The Bible (Unmuted)

What is theology? And what is the relationship between theology and the Bible? In this episode, Matt chats with Andrew Hollingsworth, a well-versed theologian who has a knack for these sorts of questions. Matt and Andrew discuss the role reason and tradition play in interpreting Scripture, as well as the ins and outs of theological method -- dabbling into hermeneutical and philosophical issues along the way. + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

Would the discovery of aliens undermine Christianity? In this short episode, I introduce a new article I wrote for Premier Christianity magazine (link below). Premier Christianity article: https://www.premierchristianity.com/features/why-its-time-for-christians-to-take-ufos-seriously/15974.article Interview with Ross Coulthart: https://youtu.be/ZljDzLn1wso + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

In this episode, Matt address two listeners questions about eschatology: (1) What does it mean to "watch" and "wait" for Jesus' future return in the current day? And (2) when the Bible says God will save Christians from "wrath," how does this square with the view that says there will be no rapture? Both questions are fantastic, and the various biblical texts explored in this episode make for intriguing conversations and further discussion as we think about eschatology. Submit your questions to: https://matthewhalsted.com/contact/ + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

In this episode, Matthew talks about the benefits of taking weekly communion and following the Christian calendar. He reminds us that Christianity is a communal faith -- one that promotes unity with Christ and each other. There are no "lone ranger" Christians, and rugged individualism is not part of our ancient faith. As a church, therefore, we are called to the communion table, and we are summoned to fix our time and attention around the rhythms of the biblical story -- the center of which is Jesus the Messiah. + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

In this episode, I interview two of my Eternity Bible College colleagues, Ernesto Duke (President) and Joshua Walker (Vice President/Academic Dean). We talk about a range of things: from the rising cost of biblical education to curriculum to the virtues of thinking deeply and critical about our theological assumptions. In this honest and transparent conversation, we talk about the history, heart, and aims of Eternity Bible College. At the heart of our mission is to provide quality education in a way that is accessible (geographically/financially) to students all across the world. To learn more about Eternity, visit www.eternity.edu + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

In this episode, Matt offers an interpretive tour through Romans 4. In this chapter, Paul quotes from Psalm 31 (LXX) and key portions of Genesis. One of the interesting questions about these quotations is the way in which Paul employs them as part of his argument that circumcision (works of Torah) are not required for covenant membership. But how would Paul's contemporaries (his non-Christian Jewish interlocutors) have thought about Paul's argument? Would they be persuaded by his interpretations of Genesis and Psalm 31? We answer these questions and more in this episode, addressing the nature of Paul's interpretive posture with respect to these important Old Testament texts. + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

This episode serves as a bridge of sorts between Romans 3 and 4. In the last episode, Matt discussed Paul's idea that God's righteousness is revealed through the faithfulness of Jesus the Messiah. This took listeners back to Genesis 11-12, as well to Isaiah's "Servant Songs" and connected those back to Jesus. In this episode, Matt look further into Paul's understanding of Isaiah's servant -- only this time taking a detour through Philippians 2:5-11, the "Christ Hymn." In this passage, Paul quotes from Isaiah, taking a YHWH text and reconfiguring it around Jesus the Messiah -- what one might call a christological interpretation. This is important to observe, not least in light of the next episode on Romans 4, where Paul reads the Abraham story christologically. In this episode (and the next), listeners get a look at the core of Paul's interpretive approach to the Old Testament. + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

In this episode, we dive back into Romans -- this time in chapter 3. This is a pivotal chapter in the book itself. From the start, Paul asks a very important question: If Israel has been unfaithful to her God-given vocation to be a light to the nations, then will God be unfaithful too? Will God backtrack on his promises to Abraham (Gen 12:1-3)? That's the question of Romans 3. For Paul, the answer is simple: God will be faithful to the covenant promises. But how? That's another key question. And the answer is that God's faithfulness is demonstrated through the faithfulness of Jesus the Messiah. As we dive into these questions, we also take a journey through Isaiah and key sections of Matthew's gospel to show how, exactly, Jesus's faithfulness demonstrates the faithfulness of God. + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

In this episode, Matt talks with Jerome Van Kuiken about his new book The Judas We Never Knew. Everyone is familiar with Judas in the New Testament, namely, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. But there's another Judas who many might not be familiar with at all. This Judas wrote a little book that can be found near the end of the New Testament -- the book of Jude. It's a rather short letter, and if you blink, you'll miss it altogether. Who was this Judas? What message would he have for today's world? Despite the small size of his book, it really does pack a lot of punch. Listeners will enjoy this fascinating discussion about all things Judas. And... there's even some talk about Spiderman thrown in as well. Buy Jerome's book: The Judas We Never Knew (Amazon) // Publisher (Seedbed) page About Jerome (from OKWU bio): Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken earned his B.A. in Religion from Kentucky Mountain Bible College, his Master of Divinity from Wesley Biblical Seminary in Mississipi, and his Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Manchester in England. He grew up as a Missionary Kid and Preacher’s Kid, and brings a wealth of practical experience to his teaching, having served in local church ministries and having taught college-level courses since 2000. He is married with two children. + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com

In this episode, it's all about Q&A. Matt is accompanied by a very special guest as he offers answers to a range of questions, such as: Is evolution compatible with the Bible? Can the "Divine Withdrawal" view of God's wrath capture the full scope of what it means for God to bring judgment? Can Christians lose their salvation? and Would the existence of aliens undermine the truth of the Bible? A lot of ground is covered, so buckle up! + + + Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheBibleUnmuted www.matthewhalsted.com