Podcast
Three Guys Theologizing (3GT)
Hosted by Scott Hunt, Barry York, Kyle Borg · EN
The podcast where a pastor, a parishioner, and a professor have lively discussions on practical Christian living from a Reformed perspective. Features Kyle Borg, Scott Hunt, and Barry York.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 358: Flock, Encourage Your Shepherds!
2w ago00:40:58Tap to summarizeThe three guys return this week to do a little theologizing about the tremendous importance of encouraging your pastor and your session! Barry, Kyle, and Scott unpack this subject with practical and uplifting wisdom, rooted firmly in the Word of God. After a little chatter about summer weather, and a brief interlude from the Shepherd Detective, the guys get down to the business of today’s topic: How you can encourage your session and your pastor! Barry asks, “Why is it important for a congregation to encourage their elders and their pastor?” Kyle points out biblical and confessional mandates to encourage shepherds. Scott speaks to the burdens of clergy. Barry invites Scott and Kyle to discuss how obedience is part of the answer. Kyle defines what it means to obey your elders and explains ministerial authority. The gents explain how to support your leadership, but not blindly. Other ways to strengthen and show love to leadership in the church are covered. Kyle exegetes Col. 4:17 on the subject. Scott shares ways for laity to ease the burden of ministry. Barry and Kyle share how a preacher can respond to encouragement. How a congregation can be verbally and visually hungry for the Word is discussed. Barry asks, “How is prayer a part of encouraging your pastor?” Kyle motivates listeners to have a Word-enriched prayer life. He gives pragmatic and practical advice for inspiring shepherds. Barry addresses the encouragement in seeking counsel from your elders. Email 3gt.xyz@gmail.com with your questions and comments! Are you regularly encouraged by your elders? Does your soul benefit from being uplifted by the ministry of the Word? Do you profit from the labors of your session? Have you wondered how you might encourage those who so often lift you up? Tune in! Episode 358Download
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Episode 357: Plant Your Roots!
Jun 1200:42:12Tap to summarizeThe three guys are back this week with a discourse about planting your roots. Lest there be any confusion, this isn’t an episode about gardening. Rather, it’s an important conversation about investing yourself in the people of God in every season of life. The gents kick things off with modified Minnesotan and North Carolinian accents. Scott introduces the topic of the episode. He asks about the necessity, benefit, and difficulty of putting down roots wherever we go in life. Barry and Kyle speak about their experiences planting roots (or not) in their own transient seasons. Kyle and Barry cover how important it is for young Christians (and all others) to remain grounded in these shifting and flexible periods. Barry recommends Uprooted: A Guide for Homesick Christians by Rebecca VanDoodewaard. The hosts speak about Scripture’s own counsel regarding times to uproot, and times to plant. Kyle warns listeners about being tempted by transience. Scott inquires, “How do we make the most of these transient years, specifically in the church? How do we encourage people to ‘plug in’ where they are for the time that they have? What does this look like for the churches with transient members?” Kyle talks about seasons of life where it is most difficult to remain rooted. 3 John and the sending of transient members “in a manner worthy of God” is discussed. Barry talks about “the handoff” among churches and establishing mentors for those who are being sent out. The conversation moves to encouraging people who are not transient to still establish deep roots in both congregation and community. Barry talks about the importance of investing in your place and studying your communities. Kyle responds with the biblical demand to invest in other people and reminds listeners that being salt and light starts in the home. Barry explores how our virtual world presents challenges to being rooted in reality and also gives words of wisdom about being rooted in later years of life. Email 3gt.xyz@gmail.com with your questions and comments! Have you ever found it challenging to stay connected to a place and people? Have you wondered why this happens? Are you looking for ways to counter this “uprootedness”? Tune in this week for some practical counsel on how to plant your roots! Download
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Episode 356: Vain Philosophy! (And Wisdom’s Remedy)
May 2700:49:21Tap to summarizeThe three guys return this week for a fulfilling conversation about empty philosophies. (Though the discourse itself is far from empty!) Kyle, ever and always unafraid of the IRS, hosts this edifying episode from his very sophisticated parsonage library. The guys celebrate Scott’s victory in the primary election! Kyle introduces the main topic, “In a world filled with lies; how do we guard against being deceived (Col. 2)?” In this episode, the guys consider this question and also how to train and instruct people (particularly in the church) to not be taken captive by these vain philosophies. Kyle asks Barry and Scott to identify the major empty philosophies present in our own culture. He follows up, asking why it is important for Christians to be able to identify these prevailing falsehoods and empty philosophies. The guys then examine the ways in which these falsehoods sneak into the church. Moreover, the gents expose some vain philosophies presently enjoying prominence in conservative, confessional churches. Kyle asks, “How do you train the church (and yourself) to avoid being taken captive by falsehood?” Avenues that Satan primarily uses to communicate falsehood in these days are then considered. Finally, the hosts show listeners where to find Wisdom to combat the vanities of this present, evil age. Please email 3gt.xyz@gmail.com with any questions or comments you have about this episode! You live in a world filled with lies. Without help, you will be taken captive by them. Do you want to learn how to stand against the falsehoods peddled by the world? Do you want to help others do the same? Tune in this week to find answers and encouragement! Download
