Textual Community

In this episode, I talk with pastor Isaac Adams about his recent book Talking about Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations (Zondervan, 2022). In our discussion, Isaac shares his approach to having conversations about race, his insights about racial issues and pastoral ministry, and some of his process in writing and shaping his book.   Isaac is lead pastor of Iron City Church in Birmingham, AL....

In this episode, I talk with my friend Dr. Madison Grace about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the history of missions in the SBC, and the value of historical theology for the life of the churches. In our discussion, Madison describes some of his scholarship on Bonhoeffer's corpus of writings and identifies several ways this kind of work can serve students and pastors.   Madison is Associate Professor of The...

Lingering on the Lectionary: Resurrection Hope for Wayward Hearts  Reflection on the readings for Feb 13 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Sixth Sunday after Epiphany). Biblical Texts: Jer 17.5–10; Ps 1; Lk 6.17–26; 1 Cor 15.12–20.

Level up! In this episode, I talk with my friend Dr. Matt Millsap about engaging popular culture from a Christian perspective and also his scholarship on theological interaction with games studies and video games. In our discussion, Matt explains his overall approach to analyzing video games as meaningful cultural texts, and we also consider the ways that this type of medium and reflection might i...

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Adonis Vidu about his recent work on the divine missions and inseparable operations. We discuss the relationship between these two works, some of the central moves he makes in his treatment of these areas, and also the role of Trinitarian theology in the life of the believer and ministry among the churches.  Vidu is Professor of Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theologic...

Lingering on the Lectionary: Providence, Praise, and a Love that Never Ends Reflection on the readings for Jan 30 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Fourth Sunday after Epiphany). Biblical Texts: Jer 1.4–10; Ps 71.1–6; 1 Cor 13.1–13. 

In this episode, I talk with my colleague and Luther whizzbang William (Billy) Marsh about historical theology and his scholarship on the Reformation era, including the significance of Martin Luther. In our discussion, Billy explains some strategic insights into Luther's hermeneutical development and messianic theology. He also shares about his own theological process and a few of the key distinct...

Lingering on the Lectionary: The Joyful Feast of Messiah's Presence Reflection on the readings for Jan 16 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Second Sunday after Epiphany). Biblical Texts: Isaiah 62.1–5; Ps 36.5–10; John 2.1–11. 

Lingering on the Lectionary: New Beginnings and the Beginning of All Things Reflection on the readings for Jan 2 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year C, Second Sunday after Christmas Day). Biblical Texts: John 1.1–18; Eph 1.3–14. 

In this episode, we reflect upon the opening chapters of Luke's Gospel narrative. In their own ways, both Matthew and Mark give a meaningful and extended introduction to the birth of Jesus and the beginning of his ministry. Luke chooses to begin by juxtaposing the story of Mary and the story of Elizabeth. Mary's song in particular is rife with theological and intertextual richness. In her reflecti...

In this episode, we reflect upon the opening chapters of Mark's Gospel narrative. Because it does not include a birth/infancy narrative, the Gospel of Mark is sometimes neglected during advent season. One of the ways to see how Mark helps us reflect upon the incarnation is to connect Jesus's birth to his messianic ministry. Both the birth of Jesus and the later ministry of Jesus are informed by ca...

In this episode, we reflect upon the opening chapters of Matthew's Gospel narrative. Matthew chooses to begin his story of the incarnation (which actually starts in Matt 1.18) with an intertextually loaded opening section (Matt 1.1–17). As we reflect upon Messianic expectation during the season of Advent, the beginning of Matthew's Gospel provides important resources for us as we reflect on the bi...

A Theology of Giving Thanks Prepares us for Advent: In this episode, I reflect on a theology of giving thanks. The shape of Christian thanksgiving is to the Lord and for the Lord. A robust theology of giving thanks also prepares us to understand and participate in a season of advent (which requires us to wait, to remember, and to give thanks). Biblical Texts: Ps 9; Ps 25; Jer 33.  This episode als...

In this episode, I briefly reflect on the ministry and death of Anabaptist pastor Michael Sattler from the Reformation era. His letter to his congregation on the eve of his death provides a stark contrast to the culture of celebrity that often encroaches upon the churches. In particular, I think about the implications of this statement he makes in the letter:  "The Lord can certainly raise up for...

Today I give a brief preview of what you can expect on Lingering on the Lectionary for the rest of the year. I also survey the papers I am presenting at this year's annual academic meetings (ETS / SBL).  The book I mentioned that contains the previously unpublished essay by John Sailhamer is The Seminary as Textual Community: Exploring John Sailhamer's Vision for Theological Education (Fontes, 202...

Lingering on the Lectionary: What the Lord Builds & Jesus Sees  Reflection on the readings for Nov 7 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: Ps 127; Heb 9.24–28; Mark 12.38–44. 

Lingering on the Lectionary: Love God & Love Others (Mk 12; Ruth; Ps 146) Reflection on the readings for Oct 31 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: Mark 12.28–34; Ruth; Ps 146. 

Lingering on the Lectionary: Were You There at the Beginning of All Things? Reflection on the readings for Oct 17 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: Job 38; Ps 104. 

Lingering on the Lectionary: Why Have You Forsaken Me? Reflection on the readings for Oct 10 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost). Text: Ps 22. 

Lingering on the Lectionary: The Righteous Sufferer and the Suffering Son Reflection on the readings for Oct 3 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: Job 1–2; Ps 26; Heb 1–2.

Lingering on the Lectionary: Providence and Prayer Reflection on the readings for September 26 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: Esther; Ps 124; James 5.13–20.

Lingering on the Lectionary: Does Your Neighbor Need your Good Works? Reflection on the readings for September 5 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: Ps 125; Prov 22; James 2. 

Lingering on the Lectionary: The Character of the King & the Heart of the Matter Reflection on the readings for August 29 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: Ps 45; Song of Songs 2.8–13; Mk 7.1–23; James 1.17–27. 

In this discussion, I talk with Zach M. Bowden about his teaching and academic work in Church History and Historical Theology. We also discuss one of his essays on the church in the Medieval era & some of our formative experiences in theological education. Zach is an Assistant Professor of Theological Studies at Cedarville University.   You can read the essay we discuss in Historical Theology for...

Lingering on the Lectionary: Lord, To Whom Shall We Go?  Reflection on the readings for August 22 from the Revised Common Lectionary (Year B, Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost). Texts: 1 Kgs 8.1–43; Ps 84; Jn 6.56–69; Eph 6.10–20.