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Bible Study Podcast

232 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 333 ratings

Bible study with one primary goal, learn to love like Jesus. Join Wes McAdams for in-depth, encouraging, and relevant studies of biblical passages and biblical topics. Formerly, CrossTalk Podcast.

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Episodes

What is Sexual Immorality in the Bible?

May 24, 2021 02:50 - 47 minutes - 47 MB

Wes McAdams and Caleb Cochran discuss a question about sexual immorality, which was submitted by one of our listeners, “The bible references sexual immorality pretty often, but what does that mean exactly? I feel like that’s a vague term and would have a very difficult time explaining it to someone wanting to pursue Christ.” Special […] The post What is Sexual Immorality in the Bible? appeared first on Radically Christian.

Can Christians Be Unified When We Disagree?

May 17, 2021 11:43 - 47 minutes - 47.6 MB

Wes McAdams and Steven Cuffle discuss the issue of Christian unity. We all know that Christian unity is important, but why is it important and how can it be achieved? Christians have been arguing and fighting with one another for nearly 2,000 years. So, how can we be unified when we disagree on so many […] The post Can Christians Be Unified When We Disagree? appeared first on Radically Christian.

Justice (Part Two): Biblical Justice Versus Secular Justice

May 10, 2021 11:23 - 54 minutes - 78.5 MB

Wes McAdams and Steven Cuffle continue their discussion on how the Bible defines justice. In this episode, biblical justice is compared to four other justice theories. How do secular thinkers define justice and how do those definitions compare with the Bible's definition of justice? Is it possible that we, as Christians, have adopted a secular view of justice more than a biblical view? The post Justice (Part Two): Biblical Justice Versus Secular Justice appeared first on Radically Christian.

Justice (Part One): How the Bible Describes Justice

May 03, 2021 10:49 - 51 minutes - 74 MB

What does the Bible say about justice and how does the Bible’s definition of justice compare to modern theories about justice? This is the topic Wes McAdams and special guest, Steven Cuffle, will be discussing in this two-part conversation. In this first episode, Wes and Steven discuss the various aspects of justice in both the […] The post Justice (Part One): How the Bible Describes Justice appeared first on Radically Christian.

How Should Christians Handle Fake News?

April 27, 2021 11:07 - 45 minutes - 65.8 MB

On this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams and today's guest, Luke Dockery, discuss a question from a listener about the fake news phenomenon. How should Christians respond to the fake new phenomenon? How can Christians have more discernment about what is true and discretion about what to share? We hope you enjoy this conversation. The post How Should Christians Handle Fake News? appeared first on Radically Christian.

Jesus’ Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-13)

April 19, 2021 11:34 - 48 minutes - 69.8 MB

Wes McAdams and today's guest, Luke Dockery, discuss the meaning of Jesus' parable of the shrewd, dishonest, or unjust manager from Luke 16:1-13. What does Jesus mean by commending a dishonest or shrewd man? What does Jesus mean when he says, "Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth" (Luke 16:9)? Is Jesus being ironic or is Jesus teaching us how we should use money? Wes and Luke discuss both possibilities. Special thanks to John Shipley, one of our listeners, who submitted...

How Christians Respond to Cancel Culture

March 15, 2021 10:19 - 43 minutes - 59.8 MB

Wes McAdams and his wife, Hollee McAdams, discuss "cancel culture." It is often assumed that cancel culture is something new. But in reality, every culture has canceled people for violating certain core values. Wes and Hollee discuss questions like: What is cancel culture? Is it always wrong to cancel people? What should be the goal of correction and discipline? What does the Bible say about cancel culture? The post How Christians Respond to Cancel Culture appeared first on Radically Christ...

Doing Justice and Being Justified by Faith

March 08, 2021 12:20 - 48 minutes - 70.8 MB

Our Bible study question today revolves around being justified by faith. Wes McAdams, Caleb Kirkwood, and Travis Pauley study through Romans 3 and discuss words like justice, righteousness, and justification. What does it mean to be justified by faith? What does God's justice look like? What does it look like for justified people to do justice? We hope you enjoy this conversation. The post Doing Justice and Being Justified by Faith appeared first on Radically Christian.

Washing of Regeneration and Renewal of the Holy Spirit

March 01, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutes - 68.4 MB

Today's discussion was prompted by a listener, who asked, "What does the phrase, 'washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit' mean?" This phrase comes from Titus 3:5 and is the text that Wes McAdams, Caleb Kirkwood, and Travis Pauley discuss in this episode. The post Washing of Regeneration and Renewal of the Holy Spirit appeared first on Radically Christian.

