It’s easy for complacency to set in our walk with God. It’s easy to settle into apathy with respect to spiritual growth. It’s easy to stop dreaming about what God can do in our lives. Today we’ll hear another message from Revive earlier this year–this one from yours truly. We’ll consider three examples of people Read more about 574 Pursue Your Blessing (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Over our last two episodes we’ve been hearing from Pastor Bob Carden on the topic of healing and walking by the spirit. Today I’d like to play out a sermon by Carden’s successor, Garrett Bova who is the lead pastor now at Align Ministries. Now I realize his message will challenge some of you to Read more about 573 Prophetic Words of Encouragement (Garrett Bova)[…]
Comparing the Hebrew of Isaiah 9.6 to most popular English translations results in some serious questions. Why have our translations changed the tense of the verbs from past to future? Why is this child called “Mighty God” and “Eternal Father”? In this presentation I work through Isaiah 9.6 line by line to help you understand Read more about 572 Isaiah 9.6 Explained: A Theophoric Approach[…]
This is part two of my conversation with Bob Carden who served as the lead pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship for decades before retiring. (The church is now called Align Ministries, led by Garrett Bova.) Continuing on the topic of healing and deliverance from last week, we begin by talking about evil spirits and pornography Read more about 571 Give God a Shot (Bob Carden)[…]
People need the touch of God in their lives. People are broken, wounded, and sick. Jesus Christ has already come and made available deliverance from sin and its consequences. He did this throughout his ministry and continues to bring healing through his church today. Bob Carden shares about his own journey of faith from Catholicism Read more about 570 My Journey into Healing Ministry (Bob Carden)[…]
Seneca Harbin became a Christian later in life through reading the Bible. However, when he was attending a megachurch in Indianapolis, he starting hearing the pastor preach about Christ in a way that seemed bizarre and unbiblical. To his surprise Seneca discovered that the vast majority of Christians held to these extra-biblical speculations about multiple Read more about 569 The Cost of Truth (Seneca Harbin)[…]
Last week Dustin Smith and Sam Tideman discussed the intermediate state–what happens after death but before resurrection on the last day. Although most Christians affirm the folk idea of going immediately to heaven or hell at death, Smith and Tideman argue that the Bible teaches the dead are in Sheol or Hades. However they disagree Read more about 568 The Witch of Endor and the Rich Man and Lazarus Parable (Dustin Smith, Sam Tideman)[…]
Dustin Smith and Sam Tideman discuss whether people are conscious in the intermediate state (between death and resurrection). Interestingly, neither of them think the deceased are currently in heaven or hell. Smith affirms the sleep of the dead, seeing all the dead, whether good or bad, as unconscious and unaware of the passage of time. Read more about 567 Are the Dead Conscious? (Dustin Smith, Sam Tideman)[…]
This is part 5 of the Kingdom Seminar, based on the book Kingdom Journey. This episode begins by delving into the history of how the theologians of the third and fourth centuries rejected the kingdom since they thought it was too crude, too hedonic, and too Jewish. Next I briefly cover three rediscovery movements, including Read more about 566 Kingdom Seminar 5: Kingdom Ambassadors[…]
This is part 4 of the Kingdom Seminar, based on the book Kingdom Journey. Jesus didn’t just believe in a future kingdom that didn’t affect the present. His entire ministry was saturated with kingdom symbology and activity. Wherever he went, he brought a bubble of the kingdom with him. As Christ-followers, we too, are called Read more about 565 Kingdom Seminar 4: Kingdom Allegiance[…]
This is part 3 of the Kingdom Seminar, based on the book Kingdom Journey. The kingdom of God is the golden thread running throughout the whole Bible from beginning to end. In this presentation, we’ll consider some of the key texts from the Old and New Testaments that define what the kingdom is. In contrast Read more about 564 Kingdom Seminar 3: Defining the Kingdom[…]
This is part 2 of the Kingdom Seminar, based on the book Kingdom Journey. What is heaven? Although it is not the place where the dead go when they die, it is, still, a real place. Today we’ll survey different ways in which the Bible talks about heaven, including the sky, God’s throne, the storehouse, Read more about 563 Kingdom Seminar 2: Defining Heaven[…]
Last December, my first ever published book came out, called Kingdom Journey. Recently I recorded a seminar on the kingdom at a church in South Carolina based on the book that I will be playing out over the next 5 weeks. In this seminar I highlight some of the key points in my book and Read more about 562 Kingdom Seminar 1: Why Should You Care[…]
Last month the Unitarian Christian Alliance put on the first conference in Europe. A mixture of British and American speakers presented on various aspects of unitarian Christianity. In today’s episode I speak with Daisy Jones, one of the main coordinators of the event as well as Mark Cain who assisted in planning and in recording Read more about 561 United Kingdom UCA Conference Review (Daisy Jones, Mark Cain)[…]
Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, was a strange event. We read about unusual miraculous signs such as the sound of a great wind and tongues of fire. Still, the most interesting moment is when the apostles of our Lord began speaking in foreign languages that they didn’t know. Such divine utterance is called speaking Read more about 560 Pentecost Reversing Babel (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Last week Joshua Michael Smith began sharing his testimony from childhood to his college years when he changed his mind about Jesus’s identity. In part two he talks about cage stage unitarianism–where one seeks to confront everyone about this important truth regardless of their interested or antagonism. Smith shares how he matured while continuing to Read more about 559 Youth Ministry Matters (Joshua Michael Smith)[…]
Joshua Michael Smith grew up in northern Florida in a Baptist church. In this interview he shares his journey of faith, including how came to Christ as well as how he ended up in ministry training at Word of Life before earning a bachelors at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga. While there, he began questioning Read more about 558 Courageous Baptist Seeks Biblical Truth (Joshua Michael Smith)[…]
Many believe there is 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testament. My guest today is Professor George Athas, director of research and senior lecturer in Hebrew, Old Testament, and Early Church History at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia. He’s the author of Bridging the Testaments, which covers four major periods, including Read more about 557 Bridging the Testaments (George Athas)[…]
Christians have approached the first chapter of Genesis differently over the centuries. There are those who hold to young earth creationism, day-age theory, gap theory, and progressive creationism, just to name a few. Oftentimes defenders of a particular view will provide biblical, scientific, and historical evidence for their position. Our focus today is on the Read more about 556 Recruiting Ancients for the Creation Debate (Andrew Brown)[…]
Scholars and pastors regularly point to specialized “technical” language in Paul’s epistles to make the case that Paul was intentionally subverting Roman power by applying to Jesus terms that the ancients commonly applied to the Caesars. My guest today has done the hard work of analyzing the inscriptions, coins, and material remains of several key Read more about 555 Was Paul Really Subverting Caesar? (Clint Burnett)[…]
Something is going on in New Zealand…and I’m excited to tell you about it. In today’s interview I speak with Zach Mayo who along with his wife, Kayla, were serving as youth pastors at an evangelical church when they came to change their minds on the doctrine of the Trinity. Now they’re organizing a conference Read more about 554 Biblical Unitarian Christians in New Zealand (Zach Mayo)[…]
Kermit Zarley was a professional golfer who had an interest in studying the Bible about the end times when he came across a disturbing verse. Reading Jesus’s words in the Olivet Discourse, he noticed that only the Father knew the day and hour of the end. Neither the angels nor the son of God were Read more about 553 Pro Golfer Turned Christologist Tells All (Kermit Zarley)[…]
From her childhood in a Jewish family to a 7-year stint with the Jehovah’s Witnesses to attending evangelical churches, Susanne Lakin never felt comfortable with the doctrine of the Trinity. She signed up to attend Phoenix Seminary, a conservative evangelical school, thinking they would help her finally get to the bottom of it. She was Read more about 552 Seminary Convinced Me the Trinity Is Wrong (Susanne Lakin)[…]
This is part 18 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. What tools can help you understand the bible better? Today we’ll cover some recommended resources for you to deepen your study of the scriptures, including bible dictionaries, commentaries, bible software, AI, and more. Of course, it’s impossible to cover everything in a reasonable time Read more about 551 Read the Bible for Yourself 18: Helpful Tools to Understand the Bible[…]
This is part 17 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. After reviewing the resources you can use to learn Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, we delve into the sources that translators use for their work. Next, we’ll look at translation philosophies, including formal and dynamic equivalence. Lastly we’ll cover the controversial issues of gender accuracy Read more about 550 Read the Bible for Yourself 17: How to Choose a Bible Translation[…]
This is part 16 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Revelation is a complicated book of the Bible. It contains some of the most incredible and awe-inspiring descriptions of God’s throne room and the final paradise on earth. It also describes sinister mayhem, wanton destruction, and toe-curling persecution. How can we make sense of Read more about 549 Read the Bible for Yourself 16: How to Read Revelation[…]
This is part 15 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. In previous episodes, we’ve looked at Paul’s church epistles and pastoral epistles. Today we move into the third section of epistles in the New Testament–the general epistles. Instead of surveying each of the eight general epistles, we’ll just focus on two: Hebrews and 1 Read more about 548 Read the Bible for Yourself 15: How to Read the General Epistles[…]
This is part 14 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. The Pastoral Epistles are letters to church leaders, instructing them how churches should function. Though they are not well read by most Christians today, they remain authoritative for pastors, elders, and deacons. Today we’ll cover 1-2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. We’ll explore the major Read more about 547 Read the Bible for Yourself 14: How to Read the Pastoral Epistles[…]
This is part 13 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Before getting to the Church Epistles, we’ll begin with an overview of how letters were written, read, and performed. Then we’ll see how they are arranged in our Bibles. We’ll spend a good deal of time talking about occasion. Why did Paul write each Read more about 546 Read the Bible for Yourself 13: How to Read the Church Epistles[…]
This is part 12 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Acts is an action-packed book full of excitement and wonder. We learn about the early expansion of the Church from a small group of ragged Christ-followers to dozens of house churches throughout major cities in the Mediterranean world. How did Christianity “go public”? The Read more about 545 Read the Bible for Yourself 12: How to Read Acts[…]
This is part 11 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. The Gospels are evangelistic biographies of Jesus. In today’s episode you’ll learn the basic storyline of the four biblical Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Then we’ll go through them from shortest to longest to see how each brings a unique and helpful perspective Read more about 544 Read the Bible for Yourself 11: How to Read the Gospels[…]
This is part 10 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. We’ve taken our time working through the Old Testament, section by section. Before we tackle the New Testament and look at the Gospels, we need to talk about the time between the Old and New Testaments. In the gap of roughly four hundred years, Read more about 543 Read the Bible for Yourself 10: Key Background for Reading the New Testament[…]
This is part 9 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. The 17 books of the prophets comprise 27% of the Old Testament. Although some parts can be difficult to comprehend, they reveal the heart of God with raw pathos and brutal honesty. To read the prophets, then, is to draw near to God. No Read more about 542 Read the Bible for Yourself 9: How to Read the Prophets[…]
This is part 8 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. The Book of Psalms is an eclectic collection of poetry that you can use to connect to God. In today’s episode you’ll learn about the different kinds of psalms, who wrote them, and how Hebrew poetry works. The goal, as always, is to equip Read more about 541 Read the Bible for Yourself 8: How to Read the Psalms[…]
As the dust continues to settle from last week’s debate between Dale Tuggy and James White, reviewers are coalescing on a rather exciting conclusion. Tuggy handedly won the debate! Rumor has it that James White has even requested a rematch! We’ll have to wait and see if anything happens on that front, but requesting a Read more about 540 Dustin Smith’s Take on the Tuggy-White Debate[…]
We’re taking a break this week from our class on Reading the Bible for Yourself. By the way, did you know that there’s a separate podcast just for classes without any interruptions like this? You can find it if you search your podcast app for Restitutio Classes. Anyhow, I had an opportunity to speak with Read more about 539 Dale Tuggy’s Thoughts on the James White Debate: Is Jesus Yahweh?[…]
This is part 7 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. The Bible contains a treasure trove of wisdom literature that can help you navigate the ups and downs of life. Today you’ll learn how to read and understand the books of Proverbs, Song of Songs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. Proverbs and Song of Songs teach Read more about 538 Read the Bible for Yourself 7: How to Read Wisdom Literature[…]
This is part 6 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Tragically, many Christians skip over reading the Torah. They focus on the Gospels or Epistles of the New Testament. However, the first five books of the Bible contain many rich insights into God’s heart and how he asked Israel to live. In fact, it’s Read more about 537 Read the Bible for Yourself 6: How to Read the Law[…]
This is part 5 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Now we begin the second main part of this class on reading the Bible for yourself. We’ll be breaking the Bible into major sections so I can explain how each works. To start we’ll consider the first 17 books of the Bible–the books of Read more about 536 Read the Bible for Yourself 5: How to Read OT History[…]
I’ve been putting out podcast episodes on Restitutio since 2015. I’ve interviewed many authors in that time. However, I’ve never been interviewed as an author. That changed a couple of days ago when Sam Tideman of Transfigured had me on his show to talk about my new book, Kingdom Journey. We discussed the biblical idea Read more about 535 Kingdom Journey Interview (Sam Tideman)[…]
This is part 4 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Exegesis and application take work. Today you’ll learn how to grasp the content of scripture by asking the question, “What did this text mean to the original audience?” Looking for a book’s author, audience, occasion, and purpose will help you answer that question. Next, Read more about 534 Read the Bible for Yourself 4: How to Determine Content and Application[…]
This is part 3 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Today is the first of two episodes on how to understand and apply the Bible. One of the greatest problems facing Bible readers today is the lifted verse. It’s so common to see a verse or even half a verse posted on social media Read more about 533 Read the Bible for Yourself 3: How to Read the Bible in Context[…]
This is part 2 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. As I endeavored to show last time, the Bible is one of a kind. It’s the result of dozens of authors, working under God’s inspiration to produce scrolls of text over centuries. This process resulted in sixty-six books, including histories, legal texts, poetry, prophetic Read more about 532 Read the Bible for Yourself 2: What You Need to Know about Your Bible[…]
This is part 1 of the Read the Bible For Yourself. Today we are beginning a new class called Read the Bible for Yourself. Whether you are new to scripture, or you’ve been reading it for years, this class will empower you to read and understand the bible like never before. You’ll gain key insights Read more about 531 Read the Bible for Yourself 1: Why Should You Read the Bible for Yourself?[…]
Although most often defined as “peace,” the Hebrew word “shalom” is much bigger than that. It refers to not only the absence of war, but also the presence of wholeness and safety. In this sermon you’ll gain a better understanding of this important biblical word as well as what God’s heart is for shalom in Read more about 530 God’s Heart for Shalom[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts In Deuteronomy Moses famously taught the Jewish people the Shema–the heart of Judaism. He told them to repeat those words day in and day out: when they sit, when they walk, whey they lie down, and when they rise. In fact God built many mechanisms to Read more about 529 Remember![…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Today my guest is Thomas Gaston who’s book is called Dynamic Monarchianism: the Earliest Christology? Dr. Gaston earned his Ph. D. from Oxford University and this book one of the fruits of that labor. In this interview we talk about the earliest Dynamic Monarchians, including Ebionites Read more about 528 Dynamic Monarchianism: The Earliest Christology (Thomas Gaston)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Should Christians celebrate the birth of Christ? If so, where should we draw the line with respect to ancient pagan customs like bringing an evergreen tree into our houses or giving presents to each other? How much pagan practice is too much? My guest today is Read more about 527 Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? (Dale Tuggy)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts It’s the holidays and many of us are seeing family members and coworkers and neighbors at parties. Sometimes the topic of Christianity comes up, and you may be having conversations about your beliefs. You may find yourself defending your belief in Jesus in general or even Read more about 526: The Role of Assumptions in Bible Conversations (Jeff Deuble)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Do the Gospels give you the impression that the kingdom of God is about to arrive? My guest today is Troy Salinger who wrote an interesting article called, “The Postponement of the Kingdom – A Response to Preterists and Anti-Missionary Rabbis.” His idea is that the Read more about 524 Kingdom Postponed (Troy Sallinger)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts For centuries heresy hunters have labeled those who deny the pre-existence of Jesus “adoptionists.” This ancient category was based on the idea some Christian groups denied the virgin birth, thinking instead that Jesus became the son of God at his baptism when God adopted him. Modern Read more about 523 Rethinking Adoptionism (Jeremiah Coogan)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Ignatius of Antioch lived in the first generation of Christians after the apostles died during the late first and early second century. Modern day apologists regularly point to Ignatius’ letters to prove the antiquity of the deity of Christ and one-bishop church governance (monarchical episcopate). But Read more about 522 Problematizing Ignatius of Antioch’s Middle Recension (Nathan Massie)[…]
Let’s face it the New Testament probably calls Jesus God (or god) a couple of times and so do early Christian authors in the second century. However, no one offers much of an explanation for what they mean by the title. Did early Christians think Jesus was God because he represented Yahweh? Did they think Read more about 521 The Deity of Christ from a Greco-Roman Perspective (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Philippians 2.6-11 has generated an immense amount of scholarly literature such as journal articles and monographs not to mention blog posts, video lectures, and podcasts. What does the enigmatic phrase “in the form of God” mean? Did Paul intend us to think Jesus refused to grasp Read more about 520 In the Form of a God (Andrew Perriman)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts My guest today is Dr. Andrew Perriman of London who will discuss his recent book In the Form of a God, which is part of the Studies in Early Christology series. (Read Perriman’s helpful summary of the book here.) The focus for our conversation is looking Read more about 519 No Pre-Existence in Paul? (Andrew Perriman)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts We’ve all heard plenty of stories of Trinitarians who begin questioning their received teaching and eventually become Unitarian. However, today, we’re bringing you a story that’s a little different. My guest is Rick Naviello who held a biblical unitarian view of Jesus for decades before attending Read more about 518 Tried to Believe in the Trinity (Rick Naviello)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Have you ever read miracle stories in the bible and asked yourself, “I wonder if this happens today?” My guests today are Josh and Daisy Jones of the UK who share their testimonies of God intervening in and through their lives. Hear about Josh’s miraculous healing Read more about 517 Walking with God (Josh and Daisy Jones)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Recently Tom Huszti interviewed me for his YouTube channel, the Unitarian Anabaptist. We talked about the importance of geography, archeology, and Greco-Roman history for interpreting the bible, especially the New Testament. Next we delved into early church history, starting with the earliest forms of Jewish Christianity Read more about 516 Sean Finnegan on Restoring Authentic Christianity (Tom Huszti)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts I’m so delighted to present you with an interview I did with Professor Nancy Pearcey, an author whose books have significantly helped me understand and live out my faith better. Today we’re talking about masculinity. Have you noticed the critical and uncharitable tone in our culture Read more about 515 The Toxic War on Masculinity (Nancy Pearcey)[…]
Although he’s one of the lesser known Christian authors of the fourth century, Aphrahat is extremely important for our understanding of early Persian Christianity prior to the advent of Islam in the region. Amazingly a full-length book of his survives, called The Demonstrations. In today’s interview I ask about Aphrahat’s beliefs in general and his Read more about 514 Aphrahat and Early Persian Christianity (Sam Tideman)[…]
Have you heard of the quests for the historical Jesus? This has been going on for two and a half centuries. It has produced a massive amount of literature and occupied the minds of some of the most impressive biblical scholars over the years. What’s all this about? Why do we need to search for Read more about 513 The Historical Jesus and the Gospel of John (Craig Blomberg)[…]
We continue in our conversation on the topic of healing from bullying. This episode applies not only to those who suffered in school, but also should prove helpful to any who have suffered abuse later in life as well. Jon Nessle taps into Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to gain practical advice on what to Read more about 512 Healing from Bullying – 2 (Jon Nessle)[…]
Were you bullied in school? How did you deal with it? Do you still harbor feelings of bitterness and vengefulness in your heart towards those who mistreated and abused you? Today my guest is Jon Nessle who faced ruthless ridicule and physical abuse from kindergarten to the tenth grade. He shares seven points to help Read more about 511 Healing from Bullying – 1 (Jon Nessle)[…]
Do you struggle with evangelism? Do you feel like you should tell others about the gospel and yet, you can’t seem to find a way to do that? If so, then this episode is for you. Part of our aim here at Restitutio is not just exploring the bible and church history to recover authentic Read more about 510 Hospitality Evangelism (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Today we are continuing where we left off with part 2 of my interview with Kegan Chandler. In our last episode we spent most of our time talking about UAPs and the evidence that has come to light for their existence as well as non-human origin. Today, we are shifting gears to focus on the Read more about 509 Theological Options for Understanding Non-Human Intelligence (Kegan Chandler)[…]
Last month, the US Congress held a hearing with three whistle-blowers who provided testimony about UFOs. Yes, I just said UFOs. No, I haven’t lost my mind or started subscribing to the tabloids. This is a topic that has moved from the fringes of conspiracy land right into serious public hearings in the US government. Read more about 508 Are UFOs Real? (Kegan Chandler)[…]
Today we are picking up where we left off with Dr. Steven Nemes. We’ve been talking about communion (also called the eucharist or the Lord’s supper). He’s been presenting a case for memorialism. Today we begin with the words of institution, which Jesus gave at the last supper. What did he mean when he said, Read more about 507 Eating Christ’s Flesh – 2 (Steven Nemes)[…]
What do you think happens during communion? In my interview today, Dr. Steven Nemes provides a biblical, historical, and theological defense for memorialism–the idea that the eucharist memorializes what Christ has done (and will do) for us rather than actually becoming Christ in some metaphysical sense. Thus, the bread and wine signify or represent Christ’s Read more about 506 Eating Christ’s Flesh – 1 (Steven Nemes)[…]
The Key of Truth is a fascinating book, written by a sect of Armenian Unitarian Christians in the 1700s. Originally under Muslim rule, this group of Christians migrated to Russian-controlled Armenia in the nineteenth century. Sadly, they faced investigation, persecution, fines, and probably exile at the hands of the Armenian Church authorities. Although lost to Read more about 505 The Key of Truth: A Monument of Armenian Unitarianism[…]
This is part 22 of the Early Church History class. This episode aims to wrap up our early church history class. We’ll cover relics and pilgrimage, emperors Zeno and Justinian, as well as the theological battles that continued to rage in the 5th and 6th centuries. Unsurprisingly the christological controversy of the 5th century did Read more about 504 Early Church History 22: Byzantine Empire from Constantine to Justinian[…]
This is part 21 of the Early Church History class. In the fifth century Christians waged a theological civil war that ended in a massive church split. The issue was over the dual natures of Christ. How was he both divine and human? Did he have a human soul and a divine soul? Did his Read more about 503 Early Church History 21: The Dual Natures Controversy of the Fifth Century[…]
This is part 20 of the Early Church History class. So far we’ve been focusing primarily on Christianity within the Roman Empire in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East–the land surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, Christianity also spread south to Africa, north to Armenia, and east to Asia where it reached Persia, India, and Read more about 502 Early Church History 20: Early African, Armenian, and Asian Christianity[…]
This is part 19 of the Early Church History class. Even though the Roman Empire chose Nicene Christianity as it’s “orthodoxy,” subordinationist Christianity continued to exist, especially outside among the Germanic tribes. In this episode, you’ll learn about Ulfilas the Missionary to the Goths who not only brought Christianity to these “barbarians,” but also made Read more about 501 Early Church History 19: Arian Kingdoms from Ulfilas to Clovis[…]
This is part 18 of the Early Church History class. I wonder how many Christians in the world today believe the gifts of the spirit ceased in the time of the apostles? I know there are quite a few. Many others, however, believe they are available today and make time for them in their worship Read more about 500 Early Church History 18: The Gifts of the Spirit in Early Christianity[…]
