The Table Podcast

Is God really there? Listen in with Kymberli Cook as analytic theologian Kevin Wong and philosopher Charity Anderson explore one of the oldest and deepest questions, diving into the complex concept of divine hiddenness and asking why a loving God might not always make His presence obvious. Time codes: 3:19 What is Divine Hiddenness? 5:29 Classic Arguments for Divine Hiddenness 8:27 How Divine Hiddenness Affects How We Think About God 14:33 How Creating a Stronger Argument for Divine Hiddenness is Helpful 22:31 Hiddenness and a Knowable God 27:24 Navigating Divine Hiddenness as a Christian 32:12 Wrestling with the Question of Divine Hiddenness 41:34 Summary of Divine Hiddenness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Table Podcast, Kymberli Cook and Rick Yount explore the crucial difference between the structured programs of Christian education and the life-changing, relational process of discipleship. Listen to discover practical ways church leaders and believers can revitalize ministries and foster genuine spiritual growth through clarity, warmth, and flexibility. Time codes: 2:49 What Happens in Christian Education 5:54 When Did Christian Education Arise as a Field 10:33 Key Objectives for Christian Education 15:42 Process vs Program: The Difference between Discipleship and Education 26:29 How to Reignite the Life in Your Organization 34:38 The Three Most Important Things About Teaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Glenn Kreider, and Craig Blaising discuss the history, core beliefs, and diversity within dispensationalism, including its view of salvation and the relationship between Israel and the Church. Timecodes 02:39 What is Dispensationalism? 09:27 What Makes Dispensationalists Unique? 20:06 The Historical Context for Dispensationalism’s Growth 28:39 Controversy Surrounding Dispensationalism 41:12 Rooting Dispensationalism in Scripture 43:36 Progressive Dispensationalism 51:00 Diversity within Dispensationalism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Bob Chisholm, and John Walton discuss the reality of spiritual beings in the Old Testament and how to understand them in their proper context. Time Codes 02:04 Walton’s Background in the Old Testament 06:16 Chisholm’s Background in the Old Testament 10:34 Context for a Discussion Around the Spirit World 17:37 Approaches to Old Testament Interpretation 23:13 Describing the “Good Guys” in the Spirit World 29:25 Defining the “Bad Guys” in the Spirit World 38:57 The Description of Satan in the Old Testament 46:32 How Does Our Understanding of the Spirit World Impact Us? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can business be used as an economic engine for God’s kingdom? In this episode, Bill Hendricks sits down with Raymond Harris, a highly successful architect turned “venture capitalist in God's kingdom,” to discuss the biblical theology of wealth and stewardship. Time codes: 1:14 Raymond’s Background 6:53 Raymond’s Theology of Money and Stewardship 11:57 The Purpose of Business 16:05 What Does it Mean to Take Care of the Poor? 19:57 Investing in the Kingdom 28:19 Helping Others Develop an Economic Engine 36:00 Exchange your Earthly Wealth for Heavenly Wealth 38:18 The Role of an Entrepreneur 41:04 Satisfaction from Investing in People 43:09 Who is The Most Generous Person? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Timothy Yoder, and Paul Smalley discuss free will and predestination, exploring their existence in Scripture and the tension that arises between these two ideas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kasey Olander, Brian Chan, Rebecca Carrell, and Aaron Switzer as they explore a Christian perspective on horror films, discussing the role of fear, spiritual discernment, and how the genre can unexpectedly reveal truth and beauty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Classic episode, Kymberli Cook, Darrell Bock, and Michael Svigel discuss why eschatology is important and the direct correlation it has on how we live our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does your spiritual life feel like a bed of cold ashes? Join Dr. Mark Yarbrough, Bill Hendricks, and Dr. Darrell Bock as they discuss how to navigate the mundane struggles of daily life and apply six spiritual essentials to rekindle your heart for God Time Codes 3:50 The Rekindled Heart 8:11 Faith in the Mundane Life 11:25 Knowledge vs. Transformation: The Goal of Bible Study 17:20 Rekindled Devotion and Bold Trust in God's Word 24:53 Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart 30:44 Rekindled Love: Authentic Compassion for Others 41:33 Rekindled Holiness 46:01 Rekindled Servanthood 49:41 Rekindled Zeal: A Burden for the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Darrell Bock and Jake Prochaska as they explore the resilience of the church in Sudan and South Sudan as indigenous leaders navigate