So We Speak

This week during the CNN LGBTQ town hall, Beto O'Rourke said he would strip churches, charities, schools, and their religious organization of their tax-exempt status if they wouldn't adhere to the progressive vision of marriage and sexuality. While he may be an outlier in American society, his comments raise important issues for believers. Why do we believe that churches should be tax exempt? How would it affect our society if they didn't? We discuss these questions and others on this week's episode of the So We Speak podcast.

This week we're talking about a couple of fascinating articles: "Sweet Nothings: The ASMR Phenomenon and American Identity" - R. Jay Magill, The Los Angeles Review of Books "The Impossible Dream" - David Wootton, Lapham's Quarterly How is social media teaching us about relationships and intimacy? Can you have intimacy without trust? What does the pursuit of happiness entail and what does that phrase reveal about American society?

The book of Jude can get passed over for Paul's letters and Revelation, but it is one of the most intriguing letters in the New Testament. Full of unique features, Jude quotes from sources outside the Bible, talks about the archangel Michael battling the devil, false teachers, and closes with one of the most powerful doxologies in the Bible.

Each week we send out a summary of the news with links to the best articles on each topic and Christian worldview commentary and analysis. This week, Cole Feix talks about why and how we do the Weekly Speak. Here's the latest Weekly Speak. Sign up to get it in your inbox every Monday morning!

Has America lost faith in expertise? Tom Nichols argues that we have in a really important article, "How America Lost Faith in Expertise." It turns out those who know the least are often the most confident about their opinions. What effects has the lack of respect for expertise had on politics, foreign policy, and religion? And what does it mean to be an expert in Christianity? We discuss these questions and more on this week's episode.

We're back with Blake Bastin and Lance Ward to talk about preaching and teaching prep, preaching different genres and how to study when you're not prepping. Send in questions to [email protected] for the September/October Q&A episode!

In this week's episode we talked about preaching and the preachers who have had the biggest influence on our lives and in our ministries. Next week, we discuss learning to teach, mistakes young preachers make, and ways to grow in sermon prep.

Every few months we like to talk books and make recommendations. Here's the best of what we've read lately: Spirit and Sacrament - Andrew Wilson My Rebbe - Adin Steinsaltz How Churchill Waged War - Allen Packwood The Theopolitan Vision - Peter Leithart The Churchill Factor - Boris Johnson "Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Man" - Toby Young Range - David Epstein The Undoing Project - Michael Lewis Presidents of War - Michael Beschloss "PPE: The Oxford Degree that Runs Britain" - Andy Beckett Recovering Leadership - Thomas Hill

James is a really practical book - the Proverbs of the New Testament. It's full of wisdom, conviction, and advice, but it also has some difficult passages on faith and works, favoritism, and taming the tongue. Although it's one of the most popular books in the Bible, it's one of the hardest to put into practice. We talk through how to read and study James in this week's episode.

The final part of our Q&A episode on the trinity and the age of the universe

This week we're answering a couple of questions on the doctrine of the trinity and old and new earth creation. Send questions in to [email protected] and we'll answer them on our next Q&A episode! Donnell and Connell Explain the Trinity Faith and Science, Part 1 - What is the relationship between faith and science? Faith and Science, Part 2 - Panel Discussion

Why would a pastor leave the church? In light of the moral failure, burnout, and doubt that have led to dozens of prominent pastors leaving the church in past few years, we wanted to discuss the pressures of pastoral ministry, how pastors can lose their way, and what to do about it.

This week, we're discussing Sophia Rosenfeld's excellent article, "Truth and Consequences," published in the Hedgehog Review Summer 2019 issue.

In the second half of Genesis we meet one of the most important people in all of history: Abraham. For the last 39 chapters of Genesis we see the generations of Abraham, their family disfunction, the twelve sons of Israel, and a trip to Egypt. In the end, we see the character of God as he provides for his chosen people. At the end we give some notes for reading Genesis and getting the most out of some of the difficult passages.

