustard-plant
Primary Study Platforms (Listener Resources)
•Bible Gateway — translation rotation
https://www.biblegateway.com
•Bible Hub — lexicons, interlinear, commentaries
https://biblehub.com
•Enduring Word — verse-by-verse commentary
https://enduringword.com

Episode 2 in our Faith Series. Last week we discussed OT Faith & now we discuss how NT Faith is different because of Jesus. The Bible, Internet, ChatGPT

• Matthew 14:22–33 — Jesus walks on water; rebuke of little faith
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A22-33
• Matthew 16:5–12 — Warning about leaven; disciples misunderstand
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A5-12
• Matthew 17:14–21 — Healing failure; mustard seed teaching
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+17%3A14-21
• Mark 4:30–32 — Parable of the mustard seed
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A30-32
• Luke 17:5–6 — “Increase our faith”; mulberry tree imagery
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+17%3A5-6
• John 6:5–13 — Feeding of the 5,000; disciples tested
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A5-13
• John 15:1–5 — Abiding in Christ
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-5
• Romans 4:4–5 — Faith versus works
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+4%3A4-5
• 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 — God gives the increase
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+3%3A6-7
• Hebrews 11:1–6 — Definition and nature of faith
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A1-6
• Hebrews 12:2 — Jesus as author and perfecter of faith
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A2
• πίστις (pistis) — faith, trust, allegiance
  Bible Hub Lexicon
  https://biblehub.com/greek/4102.htm
• ὀλιγόπιστος (oligopistos) — “little faith,” deficient trust
  https://biblehub.com/greek/3640.htm
• μένω (menō) — to remain, abide
  https://biblehub.com/greek/3306.htm
• 1 Enoch 93–94 — Apocalypse of Weeks (faithfulness across generations)
  https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/boe/boe096.htm
• Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 2:1–6 — Testing of the faithful
  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Sirach+2%3A1-6
• Dead Sea Scrolls — Rule of the Community (1QS)
  https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/explore-the-archive/manuscript/1QSa-1

Michael S. Heiser, PhD; Hebrew Bible scholar; expert in Second Temple Judaism

• The Unseen Realm
  https://lexhampress.com/product/47111/the-unseen-realm
• Faith, worldview, and allegiance discussions
  https://drmsh.com

Chuck Missler; Bible teacher; systems analyst; prophecy commentator

• Mustard seed & faith teachings archive
  https://www.khouse.org

Ron Rhodes, ThM, PhD; Systematic theologian; apologetics scholar

• Faith under grace commentary
  https://www.reasoningfromthebible.com

David Guzik; Pastor and Bible commentator

• Enduring Word Commentary (Matthew 17; Luke 17)
  https://enduringword.com
• Mustard Seed (Sinapis nigra) — size and growth characteristics
  Encyclopaedia Britannica
  https://www.britannica.com/plant/mustard-plant

Old Testament faith; exploring the faith of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, & Rahab. What’s unique about each person’s faith? How the faith of one grew from one person to the next. Do you have this kind of faith?

RESEARCH: The Bible, Internet, ChatGPT

Rehab: https://www.wisdomlib.org/names/rahab

Bible Hub (original languages, lexicons, parallel translations) https://biblehub.com

Blue Letter Bible (Hebrew/Greek tools, cross references) https://www.blueletterbible.org

Key passages:

• Genesis 12–22 (Abraham)
• Exodus 1–34 (Moses)
• Joshua 1–6 (Joshua & Rahab)
• Hebrews 11 (framework for faith)
• Deuteronomy 34 (death of Moses)
• Matthew 17:1–5 (Transfiguration)

Hebrew & Greek Word Studies

• אֱמוּנָה (emunah – eh-moo-NAH) – faithfulness, firmness, reliability
  Source: Bible Hub Hebrew Lexicon (H530)

• πιστις (pistis – PISS-tis) – trust, allegiance, reliance
  Source: Bible Hub Greek Lexicon (G4102)

