Radically Christian

Latest Episodes:

Christians and Social Media May 07, 2025

Show notes

Many Christians are wrestling with how to navigate the digital world in a way that honors Jesus. In this episode, Chris McCurley and Wes McAdams tackle the complex relationship between social media and spiritual formation. They explore questions like: Should Christians even be on social media? How can we be present in digital spaces without being shaped by them? What does faithful presence look like online? These aren’t easy questions—but they’re worth asking.

The conversation highlights how social media often thrives on anger, fear, and comparison—things that are fundamentally at odds with the Spirit of Christ. They reflect on how our online habits can either form us into more loving disciples or deform us into reactive, self-centered people. They also offer practical suggestions for discerning when to speak, when to stay silent, and how to be salt and light even in toxic digital environments.

Chris McCurley preaches for the Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson, Tennessee. Chris also hosts the Dear Church Podcast.

Links and Resources:

* Logos Bible Study Software

* Dear Church Podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Immigration and Ordering Our Love for Neighbors Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast tackles the emotionally charged issue of immigration from a Christian perspective. Wes McAdams is joined by Marco Arroyo, who shares deeply personal stories from his family’s immigration background. They discuss how complicated immigration really is, emphasizing that it’s not just a policy issue but a deeply human one involving real people and real suffering.

They explore the idea of "ordered love" (ordo amoris), a theological concept popularized by Augustine. They push back against how some Christians misuse it to justify prioritizing loyalty to country over love for neighbor. Instead, they stress that Christians must love those whom God places in their path—including immigrants—out of a primary love for God. They argue that loving one's family or nation should never become an excuse for ignoring the suffering of others right in front of us.

Marco Arroyo is the preaching minister at the Seagoville Church of Christ in southeast Dallas County and the host of the In Between Sundays YouTube channel and podcast. His work focuses on cultural commentary, theological discussion, and engaging dialogues with other believers about modern faith challenges.

Links and Resources:

* VidAngel Free Trial

* In Between Sundays YouTube Channel

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Following Jesus in an Urban Community Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams talks with Jovan Payes about what it means to be a follower of Jesus in an urban context. The conversation explores how urban and rural Christians often misunderstand one another, and how Christians in cities navigate cultural complexity, injustice, and the call to be peacemakers in a densely populated and diverse environment. Jovan shares insights from his own experience growing up in San Francisco and working in ministry.

Wes and Jovan discuss biblical concepts like cultural humility, justice, and love, emphasizing that sin is everywhere—urban or rural—but cities offer unique challenges and opportunities. Jovan challenges the assumption that cities are less spiritual than rural areas, reminding listeners that Christianity was born in urban settings. They dig into passages like Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 9, and Ephesians 2 to highlight how the gospel calls people to empathy, adaptability, and sacrificial living.

Jovan Payes is a longtime minister with roots in gang life who came to Christ at 16. He’s spent over a decade in ministry in Bakersfield, California, and is now preparing to serve as Dean of Students at Faulkner University. He brings a perspective shaped by cultural diversity, street-level ministry, and a deep love for God's mission in the city.

Links and Resources:

The First Urban Christians by Wayne Meeks

The Universe Next Door by James W. Sire

Faulkner University

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

How Ethnicity and Race Affect the Way We Read the Bible Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams engages in a thoughtful conversation with Marcus Stenson about the complex topics of race, ethnicity, and how these factors influence the way we read and interpret Scripture. They explore the historical and societal constructs of race, emphasizing how the idea of race as a biological reality has been debunked, and how ethnicity relates more to shared cultural experiences. The conversation highlights how societal perceptions shape our understanding of Scripture and why it's essential to acknowledge and embrace diverse perspectives.

Marcus shares his personal experiences, detailing how his ethnic identity has shaped his worldview and his approach to Scripture. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing biases and cultural influences when engaging with biblical texts. Both Wes and Marcus discuss the concept of reading Scripture through one's ethnic lens and argue that understanding these perspectives can enrich and deepen biblical interpretation. They also emphasize the importance of diversity within the church, asserting that unity doesn't mean uniformity but rather a celebration of varied experiences within the body of Christ.

