RTS Washington Faculty Podcast

Episode 23 How should Christians use the authority and influence that they have received from God? Should Christians seek power, and if they have it how should they steward it? This week we discuss how the cross transforms the way we think about the nature of power and authority, whether locally, pastorally, or politically.

Episode 22 Dr. Mike Allen, Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean at RTS Orlando, joins us to discuss the Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS), an increasingly influential approach to reading and exegeting the Bible. Topics include ministering to the whole person, Mike's upcoming Ephesians commentary, and tools for the theologian's toolkit. Show notes: Allen, Ephesians. https://www.amazon.com/Ephesians-Brazos-Theological-Commentary-Bible/dp/1587430967 Barclay, Paul and the Gift. https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Gift-John-M-Barclay/dp/0802875327/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=barclay+the+gift&qid=1597773317&sr=8-2 Reno, Sanctified Vision, https://www.amazon.com/Sanctified-Vision-Introduction-Christian-Interpretation/dp/0801880882/ IVP, Ancient Christian Commentary, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075V9S2DN Treier, Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture, https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Theological-Interpretation-Scripture-Recovering/dp/0801031788 Christian Classics Ethereal Library, https://www.ccel.org

Episode 21 This week we welcome George Harinck to the podcast to discuss the legacy of Abraham Kuyper. What was his theological program all about, and in what respect does his work continue in neocalvinism?

Episode 20 We often talk about rest as if it is a necessary evil, a failure of will, a problem to overcome. The Bible speaks very differently about rest. It is a reward, a victory, a celebration, and an act of faith. Join us as we discuss the need to rest and explore best practices for its pursuit, especially in pastoral ministry.

Episode 19 This week the faculty discuss the pastors, professors, and mentors that influenced and shaped them, whether pastorally, personally, or academically.

Episode 18 In this episode we talk about how story shapes the way we think and communicate, both positively and negatively. Whether fiction or non-fiction, story shapes our lives, our spiritual development, and our ability to read and proclaim the Gospel. Recommended resources: Wood, How Fiction Works, https://www.amazon.com/How-Fiction-Works-Tenth-Anniversary/dp/1250183928/ Lewis, “On Three Ways of Writing for Children,” http://myweb.scu.edu.tw/~jmklassen/scu99b/chlitgrad/3ways.pdf Selderhuis, John Calvin: A Pilgrim’s Life, https://www.amazon.com/John-Calvin-Pilgrims-Herman-Selderhuis/dp/0830829210/ Godfrey, John Calvin: Pilgrim and Pastor, https://www.amazon.com/John-Calvin-W-Robert-Godfrey/dp/1433501325/ Olinger, Geehardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian, https://www.amazon.com/Geerhardus-Vos-Theologian-Confessional-Presbyterian/dp/0998748722/ Kuyper, Encyclopedia of Sacred Theology: Its Principles, https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Sacred-Theology-Its-Principles/dp/1375990969/

Episode 17 This week we handle a frequently asked student question: how do we do personal devotions? Many can testify that personal devotion can be challenging, ironically but particularly in the midst of pastoral ministry. How can pastors maintain a personal relationship with Christ amidst the pressure of ministry? Show Notes: Keller, Prayer, https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Experiencing-Awe-Intimacy-God/dp/0143108581/ Pratt, Pray with Your Eyes Open, https://www.amazon.com/Pray-Your-Eyes-Open-Ourselves/dp/0875523781/ Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Disciplines-Christian-Donald-Whitney/dp/1615216170/ Blanchard, Right with God, https://www.amazon.com/Right-God-John-Blanchard/dp/0851510450/ Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, https://www.amazon.com/Institutes-Christian-Religion-John-Calvin/dp/1598561685/

Episode 16 This week on the podcast Peter Lee walks us through the difficult task of cultivating joy amidst suffering. How can Christians recognize the reality of suffering while, at the same time, keep the command to "count it all joy" amidst trial? For more, you can find Dr. Lee's book on joy here: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Unspeakable-Finding-Christ-like-Suffering/dp/1532664532/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=joy+unspeakable+lee&qid=1594257844&sr=8-1 Show Notes Keller, Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering, https://www.amazon.com/Walking-God-through-Pain-Suffering/dp/1594634408/ Billings, Rejoicing in Lament, https://www.amazon.com/Rejoicing-Lament-Wrestling-Incurable-Cancer/dp/1587433583/ Lewis, A Grief Observed, https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Observed-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652381/ McCartney, Why Does it Have to Hurt?, https://www.amazon.com/Why-Does-Have-Hurt-Christian/dp/0875523862/ Currid, Why Do I Suffer? https://www.amazon.com/Why-Do-Suffer-Suffering-Sovereignty/dp/1781915067/ Emerson, Smith, Divided by Faith, https://www.amazon.com/Divided-Faith-Evangelical-Religion-Problem-dp-0195147073/dp/0195147073/ Ellis, Free at Last? https://www.amazon.com/Free-at-Last-Paperback-Common/dp/B00FBBF7TC/

Episode 15 We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ligon Duncan to the podcast to address the recent and historic vote in Mississippi to replace its state flag, presenting a powerful case that Christians should promote the justice and dignity of their neighbors. He also shares with us how RTS is adapting and flourishing amidst the challenges presented by covid-19. Show notes: https://ligonduncan.com/a-statement-on-the-flag-of-mississippi/ https://www.amazon.com/Dominion-Christian-Revolution-Remade-World/dp/0465093507 https://ligonduncan.com/a-pastoral-letter-on-racism-and-the-gospel/

Episode 14 Dr. Scott Redd talks with us about his newest article on cultivating wholeness in a fragmented world. Focusing particularly on the Mosaic covenant, we then look at how a covenantal understanding of Christ's work provides a robust answer to the fragmentation we experience, both as individuals and as a society. Show notes: Redd, “Fragmentation and Wholeness in the Mosaic Eschatology.” https://journal.rts.edu/article/fragmentation-and-wholeness-in-the-mosaic-eschatology/ Venema, Christ and Covenant Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Covenant-Theology-Republication-Covenants/dp/1629952516/ Robertson, The Christ of the Covenants, https://www.amazon.com/Christ-Covenants-Palmer-Robertson/dp/0875524184/ Muether, Reid, Waters, Covenant Theology: Biblical, Theological, and Historical Perspectives, https://www.amazon.com/Covenant-Theology-Theological-Historical-Perspectives/dp/1433560038/ Horton, Introducing Covenant Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Covenant-Theology-Michael-Horton/dp/080107195X/ Kline, The Structure of Biblical Authority, https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Biblical-Authority-Meredith-Kline/dp/1579100694/ Belcher, The Fulfillment of the Promises of God, https://www.amazon.com/Fulfillment-Promises-God-Explanation-Covenant/dp/1527105199/ Vos, Biblical Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Theology-Old-New-Testaments/dp/1592442919/ Rhodes, Covenants Made Simple, https://www.amazon.com/Covenants-Made-Simple-Understanding-Unfolding/dp/1596389753/