Freely Given

We are taking a quick interlude to talk about the theological themes within the show "The Good Place." This is something that Gretchen and Katie chat about often, and decided to actually record one of these conversations. This is a comedy show about the after-life, and in that, they are grappling with the problem of sin, and how to deal with it with both justice and mercy. The characters in the show are Eleanor, Chidi, Tahani, and Jason, (and of course, the "angel" Michael). The show begins when Eleanor dies, and arrives at "The Good Place." Michael greets her and shows her around, and praises all of the good things she did during her life. We soon find out that there's been a mistake. Eleanor was not the person Michael described. She's a horrible sinner who was mistakenly sent to "The Good Place" and only she knows this. Overwhelmed with guilt for being given an afterlife she did not deserve, and surrounded by people better than her, she goes through different stages to try to cover for, or atone for her sin, but she can't seem to be good, no matter how hard she tries. This guilt begins to torture her as she feels trapped and watches "The Good Place" crumble around her because of her sin. This is a lighthearted and yet deep conversation of what happenes when you try to deal with sin without a savior, and also the harm that is done to other people when we attempt to justify ourselves. Support the work of 1517 (like this show!)

We are excited to have Natasha Kennedy, illustrator for to a children's book on the Apostle's Creed, talking about communicating through illustrated theology. She is working through illustrating the whole catechism. She has a book on the creed, one on the Lord's Prayer, and has done 2 other books on Christmas and Easter. She is currently working on the artwork for the 10 commandments book. We have her on today to talk about the illustrations she did on the Apostle's Creed. We talk about the difficulty of passages like Jesus decending into hell, or even understanding what it means that Jesus will judge us. This book is packed with meaning, and it was fun to unpack it with the artist herself. You can find the Apostle's Creed "Fat Cat" book HERE. The coordinating coloring books can be found HERE. Support the work of 1517

In this fun episode, we talk about ways we celebrate Advent as a family. We go over Jesse Tree crafts, various advent devotionals. Then we talk about whether or not you should teach your child about Santa, and our mutual hatred of Elf on the Shelf. We talk about the overkill of moralism that is often taught during the Christmas season, and keeping our eyes set on remembering what is important. We talk about the pressure to do everything, and make things magical. You can also find out why the shepherd is always in a different spot in Gretchen's home's nativity lately. Advent devotional "The Isaiah Thing" Gretchen and Katie reference Thinking Fellows episode referenced (Literary Apologetics) Support the work of 1517

We are recording in front of an audience at Tuscarora Inn and Retreat center. As we continue on the 2nd article of the Apostle's Creed, we talk about how Jesus was from eternity--from before in incarnation. Jesus is referred to as our brother, and we ponder the mystery of that, and evidence supporting that claim. We talk about the human emotions of Jesus, and what it means for us that Jesus has the whole spectrum of human emotions. We talk about the meaning of the title "Christ" and the annointing of the Holy Spirit. This topic has a lot of tension and mystery, and we wrestle with what that means, and how do we respond to these tensions and mysteries. We also talk about what it means that Jesus is a prophet, a priest, and a king. The conversation goes to redemption, and ends up talking about the tangible means of grace found in the sacraments, and the comfort they bring. Support the work of 1517

The conversation of the 2nd article of the Apostle's Creed continues. In this episode, we discuss the virgin birth, debate over positions on the perpetual virginity of Mary, the suffering of Christ, the devil prowling around like a roaring lion, and the ultimate breaking of evil. Also, you may find out what Katie thinks is "bull-hunky." The discussion goes to the mystery of our redemption, and trying to wrap our minds around why God would do all of this. https://www.1517.org/donate

In a world where we are expected to create our own truth, finding a firm, steady place to examine truth can be a relief from the decision fatigue. With each year, Luther's Small Catechism has meant more and more to both Gretchen and Katie, so we are going through the section of the Apostle's Creed, to show the depth of truth that continues to be a comfort. We are working through the section of the small catechism dealing with the 2nd article of the Apostle's Creed. In plain English, that means that we are talking about Jesus, the 2nd person of the Trinity. This study of the creed quickly turns to a Bible study, as we go through a lot of scripture that supports the claims that are made. We are using the catechisms put out by the CLB and the LCMS, and comparing some of the questions asked, and questions answered. We dwell on the idea that Jesus was there at the beginning, and all things are made through him. We talk about how he is true God, and true man. Book referenced: Christ Key by Chad Bird Support the work of 1517

