God‘s Story Podcast

What’s the significance of the griffin and the chariot in ‘Purgatorio’? Brent is joined by Jennifer Holberg to continue talking about Dante’s ‘The Divine Comedy’.  This time they focus on ‘Purgatorio’. Jennifer is professor and chair of the English Department at Calvin University in the States and co-director of the Calvin Center for Faith and Writing.  She’s also the author of the book ‘Nourishin...

How has Western thinking encouraged us to believe that we are our own? Brent talks with Alan Noble about a new paperback edition of his IVP book ‘You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World’. Alan is associate professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University, a fellow of the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics, and the author of a number of books and articles.    (1:00) Our in...

How is atonement about the whole cosmos? Brent talks with Joshua Farris about a recent article in ‘American Reformer’ called ‘Atonement is Cosmic Reconciliation’. Joshua is an ordained priest with the Diocese of Kagera and ACMI and a Canon Theologian on Missio Mosaic.  He’s also the director and founder of Soul Science Ministries and Spiritually Driven Leadership.   (0:40) How is atonement about c...

Does science point toward the existence of God? Brent talks with Michel-Yves Bolloré one of the authors (with Olivier Bonnassies) of a new English translation of the book published by Abrams called ‘God, The Science, The Evidence: The Dawn of a Revolution’. Michel is a computer engineer.  He’s currently Director of Stelarux Investment, Pierre Real Estate, Smile Invest, and Polimiroir Group.  He’s...

What is the celebrity culture within evangelicalism and what kind of damage is it doing to the church? Brent talks with Joshua Farris about his recent article with ‘American Reformer’ called ‘The Cult of the Platform’. Joshua is an ordained priest with the Diocese of Kagera and ACMI and a Canon Theologian on Missio Mosaic. He’s also the director and founder of Soul Science Ministries and Spiritual...

Who was the Apostle Paul? How can we best understand the shape of his thought? Brent talks with Thomas Schreiner about the second edition of his book ‘Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ’. Thomas is associate dean and James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky. His books include commentaries on Romans and...

Many children question their faith and search for answers. Brent talks with Chris and Jenny Lee the authors of a new Tyndale House Publishers book aimed at children aged 4-8 called ‘You Are Beloved’. It aims to show children that God is with them through the highs and the lows. Chris is the ‘Viral Vicar’ from London whose 60 second sermons attract an Instagram audience of 163,000. His wife Jenny i...

How do we rebuild trust in an era marked by division and disillusionment? Brent talks with author G.S. Gerry about his new court room drama published by Wipf and Stock called ‘Trust on Trial’. G.S. Gerry is an Amazon best-selling, award-winning author known for his genre-defying storytelling.  He’s a Navy veteran, a cybersecurity expert, tatoo enthusiast and father of five.  He’s also a blogger! ...

‘In life’s toughest moments, our emotions can feel like a storm at sea.  But within these turbulent waters lies the potential for profound healing’. Brent talks with Audrey Davidheiser about her new IVP book ‘Grieving Wholeheartedly: Bringing Healing to Every Part of Your Soul’. Audrey is a licensed psychologist with expertise in Internal Family Systems therapy.  After founding a counselling cente...

‘Mid-faith crises are a shared human experience that can feel isolating yet are a crucial part of our spiritual journey’. Brent talks with authors Catherine McNiel and Jason Hague about their new IVP book ‘Mid-Faith Crisis: Finding a Path Through Doubt, Disillusionment, and Dead Ends’. Jason is the associate pastor of Christ’s Center Church near Eugene, Oregon.  He’s written extensively on the sub...

Brent and Hannah Long discuss Charlie Chaplin’s classic 1952 movie ‘Limelight’. Hannah Is a passionate cinephile.  She writes cultural commentary and film criticism for a number of publications including ‘The Despatch’, ‘Angelus News’, ‘The Bulwark’, ‘First Things’ and ‘Christianity Today’.  (1:00) Charlie Chaplin; (2:20) ‘Limelight’; (4:15) McCarthy hearings; (7:10) Nostalgia; (8:40) 1914; (10:00...

‘Wisdom is not simply knowledge or cleverness’. Brent talks with Mitchell Chase about his new IVP book ‘Walking the Way of the Wise: A Biblical Theology of Wisdom’. Mitchell is associate professor of biblical studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is preaching pastor at Kosmosdale Baptist Church.  (0:55) Genesis and wisdom; (3:45) Job and wisdom; (6:00) The Law and wisdom; (7:50)...

How has Aristotle’s thought shaped Christianity through history and how does it remain relevant for Christians today? Brent talks with Louis Markos about his new IVP book, ‘From Aristotle to Christ: How Aristotelian Thought Clarified the Christian Faith’. Louis is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University where he holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities.  His 30 books...

Who was Dallas Willard and why was his approach to reading and living Scripture so important? Brent talks with Dave Ripper about his new IVP book ‘Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus: Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard’. Dave is the lead pastor of Crossway Christian Church, a multicongregational church in southern New Hampshire, focused on spiritual formation.  Dave is the author of ‘...

‘With the rise of online platforms, including social media and video conferencing tools, the concept of a physical church space is being redefined.  The virtual world is now an extension of our physical reality, blurring the lines between what is considered ‘real’ and what is not’. Brent talks with Michael Huerter the author of a new IVP book called ‘Hybrid Congregation: A Practical Theology of Wo...

‘Fatherhood is a sacred calling – but it doesn’t come with a manual – until now’. Brent talks with Jeff Hamilton the author of ‘Dad Academy: Raising Courageous, Capable, Confident Kids’. Jeff is a pastor, coach and consultant.  The role he loves the most is as a husband to Jayme, and dad to his adult kids, daughter Jordanne, son Justin and daughter in law Savannah.  The Hamilton’s have had the pri...

How is time used in the Song of Solomon? Brent and Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute continue their discussion.  (0:20) vs 1-5; (1:35) The bride; (3:00) Time; (6:25) Dream states; (8:20) Why does the bride wander the streets? (9:40) The mother’s house in v 4; (12:40) vs 6-11; (15:30) The Lord and His bride; (19:15) Exodus themes; (20:15) Solomon’s coronation; (22:00) Christ; (24:10)...

How is lovesickness a theme in the Song of Solomon? Brent talks with Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States.  (0:30) v 1-7; (1:10) The rose and the lily; (3:00) Sexual imagery; (6:00) v 2-3; (7:30) The tree; (11:40) Love in v 4; (13:05) Wine; (16:00) The banner in v 4; (17:10) Lovesickness in v 5; (18:10) The 2 lovers and time; (20:20) vs 8-17; (22:00) Exodus imagery; (24:00...

Who was the historical Joseph Smith? Brent talks with Tom Hobson about his book from Elm Hill ‘The Historical Jesus and the Historical Joseph Smith’. Tom is retired from more than 40 years as a Presbyterian minister, four years as professor of biblical studies and languages at Morthland College, and two years of the radio program ‘Biblical Words and World’ on KUTR-AM, Salt Lake City.  He’s written...

What’s a truly biblical view of singleness? Brent talks with Dani Treweek, the author of a new book from the Good Book Company called ‘Single Ever After: A Biblical Vision for the Significance of Singleness’. Dani is the founding director of the Single Minded Ministry; she works part time as the Sydney Anglican Diocesan Research Officer and she spends the rest of her time writing, reading, speakin...

What’s the significance of the dark wood? Brent and Jennifer Holberg continue their discussion of Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’ with a look at ‘Inferno’.    Jennifer is professor and chair of the English Department at Calvin University in the States and co-director of the Calvin Center for Faith and Writing.  She’s also the author of the book ‘Nourishing Narratives’.   (2:00) The narrator and the openin...

‘First century Christians faced unimaginable challenges, yet their lives overflowed with joy because of their encounter with Jesus’. Brent talks with Jared Mitzelfelt the author of a new book from Lucid Books called ‘Marked by Joy: Discovering the Joy that Defined the First Believers’. Jared is the Young Adults Pastor at Central Baptist Church in Round Rock, Texas.   (0:45) Why and how did joy mar...

Why is common life in our society in decline? Brent talks with Jake Meador about a new paperback edition of his IVP book ‘In Search of the Common Good: Christian Fidelity in a Fractured World’. Jake is vice president of the Davenant Institute and the editor in chief of Mere Orthodoxy.  (0:40) How has the world changed? (2:40) America in decline? (4:15) The decline of the church; (12:00) How has ex...

Where do we turn when trauma leaves us feeling lost, ashamed, and exhausted? Brent talks with Michael John Cusick the author of a new book from IVP called ‘Sacred Attachment: Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion and Trusting in Divine Love’. Michael John Cusick is the CEO and founder of Restoring the Soul, an intensive counseling ministry in Denver.  He’s a licensed professional counselor, spiritual dire...

Brent talks with Holly Beers the author of a new Baker books commentary on Colossians and Philemon.  It’s a volume in the Word and Spirit Commentary on the New Testament series. Holly is associate professor of religious studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.  She’s formerly served on the board of the Institute for Biblical Research and is a participating member of the Society fo...