This is part 17 of the Early Church History class. Throughout the first five hundred years of Christian history, a significant shift occurred in what we believed about our ultimate destiny. The New Testament and the early church fathers repeatedly expressed belief in God’s kingdom coming to earth. Over time, however, this idea gave way Read more about 499 Early Church History 17: The Kingdom of God in Early Christianity[…]
This is part 16 of the Early Church History class. Jerome and Augustine are two of the most influential Latin Christians of the first millennium of Christianity. This episode will introduce you to their lives, personalities, and some of their most important ideas. You’ll see how significantly asceticism affected their lifestyles as well as how Read more about 498 Early Church History 16: Jerome and Augustine[…]
This is part 15 of the Early Church History class. We are shifting gears away from Christology to talk about the desert fathers and mothers. These were people that decided to leave the city and go off alone or in communes to practice spiritual disciplines and asceticism. They denied themselves pleasure in their pursuit of Read more about 497 Early Church History 15: Monasticism from Anthony to Benedict[…]
This is part 14 of the Early Church History class. We’ve been learning about the controversy over Christ’s origins in the last couple of episodes. This battle raged between groups of Christians who agreed that Jesus pre-existed for sixty years. But today we are taking a break from that and looking instead at the early Read more about 496 Early Church History 14: Paul of Samosata and Photinus of Sirmium[…]
This is part 13 of the Early Church History class. Between the year 325 and 381 titanic shifts occurred that changed Christianity forever. Rather than ending conflict and ushering in a golden era of lasting peace, Constantine’s Council of Nicea ignited a theological civil war within Christianity that raged for six more decades. In today’s Read more about 495 Early Church History 13: Trinity Controversy in the Fourth Century[…]
This is part 12 of the Early Church History class. Today we begin a two part series on the Christological controversies of the fourth century. Our focus for this episode is the conflict between Alexander, bishop of Alexandria, and his presbyter, Arius. You may be surprised to learn that Arius was not some youthful outsider Read more about 494 Early Church History 12: Arius and Alexander of Alexandria[…]
This is part 11 of the Early Church History class. Have you heard of the Roman emperor Constantine? He had a massive impact on Christianity. Not only did he end the brutal persecutions of his predecessors, but he also used the Roman government to actively support the Church. However, his involvement also resulted in significant Read more about 493 Early Church History 11: The Constantinian Shift[…]
This is part two of a two part series refuting the opening statement of a debate on the question “Is Jesus Yahweh?” This week Brand Duke and I are going to critique Samuel Nesan’s opening statement in his recent debate over the question, “Is Jesus Yahweh?” Nesan has a Master of Christian Studies at Seminari Read more about 492 Refuting Samuel Nesan’s Case That Jesus Is Yahweh[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is part one of a two part series refuting the opening statement of a debate on the question “Is Jesus Yahweh?” This week and next week we are taking a little break from our Early Church History class to do discuss a recent debate about Read more about 491 Refuting Kyle Essary’s Case That Jesus Is Yahweh[…]
This is part 10 of the Early Church History class. The Roman government persecuted Christians for the first three centuries. In this episode, you’ll learn about various persecutions that flared up during the reigns of Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Decius, Valerian, and Diocletian. We’ll also cover why Romans both despised and feared Christianity. Learning about the Read more about 490 Early Church History 10: Persecution of Early Christians[…]
This is part 9 of the Early Church History class. How did Christians organize themselves in the first few centuries? We’re taking a break from theology and switching to focus on practical matters of church offices, church governance, church discipline, conversion, and charity. As it turns out we have a surprising amount of information about Read more about 489 Early Church History 9: Early Church Orders[…]
This is part 8 of the Early Church History class. Origen of Alexandria is the man behind the curtain. Although few Christians today would recognize his name, most denominations are still on a trajectory he initiated eighteen hundred years ago. His influences in theology, christology, eschatology, apologetics, textual criticism, asceticism, hermeneutics, and Christian philosophy are Read more about 488 Early Church History 8: Origen of Alexandria[…]
This is part 7 of the Early Church History class. Philo of Alexandria was the most well-known representative of Hellenistic Judaism in the first century. His many books combine Platonism with scripture via allegory–a daring project that had a massive influence on Christian thinkers. Clement of Alexandria followed in Philo’s footsteps a century later, doing Read more about 487 Early Church History 7: Philo and Clement of Alexandria[…]
This is part 6 of the Early Church History class. In the latter half of the second century, two kinds of Christians arose to defend the faith. On the one hand, apologists wrote defenses of Christianity directed at the Roman government. They responded to rumors, arguing that Christians were decent people who should be shown Read more about 486 Early Church History 6: Apologists & Heresy Hunters[…]
This is part 5 of the Early Church History class. Have you heard of the Gnostics before? Gnostics of different types claimed to have secret knowledge of humanity’s true origins and destiny. They were intellectuals who combined the philosophical thinking of their day with Jewish and Christian scripture to produce a compelling alternative to biblical Read more about 485 Early Church History 5: Gnostics and Valentinians[…]
This is part 4 of the Early Church History class. Our focus for this episode is the collection of second-century Christian literature known as the Apostolic Fathers. In total, there are 11 authors in this collection, 9 of whom we will briefly cover today. You’ll learn about the earliest Christian documents outside the New Testament, Read more about 484 Early Church History 4: The Apostolic Fathers[…]
This is part 3 of the Early Church History class. Today we begin to look at the second century. We’ll start by considering Jewish Christian movements, including the Nazarenes and the Ebionites. Next we’ll shift gears and explore the cultural pressure of asceticism and how it began infiltrating Christianity. We’ll briefly survey the influence of Read more about 483 Early Church History 3: Christianity in the Second Century[…]
This is part 2 of the Early Church History class. Before the great revolution of 66 in which the Jewish nation declared independence from the Roman empire, no fewer than five micro-revolution occurred between 4 BC and 58 AD. In the years that led up to the first Jewish-Roman war (66-73), incompetent Roman governors repeatedly Read more about 482 Early Church History 2: The Jewish-Roman War and Jewish-Christian Relations[…]
This is part 1 of the Early Church History class. Introducing Early Church History Get answers to questions, like: Did early Christians prophecy and perform miracles? How do I research church history for myself? How did heaven replace paradise on earth? What happened to the Jewish Christians? How did the Trinity become mainstream? How did Read more about 481 Early Church History 1: Christianity in the First Century[…]
How do you engage with culture? Are you aware of how culture is shaping your sensibilities about meaning, power, morality, religion, and aesthetics? Do you blindly reject everything in the culture so that you can remain separate from the world or do you blindly accept everything so that you remain relevant? My guest today is Read more about 480 Interpreting Your World (Justin Bailey)[…]
What do we do when the science in the bible seems wrong by today’s standards, but typical for their world? For example, those who believe in a flat earth often point to scripture as evidence for their belief. Indeed the bible arguably does contain some texts that imply a flat earth. But, if the Hebrew Read more about 479 Scripture & Science 16: Science in the Bible (Will Barlow)[…]
When COVID first broke out many endeavored to put their extra time to good use. Tom Huszti began listening to podcasts. He was intensely curious about theology. Huszti came to question several key beliefs he had imbibed as a lifelong Anabaptist, living in rural Ohio. Eventually he saw that the church’s God and the bible’s Read more about 478 Unitarian Anabaptist (Tom Huszti)[…]
Dr. Steven Nemes is an analytic philosopher and theologian who uses a phenomenological approach to reading scripture and constructing theology. In this interview I ask him about his unique approach to evaluating doctrine, especially the Trinity, from a phenomenological perspective. We also discuss restorationism as a common ground and delve into Church history extensively. In Read more about 477 Questioning the Trinity (Steven Nemes)[…]
What happened in Egypt during the ten plagues? Approaching the matter from a scientific perspective, our teacher, Will Barlow, brings to light some interesting connections. Probably most of us think God’s miracles are akin to magical interventions where he breaks the laws of nature to perform a supernatural feat. As we saw last time, the Read more about 476 Scripture & Science 15: What Happened in the Exodus? (Will Barlow)[…]
What is a miracle? Does it mean God breaks the laws of physics or merely that he intervenes within the system? After considering several definitions of miracles from Christian thinkers, Will Barlow interacts with a number of biblical incidents to explain what a miracle is and is not. He examines the parting of the Red Read more about 475 Scripture & Science 14: What Are Miracles? (Will Barlow)[…]
Having looked at the basics of earth science last time, we are now ready to consider Noah’s Flood. As always you’ll learn the major options for interpreting this biblical event. Some Christians understand the flood to have been a local event, largely limited to the region of Mesopotamia. Others hold to the notion that this Read more about 474 Scripture & Science 13: Noah’s Flood (Will Barlow)[…]
So far we’ve considered physics and biology in our exploration of scripture and science. Today we begin to consider how earth science and the bible fit together. This becomes particularly significant when considering interpretations for Noah’s flood. We’ll get to that next time. But, for today, our teacher will lay out the basics of geology Read more about 473 Scripture & Science 12: What Is Earth Science? (Will Barlow)[…]
I’d like to take an opportunity to interrupt this Scripture and Science class. We’ve just done three episodes on evolution. The first one covered the basics of what evolution is. Our second teaching evolution covered biblical problems and the third surveyed some scientific problems. Then Will interviewed Sam about his beliefs in both Christianity and Read more about 472 Why I (Still) Don’t Believe in Evolution (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Since it’s inception, evolutionary theory has remained controversial for many. Although one might think only uneducated laypeople find the idea unpalatable, quite a sizeable minority of scientists too struggle to come to terms with Darwinism. In today’s episode, Will Barlow explores a number of major scientific objections to evolution, including the Cambrian explosion, mutations as Read more about 471 Scripture & Science 11: Scientific Objections to Evolution (Will Barlow)[…]
Having looked at what the theory of evolution teaches last time, today we’re going to think through how well evolution fits with the bible. Will Barlow covers two main scriptural objections that young earth creationists bring against evolution before exploring three more issues that arise from the perspective of old earth creationism. How does Genesis Read more about 470 Scripture & Science 10: Biblical Objections to Evolution (Will Barlow)[…]
Having taken a short break from our Scripture & Science series, we are back. Today begins a series of three episodes exploring evolution. Whether you believe in evolution or not, it’s important to understand what the theory claims and how evolutionists reason. In this episode, Will Barlow briefly explains how evolutionists explain the gradual change Read more about 469 Scripture & Science 9: What Is Evolution? (Will Barlow)[…]
Renowned Historical Jesus Scholar and Princeton Theological Seminary Professor, Dale Allison’s life changed forever when he was just sixteen years old. In fact, he has chronicled nine profound spiritual experiences throughout his life. These extraordinary moments of transcendence led him to a comparative study to learn more about what is happening to people all around Read more about 468 Touching the Supernatural (Dale Allison)[…]
Today we’re taking a little break from our Scripture and Science class for an author interview. I’m talking with Mary DeMuth who wrote, Love, Pray, Listen, which is about parenting wayward adult kids with joy. Because faith is not genetic, our children get to decide for themselves whether or not they will follow Jesus. Some Read more about 467 Parenting Wayward Adult Children (Mary DeMuth)[…]
This episode rounds out three sessions focused on physics. Today we’re learning about the incredibly precise conditions required for life to exist in our universe. From the strength of gravity to the properties of carbon or water to the beauty of math and the stars, Pastor Will Barlow enumerates several key ways in which the Read more about 466 Scripture & Science 8: Fine-Tuning (Will Barlow)[…]
Building on last week, Will Barlow continues to describe and analyze issues with the Big Bang Theory. He considers standard biblical and scientific objections brought forward by young earth creationists. After responding to these objections, he shows how each of the main Christian views of origins deals with the Big Bang. Listen to this episode Read more about 465 Scripture & Science 7: Genesis and the Big Bang[…]
Now that we’ve considered a bunch of the options for interpreting creation in Genesis, we are moving to look at astronomy. In today’s episode Will Barlow moves into his home territory–physics. You’ll learn about the weird nature of light, how particles do strange things at the quantum scale, and how the big bang model actually Read more about 464 Scripture & Science 6: Physics and Astronomy (Will Barlow)[…]
Today we are going to cover gap theories and John Walton’s temple idea. Will Barlow explains how gap theories work, including the classic idea that there’s a gap of billions of years between Genesis 1.1 and 1.2 as well as the modified version. After explaining the pros and cons for these views, he briefly explains Read more about 463 Scripture & Science 5: Reading Genesis One, Part 3 (Will Barlow)[…]
We’ve been considering the various options for interpreting the creation account in Genesis. Last time we looked at two young earth theories and today we’ll survey three old earth perspectives, including the day age theory, modified day-age theory, and a non-literal approach. For each Will Barlow explains the basics and offers a gentle critique. Listen Read more about 462 Scripture & Science 4: Reading Genesis One, Part 2 (Will Barlow)[…]
Have you heard of the Gospel of Thomas? What about the Gospel of Philip or Judas? Although most Christians are only familiar with the four Gospels contained in the Bible, ancient Christians wrote quite a few other Gospels as well. How do we know which Gospels are to be trusted? My guest today is Dr. Read more about 461 The Gospel and the Gospels (Simon Gathercole)[…]
Today we’ll begin to consider interpretive options for the first chapter of Genesis. We’ll see three main groupings of theories, including those that propose a young earth of only thousands of years, those that see the earth as old (billions of years), and those that are compatible with either. After introducing the main options, Will Read more about 460 Scripture & Science 3: Reading Genesis One, Part 1 (Will Barlow)[…]
Who was the original audience for the book of Genesis? Although we might be tempted to think we are, Genesis was written a long time ago in a different language and culture. Thinking through who the audience was, will help us approach the first chapter of Genesis on its own terms. In this episode, Will Read more about 459 Scripture & Science 2: Background on Genesis 1 (Will Barlow)[…]
Today we’re starting a new class called Scripture & Science. As a college student, studying engineering, I remember a particular day at the school library when I had the thought: “Well, I guess I’m going to have to look into scientific objections to the bible.” I had been raised a Christian and believed the bible Read more about 458 Scripture & Science 1: What Is a Belief System? (Will Barlow)[…]
Have you heard of oneness theology? Also called “Jesus only,” this is the idea that Jesus is all there is. Jesus is the Father; Jesus is the Holy Spirit. Jesus has manifested himself in many ways over the years, but there is only one individual or self who is God. Although not exclusive to the Read more about 457 From Oneness to One (J. Dan Gill)[…]
Why is Christianity awesome? Answering this question is a good exercise for us. So often we hear about why Christianity is terrible, especially in the eyes of the world. Many of these critiques are important and we should be humble enough to listen to problems, both real and perceived. However, my goal today is to Read more about 456 Why Christianity Is Awesome (Sean Finnegan)[…]
A couple of weeks ago I got to speak at the Church of God’s annual youth camp at Manchester University in rural Indiana. The week focused on all the different passions that we too easily allow to take God’s spot in our hearts. Timypaul Lupe gave the message before mine in which he urged the Read more about 455 Is God on the Throne in Your Heart? (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Last Sunday, I shared this message about God’s amazing grace. Instead of focusing on how gracious, merciful, and forgiving God is, I labored to explain why we don’t deserve God’s grace. I’ve observed this not only in my own journey, but also with many others who grow up in the church. We hear a thousand Read more about 454 Amazing Grace (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Last week Dale Tuggy discussed William Lane Craig’s theory about the Trinity for an hour. In one sense this was a momentous occasion when two heavy-hitting philosophers got into the ring to duke it out. In another sense, the limited constraint of one hour barely gave either much time to warm up or process the Read more about 453 Dale Tuggy Comments on Debate with William Lane Craig[…]
What is the gospel? No, I’m not talking about the biographies of Jesus or catchy music. I mean, what is the message of salvation that Jesus commissioned us to preach? Pastor Victor Gluckin of Living Faith Christian Church in Rhode Island masterfully explains what the gospel is and does. The gospel is not good advice Read more about 452 What Is the Gospel We Preach? (Victor Gluckin)[…]
Whereas last time we examined 6 interpretations people hold for Hebrews 1.10-12, today we look at just one–the 7th. Jerry Wierwille is my guest again and in this episode he explains his take on Hebrews 1.10-12. He delves into wisdom christology to show how these verses speak of Jesus protologically as wisdom that created the Read more about 451 Wisdom Christology in Hebrews 1.10-12 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
In our last episode, Dr. Jerry Wierwille led us through a contextual overview of Hebrews 1 and 2 in order to situate Hebrews 1.10-12. Today, we’ll consider seven interpretations of Hebrews 1.10-12, including: Father as referent, doxology Jesus as creator of Genesis creation Jesus as creator of figurative heaven and earth (referring to people and Read more about 450 Seven Interpretive Options for Hebrews 1.10-12 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Hebrews 1.10-12 is a confusing passage for many of us. It seems to say that Jesus created the heavens and the earth in the beginning. Today we are beginning a three part series in which Dr. Jerry Wierwille will address this important passage in context. Our first part is Wierwille’s presentation from last year’s UCA Read more about 449 Intertextuality and Interpretation of Hebrews 1 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Today we are addressing Progressive Christianity. To be clear, we are not talking about politics, though they often go hand in hand. Progressive Christianity is an outgrowth of liberal Christianity, which accepted the modernist ethos of the Enlightenment and merged it with Christianity. Likewise Progressive Christianity brings the assumptions and moral commitments of postmodernism to Read more about 448 What’s Wrong with Progressive Christianity? (Mike Winger)[…]
Power and kindness rarely go together. I don’t know about you, but I’m so thankful the most powerful being in the universe is also exceedingly compassionate! In fact, when he revealed himself to Moses, compassion was the first attribute he declared about himself. We see the outworking of God’s compassion in the laws he provided Read more about 447 God Is Compassionate (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Have you heard of historiography? Your historiography is the method you employ in doing history. This is especially relevant when the scholars who make the rules for doing history decide to exclude any supernatural events from their historiography. Today, my guest, Aaron Shelenberger, continues his rebuttal to Ehrman’s three main objections to the historicity of Read more about 446 Resurrection Objection 3: Supernatural Inaccessible? (Aaron Shelenberger)[…]
Today my guest, Aaron Shelenberger, and I are tackling a second scholarly objection of Bart Ehrman against the resurrection of Jesus. We’re taking a deep dive into the historian’s use of probability to establish whether a particular event happened. Are miracles by definition improbable? Does the rarity of miracles preclude the historian from talking about Read more about 445 Resurrection Objection 2: Improbable Miracles? (Aaron Shelenberger)[…]
Aaron Shelenberger who studied under Mike Licona at Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, shares about his research on the historicity of the resurrection. In particular, his thesis tackled three main objections brought forth by popular author and anti-Christian Bart Ehrman. Now, I realize this episode and the next two that follow are a Read more about 444 Resurrection Objection 1: Unreliable Gospels? (Aaron Shelenberger)[…]
Last time Pastor Daniel Calcagno spoke to us about the older generations. Today we’ll get into discussing Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. We explore pivotal events in each of these younger generations as well as how Christianity uniquely appeals to them. Hopefully this conversation will spur some thoughts for you, regardless of your age, Read more about 443 Generational Differences 2 (Daniel Calcagno)[…]
Daniel Calcagno serves as the pastor of Glad Tidings Church of God in Fonthill, Ontario (just west of Niagara Falls). He is the owner of MessianicNiagra.com along with the associated YouTube channel, which has several thousand subscribers and a video with over 400,000 views. Today he’s talking to me about generations based on a sermon Read more about 442 Generational Differences 1 (Daniel Calcagno)[…]
Tribalism is a major problem in our society today. If we’re honest, tribalism is a major problem in Christianity today. If I’m really honest, I have to admit that tribalism is a major problem in me today. Do you feel it too? Are you tempted to blow your ideological, theological, or political enemies out of Read more about 441 Tribalism in Times Like These[…]
Eric Miller begins by covering Alexander and Thomas Campbell’s beliefs about the Trinity. Then he talks about his own experience as a non-Trinitarian in the Independent Christian Churches community. He explains how the Christian Churches have become stricter on this issue in recent years. We discuss the possibility of reforming his church to be more Read more about 440 Non-Trinitarian History in the Stone-Campbell Movement (Eric Miller)[…]
Have you heard of the Restoration Movement? In today’s interview Eric Miller recounts the history of Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell as they initiated the movement to get back to the Bible over against denominational divisions. He explains the differences between the Disciples of Christ, the A Capella Churches of Christ, and the Independent Christian Read more about 439 The Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement (Eric Miller)[…]
The Trinity remains a massively popular theory to understand God in Christianity today as it has since the fourth century. Some go so far as to condemn any attempt to understand the concept while others are content to allow their faith to seek understanding (fides quarens intelectum). Nevertheless, most Christians have never honestly assessed this Read more about 438 Is God a Trinity of Persons? (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Are you in a high control group? How would you even know? Lori Jane shares her story of waking up after attending Kingdom Halls for thirty years as a Jehovah’s Witness (JW). Although the Watch Tower organization claimed they were the one true church, Lori discovered in Pioneer School the many “corrections” that had been Read more about 437 High Control Groups and Judging Other Christians (Lori Jane)[…]
In a world where self-identifying as a Christ-follower draws criticism, exclusion, and persecution, it’s important for us to remember the words of our Lord. He said we are salt and we are light. But, what does it mean to be salty and shining? In this message, my hope is that you’ll be challenged to stick Read more about 436 Salt and Light (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Have you heard of the Integrity Syndicate? No, not a crime syndicate, the Integrity Syndicate–the online ministry of Theophilus Josiah, my guest today. Abused and neglected by his parents and raised in a California orphanage, Josiah met God in his youth resulting in a new course for his life. Through a series of providential events, Read more about 435-Holistic Biblical Unitarian Christianity (Theophilus Josiah)[…]
Last time we looked at Solomon’s glorious reign as an archetype. Today Pastor Victor shows five parallels between Solomon’s golden era and Christ’s coming kingdom. Eliminate rivals and enemies Appoint new leaders Peace and prosperity Nations flowing to Jerusalem Worship of God central This last episode of this Son of David class ties together everything Read more about 434 Son of David 6: Jesus’ Reign (Victor Gluckin)[…]
In many ways, Solomon was the greatest Israelite king of all time. Abundance, security, and vastness characterized his long reign. Pastor Victor surveys Solomon’s prodigious reign, tying it in to both the promises God made to Abraham before him and those he made regarding a future son of David after him. Solomon’s fabulous wealth, unrivaled Read more about 433 Son of David 5: Solomon’s Reign (Victor Gluckin)[…]
As we saw last time, Solomon’s coronation set a precedent as the first son of David. By learning to recognize this archetype, we can spot intentional enactments later on. In this episode, Pastor Victor explores the striking parallels between Solomon’s anointing and Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Next he considers how the first coming of Read more about 432 Son of David 4: Jesus Comes as King (Victor Gluckin)[…]
Today we begin looking at the original son of David–Solomon. Although his brother, Adonijah had crafted a master plan to take the throne, he was not God’s choice. As a result, Bathsheba acted quickly to impose upon her elderly husband so that Solomon would be anointed. Pastor Victor shares the story of how this all Read more about 431 Son of David 3: Solomon Becomes King[…]
This is part 2 of the class, Son of David. Today our focus is on Jesus. What do terms like “son of God,” “Christ,” and “messiah” mean? How does Jesus fit into the promises God made to King David a millennium before his birth? Victor Gluckin answers these questions through copious texts from the New Read more about 430 Son of David 2: Jesus the Christ, Son of David, Son of God[…]
This is part 1 of the class, Son of David. Today we’re beginning a new class called “Son of David,” which explores the rich biblical parallels between Solomon and Jesus. Our teacher is Victor Gluckin, pastor of Living Faith Christian Church in Warwick, Rhode Island. Over more than two decades of friendship, I’ve been repeatedly Read more about 429 Son of David 1: Davidic Covenant (Victor Gluckin)[…]