Gretchen and Katie debrief from their trip to San Diego, and look ahead to what's going on this next year. They finally move onto the 2nd Article of the Apostle's Creed, that discusses the 2nd person of the Trinity. This is the longest article of the creed, so they discuss why that is, and what kinds of things are included in this article. Here We Still Stand Regional Event in Arkansas (Galatians) Here We Still Stand National Event in San Diego (C.S. Lewis and the Untamed God) This conference is already 70% sold out, so if you want to go, buy your tickets now. Excellent translation of Luther's Commentary on Galatians Donate to 1517 If you don't already subscribe to our podcast, it's free and easy. Click here: https://learn.1517.org/freely-given-subscribe

Our producer, Caleb Keith, introduces this podcast to the audience at the pre-conference at the Here We Still Stand Conference in San Diego. This wonderful audience then watched Katie and Gretchen attempt to have a recorded conversation with people staring at us. This conversation is about theological drifts, and how the Apostle's Creed is a stablizing tool as we go through "detangling" of our faith from theological trends or spiritual manipulation. We talk about having an unmanipulated theology, and how pragmatisim is often the precurser to theological drifts. We then get into the Apostle's Creed, continuing on in our discussion of the 1st article. If you missed coming to the Here We Still Stand conference, there is a regional conference in Bentonville Arkansas in May 2023, where the theme is the book of Galatians (Gretchen will be speaking on Galatians 2). You can register for that here: https://www.1517.org/events/2023-regional-conference-in-bentonville-arkansas The next national Here We Still Stand Conference in San Diego is next October, and the theme of that one is "CS Lewis and the Untamed God." There, Gretchen will each be speaking at breakout sessions. You can register for that here: https://www.1517.org/events/here-we-still-stand-2023 Support the work of 1517.

Who is God? We are continuing through the 1st article of the Apostle's Creed. We discuss what it means that God created us, and sustains us. What does it mean to create? What does it mean to provide? How does this impact our faith, and our growth? We tackle these questions through the catechism, and how we've grown into these questions over the years. Donate to 1517 Subscribe to the podcast free here: https://learn.1517.org/freely-given-subscribe (Sorry this episode came out a week late.)

We interview our friend, Lore Ferguson Wilbert, to discuss her new book "Curious Faith." In this books she examines questions that God asks people in the Bible, questions people ask God in the Bible, and questions we wish someone would ask us. Living in the tension of mystery in faith, we have a discussion on the freedom God gives us to ask him questions, as well as understanding how God uses questions to grow our understanding. Lore's book Curious Faith Sign up for the FREE Livestream for Here We Still Stand Support the work of 1517

Perms, and catechism. No, Gretchen and Katie are not going through middle school again, they are walking through the Apostle's Creed in Luther's Small Catechism. They talk about returning to school, kids growing up, aging, getting perms, midlife crisis', assessing your life, and then the creed--and how the creed is a steady truth that means more and more to them each year. With catechisms in hand from both the CLB and the LCMS churches, where Gretchen and Katie each go, they compare how they are the same, and how each synod makes the catechism their own. They briefly discuss the 3 different creeds, and the focus of teaching who God is, and why we confess them. The doctrine of who God is, is so unseparable from the gospel, as these 2 teachings go hand in hand. Starting with the 1st article of the Apostle's Creed, Gretchen and Katie start with the explanation of God the Father. If you listen to this podcast, but are not yet subscribed, you can do that FREE by clicking here, (https://learn.1517.org/freely-given-subscribe) and subscribe through your favorite app. Register for the FREE livestream of Here We Still Stand Support the work of 1517.

In this episode we continue our talk with author and therapist, Heidi Goehmann, about facing our emotions. In her book "Emotions and the Gospel" there is a section about forgotten emotions, or emotions that humans experience. We talk about the compassion of God toward us, and Jesus' own experience of emotions as shown in Scripture. **We recorded this episode before the Here We Still Stand Conference SOLD OUT. Fortunately, you can still join us on livestream. Like most things produced at 1517, this livestream is free. You can register for it at https://www.1517.org/events/hwss-2022 Support the work of 1517.

