Episodes with Mike Coleman.
Jesus36mDaily Faith with Philip Cameron: Special Guest Mike Coleman
Biblical archaeologist Mike Coleman joins Philip Cameron for a deep-dive into the hidden layers of the Christmas story that most believers have never encountered. Coleman reveals that the shepherds outside Bethlehem were not ordinary herdsmen — they were priest-shepherds, trained in animal husbandry by the temple priesthood and assigned specifically to raise sacrificial Passover lambs. "They inspected this lamb that was slain before the foundation of the world," Coleman explains, "and they found him worthy." It is a detail that transforms the nativity from a familiar scene into a profound theological statement. Coleman also unpacks the identity of the Magi, arguing they were likely Jewish descendants of Daniel, fluent in more than 350 Messianic prophecies and driven by science rather than superstition. He notes that the wise men could only follow the star at night — a powerful reminder that "the fruit of God's direction comes at the darkest hours of our life." Perhaps most striking is Coleman's archaeological insight into Roman law: in the decades before Christ's birth, it had become illegal — under penalty of death — for ordinary Jews to possess gold, burn frankincense in their homes, or anoint their dead with myrrh. The wise men's gifts were therefore not ceremonial; they were the provisions God pre-arranged to sustain Mary, Joseph, and Jesus during their flight to Egypt. Learn more about Mike Coleman's ministry at www.realliferealtalk.com
Faith29mHow to Navigate and Reject Ungodliness in Today's World
Historian, archaeologist, and podcast host Mike Coleman joins Philip Cameron to tackle one of the most urgent questions facing believers today: how do Christians reject ungodly cultural influence without losing their love or their witness? Drawing on deep biblical and historical roots, Coleman unpacks Jesus's command in Matthew 10:14 — "shake the dust off" — revealing that this phrase carries far more weight than most modern readers realize. Coleman traces the symbolism of dust all the way back to Genesis, where God cursed the ground after the Fall, and explains how the ancient Jewish practice of never leaving home without shoes — especially in Egypt, considered an unclean land — set the stage for Moses's encounter at the burning bush. "Take off your shoes because the ground you're standing on is holy ground," Coleman reminds listeners, then pivots to the present: "We can either fight that battle on unholy ground, or we can fight it on holy ground." He connects foot-washing in the New Testament to the same principle — washing off the dust and influence of the marketplace before entering a place of refuge and fellowship. Coleman also warns against two specific forms of ungodly influence: misusing God's name by claiming divine authority for personal agendas and the social pressure to conform or be canceled. The episode closes with a powerful prayer and a challenge to let the washing of the Word remove the world's barnacles. . Find more from Mike Coleman at www.realliferealtalk.com