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Dr. Merrill Greene returns to the podcast to discuss his book Drunk in the Spirit and the biblical, historical, and cultural evidence for altered states of consciousness, trance, ecstasy, and unusual spiritual experiences.

We begin by defining altered states of consciousness and examining evidence from the Ancient Near East showing that ecstatic prophetic experiences were known within the cultural world of the Bible.

From there, we explore numerous biblical examples, with particular attention given to Saul among the prophets and the unusual events surrounding him in 1 Samuel. We also discuss Abraham, Adam, the seventy elders, Balaam, Hannah, David, Miriam, Ezekiel, and other possible examples.

The conversation then moves into the New Testament and early Christianity, including Peter and Paul's experiences of trance, prophetic speech, the language of being “in the Spirit,” the Didache, Tertullian, and accounts from the early church.

Finally, we turn to the question that matters for continuationists today: What should Christians actually do with this?

How can we remain open to genuine manifestations of the Holy Spirit while recognizing that experiences can also be manufactured, faked, or counterfeit? How should pastors discern unusual manifestations? And what does Paul's command for order in the church look like when genuine spiritual experiences may themselves appear strange?

This is a conversation about taking both the supernatural activity of God and biblical discernment seriously.

Learn more about Dr. Merrill Greene: https://www.weirdgod.com/

Get Merrill's books: https://a.co/d/09XCNsSY

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In this episode, I'm joined by Jon Zens for a conversation about the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. While many discussions today focus on spiritual experiences, miraculous gifts, or personal revelations, we explore what the New Testament presents as the Holy Spirit's central work: glorifying Jesus Christ.

Together, we examine how the Holy Spirit directs believers to Christ, opens our eyes to the truth of Scripture, convicts the world concerning sin, and transforms God's people into the likeness of Christ. We also discuss the importance of keeping our focus on Christ rather than allowing subjective experiences to become the measure of spiritual maturity.

Regardless of your theological background, this conversation is an invitation to think carefully about the Holy Spirit's purpose and to recover a thoroughly Christ-centered understanding of His ministry.

Learn more about Jon Zens and his ministry: https://www.searchingtogether.org/

Jon Zens' personal website: https://www.jonzens.com/

Support the show and check out the official Charismatic Cheetah merch—including the coffee mug featured in this episode: https://charismatic-cheetah.printify.me/

Try Treinta Coffee and support both the show and the rebuilding of Fort Graham Baptist Church’s sanctuary after the recent fire: https://www.treintacoffee.com/

Use code CharismaticCheetah for 5% off your order.

In this episode, I’m joined by Steve Gregg for a thoughtful discussion on Israel, the Church, and what the Bible actually calls Christians to believe regarding the modern nation of Israel.

Many Christians have been taught that supporting modern Israel politically is a biblical obligation, but is that what Scripture teaches? Throughout this conversation, we examine the relationship between Old Testament Israel and the New Testament people of God, how biblical promises should be understood in light of Christ, and whether passages commonly used to defend unconditional support for Israel are being interpreted correctly.

We also discuss how Christians can avoid both hostility toward Jewish people and unquestioning political allegiance, while still maintaining a Gospel-centered perspective. Ultimately, the conversation returns to a central Christian conviction: that all people—Jew and Gentile alike—stand in need of Christ.

This episode is a careful and Scripture-focused exploration of one of the most debated theological and political questions in modern evangelicalism.

More from Steve Gregg: https://www.thenarrowpath.com/

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