The Crossway Podcast

Lydia Brownback, an author and Bible teacher, shares profound insights about navigating loneliness during the holiday season. She discusses how comparison can amplify feelings of isolation and how loss can make traditions more poignant. Lydia emphasizes the importance of facing painful emotions and reaching out for support instead of numbing them. By inviting God into our loneliness and serving others, we can find purpose and community. She encourages proactive inclusion and laments as powerful tools for healing.

Today, we are pleased to share an audio essay written and read by Uche Anizor entitled "Excited about Christmas, Less So about Christ." Uche Anizor is a professor of theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He is also the author of '⁠Overcoming Apathy: Gospel Hope for Those Who Struggle to Care⁠' from Crossway. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the essay here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show!

Matt Boswell, a senior pastor, worship minister, and renowned hymn writer, dives into the significance of singing in church, regardless of musical preferences. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing young musicians' character and warns against performance culture that prioritizes spotlight over service. Boswell discusses how corporate singing is rooted in Scripture, serving as communal ministry, while also acknowledging moments when singing feels difficult. He urges openness to diverse musical styles, emphasizing the essential role of congregational participation in worship.

Beth Broome, a licensed professional counselor and founder of the Christian Trauma Healing Network, shares invaluable insight for parents navigating tough conversations about suffering with their children. She discusses the balance between protecting kids and preparing them for life's challenges. Beth emphasizes the importance of grounding discussions in biblical truth while addressing tough topics like God’s role in suffering. She also highlights that every child processes grief differently, urging parents to connect emotionally before guiding them through their struggles.

Rosaria Butterfield, a former professor and outspoken author, shares her insights on the phrase 'Love Is Love.' She explores its historical origins and how it humanized LGBTQ experiences. Rosaria argues that love must be grounded in God's will, warning against redefining morality based on cultural slogans. She contrasts compassionate empathy with the Christian calling for gospel rescue. Reflecting on her own journey, she insists that identity in Christ transcends past affiliations, urging the church to awaken to cultural shifts and resist misleading narratives.

Tyler Wittman, an associate professor of theology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and author of 'Creation: An Introduction', brings fresh insights on the creation account. He introduces the metaphor of creation as a song, exploring its theological imagery. Wittman emphasizes that Genesis 1 is rich in symbolic language rather than a scientific textbook. He also discusses the importance of the creator-creature distinction and celebrates the inherent goodness of creation, highlighting its purpose as doxological, where all of nature praises God.

Join Brian Rosner, a New Testament lecturer and former principal of Ridley College, as he unpacks the complexities of Romans. He discusses the powerful influence of Romans throughout history and its vital role during the Reformation. Rosner explains Paul's intentions behind the letter, revealing its missionary and pastoral goals. He also tackles challenging passages, such as the Adam-Christ parallel in Romans 5 and the debated meanings in Romans 7. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of reading Romans as a cohesive work to fully grasp its profound messages.

Ken Mbugua is the senior pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Nairobi and the managing director of Ekklesia Africa, which offers crucial training and resources for churches across Africa. He discusses the rapid growth of Christianity on the continent, highlighting both challenges like prosperity gospel and syncretism, and resource disparities for pastors. Ken emphasizes the importance of theological foundations and the effort to provide Bibles through the Million Bible Initiative, stressing the need for prayer and support to strengthen the African church.

In this conversation, Ryanne J. Molinari, a talented collaborative pianist and worship director, delves into the transformative power of corporate singing in worship. She explains how music shapes our desires and habits, emphasizing its emotional impact. Ryanne discusses the significance of singing together as a communal and spiritual act, which cultivates Christian fruit. She also addresses the challenges of musical preferences within the church and the importance of humility and openness among worship leaders.

Winfree Brisley, an editor at the Gospel Coalition, and Sharonda Cooper, a content coordinator for women's initiatives, dive deep into the enriching world of the Psalms. They explore how these texts give voice to our emotions and model turning to God in all seasons. The duo discusses the importance of reading Psalms with Christ in mind, delves into the significance of lament, and highlights practical ways to pray through suffering. Their insights reveal the Psalms as both a source of comfort and a call to honest expression before God.