Under the Hood
Under the Hood is a thought-provoking biblical series that offers a fresh perspective on well-known stories from the Bible. Delving into each narrative, the series explores the distinctive historical context of each story, archaeological evidence supporting the events, and the profound ways in which each story illuminates the gospel of Jesus Christ. Join Sam and Will as they guide you through captivating insights, dispel myths, and present compelling evidence of the Bible's historical reliability and spiritual significance.
Episodes
Ep. 118: Did NASA Discover the Solar Eclipse That Explains Joshua’s Miracle?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO Did Joshua really command the sun to stand still, or could an ancient solar eclipse explain this extraordinary biblical event? In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will explore the original Hebrew of Joshua 10, the geography of Gibeon and Aijalon,
Ep. 117: Did Joshua Really Make the Sun Stand Still?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode explores Joshua 10 through geography, ancient culture, and Hebrew language, connecting the hailstorm at Beth Horon, the sun at Beth Shemesh, and the possibility that Joshua’s famous command describes an eclipse. See how these events may ha
Ep. 116: Do Ancient Records Confirm the Biblical Conquest of Canaan?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode explores the Amarna Letters and other historical evidence presented as supporting the biblical conquest of Canaan. Sam and Will examine the mysterious Habiru, ancient distress letters from Canaanite cities, archaeological claims about hund
Ep. 115: Is There Evidence for Joshua’s Conquest?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO Explore Joshua’s conquest of the Promised Land through the lens of biblical history and archaeology. This episode examines the proposed timeline around 1400 BC, Egypt’s influence over Canaan, and discoveries associated with Ai, Mount Ebal, the controve
Ep. 114: Does Archaeology Prove the Israelites Were in Egypt?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO Can archaeology shed light on the biblical account of the Israelites in Egypt? In this episode, we examine discoveries at Rameses/Avaris and Pithom - including massive grain-storage facilities, workers’ dwellings, and evidence of large-scale labor - an
Ep. 113: Did Pharaoh Die in the Red Sea? (The Exodus Evidence Explained)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAOThis episode examines Exodus 14–15 alongside the reign of Amenhotep II, exploring whether Egypt’s sudden military decline, unusual seizure of horses, livestock, chariots, and large numbers of captives could fit the aftermath of the Exodus. We also look a
Ep. 112: Were Hebrew Slaves Really in Ancient Egypt?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will examine ancient Egyptian slave records, Semitic names, discoveries at Avaris and Pithom, and evidence that these settlements were suddenly abandoned during Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. Could these findings support the biblical ac
Ep. 111: Did Ancient Egypt Leave Evidence of the Exodus?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will examine discoveries connected to Pithom and Ramses, including brick structures, infant burials, a royal palace near the slave city, and a major Egyptian chariot garrison nearby. The discussion explores how these findings a
Ep. 110: Did the Amarna Letters Record the Hebrew Conquest of Canaan?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will explore Akhenaten, the Habiru, the sudden appearance of Israelite settlements, and ancient letters from Canaanite rulers pleading with Pharaoh for help. They also look at Shechem and other archaeological clues that the spe
Ep. 109: Did the Jordan River Really Stop for Joshua?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO What do Joshua’s twelve memorial stones have to do with Jesus and the twelve apostles? In this episode, Sam and Will explore the parallels between Joshua crossing the Jordan River, Jesus gathering twelve apostles, Peter’s name meaning “rock,” and the f
Ep. 108: Is the Story of Jericho a Prophecy of Revelation?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO What if the story of Jericho points forward to Revelation? In this episode, Sam and Will explore the parallels between Joshua, Rahab, Babylon, the repeated number seven, trumpets, judgment, and rescue. It also looks at Jesus as the greater Joshua and h
Ep. 107: What Really Happened at the Battle of Jericho?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO The Battle of Jericho is one of the most famous stories in Joshua, but there’s more happening than walls simply falling down. In this episode, Sam and Will explore Jericho as the wealthy and fortified “City of Palms,” Rahab’s decision to hide the Israe
Ep. 106: Did Archaeology Prove the Biblical Fall of Jericho?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO What does archaeology reveal about the biblical story of Jericho? This episode explores the collapsed walls, evidence of fire, ancient pottery, Egyptian scarabs, and grain-filled jars uncovered at the site, along with the competing conclusions of archa
