Theology for the Church

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.

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Lainey Greer (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) to discuss a theology of the human body. Together they discuss why our physical bodies matter, what the Bible has to say about it, and implications for hot button ethical issues facing the church today. Resources: You can find all kinds of resources on this topic at Lainey's website: https://laineygreer.com/ Embodied: Living as Whole People in a Fractured World by Gregg Allison https://a.co/d/3IBQ2Bk Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality by Nancy Pearcy https://a.co/d/gVJlHhm The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory by Abigail Favale https://a.co/d/1lOH7A2

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Dr. Michael Haykin ( Th.D., Wycliffe College and University of Toronto) and Andrew Owen to discuss sacramentalism in the Baptist tradition via Dr. Haykin's book Amidst us our Beloved Stands. Resources: Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands: Recovering Sacrament in the Baptist Tradition by Michael Haykin https://a.co/d/fQyXRdL The Lord’s Supper as a Means of Grace: More Than a Memory by https://a.co/d/9Uq2FGq

In this episode, Caleb discusses the topic of theological interpretation of Scripture with Daniel Treier (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) professor of theology at Wheaton College. The theological interpretation of Scripture (TIS) is not so much a method, but a mode of interpretation; not a neatly defined set of steps, but a set of concerns. In this discussion, Caleb and Dan focus on the three of the central and somewhat defining concerns that animate most advocates of TIS: reaction, retrieval, and rules. Resources: Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Recovering a Christian Practice by Daniel Treier https://a.co/d/cC4wmel The Word of God for the People of God: An Entryway to the Theological Interpretation of Scripture by Todd Billingshttps://a.co/d/eXWTXRb Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible by Kevin Vanhoozer, Craig Bartholomew, and Daniel Treier, and N.T. Wright. https://a.co/d/4uqr8iY Studies in Christian Doctrine and Scripture https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LNGZSYH?binding=paperback&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_bs_series_rwt_tpbk&qid=1691323228&sr=1-2

Dr. Caleb Leonard and Dr. Greg Beale discuss the main theological themes in Revelation, different interpretations of the book, the significance of Revelation 1:1 and its implications, the connection between Revelation and Daniel's Vision, the interaction between the letters and visions in Revelation, the impact of idolatry on Israel's cognition organs, and reflections on Christ's victory in Revelation.