Listeners are treated to a humorous take on the contrast between Christmas and New Year celebrations. The hosts share personal writing journeys and discuss the deep discipleship program for church leaders. The conversation touches on theological concepts, like dispensationalism versus covenant theology, while emphasizing humility in faith. Practical advice is offered for starting women's Bible studies within churches. They explore prayer and communion dynamics, culminating in a rich conversation about the balance of human will and God's sovereignty.
The podcast highlights the importance of theological education for all church members to enhance their understanding and faith in the gospel.
Trillian Newbell's book '52 Weeks in the Word' offers a practical framework to help individuals maintain a sustainable Bible study habit amidst life's challenges.
The discussion on the warning passages in Hebrews emphasizes their role in fostering a deeper commitment to faith and awareness of God's sovereignty.
Deep dives
The Vision for the Church
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is dedicated to serving the church, emphasizing the importance of training ministry leaders and providing resources that help church members deepen their faith. Through initiatives like the For the Church Institute, they offer free video courses covering a wide array of theological topics for both individual and group learning. This educational framework is designed to enhance understanding of the gospel within the local church context, making theological education accessible to all. The institute encourages individuals to engage with Christian history, biblical literature, and preaching, fostering spiritual growth.
Navigating Bible Study Challenges
Many individuals struggle to keep up with their Bible study, often feeling overwhelmed or discouraged by life’s demands. Trillian Newbell's book, '52 Weeks in the Word,' offers a realistic framework for reading the Bible weekly, complete with reflections, prayer prompts, and designated rest days. This approach allows readers to build a sustainable study habit while still nurturing their relationship with Jesus. The book is positioned as an invitation to enjoy the process of discovering God's truth over an entire year.
The Importance of Theological Education
In discussing the Deep Discipleship program, there is a debate on whether requiring all church leaders to complete a foundational theology class is necessary. Emphasis is placed on the idea that every Christian, regardless of their ministry role, can benefit from a deeper grasp of doctrinal truths. Building a foundational understanding of Christian teachings can strengthen not only individual faith but also the church community. Leaders in various capacities, from hospitality to teaching, are encouraged to engage with theological training to foster a well-rounded ministry.
Understanding the Extra Calvinisticum
The term 'extra Calvinisticum' refers to a specific theological concept articulated by John Calvin regarding Christ’s presence in relation to the sacrament. Calvin posited that during the incarnation, the Son was not confined to his physical body, meaning that his divine nature remained omnipresent. This concept emerged from debates during the Reformation, emphasizing that Christ is spiritually present in the Lord's Supper beyond just local elements. This theological stance reflects a broader understanding of the interconnectedness between Christ’s humanity and divinity.
The Role of Warning Passages in Hebrews
The warning passages in the Book of Hebrews serve as crucial rhetorical devices, designed to provoke a reverent awareness of God among believers. These passages remind the faithful to hold steadfast to their faith in light of the dangers of apostasy, not as a fear of losing salvation but as a call to deeper commitment. The warnings highlight the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and the need for continuous spiritual growth. This approach reinforces that warnings are not merely admonitions but safeguards for the community of believers, encouraging perseverance in faith.
Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley answer listener questions to wrap up season 13!
Questions Covered in This Episode:
How did you start writing for an audience?
Who is the deep discipleship program built for? Should all leaders and volunteers at a church participate in this program?
What is the “extra Calvinisticum”?
Are you a dispensationalist? Why or why not?
Did God reject his people? (Romans 11)
How do you respond when people argue that focusing on studying the Bible and theology produces Pharisees?
My church dissolved its women's ministry in 2020. Do you have any advice on how to start a women's bible study without disrespecting the church's leaders?
What do you appreciate about each other?
If not just in memorial, what do the sacraments do?
What is the role of the warning passages in Hebrews?
Could you sum up free will from a reformed perspective?
How have you made the podcast work for so long?
Helpful Definitions:
Extra Calvinisticum: Teaches that in the Son’s incarnation the divine Logos is fully united to, but never fully contained within, the human nature. (Definition from TGC, Kevin DeYoung)
Dispensationalism: One way to think through the structure of Scripture has a variety of modes. A history with a theology.
Covenantal: One way to think through the structure of Scripture. A theology with a history.
Premillennialism: Belief in some sort of 1,000-year rule and reign and in some way that Christians are taken up into God's presence prior to the millennium.
Amillennialism: The millennium is figurative, we are currently living in the millennium period.
Views of the Lord's Supper:
Transubstantiation (Catholicism): Conversion of elements.
Consubstantiation (Lutheranism): Divine and human elements coexist.
Memorial (Anabaptist): Elements are symbolic.
Spiritual Presence (Reformed): Christ is spiritually present.
Libertarian Free Will: There is nothing outside of you that will constrain your ability to choose A or B. You are at liberty to do all that you would like to do whenever you’d like to do it.
Theological Determinism: You and all that you do is going to be determined by God or some gods.
Theological Compatibilism: You are able to act in accordance with your desires.
Midwestern Seminary is excited to announce FTC Talks, exclusive conversations with MBTS faculty about ministry related topics. Completely online and FREE, you can sign up for any and all FTC Talks today at mbts.edu/ftctalks to reserve your spot. Join us for talks about women's discipleship, God's heart for the nations, gospel-driven ministry, Spurgeon's pastoral ministry, and how every Christian is a counselor. We hope these conversations will spur you on in your service to the local church and help you connect with even more ministry leaders and friends across the country. Sign up today at mbts.edu/ftctalks. (feel free to riff off this, but this is the content).