Ep. 105: How Does Joshua Point to Jesus?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO Joshua’s journey into the Promised Land reveals striking parallels with Jesus, from Israel’s deliverance out of slavery and crossing through the waters to Joshua’s Jordan crossing and Jesus’ baptism. This episode explores how Joshua, Moses, the Passove
Ep. 104: Did Pentecost Reverse the Tower of Babel?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO Explore how the Tower of Babel connects with Pentecost and the larger story of the Bible. This teaching explains how Babel scattered people through divided languages, while the miracle in Acts chapter 2 brought people together to hear the gospel. Learn
Ep. 103: Is There Evidence for the Tower of Babel in Ancient Chinese Language?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO Is there evidence that the world once shared a common language? This episode explores the Tower of Babel, early written languages, ancient Chinese flood traditions, and similarities to the story of Noah. It also examines a Chinese creation text alongsi
Ep. 102: Why Did God Confuse the Languages at the Tower of Babel?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAOIn this episode, Sam and Will discuss how Genesis 11 explains why God confused the language of the people building the city and tower of Babel. This discussion shows how communication can be used for good or wicked purposes. It also presents God’s decisi
Ep. 101: Was the Tower of Babel Real? (The History They Never Taught You)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will explore how ancient Babylon used towering structures and ziggurats to claim divine authority over people. We look at the Code of Hammurabi, the Enuma Elish creation myth, and archaeological evidence that the tower really e
Ep 100: Who Was Nimrod and What Did He Have to Do With the Tower of Babel?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO Explore the story of Nimrod and the Tower of Babel in Genesis 10 and Genesis 11. This teaching explains Nimrod’s role as a mighty warrior and kingdom builder, the cities connected to his kingdom, and why Babel became its center. Learn what ancient zigg
Ep. 99: Is David and Goliath Really About Jesus?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will explore the story of David and Goliath and uncover its deeper meaning pointing to Jesus. They talk about the Valley of Elah where David picked up smooth stones from the riverbed to face a giant covered in scale armor. You'
Ep. 98: Why Does Goliath Look Like a Serpent in the Bible?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this teaching, Sam and Will explore the deeper meaning behind Goliath's bronze armor and why the Bible describes it in so much detail. The Hebrew word for bronze (Nahushet) is closely linked to the word for serpent (Nahash), revealing that Goliath i
Ep. 97: Who Were the Philistines and Why Did Israel Fear Them?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO What's the real background behind David and Goliath? In this episode, Sam and Will break down who the Philistines were, why they were such a serious military threat, and how their iron weapons gave them a massive advantage over Israel during the Bronze
Ep. 96: Why Did David Bury Goliath's Head in Jerusalem?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will explore the shocking detail most people miss in the story of David and Goliath: what David did with Goliath's head after he cut it off. David carried the skull all the way to Jerusalem and buried it there, which seems stra
Ep. 95: How Tall Was Goliath Really? (What Archaeology Says)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will break down what the Bible says about Goliath's height in 1 Samuel 17 and how it compares to the tallest people in modern history. They explore who the Anakim were and why they were feared throughout the ancient world. You'
Ep. 94: Did an Immigrant Revolt Start Israel's Slavery in Egypt?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO Who were the Hyksos, and what role did they play in the biblical story of Israel's slavery in Egypt? In this episode, we explore how Joseph's famine in the 12th dynasty brought massive numbers of foreigners into Egypt, eventually leading to an immigran
Ep. 93: Did God Part the Red Sea to Prove He's the Creator?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this clip, discover how God used the crossing of the Red Sea to prove He is the one true Creator God, not just another deity competing with the gods of Egypt or Canaan. Learn how the Canaanite creation myth of Baal fighting the sea serpent Yom conne
Ep. 92: Did Archaeologists Just Prove the Exodus Really Happened?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will explore the archaeological evidence that supports the biblical Exodus account. From the sudden disappearance of slave populations at Pithom and Avaris during the 18th dynasty to the discovery of the largest chariot garriso
Ep. 91: Who Were The Pharaohs in the Story of Moses?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode explores who the Pharaohs in the story of Moses actually were by working backward from the Bible's own timeline. Starting with Solomon's temple in 966 BC, you can trace 480 years back to the Exodus in 1446 BC and another 80 years to Moses'
Ep. 90: Were the Hebrews Really Slaves in Ancient Egypt? (The Archaeological Proof)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will explore the archaeological evidence that confirms Hebrew slavery in ancient Egypt. From the Brooklyn Museum's Papyrus listing real Hebrew slave names to the massive grain silos excavated at the city of Avaris, the evidenc
Ep. 89: Did Joseph's Brothers Really Sell Him for 20 Pieces of Silver?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode breaks down the story of Joseph from the Old Testament, starting with Jacob's dysfunctional family and the favoritism that sparked jealousy among twelve brothers. You'll learn why the famous multicolored coat was such a big deal in the anc
Ep. 88: Is the Story of Joseph Really About Jesus?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode explores the incredible parallels between the story of Joseph in Genesis and the life of Jesus. From being a beloved son and shepherd to being betrayed, falsely accused, and ultimately raised to a position of authority, Joseph's life fores
Ep. 87: Did Archaeologists Find Joseph's Tomb in Egypt?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will explore the real archaeological evidence that supports the biblical story of Joseph living in Egypt. Learn how archaeologist Manfred Bietak uncovered the ancient city of Avaris beneath the ruins of Ramses, revealing a comm
Ep. 86: Did Joseph's Famine Really Happen? (Archaeological Evidence in Egypt)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode explores the historical evidence for the story of Joseph in Egypt, specifically the famine recorded in Genesis. Egyptologists have found records of a massive migration into Egypt during the 19th century BC, including writings from Egyptian
Ep. 85: What Is the Story of Joseph in the Bible Really About?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode walks through the story of Joseph from Genesis, covering how his brothers sold him into slavery, deceived their father Jacob, and how Joseph remained faithful through years of hardship in Egypt. You'll learn how Joseph rose in Potiphar's h
Ep. 84: Where Did God Live Before the Temple? (Tabernacle & Ark of the Covenant Explained)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will explore what the tabernacle was and why God asked Moses to build it after leading the Israelites out of Egypt. You'll learn how the tabernacle was a portable tent that allowed God to dwell with His people for the first tim
Ep. 83: What Do the 3 Items Inside the Ark of the Covenant Really Mean?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAOIn this episode, Sam and Will explore the surprising connection between ancient Egyptian artifacts and the Ark of the Covenant, showing how God repurposed familiar imagery to deliver a radically different message. You'll learn how the structure of the Eg
Ep. 82: Did God Copy Egypt? (The Ark of the Covenant and Ancient Egyptian Burial Explained)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, we explore the surprising connection between ancient Egyptian burial practices and the Ark of the Covenant. Starting with a visit to the Cairo Museum, we look at canopic chests, mummification, and why Egyptians went to extreme lengths
Ep. 81: How Does the Tabernacle Point to Jesus in the Gospel of John?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode explains how the tabernacle points to Jesus and how the book of Hebrews says the blood of goats and bulls cannot take away sin. It walks through the Gospel of John as an “outline” modeled in the tabernacle, starting with John 1 where Jesus
Ep. 80: What Is the Tabernacle in the Bible?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will walk through the layout of the tabernacle and what each part was meant to teach people about drawing near to God. You will hear why the bronze altar came first, and how it pointed to the need for atonement and forgiveness o
Ep. 79: What is the Purpose of the Plagues of Egypt, and How Do They Point to Jesus?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This conversation looks at the plagues of Egypt as real, supernatural acts of God with a purpose, not just random destruction. It highlights how the plagues challenged Egypt’s idols and how a “mixed multitude” of foreigners chose to leave Egypt with Isr
Ep. 78: What Does It Mean When God “Hardened Pharaoh’s Heart”?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode breaks down Pharaoh’s stubborn, hardened heart in the story of the plagues and why the Bible sometimes says Pharaoh hardened his heart and sometimes says God hardened it. It also explains an Egyptian afterlife belief from the Book of the D
Ep. 77: How Do the First Two Plagues Challenge Egypt’s Gods?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This Bible teaching breaks down the first two plagues in Egypt, starting with the Nile turning to blood and what that would have meant to Egyptians. The discussion explains how the Nile was connected to Osiris in Egyptian mythology, and why the river r
Ep. 76: What Evidence Supports the Plagues of Egypt in the Bible?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will talk about the plagues of Egypt and why the Bible presents them as God’s purposeful, supernatural acts that defeat the gods of Egypt. They also look at why some people try to explain the plagues with natural causes (includi
Ep. 75: What Do the 10 Plagues Mean? (Exodus Explained)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode walks through the plagues in Egypt and explains how each one showed the powerlessness of Egypt’s gods. You will hear how the plagues of frogs, lice or gnats, scarab beetles (or flies), livestock death, and boils confronted what people trust