Did you know that scholars who work on Jesus divide starkly into two major camps? On the one hand, the evangelicals do such great work on the existence of God, the historicity of the resurrection, and the reliability of Scripture. But, then they read the Gospels through the filter of their theological commitments, always coming Read more about 428 Looking for the Historical Jesus between Evangelical and Liberal Scholarship (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Why did Jesus die? Why couldn’t God just forgive all our sins? How did Jesus’ death pay for sin? How can someone else die for my sins? Questions like these are what atonement theories strive to answer. Throughout the history of Christianity a half dozen prominent theories have vied for adherents. In what follows I Read more about 427 Why Did Jesus Die? Exploring Atonement Theories (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Is the Son equal with the Father or is he subordinate? Thinking Christians have struggled over the tension between the traditional doctrine of coequality between Father and Son, on the one hand, and the dozens upon dozens of scriptures that either imply our explicitly teach the Father’s supremacy over his Son. Two ways of solving Read more about 426 The Father Is Greater Than I: Exploring Biblical Subordination (Sean Finnegan)[…]
What does the bible say about hell? Though many Christians believe hell is where the wicked suffer eternal conscious torment, this view contradicts dozens of scriptures about the fate of the wicked. In this masterful presentation, hell expert, Edward Fudge, works through not only the bible, but also intertestamental literature and church history to show Read more about 425 Hell Is the Fire That Consumes (Edward Fudge)[…]
This is part 14 of the One God Over All class. After a brief sketch of one God believers throughout time, we’ll consider how well positioned we are today to publish this truth. We may be few, but we are mighty, motivated, and making a difference! Additionally, we’ll consider a few important questions like (1) Read more about 424 One God 14: One God Today[…]
This is part 13 of the One God Over All class. What happened in the fourth century? You’ve probably heard all kinds of rumors about Arius of Alexandria and his newfangled heresy. But, was Arius really a sinful outsider who tried to corrupt Christianity? Was his idea of a Son with a beginning even new? Read more about 423 One God 13: The Fourth Century[…]
This is part 12 of the One God Over All class. If the entire bible clearly and repeatedly teaches that there is one supreme God who is over all and that Jesus is his subordinate son, then surely we should find evidence of this idea in the historical writings of Christians after the New Testament Read more about 422 One God 12: Early Church History[…]
This is part 11 of the One God Over All class. Who or what is the spirit of God? It won’t do to read later tradition back into the scriptures. Rather, we need to see how the bible itself talks about the holy spirit. To get at that answer we’ll take a look at a Read more about 421 One God 11: Spirit of God & Christ[…]
This is part 10 of the One God Over All class. We’ve looked at Jesus’ identity as Messiah, his relationship to God throughout his ministry, his crucifixion, and his resurrection. Repeatedly we’ve asked the question, if Jesus is not the one God over all, then how should we interpret him? Today we delve into his Read more about 420 One God 10: Christ’s Exaltation & Priestly Service[…]
This is part 9 of the One God Over All class. If Jesus is not the one God over all, then how should we interpret his death and resurrection? How does his death pay for our sins? What does the resurrection tell us about Jesus? Unlike medieval Christianity that taught God the Son united himself Read more about 419 One God 9: Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection[…]
This is part 8 of the One God Over All class. Does the bible call Jesus God? If so, how many times? This seems like such a straightforward question, but it’s pretty hard to answer. We’ll examine three types of texts in which Jesus might be called God, including those with manuscript issues, translation issues, Read more about 418 One God 8: Jesus Called God?[…]
This is part 7 of the One God Over All class. In the bible we encounter a strange phenomenon. Sometimes beings other than Yahweh are called Gods. How can we square that with monotheism–the idea that the Father is the only true God? Although most Christians are aware that the bible calls Jesus God a Read more about 417 One God 7: Jesus, God’s Agent[…]
This is part 6 of the One God Over All class. The bible routinely recognizes the subordination of the Son to his Father. Throughout his ministry on earth, Jesus repeatedly and unapologetically taught, “The Father is greater than I” (John 14.28). Further, after his exaltation, Jesus remains dependent on the Father as his superior (1 Read more about 416 One God 6: Jesus, God’s Subordinate Son[…]
This is part 5 of the One God Over All class. Last time we looked at what Jesus taught about God. Although this class is called “One God Over All,” it’s also important for us to talk about Jesus. If the Father alone is the one God over all, then what does that mean about Read more about 415 One God 5: Jesus, God’s Messiah[…]
This is part 4 of the One God Over All class. Today we enter the New Testament and ask the question, “What did Jesus believe about God?” After all, whatever Jesus said on the matter is primary for us as Christ-followers, right? As it turns out, Jesus not only believed the Shema, but strongly endorsed Read more about 414 One God 4: Yahweh, the God of Jesus[…]
This is part 3 of the One God Over All class. Yahweh is particularly sensitive about fidelity. He wants his people to be solely devoted to him; he’s not content to share them with other gods. Century after century, when Israel strayed from him, Yahweh sent prophets to confront his people. Eventually, he could not Read more about 413 One God 3: Yahweh Versus the Idols[…]
This is part 2 of the One God Over All class. This class is all about who God is. That Yahweh is our God and that Yahweh is one are truths we must take to heart if we want to think biblically about God. Today we’ll continue our march through the Hebrew Bible, stopping to Read more about 412 One God 2: Yahweh Our God, Yahweh Is One[…]
Today we are starting a brand new class called “One God Over All!” My plan is to work through scripture to build a biblical theology of the one true God and his Son, Jesus the Messiah. This class will cover both texts supporting God’s exclusive oneness as well as misunderstood verses that seem to teach Read more about 411 One God 1: Yahweh, the Supreme Creator[…]
Have you heard about the upcoming Unitarian Christian Alliance conference (or as I like to call it, UCA-con)? It’s going to happen next month from October 15-17. My guest today is Dr. Dale Tuggy, the chairman of the board of the UCA. Listen in as he discusses what’s on the docket for our inaugural UCA Read more about 410 Thomas Emlyn and the Unitarian Christian Alliance Conference (Dale Tuggy)[…]
When was the last time you heard a sermon about singleness? Married people have lots of sermons, classes, books, and conferences dedicated to them, but singles are largely ignored. Today, Matthew Elton, himself a single millennial, shares what Jesus and Paul have to teach us about the incredible advantages of singleness for God’s people. Far Read more about 409 Serving God as a Single Person (Matthew Elton)[…]
Nearly a year ago, I interviewed Pastor Jeff Deuble from Sydney, Australia about his journey of discovering the genuine Jesus of the first century. At the close of that interview, he mentioned that he had written a book that makes a case for his understanding of the biblical Christ. Well, I’m happy to say that Read more about 408 Christ before Creeds Book (Jeff Deuble)[…]
How should those of us committed to a biblical sexual ethic treat those who are same-sex attracted or who identify as the opposite sex? In our polarized world, it seems like only two options are available to us: (1) we accept, approve, and celebrate LGBT+ lifestyles or (2) we deny, denigrate, and dismiss them. Either Read more about 407 Reaching LGBT+ People (Sean Finnegan)[…]
This is the third and final part of our series on conditional immortality with Warren Prestidge. Although most Christians today believe hell is a place where the dammed suffer eternal conscious torment, the bible teaches that the lost will perish. For example, the most famous verse in the bible says, “For God so loved Read more about 406 Difficult Texts for Annihilationism? (Warren Prestidge)[…]
Last time Warren Prestidge walked us through a case for conditional immortality. Today, we’ll delve into some of the key texts that proponents of natural immortality employ to make their case, including these four texts: Luke 23.43; John 14.2-3; 2 Corinthians 5.8; and Philippians 1.23. In each case, Prestidge appeals to the context of the Read more about 405 Difficult Texts about the Intermediate State (Warren Prestige)[…]
What happens when you die? This is such a big question for all of us. Do we go somewhere like heaven or hell? Do we stay on earth as a disembodied spirit? Or are we unconscious? My guest today is Warren Prestidge of New Zealand, who contends that we should embrace the biblical language of Read more about 404 What Is Conditional Immortality? (Warren Prestige)[…]
This is the last episode of our class, Why Christianity. We’ve covered so many different reasons why Christianity is attractive, makes sense, and is worthy of our attention. We’ve looked at scientific, logical, epistemological, social, psychological, and historical reasons for God’s existence, Christ’s resurrection, and the gospel’s effectiveness. Today, we consider three stories of changed Read more about 403 Why Christianity 16: Changed Lives (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Although many throughout the Western world are quick to criticize Christianity, Jesus remains well-liked. In fact, one of the most obvious answers to the question, “Why Christianity?” is “Jesus.” To this day, reading the Gospels draws the reader to Jesus’ magnetic and compelling way of life. What’s more, the less satisfied we are with our Read more about 402 Why Christianity 15: Jesus the Revolutionary (Daniel Fitzsimmons)[…]
Community is so important. As so many continue to struggle with the ache of loneliness, anxiety about social encounters, and the gnawing pain of depression, we who belong to Christian communities have a huge opportunity and obligation to invite outsiders in, provide them a taste of God’s goodness, and welcome them with a spirit of Read more about 401 Why Christianity 14: Hypocrisy and Community (Daniel Fitzsimmons)[…]
What is the proper role of your emotions? Should you trust them? How do you know when they are helping and when they are hurting? Today we’ll take a look at another exciting advantage that Christianity provides. In this episode, you’ll learn about the problems endemic to emotional reasoning, the robust biblical teaching about your Read more about 400 Why Christianity 13: The Heart (Sean Finnegan)[…]
One of the most enduring problems we have faced throughout human history is tribalism. From the Nazis to the Rwandan genocide, we’ve repeatedly seen the devastating results of group think and dehumanizing outsiders. Although some Christian groups have tragically fallen into this sin, we don’t have to. Christianity provides a better way. We can draw Read more about 399 Why Christianity 12: Inclusiveness (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Who are you and why does your life matter? These two piercing questions get to the heart of your identity. Our society in the West has increasingly embraced an internally discovered identity on the basis of individual passions. Such expressive individualism is exciting to live out, especially if those around you push back, however, the Read more about 398 Why Christianity 11: Christian Identity (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Let’s face it, suffering is a major problem for those of us who believe in a good and powerful God. How do you answer skeptics who challenge your belief in God because of the gratuitous suffering endemic in human history? In this episode we’ll explore some answers to this question offered by several worldviews before Read more about 397 Why Christianity 10: Suffering and Evil (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Freedom and morality are two interrelated concepts that everyone has an opinion about. From a Christian perspective, we limit our freedom based on our received moral code. We believe that the restrictions the bible provides us are for our good; They are not the result of a capricious deity’s arbitrary or stifling whims. In fact, Read more about 396 Why Christianity 9: Christian Freedom and Morality (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is part 8 of the Why Christianity class. Last time we delved into the first two components of scripture’s overarching story line: creation and fall. These two explain where the world came from and what went wrong with it. Today we’ll consider the last two Read more about 395 Why Christianity 8: Metanarrative 2 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is part 7 of the Why Christianity class. So far in this class we have stuck to classic apologetics topics like reasons for God’s existence, the historicity of the resurrection, and the rationality of Christian epistemology. Now we are going to shift gears and do Read more about 394 Why Christianity 7: Metanarrative 1 (Daniel Fitzsimmons)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is part 6 of the Why Christianity class. The Bible is such a strange thing. On the one hand, it looks like a big book, on the other hand, it’s a library of books. It’s loaded with very different kinds of literature from poetry and Read more about 393 Why Christianity 6: The Origin and Authority of the Bible (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is part 5 of the Why Christianity class. How would you go about convincing someone that the resurrection of Jesus actually happened? Now, what if that person didn’t recognize the scriptures as inspired by God. How would you go about making a case for Read more about 392 Why Christianity 5: The Resurrection of Jesus Happened (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is part 4 of the Why Christianity class. Is Christianity irrational? Is believing in God intellectually vacuous? Jerry Wierwille will address the criticism of skeptics that Christian belief is arrogant, unjustified, and irrational. Next, he’ll describe the popular secular belief in scientism before exposing its Read more about 391 Why Christianity 4: Believing in God Is Not Stupid (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is part 3 of the Why Christianity class. How do you know God is real? What sorts of evidence would you marshal to make a case for God’s existence? It won’t do to tell skeptics you believe in God because you’ve always believed in him, Read more about 390 Why Christianity 3: God Is Real (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is part 2 of the Why Christianity class. It’s so easy to universalize our own local context. For example, I (Sean) live in a secular, post-Catholic part of New York state. It would be easy for me to think that most of the state or Read more about 389 Why Christianity 2: Lay of the Land (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts This is part 1 of the Why Christianity class. In a culture where biblical Christianity is falling more and more out of fashion, it’s increasingly important to have confidence in your faith. Today we are beginning a class called Why Christianity, in which we will lay Read more about 388 Why Christianity 1: Introduction (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
What do you do when everything is stripped away? You find out who you really are. In this sermon you’ll see what happened in ancient Judah when the Babylonians besieged Jerusalem, ultimately resulting in utter destruction, humiliating shame, and forcible deportation. Although our times today can’t really compare to the level of suffering these people Read more about 387 God Is Enough (Sean Finnegan)[…]
This is part three of our Biblical Giving Series. In this third and final interview with Will Barlow, we’ll spend some focused time looking at Malachi 3 to understand what this passage meant in it’s original context and how it relates to us today. Next we’ll take a look at three myths about Christian giving: Read more about 386 Christian Giving Today (Will Barlow)[…]
This is part two of our Biblical Giving Series. Today Will Barlow continues to lay out a comprehensive biblical theology of giving. First he looks at three areas of continuity between the Old and New Testaments: regarding ourselves as stewards of God’s wealth giving to the poor giving to ministers Next, Barlow explains three ways Read more about 385 Giving in the New Testament (Will Barlow)[…]
This is part one of our Biblical Giving Series. Having grown up with a prosperity theology, Will Barlow begins by sharing about his background regarding tithing before tackling five myths about giving: The tithe was monetary and applied to all Israelites. The tithe was the first fruits of the harvest The tithe was always 10%. Read more about 384 Giving in the Old Testament (Will Barlow)[…]
Growing up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Timypaul Lupe came face to face with poverty, hunger, and even war. However, his relationship with God provided him with stability and strength through the hardest of times. In this interview, you’ll hear about what life was like in Africa, how Timypaul came to America as Read more about 383 Coming to America (Timypaul Lupe)[…]
Have you ever attended an online bible study? Would you like to start one, but don’t know how? In our episode today, John Paola Ely share about their own journey of faith and how they have come to appreciate the interactive bible study model of fellowship. Not only does this type of meeting help attendees Read more about 382 Salt & Light Study Night (John and Paola Ely)[…]
This is part 7 and the final episode in our holy spirit series. Are you on a journey with God or have you arrived? Are you still willing to learn and grow and try new things or have you erected boundaries around your current understanding and practice? Today my guest is Kevin Guigou, a full-time Read more about 381 Bible Fed, Spirit Led (Kevin Guigou)[…]
This is part 6 of our holy spirit series. Today we hear a new perspective on the manifestations of the spirit from Carlos Jiménez who stakes out what he calls an “evidentialist” position. He is neither a cessationist nor a continuationist, but someone who retains a certain level of skepticism towards reports of spiritual activity. Read more about 380 Test the Spirits (Carlos Jiménez)[…]
Today we enter into part 5 of our series on the holy spirit. We’ve seen a couple of perspectives, but my guest today is bringing in a third view to our exploration of this important topic. Growing up with the belief that tongues were the only evidence of salvation, Pastor Victor Gluckin eventually changed his Read more about 379 Gifts of the Spirit for the Common Good (Victor Gluckin)[…]
This is part 4 of our holy spirit series. Today we continue to hear John Truitt and Greg Deuble discuss speaking in tongues. If you haven’t listened to the previous three episodes in this series, it would be good to do that before listening to this one. Also, if you want to get the most Read more about 378 Speaking in Tongues Discussion 2 (Deuble, Truitt)[…]
This is part 3 of our holy spirit series. Do you know what I don’t hear enough of today? Dialogue–honest-hearted, biblically-informed, respectful dialogue. So often we silo ourselves off in echo chambers with our doctrinal comrades, occasionally lobbing malotov cocktails at the other side, never taking the time to understand them, much less ask the Read more about 377 Speaking in Tongues Discussion 1 (Truitt, Deuble)[…]
Last week John Truitt explained why he believes the gifts of the spirit are still available for Christians to experience. Today, Greg Deuble pulls on his own biblical research and personal experience to present an opposing case. What’s fascinating about Deuble is that he believes in God’s miraculous activity in the world today. However, he Read more about 376 Tongues Have Ceased (Greg Deuble)[…]
Restitutio exists to restore authentic Christianity and live it out today. As a restorationist, it really does matter to me how the earliest Christians practiced their faith. A question I ask myself is if I jumped in a time machine and went back to the late first century and attended a house church meeting, would Read more about 375 Gifts of the Spirit Are Available Today (John Truitt)[…]
As our society increases in polarization and ideological tribalism, it’s easy to become thin-skinned, taking offense at the slightest remark. Even certain words can trigger us to explode in outrage and vitriol. What are we to do? Should we cloister ourselves in echo chambers, surrounded by those who already agree with us? Should we listen Read more about 374 I’m Offended (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Today in our fourth and final part of our series on postmodernism Pastor Jacob Ballard explains four key guidelines for cross-cultural ministry. Always change the language, but never change the message Exchange meta-narrative for personal narrative or community narrative Exchange certainty for humility, clues, hints, and mysteries Exchange absolutist morality for personal accountability and communal Read more about 373 Postmodernism 4: Cross-Cultural Conversations[…]
Today, in part three of our series on postmodernism we ask the question, “How is postmodernism affecting our world today?” Pastor Jacob Ballard explains how narrative, experience, community, and subjective truth are key ways that postmodern-minded people go about making sense of reality. Then he shows how movements like Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ rights Read more about 372 Postmodernism 3: Postmodernism’s Effect Today (Jacob Ballard)[…]
In our last episode, Pastor Jacob Ballard explained what worldviews are. Today he covers the two major worldviews: modernism and postmodernism. Although many today still approach life from a modernist mindset, postmodernism is here in increasing force. What are we as bible-believing Christians to do about this? The first step is to become aware of Read more about 371 Postmodernism 2: Modernism vs. Postmodernism (Jacob Ballard)[…]
Have you noticed the shifts happening all around us in our culture? Skepticism of traditional institutions from the government to the media to churches is at an all time high, while increasingly we’re told to discover our authentic self and live it out courageously. Universal truth claims sound like power grabs while individual personal truths Read more about 370 Postmodernism 1: Worldview (Jacob Ballard)[…]
Have you noticed the shrill tone that permeates public discourse in our time? It seems like everyone is on a hairpin trigger ready to rage and vent at their ideological enemies. What is a Christian to do? Should we stand up for our beliefs, morals, and politics? Should we disengage from conversation about controversial issues? Read more about 369 Civil Discourse (Peter Miano)[…]
Did you know the Unitarian Christian Alliance just launched a podcast? In this interview, Mark Cain explains what he aims to do with this newest addition to one God podcasts and how the UCA podcast is different from the others. Ultimately, he wants to see unitarian Christians carry ourselves with confidence, knowing that our faith Read more about 368 Introducing the UCA Podcast (Mark Cain)[…]
Sam who asked me not to use his last name for fear that he will get kicked out of his current church, tells his story of navigating evangelical Christianity as a biblical unitarian. He shares two sad stories of excommunication from a college ministry and a local church. As you might suspect, this harsh treatment Read more about 367 Excommunicated for My Beliefs (Sam)[…]
Pastor Jeff Deuble of the Churches of Christ in Sydney, Australia shares his journey to uncover the genuine Jesus from scripture alone. After his brother Greg challenged him to understand Christ from a Jewish perspective, Jeff set out on a quest, reading through all of scripture to see what it really said about the Messiah. Read more about 366 Who Was Christ before the Creeds? (Jeff Deuble)[…]
This is the second part of a conversation where Jerry Wierwille challenges Brandon Duke’s soul-making theodicy. In particular, Wierwille raises the following questions: Why is hiddenness and epistemic distance considered a necessity for moral development considering the biblical examples where people experienced God and still retained their ability to make real moral choices either to Read more about 365 Challenging Soul-Making Theodicy 2 (Brandon Duke, Jerry Wierwille)[…]
In our last two episodes, Brandon Duke laid out his way of answering the question of why God allows so much suffering in our world. He did so by putting forward a modified version of the late John Hick’s soul-making theodicy. In this episode, Jerry Wierwille pushes back on a few issues with soul-making, preferring Read more about 364 Challenging Soul-Making Theodicy 1 (Brandon Duke, Jerry Wierwille)[…]
In part one, Brandon Duke laid out some of the important groundwork for thinking about how a good and powerful God might have a world capable of experiencing immense amounts of evil and suffering. In our conversation today, we’ll delve further into the idea of soul-making to explain why suffering like death, damage, decay, and Read more about 363 Why God Allows Suffering 2 (Brandon Duke)[…]
If God is so good and powerful, why is there so much evil in our world? Although you might retort, “It’s because humanity fell into sin and we are all suffering the consequences.” Such an answer merely pushes the question back one step, since God is the one who determined just how fallen our world Read more about 362 Why God Allows Suffering 1 (Brandon Duke)[…]
When Joshua Anderson left home and attended a secular college, the environment bombarded him with skepticism and criticism of Christianity. He internalized the general attitude manifested on campus from professors, students, and text books to such a degree that he began doubting his faith. He fell into a two year period of existential despair as Read more about 361 Paralyzed by Doubt (Joshua Anderson)[…]
I love hearing people’s stories–especially people of faith. In this episode you’ll get to know Bob Jones, a professor at the Atlanta Bible College. He’s equally adept teaching chemistry or physics as he is Old Testament or Systematic Theology. Now in his seventies, Jones looks back on his life to see how God led him Read more about 360 The Making of an Old Testament Professor (Bob Jones)[…]
Although powerful preaching, serving the poor, and missionary work often take the lime light in Christian ministry, the truth is that home groups, churches, and especially denominations will fall to pieces without competent and consistent administrators. The job isn’t glitzy or glamorous and it is often beset with equal parts of tedium, stress, and failure, Read more about 359 Faithfully Serving the Church of God (David Krogh)[…]
We’re delving into a topic rife with controversy, polarization, and intense emotion. We’re asking the question, how should bible-based Christians respond to the Black Lives Matter movement. No doubt, some of you will answer that we should all be out marching in full support while others think BLM is itself racist and should be resisted. Read more about 358 A Christian Perspective on Black Lives Matter (Russell Brown)[…]
Last December the Coronavirus pandemic began spreading from Wuhan, China across the world. As of today, globally we know of approximately 30 million cases across 188 countries and territories resulting in 941,000 deaths and 20.3 million who have recovered. The United States has the most cases with 6.7 million infected (roughly 2% of the population) Read more about 357 A Christian Perspective on COVID-19 (Russell Brown)[…]
Today, we’ve got three more texts to look at in our selection of unitarian Bible translations. Unlike last time where we focused on Christologically interesting passages, today, we’ll examine Luke 23.43, John 7.53-8.11, and 1 Thessalonians 1.3 to look at a punctuation issue, a textual issue, and a grammatical issue. By the end of this Read more about 356 Unitarian Bible Translations 3 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Last time we reviewed six unitarian Bible translations, covering some basic information about where each came from and their overall strategy for translation. Today, we’re going to analyze how they translate three key texts, including Philippians 2.6, John 1.1-3, and John 8.58. Our goal is to measure these translations against what the Greek says as Read more about 355 Unitarian Bible Translations 2 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
In our last episode, I recommended some mainstream Christian Bible translations, but I would remiss if I didn’t also review some important unitarian Bible translations. Although often overlooked, these versions are important because they have the opposite bias when it comes to passages commonly offered as proof texts for the Trinity. Also, I asked Dr. Read more about 354 Unitarian Bible Translations 1 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
This is now our last episode in this 24 part class on How We Got the Bible. Today after a quick review and an appeal to learn the biblical languages, I’ll recommend a number of Bible translations. Although I’m hesitant to do this, so many have written in asking for it that I would be Read more about 353 Bible 24 – Recommended Bible Translations (Which Bible Is Best?)[…]
This is our fifth and final example of bias in translation. After this episode, we’ll have one more to conclude our class on How We Got the Bible. Today our focus is God’s spirit. Should it have an uppercase ‘S’ or a lowercase ‘s?’ Should pronouns referring back to spirit be masculine (like “he”) or Read more about 352 Bible 23 – Spirit Who or Spirit Which? (Translating the Holy Spirit)[…]
