The Westminster Podcast

Recorded at the Nicaea Conference in Istanbul, this episode of The Westminster Podcast features a wide-ranging and incisive conversation with Pastor Leo de Chirico, a Reformed Baptist pastor serving in Rome, Italy. Drawing on his unique experience and years of evangelistic and theological engagement in a Roman Catholic context, Leo reflects on the significance of the Council of Nicaea, the purpose of the Nicene Creed, and what it really meant to confess Christ’s divinity in the face of Arianism. Rather than treating the creed as a sentimental or purely ecumenical touchstone, Leo argues that Nicaea functioned as an exegetical workshop—a Scripture-driven response to heresy grounded in the authority of the Bible. From there, the conversation explores how different Christian traditions interpret the same creedal language within very different theological frameworks. Leo traces the divergent trajectories of Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism, contending that the Reformation did not reject Nicene Christianity but sought to recover what Nicaea assumed: the supremacy of Scripture as the norma normans. The discussion also turns to contemporary issues, including the renewed attraction of Roman Catholicism among evangelicals, the legacy of Vatican II, and the challenge of engaging a Catholicism that is adaptive, plural, and often misunderstood. Throughout, Leo presses a consistent theme: Christians may use the same words, but they often inhabit very different worlds—and faithful dialogue requires clarity, historical awareness, and a renewed confidence in Scripture alone. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wm.wts.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the whole counsel of God for Christ and his global church, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wts.edu/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thanks for listening!

Jordan Bush, executive director of Thank God for Bitcoin, discusses the intersection of Bitcoin and Christian stewardship. He explores how Bitcoin can empower missions in areas with unstable banking systems, protect against financial censorship, and serves as a hedge against central bank digital currencies. Bush also connects biblical principles to economic practices, suggesting practical strategies for churches to embrace cryptocurrency. With insights on Bitcoin's evolving role in donations and ministry finance, he presents a compelling case for rethinking resources in today’s economy.

Sharif Fahim, a New Testament scholar and minister from Alexandria, Egypt, shares his compelling journey from nominal Coptic Christian to a leading voice in Reformed theology. He discusses the urgent need for Arabic Reformed literature and the complexities involved in translating such theological works. Sharif dives into his PhD focus on Romans, highlighting the interplay between justification and sanctification. He emphasizes the historical significance of Alexandria and the hope for revival in the region's church amidst current challenges.

Dr. Blake Franze, a New Testament scholar and faculty member, shares insights on his PhD research focusing on the intriguing connection between grace and divine reward in Paul's letters. He discusses how modern perspectives often separate these concepts, yet Paul weaves them together seamlessly. Franze also explores Paul's reinterpretation of Israel's reward language, revealing its roots in Old Testament scripture. Listeners will discover how Paul uses grace to redefine vindication and offers fresh perspectives on faith and rewards.

Dr. David Garner, Chief Academic Officer and future president of Westminster Theological Seminary, dives deep into the nuances of spiritual gifts like tongues and prophecy. He emphasizes the moral imperative of how we engage in theological discourse, the importance of church authority, and the need for tenderness in disagreements. Garner highlights the significance of balancing personal experiences with scriptural authority and stresses the seminary's mission to navigate these conversations within a global context. A thoughtful exploration of faith and community awaits!

This week Brandon McLean Smith speaks with Dr. James Baird. His book "King of Kings: A Reformed Guide to Christian Government" presents a case for the government's responsibility to promote and protect Christianity as the true religion. While this topic has become controversial, James stakes his claim in the soil of Reformed theology, redemptive-historical hermeneutics, while avoiding the pitfalls of premillenialism and theonomy. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wm.wts.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the whole counsel of God for Christ and his global church, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wts.edu/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thanks for listening!

Nate returns to the home of Dr. Edgar this week to continue their discussion of the role of persuasion in Christian Apologetics. This time they are talking about the point of contact, where the rubber meets the road. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wm.wts.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the whole counsel of God for Christ and his global church, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wts.edu/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thanks for listening!

In this episode Brandon McLean Smith sits down with Timothy Brindle again to discuss the concept of Definitive Sanctification. Typically we think of sanctification as a long slow process of becoming more mature in our faith and more like Jesus. That's not a problematic way to understand sanctification, but behind that idea is what we call definitive sanctification. Definitive because in our union with Christ there was a definitive break with our sinful nature. There has been a breach with sin once and for all such that we are no longer ruled by our sin. We dive into the exegetical rationale for this concept as well as it's practical implications in the life of the believer. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wm.wts.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the whole counsel of God for Christ and his global church, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wts.edu/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thanks for listening!

Joshua Jacobs is an alumnus of Westminster Theological Seminary currently serving as a missionary in France. He sits down with Nate to discuss his ministry and how hospitality is a key element to the proclamation of the gospel in a society as "secular" as France's. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wm.wts.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the whole counsel of God for Christ and his global church, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wts.edu/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thanks for listening!

This week Nate is joined by Tom and Damaris Otremba. They discuss their path from Eastern Europe, to Westminster and plans for proclaiming the Gospel in Poland. Sign up for the Preaching conference here ⁠⁠https://wtspreachingconference25.rsvpify.com⁠ If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wm.wts.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the whole counsel of God for Christ and his global church, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wts.edu/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thanks for listening!