The Unseen Realm Expanded Edition: Myths, Mysteries, and Majesty (3M)
The Unseen Realm: Expanded Edition presents an exploration of the Bible’s supernatural worldview, uncovering how ancient concepts of divine beings, spiritual rebellion, and cosmic order reveal the majesty and sovereignty of God. It examines themes such as the divine council, the origin and nature of the Nephilim, and the continuity of supernatural conflict from Genesis through Revelation. The book draws comparisons between biblical and ancient Near Eastern cosmologies, clarifying that while mythological parallels exist, Scripture uniquely discloses the one true God whose authority encompasses heaven, earth, and the unseen realm. It also highlights traces of Trinitarian thought in the Old Testament, the multifaceted nature of atonement, and the theological meaning of celestial order as a reflection of divine governance. Through these studies, The Unseen Realm reclaims the ancient biblical perspective that all creation—visible and invisible—is ordered under Christ, whose lordship extends beyond time, space, and every spiritual power.
Can God Exist? A Biblical-Theological Approach to God's Being
The argument contends that God does not exist in the creaturely sense because existence implies origination, contingency, and temporality—conditions that belong only to created things. God, by contrast, possesses being that is self-sufficient, uncreated, immutable, and impassable. The divine name “I AM” reveals not an existing entity among others but the source and ground of all being itself. To speak of God as “existing” places him within time and space, creating a categorical error that subjects the eternal to the temporal. Scripture distinguishes the Creator from the creature, showing that all things which exist do so contingently, while God simply is—beyond change, beyond space, beyond time. Even ancient cosmologies, such as Dante’s vision of creation enveloped in divine reality, echo this truth that everything is held within God’s being. Whereas creatures begin and may cease to be, God neither begins nor ends; his reality is necessary, not contingent. Thus, the answer to whether God can exist is no—God cannot exist as created things do, for he must simply be, the very foundation of all existence.
Did the Father turn his face away? (The Crucifixion and Psalm 22)
Psalm 22 challenges the idea that the Father “turned his face away” from the Son at the cross. When read Christologically, David’s cry of forsakenness (“Why have you forsaken me?”) is resolved within the psalm itself: God did not hide his face. The Gospels follow this pattern. Jesus truly experiences anguish, yet Luke highlights trust and communion—“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”—as the temple curtain tears, revealing open access to God. The three hours of darkness are not evidence of divine rejection but a cosmic sign: the old-covenant veil gives way to new-covenant access as heaven opens.
This truth has pastoral weight. How we think the Father viewed the Son in his suffering shapes how we think the Father views us in ours. Scripture teaches that the Son bore our sins, not the Father’s rejection. So when believers feel forsaken, they can rest assured that God has not turned his face away. Psalm 22 moves from lament to praise and to mission—nations turning to the Lord—and the church is called to live and worship in that reality. It finds its culmination at the Lord’s Table, where communion with God and his people anticipates the day every tribe and tongue will worship the Lamb.
Talking Prayer with Jon Dillon, The Two Trees Podcast
Biblical prayer is a God-shaped practice as taught in the Lord’s Prayer, where the primary purpose is not persuading God to act but allowing him to transform the one who prays. True prayer begins with adoration, hallowing God’s name by beholding his holiness through Scripture, song, and thoughtful words that shape both private and corporate worship. Confession follows as specific, situational honesty that leads to sanctification and real change, moving naturally into thanksgiving for the gospel—Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and reign—through which all other blessings flow. Supplication is framed as daily reliance on God’s provision, training the heart to trust him with necessities so that when greater trials come, faith endures. Whether asking for bread, interceding for others, or seeking strength in hardship, prayer is shown to be less about securing outcomes and more about communion with God, forming believers into the likeness of Christ.
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Learn to Pray Like Jesus [Ring Them Bells Interview, re: God-Shaped Prayer]
This interview on Ring Them Bells brings Jason Bostow together with Anthony Delgado to discuss Delgado’s book God-Shaped Prayer: A Theology and Practice of the Lord’s Prayer. While framed as a book conversation, the heart of the exchange explores what prayer is meant to accomplish in the Christian life. Delgado explains that prayer is not about manipulating God to act but about God shaping his people through communion with him. Together, they unpack the Lord’s Prayer line by line, emphasizing its Old Testament backdrop, its communal nature, and its role in spiritual warfare. Delgado highlights the depth in every word of the prayer—“Our Father” as both intimate and communal, “hallowed be your name” as active participation in God’s holiness, and “your kingdom come” as a hopeful, not fearful, anticipation of God’s reign. The discussion discusses themes of confession, forgiveness, and deliverance, connecting these practices to personal transformation and the church’s corporate life. Drawing from biblical theology, Second Temple insights, and even historic liturgical practices, Delgado insists that prayer forms us into the likeness of Christ and equips us for the mission of God’s kingdom. The interview is both pastoral and practical, urging believers to establish a rule of prayer and to see the Lord’s Prayer as both a model and a lived reality
The Watchers: Ancient Entities in Modern Fatih (Truth and Shadow Podcast)
This conversation examines the biblical and theological significance of sinister spiritual forces, with a particular focus on the watchers and holy ones mentioned in Daniel and 1 Enoch. Scripture presents human history as a cosmic battlefield where unseen powers oppose God’s purposes, a theme often neglected in modern preaching out of caution, skepticism, or overemphasis on Christ’s victory. The discussion examines how early church fathers addressed these beings without embarrassment, how post-Enlightenment rationalism and modern esotericism have distorted our view of the supernatural, and how texts like 1 Enoch shed light on the origin of demons as the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim. Attention is given to passages such as Genesis 6, Psalm 82, Deuteronomy 32, Ephesians 6, and Revelation 12, showing their interconnection with the watchers. The narrative links ancient rebellion to contemporary cultural confusion, arguing that distorted echoes of the watchers appear in modern fascinations with aliens and fringe spirituality. Ultimately, the call is for Christians to reclaim a robust biblical theology of the supernatural, recognizing Christ not only as the Savior who comforts but also as the Warrior who conquers, and to prepare for renewed hunger for truth and deliverance in an age marked by deception and spiritual searching.
Giants, Enoch, and the 3 Top Misconceptions about Revelation
Anthony Delgado and Dre Binley explore the controversial topic of giants, with Anthony affirming their biblical and symbolic significance while noting the importance of reading Scripture within its full cosmological framework. He argues that giants represent tyranny and rebellion against God, and that their meaning is more theological than archaeological. The conversation then shifts to Revelation, where Anthony cautions against rigid interpretive systems, preferring to read the book as a symbolic narrative that combines myth and history to reveal the conflict between earthly kingdoms and Christ’s kingdom. He contrasts covenant theology with dispensationalism, affirming one consistent people of God and highlighting how Revelation ties into the broader biblical story. They discuss common misconceptions—that Revelation is scary, entirely future, or unnecessary—and reframe it as deeply pastoral and hopeful, especially when read through chapters 21–22. Finally, Anthony emphasizes that his interest in giants, Revelation, and related texts is ultimately about the gospel: God’s plan to redeem, transform, and restore humanity into his eternal family through Christ.
Revelation and the Dead Sea Scrolls
This conversation examines the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, their role in affirming the reliability of Scripture, and their connection to biblical theology. Anthony Delgado explains how the Scrolls demonstrate the care of scribes in preserving the biblical text, countering claims that the Bible is like a “telephone game.” The discussion then shifts to the Book of Enoch, clarifying that while it is not Scripture, it influenced Second Temple thought and appears to underlie New Testament passages such as Jude 6. Delgado highlights parallels between Enoch and Revelation, noting shared apocalyptic imagery, depictions of the unseen realm, and scenes of judgment that help contextualize John’s vision. Revelation presents a cosmic conflict in which loyalty to God or to contrary spirits determines one's destiny, with angels playing an active role in God’s governance. Ultimately, the dialogue frames this material not just as academic, but as fuel for worship, reminding listeners that God’s authority is supreme and that Scripture invites us into an awe-filled participation in his redemptive plan.
The Gospel Coalition Misrepresents Matthew Bates on the Gospel?! (What Your Pastor Didn’t Tell You)
This interview of Anthony Delgado regarding the Gospel Coalition’s critique of Matthew Bates’ book Beyond the Salvation Wars, hosted on the YouTube channel What Your Pastor Didn’t Tell You, offers an extended theological response to claims made against Bates’ gospel-allegiance model. The discussion centers on whether Bates has presented a revisionist gospel or deviated from orthodoxy, particularly in doctrines such as original sin, justification, and the bondage of the will. Delgado argues that Bates’ model does not deny salvation by grace through faith, but rather positions justification as an effect of the gospel, rather than the content of the gospel itself. He maintains that allegiance, properly understood, is not a “works-based” approach but a holistic response of loyalty and trust. Throughout, Delgado defends Bates’ use of biblical and early Christian sources, critiques the Gospel Coalition article's lack of scriptural grounding, and challenges the assumption that confessional Reformed positions are the singular standard of orthodoxy. He also emphasizes the importance of cross-tradition dialogue, the diversity of theological perspectives in the early church, and the need for humility and clarity when defining doctrines such as original sin and salvation.
![[Response] Annihilationism: Why I'm Not Convinced, Gavin Ortlund, Truth Unites](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62432fcf146757356a34a5b9/1747797881145-LV2WGG1NQZLG06BTPCFP/ARE+THE+REPROBATE+%281%29.png)
[Response] Annihilationism: Why I'm Not Convinced, Gavin Ortlund, Truth Unites
Gavin Ortlund’s video on annihilationism raises important theological and pastoral questions about the nature of final judgment, which are explored through distinctions between annihilationism and eternal conscious torment (ECT). Annihilationism is well within the bounds of Christian orthodoxy, while some alternative views are not. Scriptural language about destruction, death, and perishing is highlighted as the dominant imagery for divine judgment, challenging the assumption that ‘eternal’ always implies consciousness. Key passages like Matthew 10:28 and Revelation 14 are evaluated carefully, with particular attention to genre, context, and apocalyptic tradition. Philosophical reflections on life, death, and ontology underscore the coherence of annihilationism, especially in light of God as the source of all being. While recognizing that some texts may support ECT more naturally, the overall argument calls for interpretive humility, lexical precision, and a pastoral posture that affirms both God’s justice and the need for salvation.
RING THEM BELLS Interview: The Gospel is BIGGER than you think!
In this episode of Ring Them Bells, Anthony Delgado is interviewed about his book ‘The Gospel is Bigger than You Think.’ The conversation centers on reclaiming the gospel as the announcement of Jesus’ kingship and the restoration of God’s rule over all creation. Rather than treating the gospel as merely the message of personal salvation or forgiveness of sins, the discussion emphasizes the kingdom narrative rooted in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Christ. Delgado explores how many churches functionally ignore the Hebrew Scriptures, creating a theological disconnect that weakens understanding of Jesus’ mission and authority. Drawing from biblical theology, Second Temple Jewish context, and the Divine Council worldview, he explains that the gospel includes Christ’s victory over spiritual powers and the reunification of heaven and earth through his reign. The discussion critiques the elevation of atonement theories as the gospel itself and urges a return to the broader biblical narrative, where allegiance to Jesus is the proper response to his enthronement. Themes of covenant loyalty, political idolatry, and the cosmic scope of redemption are woven throughout, culminating in a call for Christians to ground their identity not in national politics but in the kingship of Christ, living as ambassadors of a different kingdom in a polarized world.
Questions about the Gospel with Kaleb Amos on the Two Trees Podcast
Jon Dillon from The Two Trees Podcast hosts a dialogue between Kaleb Amos of Highways to Zion and Anthony Delgado, author of The Gospel is Bigger Than You Think, exploring questions and reflections on areas where Kaleb felt the book could have offered deeper explanation. The expansive nature of the gospel centers on the kingship of Jesus, the full arc of creation to new creation, and the mission of God's people. The gospel is contrasted with the diluted expressions found in Western "folk religion," where cultural Christianity often strips the message of its biblical depth. The importance of inspiring wonder at the grand narrative of Scripture is emphasized, showing how the story of God unfolds with epic significance. Key theological themes include the supernatural worldview present in texts like Deuteronomy 32 and Psalm 82, the dangers of syncretism, the biblical and systematic perspectives on Satan’s rebellion, and the pattern of typology across Scripture. Broader reflections highlight the value of engaging ancient sources, the importance of grounding ministry in a true vision of the gospel, and the ongoing effort to produce resources that faithfully transmit this vision to future generations.
Christus Victor and the Divine Council: Divine Council Worldview Podcast (EP024)
In this interview with Anthony Delgado on the Divine Council Podcast, the conversation with Mel and Rich explores how Mike Heiser’s work influenced the ministry and theological development at Palmdale Church and helped inspire the writing of The Gospel is Bigger Than You Think. The discussion explores how engagement with Divine Council theology transformed the church’s structure, worship practices, and liturgical rhythms, cultivating a model of ministry deeply rooted in biblical fidelity and vibrant Christian community. Key themes include the importance of recognizing Christ’s kingship in everyday obedience, the necessity of a lived testimony that reflects transformation, and a call to move beyond simplistic or transactional understandings of the gospel often found in American folk Christianity. Topics such as the role of allegiance in faith, the relationship between practice and transformation, and the need for intentional investment in discipleship are woven together, offering a vision of the Christian life shaped by the overwhelming magnitude of God's redeeming work and the invitation to participate fully in his kingdom.
Reclaiming the Historical Role of Pastor-Theologian in the Church
The historical role of the pastor-theologian emphasizes that pastors should not only shepherd their congregations but also serve as serious theological thinkers who engage deeply with Scripture and provide intellectual leadership for the church. In modern contexts, many pastors have been reduced to program managers and motivational speakers rather than theological leaders who shape their communities. Recovering the pastor-theologian model involves restoring a commitment to theological study, equipping believers with sound doctrine, and defending the faith with clarity and conviction. This approach resists the separation of theology from pastoral ministry and acknowledges the necessity of grounding pastoral work in Scripture, prayer, and rigorous theological engagement.
Biblical Scholarship of the Dead Sea Scrolls, According to Wes Huff on the Joe Rogan Experience
In January 2025, biblical scholar Wesley Huff appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience to discuss the profound significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) for biblical scholarship. During this wide-ranging conversation, Huff highlighted several key aspects of these ancient texts, including their role in validating biblical manuscript transmission, their diverse material composition, and the ongoing challenges scholars face in studying them. His insights were heard by millions of people–Christians and non-Christians alike. Wes outlined a framework for understanding how the DSS discoveries continue to shape our knowledge of ancient Judaism and early Christianity and support the authority of the Scriptures.
My Modern Insights of the Ancient Dead Sea Scrolls at the Reagan Library Museum
I was so excited to hear that the Dead Sea Scrolls were coming to the Reagan Library and could not wait to visit. I want to share some insights in this video. The exhibit is at the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Running through September 2025, this exhibit showcases eight authentic scrolls alongside over 200 ancient artifacts, offering a rare glimpse into Second Temple Judaism and the preservation of biblical texts. Unfortunately time didn’t allow me to overview the artifacts, but you should go see those for yourself. In this video I overview the Beatitudes Scroll, the Damascus Document, the Psalms Scroll, and more, unraveling their significance for biblical theology, messianic expectations, and early Christian thought. If you're passionate about the Bible, archeology, and ancient history, you will not be disappointed.
Is the divine council biblical? (25 Divine Council Bible Passages)
Have you ever come across the phrase “the divine council” or “divine council worldview” and wondered why you haven’t heard much about it in the Bible? It’s there. But you may still ask, Who or what is the divine council in the Bible? What does it mean? And is the divine council really biblical? In short, Scripture presents God as surrounding himself with heavenly beings who deliberate and govern the cosmos on his behalf. What if I told you this concept runs from Genesis to Revelation and is central to understanding the biblical story?
Christus Victor, the Divine Council, and Theological Implications of Christ’s Kingship
Anthony Delgado and Joshua Sherman dive into key theological concepts surrounding the gospel, exploring the interplay between Christus Victor and penal substitutionary atonement. They discuss the centrality of Christ's kingship, the implications of the divine council worldview, and the practical aspects of discipleship. By examining the broader narrative of Scripture, they highlight how understanding God's wrath, love, and the cosmic powers of principalities and powers shapes a fuller comprehension of the gospel. The conversation also touches on how baptism serves as a pledge of allegiance to the kingdom of God and how believers are transformed through teaching and practical application. This interview offers an expansive view of the gospel’s reach, encouraging deeper reflection on its role in both individual and communal faith.
Monster Energy Drink
Monster Energy’s "Unleash the Beast" slogan promotes tapping into one’s inner power to overcome obstacles but viewed biblically, it evokes symbolism where beasts represent chaos and rebellion against God. And, of course, we need to talk about the notorious 666, supposedly displayed on the can. In Scripture, beasts in Revelation and Daniel symbolize worldly powers opposed to God's Kingdom, while Isaiah warns of the Leviathan, representing chaos. Christians must be cautious of embracing personal sovereignty that detracts from God's purpose. Instead of unleashing a beast, we are called to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, aligning with Christ. While drinking Monster Energy isn't inherently sinful, it can remind us to reject the "beast" mentality and stay focused on God's mission for our lives.
A Biblical Theology of Hurricanes
Anthony explores a biblical theology of hurricanes, examining how storms, wind, and waves are portrayed in scripture and what they symbolize. By diving into passages from both the Old and New Testaments, we discuss the connections between hurricanes, typhoons, whirlwinds, and God's power over chaos. We also explore themes of creation, judgment, and redemption, focusing on how hurricanes serve as powerful images of God's sovereignty and the brokenness of the world. Through stories like Jonah and Jesus calming the storm, we see how these natural disasters reflect deeper spiritual realities. Join us as we uncover the biblical perspective on hurricanes and their symbolism in both ancient and modern contexts.