Mike Bird and Tom Wright dive into another round of thoughtful listener questions. First: how do you go about choosing a church? Tom lays out wise principles for discerning a community rooted in the gospel, shaped by worship, and committed to mission. Next: catechisms. From centuries-old confessions to modern teaching tools, Tom shares which one has shaped him most and why. Finally: a weighty question on God’s character. Did God create billions of people only to condemn them? Tom wrestles with how Scripture frames judgment, mercy, and the ultimate purpose of creation, offering hope that rests in God’s love and justice.Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Bird and Tom Wright take on three big listener questions. First: how do we actually cooperate with the Spirit in God’s plan for new creation? Tom reflects on what it means to anticipate heaven and earth being joined, and how our present faithfulness participates in that future hope. Next: ordination and church leadership. Are we in danger of over-structuring the body of Christ? Drawing from the New Testament and church history, Tom considers why ordination emerged and what it means for today. Finally: egalitarian roots and resurrection hope. Were the earliest churches more like Corinth’s fluid gatherings? What about para-church movements? And in Revelation 20, what sort of resurrection is Peter really speaking about? Tom explores continuity, community, and the call to live as people of the age to come.Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Bird and Tom Wright tackle three big listener questions. First: did Jesus know he was God—and if so, in what sense? Tom explores how Jesus reframes what we mean by “God,” drawing on the Gospels and Philippians 2. Next: contemplative practices. From the Jesus Prayer to the Daily Office, Tom offers gracious guidance on praying in ways that keep Jesus at the centre while avoiding rigid one-size-fits-all rules. Finally: sacred places and “thin” places—can locations carry a memory of God’s presence? What about dark places marked by evil? With stories from Switzerland to Lindisfarne, Tom reflects on holiness, discernment and hope. Send your question at askntwright.com, and consider the bonus series as Mike and Tom journey through Acts.Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do churches split over theology? What does the Bible really say about covenants and dispensations? Why do some Christians skip sacraments altogether? And can you lose your salvation?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle church divisions, explain the differences between covenant theology and dispensationalism, and explore the Salvation Army’s unusual stance on sacraments. They dig deep into Hebrews 6, wrestling with what it really says about salvation security.As Tom reminds us, “the heart of doctrine is the inspiration of scripture,” and this conversation shows why careful, contextual biblical interpretation still matters for unity and faith today.Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the Bible really — and who decided which books belong in it? Can we trust the Gospels if they don’t always agree? And when should tradition shape how we read scripture, and when should we challenge it?In this Big Bible Episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird dig into big, timeless questions about the canon of scripture, how inspiration works, and why apparent contradictions in the Gospels don’t undermine their truth. They unpack how tradition and fresh interpretation must stay grounded in the historical context of the text, and why the church must always be, as Tom says, “semper reformanda” — always reforming around the Bible’s authority.Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What qualities should the Archbishop of Canterbury really have? How can spiritual practices help us deal with anxiety? And what does the Bible say about corrupted powers in our world?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird unpack what it means to lead the Anglican Church, the role of the Archbishop as a unifier, and why true leadership needs spiritual depth, not just management skills. They share how practices like the Psalms help Christians face spiritual anxiety and keep their focus on God. Finally, they tackle what happens when good powers become corrupted, and how the church must speak truth to power and model a wisely ordered world. Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is biblical faith just “belief”? What does salvation really mean in the Old and New Testaments? And was Jesus talking about the end of the world or Jerusalem’s fall in the Olivet Discourse?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird unpack the difference between faith and mere belief, showing how true biblical faith means trust, faithfulness, and allegiance to Jesus as King. Together, they trace how salvation unfolds from the Old Testament to the New, clarifying common misconceptions about justification and works. Finally, they explore the Olivet Discourse, explaining why Jesus’ words about the temple’s destruction matter for understanding the second coming— and how context shapes how we read prophecy today.Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will we ever see an OT Wright translation to match NT Wright's New Testament for Everyone? Tom explains why an Old Testament version isn’t on the cards—but offers a witty alternative involving his son! The conversation moves on to remarriage, exploring whether we’ll still relate to our spouses in the same way in the new creation, and how Jesus’ words in the Gospels shape our understanding of life after death. Finally, Tom responds to a heartfelt question about whether God favours Jewish believers over Gentiles, unpacking Paul’s theology in Romans and affirming the radical equality found in Christ. This episode is rich with pastoral wisdom and biblical insight, not to be missed.Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Christian nationalism compatible with the teachings of Jesus? Is the Bible purely divine, or also human? And how should Christians understand atonement and explain it to children?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle the controversial topic of Christian nationalism, reflect on the complex relationship between Jesus and the Bible, and unpack what penal substitutionary atonement really means within the bigger story of salvation. They also share wisdom on how and why to talk about deep theology with children.Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does God still love Israel today? Should Christians work in the defense industry? Who were the “sons of God” in Genesis 6? And should modern Christians practice Passover or foot washing?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird unpack deep questions about God’s enduring love for Israel, the ethical challenges of working in defense and military industries, the mysterious “sons of God” in Genesis, and the ongoing meaning of Passover and foot washing for followers of Jesus today. The conversation wrestles with ancient texts, modern dilemmas, and how to live faithfully in a complex world. Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠ Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is biblical holiness? Can a heart be so hardened that it’s beyond saving? Does the Holy Spirit still give personal promises today? And what does it mean to be truly 'filled' with the Spirit? Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle four deep listener questions about the nature of holiness, the mystery of a hardened heart, how the Holy Spirit speaks today, and the meaning of being filled with the Spirit in the New Testament. They unpack the richness of biblical language, the difference between human and divine hardening, how to discern personal spiritual promises, and how God’s filling work transforms lives moment by moment. Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What did Jesus really mean in the Olivet Discourse? How should we read the Old Testament in light of the New? And what can Herod’s strange reaction to Jesus teach us about resurrection and eschatology?Today on Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Michael Bird unpack the theological depth of Jesus’ teachings on the end times, the ongoing tension between inaugurated and future eschatology, and the complex relationship between the Old and New Testaments. They challenge overly simplistic readings of prophecy, explore the implications of resurrection hope, and reflect on how Herod’s confusion reveals deeper truths about fear, guilt, and misunderstanding in the ancient world... and today. Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does the bodily resurrection really mean for Christian faith? How do we live out true discipleship? And how should we talk about God in relation to gender? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore the resurrection of Jesus as the cornerstone of Christian belief, pointing to new creation and God's justice. They discuss the daily realities of discipleship, emphasizing forgiveness, growth, and faithfulness. Finally, they tackle the question of God and gender, affirming that while Scripture often uses masculine language, God transcends human categories, and our language should reflect His compassion, mercy, and self-giving love.Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠ Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it mean to live faithfully in a politically divided world? How should Christians respond to immigration and power? And what do Paul’s views on time tell us about the return of Christ?Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore the tensions between faith and politics, the timing of God’s promises in Paul’s theology, and the challenges of religious clarity in a pluralistic world. They reflect on Jesus as an asylum seeker, the church’s role in holding authorities accountable, and why humility, wisdom, and spiritual responsibility are key in navigating life’s biggest questions.There is plenty of theology in Jewish culture about delay. Tom Wright has suggested that Paul would not have been surprised by the Lord’s 'delay' in returning. But if Paul had known that Christ’s return would still not have happened 2,000 years later, would it have altered his theology or pastoral urgency? Tom Wright also discusses why some people are born into a half-truncated version of Christianity and some not. Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is the 'divine council' in the Bible? Who receives a 'resurrection body'? And how can Christians be sure of their salvation?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle some of the most fascinating and personal questions in Christian theology. They discuss the mysterious concept of a divine council, what is it and how it fits within biblical monotheism, and what it tells us about God's relationship with spiritual beings. Together they discuss the nature of the resurrection body, exploring whether it's reserved for believers or given to all. Finally, they offer pastoral wisdom on assurance of salvation, wrestling with the balance between faith, obedience, and spiritual confidence. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is abortion ever ethically justifiable? Could Lucifer ever be forgiven? And how do Romans 8 and Galatians 4 shape our understanding of grace, law, and inclusion? What an episode! This week on the Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird address challenging theological and ethical questions. They discuss the Christian approach to abortion, emphasizing compassion, nuance, and the sanctity of life. They also wrestle with the controversial idea of forgiveness for Lucifer, considering what Scripture says about reconciliation and spiritual rebellion. Together they take a deep dive into Romans 8 and Galatians 4, exploring how Paul’s letters speak to freedom in Christ and the fulfilment of the law through the Spirit. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠ Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How should Christians think about suicide and heaven, baptism and christenings, and the biblical teaching of the Trinity? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright unpacks your questions on some of the most sensitive and foundational questions of the Christian faith. Together, Tom and Mike reflect on the pain and complexity of suicide, affirming the reach of God’s grace even in our darkest moments. One listener asks, is believers baptism appropriate when you have been baptised as a baby? And finally, they explore the doctrine of the Trinity, tracing its roots in the New Testament and its development in early church history. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠⁠⁠Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How should Christians think about transgender identity and faith? What does it mean to deconstruct and reconstruct belief in today’s world? And how do we understand Jesus’ prophecy about the end times?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird engage with deeply personal and theologically rich questions. They explore how the grace of God meets us amid identity struggles, why pastoral care matters so much in conversations about gender and faith, and how deconstruction can lead to a more resilient Christianity. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠ Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cremation, grace & Resurrection:. This week Tom tackles what does grace really mean in the Bible? Does cremation affect the Christian hope of resurrection? And how should we understand Jesus’ relationship to the Old Testament law? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore the deep connections between 'hesed' in the Old Testament and 'charis' in the New, offering a rich picture of God’s love and faithfulness. They tackle the sensitive topic of cremation and Christian burial, affirming the unshakable hope of resurrection. Finally, together Mike and Tom unpack how Jesus fulfils— not abolishes —the law, showing the continuity between the covenants and the forward-looking nature of practices like the Sabbath. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠ Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Wright and Mike Bird delve into the Jewish identity of Jesus in this week's episode of the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast. They respond to a listener's question about Paul's instructions in 1 Corinthians 11 and reflect on the moral dilemmas faced by Dietrich Bonhoeffer during the Nazi regime. With depth and clarity, they explore how seeing Jesus within his Jewish context enriches our understanding of the gospel, why Paul's words on worship remain controversial, and how Bonhoeffer's bold choices continue to challenge the church on questions of Biblical ethics, justice, and what role Christians should take on opposing tyranny. Got a question for Tom? Go to ⁠⁠askntwright.com⁠ Start going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at ⁠⁠⁠logos.com/NT⁠⁠⁠ 👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices