RTS Washington Faculty Podcast

Episode 45: The profs continue walking through this classical confession of Christian faith, and on this episode they discuss Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and burial. The Creed seems to slow down in order to highlight these events. Why? Why did Jesus die? And what did his death accomplish? How do we benefit from it? As a bonus, the profs give some fashion advice. Enjoy the conversation!

Episode 44: We pick back up our series on the Apostles’ Creed with a discussion on Jesus’ suffering “under Pontius Pilate.” Why does the Creed focus on this historical figure? What does Jesus’ humiliation demonstrate? How does his suffering underscore the uniqueness of the Christian faith? Also, don’t miss the profs’ insightful comments on the meaning of Pontius and the correct pronunciation of Pilate.

Episode 43 We are taking a break in this episode to talk through the tragic and unsettling events of the last few weeks. How can Christians find peace amidst unrest? How do we "seek first His Kingdom" while seeking good in this world? What does pastoral ministry look like when everyone's mind is elsewhere? Join our conversation.

Episode 42 It's that time of year when some of us are resolving to do better. We want to pray more, eat less, learn a new skill, or finish what we started. Why do we resolve, and what makes the new year a particularly appropriate time for such resolutions? The faculty engages these questions from a biblical and theological perspective.

Episode 41 As 2020 comes to an end, we take time to reflect on lessons we have learned and things we are grateful for over the course of this wild year. Highlights: God, pastors, fear, this podcast, and YOU our listeners.

Episode 40 Continuing our series through the Apostles’ Creed, today we talk about the other side of the incarnation: the Son was not only “conceived of by the Holy Spirit“ but also “born of the Virgin Mary.” What’s the significance of this uniquely miraculous birth? We touch on other miraculous births in the Bible, the Magnificat, Mary as theotokos, and Jesus’ qualifications as our Savior. Merry Christmas!

Episode 39 We return to our series on the Apostles’ Creed, rounding into the Christmas season with a discussion of the Spirit's work in the conception, birth, life, and death of our Lord. The Spiritual conception of Jesus is more than just proof that he is a Divine person—it does that, but it is also the climactic moment in which God fulfills his promise to be with his people in a new and and perfect way.

Episode 38 We welcome Dr. D. Blair Smith, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at RTS Charlotte, for a discussion on the Fatherhood of God as it relates to the doctrines of the Trinity and redemption. What’s the value of reading patristic writings in this connection? What does the Old Testament teach us about the Fatherhood of God? And how can a fuller understanding of God as Father enrich our worship and everyday lives? Also, don’t miss Blair’s excellent, climactically articulated 4-point “ramble” in response to Tommy’s question.

Episode 37 We welcome Chris Watkin to the podcast to discuss how Christianity helps us think about the crucial philosophical and cultural issues of the day. Our faith resists a binary appropriation of ideas, as if we must either affirm or reject the culture around us. Rather, it "diagonalizes" issues by bringing God's word to bear on everything we address. Show notes Watkin, Thinking Through Creation. https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-through-Creation-Cultural-Critique/dp/1629953016/ Thinking Through The Bible, https://www.thinkingthroughthebible.com

Episode 36 Each word describing Jesus in the creed is rich with significance. He is "Son" and "Messiah" and "Lord." How do these three interact? What is their biblical and theological significance? How do they relate to the ministry of the church, both theologically and practically?