What if you could have a conversation with someone who was theologically sound, a great communicator, and an experienced licensed therapist to talk about the emotions we struggle with, and what to do with them? We were fortunate enough to get back on Heidi Goehmann to talk about her new book: "Emotions and the Gospel." She gives a ton of gospel for our emotions, and help us to see where there is grace for us, as well as grace for the emotions of others. We walk through feeling shame for feeling "too emotional," how we are made in the image of God, and getting a strong theological foundation to view emotion. She talks about restoration vs regulation, and misconceptions or "partial truths" we have about emotions. This was such a life giving conversation and left us with so much to think about. Check out the extra free videos Heidi has on FB and associated giveaways. Support the work (like this podcast!) of 1517

When it comes to the theology of the body, it's interesting to consider the fight against aging. There is a fine line between maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and pushing against natural aging. We talk about the role of discipleship and vocation in the various stages of age, and the need for all ages within the church. Support the work of 1517

We are discussing the fruit of the Spirit with our friend, Jessica Thompson, from the prespective of how this list describes how God loves us. Jessica tells us how her devotional on this book came about, with such tenderness. She talks about how God used this book to minister to her, showing her the depth of the goodness of God that was for her in some of the worst of times. There were a few small technical difficulties with this episode, but it's well worth a listen. Front Porch with the Fitzes podcast Jessica's book: How God Loves Us: 40 Days to Discovering the Fruit of the Spirit Support the work of 1517.

For our 101st episode, we are answering more listener questions, since we received so many. We answer a few smaller questions in the beginning and end of this episode, and then spend the bulk of time answering a very thoughtful question about fostering church unity when living in a politically diverse landscape. 40 Minutes in the Old Testament episode referenced History of Christianity in America free online course by Dr. Dan VanVoorhis Luther's Freedom of the Christian book Join us at the upcoming Here We Still Stand Conference in San Diego, California Support the work of 1517 (Like this podcast!)

We are celebrating our 100th episode by answering listener questions that were sent in. What are our favorite episodes? What have we learned? We end up chatting about deconstruction and doubts again, as well as feedback we got from listeners. We have a lot of fun and laughs in this episode, as we celebrate what we have witnessed these last 2 years. Books referenced: Limping with God by Chad Bird After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith Without Losing it by AJ Swoboda Join us for Here We Still Stand in October! Support the work of 1517

We join Rev. Bob Hiller for a discussion on praying the "right way," as well as what happens when we pray for other people. Prayer is a place where we get to come before God, and bring him our problems, our hurts, our sin--even sin we struggle with, and the Spirit interprets and perfects our prayers. We can bring our anger to God, our praise, our laments, and our questions. The Gift of Prayer by Bob Hiller Come meet Gretchen, Katie, AND Bob at the Here We Still Stand Conference in San Diego this October. Support the work of 1517

We invited back our friend, Pastor Bob Hiller, to talk to us about how to pray. Bob is also a co-host and the Lutheran perspective on the "White Horse Inn" podcast. He recently published a booklet "The Gift of Prayer" on what it looks like to pray in light of the gospel. This conversation is great for those who struggle to pray perfectly, or wonder how to make their prayers effective. Join us this October in San Diego for the Here We Still Stand Conference Support the work of 1517

We continue our discussion of the book "Everything Sad is Untrue" which then morphs into a discussion of communicating theological truths either through writing, art, or music. As we discuss the book, we look from a child's perspective the question, "what is belief?" It would be tempting to paint it in a perfect light, but what honestly happens when you come to faith in Christ? How does our Christian art communicate humanity and theology honestly, or through the lens of prosperity gospel. What is the difference between good art and cheesy Christian art? How can we communicate the gospel by "calling a thing what it is" in all truthfulness? Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri Art and Faith by Makoto Fujimura Flame's music and resources Support the work of 1517

