That’ll Preach

Reforming Without Radicalism (Replay) — with Brad Littlejohn

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Everyone talks about polarization in America—political, cultural, and even within the church. Reactivity has become the norm, and with it, a quiet anxiety that shapes how Christians think, argue, and divide.

So where do we turn for wisdom when disagreement feels unavoidable?

In this reposted conversation, Dr. Brad Littlejohn introduces us to Richard Hooker, a Reformed Anglican theologian who navigated deep tensions during the Reformation between Presbyterians and Episcopalians. Hooker offers a model for holding conviction without radicalism, and reform without hubris.

We explore how Hooker sought to combine the theological clarity of Protestantism with the formative power of historic liturgy—and why his approach speaks directly to our present moment of social change and gridlock.

This episode is a timely reminder that faithful reform requires patience, humility, and a refusal to let anxiety drive the church.

Show Notes

Get Hooker's Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity Vol. 1 in Modern English:

https://davenantinstitute.org/hookers-laws-i https://davenantinstitute.org/god-is

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

The Thinker Who Changed Christian Theology Forever — with Gerald Bray

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Few figures in church history are as controversial—or as influential—as Origen. Brilliant, speculative, and often misunderstood, his ideas sparked debate in his own lifetime and cast a long shadow over Christian theology for centuries to follow.

In this episode, Gerald Bray (Beeson Divinity School) joins us to explore who Origen really was, why some of his ideas were considered problematic, and why he remains impossible to ignore. We discuss Origen as a major turning point in the intellectual life of the church—one of the first to seriously systematize the Christian faith, ask hard questions, and push theology into new territory.

This conversation isn’t about rehabilitating Origen or dismissing him, but about understanding why engaging him still stretches the church’s thinking today—and why his legacy continues to provoke, challenge, and stimulate serious theological reflection.

Support the Podcast

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Why Community Doesn’t Form by Accident — with Paul Gutacker

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:34:22 -0400

What actually helps Christians grow together over time? In this episode, Paul Gutacker joins us to discuss his book Practicing Life Together, exploring how shared spiritual practices shape both personal faith and Christian community. Using the idea of a rule of life as a trellis, Paul shows how habits like prayer, shared meals, study, and Sabbath provide structure that supports lasting growth. This conversation offers a practical and hopeful vision for intentional Christian living—together.

Show Notes

Purchase Paul’s book: https://a.co/d/2BSbNzt

Support the Podcast

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

When God Leads Through Weak People — with Dave Harvey

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Christian leadership often celebrates strength — gifting, vision, productivity. But Scripture keeps pushing us somewhere counterintuitive: to weakness, dependence, and the kind of leadership where God’s power is the point, not ours. In this episode, Dave Harvey unpacks the core message of The Clay Pot Conspiracy: leaders don’t fall because they’re weak — they fall because they hide it. And when we cover our limits, protect our image, or outrun our character, we step away from the very place where God works most powerfully. We talk about the quiet patterns that shape leaders over time, why vulnerability is essential for integrity, and how embracing our fragility isn’t a liability but the doorway to sustained, God-dependent ministry. For pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone who wants to lead without pretending to be strong, this conversation offers a clear, honest, and deeply hopeful path forward.

Show Notes

Purchase Dave’s Book: https://a.co/d/5GNqVtk Learn more about Dave’s work: https://revdaveharvey.com/

Support the Podcast

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

What the Early Church Thought About the End of the World — with Michael Svigel

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0400

What did the early Christians actually expect about the future? Were they vague or symbolic, or did they have a clear picture of what was to come?

In this episode, Dr. Michael Svigel shares insights from his book Fathers on the Future, revealing that second-century leaders like Irenaeus anticipated a real, visible kingdom, Christ’s return, and a renewed world.

We’ll explore:

How the early church imagined the future
Common misunderstandings about their expectations
What we can learn about hope and faith from their perspective

Even if you’re not familiar with debates about the “millennium” or the end times, this conversation offers a fascinating window into how the first Christians lived in light of what they believed was coming.

Purchase Michael’s Book: https://a.co/d/jjeZz2K

Learn more about Michael’s work: https://fathersonthefuture.com/

Support the Podcast

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Learning to Pray with the Book of Common Prayer — with Jonathan Kanary

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Most of us learn to pray by listening to others. But what if we could learn from the prayers of believers who have gone before us — prayers shaped by Scripture, refined through centuries, and written to form our hearts and words together?

In this episode, we talk with Jonathan Kanary about The Book of Common Prayer — what it is, how it’s structured, and why it’s one of the most deeply Protestant resources ever written. They explore how written prayers don’t replace spontaneous prayer, but actually train us for it, and how praying together with common words shapes a community in faith, humility, and love.

If you’ve ever wondered whether written prayers are “too formal” or “too high church,” this conversation will give you a fresh, surprising look at a book designed to help ordinary believers learn to pray.

Replay: What Every Christian Can Learn from the Church Fathers

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0300

We’re reposting this episode in anticipation of Reformation Day. John Henry Newman once said, "To be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant." Dr. Michael Haykin disagrees — and in this conversation, he shows why Christians today need the wisdom of the early Church Fathers.

Join us as we explore:

What Cyprian, Athanasius, Augustine, Ignatius, Irenaeus, and Clement teach about baptism, communion, and church leadership
Common myths about the Church Fathers and why their example of faithful, reflective living matters today
How their pursuit of holiness can shape your daily devotion and spiritual growth
Fun (and surprising) clarifications: Is John MacArthur a bishop? Are Presbyterians right about infant baptism?

Support the Podcast

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

The Case for Baptizing Children (Part 2): A Follow-Up to My Interview with Samuel Parkison

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0300

A follow-up to my conversation with Samuel Parkison on baptism and the faith of children. We rightly guard against false assurance—but can that caution lead us to delay baptism too long? In this episode, we explore household theology, the “paedobaptist pull,” and the danger of penalizing kids for good catechesis or “boring” testimonies. How can Baptists recover discernment without drifting into legalism or despair?

Read Samuel’s Article: https://samuelparkison.substack.com/p/the-baptist-case-for-baptizing-believing

Subscribe to Samuel’s Substack: https://samuelparkison.substack.com/

Support the Podcast

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

The Case for Baptizing Children (Part 1) — with Samuel Parkison

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0300

Many Baptists delay baptism for children, but is that really faithful to Scripture and the church’s theology? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Samuel Parkison to discuss his provocative case for baptizing believing children. We explore why hesitation often stems from fear of “false professions,” how delaying baptism can unintentionally weaken our view of membership and the sacraments, and what it looks like to encourage genuine childhood piety without lapsing into legalism. Samuel also shares practical wisdom on how pastors and congregations can discern a child’s faith, navigate questions of “re-baptism,” and recover a healthier, grace-filled culture of catechesis.

Read Samuel’s Article: https://samuelparkison.substack.com/p/the-baptist-case-for-baptizing-believing

Subscribe to Samuel’s Substack: https://samuelparkison.substack.com/

Support the Podcast

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Understanding the Story of Scripture — with Jonathan Linebaugh

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0300

If you’ve ever wondered how the Bible fits together—or how its story leads us to Jesus—this episode is for you. I sit down with Dr. Jonathan Linebaugh, New Testament scholar and expert on Paul’s theology, to explore how the law, grace, and gospel fit within the grand narrative of Scripture. We talk about how Paul reads the Old Testament, why the gospel is not just good advice but good news, and how grasping the biblical story can reshape the way we live as Christians today.

Get Jonathan’s book: The Well that Washes What It Shows

Support the Podcast

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

From the Archives: Protestants vs. Roman Catholics on Justification — with Guillaume Bignon

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0300

From the Archives:

Revisiting an old favorite! Think you know the Reformation? Most Protestants reject Catholic teaching—but do we really understand what was at stake? In this episode, Dr. Guillaume Bignon unpacks the real debates between Catholics and Protestants and shows why they still matter for our faith today.

Support the Podcast

- Support us on Patreon
- Website: thatllpreach.io
- IG: thatllpreachpodcast
- YouTube Channel

Baptists, Fundamentalism, and the Path of Retrieval — with Wyatt Graham

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:27:26 -0300

In this episode, I sit down with Wyatt Graham, Executive Director of The Davenant Institute and TGC Canada, to explore what it means for Baptists to embrace Protestant retrieval today. We trace how Baptists began as a renewal movement within the wider church, seeking to recover biblical faithfulness, and how that story speaks into our present moment.

Wyatt helps us wrestle with the dangers of fundamentalism, the temptation of fragmentation, and the hope of retrieval for shaping a deeper, more catholic, and more reformed Baptist identity. Together, we ask what it would look like for Baptists not merely to react to culture, but to recover the riches of the historic Christian tradition for the renewal of the church.

