Food Trucks in Babylon

Ryan and Todd sit down with pastor and author Champ Thornton to talk about how families can follow Jesus together, especially during the Christmas season. Champ recently wrote the book Wonders of His Love, an advent devotional for families based on Isaiah’s prophecies. He is the author of several children’s books and is the associate pastor at Ogletown Baptist Church in Newark, Delaware.Mentioned resources:Wonders of His Love: Finding Jesus in Isaiah

J.T. English, pastor of Storyline Fellowship and author of 'Deep Discipleship,' explores the need for holistic discipleship in the church. He critiques superficial approaches, stressing the importance of deeper biblical education and community support. The discussion tackles redefining discipleship through self-denial, the challenges faced by bivocational pastors, and fostering unity through core theological truths. J.T. emphasizes the role of pastor-theologians in building community, nurturing spiritual growth, and engaging laypeople in meaningful dialogue.

What do we do when we encounter parts of the Bible that make us uncomfortable? Is the God of the Bible truly anti-women, anti-science, pro-violence and pro-slavery? Is the “Good Book” really good? Todd and Ryan sit down with Dan Kimball, author of “How (Not) to Read the Bible,” to discuss why the way we read and interpret our Bibles is so important in a post-Christian age. Dan is a pastor at Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz Calif., a faculty member at Western Seminary, and the director of the Regeneration Project.Resources:How (Not) to Read the Bible, Dan Kimball

Todd and Ryan sit down with pastor Michael Lawrence to talk about how pastors should respond to mental illness in the church. Michael shares from his own personal experience as a parent whose child was diagnosed with a serious mental illness a number of years ago. He talks about how the gospel relates to mental health, the dangers of seeing mental health as only a physical or spiritual issue, and what the church can do to help those struggling with mental illness. Michael has served as the lead pastor at Hinson Baptist Church in Portland for 11 years.

Todd and Ryan sit down with hip-hop artist Shai Linne to discuss how the gospel can accomplish racial reconciliation. Shai is the author of The New Reformation: Finding Hope in the Fight for Ethnic Unity. In addition to releasing numerous Christian hip-hop albums, Shai cofounded Risen Christ Fellowship, an inner-city church in his hometown of Philadelphia. Mentioned resources:The New Reformation

Timothy Paul Jones and Garrick Bailey from Three Chords and the Truth Podcast team up with Ryan and Todd to answer questions about apologetics and the impassibility of God. They also discuss questions as to how ethics should shape 21st century apologetics, what instrument Herman Bavinck would have played if he’d joined his fellow Dutchmen Eddie and Alex Van Halen in a band, and how Pearl Jam can help your prayer life.

Do you find it challenging to apply the book of Proverbs to your life? Dominick Hernández joins Todd and Ryan to discuss how the wisdom in Proverbs is indeed intended to help us with practical matters in our lives. Hernandez is assistant professor of Old Testament Interpretation and the Director of the Online Hispanic Program at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also an ordained pastor, published author, conference speaker, and biblical language enthusiast. Mentioned Resources:Proverbs: Pathways to Wisdom

How should Christians think about the afterlife? What difference does the doctrines of heaven and hell make in Christianity? Randy Alcorn joins the show to talk with Ryan and Todd about writing, heaven, and what Christian living has to do with the eternal promise of the New Heavens and the New Earth.Mentioned ResourcesRandy Alcorn, Heaven, The Grace and Truth Paradox, Eternity, The Apostle, Ollie Chandler SeriesJames Scott Bell, Plot & StructureFrancine Rivers, Atonement Child, Redeeming LoveGreg Allison, Historical Theology

Ryan & Todd continue their conversation about spiritual abuse with Ken Garrett.

In this two-part episode, pastor and author Ken Garrett talks to Ryan and Todd about his faith journey and his encounter with spiritual abuse in the church. Ken's book, In the House of Friends, is written for survivors of abusive churches, their families and friends, and all who want to understand spiritual abuse and help those who have been abused.