RTS Washington Faculty Podcast

We've arrived at one of our favorite scenes in Ezekiel—the valley of dry bones. In this episode, we'll see how God's sovereignty in regeneration is not only a matter of orthodoxy, but a deeply hopeful and practical aid for ministry today. For information about our first class in Chicago, visit the Summer 2025/2026 tab of our upcoming classes page: https://rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/students/upcoming-classes/#Summer2025-2026AY Want to continue this conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC
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This week, Tommy Keene joins us to discuss shepherd imagery and the new covenant in Ezekiel 33-36, paying close attention to Ezekiel's anticipation of the coming Davidic Shepherd and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Want to continue this conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/
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This week, we're continuing our study of Ezekiel with the ‘spine' of the book: the oracles against the nations. We're discussing the purpose that these oracles serve, how to preach through them today, and what these texts tell us about how God's Word relates to unbelievers. Want to continue this conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/
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This week, we're discussing both generational guilt and individual responsibility for sin by looking at Ezekiel's creative responses to Israel's rebellion. Want to continue this conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find the one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC
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This week, we're talking about the depth of Israel's sin, God's hand in it, and what we can learn about our own struggle with sin in the Christian life. Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC
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This week, we're joined by one of RTS Washington's longest-tenured staff, our registrar Jenny McGahey. We're looking back over the last 30 years at RTS Washington, highlighting how the Lord has sustained our campus through each of its various seasons. Along with our history, we're also sharing our hopes for the future of RTS Washington, including the announcement of a brand-new extension campus! Have you considered joining the RTS Washington community? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC
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This week, we're talking about Satan—who he is, how he works, and how the church has thought about him. Our 30th Anniversary weekend is coming up soon! We're hosting an Evening of Song with Keith and Kristyn Getty on March 28th, followed by a full day of lectures and a reception on March 29th. Visit https://www.rtsdc30.com/ for more information and to register. Want to continue the conversation in the classroom? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington

This week's episode concludes our History and Hope series. In this episode, Dr. Sean Lucas unpacks the history of Reformed Theology in the Presbyterian Church in America. This lecture was delivered remotely via Zoom and is introduced by Dr. Irwyn Ince. For three decades, RTS Washington has been at the forefront of equipping pastors and church leaders across various denominations and networks. This milestone year has been marked by a series of lectures featuring esteemed representatives from the denominations and traditions RTS Washington, D.C., most frequently serves. Each speaker has offered insights into the history and unique character of their tradition while sharing their vision and hopes for its contribution to the future of the church. Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/
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We're glad to bring you another lecture in the History and Hope series, this time featuring Dr. S. Donald Fortson discussing the history of Reformed Theology in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. For three decades, RTS Washington has been at the forefront of equipping pastors and church leaders across various denominations and networks. This milestone year has been marked by a series of lectures featuring esteemed representatives from the denominations and traditions RTS Washington, D.C., most frequently serves. Each speaker has offered insights into the history and unique character of their tradition while sharing their vision and hopes for its contribution to the future of the church. Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington

We're thrilled to bring you another lecture in the History and Hope series, featuring Sam Ferguson discussing the history of Reformed Theology in the Anglican tradition. For three decades, RTS Washington has been at the forefront of equipping pastors and church leaders across various denominations and networks. This milestone year has been marked by a series of lectures featuring esteemed representatives from the denominations and traditions RTS Washington, D.C., most frequently serves. Each speaker has offered insights into the history and unique character of their tradition while sharing their vision and hopes for its contribution to the future of the church. Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington

This week, our conversation is led by Elizabeth Wagner, Deputy Director of Admissions at RTS Washington and New York. We're sharing our seminary stories—how we got here, what we learned, and how we made it work. We'd love for you to be a part of the RTS community. Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you at www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington

This week we're diving in to Ezekiel 12, highlighting the seriousness of sin, the necessity of repentance, and the church's witness in today's world. Want to continue the conversation? Explore our degree programs and find one that's right for you: www.rts.edu/washington. Email admissions.washington@rts.edu to get started. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/rts.washington/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RTSWashingtonDC X: x.com/rtswashington

This week, we look at the Israelites' hidden sins, their consequences, and how our life can be impacted by the sins we try to hide from God. Want to continue the conversation? Visit https://rts.edu/ to learn more about our programs.

This week we discuss the themes of judgment, the role of the land, and the significance of the term "Son of Man" as used by Ezekiel and its connection to Jesus. The conversation touches on the broader implications of these themes for understanding messianic expectations, the day of the Lord, and the remnant theology.

Episodes 207: History and Hope: John Muether on Reformed Theology in the Orthodox PC We are thrilled to bring you our first lecture in the History and Hope series, featuring John Muether discussing the history of Reformed Theology in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. For three decades, RTS Washington has been at the forefront of equipping pastors and church leaders across various denominations and networks. This milestone year will be marked by a series of lectures featuring esteemed representatives from the denominations and traditions RTS Washington, D.C., most frequently serves. Each speaker will offer insights into the history and unique character of their tradition while sharing their vision and hopes for its contribution to the future of the church.

shoRTS: Zach Purvis on Writing in the Reformation It's conference season, and as is our tradition we ambushed friends and colleagues at the Evangelical Theological Society to hear what they're working on. In this episode Dr. Zachary Purvis, Lecturer in Church History at Edinburgh Theological Seminary, speaks with us about Reformation scribal culture. How did Reformation authors write their works, and how does the printing press change the writing process? What happened to their notes and letters? What do we learn about their theological interests from their annotations and edits? You can read more from Dr. Purvis here: https://www.modernreformation.org/resources/authors/zachary-purvis

Episodes 206: History and Hopes: Mark Dever on Reformed Theology in the Baptist Tradition We are thrilled to bring you our first lecture in the History and Hope series, featuring Mark Dever discussing the history of Reformed Theology in the Baptist tradition. For three decades, RTS Washington has been at the forefront of equipping pastors and church leaders across various denominations and networks. This milestone year will be marked by a series of lectures featuring esteemed representatives from the denominations and traditions RTS Washington, D.C., most frequently serves. Each speaker will offer insights into the history and unique character of their tradition while sharing their vision and hopes for its contribution to the future of the church. Dr. Devers erves as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/

Episode 205: Judgement and Justice (Ezekiel 4-5) After an extensive prologue and call, we now get to hear God's plan for Jerusalem, and it is very dark indeed. Peter Lee walks us through the ancient siege and the history of Jerusalem's fall; Gray reflects on the nature of God's justice; Paul and Tommy talk to us about preaching and bearing witness to the judgement of God. Also one of the faculty makes a startling admission related to Lord of the Rings.

Episode 204. "Election Reflections" "Look to the rock from which you were hewn" (Isa. 51:1). We were all a bit surprised this morning by the discovery that the results of yesterday's election had, in fact, been called. Whether you are elated and discouraged by the news, there's no denying that emotions are high and that there is division even in the body of Christ. We take a break from our regularly scheduled programming to discuss the unifying and peacemaking perspective provided by the Kingdom of God.

Episode 203: Called to an "Unsuccessful" Ministry (Ezekiel 2-3) Ministry is hard, and sometimes we don't talk enough about that. Ezekiel 2-3 provides a lens through which we can see the mystery of the purposes of God, which helps us to better understand our calling even when it doesn't seem to be fruitful.

Episode 202: Theophanies, Chariots, and Wheels within Wheels (Ezekiel 1) Returning to our series on Ezekiel, we are transported into the heavenly realms to gaze on the glory of God in his war chariot. What is the significance of the imagery? Where is it going? After a brief debate about the nature of theophanies, Drs. Sutanto Redd and Lee give us a tour of this dramatic picture of divine presence.

Episode 201. God and Humanity: The Book! (ft. Gray Sutanto) It's that time of the year again: Dr. Sutanto has just released a new book! With theological anthropology all the rage right now (and rightly so), we discuss Gray's contributions to the nature of humanity, the impact of the fall, and the corporate character humans as God's image. Relevant links: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/06/herman-bavinck-kuyper-nazi-racism-christian-nationalism/ Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/God-Humanity-Theological-Anthropology-Explorations/dp/0567709019/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1S0LCWE9I9HMF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xCegnzJk1ZNIdkcj1Vwqvothgf8BvPHCmQij06sp7QbGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.SLUH0wSpMi-OobGcs4rDzofjAqOi4GlgiUooxv64PL0&dib_tag=se&keywords=god+and+humanity+sutanto&qid=1727898659&sprefix=god+and+humanity+sutanto%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1

Episode 201: An Introduction to Ezekiel Our main course for the podcast this season will be an exegetical and theological "tour" of Ezekiel. Today we introduced the book and the author. What is unique about Ezekiel? How does it fit in the rest of Scripture? What are its key themes and how is it structured? Also this week, we introduce (or re-introduce) a new segment: Professorial Plugs, were we talk about the things we're reading, watching, or listening to. Stay till the end!

Episode 200: "Our 30th Year (and our 200th Episode) This year at RTS Washington we are celebrating 30 years of serving the church in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. As one does when one turns 30, we reminisce a bit, and what better episode to do so than this, our 200th. Join us for a bit or oral history and future hopes!

Episode 199. Denominational Diversity RTS Washington is entering our 30th year, and to celebrate we are reflection on the history and tradition of the denominations we serve. In this episode the faculty reflect on the distinctives of their own denominational affiliations

Drs. Peter Lee and Tommy Keene are finally getting to co-teach a class. In preparation for Covenant Theology, they sit down to talk about the nature of covenant in Scripture and why it's important.

Episode 198. The Public Theology of Abraham Kuyper (ft. Vincent Bacote) We are pleased to share this recent lecture with you! Dr. Vincent Bacote, Professor of Theology and Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College, recently taught a class for us and delivered this public lecture, analyzing the life and influence of Abraham Kuyper.

Episode 197. What was Paul's Thorn in the Flesh? This week we dive into the RTS mailbag. In 2 Cor. 12 Paul talks about a "revelation" that he received from Jesus: "my grace is sufficient for you." It's a challenging text for a number of reasons, not the least of which is identifying the "thorn" in question. How did Paul's conversation take place? Why three times? Join our discussion!

Episode 196: Pentecost: A Discussion with Dick Gaffin and Nancy Guthrie This week we have a crossover episode with Conversations on the Bible with Nancy Guthrie. In this discussion with Nancy and Dr. Richard Gaffin and Tommy Keene, we discuss the significance of Pentecost within the narrative of Acts, in Redemptive History, and in the life of the church. You can find other interviews on the book of Acts, and also an abridged version of this interview, on Nancy's podcast: https://www.crossway.org/articles/conversations-on-the-bible-with-nancy-guthrie/ Nancy's book *Saved* is an excellent resource for Acts. Check it out on Crossway's website, or wherever you get your books. https://www.amazon.com/Saved-Experiencing-Promise-Book-Acts/dp/143359286X/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1

In this Summer shoRTS episode, Gray Sutanto sits down to talk to us about his two contributions to the recently published *Ruined Sinners to Reclaim,* edited by David and Jonathan Gibson. It's a fascinating expansion of the traditional doctrine of the noetic effects of sin and the corresponding grace that we find in Christ Jesus.

Episode 195. Was Acts 15 the first presbytery meeting? (Tough Texts! Episode 13) The work of the church doesn't always feel glamorous. Our culture values individualism, freedom of conscience, and authenticity; it's also suspicious of institutions and matters of polity and order. Is there wisdom to be found in committees and councils? In this episode, we take a look at Acts 15 to tease out some principles central to how the early church "does business." Article by Jennifer Patterson: https://wng.org/opinions/patterson-on-bavinck-1639400581 More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 193: Bavinck and Advanced Studies at RTS Washington (w/ Joshua Patrasahan and Isaac Whitney) We are joined with two of our students from our Advanced Studies initiative at RTS Washington, Joshua Patrasahan and Isaac Whitney, both of him recently presented papers at the Abraham Kuyper conference. They talk to use about the details of their research, and Dr. Sutanto tells us a bit more about the Advanced Studies initiative. We give thanks to the Abraham Kuyper Leadership Fund for sponsoring the Neo-Calvinist Initiative and the Adam F. Redd Family Grant for sponsoring the Advanced Studies Initiative at RTS Washington.

Episode 193: How does the unbeliever "know God" (Rom. 1:18ff)? (Tough Texts! Episode 12) Returning to our "tough texts" series, this week we considered Romans 1:18-25. It's a challenging text for many reasons, but in particular we are discuss what this reveals about the unbeliever's knowledge of God. How do they know God, and what exactly does that knowledge entail? Is the knowledge of God "natural," and if so, what about other things that we seem to know "by nature?"

Episode 192. "For Thine is the Kingdom" (The Lord's Prayer, Part 9) The conclusion of the Lord's prayer redirects our thoughts to the God-centeredness of the Kingdom, and the posture of dependence in prayer. We also discuss the text-critical issues with this last line of the prayer and the place of the prayer in church liturgy. More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 191. "Lead us not into Temptation" (The Lord's Prayer, Part 8) With this, the last petition of the Lord's Prayer, our Lord teaches us how to live faithfully in the world. What's the relationship between testing and temptation? How are we "kept" as we struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil? Join us for this penultimate episode in our series on the Lord's Prayer. More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 190. "And Forgive us our Debts" (The Lord's Prayer, Part 7) Jesus tells us to pray not only for our physical needs, but also our spiritual ones. In this episode we discuss how to best translate the word "debts," why Jesus uses that word instead of "sins" or "transgressions," and the importance of forgiving others even as we pray for ourselves. More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 189. Thy Will be Done. Lord's Prayer Part 5 Jesus turns from our prayer for God to prayer for ourselves, and we begin with "bread." Clearly bread means more than just bread, but what exactly? Today we discuss what this petition teaches us about ourselves, about our need for one another, and about our posture in prayer. Also: Gray has some thoughts about low-carb diets. We also have an opportunity to talk with Dr. Sutanto about his recently released book. You can check that out here: https://www.amazon.com/Clark-Handbook-Neo-Calvinism-Handbooks/dp/0567698084/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2 More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 188. Thy Will be Done. Lord's Prayer Part 5 We round out our discussion of the first half of the Lord's Prayer this week by discussing that nature of God's providence. In his wisdom he has chosen to incorporate us, and our prayers, into the working out of his grand design. How does that impact what we pray about? How does it "work" theologically? And what does this petition tell us about God's work and wisdom? More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 187. Thy Kingdom Come. Lord's Prayer Part 4 Jesus comes preaching the Kingdom of God. And he prays for it too. What are we praying for when we pray "thy Kingdom come?" Is this about evangelism, or is the a broader and deeper scope to the kingdom? How does it relate to the New Heavens and the New Earth? More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

shoRTS: Tommy and Scott sat down mid-January (yes, it's taken awhile to get this one out because we've had so many special guests of late!) to discuss the formation and reliability of the OT. Although the episode wasn't short, our studio participation was! And yet this was a fascinating deep dive into the very complex nature of how we received the OT. Topics include prophetic discourse, the dead sea scrolls, scribal editing, canon formation, the self-authentication of Scripture, and text-criticism.

Episode 186. Hallowed Be Thy Name. Lord's Prayer Part 3 What does it mean to "hallow" the name of God? If God is already holy, why do we pray for him to make his name holy? This week we discuss the name of God, the way in which it is to be honored, and how this petition embraces everything unique about the Christian religion. More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 185. Neo-Calvinism, China, and Western Philosophy (ft. Alex Tseng) Prior to his lecture in our Global Bavinck Scholars series at RTS Washington, Alex Tseng joined us for a far ranging discussion of missions, the Chinese church, the impact of Western Philosophy on Eastern culture, and, of course, Neo-Calvinism. More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

We were recently host to Dr. Alex Tseng for our Global Bavinck Scholars series of lectures, and so our podcast this week comes in two parts. First we are please to release Dr. Tseng's lecture. Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck brought insights from the historic Reformed confession of faith to bear on the philosophical trends of his day. What would a similar Neo-Calvinist engagement of culture and philosophy look like today in different contexts around the world? How might this theological engagement of culture proceed in Asian contexts? Theologian and philosopher Shao Kai (“Alex”) Tseng will draw from Bavinck's example of wrestling with thinkers like Hegel to propose how Neo-Calvinism can philosophically engage contemporary Asian cultures. Dr. Tseng has authored books on Hegel, Kant, and Barth, and he serves as a research professor in the philosophy department of Zheijang University in Hangzhou, China. More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 184: "Our Father" We continue our discussion of the Lord's Prayer this week with the preface. Though not unprecedented, Jesus addressing God as "Father," and encouraging his disciples to do likewise, is significant. It signals a new level of intimacy and corporate identity for the people of God. EPISODE LINKS More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 183: Introduction to the Lord's Prayer We begin a new series for the new semester: the Lord's Prayer. In this introductory episode we talk about how the Lord's Prayer came to be known as such, how to use it, why it's so important, and what it teaches us about prayer. This short prayer provides us with ample opportunity for theological, historical, and spiritual reflection. EPISODE LINKS More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 181: When does the Millennium Start (Rev. 20:1-10)? (Tough Texts! Episode 11) There has been debates about the nature and timing of the 1000 year reign of Jesus since the early church. What are our interpretative options? Is this a literal period of history, or is it "just a metaphor?" What should Christians be doing now in light of this text? Our discussion includes exegetical and theological reflections on the nature of the end times and the hope of the Christian church. EPISODE LINKS More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 180: Why does God command Israel to destroy everyone in the land (Joshua 6:19)? (Tough Texts Episode 10) When the Israelites go into the land God commands them to devote the inhabitants to destruction. Is this unjust of God? Some have even called it a genocide--is that an accurate description? The profs examine the issue historically and theologically. EPISODE LINKS More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Episode 179: Is the Incarnation both True and Necessary (Matt. 2)? The nativity story is so well known that it may not seem like a tough text; Christians don't notice anything odd about it, and non-Christians just receive it as symbolic or mythological. But these texts each have exegetical, historical, and theological challenges worth pondering. In our last episode of 2023 we discuss the interpretation and implication of the virgin birth. EPISODE LINKS More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Isaiah 49-53 by Reformed Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.

Episode 178: Can We (and Should we) Harmonize Synoptic Texts (John 2)? Does Jesus cleanse the temple twice? How do we navigate seemingly conflicting accounts of the same event in the Bible? While harmonization may be a necessary step in understanding how the Bible provides "a window" into history, it can also distract us from seeing "the portrait" painted by each particular text. The faculty discuss the tension involved in this dynamic and how these issues ultimately reinforce the trustworthiness of God's word. EPISODE LINKS Gaffin, *Word and Spirit*: https://www.amazon.com/Word-Spirit-Selected-Writings-Systematic/dp/1955859019/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=word+and+spirit+gaffin&qid=1702665183&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840 More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/

Faculty shoRTS: Jeremiah in Revelation (ft. Matthew Dudreck) If you want to understand Revelation, you need to be a student of the OT, and particularly the prophets. Matthew Dudreck, associate professor of NT at Reformation Bible College, walks us through how Jeremiah helps us interpret this amazing NT book. EPISODE LINKS More about RTS: rts.edu/campuses/washington-dc/ Donate: give2rtsdc.com/