Faith Seeking Understanding Podcast

100. How Can We Study Theology for a Lifetime? May 17, 2023

Guest: Dr. Wayne Grudem | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Grudem as they discuss lifelong theological study. Topics of conversation include, 1) Dr. Grudem’s personal journey into theological study, 2) 12 books that have had a significant impact on his understanding of the Bible and theology, 3) Encouragement for people looking to begin studying theology, and 4) Theology as a foundation of truth for a deeper relationship with God and a faithful ministry.

Dr. Wayne Grudem serves as distinguished professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. He received his doctorate from the University of Cambridge and served as General Editor of the ESV Study Bible (Crossway, 2008). Dr. Grudem is the author of several books, including Systematic Theology (Zondervan Academic, 2020), and What the Bible Says About How to Know God’s Will (Crossway, 2020).

As we close this season of our Faith Seeking Understanding podcast, we want to first thank you for being a faithful listener. We sincerely hope you have been encouraged and helped in your understanding of the faith!

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99. What is Paul's Vision for the Christian Life? May 10, 2023

Guest: Dr. Jarvis Williams | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Williams about Paul’s vision for the Christian life. Topics of conversation include, 1) Paul’s view of the law, 2) How the New Perspective on Paul differs from a traditional understanding of justification, 3) The vertical, horizontal, and cosmic aspects of salvation, 4) What it means to live by the Spirit, and 5) Understanding Romans 7.

Dr. Jarvis Williams holds a PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he has taught since 2013. He is the author of several books, including Christ Redeemed ‘Us’ From the Curse of the Law: A Jewish Martyrological Reading of Galatians 3:13 (T & T Clark, 2021), Galatians, in the New Covenant Commentary Series (Cascade Books, 2020), Christ Died for Our Sins: Representation and Substitution in Romans and Their Jewish Martyrological Background (Pickwick Publications, 2015), Redemptive Kingdom Diversity: A Biblical Theology of the People of God (Baker Academic, 2021), and The Spirit, Ethics, and Eternal Life: Paul’s Vision for the Christian Life in Galatians (IVP Academic, 2023).

Stay connected with us! Keep your ears open on this channel for future projects from Phoenix Seminary and connect with us by subscribing to ps.edu/shepherdsandscholars/.

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98. What is Sin? May 03, 2023

Guest: Dr. Cornelius “Neal” Plantinga | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Plantinga about sin. Topics of conversation include, 1) How to define sin, 2) Why sin is not directly addressed in churches today, 3) How our sin offends and grieves God, 4) Understanding the difference between degrees of sin, and 5) Resources for further reading on the topic of sin.

Dr. Neal Plantinga holds a PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary and served as the president of Calvin Seminary from 2002-2011. Dr. Plantinga is the author of several books, including Engaging God’s Word: A Christian Vision of Faith, Learning, and Living (Eerdmans, 2002), Reading for Preaching: The Preacher in Conversation with Storytellers, Biographers, Poets, and Journalists (Eerdmans, 2013), and Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin (Eerdmans, 1996).

Stay connected with us! Keep your ears open on this channel for future projects from Phoenix Seminary and connect with us by subscribing to https://ps.edu/shepherdsandscholars/

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97. How Should Christians Engage in Politics? Apr 26, 2023

Guest: Dr. Jonathan Leeman | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Leeman about Christian engagement in politics. Topics of conversation include, 1) Defining the terms politics and the church, 2) How your worldview affects your view of morality and justice, 3) Steps for thinking through how to engage politically as a Christian, 4) Distinguishing between “straight-line” and “jagged-line” issues, and 5) Resources for thinking through how to engage in politics as a Christian.

Dr. Jonathan Leeman is the Editorial Director for 9Marks. He teaches at several seminaries and serves as an elder at Cheverly Baptist Church in Washington D.C. Dr. Leeman is the author of Political Church: The Local Assembly as Embassy of Christ’s Rule (IVP Academic, 2016).

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96. What is Christian Leadership? Apr 19, 2023

Guest: Dr. J. Michael Thigpen | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Thigpen about Christian leadership. Topics of conversation include, 1) How the Bible portrays Christian leadership in the examples of Saul, David, and Solomon, 2) How Christian leaders should reflect the character of God, 3) Godly vs. successful leaders, 4) A perspective shift on evaluating your pastor, and 5) Resources for further reading on the topic of Christian leadership.

Dr. J. Michael Thigpen is professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary. He previously served as the executive director of the Evangelical Theological Society, as well as an associate professor of Old Testament and Semitics at the Talbot School of Theology. Dr. Thigpen holds a PhD in Judaic, Hebraic, and Cognate Studies from Hebrew Union College.

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95. What is Revival? Apr 12, 2023

Guest: Dr. David Hogg | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Hogg about revival. Topics of conversation include, 1) How we define the terms revival and awakening, 2) Examples of revival in the Bible, 3) Movements of revival throughout history, 4) The First and Second Great Awakening, and 5) Resources for further reading on revival.

Dr. David Hogg serves as vice president of Academic Affairs at Phoenix Seminary, where he also teaches Church History. Dr. Hogg has many years of pastoral and seminary ministry, and holds a PhD in Medieval Theology from St. Mary’s School of Divinity at St. Andrews University in Scotland.

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94. What Does it Mean to be a Catholic Protestant? Apr 05, 2023

Guest: Dr. Michael Allen | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Allen about unity within the church. Topics of conversation include, 1) Defining the words catholic and protestant, 2) Factors to consider as we strive toward a more united church, 3) What we mean by the word retrieval, and why it is important to learn from those who have gone before us, 4) Responding to objections to retrieval, and 5) A case study in theological retrieval.

Dr. Michael Allen serves as John Dyer Trimble professor of Systematic Theology and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He is the author of Ephesians in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible (Brazos, 2020), Sanctification in the New Studies in Dogmatics series (Zondervan Academic, 2017), and, with Scott Swain, Reformed Catholicity: The Promise of Retrieval for Theology and Biblical Interpretation (Baker Academic, 2015).

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93. What Does Nature Teach on Men and Women? Mar 29, 2023

Guest: Dr. Joe Rigney | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Rigney about the differences between men and women, as revealed in nature. Topics of conversation include, 1) How the Bible and nature are not at odds when it comes to understanding gender, 2) Defining "man" and "woman", 3) Gender stereotypes vs. tendencies that serve a larger role in familial relationships, 4) How this understanding of the differences in gender affects pastoral ministry, 5) Resources for further reading on this issue.

Dr. Joe Rigney serves as president and associate professor of Theology and Literature at Bethlehem College and Seminary. He is also a pastor at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is the author of several books, including The Things of Earth: Treasuring God by Enjoying HIs Gifts (Crossway, 2014), and Strangely Bright: Can You Love God and Enjoy This World? (Crossway, 2020).

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92. How Should Christians Engage with Islam? Mar 22, 2023

Guest: Dr. Ayman Ibrahim | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Ibrahim about Islam. Topics of conversation include, 1) A brief history of Islam, 2) The origins of the Quran, 3) How to evaluate similarities and distinctions between Christianity and Islam, 4) Ways to engage in conversation with Muslims, 5) Social, cultural, and theological barriers to sharing the gospel with Muslims, and 6) Resources for further reading on Islam.

Dr. Ayman Ibrahim holds a PhD from Fuller Theological Seminary, as well as a PhD from Haifa University. He is professor of Islamic Studies and the director of the Jenkins Center for the Christian Understanding of Islam at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Ibrahim is the author of several books, including A Concise Guide to the Quran: Answering Thirty Critical Questions (Baker Academic, 2020), and A Concise Guide to the Life of Muhammad: Answering Thirty Key Questions (Baker Academic, 2022).

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91. What Do Christians Need to Know About Contraceptives? Mar 14, 2023

Guest: Dr. Ken Magnuson | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Magnuson about the ethics of contraception. Topics of conversation include, 1) The difference between birth control and contraception, 2) The church’s stance on contraception throughout history, 3) Thinking biblically about various methods of contraception, and 4) Resources for further reading on these issues.

Dr. Ken Magnuson serves as the executive director of the Evangelical Theological Society. He is professor of Christian Ethics at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as at Phoenix Seminary. He is the author of Invitation to Christian Ethics: Moral Reasoning and Contemporary Issues (Kregel Academic, 2020).

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90. What Do Christians Need to Know About Reproductive Technologies? Mar 07, 2023

Guest: Dr. Ken Magnuson | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Magnuson about the ethics of current reproductive technologies. Topics of conversation include, 1) Reproductive technologies available today, 2) Ethical considerations of IVF, 3) Thoughts on embryo adoption, 4) The implications and effects of using reproductive technologies on a marriage, and 5) Resources for further reading on these issues.

Dr. Ken Magnuson serves as the executive director of the Evangelical Theological Society. He is professor of Christian Ethics at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as at Phoenix Seminary. He is the author of Invitation to Christian Ethics: Moral Reasoning and Contemporary Issues (Kregel Academic, 2020).

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89. What Is Humility? Feb 14, 2023

Guest: Dr. Gavin Ortlund | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Ortlund about his latest book, Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness. Topics of conversation include, 1) Common misconceptions about humility, 2) How Christ models humility for us, 3) Practical tips for developing humility in the Christian life, 4) Three different contexts for humility, and 5) Resources for further reading on humility.

Dr. Gavin Ortlund holds a PhD from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Ojai in Ojai, California, and is the author of several books, including Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage (Crossway, 2020), Retrieving Augustine’s Doctrine of Creation: Ancient Wisdom for Current Controversy (IVP Academic, 2020), and Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness (Crossway, 2023).