👉 Learn more about Wyatt’s work at The Davenant Institute
👉 Explore more from Wyatt at TGC Canada

Support the Podcast

- Support us on Patreon
- Website: thatllpreach.io
- IG: thatllpreachpodcast
- YouTube Channel

Recovering the Art of Catechesis — with Dr. Alex Fogleman

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0300

In a time when discipleship often feels like a buzzword, how do we actually form Christians who know and love the faith?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Alex Fogleman, author of Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice. We dive into how the ancient practice of catechesis can revitalize discipleship today. From the early church’s baptismal formation to practical wisdom for modern churches, Dr. Fogleman shows how catechesis isn’t just for kids—it’s a rich, intentional process for forming mature believers in doctrine, worship, and life.

Get Alex’s Book

Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice: https://a.co/d/ixZ1Vze

Support the Podcast

- Support us on Patreon
- Website: thatllpreach.io
- IG: thatllpreachpodcast
- YouTube Channel

Why Baptist History Still Matters w/ Dr. Matthew Bingham

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0300

What if the Baptists weren’t just a pragmatic breakaway movement—but a theologically rich tradition born out of deep conviction?

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Matthew Bingham, Associate Professor of Church History at Phoenix Seminary and author of Orthodox Radicals: Baptist Identity in the English Revolution. We talk about the real origins of the Baptist movement, the surprising ways early Baptists saw themselves in relation to the wider Reformed tradition, and what that means for evangelicals today—especially those wrestling with a pull toward higher-church traditions.

Dr. Bingham’s Books:

Orthodox Radicals: Baptist Identity in the English Revolution: https://a.co/d/7wQCMoI

A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation: https://a.co/d/04TRmRH

Support the Podcast

- Support us on Patreon
- Website: thatllpreach.io
- IG: thatllpreachpodcast
- YouTube Channel

Understanding God’s Mercy with Ryan Hurd

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0300

In this episode, we sit down with theologian Ryan Hurd to explore one of the most profound and often misunderstood attributes of God: His mercy.

Drawing from his deep engagement with classical theism, scholastic theology, and biblical exegesis, Ryan walks us through the rich doctrinal framework that helps us understand how God's mercy is not in conflict with His immutability or sovereignty, but rather flows from the very heart of who God is. We talk about how modern theology often misses the mark by reading human emotion back into God. If you’ve ever wrestled with how God can be merciful without changing, this episode is for you.

Follow Ryan’s writing on Substack: https://rmhurd.substack.com/
Take a Class from Ryan: https://davenanthall.com/

Support the Podcast

- Support us on Patreon
- Website: thatllpreach.io
- IG: thatllpreachpodcast
- YouTube Channel

Ecclesiastes, Joy, and Life Under the Sun with Bobby Jamieson

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0300

In this episode, we sit down with Bobby Jamieson, senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Chapel Hill and author of the insightful new book Everything Is Never Enough: Ecclesiastes' Surprising Path to Resilient Happiness. Bobby draws on his scholarly background and pastoral heart to guide us through Ecclesiastes—not as a gloomy tragedy, but as a gateway to deeper, enduring joy grounded in God’s goodness.

We dig into themes like ambition, burnout, fleeting pleasures, and finding satisfaction unmasked by the relentless pursuit of “more.” Bobby shows how this ancient wisdom speaks directly into our fast-paced, high-expectation culture, pointing us toward a joy that lasts.

🔗 Learn more about Trinity Baptist Church: https://www.trinitybc.church/
📘 Grab Bobby’s Book: Everything Is Never Enough on Amazon

Support the Podcast

- Support us on Patreon
- Website: thatllpreach.io
- IG: thatllpreachpodcast
- YouTube Channel

Athanasius, Incarnation, and the Renewal of the World with Jeremy Treat

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0300

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremy Treat, pastor for preaching and vision at Reality LA and author of the new book, On the Incarnation: The Good News of Jesus for the Renewal of the World. Drawing from the brilliance of Athanasius—an early church father who defended the full divinity of Christ—Treat makes ancient theology come alive for modern readers.

We explore how Athanasius's Christ-centered theology speaks to the cosmic scope of salvation, the brokenness of our world, and the beauty of Jesus’s incarnation. Jeremy also shares how theology and pastoral ministry intersect in his own life, and why recovering the early church’s voice matters today.

Buy the Book: On the Incarnation: The Good News of Jesus for the Renewal of the World

Whether you're new to church history or looking to go deeper into the Incarnation, this episode will help you see why the theology of Athanasius still matters—and why Jesus didn’t just save souls, but came to renew everything.

Support the Podcast

- Support us on Patreon
- Website: thatllpreach.io
- IG: thatllpreachpodcast
- YouTube Channel

Baptists, Tradition, and the Great Retrieval with Ian Clary

Tue, 27 May 2025 06:00:00 -0300

Are Baptists just LARP-ing when they talk about tradition and retrieval? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ian Clary—historian, theologian, and co-host of Into Theology—to explore how Baptists fit within both the Protestant and broader catholic tradition. We dive into questions of church history, patristic theology, and the resurgence of retrieval among younger evangelicals. Can Baptists draw from the deep wells of Nicaea, Augustine, and Aquinas without losing their distinctives? Are we heirs or imposters in the great tradition? Find out in this episode.

Support the Podcast

- Support us on Patreon
- Website: thatllpreach.io
- IG: thatllpreachpodcast
- YouTube Channel

Resources & Affiliations:

Are Virtues Gendered? Rethinking Masculine and Feminine Formation

Tue, 13 May 2025 06:00:00 -0300

Are courage, wisdom, humility, and justice gendered? Are certain virtues inherently masculine or feminine? Drawing on philosophical reasoning, Aristotelian ethics, and the incarnational model of Christ, we explore three compelling arguments for why virtue should be understood as fully human, not gender-coded.

Support the Podcast

Triune Relations: Rediscovering the Heart of Trinitarian Doctrine with Blair Smith

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0300

How do we understand the relationship between the Persons of the Trinity—and why does it matter?

We sit down with Dr. Blair Smith, President of RTS Charlotte to talk about the centrality of the Trinity to Christian faith and practice, common misconceptions about “eternal generation”, modern misunderstandings about hierarchy and subordination in the Trinity, and how a Trinitarian theology transforms our prayer life. If you care about understanding God rightly—and living in deeper communion with Him—you don’t want to miss this episode.

🔗 Resources and Links:

RTS Charlotte: rts.edu/campuses/charlotte
Blair Smith Faculty Page: https://rts.edu/people/dr-d-blair-smith/rts.edu/charlotte/faculty

Support the Podcast

Baptism in the Early Church: History, Households, and Justin Martyr with Andrew Koperski

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0300

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Koperski (Hillsdale College, Ad Fontes) to explore one of the most debated and often misunderstood practices in the history of Christianity: baptism. Drawing from his in-depth research, Andrew takes us through the earliest Christian sources—from Second Temple Judaism to Justin Martyr, and from household baptisms to the evolving liturgical traditions of the early church.

We discuss:

Did the earliest Christians baptize infants or only professing believers?
How did the theology of the church fathers evolve and adapt to the shifting environment of the Roman Empire?
What role does sociology play in the development of infant baptism?
Why modern categories of “credobaptist” and “paedobaptist” may not neatly map onto the early church.

Resources from this episode:

Justin Martyr: Ostensible Credobaptist?
https://adfontesjournal.com/andrew-koperski/justin-martyr-ostensible-credobaptist/

Baptismal Trajectories in Early Christianity (Part I): The Liturgical Dark Age & Second Temple Judaism
https://adfontesjournal.com/church-history/baptismal-trajectories-in-early-christianity-part-i-the-liturgical-dark-age-and-second-temple-judaism/

Part II: Households, Tertullian, and Archeology
https://adfontesjournal.com/church-history/baptismal-trajectories-in-early-christianity-part-ii-households-tertullian-and-archeology/

Part III: Toward an Explanation
https://adfontesjournal.com/church-history/baptismal-trajectories-in-early-christianity-part-iii-toward-an-explanation/

Support the Podcast

Why Shared Leadership Builds Stronger Churches with Dave Harvey

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0300

What happens when church leadership stops being a one-man show? In this episode, we sit down with Dave Harvey, President of The Great Commission Collective, to discuss his book The Plurality Principle We dive into why shared leadership isn’t just a good idea, but a biblical necessity, how to navigate power dynamics among elders, and what happens when churches get plurality wrong.

Dave shares insights on leading well, avoiding burnout, and creating a team that thrives—not one that just survives. We also discuss the role of a “first among equals” and why accountability is essential for long-term health in church leadership.

Resources from this episode:

Dave Harvey’s Website → https://revdaveharvey.com/
Am I Called? (Helping Leaders Discern Their Calling) → https://amicalled.com/
Great Commission Collective → https://www.gccollective.org/
Tim Keller on Leadership & Church Dynamics → https://gospelinlife.com/manual-paper/leadership-and-church-size-dynamics/

Support the Podcast

Fasting to Draw Near: An Ash Wednesday Reflection

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0300

In this episode, we explore the significance of Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent—40 days of repentance, mourning, and fasting in preparation for Easter. Drawing parallels to an athlete’s disciplined training, we discuss how fasting trains us to rely on God’s Word rather than our appetites. Jesus Himself calls us to fast, and through this practice, we create space for prayer, reflection, and repentance. We dive into the deeper purpose of fasting, how it sharpens our prayers, and how it helps us live in greater dependence on God.