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Episode 355: The Blood Avenger
May 800:40:31Tap to summarizeScott and Barry return this week for a special episode! Occasionally, the guys will pivot to focus on what the Lord is doing in the lives of friends, loved ones, and co-hosts. This week, Scott enjoys sharing about himself and the work God has called him to do. Barry makes a podcastorial retraction and talks about egalitarian practices in his household. The central figure for the episode reminds listeners what a prosecuting attorney is, and what they do. Scott explains the relationship between chocolate chip cookies and crimes. Barry asks how many cases Scott reviews, and how many come to trial. Scott talks about how cases are assigned. The guys talk about how Scott trains, equips, and enables his junior colleagues. Barry invites Scott to share the most satisfying aspects of his work, and the most discouraging. Next, Scott praises the excellence of his bride and shares how she bears up under the weight of his work. Barry asks about the election and the dynamics of campaigning. Scott responds by contrasting “running on merit” over against a “smear campaign.” He then speaks about serving in the Lord’s office as a minister of Christ’s justice. The guys clarify that Kyle is not Scott’s manager. Scott and Barry speak about employing the family in campaigning and evangelism. Barry inquires, “What other ways do you think about this role theologically, particularly when it feels heavy and discouraging? How do you process disappointment?” Scott talks about his calling and considers success versus faithfulness, and the necessity of depending on God’s strength in his means of grace. Barry closes with words of encouragement from Psalm 119:142 and asks listeners to pray for Scott. If you are interested in sponsoring 3GT, please email 3gt.xyz@gmail.com for details on how to help! Are you interested in learning more about Scott and his work? Do you ever wonder how your own labor can be viewed in the light of Christ? Tune in to this episode for an interesting and encouraging glimpse into the life and work of a prosecuting attorney! Download
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Episode 354: Have We Kissed Dating Goodbye?
Apr 2400:47:45Tap to summarizeScott is actively on the campaign trail, so Barry and Kyle—who expresses open displeasure about being stuck with Barry—return this week to theologize about dating. Kyle highlights the Christian’s responsibility to date only in the Lord. He asks Barry, “Is the Bible silent on dating?” Barry helps listeners start this conversation and covers discipling people in a relationship not explicitly spoken of in Scripture. Kyle and Barry consider the foundation for dating and talk about the Bible’s teaching on friendship, holiness, and the use of the body. Kyle asks Barry to describe the purpose of dating. The guys consider what frames the conversation around dating and marriage. Barry guides listeners to the manual for dating. Kyle asks Barry if marriage is the only reason for dating. He touches on intentionality in the Christian life. Barry navigates the friendship-to-dating phase. Kyle asks, “Is breaking up a sin?” The hosts consider dating with discernment. Barry counsels parents whose child may be pursuing the “wrong person.” They discuss the centrality of prayer and applications of the seventh commandment. “Roles” in the dating relationship are mentioned. Barry weighs parental guidance vs. control. Kyle asks, “What does it look like for a dating couple to honor Christ?” This question leads the guys to Hebrews 13:4. Finally, Barry coins the term “nuditity.” Please email 3gt.xyz@gmail.com. with your questions and comments about this episode! Are you a young person with questions about dating? Are you a parent who is seeking to help your child in this season of life? Is it “dating,” or is it “courtship?” Tune in to this week’s episode for some encouragement and edification on this important topic! Download
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Episode 353: An Exchange on the Expository [Method]
Apr 300:42:00Tap to summarizeThe three guys are back this week with an interesting and edifying conversation in the arena of homiletics. Specifically, the gents share their thoughts on the expository, or expositional, method of preaching God’s Word to his people. Kyle and Barry discuss their favorite factory worker, lawyer, and politician. Kyle is outed for AI-generated campaign slogans. Barry introduces the main topic. He asks, “What is expository preaching?” Is “verse-by-verse” preaching the same thing? Barry invites Scott to share his thoughts on expository preaching. The gents discuss what it means to preach the whole counsel of God. Barry prompts Scott and Kyle to discuss the strengths of expository preaching. He asks why we use this method. An answer is supplied from the Directory for Public Worship. Kyle and Scott explain how expository preaching promotes familiarity with Scripture, provides a balanced diet from the Word, and helps preachers avoid “Christian mysticism.” The guys share thoughts on topical preaching. Barry