Podcasts about Christology

Dr. Robert Letham joins Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey to discuss Dr. Letham's recent book The Eternal Son (P&R Publishing). Their conversation presses into a simple but urgent claim: Christology is not a side department of theology—it is the living center. When the church loses clarity about who the Son is, the gospel itself becomes unclear, because salvation depends on the identity of the Savior. They also explore why the church must listen carefully to the whole ecumenical tradition, especially the often-neglected debates after Chalcedon. Letham explains why it matters that the acting subject in the Gospels is the eternal Son, who assumes a true human nature without change in his divine person. From there, they engage contemporary confusions—especially biblicism that isolates Scripture from the church's confession—and they address the claim that Christ was "adopted" at the resurrection, showing how such proposals unravel both orthodox Christology and the gracious character of adoption for believers. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:07 Introduction 02:04 This Book within the Trilogy 04:36 Christ and the Center of Christianity 11:05 Reading the Bible in Isolation 16:44 The Ecumenical Councils After Chalcedon 26:44 The Pre-Existent Son 30:24 Christology from Below 35:54 The Doctrine of Adoption 44:48 Twin Errors of Christology and Soteriology 53:15 An Exhortation to Re-Examine the Historical Confession of the Church 56:19 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton, Robert Letham

In Part 2 of this deep-dive investigation, Jeremiah Roberts and Andrew “Super Sleuth” Soncrant continue their examination of La Luz del Mundo (“Light of the World”) by moving beyond history into the movement's theology and Christology. Joined again by researcher and author Luis Carlos Reyes  @Mopar440HP  team unpacks the doctrinal framework that sustains one of the largest and most controversial apostle-centered movements in the world. This episode carefully analyzes La Luz del Mundo's rejection of historic Trinitarianism, its Oneness-influenced understanding of God, and its redefinition of the person and work of Jesus Christ.  What does LLDM actually teach about the incarnation? How do they interpret the Son of God?  And how does their theology position the “living apostle” as the necessary mediator of salvation in the present age?  The discussion exposes how LLDM's doctrine of “election” reshapes the Gospel itself—placing apostolic authority functionally above Scripture and reframing salvation as loyalty to a man rather than faith in Christ alone. Jeremiah, Andrew, and Luis contrast these teachings with historic Christian orthodoxy, highlighting the theological fault lines that separate LLDM from biblical Christianity. Carlos' YouTube: HERE Cultish BLOG on La Luz Del Mundo: HERE **The blog is a living article, things are still being added to it. SHOP OUR MERCH: HERE Please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel: CultishTV.com Cultish is a 100% crowdfunded ministry. 

In this episode, we discuss Christ's human nature.

Send a textGrace walks into Nazareth, opens Isaiah 61, and stops mid-sentence. That single pause changes everything. We unpack why Jesus proclaims the year of the Lord's favor without invoking “the day of vengeance,” and what His claim—“Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing”—demands from a crowd tempted to reduce Him to “Joseph's son.” The tension spikes from polite admiration to raw fury, exposing how pride, familiarity, and spiritual entitlement can harden hearts. When the room demands hometown miracles on cue, Jesus reaches back to Elijah and Elisha, showing how God's mercy finds faith beyond the expected boundaries.From there the scene moves to Capernaum, where Jesus teaches with a striking, unborrowed authority. Unclean spirits cry out His identity, and He silences them with a word. No theatrics. No negotiation. Just the authority that flows from who He is. We talk about why demons often hold a clearer Christology than modern skeptics, why a purely material lens misses the spiritual stakes, and how believers can face darkness without fear by anchoring in Christ's victory. Then compassion meets a household: He rebukes Simon's mother-in-law's fever, and she rises to serve—a quiet picture of how true healing points us toward humble, grateful action.As the sun sets and the crowds swell, Jesus heals many but refuses demonic testimony and empty hype. When people beg Him to stay, He slips away to a desolate place and resets on purpose: “I must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God.” That line becomes our compass. We explore the habits that shaped His ministry and can shape ours—regular worship, community, Scripture fluency, solitude, service, and a mission that resists the drift toward applause. If you've ever wrestled with unbelief, spiritual pride, the reality of the demonic, or the difference between popularity and purpose, this journey through Luke 4 offers both clarity and courage.If this conversation helps you see Jesus more clearly, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more people can discover the show. What part of Luke 4 challenged you most?New episodes every Mondaywww.lifehousemot.cominfo@lifehousede.com Join us Sundays at 9 & 11 AM Intro music by Joey Blair

