Knowing Faith

Join Bobby Jamieson, a biblical scholar and associate pastor, as he dives deep into the meaning of happiness through the lens of Ecclesiastes. He explores the misconceptions surrounding happiness and argues that true satisfaction comes from being deeply rooted in God. Bobby also discusses the importance of gratitude and enjoying life’s gifts while cautioning against the traps of workism and idolizing identity. Don't miss his insights on how Christians can embrace joy and flourish within life’s limits!

Gavin Ortlund, a pastor and theologian, dives into the intriguing dynamics of Christian disagreement despite a shared belief in the Bible. He explores how sin and interpretive differences lead to diverse interpretations. Gavin discusses when separation is necessary in disagreements and the pressing factors like social media that fuel modern disputes. He emphasizes the importance of engaging in disagreements with love and understanding, sharing his top rules for fostering healthy dialogue among believers.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley have a conversation around the question, “Why doesn’t God always heal the sick?”Questions Covered in This Episode:Why do people get sick? Where does sickness come from?What's the difference between personal sin and the presence of sin?Throughout the Bible, we see God perform miraculous healings. What are some examples that come to mind?Does my faith play a role in someone's healing?Is “not my will but yours” a prayer of faith?What is God’s best for us?What is the purpose of Jesus’s miracles?Why doesn’t God always heal the sick?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Genesis 50:20, Luke 13, John 9, Mark 5:21-43, John 11:38-44, Mark 2:1-12, John 5:1-18, James 5:13-16, Daniel 3, Matthew 26:39, Revelation 21-22, 2 Timothy 4:20, John 16:33, Genesis 3 Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcast:Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join the hosts as they unpack the meaning of tithing, clarifying misconceptions around the 10% rule. Explore the Old Testament roots and how they shaped Israel’s giving practices. Discover the difference between tithes and offerings, and why Christians today may not be bound by Old Testament laws. Learn about generosity as a core virtue for New Testament believers. The discussion includes practical strategies for giving and how churches can cultivate a culture of generosity among their congregations.

Ian Harber, Director of Communications and Marketing at Mere Orthodoxy and author of Walking Through Deconstruction, dives into the complexities of faith crises. He defines deconstruction as a process that dismantles core beliefs and intertwines with cultural ideologies, particularly around issues of sexuality and gender. Ian shares his own journey, emphasizing the importance of compassion and patience when supporting others facing similar struggles. He encourages listeners to deeply explore their faith while remaining anchored in core Christian doctrines.

Ronni Kurtz, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology and expert on divine impassability, explores profound questions about God's emotional life. He clarifies the difference between biblical 'passions' and modern 'emotions,' and discusses the historical roots of God's impassibility. Kurtz explains how divine simplicity allows for a love that is essential and uncaused, highlighting what we lose if we discard this understanding. He also addresses the importance of accommodation in Scripture for grappling with human feelings and divine assurance.

The discussion dives into the critical role of preaching in the church, questioning whether it still holds significance today. The speakers analyze its unique authority and impact on spiritual growth, especially among younger generations. They explore the Holy Spirit's role in guiding worship practices and the importance of liturgical frameworks. The balance between preaching, music, and congregational participation is also scrutinized, highlighting common pitfalls in preaching styles and the need for a cohesive worship experience to enhance biblical literacy.

The hosts dive into the intriguing debate about modern-day apostles, exploring their historical and biblical definitions. They discuss the implications of casually using the title today and the risks associated with it. The conversation highlights the essential authority that truly belongs to God versus the entrusted authority of leaders. They also address the dynamics of prayer, emphasizing humility and sincerity over entitlement. Finally, the topic shifts to the importance of accountability in church planting, warning against self-appointed leaders in the modern church.

What truly defines a 'real Christian'? Explore the essential beliefs that set apart genuine faith from groups like Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses. The discussion dives into the importance of Jesus' full divinity and the impact of historical heresies like Arianism. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the balance between doctrine and personal connection, examining how grace and love shape their Christian identity. Delve into the complexities of faith and the necessity of accountability within the church.

The hosts dive into how therapeutic language has seeped into the church, sparking a debate on its theological implications. They discuss the historical shifts that have led to this trend and its impact on self-perception, often at odds with traditional biblical views. Emphasis is placed on the importance of lament and sin in faith practices, urging a return to God's narrative. The conversation raises concerns about prioritizing positive emotions over spiritual truths, highlighting the need for a balance between therapy and gospel-centered healing.