Food Trucks in Babylon

Author and pastor Brett McCracken joins Todd and Ryan to talk about his new book, The Wisdom Pyramid, and how Christians can maintain a balanced diet of information in the midst of a post-truth world.  Mentioned Resources Brett McCracken, The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World Carl Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, an...

Todd and Ryan talk about what's on the horizon for Season 2 of Food Trucks in Babylon. More great content is on the way, all centered around how to live faithfully in a post-Christian context.

In the last episode of Season 1, Patrick and Todd give an overview of 1 Peter 3:18-22 exploring some ways to preach, teach, and understand this passage. They cover questions such as, Who are these imprisoned spirits? Where did Jesus go? When did he go? What did he say? What does it mean "baptism now saves you?"

Josh White, from Door of Hope in Portland, talks with Todd and Patrick about evangelism, boldness, and the power of community in a post-Christian society.

Membership in a church context helps us understand we belong to a community. Greg Gilbert and Alex Duke press into the importance of church membership and why it's crucial for leading, serving, and pastoring in the church.

Nijay Gupta discusses the common assumptions in Paul's use of the word we translate in English "faith." The word "faith" according to Nijay can be used in different ways (believing, obeying, and trusting) and resonates with Jewish expectations surrounding covenants.

Gavin Ortlund works through what doctrines should divide and when unity should prevail. He argues for a theological triage, distinguishing between what is essential, urgent, important, and unimportant.

Will Kynes joins Patrick and Josh Mathews arguing the common label "wisdom literature" is a modern construction that has outlived its usefulness. Kynes seeks to reintegrate this portion of Scripture into a wholistic reading of the Bible.

Todd, Patrick, and Gerry answer questions that listeners have sent in over the first season.

Continuing the conversation from last week, Kay Bruce (Psy. D), offers more insights about shepherding and leading those who are struggling into a greater hope.

The good news of Jesus includes his life, death, resurrection, and future return but what about his ascension? Though often neglected or misunderstood, the ascension is integral to the gospel. Patrick explains the premise for his new book, that Jesus' work would be incomplete without his ascent to God's right hand.

Responding to suicide can be one of the most difficult trials in one’s personal life or pastoral ministry. Western's own, Kay Bruce (Psy. D), offers her insights about understanding this serious topic and helping those who are in need.

Gerry Breshears talks about the gospel from Peter's first sermon in Acts 2 arguing it is more Trinitarian and full-fledged than many suspect.

Patrick and Todd discuss some of the different popular gospel summaries in the Christian world. They speak of how these have been helpful, but also how some of them might miss aspects of the good news. In the second half they search the Scriptures to see how the word "gospel" was used in a more technical sense.

Jamie Smith joins Patrick and Todd to speak about how Augustine is a pilgrim guide to a spirituality that meets the complicated world. Augustine is a spiritual mentor to those who have restless hearts. He knows where home is and what peace feels like.

Josh McNall joins Patrick and Todd to discuss atonement models. In theology, atonement concerns what happened on the cross. McNall presents an integrated account of the various proposals. Using the metaphor of a body, he argues recapitulation is Christ's feet, penal substitution is his heart, Christus Victor is the head, and moral influence his hands.

What happened on Holy Saturday? Did Jesus descend to hell? If not, why is this in the early creeds? The descent of Jesus Christ to the dead has been a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith, but also misunderstood. Matthew Emerson offers an exploration of the biblical, historical, theological, and practical implications of the descent.

Patrick and Todd welcome a live studio audience into their discussion about redeeming creativity within the Church with their fellow professor, Ryan Lister, and hip-hop artist, Humble Beast director, and pastor, Thomas Terry.

Patrick and Todd discuss rituals and habits with Dru Johnson and how we are all “ritualed” people. These are not simply things we do but form our hearts and our worship.

Before the coronavirus shut the doors of churches across the States, Patrick and other pastors in the Northwest (Jay Kim, Gabe Moreno, and Gerry Breshears) discussed the pros and cons of virtual church.

Loving our neighbors, submitting to the government, and redeeming opportunities in the midst of a global pandemic. How the church and Christians should respond to the coronavirus.

Self-control might be perceived as confining. However, cultivating this practice leads to more freedom and flourishing. Patrick and Todd speak with local author Drew Dyck about his book, “Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self Control from the Bible and Brain Science."

Book link:  https://www.ivpress.com/bearing-god-s-name Blog link:  https://carmenjoyimes.blogspot.com/ Faculty page link: https://prairie.edu/contact/staff-faculty-contacts/carmen-imes/  

Author, Pastor, and Professor, Steve Mathewson, joins the show to talk about the importance and necessity of preaching Christ in the Old Testament and how to do it effectively.

Send your Q and A questions to podcast@westernseminary.edu