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88. What Is the Secular Creed? Feb 07, 2023

Guest: Dr. Rebecca McLaughlin | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. McLaughlin about her book, The Secular Creed. Topics of conversation include, 1) The meaning of the word “secular”, 2) The use of creeds to articulate a set of core beliefs, 3) Ways in which the church has used Scripture wrongly, 4) The current issue of transgenderism, and 5) The importance of fighting for the culture with Christian love.

Dr. Rebecca McLaughlin holds a PhD in Renaissance Literature from Cambridge University, as well as a degree in Theology and Pastoral Studies from Oak Hill College in London. She is the author of several books, including Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion (Crossway, 2019), 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity (Crossway, 2021), and The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims (The Gospel Coalition, 2021).

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87. Does God Have Emotions? Jan 31, 2023

Guest: Dr. Steve Duby | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Duby about the doctrine of God’s impassibility. Topics of conversation include, 1) The importance of asking the question, “does God have emotions?” 2) How to understand passages in Scripture where it appears God changes his mind, 3) How the doctrine of impassibility affects our understanding of the person of Christ, 4) How to handle this topic pastorally, and 5) Resources that are helpful in thinking through this issue.

Dr. Steve Duby serves as associate professor of Theology at Phoenix Seminary. He holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from the University of St. Andrews, and is the author of several books, including Divine Simplicity: A Dogmatic Account (T&T Clark, 2015), God In Himself: Scripture, Metaphysics, and the Task of Christian Theology (IVP Academic, 2019), and Jesus and the God of Classical Theism (Baker Academic, 2022). He is also currently writing a commentary on Habukkuk as part of the International Theological Commentary series.

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86. How Does the Old Testament Law Apply to Christians Today? Jan 24, 2023

Guest: Dr. Tom Schreiner | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Schreiner about the role of the law for Christians today. Topics of conversation include, 1) The purpose of the Old Testament laws in light of God’s covenant with his people, 2) How the Old Testament laws reflect the character of God, 3) The third use of the law, and how it instructs us on how to live today, 4) Using the whole Bible when distinguishing between moral and ceremonial laws, and 5) Resources for thinking through issues of Old Testament law.

Dr. Tom Schreiner is James Buchanan Harrison professor of New Testament Interpretation and professor of Biblical Theology, as well as associate dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including, as part of the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series, Romans (Baker Academic, 2018), The New American Commentary Volume 37: 1-2 Peter, Jude (Holman Reference 2003), and The Law and Its Fulfillment: A Pauline Theology of Law (Baker Books, 1998).

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85. What Is Orthodoxy? Jan 24, 2023

Guest: Dr. Trevin Wax | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Wax about his new book, The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith. Topics of conversation include, 1) A definition of orthodoxy, 2) The role of creeds in establishing guardrails for orthodox theology, 3) A definition of heresy, using the categories of orthodoxy, theological error, and heresy, 4) The importance of instilling confidence in the core, fundamental truths of Christianity, and 5) Authors who were influential during the research and writing of this book.

Dr. Trevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board. He is a visiting professor at Cedarville University, and previously served as a missionary in Romania. Dr. Wax is the co-founder of The Gospel Project, and is the author of several books, including Gospel-Centered Teaching: Showing Christ in All the Scripture (B&H Books, 2013), The Multi-Directional Leader: Responding Wisely to Challenges from Every Side (The Gospel Coalition, 2021), and The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of the Christian Faith (IVP, 2022).
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84. How Do We Make Disciples in a Digital Age? Dec 21, 2022

Guest: Jason Thacker | Dr. Arnold interviews Jason Thacker about the influence of technology on Christian discipleship. Topics of conversation include, 1) What we mean when we say we are living in a digital age, 2) How technology is discipling us, 3) Some obstacles that technology presents to Christian discipleship, 4) How technology affects relationships, 5) Advice for those experiencing technology fatigue, and 6) Some resources for further thinking about technology.

Jason Thacker serves as chair of research in technology ethics and director of the research institute at The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Christian Ethics at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his writing has been featured in Christianity Today, USA Today, and The Gospel Coalition. Jason is the editor of The Digital Public Square: Christian Ethics in a Technological Society (B&H Academic, 2023), and has authored several books, including Following Jesus in a Digital Age (B&H Books, 2022), and The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity (Zondervan, 2020).

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83. How Do We Grow the Church in Biblical Literacy? Dec 14, 2022

Guest: Dr. Jason Dees | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Dees about biblical literacy. Topics of conversation include, 1) The reason Bible knowledge is decreasing today, 2) How to define biblical literacy, 3) The importance of the preaching ministry in a church, 4) The role of catechizing in the church, and what that can look like, 5) A resource for growing in biblical literacy.

Dr. Jason Dees is the Senior Pastor of Christ Covenant Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He hold a PhD in Biblical Spirituality from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has written articles for several publications, including The Gospel Coalition, 9Marks, and Radical.

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82. What Does the Early Church Teach Us About Cultural Engagement? Dec 07, 2022

Guest: Dr. Stephen Presley | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Presley about cultural engagement in the early church. Topics of conversation include, 1) The early church’s response to living in a secular society and what we can learn from their example, 2) The political, cultural, and intellectual challenges experienced by the early church, 3) The call for evangelicals today to make an impact on society through the visible testimony of a transformed life, 4) The unique challenge of Christians losing previously held cultural and political influence, 5) What the goal of cultural engagement should be, 6) Resources in the church fathers for learning how to better engage culturally.

Dr. Stephen Presley is associate professor of Church History and Director of Research Doctoral Studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a PhD from the University of St. Andrews, and is the author of The Intertextual Reception of Genesis 1-3 in Iranaeus of Lyons (Brill Academic, 2015). Dr. Presley is currently working on a book on cultural engagement in the church fathers with Eerdmans.

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81. What Is a Covenant? Nov 30, 2022

Guest: Dr. J. Michael Thigpen | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Thigpen about covenants. Topics of conversation include, 1) A definition of covenant, 2) The significance of covenants in understanding the Biblical narrative, 3) What the Old Testament covenants illustrate, 4) The difference between dispensational and covenant theology, 5) Practical implications of God’s covenant to us, and 6) Resources for further reading on the topic of covenants.

Dr. J. Michael Thigpen is professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Evangelical Theological Society and the associate professor of Old Testament and Semitics at Talbot School of Theology. Dr. Thigpen holds a PhD from Hebrew Union College and is the author of Divine Motive in the Old Testament: A Comprehensive Survey and Analysis (Gorgias Press, 2015).

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80. What Is Prayer? Nov 23, 2022

Guest: Dr. Kyle DiRoberts | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. DiRoberts about prayer. Topics of conversation include, 1) A definition of prayer, 2) Common barriers/obstacles to prayer, 3) How to use Scripture as a guide for prayer, 4) What it means to pray without ceasing, and 5) Resources for further reading on prayer.

Dr. Kyle DiRoberts is Department Chair and associate professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Arizona Christian University. He also serves as adjunct faculty at Phoenix Seminary, and as the Director of the Minister in Residence and Internship programs at Scottsdale Bible Church. Dr. DiRoberts holds a PhD from Dallas Theological Seminary and is the author of The Secret to Prayer: 31 Days to a More Intimate Relationship with God (B&H Books, 2021).

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79. What Are Repentance and Forgiveness? Nov 16, 2022

Guest: Dr. J. Michael Thigpen | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Thigpen about repentance and forgiveness. Topics of conversation include, 1) The distinction between the corporate blessings and curses in the Mosaic Covenant and individual salvation, 2) The anticipatory, partial, and pedagogical aspects of God’s forgiveness in response to repentance, 3) How sin was forgiven in the Old Testament, 4) God’s role in our repentance, and 5) Resources for further reading on repentance and forgiveness.

Dr. J. Michael Thigpen is professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Evangelical Theological Society and the associate professor of Old Testament and Semitics at Talbot School of Theology. Dr. Thigpen holds a PhD from Hebrew Union College and is the author of Divine Motive in the Old Testament: A Comprehensive Survey and Analysis (Gorgias Press, 2015).

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78. What Is Church Planting? Nov 09, 2022

Guest: Pastor Adam Bailie | Dr. Arnold interviews Adam Bailie about church planting. Topics of conversation include, 1) Adam’s experience with church planting, 2) How to measure success in church planting, 3) How to determine a call to church planting, 4) The church’s role in commissioning church planters, and 5) The importance of contextualization in church planting.

Adam Bailie serves as the lead pastor of Christ Church in Gilbert, AZ. Before planting Christ Church, he planted and was lead pastor of Grace Church of the Valley in Kingsburg, California. Adam currently serves on the national lead planter team with the North American Mission Board.

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77. What Is the Sabbath? Nov 02, 2022

Guest: Dr. Guy Prentiss Waters | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Waters about the Sabbath. Topics of conversation include, 1) The beginning of the Sabbath at creation, 2) The significance of the Sabbath commandment, 3) The distinction between laws unique to Israel and moral laws continuing into the New Testament, 4) Why the death penalty was required for violataing the Sabbath, and 5) Why it is important for Christians today to practice the Sabbath.

Dr. Guy Prentiss Waters is the James M. Baird, Jr. professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary. He also serves as a teaching elder in the PCA, and is the author of many books, Including The Life and Theology of Paul (Ligonier Ministries, 2018), For the Mouth of the Lord Has Spoken: The Doctrine of Scripture (Mentor, 2020), and, as part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, The Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God (Crossway, 2022).

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76. Why Was the Reformation Needed? Oct 26, 2022

Guest: Dr. David Hogg | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Hogg about the Reformation. Topics of conversation include, 1) Some of the circumstances that led to the Reformation, 2) Common misconceptions about Christianity during the Dark Ages, 3) What the Reformers were responding to, specifically, 4) The value of learning from the Reformers’ theology, even when we disagree with some of their doctrine, and 5) A brief history of Protestantism.

