After Class Podcast

God is concerned with justice, yet some of those who hold positions of power in His name abuse it. Congregants may give a blank slate to their leaders, mistakenly believing them incapable of evil. In the story of Susanna, we are presented with a narrative depicting the abuse of power and sexual exploitation—an ancient Jewish story that sheds light on a very contemporary problem. Entering the world of the Apocrypha helps round out our knowledge of God, His people, and their worldview through history. The guys invite you to join in the mini-series on the Deuterocanonical 'Second Canon' writings that provide insight into the thoughts and lives of the exiled Jewish people who were awaiting the Messiah.

Today, the guys wrap up their series on creation care and present various views of our relationship with creation both now and in the future. What camp do you find yourself in? The escapist, survivalist, animist, creationist, restorationist, or new-creationist? If you don't know what these views are, listen to the end of today's episode, and while you're at it, order a copy of John Nugent's new book! https://a.co/d/gWLGGcN

Christ is the source of creation and the one who maintains it in its present form. He is currently at work in this world, ensuring it doesn't fall apart. Anything we do to push against creation and pull it apart is working against Christ. However, Christ is reconciling all things, and the children of God—the church and the kingdom community—are as close to the new creation as the current creation can get. Tune in to today's episode where the guys unpack New Testament passages that speak about our relationship to creation care.

Today the guys wrap up the Old Testament view of creation care. We are stewards and tenants of the land, but there is one who owns it all. Who set the world on its foundation? Who set the stars in the cosmos? Say among the nations, the Lord is king! Let us play in and with God's good creation!

How much attention does God pay to how we treat the land? In today's episode, the guys discuss the interconnectedness of our life choices as God's image-bearers and stewards of creation, and our treatment of the land. What we do matters. God's restoration is not only for us but for all creation. Find out what the prophets say about it in today's episode of the After Class Podcast.

Today, the guys continue through the Old Testament and venture into apocalyptic imagery, trees that clap their hands, and… God's destruction of the earth? Is God culpable for the attacks brought on by nations? All this and more in today's episode of the After Class Podcast.

The guys delve into Leviticus and Deuteronomy to explore how God's laws, when followed, benefit all creation. What does it look like when we acknowledge that all things belong to God, and we are merely stewards of His property? What constitutes a Christian theology of land stewardship in today's context? Tune in this week to find out!

God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." But, what does it mean to 'subdue' the earth? Join the guys this week as they continue to expand on how we can think about caring for God's creation.

God made us from the dirt. Is that why everything we touch is soiled? The Bible says creation is important to God, so how do we, as His image bearers, think about care for creation? What does work, service, and worship look like in relation to creation? Does Ron hate animals? Tune in this week to find out!

How should Christians think about the messages that other Christians use in their efforts to share the good news of Christ? This week the guys give their hot take on the topic with their reaction to the Super Bowl, 'He Gets Us' advertisement. What went well? What could be improved? What is our response and responsibility as brothers and sisters in Christ? Tune in today to find out!

How does the Song of Songs inform the Christian experience? When using the Song of Songs to teach about sensual love, we must approach the topic with careful sensitivity. Join the guys this week as they outline a few qualifying factors to consider when discussing the biblical perspective on romance, sex, and how we speak about our partner, before we finally close the book on the Song of Songs.

Mandrakes, PDA, soulmates, and final thoughts all await you int this week's episode of the After Class Podcast. Tune in to today's episode for the climax of the story and the conclusion of the series on the Song of Songs. Feedback Frenzy! Did Song of Songs awaken a desire within you for the survey of another biblical book? Would you be interested in a series on intertestamental literature? We're all ears—we invite you to share your thoughts and feedback below, and as always, thanks for listening to the After Class Podcast!

What tickles your fancy? A big nose, watery eyes, a long neck with rounded belly and thighs? Resuming in Chapter 6, we find clues to authorship and gain more insight into the poetic expressions of love and depictions of beauty that bring us closer to understanding the culture of the time. Join the guys as they transition from flattery to foreplay in the narrative of the Song of Songs in this episode of the After Class podcast.

Nothing says romance like the After Class Podcast and the study of the Song of Songs: repeated dream sequences, obstacles, and poetic utterances of the one who is loved. Join the guys as they continue to investigate love and discern the depictions of the ruddy male love interest. Happy Valentine's Day!

Hey guys! Looking for some fresh ways to compliment your beloved? Eyes like doves, hair that flows like a flock of goats, and teeth like ewes; these are but a few of the ways you can extol your spouse in the way of this ancient sonnet. Join the guys in today's episode as they investigate the poetic flattery of Song of Songs.