The opening of Genesis is the foundation for all of Scripture, but it can also be confusing. The creation story, the flood, the genealogies, and the tower of Babel can pose more questions than they answer. This week we talk through the history of the ancient world, what we can learn about God, and what he's still saying through these stories.

Matthew's gospel is the first book of the New Testament and has been one of the most prominent books in the history of the church. We discuss the unique features of this gospel and talk about why it is the ultimate manual for disciples to learn how to follow Jesus and obey his commands.

Obadiah is one of the more obscure books in the Old Testament. Although it only takes up one page of your Bible, it's an important book. In this episode we discuss the minor prophets, the historical situation Obadiah was speaking into, and helpful suggestions for reading it today.

We're going deep this week on the podcast. In the first episode all together, we're discussing open theism - the belief that God cannot know the actions of free moral agents before they choose. What should Christians make of open theism?

Deuteronomy gets a bad rap, but it is the centerpiece of the Old Testament. This week, we're talking through the Romans of the Old Testament, and one of the most important books in Jesus' life and ministry.

In this episode, we're talking with Blake Choisnet about how to evangelize and disciple in the corporate world. Here are some resources mentioned in our conversation: Every Good Endeavor - Tim Keller Just Do Something - Kevin DeYoung The Gospel at Work - Sebastian Traeger and Greg Gilbert Business for the Glory of God - Wayne Grudem

In 1 Corinthians, Paul gets really practical. He shows us what it's like to take biblical wisdom and apply it to everyday decisions and problems. From lawsuits to sexuality to spiritual gifts, the principles Paul applies are still instructive for us. In the future, we plan to do a couple of episodes on the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14. For the time being - check out our 8-part blog series on the gifts, "In Spirit and In Truth."

We’re back with another leadership podcast with Terry Feix. This week, he covers defining your goals and values, working with difficult teams, and how to stick it out in tough seasons at work.

Mayor Pete is taking the world by storm - and there's something interesting about his candidacy - he's making a big deal about his faith and his sexuality. This week, Terry Feix walks through Buttigieg's statements and the narrative that supports them. Here are the articles mentioned in the podcast: The Briefing, April 26, 2019 - Albert Mohler Mayor Pete and the Queering of the American Soul - Steven Paulikas You Are Not Your Sexuality - Sam Allberry

What are the keys to organizational leadership? What's different about being a Christian leader? In this episode, Terry Feix walks through his leadership journey in business and in the church.

This episode originally appeared on our Patreon last November - but we thought everybody would like it! Here's the best of what we were reading in the fall. Reading and Great Books The Great Books Podcast - John Miller - (1:05) Thinking In Public - Al Mohler - (5:50) David French “The Bookish Life” - Joseph Epstein, First Things - (7:32) “Why Youth Stay in the Church When They Grow Up” - Jon Nielson - (9:27) On China and the Future “How the Enlightenment Ends” - Henry Kissinger, The Atlantic - (11:32) On China - Henry Kissinger “The Real China Challenge: Managing Its Decline” - Bret Stephens, New York Times “The 21st Century Will Belong to China” - The Munk Debates For a while here in the middle, we get off track talking about the ethics of AI and the dignity of every human being… “The Steward of Middle Earth” - Hannah Long, The Weekly Standard - (24:40)

The gospel of Mark is the least studied of the gospels, but with a little bit of study, the pages of this book come alive. In this reading guide we discuss the author, audience, theology and themes, the longer ending, handling snakes, and the naked man who makes an appearance in chapter 15. Open the gospel of Mark with us and join the discussion.

On this episode, we're discussing Les Sillar's article, "The Future of News" and the way journalism has changed in America over the last few years. What is the path forward for journalism in the age of fake news and social media?

We're continuing to work through books of the Bible and this week we're talking through Israel's greatest work of prophecy, the book of Isaiah. First among the prophets in the Hebrew Bible and maybe the first book in the minds of the New Testament authors, you can learn more about the entire Bible by studying Isaiah.

This week we're discussing Andrew Sullivan's article, "The Nature of Sex." He points to the fault lines developing between feminism and transgenderism, and some of the fallout that's beginning to take place.

This week, Terry Feix reviews a few books and makes some recommendations on everything from Bible study material to politics. What's the best thing you've read lately?

Why do Christians support Israel? Do we have theological or biblical reasons that inform American foreign policy? In this episode, we talk about the complex issues surrounding Israel and the way Christians have traditionally supported its relationship with the United States. In addition, we discuss the rise of anti-semitism and the role Christians play in foreign policy conversations.

We're live from Israel! This week, we're recording from Jerusalem with one of our good friends and our Israeli guide, Yehuda. We asked him about his time leading tours of Israel, the history of the country, and what most Americans don't understand about the Middle East.

This week we're talking through the book of Job. Who was he? Did this story really happen? Job is the deepest engagement with suffering in the Bible and it doesn't provide any easy answers. In fact, some have said that the book of Job is long and difficult to get through because that's the way it is with suffering. We discuss how to read this ancient book and apply it to today.

If everything is under the rule of Christ, what does that mean for government? What are the options for Christians when it comes to public policy? This week, we talk about how Christians go about influencing society through legislation and government.

This week we're flipping things around - Terry interviews Cole about how he came to Christ, learned how to disciple other believers, and felt called into ministry.

On this episode, I asked Terry Feix to tell a little bit of his story. He shares his testimony, his path into ministry, and how he learned to teach. It's amazing how God can equip and grow us in every season, even when we feel like we're doing things that have nothing to do with our faith. One of my favorite parts of this story is seeing how the Lord uses every experience we go through to mold us into the people he created us to be.

This week we're back with Michael McAfee talking about his new book, Not What You Think. Sometimes it's hard to know what to do with the Bible when it comes to evangelism. Often, it's best to let the Bible do the work and begin reading together. We also talk about the creative process and writing. Thanks to all of you supporting So We Speak! Help this ministry by listening, sharing the podcast, or making a donation.

Happy New Year! Thanks to everyone who supported So We Speak in 2018!! Ever wonder why most people can't keep their New Year's resolutions? There's are some key differences between goals and resolutions. In this episode, we discuss the ways you can get the most out of your goals in 2019. Envision the future you want to create then set your goals. Make them as specific as possible. Write them down. We talk about how to make this method work in your business, personal, and spiritual life. Happy goal setting! Support the podcast by giving a monthly gift or a one-time donation!

2018 has been an amazing year at So We Speak! Help us kick off 2019 by supporting the site and the podcast! Click here to give. Here are the top 5 podcasts from this year: How to Teach and Preach With Terry Feix The Fords on Parenting, Seminary, and Desert Island Books Quiet Times, Prayer, and Bible Study Christians and Politics, Tim Keller, and Heroes of the Faith Grieving and the Gospel, Hope, and Desert Island Books with Lance Ward Check back on New Years' Day for the first episode of 2019!

Here it is! The mega list of best books of 2018. We break down the best books we read in each category. How do you like to read? Reading habits, trends, and paper vs. plastic when it comes to books (0:00) Christian Books (12:45) History, Biography, and Politics (19:14) Academic (39:22) Commentaries (51:44) Most Overrated Books (55:08) Leadership and Business (1:07:43) A Hilarious Conversation About Faxing (1:08:15) Fiction (1:09:24) Top 5 Lists (1:15:13) Terry’s Picks: The Work of Theology - Stanley Hauerwas Lectures to My Students - Charles Spurgeon Love Thy Body - Nancy Pearcey Deep Work - Cal Newport Napoleon - Paul Johnson Cole’s Picks: Revelation - Peter Leithart Fooled By Randomness - Nassim Taleb Spurgeon on the Christian Life - Matthew Barrett Paul and the Faithfulness of God - N.T. Wright Shoe Dog - Phil Knight

What can the church world learn from the corporate world? Which lessons from business work in the church? This week Terry Feix and Blake Bastin join the podcast to talk about their transition from the corporate world into the church. We talk about acquiring a wide variety of knowledge, mentorship, management, and productivity.

Lance Ward is back on the podcast and we're talking about how to walk with others through pain and suffering. What do you say when someone you know is going through a tough time? We also spend some time talking about writing and the effects the craft and discipline of writing out our thoughts and prayers can have on our hearts. Here's a great resource if you want to think more about caring for those who are suffering: Don't Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart by Kenneth Haugk.

Want to understandthe book of Romans? In this episode, we tackle Romans and talk advent traditions and Christmas. Terry just finished an 11-week series over this letter which you can find here. It's a great time to begin new advent traditions! Let us know what you're doing this year on Facebook and Twitter!

This week, Lance Ward joins the podcast to talk about his journey in ministry from pastoring a church in Texas to Hospice chaplaincy to congregational care. We talk about the way God has guided his career, weeping with those who weep, and the highs and lows of ministry. Lance's Desert Island Books: The Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan Knowing God - J.I. Packer The Holiness of God - R.C. Sproul David Copperfield - Charles Dickens Letters From a Nut - Ted Nancy

This week, Michael McAfee joins the podcast from the Museum of the Bible to talk about the problem of biblical illiteracy and the work of the Museum over the last year. We talk preaching, reading, the church, and desert island books. Michael's Desert Island Books: Don't Waste Your Life - John Piper The Reason For God - Tim Keller 9 Marks of a Healthy Church - Mark Dever Spiritual Disciplines for a Godly Life - Donald Whitney Radical - David Platt Piper Scripture Trilogy: A Peculiar Glory Reading the Bible Supernaturally Expository Exultation

In this episode, I'm joined by Blake Bastin, the Director of Finance and Administration at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City. I've always loved Blake's story. We discuss his path into ministry, how to grow, and of course, desert island books. Blake Bastin's Desert Island Books: Knowing God - J. I. Packer The Holiness of God - R. C. Sproul The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

In this episode, we wanted to cover one of the most important, and most controversial topics in the Christian faith: the Bible. We cover the inerrancy/infallibility debate, discuss what it means for the Bible to be authoritative, and we even mention Andy Stanley. The authority of the Bible may just be the most relevant topic in American Christianity. Thanks for listening and reviewing!

This week Joel Harder joins the podcast to talk about the midterm elections and his ministry, Capital Commission. We discuss the power of prayer and the methods he uses to engage elected officials with the gospel. I think you'll really enjoy thinking through this conversation leading up to the election! Here's the prayer tool from Capital Commission - https://www.pray1tim2.org/ Joel's Desert Island Books: The Spirit of the Disciplines - Dallas Willard Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life & Praying the Bible - Donald Whitney God and Other Minds - Alvin Plantinga The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams Spurgeon - Arnold Dallimore Thanks for listening and leaving reviews! Support the podcast, get more content, and submit your questions on our Patreon!

In this episode, we discuss the value of apologetics, the different styles of arguments, and some of the major players. Next, we cover Mohler's triage example and talk about why it might be a good thing that we have different denominations. Thanks for listening!

Ben Williams joins the show to discuss pastoral identity and church life. Although we didn't know it at the time, this podcast couldn't have come at a better moment. It's a fitting tribute to the legacy of Eugene Peterson, who has just gone on Hospice care this week. We discuss the impact he has had on so many pastors. Ben's Desert Island Books: 1. The Great Divorce - CS Lewis 2. Life Together - Deitrich Bonhoeffer 3. Under the Unpredictable Plant - Eugene Peterson 4. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien 5. The Collected Works of GK Chesterton