directs the conversation to benefits for the preacher in using an expository method. Scott talks about the profits for the layman. Barry shares words from the Divines to preachers. Scott distinguishes between teaching and preaching. Barry asks about weaknesses in expository preaching. Kyle points out Jesus’ method, and touches on apostolic homiletics. The guys discuss the danger of exclusivity. Scott denotes benefits in circumstantial preaching. Barry and Kyle consider if every part of the Bible easily lends itself to expository preaching. Scott shares how this episode benefits the person in the pew. Final thoughts for listeners. Write to 3gt.xyz@gmail.com with any questions or comments, especially if you’re listening in from Grant County! In the Reformed church, much emphasis is placed on the public preaching of God’s Word, and rightly so! But have you ever wondered why your pastor might preach the Bible in a certain type of way? Tune in this week to learn why the method matters! Download
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Episode 352: The Garden for Growth
Mar 1800:44:36Tap to summarizeScott is back and, after a little banter about Winchester utilities and a leaky furnace, the trio returns this week for a lively conversation about the great significance of church membership! Also, Scott is finally promoted to the rank of “co-host”. Kyle shares about ongoing maintenance in Winchester, and Scott gets too personal. The topic of church membership is introduced. Scott asks, “Why do we [Reformed Presbyterians] hold church membership in such high regard?” Kyle gives a helpful analogy in answering the question. Barry provides Scriptural proofs for church membership and talks about baptism into the church. Scott follows up, asking, “Is everyone who is baptized joined to the church?” Kyle distinguishes types of church membership. The guys discuss who is in the church by covering Baptist & Presbyterian conceptions of membership. Scott prompts Kyle and Barry to talk about the church’s essence, and its visible and invisible distinctions. Kyle covers the idea of “regenerate church membership,” and Barry underscores the point by bringing up the chief mark of the church. Scott asks about the role of baptism in membership. He directs the conversation toward children as members of the church. Kyle speaks about the privileges of membership, and how all of these do not necessarily belong immediately to every member. Barry exegetes the promise of God is Acts 2. Kyle and Barry dialogue about credible professions of faith, and the fearsome topic of apostasy. Barry points out the emphases in Baptist and Presbyterian models. Scott asks about pursuing purity in the visible church. Barry closes with thoughts on generational ministry and promises. Scott invites listeners to email 3gt.xyz@gmail.com, and to subscribe and follow on their platforms of choice! In the one body of Christ, there are a host of positions regarding membership in the church. Who is in? Who is out? What is the biblical model for membership? Do you find yourself asking these questions? Tune in this week for encouragement and answers! Download
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Episode 351: The End of the Matter
Mar 1700:42:47Tap to summarizeWith Scott out on some important business during this campaign season, two of the guys are back this week (with a little help from William Bridge) to discuss the challenges and blessings in the ministry of—and to—our aging saints within the body of Christ. After clarifying that Barry is a friend, and not an enemy, Kyle proposes seminary timecards to make sure that Barry is actually working. The gentlemen then briefly discuss Theological Foundations for Youth (TFY) and testimonies. Kyle introduces the main topic this week—ministry to aging saints, and “A Word to the Aged” by William Bridge. He asks Barry for examples in Scripture of godly older saints. Barry names a few and identifies shared characteristics between them. Kyle follows up with a prompt about covenant promises made particularly to the aged. Barry covers several unique blessings unique to the elderly, which leads to a discourse on Psalm 92 and the means of grace. Kyle inquires, “Does wisdom automatically come with old age?” He then reveals the highest of all Christian virtues. The gents dialogue about the ministry opportunities available to saints in this stage of life (in light of Titus 2). Kyle then gives encouragement to younger audience members, reminding them of the reciprocal nature of this relationship. Next, Barry and Kyle speak about the various commands in the Bible to remember, and how our aging saints can uniquely testify to God’s work in ages past. Kyle advances the conversation to 1 Tim. 5 and talks about the significant role of widows in the church. Barry mentions the most important work of elderly saints and then answers Kyle’s invitation to talk about the realistic expectations we should have in this season of life. The guys (with the aid of Bridge) consider dying well, planning, communication, and the common temptations and sins often found among aging believers. The two guys close with some thoughts on living joyfully in preparation for the future. Kyle invites listeners to email 3gt.xyz@gmail.com with questions and comments. In the world of evangelicalism, a lot of time and energy is spent on ministering to the youth. This is a good thing! But have you ever thought that the scales might be balanced against our beloved aging saints? Whether you are more advanced in years, or you are still in the spring of your youth, tune in to this week’s episode for some much-needed balance in this important conversation! Download
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Episode 350: Let’s Talk Politics!
