That’ll Preach

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

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

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

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.

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.

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  

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  

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

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."

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."