Marcus Stenson serves as the preaching minister at the Leander Church of Christ. Beyond his local ministry, he is actively involved in kingdom-focused nonprofits, including initiatives in Kenya and leadership development programs in the United States. His passion lies in fostering disciple-making cultures and advancing conversations about biblical understanding and unity within the church.

Links and Resources:

* Logos Bible Study Software (https://logos.com/radicallychristian)

* Reading While Black by Esau McCaulley

* Leander Church of Christ (https://leanderchurch.org)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Good Preaching Helps Us Take God Seriously Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

What would we be like if we really took God seriously? Today's discussion centers around a profound statement Billy Wilson made at a preacher's retreat: "It's a good thing none of us take God seriously. If we did, we would never stop laughing." He explains that understanding God and seeing the world through Jesus' eyes reveals the joke of human striving—how so much of what we chase after is futile in light of God's kingdom. Through biblical examples, Billy illustrates how Jesus infused his ministry with humor and deeper theological meaning, helping believers grasp the true nature of reality.

The conversation shifts to preaching, where Billy critiques modern sermons that focus more on behavior modification than on revealing the magnificence of God. He argues that if preachers truly immersed themselves in knowing and proclaiming God, congregations would be drawn to the Lord, not just to self-improvement strategies. He recounts personal experiences, including a pivotal moment with Jim McGuigan, who helped redirect his faith simply by talking about God's greatness.

The episode concludes with a reflection on John 17:3—"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Billy emphasizes that eternal life isn't just about knowledge about God, but about truly knowing Him in a relational sense. If believers took this seriously, it would reshape their lives, anchoring them in joy, meaning, and unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty.

In this episode, Wes McAdams welcomes Billy Wilson, a preacher with a rich history of ministry in Scotland, Australia, and the United States. Billy shares his personal journey, including his experiences with adoption, fostering, and his unexpected return to full-time preaching after swearing it off for years. His story highlights God's providence and the unique congregation in Mineral Wells that drew him back into pulpit ministry.

Links and Resources:

* Logos Bible Study Software (logos.com/radicallychristian)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

What You Need to Know About Bible Translations Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Many people have asked, “What is the best translation of the Bible?” Some wonder if there are unreliable versions of the Bible that should be avoided. There are also questions swirling around about whether or not modern translations remove verses from the Bible. This episode of The Bible Study Podcast explores how translations work and how to be a better Bible student by understanding translation philosophy.

Wes McAdams and guest Kevin Burr, a Greek and New Testament professor at Harding University, discuss the differences between word-for-word and thought-for-thought translations. They emphasize that no single translation is "the best," but rather that each has strengths and weaknesses. They also explain why some translations exclude certain verses based on older, more reliable manuscripts. The conversation highlights how language changes over time, making updated translations necessary for clarity and accuracy.

Kevin Burr teaches Greek and New Testament at Harding University and previously served as a discipleship minister at King’s Crossing Church of Christ in Corpus Christi, Texas. He has nearly a decade of congregational ministry experience and now equips future ministers in biblical studies.

Resources Mentioned:

* Logos Bible Study Software (www.logos.com/radicallychristian)

* From the KJV to the NIV by Jack P. Lewis

* Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew About the Bible by Michael Bird

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Does the Bible Mean More Than the Authors Intended? Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Wes McAdams and Jared Saltz explore the significance of authorial intent in biblical interpretation. They discuss whether the meaning of a biblical passage is limited to what the human author originally intended or if the Holy Spirit inspired meanings beyond the author’s understanding. They also consider how modern readers can responsibly interpret Scripture without imposing personal biases.