Dr. David Hogg serves as Provost and Vice President of Academic Administration at Phoenix Seminary. He previously taught at Beeson Divinity School and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has over a decade of pastoral experience in the U.S., Canda, Britain, and the Czech Republic. Dr. Hogg holds a PhD in Medieval Theology from St Andrews University.

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75. How Can Youth Ministry Be Theologically Driven? Oct 19, 2022

Guest: Will Standridge | Dr. Arnold interviews Will Standridge about youth ministry. Topics of conversation include, 1) What is youth ministry? 2) What is the goal of youth ministry?, 3) How can youth ministry best prepare students for college and adulthood? 4) Why all of Scripture is relevant and important to teach in youth ministry, and 5) Resources for faithful youth ministry

Will Standridge serves as the preteen and student pastor at Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas. He received a BA from Boyce College and an MDiv from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Will has written numerous blogs and articles on student ministry.

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74. Who Is the Holy Spirit? Oct 12, 2022

Guest: Dr. Christopher Holmes | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Holmes on the person of the Holy Spirit. Topics of conversation include, 1) The being of the Holy Spirit, 2) The identity of the Holy Spirit, 3) The activity of the Holy Spirit, and 4) Resources for both devotional and technical study on Holy Spirit.

Dr. Christopher Holmes is professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Otago in New Zealand. He holds a ThD from the University of Toronto and is ordained as an Anglican priest. Dr. Holmes is the author of several books, including The Lord is Good: Seeking the God of the Psalter (IVP Academic, 2018), A Theology of the Christian Life: Imitating and Participating in God (Baker Academic, 2021), and, as part of the New Studies in Dogmatics series, The Holy Spirit (Zondervan Academic, 2015).

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73. What Is Union With Christ? Oct 05, 2022

Guest: Dr. Nathan Tarr | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Tarr on what it means to be united with Christ. Topics of conversation include, 1) What we mean when we use the phrase “in Christ”, 2) Why union with Christ is a foundational to understanding the gospel, 3) How a person becomes united with Christ, 4) The relation of suffering to being in Christ, 5) The corporate aspect of union with Christ, and 6) A resource for further reading on this subject.

Dr. Nathan Tarr is associate professor of Pastoral Theology and the Doctor of Ministry program director at Phoenix Seminary. He holds a PhD in Biblical Spirituality from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and previously planted Christ Church in Knoxville, TN, and served as associate pastor of Discipleship and Missions at Christ Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC.

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/what-is-union-with-christ-nathan-tarr/

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72. How Can I Be Sure I'm a Christian? Sep 28, 2022

Guest: Dr. Donald Whitney | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Whitney about how to be sure of your salvation. Topics of conversation include, 1) How one becomes a Christian, 2) How to respond to those who do not believe assurance is possible, 3) Marks of a being a true believer from 1 John, 4) Presence vs. perfection when it comes to evidence of salvation, 5) Common areas of false assurance, 6) The role of the church in assurance, and 7) Resources for further reading.

Dr. Donald Whitney is professor of Biblical Spirituality and associate dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served for many years in pastoral ministry and founded the Center for Biblical Spirituality. Dr. Whitney has authored several books, including Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (NavPress, 1997), Praying the Bible (Crossway, 2015), and How Can I Be Sure I’m a Christian?: What the Bible Says About Assurance of Salvation (NavPress, 1994).

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/how-can-i-be-sure-im-a-christian-donald-whitney/

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71. What Do the Biblical Prophets Say About Justice? Sep 21, 2022

Guest: Dr. Peter Gentry | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Gentry about the Biblical prophets and their role in understanding modern social justice. Topics of conversation include, 1) How to define the terms justice and righteousness in the Old Testament, 2) The role of covenants, and how they affect how we understand the differences between Old Testament Israel and the church today, 3) Errors people make in applying the Old Testament to modern circumstances, 4) Encouragement for pastors teaching on these issues, and 5) Resources for learning more about Biblical social justice.

Dr. Peter Gentry is distinguished professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary, having previously served for 22 years at Southern Seminary. Dr Gentry is the author of many books, including Kingdom Through Covenant (Crossway, 2018), and How to Read and Understand the Biblical Prophets (Crossway, 2017).

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/what-do-the-biblical-prophets-say-about-justice/

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70. How Do I Know God's Will? Sep 14, 2022

Guest: Dr. Wayne Grudem | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Grudem about how to know God’s will. Topics of conversation include, 1) The fact that God wants to be known and has revealed himself to us, 2) 9 factors to consider when seeking God’s will for our lives, 3) The role of prayer and wisdom in this process.

Dr. Wayne Grudem serves as distinguished professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. He received his doctorate from the University of Cambridge and served as General Editor of the ESV Study Bible (Crossway, 2008). Dr. Grudem is the author of several books, including Systematic Theology (Zondervan Academic, 2020), and What the Bible Says About How to Know God’s Will (Crossway, 2020).

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/how-do-i-know-gods-will-dr-wayne-grudem/

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69. Does God Change? Sep 07, 2022

Guest: Dr. Ronnie Kurtz | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Kurtz about the doctrine of God’s immutability. Topics of conversation include, 1) A definition of Divine immutability, 2) The importance of understanding doctrine in stirring a believer’s affections, 3) How history, Scripture, and Christian reasoning have each contributed to understanding God’s immutability, 4) How to interpret passages where it appears God changes his mind, 5) How to encourage other Christians with the truth that God never changes, and 6) Resources for further study on this doctrine.

Dr. Ronnie Kurtz serves as assistant professor of Theology at Cedarville University. He previously pastored for several years in Kansas City, and taught theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College. Dr. Kurtz is the author of No Shadow of Turning: Divine Immutability and the Economy of Redemption (Mentor, 2022).

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/does-god-change-dr-ronni-kurtz/

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68. What Does It Mean to Imitate Christ? Jun 08, 2022

Guest: Dr. Nathan Tarr | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Tarr about what it means to imitate Christ. Topics of conversation include, 1) How sanctification flows out of our union with Christ, 2) The role of humility as we disciple others and imitate Christ for them, 3) Whether it is appropriate to even talk about imitating Christ and how that fits into the message of the gospel, 4) Evidences of sanctification, 5) The role other Christians play in the process of sanctification, and 6) Additional resources for imitating Christ.

Dr. Nathan Tarr holds a PhD in Biblical Spirituality from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He serves as associate professor of Pastoral Theology at Phoenix Seminary.

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/what-does-it-mean-to-imitate-christ-dr-nathan-tarr/

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67. What Is a Healthy Church? May 31, 2022

Guest: Dr. Chris Newkirk | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Newkirk about how to judge whether a church is healthy or not. Topics of conversation include, 1) Characteristics of a healthy church, 2) How a church can balance evangelism and discipleship, 3) Unhealthy trends in churches today, and 4) Resources for further study on church health.

Dr. Chris Newkirk serves as lead pastor of Whitton Avenue Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona and has been involved in vocational ministry for over 15 years. He earned a DMin from Reformed Theological Seminary and helps train students for local church ministry through the Ministry Apprenticeship Alliance program at Phoenix Seminary.

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/what-is-a-healthy-church-dr-chris-newkirk/

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66. What Does Nature Reveal About God? May 25, 2022

Guest: Dr. Tyler Wittman | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Wittman about natural theology. Topics of conversation include, 1) The knowability of God, 2) The distinction between general revelation and special revelation, 3) The role of natural theology and special revelation in the book of Romans, 4) The usefulness and limitations of natural theology, and 5) Resources for further reading on this subject.

Dr. Tyler Wittman holds a PhD from the University of St. Andrews and serves as assistant professor of Theology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He co-authored Biblical Reasoning: Christological and Trinitarian Rules for Exegesis (Baker Academic, 2022), and is the author of God and Creation in the Theology of Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth (Cambridge University Press, 2019).

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/what-does-nature-reveal-about-god-dr-tyler-wittman/

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65. Why Should Christians Defend Religious Liberty? May 18, 2022

Guest: Dr. Andrew Walker | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Walker about religious liberty. Topics of conversation include, 1) A definition of religious liberty, 2) Where we find support for religious liberty in Scripture, 3) The original intent behind the phrase “separation of church and state”, and 4) What’s at stake for Christians in protecting religious rights for all.

Dr. Andrew Walker is associate professor of Christian Ethics at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He serves as director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement and is the author of several books, including Marriage Is: How Marriage Transforms Society and Cultivates Human Flourishing (B & H Books, 2015), God and the Transgender Debate (The Good Book Company, 2017), and Liberty for All: Defending Everyone’s Religious Freedom in a Pluralistic Age (Brazos Press, 2021).

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/why-should-christians-defend-religious-liberty-dr-andrew-walker/

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64. How Can We Understand Jesus' Parables? May 11, 2022

Guest: Dr. Peter Gurry | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Gurry about the parables of Jesus. Topics of conversation include 1) What is a parable? 2) Why did Jesus choose this method of teaching? 3) How should we interpret parables? 4) How should we apply the parables to our lives? 5) What are some challenging or surprising parables? 6) Resources for understanding the parables.

Dr. Peter Gurry (@pjgurry) serves as Assistant Professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary. He's also co-director of the Text and Canon Institute, as well as an elder at Whitton Avenue Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Gurry is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Dallas Theological Seminary, and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. He is the author of several books, including Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism (IVP Academic, 2019), and Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible (Crossway, 2022).

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/how-can-we-understand-jesus-parables-dr-peter-gurry/

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63. Why Are There So Many Translations of the Bible? May 04, 2022

Guest: Dr. Peter Gurry | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Gurry about the various translations of the Bible. Topics of conversation include 1) A history of the English Bible, 2) The most popular English translations used today, 3) The translation spectrum from literal to paraphrase, 4) The five questions a translator must answer when deciding how to translate from the original text, and 5) Resources for further study on Bible translation.

Dr. Peter Gurry (@pjgurry) serves as Assistant Professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary. He's also co-director of the Text and Canon Institute, as well as an elder at Whitton Avenue Bible Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Gurry is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Dallas Theological Seminary, and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. He is the author of several books, including Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism (IVP Academic, 2019), and Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible (Crossway, 2022).

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/why-are-there-so-many-translations-of-the-bible-dr-peter-gurry/

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62. How Does Theology Help Us Read the Bible? Apr 27, 2022

Guest: Dr. Bobby Jamieson | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Jamieson on how good theology helps us to better read the Bible. Topics of conversation include 1) A description of this circular process: allowing theology to guide our Scriptural interpretation and using Scripture to inform our theology, 2) How rules and principles for interpretation emerge from Scripture itself, 3) A response to the recent emphasis on theological interpretation of Scripture, 4) How a theological concept, such as the Trinity, affects how we understand and interpret Scripture, and 5) Encouragement for pastors to preach expositionally, while also incorporating doctrinal depth.

Dr. Bobby Jamieson is an associate pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and is the author of several books, including Sound Doctrine: How a Church Grows in the Love and Holiness of God (Crossway, 2013), The Paradox of Sonship: Christology in the Epistle to the Hebrews (IVP Academic, 2021), and Biblical Reasoning: Christological and Trinitarian Rules for Exegesis (Baker Academic, 2022).

Read full show notes here: https://ps.edu/how-does-theology-help-us-read-the-bible-dr-bobby-jamieson/

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61. What Does It Mean to be Human? Apr 20, 2022

Guest: Dr. Kelly Kapic | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Kapic on how to understand the limitations that come with being human. Topics of conversation include 1) How our limitations as humans are not sinful, 2) Why unrealistic expectations cause guilt and anger, 3) The misunderstanding of humility, rest, and identity that leads to resisting dependency, 4) How community helps to balance work and limitation, and 5) Further resources for thinking through this issue.

Dr. Kelly Kapic serves as professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College. He is the author of several books, including The God Who Gives: How the Trinity Shapes the Christian Story (Zondervan Academic, 2018), Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering (IVP Academic, 2017), and You’re Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God’s Design and Why That’s Good News (Brazos Press, 2022).

Find full show notes here https://ps.edu/what-does-it-mean-to-be-human-dr-kelly-kapic/

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60. What is the Foundation for Christian Ethics? Apr 12, 2022

Guest: Dr. Kenneth Magnuson | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Magnuson on the foundation for Christian ethics. Topics of conversation include 1) Why it is important for Christians to develop a strong ethical foundation, 2) Various perspectives for framing ethics, such as deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics, and teleology, 3) Scriptural guidelines for determining a Christian ethic, 4) Why churches aren’t addressing ethical issues today, 5) Recommended resources for further study on Christian ethics.

Dr. Kenneth Magnuson serves as professor of Christian Ethics at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the executive director of the Evangelical Theological Society, and is the author of several books, including Invitation to Christian Ethics: Moral Reasoning and Contemporary Issues (Kregel Academic, 2020).

Find full show notes here https://ps.edu/what-is-the-foundation-for-christian-ethics-dr-kenneth-magnuson/

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59. How Do We Impart the Gospel to Our Children? Apr 06, 2022

Guest: Jared Kennedy | Dr. Arnold interviews Jared Kennedy about sharing the gospel with children. Topics of conversation include 1) A story from First Clement about a wayward teenager, 2) Rhythms and habits to consider when discipling children, 3) Encouragement for those working in children’s ministry, 4) Encouragement for parents 5) Resources for family discipleship.

Jared Kennedy is an editor at The Gospel Coalition and an adjunct instructor at Boyce College. He serves on the Theological Advisory Council for Harbor Network, and is the author of several books, including The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible (New Growth Press, 2017), and Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission: Practical Strategies for Discipling the Next Generation (The Gospel Coalition, 2022).

Find full show notes here https://ps.edu/how-do-we-impart-the-gospel-to-our-children-jared-kennedy/

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58. How Can We Reach the Nations with the Gospel? Mar 30, 2022

Guest: Elliot Clark | Dr. Arnold interviews Elliot Clark on how Christians should think about missions. Topics of conversation include, 1) What is missions? 2) What should our motivation for missions be? 3) How should our desire for doing missions be regulated? 4) How can we avoid imperialism while engaging in missionary work? 5) Encouragement for all Christians to be involved in missions, whether going or staying.

Elliot Clark has served as a missionary and church planter in Central Asia, and currently works at Training Leaders International. He is the author of Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission as Strangers in our Own Land (The Gospel Coalition, 2019), and Mission Affirmed: Recovering the Missionary Motivation of Paul (The Gospel Coalition, 2022).

Find full show notes here https://ps.edu/how-can-we-reach-the-nations-with-the-gospel-elliot-clark/

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57. How Should Christians Engage with Technology? Mar 23, 2022

Guest: Tony Reinke | Dr. Arnold interviews Tony Reinke on how Christians should think about and engage with technology. Topics of conversation include, 1) A definition of technology, 2) A proper theology of God’s sovereignty as it relates to the limits of technology, 3) The categories of tech-optimists and tech-pessimists, 4) How Christians can help their children steward technology well, and 5) Resources for thinking through issues of technology.

Tony Reinke is a nonprofit journalist who serves as a senior teacher for Desiring God. He is the producer and host of the Ask Dr. John podcast, and is the author of several books, including 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You (Crossway, 2017), Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Digital Age (Crossway, 2019), and God, Technology, and the Christian Life (Crossway, 2022).

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/how-should-christians-engage-with-technology-tony-reinke/

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56. Why Does Doctrine Divide? Mar 16, 2022

Guest: Dr. Rhyne Putman | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Putman on why doctrine divides Christians. Topics of conversation include, 1) Why doctrine is important, 2) Reasons why doctrinal disagreements arise, 3) When doctrinal issues should divide Christians, 4) Some of the issues dividing the church right now, 5) How Christians should approach disagreements over doctrine, while still seeking unity.

Dr. Rhyne Putman serves as the associate vice president for Academic Affairs and director of Worldview Formation at Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. He is the author of several books, including In Defense of Doctrine: Evangelicalism, Theology, and Scripture (Fortress Press, 2015), The Method of Christian Theology: A Basic Introduction (B&H Academic, 2021), and When Doctrine Divides the People of God: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity (Crossway, 2020).

Find the full show notes here: https://ps.edu/why-does-doctrine-divide-dr-rhyne-putnam/

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55. What is the Significance of the Resurrection? Mar 09, 2022

Guest: Dr. Mitchell Chase | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Chase on the subject of the resurrection. Topics of conversation include, 1) How Christians should view death, 2) How death and resurrection fit into the storyline of Scripture, 3) How the resurrection of Lazarus is different from the final resurrection that Christians anticipate, 4) Why the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus is important, 5) Thoughts on how our future bodies will reflect our earthly bodies, and 6) Further resources on the topic of resurrection.

Dr. Mitchell Chase serves as the preaching pastor at Kosmosdale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He is an adjunct professor at Boyce College and the author of several books, including Behold Our Sovereign God (Lucid Books, 2012), Hope for All the Earth: Understanding the Story of the Old Testament (10Publishing, 2022), and Resurrection Hope and the Death of Death (Crossway, 2022).

Find the full show notes here: https://ps.edu/what-is-the-significance-of-the-resurrection-dr-mitchell-chase/

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54. What is a Christian Response to Abuse? Mar 02, 2022

Guest: Dr. Steve Tracy | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Tracy on the subject of abuse. Topics of conversation include, 1) Why churches have become havens for abusers, 2) Defining the five categories of abuse (sexual, physical, verbal, spiritual, neglect), 3) The effects of shame and how to heal from it, 4) How Christians can help victims of abuse.

Dr. Steve Tracy serves as professor of Theology and Ethics at Phoenix Seminary. He and his wife are co-founders of Mending the Soul Ministries, and have ministered in the United States and around the world, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Mexico. Dr. Tracy is the author of Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse (Zondervan, 2008).

You can read the full show notes here: https://ps.edu/what-is-a-christian-response-to-abuse-dr-steve-tracy/

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53. How Do We Understand the Book of Revelation? Feb 23, 2022

Guest: Dr. Jeffrey Weima | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Weima on the book of Revelation. Topics of conversation include, 1) The genre of the book of Revelation, 2) The purpose and structure of the book of Revelation, 3) The figurative and symbolic use of numbers in Revelation, 4) The main message to each of the 7 churches and how that message applies to the church today, and 5) Resources for further study on the book of Revelation.

Dr. Jeffrey Weimar is professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary. He leads preaching seminars for pastors and church leaders, and has taught as a visiting professor for Phoenix Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program. Dr. Weima is the author of several books, including 1-2 Thessalonians in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series (Baker Academic, 2014), and The Sermons to the Seven Churches of Revelation: A Commentary and Guide (Baker Academic, 2021).

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52. What is the Church's Role in Counseling? Feb 16, 2022

Guest: Dr. Deepak Reju | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Reju on the subject of counseling. Topics of conversation include, 1) The difference between discipleship and counseling, 2) How the church congregation can engage in counseling one another, 3) When pastors should seek additional counseling support outside of the church, 4) How to think about secular therapy and biblical counseling, 5) Resources for equipping believers to care for and counsel one another.

Dr. Deepak Reju is the pastor of biblical counseling and family ministry at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. He serves on the board of directors of the Biblical Counseling Coalition, and is also a trustee for the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation. Dr. Reju is the author of several books, including Great Kings of the Bible (Christian Focus, 2014), The Pastor and Counseling (Crossway, 2015), She’s Got the Wrong Guy (New Growth Press, 2017), and Pornography (P & R Publishing, 2018).

