ABOUT THE EPISODE

Listen in as Trent Hunter and David Schrock interview Brad Green on his Christ Over All Essay, "The State of Biblical Theology Today"

Timestamps

• 00:24 – Intro
• 02:13 – An Embarrassingly Short Definition of Systematic and Biblical Theology
• 05:38 – Getting to Know Dr. Brad Green
• 8:00 – How Does Church History Feed Into Teaching Biblical Theology?
• 10:50 – Who is Thomas Aquinas? What Debates Should We Be Aware Of?
• 15:10 – Frame, Muller, and Wells
• 18:48 – Trueman and Goldsworthy
• 22:18 – Past Discussions, The Players, and Books
• 25:52 – Different Debates and Confessional Standardsd
• 31:07 – Language for God’s Anthropomorphisms
• 35:05 – The Debate Between Classical Theists and Biblical Theologians on the Doctrine of God
• 39:55 – Preaching the Doctrine of God
• 44:00 – What is Dr. Green Working Toward Now?
• 46:48 – Proper Retrieval and Modifications
• 48:22 – The SBC Needs to Have Scriptural and Theological Grounding
• 51:45 – David Schrock’s Journey with Biblical Theology and Systematic Theology
• 53:27 – Closing Thoughts and Outro

Resources to Click

• “The State of Biblical Theology Today” – Brad Green
• “Geerhardus Vos: The Recovery of Biblical Theology from Its Corruptors (Part 1)” – Ardel Caneday
• “Biblical Theology and Theological Interpretation of Scripture” – Colin Smothers
• “Has Biblical Theology Had Its Day?” – Peter Nesbitt
• “What is the Relationship Between Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology” – Stephen J. Wellum
• “Caution! The Dangers of Biblical Theology in Preaching” – David Schrock
• “Postmoderns Don’t Care About Your Resurrection Evidence: A Call for Biblical-Theological Evidence: A Call for Biblical-Theological Apologetics” – Chris Prosser
• “”The Study of Theology” Revisited: A Response to John Frame” – Richard Muller
• “In Defense of Something Close to Biblicism: Reflections on Sola Scriptura and History in Theological Method” – John Frame
• “On Being Framed” – David F. Wells
• “Reply to Richard Muller and David Wells” – John Frame
• “Ontology and Biblical Theology. A Response to Carl Trueman’s Editorial: A Revolutionary Balancing Act” – Graeme Goldsworthy
• What Can Protestants Learn from Thomas Aquinas? – Credo Magazine
• “Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology–Part One” – Michael Allen
• “Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology–Part Two” – Michael Allen
• Theme of the Month: Essential Not Optional: Retrieving Biblical Theology
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• The Study of Theology: From Biblical Interpretation to Contemporary Formulation – Richard Muller
• Aquinas, Calvin, and Contemporary Protestant Thought: A Critique of Protestant Views on the Thought of Thomas Aquinas – A. Vos
• Aquinas Among the Protestants – eds. Manfred Svensson & David VanDrunen
• All That Is in God: Evangelical Theology and the Challenge of Classical Christian Theism – James Dolezal
• God in Himself: Scripture, Metaphysics, and the Task of Christian Theology – Steven J. Duby
• Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms: Drawn Principally from Protestant Scholastic Theology – Richard A. Muller
• Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments – Geerhardus Vos
• According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible – Grame Goldsworthy
• Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics – Richard A. Muller
• Biblical Words and Their Meaning: An Introduction to Lexical Semantics – Moises Silva
• God Language and Scripture – Moises Silva

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Listen in as David Schrock and Stephen Wellum interview Dr. Benjamin Gladd on the new CSB Connecting Scripture Study Bible and the current state of Biblical Theology

Timestamps

• 00:28 – Intro
• 05:25 – Dr. Gladd’s Academic Biography
• 09:40 – Dispensationalism’s Biblical Theology
• 14:02 – The Origin of the Connecting Scripture Study Bible
• 22:15 – How Will This Help the Everyday Reader of Scripture?
• 23:57 – How Should You Read This Bible?
• 28:21 – Will There Be More Allusions Added in Future Editions?
• 30:47 – Is There an Intention for the Old Testament Version?
• 36:48 – Dr. Gladd’s and Dr. Wellum’s Vantage Points on the State of Biblical Theology
• 46:40 – There is Still More to Explore in Scripture
• 49:37 – Encouragement for Pastors as they Bring Biblical Theology to the Church
• 52:07 – Outro

Resources to Click

• The Carson Center for Theological Renewal
• Theme of the Month: Essential Not Optional: Retrieving Biblical Theology
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• CSB Connecting Scripture Study Bible – eds. G.K. Beale & Benjamin Gladd
• From Adam and Israel to the Church: A Biblical Theology of the People of God – Benjamin Gladd
• Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament – eds. G.K. Beale, D.A. Carson, Benjamin Gladd, and Andrew David Naselli

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Biblical Theology has a rich history. But is it driving us away from classic Christian Doctrine? A growing divide threatens evangelical theology—and the stakes are higher than you think.

Resources to Click

·  "The State of Biblical Theology Today” – Brad Green

· “Geerhardus Vos: The Recovery of Biblical Theology from Its Corruptors (Part 1)” – Ardel Caneday

· “Biblical Theology and Theological Interpretation of Scripture” – Colin Smothers

· “HasnBiblical Theology Had Its Day?” – Peter Nesbitt

· “What is the Relationship Between Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology” – Stephen J. Wellum

· “Caution! The Dangers of Biblical Theology in Preaching” - David Schrock

· “Postmoderns Don’t Care About Your Resurrection Evidence: A Call for Biblical-Theological Evidence: A Call for Biblical-Theological Apologetics” – Chris Prosser

· “”The Study of Theology” Revisited: A Response to John Frame” – Richard Muller

· “In Defense of Something Close to Biblicism: Reflections on Sola Scriptura and History in Theological Method” – John Frame

· “On Being Framed” – David F. Wells

· “Reply to Richard Muller and David Wells” – John Frame

· “Ontology and Biblical Theology. A Response to Carl Trueman’s Editorial: A Revolutionary Balancing Act” – Graeme Goldsworthy

· What Can Protestants Learn from Thomas Aquinas? – Credo Magazine

· “Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology–Part One” – Michael Allen

· “Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology–Part Two” – Michael Allen

· Theme of the Month: Essential Not Optional: Retrieving Biblical Theology

· Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

· The Study of Theology: From Biblical Interpretation to Contemporary Formulation – Richard Muller

· Aquinas, Calvin, and Contemporary Protestant Thought: A Critique of Protestant Views on the Thought of Thomas Aquinas – A. Vos

· Aquinas Among the Protestants – eds. Manfred Svensson & David VanDrunen

· All That Is in God: Evangelical Theology and the Challenge of Classical Christian Theism – James Dolezal

· God in Himself: Scripture, Metaphysics, and the Task of Christian Theology – Steven J. Duby

· Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms: Drawn Principally from Protestant Scholastic Theology – Richard A. Muller

· Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments – Geerhardus Vos

ABOUT THE EPISODE

“Typology” comes up frequently in discussions of Biblical Theology, but what does it mean? Read how David Schrock explains that typology is not merely another method of reading, but an organic structure of escalation and progression arising from God’s redemptive work.

