After Class Podcast

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.

In today's episode, the guys return to Agustin's treatment of Romans 5:12, then investigate passages promoting alternatives to the doctrine of original sin. Will we find strong anti-original sin verses or just a series of general statements and observations? The Bible says all are put to death for their own sin, so does God break his own principle by putting everyone to death for Adam's sin? Who made us; our parents, ourselves, or God? Are we beautifully and wonderfully made in God's image or are we sinfully made? Did God create us as vessels for sin? You don't want to skip this episode.

This week Sam, John, and Ron continue to look at what the Bible says about sin. The guys focus this episode on the passages that are routinely used to support the doctrine of original sin and see how they hold up to scrutiny. Of the many passages from the Old Testament that paint the picture of sinful humanity, most come from poetry. Should we be more careful about building doctrine off poetic sources? What about the New Testament, will we find strong support for Original Sin? Only one way to find out…

This week Sam, and John, try to keep Ron in the Old Testament as they begin laying the biblical foundation for our understanding of original sin. The guys delve into key questions such as the usage of the term "sin" in the Bible, and how the Bible's depiction of figures such as Cain, Enoch, and Noah relates to the notion that every inclination of the heart is evil all the time. The guys posit why the popular narrative, "Image bourn, image lost, image regained" improperly frames the story, and touch on what the Bible implies about God and his proximity to us in light of our sins. Key interpretive differences: Image-bearers vs sin-bearers.

This week the guys dig deeper into Augustine's history and the prevailing thoughts that influenced his theology. Was Pelagius really a heretic? How to make sense of the immaculate conception? And what do sex and a handshake have in common? All this and more in today's episode of the After Class Podcast!

Do you know the origin of original sin? Join Sam, John, and Ron as they engage the topic by laying some groundwork and distinguishing between two approaches to the discussion of original sin. What did the great theological minds of Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian, and Augustin have to say about original sin, and how did they shape our current understanding? Is original sin a core Christian doctrine or an optional way of interpreting certain passages? Tune into this week's episode to find out!

Join Sam, John, and Ron as they welcome their guest, Brian Baldwin, to discuss the goddess Artemis of the Ephesians and how her influence may help us understand Paul's writing and extreme language about women in 1 Timothy. In this episode, the guys unpack Paul's writing about women's dress, their authority over men, the importance of Adam and Eve's birth order, and women being saved through childbirth, in the context of how the Ephesians viewed Artemis. Buckle up!

Join John, Ron, and Sam this week as they examine how the merger of the imperial ruling class & theological influences from leading Christian thinkers impacted the practice and doctrine of baptism, beginning with the 4th century Constantinian turn and progressing through the Reformation, Revivalism, and the Church Growth Revolution. What happened when the Roman Empire embraced Christianity and what effect did it have on the 5 dimensions of baptism? 5 Dimensions identified in previous episodes: Missional - Salvific - Moral - Being baptized into the body of Christ - New social reality

While the scriptures serve as a critical foundation, the practice of baptism has also been influenced by a multitude of historical events. In this episode, John, Ron, and Sam explore the Jewish/Christian Schism of 100 AD and second-century Gnosticism's impact on the Church's understanding of baptism.

In what way does the flood in the time of Noah prefigure baptism? Is baptismal water magically regenerative? Why would a robe be baptized in blood and how does it fit our study? On today's episode of the After Class Podcast, Sam, Ron, and John conclude their reading of the Bible's passages on baptism and present the five dimensions of baptism that have emerged from our study.

Prompted by last weeks cliffhanger, Sam, Ron, and John resume with the question: If we are baptized to a new way of life, what does Paul mean when he wrote to the Corinthians about those who are baptized for the dead? Later in the episode, the guys touch on 're-repentance.' Should we get re-baptized later in life if we have lapsed in our early life? What about if you accepted Christ not knowing the fullness of what you were committing to; do you get re-baptized after your "ah-ha!" moment? All this and more, in today's episode of the After Class Podcast!

This week, Sam, John, and Ron continue the developing theme of baptism as they engage the Pauline letters. The guys continue to navigate the implications of the new life we embrace through baptism and explore key questions: Should we practice group evangelism and corporate baptism? Are there age restrictions on abandoning your old life and embracing the new life? What is the baptism into Moses? And what will be the name of GLCC's new mascot!? All this and more in today's episode of The After Class Podcast!

This week the guys continue through the book of Acts picking up with the first Gentile baptism and investigating tough questions. How do we make sense of the spirit coming on someone before baptism vs. after the laying on of hands? What are the social implications of baptism? Tune in with John, Ron, and Sam for part four of their study of the mode, method, and recipient of baptism.

What do we make of the different accounts of water baptism and those who perform it? Does water baptism come before spirit baptism? Sam, John, and Ron continue the discussion in part three of the series. The guys dive into the book of John and Acts this week and touch on flames, tongues, and the laying on of hands.

In today's episode, Sam, John, and Ron survey verses that broaden our view of the purpose for and recipient of baptism. Join the guys this week as they explore Mark and Luke's traditional and non-traditional verses on baptism.

Students at Great Lakes Christian College are making decisions to take the next steps in their faith, prompting questions surrounding baptism. What types of baptism are spoken about in scripture? What form does it take? Who is the recipient and what purpose does baptism serve? Join the guys this week as they dip into Matthew 3, 21:25, and 26:23.