Find full show notes here: https://ps.edu/what-is-the-churchs-role-in-counseling-dr-deepak-reju/

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51. What Is Christology? Feb 09, 2022

Guest: Dr. Steve Duby | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Duby on the subject of Christology. Topics of conversation include, 1) What are God’s incommunicable attributes? 2) God’s aseity, and why it matters for Christology, 3) The importance of Philippians 2 in understanding Christology, 4) God’s immutability as it relates to the incarnation, 5) The mystery of Jesus’s humanity and divine power, 6) Resources for further reading on Christology.

Dr. Steve Duby serves as associate professor of Theology at Phoenix Seminary. He holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from the University of St. Andrews, and is the author of several books, including Divine Simplicity: A Dogmatic Account (T&T Clark, 2015), God In Himself: Scripture, Metaphysics, and the Task of Christian Theology (IVP Academic, 2019), and soon to be released, Jesus and the God of Classical Theism (Baker Academic, 2022).

Find the full show notes here: https://ps.edu/what-is-christology-dr-steve-duby/

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50. What Is Baptism? Feb 02, 2022

Guest: Dr. Mark Dever | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Mark Dever on the subject of baptism. Topics of conversation include, 1) What is baptism? 2) How this practice differs among different denominations, 3) Modes of baptism, 4) Issues of re-baptism, 5) Age considerations for baptism, 6) Resources for a biblical understanding of baptism.

Dr. Mark Dever serves as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. and is the president of 9Marks Ministries. Dr. Dever earned his PhD in Ecclesiastical History from Cambridge University, and is the author of several books, including What is a Healthy Church? (Crossway, 2007), The Gospel and Personal Evangelism, (Crossway, 2007), and Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (Crossway, 2013).

Read full show notes here: https://ps.edu/what-is-baptism-dr-mark-dever/

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49. How Do We Understand the Prophets? Jan 26, 2022

Guest: Dr. Peter Gentry | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Gentry on how to understand the Prophets. Topics of conversation include: 1) Why Christians often struggle to read the Prophets, 2) How we should approach reading this particular genre, 3) The importance of understanding God’s covenant, Israel’s idolatry, near and far prophecy, the structure of Hebraic literature, and the already/not yet aspect of prophetic literature, 4) Some practical resources for further reading on the Prophets.

Dr. Peter Gentry currently serves as Distinguished Visiting Professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary, as well as Senior Research Fellow of the Text & Canon Institute. Dr. Gentry previously taught for over 20 years at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is a leading researcher on the Septuagint. He is the author of several books, including Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants (Crossway, 2018), and How to Read and Understand the Biblical Prophets (Crossway, 2017). Full show notes here https://ps.edu/how-do-we-read-and-understand-the-prophets-peter-gentry/

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48. How Can We Understand the Psalms? Dec 08, 2021

Guest: Dr. Jim Johnston | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Johnston on the Psalms. Topics of conversation include: 1) How the Psalms are arranged, 2) How the Psalms are like a Bible, in and of themselves, 3) How we see Jesus in the Psalms, 4) How we can apply the Psalms to our lives today, 5) What God is teaching us through imprecatory Psalms, 6) Helpful resources for understanding the Psalms

Dr. Jim Johnston is the pastor of Camelback Bible Church in Paradise Valley, Arizona. He is a graduate of Wheaton College and earned a PhD in New Testament from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Dr. Johnston is the author of The Psalms: Rejoice, the Lord is King (Crossway, 2015).

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/how-can-we-understand-the-psalms-jim-johnston/.

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47. What is Preaching? Dec 01, 2021

Guest: Dr. Chuck Newkirk | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Newkirk on the subject of preaching. Topics of conversation include: 1) What is preaching, and what is the relationship between teaching and preaching? 2) What is expository preaching? 3) Exegesis vs eisegesis and how to guard against reading our own ideas into the text of Scripture, 4) How does knowing a congregation affect a pastor’s preaching? 5) How to approach topical preaching, 6) Recommended resources

Dr. Chuck Newkirk serves as lead pastor at Church on Mill in Tempe, Arizona. He also teaches preaching at Phoenix Seminary.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-preaching-dr-chuck-newkirk/

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46. What Is Spiritual Formation? Nov 24, 2021

Guest: Dr. Kyle Strobel | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Strobel on spiritual formation. Topics of conversation include: 1) How to define spiritual formation, 2) The definitive vs. progressive nature of salvation, 3) The difference between habituation and abiding/drawing near to God, 4) The influence of Jonathan Edwards on spiritual formation, and what we can learn from him today, 5) Resources for further study on this topic.

Dr. Kyle Strobel holds a PhD from Aberdeen University, and serves as assistant professor of Spiritual Theology and Formation at Talbot School of Theology. He is the author of Formed for the Glory of God: Learning from the Spiritual Practices of Jonathan Edwards (IVP Books, 2013), and is also on the preaching team at Redeemer Church in La Mirada, California.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-spiritual-formation-kyle-strobel/

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45. How Do We Know God Exists? Nov 17, 2021

Guest: Dr. David Hogg | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Hogg on arguments for the existence of God. Topics of conversation include: 1) Anselm and the ontological argument, 2) How the ontological argument can be effective today, 3) Aristotle/Aquinas and the cosmological argument, 4) How these medieval arguments for the existence of God can best be used in evangelism.

Dr. David Hogg serves as professor of Church History and director of Library Services at Phoenix Seminary, and previously pastored a church in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Hogg holds a PhD in Medieval Theology from St. Mary’s School of Divinity at St. Andrews University in Scotland. Full show notes here: https://ps.edu/how-do-we-know-god-exists-dr-david-hogg/

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44. What Is Biblical Worship? Nov 10, 2021

Guest: Dr. Joseph Crider | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Crider on worship. Topics of conversation include: 1) The place of music in worship, 2) Whether or not our worship methodology matters to God, 3) Some dangers of the contemporary worship style, 4) The importance of rooting worship in truth, 5) The value of traditional hymns in modern worship, 6) The role of a worship leader, and 7) Resources for further reading on this subject.

Dr. Joseph Crider serves as the dean of the School of Church Music and Worship at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of Scripture-Guided Worship (Seminary Hill Press, 2021). Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-biblical-worship-joe-crider/.

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43. What Are Angels? Nov 03, 2021

Guest: Dr. Dustin Benge | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Benge on the topic of angels. Questions addressed in this conversation include: 1) What attributes do angels have? 2) When were angels created? 3) How did we get fallen angels, specifically Satan? 4) What is the purpose of angels? 5) Should we expect that people today will have interactions with angels? 6) How should we understand the concept of guardian angels? 7) What are some resources and cautions for further study on the topic of angelology?

Dr. Dustin Benge currently serves as provost at Union School of Theology in Wales, but will soon join The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as vice president of Communications and associate professor of Biblical Spirituality and Historical Theology. He is the author of several books, including A Journey Toward Heaven: Daily Devotions from the Sermons of Jonathan Edwards (Reformation Heritage Books, 2012), and Lifting Up Our Hearts: 150 Prayers from John Calvin (Reformation Heritage Books, 2012). Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-are-angels-dustin-benge/

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42. Was Adam A Historical Person? Oct 27, 2021

Guest: Dr. Matthew Barrett | Dr. Arnold interviews Matthew Barrett on the question of whether or not Adam was an actual historical figure. Topics of conversation include: 1) Some of the various evangelical views on creation, 2) Two of the Christian doctrines at stake if we deny that Adam was a historical person, 3) The false dichotomy between science and Scripture: God reveals himself through nature as well as the Bible, 4) Where the historicity of Adam falls in relation to theological triage, and 5) Resources for further study on this subject.

Dr. Matthew Barrett is associate professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the founder and executive director of Credo Magazine, as well as the host of Credo podcast. He is the author of several books, including Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit (Baker, 2021), None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God (Baker, 2019), and God’s Word Alone—The Authority of Scripture: What the Reformers Taught...and Why It Still Matters (Zondervan, 2016). Dr. Barrett is the editor of Four Views on the Historical Adam (Zondervan, 2013). Full show notes at https://ps.edu/was-adam-a-historical-person-matthew-barrett/

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41. What Can We Learn From the Early Church? Oct 20, 2021

Guest: Dr. Brandon Smith | Dr. Arnold interviews Brandon Smith about the early church fathers and their contributions to Christianity. Topics of conversation include 1) What do we mean by early church? 2) How should we understand and respond to some common objections to reading the church fathers? 3) What are some of the most significant doctrines established by the early church fathers? 4) Recommendations on where to start when it comes to reading primary sources.

Dr. Brandon Smith is assistant professor of Theology and New Testament at Cedarville University. He helped found the Center for Baptist Renewal and hosts the Church Grammar podcast. Dr. Smith holds a PhD in Theology and New Testament from Ridley College in Melbourne.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-can-we-learn-from-the-early-church-brandon-smith/.

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40. What Is the Mission of the Church? Oct 13, 2021

Guest: Greg Gilbert | Dr. Arnold interviews Greg Gilbert on the mission of the church. Topics of conversation include 1) A definition of the term mission, 2) A definition of the word church, 3) How the mission of the church is to proclaim the gospel and make disciples, 4) The difference between an individual Christian’s responsibility and the organized church’s role when it comes to engaging in good works, 5) How pastors should lead their churches in thinking through issues of social justice, poverty, etc.

Greg Gilbert is the senior pastor of Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. He is the author of Assured: Discover Grace, Let Go of Guilt, and Rest in Your Salvation (Baker, 2019), and What Is the Gospel? (Crossway, 2010). He has also co-authored the book What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission (Crossway, 2011).

