Firebrand Podcast

Today's show is a Firebrand Voices episode. David F. Watson reads his article: "Why Christians Must Reject Assisted Suicide." The original print article can be read here!

Enjoy this recording of David speaking at the recent Spirit & Truth conference: In session 3 Dr. David Watson challenges us to come and die in Christ! For information on how you can hear the other conference talks go to: https://spiritandtruth.substack.com/

David, Scott and Maggie interview professor of Biblical Preaching, Dr. Joy Moore about what constitutes a great sermon! Twitter: @joyjmoore @MaggieUlmer @utsdoc @FirebrandTalk

Today's episode is a classic David, Scott and Maggie conversation all about the liturgical season of Lent. The crew discusses the necessary work of confession, the mortification of the flesh and in a surprising turn-- vampire shows??? This episode is full of surprises. Follow us on twitter: @Firebrandtalk Check out Firebrand Magazine! @utsdoc @MaggieUlmer

Bishop Emeritus Mike Lowry joins us to talk about the Global Methodist Church and what it will take for any church to thrive in the days ahead.

Firebrand Voices features authors from Firebrand magazine reading their articles. This week Dr. Peter J. Bellini reads his most recent article called "Revival at Asbury University" and Dr. Jason E. Vickers reads his article, "The Asbury Revival: A First-Person Account." Be sure to share and subscribe to the Firebrand Podcast so you don't miss another episode.

In this wide ranging conversation David, Maggie and Matt Reynolds (Spirit & Truth President and Founder) discuss the reason for launching the podcast, the relationship between the academy and the church, the Asbury revival and more. Resources named in the podcast: "Why Firebrand?" by David F. Watson A Secular Age by Charles Taylor How (Not) to Be Secular by James K.A. Smith The Christian Mind by Harry Blamires

On this episode Scott and David talk about their recent international travel experiences and the crew gets into a conversation about how we as Christians understand-- the self.

In this short episode Maggie shares some exciting news about changes happening in the Plain Truth Podcast world.

Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey of the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center at United Theological Seminary joins us to talk about the power of prayer to change lives and renew churches.

We open up the Good Book and talk about Luke 1:68-79, or the "Benedictus," as it's traditionally called. Also, Maggie is super excited it's Christmas, Scott just wants world peace for in his stocking, and David makes fun of Scott.

Dr. Todd von Helms is a Senior Fellow at The King's College, the Presidential Scholar for Christianity and Culture at Dallas Baptist University, and a Senior Fellow for the Center for Faith and Culture at Southeastern Seminary. He speaks to youth and college students throughout the nation. We talk with him about the state of the church and reaching younger generations with the Gospel. You can learn more about Dr. von Helms here: https://www.toddvonhelms.com. Check out his book, Before You Leave, for College, Career, and Eternity.

England is no longer a majority-Christian country. Many say the U.S. is on the same trajectory. What are the implications of these shifts, and what can we do about them?

In this episode, David interviews Maggie about her faith development over the years from totally unchurched to mainline Protestant to Methocostal spiritual warrior. We also learn about her former life as an actor, and David learns that acting is an actual profession. Scott had to miss this one so it's a two person show this week.

In this episode the crew talks about the New Birth--being a born-again Christian.

Maggie, Scott, and David talk about theological education. What is it? Why is it important? How can we improve it? And Scott reveals that he doesn't know what Instagram is.

Huruma is a section of Mathare, the third-largest slum of Africa. One of their greatest needs in Huruma is clean water. Dr. Jason Thorn joins us to talk about the work of Spirit and Truth to provide for this need and his own experience of traveling to Huruma. We mention two videos in the podcast (here and here). Check 'em out!

Dr. Cheryl Bridges Johns, Visiting Professor of Pentecostal Studies at United Theological Seminary, joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about Scripture, seminary education, the Holy Spirit, Pentecostalism, and conflict within the church. Her new book is called Re-enchanting the Text: Discovering the Bible as Sacred, Dangerous, and Mysterious.

Tesia Mallory sits in for Maggie as we talk with Ryan Danker of the John Wesley Institute about the Next Methodism Summit and the document that came out of it, The Faith Once Delivered: A Wesleyan Witness.

Everyone is talking about Christian nationalism these days, and we are, too. Did we get it right? Well, maybe. But we tried. We also talk about Binaca.

Everyone is talking about Christian nationalism these days, and we are, too. Did we get it right? Well, maybe. But we tried. We also talk about Binaca.

