Knowing Faith

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.

Dr. Travis Montgomery, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the intersection of technology and spiritual formation. He highlights the dual role of technology, sharing how it empowers ordinary individuals with kingly capacities while also posing dangers of alienation and temptation to misuse power. Montgomery emphasizes the importance of physical presence over virtual connections, advocating for a balance where online learning supports local ministry, ultimately encouraging listeners to embody Christ's love in practical ways.

Dive into a captivating discussion about angels, demons, and Satan's role in the Bible. The hosts explore cultural fascinates with the supernatural and share their personal encounters. They tackle why some Christians hesitate to talk about these beings and clarify biblical agreements on their nature. With thoughtful insight, they debate if demons can read minds and whether certain actions might invite demonic activity. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of understanding spiritual realities while maintaining God's sovereignty.

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.