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. John 15:9-14 (NRSVUE) So, this Sunday is the first Sunday in our Lent season. As all of you know naman, Lent season is in preparation for Easter or Resurrection Sunday. This is when Jesus rose again. So that's going to be a month from now — malapit na. And along with that, all the preparations that we as a community is going to face. This is the season where we reflect on the life of Jesus — lahat ng drama bago siya mamatay at mabuhay muli. And in this season we are invited to pray, to fast, reflect, and to be charitable, which I encourage all of us to observe in our own little ways. Even though some of us here are hindi naman Katoliko, and if hindi ka naman religious, the practice of abstinence and self-discipline is still valuable pa rin naman and something that we must all practice. Lent season is not just about the disciplines in themselves. The challenge for all of us Christians this Lent is that these practices will eventually lead us to repentance and transformation. And repentance and transformation all start with the acknowledgement of our sins as an individual and as a collective. That's why this afternoon we would be discussing sin — the nature of sin, and kung ano nga ba ang sin. In the study of theology, sa mga may theology background diyan or nagse-seminary, we also divide theological topics into branches. Just like in science — sa science we have biology, we have chemistry, zoology. In theology, meron din. Dini-divide din natin yung knowledge or study ng theology into branches. So in systematic theology, we also have the likes of Christology, which is the study that concerns the nature of Jesus. We have Soteriology, which we will be discussing in the coming weeks. Soteriology is concerned with salvation in the Christian sense. And for today we would be discussing Hamartiology, which is the study of sin. So yung paglabas niyo mamaya, uy grabe, feeling niyo may MDiv na kayo dahil may natutunan kayong theology on this service. Pwede niyo nang i-flex sa mga friends niyo. So why is it called hamartiology? I-clarify ko lang: hamartiology is spelled — it's a single word. Hindi siya “hamar” and “theology” with space. It's from the Greek word hamartia, which means to miss the mark. So in your New Testament books, when you read the word sin, some of those came from the word hamartia and is translated to sin in English. So I mention na some of those kasi hindi lang naman hamartia yung word for sin. There are many of that. But for this afternoon, we will be focusing on the word hamartia for sin. There are some people who think na pag progressive ka wala ka nang konsepto ng kasalanan. Kasi nga if ang same-sex relationship ay hindi niyo naman tinuturing na kasalanan, then ano pang kasalanan for you? Since parang lahat naman ay pwede — diyan kayo nagkakamali. Kaya nga may community guidelines tayo. The funny thing is, for some people it seems that being gay is the greatest sin that there is — even worse than the seven deadly sins. It seems to be more acceptable to some than gay people getting married or being in a same-sex relationship. Para mas grabe pa ang reaksyon nila dito rather than a president ordering the killing of people, regardless kahit maraming inosente ang madadamay. So the question is: wala nga ba tayong konsepto ng kasalanan bilang progressive Christians? Not at all. Not at all. In fact, the challenge with being a progressive Christian is that what we consider sins are sometimes those that are not obvious and sadly even considered as normal or acceptable in this society that we're in. Pumunta lang kayo sa news feed niyo at sa comment sections ng mga tita at tito niyo. Grabe. Hindi ko naman jine-generalize lahat ng tita, kahit ako naloloka minsan na grabe normal okay lang sa kanila 'to. Minsan napapa-question ako: ako ba yung mali? For example, killing people for the greater good daw is acceptable for some. Makikita mo yan sa comment section. Corruption — some people, even Christians, don't even seem to care or are not angry with the rampant corruption that's happening in our country. Yung iba jina-justify pa at pinagtatanggol. Yung iba may pa-prayer vigil pa. They are even more angry sa pagbuo ng relationships nating mga bakla and even with the recent Supreme Court decision allowing same-sex partnerships to co-own properties. Mas kasalanan pa sa kanila na may dalawang babae o dalawang lalaki na magkaroon ng legal protection to own properties rather than their own favorite politicians na nagnanakaw ng properties that aren't theirs and even killing innocent people in the process — and worse, using God to justify it. And for some of us, we are not immune to societal sins that pervade us. For example, rampant consumerism — from the belief that happiness lies in consuming more and obtaining things that doesn't satisfy us. O ‘di ba? Ilan na yung nasa cart niyo? O hindi ko kayo iju-judge kung kailangan niyo talaga 'yan — i-checkout niyo na. Kung needs naman, go, hindi naman kayo huhusgahan diyan. Pero aminin natin, 'di ba, sometimes tayo can be consumeristic at times. Oo, 'di ba? O labubo — baka ma-bash ako. Ayon. O next topic. Naku ito — how about our dependence sa social media? 'Di ba, na parang… o kita niyo, kahit ako parang social media na rin magsalita with that trend. Social media na nagde-dictate sa atin kung ano yung dapat nating magustuhan, who to vote, and what a good life is. Huwag kasi kayong maniniwala sa aming mga advertisers. I'm raising my hand here, so baka mawalan ako ng trabaho next week. Oh 'di ba? This just all points out na yung mga personal sins natin ay related sa systemic and social sin. But also alam ko din naman that all of us here are middle class and some are even considered poor. Wala naman sigurong nepo baby dito, no — except kay RD. Joke lang. Oo, mukha kasing congressman si John sa recent date nila, so parang nepo vibes ang dating. So it's okay. We are all just getting by for us to bear the burden of these complex systemic issues or sins that all of us are trapped in. So ito na: What is sin and how do we know? Because for some pastors or churches, the very existence of our own church — MCC — and even me, your baklang lay pastor, is considered not just a sin but even an abomination that we deserve na maging panggatong sa impiyerno. 'Di ba? For us progressives, that's what constitutes sin: the likes of rape and abuse that don't reflect Jesus' command for us to love one another. Actions that cause real harm and pain that are felt, lived, and experienced — whether it is spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, sexual, and so on. Sin is two gay men or women having a loving and life-giving relationship na hindi naman nakakaabala or nakakapanakit sa mga buhay ng mga taong naniniwalang isa siyang kasalanan. The sin in this scenario is their judgment and condemnation over something that God obviously intended to be part of the diversity of God's creation. And ito — ito na yung pinaka-favorite nating progressive pero pinakamalaking haggard din sa atin: it is condemning systemic or structural sins. We also name and condemn systemic sins that bring suffering and harm to us and other people. These sins can be political, economical, and religious in nature — such as inequality, religious extremism, homophobia, misogyny, racism, environmental neglect, and so on. These are actually the sins that Jesus cared more about. ossible ba na kahit busy tayo to work on social justice as progressive Christians, we still miss the mark — that we are still capable of hurting others and forgetting the way of Jesus this Lent season? Now maybe this is a good time for all of us as progressive Christians to reflect on how, in our own ways, we are unconsciously becoming perpetrators also of the sin that we condemn. Maybe we can ask ourselves: masyado na rin ba tayong nagiging katulad ng mga Pharisees that Jesus speaks against? That what we only see is the speck in our brother's eye rather than the plank in our own eye? Sabi nga ni Jesus sa Matthew chapter 7. Because of our hyperfixation with justice, we can become the same people that we condemn — oppressive, judgmental, unforgiving. Are our condemnation or correction to other people rooted in our genuine love and care? Or is it just to satisfy our egos or to assert our moral superiority? Do we still give space for grace and transformation? Or do we easily cut short the transformative power of God's grace in the lives of others — realizing that even if they also perpetuate oppression, they too are victims of oppression themselves? Baka naman call-out lang tayo nang call-out that we forgot that we too are in the process of lifetime transformation and also need grace from other people. Tayo rin ba, personally, bukas ba tayo sa correction? O kapag tayo na ang kino-call out, defensive agad? My hope is that we don't get stuck sa pagde-deconstruct at sa pagiging mulat, but we move forward sa bagong faith at kalayaan na natagpuan natin. That in the middle of all the mess in this world, people will see that we are Jesus' disciples — because it is evident in our lives filled with love, joy, gentleness, and fierceness na strategically nilulugar din sa sitwasyon. As progressive Christians, we cannot change the world alone and overnight. We wouldn't even be able to see the fruits of our labor in our lifetime. After all, it is not our labor — it is God's labor. Kaya huwag tayong mag-alala. We just show up. We love. We find ways to be joyful, to be gentle and kind to one another, and to be fierce only when specific situations call for it. And we find strength and hope in the combined efforts of our communities who work for justice. So let us love, be joyful, and do justice where we are. Let us begin again — in our homes and in this community of Open Table. God bless us all. The post Nature of Sin appeared first on Open Table Metropolitan Community Church.

The significance and simplicity of our Christology is a foundation that must be laid in order that we might receive the fullness of all He's designed us to inherit and become all that He's designed us to be. We will continue to place an extremely high value on the importance of our Christology!   Union University - January 20th, 2026

Rethink Mission is a historically grounded podcast hosted by Dr. Mike Brown that reexamines early Christianity by beginning with lived communities, shared memory, and received tradition rather than later institutions or isolated texts. Focusing on what the series calls primitive Christian mission, the podcast challenges popular skeptical narratives that portray Christianity as a late textual invention or a belief system fabricated through copying and doctrinal manipulation. Drawing on early Christian writings, archaeological evidence, and historical method, the series argues that Christian belief and worship preceded the New Testament texts and that these writings functioned as occasional documents addressing real communities that already shared a coherent faith. Episodes explore the role of communal memory, apostolic authority, early creeds, and high Christology, showing that core Christian convictions—such as the worship of Jesus as Lord, belief in the resurrection, and continuity with Jewish Scripture—were established very early and received rather than invented by figures like Paul. By integrating theology, history, and philosophy, Rethink Mission offers listeners a disciplined alternative to both naïve faith and reductionist skepticism, inviting a deeper understanding of how Christianity emerged, spread, and sustained itself in the ancient world. Episode 3:  The Holy Spirit

The glory of the Transfiguration prepares disciples for the hard, faithful walk down the mountain into the valley of shadow, cross and tomb.

