So We Speak

What is the Song of Songs? Is it an allegory of Christ and the church? Is it a description of Christians and their sex lives? Is it good marriage advice? In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss Song of Songs as wisdom literature and the implications that has for our vision of love, sex, and intimacy.

Ezekiel can lay claim to being the strangest of the major prophets. His life became his message and he prophesied through the worst period of Israel's history. But his message wasn't all lament and woe. Captured by the glory of God, Ezekiel foretells the restoration and redemption of Israel, a time when they will have new hearts and new Spirits to live with God forever.

Ruth is one of the great short stories in history. People have called it a Cinderella tale from the Old Testament. Each character gives an insight into the faithfulness of God. They model righteousness in difficult circumstances. In the end, we get an incredible picture of God's plan to redeem and to save through his Son Jesus.

Why do we have 1 & 2 Chronicles, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings when they all relate similar events? In the Hebrew Scriptures, Chronicles is the last book, a kind of recap of the history of Israel and a message of hope for those coming back from the exile. What can we learn from the similarities and differences? Why does the Chronicler focus on the Levites and the Temple? The answers to these questions create a unique message of hope found at the very end of the history of Israel.

What do these short letters offer the church today? At the end of John's life he was still pastoring. In 2 John, he addresses a church, and in 3 John, he addresses a church leader, instructing them and encouraging them to live out their faith in the midst of opposition and false teaching. These short encouragements to the church are packed with implications for our lives today.

In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss the fourth installment of Tim Keller's essay, "The Decline and Renewal of the American Church." They touch on reasons for decline and strategies, promises, and glimpses of renewal.

Leviticus may not be anyone's favorite book of the Bible, but it is central to understanding how and why we worship God. Cole and Terry discuss the outline and purpose of Leviticus and draw lessons for our worship today.

Terry's Recommended Reads: For the Making of Modern Israel series: Leadership, Henry Kissinger Six Days of War, Michael Oren Israel, Noa Tishby Crisis: The Anatomy of Two Major Foreign Policy Crises, Henry Kissinger The Arab-Israeli Wars, Chaim Herzog Islamic Imperialism, Efraim Karsh General: One Damn Thing After Another, William Barr Here’s the Deal, Kellyanne Conway The Kingdom of God in America, Richard Niebuhr The Expulsive Power of a New Affection, Thomas Chalmers Encouragement for the Depressed, Charles Spurgeon Cole's Recommended Reads: Peterson - The Pastor Kuruvilla - A Manual for Preaching Welch - Caring for One Another Piper - What Is Saving Faith Heiser - Unseen Realm Beeke - Taking Hold of God Beeke - Puritan Preaching Romans: Peterson - Lexham Cranfield - ICC Moo - NICNT Psalms: Bruce Waltke - Psalms as Christian Worship / Lament Kinder - Tyndale James Montgomery Boice commentaries Eric Berger - Liftoff Mark Noll - America’s Book

Like Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation, Zechariah is an apocalyptic book, but that doesn't mean it has no relevance for the church today. The images and visions in Zechariah are some of the strongest and most repeated in scripture. In a time of terrible discouragement, Zechariah offers encouragement by the Spirit of God and a picture of God fulfilling his promises.

In this final episode on the book of Revelation, Cole and Terry look at the millennium, the final judgment, and the vision of the new heavens and the new earth. Though many people have different views on the millennium, we can all come together on the stunning vision at the end of the Bible - God making all things right and dwelling with his people forever.

The middle vision of Revelation spans chapters 4-16 and includes three sets of seven: seals, trumpets, and bowls. In the middle, God brings judgment on the world and sustains his people. Beginning with a glimpse into the throne room of Heaven and ending with peals of thunder and earthquakes, there is a lot to take away from the second vision. In this second part, Cole and Terry look at John's vision from the throne room and draw lessons for reading Revelation and applying it today.

Revelation is the capstone of the whole Bible. Allusions and images from the prophets are interwoven to reveal God's plan for things that must soon take place. It may also be the most controversial book of the Bible. In this episode, we look at the structure of the book, four ways to interpret it, and examine the letters to the seven churches. For more on Revelation see Terry Feix's 10-part series.

Micah is one of the great prophets of Judah. A younger contemporary of Isaiah, Micah advised Hezekiah during the Assyrian siege and prophesied the Babylonian exile. But he also prophesied comfort for the people of God. In this episode, see what the prophecy of Micah teaches us about living in the already/not yet kingdom of God.

Numbers is a misnomer; this book is full of stories. Starting at Mount Sinai, Numbers records the journey to the Promised Land and back out into the wilderness for 40 years. It is a story of God's faithfulness and there are several important visions of the coming Messiah who won't just bring the people into the Promised Land, but will reign in a kingdom of peace forever.