Did Jesus claim to be “The Great I AM” in John 8.58? If not, what was he saying? In this episode we examine the alleged parallel passage in Exodus where God reveals his name to Moses at the burning bush. Next, we’ll explore texts with the same Greek construction that Jesus used in an effort Read more about 351 Bible 22 – Did Jesus Claim to Be the I AM? (Translating John 8.58)[…]
Colossians 1.15 presents an interesting test case to examine translation bias. Well-meaning Bible students have taken this text in at least three different ways. However, some translators, motivated by a fear that readers might see Christ as a member of creation, have increasingly pushed for translating this text so that it says Christ is superior Read more about 350 Bible 21 – Firstborn Of or Firstborn Over? (Translating Colossians 1.15)[…]
How should translators render the word προκσυνέω (proskuneo) into English? Since this word has a range of meanings from bowing as a sign of respect to worshiping God, translators sometimes decide what English words to use based more on their theological presuppositions than the grammar or textual context. For example, some translations (mostly those done Read more about 349 Bible 20 – Bow or Worship? (Translating Proskuneo)[…]
This is our first of five examples of bias in translation. Today we’ll examine Philippians 2.6-7, specifically focusing on how translators render two important words (ἁρπαγμός harpagmon and μορφή morphe). We’ll see how a couple of the most popular evangelical versions break free from the underlying Greek syntax in order to inject their own doctrinal Read more about 348 Bible 19 – God’s Form or God’s Nature (Translating Philippians 2.6-7)[…]
Last time we evaluated two popular single-translator Bibles: the Message and the Passion Translation. This time, we’re switching gears to consider committee-based versions. I want to shine a spotlight on the whole subject of bias in translation in an effort to point out what often goes unnoticed. We’ll consider both the committee effect that tends Read more about 347 Bible 18 – Bias in Bible Translation[…]
Last time we looked at the King James version which is one of the strictest formal equivalence Bibles every made. This time we are going to analyze two Bibles on the other end of the spectrum: the Message Bible and the Passion Translation. These two versions share a number of characteristics in common. For example Read more about 346 Bible 17 – Evaluating the Message Bible and the Passion Translation[…]
What do you know about the King James Version? Is it an accurate translation? Does it have flaws? Should you use it as a measuring stick for other translations? In today’s episode, we’ll cover the making of the KJV of the Bible, going back to William Tyndale’s courageous work before delving into four areas of Read more about 345 Bible 16 – Evaluating the King James Version[…]
Did you know that controversies surrounding how to translate gender in the Bible had a major impact on Bible translation over the last 30 years? In this episode we’ll briefly overview various feminist movements before examining the NRSV, which proved to be a forerunner for gender inclusive Bible translations. Next we’ll take a journey through Read more about 344 Bible 15 – Gender in Bible Translation[…]
Last time we focused on the two main translation theories: formal and dynamic equivalence. This time, we need to take a look at five major default decisions translation teams make at the outset. Units of Measurement and Currency Hebrew Idioms English Vocabulary Editorial Enhancements God’s Name By becoming familiar with these five topics, you’ll be Read more about 343 Bible 14 – Bible Translation Default Decisions[…]
Up until now we’ve focused our attention on the text of Scripture. We took five episodes looking at the Hebrew Bible, including it’s sources, transmission, and how textual scholars go about deciding the initial text. Then for the last seven episodes we did the same for the New Testament, examining the surviving source material and Read more about 342 Bible 13 – Bible Translation Philosophies (Formal and Dynamic Equivalence)[…]
Last time we covered two corrected corruptions (1 Timothy 3.16 and 1 John 5.7). This time we’ll consider two uncorrected corruptions, including the long ending on Mark (16.9-20) and the passage about the adulterous woman that Jesus saves (John 7.53-8.11). Although these two texts are not found in the earliest and best manuscripts and translators Read more about 341 Bible 12 – Two Uncorrected Corruptions (Mark 16.9-20 and John 7.53-8.11)[…]
Today we move from learning about manuscripts and textual criticism to actually doing textual criticism. I’ve chosen two well-known corruptions to illustrate the process of textual criticism: 1 Timothy 3.16 and 1 John 5.7. In each of these cases scribes have altered the text of scripture and we have the manuscript evidence to show exactly Read more about 340 Bible 11 – Two Corrected Corruptions (1 Timothy 3.16 & 1 John 5.7)[…]
Last time we surveyed five hundred years of New Testament textual criticism. Today we address the process by which these scholars have done and continue to do their work. We’ll see how they weigh internal and external evidence. We’ll cover reasoned eclecticism, the refined documentary approach, and the computer-driven coherence based genealogical method. (Don’t worry Read more about 339 Bible 10 New Testament Textual Criticism[…]
Before we can understand how textual scholars do their work today, it’s important to understand the history of how they have endeavored to reconstruct the Greek New Testament over the years. In this episode you’ll learn about the rich and important history of how our understanding of the Greek New Testament changed over the last Read more about 338 Bible 9 Reconstructing the New Testament[…]
We’ve been working our way through the various sources for our Greek New Testament. We’ve looked at the papyri and the uncials, but there is so much more to consider. In fact, the New Testament papyri and uncials combined make up less than 2% of our manuscripts. Today, we’ll consider the other 98% of manuscripts Read more about 337 Bible 8 – Other New Testament Manuscripts[…]
Today we are moving into our second group of New Testament manuscripts–the uncials. However, before describing them, we’ll need to focus on how Christian scribes went about their work. As it turns out the situation is quite different than the Jewish scribes who preserved the Hebrew Bible. Then we’ll follow the exciting career of Bible Read more about 336 Bible 7 – Greek New Testament Uncials[…]
Today we are shifting gears from the Old Testament to the New Testament, from Hebrew manuscripts to Greek ones. We’ll begin with the earliest evidence for the Greek New Testament, the papyri. Made from the papyrus plant, approximately 130 of these manuscripts survive today in museums around the world. In this lecture you’ll learn the Read more about 335 Bible 6 – Greek New Testament Papyri[…]
Today we are going to take a brief break from manuscripts and dip our toes into the pool of Bible translations. Specifically, we’ll take a look at six of the most prominent Jewish translations of the Hebrew Bible, including: Jewish Publication Society (1917) Koren Jerusalem Bible (1961) New Jewish Publication Society (1985) Artscroll’s Stone Tanach Read more about 334 Bible 5 – Jewish Bible Translations[…]
For our Hebrew Bibles we have three main groups of manuscripts to compare: the Masoretic Text group, the Samaritan Pentateuch group, and the Septuagint group. Each of these groups contain many manuscripts with the Masoretic Text group containing the most. In this episode of How We Got the Bible, we’re going to look at the Read more about 333 Bible 4 – Determining the Best Hebrew Reading[…]
In How We Got the Bible, we’re continuing on in our quest to understand the sources for the Hebrew Bible. We’ve already covered the Masoretic Text and the Dead Sea Scrolls, but we have one last important Hebrew source to look at before surveying several significant ancient translations. As it turns out the Samaritans have Read more about 332 Bible 3 – Samaritan Pentateuch and Ancient Translations[…]
Last time we looked at the Hebrew manuscripts known as the Masoretic Texts from the middle ages. Today, we’ll focus on the earliest Hebrew manuscripts ever found, including those at the Cairo Genizah, the Ein-Gedi Scroll, the Nash Papyrus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Ketef Hinnom Silver Scroll. This is going to be very Read more about 331 Bible 2 – Earliest Hebrew Manuscripts[…]
Today we are beginning a major new class on how we get our English Bibles. I’m so excited about sharing with you so much about what I’ve learned in doing the research for this project. We’re going to have a great time together. My goal here is to cover the transmission of manuscripts and translation Read more about 330 Bible 1 – The Masoretic Text[…]
This is the fifth and final part of our parenting class. Today you’ll learn about striking the balance between oversight and independence. Although many parents today think their children are at risk of kidnapping and other terrible crimes, our society is actually much safer than it has been in decades. The tendency to protect our Read more about 329 Parenting 5 – Balancing Oversight with Independence[…]
In part 4 of our parenting class, Ruth Finnegan tackles the issue of screen time for children. Although technology itself is neutral, much of what our children spend their time doing with screens is self-destructive and worldly. As parents our responsibility is to bring God and his scriptures into the family and curtail exposure to Read more about 328 Parenting 4 – Anxiety, Depression, and Screens (Ruth Finnegan)[…]
Welcome to part three of our parenting class where Dr. Mary Ann Yaconis will help us deal with episodes of anger both within ourselves and our children. This is such an important issue because childhood anger can lead to serious characterological disorders in adulthood if not dealt with appropriately. In this episode you’ll learn about Read more about 327 Parenting 3 – Dealing with Anger (Mary Ann Yaconis)[…]
In this the second part of our parenting seminar, we will broach the topic of disciplining children. For many of us, this is the hardest part of parenting. We’d rather enjoy harmony in our homes rather than having to lay down the law. Even so, the scriptures call us to do the hard work of Read more about 326 Parenting 2 – Disciplining Children (Russell & Joelle Brown)[…]
For many of us during this COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine has been difficult. A huge number of us are working from home and those of us with children are home schooling as well. Add to that cold and rainy spring weather, and you’ve got a perfect storm for challenging parenting. In an effort to help out, Read more about 325 Parenting 1 – Preparing Our Kids for the Road (Sean Finnegan)[…]
This is part four of our series on original sin. Last time Kegan Chandler and Jerry Wierwille discussed their different views of original sin and the resultant human condition. In this final part of our series, we circle back to Romans 5 one last time and both explain how they understand it. What drives our Read more about 324 Original Sin Debate 2 (Kegan Chandler vs. Jerry Wierwille)[…]
This is part three of our series on original sin. In part one, Kegan Chandler discussed the history of Augustine’s doctrine of original sin, arguing that the whole idea is post biblical. Last time Jerry Wierwille responded to Chandler, explaining that we do have solid biblical grounding to believe in some form of inherited original Read more about 323 Original Sin Debate 1 (Kegan Chandler vs. Jerry Wierwille)[…]
In our last episode Kegan Chandler presented his case against the classic doctrine of original sin. Today we are going to hear a critique from Jerry Wierwille of Chandler’s presentation. Wierwille makes the case for a middle position between Augustine and Chandler on the basis of the flow of thought in Romans 5.12-21. He agrees Read more about 322 Inherited Sin in Romans 5 (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Today we are beginning a new series on original sin based on Kegan Chandler’s presentation from last year, entitled, “Origins of Sin: The New Heretics and the Metaphysics of Disobedience.” I’m excited about this four part series for a couple of reasons. First off, I’m glad to host a place where we can discuss genuine Read more about 321 Origins of Sin (Kegan Chandler)[…]
This is the sixth and final part of Joshua Anderson’s Announcing the Kingdom evangelism class. In this panel discussion Josh Anderson, Jerry Wierwille, and I discuss several issues before taking questions from the audience. Questions we cover include: How can we develop relationships with non-Christians? How should we handle rejection? What should we say when Read more about 320 Evangelism Panel Discussion (Josh Anderson, Jerry Wierwille, Sean Finnegan)[…]
We are living in an unprecedented time. As many of you know, I live in New York, the state with the most positive coronavirus cases in America. In my lifetime, I have never seen a disease spread like this all around the world. This pandemic is taking lives every day even if most of us Read more about 319 How To Get Better at Evangelism (Josh Anderson)[…]
This is part four of Joshua Anderson’s Announcing the Kingdom evangelism class. Francis of Assisi allegedly said, “Preach the gospel at all times; use words if necessary.” Sadly, many of us have taken this way of thinking as an excuse to remain silent. However, as Anderson points out, the scriptures specifically call us to open Read more about 318 Building Relational Credibility (Josh Anderson)[…]
This is part three of Joshua Anderson’s Announcing the Kingdom evangelism class. In the previous teaching we learned what evangelism is not as well as some ineffective methods to avoid. Today, we’ll hear about what evangelism is and one key to sharing your faith more effectively. Anderson also explains the history of how our culture Read more about 317 What Evangelism Is (Josh Anderson)[…]
Today we are gong to hear part two of Joshua Anderson’s Announcing the Kingdom evangelism class. His topic is “What Evangelism Is Not.” Evangelism is not forcing a decision, converting people, condemning people’s sins, or arguing endlessly. This material is critical for us to grasp so we don’t get frustrated or stuck in ineffective methods. Read more about 316 What Evangelism Is Not (Josh Anderson)[…]
How do you feel about evangelism? Do you have a heart for the lost? I know that for me, sharing my faith is pretty challenging, not because of a lack of commitment or a lack of knowledge, but because my culture makes it difficult. And that stinks, because I want to be faithful to Jesus Read more about 315 Why We Hate Evangelism and Why We Aren’t Doing It (Josh Anderson)[…]
Have you ever heard of Bethany Christian Services? They are a large Christian adoption agency in the USA and internationally, working hard to find good homes for babies. In this interview I visit my local branch in Latham, NY and speak with adoption specialist Renee Rogowski about how adoptions work. I’m so impressed by the Read more about 314 Adopting with Bethany Christian Services (Renee Rogowski)[…]
How much control should Christian groups exercise over their people? Should people be free to research and diverge from past ways of thinking? In this interview, I talk with William Barlow who grew up in the Way International, but ran into problems when he started suggesting changes to the administrators at the Way Corps leadership Read more about 313 Questioning Way International Doctrines (William Barlow)[…]
Last week John Truitt began discussing the theological framework of dispensationalism, especially the “mid-Acts dispensationalism” taught by the Way International. He pointed out some flaws that got his attention and made him explore the issue more deeply. In the course of his research, Truitt discovered another way of approaching scripture known as covenantalism. In this Read more about 312 Evaluating Dispensationalism 2 (John Truitt)[…]
Have you ever been on a long drive in the summer when you wore sunglasses for hours and hours? It’s getting dark and then suddenly you realize you’re still wearing sunglasses. You take them off and the whole world brightens and you realize it’s not nearly as dark as you thought? This is the nature Read more about 311 Evaluating Dispensationalism 1 (John Truitt)[…]
Are spiritual gifts available today or did they cease after the original apostles died? In this interview, I talk to Dr. Sam Storms about his own personal experience with speaking in tongues, his biblical case for why gifts are available today, and how he makes room for them in his church services. Before delving in, Read more about 310 Are Gifts of the Spirit Available Today? (Sam Storms)[…]
Today, we are publicly announcing the launch of a new para-church organization called the UCA or the Unitarian Christian Alliance. This is a new ministry that I’ve been working on with Dale Tuggy, Kegan Chandler, and Mark Cain for months and I believe it will help all of us, but especially those who don’t live Read more about 309 Introducing the Unitarian Christian Alliance (Dale Tuggy, Kegan Chandler, Mark Cain, Sean Finnegan)[…]
This is part 6 of our Foreknowledge and Free Will series. Last time Dr. Sean Cole introduced the Calvinist understanding of God’s foreknowledge and the limitations on our freedom as a result of our fallen nature. This time I ask Cole about unconditional election and how that compares to a lottery. After all, if God Read more about 308 Foreknowledge and Free Will 6 (Sean Cole Defending Calvinism)[…]
This is part 5 of our Foreknowledge and Free Will series. We’ve considered Open Theism and Arminianism and now we are going to begin thinking about Calvinism. This way of conceiving of God’s foreknowledge argues for both exhaustive foreknowledge and meticulous providence. Thus, no one comes to Christ apart from God’s predestination since our natures Read more about 307 Foreknowledge and Free Will 5 (Sean Cole Introducing Calvinism)[…]
This is part 4 of our Foreknowledge and Free Will series. Last time Dr. Leighton Flowers of the Soteriology101 podcast laid out his commitment to both God’s complete knowledge of all future events as well as humanity’s ability to freely choose. Rather than explaining philosophically how that is possible, he suggested that we do not Read more about 306 Foreknowledge and Free Will 4 (Leighton Flowers Defending Arminianism)[…]
We are now in part 3 of our Foreknowledge and Free Will series. We’ve considered Open Theism–the idea that God’s foreknowledge is limited to what he plans to do as well as what he can ascertain from past and present conditions. In a couple of weeks we’ll examine Calvinism, which holds that God not only Read more about 305 Foreknowledge and Free Will 3 (Leighton Flowers Introducing Arminianism)[…]
Last week we began our Foreknowledge and Freewill series with Dr. Dale Tuggy who gave us an overview of the various positions. He also commended Open Theism as a view that triumphs where others suffer from logical contradictions. Now, today in part two, Tuggy will further explore and defend Open Theism against a number of Read more about 304 Foreknowledge and Free Will 2 (Dale Tuggy Defending Open Theism)[…]
Today we are beginning an exciting new series on one of the most interesting ongoing controversies within Christian theology. Does God have exhaustive foreknowledge of the future? Does he know everything that is going to happen before it happens? If so, what does that mean for human free will? What are the various options within Read more about 303 Foreknowledge and Free Will 1 (Dale Tuggy Introducing Open Theism)[…]
Gratitude is a key to spiritually healthy living. We have so many reasons to be thankful, but in this message, I’d like to focus on just five: Thankful because God Commanded It Thankful for the Basics Thankful for the Family of God Thankful for God’s Attention Thankful for the Cross As God’s people, our lives Read more about 302 Five Reasons to Thank God (Sean Finnegan)[…]
We’ve had quite a number of folks commenting in on episode 299, my interview with Dr. Jerry Wierwille, called “Does the Bible Support Abortion“. That episode was very limited to focusing on a couple of texts relevant to building a Christian perspective on abortion. Essentially, we concluded, as on several previous episodes, that abortion-on-demand doesn’t Read more about 301 The Bible’s View of the Body (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Are you sold out for God? Would you move to a foreign land if he called to the mission field? Well, Stan and Pam Chee of Australia have done just that. In this interview, they share about their lives of service to God and Christ. They grew up in Australia but have been serving in Read more about 300 Christian Disciples with a Mission (Stan and Pam Chee)[…]
Abortion has been and remains a hot-button issue in our culture at large and even within some corners of Christianity. In this episode Jerry Wierwille will explain the issues with the only biblical text that directly addresses this subject (Exodus 21.22-5). In addition to exegeting this confusing passage, Wierwille also draws on evidence from Psalm Read more about 299 Does the Bible Support Abortion? (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Scott Shay is an interesting man. He’s a succesful business man and banker who co-founded a bank in 2001. He even has a TEDx talk where he spoke on Wall Street on the theme, “More Banks, Fewer Problems.” However, he’s also an orthodox Jew who is passionate about his faith. In this interview we talk Read more about 298 Orthodox Jew Defends God, Bible (Scott Shay)[…]
Jesus once said, “The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here” (Luke 11.31). In our wisdom series so far, we’ve Read more about 297 The Gospels: Jesus’ Wisdom (Daniel Calcagno)[…]
Like Job, the book of Ecclesiastes wrestles with anomalies to the general principles of wisdom contained in much of the bible. Sometimes our world functions in chaotic and unpredictable ways. Sometimes the race is not won by the swift, nor the battle by the strong, nor bread harvested by the wise, nor riches acquired by Read more about 296 Ecclesiastes: Meaningful Life (Victor Gluckin)[…]
The Hebrew Bible contains different kinds of wisdom literature. For example, wise sayings in Proverbs typically express general principles, providing guidance for what to do when the world is working the way it’s supposed to. However, Job deals with just the opposite issue. What happens when you do everything right and still face extraordinary loss Read more about 295 Job: It’s Complicated (Sean Finnegan)[…]
What is the book of Proverbs all about and what can this book teach you about wisdom? Join Jerry Wierwille as he leads you through Proverbs to gain key insights to be able to read it and benefit from it on your own. Proverbs are not merely cutesy clever sayings, but helpful insights into how Read more about 294 Proverbs: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Have you ever heard the saying, “doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results is the definition of insanity?” It certainly sounds foolish to try the same approach over and over, thinking something different will happen. So often, what we need is not more education or life hacks, but bona-fide wisdom. Today Read more about 293 What Is Wisdom? (Stan Chee)[…]
I’ve got a fascinating interview for you with Becket Cook. Now some of you may recognize his name from the interview I did with him two years ago (Interview 18). In that episode Cook shared his amazing testimony of how he went from a committed gay production set designer in Hollywood to experiencing God in Read more about 292 A Change of Affection (Becket Cook)[…]
This is the third and final part of our series, God at Work in Kenya with Maurice Chahilu of Kingdom Life Ministries. We’ve come to see so much about what is going on over there, but there’s still more to learn. Last time I had asked bishop Maurice about his greatest challenges and what he Read more about Interview 59 God at Work in Kenya 3 (Maurice Chahilu)[…]
This is part two of our series on God at Work in Kenya with a focus on Kingdom Life Ministries and Maurice Chahilu. In our last episode we saw how Maurice got started in his ministry. (If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, go back and listen to it first). Today, we’ll hear about Read more about Interview 58 God at Work in Kenya 2 (Maurice Chahilu)[…]
God is doing something in Kenya and churches are forming and growing rapidly. Today we are beginning a series of shows on the work of Kingdom Life Ministries and the visionary who began the work there, Maurice Chahilu. A few weeks ago I went to Africa to visit Maurice and the churches he oversees. I Read more about Interview 57 God at Work in Kenya 1 (Maurice Chahilu)[…]
Today is the second and final part of my interview with Leah Fronczek on detoxing your brain. See part one here. We begin by talking about the importance of free will in effecting change before getting into the specifics of how to combat toxic thinking. Learn about multitasking, daydreaming, community, forgiveness, and honesty as ways Read more about Interview 56 Detoxing Your Brain 2 (Leah Fronczek)[…]
At the beginning of each year, we have a young adult event called Revive in Connecticut. This year Leah Fronczek was one of the workshop leaders. Her topic was detoxing your brain and I asked her to come on Restitutio to share with you what she learned in studying this topic. This is so important Read more about Interview 55 Detoxing Your Brain 1 (Leah Fronczek)[…]
Last Saturday while I was attending a Christian festival in Ohio, a 21 year-old man entered a Walmart in El Paso, TX and murdered 22 people, injuring 24 more, making it the 7th deadliest shooting in modern US history. What’s so crazy about this, is that walking into a huge store like Walmart and shooting Read more about Interview 54 Beating Guns (Shane Claiborne and Mike Martin)[…]
Bill Schlegel lived in Israel for 34 years, much of that time spent studying and then teaching about the geography of the scriptures. In this interview he provides three reasons why every bible-student should study the land of Israel: historical accuracy archeological accuracy geographical accuracy He also talks about his upcoming tour to Israel (March Read more about Interview 53 Why Knowing the Land of Israel Matters (Bill Schlegel)[…]
What do you know about Palestinians? In this eye-opening interview with Gloria Olivier, we discuss the plight of Palestinians today. Did you know that thousands of Christians live in the West Bank today under Israeli occupation? In this interview, you’ll learn a little about the history of this conflict as well as what conditions are Read more about Interview 52 The Plight of Palestinians (Gloria Olivier)[…]
In our last episode, we laid the theological foundation for a new covenant doctrine: Christ fulfilled the Law and ratified the new covenant, which opened a new way of relating to God apart from obedience to Torah. Now we will discuss a number of texts that sometimes confuse Christians into thinking the Law is still Read more about Theology 24 — Challenging the New Covenant[…]
We are now in our second-to-last episode in this 24-part theology class, covering the major biblical doctrines as well as various counterarguments. Today we will focus our time on the New Covenant. We’ll make our way through biblical history in order to understand the grand sweep of the bible, paying special attention to the old Read more about Theology 23 — New Covenant[…]
Pull up a chair and listen in as we discuss and wrestle with some verses that proponents of eternal security use to make their case. Now there will be some overlap here with our last episode, but also some new content as well. We’ll discuss texts that seem to imply that salvation has nothing to Read more about Theology 22 — Challenging Conditional Salvation[…]
We’ll delve into the multifaceted theology of salvation (aka soteriology). We’ll look at all three tenses of salvation: how we were saved, are being saved, and will be saved. Now, I realize this can be a very sensitive and controversial subject, depending on what your preexisting doctrinal commitments are. However, I simply ask that you Read more about Theology 21 — Conditional Salvation[…]
Finally, we arrive at practical theology or Christian ethics. Although, we could easily spend fifteen lectures together building up a full edifice of how God wants us to live, in this episode we’ll simply lay the foundation stones of following Jesus. What I mean by follow is to read his words and do them, especially Read more about Theology 20 — Follow Jesus[…]
In this lecture, you’ll learn what Jesus and the book of Acts have to say about conversion. From Jesus, we will examine his parable of the Sower with special focus on the good soil–those who hear the message, understand it, accept it, hold it fast, and bear fruit. Next we’ll work through all of the Read more about Theology 19 – Conversion[…]
Last time we looked at the major categories the scriptures use to answer the question, “Why did Jesus die?” This time, we’ll take a journey through church history, making stops along the way to see how our forebearers have made sense of the crucifixion of our Lord. You’ll learn about these seven theories: Ransom Christus Read more about Theology 18 — Atonement Theories[…]
Why did Jesus die? Historically, we could say it was because the Roman Empire perceived him as a threat or the religious leaders in Jerusalem feared he would ignite an unwinnable revolution. Even so, the bible offers a number of theological answers that go far beyond the immediate circumstances of his crucifixion. In this lecture Read more about Theology 17 — Atonement Scriptures[…]