Ep. 74: Who Were Abraham and Lot, and Why Did Abraham Plead for Sodom?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will look at the story of Sodom and why it is destroyed. You will hear how God tells Abraham what is going to happen, and how Abraham pleads for mercy and asks about righteous people in the city. The discussion also explains why
Ep. 73: What Is the Sin of Sodom, and What Does Genesis Actually Say About It?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode walks through the Genesis story of Sodom and why the city is described as extremely wicked. You will hear how Lot reacts when two angels arrive, why he insists they come inside, and what happens when the men of the city surround his door. T
Ep. 72: What Destroyed Sodom, and Could It Explain Lot’s Wife Turning into a Pillar of Salt?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, the Sam and Will discuss a theory about the destruction of Sodom using archaeological details and modern scientific language. They talk about evidence of extreme heat, including scorched structures, melted materials, and “Trinitite”-lik
Ep. 71: What Happened to Sodom and Gomorrah?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will discuss God’s judgment on Sodom and why the aftermath seems meant to warn people not to wander into that place. They explore how large the destructive “blast” was, and why they say it was not just a theory but something dis
Ep. 70: What Was So Wicked About Sodom? (Bible Context Explained)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAOIn this episode, Sam and Will look at clues from the Middle Bronze Age that suggest a particular city had strong Aegean influence, including early columns linked to places like Greece, Crete, and Mycenae. They also explore why bull imagery shows up in th
Ep.69: Did Jonah Really Live Inside a Great Fish?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO This episode explains why the story of Jonah and the fish is meant to show a supernatural act, not something ordinary that can be explained away. It connects Jonah’s three days in the fish to Jesus’ resurrection and the idea that God brings life out of
Ep. 68: What Was Happening In the World When Jonah Was Written? (Neo-Assyrian Empire explained)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO What was happening in the world when the book of Jonah was written? In this clip, we talk about the rise of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and why Israel would have feared them. You will hear a beginner-friendly overview of the major empires in the region, whe
Ep. 67: What Does Jonah’s Ending Mean? (God’s Mercy Explained)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will walk through the sad aftermath of the book of Jonah and why the ending is meant to be a warning. It highlights Jonah’s hatred of Nineveh even after the people repent, and what that reveals about God’s mercy for the farthest
Ep. 66: Why Did Jonah Run From God (and What Happens Next)?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will walk through the early part of Jonah and why Jonah wanted nothing to do with Nineveh and the Assyrians. You will hear why the Assyrians were seen as especially wicked, and why Jonah resisted God’s mission. We also talk abou
Ep. 65: What Does the Sign of Jonah Mean, and How Does It Point to Jesus?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAOIn this episode, Sam and Will talk about how Jesus is shown as greater than Jonah through the storm on the sea, the sign of Jonah, and the resurrection. This episode walks through the moment Jesus calms the storm, why that reveals his authority, and how
Ep. 64: What does the Bible really teach about Hell? (Doctrine of Hell explained)
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible?Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAOIn this episode, Sam and Will talk about the doctrine of hell and why our culture’s images of it can be very different from what the Bible teaches. They explain why hell matters for understanding the cross, God’s wrath against sin, and why Jesus talked ab
Ep. 63: Who Can Break the Seven Seals in Revelation?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO Join Sam and Will as they explore the breaking of the seals in Revelation 5, connecting this powerful New Testament vision to the story of Othniel, the first judge in Israel. Discover how the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Jesus, is the only one worthy to
Ep. 62: What Does “Faith Like a Mustard Seed” Really Mean?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO In this episode, Sam and Will explore Jesus’ statements about faith as small as a mustard seed and what it truly means to move mountains or uproot trees. They discuss the story of the fig tree and its connection to the temple, highlighting the differenc
Ep. 61: Is the Old Testament Really About Jesus?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAO Jesus didn’t just teach Israel’s story—He re-lived it and fulfilled it. In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will trace the Bible’s repeating patterns—from Abraham’s promise and Moses’ covenant to Israel’s failures—and show how Jesus steps in as t
Ep. 60: Why Did God Allow the Babylonian Exile?
In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will explore the Babylonian Exile—one of the most devastating yet hope-filled moments in the Bible’s story. Six centuries before Jesus, Jerusalem falls, the temple is destroyed, and God’s people are scattered across the ancient world. Why would a loving God allow this? And how could judgment possibly serve redemption?Using Scripture alongside archaeologic
Ep. 59: Why Did God Choose Gideon to Save Israel?
In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will dive deep into the story of Gideon from Judges 6–7—a reluctant hero hiding in a winepress whom God calls a “mighty man of valor.” Through history, archaeology, and careful biblical theology, they unpack Israel’s cycle of idolatry, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, showing how Gideon’s unlikely victory points forward to a bigger gospel pattern.
Ep. 58: What Did “Render to Caesar” Really Mean?
In Matthew 22, Jesus gets cornered with a trap question: “Should we pay taxes to Caesar?” Sam and Will walk through why it was a no-win setup (Pharisees vs. Herodians), why Jesus asks for the denarius, and how the coin’s blasphemous titles (“son of god,” “high priest”) expose the hypocrisy in the room. From Tiberius’ image to Rome’s “gospel” propaganda (Pax Romana, imperial “savior” language), you
Ep. 57: Did Jesus Get a Fair Trial?
In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will piece together the night of Jesus’ arrest and the five back-to-back trials before Annas, Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, and Pilate again. We trace why the leaders pushed for crucifixion (not stoning), unpack the crowd’s choice of Barabbas, and walk through 12 ways the proceedings broke Jewish legal norms—revealing just how
Ep. 56: Who Was Herod the Great?
Sam and Will go “Under the Hood” on Herod the Great—his ruthless rise under Rome, why he’s called “the Great,” and the massive projects he built (Temple renovation, Caesarea’s harbor, Masada, Herodium). They unpack his paranoia, political maneuvering, and brutality, then set Matthew 2’s “slaughter of the innocents” in historical context and contrast Herod’s power with Jesus’ kingship. Stick around
Ep. 55: Where Is the Real Mount Sinai?
Want to partner with us and help make more content like this possible? Donate Here: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0UVx000009MGYoMAOWhere was Mount Sinai? In this episode, Will and Sam walk through three leading proposals—Jebel Musa (traditional site), Jabal al-Lawz, and Har Karkom—testing each against the Bible’s travel clues, archaeology, and common “gotchas.” Along the way, they p
Ep. 54: Who Was Pontius Pilate—Villain, Pawn, or Both?
Who was Pontius Pilate—villain, pawn, or both? In this episode, we trace Pilate’s career from his appointment under Sejanus to his downfall under Tiberius, using ancient sources (Josephus, Philo, Tacitus) and archaeology (the Pilate Stone) to paint the political pressure cooker that led to Jesus’ crucifixion. We unpack Pilate’s four provocations against the Jews, why “If you release this man, you
Ep. 53: How Do Noah’s Sons Point to Jesus and the Nations?
In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will trace how Noah’s three sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth) echo through Scripture—and how the New Testament redeems their lines through three roads: Gaza (the Ethiopian eunuch), Damascus (Saul/Paul), and Joppa (Cornelius). Along the way, they connect Noah’s “new Adam” parallels, Babel’s reversal at Pentecost, and the global spread of Christianity. Stick ar
Ep. 52: Who was Naaman, commander of Syria?
In this episode of Under the Hood, hosts Sam and Will dive into the story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5. Naaman, a powerful and wealthy Syrian commander, has everything the world can offer—except a cure for his leprosy. This narrative is a profound illustration of the gospel, revealing how God's grace and healing are freely given, not earned through power, wealth, or heroic deeds. We explore the histor
Ep. 51: Paul's Conversion: A Sudden Change?
In this episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will explore the intense political and religious climate of the first century and how it shaped the man who would become the Apostle Paul. We delve into the historical context of Paul's zealousness, uncovering why his persecution of the early church was, in his mind, completely justified. This is a story of radical conversion, showing how God can transfor
Ep. 50: What Was a "Covenant of Salt"?
Join hosts Sam and Will as they uncover the historical and biblical significance of Jesus' famous expressions from the Sermon on the Mount: "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world". We’ll explore how these phrases would have been understood in the first century, the various uses of salt in the ancient world, and how we can apply these lessons to our own lives.This episo
Ep. 49: Why Did God Speak to Moses from a Burning Bush?