The Future of Church Attendance – Bible Study Podcast

February 22, 2021 03:09 - 48 minutes - 70.3 MB

Wes McAdams visits with Travis Pauley and Caleb Kirkwood (who are both in their 20s) to consider their unique perspective on how worship attendance will fair in a post-covid world. Will young people return to worship after the threat of the pandemic has subsided? Will live streaming have negative long-term effects on the future of the church? These are some of the questions we discuss in this episode of the Bible study podcast. The post The Future of Church Attendance – Bible Study Podcast ...

Five Acts of Worship? – Bible Study Podcast

February 15, 2021 13:13 - 39 minutes - 58.4 MB

Wes McAdams, Travis Pauley, and Caleb Kirkwood discuss the idea that there are only five acts of worship and that all five must be practiced each time we gather. The post Five Acts of Worship? – Bible Study Podcast appeared first on Radically Christian.

What Does Jesus Say About Christian Leadership? – Bible Study Podcast

February 08, 2021 07:00 - 37 minutes - 54.8 MB

Wes McAdams, Travis Pauley, and Caleb Kirkwood discuss the idea of "servant leadership" and what Jesus really has to say about being a leader and becoming a leader. How is leadership different for servant's of God's kingdom? The post What Does Jesus Say About Christian Leadership? – Bible Study Podcast appeared first on Radically Christian.

Do We Have a Sinful Nature?

February 01, 2021 11:58 - 48 minutes - 70.4 MB

What do people mean when they refer to a sinful nature? Do we have a sinful nature? If so, how do we overcome our sinful nature? The Lord said, "I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth" (Genesis 8:21). What did he mean by this? These are some of the questions Wes McAdams, Caleb Kirkwood, and Travis Pauley discuss and study in this episode of the Bible study podcast. The post Do We Have a Sinful Nature? appeared first on Rad...

What is the Unforgivable Sin? A Discussion on the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit

January 25, 2021 12:15 - 49 minutes - 71.2 MB

Is there a sin that is unforgivable? What did Jesus mean when he said, "Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come" (Matthew 12:32)? Wes, Travis, and Caleb Kirkwood discuss a question from a listener concerning, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, the unforgivable sin. The post What is the Unforgivable Sin? A Discussion on the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit appeared first on...

Communion Thoughts: Discerning the Body

January 18, 2021 12:00 - 34 minutes - 50.7 MB

Concerning the Lord's Supper, or Communion, the Apostle Paul wrote, "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself" (1 Corinthians 11:29). What does it mean to discern the body? Are we to think about the body of Christ on the cross or the body of Christ, the church? Is "Communion" about communing with the Lord or communing with each other? These are the questions we consider and study in today's Bible Study Podcast. The post Communion Thought...

Character Produces Hope (Romans 5:4)

January 11, 2021 11:27 - 38 minutes - 57.1 MB

Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley discuss a listener's question concerning Romans 5:3-5, which says, "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." They compare Romans 5:3-5 with a well-known saying, "Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they beco...

Reading Whole Books of the Bible

January 04, 2021 11:59 - 46 minutes - 67.7 MB

Reading a whole book of the Bible in one sitting is easier, and more rewarding, than you might think. After all, if you received a letter from a friend, you would likely not read it one sentence at a time, but rather the entire letter all at once. The vast majority of New Testament books are letters, written to individuals and church families. They were intended to be read in one sitting. Travis and Wes discuss the power of reading books this way and also read through the book of Philippians...

What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 6): New and Old Treasures

December 28, 2020 12:27 - 33 minutes - 49.4 MB

In this sixth and final episode of our series, "What is the Kingdom of Heaven?" Wes and Travis discuss Jesus' words in Matthew 13:52, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” What does Jesus mean by treasure that is new and treasure that is old? What is a scribe that that has been trained for the kingdom of heaven? The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 6): New and O...

What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 5): The Parable of the Net

December 15, 2020 11:33 - 33 minutes - 49.9 MB

As Jesus continues to unfold hidden truths about the nature of heaven's kingdom, he describes the kingdom as a net that is spread across the whole world. What does this parable reveal about God's kingdom? What does this parable reveal about the way God deals with evil? How would this parable change our lives if we took its implications seriously? We hope you enjoy this Bible study discussion with Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley. The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 5): The Parable of ...

What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 4): Hidden Treasure and Valuable Pearl

November 16, 2020 12:14 - 34 minutes - 50.6 MB

As we continue our ongoing discussion about the nature of the kingdom of heaven, Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley discuss Jesus' parables about the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value (Matthew 13:44-46). What do these two parables teach us about the nature of the kingdom? What do these two parables teach us about how we are to receive the kingdom? The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 4): Hidden Treasure and Valuable Pearl appeared first on Radically Christian.

