Textual Community

Lingering on the Lectionary: The Easter Wager Reflection on the reality of resurrection hope.  Biblical Texts: Dan 12.1–2; Jn 6.39–40; Jn 11.11–43; 1 Cor 15.13–57; 1 Thess 4.13–16. 

In this episode, I share a recent sermon I preached in chapel at Cedarville University on the arrest and trial scenes in John's Gospel (John 18).  Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ashley Hales about her recent book A Spacious Life (IVP, 2021). In our discussion, Ashley shares some of her insights into the theological design of human limitations and also some tangible ways we can see our limits as an invitation rather than a burden.     Ashley is an author and speaker who lives with her family in Colorado. She also hosts the Finding Holy Podcast.    Read her most recent book: A Spacious Life: Trading Hustle and Hurry for the Goodness of Limits (IVP, 2021) Thanks for listening! Clarifying Note: The views of special guests are their own & do not necessarily reflect my own or the organizations with which I am formally and informally affiliated.

Lingering on the Lectionary: The Promise of God's Future Presence  Reflection on the readings for Mar 13 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Second Sunday in Lent). Biblical Texts: Gen 15.1–12; Ps 27; Phil 3.17–4.1.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Darian Lockett about his recent book Letters for the Church: Reading James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, and Jude as Canon (IVP, 2021). In our discussion, Darian discusses some of his approach to biblical studies and the significance of the canonical context for biblical interpretation. We also talk about some of the key theological and academic issues at stake in a canonical approach to the New Testament.    Darian is Professor of New Testament at Biola University.    Read his most recent book: Letters for the Church: Reading James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 James, and Jude as Canon (IVP) Read his previous books on the Catholic Epistles: Letters from the Pillar Apostles: The Formation of the Catholic Epistles as a Canonical Collection (Pickwick) An Introduction to the Catholic Epistles (T&T Clark) Thanks for listening! Clarifying Note: The views of special guests are their own & do not necessarily reflect my own or the organizations with which I am formally and informally affiliated.

Lingering on the Lectionary: The Glory and Grace of God  Reflection on the readings for Feb 27 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Transfiguration Sunday). Biblical Texts: Exod 34.29–35; Ps 99; Lk 9.28–36; 2 Cor 3.12–18.  

In this episode, I talk with pastor Isaac Adams about his recent book Talking about Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations (Zondervan, 2022). In our discussion, Isaac shares his approach to having conversations about race, his insights about racial issues and pastoral ministry, and some of his process in writing and shaping his book.   Isaac is lead pastor of Iron City Church in Birmingham, AL. He also is the founder of the ministry "United? We Pray."    Read his most recent book:  Talking about Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations (Zondervan, 2022)   Read his previous book on Christian maturity:  Training: How Do I Grow as a Christian? (9Marks | Christian Focus) Thanks for listening! Clarifying Note: The views of special guests are their own & do not necessarily reflect my own or the organizations with which I am formally and informally affiliated.

In this episode, I talk with my friend Dr. Madison Grace about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the history of missions in the SBC, and the value of historical theology for the life of the churches. In our discussion, Madison describes some of his scholarship on Bonhoeffer's corpus of writings and identifies several ways this kind of work can serve students and pastors.   Madison is Associate Professor of Theology and Baptist History and Director of the Oxford Study Program at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. He also serves at First Baptist Church, Mansfield, TX.    Read some of his recent work in this area: Make Disciples of All Nations: A History of Southern Baptist International Missions (Kregel, 2021) "Salvation in the Medieval Era," in Historical Theology for the Church (B&H, 2021).   "Early English Baptists' View of the Lord's Supper," SWJT 57.2 (Spring 2015): 159–79.  "True Discipleship: Radical Voices from the Swiss Brethren to Dietrich Bonhoeffer to Today," SWJT 53.2 (Spring 2011): 135–53. Thanks for listening! Clarifying Note: The views of special guests are their own & do not necessarily reflect my own or the organizations with which I am formally and informally affiliated.

Lingering on the Lectionary: Resurrection Hope for Wayward Hearts  Reflection on the readings for Feb 13 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Sixth Sunday after Epiphany). Biblical Texts: Jer 17.5–10; Ps 1; Lk 6.17–26; 1 Cor 15.12–20.

Level up! In this episode, I talk with my friend Dr. Matt Millsap about engaging popular culture from a Christian perspective and also his scholarship on theological interaction with games studies and video games. In our discussion, Matt explains his overall approach to analyzing video games as meaningful cultural texts, and we also consider the ways that this type of medium and reflection might impact the life of the local churches.    Matt is Associate Professor of Christian Studies and director of library services at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO.    Read some of his recent work in this area: "Infinite Domain: No Man's Sky and the Cultural Mandate," MJT 17.2 (2018): 42–57.  "Pastor, Your Congregation Plays Video games (and that's ok)" For the Church (March 2019) Baptist Press Interview on Dissertation Focus Thanks for listening! Clarifying Note: The views of special guests are their own & do not necessarily reflect my own or the organizations with which I am formally and informally affiliated.