So We Speak

We're turning the tables in this episode and talking to Cole about productivity and writing as Christian stewardship. Here are a few of the books we mention in this episode: Crazy Busy - Kevin DeYoung Ploductivity - Douglas Wilson Deep Work - Cal Newport

The book of Job is one of the richest and most perplexing books in the Bible. We've done an overview of Job before, but in this episode, we revisit some of the deeper questions and discuss other important themes.

Who was Paul and how should we interpret his writings? In recent years, the New Perspective on Paul has redefined some of the fundamental questions in Paul's letters. Was Paul's background Jewish, Greek, or both? What is the relationship between grace and law? Are we saved by faith, works, or both? Cole Feix and Jarrett Ford discuss these trends in Paul's letter and a series of articles Jarrett has written for So We Speak. Find the first three posts here: Part 1 - Luther and Sanders Part 2 - The New Perspective Part 3 - Paul and the Jews

In this episode, we discuss Voddie Baucham's new book Fault Lines and the effects critical race theory is having on the world and the church. Baucham provides a critique of worldly social justice and calls the church to boldly practice biblical justice in the world.

Combined, Luke and Acts make up a quarter of the New Testament. Luke writes with clarity and historical sensitivity but also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit, the perils of riches, and includes many of the most beloved stories and parables from Jesus' ministry, including the prodigal son, Zacchaeus, Jesus getting separated from his parents in the temple, and the rich man and Lazarus. In this episode, we talk about the unique and interesting aspects of Luke's life and writings.

What makes a healthy church culture? In this episode, we're discussing accusations, abuse, and how to build an environment of truth and grace in the church based on Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer's new book A Church Called Tov.

Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament. His prophecy condemns the final phase of Israel's rebellion against God and forecasts the coming of the Messiah. In this episode, we cover some of the important background information necessary for understanding Malachi's prophecy and the way Malachi previews the coming of Christ almost four hundred years later.

Peter discusses a different kind of suffering in his letter to the churches in Asia. While they are likely not experiencing physical persecution, they were beginning to be excluded socially and economically. Peter wrote them with a clear, concise, and bold summary of the Christian life. It is as relevant to us as it was to them.

In this episode, Terry Feix ties the whole Bible together culminating with Jesus' last supper with his disciples. Beginning with Abraham, he moves through the Mosaic covenant, the Day of Atonement, and the Hebrew marriage ritual. At the end, he answers a few questions about teaching this lesson and bringing all of the threads together. Watch the Maundy Thursday service at Crossings, here.

How did John go from the son of thunder to the apostle of love? In this short letter, we see a loving pastor in action. In this episode, we discuss the background to 1 John, possible outlines, and themes of the letter.

In Christ, our entire lives are transformed and that includes our emotions, passions, and desires. Praying the Psalms is one of the best ways to grow in our faith. In this episode, we discuss different reasons to pray the Psalms and ways to get started. Resources: ESV Devotional Psalter The Songs of Jesus - Timothy Keller Answering God - Eugene Peterson Praying the Psalms - Walter Brueggemann "The Anatomy of All Parts of the Soul" - So We Speak

How do you start a small group? When do you know it's time to leave? Groups are an important environment for growth in the church but they can be difficult to lead. This week, Terry Feix talks about how to build, lead, and facilitate small groups and discipleship groups and answers some common questions leaders ask.

This week, Max Lucado preached at the Washington National Cathedral. On Monday morning, two leaders in the Episcopal Church apologized for the harm he caused because of his beliefs about biblical sexuality. How can we continue to love others and share the gospel when we face this kind of opposition from others who claim to be Christians?

Paul's letter to the Philippians is one of the most personal and applicable books in the New Testament. In this episode, we discuss the background of the letter, walk through the chapters, talk about the difficult passages, and end on some major takeaways. For an in-depth look at the letter, check out this Preaching Guide at For the Church.

