Theology for the Church

Sam Parkison, an associate professor of theological studies at Gulf Theological Seminary, dives deep into the concept of the beatific vision in this discussion. He explains what makes heaven truly heavenly and explores how this doctrine has been understood throughout church history. The conversation draws on biblical foundations and historical figures, emphasizing the joy of seeing God and its transformative implications for believers. Parkison also highlights the longing for divine communion, showing how this vision can enrich the Christian life.

Matthew Harmon, a professor of New Testament studies at Wheaton College, dives into his book, exploring profound questions about sin and exile. He elucidates how these themes intertwine throughout the Bible, tracing humanity's rebellion and the hope for restoration. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding biblical narratives to embrace a Christian identity as exiles in a conflicting world. Harmon also presents a gospel-centered perspective, emphasizing believers' roles in fostering hope amid life's challenges.

Keri Folmar, a pastor's wife and author involved with the Evangelical Christian Church of Dubai, shares her insights on helping women thrive in local church settings. She discusses eight essential principles drawn from her book, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vitality and genuine relationships in Christ. Keri highlights the unique challenges women face within church life and offers practical resources for empowerment. Listeners will appreciate her reflections on community support, engagement, and the transformative power of faith.

Jim Hamilton, a biblical theology professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, dives into the fascinating topic of the Holy Spirit's indwelling across covenants. He explores whether old covenant believers experienced this divine presence and discusses the distinctions between indwelling and regeneration. The conversation highlights the shift from the Old Testament's tabernacle to the believer as a new temple and emphasizes the continuity of salvation experiences. Hamilton also connects Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament symbols with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Kyle Claunch, an Associate Professor of Christian Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, delves into John Owen's insights on the Holy Spirit's pivotal role in the life of Christ. He explains Owen’s stance on the complexities of Trinitarian theology and its implications for believers today. The discussion highlights Owen's responses to Socinian challenges, the uniqueness of Christ's human nature, and stresses the importance of proper biblical interpretation. Claunch emphasizes how Owen's teachings can guide future generations in understanding holiness and divine unity.

In this discussion, Vern Poythress, a New Testament scholar at Westminster Theological Seminary, explores the concept of biblical typology. He explains its significance in interpreting the Old Testament through a Christ-centered lens. Listeners learn how typology connects Old Testament symbols, like the bronze serpent, to New Testament salvation. Poythress emphasizes the integral role of the Old Testament in understanding the complete narrative of divine redemption, urging deeper engagement with scripture and its themes.

In this episode Caleb and his guest Greg Lanier (PhD, University of Cambridge) Associate Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary discuss how the New Testament authors used the Old Testament to communicate the gospel and present the person and work of Jesus. Together, they also cover what the Old Testament teaches Christians today about the church’s identity and ethics. Further, Greg shares his helpful 3-step method to explain how to identify and explore an Old Testament passage and see how it is “remixed” in the New Testament to thoughtfully engage with Scripture.Resources: Old Made New: A Guide to the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by Greg Lanier https://a.co/d/bv82d1L Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by Greg Beale, Don Carson, Benjamin L. Gladd, and AndyNaselli https://a.co/d/454ToXc Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by Don Carson and Greg Beale https://a.co/d/6blAMRd

Professor Steve Wellum, from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses his new book on systematic theology. Topics include major theological influences, the process of writing a theology book, understanding different theological systems, contemporary issues in theology, and embracing the triune nature of God.

David Rathel, Associate Professor of Christian Theology, delves into the life and theology of John Gill. They discuss Gill's impact on theological discourse, his views on eternal justification and hyper-Calvinism, and his unique contributions to the Covenant of Redemption. Rathel emphasizes the importance of clear answers in Christian faith and showcases his research on Gill through the lens of Andrew Fuller's influence.

Philip Ryken, President of Wheaton College and PhD from the University of Oxford, joins Caleb to discuss the theology of the book of Exodus. They explore key topics such as the main idea, purpose, structure, main themes, and key verses in Exodus. The conversation covers the theological significance of the plagues in Egypt, symbolism of the tabernacle, typology and fulfillment in the Old Testament, and teaching tips for studying Exodus.