Show Notes

Listen to Jay’s Interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thatll-preach/id1585680895?i=1000697624037

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Lent: Beyond Social Media – The Discipline of Fasting with Jay Thomas

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 07:31:04 -0400

Lent is more than giving up social media—it’s a season of discipline, abstinence, and reliance on God. In this episode, we explore the history of Lent, common misconceptions, and the purpose of fasting. True fasting disciplines both body and soul, teaching us to depend on God rather than our most basic needs. If we can’t give up a meal for Christ, how can we give up our lives? Join us as we reflect on Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness and what it means to live by every word from the mouth of God.

Show Notes

Visit: St. Mark’s Anglican Church

Jay’s Substack: https://jaybthomas14.substack.com/

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

How to Enjoy Reading the Bible

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Struggling to stay consistent in your Bible reading? Feeling stuck in your spiritual growth? In this episode, we explore how to cultivate a deep, sustainable joy in God’s Word—no guilt trips, just practical tools to help you engage Scripture in a way that sticks. From biblical meditation to church resources, we’ll show you how method fuels motivation.

Show Notes

Recommended Resource: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Don Whitney – Get it here

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Equipping the Church Worldwide: Building Seminaries and Training Leaders with John Miller

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0400

What if every pastor had access to deep, biblical theological training—no matter where they lived?

In this episode, we sit down with John Miller, Vice President and Academic Dean at Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary, whose mission is nothing short of transformational. With a burning passion to equip indigenous pastors, John is spearheading efforts to plant seminaries around the world, ensuring that church leaders in Africa, Asia, and beyond have the theological foundation they need to shepherd their congregations faithfully.

John shares his personal journey—how God led him from the classroom to the frontlines of global theological training. He paints a picture of the urgent need for solid biblical education in regions where pastors often lead churches with little to no formal training. We’ll hear powerful stories from his work overseas, the challenges of building sustainable seminaries, and why equipping local leaders is the key to lasting gospel impact.

Show Notes

International Seminary Affiliates – Explore the global seminaries where John Miller teaches and trains pastors. Learn More

Theological Training in Kenya – Discover TPC (The Pastor’s College), where John teaches and advises. Visit TPC

Global Seminaries:

Facultad Teológica Bautista – Training pastors in Colombia. Website
Seminario Bautista Confesional Ecuador – Equipping church leaders in Ecuador. Facebook
Seminário Batista Confessional Brasil – Strengthening Reformed theology in Brazil. Website
Seminario Bautista Confesional México – Training indigenous pastors in Mexico. Website
Seminario Bautista Confesional Chile – Biblical training for pastors in Chile. Website
Lusaka Ministerial College – Theological education for pastors in Zambia. Website
Lux In Tenebris Reformed – Gospel-centered training in Nigeria. Website

Spanish Resources – Legado Bautista Confesional is translating and publishing key theological works into Spanish. Explore More

For more details on how you can support or get involved, visit Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary.

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Practicing the Presence: Application

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In the final episode of our series on Brother Lawrence’s Practicing the Presence of God, we explore how to bring his insights into our daily lives. Can we truly experience God as he did, or are his claims too lofty or unrealistic? We also discuss how serving others and fostering friendships can indirectly deepen our awareness of God’s presence, offering practical ways to grow spiritually.

Show Notes

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Christian Freedom, Politics, and Religious Liberty with Brad Littlejohn

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0400

It’s no secret that many Christians feel disoriented when it comes to understanding the relationship between faith and politics. Much of this confusion comes from the fact that we’ve adopted a modern conception of freedom. To the modern mind freedom refers to the ability to do whatever you want, but what if that assumption is wrong? What if Christianity provides a concept of freedom that’s not only true, but beneficial for the common good? Brad Littlejohn joins us to talk about a Christian conception of freedom, a proper understanding of religious liberty, and the role of technology in shaping our society for good or ill.

Show Notes

Purchase Brad’s Book: Called to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License

Subscribe to Brad’s Substack Commonwealth Dispatches

Learn more about the Ethics and Public Policy Center: https://eppc.org/

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Practicing the Presence: Attention

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0400

We continue our series on Brother Lawrence’s classic work Practicing the Presence of God by focusing, no pun intended, on the topic of attention. One of the great insights that Brother Lawrence brings to the table is the reality that attention to God is something we train through discipline and practice. It’s not something that happens over night which challenges us to consider the ways distraction prevents us from awareness of God. We also talk about how what we pay attention to either forms or deforms us based upon what we focus on as well as how a lack of attention may lie behind every sin.

Show Notes

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0300

Do you want a deeper connection to the historic roots of Christianity, but don’t know where to start? Dr. Matt Hoskin of the Davenant Institute joins us to tell the story of the first thousand years of Christianity through the seven ecumenical councils. Along the way we’ll discuss the controversies surrounding the divinity and humanity of Christ, the veneration of icons, and the political intrigue that surrounded it all. Buckle up for a wild tour of church history full of twists, turns, and unexpected outcomes.

Show Notes

Davenant Institute: https://davenantinstitute.org/

Matt’s Podcast Devotion to Christ: Anglican Spirituality, a Tradition for Today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/devotion-to-christ-anglican-spirituality-a/id1647857228

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

The Sin of Shyness (Respectable Sins Series)

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0300

Did you know that shyness is a sin? Well technically the term is “pusillanimity” — a smallness of soul. Theologians of the past describe this vice as a failure to trust God. We fear the opinions of others so we shrink back from taking risks for God, serving others, and standing up for our convictions. This particular vice often masquerades as humility, but in reality demonstrates self-focus that dishonors God and our own humanity.

Show Notes

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Why Protestants Have Thinner Bibles than Roman Catholics with John Meade

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0300

There’s a common myth that Martin Luther cut out seven books of the Old Testament as a way to remove biblical support for Roman Catholic doctrines. In reality the early church disputed whether to include the “deuterocanon” or “apocrypha” from the Old Testament Scriptures and this debate carried on until the Council of Trent in 1545. So why did the Reformers reject books like 1-2 Maccabees, Tobit, Judith, and Wisdom of Solomon, not to mention additional chapters of both Esther and Daniel? And how does recent scholarship on this issue get to the bottom of this dispute? John Meade From Phoenix Seminary joins us to shed light on this controversy by looking at early church canon lists and little known facts about the Reformers, Trent, Augustine, Jerome, and the significance of the collection of OT Greek translations called the “Septuagint”.

Show Notes

John’s Books:

Scribes and Scripture: https://a.co/d/eW0vPYT

The Biblical Canon Lists From Early Christianity: https://a.co/d/ettaa2R

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

The Sin of Insensitivity (Respectable Sins Series)

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0300

We rightly avoid over-indulgence in pleasure, but what happens when we under-indulge? When we refuse to enjoy the gifts of God the way he intended? In this episode we continue our series on respectable sins by talking about the sin of insensitivity. Someone may seem outwardly reverent and pious, but actually lack any affection at all for the things he believes. We’re not just talking about bare emotions, but rather a joyful disposition appropriate for Christians. Christianity is not for curmudgeons.

Show Notes

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Romans 11 and the Resurrection of Israel with Jason Staples

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0300

There are few sections in the Bible more controversial than Romans 9-11. What does Paul mean when he says that “All Israel will be saved?” And why does he apply passages of the Bible reserved for the reunification of the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel to the Gentiles? And how does this affect the way we understand Israel today? Jason Staples tackles these questions head on in this episode. We’re going to talk about the difference between being an Israelite and a being a Jew, the overlooked details in Hosea’s prophecies, and the mind-bending way God purposes even the disobedience of his people for their good.

Show Notes

Jason’s books:

Paul and the Resurrection of Israel

The Idea of Israel

Jason’s Website: https://www.jasonstaples.com/

Jason’s FSU Seminoles Podcast: https://www.unconqueredpodcast.com/

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Did the Reformation Ruin Everything? with Michael Lynch

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0300

Protestantism gets blamed for a lot of things: rampant individualism, denigration of authority, deviation from tradition, and the disenchantment of the world. But is this the true story of the Reformation? Michael Lynch from the Davenant Institute begs to differ. We talk about the theological and political underpinnings of the Reformation as well as the philosophical shifts in society that affected both Protestants and Catholics. We also talk about the contribution of Protestants to art, music, and aesthetics by looking to the post-Reformation era, specifically the Reformed scholastics. Check out this episode and find out how history is much more complicated than we think.