Scholar Commentary & Academic Insight

• Michael S. Heiser, PhD – The Unseen Realm; Faith in covenant context https://drmsh.com
• Chuck Missler – Faith, covenant, and typology https://www.khouse.org
• Enduring Word Commentary (David Guzik) – Verse-by-verse OT insights https://enduringword.com
• Ron Rhodes, ThM, PhD – Biblical theology & continuity of faith https://www.ronrhodes.org

Non-Canonical / Second Temple Context

• 1 Enoch – Faith, obedience, and pre-flood righteousness https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/boe
• Jubilees – Abraham’s obedience and covenant faith https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/jub

(Used for historical and cultural context only, not doctrinal authority)

Geographic & Historical References

• Ur of the Chaldeans → modern southern Iraq
• Haran → modern Turkey
• Midian → northwest Saudi Arabia
• Mount Horeb / Sinai → traditionally Sinai Peninsula
• Jericho → modern West Bank

Recommended Study Tools for Listeners

• Bible Hub Interlinear
• Logos Bible Software
• NET Bible Full Notes
• Jewish Study Bible (historical background)

What happened to the spiritual side of healing? Jesus healed epilepsy, blindness, deafness, muteness, mental illness, etc. often by casting out demons, evil spirits & unclean spirits. Has humanity traded faith for knowledge?

The Bible, Internet, ChatGPT
Scripture Text & Textual Evidence
Matthew 17 Manuscript Evidence
This explains why Matthew 17:21 appears in some traditions and not others (Old Latin, Vulgate, early church fathers, and manuscript variations). https://biblehub.com/q/Evidence_for_Matthew_17_21_in_history.htm
A detailed look at which translations include or omit Matthew 17:21 and why. https://biblehub.com/q/Why_is_Matthew_17_21_missing_in_some_Bibles.htm

Non Canonical / Second Temple Sources (Context Only)
Testament of Solomon — complete text of this early Jewish work describing spirits and their effects (demons with functional roles): https://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/tos/index.htm
Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q510 (“Songs of the Sage”)
Overview of this Qumran text that contains prayers intended to protect families from spiritual affliction. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4Q510%E2%80%93511

Scholarly Works (Books & Commentary)
The Unseen Realm — Michael S. Heiser’s scholarly treatment of spiritual beings in biblical context.
(Book; no direct link — cite ISBN or purchase page)
Powers of Darkness — Clinton E. Arnold on spiritual forces in Paul’s letters.
(Book; used for analysis — no direct link but widely referenced academically)
Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts — Craig S. Keener’s two volume survey of healing ministry in Scripture and history.
(Book; academic resources available through Baker Academic)
Jesus According to Scripture — Darrell L. Bock’s analysis of Jesus’ ministry patterns.
(Book; academic resource)

Epigenetics & Generational Influence (Secular Studies)
“Epigenetic biomarkers of stress and trauma”
Study showing how trauma impacts gene expression across generations. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2822158
Trauma transmission and generational effects
Behavioral research on how stress and PTSD patterns appear across generations. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34049337/

Religion, Spirituality & Health Research (Secular)
Handbook of Religion and Health
Comprehensive review of research on how spiritual practices influence physical and psychological well being. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handbook_of_Religion_and_Health
(Note: This page links to the collective research summary and is sourced from academic discussion about the book and studies it surveys.)

General Background Links (for Context & Study)
Bible.org — Matthew 17 Study Overview
Helpful for understanding narrative of healing, disciples’ failure, and prayer/faith dynamics in Matthew 17. https://bible.org/seriespage/matthew-17

What are the origins of angels & demons? How did sin happen in the heavenly realms? Who was/is Lucifer? What’s the difference between the Watchers, Lucifer, and the serpent in the garden? Did you know that realm & dimension are interchangeable?
The Bible, Internet, ChatGPT

Scholars

• Heiser, Michael S. The Unseen Realm — https://drmsh.com
• Rhodes, Ron. Angels Among Us — https://www.ronrhodes.org
• Missler, Chuck. Cosmic Codes — https://www.khouse.org

Commentary

• Enduring Word — https://enduringword.com
• Bible Hub (Lexicons, translations, cross-references): https://biblehub.com

Non-Canonical (Context Only)