In this episode we’ll consider what the bible says about angels, demons, and Satan. My goal here is to be as biblical as possible, not giving in to wild speculations or dismissing an understanding because it offends my modern sensibilities. The scriptures have a lot to say about the spiritual realm, and we can’t possibly Read more about Theology 16 — Angels, Demons, and Satan[…]
Last time we worked through a ton of scripture, trying to get a multidimensional view of how the bible describes the holy spirit. This time we’ll consider a few scriptures that have confused some into thinking the spirit is really an individual or person distinct from the Father and the Son. This study is pretty Read more about Theology 15 — Challenging the Holy Spirit[…]
How do you think of holy spirit? In this lecture we’ll build up a biblical theology of the spirit, in an effort to comprehend its variegated facets. We’ll consider the Old Testament and the Synoptic Gospels before spending a good deal of time in John, looking at the fascinating way that Jesus talks about the Read more about Theology 14 — The Holy Spirit[…]
Now I realize we are in the middle of our theology class, but I thought this would be a good time to take a quick break and put out my recent presentation from Restoration Fellowship’s 2019 Theological Conference, titled, “The Trinity before Nicea.” Next week we’ll get back to theology and build up a biblical Read more about 175 Did Christians Believe in the Trinity before 325 (Council of Nicea)?[…]
Although later Christianity interpreted the handful of texts that call Jesus God as evidence that he shared the same rank, substance, and age as the Father, a more Hebrew-sensitive reading of these same verses yields more organic fruit. Instead of bringing in complex Greek philosophy to distinguish person from being and divine from human natures, Read more about Theology 13 – Jesus, God’s Supreme Representative[…]
Last time we considered Jesus’ identity as God’s messiah. Today, we’ll look at a number of texts that are sometimes misunderstood to teach that Jesus is God. We’ll go through three classifications of verses: (1) those with manuscript issues, (2) those with translation issues, and (3) those with interpretation issues. Here is the breakdown. Manuscript Read more about Theology 12 – Challenging Jesus’ Humanity[…]
Have you joined the Restitutio facebook group? The idea behind the group is that its a place where anyone can start topics for discussion. So, please join if you’d like to see what’s going on. What is the defining title for Jesus of Nazareth? Although he kept it mostly a secret during his ministry, Jesus’ Read more about Theology 11 – Jesus the Messiah[…]
How many is God? Although the ancient Shema (recorded in Deuteronomy 6) teaches that God is one, Christian theologians have put forward a number of reasons arguing for a plurality within God. We will examine a number of these words, texts, and reasonings in an effort to agree with Jesus who wholeheartedly affirmed the Jewish Read more about Theology 10 — Challenging God’s Oneness[…]
Today we’ll tackle the biggest question of all: who is God? We’ll take a journey through scripture together to discover what God is like, stopping at key moments to consider what this or that interaction tells us about him. —— Notes —— theology: one’s understanding of God Ontology vs. Functionality ontology: understanding something based on Read more about Theology 9 — God[…]
Today we’ll take a look at a number of confusing scriptures that seem to indicate that hell is a place where the wicked are consciously tormented forever. We’ll look at texts that talk about weeping and gnashing of teeth as well as the how the worm will not die nor the fire be quenched. We’ll Read more about Theology 8 — Challenging Annihilationism[…]
What is the destiny of the unrighteous? Christians over the centuries have put forward three major options: eternal conscious torment (traditionalism), temporary torment followed by salvation (universalism), temporary torment followed by destruction (annihilationism). In this lecture we’ll cover the main texts supporting the annihilation of the wicked as well as three logical problems with the Read more about Theology 7 — Annihilationism[…]
In our last episode, we examined the broad scope of scripture, stopping at many texts along the way that teach about a future kingdom when Jesus returns. In this session, we’ll take a look at a number of sometimes misunderstood texts that seem to imply the kingdom is either already present or in heaven. Here Read more about Theology 6 — Challenging the Kingdom[…]
We now begin a series of four lectures on the eternal destiny of the righteous and the wicked, including the kingdom and the judgement. For today we are going to focus on what God promises for his own people in the age to come. We’ll cruise through the entire bible (right from Genesis to Revelation), Read more about Theology 5 — Kingdom Hope[…]
In our last episode we looked at what the scriptures teach about humanity, including creation, death, and resurrection. I laid out a case for conditional immortality from several important texts. This time, we will consider a number of challenges to this understanding including: Philippians 1.23 “depart and be with Christ” 1 Corinthians 5.8 “absent from Read more about Theology 4 – Challenging Conditional Immortality[…]
In this lecture, you’ll learn about anthropology–the bible’s view of humanity. In particular, we’ll focus on the two ends of the spectrum: creation and death. We’ll see how the biblical view of humanity is rather exalted since we are made in God’s image. We’ll examine what the bible teaches about death and resurrection and how Read more about Theology 3 – Conditional Immortality[…]
In this presentation you’ll learn about the core creed of the bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, the Shema, and how that relates to the smattering of texts in which Jesus may be called “God.” If Yahweh alone is God then how can Jesus be God too? Are there two Gods or is Read more about 163 Jesus, God’s Agent[…]
We continue our refutation of Michael Brown’s opening statement by addressing a whole smattering of texts, including Isaiah 9.6, John 20.28, Colossians 2.9, 2 Peter 1.1, Romans 9.5, and 1 John 5.20. We explain and debunk Brown’s unusual singular verb argument from 1 Thess 3.13, 2 Thess 2.16-17, and Rev 22.3-4. We briefly touch upon Read more about 162 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 4[…]
We continue our refutation of Michael Brown’s opening statement by addressing some alleged pre-existence texts in John 17.5, John 12.41, Philippians 2.6-11, and Matthew 23.37. (See previous episodes here.) Lastly we spend some considerable time working through Hebrews 1, giving special attention to verses 8 and 10. To help you follow along, here is the Read more about 161 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 3[…]
In this episode we tackle the next chunk of Michael Brown’s opening statement in the recent Trinity debate. We address his argument that since God’s words remain forever and Christ’s words remain forever, they must be the same (cf. Mat 24.35 vs. Isaiah 40.7-8). Next we briefly explain the grammatical issues related to Titus 2.13 Read more about 160 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 2[…]
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Jerry Wierwille and I systematically refute Michael Brown’s problematic case for the deity of Christ in his recent debate with Dale Tuggy. Due to the number of texts Brown crammed into his opening statement, this will have to be a multipart series. In this episode we Read more about 159 Refuting Michael Brown’s Case for the Trinity 1[…]
Are you curious how Dale Tuggy thinks he did on the Trinity debate with Michael Brown? In this post-debate interview I ask him about his strongest points as well as what he thought Brown’s strongest arguments were. I ask Tuggy about Brown’s Trinity theory and he explains the “one self” version of the Trinity as Read more about Interview 51 Dale Tuggy Post-Debate Review[…]
Are you curious how Michael Brown thinks he did on the Trinity debate last weekend? In this post-debate interview I ask him about his strongest points as well as what he thought Dale Tuggy’s strongest points were. We talk about his reticence to use traditional trinitarian language in light of his own unique heritage and Read more about Interview 50 Michael Brown Post-Debate Review[…]
Last night Michael Brown (PhD NYU) and Dale Tuggy (PhD Brown U) debated the question, “Is the God of the Bible the Father Alone?” Tuggy affirmed while Brown denied. Both scholars recognize the inspiration and the authority of scripture over tradition. Both made an effort to found their beliefs using the bible, reason, and history. Read more about 158 Dale Tuggy vs. Michael Brown Debate: Is the God of the Bible the Father Alone?[…]
Before delving into specific biblical doctrines, we need to first think about what the bible is. In this lecture you’ll learn what the bible says about itself, some reasons to believe God inspired it, as well as the major types of biblical scholars and how they approach scripture. This episode, along with the last one, Read more about Theology 2 – Bibliology[…]
Happy New Year. I’m so excited to begin with you a new class that covers a whole range of biblical doctrines. In fact, I’m going to combine two classes into one and I think they will work together really well. The first class was originally titled “Basic Bible Doctrine” and it covered approximately fifteen different Read more about Theology 1 – Introduction[…]
Greg Deuble grew up in the Church of Christ in Australia, went to N.S.W. Bible College in Sydney, and spent fifteen years serving as a pastor and evangelist. One day he attended a meeting during which Anthony Buzzard challenged him on his belief in the deity of Christ. Rattled, Deuble began on a quest to reassess Read more about Interview 49 They Never Told Me This in Church (Greg Deuble)[…]
For more than a decade, Sam An has faithfully served as an administrator and teacher at the Korean Extension of the Atlanta Bible College. In this interview, you’ll learn about his own story of faith as well as what God is doing through his ministry to touch Koreans both in America and in South Korea. Read more about Interview 48 Korean Ministry (Sam An)[…]
Have you heard of the Christian Disciples Church? They are a biblical unitarian group scattered throughout Asia primarily. In this episode Calvin Chan, who has been with the disciples since the beginning, will tell you the story of how this group got started as a student disciple movement. He also shares about how the founder, Read more about Interview 47 Christian Disciples Church and the Only True God (Calvin Chan)[…]
This is the fourth and final part of our Misunderstood Texts about Jesus series with Bill Schlegel. In this episode he offers remarks on Philippians 2.5-6, Colossians 2.9, and Revelation 1.17. After this, I ask him one of the biggest questions on this subject: if Jesus isn’t God then how can his sacrifice possibly pay Read more about Interview 46 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 4 (Bill Schlegel)[…]
In parts one and two, we examined ten misunderstood verses in the Gospel of John. In part three, we’ll examine seven more texts from the rest of the bible: Genesis 1.26 Isaiah 9.6 Matthew 2.2 Matthew 28.9 Matthew 28.19 (cf. 2 Cor 13.14) Romans 9.5 Acts 20.28 Repeatedly, Bill Schlegel calls us back to understand Read more about Interview 45 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 3 (Bill Schlegel)[…]
This is part two of my series with Bill Schlegel, former professor of the Israel Bible Extension and long time bible teacher and geography expert. Last time we discussed five major texts in the Gospel of John and this time we cover four or five more: John 10.30 John 10.33 John 13.18-19 John 20.28 1 Read more about Interview 44 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 2 (Bill Schlegel)[…]
Today we are beginning a new series called “Misunderstood Texts about Jesus” with Bill Schlegel. Professor Schlegel lived and taught the bible and geography in Israel for more than three decades. Recently, he came to change his mind on the deity of Jesus, seeing him now as God’s man rather than a God-man. Since he Read more about Interview 43 Misunderstood Texts about Jesus 1 (Bill Schlegel)[…]
Q: How do you know the bible is true? A: Because God wrote it. Q: How do you know God wrote it? A: Because the bible says God wrote it. Q: But, how do you know the bible is true? Here we encounter the classic circular argument for the bible’s inspiration. Surely, there’s a better Read more about 155 God’s Book (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Our world seems intent on trotting out the same extremist examples of Christianity as either a homophobic religion (think Westboro Baptist Church) or a totally accepting faith (think Episcopalians). However, these are not the only positions Christians take on this subject. In this talk, Wesley Hill, assistant professor of biblical studies at Trinity School for Read more about 154 Spiritual Friendship: Celibacy as a Call to Love (Wesley Hill)[…]
Our culture longs for authenticity. We’re tired of fakers and phonies who say one thing and do another. People should just be true to themselves and have the courage to flout tradition when it holds them back from genuine self-expression. However, this mentality results in major individual and social problems from sexually transmitted diseases to Read more about 153 Be You — Colossians 3 (Sean Finnegan)[…]
When it comes to Genesis 1, Christians tend to divide into two major camps: old earth and young earth creationists. The former sees the days as long periods of time (e.g. Hugh Ross) while the latter insists on literal twenty-four hour periods (e.g. Ken Ham). Professor John Walton of Wheaton College advocates for a different Read more about 152 Why Didn’t God Call the Light Light? (John Walton)[…]
Do you ever stop and marvel at God’s creation? Are you in wonder at what he has made? Too often we take God’s masterful creations for granted, instead of seeing them as pointers back to God’s ingenuity, generosity, and artistry. Although we can’t always take time out to praise God for plums, palm trees, and Read more about 151 God of Wonder (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Kenneth LaPrade lives in El Paso, Texas, on the border between the United States and Mexico. His wife is Mexican and many of the folks in his house church are from Mexico. In such a context, immigration is always a touchy subject, but lately some Christians have baptized certain political rhetoric and presented it as Read more about Interview 42 Christian Solidarity vs. Polarizing Politics (Kenneth Laprade)[…]
Last week we examined what the bible teaches about heaven. This week we’ll see what it says about hell. John Cortright explains there are three meanings of hell in scripture, including tartarus where fallen angels are temporarily imprisoned, hades/sheol where the dead remain until resurrection, and gehenna where the wicked are destroyed in the final Read more about 150 What Is Hell? (John Cortright)[…]
What is heaven? Throughout the bible we find different layers of meaning, including (1) heaven as sky, (2) heaven as God’s throne, and (3) heaven as God’s realm or dimension. Although heaven is a reality, it is not where we go when we die. Rather the bible teaches that the dead are asleep until the Read more about 149 Heaven’s for the Birds (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Robin Todd has faithfully served as the director of the Worldwide Scattered Brethren Network for the last 10 years. He helps biblical unitarians find each other all over the United States as well as some other countries. In this interview, we talk about how he got started, what it takes to get on his list, Read more about Interview 41 The Scattered Brethren Network with Robin Todd[…]
In this concluding teaching of our apologetics conference, John Truitt gleans from Christ’s example key ways that we can imitate him in our own evangelistic efforts today. He begins by looking how Jesus was completely obedient to God and how he prepared himself (both in knowledge and experience). Next Truitt urges us to get moving, Read more about 148 Apologetics Conference: 6 Evangelism, Jesus’ Way (John Truitt)[…]
Have you ever been in a corn maze? The reason they work is because you can only see right in front of you. If you had a live drone feed, you could easily orient yourself and find the way out. This is the benefit of history. We live in a postmodern culture, but it’s hard Read more about 147 Apologetics Conference: 5 Metanarratives and Failed Promises[…]
How should we think through the different major religions of our time? Are they all the same? What are their differences? In this presentation, philosopher of religion, Dale Tuggy, works through key questions that can help us differentiate and distinguish religions from each other. In the second half of his talk, he invites the audience Read more about 146 Apologetics Conference: 4 Are All Religions the Same? (Dale Tuggy)[…]
How do you know the difference between what’s right and wrong? Do morals have an absolute source or does society determine them? In this talk, Kenny Willenburg explains the classic moral argument as well as how we can use this approach to “turn the tables” when people object to Christianity on moral grounds. I’ve also Read more about 145 Apologetics Conference 3: Moral Argument (Kenny Willenburg)[…]
In the second presentation of this Apologetics Conference, we delve into a comparison of three major time periods: (1) the age of authority, (2) the age of reason, and (3) the age of authenticity. We look at how people practiced their faith in each as well as what criticisms apologists answered. For our post-modern time, Read more about 144 Apologetics Conference 2: A Strategy to Reach Our Postmodern World (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Today we are starting something new. I’m very excited to present to you in its entirety, the apologetics conference held in Paducah, KY last June. We’ve got a great line up of speakers for you including Jerry Wierwille, myself, Kenny Willenburg, Dale Tuggy, Kegan Chandler, and John Truitt. It was a wonderful time of meeting Read more about 143 Apologetics Conference 1: The Problem of Privatization (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
How much does truth matter to you? In particular, how should we think about Christians who hold very different views on key subjects? For example, I’m a biblical unitarian, someone who believes that we should take Jesus literally when he called his Father “the only true God.” Of course I believe Jesus is God’s only Read more about Interview 40: How Much Does Truth Matter? (Chuck Whitlock)[…]
Are you looking for a Christian blog to encourage you in your faith? In this short interview Kirk Walden shares about his new website, 1stfaith.com, and the work he and his team are doing to live out 1st century Christianity in the 21st century. First Faith aims to simplify and strengthen your faith so you Read more about Interview 39: First Faith (Kirk Walden)[…]
Kirk Walden has been advocating for the lives of the unborn since 1991 when he became the director of a small pregnancy help center in Auburn, Alabama. Over the last 17 years, he’s focused on fundraising for Heartbeat International, which supports pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, and maternity homes. In this interview I ask him about Read more about Interview 38: Advocating for the Unborn (Kirk Walden)[…]
This is part 6 of the Calvinism Debate Can you lose your salvation? If God saves someone, will they always persevere? What about people who leave the church? These are important questions and they are at the heart of this last discussion on Calvinism. Blake affirms that after regeneration, absolutely nothing can separate someone from Read more about 142 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 6: Perseverance of the Saints[…]
This is part 5 of the Calvinism Debate When God calls you, can you say, “No?” According to Calvinism, God’s grace is irresistible, meaning when he determines to save someone, he always achieves his goal. In other words, his call is always effectual. On the other side, Arminianism teaches that God offers grace, but people Read more about 141 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 5: Irresistible Grace[…]
This is part 4 of the Calvinism Debate Did Jesus die to make it possible for anyone to be saved or did he only die for the elect? In this discussion between Blake Cortright and Jacob Rohrer, they discuss this important issue and how it relates to evangelism. Blake affirms limited atonement while Jacob argues Read more about 140 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 4: Limited Atonement[…]
This is part 3 of the Calvinism Debate Does God predestine everyone who will ever be saved before they’re even born? Blake affirms that not only does God choose whom he will save in eternity past, but he did so without regard to any conditions or qualities of what these people will do. Jacob denies, Read more about 139 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 3: Unconditional Election[…]
This is part 2 of the Calvinism Debate Just how fallen are we? What does it mean to be dead in trespasses and sins? Are we so depraved and mired in sin that we cannot even have faith in God? Blake Cortright says answers, “Yes.” Unless God quickens us through his spirit, we are innately Read more about 138 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 2: Total Depravity[…]
This is part 1 of the Calvinism Debate Today we begin an extended series on Calvinism and Arminianism. For those of you not familiar, Calvinism, named after John Calvin (d. 1564), holds that God sovereignly chooses and effectually saves all whom he decides to save based on his predestined will whereas Arminianism, named for Jacobus Read more about 137 Calvinism vs. Arminianism 1: Introduction[…]
Last time, Jerry Wierwille explained the concept of covenantal nomism–the idea that rather than seeking to earn their salvation through perfect obedience, Jews at the time of Christ looked at the Law as a covenant God graciously entered into with his people. They enter that covenant by birth and then need to remain faithful to Read more about Interview 37: A New Perspective on Galatians (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
How did Jews at the time of Jesus understand their relationship to the Law? Did they believe in “works righteousness”–the idea that only by obeying the commandments of Torah could they earn salvation? Did they believe in grace? Jerry Wierwille leads us through this important issue so that we contextualize the epistles of Paul within Read more about Interview 36: Paul and Covenantal Nomism (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Pastor Daniel Calcagno lays out a his case for what he calls a positive view of Torah. He believes that the cleavage with Judaism in early church history is something the apostles never envisioned. Sadly, this parting of the ways led to confusion, doctrinal drifting, and persecution. Although Calcagno does not believe Gentiles need to Read more about Interview 35: Should Messianic Jews Keep Torah? (Daniel Calcagno)[…]
Born to Italian immigrants, Daniel Calcagno grew up in Canada, near Niagara Falls and attended a Pentecostal church. After he began taking his faith seriously, he started researching the Jewish people–especially those who believe in Jesus. Over time he founded Messianic Niagara, a local home group with a website that promoted audio teachings. However, Read more about Interview 34: From Pentecostal to Messianic Unitarian (Daniel Calcagno)[…]
Having believed in the permanence of salvation for 46 years, Dan Gallagher recently changed his mind to believe in what he calls continuance in faith–the idea that those who fail to continue in faith can be lost. The whole process took about fourteen years from when a book introduced him to a number of verses Read more about Interview 33: Can You Lose Your Salvation? (Dan Gallagher)[…]
Are you longing for fellowship with other like-minded believers? In this interview, John Truitt of Kentucky shares how he uses video conferencing to have interactive and encouraging virtual fellowships. Whether you want to join in with what he does or you want to start your own, this conversation is loaded with helpful guidance on how Read more about Interview 32: Virtual Fellowship for Isolated Believers (John Truitt)[…]
Bill Schlegel, professor and cofounder of The Master’s University extension program in Israel (IBEX), was studying the phrase “Son of God” and came to understand the term did not correlate with the traditional “God the Son” teaching, but instead meant God’s heir, the king he has designated to rule the world. Although he had taught Read more about Interview 31: Master’s University Prof. Finds Son of God, Loses Job (Bill Schlegel)[…]
Join Professor N. T. Wright as he shows how well Paul’s epistles fit with the Hebrew prophets and the Gospels. Rather than seeing Paul as the purveyor of a heavenly hope wherein saints may enjoy disembodied bliss, Wright highlights a number of key passages that unlock Paul’s kingdom-centered hope. —— Links —— Take a look Read more about 136 Whatever Did St. Paul Do with the Kingdom of God? (N. T. Wright)[…]
This is part six in our series on responding to your questions and comments. In light of our killing series, we considered whether Christians should kill the old, the young, enemies, or criminals, however we never addressed the morality of God killing. Brian asked: Can I expect a subsequent episode where you discuss a sort Read more about Off Script 47: Is God’s Violence in the Bible Wrong? (Q&A)[…]
This is part five in our series on responding to your questions and comments. In this Q & A episode, we address two commenters who responded to Off Script 34: Killing the Unborn (A Christian View of Abortion). Dan Fitzsimmons responds to Candace who inquired why Dan would vote against capital punishment but not against Read more about Off Script 46: Should Christians Outlaw Abortion? (Q&A)[…]
This is part four in our series on responding to your questions and comments. In this episode, we respond to a comment made on Off Script 37: Killing Criminals, in which we took the position that capital punishment is a biblically justifiable practice, but in America today it is fraught with problems, including the outrageous Read more about Off Script 45: Should Christians Support Capital Punishment? (Q&A)[…]
This is part three in our series on responding to your questions and comments. In Off Script 28: Seeking a Christian View on Refugees and Immigrants, we concluded on the basis of several scriptures in the Old Testament as well as the Great Commission that Christians should welcome refugees into their countries. In response to Read more about Off Script 44: Should We Ban Muslim Immigrants? (Q&A)[…]
This is our second answer in our series on responding to your questions and comments. In Off Script 38: Killing in War: A Christian View of Violence, we discussed whether it is appropriate for Christians to participate in war, concluding that Jesus’ command to love our enemies means that Christians should not kill others. Read more about Off Script 43: Can Christians Use Non-Lethal Violence? (Q&A)[…]
Welcome to our series answering your questions and responding to some of your comments. We’ve been saving these up and over the next few weeks, we’ll address a number of them. We’ve decided to do these in individual episodes, so if you’re not interested in the topic, you can just skip it and listen to Read more about Off Script 42: Hillary Clinton, a Dead Moose, and Christians Discussing Politics (Q&A)[…]
Have you ever heard the martyrdom argument for the resurrection of Jesus? It goes something like this. Jesus’ apostles faced persecution and martyrdom for their confession that God raised Jesus from the dead, sealing their witness with their blood. Why would they die for a lie? Their martyrdom unequivocally proves that they sincerely believed in Read more about 135 The Fate of the Apostles (Sean McDowell)[…]
Have you ever read the book of Ruth? Though it’s only four chapters, it contains timeless truths that can help us today. Our culture puts an incredible amount of pressure on spouses to never change, be perfectly compatible, and fulfill our deepest longings that it’s no wonder that singles often can’t seem to find the Read more about 134 Finding the Love of Your Life (Book of Ruth)[…]
Mary Willson, director of women’s initiatives for the Gospel Coalition, wrestles with a couple of the Old Testament texts that critics use to show that God hates women, including Deuteronomy 21.10-14 and Numbers 5.11-31. First she looks at how we perceive these ancient scriptures from the perspective of our own culture, then she shows how Read more about 133 Is God a Misogynist? (Mary Willson)[…]
In this last episode of our 500 class, we’ll cover a bunch of 20th century American groups including Christian Science, the Evangelicals, Plymouth Brethren, Pentecostals, Calvary Chapel, Vineyard Churches, Christian and Missionary Alliance, the Way International, the Worldwide Church of God, Scientology, the Moonies, and Megachurches (Rick Warren, Craig Groeschel, and Joel Osteen). It’s a Read more about 132 Twentieth Century American Christianity (Five Hundred 15)[…]
