Textual Community

Summary: In this episode, I’m sharing a sermon that I recently preached in chapel at Cedarville University. I explore the meaning of Christ’s death in light of the Passover meal, the institution of the Lord’s supper, and the hope of resurrection.  Biblical Texts: Exod 13; Luke 22; Luke 24; 1 Cor 11; Rev 19 Watch Here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuGg04QoNmA   This podcast is hosted by Ched Sp...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Malcolm Yarnell about his recent work in Systematic Theology with a focus on Christology. In our conversation, we talk about the task of theology, the life of the churches, and the urgent need for a robust Christology. Some of his books most relevant to this discussion are the first two volumes of his Theology for Every Person series: God (B&H Publishing) and W...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ben Gladd about some of his recent work on the NT use of the OT. In our conversation, we talk about his new role with the Carson Center (TGC), the use of the OT in the NT, and the process of discovering and interpreting literary allusions. Some of his books most relevant to this discussion are the CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament (Lifeway/Holman) and  Diction...

In this episode, I share a crossover episode that I recorded last year with Brian Totten on his YouTube channel Across the Canon . In our conversation, we talk all things biblical theology and explore the topics in my recent book, One Grand Story: How the Bible Tells Its Story and Why It Matters .    This podcast is hosted by Ched Spellman ( https://linktr.ee/chedspellman ). Thanks for listening!...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Seth Postell about his recent work on hermeneutics and biblical narrative. In our conversation, we discuss The Art of Narrative Analogy: Identifying and Interpreting Parallel Passages in the Bible (Baker).   Postell is the academic dean of Israel College of the Bible ( One for Israel Bible College ) in Netanya, Israel. He is also the author of  Adam as Israel: Gene...

In this episode, I share two presentations on Stephen Dempster's recent book,  Return of the Kingdom: A Biblical Theology of God's Reign (IVP, 2024). In the first part, Dempster discusses how and why he wrote this book on the theme of the Kingdom of God. In the second part, I reflect upon the significance of Dempster's work for teaching and understanding the discipline of biblical theology. Both o...

In this episode, I talk with Drs. Sam Bierig and Jarred Bumpers about preaching, hermeneutics, and pastoral ministry. Sam and Jarred work at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and they have also served the churches for many years. They both have insight into the process of preparing sermons and also the theological issues at stake in the pastoral task.    Bierig Associate Professor of Biblica...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Stephen Presley about his recent work on biblical theology and the early church era. In our conversation, we discuss  Biblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church: Recovering an Ancient Vision (Baker) and Cultural Sanctification: Engaging the World like the Early Church (Eerdmans).    Presley is Senior Fellow for Religion and Public Life at the Center for Reli...

One Sure Word & A Testimony of Tears (Acts 20) In this episode, I share a sermon I preached in chapel at Cedarville University on Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:17–38. In particular, I explore the way that Paul envisions the life of the churches after the age of the apostles.   This podcast is hosted by Ched Spellman ( https://linktr.ee/chedspellman ).   Thanks for l...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kevin J. Vanhoozer about his recent work in biblical hermeneutics. In our conversation, we discuss Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What It Means to Read the Bible Theologically (Zondervan). Topics include: What does it mean to be biblical? What is the literal sense? Can biblical interpretation change the world?   Vanhoozer is Research Professor of System...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. J.R. Gilhooly about his recent book on what the Bible says about angels and demons. In our conversation, we discuss  Angels and Demons: What the Bible Says about Spiritual Creatures (B&H).    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 Moral Responsibi...

