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.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Servant Not Savior: The Bible and Civil Government with Levi Secord
2d ago00:41:27Tap 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
1w ago00:57:23Tap 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
2w ago00:46:14Tap 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
3w ago00:56:55Tap 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
Transcribe →What Type of Prophecy Continues? Defining the Differences Between Continuationism and Cessationism with Iain Duguid
Apr 2700:34:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Caleb and Iain Duguid (PhD, Cambridge) Professor of Old Testament at Westminister Theological Seminary explore the spectrum of prophecy in the Bible, its continuation or cessation today, and how Old Testament insights inform our understanding of New Testament prophecy. The discussion clarifies key distinctions and offers practical guidance for church practice.Resources“What Kind of Prophecy Continues? Defining the Differences between Continuationism and Cessationism” by Iain Duguid in Redeeming the Life of the Mind: Essays in Honor of Vern Poythress, ed. John Frame, Wayne Grudem and John Hughes, 112–28.What Are Spiritual Gifts? by Vern Poythress
Transcribe →Spiritual Gifts: A Cessationist Perspective with Tom Pennington
Apr 2000:56:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Caleb is join by Tom Pennington (D.D. Masters University) Pastor-Teacher at Countryside Bible Church to discuss the cessationist perspective on spiritual gifts.Resources:A Biblical Case for Cessationism: Why the Miraculous Gifts of the Spirit Have Ended by Tom PenningtonSpiritual Gifts: What They Are and Why They Matter by Tom SchreinerJust Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will by Kevin DeYoung
Transcribe →Spiritual Gifts: Modern Gifts as Analogous to Apostolic Gifts with Vern Poythress
Apr 1300:59:41Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Caleb and Dr. Vern Poythress (PhD, Harvard; DTh, Stellenbosch) professor of New Testament, biblical interpretation, and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary discuss the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts as outlined in the Bible. They emphasize their role in building up the church and serving others. Poythress explores the definitions of spiritual gifts, their biblical foundations, the role of the Trinity in their distribution, and the importance of understanding the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives. The conversation also touches on the desire for spiritual gifts, the function of gifts in the life of a believer, and the need for a holistic understanding of the Christian faith.Resources: What Are Spiritual Gifts? by Vern PoythressModern Spiritual Gifts as Analogous to Apostolic Gifts: Affirming Extraordinary Works of the Spirit within Cessationist Theology by Vern PoythressKeep in Step with the Spirit: Finding Fullness in Our Walk with God by J.I. PackerThe Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson
Transcribe →Spiritual Gifts: A Continuationist Perspective with Sam Storms
Apr 600:48:52Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Caleb and Dr. Sam Storms (PhD, the University of Texas) discuss Sam's his journey from cessationism to continuationism regarding spiritual gifts. He defines continuationism, addresses common misconceptions, and explains the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts as manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Storms also provides practical guidance for seeking spiritual gifts and the importance of earnestly desiring them.Resources:Understanding Spiritual Gifts: A Comprehensive Guide by Sam StormsAre Miraculous Gifts for Today?: 4 Views (see chapter by Sam Storms)Practicing the Power: Welcoming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life by Sam StormsThe Language of Heaven: Crucial Questions About Speaking in Tongues by Sam Storms"The Continuation of the Charismata" by Andrew WilsonWhy I Am Still Surprised by the Voice of God: How God Speaks Today through Prophecies, Dreams, and Visions by Jack DeereWhy I Am Still Surprised by the Power of the Spirit: Discovering How God Speaks and Heals Today by Jack Deere
Transcribe →The Book of Ruth with Mary Hannah
Mar 3000:47:09Tap to summarizeIn 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
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