What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 3): Mustard Seed and Leaven

November 09, 2020 13:03 - 29 minutes - 44.5 MB

As Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley continue their series on, “What is the Kingdom of Heaven,” they discuss the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33). What does it mean that the kingdom of heaven is like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree? What does it mean that […] The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 3): Mustard Seed and Leaven appeared first on Radically Christian.

What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 2): The Parable of Wheat and Tares

November 02, 2020 12:23 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MB

In the second episode of our series, "What is the Kingdom of Heaven?" Wes and Travis discuss Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30). Perhaps the most surprising feature of the kingdom of heaven is that it will overlap the kingdoms of the world for a period of time. Though the kingdom of heaven has come, we continue to deal with the seeds the evil one has sown in the world. The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven (Part 2): The Parable of Wheat and Tares appeared first on...

What is the Kingdom of Heaven: The Parable of the Soils

October 26, 2020 11:06 - 28 minutes - 42.8 MB

What is the kingdom of heaven? Over the next several episodes, Wes McAdams and Travis Pauley will discuss several parables from Matthew 13, which reveal the nature of the kingdom of heaven. On this episode, Wes and Travis discuss how we should think about parables, as well as the first parable in Matthew 13, “The […] The post What is the Kingdom of Heaven: The Parable of the Soils appeared first on Radically Christian.

Asking Better Bible Questions (Part Two)

July 20, 2020 11:29 - 35 minutes - 49.8 MB

In this episode of the Bible Study Podcast, Wes and Travis continue their discussion on asking better Bible questions. What is an assumption? What assumptions do we make when we study the Bible? What can the Sadducees teach us about making assumptions when we study the Bible? How can we develop better assumptions? The post Asking Better Bible Questions (Part Two) appeared first on Radically Christian.

Asking Better Bible Questions (Part One)

July 07, 2020 18:03 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MB

On this episode of the Bible Study Podcast, Travis and Wes discuss how to ask better questions when we are reading and studying the Bible. How are we supposed to approach scripture as followers of Jesus? What's the difference between deductive and inductive Bible study? Does the Bible answer all of our questions? The post Asking Better Bible Questions (Part One) appeared first on Radically Christian.

Racism and the Early Church (Part Two)

June 15, 2020 11:13 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MB

In this week’s episode, Wes continues his conversation on racism in the early church with Andrew, the host of the popular “Post-Apostolic Church” YouTube channel. Racism, classism, and other forms of discrimination have plagued our world for centuries. Not only is the church wrestling with these issues today, Christians in the First, Second, and Third centuries dealt with them as well. We will allow some of the theologians and leaders from the early church to help us think through how we sho...

Racism and the Early Church (Part One)

June 08, 2020 10:40 - 33 minutes - 46 MB

Racism, classism, and other forms of discrimination have plagued our world for centuries. Not only is the church wrestling with these issues today, Christians in the First, Second, and Third centuries dealt with them as well. On this week’s episode, Wes discusses racism in the early church with Andrew, the host of the popular “Post-Apostolic Church” YouTube channel. Quotes from church leaders, living in the centuries following the apostles, can be incredibly helpful for those of us trying to...

Forgiveness and Reconciliation: What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?

May 04, 2020 10:56 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MB

On this episode of the Bible Study Podcast, Travis and Wes discuss a listener's question about the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Is there a difference? Wes walks through the parable of the Unforgiving Servant, which reminds us that when we have an opportunity to forgive, we are being given the chance to reenact the forgiveness Christ has given us. The post Forgiveness and Reconciliation: What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness? appeared first on Radically Christian.

Questions About Death: Where Do We Go and Is Cremation Wrong?

April 20, 2020 11:16 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MB

On this episode of the Bible Study Podcast, Travis and Wes discuss two questions from listeners that both revolve around the issue of death and resurrection. If our bodies will be raised and transformed, is it wrong for a Christian to be cremated? Also, between death and resurrection, where do our spirits reside? Though these are sensitive questions, we pray you find encouragement and hope from this study. The post Questions About Death: Where Do We Go and Is Cremation Wrong? appeared first...

New Heavens and New Earth (Part Two)

April 13, 2020 15:33 - 38 minutes - 54 MB

In today's Bible study, we continue to discuss our hope for "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13). If you haven't had a chance to listen to the first episode in this "New Heavens, New Earth" series or to last year's conversation with Joshua Pappas, you might want to listen to those conversations as well. The post New Heavens and New Earth (Part Two) appeared first on Radically Christian.

