Podcasts about Poythress

Most Christians think the debate over spiritual gifts comes down to one question: do they still happen or don't they? Dr. Vern Poythress, 50-year New Testament professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, says both cessationists and continuationists are asking the wrong question. ABOUT THIS EPISODE:Dr. Poythress proposes the term "analogous gifts" — the idea that the gifts of the Spirit are genuine, Spirit-empowered works modeled after Christ's own prophetic, priestly, and kingly ministry, but subordinate to it. Not identical to what the apostles did. Not a lower-tier substitute. Analogous with the same Spirit, the same source, a different level of authority.This reframing has real stakes for the cessationist/continuationist divide. The tension in the body of Christ right now isn't just academic: it's shaping how whole churches think about prophecy, tongues, healing, and what it means to be filled with the Spirit. Dr. Poythress argues that if Gaffin is right about New Testament prophecy being infallible, that doesn't end the conversation, but just moves it. There's still a genuine, non-inspired, Spirit-empowered gifting that needs to be accounted for. And if Grudem is right, continuationists still need to reckon with what discernment and testing actually look like in practice.Joshua and Dr. Poythress also discuss the history of cessationism, why it developed as a response to Roman Catholic claims, how the Reformation fought on two fronts (Rome and the enthusiasts), and why figures like Samuel Rutherford and even C.H. Spurgeon complicate the neat cessationist narrative. The episode doesn't try to solve the debate. It tries to widen the table.0:00 – Introduction0:44 – Guest: Vern Poythress3:05 – Analogous Gifts Explained14:52 – Cessationism vs. Completionism20:34 – Canon and Prophecy30:06 – Puritan Prophesying Language44:04 – RC Sproul's Voice53:15 – Pursuing Spiritual Gifts59:09 – Closing ThoughtsGROW IN THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT PLAYLIST: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMsjeViSScFGpsFnIkPFAIzI4BFoAy3zQABOUT THE GUEST:"What are Spiritual Gifts?" by Dr. Poythress https://frame-poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PoythressVernWhatAreSpiritualGifts.pdfSubscribe to The Remnant Radio newsletter and receive our FREE introduction to spiritual gifts eBook. Plus, get access to: discounts, news about upcoming shows, courses and conferences - and more. Subscribe now at TheRemnantRadio.com. Support the showABOUT THE REMNANT RADIO: The Remnant Radio exists to equip believers who are hungry for the radical middle of both Word and Spirit. Subscribe for twice-weekly content on theology, church history and the gifts of the Spirit.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Vern Poythress about his upcoming book, Making Sense of Creation and Fall. In his book, Dr. Poythress sets out to explain the dynamic and multi-faceted reality of Genesis 1-3. In our discussion we talk about how a person can properly interpret Genesis 1-3, why different words in the text are meant to illuminate distinct characteristics in God, and why Genesis 1-3 sets the tone for how we understand the entire Bible. I hope you enjoy! Sign up for my newsletter and never miss an episode: https://www.orthodoxyandorder.comFollow me on X: https://x.com/andyschmitt99Email me at andy@optivnetwork.com with your questions!

Who am I?It's one of the most common—and most confusing—questions in our culture today.Rebecca is joined by author and theologian Justin Poythress to explore the deeper meaning of identity and why so many modern conversations fall short. Drawing from his upcoming book Who Am I, What Am I, and What Am I Doing with My Life?, Justin explains why identity is more complex than we think—and why trying to “find yourself” often leads to instability. Follow Justin:WebsiteUse code WHOAMI for 30% off your copy of "Who Am I and What Am I Doing with My Life?" at thegoodbook.com.Find the ESV Devotional Journal: Fruit of the Spirit wherever books are sold, or visit crossway.org/fruit to get 30% off with a free Crossway+ account.Watch Us on YouTubeSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

If we aren't careful, social media can become a place where we can very easily indulge our sinful nature in ways that cause us to turn ourselves into little idols. We can become consumed with building our brand, bowing to the desires of our followers, and sharing versions of ourselves that really aren't who we are at all. In a day and age where we experience ramped up identity pressure, we need to go to the right source to discover who we've been made to be. Today, I'm chatting with author and pastor Justin Poythress about overcoming these temptations, and finding stability and purpose in Jesus, on this episode of Youth Culture Matters.