Show Notes

Get Michael’s translation of John Davenant’s “On the Death of Christ”

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

The Sin of Cowardice (Respectable Sins Series)

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0300

We continue our series on respectable sins by talking about the vice of cowardice. The virtue of courage stands between the vices of cowardice and recklessness. If you’re too reckless you’re dying on too many hills, but cowardice prevents us from taking a stand at all. In this episode we talk about why recklessness is preferable to cowardice and subtle ways fear of man creeps into our lives. We also discuss ways to counteract both cowardice and recklessness so that we develop true courage.

Show Notes

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

The Sin of Curiosity (Respectable Sins Series)

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0300

We start a new series on “respectable sins” which talks about the vices we often mistake for virtues. In this episode we talk about curiosity as a vice. In an age where information is abundant and easily accessible, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the constant influx of data. But are we equipped with the moral formation necessary to use this information wisely?

Join us as we explore the teachings of Thomas Aquinas and other voices from the church tradition on the virtues of focus, studiousness, and attention. We will discuss how the unchecked pursuit of knowledge can lead to distraction and a lack of discernment, while a disciplined approach to learning can help us grow in wisdom and virtue.

Show Notes

Thomas Aquinas on Curiosity

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

The Spirituality of the Early Church with Dr. Alex Fogleman

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0300

Theologians today talk about “participation” in Christ and the need for “catechesis” — but what do these terms actually mean? Dr. Alex Fogleman joins us to talk about how the early church understood discipleship, sacraments, justification, and the nature of the church. We also discuss how modern day Christians can draw on the wisdom of the past to inform the church of the future.

Show Notes

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Can Gossip Be Good? with Matthew Lee Anderson

Tue, 28 May 2024 07:01:00 -0300

Churches rightly warn against gossip, but also the need to hold people accountable for their sins. Matthew Lee Anderson of Mere Fidelity argues for that certain specific circumstances may permit the use of gossip to protect a vulnerable third party. He draws from the moral and theological tradition of the church to identify specific criteria for the usage of gossip as well as a warning about the dangers of gossip. We also talk about the need for churches to clamp down on gossip and the courage required to challenge a brother face to face.

Show Notes

Check out Matt’s podcast: https://merefidelity.com/

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

A Brief Update

Tue, 21 May 2024 07:00:00 -0300

A quick update on posting schedule: we’re changing our episode schedule from every week to twice a month. We also provide a preview of upcoming interviews with Michael Lynch on the Reformation and Modernity, Matthew Lee Anderson on the Morality of Gossip, and Alex Fogleman on the Patristics.

Show Notes

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Unlocking the Mysteries of Acts with Dr. Robert Cara

Tue, 14 May 2024 07:00:00 -0300

Acts features a lot of events that puzzle our modern ears: flaming tongues, exorcisms, miraculous jailbreaks and sweeping revivals, but a closer inspection reveals the story of God doing extraordinary things through ordinary means. Dr. Robert Cara joins us help shed light on the narrative of Acts as well as give us categories for understanding both the extraordinary and ordinary ways God works through his church. He also helps us understand the relationship between Israel and the church, the authority of the Jerusalem council, and the ways Acts should and should not instruct the church’s modern day mission.

Show Notes

Listen to Dr. Cara’s lectures on the RTS Mobile App

Get Dr. Cara’s Hebrews Commentary

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Should We Baptize Babies? with Dr. Steve Wellum

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0300

If you’re thinking through baptism for yourself or your family check out this episode! We get into the controversial debate over the proper subjects of baptism. Dr. Steve Wellum from Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky makes the case that baptism is only for men and women who make a credible profession of faith over and against the theology of Reformers like John Calvin and Martin Luther. We talk about the history and theological significance of baptism as well as the practical importance it holds as a discipleship tool. Reformed Baptists and Presbyterians both appreciate the role of the natural and spiritual family in raising Christians, but differ on the role baptism plays. Both traditions also recognize the significance of covenants as they play out through the Scriptures, but differ on the relationships between those covenants (covenant of grace, Abrahamic covenant, New Covenant etc…). We also discuss common objections to credobaptism or “believers-only” baptism.

Show Notes

Dr. Wellum’s Books:

Kingdom Through Covenant

Systematic Theology, Volume 1: From Canon to Concept

Subscribe to Dr. Wellum’s Podcast Christ Over All

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Getting a Grip on Systematic Theology with Derek Rishmawy

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0300

There’s a long-standing tensions between the academic disciplines of Systematic theology and Biblical theology. In this episode, Derek Rishmawy from the Mere Fidelity podcast joins us to try to bridge the gap by appreciating the insights of both. We talk about the role and importance of systematics not only in giving us conceptual clarity, but also in ministering to our souls. As a campus minister, Derek regularly draws upon his systematic training to apply the gospel to Gen Z students crippled with anxiety, doubt, and questions about identity. We also talk about practical ways pastors can help their congregations grow in their understanding of doctrine and its application to everyday life.

Check out Derek’s blog: https://derekzrishmawy.com/

Check out Derek’s podcast: https://merefidelity.com/

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Masculinity, Negative World, and the Future of Evangelicalism (Interview with Aaron Renn)

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0300

If you’ve noticed a shift in Evangelicalism over the past five years you’re not alone. Aaron Renn, host of the Aaron Renn Show, joins us to talk about his book Life in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture. We talk about the why figures like Jordan Peterson and Jocko Willink draw the attention of many Christian young men struggling to make sense of their lives.

We also discuss the shift from “neutral world” in which Christianity serves as one religious option among many to the more hostile “negative world” as well as ways this shift fractured and split the modern conservative Evangelical movement. Finally, we talk about ways Evangelicals can not only adapt to negative world, but also take advantage of new opportunities while navigating the difficult waters of modern politics.

Get Aaron’s Book Life in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture: https://a.co/d/eXowOid

Subscribe to Aaron’s Podcast and Substack at https://www.aaronrenn.com/

YouTube Channel: @theaaronrennshow

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

From Darkness to Sight: A Journey from Hardship to Healing (Interview with Dr. Ming Wang)

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0300

Stories shape us in powerful ways and remain one of the greatest mediums for communicating truth. Renowned eye surgeon Dr. Ming Wang joins us to talk about his story from persecution in China to freedom in America as well as his conversion from atheism to Christianity. We talk about his revolutionary work in the field of eye surgery to restore sight to hundreds of children around the world. We also learn about the heroic faith of the children he’s met thoughout his career who persevere with joy despite incredibly difficult circumstances. You won’t leave this episode uninspired.

Show Notes

Pre-order tickets to see Sight on May 24th and get a discount: https://www.angel.com/movies/sight

Get his biography here: https://a.co/d/aLvtiqg

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Jesus Wants You to Steal From the Rich

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0300

In this episode we discuss a compelling case from the Scriptures and church theologians like John Calvin, Thomas Aquinas, and others about whether taking from the wealthy to feed the poor constitutes theft. We lay out a compelling case that God intends his creation to sustain the basic needs of his creatures. Therefore, every creature made in God’s image possesses rights over basic provisions. We also talk about Paul’s latent communism. Enjoy!

Show Notes

Purchase 50 long-lasting, insecticide-treated nets to protect those living in malaria-stricken areas from infected mosquitos—for every 600 nets distributed, one child’s life is saved and 500 cases of malaria are prevented (Against Malaria Foundation)
Deworm 200 children (Evidence Action)
Provide clean water for 70 people for one whole year (Evidence Action)
Protect 1000 people from iodine deficiency disorders (like brain damage) for a year (GAIN’s Salt Iodization Program)
Provide 4 cataract surgeries to reverse blindness (Fred Hollows Foundation)
Fund 416 antibiotic distributions to prevent blinding trachoma (Fred Hollows Foundation)
Provide vitamin A supplements to prevent 90 children from going blind (Helen Keller Foundation)
Provide 138 people with micronutrient fortification for one year (Sanku—Project Healthy Children)

Givewell.org (Charity Assessment Non-profit)

Thelifeyoucansave.org (Charity Assessment Non-profit)

Christiansforimpact.org (Christian Global Impact Non-profit)

Blessbig.org (Christian Global Impact Non-profit)

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

How Should Christians Think About Frozen Embryos?

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0300

There’s a lot of talk today about the ethics of frozen embryos in light of current events. This controversial subject deserves clear thinking that’s both sensitive to the real situations people encounter and the witness of the Scriptures. Paul and Bryan discuss recent documents from the Roman Catholic church, Donum Vitae and Dignitas Personae which argue against people “adopting” frozen embryos. Paul takes issue with this stance in a stimulating discussion about In Vitro Fertilization, bioethics, and the dignity of life. In short, Paul thinks the Roman Catholic church’s stance is insane. Don’t miss this episode!

Show Notes

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Uncovering the Bible of the Apostles (Interview with Dr. Greg Lanier)

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0300

What Bible did the Apostle Paul grow up reading? This complex question demonstrates the need for understanding the Septuagint, a fancy name for a stream of translations of the Hebrew Bible into Greek. Dr. Greg Lanier joins us to discuss what the Septuagint is and why it matters today. We talk about common misconceptions about the Septuagint as well as issues of textual transmission and translation. We also dive into debates about the apocrypha or “deuterocanonical” books accepted by Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox, but rejected by Protestants. Get ready for a deep dive into history and theology. Enjoy this episode.