New Heavens and New Earth (Part One)

April 06, 2020 00:43 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MB

In today's Bible study, we explore the biblical phrase, "New heavens and new earth." It may surprise you to learn that the Bible never says Christians are waiting to go to heaven, but it does say we are "waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13). This is the first part of a two-part series, so make sure you subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the second part of the "new heavens new earth" series. The post New Heavens and New Earth (Part On...

Son of Man (Part Two)

March 09, 2020 11:38 - 23 minutes - 33.3 MB

In today's Bible study, we continue to discuss Jesus' favorite title for himself, "Son of Man." If you haven't had a chance to listen to the first episode in this series, make sure you go back and listen to that episode as well. Understanding Jesus' humanity and his role in our lives, as well as his role in the Universe, is of the utmost importance. We hope you are encouraged by this Bible study. The post Son of Man (Part Two) appeared first on Radically Christian.

Son of Man (Part One)

March 02, 2020 11:41 - 27 minutes - 39 MB

In today's Bible study, we talk about Jesus' favorite title for himself, "Son of Man." In the Bible, what does "Son of Man" mean and, specifically, what does it mean for Jesus to be the "Son of Man"? Most importantly, what relevance does Jesus' humanity have to our lives today? This is the first of a two-part series. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the second part of this series. The post Son of Man (Part One) appeared first on Radically Christian.

Role of Women: Can Women Serve Communion

February 24, 2020 12:38 - 36 minutes - 51 MB

Today’s Bible study question comes from a listener named Charles, who asks, “Wes, Is it right or wrong for women to serve the communion, as long as they are not leading prayer or reading scripture?” Wes and Travis discuss this issue. We hope this discussion is unifying, rather than divisive. The post Role of Women: Can Women Serve Communion appeared first on Radically Christian.

Elders and Marriage: The Husband of One Wife

February 17, 2020 13:00 - 27 minutes - 38.8 MB

In today’s Bible study, Wes and Travis discuss an email from a listener named Gayla, who wants to know about various applications of 1 Timothy 3:2. Does being the husband of one wife disqualify men who have been divorced? What about men who have been widowed? This discussion impacts many churches and we hope it is helpful. The post Elders and Marriage: The Husband of One Wife appeared first on Radically Christian.

Overeating and Gluttony: What Does the Bible Say About the Way We Eat?

February 10, 2020 12:23 - 25 minutes - 36.4 MB

In today’s Bible study, Wes and Travis discuss a listener’s question about obesity, gluttony, and overeating. What does the Bible say on this issue? Is overeating a spiritual issue? How might our relationship with God help us deal with this issue? We hope you find this study and discussion helpful. The post Overeating and Gluttony: What Does the Bible Say About the Way We Eat? appeared first on Radically Christian.

Saved by Faith: At What Point Are We Saved?

February 03, 2020 12:47 - 26 minutes - 37.5 MB

Welcome back to the Radically Christian Bible Study podcast! In the first Bible study of 2020, Wes and Travis discuss a listener’s question about faith, baptism, and salvation. In part, the listener would like to know how to respond to those who believe a person is saved before baptism. Hope you find this conversation helpful and encouraging. The post Saved by Faith: At What Point Are We Saved? appeared first on Radically Christian.

Thank You: The Last Episode of 2019

December 23, 2019 12:01 - 21 minutes - 30 MB

Travis and Wes want to thank you all for listening and participating in these Bible study conversations. This will be the last episode for 2019, but plans are already being made for more Bible studies in 2020. Stay tuned. The post Thank You: The Last Episode of 2019 appeared first on Radically Christian.

The Congregation: What is Your Responsibility to the Local Church?

December 16, 2019 11:23 - 41 minutes - 57.7 MB

In today’s Bible study Wes and Travis talk about each individual Christian’s obligation to the local church family. Should we try to be at every church service? Is it wrong to be out of town on the weekends, leaving our church family’s short-handed? What should leaders in small congregations do to encourage participation in church events and gatherings? The post The Congregation: What is Your Responsibility to the Local Church? appeared first on Radically Christian.

Head Coverings: How Does 1 Corinthians 11 Apply Today?

December 09, 2019 11:32 - 41 minutes - 57.3 MB

In today’s Bible study, Wes and Travis discuss Paul’s instructions about hair length and head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11? Should men not have long hair? Should women cover their head in church? Were these simply cultural issues that have no modern application, or are there lessons and principles from 1 Corinthians 11 that still apply today? The post Head Coverings: How Does 1 Corinthians 11 Apply Today? appeared first on Radically Christian.