Gretchen and Katie talk about one of their summer book reads that made a huge impact on them. It's a secular published, young adult book, about a 12 year old refugee boy from Iran. Told in the style of 1,001 Arabian Nights, it weaves together myths from his Persian culture, family legends of his great-great-grandparents, his own memories from Iran, living in a refugee camp in Italy, with his current life as a refugee living in Oklahoma. All of this is told with the humor of a 12 year old boy who loves a good poop story. As this boy tries to make sense of his memories, you start to realize why they had to flee Iran: his mother became a Christian. His family's story of faith gets woven into all the other memories and his thoughts on God stopped us in our tracks and took our breath away. We strongly recommend this book for personal enjoyment or family discussion, and promise we didn't even give the best parts away. Everything Sad is Untrue: a True Story, by Daniel Nayeri Support the work of 1517

In this episode with Mike Cosper, we talk about grace and virtue. How do we "pursue virtue" and not let go of grace? We discuss the difference between self introspection by checking our own fruit, and confessing our sins. When we understand it's the grace that pushes forward any love toward the neighbors in our life, it changes the paradigm. We talk about the theology of the cross, the hiddenness of it all, and the mask that we wear. Books discusssed: Between Noon and Three by Robert Capon Ragged by Gretchen Ronnevik On Being a Theologian of the Cross by Gerhard Forde The Shepherd's Letter by Bo Giertz Also: Join us at Here We Still Stand this October Support the work of 1517

In this episode, we have Mike Cosper on from "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" and journalist for Christianity Today. We wanted to talk specifically on how law and gospel distinctions have an impact on the culture of a church, in regard to how we treat each other, and how we perceive our pastors. If we hold to the doctrine that we are "simultaneously saints and sinners" it should be assumed that sin is something we will have to work through in church relationships. This should not surprise us, and we can take comfort in the fact that God has a plan for that. This is the 1st of 2 episodes with Mike. Next week, we will talk about "Grace and Virtue." Support the work of 1517. Join us for Here We Still Stand Conference.

What does it mean to be steadfast? How does vocation relate to location? In this episode, Gretchen and Katie discuss the theology of place, as it relates to the ongoing conversation of patience and hope. What does it mean to stay, and stay in freedom without compulsion? When is it time to cut ties in a situation and leave? Using farming as an example, they talk about the influence of nostalgia on our perceptions of things, but also the work of serving the area where God has placed you--weeds and all. This conversation has many rabbit trails and ends up in the book of James. Some mentions: Wendell Berry's poems, Hannah Coulter, Jayber Crow Join us at Here We Still Stand this year! Registration

We have special guest Sarah Crowder to talk with us about interacting with the teens in our lives--whether our own, in our churches, or neighborhoods--in a way that helps them understand the gospel. Sarah teaches theology classes to high school freshman at a Lutheran high school in Las Vegas, many of whom are unchurched. She talks about building relationships through transparency, and not presenting ourselves as perfect. We talk about the dynamic of teaching both law and gospel to teens, and where vocation and excellence plays into all of that. She finishes up by sharing how she shows the kids where in our theology of the cross they can safely grieve, especially after a tough couple of years that the teens have lived through. Some videos she made for her student that she uses often: Sarah's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIeYW5I82llwDkkHlpzD9vA A video she did on her dad and what church means: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17lIHCkByS0 Her lesson on death and dying featuring the sermon at her dad's funeral: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72SDVz_2hOA Some of the audio was a bit crackly in the first 4 minutes, and hopefully we got it a little fixed after that. Hang in there, it gets better. Want to join all of us at Here We Still Stand in San Diego this fall? Registration is here: https://www.1517.org/events/hwss-2022 Support the work of 1517: https://www.1517.org/donate

We continue our conversation with Nancy Guthrie and how life changing it can be to find Christ in the Old Testament--and not just in the prophecies. It's transformative, and as she would say, there's nothing more practical. We also talk about the book of Revelation, and how where we often assume fear, confusion, and a puzzle to figure out, she shares about the peace and blessings found in Christ throughout the whole book. Support the podcast network at http://1517.org/donate

