Theology for the Church

David Schrock, Pastor of Preaching and Theology at Occoquan Bible Church and an adjunct professor, delves into the Levitical Covenant's vital role in biblical theology. He highlights its foundational significance in the Old Testament and how it paves the way for the New Covenant through Christ. The conversation explores the interconnectedness of the priestly and royal roles, emphasizing believers' collective responsibility in church life akin to Old Testament priests. Listeners gain insight into the implications for modern Christian practices and pastoral leadership.

Thomas Schreiner, Associate Dean and Professor at Southern Seminary, dives into the Mosaic Covenant from a progressive covenantalist perspective. He sheds light on how this covenant connects with previous biblical ones, emphasizing grace and holiness. The conversation highlights the Old Covenant's relevance today, especially regarding the Ten Commandments and their moral implications for Christians. Schreiner also discusses salvation's true basis in faith, contrasting it with human achievement, while underscoring Jesus' role as the fulfillment of God's promises.

Jason DeRouchie, a Research Professor at Midwestern Seminary, delves into the Abrahamic Covenant and its influence on Christian theology. He highlights how this covenant transforms curses into blessings and connects to the New Covenant through Jesus. The conversation on Abraham's faith, the significance of circumcision, and the promise of land and offspring reveals deep theological insights. DeRouchie also discusses the shift from physical circumcision to the spiritual act of baptism, emphasizing faith as the key to experiencing God's promises.

Michael Carlino, a PhD candidate and Operations Director for the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, dives into the significance of the Noahic Covenant. He explores its connection to the Creation Covenant and how it frames God’s redemptive plan. The discussion highlights the rainbow as a symbol of divine mercy, contrasting its original meaning with modern interpretations. Carlino also emphasizes the relationship between sin, judgment, and grace, showing how these themes influence understanding of future covenants and God’s ultimate purpose.

Richard Lucas, Pastor of Teaching and Reaching at First Baptist Jacksonville and a PhD holder, dives deep into God’s covenant with creation. He contrasts progressive covenantalism with dispensationalism, emphasizing how creation serves as a foundation for biblical understanding. The discussion highlights Adam's significant role within these covenants and the theological implications of the Covenant of Works. Lucas also explores how covenant relationships shape our understanding of salvation history, culminating in Christ's redemptive promise.

In this engaging conversation, Peter Gentry, a distinguished Old Testament scholar, dives into the significance of covenants in the Bible. He contrasts ancient Near Eastern covenants with modern contracts, emphasizing their relational depth over mere transactions. Gentry explores loyalty, illustrated through Hebrew literature, and highlights how God's character embodies faithfulness. The discussion frames biblical covenants as the backbone of Scripture, essential for understanding humanity's divine relationship and redemption narrative.

Join Stephen Dempster, an esteemed Old Testament theologian, as he unpacks the rich tapestry of the Kingdom of God in Scripture. He explores how God's kingship unfolds from Genesis to Revelation, illuminating themes of creation, fall, and redemption. The conversation delves into the interplay between present realities and future hopes, contrasting the Old and New Covenants. Dempster emphasizes the transformative role of Jesus and the Church's mission to embody God's reign through love and service, offering a hopeful vision for individuals and society.

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Mitch Chase (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Preaching Pastor at Kosmosdale Baptist Church and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Southern Seminary, to discuss his new book, Walking the Way of the Wise: A Biblical Theology of Wisdom. Together, they unpack how wisdom is not merely knowledge or cleverness but a life-giving path of joyful obedience to God's Word. By tracing the themes of wisdom and folly from Genesis to Revelation, this conversation illuminates the role of wisdom in the covenant life of God's people.ResourcesWalking the Way of the Wise: A Biblical Theology of Wisdom by Mitch Chase

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Ardel Caneday (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School), retired professor of New Testament at University of Northwestern in St. Paul Minnesota, to discuss a biblical theology of perseverance and assurance. Together they discuss eight different kinds of biblical passages that help give us a holistic understanding of these doctrines and their  relationship in light of the eschatological tension that pervades the New Testament. Prominent views on such things as the warnings, admonitions, and assurance of salvation passages in Scripture are discussed as well.Resources​The Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance Assurance by Ardel Caneday and Thomas Schreiner​Covenant and Commandment: Works, Obedience and Faithfulness in the Christian Life by Bradley Green​Paul vs. James: What We've Been Missing in the Faith and Works Debate by Chris Bruno

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Stephen Presely (PhD, University of St. Andrews), Senior Fellow for Religion and Public Life at the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy (CRCD) and Associate Professor of Church History at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to discuss his new book: Biblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church: Recovering an Ancient Vision. ResourcesBiblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church: Recovering an Ancient Vision by Stephen PresleyThe Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching: An Early Christian Writing by IrenaeusOn the Incarnation by AthanasiusOn God and Christ: The Five Theological Orations by Gregory of Nazianzus