The interpretation of the lists we find in scripture concerning leadership qualifications can dramatically impact who would serve in specific capacities (if at all). How do we regard these lists and what does it say to us that they are not identical between books of the Bible? Join the guys as they answer another "mailbag question" in this week's one-shot episode. Complementary Episodes: Ep. 4.38: Elders REDUX Ep. 2.33-2.48: 15-part series on women & the Bible.

After laying out a framework in episode one, Sam, Ron, and John continue their two-part series on rapture, resurrection, and Revelation. How do we understand the end of days? Who is gathered for what, and where does everybody go? How do we see the message of Israel's hope in the context of the end times and the gathering of the elect? Tune in this week as the guys look up what scripture has to say about meeting in the air. Prerequisite Episode: 6.5 - Rapture: Part One – The Framework Complementary Episodes: 1.22 – When We All Get to… Sheol? 1.23 - I'll Fly Away…When I die? 1.26 – Ooh Heaven is a Place on Earth 1.27 – Not Heaven… But Not Quite Right

Reading "the end of days" through the lens of a biblical framework. Will believers be whisked away to Heaven, or has this popular interpretation left behind the Bible's teaching? What are the implications of a new Heaven and a new Earth? Does God need a new dwelling place? Join Sam, Ron, and John this week as they unpack the rapture in the context of God's wider biblical hope for His creation. Complementary Episodes: 1.22 – When We All Get to… Sheol? 1.23 - I'll Fly Away…When I die? 1.26 – Ooh Heaven is a Place on Earth 1.27 – Not Heaven… But Not Quite Right

"Sorry Old Testament, most theologians don't use you." An article from Christian Today hits Sam's inbox and reignites a nearly 5-year-old ACP conversation. What benefit does consulting the OT provide preachers, teachers, and those who listen? Is the summation of the Bible story: Creation, Fall, Christ? Is Genesis 1-11 sufficient for setting the stage for God's salvific work? And can we know the full story of God's kingdom ethic without the OT? Tune in to this week's one-shot episode featuring a "Hot Take" on the beef between systematic and historical theology!

What does financial faith look like for the average believer? Is wealth an opportunity for influence and something we should strive for, or is it a snare leading to adultery? What does it look like for God's people to bear witness to His design for human thriving through their finances? This week the guys conclude their 11-part series on faith and finances with some practical principles and applications that inform the answer to the question, "what should I do with my paycheck?" Is there a set of "Christian Basics" we might adhere to? Can we manage individual finances in such a way that onlookers get a glimpse of the Kingdom of God? Tune in this week to find out!

As the series on finance continues, the guys focus on the some more teachings from Paul, especially how and why people are taken care of in the church.

With the new year - and the beginning of their sixth season the ACP guys continue their series on faith and finances. This week the guys zero in on Paul's letters to Corinth and what he had to say about finances. How does the approaching Kingdom affect our decisions about money, generosity, investments, etc?

This week the guys focus on Luke/Acts as they continue to look at faith and finances. What's the deal with giving alms? What does it look like to give to the poor if you're short on cash? And what is the relevance of the parable of the dishonest manager to this discussion?

It's time to see what Jesus taught about money, possessions, accumulating wealth, and generosity. This week the ACP guys look at the "least of these" - who are they and how are Christians expected to interact with them? And are all Jesus-followers required to give away all of their possessions?

This week the guys move into the New Testament as they consider how God expects his people to handle finances. But before looking at obvious "money" passages - they offer a discussion of God's Kingdom and the significant changes it brought from Old to New Testaments.

Biblical finances are still under the microscope this week as the ACP guys offer a quick recap of where they've been with the topic before summarizing some principles of tithing. What were the primary purposes of tithing for the Israelites and where did the "money" go?

What was the primary purpose of tithing in the Old Testament and how was the tithe utilized? This week the guys conclude their look at tithing in the OT before they shift to what tithing looked like in the New Testament.

What do Torah economics look like? This week the guys look at how God's design for finances finds its shape in Torah. How did God expect Israel to share what they had? What about tithing? What does it mean to tithe and where did the idea originate? Be sure to catch this discussion!

This week the guys continue to look at Torah as they discuss God's method of financial management. What does it look like for God's people to lend money to one another? What is the process if an Israelite found themselves in need of financial assistance? Does God's wisdom in this area match the wisdom of the world?

This week starts a new series for the ACP guys and it's all about finances. First they look in Torah to discover God's design for possessions and wealth for his people, Israel. How did God plan for the management of wealth within Israel and how did he expect them to handle their finances?

This week the guys interview Aaron Woods (GLCC alum & return guest) and "get-to-know" the minor prophet, Amos. Listen in as the guys deep dive into the history, context, and message of Amos with Aaron serving as "expert" on the topic of his dissertation.

This week the ACP guys welcome prolific author and friend of the podcast, John Mark Hicks. After hearing about his lecture at the Restoration Appreciation Week, the guys discuss Acts 2:42 and its application for modern churches.

This week the ACP guys welcome Branson Parler, author of the newly released "Every Body's Story: 6 Myths about Sex and the Gospel Truth about Marriage and Singleness". Listen in to catch engaging discussion about Branson's book and some of culture's myths about sex, marriage, and singleness.

This week as the guys conclude their prayer series they discuss if God has a gender and if not - is it appropriate to pray to God as Father and Mother? Listen in to see what the Bible has to say about God's gender and his position as our "mother".

What name for God should we use when we pray? Does it matter if we use the divine name (YHWH) in our prayer time? This week the ACP guys explore the divine name and the practice of using it in our everyday routine.