Knowing Faith

In this enlightening discussion, Samuel Bierig, Vice President of Undergraduate Studies and Dean at Spurgeon College, shares his insights on commonly overlooked aspects of the Bible. He emphasizes the Bible's divine authorship, encouraging a deeper respect for its transformative power. Bierig challenges the misconception that studying scripture distances one from God, highlighting its role in nurturing a genuine relationship with the divine. His passion for biblical studies shines through as he explains why understanding the Bible is crucial in everyday Christian life.

Discover how to see the Bible as one cohesive narrative instead of a collection of isolated stories. Hear personal journeys of understanding the overarching themes of kingdom and covenant. Learn about a new theological discipleship program designed for high school students to deepen their engagement. Explore the metanarrative of Scripture and the significance of God's love within it. The hosts share a fun analogy, comparing insights about the Bible to childhood video game 'cheat codes' for better comprehension.

Patrick Schreiner, a New Testament expert and author, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of the gospel and politics. He asserts that the early Christians' teachings make it clear that political engagement is a vital part of faith. The discussion dives deep into how believers can navigate political theology today, balancing submission to government with the call to uphold spiritual truths. Schreiner's insights challenge listeners to rethink the role of the gospel in contemporary society.

Dive into the rich imagery of Revelation 4, exploring the majestic throne of God and what it signifies about His sovereignty. Discover the chilling yet awe-inspiring symbolism of beasts and their role in divine narratives. Delve into the mystery of the sealed scroll and why only the lamb holds the key to its secrets. Uncover the profound connection between Jesus as the lamb and the lion, reflecting on themes of hope, justice, and encouragement, especially for those facing persecution. This exploration promises both depth and inspiration.

Ronnie Kurtz, Assistant Professor of Theology at Cedarville University and author of "Light Unapproachable," dives into the complex topic of divine incomprehensibility. He explains how God, while ultimately unknowable, accommodates our understanding through accessible language, Scripture, and Christ. Kurtz provides helpful definitions to clarify this concept and discusses its implications for faith and church practices. He encourages listeners to embrace the mystery of God while seeking deeper theological insights.

Dive into the profound concepts of creation and providence. Explore how our creation story shapes cultural trajectories. Discuss the unique role of God as the creator and the implications of the Genesis narrative. The relationship between divine sovereignty and human agency is examined, offering hope amid life's challenges. Light-hearted reflections on autumn traditions blend with serious theological insights, paving the way for a deeper understanding of Scripture's connections from beginning to end.

In this engaging discussion, Geoff Chang, Assistant Professor of Church History and Curator of the Spurgeon Library, explores Charles Spurgeon's vision of the church as an 'army of God.' He delves into the significance of regenerate believers and the dual concepts of the church militant and triumphant. Chang emphasizes how these ideas can empower churches today in spiritual battles against sin and darkness. His insights shine a light on the enduring relevance of Spurgeon's teachings in confronting modern challenges faced by the church.

Jen Wilkin, a respected evangelical teacher, JT English, an emerging voice in the movement, and Kyle Worley, a leader in church discussions, tackle the unsettling trends in evangelical leadership. They dive into how moral failures affect ministry impact and community trust. The conversation explores the need for higher expectations of self-control among leaders and discusses the importance of accountability within church settings. They also reflect on the implications for interpersonal relationships in faith, advocating for grace and wisdom amid challenges.

Kyle Worley is joined by Don Whitney to answer the question; How does a church engage in the spiritual discipline together?Questions Covered in This Episode:How does a church engage in the spiritual discipline together?Do Christians think about fellowship the right way?Helpful Definitions:Spiritual Disciplines: practices found in the Bible by which we experience God and grow in Christlikeness.Koinonia (κοινωνία): Fellowship, talking about God and the things of God.Guest Bio:Don Whitney is the Professor of Biblical Spirituality and the John H. Powell Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served there in a similar position from 1995 to 2005, and then as Professor of Biblical Spiritual and Associate Dean at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, from 2005 to 2024.He has authored nine books, including Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life and Praying the Bible, and is a popular conference speaker, especially on personal and congregational spirituality.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:1 Timothy 4:7, Acts 2:42 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 enlightening discussion, Jen Wilkin, an esteemed author and Bible teacher, JT English, an educator and theologian, and Kyle Worley, a pastor and speaker, delve into the mysteries of the Book of Revelation. They clarify what 'revelation' truly means and unravel the symbolic language used. The trio closely examines the significance of the seven letters to the churches, offering insights into their contemporary relevance. They highlight the themes of community, encouragement, and the vital presence of Christ amid challenges.