Feb 2000:42:56Tap to summarizeThe three guys (see: friends, pals, buds) are back this week and speaking about a forbidden topic! Join the gents as they engage in a lively and edifying conversation on the subject of political discourse. Barry, Kyle, and Scott aim to help listeners dialogue about these [oftentimes volatile] matters in a loving and God-glorifying way—in this 350th episode of 3GT! Scott shares good news about a recent development in his “professional life”. Barry describes the best car accident he has ever had. Barry asks, “Why is it so difficult to talk about politics with family?” Kyle and Scott discuss concepts of political identity, the heated nature of politics, religious replacement, and political deification. Barry wonders if it is more difficult to talk about politics these days. Kyle and Scott share why it’s more challenging to talk about anything! Barry asks if social media has fueled this fire. Scott and Kyle discuss reactionary rhetoric, the destruction of trust, and how everyone is lying to them! Barry follows up, raising the question of origins concerning 45/47. The guys discuss how President Trump is, in some sense, nothing new, and how political figures have always possessed this certain kind of “sharpness”. Barry asks if Christians should be silent about politics. He also inquires, “How do we have respectful, political conversations?” Kyle explains ways to rise above the muck in the exchange. He points to Scripture, which tells us how we are to govern our tongues, offer grace, and practice restraint. Scott describes why we can’t talk politics without religion. Barry asks Scott and Kyle to help listeners keep things in perspective when having these hard discussions. The hosts encourage their audience to not waste time on silly battles while always advancing the kingdom of Christ. Kyle gives three biblical points for framing political goals and guiding cultural aims. Barry adds a helpful method for friendly and charitable conversation. Finally, the guys encourage listeners to reach out to 3gt.xyz@gmail.com with any questions or comments about today’s episode. Also, if you believe you have listened to all 350 episodes of 3GT, please let the guys know! One of the topics we are never supposed to discuss in “polite company” seems to be the only thing that anyone is discussing anywhere! Do you need some help in navigating difficult conversations about political matters, especially in conversations with family and friends? Tune in to this episode for some timely (and timeless) wisdom when entering the arena of political discourse. Download
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Episode 349: The Shift
Feb 1300:38:03Tap to summarizeNot one, not two, but three guys theologize on this week’s episode! After some banter, the gents engage the topic of an ongoing shift in the church. Many young people are pursuing spiritual formation from online personalities and podcasters, rather than from their own shepherds in the local church. The guys discuss how to encourage young Christians to go about their spiritual formation. Scott asks if Barry and Kyle have personally witnessed this issue in the church. Kyle and Barry share what they think some of the driving forces are behind this shift from congregational shepherding to online discipling. Scott follows up, asking about the dangers of “hobby horses” in the local church, and if it’s possible that local pastors are ignoring the things presently troubling the younger generations. Kyle and Barry explore the problems of turning away from the local church in favor of social media and online influencers. Scott asks Barry and Kyle if all forms of digital influence are detrimental to spiritual formation. He then encourages them to explain how the local church can win the hearts of young Christians. Kyle and Barry delineate ways to use online resources properly, and most importantly, in a godly way. The guys encourage listeners to keep tuning in to 3GT but to always return to the local church! Barry reads an email (and a very flowery one, at that) dedicated to the host with the most, Scott. Have you noticed a shift in the personalities influencing young Christians? Are you wondering why this change has happened, and what the church can do to encourage young people to seek discipleship in the local body? Are you perhaps a young person who has grown dissatisfied with the teaching in your local church? Tune in this week for some timely counsel befitting the occasion! Download
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