Knowing Faith

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley continue their conversation on the book of Acts, discussing chapter nine. In this chapter, we are introduced to Saul who, after an encounter with Christ, becomes Paul. They cover what we know about Saul, how this encounter developed his theology of union with Christ, and his eventual witness.Questions Covered in This Episode:Who is Saul? What do we know about him? What is the significance of the encounter with Christ?What is happening when Saul’s sight is restored?Let’s talk about the witness of Saul. Is this a pattern for the rest of his ministry?Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Acts 9, Acts 8:1-3, 1 Samuel, Acts 13Knowing Faith Episode #59 – A Martyr, a Magician, and a MissionaryUnbelievable? Podcast  – NT Wright and Tom Holland: How St Paul changed the world podcastAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaithJen, JT, and Kyle continue their conversation on the book of Acts, discussing chapter nine. In this chapter, we are introduced to Saul who, after an encounter with Christ, becomes Paul. They cover what we know about Saul, how this encounter developed his theology of union with Christ, and his eventual witness. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley continue their discussion of the Apostles’ Creed as they talk about what Christ will do and is doing now. They talk about what it means that He rose from the dead, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and that He will judge the living and the dead.Questions Covered in This Episode:When the creed says “rose again from the dead?” What do we mean? Why is the resurrection of Christ unique?In what way has death been defeated?Why does the gospel fall apart without an ascended Christ?“Seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty…”“From there he will come…” When is he coming? How is he coming?“...He will come to judge the living and the dead…” Is he really coming to judge? What does this mean?The Apostles Creed:I believe in God, the Father Almighty,creator of heaven and earth,I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,who was conceived by the Holy Spiritand born of the virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried;He descended to hell.The third day He rose again from the dead.He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and the life everlasting. Amen.Helpful Definitions:Utopianism: The false story that believes we can make the world into what we want the world to be and it will be better. Dystopianism: The false story that believes all we can do is make the world worse and it is just going to get worse.Progressivism: The false story that believes the world is going to progressively get better and our contributions to it will be the most meaningful pacing of it progressively getting better.Eschatology: Doctrine of the end times. Resources Mentioned in This Episode:1 Corinthians 15, Genesis 3, Isaiah 25:8, Philippians 2:1-9, Acts 7:55, Matthew 10, Romans 8:34, Revelation 1:7, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14, HebrewsThe Apostles CreedMosaic ChurchCitizens churchNorthway ChurchStory ChurchChrist Freedom ChurchEastside Community ChurchKnowing Faith Episode #58 – What Did Christ Do with Matthew EmersonThe Center for Pastor Theologians“Mere Sexuality” by Todd Wilson“Jesus Ascended” by Gerrit Dawson“Seeing God” by Hans BoersmaAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaithJen, JT, and Kyle continue their discussion of the Apostles’ Creed as they talk about what Christ will do and is doing now. They talk about what it means that He rose from the dead, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and that He will judge the living and the dead. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Wilkin and Kyle Worley discuss why it's important for new church plants to prioritize Christian education for their members.Questions Covered in This Episode:What have you done and what have you learned about how to implement Christian education in a church plant?Logistically, how have you solved not having a primary location and not having childcare?What are some myths you want to cut down about implementing this?Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Mosaic ChurchEastside Community ChurchFollow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaithJen Wilkin and Kyle Worley discuss why it's important for new church plants to prioritize Christian education for their members. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley continue their discussion of the book of Acts, walking through chapters 6, 7, and 8. They talk about Stephen’s speech, Simon the Magician, and Philip the Missionary.Questions Covered in This Episode:Recap Acts so far: What has been going on in the story?In Acts 6 we begin with deacons...what are deacons? Why are they raised up?Let’s discuss Stephen's speech. Why is it important?How does Stephen respond in the face of death? What is a martyr?Simon: He can’t be a real magician, can he? Was he pulling rabbits out of a hat?Why does Simon want the power?In the story of Philip is this descriptive or prescriptive?Evangelism and Providence: Is this how we are to share the gospel?Helpful Definitions:Ecclesiology: The doctrine of the church.Deacon: Derived from the Greek word diákonos (διάκονος) meaning servant.Hellenists: Greek-speaking Jews.Hebrews: Pallestinaine Jews speaking Aramaic.Martyr: Derived from the Greek word mártys (μάρτυς) meaning witness.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Acts 6-8, Exodus 18, Exodus 34:29-35, Genesis 12-17, Exodus 19-24, 2 Samuel 7Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaithIn this episode, Jen, JT, and Kyle continue their discussion of the book of Acts, walking through chapters 6, 7, and 8. They talk about Stephen’s speech, Simon the Magician, and Philip the Missionary. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley continue their series on the Apostles' Creed as they discuss the person and work of Jesus Christ. They are joined by Matt Emerson—the Dickinson Chair of Religion at Oklahoma Baptist University—for part of the conversation to talk about what it means that Christ descended to the dead.Questions Covered in This Episode:Can God suffer?The significance of a historical marker like “Pontius Pilate?”What is crucifixion and the significance of this mode for our understanding of Jesus Christ?Was Jesus mostly dead?What does descended to the dead mean?What is the place of the righteous dead and are there other places he could have gone?What do we lose if we are apathetic towards this or deny it?Pastorally why does this matter?What is the significance of the resurrection event?The Apostles Creed:I believe in God, the Father Almighty,creator of heaven and earth,I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,who was conceived by the Holy Spiritand born of the virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried;He descended to hell.The third day He rose again from the dead.He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and the life everlasting. Amen.Helpful Definitions:Impassable: God does not feel emotions.Immutable: God is always the same.Anthropomorphic: A way of expressing, in humanly understandable terms, something that is true.Guest Bio:Matt Emerson (Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is an associate professor of religion at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and as co-executive director of the Center for Baptist Renewal. His areas of interest include biblical theology, canonical interpretation, theological method, and Baptist theology. He is the author of He Descended to the Dead: An Evangelical Theology of Holy Saturday, winner of a 2019 TGC book award. Emerson and his wife, Alicia, are both from Huntsville, AL. Married in 2006, they have five daughters.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Luke 16:19-31, 1 Peter 3, 2 Peter 2, Jude 1:6The Apostles Creed"The Impassible God of the Bible" Article by Wesley Hill“The Crucifixion” by Fleming Rutledge"He Descended to the Dead: An Evangelical Theology of Holy Saturday" by Matthew Emerson"He Descended to the Dead: The Burial of Christ and the Eschatological Character of the Atonement" Journal by Matthew EmersonAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaithIn this episode, Kyle, JT, and Jen continue their series on the Apostles' Creed as they discuss the person and work of Jesus Christ. They are joined by Matt Emerson—the Dickinson Chair of Religion at Oklahoma Baptist University—for part of the conversation to talk about what it means that Christ descended to the dead. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this mini-episode, Jen Wilkin and JT English talk about false stories—what they are, which are most prevalent, and how the true story of the Gospel provides a solution.Questions Covered in This Episode:What are false stories?Which of those do you most typically see people living in?Helpful Definitions:False stories: All of us are living in the midst of a narrative that informs us on what the good life is. By default, all of us are living in false stories and need to be invited to participate in the true story - the Christian story.Romanticism: The story that says, “You are your emotions.” The more intense the emotion the more authentic it is. The good life is authenticity.Consumerism: The story that says, “You are what you have.” Worth is based upon the value and quality of what belongs to me. The good life is having great things.Rationalism: The story that says, “Whatever seems reasonable to you must be true, despite emotions or religious belief.” Only our own reason or experience can be trusted. The good life is using my mind as the arbiter of what is true and good.Pragmatism: The story that says, “Whatever works must be true.” The good life is productivity, functionality, and practicality.Individualism: The story that says, “You are at the center of all things.” Autonomy is prized over all things because the self and its pleasure is the goal of this story. The good life is the authority of the independent individual.Progressivism: The story that says, “Things are continually getting better.” Advancements in science, technology, economics, etc., are constantly improving the human condition. The good life is the belief that through human ingenuity, we are better today than yesterday and we will be better tomorrow than we were today.Secularism: The story that says, “There is nothing beyond the natural world.” Religious belief in God is seen to be one option among others, and is both contestable and contested. We must shift our attention only to worldly concerns of human flourishing. The good life is the human experience.Perfectionism: The story that says, “You must be perfect in order to be accepted.” The good life is found in success.American Civil Religion (Moral Therapeutic Deism): The story that says, “Christianity should be palatable and to modern sensibilities.” The good life is “Pleasantville”, a society with no discomfort and no suffering.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Matthew 16, Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 10:35-45, Matthew 16:24-26, Matthew 5:3-12Amazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaithOn this mini-episode, Jen Wilkin and JT English talk about false stories—what they are, which are most prevelant, and how the true story of the Gospel provides a solution. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are back to looking at the book of Acts, specifically Acts 3-5. They discuss what happens after Pentecost as we begin to see miraculous healings and the central role of Peter making connections between Christ and the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Through their discussion, they talk about the early Church—is it perfect? Is it the ideal church?Questions Covered in This Episode:All throughout Acts we see miraculous healings, what are we to make of these?Does God still heal? Like this?Are we seeing Christianity break away from Judaism this early?Let’s discuss the sustained, fervent, and urgent prayer in Acts 4:23-31.What is happening in Acts 5:1-11?God just strikes them dead...who is this God?Is Sapphira righteous to submit to her husband?What is the principal roadblock for the Jewish leaders in the Apostolic witness?What is the significance of Gamaliel’s counsel?Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Acts 3-5, Ephesians 5:22-24, Acts 2, Matthew 27:24“The Mission of the Body of Christ” by Russ RamseyAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaithIn this episode, Kyle, Jen, and JT are back to looking at the book of Acts, specifically Acts 3-5. They discuss what happens after Pentecost as we begin to see miraculous healings and the central role of Peter making connections between Christ and the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Through their discussion, they talk about the early Church—is it perfect? Is it the ideal church? Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are joined by pastor, writer, and cultural commentator Mark Sayers. They discuss our cultural moment, what it means for the Church, and Mark's latest book, "Reappearing Church."Questions Covered in This Episode:Where did the church go? If the church is reappearing, when did it disappear?What are some things that make us anxious?What is the cultural change in how people view the church and Christians?How does Christian witness flourish when everyone is convinced they are an autonomous self?Do you see the growing trend of younger people gravitating towards liturgical environments or traditions? Is that a reflection of the rejection of the lure of the autonomous self?Is there a historical precedent that can shine a light on our present moment?If you were going to give practical advice for the local church, what would be your elevator pitch church growth strategy for those of us staring into post-Christian America? Guest Bio:Mark is the senior leader of Red Church in Melbourne, Australia. He is passionate about spiritual renewal and the future of the church. Mark is the author of a number of books including Strange Days and Reappearing Church. Mark lives in Melbourne with his wife, Trudi, his daughter, Grace, and twin boys, Hudson and Billy.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:“The Vertical Self” by Mark Sayers“The Reappearing Church” by Mark Sayers“The Disappearing Church” by Mark SayersAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaithIn this episode, Kyle, Jen, and JT are joined by pastor, writer, and cultural commentator Mark Sayers. They discuss our cultural moment, what it means for the Church, and Mark's latest book, "Reappearing Church." Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Kyle Worley, Jen Wilkin, and JT English continue their discussion of the Apostles' Creed. This week, they specifically dive into who Jesus is and what it means that the Son is eternally begotten.Questions Covered in This Episode:Who is Jesus Christ?Why “Jesus?” Why “Christ?”What is meant by “Lord?”What is the work of the Spirit in Christ’s conception?Was the Son of God born?Does Jesus have a mom? Is this significant?Why virgin?The Apostles Creed:I believe in God, the Father Almighty,creator of heaven and earth,I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,who was conceived by the Holy Spiritand born of the virgin Mary.He suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried;He descended to hell.The third day He rose again from the dead.He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and the life everlasting. Amen.Helpful Definitions:Eternally Begotten: The Son’s unique attribute in relation to the Father and the Spirit: the Son is sourced in the Father, but there was never a time when the Son began. All things are from the Father, through the Son, and by the Spirit.Eternal Procession: The Holy Spirit’s unique attribute in relation to the Father and Son: He has always come from the Father and the Son and will continue to do so forever. All things are from the Father, through the Son, and by the Spirit.Christ: Derived from the Greek word Christós (Χριστός) meaning anointed, i.e. the Messiah.Transcendent: He is other (by an infinite extent).Imminent: God is near to his creation.Theotokos (Θεοτόκος): God-bearer. Extra Calvinisticum: Teaching that Christ's divine nature cannot be enclosed or imprisoned within a human nature, but remains infinite despite being in union with a finite body.Federal Headship: Represented by one person; either by Adam or by Christ.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Philippians 2:1-11, John, Genesis 21, Exodus 2, 1 Samuel 1, Luke 1:35, Genesis 1:2, Genesis 3:15The Apostles Creed“On the Trinity” by St. Augustine“Delighting in the Trinity” by Michael ReevesThe New City CatechismAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaithIn this episode, Kyle Worley, Jen Wilkin, and JT English continue their discussion of the Apostles' Creed. This week, they specifically dive into who Jesus is and what it means that the Son is eternally begotten. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JT English and Kyle Worley discuss how believers can make sense of philosophy, the history of ideas, and our cultural moment.Questions Covered in This Episode:What are some practical tips you can give someone to help make sense of philosophy, culture, and this cultural moment?What are resources you would suggest?Why should someone care about this?Resources Mentioned in This Episode:“The Republic of Plato” translated by Allan Bloom“The Nicomachean Ethics” by AristotleThe Qur’an“A History of Western Philosophy and Theology” by John Frame“We Are All Philosophers” by John Frame“Christian Philosophy” by Bartholomew and GoheenReclaiming the Christian Intellectual Tradition Series by Crossway“Philosophy: A Student’s Guide” by David Naugel“Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing” by Jonathan Pennington“Jesus the Great Philosopher” by Jonathan PenningtonAmazon affiliate links are used where appropriate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Knowing Faith.Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Knowing Faith and Become a Patron:patreon.com/knowingfaithJT English and Kyle Worley discuss how believers can make sense of philosphy, history of ideas, and our cultural moment. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway’s Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.