Theology for the Church

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

In this discussion, Richard Phillips, senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church, shares insights from his journey of faith shaped by military and family influences. He explores the complexities of God's decrees, diving into lapsarian views like superlapsarianism and infralapsarianism. The conversation also navigates divine sovereignty, the significance of the fall, and the intricate relationship between predestination and free will. Phillips invites listeners to deepen their understanding of God's justice and grace through theological exploration.

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Jason Alligood (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) assistant professor of theology at Cedarville University to discuss his latest book,Raised in Splendor: The Hope of Glorification for a Secular Age.Together, they discuss the hope of glory that transcends the fears and frustrations of a secular age and that not only points to the hope for the future glorification of believers, but that this hope is one that can be enjoyed and appreciated today as well.ResourcesRaised in Splendor: The Hope of Glorification for a Secular Ageby Jason AlligoodGlorification: An Introductionby Graham ColeHuman Nature in Its Fourfold Stateby Thomas BostonTo Gaze upon God: The Beatific Vision in Doctrine, Tradition, and Practiceby Sam Parkison

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Stevens, a New Testament professor and author, delves into the profound connections between the Psalms and the Book of Hebrews. He emphasizes the theological richness of the Psalms, revealing insights about Jesus's identity as the prophesied king. Stevens also shares his transformative journey from a medical pursuit to a passion for theology, inviting listeners to explore the deep narrative of scripture. Expect to discover how the Psalms articulate themes of divine authority and human rebellion, illuminated through a Christ-centered lens.

In this engaging discussion, Ronni Kurtz, a theology professor at Cedarville University and author of "Light Unapproachable," delves into the theme of divine incomprehensibility. He explores how our limitations in understanding God should inspire joy rather than despair. Kurtz underscores the importance of theological humility and the role of prayer in seeking deeper knowledge. He also discusses key biblical narratives and the balance between God's transcendence and our attempts to know Him, emphasizing the value of historical theology in contemporary understanding.

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Michael Lawrence (PhD, University of Cambridge) lead pastor of Hinson Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon to discuss the nature and marks of the church. Together they discuss things like: what is the church? What is the relationship between the universal church and local churches? What is the visible/invisible church distinction? What does it mean for a church to be: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic? Why are preaching, the Lord’s Supper, and baptism vital for the church? And more. Resources:  Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever The Rule of Love: How the Local Church Should Reflect God's Love and Authority by Jonathan Leeman The Church: The Gospel Made Visible by Mark Dever The Church: An Introduction by Gregg Allison Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology by John Hammett What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission by Greg Gilbert and Kevin DeYoung

Caleb chats with Sam Parkison, an associate professor at Gulf Theological Seminary and author of *The Unvarnished Jesus*. They delve into the beauty of Christ, emphasizing the importance of seeing Him authentically in faith. The conversation explores the hypostatic union and how creeds like the Nicene Creed shape our understanding of Christology. Sam also highlights the transformative power of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, inviting listeners to deepen their appreciation of His divine and human natures.

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Matt Damico (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) associate pastor of worship and operations at Kenwood Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky to discuss his new book, coauthored with Jim Hamilton, Reading the Psalms as Scripture. Together, they discuss the structure and key themes of the Psalter as well as things like messianic typology and how to incorporate the psalms in corporate worship in the local church. Resources: Reading the Psalms as Scripture by Matt Damico and Jim Hamilton Psalms Volume I & II: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary by Jim Hamilton The Psalter Reclaimed: Praying and Praising with the Psalms by Gordon Wenham The Flow of the Psalms: Discovering Their Structure and Theology by O. Palmer Robertson Typology-Understanding the Bible's Promise-Shaped Patterns: How Old Testament Expectations are Fulfilled in Christ by Jim Hamilton Trinity Psalter Hymnal