Theology for the Church

In this week's episode, Caleb is joined by Mary Hannah (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) director of women in ministry at Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee to disucss the theology of the book of Ruth. Together they cover the structure, purpose, main idea, and key themes of the book.ResourcesESV Expository Commentary: Deuteronomy–Ruth (see Ruth for Mary Hannah's work)The Word Became Fresh: How to Preach from Old Testament Narrative Texts by Dale Ralph DavisUnceasing Kindness: A Biblical Theology of Ruth by Peter Lau and Gregory GoswellRuth and Esther: A 12-Week Study by Kathleen Nielson

How does the "Emmaus Road" narrative reshape our understanding of the entire Bible? In this episode, Caleb sits down with Dr. Brian Tabb, President of Bethlehem College and Seminary, to discuss his book After Emmaus. They explore why the Old Testament is the essential foundation for the Church’s mission and how Jesus’s own hermeneutic should guide our preaching today.Key topics include:The Emmaus Framework: How Jesus taught the disciples to read the Law, Prophets, and Psalms.Biblical Theology: Connecting the dots between ancient scripture and the Great Commission.Suffering & Glory: Understanding the pattern of Christ’s life as the pattern for the Church.Practical Ministry: How pastors can move from "text to task" without falling into moralism.Whether you are a student of theology or a local church leader, this conversation offers a profound look at how the mission of the Church is a direct fulfillment of the scriptural story.Resources: After Emmaus: How the Church Fulfills the Mission of Christ by Brian TabbWhat Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission by Greg Gilbert and Kevin DeYoung

In this conversation, Caleb Lenard (DEdMin, Southern Seminary) talks with Andrew Malone (ThD, Ridley College) Lecturer in Biblicl Studies at Ridley College, about his book on Christophanies, exploring the significance of Old Testament appearances of Christ. He explains the terms theophany and Christophany, their relevance in evangelism, and the interpretive challenges they present. The discussion also delves into the nature of God's visibility, the identity of the Angel of the Lord, and the implications for understanding the Trinity. Malone emphasizes the importance of careful biblical interpretation and the need for pastors and teachers to responsibly guide their congregations in reading the Old Testament in light of Christ.Resource: Knowing Jesus in the Old Testament?: A Fresh Look At Christophanies by Andrew Malone

In this episode , Caleb Lenard engages with Kelly Kapic (PhD, King’s College) Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College to discuss his book on the theology of Christian life. They explore the essence of Christian life as a response to God's love, the importance of understanding the Trinity, and the role of the church in nurturing faith. Dr. Kapic emphasizes the need to avoid false dichotomies in theology, the relationship between law and gospel, and the significance of communal worship in experiencing God's presence.Resources: Christian Life by Kelly KapicCommunion with the Triune God by John OwenFriendship with God: A Path to Deeper Fellowship with the Father, Son, and Spirit by Mike Mckinley

Steve Wellum, professor of theology and covenant specialist, offers a compact tour of baptism and covenant theology. He discusses why baptism matters as a commanded sign tied to the gospel. He explains what is truly new in the new covenant, the structural differences of the new covenant community, and practical implications for baptism, membership, and church practice.

Michael Carlino, a systematic theologian (PhD) who critiques pagan metaphysics in theology. He argues philosophy must serve Scripture, not govern it. He warns against Christian Platonism blurring the creator–creature distinction and sliding into panentheism. He discusses how misuse of metaphysics can misframe sin and salvation and offers practical cautions for pastors using philosophy alongside the gospel.

Brian Rosner, New Testament scholar and author, offers a compact mini bio as a Cambridge-trained theologian and teacher at Ridley College. He unpacks Romans as a gospel-driven letter, outlines its structure around righteousness, traces Paul’s use of the Old Testament, and gives practical advice for teaching and preaching Romans.

In this conversation, Caleb is joined by Joshua Greever (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) associate dean of seminary programs and associate professor of New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary to discuss the concept of biblical justice as outlined in his edited volume, Let Justice Flow Like Water. The discussion explores the definition of justice from a biblical perspective, the role of God's holiness, the storyline of Scripture, and the implications for the church and individual Christians. Greever emphasizes the importance of understanding justice in light of the gospel and how Jesus fulfills the hope for justice. The conversation also addresses the expectations of justice in a fallen world and the church's mission in embodying justice.Resources:Let Justice Flow Like Water: Toward a Theology of Biblical Justice by edited by Joshua Greever When you use the code JUSTICE40 on Lifeway.com, you can get 40% off this title." And again, this discount code is good through the end of March 2026.Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology―Implications for the Church and Society by Neil Shenvi and Pat SawyerWhat Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission by Greg Gilbert and Kevin DeYoungConfronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice by Thaddeus Williams

In this episode, Caleb interviews Donnie Berry (PhD, Amridge University) instructor of New Testament and biblical theology with Training Leaders International about his new book on a biblical theology of the glory of God. They explore the concept of glory, its significance in relation to God and humanity, and how it connects to joy, creation, and redemption. Dr. Berry discusses the creation mandate, the impact of sin on humanity's ability to reflect God's glory, and the ultimate restoration of glory through Christ. The conversation culminates in a discussion of the new creation as described in Revelation, where God's glory fills all of creation.Resources:The Earth Will Be Filled: A Biblical Theology of the Glory of God by Donnie BerryDelighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith by Michael ReevesGod's Glory in Salvation through Judgment: A Biblical Theology by Jim Hamilton

Samuel Parkison, Associate Professor and author of The Fountain of Life, brings pastoral and academic experience from the UAE. He unpacks aseity as God’s self-sufficiency and source of being. He explores how aseity grounds other divine attributes, shapes Trinitarian relations, and reframes worship and salvation as gratuitous gifts. Short, theological, and contemplative conversation.