RenewTheology

We know this isn't the podcast episode you were expecting. And to be honest, neither were we. But our lives have had some (good) changes and we want to share a bit out what the Holy Spirit has been doing in our lives.Bible teaching resources:• BibleThinker (Mike Winger)• BibleProject & Classroom• Exploring My Strange Bible podcastApologetics resources:• Alisa Childers podcast• Unbelievable? podcast• Stand to Reason (Greg Koukl)Christianity & culture resources:• Holy Post podcast• History of the Early Church podcastLifestyle, theology, & Bible teaching:• Phylicia Masonheimer• John Mark Comer Teachings podcast & Practicing the Way website• Unquenchable podcast by Pray Through It MinistriesBook:• Gentle and Lowly by Dane OrtlundMusic: “Inspiring Acoustic” by AShamaluevMusic & “Remember” by Nettson

As season 4 of the Thrive Theology podcast draws to a close, we wanted to take some time for a more casual chat and review the last few months of podcast episodes. We discuss our favourite episodes, why researching the social justice series was difficult,  and what we're looking forward to about season 5 (and give you a sneak peek of what's coming in February!). See you in February 2022!

If you grew up in the evangelical world of North America, there's a good chance you attended a Christian event at some point that involved an altar call, complete with a passionate plea for repentance and emotionally evocative music. In the final episode of our series on soteriology, we discuss the history of altar calls and why they were disputed in the early stages of evangelicalism. We also discuss the benefits and problems with the idea of "asking Jesus into your heart" and explain the different viewpoints of whether someone can lose their salvation.

In part two of our series on the doctrine of salvation, we take a look at different atonement theories and how Calvinism and Arminianism both answer the question of how God's sovereignty works with man's free will to achieve salvation. Plus, we take a close look at the history of the "born again" phraseology in the modern evangelical movement and discuss its impact on the North American church.

C. S. Lewis once said that what makes Christianity different from all other religions is God's grace towards us. For this first episode in our three-part series on the doctrine of salvation, we discuss the doctrines of redemption, justification, and sanctification. Also, is baptism required for salvation? And does a person have to actually make a decision to be saved?

Perhaps best known for his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," Jonathan Edwards is the feature historic figure of this week's podcast episode. He was a devoted Calvinist theologian and preacher, becoming a significant leader in the Great Awakening because of his vocation. He was also a wonderful husband and father, but his life was not without its blindspots.

Have you ever wondered how preaching & sermons became the focal point of the Protestant Church? Starting with the Middle Ages, we explore the history of preaching in the Church—from how the Reformation forever changed the focus of religious assemblies to the technology that profoundly shaped evangelism in the 1800s.

If you've been listening for a while, you know that Emily & Bethany have walked very different paths regarding marriage and singleness. In this episode, Bethany shares what she's learned about walking with the Lord through her season of singleness, and they both discuss the different lies that singles believe and truths to replace them. We hope you're encouraged by this episode—whether you're single or married.

The Trinity has always been difficult to define, and heresies about the nature of the Trinity started gaining popularity as early as the second century. We establish the traditional orthodox view of the Trinity, then give the background and beliefs of the various heretical descriptions about the Trinity and the two natures of Christ.

We're back with the second part of our interview with Lisa Hensley to discuss the ideas of biblical manhood & womanhood. Is this something that's as clear in Scripture as we think, or is there more to it? We discuss the cultural blinders that both complementarians and egalitarians carry into popular gender passages of the Bible. Plus, Emily & Bethany share the story of strangers crashing their church service to rebuke the “Jezebel spirit” in the congregation and Lisa shares her thoughts on whether women in leadership pose a threat to Christian orthodoxy.

Whether you're complementarian or egalitarian, asking the right questions about women in church leadership roles is important. Lisa Hensley joins us to discuss some of the most common objections to women in leadership positions, including “Adam was made first,” “Women are more emotional,” and “What about Eve being deceived?” Lisa also explains why the eternal subordination of the Son (ESS) heresy is dangerous & how it's linked to hyper-complementarianism, as well as whether husbands will have to answer for their wives on Judgment Day and what this means for women.