This week Laura Leigh Turner talks about saying yes to God, debuting on Broadway, walking through having the show canceled due to Covid, learning to trust God in every season, and looking for opportunities to build community and share the gospel along the way. Laura Leigh made her Broadway debut as Karen Smith in Mean Girls in 2020. She leads a women’s Bible study each week called Rise Collective Women. Sign up here to join! Check out the podcast Laura Leigh hosts called Living in the Light.

In this week's podcast, we're talking to Ben Williams about his new book The Faith of John's Gospel published by So We Speak. This book is both an overview of the essentials of the faith and a study of the Gospel of John. Get your copy today! Watch the podcast on our Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/-IwmfEYx9ds

Zach and Chelsea tell their stories about finding Christ, sobriety, and each other and turning their messes into ministries through Hope Is Alive.

This week we're answering questions from listeners: How can pastors be held accountable when they don't know everyone in the church? (1:10) Should the story of the woman caught in adultery be in the Bible? (18:00) How should Christians engage in politics and legislation? (33:55) What books do you recommend for learning more about theology? (47:40) What books are you reading that you recommend? (54:45) If you have a question email us at [email protected]

It's time for one of our favorite episodes of the year - the best books of 2020. We recommend our overall favorites, Christian books (11:48), fiction (20:00), history (25:00), niche and nerdy favorites (38:05), and what we're looking forward to in 2021 (52:00). Let us know what books you enjoyed in 2020!

Last week the Supreme Court granted an injunction against lockdown restrictions in New York. What does this ruling tell us about religious liberty and how to practice our faith during the coronavirus? Should churches stay open? Even more importantly, who gets to decide? In this episode, we talk about the ruling, the various opinions, and broader religious liberty trends in the country. "Equal Justice Under Law: A Win for Religious Liberty" - Cole Feix

In this episode, we're answering questions that have come in this month. We tackle the texts dealing with homosexuality in the New Testament, a question about the Christian principles in the founding, an interesting fact about David and Jonathan, and the doctrine of predestination. For future episodes submit questions to [email protected]

Judges reveals the dark side of humanity without God. When the Israelites settle in the promised land, they go after other gods, but God raises up judges to deliver them. We discuss the "judges cycle" and what it shows us about human nature, the faithfulness of God, and the way he uses ordinary people to accomplish his purposes.

"Give us eyes to see your work in the world and the courage to do it."

In this episode we're discussion the issues and candidates in the 2020 election, different approaches to voting, and Christians' role in American politics. We'll even make a few predictions at the end. Here are some of the articles we mention in the episode: The Mohler Option - https://albertmohler.com/2020/10/26/christians-conscience-and-the-looming-2020-election The Piper Option - https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/policies-persons-and-paths-to-ruin The Wilson Option - https://dougwils.com/books-and-culture/s7-engaging-the-culture/7-reasons-why-it-is-possible-for-christians-to-vote-for-trump-in-2020-without-getting-a-defiled-conscience-and-or-losing-their-soul.html Alan Noble on Christian Witness and Truth - https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2020/09/71762/ Karen Swallow Prior on third party voting - https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2020/october/karen-swallow-prior-voting-for-neither.html Sam Storms on abortion and voting - https://www.samstorms.org/enjoying-god-blog/post/a-brief-reflection-on-john-piper-s-recent-article-concerning-the-presidential-election Joe Biden in the Christian Post - https://www.christianpost.com/voices/the-greatest-commandment-has-guided-my-politics.html Mike Pence in the Christian Post - https://www.christianpost.com/voices/president-trump-is-the-best-choice-for-americans-of-faith.html Andrew Walker on Pro-Lifers voting Pro-Choice - https://andrewtwalker.com/2020/10/abortion-and-single-issue-voting-a-reply-to-phil-vischer-and-skye-jethani/

This week we pick up with the second half of the conversation with Zach and Chelsea about finding freedom and sobriety in Christ. Chelsea tells her story and we talk about breaking generational trends and allowing the gospel to create a new future.

