Theology for the Church

In this episode, Caleb has a conversation with his father, Tim Lenard, about fighting for faith while wrestling with cancer. Tim was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer three years ago and this conversation peels back the curtain into what kinds of questions and struggles have come up along the way as well as how the ordinary means of grace and Christ’s church have brought comfort, encouragement, and joy in the darkest days.

Daniel Scheiderer, a pastor with a PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, dives deep into the fascinating attributes of God. He discusses how to categorize these divine traits and emphasizes the need for humility when exploring God's nature. The conversation highlights the transformative power of understanding God's attributes in prayer while examining how these qualities shape moral behavior. Additionally, Scheiderer reflects on God's unchanging nature and the comfort it brings believers in times of suffering.

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Keith Goad (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) preaching pastor at Jefferson Park Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia to discuss Gregory of Nazianzus and his contribution to our understanding of pastoral theology and ministry. Together, they discuss questions like: What does it look like to be a pastor-theologian? What does it mean for a pastor to be a “physician of the soul’? What does virtue have to do with the pastoral office and task? And more.Resources:Gregory of Nazianzus, Pastoral Theology by Keith GoadOn God and Christ: The Five Theological Orations and Two Letters to Cledoniusby Gregory of NazianzusGregory of Nazianzusby Brian DaleyChristology of the Later Fathersby Edward Hardy

Iain Duguid, a Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary with a PhD from Cambridge, dives into the rich theology of the Book of Numbers. He unpacks major themes of struggle, faithfulness, and identity while navigating Israel's wilderness journey. The conversation highlights pivotal moments of God's promises and the significance of place names, revealing deeper meanings within the text. Duguid also connects Balaam's oracles to messianic prophecy, showcasing the ties between Numbers and New Testament teachings.

Thomas Weinandy, a Catholic priest and theologian renowned for his insights on Trinitarian theology, dives into the fascinating doctrine of divine impassibility. He explains how God does not undergo emotional changes or suffer, which brings comfort to believers. The discussion contrasts historical and modern views of God's emotional engagement, illuminating the complexities of His nature. Weinandy also reflects on the significance of Christ’s dual nature and the implications of divine love and immutable perfection in relation to human suffering.

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Jared Compton (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Bethlehem College and Seminary to discuss the four major views or perspectives on Romans 9-11. Together, they provide a summary of Paul’s argument in Romans 1-8, an outline of Romans 9-11, and finally survey each view pointing out strengths and offering critiques each view has of the others.Resources: Three Views on Israel and the Church: Perspectives on Romans 9–11 edited by Andy Naselli and Jared ComptonHow Will “All Israel” Be Saved in Romans 11:26? (Part 1) by Richard LucasHow Will “All Israel” Be Saved in Romans 11:26? (Part 2) by Richard LucasPaul’s Theology of Israel’s Future: A Non-Millennial Interpretation of Romans 11 by Lee IronsRevisiting Romans 11:26 by Ben Merkle (Video)

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Casey Hough (PhD, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) to discuss his new book, When Poets were Warriors: Retrieving a Biblical Vision of Masculinity. Together, they discuss how, instead of allowing cultural stereotypes to form our vision of masculinity, we need to return to the emotionally complex and paradoxically challenging example of Jesus’ own life and teaching. As the last Adam, the true Son of Abraham, Son of David, Jesus demonstrates how to live in conformity to God’s will as a man as He calls us to follow Him.ResourcesWhen Poets Were Warriors: Retrieving a Biblical Vision of Masculinity by Casey HoughDisciplines of a Godly Man by Kent HughesThe Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen WellumThe Emotional Life of Our Lord by B.B. WarfieldSeason of Life: A Football Star, a Boy, a Journey to Manhood by Jeffrey Marx

Nicholas Piotrowski, President of Indianapolis Theological Seminary and author of "Return From Exile and the Renewal of God’s People," delves into the profound theme of exile throughout the Bible. He explores how Adam and Eve's disobedience leads to spiritual exile and the ongoing journey back to God's presence. The discussion includes insights on the Exodus narrative and the symbolism of the tabernacle as a bridge between humanity and God. Piotrowski emphasizes the relevance of these themes for today's believers, encouraging a deeper understanding of spiritual renewal.

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Craig Blomberg (PhD, University of Aberdeen) professor emeritus of New Testament at Denver Seminary to discuss the nature and meaning of Jesus’s parables, and how to interpret and apply them to our lives today.ResourcesInterpreting the Parables by Craig BlombergPoet and Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes: A Literary-Cultural Approach to the Parables in Luke by Kenneth BaileyStories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus by Klyne SnodgrassSurprised by the Parables: Growing in Grace through the Stories of Jesus by Michelle Lee Barnewall

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Peter Orr (PhD, University of Durham) New Testament lecturer at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia, to explore a theology of Mark’s Gospel Account via Orr's recent work, “The Beginning of the Gospel: A Theology of Mark.” Together, they discuss the main idea, purpose, structure, and key themes in the gospel of Mark.Resources: ⁠The Beginning of the Gospel: A Theology of Mark ⁠by Petter Orr⁠Mark: An Introduction and Commentary⁠ by Echhard Schnabel⁠The Gospel According to Mark⁠ by James Edwards⁠A Theology of Mark's Gospel: Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God ⁠by David Garland