Show Notes

Greg’s Books

The Septuagint: What It Is and Why It Matters

Old Made New: A Guide to the New Testament Use of the Old Testament

A Christian’s Pocket Guide to How We Got the Bible

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Understanding the Church Fathers for Protestants in Fifteen-ish Minutes (Podcast Recap)

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0400

A summary of my interview with Dr. Michael Haykin plus some additional thoughts

Check out the original interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thatll-preach/id1585680895?i=1000633986083

Show Notes

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0400

We often think about Classical Christian Education in terms of what it’s against. It’s against public schools, secularism, and bad social influences. But what is a classical Christian education for? Dale Stenberg who hosts the Pilgrim Faith podcast and serves as headmaster of Pietas Classical Christian school join us to talk about the positive vision of a Christian education. We talk about how a classical Christian education molds a student as a whole person, mind, body, and soul, to be a self-learner and a virtuous citizen of society. We talk about the importance of dialogue, narrative, and cultivating our palettes to love the good, true, and beautiful. We also discuss common myths about classical education creating sheltered socially-awkward students or belligerent culture warriors. Join us as we uncover the purpose and joy of education.

Show Notes

Pietas Classical Christian Website

Subscribe to the Pilgrim Faith podcast

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Uncovering the Real John Calvin with Dr. Peter Lillback (Reformation Series Ep.11)

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0400

The name John Calvin sends a cold chill down the spine of some Christians. The famous Reformer seems cold, detached, and authoritarian due to his teachings on predestination, election, and his role in the execution of the heretic Servetus. But there’s more to Calvin’s story than meets the eye. What if we’ve misunderstood him completely? Dr. Peter Lillback of Westminster Theological Seminary joins us to shed new light on the life and theology of Calvin. This towering figure in church history viewed himself first and foremost as a pastor and preacher concerned with the Eucharist, missions, and even religious liberty. Join us as we get to the heart of the real John Calvin.

Show Notes

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Calvin on Contentment in Trials and Blessing (Reformation Series Ep.10)

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0400

How should Christians think about contentment in all situations of life. When times are good there’s a temptation to complacency. When times are difficult we struggle with despair and bitterness. Calvin encourages Christians to meditate on the fragility and temporary nature of life in order to cultivate eternal hope.

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: @thatllpreachpodcast

Defending the Protestant Doctrine of Scripture with Sean Luke (Reformation Series Ep. 09)

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Roman Catholics often critique the Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura because it devolves into subjectivity and ignores the witness of church history. In this episode, Sean Luke of Anglican Aesthetics challenges those critiques by looking at what both the Church Fathers and the Reformers actually believed. He also advocates for the position of “Sola Apostolica” as a way to demonstrate the Reformers as the true heirs of the Apostolic teaching. He also takes issue with Roman Catholic claims about doctrinal development, papal declarations about dogma, and the role of personal judgment. Finally, we end the conversation with a discussion on the future of Catholic-Protestant dialogue and a potential plan for reunification.

Show Notes

Check out Sean Luke’s YouTube channel “Anglican Aesthetics”

Listen to our interview with Onsi Kamel

Listen to our interview witih Dr. Michael Haykin

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Calvin on Suffering and Trials (Reformation Series Ep.08)

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 07:00:00 -0400

We continue our series on John Calvin’s A Little Book on the Christian Life by looking at the Reformer’s insights on suffering and trials. We learn about the way suffering contributes to our salvation, forges in us the virtue of patience, and spurs us on toward greater joy.

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: @thatllpreachpodcast

How Catholicism Turned Me Protestant with Onsi Kamel (Reformation Series Ep.07)

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 07:16:00 -0400

Onsi Kamel joins us to talk about how his study of Roman Catholicism made him Protestant. In this episode we discuss the ways Roman Catholicism appealed to his need for certainty and hunger for historical rootedness. He also talks candidly about the influence of the famous Anglican-turned-Roman Catholic theologian John Henry Newman. He shares ways Newman challenged his thinking as well as ways he found the theologians conclusions unsatisfying. Onsi also speaks on the future of ecumenical dialogue and the importance of engaging with the Reformers.

Show Notes

Catholicism Made Me Protestant by Onsi Kamel

Onsi Kamel on Conversion to Catholicism with Alastair Roberts

Support us on Patreon

Website: thatllpreach.io

IG: thatllpreachpodcast

YouTube Channel

Calvin’s Cure for Cage Stage Calvinists (Reformation Series Ep.06)

Rediscovering the Church Fathers by Dr. Michael Haykin

The Appeal of Catholicism and the Need to be Protestant (Reformation Series Ep.01)

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0300

We’re starting a new series on Protestantism in honor of Reformation day. In this episode we discuss the appeal of Roman Catholicism in a post-Christian age and the necessity of the Protestant Reformation. We talk about common misunderstandings Protestants have of Catholics as well as ways Catholics misrepresent Protestants. We also talk about the most divisive doctrine in Christendom: the Papacy.

Website: thatllpreach.io

Instagram: @thatllpreachpodcast

Show Notes

The Real Difference Between Catholics and Protestants with Guillaume Bignon

Catholics vs. Protestants on the Bible with Dr. Gregg Allison

Leading Through Church Conflict with Steven Lee

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0300

We welcome Pastor Steven Lee of the North Church in Minneapolis, MI to share his insights on the subject of conflict within the church. We discuss the importance of feedback among leaders and staff as well as the importance of having a thick skin when engaging difficult topics. Steven shares his own experience of leading a large church through the complexities of race, politics, COVID, and an assortment of other social issues facing the church. We also talk about the tension of balancing thoughtful listening with decisive leadership in a polarized age. Steven also shares how he deals with criticism on a personal level. On the one hand, you cannot let people’s opinions dictate your decisions, but on the other hand leaders must develop self-awareness of their own shortcomings and blind spots. If you’re wondering how Christians can maintain unity while also hold to strong opinions then this is the episode for you.

Website: thatllpreach.io

Instagram: @thatllpreachpodcast

Herman Bavinck and the Modern World with Dr. Gray Sutanto

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Dr. Gray Sutanto of Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington DC joins us to discuss the relevance of Herman Bavinck's theology of revelation in today’s post-Christian world.

Herman Bavinck, the renowned Dutch theologian of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, has much to teach us about divine revelation in a contemporary context. Dr. Sutanto breaks down Bavinck's rich theological ideas and demonstrates how they can enlighten our understanding of God's revelation amidst the complexities of our secular society.

Dr. Sutanto elucidates Bavinck's views on revelation, encompassing the interplay of nature and grace, the authority of Scripture, and the role of human reason in grasping divine truth. By linking Bavinck's theological wisdom to present-day challenges and questions, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the enduring relevance of his ideas in our ever-changing world.

Website: thatllpreach.io

Instagram: @thatllpreachpodcast

Show Notes

The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck

Philosophy of Revelation by Herman Bavinck

Neo-Calvinism: A Theological Introduction by Dr. Gray Sutanto

Bavinck’s Christian Worldview lecture by Dr. Gray Sutanto

American History and the End Times with Dr. James Strasburg

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0300

We are privileged to have Dr. James Strasburg as our guest to help explore a compelling facet of American history: the profound influence of theological perspectives concerning the "end times" or "eschatology."

Our discussion commences with a historical overview of the theological landscape. During America's nascent years, the prevailing theological outlook was one of postmillennialism, characterized by an optimism regarding the widespread propagation of Christianity throughout the nation. This optimistic sentiment was deeply ingrained in the foundational period of American history.

However, as the world was embroiled in the aftermath of two World Wars, a significant theological paradigm shift occurred. American Christian sentiment veered toward dispensational premillennialism, a theological perspective characterized by a more pessimistic view of Christianity's prospects in the current era.

Additionally, our conversation delves into the ramifications of the Fundamentalist/Modernist controversy, which amplified eschatological fervor among Christians. This controversy centered on the anticipation of the second coming of Christ and spurred fervent efforts to evangelize the nations.

Throughout our dialogue, Dr. Strasburg provides invaluable insights, navigating the intricate waters of history with meticulous attention to specific historical events, influential figures, and cultural transformations that have profoundly shaped American history.

Website: thatllpreach.io

Instagram: @thatllpreachpodcast

Show Notes

God’s Marshall Plan: American Protestants and the Struggle for the Soul of Europe by James D. Strasburg

God’s Promise of Blessing with Mike Glodo

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Mike Glodo of Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando joins us to discuss his new book The Lord Bless You and Keep You: The Promise of the Gospel in the Aaronic Blessing. We discuss the role of the benediction in the church service and how it assures God’s people of his love for them. The Aaronic blessing also contains within it a rich biblical theology of “faces” and how our eternal hope rests in seeing Christ face to face. Mike provides helpful insights from decades of pastoral ministry about how to apply these words of blessing to Christians in periods of doubt, trial, and difficulty. Join us for this powerful episode that will change the way you understand what it means to be “blessed”.