NERD ALERT: This is a wonky one. The crew takes up the topic of Christian orthodoxy. What is it? Where did it come from? What does it mean for our lives? Why did Constantine invent it? (just kidding)

NERD ALERT: This is a wonky one. The crew takes up the topic of Christian orthodoxy. What is it? Where did it come from? What does it mean for our lives? Why did Constantine invent it? (just kidding)

The crew takes up the topic of evil. What is it? Where did it come from? How can we overcome it?

In this episode the crew reflects on life in the church after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

In this episode the crew reflects on life in the church after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

We talk about ways that John Wesley described for growing closer to Christ. Additionally, we ponder whether Scott is actually a Zwinglian and David tries to figure out the name of his YouTube channel.

We sit down with the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Moore to talk about her new book, When Women Lead (Zondervan), which will come out early this fall. Dr. Moore is the founding pastor of Mosaic Church in Evans, Georgia, and Chairperson of the Wesleyan Covenant Association.

The podcast crew reflects on the Buffalo shooting (among others), the loss of Christian identity in the US, and the need for a new Great Awakening.

May 1, 2022, marked the official launch of the Global Methodist Church. We talk about how we got here, the work still to be done, and hopes for the future.

It's been a while! We're back with a new episode featuring Dr. Peter Bellini, who joins us to talk about his new book, The X-Manual: Exousia--A Comprehensive Handbook on Deliverance and Exorcism.

In this one we talk about the tension that exists between the Christian faith and the surrounding culture. How should we engage culture? Should we withdraw? Should we attempt to move society in a more Christian direction through media, government, etc.? Also, Maggie nerds out about the ontological argument.

The 2020 UMC General Conference has been postponed until 2024. In this episode we talk about the dynamics and implications of this decision and discuss how traditionalist churches might move ahead.

We sit down with Pastor Kevin Hall to talk about the work of the Holy Spirit he's seeing in his life and the life of the congregation he leads. Lots of Holy Ghost Power in this one!

Why should I follow Jesus? Why should anyone? In this episode we talk about the singular importance of Jesus, who he is, and the difference he makes in our lives.

Aaron Renn recently wrote a piece in First Things called "The Three Worlds of Evangelicalism." The bottom line: today, traditional Christians are part of a "status negative" religion. We talk about the article, and David gets louder.

In this episode, we take on one of the biggies: predestination (or, "individual double predestination"). What do Wesleyans believe about it? Why do we believe it? Where do we differ from Calvinists on this doctrine? We also talk briefly about Squid Game and Babette's Feast.

This one's a doozy, folks. Did Jesus have Mary's DNA? Did OT prophecy foretell the birth of Jesus? Why are CGI humans so weird? And Justus Hunter makes a surprise cameo appearance!

Maggie couldn't make this one, but David and Scott have the opportunity to talk with Dr. Scott Kelso about his provocative new book, Theological Violence in the 21st Century: The Eclipse of Ethics and Morality in Today's World.

The Notorious KSP (aka Karen Swallow Prior) joins us to talk about faith, literature, the state of the church, and how to survive on social media. And we don't talk about the Wesleyan Quadrilateral at all!

It's a hot take roundup! We talk about David's trip to Africa, a flaming brisket, John Hagee, pastoral burnout, and the Metaverse--all in one episode!

Dr. Ken Collins of Asbury Theological Seminary joins us to talk about his new book, Jesus the Stranger.

None of us had ever heard of "demon trials" before, but they showed up big time in "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" podcast. So we talk about that.

Dr. Madeline Henners of United Theological Seminary joins us for a wide-ranging discussion of life in whatever stage of the pandemic we're in this week. We also talk about open-plan houses and the value of doors and walls.

Dr. Brian Russell of Asbury Theological Seminary joins us to talk about his new book, Centering Prayer: How Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life.

Recently many Christian leaders have been in the news for the wrong reasons. We talk about the responsibilities of Christian leaders, the role of accountability, and the importance of holiness in their lives.

Matt Reynolds of Spirit and Truth joins us for our 100th episode to talk about mainliners, evangelicals, and whether nominal Christianity is better than no Christianity.

How should Christians think about money? Are there more and less faithful ways to use our money? Callie and Roz Picardo of United Theological Seminary join us to talk about their new book, Money Talks: A Biblical Take on Earning, Saving, Spending and Giving. You can purchase the book at a discount here: https://msb.press/moneytalks, discount code 20mtalk.

In this episode we talk about the phenomenon of "exvangelicalism," where it came from, and what we can do to facilitate enduring discipleship.