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-the-mission-of-the-church-greg-gilbert/

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39. What Is the Gospel? Oct 06, 2021

Guest: Greg Gilbert | Dr. Arnold interviews Greg Gilbert on the subject of the gospel. Topics of conversation include 1) A definition of the term gospel, 2) How there can be confusion over this word as it is commonly used today, 3) The four key principles that make up the gospel.

Greg Gilbert is the senior pastor of Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. He has co-authored the book What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission (Crossway, 2011). He is the author of Assured: Discover Grace, Let Go of Guilt, and Rest in Your Salvation (Baker, 2019), as well as What Is the Gospel? (Crossway, 2010)

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38. What Is the Image of God? Sep 29, 2021

Guest: Dr. J. Michael Thigpen | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Thigpen on how to best understand the image of God. Topics of conversation include 1) The relational and representational aspects of being created in God’s image, 2) How the fall affects humanity’s reflection of the image of God, 3) The transformational process Christians experience as they are conformed to the image of Christ, 4) How rightly understanding the image of God affects our daily lives, 5) Resources for further study on this subject.

Dr. J. Michael Thigpen is provost and professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary. He previously served as the executive director of the Evangelical Theological Society, as well as an associate professor of Old Testament and Semitics at the Talbot School of Theology. Dr. Thigpen holds a PhD in Judaic, Hebraic, and Cognate Studies from Hebrew Union College.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-the-image-of-god-j-michael-thigpen/.

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37. Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Sep 21, 2021

Guest: Dr. Luke Stamps | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Stamps on the subject of Christ’s atonement for our sin. Topics of conversation include 1) A definition and explanation of penal-substitutionary atonement, 2) Where we see evidence and foreshadowing of the atonement in the Old Testament, 3) The importance of understanding the term propitiation, 4) Some of the other metaphors and symbols the New Testament uses to speak of Christ’s sacrifice, and 5) Resources for better understanding the atonement.

Dr. Luke Stamps is associate professor of Christian Studies at Anderson University in Anderson, South Carolina. He holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/why-did-jesus-have-to-die-luke-stamps/

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36. What Are Deacons? Sep 15, 2021

Guest: Matt Smethurst | Dr. Arnold interviews Matt Smethurst about the role of deacons. Topics of conversation include 1) The three ways deacons serve and assist elders, 2) Scripture passages where the office of deacon is mentioned, both implicitly and explicitly, 3) How we should understand a deacon’s role in regards to church leadership, 4) Whether women should serve as deacons, and 5) Advice for structuring a healthy church government that includes godly, qualified deacons.

Matt Smethurst is managing editor of The Gospel Coalition. He is the author of several books, including Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures For Approaching God’s Word (10Publishing, 2019), Before You Share Your Faith: Nine Ways to Be Evangelism Ready (10Publishing, 2022), and Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church (Crossway, 2021).

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-are-deacons-matt-smethurst/

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35. How to Stay Christian in Secular Society? Sep 08, 2021

Guest: Dr. Michael Kruger | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Kruger on how to stay Christian in a secular society. Topics of conversation include 1) Some of the issues most threatening to Christianity, 2) The presuppositions that have led to a majority secular worldview in modern universities, 3) How to give students the categories and framework for how to think, 4) The importance of navigating the two extremes of naive overconfidence and unbridled suspicion, and 5) Pastoral counsel for those who doubt

Dr. Michael Kruger serves as president of Reformed Theological Seminary’s Charlotte, North Carolina campus, as well as the Samuel C. Patterson professor of New Testament and Early Christianity. Dr. Kruger is the author of several books, including Christianity at the Crossroads: How the Second Century Shaped the Future of the Church (IVP Academic, 2018), Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books (Crossway, 2012), and Surviving Religion 101 (Crossway, 2021).

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/how-to-stay-chri…y-michael-kruger/

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34. Am I Called to Ministry? Sep 01, 2021

Guest: Dr. Bobby Jamieson | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Jamieson about the call to ministry. Topics of conversation include 1) How the qualification passages should inform and guide self-reflection, 2) The importance of both internal and external calling, 3) Ways the church can encourage and facilitate raising up the next generation of pastors, 4) The role of seminaries in pursuing pastoral ministry, and 5) Advice for those wrestling with a desire for ministry who haven’t felt a clear calling.

Dr. Bobby Jamieson is an associate pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and is the author of several books, including Sound Doctrine: How a Church Grows in the Love and Holiness of God (Crossway, 2013), Going Public: Why Baptism is Required for Church Membership (B&H Academic, 2015), and The Path to Being a Pastor: A Guide for the Aspiring (Crossway, 2021). Full show notes at https://ps.edu/am-i-called-to-ministry-bobby-jamieson/

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33. What Is the Lord's Supper? Jun 23, 2021

Guest: Dr. Michael Haykin | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Haykin about the Lord's Supper. Questions addressed include: What is happening during the Lord's Supper? Do the elements actually transform into the body and blood of Christ? Or is the Supper a memorial of Christ's death for sinners? What is the significance of the Lord's Supper? How often should we take it?

Dr. Michael Haykin is professor of church history and biblical spirituality at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous books including The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical Spirituality (EP Books, 2007), and Rediscovering the Church Fathers: Who They Were and How They Shape the Church (Crossway, 2011). He holds a Th.D. from the University of Toronto and also serves as director of the Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-the-lords-supper-michael-haykin/

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32. When Will Jesus Return? Jun 16, 2021

Guest: Dr. Sam Storms | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Storms about the end times. Topics of conversation include a summary and analysis of the four main eschatological positions held by Christians throughout time: 1) Dispensational Premillennialism, 2) Historic Premillennialism, 3) Amillennialism, and 4) Postmillennialism.

Dr. Sam Storms is lead pastor of Preaching and Vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He holds a PhD in Intellectual History from the University of Texas at Dallas, and is the author of Understanding Spiritual Warfare: A Comprehensive Guide (Zondervan, 2021), and Kingdom Come: The Amillennial Alternative (Mentor, 2015).

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31. What Is Spiritual Warfare? Jun 09, 2021

Guest: Dr. Sam Storms | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Storms on the matter of spiritual warfare. Topics of conversation include: 1) Why are people reluctant to acknowledge the reality of a spiritual realm? 2) Who is Satan, and where did he come from? 3) What are demons? 4) How should we understand demon-possession, and is this something Christians can experience? 5) What can we do to prepare for spiritual warfare?

Dr. Sam Storms is lead pastor of Preaching and Vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He holds a PhD in Intellectual History from the University of Texas at Dallas, and is the author of Understanding Spiritual Warfare: A Comprehensive Guide (Zondervan, 2021).

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-spiritual-warfare-sam-storms/

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30. What Is the Problem of Evil? Jun 02, 2021

Guest: Dr. Owen Anderson | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Anderson on how to make sense of evil and suffering. Topics of conversation include: 1) How the story of Job speaks to the problem of evil, 2) The difference between discipline and punishment, 3) What the story of Job teaches us about ourselves and about God, 4) Philosophical resources for understanding the problem of evil.

Dr. Owen Anderson is professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Arizona State University, and serves as adjunct faculty at Phoenix Seminary. He has been a visiting scholar at Princeton Seminary, as well as a fellow at both Princeton University and University of Colorado, Boulder. He is the author of several books, including The Natural Moral Law: The Good After Modernity (Cambridge University Press, 2012), The Declaration of Independence and God: Self-Evident Truths in American Law (Cambridge University Press, 2015), and Job: A Philosophical Commentary (Logos Papers Press, 2021). Dr. Anderson holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Arizona State University.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/whats-the-problem-of-evil-owen-anderson/

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29. What Is the Heart of Christ? May 26, 2021

Guest: Dr. Dane Ortlund | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Ortlund about his recent book, Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. Topics of conversation include: 1) How we see Jesus’s gentle and lowly heart in his actions throughout the gospels, 2) How Jesus’s happiness pairs with our sinfulness, 3) How the incarnation illustrates God’s gentle and lowly heart 4) How Jesus’s role as high priest connects with Jesus as the lowly one, 5) Other authors and resources helpful in understanding this aspect of Jesus’s heart toward us.

Dr. Dane Ortlund serves as the senior pastor at Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. Dr. Ortlund has a PhD in New Testament from Wheaton College and is the author of Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers (Crossway, 2020).

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-the-heart-of-christ-dane-ortlund/

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28. Can I Lose My Salvation? May 19, 2021

Guest: Dr. Tom Schreiner | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Schreiner on the doctrine of eternal security. Topics of conversation include: 1) New Testament and Old Testament support for the doctrine of eternal security 2) How to understand some of the more difficult and controversial verses, including the warning passages in Hebrews 6 and 10 3) How Christians should view the perseverance of saints in light of the many recent deconversion stories seen all around us 4) A pastoral response to both fear and licentiousness as a result of the doctrine of assurance 5) Helpful resources for understanding more about the doctrine of perseverance

Dr. Tom Schreiner serves as the James Buchanan Harrison professor of New Testament Interpretation and professor of Biblical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is associate dean of the School of Theology. Dr. Schreiner is the author of several books, including Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology (IVP Academic, 2006) and The Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance and Assurance (IVP Academic, 2001). He also serves as an elder of preaching at Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/can-i-lose-my-salvation-tom-schreiner/.