We are excited to have Nancy Guthrie on to talk about her journey into Biblical theology. For many years she read and studied the Bible, but once she learned the Christ-centered approach to interpreting all of scripture, everything opened up. She talks with us about the practical nature of theology, and how understanding the centrality of Christ has been a comfort to her through many of the heavy things of life. To support the work of 1517, head on over to http://www.1517.org/donate

In this episode, we talk about the grace given to process emotions. Very often, we struggle with anger, envy, sadness, that are mixed in with sin, trauma, and just normal human emotions. In this complexity of mental health and spiritual health, it's easy to put blanket shame over emotions that we are walking through. Gretchen and Katie talk about how they process through emotions that they sometimes struggle with, and that they hate, and learning how grace brings you through to the other side. *There was an editing glitch in this episode, and you'll miss the first couple of seconds including the intro, and Katie quickly chatting about seeing the new Top Gun movie. If you want to be one of the 100 new podcast listeners that become donors, come visit: http://www.1517.org/celebrate Also, it's not too early to think about registering for the Here We Still Stand Conference in San Diego. Details HERE.

Just like there is pressure to have Instagram-worthy devotions everyday, there can be a pressure to have family devotions--with your husband leading. Gretchen and Katie both affirm male headship in the home, but how can that be twisted to put huge expectations on husbands to do certain things, a certain way? They talk about the common hesitation for women to teach their children, or even step forward in other areas of church life, because they're afraid they will be somehow getting ahead of their husbands, spiritually speaking. Many women even feel either guilt or superiority if they study their Bibles more than their husbands. This can lead to them trying to figure out ways to manipulate or pressure their husbands to stay one step ahead of them, to somehow maintain his leadership. These invented expectations and pressures we put on our marriages can be so harmful. This conversation comes down to the doctrine of vocation, and serving one another as co-laborers for the gospel. It's not a competition, and it's not a comparison. We are in this mission together. We are looking for 100 new donors for the 1517 podcast network. If you'd like to support this ministry, in any amount, please visit here: http://www.1517.org/celebrate

In this episode, we bring on Dr. Dan van Voorhis, professor in the "History of Christianity in America" 1517 academy course, to talk to him about how our history affects our theology. We talk about migration patterns in America, as different people groups emmigrate here throughout the centuries, and how different denominations affect each other regionally. The circumstances of history often push the church to ask questions it wouldn't ask with such intensity otherwise: such as during Covid, when the church started asking the question: what is church, and why do we need it? This facinating discussion is not long enough, but fortunately, his whole course on it is free, and available on the 1517 academy page. https://1517-academy.thinkific.com/courses/christianity-in-america Dan also does a short, daily podcast on Church history, "The Christian History Almanac." https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac The promo video for this course: "Is America a Christian Nation?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lMZZWfGIZQ&t=14s Support the work of 1517

If we are saved by faith, not by works...then do our works matter? In this episode Gretchen interviews Mike Berg, author of "Vocation: the Setting for Human Flourishing" and teacher of the free academy course, "Masks of God: The Lutheran Doctrine of Vocation." We discuss how when we have the doctrine of justification established, we are reoriented--not to try to use our works to earn God's favor, but turned outward toward loving our neighbor. We talk about various areas of vocation, from family, job, civic, and church, as well as how vocation extends to understanding the craft of a job--a job well done. The doctrine of vocation even ties into human dignity, and how we treat others, and treat their work. The next few weeks, we will continue to interview a few of the teachers of our free academy courses. These courses are great for individual, or even small group use. 1517 puts out such a variety of quality produced, free resources that we just wanted to make you aware of more of them. If you would like to donate to 1517, and partner with us that way, you can do that here: https://www.1517.org/donate Also, we would love to see you at our national conference in San Diego this fall. Registration for that event is here: https://www.1517.org/events/hwss-2022

We recently had the chance to meet in person with our podcast producer: Caleb Keith, and so we took the opportunity to have a conversation with him about catechizing children. In other words: what do you want your kids to know about God before they grow up and leave the home? Caleb is a young dad with 3 kids, and as catechism was important in his home growing up, it's something that's important as he's raising his kids. He talks about Luther's Small Catechism, as well as just having regular conversations with your kids about God as a part of your family culture. These conversations and theological pegs serve as a foundation for preparing children for life. Caleb is a regular at the "Thinking Fellows" podcast, as well as "Outlaw God"--both part of the 1517 network. If you'd like to support 1517, and all the free content they produce for individuals and churches, you can do that here: https://www.1517.org/donate