As the seasons shift from hot to cold, so do the nuances of love. The guys decipher more of the allusions, dreams, and poetic descriptions of the beloved and the love that should remain dormant until its appointed time. Moving through chapter two, Sam, John, and Ron delve deeper into our exploration of the Song of Songs.

She is the keeper of the vineyard, but not her own. Dark and alluring, she is not one to be overlooked. Her passions have been aroused, yet this serves as a warning to other women. Join Sam, John, and Ron this week as they dive into the poetic innuendos of Song of Songs and work to uncover a common thread in the skipping narrative. What could go wrong?

"The whole world was not worthy of the day in which this sublime song was given to Israel." - Rabbi Akiva What differentiates the Song of Songs from other ballads sung in the common pub? What purpose does it serve to the people of God? Why has a song about intimacy been included in the Holy Scriptures? The Song of Songs is the most interpreted book of the Bible, and over the years, interpretations have varied. In today's episode, the guys will survey those various interpretations as they get prepared to walk through the text itself.

New Year, New Series! A preposition can wield immense power in altering meaning and establishing ownership. When ancient language becomes an intimate affair, where the eloquence of antiquity embraces the rhythmic sensuality of poetic expression, the modern reader may find themselves lost between the sheets of paper that the Bible is written on. To kick off the New Year, John, Ron, and Sam delve into a biblical figure most associated with wisdom, Solomon. More specifically, the trio explores Solomon's Song of Songs, seeking wisdom from this biblical poetry's approach to the often-taboo topic of sex. Today, the guys ask: What does this book reveal about itself? Who are the characters, and did Solomon truly pen it? Join us as we set the stage for our study of Song of Songs, in today's episode of the After Class Podcast

It's 2024! We are here to celebrate with you, the listener! As we enter the 7th season of the After Class Podcast the guys explore the theme of New Year's resolutions and share moments from their lives when they renewed their way of thinking about God's word and the magnitude of His mission and witness to the world. We want to thank you for sticking with us each week and for engaging with us through email and Facebook! A special thank you to Great Lakes Christian College and to all those who make the podcast possible! Tune in and get personal with Sam, John, and Ron—perhaps you'll even experience your own paradigm shift this year! Happy Birthday Jenelle! Link to Drew Nyquist Professional Audio Production: https://drewanthonynyquist.wixsite.com/drew-anthony-nyquist?fbclid=IwAR2Cw1FQcncqjB28ya__kiEJ4KypaG5d3apIXFRxIqwxQiLK6k4bMKCf7

Share your Christmas Morning with the After Class Podcast this year and listen to the reading of the birth of Jesus from Matthew & Luke. Each author has their own theological agenda and calls the reader to pay attention to different aspects of Jesus's birth and salvation history. Today, the guys read both perspectives and ask, how are the characters portrayed, and what is the author trying to do in their account? Let's compare, contrast, and appreciate both accounts of the birth of our Lord. Merry Christmas!

What is the nature of Christ's millennial kingdom referred to in the book of Revelation? What must happen before Jesus returns, and what part does the church play? The above questions are not answered in this podcast, but now that we have your attention: This week, Ron, Sam, and John engage the pre-, post-, and amillennial 'when's' of the Bible. When does it happen? What would the original audience have in mind? And what message does it hold for the martyrs? You are just in time to find out!

In last weeks episode, Sam, Ron, and John satirically covered the story of Shamgar, playfully pushing the limits of exegetical fallacies. Today, they revisit the story of Shamgar to offer correction and set the record straight, while pointing out how easy it can be to get carried away when we do not stick to sound hermeneutic principles.

The guys take a second look at Shamgar, questioning the traditional classification of Shamgar as a minor judge. With only two verses dedicated to his legacy in the scriptures, some might be led to believe he is not a significant figure. However, it's not the size of the story, but the work it does that matters. Let's slow down and take a closer look at how these two verses say more than you think. ***Attention!*** The following episode is satirical and stretches exegetic and hermeneutic fallacies to their extremes. The views in this episode are meant to entertain the listener while showing how quickly we can go off the rails when interpreting the Bible. In the following episode the guys will expose these fallacies giving proper justice to the text. Listener discretion is advised. #justiceforshamgar

We suffer through back pain, migraine, and Sams's sarcasm to bring you today's episode on evangelism in the NT. Who was the first evangelist and to whom and how was the message proclaimed? What does it look like today for our evangelism to be accompanied by signs? The Kingdom of God has broken into world history. There is a new kingdom reality and human dynamic to be experienced in the Lord, even now. How is it displayed in your life? How beautiful are your feet?

Today, the guys delve into evangelism and its origins for God's people, starting with the Old Testament. How does God help His people piece together the puzzle to reveal the full picture of His plan for them and their mission to evangelize the nations? Do we have a reference, or are we simply holding onto corner pieces?