The conversation highlights the balance between respecting an author's intent and recognizing the fuller meaning that is the result of divine inspiration. They examine scriptural examples where biblical authors, prophets, and apostles interpreted past writings in ways that pointed to Jesus. They emphasize that while context and historical understanding are crucial, Scripture’s ultimate meaning unfolds through Christ and the broader story of God’s covenant people.

Jared Saltz is the preacher at the Smoky Hill Church of Christ in Denver, Colorado. Previously, he was a bi-vocational minister and a Bible teacher at a Christian college. Jared has the unique ability to approach biblical studies from the perspective of an academic and a minister, making biblical interpretation accessible to everyday believers.

Resources Mentioned

* Logos Bible Software (https://www.logos.com/radicallychristian)

* How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

What Ecclesiastes Teaches About Life, Money, and Ambition Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

This episode, recorded live at the McDermott Road Men's Retreat, explores the concept of ambition, particularly as it relates to career, life goals, and contentment. The discussion centers on the tension between "selfish ambition" and Christian contentment, drawing insights especially from the book of Ecclesiastes.

Today's guest, Bob Tabor, shares personal stories highlighting his own experiences with professional success and spiritual health. He candidly reflects on his struggles with selfish ambition and its consequences, including burnout and spiritual drift. Ecclesiastes' themes, such as the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits (described by the Hebrew term "hevel"), contentment, and the value of simple pleasures, frame much of the conversation.

Bob Tabor has worked as a software developer, video creator, author, and entrepreneur. Through sky-rocketing successes and devastating setbacks, Bob has learned some incredibly valuable lessons. He graciously and transparently shares some of those lessons with us in today's episode.

Links and Resources:

* Logos Bible Study Software - logos.com/radicallychristian

* The Bible Project - bibleproject.com

* Keith Lancaster - keithlancaster.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

Ask Better Bible Questions Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast continues the series on becoming a better Bible student. The conversation centers on how to ask better questions of Scripture and how cultural and generational trends affect biblical interpretation.

The discussion highlights the importance of moving beyond a "what's in it for me?" mindset when reading Scripture. Garrett Best encourages humility in reading Scripture and emphasizes group Bible study for broader perspectives. Key concepts include the value of questioning, wrestling with the text, and seeking transformation rather than simply acquiring knowledge.

Garrett Best, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Bible and Ministry and the Chair of the Department of Bible and Ministry at York University. Garrett has degrees from Freed-Hardeman University, Harding School of Theology (MDiv), and Asbury Theological Seminary (PhD Biblical Studies). He is passionate about helping students discover the depth and beauty of Scripture while fostering transformative learning experiences.

Links and Resources:

* Logos Bible Study Software (https://logos.com/radicallychristian)

* The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (https://amzn.to/4gubWo3)

* Strange and Sacred Scripture by Matthew Schlimm (https://amzn.to/3WO6a9P)

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

The Problem with Proof-Texting the Bible Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast is part of our, “How to Be a Better Bible Student” series. Today’s episode addresses the issue of proof-texting. What is proof-texting is? Why is it problematic? And how can we all approach Scripture with greater humility and accuracy.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding Scripture within its original context—recognizing historical, cultural, and literary factors. The conversation also touches on the need for humility when interpreting and teaching the Bible. Examples like Philippians 4:13, Jeremiah 29:11, and Hebrews 10:25 highlight how verses are often misused. The episode encourages readers to move beyond shallow interpretations and engage deeply with the broader biblical narrative.

The guest, Boo Scott, preaches for the National Park Church of Christ in Hot Springs, Arkansas. With over a decade of ministry experience in youth and campus ministry, Boo brings a deep passion for preaching and teaching the Word of God. He emphasizes equipping others to be better Bible students and approaches ministry with humility and authenticity.

Links and Resources:

* Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon (https://amzn.to/4g9oKQs)

* The Bema podcast (https://www.bemadiscipleship.com)

* Logos Bible Study Software (extended free trial - https://logos.com/radicallychristian)

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.radicallychristian.com

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