Sometimes Christians tend to use the Bible to attack socialism, not capitalism; but the truth is, the Bible really supports neither. In this week's episode, we discuss how the Bible doesn't side with a particular socio-economic model, whether or not the Bible supports repenting for cultural sins, and how to read the parable of the good Samaritan in light of first-century racial tensions.

When we think of justice, we often think of retributive justice–punishing someone for a crime done. But Scripture spends a lot of time talking about restorative justice. God is clear that justice and righteousness go hand-in-hand; we cannot be in right relationship with God and others without creating and maintaining justice. In God's ideal economy of ancient Israel, we find His heart for justice; and it doesn't look like any of our modern economic models, regardless of where you land in your socio-economic views.

Throughout Christian history, there have been various events that have shaped the doctrines we know today. The Protestant Reformation that began in 1517 is one of those: it gave way to the "five solaes" that have become core doctrine in the majority of Protestant denominations today. In this episode, we discuss the different Roman Catholic Church heresies the five solaes were formed to contradict, as well as a review of the history of the Reformation.

In a lovely post script to our series on the image of God, we have the honour of telling the story of Corrie ten Boom, World War 2 resistance worker, concentration camp survivor, and Christ-proclaimer. She is a beautiful example of what a heart submitted to Christ and earnest about loving His people looks like and how it can be a blessing to the world. Join us as we walk through her life and the legacy of godliness she left.

In the final instalment of our series on the image of God, we explore five more perspectives on the image of God and how humans actually represent God on the earth. We also take some time to discuss how Jesus affirmed the image of God in every person He met, especially to the “least of these.” We conclude by sharing some of our own final thoughts on what we've learned about the image of God and what it means for us as believers in Christ.

In part two of our series on the image of God, we explore what it means for Jesus to be the true image of God and our example to follow. We also dip our toes in the gender conversation. Many wouldn't say that women are lesser images of God than men, but unfortunately, there are theological viewpoints that inadvertently teach this. We finish up by introducing our first view of the imago Dei and discuss how an extreme version of it could allow Christians to passively sit back through the slave trade, the Holocaust, and abortion.

We're kicking off season 4 of the podcast with a 3-part series on the image of God. In this episode, we explain why pagan kings and rulers were feared and worshipped by their citizens & courts, why Israel's golden calf wasn't as simple as trying to just replace Yahweh, and why humanity's sin against God hasn't only been that we view ourselves as more than God created us to be, but also less than He created us to be.

Update! An important announcement regarding the new release schedule for the Thrive Theology podcast, plus we share which episodes have been our favourite to record, as well as some of our personal podcast listening recommendations.

In our final part of this series, we talk about covenant theology and what it means for us in the Church today. We take an in-depth look at the history of covenantal theology and the role the Reformation played in its development, as well as whether the sign of the New Covenant is the Cross or the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the two versions of covenant theology, and how covenantal theology changes the symbolic meaning of baptism.

In this episode, we do a deep dive into the covenant that God made to David regarding his family line. We work our way through the succession of the royal family and explore God's faithfulness despite some very evil kings. We also look at how the line of kings gets progressively worse, the story of a power-hungry queen mother who murders her grandchildren to keep the throne, and the king who foolishly showed visiting Babylonian dignitaries his wealth.

This week, we pick up where we left off with the covenant that God made with Abraham. We continue to follow the story through Abraham's son Isaac and grandson Jacob. Then we jump ahead 400 years to Moses & the covenant God makes with Israel through him. We also explain why this covenant is conditional, unlike some earlier covenants. Find us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thrivetheologyVisit our website: www.thrivetheology.comRecommended resources:• What is the Mosaic Covenant? (GotQuestions.org)• Paradise to Prison: Studies in Genesis by John J. DavisMusic: "Inspiring Acoustic" by AShamaleuvMusic & “Inspiring Corporate” by Free Music

We kick off a new series on the covenants of God, starting with the very first covenants God made with key characters from the biblical narrative: Adam and Eve, Noah, and Abraham. We explain the significance of covenants in the ancient Near-East, discuss the difference between conditional and unconditional covenants, and take an in-depth look at the first three covenants God makes with His people.