We interviewed Kelsi Klembara after she spoke at the recent "Here We Still Stand" Regional Conference in Bentonville, Arkansas. She spoke about the embodiment of our redemption, and how our theology of the body can effect how we view eating disorders, chronic health issues, various health improvement programs and even the body positivity movement. She points to the story of the bleeding woman who touches Jesus' cloak, and brings it all back to Christ. This episode was recorded during the tear-down and hang out time after the conference, and there's a bit more background noise than usual, but the voices come through just fine. It was too good of a conversation to not share. Book referenced: "Wonderfully Made: A Protestant Theology of the Body" By John Kleinig. Kelsi's article on 1517: "Can Body Positivity Overcome Our Bodies of Death?" Want to come to the big national Here We Still Stand Conference in San Diego this fall? Register at https://www.1517.org/events/hwss-2022 Support 1517

As Gretchen and Katie are traveling to the Here We Still Stand regional conference today, they prepared a special podcast for today, talking about upcoming things, both professionally and personally. They talk about retreats, substitute teaching, working with teenagers, the farm seasons, and more. Most of all, this episode is just for fun--to pull up a coffee with the 2 of us and come sit with us as we talk about life. Support the ministry of 1517 at http://www.1517.org/donate

It might say "spring" on the calendar, but it doesn't say it yet when you look outside the window. In this episode, Gretchen and Katie talk about anticipating seasons in our lives, as well as looking back with nostalgia--for good or for bad. They talk about the modern expectations in different seasons, the pressure to enjoy every season you are in to the fullest. Join us for the Here We Still Stand Conference in San Diego (if you can't come to Arkansas next week!) Support the ministry of 1517.

This episode we have Michelle Diercks to talk about her new book "Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God's Presence." This is an 8 week study on the names of God that can be done individually or with a small group. These names of God lead us to a place of peace and rest, especially in times of hardship and anxiety. You can find more about Michelle at her website: https://michellediercks.com You can find all of the 1517 podcasts HERE. Support the ministry of 1517.

What was the significance of the women at the tomb? Did they just happen to be in the right place at the right time, or did Jesus intentionally seek them out first? The reason this is important doesn't have as much to do with women exactly, but it goes back to the Garden of Eden and points to the purpose of the resurrection, and what it means for Jesus to break the curse of sin. Don't forget to rate and review our podcast if you have not yet! Both Gretchen and Katie will be hanging out at the "Here We Still Stand" Arkansas Conference. Come hang out with us! Support the ministry of 1517

We are sitting down to talk about Bruno, and the other characters in the movie "Encanto." There's several spoilers in this episode, but we wanted to dig into some of the redemptive themes of this movie, as it can be a great starting point to have conversations (even with little ones!) about faith. We talk about how the miracle starts when a life is laid down to save the family. The miracle gifts the family with supernatural gifts for the purpose of blessing the community. But there is trauma involved, and the family feels like they have to keep the miracle strong, and it starts to warp their identity, and their understanding of the free gift. The striving for perfection for the family comes from a place of trauma and fear, and blinds them from understanding the concept of a free gift. Sound familiar? We thought so too. This month we are asking all of our listeners to rate and review our podcast on Apple podcasts, if you have not already. It helps so much. We'd also like to invite you to the Here We Still Stand Regional Conference in Arkansas coming in April. Register HERE! Here is the article Gretchen wrote on Encanto. Support the ministry of 1517.

We asked Chad Bird about what it means to wrestle with God. Later this summer, he's coming out with his book on Jacob: "Limping with God." Our discussion went from Jacob being renamed to "Israel" which means "wrestles with God" and how wrestling with God was a keyhole to the crucifixion. We pivot a bit to the Psalms, where God actually puts bold words in our mouths that we are allowed to say to him, and then move onto Job, who asked God the hard questions, and what God has to say about that. Join us in Arkansas for the Regional Here We Still Stand Conference Chad Bird's books can be found HERE. You can also find him in the podcasts: 40 Minutes in the Old Testament Hidden Streams, devotions on the Psalms. Chad's academy course on "Christ in the Old Testament" (free) Support 1517.

