Nephilim Death Squad - "Elijah the Tishbite | An NDS Bible Study"

Podcast: Nephilim Death Squad (TopLobsta Productions)
Date: November 2, 2025
Hosts: Top Lobsta, David Lee Corbo (The Raven)
Guest: Matt Hatner
Location: Standard Coffee Shop, Florida

Episode Overview

In this engaging, banter-filled Bible study, hosts Top Lobsta and Raven, joined by recurring guest Matt Hatner, take listeners through the early story of Elijah the Tishbite (1 Kings 17–18), analyzing themes of faith, seclusion, miracles, idolatry, and God’s power over false prophets. The discussion blends deep biblical insight, practical application, and irreverent humor, offering both theological reflection and cultural commentary.

Table of Contents

• Main Themes & Structure
• Key Discussion Points & Insights
• Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)
• Notable Moments & Listener Interactions
• Timestamps for Critical Segments

Main Themes & Structure

• The role of Elijah as a prophet, emphasizing his seclusion, faith, obedience, and miraculous provision by God.
• The tension between engaging with society versus spiritual seclusion for God’s servants.
• The contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal atop Mount Carmel—faith versus idolatry, the miraculous versus the false.
• Applications to modern Christianity and the American church, including commentary on worship practices, spiritual authenticity, and the dangers of distraction (media, politics, entertainment).
• Continuous interplay of serious Bible study and comedic banter, creating a hybrid format.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Elijah’s Introduction & Prophetic Calling

• Elijah’s declaration to King Ahab (1 Kings 17:1): No rain or dew except by his word, seen as a radical, prophetic challenge.
• Discussion on Elijah’s seclusion versus prophets like Daniel who were “in the mix.”
  • "Every man of God should have a Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other"—debated and ultimately refuted.
  • (09:20) Matt: “I realized ... you can't just say, this is my doctrine and I stand by it forever.”

2. Provision by the Ravens (Miracle at the Brook)

• God orders Elijah to hide by the brook Cherith, fed by ravens bringing bread and meat (miraculous provision).
• Banter about the “grossness” of being fed by ravens, speculation on logistics—"Are they baby-birding him?" (14:33)
• Parallel drawn to manna in the desert; God’s ability to provide in new ways.

3. Faith and Obedience Amidst Famine

• The Widow of Zarephath: Elijah’s encounter with the widow, her last meal, and her obedience leading to a miraculous, unending supply of flour and oil.
• Discussion of modern privilege versus ancient famine: “Be grateful you don’t live in famine and war...” (30:18)
• Application of “faith without works is dead.”

4. Miraculous Resurrection: Raising the Widow’s Son

• Elijah’s prayers and the restoration of life to the widow’s dead son.
• Honesty in prayer: Raw dialogue with God, even confusion and frustration, is biblical and important.
  • “You have to be raw with the Lord and say exactly what you’re thinking, because he already knows it.” (49:54)

5. Obadiah and the Hidden Prophets

• Obadiah’s bravery hiding 100 prophets during Jezebel’s campaign to kill God’s messengers (63:05).
• Jezebel as archetype for spiritual rebellion and state-sponsored idolatry.

6. The Mount Carmel Showdown (1 Kings 18)

• Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the grove: two sacrifices, the God who answers by fire is true.
• Elijah’s fearless mocking of the false prophets: “Maybe your god is asleep or on a journey!” (132:09)
• Divine fire falls, consuming the thoroughly soaked sacrifice and altar, confirming the Lord as true God.
• Aftermath: Execution of the false prophets (161:47).
• Discussion on miracles as a call to repentance and the dangers of “wavering between two opinions.”

7. Modern Parallels & Cultural Application

• Critique of American church worship—entertainment vs. true spiritual encounter.
• Music and spiritual warfare: How frequency and atmosphere invite spiritual realities, for better or worse (101:13).
• The dangers of “parroting” doctrine and the need for personal engagement with scripture (26:33).
• Caution against being consumed by political controversy, distraction, and superficial faith.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Elijah’s Profile & Call to Action

• “He’s not engaged in the politics of his day ... This dude was not in the mix with the world.” —Matt, (09:20)

Faith in the Face of Scarcity

• “Before you die, could you make me a cake?” —Matt, summarizing Elijah’s request to the widow (33:52)

Modern Christianity Critique

• “There’s a worship music industry, bro.” —Matt, (102:03)
• “We have the king of the universe ... This is the best we can come up with?” —Matt, on entertainment-based worship (102:35)

On Miracles & Doubt

• “By this I know that thou art a man of God.” —Widow to Elijah after resurrection (57:56)

Mount Carmel Showdown

• “If the Lord is God, follow him. But if it’s Baal, then follow him.” —Elijah (128:07)
• “Maybe [Baal] is sleeping, it must be awaked!” —Elijah mocking the prophets (132:09)

Application to Listeners

• “Let’s not be those people. Let’s be people who read the word of God to know God ... and to be guided in real life.” —Matt’s closing exhortation (165:49)

Meta-Banter About the Show

• “The banter is what gets people—they don’t like it.” —Raven, meta-commentary (07:08)
• “Straight Bible: No banter. NDS: banter included.” —Hosts repeatedly riffing on show format differences throughout.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [08:28] - Elijah’s decree, discussion of prophetic types and Christian nationalism
• [14:00] - God’s miraculous provision via ravens, gross-out banter
• [22:45; 27:16] - Widow of Zarephath, faith and obedience themes
• [39:53] - Resurrection of the widow’s son, raw prayer discussion
• [63:05; 65:33] - Obadiah, Jezebel, hiding the prophets, parsing motives
• [128:07] - Mount Carmel challenge: “How long will you halt between two opinions?”
• [130:53] - Details and skepticism about the competition, Elijah’s confidence
• [146:43] - The altar is soaked; the significance of water during famine
• [153:01] - Miracle: fire falls from heaven, people declare the Lord is God
• [161:47] - The execution of the prophets of Baal, the war motif
• [165:49] - Closing remarks and summary call to action

Notable Listener Interactions & Running Gags

• Listeners buy the hosts drinks in real time by calling the coffee shop (88:07, 88:14).
• Jokes and riffs on “banter haters” vs. “straight Bible” loyalists.
• Several inside jokes: references to “tank tops,” caffeinated mania, "gummin" and “guaming.”
• Repeatedly joking about show/episode format, self-aware references to podcasting, and What is/Isn’t Bible Study.
• Technical difficulties, caffeination highs, and friendly roasting.

Episode Takeaways & Tone

Language/Tone: Irreverent, humorous, self-deprecating, yet deeply invested in serious biblical exploration. Matt provides biblical seriousness while TopLobsta and Raven keep it lively and unpredictable.

Value for The Uninitiated:
This episode offers depth and real study for Bible newcomers as well as seasoned readers, especially those interested in how ancient scripture still speaks to contemporary culture. The hosts and guest don’t shy away from hard questions, encourage honest doubt, and inject fun into faith—a rare mix for a Bible study podcast.

Suggested “Don’t Miss” Segment:
[127:05 – 153:01] — The Elijah vs. Baal showdown, fire from heaven, and the crowd’s repentance—the climactic high point with biblical drama and lively commentary.

Final Message:
“Let’s be people who read the word of God to know God ... so we can hear his voice and be guided in our real life. Get faithful, get loyal, get intimate with Him.” — Matt Hatner (165:49)