How do you deal with difficult people? Jesus teaches us that there’s nothing noteworthy about showing love to those who love us. Rather, he says we are to be like God who sends rain on the just and the wicked. He calls us to love annoying people, boring people, monopolizing people, vengeful people, shallow people, Read more about 131 Love without Limits (Victor Gluckin)[…]
The 1800s was an exciting time for Christianity in America. At the same time that secularism and liberal Christianity made huge gains, several renewal movements occurred throughout the land, including the Second Great Awakening. In this episode you learn about the birth of the Protestant missionary movement with the Moravians and the Baptists, how the Read more about 130 Missionaries, Adventists, and Mormons (Five Hundred 14)[…]
This is part two of our discussion about Charles Mathewes’ Washington Post article, “White Christianity is in big trouble. And it’s its own biggest threat.” Check out part one here. In this episode we consider gun control, immigration, the death penalty, and treatment of the poor in an effort to understand and respond to evangelicalism’s Read more about Off Script 41: Guns, Immigrants, and White Evangelicals[…]
This lecture covers the two main types of criticisms leveled against Christianity during the Enlightenment period: biblical and philosophical. In addition you’ll see how some Christians dug their heals in and worked hard to defend their faith while others gave ground but reinterpreted Christianity in a way that would not only survive the criticisms but Read more about 129 Losing Faith (Five Hundred 13)[…]
While scrolling through Facebook, I came across Charles Mathewes’ Washington Post article, “White Christianity is in big trouble. And it’s its own biggest threat.” At first reading, I was infuriated at what I felt were unfair criticisms, but after I thought about it, I realized what an opportunity this article presented. It collects together no Read more about Off Script 40: Roy Moore, Gay Wedding Cakes, and White Evangelicals[…]
Hear the winding tale of early Christian history in the Americas with a special focus on the thirteen colonies. Right from the start the Americas were full of Christian diversity including Catholicism, the Church of England, Puritans, Baptists, and Quakers. In this lecture you’ll see how this diversity led to an unprecedented level of religious Read more about 128 Colonials and Methodists (Five Hundred 12)[…]
Several significant sexual harassment cases have come to light in the last few months. Now a whole range of behaviors have come under scrutiny as women (and some men) have felt emboldened to make public their experiences. In this episode we even out our Off Script panel with one more female voice, Terri Crowder, to Read more about Off Script 39: Sexual Harassment, A Christian Response[…]
Although the focus of this class is on the history of Protestants of various stripes, it’s also important to realize that Catholicism changed a good deal during the last five hundred years. In this lecture, you’ll get a brief sketch of the history of significant Catholic movements and doctrinal declarations during this period, including the Read more about 127 Catholicism (Five Hundred 11)[…]
Learn about the dissident groups in Britain in the 17th and 18th centuries, including the Puritans, Baptists, Quakers, and Unitarians. In addition, Sean Kelly presents a vignette of John Biddle’s life and influence. This is lecture 10 of a history of Christianity class called Five Hundred: From Martin Luther to Joel Osteen. All the notes Read more about 126 Dissidents in Britain (Five Hundred 10)[…]
In this sprint through British church history, you’ll learn about King Henry VIII and his staggering Act of Supremacy when he pulled the Church of England out of Catholicism and appointed himself the head of the church. After Henry’s death, England swayed back and forth as Henry’s successors adopted Protestantism then Catholicism then Protestantism again. Read more about 125 The Reformation in Britain (Five Hundred 9)[…]
Did you know that Christianity spread to Asia in the first century? At one time the Church of the East was bigger than the Roman Catholic Church. Although often overlooked, this part of the world is critical to our understanding Christianity in the last five hundred years. Our guest lecturer, Matthew Elton, guides us through Read more about 124 Asian Christianity with Matthew Elton (Five Hundred 8)[…]
Have you ever thought about what it must have been like for Adam and Eve have that conversation after the Fall, after they had become ashamed of what they had done and they had to come to grips with the new reality. In this stunning piece of poetry, written by Preston and Jackie Perry, we Read more about 123 The Fall by Preston & Jackie Perry[…]
Zooming out, this episode casts a wide net to summarize how the movement started by Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin affected Europe over the next century. We’ll see how the Reformation took root in Germany, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands while simultaneously failing to find fertile ground in France, especially among those in power. Lastly, we’ll consider Read more about 122 Reformations on the Continent (Five Hundred 7)[…]
Have you ever noticed that pastors tend to get called to bigger churches over time, usually with better pay. However, after fifteen years of serving at a church in rural South Carolina, Pastor Alan Cain heard God calling him to move to a smaller church that was having financial difficulty. Although he took some convincing, Read more about Interview 30: When God Speaks (Alan Cain)[…]
In the 1500s scholars in northern Italy began questioning the traditional doctrine of the Trinity. Before long the Inquisition forced these burgeoning Italian biblical unitarians to flee, resulting in the spread of their ideas to other parts of Europe. The two most significant groups that emerged were the Polish Brethren and the Unitarian Church of Read more about 121 The Socinian Movement (Five Hundred 6)[…]
Is war ever justified? If so, can Christians participate in killing? In this episode we delve into a sensitive and controversial subject to figure out what the bible has to teach us about how we should treat our enemies. Our aim here is not be provocative, but faithful to what our lord taught us. Here Read more about Off Script 38: Killing in War: A Christian View of Violence[…]
Although sometimes lumped in with enlightenment rationalism, the biblical unitarian movement came to prominence right from the start of the Reformation. Essentially, as soon as bible translations started getting into the hands of regular people, a great many Catholic doctrines came under scrutiny. In this episode you’ll learn about three major biblical unitarian trailblazers of Read more about 120 Biblical Unitarian Trailblazers of the 16th Century (Five Hundred 5)[…]
Determining the validity of capital punishment is a complex task, especially when approached from a Christian perspective. To arrive at a biblically informed decision we need to consider both the Old and New Testaments, giving special attention to the nuanced understanding the Apostle Paul gave in Romans 13. Furthermore, in America we have quite a Read more about Off Script 37: Killing Criminals: A Christian View of Capital Punishment[…]
In this lecture you’ll learn about the Anabaptist movement and their distinctive beliefs. We’ll consider the life of Michael Sattler, an important leader of the Anabaptists, and see how he stood firm in his faith even when his life was at risk. Next, you’ll find out about Melchior Hoffman and how his followers took over Read more about 119 Sattler, Münster, and Simons (Five Hundred 4)[…]
Is it ever right to end someone’s life early? If so, under what conditions? In this episode we turn to the bible to sort out a Christian position on euthanasia. Drawing on the inherent dignity God has invested in each person by making us in his image and the fact that God claims sovereignty over Read more about Off Script 36: Killing the Suffering: A Christian View of Euthanasia[…]
Learn about the Swiss Reformation, spearheaded by Ulrich Zwingli in Zurich as well as the formation of the sect of Anabaptists known as the Swiss Brethren, including Conrad Grebel, Felix Manz, and George Blaurock. Key events covered in this episode include: 1519 Ulrich Zwingli begins Reformation in Zurich 1529 Zwingli and Luther part ways over Read more about 118 Zwingli and the Swiss Anabaptists (Five Hundred 3)[…]
On average, 121 people commit suicide per day in America. It is now the tenth leading cause of death in this country. In this episode we discuss this phenomenon and seek to understand what the bible can teach us about this subject. In addition, we wrestle with a number of hard questions about suicide such Read more about Off Script 35: Killing Yourself: A Christian View of Suicide[…]
In this episode, you’ll get a brief introduction to the contributions of Martin Luther and John Calvin to the initiation and spread of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, including these events: 1505 Martin Luther becomes a monk 1517 Martin Luther nails 95 Theses on Wittenberg church door 1524-5 Peasants War 1536 John Calvin Read more about 117 Luther and Calvin (Five Hundred 2)[…]
Today we are beginning a new series on life and death, in which we’ll consider abortion, suicide, euthanasia, and capital punishment. Our goal is to address each topic from a biblical framework in order to arrive at a Christian position. At the outset, I’ll admit that we don’t know everything and could be wrong, so Read more about Off Script 34: Killing the Unborn (A Christian View of Abortion)[…]
500 years ago, there was only one Christian denomination throughout most of the world. 500 years ago, the church and the government killed those who resisted tradition. 500 years ago, no one could read the bible in their own language. How did we get from there to here? Discover the wild and exciting story of Read more about 116 Introduction (Five Hundred 1)[…]
Have you ever read about the time Uzzah touched the ark and God struck him down? When’s the last time you heard a sermon preached on this text? Anytime I’ve reflected on this passage, I’m so focused on trying to explain how God could be just in carrying out this judgment that I’ve missed the Read more about 115 Don’t Put It on a Cart (Victor Gluckin)[…]
Divorce is a painful and complicated subject to talk about in America today where about half of all marriages end in divorce. Our laws have changed to accept “no-fault” divorce and many of us are unaware of what the bible teaches on this critical subject. To figure out the biblical perspective on divorce and remarriage, Read more about 114 Divorce and Remarriage (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Stanley Chee of the Christian Disciples Church in Toronto, Canada shares a brief overview of how the doctrine of the trinity developed in the first four centuries. Pulling on the work of Eric Chang, Bentley Chan, Hans Kung, and Richard Rubenstein, Chee explains four major factors that played a role in this process: The church’s Read more about 113 Trinity History (Stan Chee)[…]
We all get beaten down in life. Whether it’s catastrophes like hurricanes, shootings, or economic meltdowns, or just dealing with the day to day demands and responsibilities of life, we all go through periods of dryness, feeling like we aren’t making a difference. This is where Elijah’s example is particularly pertinent. Having reached the peak Read more about 112 God’s Not Done with You Yet (Sean Finnegan)[…]
The first verse of John’s Gospel reads: “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.” Typically, Christians understand the Word to refer to the Son and God to refer to the Father. However, as John Schoenheit explains, this reading owes more to later trinitarian theology than Read more about 111 John 1.1 Explained (John Schoenheit)[…]
This world is not my home I’m just a passing through My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore Oh lord you know I have no friend like you If heaven’s not my home then lord Read more about 110 Heaven Is Not My Home (Sean Finnegan)[…]
John McCave has faithfully served God as a minister for 36 years. In this interview he shares his story of how God brought him from a hardened tough guy to a humble servant, motivated by love. McCave also shares key insights he’s gained along the way, especially with regard to his wife, Mary without whose Read more about Interview 29: God’s Faithful Minister (John McCave)[…]
Sid Hatch, a former Baptist minister and graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary explains his reasons for questioning the Trinity. Ultimately he concluded the bible does not teach that Jesus is “God the Son” but that he is “the Son of God.” In this presentation, he discusses various key texts including John 1.1 and Philippians 2.1-9 Read more about 109 Five Reasons I Changed my Mind about the Trinity (Sid Hatch)[…]
Why are there so many divergent beliefs about what the bible teaches? Partially, this results from mistakes we make when reading scripture. In this interview, Dr. Jerry Wierwille enumerates seven typical fallacies that bible students commit when reading: Root Fallacy Time-Frame Fallacy Misusing Parallels Fallacy Single Meaning Fallacy Word-Concept Fallacy Disjunctive Fallacy Lexical Fallacy Avoiding Read more about Interview 28: Exegetical Fallacies (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Are you a missionary? Although we typically think of missionaries as those who travel to foreign lands to share the gospel with people, the simple fact is that we are all called to the work of sharing the gospel. Furthermore, as HeartCry Missionary Society points out, indigenous missionaries have huge advantages over foreign missionaries since Read more about 108 Indigenous Missionaries (Sean Finnegan)[…]
What do you know about the book of Proverbs? It can be quite difficult to understand what’s going on without some knowledge of how Hebrew poetry works. In this episode Jerry Wierwille, serves as our guide to get a better grip on what Proverbs is all about. He explains the poetic structures, general approach, and Read more about Interview 27: Understanding Proverbs (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
Service is an important part of Christian living. We are not spectators waiting to be entertained, but participants looking for ways to help out. In this sermon, John Cortright shows what Jesus taught us about service at the last supper as well as what sort of attitude we should have. So often we either critique Read more about 107 Each One Serve (John Cortright)[…]
What is faith? To some it is believing in something without evidence. To others it is a means by which to attain God’s blessings like prosperity and health. John Schoenheit explains how neither of these definitions best encapsulates the biblical understanding. Instead, he shows how faith is really just trust in what God says, whether Read more about Interview 26: Word of Faith vs. Trusting in God (John Schoenheit)[…]
Find out what the most commonly misunderstood texts about the kingdom are as well as how to interpret them within their own contexts. In this final session of the kingdom of God class, we’ll look at these important verses: Matthew 16.28 “Some…will not taste death until they see…the kingdom” Luke 17.21 “The kingdom of God Read more about 106 Misunderstood Texts (Kingdom of God 15)[…]
Sean Holbrook was attending a typical evangelical church when he heard a series of sermons teaching the Trinity. Ironically, these very messages, designed to bolster faith in the doctrine, ended up inspiring Holbrook to question the age old dogma. As a result, he set out to study the topic more and watched James White debates Read more about Interview 25: Studying the Trinity, Discovering God Is One (Sean Holbrook)[…]
We’ve looked at how and why Christianity lost the kingdom message; in this episode you’ll learn how we got it back. Over the last five hundred years, three different movements have made significant strides in recovering the kingdom: the Anabaptists (16th century), the Adventists (19th century), and liberal scholars (20th century). In this lecture you’ll Read more about 105 Recovering the Kingdom (Kingdom of God 14)[…]
We all have resources, whether money, time, talents, or skills. How should we steward these resources? In this episode, we conclude our series on stewardship by talking about work, debt, contentment, retirement, volunteering, industriousness, and laziness. We conclude that as with all areas of life, we need to seek God’s glory with our resources. Links: Read more about Off Script 33: Stewarding Your Resources[…]
This is part three of a series of three lectures on why some Christians ended up rejecting the kingdom message in the first few centuries of Christianity. In this part, I work through the major differences between how Jews and Greeks read scripture. What we find is that the Christians who didn’t like the kingdom Read more about 104 The Kingdom Is Too Jewish (Kingdom of God 13)[…]
Last week we looked at stewarding your body. In this episode we focus on a phenomenon that has been growing over the last couple of decades–tattoos and piercings. What was once seen among sailors, bikers, and soldiers is now rampant among celebrities, athletes, and countless others. What’s a Christian to do? Should we go with Read more about Off Script 32: Stewarding Your Image (Can Christians Get Tattoos?)[…]
Last time we saw that some influential Christians rejected the biblical teaching on the kingdom because the idea of living on earth forever seemed crude to them. This time, we look at how the ancients thought about bodies and bodily pleasures. As it turns out, from (at least) Plato onward, many philosophers tended to embrace Read more about 103 The Kingdom Is Too Hedonic (Kingdom of God 12)[…]
How should you steward your body? Are all bodily pleasures inherently sinful? In order to grapple with these questions, we take a tour through the bible from the Garden of Eden through to the time of Jesus to observe the balanced biblical perspective between asceticism (denying all pleasures) and hedonism (living for pleasure). As it Read more about Off Script 31: Stewarding Your Body[…]
Now that you’ve seen the historical defenders of the kingdom faith, it’s time to turn our attention to those who fought against it. Over the next three lectures you’ll learn the main reasons why Christianity rejected the kingdom message of the bible and replaced it with going to heaven or hell at death. First up, Read more about 102 The Kingdom Is Too Crude (Kingdom of God 11)[…]
We’re beginning a new series on stewardship. To start with, we’ll discuss the biblical mindset towards stewarding the earth. Future episodes will address stewarding our bodies and finances. In this show, we begin with creation theology and move to consider how God injected covenantal significance into how Israelites were to think about their land. Lastly, Read more about Off Script 30: Stewarding the Earth[…]
Who has believed in the kingdom over the history of Christianity? In this lecture, you’ll find out who defended the kingdom belief in the first four centuries, before it faded out of the mainstream and got replaced with going to heaven instead. In order to put you in contact with the primary sources, we read Read more about 101 Historical Kingdom Advocates (Kingdom of God 10)[…]
Do you know what the Trinity is? Could you explain it to someone else or is it just a confusing collection of impenetrable statements hidden under a cloud of fog? In his recent book, Professor Dale Tuggy seeks to clarify everyone’s perceptions of the various Trinity theories so that we can have productive conversation on Read more about Interview 24: What Is the Trinity with Dale Tuggy[…]
Like all kingdoms, God’s kingdom is political in nature. As a result, the kingdom requires allegiance from its citizens. By examining Jewish messianism and Roman political sensibilities, you’ll come to better see how early Christians prioritized their allegiance to the age to come over their local and national allegiances. This is lecture 9 of the Read more about 100: Kingdom Allegiance (Kingdom of God 9)[…]
Are you interested in online ministry? Would you like to reach more people? Ryan Maher shares what he’s learned about combining his love for God and graphic design into his bible lock-screen app. Once Instigram came out, he jumped on board and developed a following that numbers around a million people. In this interview Maher Read more about Interview 23: Bible Lock-Screens with Ryan Maher[…]
How does your belief in the God’s coming kingdom affect your life now? Now that we’ve looked at the kingdom as hope (what we look forward to) and gospel (what we preach to others), we’ll examine how God calls us to embody the kingdom now. Taking our cue from Jesus’ kingdom-saturated ministry, we’ll see how Read more about 99: The Kingdom Way (Kingdom of God 8)[…]
J. Dan and Sharon Gill are part of a growing movement of bible students who have concluded that the Father of Jesus is the only true God. They’re so passionate about this truth that in 2008, they launched their website, called Twenty-First Century Reformation (21stcr.org). To date they’ve received over 700,000 views on YouT ube, Read more about Interview 22: The 21st Century Reformation (J. Dan and Sharon Gill)[…]
What is the gospel of the kingdom of God? It’s not about Jesus dying for your sins or going to heaven when you die. In fact, Jesus’ gospel of the kingdom is not new at all; it’s the message the prophets of old proclaimed–that one day God was going to make everything wrong with the Read more about 98: The Gospel of the Kingdom (Kingdom of God 7)[…]
Sir Anthony Buzzard has led a fascinating life. He grew up in the Church of England in the 1930s and 40s. While at Oxford, he attended a “get saved” meeting and went forward. Next he joined Herbert Armstrong’s Worldwide Church of God, but then left and studied with the Christadelphians, before joining the Church of Read more about Interview 21: Anthony Buzzard, Tireless Herald of Jesus’ Gospel and Creed[…]
What happens when you die? Is there an intermediate state? What does the bible teach about the dead before resurrection? These questions are important for our study of the kingdom of God. If you go straight to heaven when you die, you’re not going to care very much about what happens when Jesus returns. You Read more about 97: The Sleep of the Dead (Kingdom of God 6)[…]
Nicholas Hlifka grew up as an atheist until a Christian teacher shared his faith with him in high school. While attending the State University of New York at Fredonia, he took a class with Dale Tuggy. When he found out that Tuggy was a biblical unitarian, he was immediately wary of such a heretical belief. Read more about 96: Nicholas Hlifka Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]
After a bad divorce, Chad Hoffman became a Christian. He attended a number of different churches and something didn’t sit right at each. In 2006, he was diagnosed with a inoperable tumor on his brain stem. After some treatment it shrank and grew back. During this tumultuous time, he started considering what he believed about Read more about 95: Chad Hoffman Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]
Steve and Phyllis Carouthers have attended many churches throughout their Christian journey. A couple of years ago Phyllis was researching the gifts of the spirit and came across an article on the Truth or Tradition website and saw that they were biblical unitarians. Initially she found this quite disturbing as she associated all unitarians with Read more about 94: Carouthers Family Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]
Even though he grew up in the Calivinist Reformed tradition as a pastor’s kid, Jouke Elsinga was not sure he believed in God’s existence. After reading Frank Turek’s I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, he came to believe in God and started searching for apologetics. He came across my apologetics class on Read more about 93: Jouke Elsinga Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]
Danny Tanner grew up in the Lutheran Church and later got heavily involved with the Brethren in Christ group. He’s served as a worship pastor, an associate pastor, and an executive pastor. Currently he’s involved in a church plant. Over the years he’s questioned his faith, but never let himself dive in deep enough to Read more about 92: Danny Tanner Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]
While working in a casket factory as an upholsterer, one day Jeremy Bowders reflected on the fact that he would be in one eventually. He began asking the big questions about his life’s purpose. He began reading the bible and became a Christian. In the course of researching open theism, he read an article by Read more about 91: Jeremy Bowders Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]
Having overcome his desire to remain in the background, Jonathen Favors boldly shared his testimony of coming to understand who God is. After a severe football injury, he had a lot of time to spend time with and think about God. While attending BIOLA University, he had learned that the title “Son of God” is Read more about 90: Jonathen Favors Faith Journey (2017 Theo. Conf.)[…]
Now that we’ve looked at many of the kingdom texts from the Old Testament, today we’ll get into the New Testament and see what Jesus and the apostles taught about the kingdom. We’ll examine the titles of Jesus, a couple of his parables, some texts from Paul and James, and conclude in Revelation. In this Read more about 89: Kingdom in the New Testament (Kingdom of God 5)[…]
Simply put, restorationism is the approach to Christianity that seeks to compare accepted doctrines and practices against the bible to see if they are valid. Our intention is to recover authentic New Testament Christianity and live it out today. We hold God’s inspired scriptures above traditions, creeds, and clergy. The time is ripe for us Read more about 88: Restorationist Manifesto[…]
Last time we looked at the kingdom prophecies in Isaiah. Today we’ll examine Amos, Micah, Zephaniah, Zechariah, Ezekiel, and Daniel to continue developing a biblical picture of the age to come. This is lecture 4 of the Kingdom of God class, originally taught at the Atlanta Bible College. To take this class for credit, please Read more about 87: Kingdom in the Prophets (Kingdom of God 4)[…]
Let’s face it; it’s difficult to talk about pornography, especially among Christians. We get overwhelmed with feelings of shame and embarrassment while fearing how others will regard us with disgust or disdain. However, this issue is a huge struggle for a ton of Christians (and non-Christians) in the world today. Drawing on some of what Read more about Interview 20: How To Quit Pornography (Blake Cortright)[…]
The prophet Isaiah spoke more about the kingdom than any other prophet in the Hebrew bible. Consequently, his book is a phenomenal place to begin developing our understanding of what the kingdom will be like. Stitching together his various snapshots, we encounter a magnificent collage detailing a new world full of peace, justice, and healing. Read more about 86: Kingdom in Isaiah (Kingdom of God 3)[…]
What spiritual disciplines do you practice? We’re all familiar with reading our bibles and prayer, but there’s so much more available. In this interview, Blake Cortright guides us through his own journey into discovering ancient Christian disciplines that can help us today, including prayer, fasting, meditation, bible study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, Read more about Interview 19: Spiritual Disciplines (Blake Cortright)[…]
It’s impossible to understand the kingdom of God or Jesus without having a grasp of the history-changing promises God made with Abraham and David. To Abraham God covenanted the land and to David, a descendant to rule. Ultimately these two covenants find their fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth–the Messiah. This is lecture 2 of the Read more about 85: Kingdom Covenants (Kingdom of God 2)[…]
What role does doubt play in your life? Do you think of it as something to push aside and ignore or do you pursue your doubts to get answers? In this episode we examine the role of doubt for Christians, avoiding both extremes of refusing to engage with doubt as well as obsessing on it. Read more about Off Script 29: Dealing with Doubt[…]
Today we begin a new class on Restitutio on the Kingdom of God. Jesus said the kingdom was like a treasure hidden in a field—it’s so valuable it’s worth selling everything to purchase. He said to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness above what we eat or wear. In this class we’ll spend Read more about 84: Kingdom Restoration (Kingdom of God 1)[…]
On January 27, 2017, President Trump issued Executive Order 13769, called “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States,” in which he banned immigration from seven countries, including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. This unpopular order caused much controversy throughout the US and led to significant litigation, delaying it’s Read more about Off Script 28: Seeking a Christian View on Refugees and Immigrants[…]
In the last episode (Boundaries for Same-Sex Attraction), we looked at what the bible says about same-sex attraction. In this one, we consider seven important questions about gay and lesbian Christians: How should same-sex attracted Christians think of themselves? Isn’t the Christian sexual ethic harmful to gays and lesbians? Is having same-sex feelings a sin? Read more about Podcast 83: Questions about Gay and Lesbian Christians[…]
Is it a sin to be gay? What does the bible say about same-sex attraction? In this episode you’ll become familiar with the relevant scriptures that talk about homosexuality. You’ll also learn what arsenokoitai (ἀρσενοκοῖται) means in 1 Corinthians 6.9, a key battleground text for discussions of biblical sexuality. Here the Apostle Paul pulls from Read more about Podcast 82: Biblical Boundaries for Same-Sex Attraction[…]
