Project 1:8 Podcast

Episode 005: Supernatural Beings Part 1
Host: Scott
Date: May 16, 2025

Overview of the Episode

In this foundational episode, host Scott introduces a multi-part exploration into the “supernatural content” of the Bible. Scott frames the discussion around unseen beings—often called “supernatural” or “spiritual” beings—and dives into what ancient people, especially in biblical times, believed about these entities. He aims to establish key concepts and biblical references that will anchor future episodes on related topics, such as angels, demons, the afterlife, spiritual warfare, and divine authority.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Defining "Supernatural Content" (02:05)

• Scott sets the stage by distinguishing between the physical and the unseen or supernatural elements described in the Bible.

“Basically what I mean by supernatural content is anything the Bible communicates about stuff that we can't see.”
— Scott (02:32)

• He grounds this in real-life experiences—encounters in West Africa, India, and miraculous testimonies—that reinforce the Bible's view of unseen forces, both malevolent and benevolent.

2. Why Explore This Topic? (05:15)

• The study of the supernatural in Scripture is crucial because the Bible was written in a context where such beings were assumed to exist.
• Scott references Matt Chandler:

“It can't mean for us what it didn't mean for them.” (05:54)

3. Recommended Resources (06:10)

• The Origin of Evil Spirits by Archie Wright
• The Unseen Realm and Supernatural by Michael Heiser
• Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period by Larry Helyer

These books are suggested as deeper dives for listeners curious about the ancient Jewish perspective on supernatural beings.

4. The Big Questions About Supernatural Beings (08:22)

Scott previews crucial questions for this series, including:

• How are heaven, hell, and the afterlife described in the Bible?
• What are demons and what powers do they have?
• Are ancient gods of Egypt, Rome, and Greece real in some sense?
• What are angels, and can they help us today?
• What is spiritual warfare, and can these supernatural beings truly affect us?

5. Laying the Biblical Foundation: God and Created Beings (11:05)

• Scott starts in Genesis 1:1:

“The Bible is a book that declares the existence of only one eternally existent God.” (11:22)

• Emphasizes that all creation—visible and invisible—comes from this single, all-powerful Creator.

“There are no unseen things in all of the cosmos or all of the universe that are eternally existent and have the power to create. This is going to be important to remember...” (13:32)

• Humanity was created for relationship with God, but the Bible acknowledges the existence of other “created beings”—not animals, but supernatural entities with influence on human affairs.

6. Two Categories of Supernatural Beings (15:44)

• Scott outlines:

  • Faithful/good supernatural beings
  • Those that have rebelled and are evil

• Both categories play significant but often unseen roles in human history.

7. Key Biblical Passages Examined

a) Psalm 82:1 — The Divine Assembly (17:10)

• Quote:

“God stands in the divine assembly. He pronounces judgment against the gods.” (Psalm 82:1)

• Scott explains, with help from Michael Heiser, that “Elohim” here refers to a group of spiritual beings—not equals to God, but a class of lesser, immortal beings.

b) Psalm 82:6–8 — Mortality and Judgment (22:00)

• Quote:

“I said, you are gods. You are all sons of the Most High. However, you will die like humans and fall like any other ruler.”

• Implies these beings, while powerful, are subject to God’s authority and ultimate judgment.

c) Genesis 6:1–4 — The Nephilim and Sons of God (23:57)

• Quote:

“The sons of God saw that the daughters of mankind were beautiful, and they took any that they chose for wives for themselves…” (Genesis 6:2)

• Introduces enigmatic figures (the “sons of God” and “Nephilim”), which Scott flags as significant and to be explored deeper in coming episodes.

d) 1 Kings 22:19–23 — The Heavenly Council in Action (26:30)

• Quote:

“I saw the Lord sitting on his throne and the whole heavenly army was standing by him… Then a spirit came forward, stood in the Lord's presence and said, 'I will entice him.'” (1 Kings 22:19-21)

• Shows God delegating tasks to these supernatural beings—even those with malevolent roles—underscoring the reality of a spiritual “courtroom” or council.

8. The Ultimate Authority of God in Christ (30:50)

• Scott pivots to the New Testament, Matthew 28:18–20 (“Great Commission”), highlighting Christ’s claim:

“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18)

• This establishes for believers that Jesus supersedes all supernatural powers and that, through the Holy Spirit, believers share in Christ’s victory and authority.

9. Encouragement and Spiritual Warfare (33:22)

• Scott assures listeners:

“If it seems like there are forces in your life that are stronger than God...you’re wrong. Jesus is greater than anything else that can ever influence you, even your own sin nature.” (33:28)

• Cites 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 on spiritual warfare, emphasizing divine empowerment:

“Since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds… we take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The Bible is a story of the one true God. And he alone is the all powerful Creator God of the universe.” — Scott (30:28)
• “God is the Elohim, but not all other Elohim are God, if that makes sense.” — Scott (21:28)
• “We have his authority in us with His Holy Spirit… we are servants of Christ, we are followers of Jesus, and therefore we have the authority, authority of the One who created whatever it is that we're running up against.” — Scott (32:15)
• “We're not just going to have an academic exercise… we're going to be able to encourage you every day with the episode, on what that all means to you personally in your life.” — Scott (36:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:05 — Defining “supernatural content” and personal encounters
• 05:54 — “It can't mean for us what it didn't mean for them.” (Matt Chandler quote)
• 06:10 — Book recommendations
• 08:22 — Preview of supernatural beings questions
• 11:05 — Foundation: God as sole Creator
• 15:44 — Two categories of supernatural beings
• 17:10 — Psalm 82 and the “divine assembly”
• 22:00 — Psalm 82:6–8 and mortality of the ‘gods’
• 23:57 — Genesis 6:1–4 and the Nephilim
• 26:30 — 1 Kings 22 and God’s heavenly council
• 30:50 — Christ’s authority over all
• 33:22 — Encouragement for those facing spiritual darkness
• 34:50 — 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 and spiritual warfare

Conclusion

Scott closes with a personal encouragement: while the unseen world may be mysterious or even intimidating, biblical teaching is clear—God is sovereign, Jesus holds ultimate authority, and believers are empowered to face every spiritual challenge. The episode serves as a primer, promising deeper dives and practical application in future installments.

For listeners intrigued by spiritual realities, ancient worldviews, or the biblical answer to pressing supernatural questions, this episode lays the groundwork for an enlightening, faith-affirming journey.