Theology for the Rest of Us

Latest Episodes:

168: How to Be a “Relevant” Missionary in Your “Regular” Life? with Josh Armstrong Oct 03, 2016

Show notes

In this episode, Kenny interviews web developer, writer, blogger, and podcaster Josh Armstrong about being intentionally and purposefully culturally relevant and the importance of avoiding just being “casually religious” in our modern contexts. Josh and Kenny also talk about the importance of every Christian seeing themselves as “missionaries” in their own cultural context, no matter where in the world they live.

Recommended

Follow Josh on Twitter: @pfaithjourney

167: Who Are the Nephilim? with Tyler Vela Oct 01, 2016

Show notes

In Genesis, there is a group called the Nephilim. There has been much speculation as to who this group was. Many evangelicals believe that this group were the offspring of fallen angels whom had sexual relations with human women. But is this what the Scripture says?

In this episode, Kenny interviews author, apologist, podcaster, and philosopher Tyler Vela to talk about the Nephilim and what the Holy Spirit is actually teaching us when we read through a passage like Genesis.

Tyler Vela studied Philosophy and English at California State University, Sonoma. He also earned a Bachelors degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Moody Bible Institute. Currently, Tyler is working towards a Masters of Biblical Studies at Reformed Theological Seminary (Charlotte).

Tyler is the host of The Freed Thinker Podcast and blog and is a frequent guest on many Christian and skeptical podcasts and forums.

Recommended

Subscribe to The Freed Thinker Podcast: www.thefreedthinker.podbean.com

166: What’s the Difference Between Spiritual Gifts and Natural Talents? with Ken Freire Sep 30, 2016

Show notes

In this episode, our host Kenny interviews theologian and leadership expert Kenneth Freire about the primary differences between spiritual gifts and natural talents. We all have strengths and abilities, but Freire says that understanding which category your strengths fall into will be key in helping you figure out your life’s callings.

165: Erik Guzman: Sometimes Our Faith is Messy, And That’s Okay Sep 29, 2016

Show notes

In this episode, Kenny interviews author and broadcaster Erik Guzman about his new book “The Seed” and they dive into a great discussion about a variety of matters related to “messy spirituality” and the Gospel. This interview is one of the most unique interviews that our podcast has produced. Erik is super funny, transparent, raw, and encouraging.

Get a Copy of Erik’s book: “The Seed: A True Myth“

164: How Should We Decide What is and is Not a “Closed-Hand” Issue? Sep 28, 2016

Show notes

On every major issue, doctrine, or point of theology, there are a variety of views and perspectives. Even within Protestantism there are many differing opinions and conclusions.

In episode 101, Kenny discussed whether or not every area of theology and doctrine were of equal importance; making the point that some genres of theology are more important than others. In that particular episode, Kenny explains that he holds to a concept of “open-hand” issues versus “closed-hand” issues; in essence, we embrace the simple idea that some Christian doctrines are essential and extremely important, while some others are not as important and there can be room for disagreement among faithful believers in those areas.

In response to that episode, Kenny received an e-mail from a regular listener asking how we determine what are the closed-hand issues and what are the open-hand issues? Basically, how do we determine the importance of a topic? In this episode, Kenny tackles that topic, explaining the history of how Evangelicals have come to the consensus of what are the closed-hand issues.

163: Why Are There Two Different Genealogies of Jesus in the Gospels? Sep 27, 2016

Show notes

The Jews in the first century were meticulous record keepers, in particular with genealogies. The primary reason this was important was because they were awaiting their Messiah, whom they believed would be a descendant of King David. When we look through the Gospels of the New Testament, we see two different genealogies for Jesus.

In this episode, Kenny explains why there are two different genealogies. The first is recorded in Matthew’s Gospel. He wrote to the Jewish people to highlight Jesus’ legal and judicial claim to the throne of David, so they would have been concerned with Jesus being the legal heir. The second genealogy we see in the New Testament was written by Luke, recorded in his Gospel, but written to show Jesus’ biological relation to King David, as he wrote to a Roman Gentile audience that would not have cared about the Jewish throne nearly as much.

162: Can God Heal Addiction? Sep 26, 2016

Show notes

Addiction is a very sensitive topic that impacts the lives of many people. People can find themselves being addicted to drugs, sex, alcohol, tobacco, food, gambling, compulsive spending, approval, attention, adrenaline, and many more.

In this episode, Kenny talks about addictions, and whether or not God can heal them. Kenny makes clear that addiction has strong power of how we make decisions, addictions are always rooted in some idol or some form of sin in our lives, but God’s grace and power can deliver us from any addiction.

Recommended

Redemption (by Mike Wilkerson)

Recovering Redemption (by Matt Chandler)

Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction (by Mark Laaser)

Addictions (by Edward Welch)

How People Change (by Timothy S. Lane & Paul David Tripp)

Life Together (by Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

161: How Will We Be Happy in Heaven While We Have Loved Ones in Hell? Sep 23, 2016

Show notes

Each person who puts their faith in Christ will spend eternity with Him; basking in the love, joy, and peace of God forever. For all of eternity we shall sing His praises and delight in His glory.

But each person who has trusted Christ surely has at least one person they love (likely many than just one), whom have not trusted in Christ and therefore shall be thrown into the “lake of fire” often called hell.

How is it possible that we will be so happy and so joyful in heaven while we know that some of our loved ones would have been thrown into hell? This is a great question and a very sobering topic.

In this episode, Kenny answers this question by reminding us that when we get to heaven the joy and glory that we experience will be far greater than anything we can even comprehend. The problem with these types of questions is that we view our future in heaven in the same way we view our lives here on planet Earth, and that is flaw. Kenny ends this episode with a reminder of the urgency that we ought to have when we consider the fact that our loved ones who do not know Christ are potentially facing eternity in hell.

160: The Importance of Healthy Family Life with Ajith Fernando Sep 22, 2016

Show notes

In this episode, Kenny interviews author and international speaker Ajith Fernando about the importance of Christian leaders having a healthy family life.

Anyone involved in Christian ministry knows how challenging it is to balance ministry and family responsibilities, but it is essential that we master this balance. Mr. Fernando provides us with a healthy and God-centered understanding of family that can help us cultivate to a flourishing home.

Get a Copy of Ajith Fernando’s Newest Book: The Family Life of a Christian Leader

Follow Ajith Fernando and Check out his Resources: www.ajithfernando.com

159: What is the Sabbath? Does it Apply to Christians? Sep 21, 2016

Show notes

The Sabbath was an essential part of the life, culture, and worship for the Hebrew people throughout the pages of the Old Testament; and still remains an essential part of the culture of Israel today.

God mandated that the Hebrew people observe this “once a week” day of rest and reflection; it started Friday evening at sunset and would last for approximately 24 hours, until sunset Saturday evening. Does this mandate still apply to Christians today? Should Christians observe this? And if so, on what day should we observe this?

In this episode, Kenny explains what the Sabbath was in the Old Testament and why God instituted it in the first place. When we understand the purposes for this institution, then it makes more sense how to apply it to our lives today.

The mandate of observing the Sabbath does not apply to Christians today, but the purposes and disciplines related to and associated with the Sabbath are helpful to our lives, our spiritual health, and our relationships, therefore we ought to practice Sabbath rhythms on a regular basis in our lives, especially in light of our busy stressed out culture.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Theology for the Rest of Us

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected