Radically Christian

In this episode, we continue our series, "How to Be a Better Bible Student" by discussing the importance of reading the Bible as a cohesive narrative rather than isolating it into disconnected parts. Wes McAdams and today's guest, Will Norrid, discuss the risk of reducing Scripture to a "recipe book" or a book of formulas, rather than engaging with its deeper, relational truths. The conversation delves into understanding Scripture as God’s overarching story, including creation, disruption (fall), salvation, and ultimate restoration. It highlights the need for reading contextually—not just the immediate verses but understanding the broader canonical and historical settings. Will advocates for seeing Scripture as a narrative that invites believers to participate in God’s eternal mission, moving beyond simplistic applications to embrace its transformative power. Will Norrid Will Norrid serves as the minister for the Lebanon church of Christ in Dresden, TN where he has worked for the last 21 years. In addition to preaching and teaching, he also serves in various roles in his rural community including writing a weekly spiritual life column that appears in print and online, speaking at community events, and volunteering with senior citizens groups. Will speaks and writes frequently on the intersection of faith and everyday experience, the value of reading in the spiritual life, and the importance of practicing faith in community. Links and Resources: * Logos Bible Study Software: https://logos.com/radicallychristian* The Sin of Certainty: https://amzn.to/3PyidnCNote: Some links may be affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams and his guest, Melvin Otey, tackle one of the most pressing challenges in studying Scripture: our motives and biases. They discuss how individual perspectives, shaped by culture, gender, and upbringing, influence our reading of the Bible. This episode confronts common pitfalls, such as using Scripture to validate preconceived notions or as ammunition in debates, and challenges listeners to approach God’s Word with humility and openness. The conversation explores the primary purpose of Bible study—seeking to know God and align one’s life with His will. Drawing on passages like Acts 17 and Romans 14, they emphasize humility in interpretation and the necessity of community in understanding Scripture. The episode highlights how differing perspectives can enrich our grasp of God’s message and how Christians can cultivate unity despite disagreements. Melvin Otey preaches for the Perry Hill Road Church of Christ in Montgomery, Alabama, and as a professor at Faulkner University’s law school. Brother Otey brings a unique perspective that combines legal reasoning and scriptural insight. His thoughtful, grace-filled approach to both ministry and education has made him a respected voice in the church.Links and Resources:* Logos Bible Software - Extended Free Trial (https://logos.com/radicallychristian)* Melvin L. Otey on Facebook (https://facebook.com/melvinlotey)* Perry Hill Road Church of Christ (https://www.perryhillchurch.org)* VidAngel - Free Trial (https://vidangel.pxf.io/DKPWPy)Note: Some links are affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Some days it is easy to be thankful, but other days it feels impossible. When life hurts and feels overwhelming, how can we possibly express gratitude, joy, or thanksgiving? Today we discuss the idea that gratitude is a spiritual discipline, not just a feeling? This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study was recorded with a live audience. It includes real-time insights and reflections from the audience, making it a dynamic exploration of how gratitude can transform our spiritual lives.We explore several passages from the book of Philippians. Drawing from Paul's example of being joyful and thankful even while imprisoned, we discuss how gratitude is more than a feeling—it's an intentional practice rooted in faith and trust in God's goodness. You'll hear practical ideas for cultivating a mindset of thankfulness, regardless of your circumstances, and come away with a renewed sense of how gratitude can deepen your relationship with God and reflect his love to the world.Links and Resources:* Sponsor: Freed Hardeman University* ThanksLiving Sermon Sermon Series* Logos Bible Software - Extended Free Trial (https://logos.sjv.io/GmAdQk)* VidAngel - Free Trial (https://vidangel.pxf.io/DKPWPy)Note: Some links are affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Discover the power of Logos Bible Software as the host dives into its latest features. Learn about its AI-driven search capabilities that provide customized theological insights. The software not only simplifies study but also enhances lesson prep for preachers and Bible class leaders. Tips for personalized setups and the integration of digital resources with traditional texts are also discussed. If you're wondering about the value of a subscription, this discussion will help guide your decision!

