Podcast
Theology for the Church
Hosted by Caleb Lenard · EN
Theology for the Church aims to provide accessible, theologically rich conversations that have an eye toward applied theology and a heart for the local church. Weekly episodes hosted by Caleb Lenard (DEdMin, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) cover all kinds of topics and themes in Christian doctrine, biblical theology, and Christian formation through engaging interviews with pastors, biblical scholars, and theologians from across the globe.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Unfolding Redemption: The Gospel in the Story of Old Testament History with Ian Vaillancourt
2w ago01:17:11Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode, Caleb is joined by Ian Vaillancourt (PhD, University of St. Michael's College) associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Heritage Theological Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario to discuss his new book Unfolding Redemption. Together they explore the heart of the gospel in the story of Old Testament history.Resources Unfolding Redemption: The Heart of the Gospel in the Story of Old Testament History by Ian VaillancourtThe Dawning of Redemption: The Story of the Pentateuch and the Hope of the Gospel by Ian Vaillancourt
Transcribe →Philosophy and the Sufficiency of Scripture with Drew Sparks
3w ago00:59:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Caleb and Drew Sparks (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Pastor of Trinity Reformed Baptist Church explore the relationship between philosophy and theology, emphasizing the sufficiency of Scripture and how philosophy serves as a handmaiden to faith. The discussion covers topics like natural theology, the role of philosophy in understanding doctrines, and how to approach Scripture with a Christian metaphysic.ResourcesInstitutes of Elenctic Theology by Francis TurretinThe Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts That Shaped Our World by R.C. SproulJust Words? by Paul HelmFaith, Form, and Fashion: Classical Reformed Theology and Its Postmodern Critics by Paul Helm
Transcribe →Divine Missions and the Literal Sense of Scripture with Michael Pereira
4w ago00:52:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Caleb sits down with Michael Pereira (PhD student at Southern Seminary) to explore the significance of the divine missions of the Son and Spirit, the literal sense of Scripture, and how Old Testament prophecy anticipates New Testament fulfillment. Learn how to interpret Scripture in light of its divine and human authorship, and the unfolding revelation of God's redemptive plan.ResourcesHope of the Prophets: the Divine Missions and the Literal Sense of the Old Testament by Michael Pereira“The Lord God Has Sent Me and His Spirit”: The Divine Missions, the Literal Sense, and Reading the Old Testament by Michael Pereira
Transcribe →A Christ-Centered Interpretation of Scripture with Jason DeRouchie
Jun 1501:01:06Tap to summarizeJoin Caleb and Jason DeRouchie (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Seminary as they explore a Christ-centered interpretation of Scripture, emphasizing the unity, progressive development, and Christological focus of the Bible. Discover a practical framework for reading Scripture through Christ and how Old Testament shadows point to fulfillment in Jesus.Resources:A Redemptive-Historical, Christocentric Approach by Jason DeRouchieDelighting in the Old Testament: Through Christ and for Christ by Jason DeRouchieUnderstanding and Applying Jesus's Bible: The Old Testament for Christians by Jason DeRouchieEnjoying Jesus's Bible: The Old Testament for Christians by Jason DeRouchieHow to Understand and Apply the Old Testament: Twelve Steps from Exegesis to Theology by Jason DeRouchieWhat the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Jesus' Bible Edited by Jason DeRouchieFive Views of Christ in the Old Testament see chapter and response by Jason DeRouchie40 Questions About Biblical Theology by Jason DeRouchie, Oren Martin, and Andy Naselli
Transcribe →Moral Apologetics with Jordan Steffaniak
Jun 800:47:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Caleb is joined by Jordan Steffaniak (PhD, University of Birmingham) President of the London Lyceum to discuss his new book on moral apologetics. Together, they talk about the importance of moral apologetics, grounding moral claims in Christian theology, and addressing contemporary issues like abortion, AI, and transhumanism from a biblical perspective. Resources:Moral Apologetics: A Short Companion by Jordan Steffaniak and James Dew
Transcribe →Servant Not Savior: The Bible and Civil Government with Levi Secord
Jun 100:41:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Caleb is joined by Levi Secord (DEdMin, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) pastor of Christ Bible Church in Roseville, MN to discuss his new book Servant, Not Savior. Together, they offer a compelling biblical vision to help Christians understand their role and responsibilities within God's creation and civil government. Resources: Servant Not Savior: An Introduction to the Bible’s Teaching about Civil Government by Levi SecordDid America Have a Christian Founding?: Separating Modern Myth from Historical Truth by Mark David HallA Christian Manifesto by Francis ShaefferThe Ezra Institute
Transcribe →Forgiving the Repentant with Matt Ferguson
May 2500:57:23Tap to summarizeIn this Week's episode, Caleb is joined by Matt Ferguson (ThM, Bethlehem College and Seminary) to discuss the biblical understanding of forgiveness, contrasting unconditional, conditional, and two-dimensional views. Togeher they emphasizes the importance of repentance in forgiveness, explores Matthew 18 as the theological hub, and offer practical pastoral guidance on loving enemies and pursuing reconciliation.ResourcesShould We Forgive Apart from Repentance? by Matt FergusonThe Way of Repentance: Embracing God's Gift for a Transformed Life by Chris BraunsUnpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris BraunsMaking Sense of Forgiveness by Brad HambrickBiblical Boundaries of Forgiveness by Vee ChandlerForgiveness and Justice by Brian Maier
Transcribe →The Way of Repentance with Chris Brauns
May 1800:46:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode Caleb is joned by Chris Brauns (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) senior pastor at the Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley, Illinois to discusses the biblical concept of repentance, its importance in the Christian life, and how it can be a source of joy rather than shame. Brauns shares personal stories, theological insights, and practical advice on how to understand, practice, and teach repentance in everyday life from his new book.ResourcesThe Way of Repentance: Embracing God's Gift for a Transformed Life by Chris BraunsUnpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris BraunsTrue Repentance by Thomas Boston
Transcribe →Evangelical Identity with Cory Marsh
May 1100:56:55Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode, Caleb and Cory Marsh (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) Professor of New Testament at Southern California Seminary unpack the core principles of evangelicalism, emphasizing the importance of biblical fundamentals, church fellowship, and theological education. Discover how to recover the vintage faith and understand what ought to truly define an evangelical today.Resources: Recovering a Vintage Faith: Five Fundamentals of Evangelical Identity by Cory MarshEvangelicalism in Modern Britain by David BebbingtonJesus v. Evangelicals: A Biblical Critique of a Wayward Movement by Constantine Campbell
Transcribe →Historic vs. Hyper-Cessationism with Ryan Denton
May 400:55:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Caleb and Ryan Denton (ThM, Puritain Reformed Theological Seminary) church planter under Vanguard Presbyterian Church, delve into the topic of hypercessationism and its implications for understanding spiritual gifts. They explore the distinctions between cessationism, hyper-cessationism, and continuationism, providing historical context and theological insights. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit while maintaining a commitment to scriptural authority and Reformed confessional theology. Denton shares practical advice for churches and individuals seeking to engage with the Spirit's work in their lives, highlighting the need for humility and discernment in navigating these complex theological waters.Resources: What is a Hyper-Cessationist? by Ryan DentonIs Hyper-Cessationism a Fair Term? by Ryan DentonHyper-Cessationism and the WCF by Ryan DentonThe Westminster Confession of Faith and the Cessation of Special Revelation: The Majority Puritan Viewpoint on Whether Extra-Biblical Prophecy is Still Possible by Garnet Howard Milne
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