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27. What Is Salvation? May 12, 2021

Guest: Dr. Fred Sanders | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Sanders on the doctrine of salvation and God’s mission to save humanity. Topics of conversation include: 1) The ordo salutis, the specific categories of salvation, including justification, regeneration, sanctification, and glorification 2) Key distinctions between evangelicals and Catholics on the doctrine of justification 3) How Christians should approach sanctification/growth in Christ 4) Helpful resources for understanding more about the doctrine of salvation

Dr. Fred Sanders serves as a professor at Biola University and is the associate director of the Torrey Honors College. Dr. Sanders is the author of several books, including Wesley on the Christian Life: The Heart Renewed in Love (Crossway, 2013). He holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-salvation-fred-sanders/

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26. Is Mormonism Christian? May 04, 2021

Guest: Dr. Corey Miller | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Miller on the topic of Mormonism and how it differs from Christianity. Topics of conversation include: 1) The history of Mormonism 2) Key distinctives of Mormon theology 3) Significant differences between Mormonism and Christian orthodoxy 4) Ways for Christians to engage Mormons and share the gospel with them

Dr. Corey Miller the president and CEO of Ratio Christi. He previously taught Philosophy and Comparative Religions at the University of Indiana for 12 years, and is the author of several books, including Leaving Mormonism: Why Four Scholars Changed Their Minds (Kregel Publications, 2017), and Engaging with Mormons: Understanding Their World; Sharing Good News (The Good Book Company, 2020). Dr. Miller holds a PhD in Philosophical Theology from the University of Aberdeen.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/is-mormonism-christian-corey-miller/.

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25. Did Jesus Go to Hell? Apr 28, 2021

Guest: Dr. Matthew Emerson | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Emerson on the topic of where Jesus went after he died. Topics of conversation include: 1) Why did Jesus descend to the realm of the dead? 2) How do we understand controversial passages, such as 1 Peter 3 and Philippians 2? 3) What doctrines are connected to our understanding of Jesus’s descent? 4) How do we explain some of the verses people use to dispute the fact that Jesus descended to the dead?

Dr. Matthew Emerson is professor of Religion and dean of Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is the author of “He Descended to the Dead”: An Evangelical Theology of Holy Saturday (IVP Academic, 2019). Dr. Emerson holds a PhD from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/did-jesus-go-to-hell-matthew-emerson/

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24. Can We Know What God Is Like? Apr 21, 2021

Guest: Dr. Steve Duby | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Duby on the topic of who God is and what he is like. Topics of conversation include: 1) What are some challenges we face when trying to learn about God? 2) How does knowing Christ impact our ability to know God? 3) What are some incommunicable attributes of God? 4) Does God experience emotions? 5) How can we apply our knowledge of who God is to our daily lives?

Dr. Steve Duby is associate professor of Theology at Phoenix Seminary. He is the author of several books, including Divine Simplicity: A Dogmatic Account (T&T Clark, 2015) and God in Himself: Scripture, Metaphysics, and the Task of Christian Theology (IVP Academic, 2019). Dr. Duby holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from the University of St. Andrews.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/can-we-know-what-god-is-like-steve-duby/

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23. What Is Cultural Christianity? Apr 14, 2021

Guest: Dean Inserra | Dr. Arnold interviews Dean Inserra about the topic of cultural Christianity and the importance of evangelism in addressing it. Topics of conversation include: 1) What are some characteristics of cultural Christianity? 2) What does it mean to be saved? 3) How can we engage “unsaved Christians” in gospel conversation? 4) What are some ways for the church to address this issue of cultural Christianity? 5) How do we know if our own faith is genuine?

Dean Inserra is the founding and lead pastor of City Church in Tallahassee, Florida. He is the author of several books, including Without a Doubt: How to Know for Certain That You’re Good with God (Moody, 2020) and The Unsaved Christian: Reaching Cultural Christianity with the Gospel (Moody, 2019). Dean is an advisory member of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission’s Leadership Council, and is also a member of Baptist 21.

Full shot notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-cultural-christianity-dean-inserra/.

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22. How Did We Get the Bible? Apr 07, 2021

Guest: Dr. John Meade | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Meade about the origin of the Bible and the criteria for canonicity. Topics of conversation include: 1) Where do we get the terms Bible and Canon, and what do we mean by them? 2) How did the church decide which books belonged in the Canon? 3) Which books were disputed by the early church, and why? 4) Why is the Catholic Bible different from the Protestant Bible?

Dr. John Meade is associate professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary. He is the co-director of the Text and Canon Institute, as well as the author of The Biblical Canon Lists from Early Christianity (Oxford University Press, 2018). Dr. Meade holds a PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/how-did-we-get-the-bible-john-meade/

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21. What Is the Purpose of Hell? Mar 31, 2021

Guest: Joshua Ryan Butler | Dr. Arnold interviews Josh Butler about the purpose of hell, a topic he deals with in his book, The Skeletons in God’s Closet: The Mercy of Hell, the Surprise of Judgement, and the Hope of Holy War. Topics of conversation include: 1) Universalism vs. Annihilationism, 2) The protective function of hell, 3) The punitive function of hell, 4) Resources for further study on heaven and hell.

Joshua Ryan Butler is the pastor of Leadership and Direction at Redemption Church in Tempe, Arizona. He is the author of The Pursuing God: A Reckless, Irrational, Obsessed Love That’s Dying to Bring Us Home (Thomas Nelson, 2016), as well as The Skeleton’s in God’s Closet: The Mercy of Hell, the Surprise of Judgement, and the Hope of Holy War (Thomas Nelson, 2014).

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-the-purpose-of-hell-joshua-ryan-butler/

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20. Why Is Western Society Eroding? Mar 24, 2021

Guest: Dr. Carl Trueman | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Trueman about his latest book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. Topics of conversation include: 1) How has the philosophy of Western society developed and evolved throughout history? 2) In what ways do the works of Charles Taylor, Philip Rieff, and Alasdair MacIntyre help us understand the nature of the world today? 3) What level of complicity has the church contributed to this movement? 4) What can we do as Christians moving forward in the current culture?

Dr. Carl Trueman is the professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College. He is the author of several books, including Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom (Crossway, 2015), and The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution (Crossway, 2020). Dr. Trueman holds a PhD in Church History from the University of Aberdeen.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/why-is-western-society-eroding-carl-trueman/.

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19. Why Did Jesus Ascend to Heaven? Mar 17, 2021

Guest: Dr. Patrick Schreiner | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Schreiner about the doctrine of the ascension. Topics of conversation include: 1) Why is Jesus’s ascension such good news for believers? 2) How did the ascension continue Jesus’s work in his role as Prophet? 3) How did the ascension continue Jesus’s work in his role as Priest? 4) How did the ascension continue Jesus’s work in his role as King? 5) How does the doctrine of Jesus’s ascension impact other doctrines, such as his incarnation and resurrection?

Dr. Patrick Schreiner is associate professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross (Crossway, 2018), Matthew, Disciple and Scribe (Baker, 2019), and The Ascension of Christ: Recovering a Neglected Doctrine (Lexham, 2020). Dr. Schreiner holds a PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/why-did-jesus-ascend-to-heaven-patrick-schreiner/.

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18. What Is the Church? Mar 10, 2021

Guest: Dr. Gregg Allison | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Allison about the doctrine of the church. Topics of conversation include: 1) six characteristics of a church, 2) how to structure a church in order to allow a congregation to contextualize the gospel and still remain biblically faithful 3) encouragement for pastors experiencing the pervasive lack of trust in the church today, 4) resources for learning more about the doctrine of the church.

Dr. Gregg Allison is a professor of Christian Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has 18 years of ministry experience as a part of Campus Crusade (Cru), and has served as a missionary in Italy and Switzerland. Dr. Allison currently serves as a pastor of Sojourn Church East in Louisville, KY, where he is also a part of the Leadership Council. He is the author of many books, including Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine, as well as Sojourners and Strangers: The Doctrine of the Church. Dr. Allison holds a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/what-is-the-church-gregg-allison/

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17. What Is an Evangelical? Mar 03, 2021

Guest: Dr. Thomas Kidd | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Kidd about the confusion over the term evangelicalism and how it has come to be used in modern culture. Topics of conversation include: 1) Why is it so hard to define the word evangelical? 2) What are some distinguishing marks of evangelicalism? 3) How did evangelicalism become so intertwined with politics? 4) What are some resources for those struggling with confusion over evangelicalism?

Dr. Thomas Kidd is distinguished professor of History at Baylor University and the associate director of Baylor’s Institute for Studies of Religion. He has written for several outlets, including The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, and blogs regularly at “Evangelical History” at The Gospel Coalition. He is the author of several books, including Who Is an Evangelical? The History of a Movement in Crisis. Dr. Kidd holds a PhD in history from the University of Notre Dame.

Full show notes at http://ps.edu/what-is-an-evangelical-thomas-kidd/

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16. Is God a Moral Monster? Feb 24, 2021

Guest: Dr. J. Michael Thigpen | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Thigpen about how Christians can make sense of Old Testament texts that describe God’s judgement. Topics of conversation include: 1) Why do we need a God who judges? 2) How do we understand God’s justice in light of the killing of infants? 3) How should these Old Testament stories of judgement cause us to reflect on our own lives? 4) How is the Old Testament understanding of propitiation important for understanding the gospel?

Dr. J. Michael Thigpen is provost and professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary. He previously served as the executive director of the Evangelical Theological Society as well as an associate professor of Old Testament and Semitics at the Talbot School of Theology. He is the author of several books, including Divine Motive in the Hebrew Bible: A Comprehensive Survey and Analysis. Dr. Thigpen holds a PhD from Hebrew Union College.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/is-god-a-moral-monster-j-michael-thigpen/

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15. How Should Christians Engage Culture? Feb 17, 2021

Guest: Dr. Darrell Bock | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Bock about how Christians can engage the culture while keeping the gospel central. Topics of conversation include: 1) Some of the inventions that have led to major cultural shifts in recent history, 2) The difference in cultural perspectives between the generations, 3) What it should look like to love our country and still live a faithful life as a Christian, 4) The triphonic model of conversation and how that can help us advance conversations and engage well.

Dr. Darrell Bock serves as the executive director of Cultural Engagement at the Hendricks Center and as the senior research professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the author of many books, including How Would Jesus Vote?: Do Your Political Views Really Align With The Bible? (Howard Books, 2016) and Cultural Intelligence: Living for God in a Diverse, Pluralistic World (B&H Academic, 2020). Dr. Bock holds a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/how-should-christians-engage-culture-darrell-bock/.

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14. Are the Gospels Historically Reliable? Feb 10, 2021

Guest: Dr. Darrell Bock | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Bock about the historical reliability of the Gospels, and he explores how to listen to what the Gospel writers are presenting instead of only looking for answers to predetermined questions. Topics of conversation include: 1) How can we make sense of the discrepancies in the Gospels' genealogies? 2) How do we answer historical questions associated with the birth of Jesus? 3) Why do Mark and John exclude the virgin birth from their accounts? 4) How do we explain the differences of order in the temptation narratives? 5) What are some helpful resources when it comes to questions about the historical reliability of the Gospels?

Dr. Darrell Bock serves as executive director of Cultural Engagement at the Hendricks Center and as senior research professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the author of many books, including Studying the Historical Jesus: A Guide to Sources and Methods (Baker Academic, 2002), Key Events in the Life of the Historical Jesus: A Collaborative Exploration of Context and Coherence (Eerdmans, 2010), and Luke, 2 volumes in the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Baker Academic, 1996). Dr. Bock holds a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen.

Full show notes at https://ps.edu/are-the-gospels-historically-reliable-darrell-bock/.

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13. What is the Trinity? Feb 02, 2021

Guest: Dr. Fred Sanders | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Sanders about how the doctrine of the Trinity is both revealed in Scripture and connected to the gospel. Topics of conversation include: 1) How do we avoid heretical understandings of the Trinity? 2) How are the persons of the Trinity one, and how are they distinct? 3) What do we mean when we use the terms immanent Trinity and economic Trinity? 4) How does the doctrine of the Trinity impact our daily lives as Christians?

Dr. Fred Sanders serves as a professor at Biola University and as the associate director of the Torrey Honors College. Dr. Sanders is the author of several books, including The Triune God, New Studies in Dogmatics (Zondervan Academic, 2016), and The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything (Crossway, 2010, 2017). He holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

Click here to access the full show notes: https://ps.edu/what-is-the-trinity-fred-sanders/

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12. How Does the Sermon on the Mount Apply to My Life? Jan 27, 2021

Guest: Dr. Jonathan Pennington | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Jonathan Pennington about how we find true completion and flourishing in the Sermon on the Mount, a passage of Scripture the church has historically struggled to understand practically. Topics of conversation include: 1) What is the importance of the structure and placement of the Sermon on the Mount? 2) How should we understand the meaning of blessed in the Beatitudes? 3) What does Jesus mean when he commands his disciples to "be perfect?" 4) What does the Sermon on the Mount teach us about the heart of God's law?

Dr. Jonathan Pennington serves as associate professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Dr. Pennington is the author of several books, including The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing: A Theological Commentary (Baker Academic, 2017). He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, and is also on the preaching staff at Sojourn Church East in Louisville, KY.

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11. What is the Good Life? Jan 19, 2021

Guest: Dr. Jonathan Pennington | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Jonathan Pennington about what it means to live the good life according to Jesus. Conversation topics include: 1) What is philosophy and why does it matter? 2) How is Jesus portrayed in the New Testament as a philosopher? 3) What are some practices to help us align our emotions with the good life? 4) How do we prioritize friendships in our pursuit of the good life? 5) Why do men in our culture struggle to have deep friendships?

Dr. Jonathan Pennington serves as associate professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Dr. Pennington is the author of several books, including Jesus the Great Philosopher: Rediscovering the Wisdom Needed for the Good Life (Brazos Press, 2020). He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, and is also on the preaching staff at Sojourn Church East in Louisville, KY.

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10. What are Spiritual Gifts? Jan 13, 2021

Guest: Dr. Wayne Grudem | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Wayne Grudem about spiritual gifts. Conversation topics include: 1) How are spiritual gifts different from natural abilities? 2) What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? 3) Where do we see spiritual gifts listed in the Bible? 4) How can we identify our spiritual gifts? 5) What are some resources for thinking through the continuationist and cessationist views on the miraculous spiritual gifts?

Dr. Wayne Grudem serves as distinguished professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. He is the author of over 20 books, including Christian Ethics: An Introduction to Biblical Moral Reasoning (Crossway, 2018), and he served as the general editor for the ESV Study Bible. Dr. Grudem is a graduate of Harvard University (BA) and Westminster Theological Seminary (MDiv), and he received his doctorate from the University of Cambridge.

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9. What is Systematic Theology? Jan 06, 2021

Guest: Dr. Wayne Grudem | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Wayne Grudem about systematic theology. Conversation topics include: 1) What are some of the sources we can use when discerning what the Bible teaches about a particular topic? 2) How can we put doctrinal theology together in a logical way? 3) Can we understand the Bible? 4) What are some of the updates and features available in the 2nd edition of his book, Systematic Theology?

Dr. Wayne Grudem serves as distinguished professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. He is the author of over 20 books, including Systematic Theology, 2nd ed., (Zondervan, 2020), and he served as the general editor for the ESV Study Bible. Dr. Grudem is a graduate of Harvard University (BA) and Westminster Theological Seminary (MDiv), and he received his doctorate from the University of Cambridge.

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8. Has the New Testament been changed? Dec 30, 2020

Guest: Dr. Peter Gurry | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Peter Gurry about the trustworthiness of the Bible. Conversation topics include: 1) How did we get the Bible? 2) What are textual variants? 3) Can we have confidence in the Bible? 4) What modern translations are most faithful?

Dr. Peter Gurry (@pjgurry) serves as Assistant Professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary. And he's also a Co-Director of the Text and Canon Institute. Dr. Gurry is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Dallas Theological Seminary, and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, where he studied the reliability of New Testament manuscripts.

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7. How do we pray in accordance with God's will? Dec 23, 2020

Guest: Pastor Costi Hinn | Dr. Arnold interviews Costi Hinn about prayer and God's will. Conversation topics include: 1) What is God's will, and how do I know if I'm doing it? 2) What is the difference between God's secret will and his revealed will? 3) What is prayer?

Costi Hinn serves as executive pastor of discipleship at Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert, AZ. He is the co-author of Defining Deception and the author of God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel.

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6. How do I read my Bible? Dec 16, 2020

Guest: Nate Pickowicz | Dr. Arnold interviews Nate Pickowicz about his new book, *How to Eat Your Bible*, and how to cultivate an appetite for the life-long study of God’s Word. Conversation topics include: 1) What keeps people from reading the Bible? 2) Basic principles for Bible reading (reading, studying, and applying God's word). 3) How to meditate on and memorize God's Word. 4) Nate's seven-year Bible reading plan.

Nate serves as pastor of Harvest Bible Church in Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire, and he is the author of several books, including *Reviving New England*, *Why We're Protestant*, and *The American Puritans*.

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5. What does it mean to say the Bible is inerrant? Dec 02, 2020

Guest: Dr. Robert W. Yarbrough | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Robert Yarborough about the Bible’s divine origin, its truthfulness, and its reliability. Conversation topics include: 1) What do we mean when we talk about the doctrine of inerrancy, and what don’t we mean? 2) How do we answer the charge that the doctrine of inerrancy is circular? 3) How do we answer the charge that the doctrine of inerrancy is a modern invention? 4) How important is the doctrine of inerrancy in relation to other doctrines such as the resurrection or deity of Christ?

Dr. Robert W. Yarbrough serves as professor of New Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Dr. Yarbrough is the author of Clash of Visions: Populism and Elitism in New Testament Theology (Mentor, 2019). He also contributed The Letters to Timothy and Titus in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series (Eerdmans, 2018).

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4. How do we make holistic disciples of Jesus? Nov 25, 2020

Guest: JT English | Dr. Arnold interviews JT English, pastor of Storyline Church in Arvada, CO, on retrieving a biblical vision for discipleship in the context of the local church and how teaching people the story of the Bible is essential for producing mature believers in Christ. Conversation topics include 1) the role of learning in discipleship, 2) the three buckets of Christian discipleship—the story of the Bible, Christian theology, and Christian formation, 3) forming disciples who are formed by the story of Scripture, and 4) building church rhythms to help people grow and go.

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3. Why did God become man? Nov 17, 2020

Guest: Dr. Stephen J. Wellum | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Stephen Wellum, Professor of Christian Theology at Southern Seminary, bout the Bible's teaching that Christ is both God and man and yet remains one person. This amazing mystery is called the doctrine of the incarnation. Conversation topics include: 1) What does it mean to say that Christ has two natures, yet remains one person? 2) What does it mean when we read in Philippians 2:7 that Christ "emptied" himself? Did Jesus surrender his divinity in becoming human? 3) How we have no salvation without a divine and human Redeemer, and 4) an early Christian creed that affirms this doctrine.

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2. How does the Bible fit together? Nov 10, 2020

Guest: Stephen J. Wellum | Dr. Arnold interviews Dr. Stephen Wellum, professor of Christian Theology at Southern Seminary, about how to make sense of the Bible's overarching story. Conversation topics include 1) How not to read the Bible, 2) the Bible's 6 major covenants and how they fit together from Adam to Christ, 3) the role of Israel and the church in God's story, and 4) how the way you read the Bible influences your Christian life and practice of the faith.

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1. Which doctrines are worth dying for? Nov 03, 2020

Guest: Gavin Ortlund | Dr. Arnold interviews Pastor Gavin Ortlund, author of *Finding the Right Hills to Die On* about how we prioritize Christian doctrines, and he answers the question, "Which doctrines are worth dying for?" Conversation topics include: 1) Are some doctrines more important than others? 2) Theological triage (categories for ranking doctrines), 3) What are the first rank doctrines? (The Trinity, justification by faith, etc.), and 4) What are the wrong doctrines to fight over?

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