Resources to Click

• “What is Typology?” – David Schrock
• “What Designates a Valid Type? A Christotelic, Covenantal Proposal” – David Schrock
• “From Beelines to Plotlines: Typology That Follows the Covenantal Topography of Scripture” – David Schrock
• “Measuring the Tabernacle in Hebrews: How to See Biblical Types on Earth as They Are in Heaven” – Ardel Caneday
• “Was Joseph a Type of the Messiah? Tracing the Typological Identification Between Joseph, David, and Jesus?” – James M. Hamilton
• Theme of the Month: Essential Not Optional: Retrieving Biblical Theology
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• The Royal Priesthood and the Glory of God (SSBT) – David Schrock
• Kingdom Through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants (Second Edition) – Peter J. Gentry & Stephen J. Wellum
• Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics: Foundations and Principles of Evangelical Biblical Interpretation – Graeme Goldsworthy
• Typology: Understanding the Bible’s Promise-Shaped Patterns – James M. Hamilton
• “Typology” by David Schrock & Sam Emadi in Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament – eds. G.K. Beale, D.A. Carson, Benjamin L. Gladd, & Andrew David Nasellli
• Typos: The Typological Interpretation of the Old Testament in the New – Leonhard Goppelt
• Typology in Scripture: A Study of Hermeneutical Typos Structures – Richard M. Davidson

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Listen in as Trent Hunter and Brad Green interview Colin Smothers on his Christ Over All Longform Essay, "Biblical Theology and Theological Interpretation of Scripture".

Timestamps

• 00:22 – Intro
• 02:00 – Orientation, History, & Defining Terms for Biblical Theology
• 12:35 – Geerhardus Vos’ Contribution
• 18:40 – How Does Biblical Theology Change After Vos?
• 23:00 – What is New About Theological Interpretation of Scripture?
• 25:10 – The Space Between the Text and the Reformation
• 30:41 – Why Did TIS Become Important in the Evangelical World?
• 39:11 – Encouragements for Readers
• 40:36 – Outro

Resources to Click

• “Biblical Theology and Theological Interpretation of Scripture” – Colin Smothers
• The Chicago Statement of Inerrancy (1978)
• “Inauguration of the Rev. Geerhardus Vos as Professor of Biblical Theology” – Princeton Theological Seminary
• Theme of the Month: Essential Not Optional: Retrieving Biblical Theology
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments: Theological Reflection on the Christian Bible – Brevard S. Childs
• Against Heresies in Ante-Nicene Fathers: Vol. 1 – eds. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson & A. Cleveland Coxe
• “Exegesis and Hermeneutics,” by Kevin Vanhoozer inNew Dictionary of Biblical Theology, – T. Desmond Alexander, Brian S. Rosner, D. A. Carson, and Graeme Goldsworthy
• The Eclipse of the Biblical Narrative: A Study in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Hermeneutics – Hans W. Frei
• “An Oration on the Proper Distinction Between Biblical and Dogmatic Theology and the Specific Objectives of Each” by Johann Philipp Gabler, in Old Testament Theology: Flowering and Future – ed. and trans. Ben C. Ollenburger
• Biblical Theology in Crisis – Brevard S. Childs
• Understanding Biblical Theology: A Comparison of Theory and Practice – Edward W. Klink III and Darian R. Lockett
• Brazos Theological Commentaries – ed. Daniel Trier
• Reformed Catholicity: The Promise of Retrieval for Theology and Biblical Interpretation – Michael Allen & Scott R. Swain
• Covenant and Eschatology: The Divine Drama – Michael Horton

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Biblical Theology and Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) are two dominant ways of reading the Bible. In this article, Colin Smothers compares and contrasts both exegetical methods, showing how readers should be cautious of TIS.

Resources to Click

• “Biblical Theology and Theological Interpretation of Scripture” – Colin Smothers
• The Chicago Statement of Inerrancy (1978)
• “Inauguration of the Rev. Geerhardus Vos as Professor of Biblical Theology” – Princeton Theological Seminary
• Theme of the Month: Essential Not Optional: Retrieving Biblical Theology
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments: Theological Reflection on the Christian Bible – Brevard S. Childs
• Against Heresies in Ante-Nicene Fathers: Vol. 1 – eds. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson & A. Cleveland Coxe
• “Exegesis and Hermeneutics,” by Kevin Vanhoozer inNew Dictionary of Biblical Theology, – T. Desmond Alexander, Brian S. Rosner, D. A. Carson, and Graeme Goldsworthy
• The Eclipse of the Biblical Narrative: A Study in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Hermeneutics – Hans W. Frei
• “An Oration on the Proper Distinction Between Biblical and Dogmatic Theology and the Specific Objectives of Each” by Johann Philipp Gabler, in Old Testament Theology: Flowering and Future – ed. and trans. Ben C. Ollenburger
• Biblical Theology in Crisis – Brevard S. Childs
• Understanding Biblical Theology: A Comparison of Theory and Practice – Edward W. Klink III and Darian R. Lockett
• Brazos Theological Commentaries – ed. Daniel Trier
• Reformed Catholicity: The Promise of Retrieval for Theology and Biblical Interpretation – Michael Allen & Scott R. Swain
• Covenant and Eschatology: The Divine Drama – Michael Horton

