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Context Matters

Context Matters

By: Dr. Cyndi Parker
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About this listen

 This podcast is for people who are curious about the ancient context that influenced the final shape of the Bible…AND ALSO…how our modern context influences the way we understand the Bible and God and all things spiritual.2020 Narrative of Place, LLC Christianity Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Roman Republic to Empire

    Roman Republic to Empire
    Nov 27 2025

    We are in the process of exploring the context of the birth narrative of Jesus, and we have arrived at the time of the rise of Octavian. He will lead the Roman Republic into its Empire stage. But how does he do that and how does this change the Judean context of Bethlehem where Jesus is born?

    Explore more about all the projects Dr. Smith is involved in:

    Great Commission Bible Institute

    Christian Travel Study Programs

    Outreach Ministry: www.globalvisionoutreach.org

    Through the Bible: 1hour1book.com

    Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.

    Join Cyndi Parker's Patreon Team!
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    28 mins
  • Rome Appears on the Horizon

    Rome Appears on the Horizon
    Nov 20 2025

    Dr. Randal Smith is the Director of Christian Travel Study Program and a virtual encyclopedia about biblical context. We are in the process of exploring the context of the birth narrative of Jesus, and while we assume Roman domination, it wasn't always that way! Today we discuss how Rome emerged from squalor to an empire that dominated the Mediterranean, outmaneuvering the Greeks and innovating military, economic, and political systems.

    Explore more about all the projects Dr. Smith is involved in:

    Great Commission Bible Institute

    Christian Travel Study Programs

    Outreach Ministry: www.globalvisionoutreach.org

    Through the Bible: 1hour1book.com

    Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.

    Join Cyndi Parker's Patreon Team!
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Anticipating Advent

    Anticipating Advent
    Nov 13 2025

    As we start to anticipate the time of Advent and ultimately the birth of Jesus, what are some of the contextual things we should be aware of? Each historical period had an influence on God's people. To kick off the "Advent of Advent" mini-series, we are going back to a conversation I had last year with Dr. George Athas. He is a professor at Moore College and the author of an excellent book Bridging the Testaments. Today we revisit his overview of the major time periods leading up to the Roman Empire's arrival on the scene along with his explanation of Jewish thought that makes the gospels' claim that Jesus is from the line of David so explosive.

    Listen to the original podcast with Dr. Athas Here: Part 1 and Part 2

    Find out more about Dr. Athas HERE

    Read more about his book HERE

    See his many other writings HERE

    Contact Cyndi Parker through Narrative of Place.

    Join Cyndi Parker's Patreon Team!
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    28 mins
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