• 1 Enoch (Book of the Watchers) — https://www.sacred-texts.com
• Jubilees — https://www.earlyjewishwritings.com

Is socialism the answer? Is communism really that bad? Is capitalism perfect? We explore each one. Using scripture & history as our guide. Take a look & see for yourself.
The Bible, Internet, ChatGPT

1. Communism – Definition & History

• Britannica – Communism: A thorough overview of what communism is, how Marx & Lenin defined it, and the real historical examples of communist regimes like the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, etc. (explains ideology and difference vs. socialism) Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/topic/communism
• Britannica – Socialism: Good explanation of socialism after communism, including its role in 20th-century history and examples of modern states connected to socialist ideology. Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/money/socialism/Postwar-socialism
• History.com – Socialism Overview: A clear, neutral article defining socialism, how it differs from communism, and how both developed historically (post-1917 USSR, European social democracy, modern policies). HISTORY https://www.history.com/articles/socialism
• History.com – Differences Between Socialism & Communism: A reputable, modern explanation contrasting the two systems, including examples of countries commonly labeled communist and socialist. HISTORY https://www.history.com/news/socialism-communism-differences

Ø Britannica – Communist States History: Includes Soviet Union and China — two of the biggest practical applications of communist ideology. Encyclopedia Britannica

Ø History.com – Socialist & Communist Countries: Notes that China, Cuba, North Korea, Laos and Vietnam are often described as communist today (state control of politics & economy). HISTORY

Ø Encyclopedia.MDPI – List of Countries with Socialist Governance: A research-oriented list of states that have identified themselves as socialist, showing duration and party leadership. Encyclopedia

• BibleHub – Acts 4: Sharing Among Believers: Scriptural text and explanations of the early church’s mutual sharing (not coercive, voluntary). Bible Hub https://www.biblehub.com/study/acts/4.htm
• Enduring Word – Commentary on Acts 4: Explains what the early believers’ sharing looked like and how it differs from political ideologies. Enduring Word https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/acts-4/

What? Tithing? Isn’t that just a fancy way to say church tax? What’s it all about? Where did it come from? Who started it? Why should I do it? What did Jesus say about it?
The Bible, Internet, ChatGPT

Tithing: https://get.tithe.ly/blog/tithing-in-the-new-testament-what-does-it-say

Radical Giver Example: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/billpeel/2016/03/discover-why-rg-letourneau-gave-90-percent/ , https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/blog/tithing-god-owns-everything/?utm_source=chatgpt.com , https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/gods-money?utm_source=chatgpt.com , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._G._LeTourneau?utm_source=chatgpt.com , https://www.wayoflife.org/reports/christian_inventor_rg_letourneau.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com , https://www.gccob.com/media/2025-08-10-start-with-the-owner?utm_source=chatgpt.com , https://www.thf.org.ng/tithing-in-the-new-testament/?utm_source=chatgpt.com ,

Stewardship Over Ownership: https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/tithing-learning-contentment-and-cheerful-givng/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Craig S. Keener: https://www.ivpress.com/the-ivp-bible-background-commentary-new-testament?srsltid=AfmBOopcO4Ns0mMpC90dJa8ZbiBW8XRx2ocxyCzS2-Agez0jgEEwW4Ur&utm_source=chatgpt.com

David Guzik: https://enduringword.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Gordon D. Fee: https://www.amazon.com/Ex%C3%A9gesis-Nuevo-Testamento-Gordon-1992-06-01/dp/B017YCGSWA?utm_source=chatgpt.com

D. A. Carson: https://www.amazon.com/Basics-Believers-D-Carson/dp/080109366X?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Bible teach communism/socialism? https://www.gotquestions.org/communism-Bible.html

Malachi 3:10 - https://radical.net/podcasts/pray-the-word/giving-for-his-glory-malachi-310/ , https://www.bibleref.com/Malachi/3/Malachi-3-10.html

Why churches struggle financially: https://www.christianlearning.com/why-do-some-churches-fail-financially/

Jesus on tithing: https://relearn.org/why-tithing-is-biblical-but-its-not-christian/