In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams sits down with Jeff Jenkins to discuss some of the most pressing and difficult questions surrounding grief. After Jeff’s journey of losing his wife, Laura, he has gained a deep and personal understanding of what it means to grieve and to help others on their own paths of sorrow. This episode invites listeners to explore their own relationships with grief, whether they’re currently walking through it or supporting someone who is. The episode goes deeper than personal anecdotes, rooting its message in biblical teachings. Jeff discusses several powerful passages that shed light on how Christians can understand and process grief, clarifying the misconception that grief might be sinful or a lack of faith. Through Scriptures such as John 11 and 1 Thessalonians 4, the discussion draws out God’s compassion for our suffering and the importance of holding onto hope even in dark times. Listeners will hear about the balance between acknowledging real pain and maintaining a trust in God’s goodness, with practical encouragement to live in this tension of sorrow and hope. Jeff Jenkins, a seasoned minister and close friend of Wes, brings a wealth of experience to this topic. After losing his wife, Jeff’s ministry has expanded to focus on grief counseling and support, and he now travels extensively, sharing both his story and biblical insights with churches across the country. He leads grief seminars and has written a book, Beyond the Valley of Death, which he distributes freely to those in need. Jeff’s commitment to using his journey to comfort others makes him an exceptional voice on this important subject, offering listeners both wisdom and comfort.Links and Resources:* The Jenkins Institute - Contact Jeff* Widowhood Workshop (Dean Miller)* Sponsor: Freed Hardeman University* Logos Bible Software - Extended Free Trial (https://logos.sjv.io/GmAdQk)* VidAngel - Free Trial (https://vidangel.pxf.io/DKPWPy)Note: Some links are affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Have you ever wondered why singing and praise are essential in Christian discipleship or how worship might deepen one’s walk with Jesus? This conversation explores those themes, shedding light on how music and worship contribute uniquely to forming a Christ-centered identity. These are practical, heartfelt discussions about how worship doesn’t just reflect faith but molds and deepens it.Throughout the episode, we discuss biblical themes like the transformative role of worship in Scripture, referencing Ephesians 5:18-20, which speaks about “singing psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.” We explore worship’s potential to shape believers’ hearts and minds toward greater faithfulness. This conversation highlights how worship, like a spiritual discipline, offers both expression and formation, helping believers shed worldly concerns and focus on their journey with God. The conversation also touches on aspirational singing—using songs as a way to become who we’re called to be in Christ.Our guest, Kevin Schaffer, has served as the worship minister at Central Church of Christ in Amarillo, Texas, for 16 years. His approach to worship is deeply informed by his personal experiences with Acappella Ministries, as well as his background in both music education and theology. Kevin shares insights not only from his ministry work but also from his journey of discipleship, making this episode a powerful resource for anyone wanting to understand worship more fully.Links and Resources:* Central Church of Christ* Acappella Ministries* Logos Bible Software - 30 Day Free Trial (https://logos.sjv.io/GmAdQk)* VidAngel - Free Trial (https://vidangel.pxf.io/DKPWPy)Note: Some links are affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Do you ever find yourself clinging to ideas or behaviors that don't match your faith? In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams and Brandon Britton discuss cognitive dissonance—why we often feel uncomfortable, or even angry, when we learn something that contradicts what we already believe, or when our actions don’t align with what we claim to believe. How does this internal struggle affect our spiritual journey and how can we overcome these mental barriers as we seek to follow Jesus more faithfully? Throughout the episode, Wes and Brandon explore biblical concepts related to discipleship and the importance of being willing to change. We dig into Scripture to see how biblical characters—like Jesus' own disciples—struggled with new ideas that challenged their preconceived notions about the Messiah and God’s plan. We also discuss how embracing humility and letting go of our biases can lead us toward deeper spiritual growth and alignment with Christ's teachings. This episode features Brandon Britton, who has been a guest on the podcast several times before. Brandon brings years of experience in ministry and a deep love for exploring how Christian disciplines shape us into the image of Jesus. His insights on how our minds and hearts wrestle with change will leave you reflecting on your own journey as a disciple of Christ.Links and Resources:* Freed-Hardeman University (fhu.edu/radicallychristian)* Benefit of the Doubt by Greg Boyd (https://amzn.to/3NA4VG8)* The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt (https://amzn.to/4eZsGn5)* Logos Bible Software - 30 Day Free Trial (https://logos.sjv.io/GmAdQk)* VidAngel - Free Trial (https://vidangel.pxf.io/DKPWPy)Note: Some links are affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Are we being discipled by Jesus or by political candidates, parties, and secular media? Should disciples of Jesus participate in politics, and if so, how? How do we resist the temptation to make politics into an idol? These are just a few of the pressing questions discussed in this candid conversation between Wes McAdams and Chris McCurley. As election season looms, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to navigate the political landscape without compromising their faith. Throughout the conversation, Wes and Chris explore the biblical call to loyalty to Christ's kingdom above all else. They reflect on passages from books like Isaiah and James, explaining how idolatry can take root when we give ultimate allegiance to worldly systems. The discussion emphasizes the importance of love, peace, and unity within the church, reminding listeners that our identity in Christ must take precedence over political affiliations. This episode was originally published on the Dear Church Podcast, hosted by Chris McCurley.Links and Resources:* Sponsor: Freed-Hardeman University* Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller* Dear Church Podcast with Chris McCurley* Logos Bible Software* VidAngel (Free Trial)Note: Some links are affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, we tackle an essential question: How do we make disciples? Many Christians struggle with understanding and implementing practical steps to disciple others, especially beyond traditional church settings. In this conversation, Wes McAdams and guest Matt Dabbs explore this challenge, addressing the difficulties of living out discipleship in everyday life and the common lack of a structured approach to making disciples.The discussion dives into biblical concepts of discipleship, including how Jesus taught his followers to live, learn, and teach others. The conversation is grounded in passages like Matthew 4:19 and 2 Timothy 2:2, showing how Jesus' model of discipleship is both simple and reproducible. You'll discover practical insights into living out this mission and why disciple-making should be an ongoing process for every believer.Our guest, Matt Dabbs planted Backyard Church in Auburn, Alabama, and has been in ministry for 22 years. He is passionate about equipping others for kingdom work and has a unique ability to make disciple-making practical and accessible. His experience in various ministries have given him valuable insights into both the theory and practice of disciple-making.Links and Resources:* Sponsor: Freed-Hardeman University* HomeChurchResources.org* Discipleship.org* Renew.org* Curtis Sargent’s YouTube Channel* Training for Trainers (T4T) by Ying Kai* Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman* Contagious Disciple-Making by David Watson\* DiscipleShift by Jim Putman and Bobby Harrington* Logos Bible Software* VidAngel (Free Trial)Note: Some links are affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, host Wes McAdams engages with guest Jody Apple to tackle important questions surrounding the concept of house churches and their role in discipleship. Listeners will hear about the unique dynamics of worshiping in a home, and how this setting challenges conventional practices. Whether or not you're interested in being part of a house church, the discussion delves into what we can learn about the nature of church and how it can foster deeper, more intimate spiritual connections. Jody offers insights on the advantages and challenges of house churches, answering questions many people have never considered. The episode also touches on key biblical concepts about the early church and how they relate to today's context. Themes such as community, discipleship, and how the church should truly function are discussed. The conversation reveals that a church is not about the building, but about the relationships and mission shared by its members. The discussion invites listeners to rethink traditional structures and encourages a more organic approach to building a faithful community. Jody Apple, the guest in this episode, is a longtime preacher and teacher with deep experience in church leadership. He and his wife, Evelyn, have hosted a house church for two years, where they create a welcoming, intimate environment for worship and fellowship. Jody is passionate about relational ministry and the growth of spiritual intimacy within the church.Links and Resources:* Sponsor: Freed-Hardeman University* Gold City Church of Christ* Logos Bible Software* VidAngel (Free Trial)Note: Some links are affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com