In this conversation, Caleb and Dr. Vern Poythress (PhD, Harvard; DTh, Stellenbosch) professor of New Testament, biblical interpretation, and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary discuss the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts as outlined in the Bible. They emphasize their role in building up the church and serving others. Poythress explores the definitions of spiritual gifts, their biblical foundations, the role of the Trinity in their distribution, and the importance of understanding the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives. The conversation also touches on the desire for spiritual gifts, the function of gifts in the life of a believer, and the need for a holistic understanding of the Christian faith.Resources: What Are Spiritual Gifts? by Vern PoythressModern Spiritual Gifts as Analogous to Apostolic Gifts: Affirming Extraordinary Works of the Spirit within Cessationist Theology by Vern PoythressKeep in Step with the Spirit: Finding Fullness in Our Walk with God by J.I. PackerThe Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson

03/31/2026 – Justin Poythress –on rooting our identity and calling in Christ

03/30/2026 – Justin Poythress –on living well by embracing quiddity, that is, whatever makes something what it is

In this episode of the Westminster Podcast, Dr. Ransom Poythress, professor of biology at Houghton University, reflects on the relationship between Christian faith and the scientific enterprise, beginning with Psalm 104 as a vision of a world created and sustained by God. He addresses the limits of hyper-specialization and the scientific method, arguing that science itself depends on realities—mind, order, and a knowable world—that are best explained within a Christian framework. Moving beyond critique, Dr. Poythress casts a positive vision of science as a meaningful Christian vocation, where the pursuit of knowledge, healing, and stewardship reflects the biblical themes of creation, fall, and redemption, inviting believers to engage science with humility, wonder, and worship

Nate Shannon is joined again by Justin Poythress to discuss the complex issues of digital identity, its impact on relationships, and how Christians can navigate the digital age with biblical wisdom. Their conversation explores the influence of social media, online relationships, and the importance of representing Christ in digital life. 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!

In a culture saturated with self-help strategies, identity politics, and the language of "manifesting," where do Christians turn for a stable, coherent sense of self? On this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey sits down with pastor and author Justin N. Poythress to explore the deep theological roots of the identity crisis plaguing our age. Drawing from his new book, Who Am I? And What Am I Doing With My Life? Finding Stability and Purpose in Jesus (The Good Book Company), Poythress argues that only Christ can rightly function as our "master identity"—the organizing center beneath every role, relationship, and calling. Work, sexuality, politics, and even parenting all fail catastrophically when elevated to that ultimate position, because none of them can bear the weight of the human soul. At the heart of the conversation lies a powerful biblical framework: we are in Christ while also being conformed to his image. Romans 8:29 declares that God predestined His people to be conformed to the image of His Son—a settled identity and a lifelong trajectory of growth. Poythress unpacks how 2 Corinthians 3:18 reframes the secular obsession with "manifesting" into the biblical practice of beholding Christ, the true mechanism of transformation. The episode also explores the church as a "thick community" designed for the kind of multi-dimensional, embodied relationships that curated online personas can never provide. For pastors, elders, and anyone seeking maturity in Christ, the takeaway is both liberating and compelling: the Christian life is a matter of becoming what you already are in Christ. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:07 Introduction 08:50 Master and Sub-Identities 13:53 Identity as a Theological Issue 16:58 Romans 8:29 21:22 Manifesting vs. Beholding 28:09 The Means of Grace 32:19 Thick Communities 41:12 Authenticity 46:14 Work, Sexuality, and Politics as Functional Religions 51:12 Becoming What You Are in Christ 56:29 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Justin N. Poythress