We took a break from theology this week and had fun looking at some medieval history; namely, the religious lives women could opt for in the Middle Ages. We explore why most women who chose to lead a religious life were actually well off, how married women could lead a religious life, and why some women lived in tiny rooms for 40 years.

We explore a few more creeds: the Apostles' Creed, the Chalcedonian Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. We talk about the real authors of these creeds and why the creeds got longer later on in history. We even share Apelles' Creed, who was a Gnostic. It gets a little weird . . . it may be the only creed that uses the word "moist".

In this first of two episodes on the creeds of the Church, we give some background on the reasons early creeds were written. We also explain why the Greeks believed the spoken word was more valuable than the written word and how an ancient manuscript instructed the Early Church on detecting false prophets.

You maybe haven't heard the term "dominionism," but there's a good chance you've heard its teachings. Dominionism advocates for complete Christian influence on the world in seven spheres of society. But there's a problem with how dominionism seeks influence: it's not biblical. We explain how this framework directly opposes what Jesus taught about power, the line from the Lord's Prayer dominionists use to support their beliefs, and how this worldview appeals to our pride and egotism.

The public ministry of A. W. Tozer is lauded today, but there has been controversy around his personal life and the way he treated his family. He is recognized as a prophetic voice for the church of the 20th century, but he also flirted with Gnosticism in his personal life. Join us as we explore the life of this Christian leader.

We wrap up our series on hell by exploring the traditional view of hell: eternal conscious torment. But before we get to that, we take a brief detour and explain why the ancient Jews of the Old Testament didn't have a concept of hell or the afterlife and why they eventually started to change their minds. We give arguments for eternal conscious torment, and offer some different theories as to why those who deny God deserve eternal ongoing punishment.

If you were raised in a traditional Christian home, you were probably taught about hell from the eternal conscious torment perspective. But did you know that annihilation is also thought of as a valid option by many orthodox Christians? We explain what annihilation is all about in this episode, along with the unbiblical perspective of annihilation Jehovah's Witnesses promote.

In the first of our 3-part series on hell, we do an introduction to the topic of hell and explain the universalist view of hell. We also explain who God created hell for, whether people become unconscious at the point of death, and the difference between Sheol, Hades, & Gehenna–all terms the Bible uses to describe hell.

Roman Catholics believe anointing the sick is important although it doesn't guarantee healing, while hyper-charismatic denominations believe healing is always for everyone. We dig in to discuss the varying beliefs surrounding anointing with oil, plus what the Bible has to say about it. We also discuss how ministers/priests are ordained in the Roman Catholic & Protestant churches, as well as marriage.

We explore two sacraments in today's episode, one of them being practiced by Protestants as well: the Lord's Supper and Confession. We explore the fact that Roman Catholics & Protestants have two very different beliefs about what the body and blood of Christ actually are, as well as how Roman Catholics practice confession.

If you're familiar with Roman Catholicism, you know that the seven sacraments are an important element of the tradition. When the Reformation happened in 1517, the Reformers did away with all but two of these sacraments: baptism & communion. In this episode, we discuss the differences between the ways these two sacraments/ordinances are celebrated in the Roman Catholic & Protestant churches.

Among Christian denominations, there are two main camps when it comes to whether there are rules about how to worship God. One says we can only do what Scripture says, while the other states anything but what's forbidden in the Bible is allowed. We discuss the biblical support for these two principles, their strengths & weaknesses, and how they're similar–and different.

We wrap up our missions 4-part series by answering questions like "Should we give to non-Christian organizations?" and "Is meeting physical needs or preaching the gospel more important?" We also discuss some of the current challenges many missionaries face (aside from poisonous snakes) and where we go from here.

We give you a brief history of missions in both the Roman Catholic & Protestant churches and explain how their missions efforts were different. We also get specific about two Protestant denominations that were founded on missions: the Salvation Army and the Christian & Missionary Alliance. We conclude by sharing the stories of three missionaries: William Carey, Amy Carmichael, and Jim Elliot. Find us on Instagram!Resources:• Mission History, III: Protestant (article)• Christian Heroes: Then & Now series (non-fiction book series)Credits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)• Music: “Ambient Presentation” (https://youtu.be/-36-qxiNgbo)Released by: Free Music (https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic)

This week's episode is a bit heavier but necessary. We take a close look at some examples of missions done badly as far back as Christopher Columbus and as recently as 2010. We also discuss the problem of the "white saviour complex" that exists in many areas of the world and deal with some common, unhelpful platitudes such as, "God doesn’t only use missions to change others; God uses missions to change us." Find us on Instagram!Resources:• The Role of the Churches (FacingHistory.org)• Christopher Columbus (MissionFrontiers.org)• WE Charity and the white saviour complex (Canadian Dimension)Credits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)

We kick off a new series this week about missions! In part 1, we dig into the Scriptures and see what the New Testament said about missions, explain why missions didn't exist in the Old Testament, and work through some definitions related to missions. This intro episode is a bit shorter, so stay tuned for the rest of the series!Find us on Instagram!Resources:• Missions Exists Because Worship Does Not (John Piper, video) • What is missiology? (GotQuestions.org)Credits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)• Music: “Inspiring Corporate” (https://youtu.be/eUzcuhICNx0)Released by: Free Music (https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic)

In the final episode of our problem of evil series, we explore how three distinct views deal with the problem of evil: Calvinism, Arminianism, and Open Theism. Each of these has a different perspective on man's free will & God's sovereignty, and (spoiler alert) one of them is heretical. Find us on Instagram!Resources:• Why Does God Allow Evil? (Unbelievable? podcast, June 26, 2014)• Free Will and the Problem of Evil (Ask NT Wright Anything podcast, episode 21)• Jersey on the Wall (I'm Just Asking) by Tenille Townes (YouTube)Credits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)

In part two of our series, we offer some different Christian explanations for the problem of evil and discuss whether we will have freewill in heaven and what that will look like. Find us on Instagram!Resources:• What is theodicy? (GotQuestions.org)• How to Answer the Problem of Evil in 5 Steps (YouTube)Credits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)• Music: “Inspirational Cinematic Piano and Strings” (https://soundcloud.com/ashamaluevmusic/inspirational-cinematic-piano-and-strings)Released by: AShamaluevMusic (https://soundcloud.com/ashamaluevmusic)

Isaiah 45:7 is often quoted as proof that the Bible says God created evil. But does it really say that? We also explore what evil is, explain Epicurianism's argument against the existence of God on the basis of evil, and why the grossest atrocities against mankind can't be called "inhumane."Find us on Instagram!Resources:• Epicurus (Encyclopaedia Britannica)• Did God Create Evil? A Misunderstood Bible Verse: Isaiah 45:7 (Mike Winger)Credits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)• Music: “Inspiring Acoustic” (https://soundcloud.com/ashamaluevmusic/inspiring-acoustic)Released by: AShamaluevMusic (https://soundcloud.com/ashamaluevmusic)

We kick off 2021 with a discussion about how the Church has had to adapt to operating during COVID-19. We discuss how Christians should respond to persecution and why standing up for Jesus against the government is a fallacy.Follow along on Instagram!Resources:• We Are Not Being Persecuted: a Response to Divine Obedience over Civil Obedience (ThriveTheology.com)• A Call to Divine Obedience over Civil Obedience (PursuitofGlory.org)• Conspiracies, Constitutional Rights, and Christ-likeness (Costi Hinn)• A Biblical View of the Separation of Church and State: Romans 13:1 - 7 (Mike Winger)Credits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)• Music: “Gold Autumn” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egllsnucEWw&feature=youtu.be)Released by: WM Music (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)

In our last episode of 2020, we work through eleven passages of the New Testament that directly refute Gnosticism—including some you probably didn't know were about Gnosticism! We also answer the question of whether Gnosticism is still alive in the church today and explain what the History channel calls the "secret books of the Bible" really are.Follow along on Instagram!Resources:• The Truth about the “Banned Books” of the Bible (Mike Winger)• What Are Gnostic Gospels (Northwest Catholic)Credits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)• Music: “Above the Clouds” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDx5ax7mgPw&feature=youtu.be)Released by: WM Music (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)

We explore an ancient heresy in today's episode! Gnosticism started just as the early church was getting off the ground, and it was a big problem—so much so that the apostles addressed it several of their letters (more on that next week!). But how did Gnosticism start? What did gnostics believe? Was this movement just among Christians?Follow along on Instagram!Resource:• Gnosticism podcast episode (The Doxology Podcast)Credits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)

This week, we travel back in time to an interview we did with Bob Beasley during the first-wave COVID-19 lockdown (ah, memories). He shares with us how the eastern world thinks about justice in terms of persecution and how this can be an encouragement to us, as well as how spiritual warfare in the East gives a new meaning to freedom in Christ.Follow along on Instagram!Resources:• Safely Home by Randy Alcorn (book)• Bible League of Canada (stories & blog)Credits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)• Music: “Vacation” (https://youtu.be/nN1YIuXoenQ)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)

We conclude our series on prayer this week by discussing the different types of prayer, along with why the sinner's prayer isn't the best way to commit one's life to the Lord, what fasting is and isn't, and what to do when you don't have the desire to pray.Follow along on Instagram!Resources:• Practising Faith: Feasting and Fasting (podcast episode)• "Dare to Hope in God: How to Lament Well" article by Mark VroegopCredits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)• Music: “Ambient Presentation” (https://youtu.be/-36-qxiNgbo)Released by: Free Music (https://soundcloud.com/fm_freemusic)

Welcome to part 2 of our 3-part series on prayer! In this episode, we take a close look at how Jesus taught us to pray: "Our Father, who art in heaven..." You probably know this prayer already, but many of us miss the profound truths woven into this beautiful petition to the God of the universe. Join us as we take a deep dive into this ancient prayer.Follow along on Instagram!Resources:• The Lord's Prayer: Gospel of Matthew Pt. 10 from Exploring My Strange Bible podcastCredits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)

We kick off our 3-part series on prayer with this episode. We discuss the basics of prayer, what it means to pray without ceasing, what the purpose of prayer actually is, and how our prayers can be hindered. We also have an off-script conversation about how marriage reflects our corporate-church relationship with God. Follow along on Instagram!Resources:• "Psalms - The Language of Prayer Part 1: Praying Through Our Fears" (podcast episode)• Character of God series by the Bible ProjectCredits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)• Music: “Blue Sky” by IULI MAI (https://www.youtube.com/c/MiMiMi-IuliMai)Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0

Almost a year ago, we did a podcast episode on the basics of Calvinism & the details of TULIP. We finally got around to doing the sister podcast on Arminianism. We look at the history of the Synod of Dordt and go into detail about the basic tenets of Arminianism. Also, should we accept DAISY as the antonym of TULIP? Find us on Instagram!Resource:• Calvinism vs. Arminianism (GotQuestions.org)Credits:• Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez• Music: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)

This episode is the final one in our 3-part series on the Word of Faith movement. We take time this week to deal with several different passages of Scripture that the "health and wealth" gospel twists to preach their message. And we aren't against healing, but are the healings that happen at Benny Hinn's miracle crusades and Bethel's healing rooms legitimate or is something fishy going on? We cover all this & more in today's episode.Find us on Instagram!Resources:• Are There Scriptures That Support New Age and Word of Faith? (video by Melissa Dougherty & Mike Winger)• A Serious Study of the Best "Name It & Claim It" Verse Ever (video by Mike Winger)Credits:Podcast cover art: photo courtesy of Priscilla Du PreezMusic: “Cheerful Happy Upbeat Uplifting” (https://youtu.be/6IK2xLLAEPo)Released by: Free Music (www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpifMUDQ-HQNO12t7wKBmw)