The Will MacIvor Podcast

Over a year ago, I sat down with Bill Scofield to talk about various aspects of church life—everything from leadership to tithing and more. Honestly, I mostly wanted to vent my frustrations and have Bill tell me how right I was (just kidding... kind of).Unfortunately for me, Bill doesn’t just rubber-stamp every complaint I have about the institutional church. But that’s exactly why I appreciated the conversation.My hope isn’t that you walk away agreeing with everything either of us says, but that it sparks deeper reflection and a pursuit of what truly builds up the Church.Also—yes, it took me way too long to post this. And Bill, sorry for all the times I interrupted you. I'm working on it. 😂

I recently was given the opportunity to speak at Diamond Fellowship, the seniors group at Bethel Church. This is a recording of that time there. I hope you enjoy.

The Martyrdom of Polycarp is a classic writing from the Apostolic Fathers telling the story of how the Bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp, and 86 year old man went to his death in 156 AD. This account of Polycarp's martyrdom has inspired Christians for the last 2000 years to live lives faithful to Christ even unto death.

In this episode I listen to a podcast from Bethel by Kris Vallotton where he interviews Rich Schmidt on the End-Times. Rich Schmidt is a close personal friend, but we have major disagreements on Eschatology. Where I disagree with his Preterist viewpoint I take the time to explain why I disagree and suggest what I think is a better interpretation.

In this episode I walk us through the contextual emphasis of Matthew ch. 10 and contrast it with a highly emphasized verse about supernatural ministry and then read the account of one of the earliest female Christian martyrs.

In this podcast I talk through 5 steps to Study the Bible. In all my years as a Christian, going to church, getting my Bachelors degree in Bible and Theology, currently two classes away from completing my Masters in Biblical Languages and Linguistics, I have never had someone sit me down and teach me the steps of studying the Bible. So, in this Podcast I lay it out. This is not the definitive 5 steps, but a starting ground for those who have never been taught. I mention a lot of books in this podcast, if you want a list of them, go check out my youtube channel and in the youtube video I show all the books so that you can look them up on Amazon or Logos Bible software. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tu9Qb5Hv-o&t=154s

The Resurrection of the dead, particularly believers, is barely taught or talked about anymore. This was not always the case. This belief, this hope, this church doctrine was once a core hope of every believer. It motivated Paul to endure suffering. It made sense of why Jesus was raised from the dead. It made sense of why we as believers have the deposit of the Spirit in use currently. The resurrection of the dead was part of the early churches hope in the return of Jesus.

Revelation is one the most unique books in all of scripture, no other book has an explicit blessing pronounced for the reading, listening, and keeping of what it says. No other book has a curse for adding to or taking away from it. No other book has elicited so many different interpretations. Someone years ago challenged me to read the book once a week for 3 years, so I did. And what a blessing it was. So I encourage you to read it once a week and if you can't sit and read it, listen to me read it. Haha. Get familiar with it for yourself.

In this episode I read, poorly at times, the section of "The Shepherd of Hermas" that contains his description of Mandates he was given. This is the second part in a three part reading of "The Shepherd of Hermas". Enjoy!

In this episode I read, poorly at times, the section of "The Shepherd of Hermas" that contains his description of Visions he had. This is the first part in a three part reading of "The Shepherd of Hermas". In Part two I will read the mandates Hermas was given, and in part three I will read the parables.