Theological Sidebars

Ben interacts with an article on Arnold Schwarzenegger and what he said about the afterlife. How is this relevant to Christians today? Join us for this interaction. Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - Old Testament), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/@theologicalsidebars For more information on Oak Valley vi...

On this episode, Ben and Andrew react to 2 articles on how AI is being used in churches. Is there anything biblical to say about the use of avatar preachers? AI sermons and sermon generators? Join us for today's discussion. AP - https://apnews.com/article/germany-church-protestants-chatgpt-ai-sermon-651f21c24cfb47e3122e987a7263d348 CT - https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/january-web-onl...

What happened at the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans? Andrew and Ben talk about things that happened on the ground. Some things were a surprise but the meeting definitely had some BIG outcomes. Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - Old Testament), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/@theologicalsidebars A...

What will be taking place at the SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans in next week? Ben and Andrew discuss the appeal that Rick Warren will be making to the annual meeting on the behalf of Saddleback. What are the reasons he gives for why Saddleback should be let back into the SBC? Do his arguments hold weight? Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - Old Testament), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Chu...

What do the Dodgers and Target have to do with demons? Ben and Andrew discuss recent news surrounding the LA Dodgers and Target stores' connection to blasphemy and the demonic realm. Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - Old Testament), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/@theologicalsidebars Andrew Marquez...

Can Christians be demon possessed? Can they be influenced by demons? What is a the relationship that Christians can have with demons? Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - Old Testament), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/@theologicalsidebars Andrew Marquez (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - New Testament), Dean of A...

What is happening with our religious institutions? Are things being watered-down? A recent poll indicates a majority of people think so. But there are some more polls in this article that may indicate more trouble. What does it all mean--join Ben and Andrew as they try to sift through and react to the news. Link to the article - https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2023/04/14/poll-majority-americans-wo...

What are some major creation views that Christians hold? Are any better and stronger than others? Yes. Ben and Andrew discuss a few major creation views that are found within Christian orthodoxy. If you'd like to hear more on a specific viewpoint addressed, comment below. Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - Old Testament), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate&...

Today's discussion centers on recent comments aboutpornography by Dennis Prager and Jordan Peterson. Is their advice sound? Does the Bible have more to say about this than it is claimed from their comments? Should Prager and Peterson be looked to for wisdom in topics like this? Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - Old Testament), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr....

Why is our country in the mess it is in, especially when many still claim to be Christian? It is clear that many who claim to be Christian do not actually hold Christian beliefs. How bad is it? BAD. Ben reacts to a the article from Answers in Genesis, "Barna: Most Americans Create a 'Customized Worldview'" https://answersingenesis.org/worldview/barna-most-americans-create-a-custo...

Today's OTXNT discusses the recent tragedy in Nashville, TN where a woman shot up a Christian school, killing three kids and three adults. In the wake of this tragedy, how are we to view human depravity? Are humans generally good with just a few bad apples? Is our culture becoming sicker? Are we as bad as we could be? Join us for today's discussion... Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - O...

What is my role in meeting needs? What might be a good Christian attitude towards meeting needs and giving to the poor be? Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/@theologicalsidebars For more information on Oak Valley visit https://www.oakvalleybaptist.org Visit Oak Valley's Y...

The question of the day is "are all sins equal"?  Maybe you have been taught this in the church and have believed that any sin, no mater how big or how small are seen as the same to God in their importance. How should we answer this question? Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.co...

Can women serve in the office of deacon? Is there reason to believe that the early church may have had female deacons? Andrew and Ben look at 1 Tim 3 and Romans 16 for insight into this topic. Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - Old Testament), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/@theologicalsidebars Andrew Marque...

Should the church promote marriage and family (for those outside the church)? Ben reacts to the article "As South Korea’s Marriage Rates Decline, Churches Try to Bring Back Romance."  See https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/february-web-only/south-korea-christians-marriage-singleness-feminism.html Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN...

Ben and Andrew discuss the news of the SBC Executive Committee affirming the recommendation that Saddleback Church is deemed “not in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention.”  Looking at social media, it is clear that Baptists are all over the place on what they think.  In light of this news, Ben and Andrew continue the discussion on Women in Ministry (see part 1). In t...

Dr. Andrew Marquez and Dr. Ben Pate assess recently comments made by Andy Stanley. What changes are demanded by identifying with Christ as Lord? Can Christians serve in church without leading lives of repentance? Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - Old Testament), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/@theologicalsi...

Is temptation a sin? What about evil desires that spring up in your mind? Is there is a point on which these become sins? Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/@theologicalsidebars For more information on Oak Valley visit https://www.oakvalleybaptist.org Visit Oak Valley's Youtube ch...

Today's discussion revolves around the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, Article VI and recent controversy regarding the meaning and role of "pastor." In today's episode we look at 1 Timothy 2 and look at Paul's words on the roles of men and women in the church. Are these words still applicable? Are they outdated? Join us for part 1 of this discussion. Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - Old Testam...

Is there a right way to pray? In James 1:5-8, James talks about our need to pray for wisdom and how we shouldn't doubt when we approach him. But what does that look like? How do we really do this? Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/@theologicalsidebars For more information on Oak...

Dr. Marquez and Dr. Pate discuss the relationship of Israel to the church. The topic was previously mentioned on Dr. Pate's Theological Sidebars podcast. Dr. Marquez shares some of his insights on this topic and what it means for the church today. Ben Pate (Ph. D., Biblical Studies - Old Testament), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - htt...

When James 1:1 writes to the dispersed 12 tribes of Israel, who is he talking to? What does this reveal about the church? Is the church part of Israel? Do they supplant Israel? What is the relationship of the church to Israel? Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9JPFkD4py...

What does Matthew mean when he says in Matthew 2:23 that the prophets spoke about Jesus being a "Nazarene"? Is this a quote of an OT passage? How can we best understand what Matthew is getting at? Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9JPFkD4py19zE_P8OGBVOQ For more informa...

There has been some recent discussion about Jesus' birth and his connection to Migdol Eder. Is there more to the birth narrative that meets the eye? Where does this "new" insight come from? Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9JPFkD4py19zE_P8OGBVOQ For more information on...

Is there any biblical precedent for why the magi would be looking for a star and why they would worship a baby? How would they have known anything about Jesus? Today's discussion looks at possible reasons for their arrival and worship of Christ.     Ben Pate (PhD, Biblical Studies), Lead Pastor at Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN  For Dr. Pate's Youtube channel visit -...