We invited Old Testament and Hebrew scholar, Chad Bird, to talk to us about Proverbs 31. This passage talking about a wife of noble character is often discussed in women's Bible studies or events. It's used to inspire, accuse, exhaust, or at least show us some kind of standard that we feel we can never reach. Chad explains how we can look at this text--and other texts, asking the question "what is Christ doing in this passage?" He shares that looking at the Bible through a "moralistic ego-centric" lens leads to legalism, and leads us to ask the wrong questions. He explains how the book of Proverbs points to Christ as "wisdom" and when we see that, it's a key to looking at the whole book. He shares 3 layers or tiers to look at Proverbs 31: it's about Christ, it's about the church (his body), and finally it's about wives. Where is Christ in Proverbs 31? Listen into to this mind blowing episode. You'll never be able to look at Proverbs 31 the same again. Come hear Chad at the Here We Still Stand Regional Conference in Arkansas this April! To hear more about Christ in the Old Testament, we recommend his book "The Christ Key." Support the work of 1517.

We get to hear about the parable of the sower in this episode, as we continue to talk to Daniel Emery Price and Erick Sorensen about their book "Scandalous Stories: a Sort of Commentary on the Parables." In this parable we talk about the way that things grow, the gardener, the seed, and how all of this applies to us (not just some of it.) As Katie is married to an agronomist, and Gretchen is married to a farmer, they give their opinion on the value of dirt, and how God sees its potential. Dan and Erick's podcast: 30 Minutes in the New Testament Come see Dan, Erick, and Gretchen and many others at the 1517 regional conference in Arkansas coming up soon! Register HERE. Support the ministry of 1517.

We are talking about the abundance of forgiveness today, with special guests, Daniel Emery Price, and Erick Sorensen from the "30 Minutes in the New Testament" podcast. We are talking about how Jesus tells parables, and what we can learn about confession, forgiveness, and repentence from all of this. This relates a lot on our spiritual friendships, what it is to be accountable to one another, and what are we actually accountable to say? It all comes down to spreading the message of Jesus coming to forgive sinners, and the power that is behind that message to change everything. Dan and Erick's book: "Scandalous Stories: a Sort of Commentary on Parables" Support the ministry of 1517.

Gretchen and Katie talk about love and forgiveness, particularly when it comes to marriage. They talk about what forgiveness does and doesn't do, and how forgivness enables us to be our honest selves with our spouse. Forgiveness is something that does not come from inside us, but from God himself. Forgiving is not saying what happened is ok--quite the opposite. It means when we forgive, we are pointing the other person to the work of Christ that is done on their behalf. Sources cited: Seculosity by David Zahl "Grace for When You Can't Forgive" by Gretchen Ronnevik Support the ministry of 1517

In this episode, Gretchen and Katie discuss their recent interview with Aimee Byrd, and talk about how some of the issue is the "growth mindset" that can sometimes get us targeting certain demographics in order to get your church to grow. It's thinking that if we can get this specific demographic in our church, and pour into them, we will grow. One of the prime symptoms that this is happening to the women in your church is that no one wants to teach the women's Bible study, and no one feels qualified to teach or mentor other women. We talk about ways we can support women teaching other women, and investing in them for the edification of the whole church. If you haven't signed up yet, register for the "Here We Still Stand Regional Conference" in Arkansas this April. If you would like to support the ministry of 1517, you can do so HERE.