Jackie Hill-Perry used to dress like a boy to go out and pick up girls. She ended up in a long-term relationship with another woman, but then she came to a sudden realization that she was living a lie. She’s completely changed her life and now embraces her femininity and even got married to a Read more about Podcast 81: My Life as a Stud (Jackie Hill-Perry)[…]
Meet Becket Cook. He’s a very well-connected gay fashion set designer who has traveled the world, attended the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, etc., and rubbed shoulders with Hollywood’s A-list actors. One day he saw Christians reading their bibles in a trendy coffee shop in LA and engaged them in conversation. One of them invited Cook Read more about Interview 18: God Woos Fashion Set Designer from Gay Lifestyle (Becket Cook)[…]
The best chapter on resurrection in the bible is 1 Corinthians 15. In it, the Apostle Paul masterfully lays out the Christian position on resurrection while overcoming common objections in the culture. As it turns out, people living in Corinth thought the idea of resurrection seemed real bizarre. Looking at tombstone inscriptions, Plato’s Phaedo, and Read more about Podcast 80: Resurrection People (Sean Finnegan)[…]
How does salvation work? Is Israel still God’s chosen people or are they on the same footing as everyone else now that the Messiah has come? In Off Script episode 17, Is Jesus the Only Way to God?, Brian wrote in, inquiring if a Torah-observant Jew could be saved even if he or she didn’t Read more about Interview 17: Will All Israel Be Saved? (Matthew Elton)[…]
Are you embarrassed of your non-traditional beliefs about God? Victor Gluckin says that it’s time to stand up for what we believe. Believing God is one (instead of three-in-one) is not some sort of fringe doctrine; it’s at the very heart of biblical faith. After all, Jesus himself identified the Jewish “shema” as the most Read more about Podcast 79: Proud of Our God (Victor Gluckin)[…]
Back in Interview 11, Joe Martin talked about how he was soon to step down from his leadership position at the Church of God (General Conference). In this episode, you’ll hear from Seth Ross, who has taken up the mantle and who casts his vision for the future. You’ll learn about his background, his twenty Read more about Interview 16: Church of God Vision (Seth Ross)[…]
No one joined the Pharisees out of desire to practice professional hypocrisy. They were the devout, the separated, the ones who took God and holiness seriously. However, by the time of Jesus, they had confused godliness with self-righteousness and lost compassion in the process. It’s so easy for us to root for Jesus as he Read more about Podcast 78: The Insidious Danger of Self-Righteousness (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Now that we’ve worked through several counterfeit gods, including love, money, success, and power, it’s time to dig in a little deeper. Do you understand your own heart? Can you discern where you are tempted to idolize something or someone? In order to figure this out, ask yourself these four questions: What do you daydream Read more about Off Script 27: Worshiping God[…]
Covetousness, self-reliance, and envy can rob us of gratitude and contentedness. So much of our world programs us to feel restless, entitled, and discontent regarding our possessions, how we look, our work, and our relationships. Have you ever asked yourself, “How much is enough?” Taking his cue from the Apostle Paul, John Cortright shares the Read more about Podcast 77: God Is Enough (John Cortright)[…]
The 19th century philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, believed that our desire for success, money, or love really went back to our “will to power.” Whereas other philosophies focused on calibrating our internal state to accept reality, Nietzsche focused more on conforming reality to our desires. Although it’s terribly out of fashion to admit one desires and Read more about Off Script 26: Worshiping Power[…]
Saint Patrick is one of the most courageous missionaries of Christian history. Although revelers mark his day with debauchery and drunkenness, he pursued holiness and risked his life to preach to the Irish barbarians. He held out to the ancient Irish tribes a promise of protection from their gods and demons, if only they would Read more about Podcast 76: The Real St. Patrick (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Everyone enjoys accomplishment and achievement, but what happens when we take success and make it our ultimate goal in life? When you reach the pinnacle of success in any field, it’s easy to get depressed, asking yourself, “Is this all there is?” Furthermore, you may begin to fear that you won’t be able to maintain Read more about Off Script 25: Worshiping Success[…]
The history of Christianity can sometimes be really depressing, especially when we look at the “heresy hunters.” From Justin Martyr and Irenaues in the second century to Athanasius and Epiphanius of the fourth century, as Christians we progressively came to define ourselves on the basis of what we don’t believe. As a result, so much Read more about Podcast 75: Heretic! 4 Approaches to Dropping H-Bombs (Dale Tuggy)[…]
I bet you don’t think you struggle with greed. In fact, I’ve never met anyone who told me this was a problem for him or her. But greed is subtle. It sneaks up on you when you think you’re just working towards financial security or building your confidence or taking control of your life. In Read more about Off Script 24: Worshiping Money[…]
We all have competing impulses within us vying for our attention and expression. How do you know which ones to amplify and which to repress? How should we think of ourselves? Are we powerful and valuable creatures made in God’s image or accidental byproducts of time plus chance plus matter? In order to live out Read more about Podcast 74: Which You Are You? (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Today we are starting a series based on Tim Keller’s book, Counterfeit Gods, wherein we’ll consider a number of idols that vie for worship in our society. In this episode we consider Aphrodite, the ancient goddess of love, and her modern counterparts. We begin by examining the somewhat dysfunctional love story of Jacob and Rachel Read more about Off Script 23: Worshiping Love[…]
How should Christians relate to the government? In this sermon, Vince Finnegan works through Romans 13 to show how we should relate to the powers that be. Ultimately God is in charge of raising up and tearing down regimes and nations over the course of human history. Our goal is to love one another as Read more about Podcast 73: Relating to the Government (Vince Finnegan)[…]
Claudia Scott is one of the pillars of our church, a woman of faith who carries herself with dignity and poise. Growing up, she’s been an example to me of faithfulness and passion for God. Having only known her over the last twenty or so years, I was clueless about how much she had been Read more about Interview 15: Healing from Abuse and Abandonment (Claudia Scott)[…]
What is true freedom? We tend to think of freedom as the lack of restrictions so that we can do whatever we want. However, I want to make the case that freedoms is not the lack of boundaries, but finding the right ones to enable us to be our best for God. After God liberated Read more about Podcast 72: Free as a Fish on Land (Sean Finnegan)[…]
What do you believe about baptism? In this interview, I ask Ken LaPrade, a house church pastor in El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico, to share his baptism journey. Coming from a Way International background, LaPrade learned that spirit baptism had replaced water. As a result he had interpreted the water baptisms in Acts to Read more about Interview 14: Ken LaPrade’s Baptism Journey[…]
In this vintage message, Sir Anthony Buzzard makes the case that the gospel Jesus preached was about the kingdom. Although Jesus remains incredibly popular all around the world today, his message remains obscured even among many sincere followers. How can we call ourselves Christians if we are ignorant of Christ’s proclamation? The kingdom is not Read more about Podcast 71: What Good Is Jesus without His Gospel? (Anthony Buzzard)[…]
How are you at handling conflict? Do you withdraw and avoid conflict at any cost? Do you rush in headlong, eager to set the other person straight? Are you a compromiser who looks at everything like a contract where both parties inevitably have to make trade-offs to get some advantage? As with so many really Read more about Interview 13: Caring Enough to Confront (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
The gospel is the message we believe in that results in immortality (2 Tim 1.7-10). If I were the devil, I would target the gospel message so that even if some Christians rustled up the courage to actually share it with others, they’d have a distorted or partial message. In fact, scripture tells us that Read more about Podcast 70: Getting the Gospel Right (Sean Finnegan)[…]
What is the gospel? Growing up, Jacob Rohrer heard about Jesus dying for his sins so he could go to heaven. However, he’s come to see that this way of thinking is not only wrong, but goes against what Jesus himself taught. Listen in to Rohrer as he explains the five elements of the gospel, Read more about Interview 12: Jacob Rohrer on the Gospel (Jacob Rohrer)[…]
We hear a particular narrative over and over: “Gay teen courageously comes out to Christian parents and faces consequences.” This is the hero’s journey of the early 21st century. From gay pride marches to hit songs to movies and TV shows, this story is ubiquitous in our culture. For example, I used to listen to Read more about Podcast 69: Teen Comes out as Christian to Gay Parents (Caleb Kaltenbach)[…]
Dr. Joe Martin has taught at the Atlanta Bible College for over 25 years. He’s worked as an adjunct professor, full-time professor, academic dean, and the president. In this interview he talks about his favorite class to teach, his greatest challenge as a teacher, and his advice to those interested in going into ministry. He Read more about Interview 11: Joe Martin, Looking Back on His Service at the Atlanta Bible College[…]
Did you make any new year’s resolutions this year? We are now three weeks into 2017 and I bet many of us have already reverted to our old ways. However, what I want to propose here is not a new habit or a trick to stop an old one. Rather, I want to encourage you Read more about Podcast 68: Soli Deo Gloria (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Joe and Rebekah Martin have labored for twenty years in Africa to bring the gospel and humanitarian aid to some of the poorest people in the world. They minister primarily in Malawi and Mozambique, though the work in Kenya is now gaining traction as well. In this interview, you’ll hear how a single tract led Read more about Interview 10: Twenty Years of Missions in Africa (Joe and Rebekah Martin)[…]
Martin Luther King Jr. day is on Monday, so I thought this would be a good time to replay a phenomenal debate on the question of whether or not Christians should use violence or participate in the military. Peter Kreeft and J. Daryl Charles defend the classic just war position while David Bercot and Dean Read more about Podcast 67: It’s Just War (Debate)[…]
Let’s say you are sharing your faith with a friend and they say to you, “Well, I’m glad that Christianity works for you, but it sounds like no fun to me.” How would you respond? Is Christianity no more than a set of restrictions we set on our lives like a straitjacket? Listen in to Read more about Off Script 22: Christianity Is Lame[…]
Pastor Victor Gluckin of Living Faith Christian Church (Warwick, RI) shares about his journey of faith. He was Mr. Popularity in High School; everyone loved him. However, he was spiritually dead and lifted up with pride. His breaking point came when he left his small town and attended George Washington University in DC. He planned Read more about Podcast 66: What I’ve Been Saved From (Victor Gluckin)[…]
The youngest part of the bible is nearly 2,000 years old. How can such an ancient book have any relevance to our complex and technologically advanced world? How would you answer this objection? It’s certainly undeniable that our world is so much different from the nomadic shepherds of three millennia ago. However, science, political innovations, Read more about Off Script 21: The Bible Is Too Antiquated[…]
Apologetics 15: Gender and Sexual Ethics (Objection 3) This lecture covers some basic Christian sexual ethics, including marriage, divorce, pornography, homosexuality, cohabitation, and adultery. Sadly, since this was the last lecture, time did not permit a thorough analysis of these subjects. Even so, I touched on each briefly and biblically in an effort to stake Read more about Podcast 65: Christian Views of Sexuality (Apologetics 15)[…]
We take a break from our normal Off Script format to share some seasonal reminiscences and lighthearted banter about Christmas past and present. In this somewhat silly episode you’ll learn what Christmas song Rose hates, Dan’s most cherished childhood present, and Sean’s Christmas-eve meal preference. Other exciting topics discussed in this podcast include: why Handel’s Read more about Off Script 20: Christmas Special[…]
Apologetics 14: Science (Objection 2) Although our culture commonly pits science and faith against each other, as if they’ve been at war for centuries, the truth is that faith gave birth to science. In this lecture, you’ll learn about some of the main science objections that skeptics bring against Christianity and how to respond to Read more about Podcast 64: Science vs. the Bible (Apologetics 14)[…]
In this episode, we pick up the conversation where the last lecture in my Apologetics class left off. We review six reasons the bible gives for suffering as well as how to face pain and hardship. By looking at Jesus and Paul, we see that God did not spare either of them from adversity. Jesus Read more about Off Script 19: More on Why God Allows Suffering[…]
Apologetics 13: Problem of Evil (Objection 1) Now that we’ve established the existence of God, the historicity of Christ’s resurrection, and the bible’s veracity, we come to objections commonly brought against Christianity. The chief classical question posed to Christians throughout the eons is, “How can you believe in God when there is so much pain Read more about Podcast 63: Why Does God Allow Suffering? (Apologetics 13)[…]
In part two of our series on objections to Christianity, we look at the issue of hypocrisy. Many are unwilling to even consider Christianity as a viable option because they’ve witnessed or heard about some horrible act of hypocrisy by a Christian leader. It’s hard to deny that hypocrisy is a major problem in Christianity Read more about Off Script 18: Christians Are Hypocrites[…]
Apologetics 12: New Testament Trustworthiness For the New Testament we can employ several of the same lines of reasoning as the Old Testament, though there are a couple more to consider like internal evidence and messianic prophecies that help bolster the case. Furthermore, many people’s lives have been changed by reading and believing the words Read more about Podcast 62: Is the New Testament Trustworthy? (Apologetics 12)[…]
With this episode we are beginning a series on overcoming objections to Christianity. To start with we want to address the criticism often leveled at bible-believing Christians today that our perspective on salvation is too narrow-minded and exclusive. Who are we to say that all the other religions are wrong? In order to tackle this Read more about Off Script 17: Is Jesus the Only Way to God?[…]
Apologetics 11: New Testament Transmission With the New Testament we can’t argue for a reliable transmission on the basis of meticulous Hebrew scribes. More often, especially early on, the Christian scribes focused more on quantity than quality so they could get the word out as quickly as possible. However, the sheer number of manuscripts that Read more about Podcast 61: Is the New Testament Reliable? (Apologetics 11)[…]
What do you believe about holiness? Do you view it as an impossible ideal? Slogans like “I’m not perfect, just forgiven” and “I don’t want to be holier than thou” show how uncomfortable we are with this whole subject. Even so, God calls us to be holy as he is holy. We cannot ignore or Read more about Podcast 60: Be Ye Holy for I Am Holy (Keith Daniel)[…]
Apologetics 10: Old Testament Trustworthiness Last time we looked as reasons to believe the Jewish scribes reliably transmitted the Old Testament so that what we have today is what they actually wrote. This time you’ll learn five main reasons why we believe the Hebrew bible is true: (1) archaeology, (2) medical insights, (3) unflattering honesty, Read more about Podcast 59: Is the Old Testament Trustworthy? (Apologetics 10)[…]
Kegan Chandler joins me once again to talk about the history of theology. If you haven’t yet heard his story, check out Interview 8: A Restorationist Finds the God of Jesus. In this episode, I ask Chandler about his book, The God of Jesus in Light of Christian Dogma. If you are at all interested Read more about Interview 9: Pagan Influences on the Development of the Trinity (Kegan Chandler)[…]
Apologetics 9: Old Testament Transmission What reasons do we have for believing the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) was reliable transmitted from antiquity to today? This lecture provides four arguments: (1) Jewish scribes were competent, (2) people memorized large portions of the text, (3) the consequences for false prophecy, and (4) the Dead Sea Scrolls function Read more about Podcast 58: Is the Old Testament Reliable? (Apologetics 9)[…]
Kegan Chandler grew up as a bible-believing Christian in Texas. His grandfather, Pat E. Harrell, was a leader within Church of Christ who founded their Restoration Quarterly publication. As a result of his grandparents’ and parents’ passion for God, Chandler grew up in a family steeped in bible study and theological reflection. One day the Read more about Interview 8: A Restorationist Discovers the God of Jesus (Kegan Chandler)[…]
Apologetics 8: More Evidence for the Resurrection Because secular historians don’t accept the inspiration of the bible, they don’t trust the Gospels as reliable witnesses about Jesus. Consequently, they’ve come up with various “criteria of authenticity” to sift the sayings and deeds recorded in the Gospels into historical and mythical categories. Last time we saw Read more about Podcast 57: More Evidence for the Resurrection (Apologetics 8)[…]
This election cycle American political discourse has sunk to a new low. Rather than presenting facts and offering persuasive arguments based on policies, we’ve seen a whole slew of false claims and personal attacks. The exchanges between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have been so caustic and shameful that when I discovered my ten year-old Read more about Off Script 16: Christians Discussing Politics[…]
Apologetics 7: Evidence for the Resurrection During this lecture, I played a video of William Lane Craig making a case for the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. What’s so brilliant about Craig’s approach is that he doesn’t assume the bible is true to make his case. He treats the Gospels and Paul’s letters Read more about Podcast 56: Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus (Apologetics 7)[…]
Halloween comes from the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain when the Celts believed the boundary between our world and the spirit world grew thin, allowing spirits, fairies, and disembodied souls to enter our realm. Consequently, they employed several strategies to appease and misdirect these nefarious ghosts from messing with them. However, in our secular age, Read more about Off Script 15: Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?[…]
Apologetics 6: Historical Jesus Have you ever heard of the Jesus mythicists? They teach that Jesus never existed, that he’s a myth. How would you go about debunking this claim? Are you aware of what historical sources mention Jesus and early Christianity? In this lecture you’ll learn what’s out there from biblical authors, historians, and Read more about Podcast 55: Did Jesus Exist? (Apologetics 6)[…]
Horror movies inspire fear, causing our hearts to beat faster and our adrenaline to flow. Their monsters, murder, and jump scares have won them a dedicated following. In this episode, we discuss whether Christians have any business watching horror movies. We talk about where to draw the line and what exactly is problematic about this Read more about Off Script 14: Should Christians Watch Horror Movies?[…]
Apologetics 5: Arguments for God (Part Two) In this lecture, you’ll learn four more reasons for God’s existence, including the cosmological argument, moral argument, miracles argument, and the ontological argument. These are each quite different from each other, which is great because it increases their cumulative effect. Last of all, you’ll learn about “Pascal’s Wager,” Read more about Podcast 54: Four More Reasons Why God Exists (Apologetics 5)[…]
In my previous interview with Professor Dale Tuggy, we discussed his journey of faith. In this conversation I ask him to discuss logical and biblical problems with the Trinity. This is a higher level conversation, but well worth the listen if you are at all curious about the Trinity or are interesting in hearing how Read more about Interview 7: An Analytic Philosopher Unleashes Logic on the Trinity (Dale Tuggy)[…]
Apologetics 4: Teleological Arguments for God’s Existence If someone asked you, “Why do you believe in God?” How would you answer? Sadly, most of us would flounder around, maybe talking about the bible or second-hand miracles. However, philosophers have long identified three classic approaches to reasoning about God’s existence: the ontological, cosmological, and teleological arguments. Read more about Podcast 53: Does God Exist? (Apologetics 4)[…]
In this interview with philosopher Dr. Dale Tuggy, I ask him questions about his personal spiritual journey. Dr. Tuggy is an analytic philosopher who works on world religions and the doctrine of the Trinity. He’s a tenured professor of philosophy at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Furthermore, he runs a popular website Read more about Interview 6: Dale Tuggy’s Journey[…]
Apologetics 3: Theism, Atheism, and Pantheism In Building Belief, Chad Meister uses a worldview comparison chart to simplify all the religions of the world into three broad categories: theism, atheism, and pantheism. This strategy will help you to compare and contrast five major aspects of these three worldviews, including theology, ontology, epistemology, axiology, and anthropology. Read more about Podcast 52: Theism, Atheism, and Pantheism (Apologetics 3)[…]
What standards should Christians have when it comes to entertainment? Can the bible offer any guidance for such a modern issue? Every day shows, movies, books, and songs bombard us with all kinds of ideas and depictions that constantly nudge us in different directions. Although, we like to think of ourselves as impervious to the Read more about Off Script 13: Should Christians Watch TV?[…]
Apologetics 2: What Is Truth? In order to establish any of the claims of Christianity, we must first make a case for truth itself. How can you hope to provide reasons for God’s existence or Christ’s resurrection if the person your talking to claims, “That’s just your truth, and I’m glad it works for you, Read more about Podcast 51: Pluralism, Post-Modernism, Relativism, and Truth (Apologetics 2)[…]
Brian and Rochelle Allen of Vermont share their journey of faith, including how they became discontent with the traditional evangelical doctrines they grew up believing. In this interview they discuss how recontextualizing the bible in its Hebrew thought-world opened their eyes to understand Jesus so much better. He is the Jewish Messiah sent to redeem Read more about Interview 5: Seeking Truth Wherever It Leads (Brian and Rochelle Allen)[…]
Apologetics 1: Introduction Have you ever heard of apologetics? This is the field where Christians seek to provide the reasons for why they believe what they believe. In a post-Christian society, it is increasingly important to understand the reasons for your faith. For example, why do you believe in God’s existence? Why do you think Read more about Podcast 50: Why Defend Your Faith? (Apologetics 1)[…]
Some say faith-healing is a charade, concocted by charlatans to build their empires on the backs of the afflicted and suffering. Others think that Christians who reject healing contradict what Jesus said and did, preferring the comfort of tradition instead of unleashing God’s mighty power. What do you believe about supernatural healing? Listen in to Read more about Interview 4: Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical Healing (Bill and Anne DeNenno)[…]
How much time do you spend with God alone? Do you have a quiet time each day for scripture reading and prayer and meditation? Drawing on the image of the vine in John 15, Keith Daniel passionately advocates for a daily devotional time to abide in him. He argues that this time is the key Read more about Podcast 49: Abide in Me (Keith Daniel)[…]
Today Hugh Knowlton joins Restitutio to talk about how to handle important doctrinal differences with other Christians. So often such intra-Christian discussions generate more heat than light. Does that mean we should all just ignore our differences, forcing smiles and hoping that no one peers beneath our thin veneer of unity? Or should we charge Read more about Interview 3: A Letter to a Trinitarian (Hugh Knowlton)[…]
Have you heard about Esther’s courage? She had the audacity to stand for God in an incredibly dark time. Though the Persian Empire had decreed the genocide of her people, she could have easily remained in the closet about her ethnicity and enjoyed the comforts of the palace. Nonetheless, she would not stand idly by, Read more about Podcast 48: The Courage of Esther (Sean Finnegan)[…]
What does the bible teach about forgiveness? Is it optional or mandatory? Are Christians allowed to hold grudges? Do we only have to forgive if someone apologizes? Join us as we discuss four reasons why you should forgive: (1) if we don’t forgive others, God won’t forgive us; (2) forgiving others makes sense in light Read more about Off Script 12: Forgiveness[…]
Richard Hays, Professor of New Testament at Duke Divinity School, explains the incredible effect Jesus’ resurrection has on theology and practice. His lecture divides into two parts: (1) a proper New Testament understanding of the resurrection requires a robust affirmation of the resurrection of the body and (2) resurrection of the body is a sign Read more about Podcast 47: Resurrection Implications (Richard Hays)[…]
This is now our third and last episode in our series on work. We’ve talked about the Christian work ethic and honorable work (i.e., what sorts of jobs Christians should shoot for as well as avoid) and now today we are talking about work’s opposite: rest. This is a really important topic to consider. Listen Read more about Off Script 11: Resting from Work[…]
What do you believe about hospitality? The scriptures lay out three major kinds: (1) hospitality to the saints; (2) hospitality to the needy; (3) hospitality to the unbeliever. As it turns out showing hospitality is an important Christian practice, even if it takes courage to invite others into our houses. In our present age, hospitality Read more about Podcast 46: Hospitality Challenge (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Picking up where we left off last week, we continue discussing the Christian work ethic and, in particular, delve into Max Weber’s “Protestant work ethic” hypothesis. Next Rose shares about her own career path, including graduating with a 4.0 in graphic design and her two year struggle to find a career job. After that, we Read more about Off Script 10: Honorable Work, Millennials, and Unemployment[…]
This is now the third in a series of messages related to monotheism. Having established that the Father of Jesus is the only true God (John 17.3), we must be careful not denigrate or demote Jesus in any way. He is the perfect one who lived without sin and courageously faced death on behalf of Read more about Podcast 45: Talking with Jesus (John Cortright)[…]
What is the Christian work ethic? What does the bible say about work? Join Rose Rider, Sean Finnegan, and Daniel Fitzsimmons for an honest conversation about how the biblical understanding of work challenges us. Leaning on Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, as well as the epistles of Paul, they share how work is God’s gift to us, Read more about Off Script 9: Christian Work Ethic[…]
by Sean Finnegan The Shema has been the core creed of Judaism from the time of Moses to today. It stands as an immovable witness to God’s identity as well as our proper relation to him. Even though Jesus confessed the Shema, most Christians today aren’t familiar with it. This is because after the New Read more about Podcast 44: The Immutable Shema (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Who determines truth? Is there such a thing as objective truth or are all claims subjective in nature? Join Rose Rider, Daniel Fitzsimmons, and Sean Finnegan as they discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly about relativism before bringing in a biblical perspective to help you think through this critical issue.