New Beginnings and the Beginning of All Things A devotional reflection on the new year from John 1 & Ephesians 1.    This podcast is hosted by Ched Spellman ( https://linktr.ee/chedspellman ). Thanks for listening! Substack Series on the Canonical Approach: https://bit.ly/3rht399 My Most Recent Book: https://amzn.to/3ELxbBk Digital Tip Jar ("Buy Me a Coffee"): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ched...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Christopher Seitz about his wonderful new book on the theme of creation in the Psalter and in the book of Job. The book is titled,  The Heights of the Hills Are His from Baylor University Press . Seitz discusses some of his motivations and goals for writing the book and also reflects on some of the main theological conclusions he develops. At any rate, I hope you e...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Brandon D. Smith about his recent work on premodern hermeneutics and the doctrine of inseparable operations. The books we discuss in this conversation are  Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church  (B&H Academic) and  Beholding the Triune God: The Inseparable Work of Father, Son, and Spirit (Crossway).    Smith is Associate Professor of Theolog...

In this episode, I share a paper I delivered at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society in 2023. I make the argument that there is a textual basis for a canonical approach to the NT. This paper was part of a panel discussion on the Canonical Approach and NT Studies. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I talk with pastor Mark Vroegop about his recent work on patience, waiting, and the Christian life. In our conversation, we also talk about pastoral ministry and the value of serving as a pastor-theologian. The books we discuss in this conversation are Waiting isn't a Waste: The Surprising Comfort of Trusting God in the Uncertainties of Life (Crossway) and  Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Sam Bierig about history and hermeneutics. This is a special crossover with Sam's Biblical Theology podcast at Credo Magazine . We talk about the relevance of historical background for biblical interpretation, some broader hermeneutical principles that can help us navigate this terrain, and we also examine a few case studies from biblical texts.   Special thanks to...

In this episode, I talk with Jonathan Arnold and Zach Carter about their recent collection of prayers from across church history. In our discussion, we also talk about what it takes to be a pastor-theologian and the practical benefit of historical theology for ministry among the churches. The book we discuss in this conversation is  Cloud of Witnesses: A Treasury of Prayers and Petitions through t...

David's Last Words and the Lord's Messiah (2 Samuel 22–23) In this episode, I share a sermon I preached in chapel at Cedarville University on the conclusion to David's story in the book of Samuel. In particular, I explore the way that the poetry in 2 Samuel 22 and 23 hold the key to interpreting the entire narrative.  Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I talk with Matthew Martens about his recent book on criminal justice and biblical ethics. In our discussion Matt shares some of his vision for how Scripture and Christian theology can and should inform the way we think and speak about social concerns. He also argues that Love of God and love of our neighbors provides a framework for thinking about these wide-ranging issues. The b...

In this episode, I talk with my friend Dr. Mitch Chase about some of his recent work in biblical theology. Mitch is both a professor and a pastor, so he is well-equipped and well-positioned to examine the relationship between the academy and the church as well as the role of a pastor-theologian. We also discuss the way the biblical canon as a whole speaks to the theological themes of death and res...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jason Kees about some of his recent research on the NT canon and the book of Revelation. We also discuss the importance of our local contexts, the relationship between the academy and the church, the need for more pastor-theologians, and the joy of reading the Scriptures. The book we discuss in this conversation is  At the End of All Things: Identifying the Ideal R...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ben Gladd about his work in biblical theology, NT studies, and the Gospel of Luke. In our conversation, we talk about the relevance of biblical theology to ministry, the use of the OT in the NT, and the literary beauty and theological depth of the Gospel narratives. His recent books along these lines are  From the Manger to the Throne (Crossway),  Handbook on the G...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Christopher Seitz about his work in hermeneutics, the history of interpretation, and canon studies. In our conversation, we talk about his development of a canonical approach over the course of his career and some of the interesting changes in the fields of Old and New Testament studies. We also discuss the work of Brevard Childs and some of the convergences the ca...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Peter Gurry about some of his work on the text of the NT and the discipline of textual criticism. In our conversation, we talk about the task of learning Greek, the aims of textual criticism, the overall reliability of the NT text, and the recent publication of a new manuscript fragment of sayings of Jesus. His recent books that cover these topics are  Scribes and...