In a culture saturated with self-help strategies, identity politics, and the language of "manifesting," where do Christians turn for a stable, coherent sense of self? On this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey sits down with pastor and author Justin N. Poythress to explore the deep theological roots of the identity crisis plaguing our age. Drawing from his new book, Who Am I? And What Am I Doing With My Life? Finding Stability and Purpose in Jesus (The Good Book Company), Poythress argues that only Christ can rightly function as our "master identity"—the organizing center beneath every role, relationship, and calling. Work, sexuality, politics, and even parenting all fail catastrophically when elevated to that ultimate position, because none of them can bear the weight of the human soul. At the heart of the conversation lies a powerful biblical framework: we are in Christ while also being conformed to his image. Romans 8:29 declares that God predestined His people to be conformed to the image of His Son—a settled identity and a lifelong trajectory of growth. Poythress unpacks how 2 Corinthians 3:18 reframes the secular obsession with "manifesting" into the biblical practice of beholding Christ, the true mechanism of transformation. The episode also explores the church as a "thick community" designed for the kind of multi-dimensional, embodied relationships that curated online personas can never provide. For pastors, elders, and anyone seeking maturity in Christ, the takeaway is both liberating and compelling: the Christian life is a matter of becoming what you already are in Christ. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:07 Introduction 08:50 Master and Sub-Identities 13:53 Identity as a Theological Issue 16:58 Romans 8:29 21:22 Manifesting vs. Beholding 28:09 The Means of Grace 32:19 Thick Communities 41:12 Authenticity 46:14 Work, Sexuality, and Politics as Functional Religions 51:12 Becoming What You Are in Christ 56:29 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Justin N. Poythress

In this episode, Nate Shannon interviews Rev. Dr. Justin Poythress about his forthcoming book Who Am I and What Am I Doing With My Life? The conversation explores the modern “identity crisis” often expressed in debates about sexuality and gender but argues that these are only surface manifestations of a much deeper question: what it means to be human. Poythress explains that contemporary culture's emphasis on radical self-creation, amplified by social media, limitless vocational options, and hyper-individualism, has produced both unprecedented freedom and profound instability. When identity becomes something we must invent rather than receive, the result is anxiety, paralysis, and constant comparison. This pressure affects everyone, not just teenagers or those wrestling with gender questions; adults experience it through work, retirement, politics, and online self-presentation. The gospel, Poythress argues, reframes identity entirely. Rather than constructing ourselves from scratch, we discover that much of who we are is “given”, created by God and shaped in relationship to Him and others. Christianity does not suppress the human desire for growth and transformation but redirects it: true becoming happens through union with Christ, not self-invention. What modern self-help and identity movements seek, meaning, stability, and a better self, is fulfilled in conversion and sanctification. The Christian life therefore answers the identity crisis not by rejecting identity language, but by redeeming it, grounding our being and becoming in communion with God.

Feedback? Comments? Questions? Send us a text message now! Two of life's biggest questions: Who am I? and What am I doing with my life? Together, we unpack the forces that shape our identity—success, relationships, failure, culture, and our own inner story telling—and consider why we are left feeling uncertain and restless.Whether you're skeptical, spiritually curious, or simply wrestling with questions of purpose, this episode creates space to reflect, discuss, and rethink what forms the core of who you are.Justin has written this book which comes out in April: Books - Justin N. PoythressFIND OUT MORE

In this week's episode we were blessed with the opportunity to sit down with Justin N. Poythress, pastor of All Saints Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Boise, ID, about his upcoming book Who Am I and What Am I Doing with My Life?, set for release on April 1st from the Good Book Company.  In this conversation we dive into the contents of Justin's book as he helps guide through the fundamental questions of identity, the self, and understanding who we are in Christ.  For a discount code to Justin's book available for pre-order, you can subscribe to blog at justinpoythress.com. ----more---- Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

The difference between a faithful apologetic method and an unfaithful one often lies in your interpretation of Romans 1. What does it mean that the unrighteous "suppress the truth" and yet "what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them"? In this episode Nate and Dr. Poythress look to Romans 1 to answer these questions and discuss the relation between epistemology and apologetics. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content like it 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.

Vern Poythress teaches a course at Westminster on the Theology of Science and has a lot of experience in both the fields of science and theology. Nate sits down to discuss science and faith with him and it's implications for theology, apologetics, evangelism, etc. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content like it 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.