Ready4Eternity Podcast

36: Baptism: Where Did It Come From?

Baptism wasn’t a new idea in the first century. While many assume immersion originated with John the Baptist, the Jewish people had been practicing ritual washings for centuries. In this episode, we explore the historical and religious roots of baptism, from the ritual mikva’ot of the Second Temple period to the proselyte conversions that shaped early Christian understanding. Why did God choose immersion as the means of entering a new life in Christ? Join us as we uncover the rich background behind this ancient practice and how Jesus redefined it for His followers.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/why-baptism/
https://x.com/Ready4Eternityhttps://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity
The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

35: Ephesians: Introduction

In this episode, we introduce the book of Ephesians, exploring its authorship, historical context, and central message. Written by the apostle Paul, during imprisonment, Ephesians emphasizes the unity of all believers in Christ and the practical implications of that unity for daily life. We also examine its close relationship to Colossians, the possibility that it was a circular letter intended for multiple churches, and its unique, sermon-like style. Finally, we consider how Paul’s call to unity remains relevant for Christians today. Join us as we lay the foundation for our study of this powerful book!
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/ephesians-introduction/
https://x.com/Ready4Eternityhttps://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity
The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

34: They Said “Baptism Does Not Save”—Then We Read the Verses

A simple question. A moment of silence. A room full of people caught between what they had always been taught and what they had just read in Scripture.
This episode introduces a series on baptism—not to defend traditions, but to examine what the New Testament truly says. Is baptism essential? Is it just a symbol? What if the answer isn’t as simple as we’ve been told?
Before jumping to conclusions, let’s start by asking the right questions. Join me as we begin this journey of discovery, weighing the evidence and challenging assumptions along the way.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/they-said-baptism-does-not-save-then-we-read-the-verses/
https://x.com/Ready4Eternityhttps://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity
The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

33: Built Up, Not Pumped Up: The Biblical Blueprint for Church Gatherings

Is the modern church assembly aligned with the New Testament's vision? In this episode, we uncover surprising truths about the purpose of Christian gatherings, challenging the idea that worship is their central focus. Through a detailed exploration of passages like 1 Corinthians 14 and Hebrews 10, we’ll see how the Bible emphasizes mutual edification over performance or passive participation.
We’ll address common objections, clarify misconceptions about Acts 13, and examine how today’s gatherings often miss the mark—whether they’re overly dull or overly dramatic. Discover how returning to the New Testament’s blueprint can transform church assemblies into places where believers are truly built up, reflecting God’s purpose and glory.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/built-up-not-pumped-up-the-biblical-blueprint-for-church-gatherings/
Dr. Wadsworth's YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBymWQLP-rkGoTzyS81-MIi5q63Aq4UgI&si=_p3wVIbKqW9IeMHl
https://x.com/Ready4Eternityhttps://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity
The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

32: Performers and Pew-Warmers: Is This What God Intended?

In this episode we take a closer look at early church gatherings and how they differ from today’s worship services. Drawing from New Testament passages and Dr. Tom Wadsworth’s research, we uncover the original purpose of Christian assemblies—mutual edification and encouragement. Could our modern focus on performance-style worship be missing the mark? Join us as we explore what God truly intended for His people when they come together.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/performers-and-pew-warmers-is-this-what-god-intended/
https://x.com/Ready4Eternityhttps://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity
The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

31: Assembly Required: What Church Gatherings Were Meant to Be

In this episode, we explore a surprising truth: the New Testament never applies "worship" terminology to church assemblies. While modern gatherings often focus on worship, the early church saw their assemblies through a different lens. We dive into the Greek word threskeia—mistranslated as "worship" in Colossians 2:18—to uncover its true meaning tied to Jewish temple rituals and ceremonies. This shift away from ritualistic practices illuminates the early church's purpose: mutual encouragement, teaching, and equipping believers to live out the gospel. 
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/assembly-required-what-church-gatherings-were-meant-to-be/
https://x.com/Ready4Eternityhttps://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity
The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

30: 24/7 Worship: Why Early Christians Didn’t Need Sunday Services

Did you know that the New Testament never instructs Christians to gather for “worship” as we often define it today? In this episode of Ready4Eternity, we explore the surprising truth behind the Greek words translated as “worship” in Scripture. Words like proskuneo, latreuo, and sebomai were tied to Jewish temple rituals—practices the early church intentionally left behind.
Instead, the New Testament paints a picture of worship as a way of life: reverent, godly living that honors God in spirit and truth. Join us as we uncover the meaning of the sebo word group, examine why early Christians didn’t adopt temple rituals, and consider what this means for modern church gatherings.
If you’ve ever wondered if worship is more than a Sunday morning activity, this episode will challenge your perspective and deepen your understanding of worship in the new covenant.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/24-7-worship-why-early-christians-didnt-need-sunday-services/
https://x.com/Ready4Eternityhttps://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity
The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

29: Your Church Isn’t a Temple, So Why Call Your Gatherings Worship?

Have you ever wondered why modern churches call their gatherings “worship” when the New Testament never uses that term for Christian assemblies? This episode unpacks the Greek term leitourgeo—often translated as “worship” or “serve”—and its roots in temple service. Drawing on Dr. Tom Wadsworth’s research, we explore how this word relates to priestly duties in the Bible and why equating it with modern “worship” misses the mark.
Discover the difference between service and worship, the New Testament’s focus on ministry and mutual edification, and how understanding leitourgeo can reshape our view of church gatherings. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey into the language and meaning behind biblical texts!
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/your-church-isnt-a-temple-so-why-call-your-gatherings-worship/
https://x.com/Ready4Eternityhttps://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity
The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

28: Serving, Not Just Singing: The New Testament Truth About Worship

What does the Bible really mean when it talks about “worship”? In this episode of Ready4Eternity, we dive into two Greek words, latreuo and latreia, often translated as "worship" or "serve." Drawing from the research of Dr. Tom Wadsworth, we explore how these terms were used in their original context, both in the Old Testament’s Septuagint and the New Testament.
Discover why worship in the Bible was historically tied to sacrifice and how the New Testament redefines this concept for Christians today. Far from being confined to rituals, worship becomes a daily offering—a life of service, integrity, and love that reflects God’s character.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/serving-not-just-singing-the-new-testament-truth-about-worship/
https://x.com/Ready4Eternityhttps://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity
The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.

27: Bowing Down or Building Up? Rethinking Worship in the New Testament

What did "worship" mean to first-century Christians, and why doesn't the New Testament instruct believers to gather for worship as we understand it today? Discover how the original meaning of proskuneo—prostration and physical homage—differs from modern practices. We'll explore its roots in the Old Testament, its connection to temple rituals, and why this word is absent from descriptions of early church gatherings. This episode sheds light on the New Testament's focus on mutual edification, not ritualistic homage, offering fresh insights into the true purpose of Christian assemblies.
Read: https://ready4eternity.com/bowing-down-or-building-up-rethinking-worship-in-the-new-testament/
https://x.com/Ready4Eternityhttps://www.facebook.com/ready4eternity
The presence of any advertisements in connection with this content is determined solely by the hosting platform. I have no control over whether ads appear or not. I appreciate your understanding.