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Listen in as Trent Hunter and Stephen Wellum interview David Schrock on his essay, "Working As Unto the Lord: Seven Ways to Work Harder and Be Better".

Timestamps

• 00:46 – Intro
• 02:12 – Where Did David’s Article Come From?
• 03:20 – Dr. Wellum’s Job History
• 05:50 – David Schrock’s Job History
• 07:10 – When Did the True Significance of Work Break In?
• 10:24 – Beginning with Good Works in Ephesians 2?
• 12:22 – Placing Ephesians House Codes in Context
• 13:58 – Christ is the Ultimate Motivation
• 15:28 – How Do We Relate Our Other Motivations to Christ?
• 18:41 – How Do You Cultivate a Work Ethic in Our Kids?
• 22:35 – Christ As Our Supervisor and Our Earthly Supervisors
• 26:45 – Serving in the Military
• 28:26 – COA Birthday Ad
• 28:56 – Christ Our Sanctifier
• 31:16 – The False Secular-Sacred Divide
• 32:58 – Pastors Applying Truth So Their Congregants’ Vocations
• 37:10 – Pastoring Challenges of Different People’s Vocations
• 41:41 – Christ Is Our Hiring Manager
• 43:30 – Entrusting Christ’s Sovereign Rule
• 46:37 – Christ Is Our Example
• 50:00 – Christ Is Our Evaluator
• 54:15 – Closing Thoughts
• 56:48 – Outro

Resources to Click

• “Working As Unto the Lord: Seven Ways to Work Harder and Be Better” – David Schrock
• Erika Kirk’s Instagram Statement
• Theme of the Month: Get to Work: Grasping the Doctrine of Vocation
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• Ephesians (ZECotNT) – Clinton E. Arnold

ABOUT THE EPISODE

In Ephesians 6:5–9, Paul shows that good works don’t happen by accident. Christ motivates, sanctifies, and coaches believers to work harder, be better, and glorify Him in every sphere of life.

Resources to Click

• “Working As Unto the Lord: Seven Ways to Work Harder and Be Better” – David Schrock
• Erika Kirk’s Instagram Statement
• Theme of the Month: Get to Work: Grasping the Doctrine of Vocation
• Give to Support the Work

 Books to Read

• Ephesians (ZECotNT) – Clinton E. Arnold

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Scott Polender of Turning Point Education joins our COA Roundtable to reflect on the life, work, and ministry of Charlie Kirk.

Timestamps

• 00:48 – Intro
• 04:29 – How Did Scott End Up at Turning Point?
• 10:50 – What is the ministry of Turning Point USA?
• 20:56 – Dr. Wellum and Trent Hunter on Charlie Kirk
• 29:08 – Reflections on Charlie Kirk
• 41:32 – Charlie’s Model of Evangelism and Source of Conviction
• 51:19 – Applying Theology to the Political Realm
• 57:00 – Was Charlie Kirk a ‘Provocateur’?
• 1:04:55 – Preaching a Sermon including Charlie Kirk
• 1:15:00 – How Does God and The Problem of Evil Help Us Think Through this Time?
• 1:20:00 – Final Thoughts from Scott
• 1:25:30 – 1 Peter 5:6 and Prayer
• 1:28:54 –

 Resources to Click

• “We Can’t Replace Charlie Kirk, But We Can Honor His Legacy: Five Ways to Amplify Truth, Freedom and the American Way” – Colin Smothers & David Schrock
• Man Rampant with Charlie Kirk – Canon Press
• Turning Point USA
• Turning Point Faith
• Turning Point Education
• Theme of the Month: Get to Work: Grasping the Doctrine of Vocation
• Give to Support the Work

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Charlie Kirk, who influenced a generation of young men, is gone. What do we do now?

Resources to Click

• “We Can’t Replace Charlie Kirk, But We Can Honor His Legacy: Five Ways to Amplify Truth, Freedom and the American Way” – Colin Smothers & David Schrock
• Michael Foster’s Statement to East River Church
• “Charlie Kirk: Christian Martyr” – Mark Devine
• Vice President J.D. Vance’s Statement on Charlie Kirk
• CHARLIE – Tom MacDonald
• Man Rampant with Charlie Kirk – Canon Press
• Bible Talk Podcast – 9Marks
• Via Emmaus (On the Road) – David Schrock
• The Bible and How to Read It – David Schrock
• Theme of the Month: Get to Work: Grasping the Doctrine of Vocation
• Give to Support the Work

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Listen in as Trent Hunter and Stephen Wellum interview Rod Martin on his COA Essay "Faithfulness in All Things: Vocation and Christian Callings"

Timestamps

• 00:28 – Intro
• 01:45 – Who is Rod Martin?
• 04:20 – Being a ‘Futurist’
• 07:18 – Calling and Vocation
• 10:30 – Coming into Conviction about Vocation
• 14:53 – What Was Lacking in Rod’s Upbringing on Vocation?
• 18:15 – Our Present Day Gnosticism
• 21:10 – Legitimate Work
• 25:03 – COA Birthday Promo
• 25:44 – Capitalism & Economics
• 36:16 – Reading the Bible Over and Over
• 39:46 – Enhancing Our Witness as the Church
• 44:34 – What Should We Read?
• 48:56 – Final Thoughts
• 53:00 – Outro

Resources to Click

• “Faithful in All Things: Vocation and Christian Callings” – Rod Martin
• “The Number of People Who Eat McDonald’s Daily is Enough to Populate a Country” – Camryn Teder
• Wield the Sword: Vocation – Rod Martin & Founders Ministries
• Theme of the Month: Get to Work: Grasping the Doctrine of Vocation
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• Sovereignty and Dominion: An Economic Commentary on Genesis Vol. 1 – Gary North
• The Road to Serfdom: Text and Documents – F. A. Hayek
• Life After Capitalism: The Meaning of Wealth, the Future of the Economy, and the Time Theory of Money – George Gilder

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Every calling is itself sacred, every task a trust, and every laborer accountable before the throne.

Resources to Click

· “Faithful in All Things: Vocation and Christian Callings” – Rod Martin

· “The Number of People Who Eat McDonald’s Daily is Enough to Populate a Country” – Camryn Teder

· Theme of the Month: Get to Work: Grasping the Doctrine of Vocation

· Give to Support the Work

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Listen in to hear David Schrock and Stephen Wellum interview Dr. Nicholas Piotrowski on his Christ Over All Essay "Gospel Scholarship Pell-Mell: A Critical Review of Jordan Peterson's The Gospels"

Timestamps

• 00:36 – Intro
• 03:15 – Any Connection to Jordan Peterson?
• 06:35 – What Was the Daily Wire Trying to do With These Panel Discussions?
• 09:11 – Was Something Like This Even Possible a Decade Ago?
• 11:47 – Is It Helpful to Have All These Scholars?
• 14:30 – Peterson’s Hermeneutics
• 17:12 – Allegorical Approaches to Scripture
• 21:52 – Comparison/Contrast to the Jesus Seminar
• 24:20 – Defining “Liberal” Readings of Scripture
• 27:02 – Peterson as a Cautionary Tale
• 29:33 – Warning of Allegorical Readings and Four-fold Exegesis
• 31:42 – How Would Dr. Piotrowski Engage in The Panel?
• 34:22 – How Does the Book Peterson Uses Misdirect the Conversation?
• 38:09 – Constructively, How Should One Start Approaching the Gospels?
• 40:51 – What Happens if We Only Read the Gospels and Not the Rest of the Bible?
• 46:27 – The Gospels are Leading Towards a Purpose in the World
• 49:15 – The West Tied to Augustine’s ‘City of Man’ & Promotion of Scripture
• 54:31 – What Would Dr’s. Wellum & Piotrowski Say to Jordan Peterson?
• 58:28 – Outro

Resources to Click

• “Gospel Scholarship Pell-Mell: A Critical Review of Jordan Peterson’s The Gospels” – Nicholas Piotrowski
• The Gospels – Jordan Peterson & The Daily Wire
• Theme of the Month: One Gospel, Four Witnesses
• Give to Support the Work

ABOUT THE EPISODE

This is what happens when the gospels are ripped out of their contexts, psychologized, and discussed by one of the most famous cultural commentators of the day.

Resources to Click

·  “Gospel Scholarship Pell-Mell: A Critical Review of Jordan Peterson’s The Gospels” – Nicholas Piotrowski

· The Gospels – Jordan Peterson & The Daily Wire

· Theme of the Month: One Gospel, Four Witnesses

· Give to Support the Work

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Christianity hinges on history: if the Gospels are not trustworthy accounts of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, the faith collapses. But are they myth shaped by early belief, or historical testimony grounded in eyewitness experience and apostolic oversight? This question is not peripheral—it is foundational.

Timestamps

• 00:36 – Intro
• 02:18 – Guy Waters’ and Stephen Wellum’s Introductions
• 05:43 – Christianity Stands or Falls Upon Historical Facts
• 11:10 – Four Gospels and No More
• 15:48 – What About Gnostic or Apocryphal Gospels?
• 17:32 – Why is the Idea of ‘Myth’ Appealing?
• 23:00 – The Gospels Are Reliable Accounts
• 26:33 – The Gospels Are Historical Accounts by Eyewitnesses
• 30:46 – The Synoptic Problem
• 34:03 – Three Proposals to This Problem
• 38:00 – When to Turn to a Passage in Another Gospel?
• 44:35 – Why Is John Just Different?
• 49:12 – Concluding Thoughts
• 53:47 – Outro

Resources to Click

• “The Reliability of the Gospels: Rock or Sand?” – Guy Waters
• Theme of the Month: One Gospel, Four Witnesses
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• Jesus and the Word – Rudolf Bultmann
• Jesus Outside the New Testament: An Introduction to the Ancient Evidence – Robert E. Van Voorst
• The Canon of Scripture – F.F. Bruce
• The Canon of the New Testament: Its Origin, Development, and Significance – Bruce Metzger
• The Biblical Canon: Its Origin, Transmission and Authority – Lee Martin McDonald
• The Gospel and the Gospels: Christian Proclamation and Early Jesus Books – Simon J. Gathercole
• The Genuine Jesus and the Counterfeit Christs: New Testament and Apocryphal Gospels – Simon J. Gathercole
• Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey – Craig Blomberg
• The Life of Jesus Critically Examined – David F. Strauss ed. Peter C. Hodgson
• Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony – Richard Bauckham
• Matthew (BECNT) – David L. Turner
• The Gospel According to John (PNTC) – D.A. Carson
• Studying the Synoptic Gospels – E.P. Sanders and Margaret Davies
• The Synoptic Problem: An Introduction – Robert H. Stein
• The Reliability of the Gospel Tradition – Birger Gerhardsson
• John: The Maverick Gospel – Robert Kysar
• The Testimony of the Beloved Disciple: Narrative, History, and Theology in the Gospel of John – Richard Bauckham
• The History of the Church – Eusebius
• “Why Four Gospels,” in Selected Shorter Writings, Vol. 2. – B.B. Warfield ed. John Meeter

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Christianity hinges on history: if the Gospels are not trustworthy accounts of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, the faith collapses. But are they myth shaped by early belief, or historical testimony grounded in eyewitness experience and apostolic oversight? This question is not peripheral—it is foundational.