This is the end of our conversation with Aimee Byrd to discuss the discipleship of women. We discuss the mixed messages often given to women, that they are a part of the great commission, and yet they should remain quiet. Then there's the different messages in "men's devotional Bibles" and "women's devotional Bibles" that take several passages that refer to both men and women, and make it about just men, or just women, essentially interpreting passages that aren't about manhood or womanhood gender exclusive. Then we discuss the common practice of outsourcing the discipleship of women to parachurch organizations (even outside the denomination) to put a "safety barrier" between the pastor and the women of the church. In the end, it's not about promoting women to leadership positions, or trying to appear inclusive, but it's about making sure the women are getting the same gospel--and the same access to discipleship that the men are getting, so that the whole church- the united co-laborers for the gospel moving in the same direction in the great commission. If you would love to support the ministry of 1517, you can partner with us at www.1517.org/donate Also, Gretchen will be at the Here We Still Stand Regional Event in Arkansas, not speaking, but just there to hang out! If you would like to come hang out, and listen to some amazing speakers on the topic of sinners/saints, you can register here: https://www.1517.org/events/hwss-regional-event-in-bentonville-arkansas

We have special guest, Aimee Byrd, on today to talk about her journey in being a woman who studies theology. She shares the purpose on each of her books and how they build off of one another, leading up to her most recent book that we are discussing today on Biblical manhood and womanhood. Aimee wanted to be a godly wife, and a godly mother, and read everything that was available to equip herself in that endeavor. When red flags started coming up, and terms were being defined by cultural instead of the Bible, she dismissed them for awhile in an effort to be the "most godly" wife and mother. It wasn't until she started studying theology that she looks back on those resources and realized there are some large errors we fall into when we fix women's eyes on their ability to uphold their gender's stereotypes to the upmost, instead of fixing their eyes on Christ. In the end, she talks about how Jesus had theological conversations with women, and what she learned from that.

In one more episode before our interview, we wanted to go over Titus 2, which is often the prooftext given for the false idea that men and women are sanctified differently. This episode could fit both in our discussion of womanhood in the Bible, as well as verses frequently taken out of context. The misunderstanding in this passage comes when we start reading only when it references women. We must go back further, where the context is teaching sound doctrine. This episode dips into Gretchen's online course on "Gospel Mentoring" which looks at this passage within the context of law and gospel distinctions, and the gets to the heart of sharing the gospel with the next generation. Link to Gospel mentoring: www.gospelmentoring.com Support the ministry and podcast network of 1517

In this episode we introduce the topic of gender in regard to justification and sanctification. In other words, women aren't saved any differently than men. It was revolutionary back in New Testament times and in some circumstances, it's still revolutionary today. Gretchen and Katie talk who both love and work in women's ministry, talk about the confusion that comes when that theology is tweaked so slightly so that sanctification is no longer defined as being conformed to the image of God, but men are conformed to act more masculine, and women are conformed to act more feminine. In this tweaked theology, men can comfortably be conformed to the image of Christ--another man. Women are conformed to...some Biblical heroine perhaps. Male and female are both very good. But sanctification, like justification, isn't a gendered issue. There is not a male version of justification, and a female version of justification, and the same goes for sanctification. Mankind--both male and female, are conformed to the image of God. While God has laws that are particular to both men and women, God's gospel is not directed at a specific gender. What this discussion essentially boils down to is the practice and difficulties of discipleship of women within the church. This tender episode introduces the heart of the issue--are women in churches getting the meat of the gospel, and is this simply a women's issue?

In our out of context verses, we got a couple of requests for Matthew 7, specifically the verses that talk about people crying out "Lord, Lord" and claiming to have prophesies in his name, but God turning his back, and saying that he never knew you. In the context of Matthew 7, these verses are actually about assessing false prophets, not for the purpose of you wondering if God knows you. Gretchen and Katie talk about the beginning passage about our difficulty with judging people, all the way to the end of the chapter, through the section talking about the narrow road (which is Christ), then to the requested section on false prophets, and finishing with building our foundation on the rock (which is Christ) which is a sure foundation. False prophets will tell us many things that may be from the Bible, but with a twist, and that twist is to take our eyes off the narrow way of Christ, and off the firm foundation of Christ, and twist the words to either limit or remove Christ from the conversation. They also talk about our preoccupation with inspecting fruit, and when we should and shouldn't do this. Support the ministry of 1517

In this episode, Gretchen and Katie talk about all the projects they have in the works. From speaking engagements, a book on patience, a book on motherhood, and perhaps a children's book? They talk about processing through preparing content, and trying to keep the gospel central to the message, and writing and speaking honestly. Support 1517 Reserve your ticket to the 1517 Here We Still Stand