RTS Washington Faculty Podcast

Episode 39 We return to our series on the Apostles’ Creed, rounding into the Christmas season with a discussion of the Spirit's work in the conception, birth, life, and death of our Lord. The Spiritual conception of Jesus is more than just proof that he is a Divine person—it does that, but it is also the climactic moment in which God fulfills his promise to be with his people in a new and and perfect way.

Episode 38 We welcome Dr. D. Blair Smith, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at RTS Charlotte, for a discussion on the Fatherhood of God as it relates to the doctrines of the Trinity and redemption. What’s the value of reading patristic writings in this connection? What does the Old Testament teach us about the Fatherhood of God? And how can a fuller understanding of God as Father enrich our worship and everyday lives? Also, don’t miss Blair’s excellent, climactically articulated 4-point “ramble” in response to Tommy’s question.

Episode 37 We welcome Chris Watkin to the podcast to discuss how Christianity helps us think about the crucial philosophical and cultural issues of the day. Our faith resists a binary appropriation of ideas, as if we must either affirm or reject the culture around us. Rather, it "diagonalizes" issues by bringing God's word to bear on everything we address. Show notes Watkin, Thinking Through Creation. https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-through-Creation-Cultural-Critique/dp/1629953016/ Thinking Through The Bible, https://www.thinkingthroughthebible.com

Episode 36 Each word describing Jesus in the creed is rich with significance. He is "Son" and "Messiah" and "Lord." How do these three interact? What is their biblical and theological significance? How do they relate to the ministry of the church, both theologically and practically?

Episode 35 The doctrine of the Trinity is at the heart of the Christianity. "When Scripture wants to summarize salvation," says Dr. Scott Swain, "it summarizes it in a Trinitarian way." We are pleased to welcome Dr. Swain, President and James Woodrow Hassell Professor of Systematic Theology at RTS Orlando, to this week's discussion. Allen & Swain, eds., The Oxford Handbook of Reformed Theology, https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Handbook-Reformed-Theology-Handbooks/dp/0198723911 Swain, The Trinity: An Introduction, https://www.amazon.com/Trinity-Introduction-Studies-Systematic-Theology/dp/1433561212/ Holmes, The Quest for the Trinity: The Doctrine of God in Scripture, History and Modernity, https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Trinity-Doctrine-Scripture-Modernity/dp/0830839860/

Episode 34 The doctrine of creation is at the heart of the Christian religion and confession. We can't understand the work of Christ without first understanding the Trinitarian work of creation. This week the faculty discusses how creation ex nihilo shapes our witness and message.

Episode 33 The creed is more than a set of propositions; it's a personal commitment that begins with a defining relationship, God the Father. This week the faculty considers the nature of faith, the Trinitarian character of the creed, and the significance of the claim that God is Father.

Episode 32 We were pleased to welcome Dr. Irwyn Ince at our annual ReForum for a discussion of his recent book, The Beautiful Community. Listen in as Irwyn and the faculty discuss issues of ethnicity, community, and ecclesiology.

Episode 31 Gray Sutanto and Tim Keller discuss Herman Bavinck, Christian epistemology, and gospel ministry in global cities. The conversation was moderated by Scott Redd and Jay Harvey as part of a joint effort between RTS Washington and RTS New York City and was recorded on the evening of Oct. 19, 2020. Show notes: Bavinck, Christian Worldview: https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Worldview-Herman-Bavinck/dp/1433563193/ Keller, The Reason for God: https://www.amazon.com/Reason-God-Belief-Age-Skepticism/dp/1594483493/ Keller, Center Church: https://www.amazon.com/Center-Church-Balanced-Gospel-Centered-Ministry/dp/0310494184/ Sutanto, God and Knowledge: Herman Bavinck's Christian Epistomology: https://www.amazon.com/God-Knowledge-Theological-Epistemology-Systematic/dp/0567692280/

Faculty members from RTS Washington discuss the significance of the Apostles' Creed, its necessity in the Christian Church, and how creeds promote unity and orthodoxy. They explore the historical origins of the Creed, its role in shaping beliefs, and the value of memorizing and understanding creeds for theological studies.