by Vince Finnegan From Exodus and Deuteronomy, God makes clear who he is and how he wants his chosen people to worship him. He is Yahweh, the one God of Israel, the only one. His identity does not change. Sadly, later on God became the victim of identity theft, as Christians developed the dogma of Read more about Podcast 43: Identity Theft (Vince Finnegan)[…]
Have you ever struggled to interpret the bible? Although many today think only professionals who are trained in seminaries can understand the bible, the truth is that every reader is a theologian to some degree. The moment you pick up the book and begin reading, you also begin interpreting what you read. The only question Read more about Interview 2: Jerry Wierwille on Hermeneutics[…]
Last week I attended a youth camp in Indiana called FUEL. They assigned me the text on the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). As I pondered and prayed how I should approach this powerful parable, I sensed God wanted me to interweave my own story in with the prodigal. As a result, I decided to share Read more about Podcast 42: My Testimony (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Drawing on the work of Peter Scazzero, Jerry Wierwille discusses how we can avoid some of the common unhealthy emotional pitfalls. No matter if you are new to the faith or someone who has persevered for decades, this subject will make you examine yourself to see if there are issues you need to overcome. Access Read more about Interview 1: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Jerry Wierwille)[…]
by Tim Keller What drives you? What is that one person or thing or dream that you couldn’t live without? What thing if you lost it, could mean that almost all significance and value would be drained out of your life? Whatever that thing is, the bible calls it an idol, a counterfeit god. Tim Read more about Podcast 41: Counterfeit Gods (Tim Keller)[…]
Should Christians be patriotic? How patriotic should we be? Join Daniel Fitzsimmons, Rose Rider, and Sean Finnegan as they discuss issues related to patriotism and stake out a Christian perspective based on the example of Jesus and his earliest followers.
Historical Jesus 16: Resurrection Traumatized by their rabbi’s crucifixion, Jesus’ disciples endured maddening grief and cognitive dissonance as they tried to come to grips with what had happened. Into the midst of despair and helplessness, Jesus appeared. Although the first “Christians” were also the worst believers in his resurrection, eventually they came to see him, Read more about Podcast 40: Resurrection (Historical Jesus 16)[…]
Is consumerism a force for good or ill in our society today? How should Christians think about the ubiquity of advertising, our innate desire for novelty, and the allure of finding a deal? For this episode Ruth Finnegan joins in with Daniel Fitzsimmons, Rose Rider, and Sean Finnegan to consider the pros and cons of Read more about Off Script 6: Consumerism[…]
Historical Jesus 15: Crucifixion One of the most significant events in all of human history, Jesus’ crucifixion was at once a supreme miscarriage of justice while, at the same time, the supreme illustration of God’s love to humanity. We’ll join Jesus from the Garden of Gethsemane, agonizing in prayer before his God, to his arrest, Read more about Podcast 39: Crucifixion (Historical Jesus 15)[…]
Is scientific knowledge superior to all other forms of knowledge? How should Christians balance faith and reason? Join Rose Rider, Daniel Fitzsimmons, and Sean Finnegan as they discuss science and religion in an effort to describe and deconstruct the naive notion that science has all the answers. Read a detailed article on Scientism here.
Historical Jesus 14: Last Supper Why did Judas betray Jesus? What did Jesus teach his closest friends and followers at the last supper? Learn about the first “Lord’s Supper” or communion as well as what was on Jesus’ mind in his last hours before his arrest. He taught them how to carry on after he Read more about Podcast 38: Last Supper (Historical Jesus 14)[…]
Historical Jesus 13: Olivet Discourse Did Jesus predict the destruction of the Temple in a.d. 70? Did he predict the end of the world? Learn about Jesus’ Olivet Discourse and discover what he said about false Christs, persecution, the abomination of desolation, and the coming of the son of man. Course notes are available here.
Is the world getting better and better over time or worse and worse? Listen in to Rose Rider, Daniel Fitzsimmons, and Sean Finnegan as they discuss how our culture thinks about progress in order to help you understand the hidden forces at work. After discussing and deconstructing the idea of progress, they offer a helpful Read more about Off Script 4: Progress[…]
Historical Jesus 12: Intensified Conflict Once Jesus came into Jerusalem, his enemies threw “stumper questions” at him in an effort to discredit him before the populace. Jesus ably diffused these theological bombs and lobbed his own in return. He told parables about the religious leaders that infuriated them while delighting the crowds. Coupled with his Read more about Podcast 36: Intensified Conflict (Historical Jesus 12)[…]
Join Sean Finnegan, Dan Fitzsimmons, and Rose Rider for some interesting cultural analysis. We begin by looking at how the ethic of tolerance works in our culture before deconstructing it and providing a Christian point of view. Though many times tolerance can be a force for good, sometimes people use it as a stick to Read more about Off Script 3: Tolerance[…]
Historical Jesus 11: Entering Jerusalem When Jesus entered Jerusalem, it was not quietly, but triumphantly, riding a donkey while the crowds shout, “Hosanna!” This moment brings to and end his “messianic secret” and publicly declares to everyone that he was claiming to be the Jewish Messiah. His action in the temple further underlined this claim. Read more about Podcast 35: Entering Jerusalem (Historical Jesus 11)[…]
Daniel Fitzsimmons and I probe the culture by discussing one of the most influential hidden philosophies of life in our culture today–hyper-individualism. In a nut shell, hyper-individualism is a two step process: search within your heart to discover your deepest longings realize your dreams over against any external resistance This mindset has benefits and detriments Read more about Off Script 2: Hyper-Individualism[…]
Historical Jesus 10: Conflict From his birth to his untimely death, conflict dominated Jesus’ life. During his ministry the Pharisees disagreed with Jesus about the Sabbath, purity, divorce, and his style of ministry. Jesus called them out on pride, greed, and hypocrisy. Looking at how Jesus handled conflict serves as an example to those of Read more about Podcast 34: Conflict (Historical Jesus 10)[…]
In what ways is the culture putting a filter over your eyes? How is our world rewriting your script, adjusting your plausibility intuitions? For our first ever “Off Script” episode, I’m joined by two cohosts, Dan Fitzsimmons and Rose Rider, to discuss how our culture influences our lives as well as how to share the Read more about Off Script 1: Seeing the Filter[…]
Historical Jesus 9: Jewish Groups In order to understand Jesus, it helps to know what kinds of Jewish groups were around in his time. In particular, four massively influential Jewish groups vied for influence among the people of Christ’s time: the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots. Learn how Jesus compares and contrasts to these sects. Read more about Podcast 33: Jewish Groups (Historical Jesus 9)[…]
Historical Jesus 8: Paradoxical Submission Jesus enjoyed an intimate relationship with his Father. He often spent time with him in prayer, sometimes all night long. Throughout his ministry Jesus frequently spoke about how his words and deeds were not his own, but the Father’s who sent him. Paradoxically, by utterly submitting himself to God, he Read more about Podcast 32: Paradoxical Submission (Historical Jesus 8)[…]
Historical Jesus 7: Disciples of Jesus What does Jesus expect of his followers? What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? What is the cost of discipleship? Join me as I work through what Jesus said about his expectations and requirements of his disciples as well as the rewards he promises. This is Read more about Podcast 31: Disciples of Jesus (Historical Jesus 7)[…]
Historical Jesus 6: Rabbi Jesus Jesus was a Jewish rabbi who gathered disciples and taught them how to interpret the Torah–the sacred Scriptures of Moses. Learn how Jesus’ compared to other famous Jewish rabbis like Hillel and Shamai. In this episode, we’ll look at Jesus’ emphases and style in his teaching ministry. Anyone seeking to Read more about Podcast 30: Rabbi Jesus (Historical Jesus 6)[…]
Historical Jesus 5: Kingdom Saturated Ministry How should you understand Jesus’ miracles, healing ministry, and exorcisms? Surely, these are acts of compassion, but they are so much more. In this lecture, learn how Jesus’ deeds and words coalesce around his primary ministry focus–the kingdom of God. By examining three ancient Hebrew prophecies, you’ll see how Read more about Podcast 29: Kingdom Saturated Ministry (Historical Jesus 5)[…]
Historical Jesus 4: Baptism and Temptations Before he began his ministry, Jesus first had to receive John’s baptism and then overcome Satan’s temptations. After briefly explaining his baptism, we’ll go into detail exploring why Satan’s temptations were so tempting as well as what we can learn from Jesus’ example. How does Jesus defeat Satan where Read more about Podcast 28: Baptism and Temptations (Historical Jesus 4)[…]
Historical Jesus 3: Rulers in Christ’s World Life was very different in the world of Jesus, especially politics. In this lecture you will learn about the three main leaders that shaped Jesus’ time: Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, and Pontius Pilate. Drawing on the Jewish historian, Josephus, you will discover the cut-throat way that Roman Read more about Podcast 27: Rulers in Christ’s World (Historical Jesus 3)[…]
Historical Jesus 2: Birth of the Messiah Drawing on the promises God gave Abraham and David, and the historical events prior to Jesus’ life, we can get an idea of what messianic expectations were like when Jesus of Nazareth was born. In this lecture, learn how the birth of the messiah both fulfilled prophecy as Read more about Podcast 26: Birth of the Messiah (Historical Jesus 2)[…]
The Historical Jesus: What the Bible Says about the Life of Christ In this 16 lecture class I seek to answer the question: “Who is Jesus?” Join me as we journey through Gospels to see what the bible says about Jesus’ life. It is my hope that this class will inspire you to love Jesus, Read more about Podcast 25: Sources for Jesus’ Life (Historical Jesus 1)[…]
by Victor Gluckin In this fantastic evangelism sermon, Victor Gluckin lays out a biblical case for why we should reach out and share our faith with others. His zeal is contagious, his reasoning cogent, and his passion inspiring. If you are anything like me, you need to be encouraged in this area of your Christian Read more about Podcast 24: Now Is Our Time To Speak (Victor Gluckin)[…]
by Sean Finnegan In Genesis 1.26, God says, “Let us make man in our image.” Since this is the creation of humanity, he couldn’t have been speaking to any humans. So whom was God speaking to? One common interpretation is to say he was speaking to another person within his being–God the Son. But, this Read more about Podcast 23: Let Us Make Man (Sean Finnegan)[…]
by Blair Wingo Authentic Christianity requires both believing the biblical gospel as well as following Christ. Too often today we want to believe in Jesus as savior without following as lord. In this moving poem Blair Wingo sets the record straight. She appeals to the bible as the source for reintroducing the real Christ rather Read more about Podcast 22: Allow Me To Reintroduce the Christ (Blair Wingo)[…]
Most Christians never give worshiping Jesus a second thought. However, as biblical unitarians–those who believe the Father is the only true God–we do need to wrestle with this question. Some have argued that worshiping Jesus is tantamount to idolatry since we should only worship God. Others have taken the view that we can worship Jesus Read more about Podcast 21: Should We Worship Jesus? (Sean Finnegan)[…]
by Paul Washer In this convicting sermon Paul Washer exposes the unholiness that pervades much of Christian youth culture. Although I do not agree with much of what Washer stands for, this message of his significantly affected my life. It not only inspired me to live for God wholeheartedly, but also exposed the sneaky ways Read more about Podcast 20: Shocking Youth Message (Paul Washer)[…]
by Sean Finnegan What happens when people die? In this sermon I mention show the biblical “evidence” for heaven, hell, purgatory, ghosts, and reincarnation before revealing the overwhelming number of texts supporting the sleep of the dead. Focusing on John’s Gospel, I establish that (1) the dead are in their tombs asleep until they hear Read more about Podcast 19: Death Then What? (Sean Finnegan)[…]
Steve Gregg vs. Tom Morris Once you become saved can you lose your salvation? Listen to this debate to hear both sides of this important question. Admittedly, the debate does seem to be a bit of a mismatch, since Gregg is extremely well prepared and Morris could not answer many of Gregg’s points. Even so, Read more about Podcast 18: Eternal Security: Steve Gregg vs. Tom Morris[…]
by Sean Finnegan According to Jesus no one should call him “Lord” if he or she does not do what he says. In other words, Christ says he wants followers not merely believers. Although hippie Jesus, one-and-done Jesus, American Jesus, prosperity Jesus, poverty Jesus, and part-time Jesus all vie for all attention, we encounter the Read more about Podcast 17: Follow (Sean Finnegan)[…]
by Paris Reidhead One of the most famous classic sermons of all time, Paris Reidhead’s “Ten Shekels and a Shirt” calls into question why you serve God? From his account of missionary work to his observations of historic Christian preaching to other movements occurring in his own day, Reidhead weaves together an inspiring and very Read more about Podcast 16: Ten Shekels and a Shirt (Paris Reidhead)[…]
Here’s the original paper in pdf form. I presented this talk at the 18th Theological Conference held near Atlanta, GA. In it I present a case for the radical practice of loving our enemies. Whether you believe Christians can and should use violence to defend themselves or others or if you think more along the Read more about Podcast 15: A Theology of Nonviolence (Sean Finnegan)[…]
by Joel Hemphill In this short but revealing testimony, famed southern gospel singer Joel Hemphill tells his journey from oneness to one. Growing up in the “Jesus only” movement, he preached and sung about Jesus as God until the Father began to show him the light. His transparent honesty comes through as he narrates of Read more about Podcast 14: My Story, His Glory (Joel Hemphill)[…]
by Sean Finnegan According to Hebrew bible expert, Walter Bruegemann, all of us live by a script. He contends that our society is constantly scripting us with technological, therapeutic, consumer militarism. In the words of the Apostle Paul, we must fight this tendency by refusing to conform to this world but be transformed by the Read more about Podcast 13: What’s Your Script? (Sean Finnegan)[…]
by Keith Daniel So often husbands make grandiose declarations in the heat of the moment whereby they bind themselves to a destructive or vengeful course of action that inevitably results in shipwrecking their marriages. In this powerful sermon Keith Daniel provides sage advice for husbands and wives to stick together through the toughest times. As Read more about Podcast 12: Don’t Let Them Go (Keith Daniel)[…]
by Sean Finnegan Ephesians 6.12 tells us our struggle is not really against other humans but against spiritual forces. Learn how malignant powers influence people both directly (through demon possession) and indirectly (through the culture). Hopefully, this message will open your eyes to what is happening behind the scenes as Satan works to keep people Read more about Podcast 11: Wrestling against Spiritual Forces (Sean Finnegan)[…]
by Chris Date & Phil Fernandez What does the bible teach about hell? In hell do the damned experience eternal conscious torment or are they annihilated? Phil Fernandes affirms the “traditional” view of a fiery torture chamber whereas Chris Date defends the proposition that God will destroy people in the fire. Obviously, I have a Read more about Podcast 10: Is Hell Forever? Chris Date vs. Phil Fernandez[…]
by Sean Finnegan What’s the difference between God and Jesus. Many Christians believe they are mysteriously one in being, but what do the scriptures teach? It turns out the bible clearly distinguishes between these two individuals and their attributes preclude their metaphysical oneness. Listen in to hear the evidence for why Jesus is the son Read more about Podcast 9: God and Jesus: An Overview (Sean Finnegan)[…]
by Sean Finnegan Why did Jesus so often tell people to be quiet when they discovered he was the messiah? Christianity is all about telling the world this truth. In fact, Jesus’ last words–the Great Commission–include the mandate to spread the gospel around the world. So, why was it that in his own ministry he Read more about Podcast 7: The Secret Messiah & the Triumphal Entry (Sean Finnegan)[…]
by Keith Daniel Hailing from South Africa, Keith Daniel is one of the best preachers I’ve ever heard. His unmitigated passion and lived experience colors his biblical exposition in a way that urges the listener to be better for God. This sermon is not really a sermon but a biography of his father. In it Read more about Podcast 6: My Godly Father (Keith Daniel)[…]
by Sean Finnegan Why do we believe that Jesus is the Jewish messiah? What is our evidence? Taking a look at contemporary miracle workers like Honi the Circle Drawer and Hanina ben Dosa, Jesus of Nazareth stands out as an exceptional healer and exorcist. Taking our cue from ancient Jewish interpretations of Isaiah 53, we Read more about Podcast 5: Miracles & Messiahs: How Jesus Best Fits Prophecy (Sean Finnegan)[…]
by Craig Blomberg This is one of those areas where, as a preacher, I can’t help but be very sensitive. Although most pastors struggle with just enough to get by, a few have amassed great wealth or even embezzled people’s contributions. Because of some very public bad examples, people tend to be leery of listening Read more about Podcast 4: A Biblical Theology of Finance (Craig Blomberg)[…]
by Sean Finnegan Have you ever wondered what happened between the Old Testament and the New Testament? When the Old Testament closes the people have returned to their land after the 70 year captivity and are living under the Persian empire, though they have significant freedoms, including the right to worship God in the rebuilt Read more about Podcast 3: Between the Testaments (Sean Finnegan)[…]
by Ben Witherington III Have you heard about the controversial James Ossuary? An ossuary is a small coffin, often made of limestone, that the Jews in the second Temple period used for the bones of their deceased loved ones. Someone found an ossuary with the inscription “James son of Joseph, his brother is Jesus.” Could Read more about Podcast 2: James Ossuary (Ben Witherington)[…]
by Sean Finnegan What is the meaning of life? What is the reason to live? Why are you here? What are you living for? In what ways does your life make a difference? How do you lead a meaningful life? Listen to this message to discover not only what happiness experts says, but, more importantly, Read more about Podcast 1: Keys to a Meaningful Life (Sean Finnegan)[…]