Join Sam and Will as they explore the profound meaning behind Moses’ encounter with the burning bush in Exodus 3. From ancient Hebrew symbolism to Greek philosophy, this episode unpacks how God reveals His character through fire, thorns, and the mysterious name “I AM.” Discover how this iconic moment connects with the entire biblical narrative and what it tells us about God’s presence in our suffe
Ep. 48: John the Baptist: Prophet or Madman?
In this episode of "Under the Hood," Sam and Will delve into the life of John the Baptist, exploring his unique ministry, prophetic role, and surprising moments of doubt. They begin by establishing John's supernatural birth and his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies as the forerunner of the Messiah, particularly those found in Isaiah 40 and Malachi 4, which describe him preparing the way for
Ep. 47: Who Was Nehemiah the Wall Builder?
In this episode of "Under the Hood," Sam and Will explore the compelling story of Nehemiah, presenting him as a historical figure and a powerful "type of Christ." They begin by setting the historical stage, detailing Israel's decline from King Solomon's glory to the Babylonian and Persian exiles, leading to Jerusalem's destruction. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, learns of his people's
Ep 46: Is Disney Shaping Our Worldview?
In this episode of "Under the Hood," Sam and Will discuss Epicureanism, contrasting it with Stoicism and showing how Christianity provides a more complete worldview than either philosophy. They explain that Epicureanism, while not pure hedonism, aims to achieve pleasure by avoiding pain and trouble in the soul through a simple, guarded life. This contrasts with Stoicism's emphasis on virtue and en
Ep 45: Is There Evidence for a Designer?
Join Sam and Will on "Under the Hood" as they explore the compelling evidence for God's design in the universe. This episode delves into the Kalam Cosmological Argument, examining whether the world's intricate design points to a creator. They discuss how modern science, including the work of Stephen Hawking, increasingly supports the idea that the universe had a beginning, challenging the long-hel
Ep. 44: Can Stoicism Save You from Suffering?
Dive deep into the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and its intriguing relationship with Christian teachings. We explore how Stoicism, with proponents like Zeno, Epictetus, Seneca, and the emperor Marcus Aurelius, offers a framework for navigating suffering and finding virtue by focusing on what you can control. But how does this compare to the Christian perspective on hardship, meaning, and the hum
Ep. 43: Why Did Jews and Samaritans Hate Each Other?
In this powerful episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will explore the deep historical and spiritual rift between Jews and Samaritans, uncovering centuries of animosity rooted in culture, religion, and race. Through thoughtful discussion and biblical insight, they reveal how Jesus dismantled these divides with radical compassion, dignity, and truth. Discover how His example provides a transformative
Ep. 42: What Does the Bible Say About Chariots of Fire?
In this action-packed episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will take us into the dramatic life of the prophet Elijah—confronting one of the Bible’s most infamous power couples: King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. This showdown isn’t just about fire from heaven and bold miracles. It’s a battle of worldviews between a faithful God and a corrupt culture built on violence, false gods, and fear.But is it just a
Ep. 41: Why Did Billions Believe Jesus Beat Death?
In part two of their resurrection series, Sam and Will dive into the explosive aftermath of Jesus rising from the dead—and the ripple effects that changed the world forever. From cowardly disciples becoming bold martyrs, to Caesar issuing edicts about stolen bodies, to early creeds circulating decades before the Gospels were written—this episode explores how history itself bears witness to the res
EP 40. Is There Proof the Resurrection Actually Happened?
In this powerful episode , Sam and Will dive headfirst into the historical and rational case for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If the resurrection didn’t happen, nothing else matters—and if it did, nothing else matters.With honesty, clarity, and compelling evidence, this episode explores 12 reasons to believe in the resurrection: from eyewitness testimonies and empty tombs to near-death experi
EP. 39 Why Wasn’t Solomon the One We Were Waiting For?
In this unique episode of Under the Hood, Sam and Will dive deep into the story of King Solomon—the man who, by every biblical clue, seemed destined to be the Messiah. He had it all: wisdom, peace, dominion, unmatched wealth, and a kingdom that looked like Eden restored. From the outside, Solomon checks every messianic box... until he doesn’t.What went wrong? Why does the Bible build him up as the
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