Show Notes

The Lord Bless You and Keep You: The Promise of the Gospel in the Aaronic Blessing by Mike Glodo

Facing the Fear of Death with Dr. Guy Waters

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Our special guest, Dr. Guy Waters, a distinguished theologian and professor at Reformed Theological Seminary, brings his deep insights and extensive knowledge to the subject of death. Dr. Waters is a widely respected figure in the world of Reformed theology, known for his thoughtful and compassionate approach to complex spiritual matters.

In this podcast episode, we delve into the profound topic of "Facing the Fear of Death" and explore how Christians confront this universal fear with unwavering courage and hope. Dr. Waters shares key insights into how Christians approach death without fear. Drawing from his extensive biblical scholarship, he discusses the foundational Christian belief in eternal life through faith in Christ and the hope that transcends the grave. We'll explore the practical aspects of living out this faith in the face of mortality, including the importance of community and the power of prayer.

Join us for a conversation that will not only challenge your perspective on death but also inspire you to live with greater purpose and confidence. Discover how Christians, led by their faith, navigate the journey from life to eternity, proving that even in the face of death, there is hope, peace, and a fearless trust in the divine plan.

Show Notes

Facing the Last Enemy by Dr. Guy Waters

Transforming Your Life Through Spiritual Disciplines with Rev. Michael Petty

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Rev. Michael Petty of St. Peter's Anglican church joins us for an informative podcast on spiritual formation. We discuss a variety of topics from developing a life of prayer, reading Scripture in community, engaging Christians with their spiritual gifts, and the causes and cures for pastoral burnout. Michael also shares personal anecdotes of the ways in which spiritual disciplines of prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship formed him at key moments in his life. If you feel "stuck" in your spiritual life and need guidance this podcast episode is for you.

Can We Trust the Old Testament? with Dr. Peter Lee

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:30:00 -0300

In this episode of That'll Preach we take an intriguing journey into the heart of biblical scholarship to scrutinize the reliability of the Old Testament. Join us as we engage in a captivating conversation with distinguished Old Testament scholar, Professor Peter Lee, from RTS (Reformed Theological Seminary).

We delve deep into the questions that have sparked both curiosity and debate for centuries: "Can We Trust the Old Testament?" Professor Lee brings his extensive expertise to the forefront, shedding light on the historical context, authorship, and the concrete reliability of the Old Testament scriptures.

Discover the answers to pressing questions, including:

What is the role of oral tradition in the transmission of the Old Testament?
Why are the Dead Sea Scrolls so significant?
How do we understand authorship in the Old Testament?
How do we gain confidence in the historicity of the Old Testament? Were details embellished?

Whether you're a devout believer seeking to deepen your faith or a curious skeptic eager to explore the historical credibility of these sacred writings, this episode offers a balanced and well-informed examination that underscores the unwavering reliability of the Old Testament.

Why Preaching Matters with Les Newsom

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Pastor Les Newsom of Christ Presbyterian Church in Oxford, Mississippi joins us to talk about the importance of preaching in the formation of Christians in the church. He goes into the way he thinks through connecting the Bible with the congregation though imagination and rhetoric. He also speaks to the need for preaching in the midst of an increasingly hostile world towards Christianity. This episode is for anyone who wants to grow in their preaching and challenge themselves to be better exegetes of the Bible and the world.

Show Notes

Check out Les Newsom's sermons at cpcoxford.org

Has the Church Replaced Israel? with Dr. Gerald McDermott

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Welcome to another episode of "That'll Preach"! In this thought-provoking installment, we dive into a topic that has ignited centuries of debate and reflection: "Has the Church Replaced Israel?" Join us as we explore the historical and theological dimensions of this complex issue, shedding light on its significance within Christianity.

Dr. McDermott, a renowned theologian, offers his profound insights into the intricate relationship between the Church and Israel.

Our conversation begins by tracing the roots of this theological inquiry back to the early days of the Church. We examine how interpretations have evolved over time and consider whether the Church, in embracing the teachings of Christ, has inherited the promises originally bestowed upon Israel. We also delve into scriptural passages and historical records as we dissect the contrasting viewpoints that have shaped this ongoing discourse.

The heart of our discussion centers around the letters of the apostle Paul. Dr. McDermott guides us through Paul's intricate theological framework, helping us decipher whether Paul intended to establish a seamless continuity between the Church and Israel or if his message carried deeper complexities.

Dr. McDermott also turns our gaze towards the future: What do the various theological perspectives on the Church-Israel relationship mean for eschatology—the study of end times? What role does modern-day Israel play in God's redemptive purposes? McDermott helps us uncover how these interpretations influence believers' expectations of the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan.

Whether you're a seasoned theologian or a curious seeker of knowledge, this discussion with Dr. McDermott is sure to broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of one of Christianity's most enduring debates. Don't miss out—hit that play button and join us in exploring the past, present, and future of this compelling theological discourse!

"That'll Preach" is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share

Show Notes

Israel Matters: Why Christians Must Think Differently About the People and the Land by Gerald McDermott

Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity edited by Gerald McDermott

Jewish New Testament Commentary by David Stern

Catholics vs. Protestants on the Bible with Dr. Gregg Allison

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0300

On this episode of That'll Preach we will hear from Dr. Greg Allison of Southern Seminary on the differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant approaches to Scripture, authority, and tradition. Allison argues that Catholicism's "three stools" of Scripture, tradition, and the Magisterium stand at odds with the classic Protestant vision of Sola Scriptura. He also busts myths about the unity of the Catholic church as well as friendly challenges to Evangelicals looking to cross the Tiber to Rome.

Show Notes

40 Questions About Roman Catholicism by Gregg Allison

Roman Catholic Theology and Practice by Gregg Allison

Can We Have Christianity Without the Miracles? (Orthodoxy IX)

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0300

We wrap up our series on Chesterton's classic Orthodoxy by exploring the common arguments against Christianity. Chesterton does not argue from a standard apologetics approach, but instead utilizes common sense to show how our faith in Christianity rests not upon one "slam dunk" argument, but rather the accumulation of a thousand little pieces of evidences. He also challenges common agnostic/atheistic assumptions that men exist as nothing more than animals, religions comes from dark and ignorant times, and Christianity turns everything gloomy and repressed. On the contrary, Chesterton argues that Christianity rightly identifies the uniqueness of man, emerged at the height of the Roman Empire, and provides the conditions for people to sing, dance, and enjoy the pleasures of life without running off a cliff. We also examine Chesterton's suspicion that Jesus's greatest secret lay not in his power, but his joy.

"If I am asked, as a purely intellectual question, why I believe in Christianity, I can only answer, “For the same reason that an intelligent agnostic disbelieves in Christianity.” I believe in it quite rationally upon the evidence."

"Somehow or other an extraordinary idea has arisen that the disbelievers in miracles consider them coldly and fairly, while believers in miracles accept them only in connection with some dogma. The fact is quite the other way. The believers in miracles accept them (rightly or wrongly) because they have evidence for them. The disbelievers in miracles deny them (rightly or wrongly) because they have a doctrine against them."

"The Stoics, ancient and modern, were proud of concealing their tears. He never concealed His tears; He showed them plainly on His open face at any daily sight, such as the far sight of His native city. Yet He concealed something. Solemn supermen and imperial diplomatists are proud of restraining their anger. He never restrained His anger. He flung furniture down the front steps of the Temple, and asked men how they expected to escape the damnation of Hell. Yet He restrained something. I say it with reverence; there was in that shattering personality a thread that must be called shyness. There was something that He hid from all men when He went up a mountain to pray. There was something that He covered constantly by abrupt silence or impetuous isolation. There was some one thing that was too great for God to show us when He walked upon our earth; and I have sometimes fancied that it was His mirth."

The Romantic Appeal of Christianity (Orthodoxy VIII)

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0300

In this episode we look at Chesterton's profound exploration of the essence and allure of orthodox Christian beliefs. He celebrates the paradoxical nature of truth, highlighting how orthodox Christianity, with all its enchanting mysteries, brings a fresh vitality to the world. Chesterton argues that while modernity may be filled with wild and wasted virtues, true orthodoxy unites the material and the spiritual, offering a complete and coherent worldview. The author unveils the enchanting beauty of dogma, challenging the notion that religious truths must be dull and mundane. Chesterton invites readers to embrace the romance of orthodox Christian thought, urging them to venture beyond the surface of skepticism and explore the profound truths and mysteries that lie within the heart of faith. He also explores the differences between Buddhism and Christianity and how modern assumptions about religion obscure the revolutionary nature of the Christian faith.

"We come back to the same tireless note touching the nature of Christianity; all modern philosophies are chains which connect and fetter; Christianity is a sword which separates and sets free. No other philosophy makes God actually rejoice in the separation of the universe into living souls. But according to orthodox Christianity this separation between God and man is sacred, because this is eternal. That a man may love God it is necessary that there should be not only a God to be loved, but a man to love him."

"Christianity is the only religion on earth that has felt that omnipotence made God incomplete. Christianity alone has felt that God, to be wholly God, must have been a rebel as well as a king. Alone of all creeds, Christianity has added courage to the virtues of the Creator. For the only courage worth calling courage must necessarily mean that the soul passes a breaking point—and does not break."

Christianity and the Eternal Revolution (Orthodoxy Part VII)

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Our series in Orthodoxy continues as we look at Chesterton's interesting perspective on wealthy people, the aristocracy, and placing too much trust in the government. He also points out the fundamental flawed assumption of progressivism: that things left to themselves will progress rather than decay. "Open-mindedness" does not automatically lead to "progress" and neither does revolution lead to better outcomes. He expresses a great deal of distrust for government and extols democracy as the best way to keep human sinfulness in check. The Christian understanding of human sinfulness ought to keep any aspirations to man-made utopia in check.

"We have said we must be fond of this world, even in order to change it. We now add that we must be fond of another world (real or imaginary) in order to have something to change it to."

"The Evolutionist says, 'Where do you draw the line?' the Revolutionist answers, 'I draw it here: exactly between your head and body.'"

"But all conservatism is based upon the idea that if you leave things alone you leave them as they are. But you do not. If you leave a thing alone you leave it to a torrent of change."

"This eternal revolution, this suspicion sustained through centuries, you (being a vague modern) call the doctrine of progress. If you were a philosopher you would call it, as I do, the doctrine of original sin. You may call it the cosmic advance as much as you like; I call it what it is -- the Fall."

"I could never conceive or tolerate any Utopia which did not leave to me the liberty for which I chiefly care, the liberty to bind myself. Complete anarchy would not merely make it impossible to have any discipline or fidelity; it would also make it impossible to have any fun. The dissolution of all contracts would not only ruin morality but spoil sport."

What Did Jesus’s Death Accomplish? with Dr. Michael Lynch

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Dr. Michael Lynch of the Davenant Institute joins us to discuss the controversial topic of the atonement. Theologians throughout church history have debated over the nature and extent of Jesus's death on the cross. Did God unjustly punish an innocent man? Did Jesus's death make forgiveness of sins actual or merely possible? How do we understand theological words like "imputation" and "penal substitution?" Dr. Lynch helps us navigate these treacherous waters with precision and clarity by mining the depths of the Reformed tradition through the works of John Calvin, R.L. Dabney, John Davenant, John Owen, and others.

Show Notes

Purchase Dr. Lynch's Davenant Institute Lecture Series

The Paradox of Christianity (Orthodoxy Part VI)

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0300

We continue our series in Chesterton's classic Orthodoxy by looking at his famous chapter on the paradox of Christianity. Chesterton writes about how the strangeness of Christianity bolsters its credibility as truth. We should not expect divine revelation to make complete sense to our minds. He also points out that the hostility of the modern world towards Christianity reveals its compelling power. People are fine with a universal religion so long as it is not Christianity. Christianity challenges, disrupts, and even romances us into seeing the world as it actually is.

"Paganism declared that virtue was in a balance; Christianity declared it was in a conflict: the collision of two passions apparently opposite. Of course they were not really inconsistent; but they were such that it was hard to hold simultaneously."

"It looked not so much as if Christianity was bad enough to include any vices, but rather as if any stick was good enough to beat Christianity with."

"This is the thrilling romance of Orthodoxy. People have fallen into a foolish habit of speaking of orthodoxy as something heavy, humdrum, and safe. There never was anything so perilous or so exciting as orthodoxy."

"It is always simple to fall; there are an infinity of angles at which one falls, only one at which one stands. To have fallen into any one of the fads from Gnosticism to Christian Science would indeed have been obvious and tame. But to have avoided them all has been one whirling adventure; and in my vision the heavenly chariot flies thundering through the ages, the dull heresies sprawling and prostrate, the wild truth reeling but erect."

The Problem with Pessimists (Orthodoxy Part V)

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Bryan and Paul discuss chapter five of G.K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy entitled "The Flag of the World". In this chapter, Chesterton explains why we must love a place before we critique it and the freedom that God gives to mankind. He takes shots at naturalism and so-called "progress" by helping us understand how Christianity revolutionized the world. He also digs into the paradox that true love for the world requires a particular hatred for it and a desire to see its redemption.

"The point is not that this world is too sad to love or too glad not to love; the point is that when you do love a thing, its gladness is a reason for loving it, and its sadness a reason for loving it more."

"Men did not love Rome because she was great. She was great because they had loved her."

"...what we need is not the cold acceptance of the world as a compromise, but some way in which we can heartily hate and heartily love it. We do not want joy and anger to neutralize each other and produce a surly contentment; we want a fiercer delight and a fiercer discontent. We have to feel the universe at once as an ogre's castle, to be stormed, and yet as our own cottage, to which we can return at evening."

"Christianity came into the world firstly in order to assert with violence that a man had not only to look inwards, but to look outwards, to behold with astonishment and enthusiasm a divine company and a divine captain."

Three Ways to Read the Bible Well with Dr. Jonathan Pennington

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Dr. Jonathan Pennington of Southern Seminary (SBTS) joins us to talk about his new book Come and See: The Journey of Knowing God Through Scripture. We talk about three ways of reading Scripture well: informationally, theologically, and transformationally. Each of these stages challenges us to grow in our understanding of the word of God in practical and tangible ways. We read informationally by using our cognitive faculties to grasp content or information in Scripture. We read theologically when we pay attention to the whole scope of the Bible and the church's tradition of interpretation via creeds and confessions as we engage with texts. Finally, We read transformationally when we slow down and prayerfully apply Scripture to our lives and receive it as a means through which God meets us and changes us by the Holy Spirit.

Show Notes

Visit Dr. Pennington's Website: https://www.jonathanpennington.com/

Get his book Come and See

About Dr. Pennington

Jonathan T. Pennington is currently Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (USA). He has also regularly served as a visiting professor at Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando), Southeastern Seminary, The Village Church Institute (Dallas), and The Institute of Biblical Studies in Orlando, FL as well as Morling College (Melbourne, Australia).

He is also the Spiritual Formation Pastor at Sojourn East and regularly speaks and teaches in churches all over the country.

He earned a B.A. in History as well as a Teaching Certificate from Northern Illinois University. He received the Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Chicago), where he also taught Greek for two years as a NT Fellow. During his time at TEDS he also served for five years as the Associate Pastor at the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris in northern Illinois.

He holds the PhD in New Testament Studies from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland (in St. Mary’s College), where he wrote a thesis entitled “Heaven and Earth in the Gospel of Matthew” under the supervision of Professors Richard Bauckham and Philip Esler. He attended St. Andrews as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar and while there he also served as a lecturer in Greek. Dr. Pennington is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Evangelical Theological Society, the Tyndale Fellowship (Cambridge), the Institute for Biblical Research, and the International Organization for Septuagint and Cognate Studies. He has published a wide variety of books, articles, and Greek and Hebrew language tools. (For fuller information see the Publications pages.) He is the also the host and co-producer of the YouTube show Cars, Coffee, Theology.

Why Democracy Needs Fairy Tales (Orthodoxy Part IV)

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0300

We’re back in Chesterton’s Orthodoxy looking at his take on how fairy tales inform our virtues and teach us about joy. Our modern craving for novelty reveals a weakness rather than a strength for God continues to do the same things over and over again, but finds joy in them. Children find joy in repetition because they do not lose their wonder for the world through cynicism. We also look at how democracy relies on tradition to give former generations a “vote” in how we live our lives. A failure to appreciate tradition disconnects us from the stabilizing forces of society.

Quotes from Orthodoxy

"Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about."

"There is the great lesson of Beauty and the Beast; that a thing must be loved before it is loveable."

"Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, "Do it again"; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, "Do it again" to the sun; and every evening, "Do it again" to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.”

The Suicide of Thought (Orthodoxy Part III)

Wed, 24 May 2023 11:25:21 -0300

We continue our discussion of G.K. Chesterton's book Orthodoxy with his third chapter on how modernity's abandonment of Christianity not only lets vices go wild, but also virtues. We also discuss how Chesterton identifies modern false humility that remains skeptical about everything except its own skepticism. Here are some solid quotes from chapter three:

"The modern world is full of the old Christian virtues gone mad. The virtues have gone mad because they have been isolated from each other and are wandering alone."

"A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert—himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt—the Divine Reason. Huxley preached a humility content to learn from Nature. But the new sceptic is so humble that he doubts if he can even learn."

"A man does not go mad because he makes a statue a mile high, but he may go mad by thinking it out in square inches."

"Every act of will is an act of self-limitation. To desire action is to desire limitation. In that sense every act is an act of self-sacrifice. When you choose anything, you reject everything else."