The letter to the Galatians may be the trickiest of Paul's letters - both for the background and the content - but it is packed with insight into the law, the work of the Spirit, and the freedom of the Christian life. In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss Paul's letter to the Galatians and the application for today.

Daniel is at once one of the most thrilling narrative books and one of the most cryptic prophetic books in the Bible. Daniel's life spanned the rise and fall of great empires and the message of his life and his visions point us to Christ - his faithfulness and his eternal reign.

Shai Linne - “Rember Jesus Christ” At this year's Together for the Gospel Conference, Shai Linne preached on 2 Timothy 2:8, "Remember Jesus Christ." What does that mean and why did Paul feel the need to remind Timothy? In this episode, Cole and Terry talk about love and knowledge, the resurrection, and Shai Linne's message to remember Jesus Christ. Top T4G Talks: Al Mohler - “The Open Door Is the Only Door” Kevin DeYoung - “Never Spoke a Man Like This Before: Inerrancy, Evangelism and Christ’s Unbreakable Bible” John Piper - “He Bore Our Sins that We Might Live to Righteousness” C. J. Mahaney - “When a Pastor Loses Heart” Ligon Duncan - “The Underestimated Gospel”

The Prodigal Son is one of the greatest stories ever told. In a few lines, Jesus captures the heart of God and the plight of humanity. We have all gone into the far country and we have a Father waiting to welcome us home. But this story is also a key to understanding the whole Bible. If you understand the Prodigal Son it will help you understand many other passages across the Bible.

On Maundy Thursday, we remember the last supper, the institution of communion, and the final words of Christ to his disciples. In this message, Terry Feix walks through the whole Bible and connects the last supper with the Passover. To watch this message or attend a service, go to Crossings.Church.

Hosea may be best known through Francine Rivers's book Redeeming Love. The first three chapters tell of a prophet who marries a woman who will never love him back and he pursues her to the furthest extent. But there's even more to Hosea than that. In this episode, find out what the rest of Hosea's prophecy holds, what it teaches us about the NT, and how we can live by his words today.

For much of church history, the archetypes of Prophet, Priest, and King have been used to describe the work of Christ, but they also describe the way humans were created to function. In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss these biblical themes and apply them to everyday life.

John was written after the other three gospels, and in some ways, it's totally different. What was John up to in the fourth gospel? In the simplest language in the New Testament, John plumbs some of the deepest theological depths. In this podcast, Cole and Terry discuss the themes, structure, and the purpose of John.

One of the most frequent questions we get is whether archaeology really supports what the Bible says. Recently returned from Israel, Cole and Terry reflect on a few new archaeological finds and the relationship between faith and history.

Zephaniah may be the most obscure of the minor prophets. His short prophecy foretells destruction, judgment, and the day of the Lord. But in the end, there is hope for the remnant - the people of God who have endured to the end. This short prophecy is packed with meaning for the remnant today and for all those who want to serve God in difficult times.

In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss Tim Keller's article, "The Decline of Evangelicalism." They differentiate between evangelicals, progressives, and fundamentalists, reflect on the politicization of American Evangelicalism, and talk about how Christians can maintain their fidelity and witness in a divided world.

The letter to the Ephesians is one of the crown jewels of the New Testament. In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss the background, nature, and content of Ephesians, moving from the rich theology in the first half to the practical application in the second half. No matter how many times you've read or studied this magnificent letter, there's always more to learn.

Amos is one of the minor prophets who spoke against the false worship of the northern kingdom of Israel. Within Scripture, he is a model prophet; Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and others draw from his words. His words also help us to follow God today. Then and now, God calls us to worship him as he has commanded, not on our own terms. Cole and Terry discuss the historical background and the way Amos applies to our lives today.

Joel prophesies destruction. He warns of the day of the Lord which is coming for the people of Israel. But in the midst of that, he prophesies restoration. In fact, Peter quotes Joel on the day of Pentecost to explain what God has done by sending the Spirit and founding the church. This minor prophet is packed with insight for studying the Bible and life today.

In this second half of the conversation on deconstruction, Cole and Terry turn to the pastoral side of doubt and disillusionment. How would you walk with someone who came to you and said they didn't believe anymore? How would you respond to someone who was questioning what they grew up believing?

Cole and Terry share their favorite books of the year! Send us your picks on social media or email us at [email protected]. Check out Cole's picks this week at So We Speak.

In this Christmas episode, Terry offers a few thoughts on John the Baptist and his relationship to the Christmas story. It's not a coincidence that all four gospels begin with John. He was the forerunner of Christ and God's messenger to prepare his people. But his life was spent pointing to someone else. He never saw the fulfillment of the message he preached. At Christmas, we remember that we too have been charged with a similar mission: to point to the Savior. Support So We Speak!

