Knowing Faith

In this conversation, Don Whitney, a Professor of Biblical Spirituality and expert on spiritual disciplines, explores the crucial role of the local church in spiritual growth. He emphasizes that spiritual formation thrives in community, contrasting personal and interpersonal disciplines. Whitney highlights the need for both private and corporate prayer, while defining koinonia as meaningful fellowship among believers, not just casual chats. He argues deeper spiritual experiences often come through collective gatherings, urging a balance of solitude and communal worship.

Macy English, Owner and Principal Consultant of English Media, surprises the regular hosts with a spirited theological trivia game. They dive into fascinating discussions about the four gospels, the healing of Naaman, and the significance of figures like Melchizedek. The quiz highlights key doctrines, including the Trinity and the Nicene Creed, as well as the importance of sanctification and the 'means of grace.' Listeners are invited to join in the fun, and the session wraps up with reflections on learning and a bonus tiebreaker about a legendary judge.

Jared Bumpers, Associate Professor of Preaching and Evangelism at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the importance of theological formation in the local church. He argues that genuine growth in faith is best nurtured through pastoral oversight and community support. Jared also highlights the innovative cohort model at Midwestern, which allows students to gain hands-on ministry experience within local congregations. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of theology, connecting students with practical, real-world applications.

The hosts dive into the hot topic of whether Christians can gamble, addressing its growing prevalence and implications. They discuss recent gambling scandals and their societal impact, especially on low-income individuals. The conversation explores the motivations behind gambling and how factors like stakes and personal finances can shape one’s wisdom in wagering. Additionally, insights on hosting poker nights and the permissibility of lotteries are shared. Parents receive guidance on teaching kids about money and gambling responsibly.

In this engaging discussion, Peter Gurry, an Associate Professor of New Testament and co-director of the Text & Canon Institute, dives into the reliability of the New Testament. He passionately explains why we should trust its accounts, linking that trust to the historical resurrection of Jesus Christ. Gurry also tackles the intriguing question of whether the resurrection is merely a spiritual metaphor or a historical reality, providing compelling arguments that affirm the latter and discussing its significance for the church's origins.

The hosts dive into whether God is still speaking audibly today, unpacking biblical examples of dreams and visions. They discuss the sufficiency of Scripture against ongoing revelations and the distinction between prophetic office and ministry. Cautionary tales arise about individual prophetic words and the dangers of misusing them in church settings. Personal testimonies showcase unexpected prophetic encounters, while debates highlight the balance between listening for God's voice and avoiding manufactured experiences. The conversation fosters theological humility and ongoing learning.

Dr. Travis Montgomery, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the intersection of technology and spiritual formation. He highlights the dual role of technology, sharing how it empowers ordinary individuals with kingly capacities while also posing dangers of alienation and temptation to misuse power. Montgomery emphasizes the importance of physical presence over virtual connections, advocating for a balance where online learning supports local ministry, ultimately encouraging listeners to embody Christ's love in practical ways.

Dive into a captivating discussion about angels, demons, and Satan's role in the Bible. The hosts explore cultural fascinates with the supernatural and share their personal encounters. They tackle why some Christians hesitate to talk about these beings and clarify biblical agreements on their nature. With thoughtful insight, they debate if demons can read minds and whether certain actions might invite demonic activity. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of understanding spiritual realities while maintaining God's sovereignty.

Join Bobby Jamieson, a biblical scholar and associate pastor, as he dives deep into the meaning of happiness through the lens of Ecclesiastes. He explores the misconceptions surrounding happiness and argues that true satisfaction comes from being deeply rooted in God. Bobby also discusses the importance of gratitude and enjoying life’s gifts while cautioning against the traps of workism and idolizing identity. Don't miss his insights on how Christians can embrace joy and flourish within life’s limits!

Gavin Ortlund, a pastor and theologian, dives into the intriguing dynamics of Christian disagreement despite a shared belief in the Bible. He explores how sin and interpretive differences lead to diverse interpretations. Gavin discusses when separation is necessary in disagreements and the pressing factors like social media that fuel modern disputes. He emphasizes the importance of engaging in disagreements with love and understanding, sharing his top rules for fostering healthy dialogue among believers.