Textual Community

In this episode, I talk with Dr. J.R. Gilhooly about some of his work on a theology of angels, demons, and spiritual warfare. In our conversation, we discuss his recent book  40 Questions on Angels, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare (Kregel).    Gilhooly is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Cedarville University. He is also the author of  The Devil's Own Luck: Lucifer, Luck, and Mor...

In this episode, I talk with Ben Laird about some of his work on the formation and significance of the NT canon and the Pauline Corpus. In our conversation, we discuss his recent books Creating the Canon  (IVP) and The Pauline Corpus in Early Christianity  (Hendrickson).    Laird is an Associate Professor of biblical studies at Liberty University. He is also the co-editor with Stan Porter of  Five...

In this episode, I talk with Tomas Bokedal about some of his work in canon formation, biblical hermeneutics, and the paratextual features of the Bible. In our conversation, we discuss his recent book  Christ the Center: How the Rule of Faith, the Nomina Sacra, and Numerical Patterns Shape the Canon (Lexham).    Bokedal is Lecturer at School of Divinity, King's College at the University of Aberdeen...

In this episode, I talk with Greg Goswell about some of his work in hermeneutics, biblical theology, and the paratextual features of the Bible. In our conversation, we discuss his recent book  Text and Paratext and  Biblical Theology .    Dr. Goswell is Academic Dean and Lecturer in Hebrew & OT at Christ College in Sydney, Australia. He is also the author of many journal articles and books inc...

Two Testaments to Tell, a sermon on 2 Timothy 2:1–10.  In this episode, I share a sermon I preached at New Community Church, STL in January (2023). This was the last session of a weekend conference on canon formation.  Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I talk with Kavin Rowe about some of his work in Hermeneutics, NT studies, and the history of Early Christianity. In our conversation, we discuss his 2002 article on "Biblical Pressure and Trinitarian Hermeneutics," his 2022 article on the question of Truth and NT Studies, as well as his recent book, Christianity's Surprise: A Sure and Certain Hope .    Dr. Rowe is Vice Dean for F...

The Rhythm of Lament, a sermon on Psalm 42.  In this episode, I share a sermon I preached in chapel at Cedarville University on Psalm 42 and the role of lament in the Christian life. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I talk with Brandon Dean Smith about some of his work on the doctrine of the Trinity and the task of theological interpretation. In our conversation, we discuss his most recent books in this area: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation  (IVP) and  The Biblical Trinity (Lexham).    Brandon is Assistant Professor of Theology and New Testament at Cedarville University. His twitter han...

Fear and Draw Near the Son (Hebrews 4–5). In this episode, I share a recent sermon I preached in chapel at Cedarville University on the end of Hebrews 4 and the beginning of Hebrews 5.  Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I talk with Taylor Turkington (MA, DMin) about some of her work on the meaning and application of the prophetic book of Habakkuk. In our conversation, we discuss her recently published book Trembling Faith: How a Distressed Prophet Helps Us Trust God in a Chaotic World (B&H).     Taylor is the director of the biblical and theological education ministry BibleEquipping , and her DMi...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Peter Link about some of his work in the narratives of the Old Testament. We also speak about the joys and challenges of reading biblical texts in academic and church settings. In our conversation, we discuss his new book Bible 101: A Crash Course in Scripture  (Adams Media).     Link is associate professor of Christian Studies at Charleston Southern University. Hi...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Matthew A. Bennett about missions, contextualization, and the pressing social issues that affect American evangelicalism. In our conversation, we discuss his new book Hope for American Evangelicals: A Missionary Perspective on Restoring Our Broken House (B&H). Matt has years of experience in the mission field and is a well-respected missiologist.      Bennett is as...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Stephen Dempster about biblical theology, canon studies, and the literary artistry of the book of Genesis. We discuss his book Dominion and Dynasty (IVP, 2003) as well as some of his forthcoming works in biblical theology. In our discussion, Dr. Dempster also discusses some of the literary strategy of biblical texts like Genesis 38 and the theological significance...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Mickey Klink about his recent book, The Local Church: What It Is and Why It Matters for Every Christian (Crossway, 2021). In our discussion, Pastor Mickey shares some of his insights and experience about the nature and priority of the local church for all believers. We also discuss his and Darian Lockett's book Understanding Biblical Theology: A Comparison of Theor...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Simon Gathercole about his recent book, The Gospel and the Gospels: Christian Proclamation and Early Jesus Books (Eerdmans, 2022). In our discussion, he shares some of the core claims of his book about the distinctiveness of the canonical Gospels, the value and relevance of non-canonical texts in early Christianity, and the role of theological analysis in NT studie...

In this episode, I talk with Drew Dixon about his recent book, Know Thy Gamer: A Parent's Guide to Video Games (B&H). In our discussion, Drew shares some of his insights about the world of gaming, the challenges and rewards of contemporary video games, and some of the missional opportunities that games and gaming culture provides for believers and parents of gamers. We're also joined on this episo...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ronni Kurtz about his recent book, Fruitful Theology: How the Life of the Mind Leads to the Life of the Soul (B&H). In our discussion, Ronni shares some of his insights about theological method, the value of humility in theological discourse, and the formative role the fruit of the Spirit can play in our personal and intellectual lives.   Ronni is assistant profess...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jeannine Brown about her recent work in biblical hermeneutics and New Testament studies. In our discussion, Dr. Brown shares some of her insight into the nature of interdisciplinary work, key issues in biblical hermeneutics, and the sophistication and literary beauty of the Gospel narratives.    Dr. Brown is professor of New Testament at Bethel University ( persona...

Lingering on the Lectionary: Ordinary Time and the Pentecost Imperative Reflection on the meaning of "ordinary time" and the new covenant reality of life in the Spirit.  Biblical Texts: Acts 2:33–34; Rom 6:3–11; Rom 8:3–4, 14–17; Eph 5:15–21.  

Lingering on the Lectionary: The Easter Wager Reflection on the reality of resurrection hope.  Biblical Texts: Dan 12.1–2; Jn 6.39–40; Jn 11.11–43; 1 Cor 15.13–57; 1 Thess 4.13–16. 

In this episode, I share a recent sermon I preached in chapel at Cedarville University on the arrest and trial scenes in John's Gospel (John 18).  Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ashley Hales about her recent book A Spacious Life (IVP, 2021). In our discussion, Ashley shares some of her insights into the theological design of human limitations and also some tangible ways we can see our limits as an invitation rather than a burden.     Ashley is an author and speaker who lives with her family in Colorado. She also hosts the Finding Holy Podc...

Lingering on the Lectionary: The Promise of God's Future Presence  Reflection on the readings for Mar 13 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Second Sunday in Lent). Biblical Texts: Gen 15.1–12; Ps 27; Phil 3.17–4.1.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Darian Lockett about his recent book Letters for the Church: Reading James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, and Jude as Canon (IVP, 2021). In our discussion, Darian discusses some of his approach to biblical studies and the significance of the canonical context for biblical interpretation. We also talk about some of the key theological and academic issues at stake in a canoni...

Lingering on the Lectionary: The Glory and Grace of God  Reflection on the readings for Feb 27 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Transfiguration Sunday). Biblical Texts: Exod 34.29–35; Ps 99; Lk 9.28–36; 2 Cor 3.12–18.