What is deconstruction? Like so many terms in our culture today, it depends on who you ask. In this first part of their conversation about deconstruction, Cole and Terry talk about the roots of deconstruction, the causes, the reason many Christians deconstruct their faith, and the ideology underneath the concept. Resources Mentioned: Joshua Ryan Butler - "4 Causes of Deconstruction" Jonathan Leeman - "Defending Sound Doctrine against the Deconstruction of American Evangelicalism" Kevin DeYoung - "Postmodernism's Revenge" Josh Howerton - "Twitter Thread on Language and Deconstruction" Matt Chandler Twitter Clip David Gushee - "The Deconstruction of American Evangelicalism"

The book of Ecclesiastes is one of the most difficult to interpret in the Bible. Does it teach that life is meaningless? Is everything vanity? Cole and Terry talk about how to make sense of Ecclesiastes, the theme of the book, and prominent passages. Support So We Speak!

Thank you all for listening and supporting So We Speak. Take some time this week to remember all that God has done, to thank him, and to trust him with the future. Support So We Speak!

Paul's letters to the Thessalonians are unique in so many ways. They are some of Paul's earliest letters to a church he only spent a month with before he was pushed out of town by persecution. They are also some of his most intimate letters. 1 Thess. 2:1-12 gives an insight into what it might have been like to have Paul in town - and it's also where we got the name So We Speak. In this episode, we discuss Paul's pastoral method, the man of lawlessness, and everything in between. Support So We Speak!

Joshua marks a transition from across the Jordan into the promised land. In the same way, it serves as a hinge book between the Torah and the rest of the Old Testament. Joshua leads the people of Israel through the flooding river and into God's promises. The whole book displays God's faithfulness, through the conquest in the first half and the land grants in the second half. The takeaway this week is promises made, promises kept. Support So We Speak!

There are so many great educational resources available today. Where should you start? In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss the benefits and common pitfalls of Christian education, how to start where you are and learn to love God with your mind, and the best courses and resources to seek out.

We're answering your questions this week. What is the best Bible translation? Did the Exodus really happen? What's the best order to read the New Testament? What sermons do you listen to during the week to continue learning? (Sorry for the leafblowers part way through!)

We have a special guest on the podcast this week. Dr. Cliff Sanders is the Director of the Wesley Center and a pastor and theologian at Crossings Community Church. In this episode, Terry and Cliff discuss theology, the character of God, teaching, and bridging the gap between Calvinism and Arminianism in the church.

A few weeks ago, we talked about the importance of holiness in the church today and in the Christian life. Here are some of the most helpful tactics and resources we've used to grow in holiness, accountability, and community.

Tim Keller recently wrote an essay titled, "The Decline and Renewal of the American Church: Part 1 - The Decline of the Mainline." In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss the article and the broader decline of the mainline denominations, the parallels to today, and the ways Christians can stay faithful in a secular culture.

There are many passages and prophecies in the Bible about catastrophe, but the book of Lamentations is unique. In this short lament, Jeremiah cries out to God over the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. What can we learn from his sorrow? How can we draw near to God during catastrophes, even spiritual catastrophes?

Here are some of our favorite resources for teaching and preaching. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, here are some of our favorite tools we use each week.

What process and weekly routine does Terry use to develop his Wednesday night lessons? This week, Cole and Terry talk about teaching, preparation and delivery.

The pastoral epistles present a vision of ministry in the first-century church. Paul developed and employed young pastors, sent them out for short-term missions, and then launched them into church leadership. The letter to Titus underscores the connection between doctrine and character and encourages each of us to do our part in building up the church.

In this second episode on looking ahead, Cole and Terry discuss the issues on the horizon for the church. What does it mean to be a human being? How has our culture distorted the notion of the self?

To mark three years of So We Speak, we're looking back and looking ahead for what God has in store. In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss the importance of personal holiness in the church and in the culture.

In the second half of Exodus, we get into conversations about Moses, the Law, and what God might have to teach us today through Israel's stay at Mount Sinai. If the main theme of Exodus is the presence of God, how can we apply that to our lives today?

The way we read and understand the Exodus influences the way we read the rest of the Bible. The events in Ex. 1-18 set the stage for the law, the promised land, and the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. But there are also some difficult questions in these chapters. Who hardened Pharaoh's heart? Where is Mount Sinai? Why did God bring plagues on Egypt? We discuss each of these questions and more on this episode.

The letter to Colossians touches on almost all of the themes in Paul's letters. In this episode, we discuss the background of the church in Colossae, the major themes of the letter, and some of the difficult passages.