Resources to Click

• “The Reliability of the Gospels: Rock or Sand?” – Guy Waters
• Theme of the Month: One Gospel, Four Witnesses
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• Jesus and the Word – Rudolf Bultmann
• Jesus Outside the New Testament: An Introduction to the Ancient Evidence – Robert E. Van Voorst
• The Canon of Scripture – F.F. Bruce
• The Canon of the New Testament: Its Origin, Development, and Significance – Bruce Metzger
• The Biblical Canon: Its Origin, Transmission and Authority – Lee Martin McDonald
• The Gospel and the Gospels: Christian Proclamation and Early Jesus Books – Simon J. Gathercole
• The Genuine Jesus and the Counterfeit Christs: New Testament and Apocryphal Gospels – Simon J. Gathercole
• Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey – Craig Blomberg
• The Life of Jesus Critically Examined – David F. Strauss ed. Peter C. Hodgson
• Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony – Richard Bauckham
• Matthew (BECNT) – David L. Turner
• The Gospel According to John (PNTC) – D.A. Carson
• Studying the Synoptic Gospels – E.P. Sanders and Margaret Davies
• The Synoptic Problem: An Introduction – Robert H. Stein
• The Reliability of the Gospel Tradition – Birger Gerhardsson
• John: The Maverick Gospel – Robert Kysar
• The Testimony of the Beloved Disciple: Narrative, History, and Theology in the Gospel of John – Richard Bauckham
• The History of the Church – Eusebius
• “Why Four Gospels,” in Selected Shorter Writings, Vol. 2. – B.B. Warfield ed. John Meeter

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Listen in as David Schrock and Stephen Wellum interview Bryan Litfin on his Christ Over All essay: "From Nicaea to the “Nicene Creed”: Sixty Years of Confusion and Controversy"

Timestamps

• 00:48 – Intro
• 04:15 – Introducing Dr. Litfin’s Book on the Trinity
• 05:30 – What Has Helped Dr. Litfin to be a Good Storyteller?
• 07:18 – What Is
• 10:44 – Why Does the History Around the Nicene Creed Matter?
• 13:08 – Did the Council of Nicaea Anticipate the Fight that was Going to Come?
• 15:10 – The Legend of Saint Nicholas
• 17:13 – The Demise of Arius
• 19:35 – How Did Athanasius Become a Main Figure in the Fight for Orthodoxy?
• 24:38 – Athanasius’ Two Volumes Against the Arians
• 26:25 – The Different Theological Groups Around the Time of Nicaea
• 30:26 – How Athanasius Made His Arguments
• 32:20 – History of the Political Influence Between 325-381
• 34:24 – The Cappadocians
• 37:56 – Why Was There Less Participation in the Time of Theodosius?
• 39:57 – What Changes Took Place in the Statements Between 325 and 381?
• 42:38 – Why Was There Not as Much Said about the Holy Spirit?
• 48:14 – The Pneumatomachians
• 50:27 – What Conception Did They Have in Terms of the Spirit’s Saving Power?
• 53:08 – The Nicene Fathers’ Understanding of the Church and Baptism
• 56:08 – Should We Go Back to the Apostolic Fathers to Clarify Our Doctrine?
• 1:00:57 – A Trinitarian Approach to the Gospel
• 1:03:57 – The Trinity and Salvation
• 1:06:21 – Outro

Resources to Click

• “From Nicaea to the “Nicene Creed”: Sixty Years of Confusion and Controversy” – Bryan Litfin
• com – Bryan Litfin
• Rufinus of Aquileia: Historia Ecclesiastical, Book 10, chs. 1-6 (Excerpt on the First Council of Nicaea)
• Letter of Eusebius of Nicomedia and Theognis of Nicaea to a Council – Fourth Century Christianity
• The Death of Arius (Post Nicene Fathers Excerpt) – Philip Schaff
• The Dialogue Against the Luciferians – Jerome; Philip Schaff
• The Nicene Creed – Book of Common Prayer
• Theme of the Month: The Nicene Creed: 1700 Years of Homoousios
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• The Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed – Bryan Litfin
• The Church History of Rufinus of Aquileia: books 10 and 11 – Rufinus of Aquilea trans. Philip R. Amidon
• The Theodosian Code and Novels and the Sirmondian Constitutions – Clyde Pharr

ABOUT THE EPISODE

This is the story of how the heresy of Arianism almost become the official doctrine of the early church, and the story of a few brave men who stood in the way.

Resources to Click

• “From Nicaea to the “Nicene Creed”: Sixty Years of Confusion and Controversy” – Bryan Litfin
• com – Bryan Litfin
• Rufinus of Aquileia: Historia Ecclesiastical, Book 10, chs. 1-6 (Excerpt on the First Council of Nicaea)
• Letter of Eusebius of Nicomedia and Theognis of Nicaea to a Council – Fourth Century Christianity
• The Death of Arius (Post Nicene Fathers Excerpt) – Philip Schaff
• The Dialogue Against the Luciferians – Jerome; Philip Schaff
• The Nicene Creed – Book of Common Prayer
• Theme of the Month: The Nicene Creed: 1700 Years of Homoousios
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• The Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed – Bryan Litfin
• The Church History of Rufinus of Aquileia: books 10 and 11 – Rufinus of Aquilea trans. Philip R. Amidon
• The Theodosian Code and Novels and the Sirmondian Constitutions – Clyde Pharr

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Listen in as David Schrock and Stephen Wellum interview Donald Fairbairn on his Christ Over All essay: "Creeds and the Gospel: From the Beginnings to the Council of Nicaea (325)"

Timestamps

• 00:23 – Intro
• 03:23 – Misconceptions about Creeds & Confessions
• 06:15 – Responding to The Restorationist Movement
• 09:50 – We Are Influenced by Something as We Read Scripture
• 12:49 – The Authorities of Scripture and Tradition in Systematic Theology
• 16:24 – Dr. Fairbairn’s Interest in Church History & the Patristics
• 18:54 – The History Up to 325A.D.
• 24:09 – The Holy Spirit in the Nicene Creed
• 28:50 – Denials of Arianism
• 31:55 – The Political Background to the Creed
• 38:37 – Eusebius’ Exaggeration of Constantine
• 41:37 – The Article on the Father
• 46:12 – Language of the Son being ‘Of’ or ‘From’ the Father
• 51:43 – The Arian Moral Exemplar View
• 56:24 – Nicene Cosmology
• 59:33 – Final Thoughts
• 1:01:28 - Outro

Resources to Click

• “Creeds and the Gospel: From the Beginnings to the Council of Nicaea” – Donald Fairbairn
• 30 Kyle Claunch, David Schrock, Stephen Wellum • Interview • “God the Father: Namesake of all Fatherhood” – Christ Over All
• Theme of the Month: The Nicene Creed: 1700 Years of Homoousios
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• The Story of Creeds and Confessions: Tracing the Development of the Christian Faith – Donald Fairbairn and Ryan M. Reeves
• Letter to Alexander of Alexandria in The Trinitarian Controversy (Sources of Early Christian Thought) – ed. William G. Rusch
• Defense of the Nicene Definition – Athanasius
• The History of the Church: From Christ to Constantine - Eusebius

ABOUT THE EPISODE

Should we abandon man-made confessions of faith and instead have "no creed but Christ"? Enter the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.

Resources to Click

• “Creeds and the Gospel: From the Beginnings to the Council of Nicaea” – Donald Fairbairn
• Theme of the Month: The Nicene Creed: 1700 Years of Homoousios
• Give to Support the Work

Books to Read

• The Story of Creeds and Confessions: Tracing the Development of the Christian Faith – Donald Fairbairn and Ryan M. Reeves
• Letter to Alexander of Alexandria in The Trinitarian Controversy (Sources of Early Christian Thought) – ed. William G. Rusch
• Defense of the Nicene Definition – Athanasius