Rethink Mission is a historically grounded podcast hosted by Dr. Mike Brown that reexamines early Christianity by beginning with lived communities, shared memory, and received tradition rather than later institutions or isolated texts. Focusing on what the series calls primitive Christian mission, the podcast challenges popular skeptical narratives that portray Christianity as a late textual invention or a belief system fabricated through copying and doctrinal manipulation. Drawing on early Christian writings, archaeological evidence, and historical method, the series argues that Christian belief and worship preceded the New Testament texts and that these writings functioned as occasional documents addressing real communities that already shared a coherent faith. Episodes explore the role of communal memory, apostolic authority, early creeds, and high Christology, showing that core Christian convictions—such as the worship of Jesus as Lord, belief in the resurrection, and continuity with Jewish Scripture—were established very early and received rather than invented by figures like Paul. By integrating theology, history, and philosophy, Rethink Mission offers listeners a disciplined alternative to both naïve faith and reductionist skepticism, inviting a deeper understanding of how Christianity emerged, spread, and sustained itself in the ancient world. Episode 3:  The Ascension of Jesus as King 

WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO BECOME HUMAN? (CHRISTOLOGY 2)Last week, we began our journey through Hebrews by focusing on Christ's divine nature. In just four verses, we saw that Jesus is the agent, purpose, sustainer, and ruler of creation. He is fully God—uncreated, eternal, and the exact expression of God's nature. That was a lot of theology packed into a small space.Today we slow down and move to Christology part two: Jesus' human nature. This raises a crucial question for Christians then and now: Why did Jesus have to become human?The theological term for this is the incarnation—the central Christian belief that the eternal Son of God took on human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. Importantly, Jesus did not stop being God when He came to earth. He retained His divine nature and added a fully human nature. This means Jesus is one person with two distinct natures: fully God and fully man. No other being in the universe exists like this.While on earth, Jesus didn't “turn off” His divine power. Instead, He chose not to exercise His divine attributes independently. He lived in complete dependence on the Holy Spirit. The early church called this mystery the hypostatic union. It's deep theology, but the book of Hebrews doesn't present it as abstract theory. It presents it as good news.Let's slow down and read our passage for the day:Hebrews 2:14–18 (NLT)Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying…From this passage, Hebrews gives us seven reasons Jesus had to become human.First, Jesus became human because we are human. Since God's children are flesh and blood, the Son also became flesh and blood. Only a human could represent the human race before God. To save humanity, the Savior had to belong to humanity. In God's courtroom of justice, Jesus stands as our representative—one who truly understands our condition.Second, Jesus became human so He could die. Death is the penalty for sin, established by God from the beginning. This is the great paradox of the gospel: the Author of life became mortal. If Jesus had remained only divine, He could not have died—and if He could not die, we could not overcome death. Hebrews later reminds us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.Third, Jesus became human so He could break the power of the devil. Hebrews says that through death, Jesus destroyed the one who had the power of death. Satan once held the authority to accuse humanity and hold eternal separation over our heads. Notice the tense—had the power of death. Through the cross, that authority was broken.Fourth, Jesus became human to set us free from the fear of death. Death is still inevitable, but it no longer has the final word. In the ancient world, death was a constant companion, and fear of it shaped daily life. The Christian hope of resurrection transformed everything. As Paul later declared, “O death, where is your victory?” Christians don't have to live as slaves to fear anymore.Fifth, Jesus became human so He could be our high priest. A priest bridges the gap between a holy God and broken people. Jesus had to be made like us in every respect to fulfill this role. He is merciful toward our weakness and faithful toward God's holiness. Hebrews will return to this theme again and again.Sixth, Jesus became human so He could be our sacrifice. In the Old Testament, priests offered animals. In the New Covenant, the Priest is the sacrifice. This is the ultimate power move of grace: Jesus offered Himself to take away the...

WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO BECOME HUMAN? (CHRISTOLOGY 2)Last week, we began our journey through Hebrews by focusing on Christ's divine nature. In just four verses, we saw that Jesus is the agent, purpose, sustainer, and ruler of creation. He is fully God—uncreated, eternal, and the exact expression of God's nature. That was a lot of theology packed into a small space.Today we slow down and move to Christology part two: Jesus' human nature. This raises a crucial question for Christians then and now: Why did Jesus have to become human?The theological term for this is the incarnation—the central Christian belief that the eternal Son of God took on human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. Importantly, Jesus did not stop being God when He came to earth. He retained His divine nature and added a fully human nature. This means Jesus is one person with two distinct natures: fully God and fully man. No other being in the universe exists like this.While on earth, Jesus didn't “turn off” His divine power. Instead, He chose not to exercise His divine attributes independently. He lived in complete dependence on the Holy Spirit. The early church called this mystery the hypostatic union. It's deep theology, but the book of Hebrews doesn't present it as abstract theory. It presents it as good news.Let's slow down and read our passage for the day:Hebrews 2:14–18 (NLT)Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying…From this passage, Hebrews gives us seven reasons Jesus had to become human.First, Jesus became human because we are human. Since God's children are flesh and blood, the Son also became flesh and blood. Only a human could represent the human race before God. To save humanity, the Savior had to belong to humanity. In God's courtroom of justice, Jesus stands as our representative—one who truly understands our condition.Second, Jesus became human so He could die. Death is the penalty for sin, established by God from the beginning. This is the great paradox of the gospel: the Author of life became mortal. If Jesus had remained only divine, He could not have died—and if He could not die, we could not overcome death. Hebrews later reminds us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.Third, Jesus became human so He could break the power of the devil. Hebrews says that through death, Jesus destroyed the one who had the power of death. Satan once held the authority to accuse humanity and hold eternal separation over our heads. Notice the tense—had the power of death. Through the cross, that authority was broken.Fourth, Jesus became human to set us free from the fear of death. Death is still inevitable, but it no longer has the final word. In the ancient world, death was a constant companion, and fear of it shaped daily life. The Christian hope of resurrection transformed everything. As Paul later declared, “O death, where is your victory?” Christians don't have to live as slaves to fear anymore.Fifth, Jesus became human so He could be our high priest. A priest bridges the gap between a holy God and broken people. Jesus had to be made like us in every respect to fulfill this role. He is merciful toward our weakness and faithful toward God's holiness. Hebrews will return to this theme again and again.Sixth, Jesus became human so He could be our sacrifice. In the Old Testament, priests offered animals. In the New Covenant, the Priest is the sacrifice. This is the ultimate power move of grace: Jesus offered Himself to take away the...

On this episode of 2414, Shane and Pastor Dan center the conversation on the comfort and confidence found in the LCMS confession that Jesus Christ is true God and true man.They explore what it means to confess that the eternal Son of God took on real human flesh at the Incarnation, remains both God and man after the resurrection and ascension, and reigns even now for our salvation. The discussion unpacks the communication of attributes, clarifies why the church rejects errors such as adoptionism and subordinationism, and shows how Scripture, the Apostles' Creed, and Luther's Small Catechism safeguard the biblical teaching about who Jesus is and what He has done.Rather than treating doctrine as abstract theory, Shane and Dan emphasize doctrine as clear, life-giving teaching meant to give Christians assurance: only God could bear the sins of the world, and only as man could Christ suffer, die, and rise in our place. This is the heart of our comfort—Jesus chose to save, keeps His promises, and remains “one of us” who understands human suffering.Along the way, they share a few everyday highlights and play a light game featuring songs with U.S. cities in the title, but the focus remains on slowing down, listening well, and speaking clearly about the faith we confess.Want to talk about your faith, share your story, or ask questions on a future episode?Book a recording time with us here:https://outlook.office.com/book/Ge29a5d453add4d478471a0c1bf208af9@stlukes-church.com/?ismsaljsauthenabledDon't forget to continue the conversation at home, in the car, at work, or anywhere you can find someone to talk to! Thanks for walking with us!Support the show

For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com. Every weekday at 3:30 am and 7:30 am you can listen to The Gospel for Life on KSPD 94.5 FM and 790 AM Boise's Solid Talk in the Treasure Valley, Idaho, USA. If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them. Phone: (208) 991-3526E-mail: thegospelforlifeidaho@gmail.comPodcast website: https://www.790kspd.com/gospel-for-life/