"But it is impossible to be an artist and not care for laws and limits. Art is limitation; the essence of every picture is the frame. If you draw a giraffe, you must draw him with a long neck. If, in your bold creative way, you hold yourself free to draw a giraffe with a short neck, you will really find that you are not free to draw a giraffe. The moment you step into the world of facts, you step into a world of limits."

Should We Take the Bible Literally or Spiritually? with Ryan Hurd

Tue, 16 May 2023 09:52:46 -0300

Ryan Hurd from the Davenant Institute joins us to talk about the "spiritual" and "literal" readings of Scripture. Evangelicals often misunderstand the "literal" sense as referring only to the historicity of the Bible. But the church throughout the ages understood the literal sense in terms of the "letters" of the text in addition to its historicity. The "literal" and "spiritual" readings do not oppose one another, but work together as a cohesive unit in order to deepen our understanding of God through his word. Ryan draws upon Origen, Augustine, and Aquinas in order to retrieve the classic senses of Scripture that Christians utilized for ages. We also talk about ways ordinary lay readers can grow in their reading of Scripture in a way that furthers their joy and worship of God.

Show Notes

Ryan Hurd is a systematic theologian whose area of expertise is doctrine of God, specifically the Trinity. His primary training is in the high medieval and early modern scholastics as well as the 20th century ressourcement movement. He has written a number of articles and regularly does translations of early modern theology sources; but his primary project is writing a systematics of the Trinity.

Master of the Sacred Page Video Series by Ryan Hurd

Was the Apostle Paul Abandoned by His Wife? with Dr. Matthew Colvin

Tue, 09 May 2023 07:00:00 -0300

This is the second part of our interview with Dr. Matt Colvin. Many speculate that the Apostle Paul, as a faithful Pharisee, likely married at a young age, but lived a life of celibacy after his conversion. Some believe Paul to be a widow, but others see him as a man abandoned by an unbelieving wife after his conversion. Matt Colvin takes us through 1 Corinthians 7 with a mind toward Paul's Jewish worldview in order to establish a compelling vision of marriage, divorce, and the meaning of conversion. We also discuss the "permanence" view of marriage that does not permit divorce or remarriage under any circumstances and the effects of divorce upon our society as a whole.

Divorce, Remarriage, and the Apostle Paul’s Wife with Dr. Matthew Colvin

Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:00 -0300

This is the first part of a two-part interview with Dr. Matt Colvin who joins us again to provide a provocative perspective on 1 Corinthians 7 and its application to Paul's life. Drawing upon the work of scholar David Daube, Colvin argues that Paul likely experienced abandonment from his wife which dissolved their marriage and led to his teaching in 1 Corinthians 7. Along the way we discuss how Daube's perspective reframes the debate over the permissibility of divorce and remarriage. Don't miss this episode.

Show Notes

Sexual Identity: Can We Rebuild? by Matt Colvin

Atheism and the Joy of Skinning Cats (OrthodoxyPart II)

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0300

We continue our series through G.K. Chesterton's classic work Orthodoxy by looking at the similarities between atheists, liberal Christians, and lunatics. Here are some zingers from Chesterton himself:

"The men who really believe in themselves are all in lunatic asylums.”

"Imagination does not breed insanity. Exactly what does breed insanity is reason. Poets do not go mad; but chess-players do. Mathematicians go mad, and cashiers; but creative artists very seldom."

"The poet only desires exaltation and expansion, a world to stretch himself in. The poet only asks to get his head into the heavens. It is the logician who seeks to get the heavens into his head. And it is his head that splits."

"The madman is not the man who has lost his reason. The madman is the man who has lost everything except his reason."

Strange Rhinos and the Beauty of Christianity (Orthodoxy Part I)

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0300

We begin a new series on G.K. Chesterton's classic book "Orthodoxy" which features a series of essays by the controversial author about faith, tradition, and the modern world. Chesterton's prose and wit allowed him to entertain while also provoke skeptics of the faith in an unparalleled way. His influence on writes such as C.S. Lewis demonstrates the effectiveness of his logic and style with commentary on society that seems prophetic in the modern day. He did not pull any punches, yet remains one of the most winsome figures in Christianity. He was not afraid to polarize and state his opinions openly without fear of ridicule, but also understood how narrative, imagination, and humor disarms opponents and points them to consider the truth claims of Christianity. In the first chapter, Chesterton likens returning to Christianity to a man who thinks he discovers a new land, but in fact re-discovers his home. If you've never read Chesterton or find him difficult to understand this series is for you.

I never in my life said anything merely because I thought it funny; though of course, I have had ordinary human vainglory, and may have thought it funny because I had said it. It is one thing to describe an interview with a gorgon or a griffin, a creature who does not exist. It is another thing to discover that the rhinoceros does exist and then take pleasure in the fact that he looks as if he didn’t. -- except from Orthodoxy

Ministering in Jerusalem and the Meaning of Sabbath with Rev. David Pileggi

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Rev. David Pileggi joins us to talk about his ministry in Christ Church Jerusalem and the unique challenges Christians face ministering in the holy land. He also talks about how the Jewish roots of Sabbath unlock the meaning of rest and the importance not only of holy people, but holy time.

What is the Purpose of College?

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0300

The New York Times recently posted an online tool that allows users to create their own university rankings based on customized criteria. Students can rank schools based upon metrics like party scene, income level, racial diversity, and athletics. These metrics reveal a lot about how the purpose of education has changed over the decades. A university education used to be a way for people to grow in their moral and spiritual formation in order to become good citizens of a nation. Now universities exist to prepare students for a career. There are many financial and cultural reasons for this which should prompt Christians to approach education with thoughtful reflection. Should this be the primary lens through which we view college?

In this episode we not only discuss how the purpose of education has changed over the decades, but also the process of education. Paul argues that education exists to show people the proper way to think, reason, and live in the world rather than provide various options for the student to choose from. Not all ideas are equal. A college education ought to exist for more than just career preparation. It should shape the intellectual and moral lives of students.

Show Notes

"Build Your Own College Rankings" the New York Times

Should We be Worried About A.I.?

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0300

A.I. is all the rage with ChatGPT and Bing's new artificial intelligence making the waves on campuses and in the wider culture. A.I. opens up new possibilities and exciting applications, but also comes with a set of ethical questions. How do we know what A.I. learns? In what sense does A.I. "understand" morality and what unforeseen consequences arise from that? Bryan and Paul discuss concerning aspects of A.I. and whether Christians should embrace the rapid acceleration of development. We also discuss the merits of taking time before accepting new technology. Also, Paul continues to plan his cult/commune.

Unlocking the Secrets of Revelation with Dr. Warren Gage

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Dr. Warren Gage joins us to discuss one of the most mysterious and complex books in the Bible -- Revelation. We discuss the Old Testament narratives behind the book and how they unlock Revelation's visions and symbols in surprising ways. Jesus comes as the new Joshua summoning his holy army, the church, to bring down the new Jericho of Babylon who carries a Rahab-like whore. But the identity of the whore shocks the Apostle John -- it is Jerusalem herself twisted by her sin and rejection of Christ. But hope remains for God turns whores into brides by the blood of his Son. Revelation at its heart depicts the both the terrifying judgement and the overwhelming mercy of God. God redeems Rahabs and turns sinners into saints.

Revelation presents the gospel through a vivid and dramatic narrative that utilizes our imagine to view the world through the eyes of faith. It also forces us to view the Bible through a first-century lens by taking into account the Jewish roots and Hellenistic context of the early church. Taking on such a lens allows us to grasp details of the text that would otherwise elude us.

We also explore how the genre and literary structure of the ancient Greco-Roman world allows us to grasp the meaning not only of Revelation, but the gospels as well. Gage dives into how John's Gospel ties the woman at the well in John 4 with the whore of Babylon in Revelation 17. He identifies parallels within the gospel accounts of Jesus's birth and resurrection that shed light on the world-changing nature of the gospel. You will not read the Bible the same after the episode.

Show Notes

John & Revelation Project with Dr. Warren Gage and Dr. Chip Bennett

Dr. Gage's Ministry Website: https://www.watermarkgospel.com/

Bryan's Online Revelation Series: tinyurl.com/mtu75ajx

The Ethics of Immortality

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0300

Death scares most of us. We do not enjoy thinking about the fragility of our existence nor the vulnerability of mortality. Billionaires like Jeff Bezos now invest their fortunes into experimental treatments and technologies in order to maximize their "health spans" and ensure longevity. Modern technology stands on the cusp of healing DNA and maximizing healthy lifespans beyond what was previously thought possible.

How should Christians react to such this rapidly developing new technology? What ethical issues arise if we extend our lives to 200 years? 2,000 years? How will our perspective shift on what it means to mature, grow, and experience a lifetime?

Our desire to prolong life, seek healing, and mourn over death appears appropriate, but God also enacted death as a judicial sentence for sin. God subjected his creation to death and decay in order to bring about further glory. Christ himself rose to immortal life through the crucible of death. If we try to circumvent this reality we might subvert God's purposes to redeem death.

We dive into all these issues and more in this episode. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!