In this episode of Relish, hosts Rowan Miller and Don Patterson open with a lighthearted conversation about favorite Bible characters — with Joseph and his coat of many colors serving as a springboard to discuss forgiveness and family dynamics. From there they move into a deeper biblical and historical conversation about the differences between the Old and New Testaments, and what those differences mean for understanding God’s character and the person of Jesus.

The hosts explain how the Old Testament sets the stage with numerous messianic prophecies and how the New Testament culminates that story in Christ. They emphasize that God’s character does not change between Testaments, but that Jesus brings the Old Testament teachings into an intimate, first-person relationship (highlighted by passages such as John 13 and John 15).

The episode covers the approximately 400-year period between Malachi and the first Gospel writer, describing it as a time of prophetic silence that prepared Israel for the coming of Christ. Roan and Don discuss extra-biblical writings from that era (including references to the apocryphal Book of Enoch and recommendations for Michael Heiser’s scholarship) and note how Roman infrastructure, language, and reach helped Christianity spread rapidly once it began.

Practical pastoral concerns are also addressed: what it means to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4), the necessity of deep relationships to make corrective truth meaningful, and the role of church leaders in guiding those conversations. The hosts use real-life anecdotes and pastoral illustrations to show how truth-telling requires both courage and care.

They also tackle the harder topic of sin and discipline, using the Old Testament story of Achan to illustrate God’s decisive response to disobedience and to argue for the continuing need to confront sin in the church. Personal stories about parental discipline and pastoral preaching underscore the emotional and spiritual weight of these issues.

The episode wraps up with lighter holiday banter — Black Friday, shopping online, and well-wishes for listeners — and a closing invitation to share the ministry. Overall, listeners can expect a balanced mix of biblical teaching, historical context, pastoral application, and warm conversational moments from Rowan and Don.

Do you have questions for Pastor Don? send them to [email protected]
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