Religious Holidays: Do Christians Have Authority to Celebrate Holidays

December 01, 2019 23:46 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MB

In today's Bible study we answer a voicemail question from Rachel about celebrating religious holidays, like Christmas and Easter. Is there a biblical precedent for celebrating these man-made religious holidays? Should Christians be in favor, opposed, or indifferent to the celebrations? And perhaps, most importantly, how do we treat those with whom we disagree? The post Religious Holidays: Do Christians Have Authority to Celebrate Holidays appeared first on Radically Christian.

Bible in Context: Thoughts on Studying the Bible

November 18, 2019 12:16 - 49 minutes - 69.3 MB

In today’s Bible study we discuss what context means, why context is so important, and how to actually consider the context of a passage when studying the Bible. We also discuss the lens through which every passage of the Bible should be read. We hope you enjoy this Bible study. The post Bible in Context: Thoughts on Studying the Bible appeared first on Radically Christian.

Singing with the Church: Why I Believe in A cappella Singing

November 11, 2019 11:38 - 52 minutes - 72.7 MB

In today’s Bible study, we discuss what the New Testament says about singing and why many choose to sing a cappella in the worship assembly. But even more important than “how” we sing, we explore the biblical reasons for “why” we sing. We hope you enjoy this Bible study. The post Singing with the Church: Why I Believe in A cappella Singing appeared first on Radically Christian.

Justice and Mercy: How Christians responded to Botham Jean’s Murder

November 04, 2019 14:22 - 50 minutes - 72.9 MB

Today's Bible study revolves around the issues of justice, racial reconciliation, mercy, and forgiveness. These topics have been top of mind lately after the recent shooting of Botham Jean and the trial of former Dallas police officer, Amber Guyger.  The post Justice and Mercy: How Christians responded to Botham Jean’s Murder appeared first on Radically Christian.

Holy Spirit: How Does the Holy Spirit Speak to Us Today?

October 21, 2019 11:53 - 48 minutes - 70.5 MB

Today's Bible Study revolves around an excellent question that was posted in the Radically Christian Facebook community. The question was, "Does the Holy Spirit speak to believers? I am being told by our brethren that the Holy Spirit was only for the apostles and only until the Word was complete. I am having difficulty understanding this. Please help me as I continue to read the Word and prayerfully seek to understand." The post Holy Spirit: How Does the Holy Spirit Speak to Us Today? appea...

The Gospel: What does “Gospel” mean in the Bible?

October 14, 2019 10:27 - 49 minutes - 68.9 MB

Today’s Bible study will dig deep on the word, “Gospel.” We talk about Gospel preaching, Gospel singers, the four Gospels, but what does this word “Gospel” actually mean? Is it about how to go to heaven when we die or is it something more? Let’s consider what the whole Bible, both New and Old Testament, has to say on the topic of the Gospel. The post The Gospel: What does “Gospel” mean in the Bible? appeared first on Radically Christian.

1 Peter 3:21: How Does Baptism Save Us?

October 07, 2019 03:23 - 41 minutes - 58.1 MB

Today’s Bible study will explore 1 Peter 3:21, where Peter writes, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Before we discuss baptism, we need to know what “save” refers to in the […] The post 1 Peter 3:21: How Does Baptism Save Us? appeared first on Radically Christian.

Spiritually Dead: Is “Spiritual Death” in the Bible?

September 30, 2019 02:09 - 43 minutes - 61 MB

Today’s Bible study will cover the topic of being “spiritually dead.” What do people mean when they say a person is spiritually dead? Is the idea of being spiritually dead actually found in the Bible? Is there a different way, a more biblical way, to understand passages like Ephesians 2:1, “dead in the trespasses and […] The post Spiritually Dead: Is “Spiritual Death” in the Bible? appeared first on Radically Christian.

Changes to the Podcast – CrossTalk S4E13

September 09, 2019 12:03 - 11 minutes - 19.6 MB

There are some big changes coming to the podcast! Instead of the CrossTalk format, in which we typically have an informal conversation about "life and faith," we will start having more in-depth Bible studies on topics and passages about which you're curious. The post Changes to the Podcast – CrossTalk S4E13 appeared first on Radically Christian.

Music in the Old Testament – CrossTalk S4E12

September 02, 2019 11:06 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MB

On today's episode, I have an argument with myself about instrumental music in the Old Testament. A few years back, I wrote an article about the use of instrumental music in Old Testament worship, but reading that article today makes me cringe because I have changed a lot since then. Though I still believe it is best for churches to sing a cappella, many of my thoughts and arguments in that article were just wrong. So, on today's episode, I sat down with my old article and argued with myself...

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@wesmcadams 29 Episodes