Theology for the Church

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

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Matthew Bingham (PhD, Queen’s University Belfast) vice president of academic affairs and associate professor of church history at Phoenix Seminary in Scottsdale, Arizona to discuss his new book: A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation. Together they discuss spiritual formation practices that are consistent with the 5 solas of the Protestant Reformation.Resources:A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation by Matthew BinghamSpiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald WhitneyA Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life by J.I. PackerVoices from the Past: Puritan Devotional Readings various authors.

In this episode, Caleb is joined by August Konkel (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) Professor of Old Testament at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario Canada to discuss the theology of the book of Deuteronomy. Together they unpack the main idea, purpose, structure, key themes, and gospel connections. Resources: ESV Expository Commentary: Deuteronomy–Ruth by August Konkel (Deuteronomy)The Gospel According to Moses by Daniel BlockDeuteronomy: A 12-Week Study by Matthew PattonDeuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God by Ajith Fernando

Greg Beale, an expert in biblical theology from Reformed Theological Seminary, delves into the profound significance of the temple throughout scripture. He discusses Eden as the original sacred space and Adam's priestly role, tying it to the Israelite temple. The conversation also covers Jesus as the new temple, emphasizing His authority to forgive sins and the transformative nature of the church as God's temple. Beale highlights the church's identity and mission, illustrating the rich continuity of God's presence from Genesis to Revelation.

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)