Are you being discipled by someone? If not, why not? Are you discipling someone? If not, why not? What is discipleship? What does it mean to make disciples? Interestingly, some of the most effective evangelists are recent converts, but who are they discipled by? Are we disciples of our favorite pop icons? Today, the guys discuss (you guessed it) discipleship, mentoring, and the role of dedicating your life to making disciples as a Christian.

"Yes, I believe in Jesus! What do I do now?" Saying "Yes" to Jesus is an amazing moment full of joy, but it can also be a time of confusion, leaving one to wonder, "Where do I go from here?" In today's episode Sam, John, and Ron point to a few habits, best practices, and resources to guide new Christians on their walk. For those of us who have been seeking the Lord long enough to forget what it is like to be new, today's episode serves as a helpful reminder of how we can be intentional about welcoming others into the body of Christ. Tune in to hear the discussion on why, and how to truly get connected. Complementary Episodes: Episode 1:28-2:3, Highpoints of the Bible story Episode 2:4-2:9; 2:28-31, An Introduction to the Gospel Episode 4:3-22 Introduction to the Bible External Beginner Resources: Bible Project, Study Bibles such as the NRSV, NIV, etc., ChristianBook.com, A Christian Mentor Invest in Christian Education – www.glcc.edu Series of interest: 4:24 - 26 History of Israel 6:27 - 6:44 - God's People and the Use of Violence

Can we partake in occupations and activities that are contrary to the message of the cross? How do we view recreation, sports, video games, parenting, and political and global affairs through the lens of non-violent Christian activity? In today's episode, the guys conclude the series on God's people and the use of violence, addressing remaining listener questions and sharing their final thoughts on the matter. Just in time for Halloween!

As we near the end of the series the guys draw conclusions on what it might look like to overcome evil with good in light of our study. Sam, John, and Ron return to the lead question of the series: What is an acceptable reaction to someone breaking into my house? Are there acceptable levels of physicality? Join Sam, John, and Ron as they present the implications and applications of our study on the Christian use of violence.

A few more passages, principles, and... perplexities? The guys open to more listener-provided verses in today's episode addressing Revelation, Maccabees, and Centurion encounters with Jesus & the Holy Spirit. We are to overcome evil with good and turn the other cheek. But is there ever a time for avoidance? Alternatively, can there be a place for the use of violence if it is part of your job?

In today's episode, the guys begin to wind down the series and respond to listener emails. If God's people are not supposed to use violence, what do we make about the story of Phinehas? What about Jael, Nehemiah, and the Judges of the Old Testament? Today you get your answer.

The temptation to use violence often comes from our desire to defend our belongings or our lives. We need to stop the narrative of acceptable violence and move toward maturity, actively pursuing peace and break through the power of enmity. In today's episode, the guy's survey multiple New Testament passages in rapid succession and ask the question, "Where does violence fit in with God's people?"

Embracing Christ's example involves active participation. When we face revilement, will we respond with blessings? When persecution arises, will we endure with grace? When slander is directed at us, will we reply with kindness? Are we prepared to forsake worldly ideologies and wholeheartedly embrace an alternative way of life, even in the face of worldly opposition? We must ask ourselves, 'Which holds greater power: worldly violence or the path of Christ?' Tune in for Sam, John, and Ron's discussion on the matter.

Jesus was a pacifist, committed to enemy love, committed to peace, and renounced the sword… but that was Jesus. His unique vocation was to take on all the evil of the world and defeat it on the cross. We should not believe that Jesus expected his followers to do the same… or should we? Join Ron, John, and Sam as they test that claim, beginning in Romans and continuing forward in the letters. Will the thesis stand up, or will the guys debunk flawed theology? Tune in to find out. On campus announcement! Restoration Appreciation Week Join us on campus or online on October 17th and 20th 2023.

Today, the guys turn to Luke 22 and Jesus' instruction to bring a sword. Why do they need it? Did Jesus change his mind? Was it just to fulfill prophecy? Is it just a practical tool for the road? Is it metaphorical, or perhaps it was Jesus in a moment of temptation? Join Sam, John, and Ron as they test the strength of these theories and more… And what should we make of Jesus flipping tables and using a whip?

"If you are not in the business of forgiving other people, then God is not in the business of forgiving you." Today's episode challenges many cultural norms and interpretations of how Christians should respond to violence. The guys open to Matthew to see how forgiveness ties into our study of violence. Instead of asking, "When is it appropriate for me to act violently," we should ask, "How can I be as forgiving as the Lord?" But how do we reconcile the above with Jesus' words, "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." Tune in to find out!

Blessed are the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake… This week, the guys delve into Matthew and his recording of Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount. What is the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper? Which should we be? Does peace only come under the threat of violence? Do the teachings of Christ undermine our inclination to defend ourselves? All this and more in today's episode of the After Class Podcast.

New Testament. New context. Join Sam, John, and Ron in today's episode as they set the stage for understanding the New Testament's view of violence, providing insight into the shift in the Israelite mindset. Once a people in a land God provided, now strangers in a land owned by foreign rulers. How did this new cultural, social, and political-economic structure affect the way they understood God's purpose for them? And how does it inform our understanding of violence and God's people today? Tune in to find out!"

This week the guys turn to the pages of wisdom literature in their study of Christian violence in the Bible. In today's episode, John, Sam, and Ron unpack "a time for war" in Ecclesiastes and examine the revenge of God's people in the book of Esther. How do those who find wisdom find peace, according to wisdom literature? Also, tune in for a special promotion for the high school students in your life!

This week John, Sam, and Ron unpack the implications of Psalm 137:9, "Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks." Tune in as the guys survey the Psalms, where God's people overtly and illustratively talk about violence and peace. According to this collection of writings, what do the righteous do when persecuted, and how does the above verse fit into a posture that relies on God's justice and vengeance?

This week we enter the world of the prophets to sample how they speak about violence. What happens when the nations and rulers abuse the sword God gave them for justice? Is the vision of peace depicted throughout the Bible only for the next life, or is it a reality to be lived out now? In a world where national powers rely on horses and chariots, will you rely on God, armed only with His word?

In a world of perpetual violence and military arms races, would you start a community between warring countries with no military defense of your own? What if God told you to? We want to be strong, powerful, and impressive in every imaginable way; does this put us at odds with God's role for his set-apart people? In today's episode, follow the unfolding narrative as we transition from personal violence to corporate violence and national defense/offense. And perhaps more importantly for some, find out what God and Charles Barkley have in common!

This week the guys continue their walkthrough of scripture on the way to answering a listener's question: How do we respond to a break-in; does God condone killing in self-defense? What about the defense of the country? How seriously is the taking of life to God? In today's episode, Sam, John, and Ron investigate what scripture has to say about land stewardship, the taking of a census, the priest's role in warfare, and David's use of mighty men. How do these inform our understanding of the Christian response to violence? Tune in to find out!

We may become coaxed by rage to act out in hostility, violence, and vengeance. Join the guys as they unpack more of God's response and instruction to His people on how they should be witnesses to and uphold the sacredness of life. Tune in this week for part two of our series on violence, self-defense, and Christian participation in bloodshed.

Sam, John, and Ron begin a new series this week in response to numerous listener requests. It is time to talk about Christian participation in violence. Is violence ever justified for a Christian? What about self-defense? We can agree that unprovoked killing is bad, but what about a killing resulting from self-preservation or retaliation? Join the guys as they trace the theme of God's people and their relation to violence through the Bible. Related Episodes. 3.18 - Violence of the "Conquest" 3.28 - God's Wrath Revealed 3.29 - God's Wrath Revealed - Part Two 1.30 - Telling the Story: Raising Cain

In part two of our bad press miniseries: How should Christians respond to bad press about the brothers and sisters in the faith who are doing wrong? How do we persevere through bad press without growing weary? Can you love God and not love Christians? Tune in this week to hear a perspective on how Christians can deal with bad press and witness to the world. Join Sam, John, and Ron as they unpack four principles identified in scripture. The world will hate you (Christians), expect bad press. When Christians do stupid things, we deserve bad press. We must Persevere through bad press – endure, build character, and hold onto your hope. Do not judge. Mind your own business, and do what God has called you to do.

New office, new studio, new episode, same podcast! This week the guys engage the important topic of bad press. How do we respond when Christians are on the receiving end of bad press for something they have done? What guiding principles do we have to deal with 'The Media' which often lies or at best paints an imperfect picture? Do we follow Matthew 18 in a digital age regarding Christians we have never met? Sadly, we are too familiar with many negative examples of Christians receiving bad press for bad actions, yet there is a biblical precedent for us to expect bad press for being Christians. How then does the Bible tell us we should act if bad press is inevitable? Tune in this week to find out!

This week the guys take a break in the action to present their review of the movie Jesus Revolution; a story of Christian Hippies and the church in the 70's at Calvary Chapel in California. What stands out? What resonates? And what flops? Tune in to find out if you should add this movie to your watch list for the summer.

In previous episodes, Sam, John, and Ron delved into Augustine's doctrine of original sin and explored the Bible passages that either support or push against it. In today's episode, the guys summarize their findings and share their observations and convictions about original sin, and how the doctrine may have more to do with historical theological strongholds than biblical support. The guys push back against the individualistic story of original sin with a broader interpretation of God's mission and the Kingdom of God. Join the guys as they unpack this narrative in today's episode of the After Class Podcast.