Knowing Faith

Samuel Bierig, Vice President at Spurgeon College and author focused on biblical theology, discusses the intricate relationship between Jesus and Proverbs. He highlights that all Scripture points to Christ, urging readers to view Proverbs as a cohesive work rather than isolated lessons. Bierig warns against moralizing Proverbs outside its context and emphasizes the 'fear of the Lord' as essential for understanding its wisdom. He frames Proverbs not as strict law, but as practical guidance for believers growing in grace.

Matt Boswell, a hymn-writer and pastor at The Trails Church, dives into the importance of congregational singing and how it fosters teaching and community in worship. He distinguishes between psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, emphasizing their unique roles. Addressing those who aren't fond of singing, Matt encourages participation as a form of obedience and encouragement. He also discusses criteria for selecting church songs and the historical importance of hymnals, introducing the new Sing! Hymnal aimed at enriching congregational worship.

Join Kyle Worley and Geoff Chang, an expert on Charles H. Spurgeon and a theological scholar, as they explore how Spurgeon might navigate modern issues. They discuss Spurgeon's potential warnings about using artificial intelligence in ministry, fearing it could promote laziness. Chang articulates Spurgeon's strong stance against gambling as harmful, while also suggesting a nuanced view on recreational marijuana—advocating for freedom but with caution. Insights into Spurgeon's character and habits in a Victorian context are also shared.

James Wood, an Associate Professor of Religion and Theology at Redeemer University, dives into Constantine's complex relationship with Christianity. He discusses whether Constantine's conversion was genuine and how monasticism emerged as a response to martyrdom in a more politically accepted church. The conversation also explores the benefits of Christendom, contrasting pagan Christianity with a sincere public faith, and the importance of subordinating secular authority to divine principles in shaping a faithful Christian witness.

In this conversation, Don Whitney, a Professor of Biblical Spirituality and expert on spiritual disciplines, explores the crucial role of the local church in spiritual growth. He emphasizes that spiritual formation thrives in community, contrasting personal and interpersonal disciplines. Whitney highlights the need for both private and corporate prayer, while defining koinonia as meaningful fellowship among believers, not just casual chats. He argues deeper spiritual experiences often come through collective gatherings, urging a balance of solitude and communal worship.

Macy English, Owner and Principal Consultant of English Media, surprises the regular hosts with a spirited theological trivia game. They dive into fascinating discussions about the four gospels, the healing of Naaman, and the significance of figures like Melchizedek. The quiz highlights key doctrines, including the Trinity and the Nicene Creed, as well as the importance of sanctification and the 'means of grace.' Listeners are invited to join in the fun, and the session wraps up with reflections on learning and a bonus tiebreaker about a legendary judge.

Jared Bumpers, Associate Professor of Preaching and Evangelism at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the importance of theological formation in the local church. He argues that genuine growth in faith is best nurtured through pastoral oversight and community support. Jared also highlights the innovative cohort model at Midwestern, which allows students to gain hands-on ministry experience within local congregations. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of theology, connecting students with practical, real-world applications.

The hosts dive into the hot topic of whether Christians can gamble, addressing its growing prevalence and implications. They discuss recent gambling scandals and their societal impact, especially on low-income individuals. The conversation explores the motivations behind gambling and how factors like stakes and personal finances can shape one’s wisdom in wagering. Additionally, insights on hosting poker nights and the permissibility of lotteries are shared. Parents receive guidance on teaching kids about money and gambling responsibly.

In this engaging discussion, Peter Gurry, an Associate Professor of New Testament and co-director of the Text & Canon Institute, dives into the reliability of the New Testament. He passionately explains why we should trust its accounts, linking that trust to the historical resurrection of Jesus Christ. Gurry also tackles the intriguing question of whether the resurrection is merely a spiritual metaphor or a historical reality, providing compelling arguments that affirm the latter and discussing its significance for the church's origins.

The hosts dive into whether God is still speaking audibly today, unpacking biblical examples of dreams and visions. They discuss the sufficiency of Scripture against ongoing revelations and the distinction between prophetic office and ministry. Cautionary tales arise about individual prophetic words and the dangers of misusing them in church settings. Personal testimonies showcase unexpected prophetic encounters, while debates highlight the balance between listening for God's voice and avoiding manufactured experiences. The conversation fosters theological humility and ongoing learning.