Christ came to set us free, and Zach and Chelsea know that firsthand. This week and next, we talk about being set free from addiction, breaking generational chains, and watching God write a new story.

Nehemiah is one of the most relatable characters in the Bible, and one of the best leaders. This story continues the book of Ezra as the people of God return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. In this episode we discuss the book of Nehemiah and the lessons we can take from his life and leadership.

In this episode, we talk about the Netflix movie "Cuties," what it reveals about our culture, and how Christians can talk about God's plan for sexuality. Ryan Smith is a pastor at Eagle Heights Baptist Church in Stillwater, OK and founded Trust the Circle a ministry devoted to trusting God's design for sexuality. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

Ezra is one of the last characters we meet in the Old Testament and one of the most faithful. After Cyrus allows the Jews to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, Ezra brings a second wave of Levites and calls the people to repentance. He's an example to preachers, teachers, and everyone who's faithfully following God and in the end, he leads an incredible revival among the people of God.

1 & 2 Kings tells the story of the fall of Israel and Judah from the heights of the reign of Solomon and the dedication of the temple to the destruction of the temple and the exile. Unlike the end of 2 Samuel which spells doom for Israel, 2 Kings ends with a glimmer of hope and a preview of resurrection.

In the Hebrew Bible, 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings are one section, telling the story of the Kings of Israel from the time of the judges through the exile. In this episode, we talk about how to read biblical narratives and discuss the stories of Samuel, Saul, and David.

This week we're answering questions from listeners: How can pastors be held accountable when they don't know everyone in the church? (1:10) Should the story of the woman caught in adultery be in the Bible? (18:00) How should Christians engage in politics and legislation? (33:55) What books do you recommend for learning more about theology? (47:40) What books are you reading that you recommend? (54:45) If you have a question email us at [email protected]

Haggai is one of those rare prophets who saw his words come true in his own lifetime. He prophesied after the exile in a situation a lot like ours. In this episode, we discuss Haggai's prophesies and his relevance for today.

2 Peter is the apostle Peter's last letter and his last reminder to the churches in Asia. Although they were likely facing physical persecution, Peter reminds them of something even more important. His final letter reminds us of the threat of false teaching, the importance of holiness, and the astonishing gifts we have been given in Christ.

The book of Proverbs is a compendium of wisdom begun by Solomon and finished by the men of Judah during Hezekiah's reign. How should Christians read this book? Proverbs paints a picture of the world in the kingdom of God and our role in it. Article: "The Gospel in Work Clothes: How to Read the Book of Proverbs"

The book of Jonah can easily be relegated as a children's story - or a parable with a moral at the end - but when we revisit the text, Jonah is full of application. Why was Jonah determined not to go to Nineveh? Why does the story end with a question? In this episode we talk through the message of the story and the meaning for today.

Philemon is one of the shortest letters in the New Testament and one of the most important. It's often studied as a letter about slavery, but there is so much more in what Paul has to say to Philemon and Onesimus. What is reconciliation? How can we be peacemakers in the world? Paul presents a vision for reconciliation and peace rooted in the cross.

2 Corinthians may be the most personal of Paul's letters. In it he's defending his apostleship, answering questions, and pleading with the church to continue in the gospel. In this episode, we discuss the background and outline of the letter along with the application for today.

What's it like to do missions in China? What are house churches like? How is the church growing and thriving? In this episode, two missionaries with Cru working in China talk about their stories, the people they get to serve, the culture they love, and the work of the church. If you'd like to support the ministry this couple is doing in China, click here. If you'd like to support their East Asian native partners, click here.

1 Corinthians is different than Paul's other letters. After spending a year and a half in Corinth, Paul went on to Antioch and Ephesus and other teachers moved in. Between the confusion over the rival factions and the abundance of spiritual gifts, the Corinthians had a lot of questions. In 1 Corinthians, Paul answers their questions and gives us a model for applying godly wisdom to everyday situations.

On this episode, Ryan Smith joins the podcast to discuss worship, both in terms of what the Bible says about worship broadly and what it means to lead worship. Ryan is the associate pastor at Eagle Heights Baptist Church in Stillwater, OK.

Acts may be the most exciting book in the Bible. The church is pressed and persecuted by the Spirit makes it grow from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. In this episode, we outline the book of Acts, talk about the background and literary features, and discuss some of the applications for today.

Historical passages in the Bible can be some of the toughest to understand. Do you have to be an expert on the Assyrians to understand the Old Testament? This week Cole and Terry talk about how to read and study the historical sections of Scripture, what resources to use, and what questions to ask of the text. Recommended Resources: ESV Bible Atlas The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah - Alfred Edersheim Christian Origins and the Question of God Series - N.T. Wright The ESV Study Bible The Gospel Transformation Study Bible 1 & 2 Kings - Peter Leithart A House for My Name - Peter Leithart

Reading and studying the Bible are at the center of the Christian life. Coye and Jarrett share tips and perspectives on how to study the Bible well, how to approach tough passages, and helpful resources.

The atonement is one of the oldest, and most difficult, of the classic Christian doctrines. In simple terms, we're asking the question: what does it mean that Christ died for us? How can someone's death two thousand years ago have anything to do with me? Sometimes the language around the atonement can be abstract and philosophical, but as we discuss in this episode, what we believe about Christ's death is one of the most practical and important beliefs we hold. Coye Still and Jarrett Ford are both working on PhDs in New Testament at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. As a template for this episode, we're walking through Oliver Crisp's excellent book, Approaching the Atonement.

Riley Eden started the Super Scoop when he was a sophomore in college. Their mission is to create a workplace for adults with special needs and they have recently merged with a similarly minded company Not Your Average Joe. He talks about how COVID-19 and social distancing is affecting their business and what we can do to help. Like many businesses, they're doing to go orders at their midtown location and looking to get Door Dash up and running this week.

We're starting a new week of social distancing and quarantines, and we're continuing to talk to those who are on the frontlines of dealing with COVID-19. People who are stepping up to lead and to serve in a really tough time. Last week we had Carson Feix and Chris Shadid on to talk about some of the medical situation. Today we're switching gears to the church. I'm so thankful to have Dr. Todd Fisher on the podcast today. Todd is the pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Shawnee Oklahoma and he also teaches at Oklahoma Baptist University and at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. At the end of the episode, Todd quotes A.W. Tozer, "A fearful world needs a fearless church.” What a great word for these times. Check out Todd's message this week and their live stream each week at 10am at http://ibcshawnee.org/media/live.

This is the second episode in our series on the front lines of COVID-19. Wednesday we had Carson Feix on the to talk about the virus, how it spreads, and how it’s treated. Today Dr. Chris Shadid talks about the symptoms, testing, and precautions we need to be taking. As a family practice physician he sees patients in his family healthcare clinic and as a hospitalist, he sees patients at Integris-Baptist hospital in OKC. He offers a really helpful perspective on what doctors are seeing in clinics and hospitals and how they're being guided to treat and stop the spread of COVID-19.

What makes the Coronavirus so dangerous? How does it spread so quickly? For the next couple of weeks on the podcast, we're diving into how people in our communities are experiencing and working to help curb the spread of the virus. Today, Carson Feix joins the podcast. Carson is a pharmacist at the Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Bethany, OK.

When is doubt healthy? When is it not? Doubt and deconversion have bloomed into a cottage industry in American Christianity. This week, we discuss what to do when you have doubts and the Ear Biscuit videos on Rhett and Link's spiritual deconstruction. Here are some videos and references we mention in the episode: Rhett and Link Videos: Link’s Spiritual Deconstruction Rhett’s Spiritual Deconstruction Missionary Years 18 Years of Marriage Helpful Articles: “Let’s Deconstruct a Deconstruction Story” - Alisa Childers “Jen Hatmaker and the Power of Deconversion Stories” - Michael Kruger “Progressive Christianity: Even Shallower Than the Faith I Left” - Ian Harber