So We Speak

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

Faith and science. This is one of the toughest relationships to navigate in the modern world. How should Christians who want to do science but also want to read the Bible responsibly and faithfully navigate Darwinism? In this two episode series, Carson Feix and Ben Williams join the podcast to discuss the scientific and philosophical foundations of Darwinism through the lens of the book Theistic Evolution edited by Stephen Meyer, J.P. Moreland, Christopher Shaw, Ann Gauger, and Wayne Grudem.

Faith and science. This is one of the toughest relationships to navigate in the modern world. How should Christians who want to do science but also want to read the Bible responsibly and faithfully navigate Darwinism? In this two episode series, Carson Feix and Ben Williams join the podcast to discuss the scientific and philosophical foundations of Darwinism through the lens of the book Theistic Evolution edited by Stephen Meyer, J.P. Moreland, Christopher Shaw, Ann Gauger, and Wayne Grudem.

This is one of my favorite episodes of the podcast. Daryl Kent is one of my good friends and has one of the best stories. As he talks about coming to know Christ, we talk about taking up the cross every day, winning the battle against lust and pornography, and the power of redemption.

This week we had the opportunity to go to the Oklahoma Counsel on Public Affairs to talk about some of the policy work they’re doing on education. The OCPA is an Oklahoma think tank committed to advancing principles and policies that support free enterprise, limited government, and individual initiative. Some of their work pertains to Oklahoma but most of our discussion has to do with the tensions over religion and education seen in things like the gender and bathroom disputes, whether or not Christian curriculum should be used in public schools, and the importance of school choice. In the beginning of our conversation, we talk about the difference between politics and policy, and I think you’ll start to hear why they have an interesting perspective on things like education, freedom, and being a Christian in America today. Their principles are not overtly Christian, but they do provide for a lot of Christian ideas and commitments to take root in our culture. You’ll hear a bunch of voices on this episode – and because of that there are some places where the quality is not quite as good as usual. Jonathan Small is the president of the OCPA. Dave Bond is the VP for Advocacy, the lobbying side of the organization Brandon Dutcher is a Senior VP and oversees a lot of their policy research. I learned a lot in this conversation, and I hope you all enjoy it.

We're very excited to have Steve Trice as our first guest of the year! Steve was the founder and CEO of Jasco Products in Oklahoma City and now serves as the chairman of the board. When he gave his life to Christ, he decided to live as a Christian at work and at home. Steve and Terry discuss the importance of discipleship, trusting God in business, and the faithfulness of God's provision in their lives.

To kick off the year, we're looking at the most important trends in the church and in politics and making a few predictions about what 2020 might hold.

Terry’s Favorite Books: Biographies (1:10): Victoria: A Life - A. N. Wilson Hitler: A Biography - Ian Kershaw Boris - Andrew Gimson Poetry (3:30) New and Collected Poems - Czeslaw Milosz Kipling: Poems - Rudyard Kipling Pope: Poems - Alexander Pope Let Me Finish - Chris Christie (5:20) Human Nature - David Berlinski (6:00) Understanding Gender Dysphoria - Mark Yarhouse (7:50) The Upward Spiral - Alex Korb (8:50) Christian Beliefs - Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem (9:45) Views from the Mountain - James Earl Massey (10:15) The Enduring Authority of the Christian Scriptures - D.A. Carson (10:40) Failure of Nerve - Edwin Friedman (13:50) How to Exasperate Your Wife - Doug Wilson (14:50) Cole’s Favorite Books (16:00): Crossing to Safety - Wallace Stegner (2:30) Cultural Engagement - Josh Chatraw and Karen Swallow Prior (16:10) Faith Among the Faithless - Mike Cosper (17:15) Tending Soul, Mind and Body - Gerald Hiestand and Todd Wilson (19:10) Captain Class - Sam Walker (19:30) Reappearing Church - Mark Sayers (21:00) NFL Century - Joe Horrigan (21:40) Churchill: An Extraordinary Life - Sarah Gristwood and Margaret Gaskin (23:00) Leadership in War - Andrew Roberts (24:45) Hymns of the Republic - S.C. Gwynne (26:40) Books of the Decade (39:40): The Enduring Authority of the Christian Scriptures - D.A. Carson The Coddling of the American Mind - Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff 12 Rules for Life - Jordan Peterson How (Not) To Be Secular - James K. A. Smith Paul and the Faithfulness of God - N. T. Wright Plagues of the Mind - Bruce Thornton The Blessing of Humility - Jerry Bridges Spurgeon on the Christian Life - Michael Reeves The Second World Wars - Victor Davis Hanson Churchill: Walking with Destiny - Andrew Roberts

Should Christians pray for people to rise from the dead? We discuss the tragic situation at Bethel, doing the things that Jesus did, and God's will in life and death.

How should Christians steward the environment? In light all the talk about global warming, how should Christians working in oil and gas think Christianly about their industry? This week Terry Feix interviews Steve Slawson, Vice President of Operations at Slawson Companies, about how his faith impacts his work and how Christians can think about stewarding natural resources. We've got some big goals for So We Speak in 2020! Would you consider supporting us as we head into the new year?

Nahum isn't studied very often, but he gives us a stunning picture of the character of God. It's easy to forget that God is Lord, not just over the church, but over the whole world. With some historical background, the book of Nahum comes alive and shows that God rules over nations, kings, and empires.

In the book of Jeremiah, we get one of the most intimate portraits in Scripture. Through his calling, questioning, suffering, and proclamation of a new covenant, Jeremiah ties the entire Bible together around his life of everyday faithfulness. This week, we discuss all that we can learn from this extraordinary prophet.

Habakkuk is one of the best known of the minor prophets. His prayer shows the inner life of the Old Testament prophet, and God's answers to his prayers gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to trust God when things don't turn out the way we hope. Email us questions, comments, or suggestions at [email protected].

Paul's second letter to Timothy is one of the most commonly studied letters in the New Testament, and it's easy to see why. It's perfect for one on one discipleship, ministry leadership, and understanding the essentials of the faith. Have questions or suggestions for podcast topics? Email us at [email protected].

This week, Terry Feix takes some of his favorite proverbs and applies them to the workplace. We're talking about leadership, specifically how to manage competing priorities and how to make wise decisions. One of the most difficult things to do as a manager is to cultivate a judicial temperament, the ability to sort through lots of competing information to take action. Have questions for the podcast? Email us at [email protected].

This week, we're re-airing the Romans podcast and talking about advent! We're diving into some of Paul's letters in the next few weeks and Romans is the gateway to understanding Paul's writing and his thought.

This week we discuss some of our favorite books we've read recently and why it's good to read history. Terry: The Emperor's Handbook - C. Scot Hicks and David V. Hicks Wesley on the Christian Life - Fred Sanders The Upward Spiral - Alex Korb Understanding Gender Dysphoria - Mark A. Yarhouse Confronting Christianity - Rebecca McLaughlin Cole: Justice on Trial - Mollie Hemingway and Carrie Severino Ball of Collusion - Andy McCarthy Mr. Churchill’s Profession - Peter Clarke In Hoffa’s Shadow - Jack Goldsmith Pastor Paul - Scot McKnight History of England - Lord Macaulay The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire - Edward Gibbon The Inheritance of Rome - Chris Wickham The English and Their History - Robert Tombs Millennium - Tom Holland