Theology for the Church

Dr. Raymond Johnson, senior pastor at Christ Church West Chester, and Caleb explore the importance of confessionalism in the church. Topics discussed include the role of confessions and creeds in summarizing and affirming truth, catechetical and protective functions of creeds, their role in promoting church health and unity, and advice on incorporating traditional statements of faith in worship services.

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Jordan Steffaniak (ThM, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary), president of The London Lyceum, to discuss the topic of analytic theology in the life of the church. Together they tackle questions like: What is analytic theology? How does it relate to other theological disciplines like biblical and systamtic theology? How does it relate to philosophical theology? How does it serve the church? And more. Resources The London Lyceum An Invitation to Analytic Christian Theology by Tom McCall https://a.co/d/gqTbxYD Divinity and Humanity: The Incarnation Reconsidered by Oliver Crisp https://a.co/d/dsa2N5z Jesus and the God of Classical Theism: Biblical Christology in Light of the Doctrine of God by Steven Duby https://a.co/d/9wvDO7h

T. Desmond Alexander, world renowned biblical theologian, discusses the biblical-theological theme of Jesus as high priest and mediator. They explore how Jesus is like, but greater than Moses, the temple, and the sacrificial system. The significance of the tabernacle and Christ's role in enabling believers to be in God's presence is examined. They also delve into the connection between Christ's ascension and his role as high priest, and explore the significance of tabernacle imagery in the book of Hebrews.

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Matthew Harmon (PhD, Wheaton College) Professor of New Testament at Grace Theological Seminary to discuss "A Theology of 2 Peter and Jude" via Dr. Harmon's recent book, The God Who Judges and Saves: A Theology of 2 Peter and Jude. Together they discuss the structure, main themes, and application of these powerful books to the Christian life today. Resources The God Who Judges and Saves: A Theology of 2 Peter and Jude by Matthew Harmon https://a.co/d/bdkUWzQ ESV Expository Commentary: Hebrews–Revelation (Matthew Harmon on 2 Peter and Jude) https://a.co/d/ixkBx77 1-2 Peter and Jude: The Christian Standard Commentary by Tom Schreiner https://a.co/d/8JYaaYO The NIV Application Commentary 2 Peter, Jude by Doug Moo https://a.co/d/aScivmv 1–2 Peter and Jude: A 12-Week Study by Jonathan Dodson https://a.co/d/65rIDLq

Join Dr. Caleb Leonard and Dr. Gray Sutanto as they delve into Herman Bavinck's Christian Worldview, discussing its relevance in contemporary theology, the interconnectedness of thinking and being, reconciling materialism and dynamism, and the influence of modern thinkers like Tim Keller and Christopher Watkin.

In this episode, Caleb discusses a theology of preaching with Dr. Tony Merida (PhD, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) pastor of preaching and vision at Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, Dean of Grimke Seminary, and vice president of planter development for the Send Network. Together they discuss question's like: what is the difference between teaching and preaching? How does the Bible describe preaching? What goes into a sermon (preparation and delivery)? What are some common mistakes young preachers make? And more. Resources The Christ-Centered Expositor: A Field Guide for Word-Driven Disciple Makers by Tony Merida https://a.co/d/cIL6iw1 The Priority of Preaching by Christopher Ash https://a.co/d/aeC6Ksi Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today by John Stott https://a.co/d/d6fuKvl Jesus on Every Page: 10 Simple Ways to Seek and Find Christ in the Old Testament by David Murray https://a.co/d/2U0SMcz Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon by Bryan Chapell https://a.co/d/cxa3NcN Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism by Tim Keller https://a.co/d/3XmB1RL Preaching and Preachers by Martyn LLoyd-Jones https://a.co/d/9KMO0Fp Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method by Sidney Greidanus https://a.co/d/fsAsBKQ

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Dr. Coleman Ford, Assistant Professor of Humanities at Texas Baptist College to discuss the topic of Christian formation via Dr. Ford's new book, Formed in His Image: A Guide for Christian Formation. Together they explore common questions and topics in this field of study such as: the doctrine of sanctification, the ordinary means of grace, corporate and personal spiritual disciplines, and more. Resources Formed in His Image: A Guide for Christian Formation by Coleman Ford https://a.co/d/4vPfkWg A Short Guide to Spiritual Disciplines: How to Become a Healthy Christian by Mason King https://a.co/d/38g6oLi The Steps of Humility and Pride by Bernard of Clairvaux https://a.co/d/8vlxvTO The Pilgrim's Progress: A Readable Modern-Day Version of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan https://a.co/d/aBLKCeN Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian by Michael Reeves https://a.co/d/0iZgDKg

Dr. Caleb Leonard interviews Associate Professor Andrew Walker about Baptist political theology. They discuss the relationship between theology and ethics, the role of the state and natural/moral law, the importance of politics in Baptist life, Christians' role in shaping laws, and the significance of a Christ-shaped conscience in the church.

Bryan Estelle, Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Seminary, joins Caleb to discuss the mission of the church. They explore topics such as the church's responsibilities, immortality, church discipline, the church's mission and identity, ministries of the church, teaching and preaching the gospel, and concerns on religious liberties.

Caleb is joined by Ronni Kurtz, Assistant Professor of Theology at Cedarville University, as they discuss divine immutability, challenges to the doctrine, and practical applications for the Christian life. They explore the biblical concept of divine immutability and its implications for Christian salvation, highlighting passages from Scripture. They also discuss the concept of divine simplicity and its relation to salvation, emphasizing the unchanged essence of God.