Rethink Mission is a historically grounded podcast hosted by Dr. Mike Brown that reexamines early Christianity by beginning with lived communities, shared memory, and received tradition rather than later institutions or isolated texts. Focusing on what the series calls primitive Christian mission, the podcast challenges popular skeptical narratives that portray Christianity as a late textual invention or a belief system fabricated through copying and doctrinal manipulation. Drawing on early Christian writings, archaeological evidence, and historical method, the series argues that Christian belief and worship preceded the New Testament texts and that these writings functioned as occasional documents addressing real communities that already shared a coherent faith. Episodes explore the role of communal memory, apostolic authority, early creeds, and high Christology, showing that core Christian convictions—such as the worship of Jesus as Lord, belief in the resurrection, and continuity with Jewish Scripture—were established very early and received rather than invented by figures like Paul. By integrating theology, history, and philosophy, Rethink Mission offers listeners a disciplined alternative to both naïve faith and reductionist skepticism, inviting a deeper understanding of how Christianity emerged, spread, and sustained itself in the ancient world.Episode 2:  A look at the Synoptic Gospels. 

Send us a textText: Ephesians 4:25–32; Colossians 3:10; Exodus 34:5-6; Psalm 103:8; Romans 12:14-15; Matthew 9:35-36; Luke 10:33-34Topic(s): Anger, Conflict, Restoration, EmpathyBig Idea of the Message: Anger is normal; what we do with it can be restorative or it can be destructive.Application Point: When confronting or being confronted, the believer needs to accept and acknowledge truth, while putting off the auto-response to win, be defensive, use force, or get back at someone. In our anger, we must not sin. Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/thresholdchurchchrist

In a culture increasingly resistant to Christian conviction, clarity about who Jesus Christ is has never mattered more. In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley challenges believers to move beyond cultural Christianity and shallow faith by grounding their lives in a robust, biblical understanding of Christology—the doctrine of Christ. As pressure mounts from media, politics, and public opinion, believers are tempted to prioritize tolerance over truth, presentation over substance, and success over faithfulness. Dr. Easley argues that the antidote is not better marketing or strategy, but a deeper knowledge of Jesus Himself. To know Christ rightly is not optional; it is foundational. Walking through Scripture, he highlights five key titles of Jesus: Son of Man, Messiah, Son of God, Lord, and God. Each reveals essential truths about Christ's humanity, authority, mission, divinity, and redemptive work. Jesus fully identifies with our suffering, fulfills God's promises, perfectly reveals the Father, reigns as Lord, and stands as God Himself. This sermon reminds us that Christology is not abstract theology—it is intensely practical. When we truly know who Jesus is, it reshapes our humility, worship, courage, and witness. The ultimate question remains: when others look at us, would they see Jesus? Takeaways Cultural pressure tempts believers to soften truth, but a clear Christology anchors faith with conviction and humility. Jesus most often called Himself the Son of Man, fully identifying with our humanity and suffering. As Messiah, Jesus fulfills God's promises and reigns as the rightful King from David's line. Jesus, the Son of God, is the perfect and complete revelation of the Father. Declaring Jesus as Lord means recognizing His supreme authority over every life and allegiance. True Christology is practical—when we know Jesus rightly, others should see Him in us. To read the bible online, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

The Seven Attributes of Jesus (Christology 1)Big Idea: Jesus Christ is not just a chapter in the story of God; He is the Author, the Hero, and the Ending. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, every other priority in our lives finds its proper place.Today we begin a nine-week journey through the Book of Hebrews, a letter written to magnify the greatness of Jesus Christ. Hebrews isn't primarily about religious rules, moral improvement, or spiritual techniques. It's about Jesus—who He is and what He has done. Everything else flows from that foundation.The original audience was likely Jewish Christians living under Roman rule, facing intense persecution. As pressure mounted, many were tempted to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the familiarity and safety of traditional Judaism. Hebrews speaks directly into that tension with one clear message: Jesus is greater than anyone or anything that came before Him. To walk away from Him would be to walk away from the fulfillment of all God's promises.The author of Hebrews remains anonymous, one of the great mysteries of the New Testament. While Paul may have influenced it, the writing style is far more polished and rhetorically sophisticated than Paul's letters. Hebrews chapter 1 proves this immediately. Verses 1–4 form a single, majestic sentence in the original Greek—an exordium, designed to grab attention with both beauty and weight.Hebrews 1:1–4 (NLT) sets the stage:“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son…”In the Old Testament, God spoke in fragments—a dream here, a burning bush there, a prophet's warning along the way. But in Jesus, God didn't just send messages; He sent the Message. This is Christology—the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ—and Hebrews wastes no time getting to the point.In verses 2–3, the author unleashes a rapid-fire description of Jesus using seven distinct attributes. In Scripture, the number seven represents completeness and perfection. Together, these form a full portrait of the Son.Jesus is the Heir—the goal of history. God has promised everything to Him as an inheritance. History is not random; it is moving toward the coronation of King Jesus. He is the “why” behind all creation.Jesus is the Creator—the architect of reality. Through Him, God made the universe. Jesus is not a created being; He is the source of all things. Nothing exists apart from His will.Jesus is the Radiance—the shining glory of God. He doesn't merely reflect God's glory like the moon reflects sunlight; He radiates it. The Son is the visible manifestation of the invisible God—“Light from Light.”Jesus is the Expression—the exact imprint of God's nature. The Greek word charaktēr refers to a stamp or seal. Jesus doesn't resemble God; He perfectly represents Him. To see Jesus is to see God.Jesus is the Sustainer—the glue of the cosmos. He holds everything together by the power of His word. The universe doesn't persist on autopilot; it endures because Jesus commands it to.Jesus is the Savior—the cleanser of sin. When He purified us from our sins, the work was finished. Unlike Old Testament priests who never sat down, Jesus completed the work once for all.Finally, Jesus is the Ruler—the seated King. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, a position of total authority. The victory is won.Hebrews 1:4 reminds us that Jesus is far greater than angels, traditions, or anything else we might be tempted to trust. For believers facing hardship, this truth re-centers everything.The message of Hebrews is clear:...

The Seven Attributes of Jesus (Christology 1)Big Idea: Jesus Christ is not just a chapter in the story of God; He is the Author, the Hero, and the Ending. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, every other priority in our lives finds its proper place.Today we begin a nine-week journey through the Book of Hebrews, a letter written to magnify the greatness of Jesus Christ. Hebrews isn't primarily about religious rules, moral improvement, or spiritual techniques. It's about Jesus—who He is and what He has done. Everything else flows from that foundation.The original audience was likely Jewish Christians living under Roman rule, facing intense persecution. As pressure mounted, many were tempted to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the familiarity and safety of traditional Judaism. Hebrews speaks directly into that tension with one clear message: Jesus is greater than anyone or anything that came before Him. To walk away from Him would be to walk away from the fulfillment of all God's promises.The author of Hebrews remains anonymous, one of the great mysteries of the New Testament. While Paul may have influenced it, the writing style is far more polished and rhetorically sophisticated than Paul's letters. Hebrews chapter 1 proves this immediately. Verses 1–4 form a single, majestic sentence in the original Greek—an exordium, designed to grab attention with both beauty and weight.Hebrews 1:1–4 (NLT) sets the stage:“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son…”In the Old Testament, God spoke in fragments—a dream here, a burning bush there, a prophet's warning along the way. But in Jesus, God didn't just send messages; He sent the Message. This is Christology—the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ—and Hebrews wastes no time getting to the point.In verses 2–3, the author unleashes a rapid-fire description of Jesus using seven distinct attributes. In Scripture, the number seven represents completeness and perfection. Together, these form a full portrait of the Son.Jesus is the Heir—the goal of history. God has promised everything to Him as an inheritance. History is not random; it is moving toward the coronation of King Jesus. He is the “why” behind all creation.Jesus is the Creator—the architect of reality. Through Him, God made the universe. Jesus is not a created being; He is the source of all things. Nothing exists apart from His will.Jesus is the Radiance—the shining glory of God. He doesn't merely reflect God's glory like the moon reflects sunlight; He radiates it. The Son is the visible manifestation of the invisible God—“Light from Light.”Jesus is the Expression—the exact imprint of God's nature. The Greek word charaktēr refers to a stamp or seal. Jesus doesn't resemble God; He perfectly represents Him. To see Jesus is to see God.Jesus is the Sustainer—the glue of the cosmos. He holds everything together by the power of His word. The universe doesn't persist on autopilot; it endures because Jesus commands it to.Jesus is the Savior—the cleanser of sin. When He purified us from our sins, the work was finished. Unlike Old Testament priests who never sat down, Jesus completed the work once for all.Finally, Jesus is the Ruler—the seated King. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, a position of total authority. The victory is won.Hebrews 1:4 reminds us that Jesus is far greater than angels, traditions, or anything else we might be tempted to trust. For believers facing hardship, this truth re-centers everything.The message of Hebrews is clear:...

The post Christology (Part 8) The Mystery of the Incarnation appeared first on Calvary Bible Church - Wrightsville, PA.

Ethan Vanderleek, a specialist on William Desmond describes to Paul, Desmond's project and its overlap with the Christology of Rowan Williams. William Desmond is one of our most important living philosophers, and Ethan explains how he poses a true metaphysical alternative to both modernism and postmodernism. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider donating to support our work. Become a Patron!

Rethink Mission is a historically grounded podcast hosted by Dr. Mike Brown that reexamines early Christianity by beginning with lived communities, shared memory, and received tradition rather than later institutions or isolated texts. Focusing on what the series calls primitive Christian mission, the podcast challenges popular skeptical narratives that portray Christianity as a late textual invention or a belief system fabricated through copying and doctrinal manipulation. Drawing on early Christian writings, archaeological evidence, and historical method, the series argues that Christian belief and worship preceded the New Testament texts and that these writings functioned as occasional documents addressing real communities that already shared a coherent faith. Episodes explore the role of communal memory, apostolic authority, early creeds, and high Christology, showing that core Christian convictions—such as the worship of Jesus as Lord, belief in the resurrection, and continuity with Jewish Scripture—were established very early and received rather than invented by figures like Paul. By integrating theology, history, and philosophy, Rethink Mission offers listeners a disciplined alternative to both naïve faith and reductionist skepticism, inviting a deeper understanding of how Christianity emerged, spread, and sustained itself in the ancient world.Episode 1: The life in the Community of Faith and the role of history 

Church planting is thriving at the very moment the church faces a crisis of credibility. What if the problem isn't too few churches—but too narrow a vision of what church is for? In this episode with Mark Labberton, Brad Brisco reflects on church planting shaped by Christology before strategy, mission before institution, and incarnation before programs. Together they discuss missionary imagination in the modern West, co-vocational ministry, alternative expressions of church, micro-church networks, church growth assumptions, vocation and work, justice and proximity, and what it means to return—daily—to the ways of Jesus. –––––––––––––––– Episode Highlights "We need to help church planters think less like pastors starting a Sunday service and more like missionaries engaging a unique context." "If by church we mean buildings, then no—we don't need more of those." "Mission isn't really ours. It's about what God's already doing." "We can say we're gospel-centered and still miss the ways of Jesus." "The only way the church gets this far off is by being void of the ways of Jesus." –––––––––––––––– About Brad Brisco Brad Brisco is a missiologist and church planting leader, trainer, and writer who has spent more than twenty-five years coaching and resourcing church planters across North America. After beginning his career in the restaurant industry, Brisco entered ministry through church planting and later joined Send Network, where his work has focused on alternative expressions of church, co-vocational leadership, and missionally engaged discipleship. He also serves on the national leadership team for Forge America Mission Training Network. Brad is the co-author of "Missional Essentials," a 12-week small group study guide, "The Missional Quest: Becoming a Church of the Long Run" and "Next Door As It Is In Heaven." He is widely known for challenging church growth assumptions and for advocating Christ-centered, incarnational approaches that integrate faith, work, and neighborhood life. Brisco remains closely connected to decentralized microchurch networks and innovative models of mission in urban contexts. Follow him on X: https://x.com/bradleybrisco –––––––––––––––– Helpful Links and Resources Missional Church Network https://www.missionalchurchnetwork.com/ Send Network https://sendnetwork.com The Shaping of Things to Come – Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost https://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Things-Come-Innovation-Mission/dp/1565636597 Permanent Revolution – Alan Hirsch https://www.amazon.com/Permanent-Revolution-Apostolic-Imagination-Practice/dp/0470907746 Tampa Underground https://www.tampaunderground.com/ –––––––––––––––– Show Notes Church planting boom alongside institutional church crisis Restaurant business background shaping entrepreneurial ministry instincts Conversion, seminary, and inherited assumptions about "real" ministry Early confusion about church planting as a category From planting one church to training planters nationally Church defined beyond buildings toward embodied communities "If by church we mean buildings, then no—we don't need more of those." Missionary context of the modern West Do we need more churches or more ways of being church? Underserved neighborhoods and unengaged people groups Declining interest in traditional church programs Airplane anecdote exposing attractional church assumptions "You just need a really good sound system and a good speaker." Mission versus Sunday-centric church planting Christology–missiology–ecclesiology framework Jesus shaping mission before shaping church "Most church planters start with ecclesiology rather than the ways of Jesus." Church growth movement assumptions challenged Recapturing the missionary nature of the church Church as sent people, not religious service provider Incarnational presence in neighborhoods and workplaces "Mission isn't something we do over there." Participation in the mission of God "The mission isn't really ours—it's about what God's already doing." Individual salvation versus communal discipleship Robust Christology beyond the cross alone Incarnation, life, resurrection, and kingdom shaping mission Brokenness, proximity, and responsibility for place Mission as communal, not individual activity Bi-vocational and co-vocational ministry distinctions Marketplace calling as missional advantage Sacred–secular divide challenged Time constraints forcing alternative church models Team-based leadership as non-negotiable Theology of work as essential formation Financial freedom reshaping church planting incentives Fully funded models drifting toward attractional pressure Co-vocational longevity and sustainability Microchurch networks and decentralized leadership Tampa Underground as proof of concept Mission-first communities addressing justice and brokenness "Mission is the mother of adaptive ecclesiology." Diverse expressions emerging from contextual mission Established churches learning from church planting frameworks Incremental versus wholesale institutional change Sending churches supporting new expressions Calling the church back to the ways of Jesus "We can be gospel-centered and still miss the ways of Jesus." Credibility gap between Jesus and the church today Recalibrating discipleship for public faithfulness –––––––––––––––– #ChurchPlanting #MissionalChurch #FaithAndWork #Discipleship #ChristianLeadership #PublicFaith #Vocation –––––––––––––––– Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.  

In this episode of the Westminster Podcast, host Nate Shannon welcomes Dr. Brandon Crowe to discuss the relationship between Scripture and the Nicene Creed in the 1700th anniversary year of the Council of Nicaea. Drawing from his recent paper, Christology: Mark on the Road to Nicaea, Crowe explains how creeds arise from Scripture rather than being imposed upon it, functioning as faithful summaries and syntheses of the Bible's teaching. He explores how extra-biblical theological language—such as homoousios and the doctrine of the Trinity—serves to clarify Scripture's meaning when purely biblical phrasing proves vulnerable to misinterpretation. The conversation highlights the “hermeneutical spiral” between creed and Scripture: the creed guides faithful reading of the Bible, while Scripture remains the final authority that continually tests the creed. Crowe then turns to the Gospel of Mark to demonstrate how Nicene Christology emerges from the biblical text itself. Challenging historical-critical approaches that fragment the Gospel or diminish its theology, he argues for reading Mark as a coherent narrative shaped by Old Testament imagery. He outlines four key ways Mark presents Christ's divine identity: the Father-Son relationship, theophanies, divine saving works, and divine claims made by Jesus. Particular attention is given to episodes such as Jesus walking on the water, interpreted as an Old Testament-shaped theophany revealing God's presence in Christ. The episode concludes by emphasizing that classical creedal Christology does not restrict careful exegesis but provides theological guardrails that enable deeper, more faithful reading of Scripture. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wm.wts.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the whole counsel of God for Christ and his global church, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wts.edu/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thanks for listening!

We are continuing through the Life, Death, and Meaning with Beowulf and Boethius course that I led in the Fall of 2024 with the text of Beowulf from the death of Grendel to Beowulf's departure from Denmark.Many topics are discussed in this episode, including the hero's relationship with fortune and mortality, Beowulf's Christology, inspirations for C.S. Lewis's Narnia and That Hideous Strength, and more!Watch the video of this episode and subscribe to my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/wGYtaI0sT6cListen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & Shows(or become a patron to get all three shows in one ad-free feed)Become a Tier 3 patron to join our Silmarillion study, which begins in February! patreon.com/mythicmindBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mythic-mind--5808321/support.

Paul's letter to the Ephesians is built around one powerful structure: if / then.If God is already at work healing the world in Christ—if grace, not violence, is the true power shaping history—then how should we live?In this message, we begin a four-week journey through Ephesians by sitting in the if:a bold vision of Jesus, a high Christology, and a radical redefinition of chosen, predestined, grace, and peace. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire's gospel of “victory, then peace,” Paul announces an alternative good news—one where peace is already possible because of God's self-giving love in Christ.This sermon explores:* The if/then structure of Ephesians* What “chosen” and “predestined” actually mean (and what they don't)* Why Paul's greeting “grace and peace” is deeply political* How the church becomes a small working model of new creation* What it means to live ahead of the curve of God's healing work in the world

In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew Johnson shares an update as the podcast enters a short hiatus. While the hosts are away on assignment, Andrew invites you to revisit the rich archive of over 200 episodes—conversations that continue to challenge, encourage, and shape how we do theology in community. Looking ahead to 2026, he offers a glimpse of what's coming next: renewed dialogue, fresh voices, and deeper explorations at the intersection of archaeology, mission, and the movement of God in the world. Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

In this episode of the Westminster Podcast, Nate Shannon and Blake Franze welcome Dr. Augustus Nicodemus Lopez, Westminster alumnus, pastor, theologian, and former chancellor of Mackenzie University in São Paulo. Broadcasting from Istanbul during the Nicaea Conference, they reflect on Dr. Lopez's lecture on Colossians and deep Christology before turning to his formative years at Westminster in the early 1990s. He recounts studying under Moses Silva, wrestling with liberal European scholarship during his doctoral work, and how faithful mentorship preserved his confidence in Scripture during a season of profound doubt. Dr. Lopez also discusses his dissertation on Paul's use of the Old Testament, the distinction between revelation and illumination, and how Westminster's rigorous training equipped him for preaching, scholarship, and academic leadership across the globe. The conversation then shifts to contemporary challenges facing the church, particularly the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and the theological tensions raised by the global Pentecostal movement. Dr. Lopez argues that questions of Spirit, revelation, and spiritual gifts represent the most pressing frontier for confessional orthodoxy today. He also shares his conviction about using social media as a mission field—reaching closed communities, discipling young believers, and providing pastoral presence throughout the week—while warning against the dangers of unaccountable online ministry. The episode concludes with his hope that Westminster will continue equipping leaders from the global South, extending confessional, pious, and academically excellent theological education to the worldwide church. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wm.wts.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the whole counsel of God for Christ and his global church, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wts.edu/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thanks for listening!

This video explores the theology, philosophy, and Christology of Martin Luther King Jr. I argue that he is best understood as a moderate American Unitarian.I mention Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Luther, Michael King Sr. (Martin Luther King Sr.), Schleiermacher, Paul of Samosata, William Ellery Channing, Paul Tillich, Henry Nelson Wieman, Coretta Scott King, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Jaspers, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, Walter Rauschenbusch, Mahatma Gandhi, Saint Augustine, Saint Anselm, Blaise Pascal, Os Guinness, Keith Ward, Desmond Tutu, Francis Collins, Christopher Hitchens, and more.

Christ Relates to the Psalter as its Subject, Singer, Source, and Recipient

In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, Andrew Johnson, Michael, and guest Lance Ford delve into the themes of church leadership, the disconnect between leadership and the body of Christ, and the systemic issues that plague modern church structures. They discuss the impact of Lance’s book, ‘The Atlas Factor,’ which emphasizes the need for a shift in leadership paradigms, focusing on Jesus as the head of the church rather than human leaders. The conversation also addresses the prevalence of spiritual abuse, the importance of vision and mission in church leadership, and the necessity for systemic change to foster healthier church environments. Lance shares insights on how to navigate leadership challenges, differentiate between bad leadership and narcissism, and the role of the church in addressing these issues. The episode concludes with a call to center on Jesus and the hope for restoration within the church community. Keywords church leadership, Atlas Factor, spiritual abuse, church movement, leadership structures, restoration, community engagement, Jesus, church health Sound bites “It’s the system, stupid.” “We need to start in our seminaries.” “Jesus is our hero. He is our savior.” Takeaways The church’s leadership structure often disconnects from Jesus as the head. Lance’s book, ‘The Atlas Factor,’ emphasizes shifting leadership focus. Spiritual abuse is prevalent in many church contexts. Leadership systems need to be reformed for healthier church environments. The importance of vision and mission in church leadership cannot be overstated. Staff members often feel oppressed and manipulated in their roles. Differentiating between bad leadership and narcissism is crucial. A systemic change is necessary for true church reform. The church must engage in community and address leadership issues. Hope for restoration lies in centering on Jesus.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Ephesiology Podcast 02:45 The Atlas Factor: Leadership in the Church 05:35 Misalignment in Church Leadership Structures 08:49 The Disconnect Between Leadership and the Body of Christ 11:47 The Role of Vision and Mission in the Church 14:26 The Impact of Leadership Models on Church Growth 17:31 Understanding Spiritual Abuse in Church Leadership 20:36 The Consequences of Management Systems in the Church 24:45 The Dark Side of Church Leadership 26:17 Navigating Abuse in Church Settings 34:30 The Role of Systems in Church Leadership 41:06 Building a New Church Leadership Model 47:18 The Future of Church Leadership Education Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson  @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Church Leaders Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

Mike Aquilina on Nestorius, the Council of Ephesus, and how early Church controversies clarified Christology, Marian doctrine, and the call to holiness through lived witness. The post VEC12 – Nestorius – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The physical appearance of Jesus is more widely known and distinctive than any other. Yet this familiarity can lead us to overlook a curious fact: in the Gospels, it is never described. This week on the Biblical Time Machine, Helen and Lloyd ask the show's producer John Nelson about this mystery: is it surprising that the Gospels do not describe Jesus' physical appearance, and what might explain this lacuna? Dr John Nelson is the researcher and producer of Biblical Time Machine. He earned his PhD at the University of Edinburgh and is the author of Jesus' Physical Appearance: Biography, Christology, Philosophy (Bloomsbury, 2025). He teaches Theology & Philosophy at Haberdashers' Boys' School, writes and lectures on his substack Behind the Gospels and hosts conversations for Premier Unbelievable?SUPPORT BIBLICAL TIME MACHINEIf you enjoy the podcast, please (pretty please!) consider supporting the show through the Time Travellers Club, our Patreon. We are an independent, listener-supported show (no ads!), so please help us continue to showcase high-quality biblical scholarship with a monthly subscription.DOWNLOAD OUR STUDY GUIDE: MARK AS ANCIENT BIOGRAPHYCheck out our 4-part audio study guide called "The Gospel of Mark as an Ancient Biography." While you're there, get yourself a Biblical Time Machine mug or a cool sticker for your water bottle.Support the showTheme music written and performed by Dave Roos, creator of Biblical Time Machine. Season 4 produced by John Nelson.

Parable Ministries Presents: Hebrews. In Hebrews chapter 1, we are introduced to Jesus as a greater messenger because the message is fulfilled in him.-Check out our other podcasts!"Rejoice, O Beloved!"CommentariesMy Dusty Bible-Connect with Us:contact@parableministries.comParableMinistries.comParablePublishing.comInstagramTikTok-About the teacher: Hunter grew up in Montana and now serves the Church in Albany Oregon where he works as a youth and young adults pastor. He and his wife Ana stay busy with two kids. Hunter loves studying the Bible and communicating it in a way which encourages further exploration of others. Hunter enjoys listening and making podcasts for others to enjoy.-Music created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony KuenziIf you feel led to give to Parable Ministries, please visit: Donate

Saturday after Epiphany Saint of the Day: St. Gregory of Nyssa, 335-394; part of a family which gave many years of service and five saints to the Church; he became bishop of Nyssa in 371; during a trip to Jerusalem, he was forced to defend his Christology, although he was then and is now well-known for his Trinitarian theology; in 394, he attended a synod in Constantinople and is thought to have died shortly after that when mention of him in church records ceases Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 1/10/26 Gospel: John 3:22-30

1 Timothy 3:16 is a well-known example of a scribal change that transformed a reference to Jesus into a reference to God. We explore this text and discuss how later scribes changed the passage, resulting in a much higher Christology than the author originally intended.   To view the video version of this episode, go here: https://youtu.be/OaZmZR9Pm_8        Visit Amazon to buy your copy of A Systematic Theology of the Early Church: https://amzn.to/47jldOc   Visit Amazon to buy your copy of Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John: https://amzn.to/3JBflHb    Visit Amazon to buy your copy of The Son of God: Three Views of the Identity of Jesus: https://amzn.to/43DPYey   To support this podcast, donate here: https://www.paypal.me/10mintruthtalks   Episode notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1crrBhgJ3cYrF6Mg_8jxWgq_r6jXJtMASFRB5v4FjQs8/edit?usp=sharing         Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalUnitarianPodcast       Follow on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/biblicalunitarianpodcast Follow on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/OneGodPodcast 

In this episode of the Ephesiology podcast, Andrew, Michael, and Matt are visited again by Mark Thiessen Nation, exploring the profound impact of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life and writings on contemporary Christianity. In this episode, our hosts talk to Mark about the dangers of nationalism within the church. They discuss the importance of robust discipleship, the role of the church in society, and the need for a theopolitical perspective that prioritizes Christ’s teachings over national identity. Mark emphasizes the significance of community, holistic faith, and the challenges faced by Christians today in navigating cultural and political landscapes. Keywords Bonhoeffer, Christianity, nationalism, discipleship, Americanism, church, theology, peace, gospel Takeaways Mark Thiessen Nation emphasizes the importance of understanding Bonhoeffer’s life and work in the context of contemporary issues. Bonhoeffer’s writings provide a framework for understanding the dangers of nationalism in Christianity. Thin Christianity can lead to manipulation by political ideologies, highlighting the need for a robust faith. The church must engage with society while remaining rooted in Christ’s teachings. Discipleship involves a commitment to community and serious theological education. Mark’s academic journey reflects a deep engagement with Bonhoeffer’s thought and its relevance today. The parallels between Germanism and Americanism raise important questions about national identity and faith. Bonhoeffer’s response to the Nazi regime serves as a model for contemporary Christians facing moral dilemmas. A holistic Christian faith integrates worship, community, and social responsibility. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark Thiessen Nation 02:42 Mark’s Personal Journey and Musical Influences 05:29 The Impact of Bonhoeffer on Mark’s Life 08:25 Exploring Bonhoeffer’s Theology and Pacifism 10:55 Mark’s Academic Journey with Bonhoeffer 13:50 The Rise of Nazism and Its Implications 16:49 Comparing Germanism and Americanism 19:18 Understanding Nazism and Its Context 22:19 The Dangers of Nationalism in Faith 25:22 Conclusion and Reflections on Faith and Politics 29:18 The Church as a Servant in Culture 34:36 Understanding Thin Christianity 40:55 Bonhoeffer’s Vision for Theological Education 49:00 Navigating Americanism and the Gospel 53:05 Polemical Parallels in Faith Connect With Us Follow Ephesiology: Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with others exploring missional living in post-Christian contexts. Thanks for doing theology in community with us today! If you have a question or topic that you'd like to hear addressed on the Ephesiology Podcast, just send it to Andrew at thediscfan@gmail.com. Donate Find the podcast on your favorite podcast app Just search for “Ephesiology” Our Podcasters Michael CooperProfessor | Missiologist | AuthorMichael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.Andrew JohnsonMinistry Lead, West Village ChurchAndrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he's ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he's an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers. Do you enjoy the Ephesiology Podcast? Partner with the Pod The Ephesiology Podcast comes to you from a desire to engage in community conversations about the intersection of theology and culture. We do not believe such dialogue should come with a cost so the podcast will always be free. However, if you've benefited from the Ephesiology Podcast, would you consider a nominal $5 per month donation? All proceeds from the podcast go toward helping bring needed theological education to the majority world through our Ephesiology Master Class initiative to end a theological famine. We'd be honored to partner with you to continue providing solid biblical, theological, and missiological content for listeners around the world. Donate Empowering Future Seminary Professors Imagine a world where passionate, equipped Christian leaders spread God's Word in areas with the greatest need—leaders grounded in both deep theology and practical ministry skills, trained to make a lasting impact in their communities. Through your support, this vision can become a reality for students from countries like Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and India who are eager to teach and multiply disciple-makers in their own regions. Learn More Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement If you want to understand principles for the growth of Christianity in the first century, the place to begin is the city of Ephesus. In this winsome study, Ephesiology offers readers a comprehensive view of the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in the most significant city of the New Testament, and compels us to ask the question: how can we effectively connect Christ to our culture? “Masterfully handling the book of Ephesians and using its content as a definitive guide, Michael Cooper lays a theologically strong foundation that is both corrective and directive to disciple making movements. The principles he gleans from the book of Ephesians and related texts, help to ensure the on-going multiplication and maturation of a movement. Because these are supra-cultural principles, they are applicable anywhere in the world.” Marvin J. Newell, Staff Missiologist, Missio Nexus, Author of Crossing Cultures in Scripture Buy This Now! Educating to Shift the Tracks of History To shift the tracks of history requires leaders who are equipped to critically assess and engage the contours of contemporary culture. As a new initiative in collaboration with the Movement Leaders Collective, Kairos University, and Ephesiology, we deliver just-in-time theological education focused on issues important to you, mxAcademy is designed as the theological and missiological foundation to unlock your potential as a movement leader and catalytic thinker. mxAcademy is a dynamic and innovative educational experience rooted in mDNA.We dream of a church fully equipped, fully mature, fully mobilized, and fully alive. A church that lives and breathes the Good News of Jesus! Learn More Join a Community Conversation at Ephesiology Master Classes Areopagus Symposium Taking its inspiration from the historical and philosophical legacy of Athens, Greece, the Areopagus Symposium focuses on intellectual and philosophical topics related to Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology. We invite scholars, theologians, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in a profound exploration of the theological landscape at the intersection of these vital disciplines. Sign up for an Ephesiology Master Classes account and gain free access to the Areopagus Symposium. Check it out! The Ephesiology Podcast and Ephesiology Master Classes are ministries of TELOS.GO, a registered 501c3 non-profit agency committed to imaginatively missional ways of engageing culture, church planting, and theological education. Your donation to the podcast is tax deductible.

Join the Impact 360 podcast for an in-depth conversation with Robert Bowman, a leading evangelical scholar on apologetics, theology, and new religious movements. In this episode, we explore the biblical case for the deity of Christ through Bowman's book "The Incarnate Christ and His Critics: A Biblical Defense," co-authored with Ed Komoszewski.The HANDS Acronym FrameworkBowman introduces the memorable "HANDS" framework for understanding Christ's deity:Honors - Divine worship given to JesusAttributes - Divine characteristics (eternality, omnipotence)Names - Divine titles (Lord, God, I AM)Deeds - Divine actions (creation, miracles, judgment)Seat - Sharing God's throneKey Theological ConceptsThe Incarnation: Understanding Jesus as fully God and fully humanThe Paradox of Christ: How Jesus can be both eternal and born, divine and humanEarly Christian Worship: Evidence that first-century Jewish Christians worshiped Jesus as God from the beginningThe "Big Bang" of Christology: How divine Christology emerged immediately, not graduallyAddressing Common Objections"Why doesn't Jesus explicitly say 'I am God'?""If Jesus is God, who is he praying to?""Doesn't 'Son of God' mean Jesus is lesser than God?"John 1:1 translation debates ("the Word was God" vs. "the Word was a god")Resources MentionedBooks"The Incarnate Christ and His Critics: A Biblical Defense" by Robert Bowman and Ed Komoszewski"Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ" (2007) by the same authorsWebsitesInstitute for Religious Research: IRR.org - Hundreds of free articles on apologetics, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and biblical reliabilityRobert Bowman's Personal Site: RobertBowman.net - Blog, book information, and free excerptsImpact 360 Institute ProgramsPropel & Immersion - 1-2 week summer experiences for high school studentsFellows Program - 9-month gap year program for post-high school studentsWebsite: Impact360.org

Series: The Messiah in the Margins: Christological Echoes in the Hebrew BibleService: Sunday First Bible StudyType: Bible MessageSpeaker: Phillip W. Martin

In this episode of The Westminster Podcast, Brandon McLean Smith is joined again by Brian Selby for a wide-ranging theological conversation on Herman Bavinck, Christology, and the enduring significance of the infralapsarian–supralapsarian debate. Selby explores recent developments in Bavinck scholarship, arguing that Bavinck is far more decisive than often assumed in ordering creation, fall, and redemption with a view to Christ as the telos of all things—while firmly rejecting problematic forms of “incarnation anyway.” Drawing on Bavinck's engagement with Scripture, the Reformed tradition, and his 19th-century theological context, the conversation situates Bavinck as a critical foil to later neo-orthodox developments, particularly Karl Barth. The discussion also broadens to consider theological retrieval and method. Selby and Smith reflect on how Bavinck models a distinctly Reformed approach to engaging modern questions without surrendering confessional commitments—retrieving the tradition without mere repristination, and advancing dogmatics in service of the church's witness in every age. Along the way, they address Christocentrism, revelation, apologetics, and the task of theology in a changing intellectual landscape, offering a compelling vision of how historic Reformed theology can remain faithful, catholic, and intellectually alive today. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wm.wts.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the whole counsel of God for Christ and his global church, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wts.edu/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thanks for listening!

We say Christmas is about Jesus—but rarely do we stop and ask who He truly is. In this episode, we move past sentiment and tradition and take a serious look at the theological weight of Christ Himself.

Religion and urban life are the most successful strategies of handling, enhancing, and capitalizing on human sociability. By integrating religious studies, archaeology, and spatial theory, Emiliano Rubens Urciuoli aims to re-describe the formation of Christ religion as urban religion in Citifying Jesus: The Making of a Roman Religion in the Roman Empire (Mohr Siebeck, 2024). Spanning almost four centuries of Christian literature from Paul to Augustine, the author shows that several characteristics commonly attributed to Christ religion are, in fact, outcomes of the distinct ways in which religious agents enact urbanity and interact with the urban space. The study brings the urbanity of religious agents into focus, shedding light on significant elements of religious transformation, innovation, institutionalization, empowerment, and resistance to power. Simultaneously, it explores the key urban features that shaped the emergence and development of Christ religion. Emiliano Rubens Urciuoli is Associate Professor in the Department of History and Cultures at the University of Bologna. Previously he was a postdoctoral researcher at the Max-Weber-Kolleg of the University of Erfurt and has spent research stays in Paris, Berlin, and Geneva. His research interests focus on the history of the ancient Christ religion, methodological advances in the study of ancient Mediterranean religious groups and traditions, issues of theory and method in the accademic study of religions, and the phenomenon of ancient and contemporary urban religion. He is conversant with issues of political theology, sociology of religion, critical theory of space, and critique of ideology (including religious ideologies). Jonathon Lookadoo is Associate Professor at the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. While his interests range widely over the world of early Christianity, he is the author of books on the Epistle of Barnabas, Ignatius of Antioch, and the Shepherd of Hermas, including The Christology of Ignatius of Antioch (Cascade, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In this final episode of our series on the Seven Ecumenical Councils, Stephen Boyce and Pat May examine the Second Council of Nicaea (787) — the council that defended the veneration of icons and grounded sacred images in the Incarnation of Christ.We walk through the historical background of Byzantine iconoclasm, the political and theological tensions leading up to the council, and Nicaea II's crucial distinction between veneration (proskynesis) and worship (latreia). The episode explains why the Church affirmed icons as a confession of the Incarnation rather than a lapse into idolatry.Along the way, we discuss early Christian Gospel manuscripts, the role of material culture in Christian worship, papal involvement at Nicaea II, and why this council remains a major dividing line between Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestant traditions.This episode brings the series to a close by showing how Christology, authority, Scripture, and sacred art come together in one of the most misunderstood councils in Church history.Link to the document: https://www.papalencyclicals.net/councils/ecum07.htmIf you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

Listen to this week's sermon, The Nicene Creed: We Believe (Advent) preached by Rev. Benjamin Kandt from Philippians 2:1-11.