persecution and extreme poverty to build self-sustaining communities centered on the gospel Time codes: 1:37 Background to Sudan and South Sudan 9:32 Building a Community with the Church 14:54 The Ripple Effect of Church Planting 16:52 The Importance of Indigenous Leadership and Training 23:09 How Western Christians can Help Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Darrell Bock, Eric Mason, Elizabeth Woodson, and Bryan Carter discuss the church’s role in biblical racial reconciliation. Time codes 00:15 Mason’s ministry of reconciliation in Philadelphia 05:08 Woodson’s ministry of reconciliation in Dallas 06:39 Carter’s ministry of reconciliation in Dallas 08:56 Carter’s message: Recognize distinctives that shape faith for African Americans 12:37 Woodson’s message: Understand theology affects sociology in the Black church 14:18Mason’s message: The Black church represents dignity for African Americans 8:45 How can we move from conversations about reconciliation to action? 23:40 Racial reconciliation is a key part of the church’s mission 26:47 Hope and the current racial environment in America 32:05 The role of partnerships and the church community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kasey Olander, Sam Won and Rebecca Carrell as they explore why the church needs to recover the lost art of lament by showing how biblical lament serves as a vital tool for navigating loss while affirming the compatibility of deep grief and Christian hope Time codes: 9:52 Misconceptions About Grief in the Church 18:16 The Structure of a Lament Psalm 22:23 The Honesty of Biblical Lament 24:41 How to Grieve With Those Who Grieve 35:35 The Pressure to Mask vs. The Compassion of Christ 43:12 Lament as a Theological Mirror 45:17 Sufferers are Marginalized 47:29 What we Should Learn from Lament Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kasey Olander, Kelley Mathews, and Jessica Hooten Wilson as they unpack how the books we read shape our imagination, desires, and empathy, as well as providing practical habits for making reading a life-forming spiritual practice. Time codes 3:58 Reading as Counter-Cultural 6:35 How Christians Should Think about Reading 12:05 Reading Books Other than the Bible 15:00 How to Decide What to Read 19:29 Reading as an Embodied Experience 21:36 Reading Helps us Understand Ourselves 26:25 Good Practices to Grow the Reading Life 36:58 Closing Thoughts Resources Jessica Hooten Wilson's Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who cares for the pastor? Join Kasey Olander, Robert Duckworth, and Roger Sharp as they talk about the pastoral burnout crisis—why pastors so often isolate, misidentify their needs, and suffer in silence—and offer practical solutions and healthy rhythms to care for those who care for others. Time codes 1:17 Why Pastors Burn Out 13:30 Common Anxieties for Pastors 17:05 Confidentiality and Transparency for Pastors 24:15 Ways to Care for the Pastor’s Soul 33:52 Warning Signs of Burnout 39:46 How Smaller Ministries Can Support their Ministers 44:45 The Ethical Counselor goes to Counseling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special extended episode, Todd Agnew, Sarah Griffith, and Kasey Olander Speak Now about Taylor Swift—cultural phenomenon born in 1989 whose Reputation was bolstered by the Eras tour—discussing why fans are so inspiRed by this musician and how Christians can engage thoughtfully and Fearlessly with art while pointing to the ultimate Lover, Christ, whose affections endure Evermore. This version of the episode contains 15 bonus minutes of never-before-released content throughout the discussion! Time codes 5:41 Reasons for Extraordinary Popularity of Taylor Swift 12:33 Taylor’s Songwriting, Bridges, Musicality, Concert Experience 18:53 The Gospel’s Relationship to Human Longings 32:42 Communities’ Responses to Taylor Swift 40:45 Storytelling, Art, and Thoughtful Engagement 52:01 Psalms and Emotional Expression 56:42 Concluding Thoughts on Christians Interacting with Taylor Swift’s Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kymberli Cook, Michael Svigel, and Paul Weaver as they unpack how the early church understood the End Times and why those views still shape Christian life today. Time codes 4:15 Why Early Fathers’ View on Eschatology Matters Today 9:54 The Background of New Testament Eschatology 14:12 The Other Early Christians on the End Times 17:19 Guidelines Around Understanding the End Times 25:34 Top Five Passages on the End Times 37:52 Wild End Time Theories 40:55 Resources for Understanding the End Times Resources Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond Three Views on the Rapture Michael J. Svigel, The Fathers on the Future: A 2nd-Century Eschatology for the 21st-Century Church John Walvoord, Commentary on Daniel John Walvoord, Commentary on Revelation John Walvoord, Bundle of Walvoord’s Commentaries on