The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming

Dr. Jennifer Holloran and her 2026 Medallion Award Presentation in Philadelphia!

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:05:00 +0000

The President and CEO of the American Bible Society is this year's recipient of the Tru316 Medallion Award! On this episode, Bruce C. E. Fleming introduces the Medallion Award presentation, followed by a mix of testimonials by ministry leaders from Wycliffe Bible Translators, Missionary Aviation Fellowship and more who honor Dr. Jennifer Holloran, followed by her own words of acceptance at the 2026 event.

You can see a video of the testimonials by these leaders on the Tru316 Foundation You Tube Channel. Here is a link: https://youtu.be/MfFBkBx3gQ4

Go Deeper. We met at the headquarters of The American Bible Society in downtown Philadelphia across the street from historic Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States! The video of the full event is available here: https://youtu.be/w79qDzJpCWU .

The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series (Tru316.com/trubooks). Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

Women in Ministry and Leadership by Ken Schenck

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming.Bruce C. E. Fleming, Ken Schenck) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 05:05:00 +0000

Wesleyan educator and author Dr. Ken Schenck on his book, "A Biblical Argument for Women in Ministry and Leadership."

Dr. Ken Schenck is an Asbury Theological Seminary graduate who did his New Testament Ph.D. under James D.G. Dunn at the University of Durham. He is author of more than 30 books and is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church. Dr. Schenck taught New Testament and Biblical languages at Indiana Wesleyan University for twenty-two years, where he also served as Dean for nine years. After two years at Houghton University as the Vice President for Planning and Innovation, he is the Provost of Campus.Edu.

WHO'S IN CHARGE? Author Christa McKirland from New Zealand! PART TWO

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 8 Mar 2026 06:05:00 +0000

WHO'S IN CHARGE? PART TWO. We asked Dr. Christa L. McKirland who is Dean of Faculty and Lecturer in Systematic Theology at Carey Baptist College. Her books include "A Theology of Authority: Rethinking Leadership in the Church" (2025) and "God's Provision, Humanity's Need: The Gift of our Dependence" (2022). Born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, she currently lives in Aotearoa, New Zealand with her husband, Matthew, and their two children.

WHO'S IN CHARGE? Author Christa McKirland from New Zealand! PART ONE

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Christa McKirland) — Sun, 1 Mar 2026 06:05:00 +0000

WHO'S IN CHARGE? PART ONE. We asked Dr. Christa L. McKirland who is Dean of Faculty and Lecturer in Systematic Theology at Carey Baptist College. Her books include "A Theology of Authority: Rethinking Leadership in the Church" (2025) and "God's Provision, Humanity's Need: The Gift of our Dependence" (2022). Born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, she currently lives in Aotearoa, New Zealand with her husband, Matthew, and their two children.

In Africa when our kids and I shared the good news on Eden!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 06:05:00 +0000

BACK in 2004. I took our kids back to Africa in 2004. Here's what happened. Due to a minor plane crash and having to make the trip overland, our kids went on into the Congo and I stayed behind with no plans for the week in the Central African Republic. THEN the invitations poured in! I happily taught many groups, pastors, deaconesses, school teachers, night watchmen and even high government officials! They were trilled at the positive news of Eden!

NOW in 2026! We have two special events coming up! YOU are invited to our Event at the HQ of the American Bible Society on March 21 2026! We'll be presenting the Tru316 Medallion Award to ABS President Dr. Jennifer Holloran and our Keynote speaker will be Dr. Beverly Nyberg! Dr. Nyberg studied at the University of Nebraska and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. she has been Adjunct Professor at The George Washington University and Senior Consultant at Common Root Consulting. At the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) State Dept. she for 11 years she was responsible for the US Government global programs for children affect by HIV/AIDS. PEPFAR. She also had served with the Peace Corps in Africa and provided field leadership in DR Congo with The Evangelical Free Church Mission.

Pastor Heather from Wooddale Church talks about littles and bigs on this BONUS Episode from our new sister podcast!

bf0007@me.com (Heather Flies, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 06:05:00 +0000

Pastor Heather discovered that "Littles" make a big change when they hit a certain age. In her ministry at Wooddale Church with 12-15 year olds she has gained special insight about what "Littles" need as they become "Bigs." She and Bruce also talk about the new wave of micro schools and how to bring the schoolhouse into God's house with Eden Family Schoolhouses!

Go deeper? Here are two links: EdenSchoolhouse.com and https://www.myktis.com/community-partners/eden-family-schoolhouse/

Here is Heather's sermon that Dr. Joy and Bruce heard her preach from the platform at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie Minnesota. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvUANoTPFwQ

Sneak Peak at our NEW Sister Podcast - the Time4Littles Podcast!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, John Newton) — Sun, 8 Feb 2026 06:05:00 +0000

BONUS Here is the first episode of our NEW sister podcast, Time4Littles. We want to teach "the positive insights of Eden" to our youngest generation. The Time4Littles Podcast is the newest way to do so! John Newton our first guest is a lifelong teacher of kids little and big. He was founding Administrator of Southwest Christian High School and later founded a K-12 School in Ljubljana, Slovenia!

Bruce and John explore all the ways to bring up the next generation. We introduce plans for our new Christian micro schools called Eden Family Schoolhouses! More here: EdenSchoolhouse.com and here: https://www.myktis.com/community-partners/eden-family-schoolhouse/

Untangling 1 Timothy 2:8-12 from Book 3 - "Back to Eden"

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 1 Feb 2026 06:05:00 +0000

THE MOST MISUSED VERSE ON WOMEN IN MINISTRY is 1 Timothy 2:12. We untagle the meaning in this episode of The Eden Podcast! We ask and answer just WHO were the men and women of 1 Timothy 2:8 and 9-15?? 1 Timothy 3:1 gives the clue! These were the wayward men and women overseers Timothy was left in Ephesus to correct.

There is so much error-filled teaching on these verses to be set aside. Here we use the patterns of the passage to unlock the positive meaning of these verses for men and women who aspire to oversight in the church. From Book 3 in The Eden Book Series by Bruce C. E. Fleming.

In 1 Corinthians Paul fought against restrictions on women! Readings from the Eden Book Series on 1 Corinthians 11 and 14.

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 06:05:00 +0000

Don't miss verse 2 when you study 1 Corinthians 11. Paul praises the believers for following what he had taught them. Only from verse 17 on does he criticize them regarding a different topic.

What did Paul teach about women in church? He said they were in charge of their own heads and should keep practicing what he had taught them.

In 1 Corinthians 11 and 14 Paul was for participation by women! Bruce reads and comments on Chapter 1 of his Book 4 in the Eden Book Series entitled "Because of Eden, 1 Cor 11, 14 and 1 Peter 3, Quotations Refuted and Witnessing Spouses."

1 Timothy is FOR women in ministry! Book 3 in The Eden Book Series.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 06:05:00 +0000

1 Timothy is FOR women in ministry not against them! The author reads and comments on Chapter 1 of Book 3 in The Eden Book Series entitled "Back to Eden, 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16, Corrected and Restored by Jesus the Faithful Word."

Did you know?

Paul writes about three groups that corresponded to his three sins (blasphemers, persecutors and disrupters). The third group was made up of the wayward men and women overseers Timothy had been assigned to correct.
1 Timothy 2:12 is only the second half of the Greek sentence that starts in verses 11. And it is the subordinate part.
1 Timothy 3:1 is the center of the jump, jump, high jump pattern that runs from 1:18-3:16. Jesus the faithful logos restores those who aspire to minister once again!

Ephesians 5 is NOT about wifely submission, from Book 2 in The Eden Book Series!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 06:05:00 +0000

People are missing the context of Ephesians 5:22! In his book, "Beyond Eden - Ephesians 5:15-6:9, The Great Mystery Revealed: Mutually Submitting in Christ," author and scholar Bruce C. E. Fleming points out MAJOR errors that most people are making. In this episode he reads from Chapter One in Book Two of The Eden Book Series, which is available in softcover, as a Kindle eBook and on Audible.

Learn about

misunderstood imagery
the pattern of fours
the jump, jump, high jump prophetic template
the Great Mystery

and much more that localizes the meaning of Paul's instructions on reciprocating horizontal submission!

Genesis 3:16 has been polluted but cleanup is possible!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 4 Jan 2026 06:05:00 +0000

With new insights added, author Bruce C. E. Fleming rereads chapter 1 of "The Book of Eden on Genesis 2-3." A river caught on fire?? Yes, because of pollution flowing on top of it. A verse on fire? Yes, because of mistranslation covering over the Hebrew words underlying Genesis 3:16. Discover the great words of this verse and its place in the passage on the Garden of Eden. Importantly, we learn that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way!

Go tell IT on the mountain! Stories from dozens of listeners!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 06:05:00 +0000

Stories from listeners are featured on this episode of The Eden Podcast! From El Paso, Texas to Nairobi, Kenya and more! "Life changing" are the words frequently used for the books in The Eden Book Series and the for the Tru School Workshops which are based on the teaching material from Seasons 1-4 of The Eden Podcast.

Christmas in Eden?? Oh yes!!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 06:05:00 +0000

Not only 'Mary did you know?' but 'Eve did you know?' And THEY DID! The promise of the Savior was first made in the Garden of Eden. Eve and her daughter Mary both believed the promise made by God back in the Beginning. It should deepen our awe at this season of the year!

Merry Christmas to you and yours from Joy and Bruce and the entire Tru316 Family!

To celebrate we have marked down all four volumes in The Eden Book Series by 33%! Here is a link to the first one: https://a.co/d/gNXevOu

Which translation is better on Genesis 3:16? Dr. Joy Fleming answers!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 06:05:00 +0000

The King James Version (KJV) got Genesis 3:16 right in 1611. The Revised Standard Version (RSV) got it wrong in 1952 by inserting what looked like a curse on Eve that God never placed on her in the Hebrew text back in the beginning.

In her new article for the scholarly journal Priscilla Papers, Joy Fleming, PhD, PsyD, points out the word patterns that the RSV (and the NIV, the NLT, the ESV and others) totally missed. Taking them into account helps us "true" the verse!

On this audio episode (the script and the footnotes are available on the Tru316 Foundation YT channel) we read from Joy's article titled "Two Ways of Translating and Interpreting Genesis 3:16a, One Older and One Newer: Does it Matter?”

Here is the link: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/two-ways-of-translating-and-interpreting-genesis-316/

Reformed Pastor Ryan Kron on The Eden Podcast

bf0007@me.com (Ryan Kron, Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 7 Dec 2025 06:05:00 +0000

Pastor Ryan loves the Bible and winter sports in snowy Minnesota! Here is our interview with cross country skier and father on 6 kids as he tells us about nurturing the members of his local church, Emmaus Road Reformed Church in Edina, Minnesota.

The Genesis 3 Sermon - The Attack and the Aftermath in Eden! by Bruce C. E. Fleming

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:55:00 +0000

EARLY RELEASE! How have we missed what happened in Eden? It happens when we start by wrongly thinking Genesis 3 is about The Fall when it really is about The Attack and The Aftermath! Based on decades of research by Dr. Joy Fleming here is a sample sermon, that can also be used as a lesson plan, on WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED IN EDEN BACK IN THE BEGINNING!

What you will find here is (1) the distinction between the first-degree and the second-degree eater at the tree, (2) the differences God made in responding to these different levels of offense - including the serpent tempter's first-degree offenses, (3) mistakes made in thinking the woman was the more serious offender, and (4) the God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.

Della Olson Book, Part 4. Further involvement by women leaders in the Free Church USA.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Della Olson, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 06:05:00 +0000

Part 4 from Della Olson's book! No proof?? Not so! Author and historian Della Olson made a survey of the documentation of women in ministry in the Evangelical Free Church especially in the United States. Her friend and neighbor, Dr. Joy Fleming, reads final excerpts of her book for Part 4 of Della's book on The Eden Podcast.

Some have tried to deny women from leadership and public ministry in the Free Churches. This historic book from 1977 is available for download here: https://collections.carli.illinois.edu/digital/collection/tiu_efcalit/id/28312

Della Olson Book, Part 3. Oh yes! Free Church Women Ministered in the U.S.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Della Olson, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 06:05:00 +0000

Free Church women in the United States DID lead in ministry. This is the focus on Part 3 of Della Olson's book, "A Woman of Her Times - Stories of women who dared to place obedience to the commands of Christ above submission to the traditions of men," with a forward by Ruth Kantzer. Dr. Joy Fleming reads from this book by the First Lady of the Free Church who was her friend and neighbor.

Della and her husband, Dr. Arnold T. Olson, President of the EFCA from 1951 to 1976 personally encouraged women to pursue public ministry.

This historic book from 1977 is available for download here: https://collections.carli.illinois.edu/digital/collection/tiu_efcalit/id/28312

PREQUEL Bonus Episode with Josh Ratliff. Called to mutual ministry!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Josh Ratliff, Mimi Ouimet) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:05:00 +0000

On this Prequel Bonus Episode learn the steps to mutual ministry taken by Wesleyan Pastor Josh Ratliff

Wesleyan pastor opened to the idea of women in ministry | Rev. Josh Ratliff

bf0007@me.com (Josh Ratliff, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 9 Nov 2025 06:05:00 +0000

A woman bishop he respected ordained him to the ministry. Why did he change his mind?

Rev. Josh Ratliff is Lead Pastor of Crosspoint Church in Lynchburg, VA. A graduate of Liberty University and Asbury Theological Seminary, he is passionate about preaching the truth of Scripture, in context, and representing the character of God with precision. He's married to Valerie, his wife of 15 years, and they have three children. Josh is an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church.

Naghmeh Panahi, PART 2! No more shame for women house church pastors!

bf0007@me.com (Naghmeh Saeed Panahi, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 2 Nov 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Hindered by shame caused by incorrect teaching Naghmeh Panahi now freeely serves the underground churches. Hear how this came about and much more in PART TWO of our conversation on The Eden Podcast.

Why are women leading underground house churches?? | Naghmeh Panahi on The Eden Podcast | S17Ep16 Part One!

bf0007@me.com (Naghmeh Panahi, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Learn why Naghmeh Panahi says "I think we have misunderstood Genesis" and "Because we are honoring women in the house churches of Iran is one of the reasons God is blessing so much." This is Part One of our remarkable interview with underground house church leader Nagmeh Panahi.

Why did Naghmeh feel ashamed when she saw how God raised up women to lead the underground house churches during the revival in the land of her birth? Bruce and Naghmeh talk about this and the life changing insights from Eden that open doors for all to minister using God's good gifts. Born in Tehran in 1977, Naghmeh Abedini Panahi immigrated to the United States at the age of nine and soon converted from Islam to Christianity. In late 2001, after graduating from college, she returned to Iran to work as a businesswoman and missionary. There, she witnessed—and experienced—the oppression and violence women are subjected to every day in the Middle East. It was there that she also met her future husband, Saeed Abedini, with whom she led one of the largest house-church movements in Iran.

In 2005, due to persecution, she and Saeed moved to the United States, where their two children were born. When Saeed visited Iran in 2012 to work on opening an orphanage, he was arrested for his involvement in the underground church and sentenced to eight years in a notorious prison. Naghmeh unceasingly advocated for Saeed’s release, appealing to President Barack Obama, Donald Trump, the U.S. Congress, the United Nations, and nearly every major news outlet over the three and a half years that Saeed was in prison.

Yet underneath the surface of her leadership in the Iranian house church, her family life in America, and the spotlight of her advocacy, Naghmeh had been an abused wife, and Saeed’s imprisonment had further intensified his controlling and abusive behavior. It took the crisis and aftermath of Saeed’s arrest for Naghmeh to finally recognize what had been happening to her and begin to find healing. Naghmeh’s personal experience with domestic violence and the misuse of religion to reinforce abuse has given her a passion to advocate for women who are vulnerable to abuse and oppression because of religion.

She is the cofounder and executive director of Tahir Alnisa (“Setting Women Free”) Foundation, which serves women and children around the world impacted by domestic abuse and religious-motivated violence. Naghmeh’s autobiography, I Didn’t Survive: Emerging Whole After Deception, Persecution, and Hidden Abuse (Whitaker House), was released in October 2023.

Links: https://www.tahriralnisa.org/about/naghmeh-panahi/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SJr4PaZ8Mg

WHO preached this summer to thousands in Sweden?? - Part 2 with Dr. Göran Janzon

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Göran Janzon, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 05:05:00 +0000

We asked Dr. Göran Janzon about the TEN THOUSAND SWEDISH CHRISTIANS who attended the Summer Celebration this year at TORP. He began by recounting the ministry of Nelly Hall and the female Evangelists of the Swedish Evangelical Free Mission - how they were blessed by God in the late 1800's and their impact on the 21st Century churches in Sweden and beyond.

Women in Ministry in Sweden and Central Africa - Dr. Göran Janzon Part 1!

bf0007@me.com (Göran Janzon, Irma Janzon, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Should a pastor's spouse know how to read and write?? "Of Course!" came his answer. Swedish Church Historian and Missiologist Dr. Göran Janzon recounts the development of the training of women and men in ministry on two continents. He was instrumental in pioneering changes in training programs both in Sweden and in the Central African Republic.

This is Part 1 of our extensive interview with Dr. Janzon. Did you know? He left Sweden to enroll in a new evangelical theological seminary outside of Paris? Yes at Vaux-sur-Seine. More of that school here: https://flte.fr/

More on the graduate school (FATEB/BEST) where Göran and Irma and Joy and Bruce all taught is here: https://aeafrica.org/news/christian-leadership-development-fateb/

More on the Baptist Bible School upcountry in the C.A.R. here: John Hilberth Institute of Theology in Carnot, C.A.R. is here: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Institut_de_Th%C3%A9ologie_John_Hilberth_de_Carnot.jpg

“Good News” and “Gone Askew”

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Thu, 9 Oct 2025 15:15:00 +0000

Finding Jesus in the Garden of Eden? Yes! Naming errors by those whose views have gone askew? Yes! Let's look at the Gospel in the Garden. Then, lets see where many have gone askew in their view of New Testament passages on women and men because their view of Genesis 3:16 was askew too.

Go Deeper? We invite you to get a copy (audiobook on Audible, hard copy or eBook at Amazon) of The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming. You can also sign up for our Tru School Workshops on the four key passages on women and men here: Tru316.com/workshop

Patrick Doyle. Abuse hurts but Jesus heals! Part 2.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Patrick Doyle) — Sun, 5 Oct 2025 05:05:00 +0000

In Part 2 Patrick Doyle goes deeper into the topics of spiritual abuse and emotional abuse plus "trust and healing" which deals with forgiveness and reconciliation. These topics are covered in his videos and his book "Death of a Thousand Cuts - the impact of emotional abuse. A guide to clarity and healing."

Patrick Doyle. Eden errors and emotional abuse. Part 1.

bf0007@me.com (Patrick Doyle, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Patrick says "One of the ways I learned about trauma was by being in it." From a traumatic childhood Patrick now is a #1 best-selling author, speaker, and counselor with more than 30 years of experience guiding individuals through healing from emotional abuse, addiction, and trauma. He tells us his Faith Story, his Ministry Story and his Tru316 Story on The Eden Podcast, Part One.

Patrick has been a pastor, directed non-profits, spoken at conferences, and appeared on radio, TV, and on YouTube. He is the founder of Pathway to Hope, an online community dedicated to helping women rebuild trust in themselves, set healthy boundaries, and find freedom from toxic cycles.

PART 2. Rethinking Parenting Advice from Gothard to Wilson. Author Marissa Burt.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 05:05:00 +0000

PART TWO (S17Ep11) Author Marissa Burt focuses on how distorted theology has affected the raising of children over the past decades. Her book is titled, "The Myth of 'Good Christian Parenting' - How false promises betrayed a generation of Evangelical families." She and her co-author did extensive surveys and researched more than 100 publications as they thought again about parenting advice from Bill Gothard to Douglas Wilson and more. Their book comes out October 14, 2025.

Here are relevant links:

The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E.Fleming https://a.co/d/e5QBJvH

The Myth of "Good Christian Parenting" by Marissa Burt and Kelsey McGinnis https://a.co/d/eTx9Ygo

Rethinking Parenting Advice from Bill Gothard to Douglas Wilson. Author Marissa Burt, Part 1.

bf0007@me.com (Marissa Burt, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 05:05:00 +0000

PART ONE (S17Ep10) Author Marissa Burt focuses on how distorted theology has affected the raising of children over the past decades. Her book is titled, "The Myth of 'Good Christian Parenting' - How false promises betrayed a generation of Evangelical families." She and her co-author did extensive surveys and researched more than 100 publications as they thought again about parenting advice from Bill Gothard to Douglas Wilson and more. Their book comes out October 14, 2025.

Here are relevant links:

The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E.Fleming https://a.co/d/e5QBJvH

The Myth of "Good Christian Parenting" by Marissa Burt and Kelsey McGinnis https://a.co/d/eTx9Ygo

From Mountain Helicopters to HR for Thousands. 15 Women Leaders of Cru!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Judy Douglass) — Sun, 7 Sep 2025 05:05:00 +0000

One woman rented helicopters to spread the Jesus Video in the mountains of Albania. Another woman organized the HR systems as Cru grew form a staff of hundreds to one of thousands. This is Part 2 from the new book by Judy Douglass recounting the stories of 15 women leaders of Cru / Campus Crusade for Christ titled "Her Calling, Our Legacy. Pioneer Women of Cru.

15 Women who Changed our World - NEW BOOK from Judy Douglass

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Judy Douglass, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Who launched the National Day of Prayer? Judy Douglass tells us who in Chapter 1 of her new book on pioneer women of the worldwide Cru Ministry. Plus 14 more leaders are profiled in the next chapters of this fabulous retelling of world changers. Judy Douglass leads Women's Resources for Cru / Campus Crusade for Christ. She is this year‘s recipient of the Tru316 Medallion Award for her lifetime of ministry.

On this episode of The Eden Podcast Bruce asks Judy about four women leaders who changed their world for the better!

Judy's new book is Her Calling, Our Legacy - Pioneer Women of Cru, Volume 1. This book is already sold out! To learn more, join us for Part two of our interview with the author, Judy Douglass, here on The Eden Podcast!

From Babel to AI with Dr. Dawn Sutherland New Testament Professor of Liberty University

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Dawn Sutherland, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Dr. Dawn Sutherland explores AI issues in her new book, From Babel to AI. As Professor at Liberty University she directs student researchers on the cutting edge of ethics and theology. We asked her the Three Eden Podcast Questions: 1) What is your Faith Story? 2) What is your ministry story? 3) What is your Tru316 Story?

She had been a Vice President of Marketing for a defense Contractor when her pastor invited her to work as Communications Director in their church. Turned off by the corporate-ization of her fast growing church she pursued her passion for learning the Hebrew and Greek on which church traditions are based.

At Liberty University she mentors students in the Bible Exposition and in the Applied Apologetics Programs.Her new book is Babel to AI.

A Milestone Birthday Bonus Episode!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:34:40 +0000

Did you know? Joy and Bruce got married on his birthday. They now are celebrating a milestone birthday for him and look back at how God guided up to this special day!

Creation Order in 1 Timothy 2? NO. Something else? YES!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:05:00 +0000

A well-known pastor takes 1 Timothy 2:12 out of context and teaches error as a result! This comes from his misinterpretation of 1 Timothy 2:13-14 where he claims to see a "Creation Order." The Apostle Paul instead is pointing to "The Differences" between Adam who sinned on purpose and Eve who did not. Let's look at Chapter Six in the book "Back to Eden. 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16" by Bruce C. E. Fleming.

Only wives submitting?? Better study the word patterns in Eph 5-6!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 3 Aug 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Only wives submitting?? Not according to the word patterns in Ephesians 5-6! The words "wives submitting to your husbands" are in Ephesians 5:22. Is this verse teaching vertical submission? No. The full passage teaches this: Christian husbands and wives be mutually submitting yourselves to the teaching and correction you are receiving from one another in the Spirit. All that? Yes. It is in the words and word patterns of the passage of Ephesians 5:15-6:9.

The passage uses a Jump, Jump High Jump pattern. Paul uses it to illustrate his main point of 5:32. Along the way he points to the Christian couple to illustrate how Spirit-filled Christians build up and correct one another in the body of Christ. He is not putting wives under, or husbands over, in any way.

Go deeper? Get your copy of the book Beyond Eden - the Great Mystery Revealed - Mutually Submitting in Christ, by Bruce C. E. Fleming (https://a.co/d/bHizGqn).

How many errors are being taught about the serpent tempter?

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 05:05:00 +0000

SO MANY ERRORS are taught about the serpent in Eden! See if you can count how many there are as we read from Chapter 4 of The Book of Eden on Genesis 3:1-13. GO DEEPER? The Book of Eden is available on Audible and on Amazon!

Go even deeper? We offer Tru School workshops! One is starting very soon. Contact Mimi@Tru316.com for the next one. There are four of them that cover the seven key passages on women and men. Sign up here: Tru316.com/workshop

What about the NEXT verse after 3:16?

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Have you looked at John 3:17 and Genesis 3:17? When we do so we gain insights on what is written 3:16 - both in John 3:16 and Genesis 3:16. GO DEEPER? Take The Eden Course. Here is the link: TheEdenCourse.com

Hulda's Story - We’re going to kill your husband!!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:10:00 +0000

In their desperation they prayed for light from God and a stranger knocked asked for a room in their home. This is the beginning of Hulda's story of God at work in a stonecutter couple's life in Sweden and God's faithfulness in the years that followed. They were the parents of Joy's grandmother Ruth and we visited the key sites of their journey on our trip to Sweden this summer!

Positive vs Negative Beliefs about Eden

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 6 Jul 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Negative beliefs and half truths have choked out much of the POSITIVE message of Eden. Let's start with unpacking four key insights that show God was true, God was merciful and God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way in Eden!

Flashback! Pastor Osbaldo's Story - After a church split

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 05:05:00 +0000

The Beach Martyrs moved him to give his life to Jesus Christ. His pastor mentor encouraged him to grow in scripture knowledge. He surprised himself at what he learned after a year studying THOSE passages on women and men. Here is Part One of the Osbaldo Valdes Story on The Eden Podcast!

Growing up he experienced in his home both patriarchal and matriarchal rule. His new mentor, Pastor Todd guided him to a better way. In the church, the subject of deacon was key to opening up his understanding. What was life like in a Hispanic culture in West Houston churches?

Fleeing a church split he was taken under the wing of Pastor Todd in a new church.

Flashback! Andrew Bartlett asks "Is there hope for Mike Winger?"

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Andrew Bartlett) — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Andrew Bartlett asks "Is there hope for Mike Winger?" Sadly, Mike has continued on much the same path that Andrew described on this Flashback Episode of The Eden Podcast.

Andrew Bartlett and Terran Williams have done an in depth study on Mike Winger's teaching. More: on Terran Williams blog.

Flashback! Della Olson Part 1 on Women Who Dared

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Flashback. Della Olson, Part One. Dr. Joy Fleming reads from the book by Della Olson, "A Woman of Her Times - Stories of Women who dared to place obedience to the commands of Christ above submission to the traditions of men." First Lady of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) for 34 years, and knowing the languages of the Nordic countries at the root of the EFCA, she delves into history and lifts up those whose stories have been forgotten.

Flashback - This Pastor's AHA! journey - The Dr. Bill Rudd Story

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Bill Rudd) — Sun, 8 Jun 2025 03:20:35 +0000

After 40 years of preaching, and serving on boards, his daughter brought him a serious theological book he had never seen before. Dr. Bill Rudd began to take seriously the possibility that the key passages on women and men taught the opposite of what he had been teaching. Then, he discovered the works of Dr. Joy Fleming and Rev. Bruce C. E. Fleming. They pointed out words and word patterns that clarified further the meaning of the passages he had misunderstood.

Join Bill and Bruce, and co-host Cecile, on this BONUS episode of The Eden Podcast! "I'm one of your big fans and I recommend Tru316 constantly," says Dr. Bill Rudd.

Dr. Rudd is the author of Should Women Be Pastors and Leaders in Church?: My Journey to Discover What the Bible Says About Gender Roles

Flashback - Counselor’s evaluation of the Tru316 message

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 1 Jun 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Founder of more than 50 Counseling Clinics, Brian Nystrom took the time in 2023 to share the importance of the Tru316 message, on this Classic flashback episode of The Eden Podcast.

Can you name the Four Eden Marriage Steps?

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 25 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

The more of the Four Eden Marriage Steps we take the better our expectations for a successful and blessed marriage. Some people skip one or more - or even all - of these steps. How is that working out today? Bruce C. E. Fleming takes us back to the text of Eden from Genesis chapters 1-3. He noticed the first of these four steps while living the the Congo where multiple wives and even kidnap marriage was practiced.

Elizabeth and Denise tell their Tru316 Stories of transformation!

Sun, 18 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Elizabeth says: "Thank you Joy and Bruce for bringing God's truth to me."

Denise says: "I cried out to God, How do you see me? I heard of the Tru316.com website and my journey began. I was grateful for the careful resources made available!"

Tru316 Stories from Texas - Char and Beth transformed by the Eden insights!

bf0007@me.com (Char Teel, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Beth Thomas) — Sun, 11 May 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Char and Beth met weekly for more than a year to study the transcripts of The Eden Podcast. The positive insights of Eden transformed their lives! They drove from Texas to Florida to tell their stories at the 2025 Tru316 Celebration in Orlando, Florida at Cru HQ.

They have become tru Partners and spread their insights wherever they can! You can become a Tru Partner too! Tru316.com/partner

Mimi and April "true" the verse!!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, April Shippy, Mimi Ouimet, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 4 May 2025 09:35:00 +0000

Mimi prayed for a deeper understanding and a wider ministry. April supports the transformative work of the Tru316 Foundation. Hear from two of our Tru School Workshop Facilitators at the 316 Day Celebration in Orlando!

How to TRU the verse of Genesis 3:16. Dr. Joy Fleming

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 05:05:00 +0000

The ESV has made some changes to Genesis 3:16. Did they go far enough? How should we "true" the verse? Dr. Joy Fleming recounts key elements she discovered in the Hebrew text. Join us at the podium on 316 Day in Orlando as Dr. Joy Fleming explains what she found in Genesis 2-3!

She discovered WORD PATTERNS that are hard to present readers in a different language. What is the most important pattern English readers been missing?? It is the linchpin pattern in Line 1 of Genesis 3:16.

The ESV partially corrects Genesis 3:16. Comments by the President of the American Bible Society

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 05:05:00 +0000

"Whatever God has called you to do, He has empowered you to do!" These encouraging words of Dr. Jennifer Holloran, President and CEO of American Bible Society were spoken at her Keynote Address on 316 Day 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

She explained how translation errors hurt Scripture engagement. She then spoke about the ESV correction of Genesis 3:16 and how it was necessary to correct their previous translation of Genesis 3:16.

Former COO of Wycliffe USA, she focuses in on SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT.

Go deeper? Enroll in a Tru School Workshop. Monday evening April 20 at 7:30 p.m. (Central) take the Back to Eden Workshop on 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16. Tru316.com/Workshop or email Mimi@Tru316.com

2025 Medallion Award acceptance speech by Judy Douglass

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Other's didn't realize they could fully use God's gifts for ministry. So Judy worked hard, around the world, to encourage them - especially the women on their worldwide staff. For this great ministry service the Tru316 Foundation honors Judy Douglass with the 2025 Medallion Award! The full Event video if available on the Tru316 Foundation You Tube Channel!

316 Day 2025 - Cru VP of Global Leadership Development Recounts Medallion Award Recipient's Key Strengths!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 6 Apr 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Judy asked, "What is the opportunity cost if women are not mobilized to use their gifts for the Gospel?" Leadership gifts? Operational gifts?

Andrea Budczinski, Cru VP of Global Leadership Development, highlights three key words that describe elements of Judy Douglass and her ministry of encouragement and advocacy in more than 50 countries! Judy has been these three:

Role Model.
Advocate for women and men to use their ministry gifts. Ally with men in the ministry that Jesus would be famous everywhere.
Encourager. She comes along and sees the beauty that God has put there in each person.

Judy's acceptance speech of the Tru316 Medallion Award will be highlighted in the next episode of The Eden Podcast!

Cru, American Bible Society and Tru316 Foundation all celebrated God's revelation on 316 Day 2025!

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 05:05:00 +0000

I met Mark Gauthier at our VIP lunch on Tru316 Day 2025 in Orlando. He is Vice President and US National Director of Cru. What a delightful brother in the Lord! At that same table was Dr. Jennifer Holloran, President/CEO of American Bible Society, and former COO of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Later that day she gave the Keynote Address.

My wife, Dr. Joy Fleming and I, and the Tru316 Foundation team, had gathered that day to honor Judy Douglass with the presentation of the 2025 Tru316 Medallion Award for her lifetime of ministry, especially in encouraging women and men around the world to energetically use the gifts God has given to each one.

This episode of The Eden Podcast, and the ones to come, we will present highlights from our Celebration held in the Bill Bright Strategy Center at the Headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ/Cru. We are grateful for their hosting us and for the Jesus Video Staff for recording the event! Special thanks to Judy, Diane, Andrea, Sam, Mimi, April and more!

This was our annual fundraiser and awareness event! You can give now by making a gift as the Lord leads! Go to Tru316.com/donate

"Why Does One Verse Matter?" 3/16 Day Keynote 2024, Joanne Hagemeyer

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 05:05:00 +0000

Why Does Genesis 3:16 Matter? This was the 2024 316 Day Keynote Address by Joanne Hagemeyer. Joanne was a long time Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) Teaching Leader and was the recipient of the first Tru316 Medallion Award for her service in "tru-ing" the verse through her work with the Tru316 Foundation (Tru316.com). In our coming episodes we'll play for you highlights of the 2025 Tru316 Day Celebration, including the Keynote Address by Dr. Jennifer Holloran, President/CEO of American Bible Society of Philadelphia and former COO of Wycliffe USA.

Give now? Click Tru316.com/donate

Inaugural 316 Day Address 2023 by Dr. Brown of NIV Update Committee

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Jeannine Brown, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 05:05:00 +0000

"How do we do revision of Bible translation?" This is a replay of the Inaugural Address on 316 Day 2023 by Dr. Jeannine Brown of the NIV Update Committee! Learn why the NIV updated "thong".

Visit the Tru316 Foundation YouTube Channel for this year's 2025 316 Day Keynote Speaker, Dr. Jennifer Holloran, President and CEO of American Bible Society!

Beyond Eden “High Jump” of Ephesians 5:22-6:9

bf0007@me.com (Tru316 Workshop, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 9 Mar 2025 06:05:00 +0000

Dive deep into this MAJOR PASSAGE! What about "submission" in Ephesians 5:22-24? Paul teaches reciprocating submission among Spirit-filled believers (compare 5:18b-21, and 5:33). What about "love"? Paul teaches that even mutual up-building must have LOVE as a major component. Just "as Christ" loved in 5:23b, 25b and throughout this passage, so too for the partners in the Christian marriage of 5:33. What about "head"? Paul is not not referring to authority or source. He is talking about the GREAT MYSTERY of 5:31 and 32 - the unity of believers and Christ in one joint-body.

Go deeper? Read Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9 by Bruce C. E. Fleming, available on Amazon in paperback (with Study Guides, great for group studies), as a Kindle eBook and on Audible as an audio book!

Free Church, Three Stories - Pastor Jay Pound

bf0007@me.com (Jay Pound, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 2 Mar 2025 06:05:00 +0000

E Free Church Pastor, Jay Pound tells his three Stories. Yes. This is our own pastor!

Plus the 316 Day Celebration with Keynote by the President of American Bible Society. We will also present the Tru316 Medallion Award to former First Lady of Campus Crusade for Christ/Cru Judy Douglass for her lifetime of ministry! Plan to join us on site or online on the Tru316 Foundation LIVE feed on YouTube.

Then, one of our Tru316 Foundation Prayer Partners, Pastor Jay Pound tells his stories in depth on The Eden Podcast.

Beyond Eden Insight #2. The two "Jumps" in Eph 5:15-21

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 06:05:00 +0000

Be filled with the Spirit? Submit to one another? These two commands are NOT saying what many claim. Learn what the patterns in this passage tell us about these key verses in Ephesians 5:18 and 21.

WHY? When we come to the "women verse" in 5:22 we will know the context of THAT verse and understand it much much better.

Beyond Eden Insight #1 - Ephesians 5-6

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 06:05:00 +0000

Too often verses in Ephesians 5-6 get taken out of context. Beyond Eden Insight #1 places these verses in context which is the Jump, Jump, High Jump pattern that runs from 5:15 through 6:9. The main point of the entire passage is found in 5:32! Have you seen it? We go deeper into this passage in the book "Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9" available on Amazon and on Audible!

Pastor Stephanie O'Brien's Story, Part Two

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Stephanie O'Brien, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 9 Feb 2025 06:05:00 +0000

She used our book, "Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5-6" in her preparation of her powerful Sunday sermon. She appreciates the resources Tru316 provides pastors and Bible students on what happened to Eve and related positive insights from Eden. This is Part Two of her story on The Eden Podcast!

Have you made your free reservation to attend online or in person the Tru316 Day Celebration on March 16 at 2:30 Eastern Time? Sign up here: TinyURL.com/Tru316Day205

Pastor Stephanie O'Brien's Story, Part One

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Stephanie O'Brien) — Sun, 2 Feb 2025 06:05:00 +0000

She was in meetings where more than a million people trusted in Christ as Savior. She accepted Christ at home. How have you come to know Christ?

Here is Part One of Pastor Stephanie's thrilling story. Learn her full faith story, her ministry story and her Tru316 story!

Pastor Stephanie Williams O’Brien is the Lead Pastor at Mill City Church in Northeast Minneapolis. She is also a professor of ministry and preaching at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN. She is a Trustee of Bethel University of which Bethel Seminary is a part.

Stephanie has opportunities to coach leaders around the world through speaking, developing resources and her podcast Lead Stories with her friend Jo Saxton. She and Jo lead the annual women's leadership intensive The Ezer Collective, hosted at her church in Minneapolis.

She is the author of two books – Stay Curious: How Questions and Doubts Can Save Your Faith. and her latest book Make A Move: How to Stop Wavering And Make Decisions in a Disorienting World.

Want to support The Eden Podcast and the other ministries of the Tru316 Foundation. Join now as a Tru Partner and get free access to our upcoming zoom workshops on the key passages on women and men in the Old and New Testament. Use this link:

https://tru316.com/partner/

Eden Insight #4 God Did NOT Talk to Eve about Pain in Childbirth

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 06:05:00 +0000

No! God Did NOT Talk to Eve about Pain in Childbirth. God talked to Eve about (1) toil in fieldwork because of the coming curse on the ground and about (2) conception in fulfillment of God's promise of offspring who would crush the serpent's head! Neither of these had to do with what you'll find in most English versions that talk about "pain in childbearing." Let's "true" the verse and let God's actual words come through. The closest we can find in English is the KJV.

PLUS - how lives are being changed through our podcast, books and courses!

AND - 3/16 Day 2025 is coming fast. Sign up to join us in Orlando at Cru HQ or online. Use this special link! TinyURL.com/Tru316Day2025

Eden Insight #3 God's parallel words to the rebels - the serpent and the man!

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 06:05:00 +0000

Eden Insight #3. God's SIX-POINT Parallel Word Pattern to the Serpent and to the Man. Why this pattern? They were both first-degree rebels. Each merited a curse. Yet not one point is found in God's words to the woman! Have you noticed?

Go deeper! Make sure to listen to Season One of The Eden Podcast where we go through Genesis 2-3 step by step.

Even deeper? Purchase Dr. Joy Fleming's dissertation. Available from Tru316.com/shop

Eden Insight #2. Both ate. Both died. But they chose differently.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 06:05:00 +0000

The Fall is not a biblical word! They were attacked! Each ate. Each died. But each acted from different motivations.

The woman was deceived. She ate for good reasons.

He ate rebelliously joining the serpent in rejecting God's words.

Getting this clearly in mind prepares us for reading what happened next when God spoke to the serpent and to the man using the same six point pattern.

Go deeper? You can take The Eden Course for free. Simply contact Mimi@Tru316.com and we'll send you a 100% off coupon code!

Eden Insight #1 The patterns plus the definitions are important.

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 5 Jan 2025 06:05:00 +0000

Is it enough to study the word meanings in a Bible passage? Not in a passage like Genesis 2-3! Both the word patterns and the word definitions convey meaning. Perhaps missing these patterns is why there are so many contradictory interpretations of Genesis 2-3. Here we look at Eden Insight #1 and introduce the complex chiasm of Genesis 2-3. Go deeper? Join us for our small group study called "The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3." The link is Tru316.com/workshop

Tru316 Progress Report Through 2024! Grateful for YOU!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 06:05:00 +0000

2024 Summary Report! 1,001 donations! Listeners in 136 countries! A quarter million downloads and views on our Tru316 Channels! A grant made to launch Tabitha Center #316 in the DR Congo to provide the Good News and job training to at-risk women and men!

Groundwork laid for the coming year Including our 316 Day Celebration, March 16 in Orlando at Cru HQ with our keynote speaker from The American Bible Society!

SO many reports of lives changed from learning the positive insights from Eden.

All this activity in our ADULT EDUCATION DIVISION.

In 2025 we launch our CHURCH AND FAMILY EDUCATION DIVISION! You can help! Donate to The Eden Fund here: https://donorbox.org/the-eden-fund-1

Christmas in the Garden of Eden??

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Do we learn of Christmas in just one verse on Eden or in two?? It is time to see Line 1 of Genesis 3:16 for what it is - the completion of God's Good News of the coming Messiah in the words of promise to Eve in Eden!

We go into detail in "The Book of Eden" and in our small group sessions of The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Please visit tru316.com/workshop.

Vertical submission? Something else? Ephesians 5:24

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Paul tells Spirit-filled believers to teach and correct one another in Ephesians 5:19b and 20. Then, in verse 21, he tells them to submit to the teaching and correction they are receiving from one another.
In verse 24a he refers to the church as it submits to the teaching and correction it receives from Christ. And in 24b he refers to the mutual ministry and mutual submission of the Christian couple.

Go deeper? the book Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9 gives an overview of the entire passage. Discover how Paul uses a Jump, Jump, High Jump pattern as he writes out verses 15-18, 19-21 and 22-6:9. The high point of the passage is 5:32 the great mystery revealed: his joint-body metaphor on the unity of Christ and believers all in one spiritual body!

Here's a link: https://a.co/d/j1ALahC

What about Women and Men in Ministry? Dr. Kaiser Interview Part 2!

bf0007@me.com (Walter C. Kaiser, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 8 Dec 2024 06:05:00 +0000

"Study the Bible in the original language line by line." "Make sure your preaching respects the word patterns in the text." These are key lessons learned from Dr. Walter C. Kaiser, Old Testament scholar and Seminary President, author of 95 books and counting! This is Part 2 of our interview for The Eden Podcast.

His brand new book is preaching and teaching outlines on the Books of Ruth And Esther and how God called them! Here is that book link: https://a.co/d/3m5JXmU

A Humble Giant! Dr. Walter C. Kaiser, Part 1. Author of 95 Books!

bf0007@me.com (Walter C. Kaiser, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 1 Dec 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Dr. Kaiser is author of "The Promise Plan of God," "Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics" and more than 90 other books. He is President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor of Old Testament and Ethics at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA. Dr. Kaiser personally encouraged Joy Fleming to continue in her theological studies and later endorsed her book, "Man and Woman in Biblical Unity, Theology from Genesis 2-3." This is Part One of our long form interview for The Eden Podcast in which Joy and Bruce and Dr. Kaiser explore his Faith Story and much more.

Della Olson Book, Part 2. Free Church Women in Ministry? Yes! A History.

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 06:05:00 +0000

What about the history of Scandinavian women in ministry? This is Part 2 of "A Woman of Her Times" by Della Olson, read by Dr. Joy Fleming.

This historic book from 1977 is available for download here: https://collections.carli.illinois.edu/digital/collection/tiu_efcalit/id/28312

Best Of! Judy Douglass - Veteran Author, Podcaster & Cru Leader

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 06:05:00 +0000

How did Cru go from little visible participation for women in leadership to now having women serving as 3 of the 7 Global Vice Presidents? This is the Remarkable Judy Douglass Story on this BEST OF episode of The Eden Podcast!

Hear her Faith Story, her Ministry Story and her Tru316 Story! Judy is an in-the-book endorser of The Book of Eden by Bruce C. E. Fleming and a welcome advisor to the Tru316 Foundation.

Here are Judy Douglass’ links:

Website: www.JudyDouglass.com
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-you-love-a-prodigal/id1551846569

Would you like to go deeper studying the Tru316 Message? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School cohort. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

The Tru316 Foundation(www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too.

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Word patterns disprove "headship" theories. Part 4 with Zach and Bruce.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Zach Miller) — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 06:05:00 +0000

"Headship" isn't taught in the Bible and all the arguments in favor of it turn out to be weak arguments. So let's focus on what the Bible IS teaching us. At first, Zach returns to "headship" theories but Bruce redirects the discussion to the word patterns in Ephesians 5-6.

Bruce takes Zach to Ephesians 6:1-4. There they discuss not only the parallels with the Ten Commandments (Honor your father and mother) but also Leviticus 19:3 (Each of you shall fear his mother and father).

There is much more in Ephesians 5:15-6:9 to look at. We recommend our book Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9, the Great Mystery revealed: Mutually Submitting in Christ. It is available as an audiobook on Audible and as an eBook and paperback from Amazon.

Link to our interview with Andrew Bartlett: https://youtu.be/TJ95GAvnN-M?si=qyV64WgBXccHYoTE

Della Olson Book, Part 1. Women in Ministry in the Free Church. A History.

bf0007@me.com (Della Olson, Ruth Kantzer, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 3 Nov 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Della Olson, First Lady of the Evangelical Free Church published her support for women and ministry. Ruth Kantzer, First Lady of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School heartily agreed! Dr. Joy Fleming reads from Della's book and adds her personal reminiscences.

Should women lead in ministry? YES! And here is documentation that they did so across Scandinavia and North America in recent times.

Dr. Joy Fleming reads from Della Olson's book, "A Woman of Her Times." The subtitle is, "Stories of women who dared to place obedience to the commands of Christ above submission to the traditions of men." She recounts the stories of women who were leaders in ministry in Scandinavia and around the world in the 1800's and 1900's even though some wanted to restrict them from ministry. Della Olson was an executive, an editor, and an author as well as mother and wife of Dr. Arnold T. Olson, President of the Evangelical Free Church of America.

This historic book from 1977 is available for download here: https://collections.carli.illinois.edu/digital/collection/tiu_efcalit/id/28312

Why study Gen 2-3 again? The Intro to Joy's PhD Dissertation!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 05:05:00 +0000

THESE ARE THE PAGES straight from her dissertation! This SPECIAL episode is from the INTRODUCTION to the 407-page dissertation titled: "A Rhetorical Analysis of Genesis 2-3." Learn what she presented to the jury at the University of Strasbourg, France, on why to think again about the Hebrew words and word patterns in Genesis 2-3.

Get a copy? Go to Tru316.com and select the Resources tab.

"Headship" or "Unity" in Ephesians 5:22? Zach and Bruce Part 3

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Zach proposed what so many say about headship in marriage. Bruce answered, "I don't buy any of that." BUT, Bruce says Paul gives three “in the church“ and three “in the family” illustrations in the Jump, Jump, High Jump Pattern of Ephesians 5:15-6:9!

Patterns tell the story. THAT kind of submission is not biblical. Part 2 of Zach questions Bruce.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Zach Miller) — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Paul did not require wives to submit to husbands in an over/under way. Paul used Word Patterns, back then, like we use Chapter Headings, today. What patterns? 1) THE PATTERN OF FOURS. 2) THE PARALLEL PATTERN. 3) THE OVERARCHING JUMP, JUMP, HIGH JUMP PATTERN. Go deeper? Get the book Beyond Eden by Bruce C. E. Fleming on Ephesians 5:15-6:9.

Reaching at-risk women in the Congo - Tabitha Center #316

Sun, 6 Oct 2024 05:05:00 +0000

This Bonus episode of The Eden Podcast is about Tabitha Center #316 – reaching and disciplemaking among at-risk women through vocational training based on the positive insights from Eden. Claudine Selenga and her husband Nubako Selenga founded and direct this ministry to 7,000 at-risk women in Kinshasa, DRCongo and beyond.

The story: Claudine and her husband Nubako had served as the leaders of their denomination in the northwestern region of the DR Congo. They moved south to the capital city of Kinshasa as Nubako began international travel heading up a new missionary association to other countries in Africa. Meanwhile Claudine was raising their six children and was open to what her next ministry activities would be.

Here is the remarkable timeline of the ministry that grew from one center in their home to multiple centers serving 7,000 at-risk women in 2024! Now located in 300 local churches they spread the Good News through Bible study and vocational training.

They discovered that many of the young neighborhood women had resorted to prostitution due to their extreme poverty. Many lacked the skills for gainful employment. Most did not know the Lord or how to grow as Christians.

So Claudine started a home Bible study group. Her first priority was evangelism and discipleship. And she has retained that priority in all that has developed since the start.

She observed their lack of marketable skills. Being a seamstress herself, among other things, Claudine got two hand cranked sewing machines and began teaching sewing to the young women. She called the work The Tabitha Center.

The young women loved the song time, the Bible lessons, the prayer time, the skills classes and more! A dozen young women started attending at first. Then 20, 25 and more started coming!

They added lessons on home economics, small business management skills, cosmetology classes, restaurant management and more.

The Kinshasa City Team led by Pastor Nubako Selenga ministry now includes these outreaches:

Tabitha Centers (reaching at-risk women with discipleship training and vocational skills)
Global Fingerprints Tabitha (an extension of Tabitha that includes literacy training)
Follow Me (reaching men through vocational training)
Kids Action Network (teaching children through Bible storytelling)
Planting 100 new churches (growing healthy, holy churches in Kinshasa, pop. 17 million)

Links:

www.Tru316.com/donate (Mention that your gift is for Tabitha Center 316)

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081143602379 (Tabitha Center Facebook Page)

Ephesians 5 is built on Genesis 3! Zach Miller interviews Bruce. Part 1

bf0007@me.com (Zach Miller, Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 05:05:00 +0000

How does the Ephesians 5 passage relate to Genesis 2-3? What if people have misunderstood the positive message of the Garden of Eden? How does their interpretation of Ephesians 5 become twisted? Zach Miller, host of "What Your Pastor Didn't Tell You" interviews Bruce C. E. Fleming. Part 1. See the video with Graphics on our Tru316 YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/wOHaEaXKBs8

Untangling a Woman's Purpose - The key passages. Lauren interviews Bruce!

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Bruce is interviewed by Lauren who was a Jane Doe in the Bill Gothard lawsuit. She asks penetrating questions revealing how mistranslations and misinterpretations of the key passages on women and men have been weaponized. Should these passages be mistrusted or should those wayward teachings and their proponents by mistrusted? In less than an hour Lauren and Bruce cover multiple passages. Go Deeper? Bruce has written four volumes in The Eden Book Series. He refers to Books 1 (on Genesis 2-3), 2 (on Ephesians 5-6) and 4 (on 1 Peter 3) in this interview. All four are based on his doctoral research and that of Joy Fleming.

On Genesis 2-3. God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way!

On Ephesians 5-6. This is not primarily a passage on marriage. Paul writes that men and women believers are to teach and correct one another in the Spirit, and at the same time they are to submit themselves to that teaching and correction. They main truth from verse 32 is that all believers are united with Jesus in one joint-body.

On 1 Peter 3:1-7. These 7 verses are Peter's advice how to witness to an unsaved spouse. In verse 7 he instructs Christian husbands not to turn off their seeking wife by unseemly behavior. Then his prayers for his spiritually weaker (unsaved) partner will not be hindered.

Aerospace Engineer was told NOT to study Math in High School. The Kristine Johnson Story!

bf0007@me.com (Kristine Johnson, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 8 Sep 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Because she was a female, Kristine Johnson was told in her private school that upper level math was not her place. Following God's call she persevered. Now she is a Senior Advanced Systems Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace technologies. This is her story on The Eden Podcast!

Kristine Johnson is a Senior Advanced Systems Engineer at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies leading the hardware team and qualification testing on the GPAHRS (GPS-Aided High-Integrity Attitude and Heading Reference System), a next-generation navigation system for commercial aircraft, helicopters, and urban air mobility vehicles. She is also the systems lead engineer on multiple programs for Boeing products. She was part of the design team for the first FAA-certified (SDA) Precision Landing System installed at many airports worldwide. In her 25+ years at Honeywell, she has gained extensive experience with Air Data Inertial Reference Units (ADIRUs), navigation systems for commercial aircraft which integrate data from GPS, inertial sensors, and air pressure inputs, and for which she received the Honeywell Technical Achievement Award. Outside work, Kristine enjoys time with family, leading a small group Bible study, reading, cooking, moderating several science-faith groups on social media, volunteering in her community, and exercising. She is also a professional face painter.

Here are several links from Kristine’s interview on The Eden Podcast:

Bruce and Joy Fleming, The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3, https://medium.com/@pkajjohnson/book-review-the-book-of-eden-god-didnt-curse-eve-or-adam-or-limit-woman-in-any-way-3334779281dd

Beth Allison Barr, The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth, https://medium.com/@pkajjohnson/book-review-the-making-of-biblical-womanhood-how-the-subjugation-of-women-became-gospel-truth-by-7f38ec9bca2b

Sheila Wray Gregoire, The Bare Marriage Podcast that uses evidence-based approaches to marriage:https://www.youtube.com/c/SheilaWrayGregoire

ShinyHappyPeople? Gothard? Emily's Story on The Eden Podcast. A "Best Of"

Sun, 1 Sep 2024 05:05:00 +0000

She was one of the plaintiffs covered in the blockbuster video series "SHINY Happy People" on Prime. After coming out of a cult she finally heard the Good News of Jesus! She was also helped by The Eden Podcast and we're so glad we could help.

This is the Emily Elizabeth Anderson Story. Her website is ThrivingForward.org

Demonic Attack. Mockery of God's call to a woman. This and more on this "Best Of" interview with Bob Edwards.

bf0007@me.com (Bob Edwards, Helga Edwards, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Channeling a violent spirit? A church mocking a woman called by God? Bob Edwards recalls dramatic moments in his life story on this "Best Of" episode of The Eden Podcast. He and his wife Helga have co-produced a gentle podcast and written a resource covering multiple passages in Genesis. Bob was struggling with Long COVID weakness but agreed to this interview.

Here is their website: http://www.awakedeborah.com with links to their podcast, books and courses.
Here is Helga’s latest video:

https://youtu.be/Xlejb0Ryfjc

In the Beginning - our very first episode on the River on Fire! (BEST OF)

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Genesis 3:16 has been polluted! Church and family life have been polluted by the negative theology that has resulted from the mistranslation of Genesis 3:16. We look into this problem in our replay of our very first episode (this is the raw audio - editing flaws and all). Since then we have shared 250 more episodes on The Eden Podcast as we work to "true" the verse of Genesis 3:16! We invite you to go to Season One on your podcast player to listen to what happened next :-)

This episode became chapter one of The Book of Eden which covers all of Genesis 2-3. You can get a hard copy or eBook with added study guides for each chapter here: https://amzn.to/4cxIKu6

Why Mike Winger can't think Biblically about those passages. Andrew Bartlett. BEST OF

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 05:05:00 +0000

"Mike Winger makes so many mistakes. ... Oh Mike, if you read the next paragraph, or just the footnote." UK Barrister, Andrew Bartlett, reflects on Mike Winger's series on women and men in this BEST OF episode of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming.

Sheila & Bruce. What goes wrong when verses are misread. Best Of from 3/16 Day 2022

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Sheila Gregoire) — Sun, 4 Aug 2024 05:05:00 +0000

What can go wrong in our marriages when people work from beliefs that put women down? Sheila Gregoire from The Bare Marriage Podcast gives her answer in the light of a corrected reading pf Genesis 3:16 on this BEST OF episode of The Eden Podcast from March 16, 2022!

Some Women Overseers, Back to Eden, Chapter 5 - 1st Timothy 2:11-12

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 05:05:00 +0000

So WHO was Paul writing about in 1 Timothy 2:12??? We need to start with verses 8 and 9 in 1 Timothy 2 to find out. That is the topic of this episode on The Eden Podcast. To go deeper use the Study Guides in the book "Back to Eden - Corrected and Restored by Jesus the Faithful Word."

Next Step? The Eden Schoolhouse Network!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 13:15:00 +0000

The positive message of Eden? It is time to spread the good news to our children and youth beginning with the launch of The Eden Schoolhouse Network (ESN). Local churches and concerned individuals are stepping up to make a difference! Would you like to see an Eden Family Schoolhouse, with Tru316 inside, be established in your area? If so, contact Bruce@Tru316.com.

Many ministries are spreading the positive message of John 3:16, of salvation by faith, through their publications and outreach programs. Now it is time to focus on spreading the positive message of Genesis 3:16 too!

To launch an Eden Family Schoolhouse we are looking for like-minded churches and individuals. Do you have two rooms (one for 12 children for K-2 and the other for 12 more children for 3-4) available during the daytime hours of the week?

Let’s talk! Email us today. Bruce@Tru316.com. Don’t assume others will do it. Do it yourself. We’re looking for God to raise up volunteer teams composed of prayer team coordinators, family recruiters and more.

Joy Fleming, PhD, PsyD, and Rev. Bruce C. E. Fleming, DEA, have been involved in the successful startup and development of a graduate seminary overseas and a discipleship Christian high school in the United States. They are co-founders of the Tru316 Foundation (Tru316.com), which is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Contact us today about how you can help raise up an Eden Family Schoolhouse! For an information package, contact Bruce@Tru316.com.

Pastor Faith, Faithful to God's Call, Part 2

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Faith! Feed my sheep! In response to this renewed call Faith once more gathered God's sheep and shepherded them. The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series (Tru316.com/trubooks). Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

Pastor Faith, Evangelism Award Winner, Part 1

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Her first church grew from 15 to 50 people. Snake River Church was the start of her ministry as Pastor Faith.

Her current church is immigrant friendly. They now have people from Ethiopia as well as a growing Hispanic congregation.

Faith and her husband are both worship leaders and they love the people and they want them to follow Jesus.

When they started calling her husband Dave, "Pastor" too, Dan explained that he didn't go to seminary and he didn't preach and teach. His wife was the Pastor and he was pleased with that.

She asked Bruce Fleming to preach the Pentecost Sunday sermon which you can se at this link on the Tru316 YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/dQcijBy3T7A?si=BpmkWOL0GvOWUFs8

Osbaldo Valdes. This Presbyterian found alternative voices! Part 2 and Part 3

Sun, 7 Jul 2024 05:05:00 +0000

My Dad is from Mexico. My Mom is from El Salvador. I'm raised in Houston. Hispanic as they come. I came to my marriage with an authoritarian model. ... But then I began to learn from my wife to be. Our relationship became very equal. And it worked!

Hear Part Two of the Osbaldo Valdes Story on The Eden Podcast!

Osbaldo Valdes, Kaisis Podcast CoHost, Part 1

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Fleeing a church split he was taken under the wing of Pastor Todd in a new church.

Jo Saxton, Part 2, Using God's gifts in leadership!

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Part 2

Jo Saxton led a friend to Christ when she became a Christian! As a nine year old!

Now, she has founded the 'Ezer Collective to encourage women leaders in the church.

This is Part One on The Eden Podcast. Join Co-host Christy Gudim and Jo Saxton now!

Jo Saxton is a speaker, podcaster, and author. She is the founder of the Ezer Collective, an initiative dedicated to investing in women leaders around the world, equipping them to own their voice, and boldly step into their calling. She currently serves as the Executive Director of The 25 (a leadership development initiative) at Bethel University.

Born to Nigerian parents and raised in London, England, Jo now lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two daughters. She loves everyday stuff like good music, good food, and good friends.

Links:

General Website: https://www.josaxton.com/

Ezer Collective: https://www.josaxton.com/ezer-collective

Lead Stories Podcast: https://www.leadstoriespodcast.com/

Books: https://www.josaxton.com/books

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1josaxton

Instagram: @josaxton

Threads: @josaxton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josaxton/

Links for Jo Saxton

Links for Christy Gudim:

Jo Saxton, Founder of Ezer Collective, mobilizing leaders

bf0007@me.com (Jo Saxton, Dr. Joy Fleming, Christy Gudim, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Jo Saxton led a friend to Christ when she became a Christian! As a nine year old! she revealed leadership gifts over and over through the years. Now, she has founded the 'Ezer Collective to encourage women leaders in the church.

This is Part One on The Eden Podcast. Join Co-host Christy Gudim and Jo Saxton now!

Born to Nigerian parents and raised in London, England, Jo now lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two daughters. She loves everyday stuff like good music, good food, and good friends.

Links:

General Website: https://www.josaxton.com/

Ezer Collective: https://www.josaxton.com/ezer-collective

Lead Stories Podcast: https://www.leadstoriespodcast.com/

Books: https://www.josaxton.com/books

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1josaxton

Instagram: @josaxton

Threads: @josaxton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josaxton/

Links for Jo Saxton

Links for Christy Gudim:

We ask about toxic patriarchy. Mark Strauss, NIV Committee PART 2.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 9 Jun 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Dr. Mark Strauss of the NIV Update Committee explains how it requires a 70% super majority to make a change. Any change you would like to suggest to the Committee? Be in prayer for this excellent team of scholars as they meet this month.

Mark Strauss, When the Bible is inclusive but translations are not.

Sun, 2 Jun 2024 05:05:00 +0000

How do we translate Greek verses that clearly include men and women. One cannot always say, "Literally a word means 'fathers'" when clearly the range of potential meaning in some cases includes mother and father." Join us for this lively discussion on The Eden Podcast with the Vice Chair of the NIV Update Committee, Dr. Mark Strauss, author of 40 Questions About Bible Translation.

Back to Eden, Chapter 3 - 1st Timothy 2:1-7

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 26 May 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Some commentators DON'T KNOW WHY Paul put these ideas in chapter 2 of 1 Timothy! They haven't seen that Paul is dealing with the second of his own three sins and with those who committed similar sins. This is chapter 3 of the book Back to Eden on 1 Timothy 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming. Learn why Paul writes about persecutors and wants all to come to knowledge of the savior! See how these verses lead up to his command to retrain and restore women overseers to active ministry again.

This section begins with verse 1 and ends with verse 7 of 1 Timothy 2. Go Deeper? Read the book by Bruce C. E. Fleming titled Back to Eden, 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16. You can also enroll in the Back to Eden Workshop offered by the Tru316 Foundation. See Tru316 dot com/workshop

Andrew Bartlett and his Response to Mike Winger

Sun, 19 May 2024 05:05:00 +0000

We asked Andrew Bartlett about Mike Winger's many videos. On this episode of The Eden Podcast here are his comments.

All this put Bruce in mind of the lesson in logic he learned in seminary one day - "Many weak arguments do not add up to one strong argument. Many weak arguments only add up to one big WEAK argument!" Find out what kind of arguments Andrew makes of Mike's arguments! Andrew hopes Mike develops better study skills and comes up with better Bible analysis.

Andrew Bartlett and Terran Williams are posting their analysis of Mike's videos on Terran's blog here: https://terranwilliams.com/a-first-response-to-mike-wingers-11%c2%bd-hrs-video-on-1-timothy-2/

The Andrew Bartlett Story - From UK Arbitrator to Author on Men and Women in the Bible

Sun, 12 May 2024 05:05:00 +0000

He set out to write a resource book that was not sharply for one side or the other. In doing so he found one of the sides had no Biblical support. Now he is a balanced advocate for the mutualist or biblical egalitarian interpretation of the Bible. And he can explain why in detail!

Andrew Bartlett is a popular speaker and author of Men and Women in Christ, Fresh light from the Biblical Texts. When He researched and wrote his boo he was not aware of the Tru316 publications by Dr. Joy Fleming. After having discovered them he is incorporating the insight that in Genesis 3:16 God took action in two ways, multiplying two things not one as many Bible versions mistranslate the Hebrew words for their readers.

Go deeper?

Dr. Joy Fleming's book is Man and Woman in Biblical Unity, Theology from Genesis 2-3.

Andrew Bartlett's book is available from Inter Varsity Press.

God Rescued Elizabeth from Terrible Advice

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 5 May 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Elizabeth received bad advice from her spiritual advisors and lived through troublesome years.

We are thrilled to present The Elizabeth Heger Story - mother of 9 children in NW Montana.

She built her own house and has built a lot more!

Here is her You Tube Channel documenting some of her experiences.

www.youtube.com/@HeGaveHerWingsIn

316 Day Keynote Address: Why does one verse matter? by Joanne Hagemeyer

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Joanne, a former BSF Teaching Leader, takes us through the history of interpretation errors on men and women. She points us to Dr. Joy Fleming's doctoral dissertation (available for purchase at Tru316.com/shop). You can see the excleent graphics she used for this presentation on the @Tru316 YouTube Channel.

Inaugural 316 Medallion Award Presentation by Jean and Dr. Joy

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 05:05:00 +0000

The Tru316 Medallion Award presentation was made by Dr. Joy Fleming and Prayer Team Volunteer Jean Bearden to Joanne Hagemeyer! The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series (Tru316.com/trubooks). Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

From the Bare Marriage Podcast to The Eden Podcast - the Bethany Soflin Story!

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 05:05:00 +0000

A home schooling Mom and a college student, Bethany has taken The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Previously she was tied up in in knots trying to make sure she let her husband lead her and trying not to speak up in church before the men. Then she listened to the Bare Marriage Podcast (Episode #I99) and discovered The Eden Podcast.

She noticed that Dr. Joy Fleming and Rev. Bruce C. E. Fleming highly respected Scripture too and she read The Book of Eden on Genesis 2-3. In her own words learn what she discovered!

316 Day Part 3. More Tru Stories! from Max to Marcus

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Mon, 8 Apr 2024 07:30:05 +0000

The Tru16 Message matters! Here are four listeners telling their stories at the 316 Day 2024 Celebration.

316 Day. Part 2 Tru School & Laura's testimonial

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Tru316.com/workshop is the best way for the Word to come alive in your mind and heart. Start THIS MONDAY EVENING, April 1, with The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3!

316 Day Celebration 2024, Part 1 Joy & Bruce

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Almost 200,000 downloads from 125 countries of The Eden Podcast as we completed Year 1 of The Tru316 Foundation. More than 100 students have completed their study of Tru School Workshops like The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3 (see www.Tru316.com/workshop) And so much more! Join us for Part 1 of this fabulous Celebration for Year 1 of the Tru316 Foundation.

Some Guests who have appeared on The Eden Podcast this past year. Dr. Mark Strauss, vice chair of the NIV Update Committee, Dr. Carmen Imes, Old Testament Professor at Biola University, Dr. Keith Gregoire of the Bare Marriage Podcast, Judy Douglass of Cru Women's Ministry, Liz Beyer of CBE International and many more!

Join us in the next episodes for our Guest Testimonials and our Keynote Speaker!

Theologian married to a Theologian - The Nick Quient Story

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 05:05:00 +0000

First a closet deist, he gave his life to Christ, met Allison his wife and BOTH are doing their doctorates in theology. "If I hadn't met Allison, I don't know where I'd be." How have Nick and Allison built a life together in the face of restrictions many teach should be placed on woman? Hear the Nick Quient Story on The Eden Podcast!

Tru Talk for 3-16 Day 2024 by Dr. Max Botner

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Max Botner, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 05:05:00 +0000

"Protology?" Yes! The priority of protology is stressed by Professor Dr. Max Botner as he gives this TRU Talk as part of the 3/16 Day 2024 Celebration!

Tru Talk for 3-16 Day 2024 by April Shippy

bf0007@me.com (April Shippy, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:05:00 +0000

April found that many systems and beliefs taught by her church did harm and did not correspond to the Bible. Here she endorses going deeper with the Tru School Workshops offered by the Tru316 Foundation!

Make sure to check out Season 1 and Episode 1 on The Eden Podcast!

Tru Talk for 3-16 Day on March 16 by Divine Dissident

bf0007@me.com (Divine Dissident, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 05:05:00 +0000

She was told she couldn’t explain the Bible and the way of salvation because “she was a woman.” In many other ways she faced hurtful restrictions based on her gender. She studied the Bible and listened to The Eden Podcast from the Tru316 Foundation. Divine Dissident prepared this special greeting for the 3/16 Day 2024 Celebration!

The Terran Williams Story - Part 3

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 06:05:00 +0000

The Terran Williams Story - Part 3. The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series (Tru316.com/trubooks). Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

The Terran Williams Story - Part 2.

Sun, 3 Mar 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Pastor Terran got the other staff members together. "Guys I think we've got it wrong!" I thought they all would accept right away what I had found. But they didn't. And they went to strident people on the other side and read what they had written and I was asking for a sociological miracle.

Have you seen him talking with Sheila Gregoire on The Bare Marriage Podcast? Have you watched him correcting a YouTuber's incorrect teaching on women in ministry? Here is Part 1 in our multi-part interview of joyful South African Pastor Terran Williams, author of How God Sees Women, The End of Patriarchy.

Terran was an avid surfer who came from a divorced family, and a gay father who was one of the first to die of AIDS. Invited to a surfer camp that was a ministry outreach he heard the Good News of life in Christ and gave his heart to Jesus. Instantly he wanted to tell others this same Good News and he has been doing so ever since!

How did he become a pastor of a very large church? How did he take on the challenge to prove women should be kept out of ministry but saw the error of this view? How did his realization cost him his pastorate? What did he put in his book How God Sees Women, the End of Patriarchy.

All this and more as we launch into Season 14 of The Eden Podcast on audio and on the Tru316 YouTube Channel!

The Terran Williams Story - Part 1. From Surfer Dude to New Pastor!

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 06:05:00 +0000

All this and more as we launch into Season 14 of The Eden Podcast on audio and on the Tru316 YouTube Channel!

Back to Eden, Chapter 2

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 06:05:00 +0000

The word patterns in 1 Timothy have been overlooked. The results have been disastrous. Let's look at Paul's Three Sins, the Three Sections to the whole book of 1 Timothy and at the Jump Jump High Jump Patter in 1 Timothy 1:18-3:16!

Mimi and Vicky | The “Because of Eden” Workshop on 1 Cor 11 & 14

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men.

Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series. https://amzn.to/48RJqdl

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming. Season 1 Episode 1.

https://apple.co/3QRBO3z

The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 and The Eden Book Series by Bruce C. E. Fleming

https://amzn.to/49y817d

Cecilie Croissant | The importance of both the female and male voices in church

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men.

Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series. https://amzn.to/48RJqdl

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming. Season 1 Episode 1.

https://apple.co/3QRBO3z

The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 and The Eden Book Series by Bruce C. E. Fleming

https://amzn.to/49y817d

Tru Friends Friday - Dr. Mike Davis. Do First Borns Rank Higher In God's Eyes?

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:43:07 +0000

Back to Eden - Chapter 1. Don't miss the great TRUTH used 3 times in 1 Timothy!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Let's look at the hermeneutical keys that unlock the meaning of the clobber verses in 1 Timothy 2. What they've been telling you - that women are prohibited from teaching men in church - is FAR from the truth!

Author and scholar, Bruce C. E. Fleming walks us through the Introduction and Chapter One of his breakthrough book Back to Eden, 1 Timothy 2-3. NOTE the subtitle: Corrected and Restored by Jesus the faithful Word.

Go Deeper? Sign up for our Tru School two-week zoom Workshops, including Workshop #3, Back to Eden!

Tru Team: Jean and Mimi - The Back to Eden Workshop on 1 Timothy 2-3!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Mimi Ouimet, Jean Bearden) — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Does the Bible prohibit women from teaching men in church? Bothered by 1 Timothy 2:12? Don't be. It turns out that verse 12 is only the second half of a long sentence that starts with verse 11. And these verses are part of a major command Paul gave to Timothy on how to retrain the subgroup of overseers in Ephesus who had gone astray.

All this and more is covered in the Back to Eden Workshop on 1 Timothy 2-3! Jean and Mimi are both trainers in our Tru School program and you can go through a 2-week long workshop with them along with author and scholar Rev. Bruce C. E. Fleming.

Go deeper! Join the next Workshop offered by Tru School here: Tru316.com/workshop.

#Tru316too

Cecilie Croissant. How to Avoid Causing Secondary Trauma

bf0007@me.com (Mimi Ouimet, Cecilie Croissant) — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Sadly, a trauma victim can be re-traumatized by an ill-informed people helper. Twisted beliefs based on twisted understandings of mistranslated key passages on women and men cause great harm. But with study they can be de-weaponized and bring great healing! On this episode of The Eden Podcast, author and licensed counselor Cecile Croissant presents how to be truly safe and helpful to victims.

The 4 books in The Eden Book Series provide readers with a safe and de-weaponized understanding of the "clobber passages." Go to Tru316.com/trubooks.

Is your Bible translation inaccurate?

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode we walk through a checklist of points to see if your translation is accurate regarding the verses we Tru in our podcasts, workshops, books, and other resources. How does your Bible translation do? Please let us know!

Tru Friends Friday - Dr. Mike Davis. Part 2. The Unnamed Woman in 2 Sam. 20!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Fri, 9 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Beyond Eden - Chapter 6 on Ephesians 5:33-6:9. Reciprocal Family Relationships!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Thu, 8 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Head of the house? Master of slaves? Not according to Ephesians 5:33-6:9! When we go back to Eden with the Apostle Paul we see that he teaches Spirit-filled family members to build up one another while reciprocally submitting to one another! Author Bruce C. E. Fleming reads the final chapter in his book, Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9.

Bruce C. E. Fleming Part 3 | Launching a High School and two Foundations!

bf0007@me.com (Christy Fleming Gudim, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Wed, 7 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Back then, my wife Dr. Joy Fleming, and her mother, Grace Elasky, prayed that God would raise up a high school for Christy to attend when she reached 9th grade. Joy then recruited me to see if we could put one together. God wonderfully raised up a founding core group and we worked together to design and launch, just in time, Southwest Christian High School (swchs.org). From our opening class of 30 students the school has grown to 500+ students in what came to be labeled a "Discipleship Christian High School."

And now God is leading us and a new team to grow the Tru316 Foundation to "true" the verse of Genesis 3:16 and related passages on women and men. What a joy to watch God bless this new institution as it grows in strength and outreach!

Bruce C. E. Fleming Part 2 | To France and then Africa!!

bf0007@me.com (Christy Fleming Gudim, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 6 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Nobody else had volunteered to run for Student Body President at the seminary. They were all busy with their master's level studies. I was too but when I learned the four student officers would have a private lunch every Friday with the Dean, Dr. Kantzer, I signed up. What a mentor he was to us!

Because of that, it turned out I was chosen to represent the school the next summer at the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization! What an experience that was. 4,000 evangelists and ministry leaders from around the world. It blew out the walls of my limited world view.

And because of that I learned of the first evangelical graduate seminary that was going to launched in French-speaking Africa. I didn't see it coming, but later I was picked to become a professor in that very school.

This is Part 2 in the pilgrimage of Bruce C. E. Fleming, co-founder of the Tru316 Foundation and host of The Eden Podcast!

Bruce C. E. Fleming Part 1 | I learned how to let the Bible speak!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Christy Fleming Gudim) — Mon, 5 Feb 2024 06:05:00 +0000

In my early years as a speaker in Youth Ministry I developed the bad habit of picking my ILLUSTRATIONS FIRST and burying the message of the passages that were assigned to me to speak on! It took me a year and a half in seminary to learn how to let the passage speak for itself! At the Tru316 Foundation we take great care to let God speak to us through word studies and through analysis of the literary patterns that are present in the 7 key passages on women and men related to Genesis 3:16.

I had a handful of illustrations I always used. But the Bible speaks to us about more than that! I'm afraid many others in ministry haven't carefully let the original 11 Hebrew words in Genesis 3:16 speak to us. What my wife clearly revealed in her research on Genesis 2-3 we carefully included in two of our books (see Tru316.com/trubooks),

Man and Woman in Biblical Unity: Theology from Genesis 2-3 by Dr. Joy Fleming (available as a free audiobook from the top section of Tru316.com, and as an eBook on Amazon)
The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming (available as a hard copy and an eBook from Amazon and as an audiobook on Audible)

Go Deeper? Sign up for the next cohort to go through two-week hour-long Tru School Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3 here: Tru316.com/workshop

Tru Friends Friday - Dr. Mike Davis. Echoes of Slavery "justification!"

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Christy Fleming Gudim, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Fri, 2 Feb 2024 06:05:00 +0000

It is stunning how slave holders before the American Civil War tried to justify their actions with arguments similar to those used by those who restrict women in the church and the home! Christy is stunned as she and Bruce talk with Rev. Dr. Mike David on this Tru Friend Friday episode of The Eden Podcast!

Here are some of books Mike referred to on this episode.

The Civil War as a Theological Crisis, by Mark A. Noll
Slavery, Sabbath, War and Women, by Willard M. Swartley
Slaves In The New Testament: Literary, Social And Moral Dimensions, by J. Albert Harrill
Theology and Slavery: Charles Hodge and Horace Bushnell. by Dr. David Torbett
“Defensing Slavery: Proslavery Thought in the Old South: A Brief History with Documents, by Professor Paul Finkelman
The Trinity and Subordinationism: The Doctrine of God and the Contemporary Gender-Debates, by Kevin Giles (specifically part 3: The Slavery Tradition chapters 10-13)
“The Religious Defense of Slavery before 1830" (online article), by Larry R. Morrison

Here's a link to his previous appearance on The Eden Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-eden-podcast-with-bruce-c-e-fleming/id1536987547?i=1000635141113

Beyond Eden - Chapter 5. Ephesians 5:25b clears up the confusion!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Thu, 1 Feb 2024 06:05:00 +0000

The relationship of believers is meant to be modeled after Christ's two actions referred to in Ephesians 5:25b. He loves and gives of himself.

Paul uses these words in the SAME linchpin pattern used in Genesis 2 and 3 in Ephesians 5:25. He had the Garden of Eden very much in mind for he later quotes from Genesis 2:24. What these lookbacks to Eden mean in this passage helps us understand the parts that have puzzled many for so long!

This passage is much like Handel's gloriously complex Hallelujah Chorus. as we study the literary patterns woven together from Ephesians 5:15 all the way to 6:9 we get clarity on Paul's great message of reciprocal care in the body with Christ!

Go Deeper? You can sign up for the next Tru School Workshop on Ephesians 5-6 here: Tru316.com/workshop

#Tru316too

The audiobook of Beyond Eden by Bruce C. E. Fleming is available on Audible!

Tru Team: Emily and Mimi - The Beyond Eden Workshop on Ephesians 5-6!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Mimi Ouimet, Emily Derby) — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:10:27 +0000

No, Ephesians 5-6 is NOT primarily about marriage. No, it does NOT teach wifely submission or that a man is the head of the house. This passage DOES teach how Spirit-filled believers are to walk out their life in Christ. Believers are to teach and admonish other believers from the Word of God. In turn they all are to submit to the teaching and correction they receive from one another. This passage is about RECIPROCAL SUBMISSION and unity with Jesus in the Body of Christ! Dive Deeper? Join the next Beyond Eden Workshop on Ephesians 5-6. Click www.Tru316.com/workshop!

Go deeper! Join the next Workshop offered by Tru School here: Tru316.com/workshop.

#Tru316too

Tru Team: PART TWO. Joanne - now in a doctoral program.

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Joanne has "a wonderful story on how God uses the Internet!" And hers is a wonderful story how she volunteered to help spread the Tru316 Message.

She set up the @Tru316 YouTube Channel.
She volunteered to write the "BSF style" Study Guides for the chapters in The Eden Book Series.
She co-hosted Seasons 6-9 of The Eden Podcast
She wrote the Study Guides for Dr. Joy Fleming's foundational book Man and Woman in Biblical Unity, Theology from Genesis 2-3.
She is one of the co-hosts on the Interview episodes of Seasons 12-13 of The Eden Podcast

Any wonder that we have named her to receive The Tru316 Medallion Award for the celebrations of 3/16 Day 2024 on March 16 in Minneapolis!

Tru Team: PART ONE. Joanne. Church doors were closed to her.

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Joanne Hagemeyer recalls how doors were closed to women for ministry in many ways. "I didn’t have a place in the church but I had a place in this Bible study." (It was Bible study Fellowship where eventually she was a Teaching Leader for many years). She has continued to use her gifts where there was an open door.

Joanne Hagemeyer went on to build up the Tru316 ministry by launching the @Tru316 YouTube Channel, writing the Study Guides for the 4 books in The Eden Book Series and also Dr. Joy Fleming's book, Man and Woman in Biblical Unity - Theology from Genesis 2-3. (You can get copies from Tru316.com/trubooks).

The 4 Tru School Workshops based on Genesis 3:16!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:25:00 +0000

Part 3. Mimi and Christy talk about the 4 Tru School Workshops that are inspired by the insights of the Tru316 Message - "that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way." These hour-long small group Zoom Sessions open up the meaning of Genesis 2-3, Ephesians 5-6, 1 Timothy 2-3, and 1 Corinthians 11 & 14 and 1 Peter 3.

Altogether, in just 48 hours of Workshop participation, you will gain clarity on these key passages on women and men!

Enroll now to be a part of the next cohort of The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3! Or click here: https://tru316-truschool.mykajabi.com/offers/4DLHUAfq/checkout

Part 2. Tru Team Interviews - Mimi Ouimet, Tru School Workshop Lead

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 07:49:15 +0000

Part 2! Raised in a difficult home life. Then ministering without mentoring. She served as a pastor's wife for 38 years. Now leading the Tru School Workshops she Mimi thanks God for being faithful. She is sensitive to each student as they consider the Tru316 Message and find freedom in Christ. in the Tru School Workshops like The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3.

Go deeper? Click Tru316.com/workshop!

Tru Team Interviews - Mimi Ouimet, Tru School Workshop Lead, Part 1

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

The 2-week, 6-session Tru School Workshops take us through the Garden of Eden and related passages on women and men! Mimi is our Workshop coordinator. Here is Part 1 of her story!

Go deeper? Click Tru316.com/workshop!

Ephesians 5-6 in the light of Genesis 3:16 (Best Of)

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Here is a BEST OF episode from Season 5 on The Eden Podcast. People tend to go astray in their translation and interpretation of Ephesians 5-6 for lack of the proper understanding of Genesis 2-3.

Go Deeper? You can sign up for the next time we offer The Beyond Eden Workshop on Ephesians 5-6. Simply go to Tru316.com/workshop and sign up!

Pastor Jay Pound on Ephesians 5-6 from the book "Beyond Eden"

bf0007@me.com (Jay Pound, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Hear how Pastor Jay Pound took insights on Ephesians 5-6 from the book Beyond Eden and preached his Sunday sermon. "This passage has generated a lot of controversy, a lot of discussion ..." says Pastor Jay from the start on this episode of The Eden Podcast brought to you by the Tru316 Foundation (Tru316.com).

As Bruce C. E. Fleming reveals, this passage is NOT primarily about marriage and certainly NOT AT ALL about so-called wifely submission. This passage IS about relationships in the church with one another and with Jesus Christ.

Those who are filled with the Spirit build up one another and submit to one another in a beneficial reciprocal relationship.

Go deeper? Sign up for the next Beyond Eden Workshop here: Tru316.com/workshop Can't wait? Order a copy of the book Beyond Eden - mutually submitting in Christ by Bruce C. E. Fleming here: Tru316.com/trubooks

"Best of" - Pastor Mike's Tru Talk! Researching Eden.

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Mike Davis, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

What had scholars found out about The Garden of Eden? That was this pastor's question as he prepared to preach on Genesis 3:16. "It really makes a big difference! It changes what we see the passage is saying and is not saying."

"The research brings liberty and a greater sense of freedom from a misinterpretation of the text."

Pastor Stephanie O'Brien on Ephesians 5-6 from the book "Beyond Eden"

bf0007@me.com (Stephanie O'Brien, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

This is a Sunday morning sermon on Ephesians 5-6 preached by Rev. Stephanie O'Brien using the research presented in the book "Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9." Pastor Stephanie O'Brien is also a professor and a podcaster!

Bruce Fleming's Pentecost Sunday Sermon on Ephesians 5-6 (Best of)

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Believers who are Spirit-filled teach and admonish one another AND they submit themselves to this care from one another! This is the key to understanding Ephesians 5:19a to 22 and to the rest of the passage. This is a "Best of" presentation taken from a Sunday sermon preached by Bruce C. E. Fleming in St. Cloud, Minnesota on Pentecost Sunday.

From "Women & Men in the Light of Eden" (Chinese)

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

A look at the Hebrew words and word patterns of Genesis 2-3, and especially of Genesis 3:16, reveals that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way! An excerpt in Chinese from the book Women and Men in the Light of Eden by Bruce C. E. Fleming! Video verseion is here: https://youtu.be/r_hJKGS3vYE?si=FkxiKt_i2pMCCNus

Natalie & Bruce Apply The Eden Bible Study to Abusive Situations

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

After laying the foundation of Genesis 2-3 rightly understood, Bruce and Natalie move to two very HOT topics.

What about wayward overseers in church?

What about wayward spouses in the home?

Learn more? On Wayward overseers in 1 Timothy 2-3 you can order a copy of Bruce's book on 1 Timothy 2-3 from our special order page. It is titled Back to Eden! Here's the link: Tru316.com/trubooks

Natalie's website is https://www.flyingfreenow.com/.

Her book, Is it Me? is available from our order page: Tru316.com/trubooks

Natalie and Bruce do The Eden Bible Study

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Natalie Ann Hoffman) — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Have you found the Garden of Eden details in Genesis 2-3 to be a bit mixed or worse? Do we learn good news about God or bad news? The Hebrew text definitely presents us with good news. And it presents the bad news of the attack. Learn more about who did what and with what results. Was Eve cursed? Did God change the roles originally planned? All this and more in this discussion with Bruce C. E. Fleming of The Eden Podcast with popular podcaster Natalie Hoffman of the Flying Free Podcast.

Jessica built out The Eden Course on Genesis 2-3 with videos and quizzes!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Jessica Nagy) — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

How do YOU learn best? By listening? Try The Eden Podcast! By reading? Get The Eden Book Series starting with The Book of Eden on Genesis 2-3. Small group studies your style? Sign up for Tru School Workshops on tru316.com/workshop.

What about your own self-paced course? With special videos and quizzes by Jessica Nagy and all the rest too! For you! Your high school home school student! Yourself! You can purchase it now at TheEdenCourse.com

"Best of" - We Asked Dr. Joy to Tell Her Story!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 9 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Genesis 3:16 had been mistranslated. Many harmful misconceptions had arisen. Many harmful practices had been propagated.

In her research Joy opens up the 7-point chiasm in Genesis 2-3 and especially the patterns related to Genesis 3:16. It turns out that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.

You can discover these insights and more in her books available from Tru316.com/trubooks

"Best of" - Sheila asks Bruce about "Head" in Ephesians 5

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Mon, 8 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

The HEAD/BODY METAPHOR in Ephesians 5:15-6:9 is often misunderstood. People mistakenly think and teach something about military hierarchy when this passage is NOT about that!

Most people miss the COMPLETELY NEW MEANING FOR "SUBMISSION" Paul puts together in Ephesians 5:21 and uses immediately after in 5:22-24. He changes the worldly vertical meaning with someone UNDER submitting to someone OVER to a Spirit-filled Christian reciprocating horizontal relationship of building up one another and submitting to that building up from another!

Go deeper! Take the Beyond Eden Workshop from Tru316 Foundations' Tru School. Here's a link - Tru316.com/workshop. Get a copy of Bruce C. E. Fleming's book, Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9 from Tru316.com/trubooks

Tru Friends Friday - Rev. Kelly VanArsdol

bf0007@me.com (Kelly VanArsdol, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Fri, 5 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Pastor Kelly set out to preach on Genesis 1-3 and came across the research of the Tru316 Foundation. He used The Book of Eden - Genesis 2-3 for part of his research. The result was a balanced and powerful sermon! See the volumes in The Eden Book Series and more at Tru316.com/trubooks

Beyond Eden - 4. Christian Submission is NOT What You Have Been Told.

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Thu, 4 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Have you seen the literary patterns that speak to us in Ephesians 5:15-6:9? They prevent us from taking these verses out of context.

Paul teaches that believers are to be mutually building up one another. They are to teach and correct one another. And they are to submit themselves to what they are receiving fro one another. This is a HORIZONTAL and RECIPROCAL SUBMISSION that is world's away from the vertical submission many people teach about these verses.

Christian wives and husbands serve as an excellent example of this functional unity in Christ. These verses are not primarily about marriage. Rather, they illustrate how to be being filled with the Spirit (5:18b). They give us a picture of the unity of the body of Christ that is the central idea of this passage (5:31-32).

Go Deeper? Please get a copy of Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9 -- The Great Mystery Revealed: Mutually Submitting in Christ. It is available at Tru316.com/trubooks. Here's the link from that page: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Eden-Ephesians-5-6-Submitting/dp/0972575936?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1699306961&sr=1-1-catcorr&linkCode=sl1&tag=trubooks-20&linkId=9eba1907d83f278d8773a8640cc38f97&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Workshop Wednesday - Devra and Benjamin Waterman

Wed, 3 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

They met in Virginia and married while each was in the Air Force. Now living in Oklahoma they have 6 children and have a house church! They both joined us to study The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 as part of The Eden Workshop, 2-week Zoom course. This is the Devra and Benjamin Waterman Story on The Eden Podcast!

Dr. Max Botner, Podcaster and Bible Prof!

Tue, 2 Jan 2024 06:05:00 +0000

What is the cultural context from which Bible passages came? How does the Tru316 Message free people to focus on the word patterns and the words themselves? Bible Professor Dr. Max Botner teaches all this and more in local churches, in the college classroom and on his podcast!

Beyond Eden - Chapter 3. The 4 Steps of Ephesians 5:19a-21.

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

The main ideas in this section of Ephesians are in 5:18, 5:21 and 5:32. Have you seen how the Spirit-filled life is described in FOUR Steps in 5:19a-21? In 5:19a Paul uses ONE word (speaking) but in the parallel verse of Colossians 3:16 he uses TWO (teaching and admonishing). THEN Paul links the horizontal and reciprocal mutual submitting of believers with these two ideas from 5:19a. The teaching point: Spirit-filled believers submit to the teaching and corrections they give and receive from one another.

GO DEEPER? Get a copy of the book Beyond Eden, the Great Mystery Revealed: Mutually Submitting in Christ. https://amzn.to/4aEBA7V

"Best Of" Tru Talks - Brian Nystrom, co-founder of 50+ clinics!

bf0007@me.com (Brian J Nystrom, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Dr. Flemings' research helps men and women look at one another in a proper way. The partnership model revealed by the Tru316 Foundation's research is a model I have used in hundreds of counseling hours.

I am deeply indebted to the Flemings for Tru316. Please support Tru316.

REPLAY - The Mom Podcast Cohosts Ask About the New Testament Passages

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Christy Fleming Gudim, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

In one episode what God did and said in Eden vs what others have been saying about Eden. The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series (Tru316.com/trubooks). Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

Rev. Dr. Bill Rudd. Author of "Should Women Be Pastors?"

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

His daughter showed him biblical theology on women and men that STUNNED him. This is Dr. Bill Rudd's Story on The Eden Podcast!

Past Board Chair of Cedarville University and Baptist Pastor, Dr. Rudd is the author of Should Women be Pastors and Leaders in Church - my journey to discover what the Bible says about Gender Roles. Here's that LINK. https://amzn.to/47fvcB9

Tru Friends Friday. Liz Beyer, CBE Staff and Book Editor!

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Liz Beyer found Dr. Joy Fleming's book to be a great help. We dive into this and more of her story on this episode of The Eden Podcast.

Liz Beyer is the editor of two volumes by CBE International. They are

Mutual by Design: A Better Model of Christian Marriage. https://amzn.to/41idcol

Created to Thrive: Creating Abuse-free Faith Communitieshttps://amzn.to/3RI1a48

You can find books by Dr. Joy Fleming and Bruce C. E. Fleming, and books by other authors featured on The Eden Podcast on our TruBooks page. When you use these links you help the Tru316 Foundation as well! Tru316.com/trubooks

Beyond Eden, Chapter 2. Spirit-filled Walking. Ephesians 5:15-21!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Have you noticed the Pattern of Fours used by Paul in the end of Ephesians 5? Have you noticed the Jump, Jump, High Jump pattern in the passage of Ephesians 5:15-6:9? These patterns communicate the message of the passage in addition to the meanings of the words that are used.

Go deeper? We are working our way through the book Beyond Eden on Ephesians 5:15 to 6:9. You can get a copy as an eBook, as a paperback or as an audio book on Audible on our Trubooks page on www.Tru316.com/trubooks

Other books discussed on The Eden Podcast are also shown on the TruBooks page. Whenever you buy a book using the links here you help the author of that book and you also help support the Tru316 Foundation (wwwTru316.com), which is the home of The Eden Podcast.

Mandy & Joey Hall. Successful Tru School Workshop Students

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Mandy and Joey Hall use their Tru School training to reach out in various ways. Mandy specifically encourages those she works with in her nonprofit ministries.

Should you enroll like Mandy and Joey have done in a Tru School Workshop like The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3 or the Beyond Eden Workshop on Ephesians 5-6? These Workshop Wednesday Episodes on The Eden Podcast bring you the tru stories of the men and women who have successfully completed one or more two-week Workshops.

You too can enroll now. Simply visit www.Tru316.com/workshop for more information. Then sign up to join the next small group cohort for two week's of our Monday-Wednesday. They run from 7:3-8:30. If you have to miss one or more Sessions you will be sent the replay.

Dr. Bev Nyberg, U.S. State Department Official. EFCA Missionary.

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

The world she grew up in restricted women regardless of their gifts and calling. Female students were not called on in her High School Physics class. Women were even kept from ushering in church.

When she talked with Joy Fleming who opened to her the meaning of Genesis 2-3 and especially Genesis 3:16 she was both relieved and angry. Find out more as we share the Dr. Beverly Nyberg Story!

Media Monday. Dr. Jeff Miller of CBE Bible Project

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Jeff Miller is the lead facilitator of the Bible Translation Project of CBE International. They are working on a new translation of 513 verses in the Old and New Testament. A commentary is being developed related to the translation process. Let's pray for all translators as they seek to communicate in modern languages the eternal Word of God from the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament. Previously, Dr. Jeff Miller served as editor of Priscilla Papers, the academic journal of CBE International.

He lives with his wife, Dana, in eastern Tennessee. He is committed to teaching the Bible, both at Milligan University where he is employed and in local congregations. He is also involved in worship ministry, primarily as a pianist.

Links: Priscilla Papers https://www.cbeinternational.org/primary_page/priscilla-papers-academic-journal/

Review of The Book of Eden by Bruce C. E. Fleming and Dr. Joy Fleming https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/book-eden-genesis-2-3-god-didnt-curse-eve-or-adam-or-limit-woman-any-way/

Tru Friends Friday. YouTuber "Divine Dissident"

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Laura says, "The big problems I see are [extreme] fear-based preaching, the lack of genuine love, the abuse of authority, the unbiblical hierarchy of men over women in the home and in the church.

Laura interviewed Bruce C. E. Fleming on her YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/yaGMnM9v7-8?si=gXGj4LyPWjZQgdyH

What are helpful resources related to issues discussed on this episode?

Helpful books can be found at Tru316.com/trubooks

Including this one: Tools for Ministry Leaders to Help Victims of Abuse, by Cecilie Croissant, MA, LP https://amzn.to/3T6T3zi

Here’s a ministry organization others are finding helpful: Called to Peace Ministries. https://www.calledtopeace.org/who-we-help/churches/

The "Beyond Eden" book. Something Better than 'Very Good'!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

This is Book 2 in The Eden Book Series read by the author Bruce C. E. Fleming. These books also are used as the workbooks in the 2-week long workshops offered by Tru School! You can enroll today and start gaining clarity with the next small group. Learn more here: Tru316.com/workshop

Workshop Wednesday - The Debby Seguin Story

bf0007@me.com (Debby Seguin, Mimi Ouimet, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

As Debby sought answers to the chaos she was experiencing in her 30 year "Christian" marriage, she became educated on domestic abuse and for the last 3 years has been mentoring women of faith, on Facebook groups and one on one, who are caught in the same confusion she was.

Growing up in institutional care in Illinois she served in the Army in Texas and became a children’s librarian. She was one of the very first students who enrolled in The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3! We are pleased to present The Debby Seguin Story on The Eden Podcast!

More about Debby. She met her former husband at a large non-denominational church in San Antonio and raised her 3 children there. Debby divorced in 2020 and she and her 3 adult children now live in North Texas, 2 sons in Fort Worth and a daughter, along with her husband, who are raising 3 children on a ranch near Amarillo.

The Tru School 2-week long zoom workshops (Tru316.com/workshop) takes students in small cohort groups on intimate discovery sessions based on the Hebrew and Greek words and word patterns presented in the volumes of The Eden Book Series by Bruce and Joy Fleming.

What are helpful resources related to issues discussed on this episode?

Helpful books can be found at Tru316.com/trubooks

Including this one: Tools for Ministry Leaders to Help Victims of Abuse, by Cecilie Croissant, MA, LP https://amzn.to/3T6T3zi

Here’s a ministry organization others are finding helpful: Called to Peace Ministries. https://www.calledtopeace.org/who-we-help/churches/

Tru Talk Tuesday. Paula Collins, Trauma-informed LPC

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Paula says, I want to think right. I think that is part of what draws me to the Tru School Workshops on Genesis 3:16 and related passages. The Tru School 2-week long zoom workshops (Tru316.com/workshop) take students in small cohort groups on intimate discovery sessions based on the Hebrew and Greek words and word patterns presented in the volumes of The Eden Book Series by Bruce and Joy Fleming.

Paula Collins, MA, LPC, is a trauma-informed Professional Counselor licensed in Georgia and South Carolina. Her clinic is called: Looking Upward Moving Forward. Her website is lookingupwardmovingforward.com

She earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Reformed Theological Seminary in 1998 and works with individuals who seek counseling for depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and healing from trauma. She also works with couples seeking to improve their relationships. She is certified in EMDR.

Media Monday. Esme Bowers, From South Africa to the World!

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Asked how she mentors women Esme tells about serving as the Director of Leadership Development for Tirzah International with more than 300 women mentees!

Hear The Esme Bowers Story, a marvelous South Africa Christian Leader.

Esme Bowers is married to Theo, they have one daughter Nadine and live in Cape Town South Africa. Esme is a creative person having trained and worked in many professions as fashion designer, business director, and community developer.

She established the Consultation of Christian Churches in Cape Town (An interdenominational network of Christian Leaders addressing issues in the city) was one of the founding members of The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (presently serves as Chairperson) birthed The Women’s Ministry in the Full Gospel Church of God in SA serving as as president for 12 years, served as chair of The Pan African Christian Women’s Alliance for three terms, and has served on many national and global boards. In 2012 she was one of the founding members of African Women in Mission Network and presently serves as the chair. Her role as the International Secretary for the Lausanne movement gave her the opportunity to host the Lausanne CT2010 conference. She is presently the World Evangelical Alliance Director for the Department on ‘Church in Community’ working with a team of 10 global ministries in developing Healthy Churches.

Her real passion is seeing people, particularly women’s lives transformed by the power of the gospel and equipping them in their role as community transformers. One of her mantras is “the Whole Church taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World” (Lausanne).

On The Eden Book Series and The Eden Workshops, Esme says "These are all very valuable! I really want to commend what you guys are doing at the Tru316 Foundation and www.Tru316.com!

LINKS:

Tirzah International https://www.tirzah.org/

World Evangelical Alliance https://worldea.org/

Lausanne Movement https://lausanne.org/

PACWA Report https://lausanneworldpulse.com/lausannereports/1000/09-2008

Esme's interview is brought to you by The Tru316 Foundation which is the host of The Eden Podcast! You can support this ministry as a Tru Partner. Click this link: www.Tru316.com/partner

Tru Friends Friday. Rev. Michele Arndt. IVCF and Church Planting.

Fri, 8 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

She has preached and ministered in ways that her husband prefers not to. Others confirmed the gifts they saw in her. Yet her local church said that as a woman she wasn't supposed use them. Confusing? Not when we true the verse of Genesis 3:16 and related passages! The Tru316 Message is "that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way!"

Learn how God led and blessed Michele and her family step by step along the way.

Michele Arndt completed her MDiv at North Park Theological Seminary in 2022 and currently serves as the Pastor of Worship and Discipleship at Roseville Covenant Church in the Twin Cities. Previously, she planted a church in the Evangelical Covenant denomination and also served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for 8 years. Michele and her husband Jason have been married for 26 years and are enjoying life as empty nesters. Michele enjoys reading, preaching, music and writing along with newer hobbies like yoga and tap dancing.

Michele longs for the Church to bring the kingdom to our world in ways that sound like good news.

Would you like to join the Tru316 Foundation and spread the POSITIVE Message of Eden! We invite you to explore this link: Tru316.com/partner

Think Again Thursday. God Judges Adam. The Book of Eden chapter 8.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Thu, 7 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Did God tell the man to rule over the woman? Or was it the man's desire? Did the man righteously rule over the woman when he named her? Or was this another of his disobedient steps away from God's will?

This is the familiar yet surprising climax of the chapters on the Garden of Eden! Would you like to get a copy of The Book of Eden? In addition to what we're sharing on The Eden Podcast you'll find in-depth Study Guides after each chapter!

Here's the link. https://amzn.to/3Ri4YJo (It's also available as an eBook for just $3.16!)

Part 3: Carolyn Custis James. Author of Malestrom and Half the Church.

Wed, 6 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Part 3 of The Eden Podcast interview of Carolyn Custis James continues with these ideas. Judah had wandered away from God. He lived like a Canaanite. So did his three sons. His daughter in law lived righteously and God honored her. Judah learned much from her and surprisingly and thoroughly God turned his life around.

Carolyn Custis James (MA, Biblical Studies) travels extensively as a popular speaker for women's conferences, churches, colleges, seminaries, and other Christian organizations. Her ministry organization, WhitbyForum, promotes thoughtful biblical discussion to help men and women serve God together. Carolyn founded and is president of the Synergy Women's Network. She is a consulting editor for Zondervan's Exegetical Commentary Series on the New Testament and author of When Life and Beliefs Collide and Lost Women of the Bible. Carolyn and her husband live in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. They have one grown daughter.

Christianity Today named her in 2013 one of the 50 evangelical women to watch. She speaks regularly at church conferences, colleges, and for other Christian organizations both in the US and abroad and is a guest lecturer at various theological seminaries. She has been interviewed by the Associated Press and National Public Radio.

Here’s her website:https://carolyncustisjames.com

She is the author of numerous books. The latest is Malestrom: How Jesus Dismantles Patriarchy and Redefines Manhood, and she is well-known as the author of Half the Church: Recapturing God's Global Vision for Women.

Adjunct faculty member at Missio Seminary and is a consulting editor for Zondervan’s Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Carolyn serves on the advisory board of Logia—an initiative of the LOGOS Institute at the University of St. Andrews, UK committed to seeing Christian female scholars become more visible and valued in the academy and the church and is on the board of Institute for Bible Reading—dedicated to facilitate and energize a twenty-first century Bible reading movement.

Part 2: Carolyn Custis James. Author of Malestrom and Half the Church.

Tue, 5 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

This is Part 2 of Carolyn Custis James' insights into misread passages on key men and women. The focus is on Deborah, Jael, Barak, Judah and Tamar. Carolyn says: Patriarchy is not the Bible's message. It's the backdrop. The men in these Bible stories weren't following what men are "supposed to do." Instead they were embodying Jesus. Here’s her website:https://carolyncustisjames.com.

She is the author of numerous books. The latest is Malestrom: How Jesus Dismantles Patriarchy and Redefines Manhood, and she is well-known as the author of Half the Church: Recapturing God's Global Vision for Women. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Missio Seminary and is a consulting editor for Zondervan’s Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Adjunct faculty member at Missio Seminary and is a consulting editor for Zondervan’s Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Part 1: Carolyn Custis James. Author of Malestrom and Half the Church.

Mon, 4 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Here’s her website:https://carolyncustisjames.com

Adjunct faculty member at Missio Seminary and is a consulting editor for Zondervan’s Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Dr. Max Botner's extended personal interview of Bruce C. E. Fleming

bf0007@me.com (Dr, Dr. Max Botner, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sat, 2 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

"I prayed to receive Christ when I was 11 years old because nobody had explained how before then," Bruce recalls. When I read the Revised Standard Version of the Bible they gave me I didn't question it. After all, the cover said "Holy Bible."

I still don't question what God communicated to us but I have come to understand come to understand there are mis-translation and mis-interpretation issues in Genesis 3:16 and in the related passages on women and men. As the result of the extensive research of my wife, Joy Fleming, PhD, PsyD, and of my own doctoral level studies we have come to understand that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.

This why we have co-founded the Tru316 Foundation which is the home of The Eden Podcast, to "true" the verse of Genesis 3:16 and to spread the POSITIVE message of Eden! (www.Tru316.com)

Tru Friends Friday - Rev. Dan Boeck, Called to Peace Ministries

Fri, 1 Dec 2023 06:05:00 +0000

“Local churches may on occasion cause secondary trauma to victims of domestic abuse.” Rev. Dan Boeck served in pastoral ministry for nearly 30 years before joining the staff of Called to Peace Ministries where he is the Church Partnerships Coordinator. Currently, he consults with churches worldwide, presents at conferences and training events, and supervises a team of liaisons who help churches navigate the complexities of domestic abuse.

Dan and his wife, Shannon, live in Georgia and have five daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandsons.

LINK https://www.calledtopeace.org/who-we-help/churches/

Think Again Thursday - The 11 Tru Words of Genesis 3:16

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

What really happened in Genesis 3:16? Not what most would have you believe!

1. In Line 1 of Genesis 3:16 God took action in two ways NOT ONE. (1) When God cursed the ground because of the man causing sorrowful-toil, the woman would experience that too. (2) Had God foretold that the woman's offspring would crush the serpent's head? God confirmed that good news to her personally!

2. In Line 2 God explained she would experience psychological sorrow raising children as mother in a world of good and evil.

3. In Line 3 God looked into her heart. She had not rebelled. She yet affectionately desired her husband.

4. In line 4, the state of her husband's heart is revealed. He had rejected God and His Word. He would sinfully rule over her!

The Tru316 Foundation offers four Tru School Workshops for those who wish to go deeper. (Tru316.com/workshop)

You can even purchase The Eden Course, presented by Jessica Nagy, and study at your own speed. Work through videos, take the quizzes and access the extra resources and GAIN CLARITY on the POSITIVE message for women and men in Genesis 2-3! (TheEdenCourse.com)

Workshop Wednesday - The Sandy Bittrick Story. Aerospace engineer.

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Sandy uses her Tru School training to reach out to friends and loved ones. Many are confused. Some refuse what she offers. But Sandy now has clarity and confidence in the Word and won't be going back!

Wonder if you should enroll in a Tru School Workshop like The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3 or the Beyond Eden Workshop on Ephesians 5-6? These Workshop Wednesday Episodes on The Eden Podcast bring you the tru stories of the men and women who have successfully completed one or more two-week Workshops.

Tru Talk Tuesday. Beth Moorhead - Westgate Church Counseling Center

bf0007@me.com (Beth Moorhead, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Don Owsley, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

From airline flight attendant to in-church Christian counselor. Hearing Corrie Ten Boom changed her life and brought Beth Moorhead to a ministry of healing hearts and lives at Westgate Church in the Twin Cities area. Beth found out about the Tru316 Foundation when the Tru316 Launch Event was held at her church. She now is a Tru Partner as one of the donors who monthly supports the outreach of The Eden Podcast and the Tru School Workshops! (www.Tru316.com/partner)

Westgate Church offers individual, pre-marital, and marriage counseling, where Beth reports, "We’ve seen God reconcile and restore individuals and relationships. We also offer support groups for those grieving the loss of a relationship through death and those who have loved ones dealing with mental health issues. Our counseling group is a team of 20 people with different types of training and life experiences."

For more information, you can contact Beth Moorhead at beth.moorhead@westgatemn.church.

Media Monday. Judy Douglass - Author, Podcastor & Cru Leader

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 12:05:00 +0000

How did Cru go from little visible participation for women in leadership to now having women serving in the ministry as global 4 of the 7 Global Vice Presidents? This is the Remarkable Judy Douglass Story on The Eden Podcast!

Hear her Faith Story, her Ministry Story and her Tru316 Story! Judy is an in-the-book endorser of The Book of Eden by Bruce C. E. Fleming and a welcome advisor to the Tru316 Foundation.

Here are Judy Douglass’ links:

Website: www.JudyDouglass.com
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-you-love-a-prodigal/id1551846569

Would you like to go deeper studying the Tru316 Message? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Tru Friends Friday. Elaine Kelly, Canadian Author!

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Elaine Ricker Kelly uses her experience as a woman in business to inspire and empower women at home, church, and society. She has been an investment and insurance advisor, has three daughters, and aims to encourage girls and women in leadership. Elaine R Kelly lives in Grimsby, Ontario, Canada, with her husband and their dog. She and her husband enjoy hiking, nature, tennis, music, history, and culture. They worship in the mainline Protestant Christian tradition.

LINKS

www.elainekelly.ca
Twitter @Elaine_Kelly_author
elainekellyauthor@gmail.com
Instagram @elaine_kelly_author
Facebook @ Elaine Kelly Author

Think Again Thursday: The Hidden Hebrew Patterns in Genesis 3

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

The VERY important verses in Genesis 3 are God's words to the Serpent tempter, to the woman and to the man. MANY people have missed the meanings God communicates through the Hebrew word patterns in these verses. There are THREE word patterns that Dr. Joy Fleming has highlighted for us as reported in The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3.

The Chiasm, or the rainbow pattern.
The Linchpin in which two key words in Line 1 of Genesis 3:16 are linked to the verses below and above.
The Four Lines of Genesis 3:16.
1. In Line 1 God TAKES ACTION in TWO ways. Sadly, these are covered over by most translations.
2. In Line 2 God EXPLAINS what grief she will experience raising children in a fallen world.
3. In Line 3 God EXPLAINS that her heart hasn't changed toward her husband
4. In Line 4 God EXPLAINS and warns her that his heart has changed horribly.

Go deeper in several ways.

Enroll in The Eden Workshop www.Tru316.com/workshop
Buy and study The Eden Course www.TheEdenCourse.com

Help get the word out! Support the Tru316 Foundation as a monthly donor. Become a Tru Partner for $3.16, $25 or more each month. www.Tru316.com/partner

Workshop Wednesday - The Beth Thomas Story!

bf0007@me.com (Beth Thomas, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Mimi Ouimet) — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Beth is an enthusiastic supporter of Aggie students in College Station, Texas! She is also an enthusiastic student in our Tru School Workshops and was one of the first to complete all 4!

The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3
The Beyond Eden Workshop on Ephesians 5-6
The Back to Eden Workshop on 1 Timothy 2-3
The Because of Eden Workshop on 1 Corinthians 11 & 14 and 1 Peter 3!

Beth has done weekly Bible studies using Joy and Bruce’s many books on women and men in the light of Eden and enthusiastically displays her collection. And her downhome wisdom has enriched many others along the way as she recounts stories of how she and her husband apply what she is learning.

Hear The Both Thomas Story on this episode of The Eden Podcast!

Beth Thomas is a Certified General Appraiser specializing in land and special purpose institutional real estate valuation. She has worked in several major fields within Real Estate for 35 years. She has been married 40 years, with five grown children and three grandsons.

Her desire to understand the true meanings of the Bible and thus how to live and love well because of truly understanding God’s written word were born out of her own painful experiences with church leaders where scriptures were badly interpreted to the point that the “Gospel” was not Good News at all. And yet, Jesus kept drawing her back to the Bible with that beautiful promise that “Jesus (really) is the Way, Truth & Life and that the Truth (really) will set us free!”

In her professional life, research is the backbone of valuation. “Just the Facts, Ma’am.” (Reference: The old Dragnet TV series quote). Determined to know what the Truth is, even if she didn’t like it, she applied her research skills for the past 20 years to learn how to learn what the Bible meant to tell us. That is why she is ecstatic about the important research work made clear in The Eden Podcast series.

Would you like to go deeper studying the Tru316 Message? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Tru Talk Tuesday. Loes Tam - Ministry to Silenced Women Worldwide

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

A Native of Holland, Loes studied in London where she met her husband. They moved to Asia where she found Jesus while attending a Baptist church. Looking for answers to her practical questions she came across the books and materials of Joy and Bruce Fleming and found them to be life changing!

Greatly encouraged she wrote down her discoveries and began a website called Ministry to Silenced Women. She has been invited to speak in the Philippines, Myanmar, Hong Kong and more. Her book was translated into the languages of Pakistan. Encouraged by Loes's writings to follow the calling of Christ, 300 Pakistani women became Pastors of house churches during the pandemic!

Here is her website: www.ministryto-silencedwomen.com

Loes is a regular on the Tru316 FIRST Saturday monthly Q&A Sessions for Tru Partners and friends. She also has continued to study by taking the Tru School Workshops on the key passages on women and men (www.Tru316.com/workshop)

Would you like to go deeper studying the Tru316 Message? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Media Monday. Keith Gregoire MD. Babies, Birds & Bare Marriage!

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Sheila Gregoire and Keith Gregoire are the co-authors of The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex: Because Good Guys Make the Best Lovers. On this episode of The Eden Podcast we hear his three stories: His Faith Story, his Ministry Story and his Tru316 Story!

Keith Gregoire, MD, married and father of two adult daughters, is a pediatrician who knows how healthy marriages contribute to children's well-being. He is passionate about building great marriages and about equipping couples to parent well.

He and his wife Sheila have spoken at scores of marriage conferences, headlined their own signature marriage event all over the United States and most of all do the Bare Marriage Podcast. He is also an avid birdwatcher who loves traveling with Sheila in the RV to chase after hawks.

Dr. Keith Ronald Gregoire, Consulting Pediatrician Belleville, Ontario, a longtime Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Keith's Instagram handle: @drbirdnerd

The Bare Marriage blog: https://baremarriage.com/

Would you like to go deeper studying the Tru316 Message? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Tru Friends Friday. Rev. Dr. Mike Davis - Optimal Performance Group.

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

The Rev. Dr. Mike Davis of Chino, California works at The Optimal Performance Group, and the Centre for Christian Training and Development. He studied First Century Christianity at CSBR Division of Graduate Studies. Mike is teaching pastor at The Oasis Fellowship in Chino, California. He is a popular presence online and has presented a notable series called “Who’s the Boss? Women and Men in Biblical and Cultural Contexts.”

A previous Guest on The Eden Podcast and he honored us with his Tru Talk as part of the Launch event of the Tru316 Foundation in March of 2023! Here's that link: https://youtu.be/FFmIJyN4miA?si=jm4PEHnssKaUcTnM

This new episode is Part One of the lively discussion with Mike, co-host Christy Gudim and host Bruce C. E. Fleming.

Mike Davis is the author of The Power of Emotional Success ... Now!

Mike's links:

Mike Davis links:

Email: mldtraining@msn.com
Website: www.emotionalsuccesscoach.com
Facebook (personal page): www.facebook.com/mikedavis.thecoach
Facebook (Ministry page): https://www.facebook.com/cctdonline/
Facebook (Marriage group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/JoyfullyMarried/

Like to go deeper studying the Tru316 Message? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Go deeper? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Click here: www.Tru316.com/workshop

You can join in support of the work of the Tru316 Foundation! Become a Tru Partner: www.Tru316.com/partner

For $25 a month or more (or even as little as $3.16/month) our Tru Partners are spreading the Word. Click here: www.Tru316.com/partner

Think Again Thursday. Genesis 3 - The Woman's Enemy

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

In Genesis 3:14 God confirmed the conflict already underway between the serpent tempter and the woman. Had she been attacked? Yes! Had she unmasked the serpent tempter, in effect denouncing him before the Judge of all? Yes!

God honored her words by using them against her attacker in judgment saying "Because you have done this." He then introduced the Good News in verse 15 that would be confirmed in Line 1 of 3:16. The woman's offspring would crush the head of the serpent tempter! There is much more to Genesis 3 than you may have seen before! This is Chapter 5 in The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming, read to you by the author.

Go deeper? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Click here: www.Tru316.com/workshop

You can join in support of the work of the Tru316 Foundation! Become a Tru Partner: www.Tru316.com/partner

For $25 a month or more (or even as little as $3.16/month) our Tru Partners are spreading the Word. Click here: www.Tru316.com/partner

Workshop Wednesday - Vicki Cox, a Tru Student of the Word!

bf0007@me.com (Vicki Cox, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Mimi Ouimet, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Vicky has studied the books by Dr. Joy Fleming and Bruce C. E. Fleming for a number of years and has quite a collection of them. She also has taken two Tru School Workshops: The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3 and the Beyond Eden Workshop on Ephesians 5-6! You are invited to enroll as well! Visit www.Tru316.com/workshop.

Vicki Cox says she was practically born in the pew of the Churches of Christ where her family has deep roots. She’s been married for 33 years and has two children and one grandchild. She lives on a small farm in south-central Missouri. Her preacher husband is now retired from full time ministry. ln 2003, she got her preacher husband fired from a church by asking for a study on women’s roles in the church and in the scriptures.

You can also study right now online with The Eden Course on Genesis 2-3. Go to TheEdenCourse.com!

Tru Talk Tuesday. Rebecca Davis - Untwisting Scriptures

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Special offer by Rebecca Davis! Check now! https://sendfox.com/lp/m4yqwl

Rebecca Davis, is a trauma-informed writer, book coach, speaker, compassionate witness, prayer minister, and lover of Jesus who lives in Greenville, South Carolina.

She writes so that those who have suffered abuse (spiritual, domestic, or sexual) at the hands of Christians or pseudo-Christians can know that God is still good, He is opposed to the powerful oppressing the vulnerable, and He is mighty to save through the gentle power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Before she wrote about spiritual abuse, Rebecca's missionary stories and biographies (one of which is an award winner) were written for families to enjoy together. In addition to solo books, as an editor Rebecca also writes in collaboration with others who have an important story to tell. You can follow her at her blog, where she gladly untwists Scriptures that have been used against the oppressed, https://heresthejoy.com.

Would you like to go deeper studying the Tru316 Message? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Lauren Rose. From Gothard Lawsuit to Called to Peace Ministries

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E Fleming, Lauren Rose, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Lauren Rose knows first-hand the effectiveness of the resources and programs her ministry offers to survivors of abuse. She desires for every woman impacted by domestic abuse to know the heart of her heavenly Father who sees, loves, and calls her to peace. “I believe Called To Peace Minitries emulates the heart of the Gospel by defending the oppressed and setting captives free, while inviting the local church to be part of preparing His bride for His return by protecting the vulnerable and oppressed.”

She tells her Faith Story, her Ministry Story and her Tru316 Story on this special episode of The Eden Podcast!

The Tru316 Foundation (Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast

GO DEEPER? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Tru Friends Friday. Jessica Nagy and her community of warrior moms!

bf0007@me.com (Jessica Nagy, Christy Gudim, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

We call our monthly donors to the Tru316 Foundation our Tru Partners. Jessica was one of the very first!

Learn how she found the Tru316 Message to be a pivotal truth in her ministry to solo Moms seeking resources when parenting children and co-parenting with a destructive individual.

She volunteered to create The Eden Course along with Bruce C. E. Fleming and Dr. Joy Fleming. In this course in 8 lessons she presents short videos, helpful quizzes and many resources. You can purchase the course here at TheEdenCourse.com!

GO DEEPER? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation as Jessica has done? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Think Again Thursday. Genesis 3 - The Attack in Eden

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Thu, 9 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Was the one human led astray by his lies? Was the other led astray by his rebellious example? How did God interact with each one? What did the man leave out in his reply to God? What did the woman reveal? There is much more to Genesis 3 than you may have seen before! This is another chapter in The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming read to you by the author.

Like to go deeper? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Workshop Wednesday - Jamie Hamil - No longer silent

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming) — Wed, 8 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Jamil Hamil from SE Oklahoma is a student of the Tru School Workshops on Women and Men. Raised in a legalistic and patriarchal church she was restricted from ministry because she was a woman.

Baptized three times she earnestly loved God and sought to love and serve. She did all the crafts with the kids at church. Then she facilitated discussions in the women's ministry. Her insights often made the Bible more real to them.

But her faith tradition prevented her from using her spiritual gifts to serve the Body of Christ. In Book 3 in The Eden Book Series called Back to Eden on 1 Timothy 2-3 we reveal that Paul encouraged women and men to teach and use all of their gifts!

Like to go deeper? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Tru Talk Tuesday. Dr. Stephanie Holmes. NeuroDiverse Families.

Tue, 7 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Holmes and her family recently wrote a book about their autism faith journey. It is entitled Embracing the Autism Spectrum: Finding Hope & Joy Navigating the Neurodiverse Family Journey. It s available from www.christianneurodiversefamilies.com.

She and her husband found the Tru316 Message to be extremely helpful in their own marriage and in their ministries.

Her links:

Main website: www.HolmesASR.com
Courses at: https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/membership

Like to go deeper? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Media Monday. Dr. Ron Pierce. Old Testament Professor and Author.

Mon, 6 Nov 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Special Guest for this Episode is Dr. Ron Pierce. He has taught at Biola University in the undergraduate Biblical and Theological Studies division since 1976, specializing in the controversial area of "theology, sexuality and gender", the life and writings of the Old Testament prophet Daniel, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. From 1986–2001 Ron directed Biola's Israel-Palestine travel-study program, then continued to lead study tours to the Holy Land for local churches until 2014.

His published books include Discovering Biblical Equality (2004, 2005, 2021), Partners in Marriage & Ministry (2011) and the Teach the Text commentary on Daniel (2015)—along with numerous articles for academic journals. Ron and his wife Pat have been active members at the Whittier Area Community Church since 2004, and Ron is ordained with Converge International.

Affiliations

Christians for Biblical Equality
Evangelical Theological Society
Institute for Biblical Research
Society of Biblical Literature

Like to go deeper? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Tru Friends Friday. Katy Pistole. God healed her horse!

Fri, 3 Nov 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Is it healing to care for wounded horses? YES! says Katy Pistole. Learn how she cares for the wounded, both human and animal. Learn what motivates her.

You can reach out to others too spreading the positive news of Eden embodied in the Tru316 Message - That God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way!

You can enroll today at www.Tru316.com/workshop

Like to go deeper? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Think Again Thursday. The Marriage Model in Genesis 2!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Thu, 2 Nov 2023 05:05:00 +0000

The man leaves his family. Why do most cultures do it the other way around? When does a marriage really count as a marriage? These questions and more are answered in this study of Chapter 3 of The Book of Eden by Bruce C. E. Fleming.

GO DEEPER? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation as Jean has done? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Workshop Wednesday - April Shippy. Couples' Care and More!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C.E. Fleming, April Shippy, Dr. Joy Fleming, Mimi Ouimet) — Wed, 1 Nov 2023 05:05:00 +0000

April Shippy, from Florida, is an advocate for survivors of intimate partner violence. She's witnessed the profound healing that arises from studying Scripture with genuine curiosity. Married for more than two decades and with two children, her family has benefited from the freeing process of shedding unhelpful beliefs and meditating on the Bible's timeless wisdom.

Like to go deeper? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Tru Talk Tuesday. Joy Forrest - Called to Peace Ministries

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

GO DEEPER? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation as Jean has done? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Media Monday! Emily Elizabeth Anderson. From Gothard to Amazon Prime!

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

I was a Pharisee, Emily explains. I had never been introduced to Jesus. Then I learned the Good News. Along the way I found The Eden Podcast to be a great help to me. Listen to her gripping yet joyful journey.

Emily has a popular blog on Facebook and on her website at ThrivingForward.org.

Tru Friends Friday! Sherry Hall. Navigators in Africa and Washington DC!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Sherry has STORIES!

Think Again Thursday - Genesis 2 on "Equal Partners"

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

John Calvin was sadly in error when he said ‘ezer kenegodo meant “cook’s helper.” Dive deeper as we study Chapter 2 of The Book of Eden and discover that man and woman were created to be EQUAL PARTNERS! This is chapter 2 in The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming (available from Amazon as an eBook and a paperback, and as an audiobook on Audible) The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series (Tru316.com/trubooks). Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

Workshop Wednesday! Emily Derby. From Student to Facilitator!

bf0007@me.com (Emily Derby, Mimi Ouimet, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Emily Derby from Tulsa, Oklahoma is a graduate of Oral Roberts University. She is Office Manager in her family’s insurance business. In her free time she enjoys writing, painting, and taking her dog on walks. Emily is passionate about encouraging others to know the truth of what God’s Word says about them and knowing who they are in Christ.

Emily is our newest Tru School Workshops Leader! You can enroll today at www.Tru316.com/workshop

Like to go deeper? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation as Jean has done? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Tru Talk Tuesday. Bob Edwards. From Channeling to Counseling!

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Bob and Helga Edwards are longtime advocates for the full and equal participation of women and men in the home and in ministry.

They have a wonderful periodic podcast called Awake Deborah and the have produced a number of publications including The Equality Workbook, Freedom in Christ from the Oppression of Patriarchy and Let my people Go a Call to End the Oppression of Women in the Church. Their website is AwakeDeborah.com

Like to go deeper? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation as Jean has done? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Media Monday! Dr. Carmen Imes, Author and Old Testament Professor

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Both man and woman are made in God's image and are of great value! This foundational insight from Genesis 1 allows us to dive deep when we get to Genesis 2-3. (1) Dr. Carmen Imes, of Biola U, wrote the book on Being God's Image. (2) Dr, Joy Fleming, of the Tru316 Foundation, wrote the book on Man and Woman in Biblical Unity. Both are available on Amazon.

Like to go deeper? ENROLL NOW to be part of the next Tru School two-week cohort, The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's that link: www.Tru316.com/workshop

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation as Jean has done? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Tru Friends Friday - Jean Bearden. From special needs to mega church.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

"In the '80's, something was terribly wrong in society in the way women and men understood each other, and worked together, and related to each other. It seemed like the church should be the place where we got it right!"

God took Jean Bearden on a 3-stage journey that may be similar to your story. What did her passion for prayer have to do with it? How did Jean prove so pivotal in the Public Launch of the Tru316 Foundation on March 16, 2023, (3/16 Day)?

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation as Jean has done? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

For just $3.16/month or more our Tru Partners are spreading the Word that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. Click www.Tru316.com/partner

Think Again Thursday - Genesis 3:16 has been polluted!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Jean Calvin in the 1500's decided that 'ezer kenegdo in Genesis 2:18 which referred to the woman who was to be created meant "cook's helper." He was wrong. Very wrong. Who was the woman? She was the "equal partner" of the man. These two together were to receive the creation mandate from God (se Genesis 1:28) to be fruitful and multiply and rule over the earth.

Go deeper? One way is to enroll in the six Session, hour-long Zoom discussion group called The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3. Here's how: www.Tru316.com/workshop

YOU are encouraged to LISTEN to the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. The Eden Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and many others.

Are you a READER? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series.

Prefer to study at your own speed? Purchase The Eden Course on Genesis 2-3!

Ready to check out the Hebrew research in Dr. Joy Fleming’s 407-page dissertation? It is available HERE

Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner HERE: www.Tru316.com/partner

Workshop Wednesday - Jeanna Smiley, from cult victim to freedom in Christ.

bf0007@me.com (Mimi Ouimet, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Jeanna Smiley of Florida has been one of our Tru School students and has taken The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3, plus several more. She is a former pastor’s wife and the mother of five sons and one daughter. As a stay-at-home mom, she homeschooled her children through high school. For 30 years, she followed what she calls “the harmful teachings” of a wayward teacher but has been attending more solidly Bible-based churches recently. Says she, "I found the Tru316 Message and the teaching of the Workshops to be freeing!"

You may enroll in an upcoming Workshop here: www.Tru316.com/workshop

This is the first of our Workshop Wednesday Interviews on Season 12 of The Eden Podcast. On Wednesdays we learn the Stories of women and men who have enrolled in The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3 or in one of the three other Tru School Eden Workshops on the key passages on women and men. These Zoom sessions use as their workbooks the four volumes in The Eden Book Series by Bruce C. E. Fleming starting with The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3.

Make sure to dig into past seasons on The Eden Podcast that feature teaching on Genesis 2-3, Ephesians 5-6, 1 Timothy 2-3 and 1 Corinthians 11 & 1 and 1 Peter 3. We've seen that once Genesis 3:16 is made clear all the other passages become clear!

You can get The Eden Book Series with the contents of these episodes in book form WITH STUDY GUIDES TOO! Available on Amazon starting with The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming

More? Visit www.Tru316.com the website of the Tru316 Foundation which is the home of The Eden Podcast.

Tru Talk Tuesday. Cecilie Crossant. LPC. Founder of Women in Community.

bf0007@me.com (Don Owsley, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming, Cecilie Croissant) — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Today we interview the engaging and professional, Norwegian-born Cecilie Croissant, MA. She is a licensed professional counselor, Bible Teacher, and author. She owns Path of Hope, a counseling practice in Owasso Oklahoma.

Cecilie also is the founder of Women in Community, a ministry dedicated to champion and mentor Christian women leaders globally. Along with her husband, she has traveled in over 30 countries sharing her passion for women to walk in their full identity and inheritance in Jesus. In 2018 she was awarded an honorary doctorate for her work overseas."

Cecilie Croissant's LINKS

Cecilie's earlier book is Enjoying the Journey of Transformation, Understanding Your Design, Living Your Destiny.

Cecilie's Clinic: https://pathofhopecounseling.com/

Cecilie's NEW book! is Tools for Ministry Leaders to Help Victims of Abuse https://amzn.to/3GjdUaW

This is the first of our Tru Talk Tuesday Interviews on Season 12 of The Eden Podcast. On Tuesdays we learn the Stories of Therapists, Counselors and People Helpers in their ministry to women and men in the church, in the home and in society.

You can get The Eden Book Series with the contents of these episodes in book form WITH STUDY GUIDES TOO! Available on Amazon starting with The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming

More? Visit www.Tru316.com the website of the Tru316 Foundation which is the home of The Eden Podcast.

Cecilie's book is Enjoying the Journey of Transformation, Understanding Your Design, Living Your Destiny.

Cecilie's Clinic: https://pathofhopecounseling.com/

Cecilie's book! https://amzn.to/3GjdUaW

Media Monday! Dr. Mark Strauss, NIV Update Commitee

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

At the Tru316 Foundation we believe the most important verse that needs to be "true'd up" is Genesis 3:16. But all the verses need care when translating them from the original Hebrew and Greek languages into our modern Bibles. LEARN HOW the best selling version in the world does its work.

We interview the warm and scholarly Dr. Mark Strauss, Vice Chair of the New International Version Update Committee.

This is the first of our DAILY INTERVIEWS on Season 12 of The Eden Podcast. Make sure to dig into past seasons that feature teaching on Genesis 2-3, Ephesians 5-6, 1 Timothy 2-3 and 1 Corinthians 11 & 1 and 1 Peter 3. We've seen that once Genesis 3:16 is made clear all the other passages become clear!

You can get The Eden Book Series with the contents of these episodes in book form WITH STUDY GUIDES TOO! Available on Amazon starting with The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming

More? Visit www.Tru316.com the website of the Tru316 Foundation which is the home of The Eden Podcast.

The 7 Bible Study Steps - Master Class

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

There are 4 Principles and 7 Think Again Bible Study Steps. When Genesis 3:16 is made clear all the other key passages on women and men become clear too!

This is the capstone episode of the teaching episodes of Seasons 1-11 on The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming.

Starting with Season 12 we begin our Interview shows. You will find them on this podcast player or go to Tru316.com and follow the links. These new episodes will also have video! Subscribe on YouTube @Tru316

Media Monday features authors, podcasters and platform personalities whose Stories you'll find useful!
Tru Talk Tuesday features therapists, counselors and people helpers.
Workshop Wednesday features students from our Tru School Eden Workshops 1, 2, 3 and 4. (Would YOU like to possibly be on an upcoming episode? Please join us in a workshop! Here's the link: Tru316.com/workshop)
Think Again Thursday features chapters from the pages of our books in The Eden Book Series starting with Book 1 - The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3. Available on Amazon and Audible.
Tru Friends Friday features those who are monthly donors to the Tru316 Foundation whom we call our Tru Partners. Those who join us at the $25/month level and more receive a coupon code to subscribe TUITION FREE to all of our Tru School Eden Workshops! You can even start for as little as $3.16 a month! (Here's the link: Tru316.com/partner)

The 4 Bible Study Principles - Master Class

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 8 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

These are the tools we used to research the 7 key passages on women and men for The Eden Podcast.

Here are The Four Principles to use to let each passage of the Bible speak for itself:

God is the source of all Truth
Everything in the Bible has its own place
Everything in the Bible has its own meaning
The Bible is meant to change me

Learn to use these 4 Principles well and you can confidently study any Bible passage! In this extended Master Class we especially highlight these passages:

Genesis 3:16
Genesis 2-3
Ephesians 5:15-6:9
1 Timothy 2:8-3:16
1 Corinthians 11:2-16
1 Corinthians 14:34-40
1 Peter 3:1-7

You can go deeper in the Tru316 Foundations' 4 Tru School Workshops.

The Eden Workshop on Genesis 2-3
The Beyond Eden Workshop on Ephesians 5-6
The Back to Eden Workshop on 1 Timothy 2-3
The Because of Eden Workshop on 1 Corinthians 11 & 14 and 1 Peter 3.

To sign up go to www.Tru316.com/workshop

1 Peter 3:7 The "Weaker" Wife

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 1 Oct 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Peter starts verse 7 on chapter 3 with the word "Likewise" in the Greek text. Likewise what? or who? This is a key to understanding 1 Peter 3:7. This and other keys are covered in this episode of The Eden Podcast and in the book Because of Eden on 1 Corinthians 11 & 14 and 1 Peter 3. Notice the second part of the subtitle that refers to unequally yoked couples: Quotations Refuted and Witnessing Spouses. It is available HERE!

Want to be a part of getting the Word out? Become a Tru Partner of the Tru316 Foundation HERE!

1 Peter 3:1-6 The Weaker Husband

bf0007@me.com (bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Witnessing wives and husbands. The passage of 1 Peter 3:1-7 is about those Christians who are married to unbelieving spouses. They are unequally yoked. They are praying for their partner to come to Christ. Peter gives sensible advice how to please God and how to win their spouse.

Is this passage about hierarchical marriages with wives submitting to their lordly husbands? Are all wives somehow the "weaker vessel"? NOT AT ALL! The weaker spouse does not yet know Christ and needs to be won to Him.

Go Deeper! Enroll in our Tru School Workshops. Become a Tru Partner of the Tru316 Foundation and get FREE tuition for all four Workshops! Join here: Tru316.com/partner

Natalie Hoffman and Bruce do "THE EDEN BIBLE STUDY"

bf0007@me.com (Natalie Ann Hoffman, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 05:05:00 +0000

[We're featuring this replay episode from our archives.] What happens when people teach something the Bible doesn't say? When we try to apply principles that do NOT line up with the inspired Hebrew and Greek words of the Bible what problems arise?

How can we learn what God said to the woman in the Garden of Eden? Take THE EDEN COURSE! In eight great lessons walk through Genesis 2-3. You'll encounter key lessons you already know. And you'll make new discoveries too! Go to www.TheEdenCourse.com or click this LINK

Want to help spread the Word? Become a monthly Tru Partner of the Tru316 Foundation! Learn more here: Tru316.com/partner

Paul identifies the legalists 1 Cor 14:36-40

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 05:05:00 +0000

We'd love to have you help get the Word out on The Eden Podcast and beyond. Become a Tru Partner of the Tru316 Foundation here: Tru316.com/partner

WHO said "Women remain silent"? 1 Corinthians 14:34-40

Sun, 3 Sep 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Throughout 1 Corinthians Paul inserts words and sentences from his critics. He then responds to their ideas. In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 he inserts a final quote from the legalists. They justified their views by saying "as the law says." This was the Jewish oral law not the Law!

Therefore we should put quotation marks around verses 34-35. By not doing so we allow people to think Paul is advancing these ideas which are contradictory to the freedom in Christ he taught elsewhere!

But some people have said this was a reference to Genesis 3:16. Here at the Tru316 Foundation we have shown that there are no such ideas in God's words to the woman.

Paul clearly identifies the group at the source of these ideas. He refers to four identifiers. Learn these and more on this episode of The Eden Podcast. Go Deeper? Order a copy of the book, Because of Eden, Quotations Refuted and Witnessing Spouses on 1 Corinthians 11 and 14 and 1 Peter 3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming.

What about the angels? 1 Cor 11:10-16

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Did you know we will judge angels? We will! See 1 Corinthians 6.

Paul's point in 1 Corinthians 11:10 is that since we are fit to judge the angels we are also fit to put into practice what he recommends in the first part of 1 Corinthians 11:10.

Don't forget to start the passage at verse 2. Paul is praising the women and men in the church at Corinth for practicing what he preached! He quoted the hypocritical legalists in verses 4-6. Then he appealed to the Jewish believers in the church based on Genesis 1-2. We ALL are made in God's image.

Then he appeals to Gentile sensibilities in verses 13-15. Finally he dismisses those who are still contentious.

Want to go deeper? We recommend Book 4 in The Eden Book Series on Amazon. It is Because to Eden, 1 Corinthians 11 & 14 and 1 Peter 3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming

On our way to the Reunion!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Joy made some important discoveries about the word patterns in Genesis 3:16 we've never told you about before. We'll be including them in the forthcoming edition of her book: Man & Woman in Biblical Unity, Theology from Genesis 2-3!

Did you know that there is a chiasm that shows which part of the linchpin we're supposed to notice? In the chiasm of lines a and b the stress is on the Hebrew word heron in Genesis 3:16a! But modern language translations cover over this VERY important detail. That's why we're working to "true" this verse and related passages as well.

You can help by joining our growing family of Tru Partners here: Tru316.com/partner

What about head covering? 1 Corinthians 11

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Points in the Jewish oral law is refuted by Paul in this passage. Neither men nor women should cover their heads is the upshot of Paul's teaching. Jesus corrected wrong ideas in The Sermon on the Mount. Paul is similarly doing so here. Go deeper with the book, Because of Eden which is Book 4 in The Eden Book Series. The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series (Tru316.com/trubooks). Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

Women and Authority? Unlocking 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 6 Aug 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Paul refutes the error-filled quote in 1 Corinthians 11:4-6. Without this recognition there results a cascade of errors in interpreting 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series (Tru316.com/trubooks). Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

Who was Timothy correcting? Some men and some women.

bf0007@me.com (Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Why so much turning in circles? Why so much confusion and disputing on what Paul wrote to Timothy? I believe it is because people have missed Paul's three-part passage in 1 Timothy 1:18-3:16. THIS IS IMPORTANT. It helps make clear that in 1 Timothy 2:11-12 Paul refers the subgroup of wayward women overseers in Ephesus.

"In every place" in 1 Timothy 2:8 is the start of Section 3 where Paul first refers to the wayward overseers who were disrupting the church. We go deeper on this in our zoom Workshops. We offer Fast Class Workshops in our Tru School. Normally priced at $69 for each Workshop, we offer the first one for the special amount of $3.16! Learn more about these Workshops and the one on 1 Timothy here: Tru316.com/workshop

How to Handle Wayward Church Leaders. 1 Timothy 1-3

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 05:05:00 +0000

When you study 1 Timothy do you take into account Paul's Three Sins?
Do you keep in mind the reason Paul left Timothy behind in Ephesus?
Have you noticed how God judges people differently based on whether they are first degree or second degree sinners?

Focusing on these key items unlocks the tangled web of competing and confusing interpretations of 1 Timothy!

Women and men who were wayward leaders are identified and corrected by Paul in 1 Timothy 1-3. Jesus, the faithful Word, could restore these former church pastors, Paul says!

But many people are teaching that women should NEVER be pastors. Are they right? No, they have misread the passage!

Go deeper? Get a copy of Back to Eden, 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16 by Bruce C. E. Fleming.

Keys to Clarity on New Testament Passages on Women and Men

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Here are 3 Keys to understanding Paul's teaching in 1 Timothy.

The Mission. Correct wayward overseers.
The Logos. Jesus, the Faithful Word makes the notable difference.
The Outline. Paul's Three Sins and a focus on three groups. He was a Blasphemer, a Persecutor an an Injurious one.

Go Deeper? Enroll in a Fast Class offered by Tru School. The Back to Eden Workshop takes us through 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16 in 8 great interactive Zoom sessions. Click: Tru316.com/workshop

About Submission in Ephesians 5-6 Part 3

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 9 Jul 2023 05:05:00 +0000

The Tru School Beyond Eden Workshop on Ephesians 5:15-6:9 gives clarity on this misunderstood passage.

Not primarily about marriage
Not about vertical submission
Not about Household Codes

This long passage is about the unity of Spirit-filled believers and Jesus.

Go deeper. Enroll in the Tru School Eden Workshop Series. The Beyond Eden Workshop on Ephesians 5:15-6:9 is a Zoom fast class that takes just two weeks.You can participate LIVE or watch it via replay. To learn more click here: Tru316.com/workshop

About Submission in Ephesians 5-6 Part 2

bf0007@me.com (Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 2 Jul 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Ephesians 5:15 - Notice the main idea and the explanation that follows it immediately.

The best definition on walking in the Spirit is in these verses

Want to get clarity? Join us for the next Tru School Workshop. Take the Beyond Eden Workshop on Ephesians 5:15-6:9 by clicking on Tru316.com/workshop

Think About Submission in Ephesians 5-6 Part 1

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 05:05:00 +0000

What is the context? Ephesians 5:15-6:9. What is the key image? The joint-body image in 5:32.

If we miss these two insights we can miss the main points and the sub points in this famous passage.

Want to go deeper? You can enroll in the Beyond Eden Workshop! See Tru316.com/workshop

Want to become a Tru Partner? Click here: Tru316.com/partner

Genesis 3:16 Deep Dive Part 3!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 05:05:00 +0000

In her dissertation, Joy Fleming writes the following, "Instead of ruling over his assigned domain (the animals) with his companion and counterpart in a legitimate rulership, [the man] subsumes her into a new domain that he alone will govern!"

Get the full dissertation with Hebrew outlines HERE

To learn more visit The Tru316 Foundation website here: Tru316.com

Genesis 3:16 Deep Dive Part 2

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Dr. Joy Fleming reveals the following in her deep analysis of the passage.

Domination by the woman of their attacker strikes the reader in Hebrew as an appropriate response to the attack in Genesis 3:15. God established this domination by the woman saying "I will put."

But domination of the woman by her partner jangles the reader by the tension in the syntax of 3:16c and 3:16d and is wildly out of place. God does not establish any domination of the woman by the man. God does not say "I will put" the man over you. If anything the woman is warned by God's observation that the man will rule over her.

Get a copy of her dissertation by going to Tru316.com/shop

Genesis 3:16 Deep Dive Part 1

bf0007@me.com (Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 4 Jun 2023 05:05:00 +0000

We take seriously the challenge to dive deeply into Genesis 3:16 and the surrounding verses.

It will be very helpful to see the slides used in this presentation. Simply go to our YouTube Channel, @Tru316 and select the video entitled: 6. Genesis 3:16: Deep Dive. This episode is taken from the first 20 minutes of that video.

The statements about what is the "tru" meaning of Genesis 3:16 are not made as mere opinions. They are based on this prayerful and careful literary analysis by Joy Fleming, PhD, PsyD (https://tru316.com/about-us).

Enjoy this taste of the dissertation! You may purchase and peruse the entire dissertation. Make sure to focus on chapters 3 and 4. You may purchase it here: https://tru316.com/shop

The Tempter & The Man in Genesis 3

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 28 May 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Go deeper. For much more, get a copy of The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming (Kindle eBook, Paperback or audio book on Audible!)

Join the movement to "true" the verse! Become a Tru Partner of the Tru316 Foundation. Click Tru316.com/partner

Think Again about Adam in Genesis 3

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 21 May 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Eve's curse? No. Adam's curse? Again, No. God cursed only the serpent tempter and the ground. God didn't curse Eve or Adam or limit woman in any way. But God DID curse the ground because of the man! Why the harsher sentence for the man?

Prefer reading to listening? Order The Book of Eden on Genesis 2-3, available as an eBook on Kindle, as a paperback, or as an audiobook on Audible. Here's a link Or use this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0972575928/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_WA51B0RBA3PWVV5TAG0S

Ready to support this ministry as a Tru Partner? To learn how and to learn about Partner benefits click here: https://tru316.com/partner

For Mother's Day - Joy Story

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 14 May 2023 05:05:00 +0000

On Mother's Day in the United States we hear the story of Dr. Joy Fleming and how God led her to study Genesis 2-3. She is co-Founder of the Tru316 Foundation and her research on Genesis 2-3 serves as the basis of all we do on The Eden Podcast and on Tru316.com.

Become a Tru Partner of the Tru316 Foundation and enroll for no charge in any or all four Eden Workshops on the key passages in Genesis and in the New Testament. Click here to get started: https://tru316.com/partner

The Viral Graphic on Genesis 3:16

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 7 May 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Are you tired of the additions, contradictions and misinterpretations of God's words to the woman in Genesis 3:16? What is the simple summary of God's 11 Hebrew words? In this episode we refer to a graphic that has been worth more than a thousand words. Would you like me to send you a copy? Email your request to Bruce@Tru316.com!

Support getting the Word out. Become a Tru Partner of the Tru316 Foundation: https://tru316.com/partner

Q&A Asking Questions About Eden

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Darth Viper?? The tempter was not a playful talking snake. Jesus called Satan a Liar and a Murderer from the Beginning.

By building on the 4 Tru Bible Study Principles and following the 6 Tru Bible Study Steps we can uncover the truths of the Bible's passage on the Garden of Eden. This and the following episodes will refer to these principles and steps so it is good to take note of them here!

You can watch these episodes on the Tru316 YouTube Channel. Subscribe today! https://youtu.be/azNSKE6myug

Go Deeper? Take The Eden Course! www.TheEdenCourse.com

Here's a testimonial: "I recently purchased The Eden Course and am really impressed with the information available in the first few weeks I have completed so far. This summer I will be using the course to facilitate a Bible study for women recovering from intimate partner violence. The Eden Course is a wonderful environment in which healing and right thinking regarding women and men can take place!" April Shippy

Genesis 3:16 - Eve, Part 2 (No Curse on the Woman)

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Take online course! It is called "The Eden Course (Genesis 2-3)" and is presented by Jessica Nagy! Learn more at TheEdenCourse.com

"I recently purchased The Eden Course and am really impressed with the information available in the first few weeks I have completed so far. This summer I will be using the course to facilitate a Bible study for women recovering from intimate partner violence. The Eden Course is a wonderful environment in which healing and right thinking regarding women and men can take place!" April Shippy

To drive the ministry forward become a Tru Partner! Tru316.com/partner

Genesis 3:16 - Eve, Part 1 (No Curse on the Woman)

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Our online course is now available! Called "The Eden Course (Genesis 2-3)" it is presented by Jessica Nagy! Learn more at TheEdenCourse.com

To drive the ministry forward become a Tru Partner! Tru316.com/partner

Overview: 7 Key Passages on Women and Men

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 9 Apr 2023 05:05:00 +0000

God didn't punish or restrict women in Eden or in the Church. But many people think that is just what God did. Before The Eden Podcast was launched, and The Eden Book Series was published, the Reverend Bruce C. E. Fleming, DEA, taught a major series of lessons you can now find on YouTube that are here being made available for you on Season 11 of The Eden Podcast. The so called "clobber passages" are each made clear in this series.

For feedback see Tru316.com/testimonials
To support this teaching and make possible our interaction with those who do the translation work in Bible versions become a Tru Partner of the Tru316 Foundation here: Tru316.com/partner.
For the Tru316 Foundation YouTube Channel click here and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@tru316

Founder’s Address by Dr. Joy Fleming recorded LIVE

Sun, 2 Apr 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Recorded LIVE at the Tru316 Foundation Launch Event in Minneapolis. What is the Tru316 Message? Learn the backstory in this Founder's Address by Dr. Joy Fleming.

At the end of Dr. Joy Fleming's address we add two Tru Stories of the life changing impact of the work of the Tru316 Foundation.

Get involved? Click Tru316.com/partner

How Do Bible Updaters Work? Dr. Brown of NIV!

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 05:05:00 +0000

Modern English versions all go through a revision process. Hear "Why/ Who? and How? An Inside Look at Bible Revision" the Keynote Address given by Dr. Jeannine Brown at the Launch Event of the Tru316 Foundation (Tru316.com). You can also see this presentation and her slides here: https://youtu.be/c16tkg0b1OU?t=347

Do Mistranslated Verses Harm Marriages? Sheila Gregoire on 316 Day!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Sheila Wray Gregoire, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 05:05:00 +0000

In honor of the 2023 Launch of the Tru316 Foundation, Sheila Wray Gregoire sent this greeting! Thanks Sheila!

"Thank you for your hard work and ground-breaking research into the true meaning of a passage that has been weaponized against women for millennia. It is time for freedom -- freedom for women, freedom for men, freedom for real love and intimacy to grow with God and with each other without being hampered by hierarchy and shame. I appreciate your partnership, and I know my listeners at Bare Marriage have found you so encouraging too.

Sheila Wray Gregoire (Podcaster on the Bare Marriage Podcast and author of The Great Sex Rescue: The Lies You've Been Taught and How to Recover What God Intended reveals the impact of bad theology on good marriages. She and Bruce C. E. Fleming, Executive Director of the Tru316 Foundation discussed this and more on this Tru Replay from 2022.

You can become a Tru Partner and support the Tru316 Message here: Tru316.com/partner

See the replay of the Tru316 Foundation Launch on 316Day 2023 here: https://youtu.be/c16tkg0b1OU?t=346

TRU Talk by Joanne Hagemeyer, former BSF Teaching Leader

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 05:05:00 +0000

First she read Dr. Joy Fleming's book on Eden. Eventually she helped get the message out to tens of thousands.

The opportunity is there for you to make an outsized impact on getting the message of God's Word to the world.

Become a Tru Partner. Give monthly, pray regularly, volunteer strategically.

Start here: Tru316.com/partner

TRU Talk by Jessica Nagy after a word from Bruce

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Launch of the Tru316 Foundation on March 16 will be available at 7:30 Central here: YouTube.com/@tru316

NIV Update Committee Member, Dr, Jeannine Brown will give the Keynote Address: "Why? Who? and How? An Inside Look at Bible Revision.”

Dr. Joy Fleming will present the reasons for the Tru316 ministry, to "true" the verse of Genesis 3:16 and the related passages.

Join in the work. Become a Tru Partner. Let's spread the joyful message of the Garden of Eden! You can join at Tru316.com/partner

TRU Talk by California Pastor Mike Davis

bf0007@me.com (Mike Davis, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Wed, 8 Mar 2023 06:05:00 +0000

I started from Genesis to understand the egaliltarian / complementarian issues and do my research. The insights of Dr. Joy and Rev. Bruce C. E. Fleming really made a difference.

Over in Genesis 3 there was talk about Eve and Adam being cursed but I wanted more research scholars. I came across the work of Dr. Joy Fleming and it really made a big difference in how we interpret the text. It changed how we see the relationship between men and women and much more.

Feedback was "Thank you SO much for clearing that up. It's nice to know that we're not cursed and that God is not down on women!"

Want to help get the word out to pastors and women and men like Pastor Mike's hearers?

Join today as a Tru Partner of the Tru316 Foundation.

Click here: Tru316.com/partner

TRU Talk by Brian Nystrom, Founder of NAI Counseling Network

bf0007@me.com (Brian Nystrom, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 5 Mar 2023 06:05:00 +0000

"The transformative research by Joy and Bruce Fleming will benefit marriages, male-female relationships of any type. It will model to children how a man and a woman are to interact in a family or in relationships in general. It will help reduce and optimally eradicate domestic violence and much more."

Nystrom is co-Founder, along with his wife Mary Ann Nystrom, of NAI Counseling Centers which number 1000+ clinicians in 50 sites in the Upper Midwest. He personally has conducted 33,000 psychotherapy sessions.

TRU Talk by Dr. Bev Nyberg, former State Department Senior Advisor

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Beverly Nyberg, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Wed, 1 Mar 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Upon learning the Tru316 insights my response included relief, disbelief and amazement! As a result of what I learned of the Bible from Joy and Bruce I really felt free to use my gifts and desires to the full. (Sadly, up to that point she had been given to believe she couldn't use her gifts because she was a woman.)

I feel the Tru316 insights are really, really important for many reasons. Here are three:

My relationship with God.
The effectiveness of the church.
Our witness to the world.

Want to help get the word out to women and girls like Bev? Join today as a Tru Partner of the Tru316 Foundation.

Click here: Tru316.com/partner

Joy Book. Part 6. Tru316.com

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Many people think Eve was struck by God with severe punishments. Dr. Joy Fleming reveals that is not what the 11 Hebrew words say in Genesis 3:16. In her dissertation she points out the good news / bad news pattern present in Gods' words to the woman and man. This reflects the good / bad result from eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

Go Deeper? Join the Tru316 Foundation as a Tru Partner and get a discount on the Eden Workshops on all 7 of the key passages on women and men. Click here to become a Tru Partner: Tru316.com/partner

Joy Book. Part 5. Tru316.com

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 06:05:00 +0000

There is MUCH in Genesis 3:16 we don't see in the English translations of Genesis 3:16. You can start with our blog on Tru316.com/blog HERE. To go deeper read Dr. Joy Fleming's book Man and Woman in Biblical Unity, Theology from Genesis 2-3 on Kindle HERE.

Help spread this news to others. Become a Tru Partner with us through the Tru316 Foundation HERE

Here's the full link to that blog post: https://tru316.com/blog/f/what-does-genesis-316-say-reason-for-the-tru316-project?blogcategory=Favorite+Articles

Joy Book. Part 4. Tru316.com

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 06:05:00 +0000

God noticed parallels in the rebellious acts of the serpent-tempter and the man. Strikingly the text of Genesis 3 is written out in 6 parallel points as God addresses each one of them. The way the passage is written reinforces the meaning of what is told us in these verses.

The woman did not share in any of these 6 parallels yet many people lump her in with the other two. This is sloppy exegesis.

This section of Dr. Joy Fleming's book, Man and Woman in Biblical Unity, Theology from Genesis 2-3, reveals truths in the text that have been buried by generations of bad theology. You may want to relisten to this episode.

Want to help spread this clear teaching? Become a Tru Partner. Click here: tru316.com/member

Joy Book. Part 3. Tru316.com

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 06:05:00 +0000

It was all "very good" until the rebellious angel launched his attack at the Tree. Each human responded differently. But the main punishment applied to them both. "In the day you eat from it you will die."

Some claim the woman was really The Temptress. They treat pagan ideas like Pandora and the box as the true truth of the Garden of Eden when the opposite is true.

Read the important details in Dr. Joy Fleming's book, Man and Woman in Biblical Unity, Theology from Genesis 2-3.

Ready to help spread the good news of Eden? You can join the Tru316 Foundation at this link: https://tru316.com/member

Joy Book. Part 2. Tru316.com

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Taken from Man and Woman in Biblical Unity by Joy Fleming, PhD, PsyD. This is a condensation of her 407-page doctoral dissertation which is available at Tru316.com/shop

Joy Book. Part 1. Tru316.com

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 1 Jan 2023 06:05:00 +0000

Here is Part 1 of our serialization of Dr. Joy Fleming's book Man and Woman in Biblical Unity, Theology from Genesis 2-3.

The human race was and is God's delight. This early part of Genesis tells of two human beings, each specially "handmade" by God. It speaks of how they related to their Creator's care and command. Because two people were created, societal interplay is observed between them. And because they were responsible for their own actions, the Creator deals with each one individually.

In Genesis we discover that both persons share equally in

the image of God (Gn. 1:26-27);
the charge to be fruitful and multiply (Gn. 1:28);
the mandate to rule over the world God created (Gn. 1:26-31);
the enjoyment of God's gracious bounty in the Garden (Gn. 2);
and even in the name "Adam" (Gn. 5:2).

Neither person of either gender has greater intrinsic value than the other. They are partners in the grace of life. The text of Genesis 2 and 3 tells us of the Creator who graciously reaches out to the two sinners, and how the first couple experiences God's love as well as the consequence of sin.

Go Deeper? You can get the full audio book as a free download from our website. Simply click on the top bar when you go to Tru316.com.

Joy Story! Learn who asked Joy to study Genesis 2-3

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 06:05:00 +0000

Joy and Bruce each did their doctoral studies at the University of Strasbourg in France. Hear how Joy hesitantly raised her hand at the end of a weekend retreat in the mountains along the Rhine River and what surprises came next.

1 Peter 3:1-7 Witnessing Spouses

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 4 Dec 2022 06:05:00 +0000

KEY IDEA. The husbands first referred to in 1 Peter 3:1 need to be "won" to Christ. Then in verse 7 Peter begins with the Greek word for "Likewise." Their wives needed to be won to Christ as well.

There has been much speculation about the meaning of these verses. Most of it misses the mark. Much of it espouses incorrrect theology. It is time to recognize this is simply the longest passage on unequally yoked spouses in the Epistles.

The book Because of Eden is Book 4 in The Eden Book Series. Get a copy today!

GO DEEPER

Women in Ministry in the Bible

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 06:05:00 +0000

There were women in ministry who were preferred over men in the Old and New Testaments. Do you know their names? We look into this and more.

What example does the Bible give us when we ask about women in ministry? Men will look seriously on women in ministry. Women will be encouraged to practice their gifts.

Want to go deeper? We encourage you make sure your beliefs well grounded. Make sure you know what happened in Genesis chapters 2 and 3. Take The Eden Course. The link is a natural one: TheEdenCourse.com!

1 Cor 14:34-40 Another Quotation Refuted

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 6 Nov 2022 05:05:00 +0000

Place quotation marks around verses 34 and 35 in 1 Corinthians 14. This shows that these words came from others, not Paul.

Our Bible translators should have been doing this all along. But those who get Genesis 3:16 wrong miss the meaning in the other key passages on women and men like this one.

Once Genesis 3:16 becomes clear the other passages become clear too.

Paul vigorously responds to those who proposed the ideas quoted in verses 34-35. He labels them as proponents of Jewish legalism that had no place in the church of the risen savior Jesus Christ.

Look for our forthcoming book in The Eden Book Series. It is Book 4 entitled "Because of Eden,"

GO DEEPER

1 Cor 11:10-16 Women are free indeed!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 05:05:00 +0000

Women are free to follow Paul's liberating traditions! In 1 Cor 11:10-16 Paul appeals to the church as a whole and to the Greek subgroup of believers. The plain Greek in verse 10 simply says a woman is in charge of her own head. There should be no restrictions placed on women in church or at home.

GO DEEPER? Get the volumes in The Eden Book Series. Book Three on 1 Timothy is now available. It is Back to Eden, 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16. Book Four is coming soon, Because of Eden, 1 Corinthians 11 & 14 and 1 Peter 3.

1 Corinthians 11:4-9 Counterproposal quoted and rejected.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Sun, 9 Oct 2022 05:05:00 +0000

In 1 Corinthians 11:4-6 Paul quotes the counterproposal he received from the Jewish legalists. In verses 3 and 7-16 he refutes them and restates his teaching. Go Deeper? Tru316.com The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series (Tru316.com/trubooks). Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

BONUS The Tru316 Foundation is coming!

Sat, 1 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Our Public Launch will be on Tru316 Day March 16, 2023. But already the baby Foundation is on the way. You can jump start our launch. Mail a donation to Tru316 Foundation, 6122 Elliot Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55417. Read the full TruNews blogpost here: https://tru316.com/blog/f/october-tru-news-would-you-say-we-are-true-to-our-calling

1 Corinthians 11:3 Not "Headship" but "Unity"

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 05:05:00 +0000

Does Head mean "boss" here? No. Does Head mean "source" here? I don't see why.

The head-body metaphor points to one-ness. It illustrates unity in Christ. See Ephesians 5:31-32 and our book Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5-6.

GO DEEPER

1 Corinthians 11:2-16? 5 Keys unlock this passage!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 05:05:00 +0000

Five keys unlock the meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. They help us see clearly that Paul didn't limit women in church in any way.

Here's one of the keys. Place quotation marks around verses 4-6 because these words are not Paul's. He is quoting the contentious ones in the church at Corinth and then goes on to refute their words.

Study The Eden Book Series! Season 9 of The Eden Podcast is built on the Study Guides of our forthcoming book. It is entitled, Because of Eden, 1 Corinthians 11, 14 and 1 Peter 3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming with the subtitle, Quotations Refuted and Witnessing Spouses.

Go Deeper!

Special News - THE EDEN WORKSHOPS and more!

Mon, 5 Sep 2022 14:21:52 +0000

Starts September 12! The Eden Workshop

We’ve just completed 8 Seasons on The Eden Podcast. Have you listened to our core content in Seasons 1, 2, 3 and 4? Take a listen. They’re right there for you.

Checking our statistics report - we’ve had listeners download our episodes from more than 100 countries around the world! Thanks to all of you as we focus on the true message of Genesis 3:16, “that God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.”

Listener feedback is important to us and we appreciate every message we receive as well as the comments we see you posting on Social Media.

Here’s a very recent one!

“Bruce C. E. Fleming and his podcast are amazing. I love his work. It was so redemptive for me. I haven’t taken any of his courses yet, but I hope to someday. I’ve listened to nearly every podcast at least once, and have marked up my bibles considerably!”

Wow! Thanks so much. We get feedback like this all the time!

Here’s some very good news. Our online and on demand course called The Eden Course takes you on a trek through the Garden of Eden studying Genesis chapters 2 and 3. There is much you’ll recognize as you make your way through the 8 lessons on these chapters. And there are new insights you’ll be delighted to discover along the way! The Eden Course is available for you to start any time and you can work at your own speed. I’ve put it up at TheEdenCourse.com

And we’ve got an exciting new development to announce. The TruSchool Workshops! The first one is based on The Book of Eden and is called The Eden Workshop. This is a series of 8 great zoom sessions using the Study Guides from The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3. You can join the next cohort and study with us in eight LIVE Sessions which will also be available via replay video – That’s the 8 Sessions of The Eden Workshop all in just two weeks or in a leisurely pace of just once a week, spread over two months. In the Workshops we review the new lesson and engage in lively discussions. I think you’ll really enjoy them.

We also offer a second Workshop. It is based on the book Beyond Eden and covers the key verses in Ephesians 5-6.

As a special bonus for those signing up for The Eden Workshop we’re attaching the stand alone The Eden Course I mentioned earlier for FREE when you pay for The Eden Workshop. We’re doing everything we can to make learning God’s Word on Eden as exciting and beneficial as possible. Join us on an exciting trek into the Garden of Eden using a number of teaching techniques. We want learners of every kind to master these very important passages.

Simply go to our website Tru316.com and click on the links I’ve put there for you. We’re starting in just a few days. Go to Tru316.com and sign up today!

Back to Eden - Women and Men in Ministry? 1 Tim 3:2-16

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 05:05:00 +0000

People stumble over several points in this passage. Here are two quick notes taken from this episode.

"One wife/husband" in the Greek of 3:2 is an idiom meaning "a faithful spouse" whether male or female.
"If anyone manages his or her own household well" in Greek in 3:5-6 includes both men and women.

Go deeper with the book Back to Eden, 1 Timothy 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming, available soon.

What is the foundation for our research? Genesis 3:16! Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the seven passages on women and men in the Bible become clear too.

Take the Course. Read the Book. So much more. Go to Tru316.com

Others are saying: https://heresthejoy.com/2022/08/a-resource-for-biblical-study-of-headship-and-submission/

Back to Eden - Can Women Serve? 1 Tim 3:1

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 05:05:00 +0000

Pistos ho logos - Jesus the Faithful Word - restores the wayward overseers being corrected in Ephesus by Timothy according to 1 Timothy 3:1. Jesus can do so for wayward servants today.

Most people come to this verse looking for Paul to repeat the pun he made in 1 Timothy 1:15. There he first used the words pistos ho logos. First he gave glory to Jesus for being "the Faithful Logos" or Word in his own life. Then he immediately tacked on a saying using two senses of the Greek phrase. But the second and third times he wrote pistos ho logos he only used the first meaning of these words. Jesus could be faithful in restoring to service the overseers being corrected by Timothy (3:1) and Jesus was faithful in empowering Timothy in his own ministry (4:9).

Want to go deeper? Study with us using all four volumes in The Eden Book Series! You can also begin with videos and quizzes in The Eden Course! Visit Tru316.com.

Back to Eden - Eve and Paul 1 Timothy 2:13-15

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 05:05:00 +0000

Paul and Eve were not first-degree rebels. Each was a second-degree sinner. Eve had to be deceived into eating. Paul acted ignorantly and in unbelief. Each came to understand this and turned to God.

God confirmed Eve as Satan's Eden Adversary when he said I will put enmity between you two (Genesis 3:14).
God confirmed Paul as an apostle by appointing him to his service (1 Timothy 1:12).

With this understanding we can work our way through 1 Timothy 2:13-15 with full understanding.

GO DEEPER

Back to Eden - Correcting Wayward Women Overseers 1 Tim 2:11-12

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 05:10:08 +0000

"Woman" This anarthrous noun can stand for a subgroup of women. These women made up the subgroup of women overseers who had gone astray and were being corrected by Timothy in Ephesus and Paul where he was.

Not all the men overseers were being corrected because not all were causing angry disputes in church. Not all the women overseers needed to be retrained. Many were professing the Gospel well.

Verse 11 is the main idea of verses 11 and 12. Verse 12 is subordinate to it. Verse 11 is Paul's command not to limit these women further than appropriate but to retrain them for service. He continues these instructions down through 1 Timothy 3 as we will see.

Go Deeper? Listen to Season Three of The Eden Podcast. Better still get Book Three in The Eden Book Series (forthcoming), Back to Eden, 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16 (Corrected and Retrained by Jesus the Faithful Word).

You are invited to begin studying with The Eden Course, Genesis 2-3. Follow the link for the latest price. "Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear, the other passages become clear."

Back to Eden - Disrupters in Ephesus 1 Timothy 2:8-10

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 3 Jul 2022 05:05:00 +0000

This passage is not about gentle prayer meetings everywhere. Nor is it about all women everywhere.

Here is the key to understanding 1 Timothy 2. Paul is correcting the two groups of overseers who were disrupting the church. Some men who had gone astray (verse 8) and some women who had gone astray (verses 9 and following)

In verse 8 Paul focuses on these men who were praying and prophesying incorrectly and were disrupting the church. Then in verses 9-15 he focuses on the women who were doing so.

Go DEEPER

Back to Eden - Praying for Persecutors 1 Timothy 2:1-7

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 05:05:00 +0000

Are these verses a string of pearls? A series of unrelated thoughts lumped together in Paul's letter to Timothy? Some have said that!

These are not unrelated ideas. They follow the outline for Section Two hinted at in Paul's naming of three sins he was guilty of.

In 1 Timothy 1:18-3:16 Paul systematically works his way through his three sins. The second was that of being a persecutor. He writes about potentially problematic persecutors in 2:1-7. His solution? Pray for peace and even more so pray for the salvation of potential and actual persecutors that they may be saved.

What grace and love is evidenced by Paul. We can do the same. And we can pray as he directed in 2:1.

Go Deeper! Order your copy our our book with the Text and Study Guides for all eight chapters! Get Book Three in The Eden Book Series on Amazon.

Back to Eden - Paul's BIG Mistake!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 5 Jun 2022 05:05:00 +0000

Here's a deep dive into Paul's life story and how Jesus corrected his BIG mistake.

Go Deeper? Get your copy of Book 3 in The Eden Book Series, Back to Eden, 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16 (Corrected and Restored by Jesus the Faithful Word) by Bruce C. E. Fleming. Or go to our website: Tru316.com.

Back to Eden! 1 Timothy 2-3. The Big Picture

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 22 May 2022 05:05:00 +0000

Let’s focus on 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16 because this is the heart of Paul’s instructions to Timothy on how to correct wayward overseers at Ephesus and even today. Misinterpretation of this passage is the source of much bad teaching and practice regarding women in ministry and in the Christian home.

Did Paul teach that women are to be silent in church? Did Paul teach that Adam and all men have priority over Eve and all women?

Did Paul teach that only men can be pastors? No, no and no! Not here in 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16 he didn’t!

People have gone astray because they have taken smaller pieces of this long passage out of context. This passage that focuses on one thing is made out to be about some other thing.

This is a big problem! Can we successfully study verse 2:12 without looking at where it fits in with the larger context? No. How about verse 3:2? No again.

In this overview we discover the important parts of 1 Timothy and where the verses fit in to the big picture.

Go Deeper!

Discoveries in "The Eden Course"!

bf0007@me.com (Jessica Nagy, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 8 May 2022 05:05:00 +0000

Here are some of the insights from The Eden Course Jessica is excited about:

1. God created Equal Partners from Creation on!

2. Kidnap marriages? Arranged marriages? What is God's original design for marriage?

3. Was it The Fall? No. This is one of Jessica's favorite parts. We call it The Attack!

4. Was the woman the Temptress? Was there combat between the man and woman? No and No. What really happened?

5. Was the woman cursed? The man? No and No. God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.

What is THE CENTER PASSAGE of The Eden Course? This and more is in The Eden Course. GO HERE: TheEdenCourse.com

A Different Look at Eden with Pastor Gene

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Gene B.) — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 05:05:00 +0000

TheEdenCourse.com gives you eight great digital lessons with videos, quizzes plus audio resources and more!

You can also join the TruTeam as an affiliate! Simply visit www.Tru316.com/contact

"THE EDEN BIBLE STUDY" with guest Dr. Bill Rudd

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Bill Rudd, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 05:05:00 +0000

This discussion uses the 2-page Eden Bible Study. Use it when you meet with a friend, as you discuss Genesis 3 with the family, in a group study at your church! To get a copy email Bruce@Tru316.com with the word STUDY

Go deeper? Buy The Eden Course! In 8 great Lessons follow the videos by Jessica Nagy, take the fun quizzes, and dig into the additional resources. Skip the fiction. Learn the facts! Buy it HERE Or go to www.TheEdenCourse.com

Want to help spread the Word and earn income? Start as an Affiliate. Tru316.com/contact

Natalie and Bruce do "THE EDEN BIBLE STUDY"

bf0007@me.com (Natalie Ann Hoffman, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 05:05:00 +0000

What happens when people teach something the Bible doesn't say? When we try to apply principles that do NOT line up with the inspired Hebrew and Greek words of the Bible what problems arise?

Want to be an affiliate? Sign up others and receive a percentage for helping us spread the Word! Visit Tru316.com/contact

NEW for Tru316 Day - The Eden Course!

bf0007@me.com (Joy, Jessica Nagy, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 05:05:00 +0000

Too many people have thought Eve was struck by some kind of Eden curse. That belief is based on MIStranslations and MISinterpretations of the Hebrew text of Genesis 3:16. To make clear what the Bible really says take The Eden Course!

This online course costs just $49 and has 8 great video lessons, quizzes and additional resources. Jessica Nagy shot the videos that walk you through Genesis chapters 2 and 3. You’ll come across important points you’ve already learned and you’ll make new discoveries along the way.

In The Eden Course walk step by step through the Garden of Eden and fall deeply in love with the Creator of us all! You'll marvel at God’s grace and powerful partnership with the woman in the Garden!

Too many people believe in an Eden curse. Now you can purchase The Eden Course and learn better.

Here’s just one testimonial. Debby described the impact learning about the Tru316 Message had on her: "I highly recommend the True 316 Project along with the Eden Podcast! It’s like reading Genesis 2-3 with night vision goggles on! It's like discovering the earth is round! Kind of eye-opening!"

Click HERE

or visit Tru316.com

Sheila and Bruce for 316 Day 2022!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Sheila Wray Gregoire, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 06:05:00 +0000

TAKE The Eden Course! Here's the LINK: https://tru316-truschool.mykajabi.com/offers/ostmhuML/checkout

From the interview on The Eden Podcast:

Sheila: “When you create a situation where men’s opinions matter more, and where his having leadership means that she is not to question him, it creates a situation where she can’t bring up marriage issues that she sees. Or she can’t be ‘iron sharpening iron’ with him which the Bible calls us to be. That slowly becomes an entitlement on his part, and I believe what we’re seeing is a lot of men are raised to be entitled and spiritually lazy. … I think that this whole theology [they’re raised on] does men such a disservice. And I’m so glad to see men speaking up about it, because more men need to.”

“Bad theology leads to a 7-fold increase in divorce” according to Sheila Gregoire. “The church is teaching us to live in ways that stifle intimacy. Worse still, church leaders are blacklisting her teaching on intimacy in marriage.”

Sheila: “Imposing a hierarchy on spouses is not following the Bible’s teaching. Bruce: As Dr. Joy Fleming revealed in her research God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.

Take The Eden Course!! Here's the LINK: https://tru316-truschool.mykajabi.com/offers/ostmhuML/checkout

Eph 5:33-6:9 "It's Mutual!"

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 06:05:00 +0000

IT'S MUTUAL! This was Paul's BIG IDEA based on the revelation of the Great Mystery in Ephesians 5:32.

In Ephesians 5:33-6:9 Paul presents Part 2 of his illustrative passage on How to be filled with the Spirit (5:18).

In verses 19a and 21 he explained that believers teach and correct one another through their speaking and their submitting.

Then starting with verse 22 all the way through 6:9 he illustrates how this is done.

Christ is the supreme example. As Christ LOVED the church and GAVE Himself for the church (5:25b).

Similarly, Christian wives and husbands live like Christ (see the link in Greek with the word "fear" in verse 21 and in 33.

There is no hierarchy in the Christian couple living this way. And we would see that easily if we were not influenced by the mistranslation and misinterpretation of Genesis 3:16. This is why we need to true the verse in 3:16 because the Hebrew message is clear: God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way (see Tru316.com).

GO DEEPER in the book Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9 by Bruce C. E. Fleming

Eph 5:25-32 Christ's Example.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 06:05:00 +0000

Are these verses teaching us primarily about marriage? Are they not rather teaching us primarily about Christ and the church?

Jesus is one with the church in a joint-body. Jesus is the Savior who gave himself for the church. Jesus loves the church with agape love.

Examples of Christ's care are brought up by Paul using other word pictures. For example the way wives and husbands care for and love one another. For example the way a person cares for his or her own body.

In this passage we learn how Christ cares for and loves the church. And we learn how we are to care for one another in the church.

The discussion in this Episode based on the Study Guide questions that go with Chapter 5 in the book Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9.

GO DEEPER

Beyond Eden. Spouses Submitting

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 06:05:00 +0000

The meaning of Ephesians 5:22 is discovered in the matrix it is found in. Briefly, Paul turns to the relationship of married Spirit-filled believers to demonstrate how all members of the church build up one another.

Christian wives submit to the teaching and admonition they receive from their Spirit-filled husbands. And reciprocally, Christian husbands submit to the teaching and admonition they receive from their Spirit-filled wives.

The discussion in this Episode draws from the book Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9.

Go Deeper

50,000 Downloads! A Group Effort!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 02:18:59 +0000

On this BONUS episode I try mention as many individuals and groups as I can.

GO DEEPER: https://tru316.com/

Beyond Eden. Spirit-filled speaking

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 06:05:00 +0000

"Vertical submission" is NOT what Paul teaches in Ephesians 5:19 and following. He replaces that with "horizontal submission." Christ is our model. Sadly, most people have the over/under idea of vertical submission in mind as they read these verses.

Paul encourages Christians to teach and admonish one another (verse 5:19a). Then they are to submit to this teaching and correction they are receiving from one another (verse 21).

This is a horizontal RECIPROCAL SUBMISSION. This is how Spirit-filled believers build up one another in the body of Christ.

GO DEEPER

Ephesians 5-6. The Detailed Picture!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 06:05:00 +0000

What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18b)? Paul gives a detailed teaching on this which may surprise many people (Ephesians 5:19-21 and following).

Christians reciprocally teach and correct one another and then submit themselves to one another's teaching and correction. These are the linked one-another points in Ephesians 5:19a and 21. Additionally, they worship and thank their Lord and God. These points found in verses 19b and 20.

This analysis of the text of Ephesians 5:15-21 is presented in the book Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5-6 by Bruce C. E. Fleming, Founder of the Tru316 Project. In this episode of The Eden Podcast Bruce and Joanne Hagemeyer use the Study Guide for Chapter Two to discuss the passage in Ephesians 5-6.

Go Deeper!

Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5-6. The Big Picture.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 9 Jan 2022 06:05:00 +0000

Most people look to these verses for teaching on headship of the male and submission by the female. These ideas are not taught here, nor in any of the 7 key passages on women and men related to Genesis 3:16.

Get a copy of the book Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5-6 and follow along in these episodes as we discuss the questions in the Study Guides that accompany each chapter! You can get a kindle or paperback copy at this link: https://amzn.to/36QTioV

BEST OF Season 5! The Eden Podcast Story

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 2 Jan 2022 06:05:00 +0000

God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way! This good news is the true message of Genesis 3:16.

The Eden Podcast and the accompanying books in The Eden Book Series tell the Tru316 Message of hope and victory!

Listen to a number of wonderful testimonies from listeners of The Eden Podcast.

They are eloquent!

BEST OF Season Four! 1 Cor 11, 14 & 1 Peter 3

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 06:05:00 +0000

1 Corinthians 11:4-6 is a quotation of other people's words. Paul then refutes them.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 is another quotation of other people's words. Paul refutes them too.

Paul does not restrict women from ministry or limit women in any way.

In 1 Peter 3:1-7, Peter talks about unequally yoked spouses. These words apply only to spouses in that situation.

A spouse is the weaker partner without Christ.

Go Deeper.

BEST OF Season Three! 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 06:05:00 +0000

Should women teach men in church? People focus only on 1 Timothy 2:12. But wait! There's more!

Verse 12 is only the second half of one long Greek sentence that starts with verse 11.
Verse 12 is not the main idea of the sentence. The main idea is in verse 11.
Verse 11 refers to a subgroup of women - the wayward women overseers Timothy was to correct and restore to ministry.
Paul is NOT saying that women should no teach men in church. Quite the contrary!
In verses 13-14 there is anachronistic use of the names Adam and Eve.
And the reference to each one in reverse order.
Then in verse 15a Paul refers to Eve's saving faith in the promised Child.

Paul is obviously very familiar with the Hebrew text of Genesis 3:15-17. In that passage there are two singular collective singular nouns used: "offspring" and "pregnancy." Paul adds a third in 1 Timothy 2:15a with his reference to "the Childbearing."

If any verse deserves our focus in 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16 the focus should be on 1 Timothy 3:1a! It is Jesus, the faithful Word, who saves and restores to ministry anyone who desires that good work!

Go Deeper? Listen to Season Three of The Eden Podcast to dive deeper into the complete Section of the Letter of 1 Timothy that runs from 1:8-3:16! The transcripts will appear in 2022 as part of Book Three of The Eden Book Series joining The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 and the book Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5-6 by Bruce C. E. Fleming, founder of the Tru316 Project (Tru316.com).

BEST OF Season Two! Ephesians 5:15-6:9

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 15:02:19 +0000

We must first find the limits of the well-built passage in Ephesians 5-6. Then we can notice the main parts of this long passage. And only thirdly can we look at words, phrases and verses in their appropriate places in the development of thought in the whole passage.

The Book of Ephesians in chapters 4-6 is written in six major Sections. each one starting with "therefore walk." In Ephesians 5-6 the start is in verse 15 which begins with "Therefore walk ...." The next Section begins in 6:10 with the words "Therefore stand...."

There is a jump, jump, high jump structure in Section 5. There are four points made in 5:15-18, and four more made in 5:19a-21. These are the first two "jump" portions. The "high jump" portion runs from 5:19-6:9 and the center or high point is located in 5:32. This is the defining idea of the entire passage. But who has pointed you to it before? Some commentators hardly mention verse 32 at all.

Want to go deeper? Please listen to Season Two of The Eden Podcast. Better still, get a copy of the book Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5:15-6:9 by Bruce C. E. Fleming. Each chapter has an added 3-5 page Study Guide!

BEST OF Season One! Genesis 2-3

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 5 Dec 2021 06:05:00 +0000

Have you read Chapter 1 and its Study Guide in The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3? It is taken from this very first Episode of The Eden Podcast.

Dr.Joy Fleming cleared away the translation errors contained in our modern language versions. She shows God didn't curse Eve at all. Two words God said in Line 1 of 3:16 linked her with God's words to the man and to the serpent tempter.

The link to the man came in the third Hebrew word: 'itsabon, or "sorrowful-toil." This same word God spoke to the man in verse 17. When God cursed the ground because of the man, both the woman and the man would have sorrowful toil in working the cursed ground with their hands. This was a word about fieldwork. It had nothing to do with childbirth even though the wording on modern Bibles in English and other languages make it look like God was speaking to her about childbirth.

The link to the serpent tempter came in the fourth Hebrew word: heron or "conception," or "pregnancy." This word referred back to verse 15 where God told the serpent tempter the "seed" or "offspring" of the woman would crush his head. God's promise of Messiah was contained in verses 15-16. (This is called the protevangelium or the first announcement of the Good News. It came as a judgment to the serpent tempter and as a promise to the woman he attacked and who had denounced him before God.)

Are you encouraged by the true message of Genesis 3:16? This word needs to get out! Bible versions need to be corrected in 3:16 and related passages.

Here's how you can play an important part in spreading the Tru316 Message!

Tru316 FOUNDATION

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 06:05:00 +0000

Season 6 BONUS Episode of The Eden Podcast transcript

Welcome to The Eden Podcast where we think again about the Bible on women and men and we start with a correct understanding of what happened in the Garden of Eden back in the beginning. I’m Bruce C. E. Fleming, founder of the Tru316 Project and a former Academic Dean and Professor of Practical Theology. The foundation of the Tru316 Project is based on the research of Dr. Joy Fleming who wrote the book Man and Woman in Biblical Unity – Theology from Genesis 2-3.

The focus of this BONUS episode is Our Christmas Challenge.

Joy and I would like to invite you to help meet the challenge of starting the Tru316 Foundation. The Tru316 Foundation? Yes!

We have been working on the groundwork for the Tru316 Foundation for some time. We now need to raise the first funds and have started a GoFundMe Christmas Challenge. This Christmas Challenge will last only a brief period. Donations from any and all listeners of The Eden Podcast who can will go toward incorporating the Tru316 Foundation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

But we need your gifts to do this. Up to now this has been a labor of love on our part with no ways for others to get involved. Now we need your help.

The Tru316 Foundation is dedicated to undo the damage done by the mistranslation of Genesis 3:16. It will help ATD Women and it will play its part in combating what I’m calling Big Patriarchy.

ATD? These letters stand for Abused, Trafficked and Deflected women.

A – women who are abused: sexually abused, emotionally abused, financially abused and spiritually abused.
T – women who are trafficked: as less than free individuals created in God’s image.
D – women who are deflected: deflected from following their calling and deflected using their gifts.

We are receiving reports, very heartwarming ones, from ATD women around the world who are being helped by the Tru316 message. They are being helped as we spread the message that God did not curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way in the Garden of Eden.

What about my new term, Big Patriarchy? These are the voices and organizations that promote pagan patriarchy in our schools and institutions, in our homes and in our churches.

So we have a three-part advance in mind. (1) Further spread the message of the Tru316. (2) Continue to help ATD Women. And (3) combat the influence of Big Patriarchy. We have a big job to do. There is a lot of incorrect teaching that needs to be overcome.

We believe that receiving donations to this work through the Tru316 Foundation will move forward the work. Already, close to 50,000 downloads have been made of episodes of The Eden Podcast during its first year. Already, readers of The Book of Eden have been reporting the relief they felt and the encouragement they have received to learn what God said in the Garden of Eden.

So, we are inviting you to invest in the future ministry of the Tru316 Foundation. Do you want to get involved? Please visit our website at Tru316 Foundation.com.

Here’s how the Tru316 Foundation specifically will work for you.

The Tru316 Foundation will support the operation of the rapidly growing Tru316 Project. Donations from individuals and private family foundations are needed here.
The Tru316 Foundation also will allow donors to make donor advised gifts to organizations that are like-minded ministries to the Tru316 Project.

Donor advised funds are a powerful way to make change. Donors make major gifts during a given calendar year and receive the tax benefit. Later, they will advise the Tru316 Foundation which organizations they wish to receive those funds.

Such donations are happening elsewhere all the time. I recently spoke with the Board Chair of a Christian organization that received and handled donor advised funds last year to the tune of 2 billion dollars. How much of that money has gone to minister to ATD Women? Some, perhaps. How much has been used to correct Big Patriarchy and gone toward getting out the message of the Tru316, correcting the harmful messages?

Will you consider this? Please visit our website: Tru316Foundation.com.

Has The Eden Podcast helped you? Would you like to help others in the same way?

Do you know the groundswell of response we have been getting? Do you know what has been happening in the lives of those who have been learning the message of the Tru316 which was revealed in the research of my wife Dr. Joy Fleming on Genesis chapters 2 through 3, and especially on God’s 11 Hebrew words addressed to the woman in Genesis 3:16? Do you know the response of joy generated by my studies on the related passages in the New Testament revealed in the light of the Tru316? The response has been tremendous!

But translations around the world still make it look like God somehow cursed Eve and placed the rebellious man to rule over her, when only God rightfully rules over the human beings, the equal partners, he created.

Women are still being abused and trafficked. They are being deflected from all that God has in mind for them.

Big Patriarchy is still pumping out its propaganda.

We need to start the Tru316 Foundation this Christmas Season 2021!

The start of the Tru316 Foundation will result from listeners like you making your gift, taking our humble Christmas Challenge. We’ve set up a simple GoFundMe campaign to collect the very first gifts.

Donations from around the world have already been received, from Slovenia, from the United Kingdom and even from Idaho. Would you take the Christmas Challenge as well?

The link to make your donation is up on our new website right now.

Please go to Tru316Foundation.com that’s T R U 3 1 6 FOUNDATION DOT COM

GO DEEPER

Was Adam Cursed? The Book of Eden. Chapter 8.

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 06:05:00 +0000

When the man and the woman ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden they died. They knew evil. Their bodies were mortal.

God addressed the man in the Garden of Eden in the same pattern as the serpent tempter! "Because you." "Cursed is." "All the days of your life." And more.

But God didn't change the man's body with a curse. Just as God didn't change the woman's body. What loving grace on God's part!

In Genesis 3:17-19 God rebuked the man with great precision and pointed to just whose voice he was supposed to be listening to. The man had heard three voices: God's voice, the serpent's voice and the woman's voice. He was judged for disobeying God's voice. The penalty for eating the forbidden fruit was death!

Did the man return to God's ways? Genesis 3:10 reveals that he did not. Instead he took the name Adam - human being - for himself. He named the woman in the way he had named the animals in Genesis 2 when he rued over them.

The result of all of this? God drives the man out of the Garden and away from the Tree of Life.

GO DEEPER

Eve NOT Cursed, Genesis 3:16. The Book of Eden. Chapter 7.

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 06:05:00 +0000

God's 11 Hebrew words to the woman in Genesis 3:16.

According to the research of Dr. Joy Fleming, here are the 11 Hebrew words God spoke to the woman in Eden in Genesis 3:16.

In spite what you read in the mistranslations into modern languages of the four Hebrew words in Line 1 of Genesis 3:16, God does not talk about childbirth at all in Line 1 of Genesis 3:16.

God takes action for the woman (Words 1 and 2, "Multiplying, I-will-multiply") related to the man and related to the serpent tempter. The Hebrew of Line 1 is formed as a linchpin. Word 3, 'itsabon, links down to the "sorrowful-toil" that will result when God curses the ground because of the man (verse 17). And Word 4, heron, links back up to the woman's "seed" or "offspring" who will crush the attacker's head!

In Lines 2-4, God explains to the woman what life is and will be like as a result of the attack and their responses.

In Line 2, Word 5, 'etsev, is not the same word as 'itsabon in Line 1. It means "effort." Word 6 is good news "you-will-have-children."

In Line 3, teshuqah does not mean an evil desire or turning. Like in Song of Solomon 7:10 it simply means "affection" between two lovers. The occurrence of the word in Genesis 4:7 is not relevant, where it is out of the literary context of Genesis 2:4-3:not even about two humans. God looks into her heart and confirms that even after the attack by the serpent tempter her affection/desire is for her husband. This will stand in stark contrast with the man's desire in Line 4.

In Line 4, the woman is warned that the man, the one who rejected God's word and rule and decided to follow Satan and rule over himself, this man desires to usurp God's rightful rule over, mashal, the woman. He wants to rule over her too! Many teach somehow that God told the man to rule over her, and by extension all men to rule over all women. This is not correct! This is fanciful myth-making and sounds like the pagan stories.

In Genesis 2-3, and especially in 3:16, God did not curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way!

Bruce C. E. Fleming

GO DEEPER

Spotting the Patterns! The Book of Eden. Chapter 6.

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 7 Nov 2021 05:05:00 +0000

God links his words to the woman of bad news and good news in Line 1 of the Hebrew text of Genesis 3:16 to the man (verse 17) and to the serpent tempter (verse 15). These linked words are not about the act childbirth BUT that is what almost all modern translations are presenting their readers. See what they miss and how they get things so very wrong in this episode.

Bruce C.E. Fleming, author of The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3, and Joanne Hagemeyer walk us through the Study Guide for chapter 6 of The Book of Eden.

GO DEEPER!

The Woman Will Win! The Book of Eden. Chapter 5.

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 05:05:00 +0000

God speaks to each of the two rebels, the serpent tempter and the man, using a six-point parallel pattern.

The elements of this pattern are completely absent in God's words to the woman. She is treated differently. Why?

GO DEEPER.

The Attack! The Book of Eden. Chapter 4.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 13:33:23 +0000

There were three at the Tree in The Garden of Eden: the serpent-tempter, the woman and the man. Satan attacked both of the humans using plural pronouns for "you-both."

There were two very different responses by the humans. Sadly, a very incorrect idea is held in popular opinion. People look on the woman as the bigger sinner. Both ate. Both died. But only one rebelled against God and was disobedient to God's word. That was the man, not the woman.

There are more eye-opening distinctions to consider in this episode on Genesis 3:1-13.

GO DEEPER!

Marriage Model. The Book of Eden. Chapter 3.

bf0007@me.com (Joanne Hagemeyer, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 05:05:00 +0000

There are four steps in the Marriage Model.

Each partner first knows God personally.
There is a social event and everybody knows "Now we're starting a new family unit."
There is deep commitment between the partners much like Ruth's commitment to Naomi.
There is physical and emotional union.

These steps are presented in The Book of Eden by Bruce C. E. Fleming and are discussed in this Episode by him and Joanne Hagemeyer using the Study Guide from the book.

Go Deeper

Equal Partners? The Book of Eden. Chapter 2.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 05:06:20 +0000

'ezer kenegdo means equal partners. Neither partner is more equal than the other in Genesis 2 according to God's plan in Creation.

Pollution alert! The Book of Eden. Chapter 1.

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, joanne Hagemayer, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 3 Oct 2021 02:11:29 +0000

Bruce C. E. Fleming reflects on the brevity of life then introduces Joanne Hagemeyer to the podcast studios! Together they take us into The Book of Eden Chapter One. Get your own copy and follow along as we look at other verses, other points of view and meet some angry women!

What is the true truth of Genesis 3:16? How does that impact our understanding of the seven key passages on women and men in the Bible? Genesis 2. Genesis 3. Ephesians 5-6. 1 Timothy 2-3. 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. 1 Corinthians 14:34-40. 1 Peter 3:1-7.

Wrestling with the 5 NT Passages

bf0007@me.com (Christy Gudim, Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Well that was quite a session with Christy and Kaylin on the five New Testament passages of 1 Peter 3:1-7, Ephesians 5:15-6:9, 1 Timothy 2:8-3:16, 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-40. Notice the last words as Christy closes it all out, and she talks about love and respect!

We can now offer you some great study tools we didn’t yet have when this interview was conducted. Books One and Two of the Eden Book Series are available now as paperbacks, e-books and on Audible.

The first and most important one is titled, The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by me Bruce C. E. Fleming. It is subtitled, “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.”

The second one is titled, Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5-6. It is subtitled “The Great Mystery Revealed: Mutually Submitting in Christ. And you can listen to Seasons 1-4 on The Eden Podcast where we work our way through the seven key passages on women and men. You can find that at TheEdenPodcast.com.

Do you want to belong and help the ministry of The Eden Podcast? Your part will be a very important help to us. Please check out the ways you can help at this link: https://www.patreon.com/Tru316Project

BONUS Sharon Williams asks the Hard Questions!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Sharon Williams) — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Was Eve cursed? Should women be paid less? These and other hard questions are asked by Sharon Williams in a friendly but challenging way. How does Sharon evaluate Bruce' answers? Please listen to this Bonus Episode of Season Five of The Eden Podcast.

Bruce made a free book offer at the end. Here's the link: Tru316.com/free

BONUS Natalie Hoffman interviews Bruce in depth

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Natalie Hoffman, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 05:25:59 +0000

This interview was recently conducted by Natalie Anne Hoffman on episode 135 of The Flying Free Podcast. I think you’ll appreciate her perspective and way of evaluating what we are discussing on this episode.

These are her own words straight from the introductory comments she posted online explaining this episode to her audience:

It took 11 words to change the world. 11 words misinterpreted. 11 words misunderstood. 11 words manipulated.
A single sentence from the mouth of God to the first woman...Eve. A pronouncement. A prediction. A curse. Or was it?
Do you know these words?
Prepare yourself. Because you’re about to learn their TRUE meaning.
It might blow. your. mind. And it will change the world...again.

Then Natalie added this:
Why this episode is a must listen:
- The What: Bruce’s wife spent seven years researching her doctoral dissertation on 11 words. He followed with his own research on correlating New Testament verses.
- The Why: How your understanding of those 11 words affects your view of women, men, God, and your entire existence.
- The Are You Kidding Me?: A clear, precise explanation of those 11 words. You may scream. You may dance. You may fist pump several times. You may run around the block screaming incoherently. It’s that good.
- WARNING: Bring an extra pair of socks. Because this episode is going to blow them clean off!

BONUS. Sheila Gregoire asks Bruce about "head"

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, sheila gregoire, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 5 Sep 2021 12:06:27 +0000

Sheila Wray Gregoire is an excellent and insightful interviewer. This Bonus Episode for The Eden Podcast is taken from the last section of Episode 111 of The Bare Marriage Podcast where she interviews Bruce C. E. Fleming on the word "head" and his new book Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5-6.

In this interview they both refer to her first interview of Bruce on Episode 99 on The Bare Marriage Podcast. There she questioned Bruce about The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 and the importance of getting right a verse that has been gotten wrong for the last hundred years. It is Genesis 3:16, and especially Line 1 in the Hebrew text.

In her research Dr. Joy Fleming found that God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way! Though most all modern translations make the verse look like God did that. It turns out that when Genesis 3:16 is made clear the seven passages on women and men in the Bible can be made clear. This BONUS Episode of The Eden Podcast is about one of those passages, the one in Ephesians 5-6.

Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5-6 is available on Amazon HERE as a Kindle e-book and as a 118-page paperback complete with Study Guides after each chapter. Beyond Eden and The Book of Eden are also available as audiobooks on Audible.

Go Deeper!

BONUS Episode - 20,000 Downloads!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sat, 4 Sep 2021 02:19:31 +0000

BONUS NEWS FLASH! 20,000 Downloads!

In just over nine months YOU have downloaded THIS MANY Episodes of The Eden Podcast! And I know your favorite one – it is Season 1, Episode 1. It is titled “Genesis 3:16 has been polluted!”

- What is your second most favorite Episode?
- Which one has helped you the most?
- Which one surprised you the most?
- Which one are you still puzzling over the most?
- Which passage is the most important?

Each Season of The Eden Podcast covers a major passage or two.

- Season One covers Genesis 2-3.
- Season Two covers Ephesians 5-6.
- Season Three covers 1 Timothy 2-3.
- Season Four covers 1 Corinthians 11 and 14 and 1 Peter 3.

These Seasons on The Eden Podcast cover the seven key passages on women and men in the light of the corrected wording of Genesis 3:16. But because not everyone listens to podcasts, Books One and Two in The Eden Book Series have now been released. And Books Three and Four are in process.

The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 is available as an ebook on Kindle, as a paperback on Amazon and as an audiobook on Audible. So is Beyond Eden, Ephesians 5-6.

What you may not know about is my compact 93-page commentary on Genesis, Ephesians and 1 Timothy. It is called Women and Men in the Light of Eden and I have a limited number of copies I’m giving away for FREE to celebrate our group milestone of hitting 20,000 downloads!

I’ll send YOU an autographed copy as your FREE gift as we celebrate! Just pay the shipping and handling.

Click this link to make your request! https://bit.ly/2XgGTJq Or you can access a special page on the website. Here it is: www.Tru316.com/free

I’m grateful:

To God for the Word!
For the research of my wife to uncover and remove the pollution of Genesis 3:16.
For how many listen to multiple episodes of The Eden Podcast
For the help I’m getting producing the podcasts and the books
For the listeners who are starting local Tru316 Chapters to spread the word!

To God be the glory!

Bruce C. E. Fleming

Speaker on The Eden Podcast

Founder of the Tru316 Project (www.Tru316.com)

P.S. Here’s that link again. I’ll send YOU an autographed copy of Women and Men in the Light of Eden as your FREE gift as we celebrate! Click this link to make your request! https://bit.ly/2XgGTJq

Gen 3:16 and 1 Cor 11, 14 & 1 Peter 3

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 12:33:10 +0000

Many people are disappointed or even shocked when they read what God apparently said to Eve in the Garden of Eden.

In her more than seven years of research, Dr. Joy Fleming revealed that modern translations are NOT telling us the meaning of God's eleven words to Eve in Genesis 3:16.

To get the word out in the English-speaking world of her work at the University of Strasbourg, France, her husband and fellow scholar Bruce C.E. Fleming launched the Tru316 Project and The Eden Podcast. Now tens of thousands of episodes have been downloaded. And books and online courses are being consumed. The goal is for a host of teachers and advocates to be raised up who will alert and inform the church and correct the messages that have been polluted by the incorrect view of Genesis 3:16, especially in Line 1 of the Hebrew text.

Deeper? Here's your FREE offer!

Genesis 3:16 and 1 Timothy 2-3

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Where does the Garden of Eden appear in 1 Timothy? It appears at the end of chapter 2. But prejudice or bias from a mistaken interpretation of what God said to the woman in the Garden of Eden appears a bit earlier in the chapter.

Have you heard that Paul was biased against women? I have. Do you think Paul could have gotten something that important so very wrong?

That idea goes against my understanding of what inspiration by God involves. In my mind, if God inspired Paul’s words in 1 Timothy and if God’s theology is trustworthy, then what Paul wrote must be error free as well.

I don’t think we take the Bible seriously if we dismiss this part of it as being culture-bound and irrelevant. So let’s study the passage in 1 Timothy a bit shall we?

In order to not take the verses on Eden out of context we need to determine what their context is. This means we need to determine where the passage in 1 Timothy that refers to Adam and Eve begins and ends.

To save time, let me say that Paul lists his three personal sins in 1 Timothy 1:13. Paul was astounded that God gave him the commission to serve as God’s mouthpiece among the nations outside of Israel. God treated him gently because he had only sinned ignorantly and in unbelief. After giving God praise for saving him especially from three of his sins, he uses this list to go step by step in the remaining verses of chapter 1 and in chapters 2 and 3.

First, he refers to his fist sin, that of blasphemy in 1 Timothy 1:19 and 20. He names two blasphemers, Hymenaeus and Alexander, who he delivered to Satan to learn not to blaspheme any longer.

Then, his second sin, that of being a persecutor of the church, he takes up in 1 Timothy 2:1-7. He had been saved even though he was a persecutor of the church of Jesus Christ. He wanted other persecutors like him to be saved as well.

Finally starting with 1 Timothy 2:8 and going down through to the end of chapter 3 he takes up his third sin, that of being a disrupter of the church. I dedicate several detailed Episodes in Season Three of The Eden Podcast to this passage in the context of 1 Timothy.

Finally, Paul tells Timothy to retrain the subgroups of men and women overseers, those who had gone astray in their teaching and their practice. They were not to be delivered over to Satan to learn their lesson as were Hymenaeus and Alexander. Instead, they were to be retrained by Timothy in the manner typical of rabbinical students who listened quietly and submissively to their teachers.

These students learned in order to teach and practice. This was the ministry of the men and women overseers in the church at Ephesus.

Why should they get such gentle treatment, compared to Hy and Alex? Paul justifies his advice to Timothy in chapter 2 verses 13-15a. He turns to what happened in Eden because the situation of the women overseers who were being retrained was very similar to that of Eve in Eden.

Paul had been a second-degree blasphemer, persecutor and disrupter. He hadn’t sinned on purpose like a first degree murderer or sinner. He did it ignorantly and in unbelief. This had been the case for Eve.

Adam ate the forbidden fruit with his eyes wide open. He was a deliberate and first-degree sinner. A first-degree eater, if you will. But Eve had to be deceived into eating. Only eating after being deceived did she eat. She, like Paul was a second-degree offender.

God gave Eve a gentler treatment than he gave the man. The man received a curse on the ground from God. This was a harsh sentence of judgment! But nothing was cursed by God because of the woman.

In fact, a true reading of Genesis 3:16 shows that God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit the woman in any way.

What did God promise? In what promise could she place her trust? According to Genesis 3:15 and Line 1 of 3:16 Eve would be saved by placing her faith in her Offspring, in the One God had promised. God had promised that her offspring would crush Satan’s head. And he did so on the cross.

This familiar message, to us, is that her promised Offspring, Jesus, is the Messiah, the Savior of the world. He is our Champion too!

Do we think Eve had a different hope to believe in? We should not miss this message referred to in 1 Timothy chapter 2. Jesus is the One. We look to him in faith to save us. Eve looked to him in faith to save her. That is the message of the three verses at the end of 1 Timothy 2.

Let’s not get sidetracked by verses 13 and 14 in 1 Timothy. In what came to be numbered as verse 15a Paul testifies that Eve was saved through “the Childbearing.” The word Childbearing is a singular noun that has within it the potential of plural fulfillment.

Of course it does. There were many generations of Eve’s seed down until the birth of Jesus by Mary in Bethlehem.

Mini Course!

Genesis 3:16 and The Garden of Eden

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Mon, 9 Aug 2021 18:30:49 +0000

The Tru316 Project was launched to clean up the word pollution of Genesis 3:16 and related passages. How has the interpretation of the other passages set pollution fires?

- Some people teach the woman was the Temptress and was cursed by God.

- Some teach God saw evil desire in her heart and put the man in charge.

- Some teach a man is like Christ to a woman.

- Some teach that God gifts men only for public ministry. And there’s more.

All this can be traced back to the incorrect translation of Genesis 3:16. That’s why we need a true 3:16!

Because God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way!

FREE book offer!

The Eden Podcast Story and You

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Mon, 2 Aug 2021 18:20:42 +0000

Many people are disappointed or even shocked when they read what God apparently said to Eve in the Garden of Eden.

In more than seven years of research Dr. Joy Fleming revealed that modern translations are NOT telling us the meaning of God's eleven words in Genesis 3:16.

Because her research was largely unknown in the Christian world, her husband and fellow scholar Bruce C.E. Fleming launched the Tru316 Project and The Eden Podcast. Now tens of thousands of episodes have been downloaded. And books and online courses have been snapped up.

Here's you offer for a FREE book!

Bonus - Dr. Jeannine Brown on Philippians

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:04:47 +0000

This is a BONUS Episode of The Eden Podcast. Recently, our church welcomed Dr. Jeannine Brown to our pulpit. She is a New Testament professor and a member of the Committee on Bible Translation for the NIV. This audio picks up in the middle of the morning service as our pastor introduces Dr. Jeannine Brown.

1 Peter 3:1-6 & 7. Witnessing Wives and Husbands

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 21:11:08 +0000

Unsaved husbands needed to be “won” to Christ! When Peter said “if any obey not the word” he used “if” in a first-class conditional way. He could have used the word “since.” There was nothing “iffy” about these men. None of them obeyed the word. All were unsaved.

Verse 7 is packed full of meaning. In context, this verse provides the best practical advice in the Bible for husbands whose wives are unsaved. Peter’s advice is that unequally-yoked husbands – Christian men married to unbelieving women – should be model husbands.

1 Peter 3:1-7 Not all spouses

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 20:47:25 +0000

Here is my paraphrase of 1 Peter 3:1-7

Advice to witnessing wives

1You unequally-yoked wives, be submitting yourselves to your own husbands so that even though they do not yet believe the Word, through your conduct without using a word, they may be won to faith in Christ, 2 when they observe your God-fearing, pure conduct

3not outward adorning or special coiffure, or the wearing of gold, jewelry and fine clothes 4but the inner adorning of the heart by your incorruptible meek and quiet spirit which is of great value before God
5for indeed this is how the holy women of old, who kept hoping in God, adorned themselves as they submitted themselves to their own husbands.

6Sarah, for example, trusted in God and submitted to Abraham her husband after the angel came. You are now her daughters by your well doing and your fearlessness of any disappointment.

Advice to witnessing husbands

7Likewise you unequally-yoked husbands, use good sense as you dwell with your unsaved wife while she is the weaker partner, treating her with dignity as a fellow human being, so that your prayers for her salvation might not be hindered.

Not all spouses are ready to receive Christ when their partner first comes to Christ. It can be a sad and distressing experience to find that the other spouse is not ready, is closed, or even hostile, to the good news about Jesus. It is hard for a new believer to realize that just because one of them now has and understands new life in Christ, that the other may not yet be ready to believe!

In verses 1-7, Peter tells these Christians how to get their message across, even if they find themselves prevented from speaking a single word! First he addresses Christian wives with unsaved husbands, and then he writes advice for Christian husbands with unsaved wives.

These spouses are for at least a time “unequally yoked.” These spouses are joined together in marriage but each one is not pulling their full weight in the spiritual realm. One is alive in Christ. The other, as yet, is not.

GO DEEPER: Please visit Tru316.com

Have you read the foundational research that makes all these studies possible? Please read The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming (based on the research of Dr. Joy Fleming).

Update on Your Progress!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 5 Jul 2021 17:03:37 +0000

What a joy it is to see the rising number of episode downloads as YOU listen to the life-changing meaning of the passages we are studying together. Thank you so much. You are making a great investment in your life, the life of your family and friends and the life of your local church.

Our launch Episode, Episode One, Season One, of The Eden Podcast has been downloaded many more than a thousand times. Listeners have gone on to download the equivalent of 10 more times each, downloading more than 15,000 episodes! Listening to Seasons One through Four is equivalent to your taking a year’s Introductory Course in Bible Content and Practical Theology on Genesis 3:16 and the related Old Testament and New Testament passages! Congratulations!!!

Now that you have listened and learned so much what comes next?

** Most listeners will be a basic learner. Maybe that’s you. You have been learning in order to apply what you have learned. God is helping you have confidence in the Bible and to boldly live out in your daily life what you have been learning. And that’s great! Please try to listen to all of the first four Seasons of The Eden Podcast where we think again about the key passages on women and men in the light of a true understanding of Genesis 3:16. We learn that in Genesis 3 God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way. You can now get and study the books in The Eden Series. There are Study Guides that go with each chapter to help you go deeper! Book One in the Series is The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by me, Bruce C. E. Fleming.

** Some listeners, perhaps every listener, will be gifted by God to help others. Maybe this is you?? In what ways can you help others?

Pray for those who are listening to The Eden Podcast, including you.
Pray for others who need to find out about The Eden Podcast and the books in The Eden Series.
Refer them to episodes of The Eden Podcast that interest them. Refer them to a book in The Eden Series that interests them.
Engage with others in informed, loving conversation.
Point them to the website of the Tru316 Project with its blog, shop, products, transcripts of the podcast episodes, links to the YouTube Channel and more.
Refer them to a Tru316 Project mentor who can answer their questions.

** Some listeners will be called by God to do more. To take action. Maybe this is you? In what ways can you take action?

Organize a listening group or a book club to go through an episode or a chapter.
Apply to be a Mentor with the Tru316 Project to answer questions on the content of The Eden Podcast. Attend live, or by replay, the Monthly Mentoring Meetings.
Be an activist encouraging translation committees, authors, pastors and educators to update their materials in light of the correct understanding of Genesis 3:16. This action is the very reason I founded the Tru316 Project! This is what I pray for!

** One or more listeners will join the team of the Tru316 Project part- or full-time. Maybe that’s you. What skills could you bring to the Tru316 Project that would strengthen the ministry of the people just described?

What will happen if you go deeper with the Tru316 Project? More will happen! Much more! You already know what happens on The Eden Podcast. You share our love and respect for the Bible, even in the so-called difficult passages, which turn out to be full of good news.

For whatever level of engagement you choose to make, make it a good one. Pray about it. Keep listening to The Eden Podcast. Keep reading your Bible.

Refer others to the podcast and the books.

Step up and start making monthly financial support to the Tru316 Project as an e-patron over on patreon.

Above all - take action!

GO DEEPER

Women in Ministry?

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 00:42:24 +0000

Since God didn’t limit from ministry in any way, it should come as no surprise that many women participated in ministry in the early church. Others have described well their work but these women deserve mention once more.

With Paul. Paul had many women co-laborers in public ministry. A third of those persons listed as ministering in Rome in Romans 16 were women. In Corinth and Ephesus, Paul worked openly and fruitfully with Priscilla, an accomplished theologian, teacher and church planter. In no place did Paul restrict women from use of any spiritual gift in the church, in the home, or in society.

In order to shake out the cobwebs of the proposal from the legalists who wanted to limit women in ministry, it is helpful to review what the Old and New Testaments teach about women in ministry. Paul quoted their proposal in 1 Corinthians 14 verses 34-35 and then refuted their ideas in the very next verses.

Old Testament. In the Old Testament, a number of women were great judges, prophets and queens. Miriam was one of the three great leaders of Israel during the Exodus (Micah 6:4). She sang the great song of celebration after the defeat of Pharoah’s army.

The prophet Hulda’s threefold “Thus says the Lord!” led to a great revival (2 Kings 22:13-20). Judge Deborah was a leader in Israel (Judges 4:4-5; 5:1-2).

Esther became queen for “such a time a this” (Esther 4:14). Her leadership resulted in many Gentiles coming to faith in God (8:17). She was recognized for her prudence and judgment and was vested with authority (9:11-12, 29-32).

Hebrew pronouns, which are more gender precise than they are in English, showed that women were told in the Psalms and in Isaiah to proclaim the Word of God.

Kroeger and Kroeger (p. 13) pointed out: "Psalm 68:11: The Lord gives the Word. Great is the host of women who proclaim it. Isa 40:9: O woman who is herald of good tidings in Zion, lift up your voice with strength, O woman who is herald of good tidings to Jerusalem, lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God.’”

During the Old Testament period only the few Israelites who were descendants of Levi were allowed to be priests (Exodus 29:9, 40:15). Even those who were Levites had to disqualify themselves if they had a blemish or open wound of any kind (Leviticus 21:17-24). This was part of the symbolism embodied in the sacrificial system of the Tabernacle.

Since women have regular menstrual periods, they were freed from duty as priests. This was in order to maintain the symbolism that the only blood in the Tabernacle or the Temple would be the blood of the sacrifice (Leviticus 10:1-3; 15:31-33; cf. 16:1-4, 17). This blood of the sacrifice represented Christ’s coming sacrifice in which his blood would cover sins (Romans 3:25). No other blood was allowed.

This restriction due to the symbolism of the blood of the lamb was similar to the restriction placed on fire because of the symbolic importance of the fire used to light the sacrifice on the altar. Aaron’s eldest sons presented unacceptable fire to the Lord and were put to death (!) for doing so (Leviticus 9:23-10:2). All this was done to maintain the purity and the clarity of the spiritual meaning of these symbols.

New Testament. Jesus replaced the symbolism of the Old Testament period with the real thing. Instructive symbolism was no longer needed. The rituals that pointed to the sacrifice of Jesus were no longer needed. Instead people could clearly point to Jesus dying for our sins on the cross. We all, each one of us, now can repent of our sins and invite Christ to send the Holy Spirit into our hearts. When we do so we are, to use Jesus’ words, born again.

In the New Testament, with restrictions due to symbolism no longer necessary, both women and men are called priests and kings (Rev 1:6), as well as prophets and apostles. Peter taught (1 Pet 2:5, 9) that all believers are part of a holy priesthood. All believers offer up spiritual sacrifices and are to proclaim the praises of God.

Some may ask, “Why wasn’t at least one of the twelve disciples a woman?” Discreet men of that time had only males as close companions if they wanted to remain free from the innuendo and accusations of outsiders. Jesus was a male and so he traveled with other males in his immediate group.

But outside of his immediate companions, were a number of women who traveled with Jesus. In Luke, women learn and minister along with the twelve disciples (Luke 8:2-3; 10:38-42; 13:10-11; etc.).

We know the names of the twelve disciples. The names of a number of women are known as well. They are Mary and Martha of Bethany, plus Mary Magdalene, Salome, Johanna, Susanna and Mary the mother of Jesus.

In Acts 1:13-15; 2:1-4, Luke records that a number of women were in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost. They were part of the 120 who were anointed by the tongues of fire of the Holy Spirit and then went out proclaiming the Gospel in public. Peter explained in Acts 2:17-18 that this had been foretold by the prophet Joel.

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days,’ says God. ‘That I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on my menservants and on my maidservants I will pour out my Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.’

Luke further records in Acts that a number of women were in the forefront of public ministry. In the Epistles, women were called to minister in every way. The Kroegers (24, 90-92) summed up the situation as follows in this extended quotation:

The New Testament teaches that individual members, along with their gifts and talents, are God’s gift to the church (1 Cor 12:4-11; Eph 4:11-13). There are many gifts …, (Rom 12:4-8). Among these gifts are those of teaching and administration. No limitation with respect to gender is indicated (Acts 2:17-18; 1 Cor 12:28). Persons endowed with the gift of teaching are expected to develop this potential to the glory of God … (Rom 12:7-8).

Continuing the quote from the Kroegers: "… Romans 16:1-2 speaks of Phoebe as a deacon (or minister) of the congregation at Cenchrea, and she is also called a prostates (overseer, guardian, protector). A verbal form drawn from the same stem … is used also in the New Testament at 1 Timothy 5:17 for elders who “preside” (or rule) well, and at Romans 12:8 (rule) and 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (hold authority over).” … Junia is called a noteworthy apostle (Rom 16:7). Paul mentions several women, including Priscilla, as “fellow laborers” and asks that Christians be subject to such as these (Phil 4:2-3; Rom 16:3-4, 6, 12; 1 Cor 16:16, 19). A number of Christian women appear to have presided over churches which met in their homes (Acts 12:12; Acts 16:13-15, and verse 40; Rom 16:3-5; 1 Cor 1:11; 16:19; Col 4:15; 2 John).

GO DEEPER:

I invite you to visit our website at Tru316.com for links to the podcast, plus our books, blog posts and our YouTube Channel with more than a dozen in-depth Workshops on the 7 key Bible passages on women and men from Eden on.

There is also a Study Guide on this episode for use in personal study or in small groups and more. You can find it in the blog posts on Tru316.com or write me at Bruce@Tru316.com. And thanks for listening to The Eden Podcast!

The Eden Podcast is a part of the Tru316 Project. YOU can make a difference by supporting us for $3.16/month. Go to patreon.com/tru316project.

Have you listened to Seasons 1-4 of The Eden Podcast?

Season 1 is on Genesis 2-3, 8 episodes. This has the important episodes 1 and 7 on 3:16.

Season 2 is on Ephesians 5-6, 6 episodes.

Season 3 is on 1 Timothy 2-3.

Season 4 is on 1 Corinthians 11 and 14 and 1 Peter 3.

You can start listening at TheEdenPodcast.com.

1 Corinthians 14:34-40 Silenced Women?

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 12:29:28 +0000

Paul inserted a final quotation from the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. Then he refuted and rejected the proposal.

In these two verses the subject, tone and vocabulary of the passage change noticeably. Then, in verses 36-38 comes a return to Paul’s normal vocabulary and style with a strong rebuke to those who proposed the ideas contained in the previous two verses. Finally, in verses 39 and 40, the storm passes and earlier themes are picked up again.

According to verses 34-35, some want the Corinthian Christians to adopt legalistic limitations on who can, and who should not, use their gifts for the building up of the church. Specifically, the proposal excludes Christian women from speaking in church.

Contentious claims. In verses 34 to 35 we encounter a string of bad ideas that do not belong to Paul. Why should women not speak, or preach, publicly? Because they are “not permitted.” Permitted? By whom, or by what?

Women are to “be subject.” Why? Because that’s what their “law” says. If a Christian woman has a Christian husband who is informed enough to be able to instruct her, she can learn from him at home! Preposterous!

What law? People have suggested that the quote/unquote “law” being referred to in verse 34 is … a reference to Genesis 3:16. However, Genesis 3:16 says nothing about “speaking” or about “being silent.” As we have seen earlier, that verse is not a curse, nor does God limit woman in any way. There is no such restriction in a true 3:16!

Paul’s teaching elsewhere in the New Testament is nothing like the proposal in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. Let me quote what David Odell-Scott says:

Paul … states time and again that Christians are not under the law, but are free of it. … “But now we are discharged from the law” (Rom. 7:6). Earlier, in 1 Corinthians Paul instructs the Gentile men of Corinth that they are free of the law and are, therefore, not required to be circumcised (1 Cor. 7:18-19). Elsewhere, too, Paul has rejected the claim that Gentile Christians should keep the Jewish dietary laws. (Odell-Scott, BLT, p. 14)

Those who are proposing limitations on women in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 are advocating the ideas of the legalists, the sayings of Jewish teachers that were passed on orally and later written down in the Jewish oral law.

In an early article of his, (“Libertarian Women” Trin J 1 NS, p. 187) Philip Payne pointed out how verse 34 indicates the source of these ideas:

… when Paul refers to the Old Testament, he usually does not write ‘as the law says’ (which often suggests oral tradition) but ‘just as it is written’.

Payne also pointed out the elements in these verses that come from the milieu of the Jewish oral law:

(quote) … According to Jewish custom, the part of the synagogue given to the scribes’ teaching was open only to males, as its name suggests: andron. … Women were forbidden to teach…. Their position in society was reflected in the common formula, “women, slaves, and children.” In the home, too, the wife was not even to pronounce the benediction after a meal. (Close quote)

The “law” appealed to in 1 Corinthians 14 is the oral law. The words used here, such as the Greek word for “shame” in verse 35, are typical of the rough language used in the oral law. They are not the kind of words Paul uses. This is an example of the segregationist practices of Jewish legalism seeping into the church.

To clarify that verse 34 refers to the “oral law,” and not the Old Testament “Law” with a capital “L” Bible editors of the NIV removed the capitalization that was first used in the NIV of 1971. Instead of using a capital L “Law,” the verse now has a lower case l “law,” for “… as the law says.”

Was Paul intimidated? In making a reference to the oral law, those who contended with Paul made a serious tactical error. Paul no longer looked with favor on the rules he had followed as a Pharisee before his conversion.

Paul had rebuked Peter for giving in to such influences (Galatians 2:11-14). He would not be swayed by a similar appeal coming to him from Corinth!

GO DEEPER: To read about the foundational research on Genesis 2-3 by Dr. Joy Fleming that makes these New Testament studies possible please see The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming

1 Corinthians 11:10-16 Under God, not under a covering

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 05:32:20 +0000

In the full passage of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, Paul focuses parts of the passage on each of these three groups in the church:

Verses 3-9: on the converted Jews.
Verses 11-12: on everyone in church.
Verses 13-15: on the converted non-Jews.

Here is my paraphrase of verses 10-12:

Verse 10 - Application of the principle for Christian women

Therefore, a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels.

Verses 11-12 Theological basis of the principle of unity

Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all come from God.

Prior to verse 10, Paul defends the principle that a Christian woman is a member of the body of Christ in every way. Then, in verse 10, he applies this principle in a simple affirmation.

He ends verse 10 by adding another principle that argues in favor of the full status of women in ministry (those who are “praying and prophesying,” or preaching and teaching). In verses 11-12, he puts the matter in theological perspective. (1) women and men share in reciprocal relationships and (2) God is over all.

Studying the grammar of 1 Corinthians 11, we note the following developments in the passage:

Verses 4-6 are a unit that should be set off with quotation marks
Verse 7a is a thought by itself
Verse 7b is a different thought followed by two verses that are subordinate to it and elaborate on it
Verse 8 is subordinate to 7 – it is introduced by: “for”
Verse 9 is subordinate to 7 as well – “for indeed”
This structure is rare in the New Testament but is used six times in 1 Corinthians (pointing this out would be worth a “home run”)
Verse 10 is introduced in Greek by “therefore” and is the culmination of this series of thoughts
The verb in verse 10, “ought” is the same one used in verse 7, where a man “ought not” cover his head (another home run observation)

Based on this here are my summary thoughts:

A Christian woman is as equally obligated and empowered as a Christian man to not cover her head when ministering in church.

GO DEEPER:

I invite you to read the foundational study in Genesis 2-3 that unlocks the meaning of 1 Corinthians 11. It is The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 (God didn't curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way).

1 Corinthians 11:4-9 "No" to Head Coverings!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 7 Jun 2021 18:15:57 +0000

In your mind, simply put quotation marks around the three verses of 1 Corinthians 11:4-6. Or better still pencil in quotation marks around them on the page of your print Bible.

If quotation marks are missing around these verses in the Bible version you are using, is that wrong? Yes, and no. In koiné Greek in which the New Testament was written there were no quotation marks added. You had to add them yourself because this kind of punctuation wasn’t adopted yet. Translators have to decide whether or not to get the idea across in a modern language by doing nothing, by adding quotation marks or even by adding a few introductory words such as, “someone will say.”

Dr. Bill Mounce brings up the example of 1 Corinthians 6:12. He writes, “Many translations put the phrase in quotation marks. “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful.” These include the ESV, and also the HCSB, NRSV and NET. Mounce continues that Paul “is quoting what his Corinthians opponents are saying. He doesn’t agree with them, but he is citing them.”

Placing punctuation. The New International Version placed quotation marks around Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 10:23-26. Not every word in these verses was put in quotes. The translators noted that Paul was dialoguing with his readers in a brisk give and take. They showed this by adding quotation marks, dashes, and a paragraph break to his comments. They added these even though no punctuation marks were used in Paul’s original letter.

Here is how the NIV punctuates 1 Corinthians 10:23. The words placed in quotation marks by the NIV I will highlight for you:

23“I have the right to do anything”, you say – but not everything is beneficial.

“I have the right to do anything” – but not everything is constructive.

The proposals from Corinth in 1 Corinthians 10 are set apart by the quotation marks and the punctuation added by the NIV. This passage immediately precedes the verses on women and angels in 1 Corinthians 11.

Modern readers are confused if translations do not add punctuation marks. Nevertheless most translators and editors have not placed quotation marks around verses 4-6.

The reader who does not realize that the three verses of 1 Corinthians 11:4-6 are a quotation tries to make it part of Paul’s ideas. This makes the rest of the passage impossible to decipher. By omitting this punctuation translators make it look like Paul is advocating these legalistic ideas! Some scholars have even accused Paul of “reverting to his pre-Christian roots as a Pharisee in verses 4-6.”

In order to continue the thought of verses 4-6, major modifications have been made in the translations, including in verse 10. Commentators go to great lengths to try to make sense of the passage as a whole. But none of this is necessary if one simply and reasonably places verses 4-6 in quotation marks.

Why do people think the ideas in verses 4-6 could possibly be Paul's? I think it is because they have gotten Genesis 3:16 wrong. That's why we need a true 316.

Go Deeper!

Support the Tru316 Project for $3.16/month!

1 Corinthians 11:3 Not headship but unity!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 31 May 2021 23:40:14 +0000

In 1 Corinthians 11:3 Paul reminds his Jewish readers, who are monotheists, of the importance of unity. Three times he points to independent elements that together make up one unit. The image he uses is that of the parts of the body that, united, make up one whole body:

Believers-and-Christ are united in one spiritual body
A wife-and-husband are united in one flesh
Son-and-Father are united in the Godhead.

He states his main idea in the first line of verse 3, and then adds two subordinate parallel images to illustrate it. In his reference to the parts that make up the body Paul challenges the reader to answer the question, Just who is “every man”?

“Every man” is every believer – every man and every woman who is a Christian. This image is parallel to the one Paul uses in Ephesians 5:23: “Christ is the head of the church.”

1 Corinthians 11:3: Christ is the head of every man

Ephesians 5:23b: Christ is the head of the church

An extraordinary response

Paul begins his response to those who did not hold to the tradition he had taught the Corinthians with some word play. Usually a “play on words” has an extra element in it that draws attention to the fact that something extraordinary is being said, even though ordinary words may be used.

In 1 Corinthians 11:3, Paul uses “every man” in Greek to stand for “every person – male or female.” Writing “every man” he makes a gentle play on words to make a point: Do some of you want to focus only on what a man is free to do in Christ? Not I. I will focus on every man in Christ because I want you to focus on what every person – male or female – is free to do in Christ!

GO DEEPER

1 Corinthians 11:2-16 Getting this Passage Right!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 24 May 2021 21:31:28 +0000

The focus of this episode is: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 Getting this passage right.

Here’s some good advice. “Don't take verses out of context.”

How do you do that? One way is to cut off the beginning of a passage. If you miss the beginning thoughts of a passage you risk missing the meaning of the following message. Sadly, this happens every time people skip over 1 Corinthians 11:2 and start at verse 3. And most people start after verse 2. They leave out this critical verse!

In verse 2, Paul begins a passage of praise. He praises the Christians at Corinth for resisting pressure to behave differently. He praises them for following exactly what he had advised them to do.

Only after the end of the passage of verses 2-16 does he begin to criticize the Corinthians. So, What were they getting right? They were applying what he summarizes in verses 10-12. Have you noticed?

Wrong assumptions. In 1962, Don and Carol Richardson risked their lives to share the Gospel with the Sawi people of New Guinea. Their book Peace Child tells their unforgettable story of living among a people group where treachery was valued as their highest virtue. They would fatten potential victims with friendship before betraying them for slaughter.

The very first time these pioneer missionaries tried to tell the Sawi headhunting cannibals of New Guinea the Good News about the cross of Christ things went very wrong! This occurred as they were telling about Jesus the night Judas betrayed him with a kiss.

Jesus, the good guy, was praying in the Garden of Gethemane on the hill across from Jerusalem where soon he would be nailed to a cross for our sins. In the night, Judas, the bad guy, came up to him in the darkness with a crowd with clubs and swords. He wanted to make it clear to them who to arrest. He didn’t want them to get the wrong person. He didn’t want Jesus to get away. He told the brutal crowd, watch for the one I greet with a kiss. He is the one to arrest.

The listeners held their breath as the scene unfolded before them for the very first time. Up came Judas, the follower, to Jesus his teacher. “Teacher” the betrayer said to Jesus and then kissed him.

The listeners went wild! What a master stroke! What a fantastic betrayal!

The missionaries were horrified at the unexpected response their teaching produced. These headhunting cannibals saw Judas as the hero of that night scene. He had just betrayed his victim. To them, he had triumphed!

In the Sawi culture they valued treachery. They would deceive their enemies pretending to be friends. Judas for them was a master of betrayal. Jesus was just a witless target. Undoing the results of that session took lots of work.

In a less spectacular way, people have been getting wrong the message of 1 Corinthians 11. Coming to these verses with the wrong presuppositions, readers and translators alike have missed the message the passage. They have misread the key verses.

Let’s start with the overall flow of thought which is Praise for Proper Practice 1 Corinthians 11:2-16.

2Now I praise you, brothers and sisters, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. …

10Therefore, a woman should have authority over her own head …

16But if anyone thinks of being contentious, we have no other custom, nor do the churches of God.

17Now I do not praise you in giving these next instructions since you come together not for the better but for the worse. …

After Paul moved on from Corinth in his missionary journeys, the church he had founded there continued the practices he had taught them to follow. They followed what he had taught them about women and men ministering to the congregation. God raised up both women and men to lead the congregation in worship and to teach God’s Word.

Apparently there were grumblers who tried to restrict some people from leading the group. They wanted their old religious traditions to be followed and grew contentious about it. But the rest of the congregation maintained the course on which Paul had set them. They earned his praise for this.

Paul wanted them to continue what they had started together in Corinth. In every church he started, this was the way he wanted the believers to worship and teach.

Incomplete or incorrect? Paul learned from the visitors from Corinth (1:11) that the church had developed four distinct factions. Some people purported to be “of Paul,” others “of Peter,” and still others “of Apollos” or “of Jesus.”

In spite of all this, Paul was still their unquestioned spiritual parent, the one who first planted their church. Divisions of opinion had arisen among them on practical issues dealing with marriage (7:1) and idolatry (8:1; 10:14). Some wanted the church to follow the rules and regulations found in the Jewish oral law, for example in 14:34-35.

In 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, Paul addresses those in the church at Corinth who wanted to limit the ways women were participating in ministry. Had Paul really meant that women should pray and prophesy along with men? Shouldn’t the women have to submit to some extra regulations? Jewish tradition overflowed with restrictions on women. Shouldn’t women have to follow these extra restrictions too?

In verses 2-16, Paul affirms that women are full members of the body of Christ and are fully gifted by the Holy Spirit to minister in the name of Jesus. Paul appeals to Genesis, and to reason, to restate his case. He is firm. There is no room for dissension on this point of doctrine and practice.

Five keys to understanding. A number of people find 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 difficult to understand. Whenever a passage seems difficult, it is important to look at the surrounding context of the passage to see if some tips to its meaning may be found. In this case, the immediate context will give us two helpful keys to unlocking the meaning of the passage: praise (key #1), and Paul’s three-fold focus (key #2).

To unlock the meaning of a passage it is also helpful to look for internal key words that give insight into the historical context. In this case there are key words in the last and first verses of the passage: “contentious” (key #3 in verse 16), and “traditions” (key #4 in verse 2).

The most basic key to understanding the meaning of a Bible verse is a clear translation from the original language into modern language. It will be especially helpful to make a fresh translation from the Greek of the key action verse in this passage, verse 10. And that’s key #5.

Key to understanding #1: Praise. Paul praised the Corinthians in verse 2:

2I praise you, brothers and sisters, that you remember me in all things and keep the

traditions just as I delivered them to you. …

Apparently there was difficulty for them in keeping his traditions because, in verse 16, he refers to some who were “contentious.” In spite of these contentious ones, the church at Corinth had remembered what Paul had taught them to do and they had done it.

He did not always praise them. In the next section of his letter he gave them some energetic criticism:

17I do not praise you in giving these instructions since you come together not for the better but for the worse. …

What were the Corinthians doing that earned them the praise or the criticism of Paul? In verses 17 and following it is clear that they were criticized for not conducting themselves properly when they celebrated the Lord’s Supper.

As for verses 2-16, what they were doing that was praiseworthy is often misunderstood. This is where a basic rule of interpretation is helpful: Whenever you see the word therefore in a passage, check to see what it is there for.

In this case, a “therefore” occurs at the beginning of verse 10:

10therefore, a woman ought to have authority …

Apparently, the verses leading up to verse 10 argued in favor of what he affirmed in verse 10. Paul had taught, and most of the Corinthians had agreed with him, that a woman ought to have authority.

Some people in Corinth had been contentious about this. Paul praised the rest (Key #1) and encouraged them to keep following what he had taught them.

Key #2: Three-fold focus. Immediately before writing the words of chapter 11, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:32, “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God….”

It is helpful to note that Paul was sensitive to the needs of these three overlapping groups:

Jews
Non-Jews (also called Greeks or Gentiles)
All Christians without regard to their background

In 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, Paul focused parts of the passage on each of these three groups in the church:

Verses 3-9: to the converted Jews.
Verses 11-12: to everyone in church.
Verses 13-15: to the converted non-Jews.

In these three sections, there are details appropriate to each group. Paul’s appeal to Nature, in verse 14, is a case in point. The non-Jews would have related to an appeal to Nature, but not the Jews. Paul had to appeal to the Jews on other grounds.

In the verses not addressed to any specific group – verses 2, 10 and 16 – Paul deals with the real business of this passage. He praises the Corinthian Christians (verse 2). He gives instructions on how to behave (verse 10). He dismisses any who want to be contentious (verse 16).

Key #3: Contention. A third key to understanding this passage has to do with Paul’s reference in verse 16 to those who had been “contentious.” The ones who were the most contentious about Paul, his teaching and his practice were those who promoted Jewish legalism.

As the early church spread across the Roman Empire there was confusion as to whether Christianity was something new, or whether it was just a subgroup of Judaism. This confusion was understandable since the promises of a coming Messiah had been given to the Jews. Jesus was a Jew. And the first converts were Jews.

When non-Jews began believing in Jesus as their savior it seemed logical to the Jews who had become Christians that the new Gentile believers should become practicing Jews as well. But there were two main reasons why this logic was incorrect.

First, many of the practices required of Jews in the Old Testament served to represent spiritual truths that only pointed to the promised Messiah. The blood sacrifices of spotless animals in the Temple pointed to the ultimate blood sacrifice that would be made by the sinless Messiah. The regulations that guided the behavior of the priests on duty all worked to keep the symbolism of the future spotless Lamb of God perfectly clear.

These practices and these rules were made obsolete with the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The early church dealt with these regulations and discarded them early on. They were famously discussed in depth in the meeting of the church in Jerusalem described in Acts chapter 15.

Second, there were other lesser regulations and rules that had been built up during the hundreds of years that passed between the ministry of the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus.

This system of case law and regulations obscured the message of the Old Testament. At times it contradicted it altogether. Jews at the time of Jesus, including Paul, practiced these legalistic regulations to a greater or lesser degree in their daily lives. These regulations were scrupulously followed by the Pharisees. The Scribes were teachers of this law.

One of the things these regulations required was the covering of the head both by women and men. This covering symbolized that sin caused an ongoing separation of the worshipper from God. Covering the head, hiding the head of the sinner from the holy God, was the appropriate thing to do. Perhaps you have seen movies with an actor playing the role of Jesus covering his head just as he was about to pray to God.

Jesus fought against baseless legalistic Judaism during his earthly ministry. He confounded self-righteous sinners who followed these rules.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus identified and rejected their regulations. Six times he said: “You have heard it said, …, but I say to you ….” (Matthew 5:21, 27, 31, 33, 38, 43).

As a Pharisee, Paul had been a scrupulous follower of these laws. But as a Christian, Paul left behind these empty practices. Jesus the Messiah had fulfilled the Old Testament Law and gave each and every believer full status as a child of God (see Galatians 2:14).

During the years following his conversion, Paul became skilled at discerning and discarding the dry husks of legalism. He excelled in teaching truths straight from the Old Testament, especially how Jesus fulfilled the prophesies of the coming Messiah.

After Paul’s first missionary journey, legalists came and tried to impose Jewish regulations on the converted Gentiles. Paul opposed their teachings.

Acts 15 records that the church in Jerusalem supported Paul in his work and agreed that Christians did not have to convert to Judaism. Nevertheless, Paul continued to face direct opposition from Jews outside the church and frequent contradiction from legalistic Judaizers inside the church.

A number of times, Jews outside the church opposed Paul and denounced him publicly. This resulted in beatings, stonings and imprisonments. At other times, Judaizers within the church visited places Paul had ministered. They contradicted his teachings to modify them to fit more or less with the oral law.

Here is Paul’s own description of the havoc wreaked by unbelieving Jews who were hostile to the Christians in Thessalonica. This was the church Paul planted in northern Greece before he started the church at Corinth:

14For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews, 15who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. These displease God and are hostile to all people 16in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved…. 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

Key #4: Traditions. If some of the Corinthians were “contentious,” as Paul said in verse 16, what were they contending for and what were they challenging? Verse 2 tells us. They challenged “the traditions” Paul had taught the Corinthian believers.

What might they have wanted to change? Since, in verse 10, Paul focuses on women, it can be assumed that they were challenging Paul on what he had taught about the status and ministry of Christian women.

There were numerous regulations in the Jewish oral law that applied to women in the synagogue. These regulations implied, or said outright, that the nature and status of the women was not on a par with the men.

Much like some modern non-Christian religious regulations that require women to cover their heads differently from men, so the ancient Jewish regulations required women to cover their heads in a way different from men. While the Jewish oral law said that men and women both had to cover their heads, there were many more reasons given for why women had to cover their heads.

Paul never passed on such legalism to his spiritual children in Christ. If the Jews had their reasons for restricting women, Paul had his for ensuring their full participation in ministry. No wonder people flocked to hear Paul’s teaching! He presented a vibrant counterpoint to the dead legalism of his day.

As we will show, Paul’s words in verse 10 confronted those who wanted to impose regulations on women believers. Both men and women believers had the right to discard any covering hinting at sin. No one had the right to tell them to do otherwise and it was obviously wrong to do so.

Key #5: Translations. In 1 Corinthians 11:10, Paul restated his position. A look at the Greek words in which the New Testament was written makes this quite clear. But modern translations of this passage make it look as if Paul is saying something here opposite to what he originally wrote!

Before taking a look at what Paul said these in 13 Greek words, here is a sampling of what translations present verse 10 as saying:

Good News Translation (GNT) On account of the angels, then, a woman should have a covering over her head to show that she is under her husband's authority. (24 words)

Contemporary English Version CEV. And so, because of this, and also because of the angels, a woman ought to wear something on her head, as a sign of her authority. (26 words)

Living Bible TLB: So a woman should wear a covering on her head as a sign that she is under man’s authority, a fact for all the angels to notice and rejoice in. (30 words)

New International Version NIV: It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. (20 words)

English Standard Version ESV That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. (19 words)

Clearly, something is going on here with all these differences from translation to translation.

However, in Greek, verse 10 is made up of just thirteen easy words. The following is a word-for-word transliteration of the Greek of 1 Corinthians 11:10:

1. “therefore” or “for” 7.“to-have”

2. “this” (“reason”) 8. “over”

3. “ought” 9. “the” (“her”)

4. “the” 10. “head”

5. “woman” 11. “because-of”

6. “authority” 12. “the”

13. “angels.”

The verse can be translated simply as follows in 14 English words:

Therefore, the woman ought to have authority over her head, because of the angels.

Although it rearranged the words, one version translated clearly the original Greek text. It was the TNIV or Today’s New InternationalVersion:

"For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have authority over her own head."

Thus, Paul affirms that a woman is in charge of her own head. How this meaning fits with the verses around it is what we will address next.

Bruce C. E. Fleming

Founder of the Tru316 Project, Tru316.com

Author of The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3

Sheila Gregoire is shocked! Bonus Episode. Her Bare Marriage Podcast Interview of Bruce C. E. Fleming.

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, sheila gregoire) — Sat, 15 May 2021 17:58:33 +0000

God didn't curse Eve or limit woman in any way in Genesis 3:16. This is what Dr. Joy Fleming discovered in the 11 Hebrew words of this key verse. But your Bible doesn't read that way because of a translation error!!

This and much more has been put into The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 by Bruce C. E. Fleming available on Audible HERE.

Season 3 BONUS What We've Covered

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 10 May 2021 13:23:15 +0000

Welcome to this bonus episode of The Eden Podcast where we think again about the Bible on women and men and we start with a correct understanding of what happened in the Garden of Eden back in the beginning.

I’m Bruce C. E. Fleming, founder of the Tru316 Project and a former Academic Dean and Professor of Practical Theology.

This bonus episode celebrates our arrival at the end of Season Three on The Eden Podcast. I’ve started getting messages from some letting me know you have listened to all of the episodes up to this point. Congratulations! You have just completed a major achievement!

We don’t hand out certificates just yet. But I would like to encourage you for your achievement.

Let’s look at what has been accomplished!

Season One of The Eden Podcast is the foundation of it all. What happened in Genesis 2-3 is so important to what we know of God, of one another, of the liar who attacked murderously at the Tree, of the difference between the responses of the man and the woman and of God’s responses to all three.

We focused especially in Episodes 6 and 7 on God’s words to the woman in Genesis 3:16. Basing our insights on the research of Dr. Joy Fleming we observed that God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way! And we learned much more.

That’s why we put all of Season One in a book and added Study Guides at the end of each chapter. The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 is 124 pages long in paperback. It is also available from Amazon as a Kindle E-book, and shortly should be available on Audible. I encourage you to get at least one copy for yourself today! Just go to Amazon HERE.

Season Two is about Ephesians 5:15-6:9. Because people haven’t begun at the beginning of this passage at 5:15 and ended at the end of the passage at 6:9, and because people haven’t recognized the way Paul developed his ideas inside the passage building up to his key idea in 5:32 there has been much that has gone wrong in their interpretation of this passage.

Thanks to the insights we gained from a true view of Genesis 3:16 we were able to understand it all much better. This was especially true of Paul’s advice on teaching and admonishing one another and in submitting ourselves to that input from one another.

Season Three is about 1 Timothy 2:8-3:13 in context. We covered so much good material here and marveled at Paul’s loving and merciful attitude with the overseers who had gone astray in the church at Ephesus.

So, here’s how I would like us to encourage one another!

First of all. Spread the word! Of course, above all take what you have learned and apply it in your life as God moves you to. Then tell others. You can refer them to the entire The Eden Podcast series at TheEdenPodcast.com. You can refer them to several specific episodes. My favorites in Season 1 on Genesis are Episodes 1, 6 and 7. (But really I like them all.) My favorites in Season 2 on Ephesians are Episodes 3, 4 and 6. My favorites in Season 3 on 1 Timothy are 2, 5 and 6.

Second. I’d love to have you study with us as a member of our Tru School of the Bible. We are now taking early enrollment for our first 8-week course which will be called Unlocking Eden, Genesis 2-3. It will be held during our Summer Session in July and August. The cost will be $316 (of course 316) and the number of places is very limited. So you can sign up today. The cost will be refundable. Here’s the link on our website: Tru316.com/UnlockingEden.

There’s more to come! In your life and in mine. God is so good and God’s word the Bible is wholly worthy of our trust, respect and enjoyment!

1 Timothy 3:2-15 Who Can Serve in the Church?

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 4 May 2021 22:51:27 +0000

In 1 Timothy 2:8-15, Paul recommended appropriate discipline for disruptive and injurious behavior. His recommendations took into account not only the sin committed, but also the heart motivation of the offender. In 1 Timothy 3:1-12 the women and men leaders who had been disciplined were encouraged to aspire to, and to resume, ministry in the church.

In these verses, Paul did not teach any doctrine of “authority-of-a-husband,” or “leadership-by-men” in the church. Instead, he drew a picture of various Christian men and women actively serving Christ, having been made faithful by Jesus, the Word!

How did we get here? Likely, much of what we have just covered is not what you have heard before about 1 Timothy 2-3. We faced the same thing in our studies of Ephesians 5-6 and Genesis 2-3. For me, the findings of my wife’s research into Genesis 3:16 makes all the difference. She found that in God’s eleven Hebrew words in Genesis 3:16 God didn’t curse Eve or limit woman in any way.

God showed love and mercy to Eve in the Garden of Eden. But Satan, the murderer and liar, wants us to think God cursed her.

She unmasked his attack at the tree but he is still the enemy of the woman. He wants us to take as many shots at her as he can get us to!

Sadly, translators and theologians have been tricked into playing on his side. They have mistranslated Genesis 3:16 and they have also mishandled other Bible passages related to God’s words to the woman like 1 Timothy 2-3.

That’s why we have produced these studies. That’s why we have written The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3.

Where they have gone astray Bible translations need to be corrected based on the true words of Genesis 3:16. That’s the challenge of the Tru316 Project: to bring about change in all the passages that need correcting in the light of what God really said in Genesis 3:16.

I invite you to get involved and join the work. You can start at Tru316.com.

1 Timothy 3:1 Back to Ministry

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 22:57:51 +0000

Jump with me to the heart of the matter. 1 Timothy 3:1 does not teach that only men are to be overseers in the church. Verse 2 does not teach that only married men can be pastors. And verses 4-5 do not teach that men only are to manage the household.

1 Timothy 3:1 offers encouragement to the overseers undergoing retraining by saying, “Anyone aspiring to oversight desires a good work.” However, many people cover over the meaning of the verse. They lard it over with teaching full of imported meaning that is foreign to the text. They make it sound something like this: Here’s an 11th Commandment: "Only men should be overseers!" Surprising departure from the previous meaning I described? It certainly is! What do you think of it?

In the verses that follow verse 1 there are other departures from the meaning of the inspired Greek text. People repeat their error from verse 1 when they teach that verse 2 says that only married men should be overseers in church.

Then, with regard to life in the Christian family they get wrong verses 4-5 saying that men are the ones who must manage the family unit. The Greek words of 1 Timothy chapter 3 don’t say any of these things. Many translations, sadly, go astray. Let’s correct them as we think again about 1 Timothy chapter 3.

In the passage of 1 Timothy the three times Paul uses the words pistos ho logos. In 3:1, Jesus, the faithful Word, serves as the high point, the turning point of the second section of the letter to Timothy that runs from 1:18 to 3:16. As Jesus is faithful, Jesus in turn makes others faithful, in this case the overseers Paul has been correcting in 2:8-15.

As we arrive at 3:1 we are at a major turning point. Paul turns from “How to correct disruptive wayward overseers” to “How to restore them to ministry.” Keeping this focus on overseers, both female and male, keeps us from going astray in our interpretation and in our practice in church today.

The Greek words in the rest of 1 Timothy 3:1 are inclusive of both women and men. They are gender neutral. Paul is talking about tis or “anyone,” female or male who aspires to oversight.

Overseers were among the ones gifted to serve the rest of the body of Christ. Those who received this gift were described in Ephesians 4:11-12.

In the letter to the Ephesians, only some believers in the body of Christ are called to be apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor-teachers. Because Paul is speaking about those who had gone astray from within this group, when he talks about anyone aspiring to oversight in 3:1 the antecedent to the pronoun “anyone” looks back to those people who already had been gifted and called to be overseers.

The “anyone” in 3:1 refers to those who have already been in public ministry and have been stopped from doing so because they had gone astray and disrupted the church. But these were not without hope. To the contrary they could aspire to such a good work once more thanks to Jesus, the faithful Word.

Have you looked on wayward church leaders this way? Have you seen defrocked pastors, and elders and preachers and teachers treated this way? I have. But not much in the churches in my own country in America. But in other countries where we have served I have seen a fruitful practice of discipline, retraining and restoration carried out.

1 Timothy 2:13-15 Eve and Paul

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 02:44:08 +0000

1 Timothy 2:13-15 How Eve and Paul were alike, by Bruce C. E. Fleming

The focus of this episode is: 1 Timothy 2:13-15 How Eve and Paul were alike

“What’s this Dad?” I asked picking up the flat and pointed piece of chipped stone. “That’s an arrowhead son,” he replied. “What’s it doing here, Dad?” “Ahh. That’s a great question!”

“What’s this doing here?” is what many ask when they come across the verses that are numbered as 1 Timothy 2:13-15. They ask, “Why do we find these words in this place?” One could say we have several figurative arrowheads to consider in these verses.

- Why does Paul here bring up the Garden of Eden, and Adam and Eve?

- Did they have something to do with the wayward women leaders Timothy was correcting in Ephesus? What?

- Where in the text does the reference to Eden end in these verses?

- Why does Paul bring up the birth of The Child in verse 15?

- And who are “they” at the end of verse 15b?

These questions can all be answered. We can answer them now because we have asked the right questions.

We can answer them because we have looked at the context and the main actions Paul is recommending in 1 Timothy 2:8 to 3:16. We can answer them because we are not off-the-track wandering in the weeds looking for the answers to the wrong questions, which I’m afraid so many have done.

Let’s look at the literary structure of the passage as Paul presented these ideas. As we do we see where verses 13-15 belong in the development of Paul’s thought. He has not written a linear progression of ideas in a 1, 2, 3 manner. He has written using a rainbow pattern of parallel ideas. The main idea is in the middle. On either side are ideas that echo and complete each other.

Because verse 9 has no verb and begins with “likewise” we have to start back in verse 8. Then come verses 9-15 which are Paul’s focused advice about correcting-in-order-to-restore-to-ministry the subgroup of wayward women overseers in Ephesus.

In verse 8 Paul gives a command to Timothy. He wishes for the wayward men overseers to preach and pray in public worship with holy hands (not tainted by sin) with sound doctrine, which is not a source of angry disputing.

In verses 9, 10 and 12, Paul gives a parallel command to Timothy. He wishes for the wayward women overseers to preach and pray in public worship with proper outward dress and behavior.

In verse 11 Paul makes use of this passage’s only imperative verb where he says, Let these women learn! as good students paying attention.

Then, Paul opens a parenthesis in verses 13-15a before he returns in 15b to advice that parallels his earlier advice. That advice concerned the formerly wayward women overseers Timothy was to retrain and restore to ministry. Verses 13-15a serve as a digression. In them Paul justifies the course of action he is recommending. He explains why he is prescribing such gentle correction for them.

Remember, with the wayward leaders Hymenaeus and Alexander back in 1 Timothy 1:20, Paul turned them over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. But with these women wayward overseers he is recommending a very different kind of teaching. They are not being handed over to Satan to be taught. They are to be allowed to learn and get retrained as good students from Timothy himself, or by Priscilla or by other faithful overseers in the church at Ephesus.

Here’s my paraphrase of verses 13-15a in the context of verses 2:11 to 3:1

11Let the women overseers who were wayward learn in quietness and with all studiousness. 12I am not permitting them to teach men in an incorrect way, but to be retrained in quietness.

13Why? For, God formed the two in the Garden, Adam and then Eve 14and Adam was a first-degree eater. He was not deceived but sinned on purpose. But Eve was deceived and as a second-degree sinner, to that degree, she became a transgressor.

15But she, Eve, would be saved through the birth of The Child who was to come, as will the women you are retraining if they persevere in faith, love, sanctification and self-control.

3:1“Faithful is Jesus the Logos, the Word,” so if any one of those you are correcting aspires to oversight, that woman or that man desires a good work!

Like Paul, like Eve

Why? The Gospel of Mark recounts how Jesus’ disciples were slow to learn the lesson of the multiplied loaves. First, Jesus fed the 5,000 from a few loaves and some fish (Mark 6:35-44). A second time, Jesus multiplied a handful of food into enough for four thousand people (Mark 8:1-9). A little while later, Jesus and his disciples found themselves in a boat with just one loaf of bread. The disciples were hungry and began to worry. Oh, what could they do in these dire straits?

Carefully, Jesus talked to them about their cares and about their blindness to His power to provide for them again and again. He reminded them of all that had happened. Yet they still didn’t understand (Mark 8:14-21). They needed to be told again.

In similar fashion, just in case his message has not been fully understood, Paul adds several more verses in 1 Timothy 2. He wants to make sure his instructions about the correction of the errant women teachers are clear.

Why does he recommend retraining for these women? In verses 13-15a, Paul calls attention to relevant details from the Garden of Eden.

Because “intent” counts. Paul starts verse 13 with the conjunction “for” in Greek. He gives a reason “for” what he has just recommended. Then, he refers to Genesis 3. In the Garden of Eden there were two kinds of sinners. And in Ephesus, where Timothy was, there were two kinds of sinners:

1. sinners who were deceived and sinned, and

2. sinners who knowingly and defiantly sinned.

In verse 13, Paul draws a clear distinction between the first man and the first woman. By referring to their two distinct creations, he focuses attention on them as two distinct individuals.

13For Adam first was formed, then Eve.

The lesson of verse 13 isn’t who was first, but that there were two individuals created in the beginning – first one, then the other. Paul further distinguishes between these two by using the names, “Adam” and “Eve.”

The use of these names in their historical setting is strikingly anachronistic. The woman was not called by the name “Eve” until Genesis 3:20. Yet, Paul uses that name referring to moments in history (Gen 2) that occurred before she was known as Eve.

Similarly, the name “Adam” did not refer only-to-the-man at the point in time referred to by Paul in 1 Timothy 2:13. The name “Adam” could refer to them both (Genesis 5:2 – “He called their name Adam”). The man took the name “Adam” for himself, only after God judged him. Breathtakingly, the man rebelled one more time after God spoke to him in Genesis 3:17-19. This was another act of rebellion and self-rule, as opposed to submission to being ruled by the Creator.

The man had named the animals who were subordinate to him in the Garden of Eden. He used the naming formula and called them their names. This is similar to the naming formula used today when the Queen or King of England says, “I dub you Sir So and So.” The first chance the man had to respond positively to God’s speeches to the serpent, to the woman and to him, he responded negatively! He called the woman a name using the naming formula he used for the animals. He presumed to rule over her by naming her and treating her like just another one of the animals.

How was she to respond to that? God was her Creator. God alone was her ruler. God was their Ruler. What to do with a husband who presumed to usurp God’s role by ruling over her in this way?

Two kinds of eaters. This is important to understand. In 1 Timothy 2:14, after distinguishing clearly between the first two individuals at Creation, Paul focuses on why and how each individual sinned.

While it is clear that each one in the Garden is disobedient to God’s command, the following differences exist between them after the Attack by the serpent tempter:

1. The man was not deceived. He sins deliberately and knowingly (Gen 3:12).

2. The woman was deceived and only then does she sin (Gen 3:13).

In the Garden, God takes these differences into account when imposing judgment on the serpent tempter, on the woman and on the man. God imposes a curse on the serpent. The Hebrew word “curse” is used.

Using words in a way parallel to his words to the serpent tempter, God imposes a curse on the soil. This curse is “because of” the man (Genesis 3:17). The Hebrew word for “curse” again is used. It is only used these two times.

No “curse” is imposed on the man or on the women. Significantly, no curse is imposed because of the woman as had occurred because of the man. In Genesis 3, the Hebrew word “curse” only occurs in reference to the man (and the serpent tempter).

There is something very different between the man’s motives and actions. There is something very different in the way God treats the one and the other of these two humans in Eden.

How does Paul know the woman is deceived? In Genesis 3:13, the woman says so, in an accurate admission to God of her wrongdoing. In 1 Timothy 2:14, Paul notes that the man is a different kind of sinner. He “wasn’t deceived.” This distinction drawn between the two sinners is a distinction for Timothy to follow in correcting those who had gone astray in Ephesus.

In 1 Timothy chapter 1, Paul referred to how God had judged him gently. Discerning Paul’s intent, God dealt gently with him, and even put him into ministry because he had acted ignorantly and in disbelief (1:12).

In modern-day courts, even murderers are judged differently, according to their intent. There is “murder in the first degree” for those who kill on purpose, or “with malice aforethought.” And there is “murder in the second degree,” or “manslaughter,” for those who kill but not with malicious advance planning.

“Murder one” receives the harshest punishment. Manslaughter merits a lighter sentence.

Paul had been a second-degree sinner. The way God dealt with him as a second-degree sinner is the way he wants Timothy to deal with those at Ephesus who also sinned in the second degree. The women described in 1 Timothy 2:9b and 12 are to be treated like Eve, and like Paul, who had not sinned on purpose. He is to let them learn and emphatically so.

To underline this, in verses 13 and 14, Paul refers to the two sinners in the Garden in a different order from when each one sinned. If Paul had been preoccupied only with details of timing in Eden, he would have referred first to the woman and then to the man. Instead, he twice refers first to Adam, who sinned on purpose.

Here is my paraphrase of verses 13-14 (italics added):

13For, God formed the two in the Garden, Adam and then Eve

14and Adam was not deceived, but Eve was deceived,

and to that degree became a transgressor.

Don’t be deceived! Some people charge that since the first woman was deceived in the Garden, all women are more easily deceived than all men! But Genesis does not teach this. Neither does Paul.

Even though the man and the woman were co-regents over the earth by the Creator’s decree (Genesis 1:27-30), some people claim that the timing in the creations of the man and the woman makes the man superior to the woman in some way.

Indeed, this was the position held by rabbis at the time of Paul. They thought that a theological consequence could be discerned behind the sequence of events in the Garden. C. K. Barrett (Pastoral Epistles, p. 56) quotes their midrash: “Adam was first in creation, Eve [first] in sin.”

Surprisingly, John Calvin held to this position. Even so, he found himself compelled to argue against it, admitting (Commentaries, 21) that any theological conclusions based on the “order of creation, appears not to be a very strong argument in favor of her subjection; for John the Baptist was before Christ in the order of time, and yet was greatly inferior in rank.”

Verse 15a – Closing thoughts on Eden.

It may seem tiresome to work our way over one interpretive “bump” after another. But as every good road builder knows, it is important to keep leveling the roadbed until it becomes flat and serviceable for all those who follow.

In verse 15a, there is one more noticeable bump that needs to be smoothed out before the entire passage in 1 Timothy 2 can be clearly understood. It has to do with Paul’s reference in Greek to “the Childbearing.” According to the Greek in the first part of verse 15, Paul writes:

15aBut she will be saved through the Childbearing…

The singular pronoun – “she” – of verse 15a refers to the woman who is discussed in verses 13-14 just before it. “She” is Eve!

“The Childbearing” of Eve refers to the future birth, future for Eve, of the promised Child. Mary was the physical mother of Jesus, but Eve was his ancestor. Eve’s “childbearing” resulted in the eventual “childbearing” of Jesus.

The word “childbearing” is a collective singular noun, a single word packed with the promise of many. This way of speaking may seem awkward to the modern reader. But it is used twice in Genesis 3 when God first gives the promise of a Savior.

In Genesis 3:15, God gives the menacing promise to the serpent that the “seed” or “offspring” of the woman will crush his head. The word “seed” is a collective singular noun.

In the Hebrew wording of Genesis 3:16, Line 1, God promises the woman that she will have multiplied “conception.” The word “conception” is also a collective singular noun.

Looking back at the Garden of Eden from the perspective of history, one can identify the promised “seed” of verse 15, and the “conception” of verse 16, as Jesus. Paul’s use of the collective singular noun – “the Childbearing” – in 1 Timothy 2:15a in the context of a discussion on the Garden of Eden brings to mind Eve’s promised offspring. This would have been recognized immediately by Timothy and the Jewish Christians at Ephesus, as a reference to the promised One, the Messiah.

Eve would be eternally saved through her forward-looking faith in the coming birth of the Child. The women in Ephesus are saved through their faith in this same Child as well.

Each one of us today faces the question of this Child. What will we do with Jesus?

- Because in the Garden of Eden back in the beginning there had been an attack,

- because the man and the woman were now mortal and hiding from God,

- because their perfect union with God had been ruptured, God promised the certain conception of the seed of the woman.

Why would God promise this? Why would God bother to do so?

We learn over and over again in God’s revelation in the Bible that God sent Jesus into the world because we need a Savior who will die in our place. When we ask God to forgive us and to send the Holy Spirit into our heart in new birth and the start of everlasting spiritual life, it is like we have one foot already placed firmly in heaven. We have the assurance repeated over and over again in the Bible that when we die God will pull up that other foot too. We instantly will be with Jesus firmly standing in heaven.

The best Bible verse on this is that other 3:16 verse. In the Old Testament, in Genesis 3:16, God promised Eve that truly she would have conception of the Child who would crush Satan’s head. In the New Testament, in John 3:16 we have this promise:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

Once again, we see the love of God reaching out to us. We see God helping us return back to Eden in a perfect relationship with God with no break to occur ever again.

This complete summary of Eve’s situation in 1 Timothy 2:13-15a – as a deceived sinner in the 2nd degree, who is going to be saved because she places her faith in the coming Child – allows Paul to move on to a summation of his instructions to Timothy. He does this in the second half of verse 15 in verse 15b.

In verse 15b, Paul changes subjects. He moves on from a singular subject, “she,” to a plural subject, “they.” If the first half of verse 15, verse 15a, had been counted as the end of verse 14 we could have seen this more clearly. Perhaps it is best to think of 2:15b as a new verse, or verse 16.

In these words with a plural subject, Paul encourages once again the women who are learning, per his command in verse 11, to follow the wholesome pattern of those who have been right-living overseers all along, as he has described them in verses 9a, and 10.

He names four aspects of right living and teaching that must be evident in their reformed lives:

15bif they remain in faith, and love, and sanctification with all seriousness.

The good news is that God gives John 3:16 to us today. It is good news that was promised back in the Garden of Eden. It is good news that actually took place as Jesus hung on the cross and died for our sins, rose again, ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to live in the hearts of all who believe in Him and receive His gift of payment for our sins.

Does that include you? If “Yes” is your answer, then I rejoice with you!

Does that include you? If “Not yet” is your situation then I encourage you to pray to Jesus right away. Ask His forgiveness. Ask to be born again and for the Holy Spirit to come live in your heart. Like Eve, you too can be saved through the birth of The Child!

LINKS

1 Timothy 2:11-12 Correcting Wayward Women Overseers

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 01:32:28 +0000

Here's my paraphrase of 1 Timothy 2:8-12 from the Greek:

(8) Timothy, I wish for the men to pray and prophesy correctly while leading worship, lifting up holy hands without causing anger and disputing!

(9) Likewise, I wish the women who pray and prophesy leading worship to adorn themselves with modest apparel that promotes self-control - not with improper hair plaiting, along with its gold and pearls, and costly clothing - (10) Women preaching godliness are adorned by their good works.

(11) Let those women overseers who were wayward learn in quietness and with all studiousness as good students. (12) I am not permitting them to teach men in an incorrect way, but to learn in quietness.

Each Greek word is analyzed in the transcript of the Episode.

Go DEEPER

1 Timothy 2:8-10 Disrupters in Ephesus!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 6 Apr 2021 11:40:07 +0000

1 Timothy 2:8 is not a verse about people in general praying around the world. What should tip us off are the comments at the end of the verse about “anger” and “disputing.”

Disruptive Preachers. How often are people angry and how often do disputes break out after prayer meetings where you are? Not often? Never? Is this verse not applicable in your situation? No. It likely is not. It applied to the situation in Ephesus. And would apply in similar situations down through time.

In his next sentence, in verse 9, Paul begins with the Greek word “likewise.” And then he uses no verb. When this happens in Greek we are to look back to the verb in the previous sentence and use it in this one. What is the verb we are to use in verse 9? It is the verb “I wish.”

Verse 8 is aimed not at all men, nor at all the men overseers. It applies to the men overseers who are praying and preaching incorrectly. Because verse 9 starts with the word “Likewise,” we can assume it is aimed not at all women, nor at all the women overseers. It applies to the women overseers who are praying and preaching incorrectly.

Right, wrong, right. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10 Paul describes the characteristics of faithful women overseers in the first half of verse 9 and also in verse 10. He contrasts these with the improper behavior of the wayward women overseers described in the second half of verse 9 and in verse 12.

The incorrect behavior of verses 9b and 12 practiced by a subgroup of the women overseers was to be stopped. Then these women were to be taught. Paul says "Let learn!" This command in Greek in verse 11 applied to the women who were being retrained for service after being restrained from false teaching and practice.

GO DEEPER

1 Timothy 2:1-7 Praying for Persecutors

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:54:38 +0000

The first seven verses in 1 Timothy 2 are Paul's discussion of his second sin, that of being an official who persecuted the church. But many commentators and theologians haven't understood how the first seven verses of 1 Timothy 2 fit into the structure of Paul's letter.

Some have suggested like this person, that Paul "strung his ideas together in 1 Timothy in a rather haphazard manner." That doesn't sound like Paul to me!

Why this trouble? These people have missed the literary context of these seven verses. They have missed the continuing development of Paul's thought through each of his three sins and here in his discussion of his second sin, that of persecuting the church.

Paul knew all about officials who could wreak havoc on the church. These seven verses track closely Paul's own past:

when he persecuted the church
when he was converted
when he ceased persecuting the church

GO DEEPER

1 Timothy 1:1-17 Paul's Three Sins

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 12:38:04 +0000

Paul listed MY THREE SINS in 1 Timothy 1:13. First, Paul was a blasphemer. He had spoken evil of Jesus. Second, he was a persecutor. He had persecuted believers in Christ. Third, he was injurious. He had disrupted the church.

Three groups in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:18-3:16). Paul often gave a list near the start of his letters. The list pointed to what was coming next in his letter. When I learned of this I began looking for a list in 1 Timothy. I read various commentaries to see what list they had found. No one mentioned any list.

And then, I found it! Paul’s list comes in 1:13. The list is found in his three sins - Paul had been (1) a blasphemer, (2) a persecutor, and (3) a disruptor. These three sins become the template he will use in Section Two of this letter.

In Section Two of his letter, Paul writes about three groups of people in Ephesus who correspond to each one of his three sins. Paul comments about those who are guilty of his first sin in a few words. He comments about those who have the power to commit his second sin with more words. He comments to Timothy about the group guilty of his third sin with the most words.

Here are the three groups:

Blasphemers at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:18-20)
Persecutors at Ephesus (1 Timothy 2:1-7)
Disruptors at Ephesus (1 Timothy 2:8-3:16)

GO DEEPER

Guest on Christy Gudim's Podcast Genesis 2-3

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Christy Gudim, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 23:58:54 +0000

A quick survey of the key points in Genesis 2-3 that are affected positively by a correct understanding of Genesis 3:16. Christy and Kaylin interviewed Bruce C. E. Fleming on their podcast about what Genesis 3:16 really says in the Hebrew text and how this helps our understanding of the other verses that tell us what happened back in the Beginning. Lots covered and lots of fun in this interview!

Order a 3-Pak of the paperback, The Book of Eden, Genesis 2-3 HERE

For the Kindle version order HERE

GO DEEPER

Bonus - Celebrating 3/16 Day 2021

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:38:53 +0000

Celebrate with the Tru316 Project as we approach "3/16 Day" 2021! The Tru316 Foundation (www.Tru316.com) is the home of The Eden Podcast with Bruce C. E. Fleming where we “true” the verse of Genesis 3:16. The Tru316 Message is that “God didn’t curse Eve (or Adam) or limit woman in any way.” Once Genesis 3:16 is made clear the other passages on women and men become clear too. You are encouraged to access the episodes of Seasons 1-11 of The Eden Podcast for teaching on the seven key passages on women and men. Are you a reader? We invite you to get from Amazon the four books by Bruce C. E. Fleming in The Eden Book Series (Tru316.com/trubooks). Would you like to support the work of the Tru316 Foundation? You can become a Tru Partner here: www.Tru316.com/partner

Season 3 Episode 1 Why 1st Timothy Matters

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Tue, 9 Mar 2021 01:42:54 +0000

The hot topic, the hot verse in all of 1 Timothy is 1st Timothy 2:12. People want to go right there and from that verse only they want to know all about “women in church.” But if they look only to verse 12 they are taking a scriptural teaching out of context!

Context and content. What is the context of 1 Timothy 2:12? It is found in a series of ideas that actually begin back in 1:18 and continue down to 3:16. What is the content of verse 12? 1 Timothy 2:12 turns out to be only the second half of a Greek sentence. And it is not the important half of the sentence. The important half of the sentence is in verse 11. And if we look only to verse 12, we’ve missed the main idea.

Getting right what we think 1 Timothy says is most important these days. Especially for its teaching in chapters 2 and 3 on women and men in ministry, and how to correct and restore those who go astray while in the ministry.

GO DEEPER!

The Book of Eden - BONUS Episode

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joanne Hagemeyer) — Thu, 4 Mar 2021 17:09:26 +0000

Translators’ errors are hurting so many lives. Perhaps the biggest error of all is occurring in Genesis 3:16. People get a sour taste when they read modern translations of Genesis 2-3 that make God appear unfair and even vindictive.

What they read leads them to think God cursed the woman in some way even though she had been deceived. They think she had been the Temptress and deserved a curse unlike the rebellious man whose body was not cursed.

Would you like a book you can read and study with others? At the Tru316 Project we’re really excited to provide you The Book of Eden, Studies from Genesis 2 and 3. Because God didn’t curse Eve or limit woman in any way. In eight chapters we work our way through the following points and more:

Here are THINGS THAT TRULY HAPPENED IN EDEN (GEN. 2-3)

CREATED EQUAL PARTNERS. God created the man and woman as equal partners.
BOTH RULED OVER ALL. God told both to rule over all other creatures and creation.
BOTH ATTACKED BY SATAN. Both were attacked by Satan but each reacted differently.
GOD AFFIRMED THE WOMAN. God affirmed the woman’s confession, appointed her Satan’s combatant and gave her the Promise.
GOD CURSED NEITHER HUMAN. The woman wasn’t cursed in any way in the original Hebrew text. But translations wrongly make it look like God did so in one or more ways.

At the end of each chapter you’ll find a Study Guide. These are not just review questions. They encourage discussion and lead you to apply what you read from the Bible.

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Ephesians 5:32-6:9 Family Circus

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Mon, 1 Mar 2021 21:41:44 +0000

The focus of this episode is:

Ephesians 5:32-6:9. Family members submitting one to another

Have you ever been in a conversation like this? Maybe you’re talking with a lovable old uncle, or you’re in conversation with a friendly neighbor. You’ve been talking about one thing and then you get off the track and start talking about something else. Finally, comes a moment when one of you says, “Let’s get back to what we were talking about.” And you pick up with that earlier train of thought right where you left off.

That’s something like what we find at the start of Ephesians 5:33. Paul uses a Greek word that is usually translated into English as “nevertheless” or “however.” This Greek word, “nevertheless” refers to something said earlier and picks up the train of thought that was left off for a moment.

In this case, with “nevertheless” Paul is referring back to verse 21 where he redefined the vertical act of submitting and turned it into the horizontal relationship of reciprocally submitting. This was the new way Christian believers were to be getting along in the Spirit.

Even though “nevertheless” is Paul’s first word in the Greek sentence of verse 5:33, some English translations omit the word all together. I think it is important to include it, because it alerts us that Paul is linking back to the subject of verse 21.

Paul not only redefined the verb “to submit, ” he also used the word “fear” at the end of the verse 21. Paul said we mutually submit one to another in the fear of Christ, or in respect of Christ.

By using the word “fear” Paul signals a second time in verse 33 that he is linking back to verse 21. In verse 33, after he says a Christian husband should demonstrate agape love toward his wife, Paul says a Christian wife “fears” her Christian husband.

How does she do that? Not in the way of a frightening fear. Not that kind of fear. But of a fear in the way of a serious and profound respect because of the ties that bind us to Christ.

Because we are united in Christ how do we then live as a married couple? Paul says (1) we love our spouse – that’s an idea from verse 25 and (2) we respect our spouse – that’s an idea from verse 21.

If a man is to love his own wife the same as himself, does a wife also love her spouse? Of course! If a wife is to respect her husband, does a husband also respect his spouse? Of course!

Our underlying status as members of the body of Christ enriches our relationship with one another as husband and wife. As Christian spouses, each being filled with the Spirit, we reciprocally love and respect one another.

Taken out of context, people misuse the words in this verse. They think wives aren’t supposed to love their husbands. That husbands don’t need to respect their wives. They even claim that wives are to fear their husbands in what is basically a wrong way. These ideas misuse the words in this verse.

Recognizing that verse 5:33 has hooks and references back to the previous verses of 32, and 25, and 21, helps us to clear away these misconceptions. And we see again the idea Paul introduced in verses 22-24. We see that the Christian couple is a wonderful example of Christians in a reciprocal relationship.

Ephesians 5:32 is the middle point of a pattern that Kenneth E. Bailey called elsewhere a “prophetic rhetorical template.” This modified seven-point prophetic rhetorical pattern runs from Ephesians 5:22 to 6:9. All of it illustrates how believers submit reciprocally one to another. Recognizing this pattern is being used here is a big help to us in understanding what is going on in verses 5:33 and following. [Study Guide note will talk about “the high jump,” as labeled by Bailey, used elsewhere in biblical literature - several smaller sections that give a running start before the major arcing template is presented. This running start begins in verses 15-18. A second step is taken in verses 19-21. And the 7-point chiasm begins in verse 22 and runs through 6:9.]

The first three segments of the rhetorical template begin at verses 22, 25 and 28. The middle part is in verse 32. The last three segments of the rhetorical template begin at 5:33, 6:1 and 6:5.

As Paul’s readers digested what he had just written in verses 22-31, they were coming to understand that Christians should be submitting one to another in church. But was it possible to practice this behavior in the home?

That’s what Paul addresses in 5:33-6:9. He takes up, one by one, the three basic relationships that could occur in the household of believers in his day. He discusses each category in turn:

Husbands and wives (5:33)
children and parents (6:1-4)
servants and masters (6:5-9)

Try not to pay attention to the chapter break that occurs here. It is important to remember that Paul wrote this section on “walking” in the Spirit hundreds of years before chapter breaks and verse numbers were added by other people to his writings. There were no chapter and verse breaks when Paul wrote Ephesians.

The big fat number 6 we see in our Bibles standing as the start of chapter 6 should not have been inserted where it now is. It would better have been inserted after the end of verse 9, at the end of this fifth “walking” section of the second half of the Book of Ephesians.

Paul uses the word “fear” in 5:33 to link back to verse 21. Paul also uses the word “fear” to tie together all three pairs of relationships that he gives us in 5:33-6:9.

Here’s how he uses “fear” in each set of relationships.

In verse 33, Paul uses “fear” when he talks about wives and their husbands.
In 6:1-4, the word “fear” is implied in the verses that are addressed to children and parents.
In 6:5-9, “fear” is part of servant-master relationship.

Verse 33 deals with married adults in the household. Theirs is a horizontal and reciprocal relationship. In 6:1-4 and 5-9, Paul focuses on two other pairs of relationships in the household. These are relationships in which the individuals are in a position of inequality – as child and parent, and as servant and master.

Family Circus! In these 10 verses Paul provides us with a rhetorical three-ring circus. In each ring, Christian family members defy normal expectations and live in Spirit-filled relationships that portray living scenes demonstrating life together in the body of Christ.

As a child, I was taken to the final outdoor three-ring performance of the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus. It was the last one ever held under their enormous tent, called the Big Top. And it was tremendous! Plenty was going on in the center ring! There were trapeze artists flying high overhead while clowns and animal acts performed underneath. To one side in another ring there was an animal act with a lion tamer and plenty of threatening beasts. But wait. There was more! In a third ring there was the noise of a wild west scene with horse riding tricks and cracking pistol displays of incredible marksmanship. Could I follow all that at one time? I sure tried!

In these verses there are three rings of activity too. Can we follow all that is going on in them? We can sure try!

Readers of ancient literature were used to asking, “How does this apply to life in the household?” These verses sound and feel something like other household lists that were in circulation in Paul’s day. Those other lists on “how to” organize a household reflected the value systems of the pagan religions of the day, and of Judaism. These are called “domestic codes.”

Paul provides something like a domestic code of his own, except that he modifies the typical literary forms and their content. This has frustrated a number of scholars who have tried to squeeze this section of Ephesians into an outline typical of other ancient domestic codes.

Surprisingly, many claim to see a household code in Ephesians starting back in verses 22-31 of chapter 5. But as we have demonstrated those verses are about a household only tangentially. The focus there is on Christ’s sacrificial love for the church.

When Paul takes up the subject of the Christian household from 5:33 on, he breaks almost every rule in those other domestic codes. He reverses the usual order they use in the way he names the members of the family and he advises family members to relate to one another in ways that are quite revolutionary when compared to the established patterns of his day.

Ephesians 6:1-9. Let’s look at the Christians who are in unequal positions in the household. Starting with Ephesians 6:1, “obedience” enters the picture. For Paul, there are relationships within a Christian household where obedience is appropriate: between children and parents, and between slaves and masters.

These unequal relationships can be limited in duration. They exist only as long as the child is obligated to obey, and only as long as the slave is obligated to serve.

Bye the way, the word “obedience” is never used in Ephesians 5:22-31 for how Christians interact with one another. And “obedience” is not required of either Christian spouse to the other in 5:33. Some people hold up verse 33 as a proof text that wives are required to obey their husbands. But verse 33 does not say this. The word “fear” is used in verse 33 but it is not used as a synonym for “obedience.”

Children and parents. In Ephesians 6:1-3, Paul exhorts children to obey their parents. In verse 4, he addresses their parents. His comments apply to individuals living in a Christian household. Paul specifies this in verses 1 and 4 by adding the words, “in the Lord” and “of the Lord.”

In verses 1-3, four reasons are given for children to be obedient. Paul makes his appeal in terms that are appropriate to children who already old enough and know the Lord. The four reasons are instructive and encouraging. Children are to obey because:

They are “in the Lord”
They are expected to do what is “right”
They have a “commandment” of God
They are given a “promise”

In verses 2-3, Paul quotes the Fifth of the Ten Commandments. It is in Deuteronomy 5:16 and reads as follows: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” To this familiar commandment, the Jewish mind was trained to associate the parallel statement in Leviticus 19:3, “Each of you shall fear his mother and his father ….”

The phrase “in the Lord” is reminiscent of Ephesians 5:21. And the idea of “fearing” also refers back to 5:21. Thus, believing children actively and fully enjoy all the rights and privileges of reciprocally submitting members of the body of Christ.

Christian children are, nevertheless, called on to obey. Disobedience to parents is not something taken lightly by Paul (see Romans 1:30, 2 Timothy 3:2).

In verse 4, Paul turns from Christian children to their Christian parents. The Greek word he uses to refer to them is pateres, a word frequently translated as “fathers” in English Bibles. However, pateres should be translated “parents.”

In Ephesians 6:1-2, both parents are specifically named. In the reference to Leviticus 19:3, mothers and fathers are both mentioned. Mothers are mentioned first. There is no preferential treatment given to fathers by Paul in Ephesians 6:4, as if in some special way he is writing to them to the exclusion of mothers.

The Greek word for “parents” used in Ephesians 6:4 is the same Greek word used in Hebrews 11:23. There, it designates the “parents” of Moses who hid him for three months.

In his commentary on Ephesians, F. F. Bruce explained that Ephesians 6:4 denoted not just fathers, but both parents. He pointed out how this fit with the parallel passage correctly translated in Colossians 3:20-21.

Hand washing. One day, many years ago, after Sunday morning church we greeted everyone as we left in the usual way by shaking hands all around. This day we had been invited for dinner at the home of an older member in that church. It was our first time in his home. As soon as we were in the door of his house he pointed us to where we could go wash our hands. With a playful smile and a comment about germs he encouraged us to “go wash off the brethren.” By brethren he meant both the brothers and sisters we had just greeted.

In a similar way, in his letters, Paul often referred to all believers, both male and female, as “brothers.” Galatians 1:2, is an example of this.

Thus, in verse 4, Paul forbids both Christian parents from “embittering” or “provoking to wrath” their children. Both parents are to be respectful in their dealings with their children. In Christ, their children are members together with them in one shared spiritual joint-body.

Similarly, according to the Greek of verse 4, both parents are responsible for their children, to “nurture them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.” Paul teaches that nurturing children includes both “discipline” and “admonition.” The word “discipline” Paul uses here is a general term. It means “discipline in general” (as used in 2 Timothy 3:16, and Hebrews 12:5). “Admonition” means “special admonition” as in Titus 3:10. Some Bible versions translate this into English as “the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Thus, honorable parents, worthy of obedience, are to model righteous and measured living. Both the mother and the father are to instruct their children in biblical doctrines, clarifying for their children the motivation behind their acts as parents. In this way their children will come to know that the loving care and discipline they receive from their parents is the outflow of the will of their loving God, who inspired the commandments they and their parents are putting into practice.

Servants and masters. In Roman households in and around Ephesus in Paul’s day, often there were many servants. It has been estimated that in some of the cities and towns where Paul preached a large percentage of the population was either enslaved or worked as servants. What word does Paul have for these Christian members of the household? What equivalent truth does he have for today’s members of the household?

In verses 5-9, Paul illustrates how, even in the context of the obedience required in the servant-master relationship, submitting reciprocally can still be practiced in everyday life in the context of Christian households.

In verse 5, Paul again uses the words “fear” and “as Christ,” reminding readers of the connection with 5:21 and verses 22 to 31. In life, the distinction made between servants and masters is not a spiritual distinction. It is only a social and a temporary one. Paul exhorts servants to be thoroughly Christian in all they do (verse 5). They are to work “as servants of Christ” (verse 6) and serve “as to the Lord” (verse 7) because their ultimate master is the Lord (verse 8).

It is from the Lord that payment would come. In this way, vertical relationships of servants with their earthly masters are overlaid with the priority of spiritual relationships. This being the case, Paul makes a bold application to Christian masters in verse 9. He tells them to act as do their Christian servants!

In addition, masters are to hold themselves back from threatening, remembering that they too share a master in heaven. Their heavenly master is no respecter of person or rank, whether male or female, young or old, slave or free.

Completing the “walk.” In sum, according to the two three-part strings of illustrations that Paul uses to explain the meaning of Christian submission in Ephesians 5:21, “walking carefully in the Spirit” means every believer is to be submitting reciprocally to every other member in the body of Christ. Above all, Christ sets the example for us to follow.

This kind of behavior is possible in the church and at home. Each one is to practice this reciprocal submitting with other believers at church. And where the case applies, each Christian is to practice this reciprocal submitting to others in the household, whether as spouses, as children and parents, and even as servants and masters.

What this passage does and does not say

In Ephesians 5:15-6:9, Paul explains how to walk carefully and successfully in the Spirit. In verses 15 through 21 he introduces in broad strokes how to do this. The culmination of these verses presents the dramatically transformed behavior of Spirit-filled believers reciprocally submitting one-to-another in Christ.

Then, in verses 22 through 6:9 Paul presents a modified seven-part prophetic rhetorical chiasm that illustrates in detail “how to” practice this kind of mutual submission.

In parts one through three in verses 22-31, he gives three “as Christ” examples.
The middle of the chiasm is the high truth that believers united are one in a joint-body with Christ himself.
In Ephesians 5:33-6:9, he gives three “in the household” examples.

In this passage, from Ephesians 5:15-6:9, Paul does not teach that man is ‘head’ of the woman. He does not teach that a man is ‘head’ of the house. He does not teach that a husband is responsible for the spiritual health of a wife. He does not teach that a father is more responsible than a mother for the upbringing of their children.

Such ideas are “leadership” heresies based on misunderstandings of the passage. I wrote an entire book discussing how these “leadership” heresies are not part of seven major passages in the Bible. They are not biblical. In fact they are counter-biblical. Trying to practice these non-biblical teachings has damaged the Christian experience, poisoned home life and weakened the church.

This passage is about walking carefully as Christians filled with the Spirit. From verse 21 on this passage is not primarily about marriage. An individual may know Christ yet never marry. Or, an individual might know Christ as a single before marrying, as a spouse during marriage, and as a single again after the death of a spouse.

According to Ephesians 5:15-6:9, the great mystery now revealed is that believers enjoy a relationship with Christ that goes beyond even that enjoyed by the first humans with God in the Garden of Eden. Walking together, filled with the Spirit, our relationship with Christ, goes even beyond Eden.

***

The Eden Podcast is brought to you by the Tru316 Project. YOU can help equip others by becoming a member of the Tru316 Project for $3.16/month or more. Go topatreon.com/tru316project.

Ephesians 5:25-32 Loving and Giving “as Christ!”

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 04:02:37 +0000

In Ephesians 5:22-32 the unity of believers in one body with Christ is illustrated in the three sections: (1) verses 22-24, (2) verses 25-27 and (3) 28-32. The introductory verses are 19a and 21. The summary verse is 32.

in verse 25b, two main ideas are grouped together in the center of the linchpin. They are: “As Christ loved” and “as Christ gave of himself.”

Believers in Christ are to love and give of ourselves one to another. This is how we walk in the Spirit, submitting reciprocally one-to-another.

In verse 32, Paul confirms this in an “all of the above” statement. What was once a mystery, formerly unknown, has been clarified by verses 22-31. In verse 32 Paul writes, “This is a great mystery, that is now revealed. It has to do with Christ and the church.”

Although many claim that the last half of Ephesians 5 is not about the church but is all about marriage, the clear summary statement of verse 32 should redirect them onto the right track. It is about the church. Ephesians 5:21-32 is all about believers caring for one another, submitting reciprocally, in the church of Christ.

But wait! There’s more! Paul balances out verses 22-31 on the one side of verse 32 with all of the material in 5:33 to 6:9 on the other side of 5:32. Because of the chapter break after verse 33 we usually don’t see that Paul has put together one very large chiastic parallel pattern with three sections on each side of verse 32.

On the one side of this giant rainbow pattern going up to verse 32 are the three “as Christ” examples. On the other side going down after verse 32 is a three-part pattern from life in the family at the time of Paul.

GO DEEPER!

Ephesians 5:21-24 Christians Submitting “as Christ!”

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Tue, 9 Feb 2021 12:28:30 +0000

The New Verb in verse 22. The action and the people involved in the incomplete sentence of verse 22 – “wives … to your husbands” must be filled in with the paired actions of the Spirit-filled believers in Ephesians 5:19a and 21. Thus Paul’s meaning in verse 22 is

Wives and husbands be submitting to the teaching and correction you are receiving from one another in Christ

-ing verbs can be read as having an exclamation point after each of them so I can read verse 22 this way too: “Wives and husbands submit to the teaching and correction you are giving to one another in Christ.”

Verses 22 to 24 are formed by Paul not in a 1, 2, 3 linear pattern of ideas but as a mirror parallel or chiastic pattern. It follows an A B B' A' pattern. That means that the two parts in the middle in verse 23 are linked together, and that verses 22 and 24 are linked and mirror one another. Since verse 24 is a mirror of verse 22 we can look at it to find out about the last couple of words in verse 22. “to the Lord.” Why does Paul add these words?

In verse 24 Paul writes in Greek “as the church submits to Christ even so wives to their husbands in everything.” Because we know what it means for Christians to submit to Christ in everything we know the limits and the extent of what it means for Christian wives to be mutually submitting themselves to their husbands as they and their husbands are teaching and correcting one another in their Christian walk.

These verses are not about how a household is to be organized, hierarchically or not. This is how two believers who are joined together in marriage are the ultimate example of how Christians can be mutually building up one another in their Christian walk.

So verse 22 means: Christian couples be submitting yourselves to the speaking, the teaching and correction, you are getting from one another as to your life in Christ.

GO DEEPER!

Ephesians 5:19-21 Teaching & Submitting to One Another

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 2 Feb 2021 00:45:44 +0000

Here are the four points for Spirit-filled walking in Ephesians 5:19-21. Each point in Greek starts with an -ing verb.

The first one, or part A, is “speaking.” In verse 19a we read, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.”
The second one, or part B, is “singing.” In verse 19b we read, “singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord.”
The third one, or part B prime, is “giving thanks.” In verse 20 we read, “giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father.”
And the fourth one, or A prime, is “submitting.” In verse 21 we read, “submitting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.”

The first and last of these four points, A and A prime, go together. These are “one another” activities. And the middle two, B and B prime go together. These two are directed “toward God.”

Notice that two of these activities must be done in the Body of Christ? A person can’t do the A and A prime “one-another” activities all alone! This is one reason to make sure you’re involved in a local group of believers, a local church. How can you do “one another” activities alone? How else can you do “one other” activities?

As part of a local church body of believers you know the names of who Paul has in mind in these verses for you. These would be the names of all the other believers with you in your local church. Treating “one-another” in these mirrored ways leads to good health in the body of Christ.

GO DEEPER!

Ephesians 5:15-21 Spirit-Filled Walking

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000

The “speaking” simply stated as such in Ephesians 5:19a involves two practical actions, “teaching and admonishing.” All believers filled with the Spirit are to teach one another the truths found in the psalms, in hymns and spiritual songs. Every believer is to inform or remind every other believer in the Body of Christ. On the other hand, and where necessary, believers are to admonish, or correct, one another.

This is the first way believers are to experience the Spirit-filled life. Believers of all ages are to teach and correct one another.

Is this understanding of the meaning of 5:18b contrary to what many people say it is? Yes. Teaching that being Spirit-filled is ALL about speaking in tongues or ALL about seeking to heal the sick and so on, is not what Paul tells us here using his four-point pattern. And there are other ideas that people mistakenly inject here and there in this long passage.

GO DEEPER

Season 2. Eph 5:15-6:9 Beyond Eden!

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 01:51:43 +0000

This Episode is the first in our Beyond Eden series on Ephesians 5:15-6:9. We begin with this overview and we look at common traps that lead to misinterpretation of important passages in Ephesians. Then, in the coming Episodes we’ll go more in depth.

GO DEEPER

Gen 3:17-20 Adam's Curse

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 8 Dec 2020 00:44:39 +0000

In the Garden the man listens to the words of the serpent tempter. And the man makes the intent and actions of Satan his own. He too rebels against God.

Step by step he moves away from God and toward Satan!

Has Satan just thrown God’s words into question in 3:1? Apparently the man does too.
Does the man look with respect on the woman’s defense of God’s words reported in 3:2? We don’t read that he joins her in correcting the word of the serpent tempter.
Does he respect God’s warning against eating resulting in punishment? He apparently believes the serpent enough who lies and says “You will not surely die” according to 3:4.
Doesn’t he already know about good? God had named the Tree the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Does he want extra knowledge, to know evil?

And so, he eats the forbidden fruit.

When God judges the three at the Tree, God groups the man together with Satan in his words of judgment. God treats the woman apart from these two rebels because she doesn’t rebel on purpose. She disobeys only after being deceived.

God makes six points in addressing the serpent. And then God uses those same six points and exact wording, even to the repetition of sounds when he addresses the man. The way this passage is written out in Hebrew adds to the meaning of the words that are used. This repeated pattern of six common elements ties the two of them together in God’s evaluation of their intent and acts.

GO DEEPER

Genesis 3:16 - The 11 TRUE Words

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Tue, 1 Dec 2020 13:21:15 +0000

To understand Genesis 3:16 we must recognize that in God’s first words to the woman in Line 1 God didn’t even touch on the subject of childbirth. (1) God spoke to her about shared sorrowful-toil (the Hebrew word is ‘itsebon) in field work and (2) God spoke to her about conception or pregnancy (the Hebrew word is heron) and especially of the offspring who would bruise Satan’s head.

The way the words are put together in a chiasm in Genesis chapters 2 and 3 carries meaning. And the way verses 15-17 are linked together in a linchpin construction by the two key words in Line 1 of Genesis 3:16 brings meaning. But the meaning of each word itself is also important.

In the two words of the linchpin construction that link God’s words to her with God’s words to the man and to the serpent the woman learns two things. Neither of them is a curse on her. One thing is about bad news. One thing is about good news.

The bad news she learns is that when God curses the ground because of the man it will affect her too. They both will experience ‘itsebon or “sorrowful toil” as they do field work to raise food from the cursed ground outside of Eden. God knows they will be going there and what life there will be like. So God describes to her what her experience will be like with the cursed ground. She will have ‘itsebon. She will have sorrowful-toil. That is bad news.

But God immediately moves on to tell her of good news. How can the words of 3:16 be taken as good news right after God’s stern judgment on the serpent tempter? Three of the four words in Line 1 ring of good news!

GO DEEPER

Genesis 3:15-17 The HIDDEN Patterns

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 13:59:41 +0000

God did NOT curse the woman in Genesis 3:16 IN ANY WAY! But modern translations make it look like God did. So it is necessary to think again about the word patterns in 3:15-17, and the larger context of Genesis 2-3, to see what God really said.

Genesis 2-3, in Hebrew, is a meaningful seven-part pattern that is a chiasm. A chiasm can be pictured as a rainbow or as a bell curve.

Line 1 of 3:16 is the center of a linchpin pattern that links verse 15-17. The first linking Hebrew word is ‘itsebon which means “sorrowful-toil” and points down to the same word used in verse 17. There God tells the man that the curse on the ground made because of him will result in ‘itsebon or “sorrowful-toil.” In working the ground with their hands each one, the woman and the man, would have ‘itsebon or “sorrowful-toil.”

In Line 1 of 3:16 the second linking Hebrew word heron which means “pregnancy” or “conception” points back to the Hebrew word zera‘ which means “seed” or “offspring” which is used in verse 15.

A literal translation of the four Hebrew words of Line 1 of Genesis 3:16 in English would be as follows: (1) Multiplying (2) I-will-multiply (3) your-sorrowful-toil (4) and-your-conception.

GO DEEPER

Genesis 3:14-15 Woman’s Enemy

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 14:00:00 +0000

God spells out the ultimate doom of the woman's enemy which will come through her. Even though he will persist in his attacks and even though figuratively he will bruise the heel of her offspring, who we know ultimately to be Jesus, her offspring will bruise Satan on the head.

In Genesis 3:15, in God’s last words to the serpent, God prophesies that the woman’s “seed” or “offspring” (the Hebrew word is zera‘) will defeat the Tempter. Bad news for the Tempter, but good news for the woman and all humanity!

God's words of Good News, called the protevangelium, carry over into God's first words to the woman in Genesis 3:16. God will certainly give her conception of the Offspring who will vanquish Satan!

Sadly, most modern translations of Genesis 3:16 cover over this promise and make 3:16 sound like a virtual curse. These mistranslations must be corrected! We need a true 316.

Go Deeper!

Genesis 3:1-13 Attack and Betrayal

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Joy Fleming) — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 14:00:00 +0000

Many blame Eve as the Temptress. This medieval idea is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible says the Tempter in the Garden was the serpent. That is why God cursed the serpent Tempter. And that is one of the reasons why, when we look for a curse on the woman in the Hebrew text, we find none.

Satan tempted both the woman and the man. The Hebrew text in Genesis 3:1-5 shows him using plural pronouns each time he says “you.” In other words, he wasn’t aiming his words at just the woman. He was saying you-two, y’all, you-both. And the man was right there listening to all he said. Neither the woman nor the man had ever heard a lie before.

The woman became a second-degree offender when she ate of the forbidden fruit. She did not sin on purpose. She ate only after being deceived. However, the man became a first-degree offender. He sinned on purpose.

There is a clear distinction drawn between first- and second-degree sinning in the Bible. God makes that distinction in the judgement of the three that comes next in the Garden of Eden.

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Genesis 2:24 The Marriage Model. God's "How to" Pattern.

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Tue, 3 Nov 2020 13:46:08 +0000

This first marriage, and the description of marriages to come, was the ideal pattern for all men and women to follow, a pattern with four points:

Each member of the union to be, separately, first knows God personally.
The man (not the woman) leaves his birth family and together with his wife they establish a new family unit. His primary allegiance is no longer to his parents but to her.
When the man leaves his parents to join his wife, his parents and all society is put on notice that here is a new family unit.
Because they are joined together in the presence of God, the church, the body of believers, recognizes their new family unit.

This is God's ideal for us. Genesis 2:25 is the high point of the passage of Genesis 2-3. They were naked before each other and unashamed before God.

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Genesis 2:18 Equal Partners ('ezer kenegdo)

bf0007@me.com (Bruce C. E. Fleming, Dr. Joy Fleming) — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Cook's helper or Partner? In Genesis 2, when God creates the woman, she is described in relation to the man. In two Hebrew words packed full of meaning, ‘ezer kenegdo, God describes how the two are designed to go together. They are made for each other, just hours apart. Once together, they are to be a resourceful and satisfied pair, at home together in Eden.

Modern language versions of the Bible translate these two Hebrew words in confusing and contradictory ways. But there really is no cause for confusion. The two words in Genesis 2:18 are not that hard to translate.

An ‘ezer kenegdo is someone who is equal, a counterpart, one who works together with another as they help each other through sharing their strengths.

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Genesis 3:16 Has Been Polluted!

bf0007@me.com (Dr. Joy Fleming, Bruce C. E. Fleming) — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 16:36:54 +0000

It turns out that there’s been a lot of pollution dumped into Genesis 3:16 by translations into the modern languages we use today. They mix new ideas into the verse and cover over the ideas God put there in the original Hebrew words of the verse. Translations make it look like God cursed the woman when God cursed neither the woman nor the man. The translation of that verse has been incorrect. So, why aren’t our translations doing better? And, why would there be a problem translating this verse? What’s going on?

Did God blame Eve? Take the Mini Course. Here's the link: https://bit.ly/3fFC8j4

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