Eschatology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kasey Olander, Darrell Bock, and Mikel Del Rosario as they explore the historical Jesus—His titles, teachings, works, and what they reveal about His claims to divinity. Time codes 6:17 Jesus as Prophet 9:38 Jesus as Son of Man 11:26 Jesus as Christ 14:01 Christ’s Actions Demonstrating His Divinity/Christ Authority and Miracles 20:20 The Healing of the Paralytic 22:53 The Other Contemporary Perspectives on Christ 26:04 Where Should Skeptics Start 28:52 Did Jesus Claim to be God? 42:00 Jesus as Lord Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Darrell Bock, Sandra Glahn, and Gary Hoag discuss the world of Ephesus and how understanding the context gives unique insight into the world of the New Testament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kasey Olander with creative writing professors Brian Chan and Reg Grant for a conversation about creative writing, the discipline behind the craft, and how stories can shape culture and Christian faith. Time codes 2:01 What is Creative Writing? 8:42 Transforming Power of Stories 14:22 Embodiment of Story 17:40 How Stories Draw us in 23:42 How to Craft a Story 30:16 Giving Life to a Story 35:52 How Writing Impacts Culture 45:40 Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Bill Hendricks and Carl Laney as they talk about expository preaching, its definition, its role, and its impact on the church today. Time codes 7:05 What is Bible Exposition? 10:26 How Does Scripture Apply to Our Lives? 13:49 Bridging the Gap to the World of the Text 19:24 What About Topical Preaching? 26:50 How to Become a Better Preacher and Teacher 32:39 The Benefits and Pitfalls of Expositional Preaching 38:36 Who was Nathan D. Maier? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Milyce Pipkin, Bill Hendricks, and Rebecca Jowers as they unpack how honest storytelling reframes trauma and reveals us as God’s handiwork, made in His beautiful image. Time codes 7:32 Processing Trauma Through Story 14:58 The Importance of Being Kind to Yourself 17:32 Co-Authoring Your Story with God 25:31 Reframing our Story 35:53 Poiema’s Mission Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Darrell Bock and David Hoehner as they discuss international aid, its role, and its Christian ethos. Time codes2:17 Time in Russia and Ukraine 7:53 After Ukraine 12:25 How to Strengthen Governance 16:37 What is USAID? 19:37 Impact of Closing USAID 32:04 A Reconfiguration of International Development 35:59 Post International Development 38:51 The Implicit Christian Justice of International Aid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kymberli Cook, Amy Peeler, and Mike Balbier as they explore the role of prophets in Scripture and discuss how Christians today can wisely navigate modern prophecy in the church. Time codes 5:54 What is a Prophet? 12:15 Guidelines Around Prophets 17:53 Old Testament Prophets 22:26 New Testament Prophets 24:57 The Difference Between New and Old Testament Prophets 27:26 The role of the Holy Spirit in Prophecy 30:23 How Different Church Traditions Handle Prophecy 39:11 How Can Christians Today Navigate Modern Prophecy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Darrell Bock and Walter Kim as they explore the mission, context, challenges, and potential solutions of American evangelicalism. Time codes 5:33 What is the National Association of Evangelicals? 12:45 Examples of the NAE’s Work 19:43 Key Challenges Facing the Evangelical Movement 30:57 Potential Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kasey Olander, Neil Coulter, and Todd Agnew as they explore why the arts matter for Christian life and worship—from the creative process to art’s role in community, theology, and incarnational praise. Time codes 5:37 What is Art? 10:26 Enjoyment in the Process 17:00 The Role of Art in our Worship with God 24:13 The Impact of Worldview on the Meaning of Art 41:31 Advice for Appreciating Art Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Milyce Pipkin and Myron Butler as they discuss his faith journey—from musical success to family life to spiritual battles—and what true worship looks like. Time codes 1:53 Myron’s Early Life 4:37 Winning the Grammy 14:43 Chasing Success for a Father's Approval 20:15 Not Letting your Family be a Victim of Ministry 27:33 Spiritual Warfare 33:31 A Praise and Worship Lifestyle 41:01 Myron’s greatest Gift 45:20 Myron’s advice to Aspiring Artists 47:44 Evolution of Gospel Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Todd Agnew, Sarah Griffith, and Kasey Olander as they Speak Now about Taylor Swift—cultural phenomenon and Mastermind of the Eras tour—discussing why fans are so Enchanted by this artist and how Christians can engage thoughtfully and Fearlessly with art while pointing to Christ. Time codes 5:41 Reasons for Extraordinary Popularity of Taylor Swift 12:30 The Gospel’s Relationship to Human Longings 26:19 Communities’ Responses to Taylor Swift 33:41 Thoughtful Engagement and Emotional Expression in Psalms 42:18 Concluding Thoughts on Christians Interacting with Taylor Swift’s Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Darrell Bock, Kasey Olander, and Ryann Heim for a conversation on Sundance and film in which they discuss how powerful storytelling can spark empathy, challenge assumptions, and transform lives. Time codes 1:50 What is Windrider? 4:47 What is Sundance Film Festival? 5:36 What is the Value of Sundance? 21:04 Why does Film Evoke Emotion? 24:49 The Value of Empathy 29:48 The Transformative Power of Story 42:25 Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Darrell Bock, Amy Peeler, and Mariam Kovalishyn for a conversation showing how reading the New Testament through a multiethnic, context-aware lens reshapes interpretation, teaching, and everyday Christian practice toward embodied love of neighbor. Time codes 7:31 Why a Multiethnic Reading of Scripture Matters 17:32 Challenges to a Multiethnic Church 20:07 Theological, Biblical Foundation for this Topic 27:23 Benefits of Different Perspectives 37:54 The Importance of Listening 43:54 How the Church Can Get More Involved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Darrell Bock and Keeney Dickenson explore Charles Spurgeon’s cultural engagement as a way of living out the gospel. Time codes 6:44 Overview of Charles Spurgeon 9:31 Spurgeon’s Public and Cultural Ministry 17:22 Spurgeon’s Influence on American Preachers 21:30 Cultural Engagement as Part of the Gospel 23:37 Empowering Power of Prayer in Spurgeon’s Life 30:40 Spurgeon’s Wider Influence 32:30 Spurgeon’s Preaching: Engaging Culture and Developing Social Consciousness 36:49 Other Interesting Facts, Spurgeon’s Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Darrell Bock, Christina Crenshaw, and Perry Glanzer highlight the importance of Christian higher education and the significant role it can play in building up the body of Christ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Kasey Olander, French Jones, and Michelle Pokorny discuss why self-care is essential to living the life that God calls us to live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Drs. Darrell Bock, Gary Barnes, and Doug Rosenau discuss sexuality and singleness, focusing on how single people can develop a more biblical perspective on sexuality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Kasey Olander, Drew Hunter, and Rebekkah Scott discuss the need for a biblical, robust understanding of friendship and how healthy friendships benefit our lives and tell us more about God. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Kymberli Cook, Michael Swalley, Fred Johnson, and Artem Usov discuss breakdancing (breaking), the hip-hop community, and the way Break Free Ministries engages people with the gospel through this artistic platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Darrell Bock is joined by Stan Jantz to discuss the popular show “The Chosen” and its mission to reach a billion people with the authentic Jesus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Kymberli Cook, Malcolm Yarnell, and Michael Svigel celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed by discussing its history, relationship to the Bible, and use today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Bill Hendricks and Greg Stier discuss how impactful youth can be when they are set on fire with the gospel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Darrell Bock and Johnny Buckles discuss how law and theology overlap in interpretation and religious freedom, aiming to help Christians think wisely about their rights and role in the public square. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Dr. Darrell Bock and Greg Adams discuss the intersection of faith and work, focusing on Adams’ experience in business and government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Bill Hendricks, Milyce Pipkin, and Bruce and Toni Hebel discuss the power of forgiveness, how it sets people free, and why it's essential for Christian leaders and everyday life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this classic episode, Darrell Bock and Brandon Washington discuss the history of American evangelicalism in light of race, repentance, and reconciliation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Darrell Bock, Steven Eng, and Bryan English discuss how church ministries engage with government through advocacy, relationship-building, and representing biblical principles in a polarized political landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Kymberli Cook, Sam Storms, and Darrell Bock discuss the key differences between Christian end-times views—amillennialism, postmillennialism, and premillennialism—while affirming their shared belief in the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices