Episode 7: Able to Teach
Does every pastor need to be gifted in the pulpit? Does every pastor need to be an academic or a scholar? What does the biblical qualification of pastors that they be “able to teach” actually mean? Jared and Ronnie, two long-time preachers and teachers, have a straightforward conversation in this episode about the place of creativity and eloquence in preaching and teaching, the non-negotiable basics of the teaching qualification, pursuing clarity in our communication, and what it takes to “find your voice” as a teacher.
Episode 227: FTC Mailbag
It’s another Mailbag installment of the FTC Podcast. This time Jared and Ross discuss listener-submitted questions on patriotic worship services, difficult books of the Bible, communicating to a church a pastor’s transition, discipleship with and for the disabled, how to know when one is ready to take a lead pastorate, and more.
Patrick Schreiner on Why Christians Should Regularly Intake the Gospels
FTC.co asks Patrick Schreiner, associate professor of New Testament and biblical studies at Midwestern Seminary, “Why should Christians regularly intake the Gospels?”
How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament: Step 12––Practical Theology
This is our final installment in this series, and it addresses step 12. Having exegeted the text and grasped God’s intended meaning, you as the interpreter now need to apply it to yourself, the church, and the world, stressing the centrality of Christ and the hope of the gospel. Such is the task of practical theology, by which we seek to live according to the biblical author’s intended effect.
Why I’ve (Mostly) Switched to the CSB
It’s a blessing from God that despite all of the church’s problems today, we have access to numerous good translations of God’s word. These are just some of the reasons I’ve made the switch to the CSB.
How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament–Step 11: Systematic Theology
In the interpretive process, the stage considering Systematic Theology is asking more specifically, “How does our passage theologically cohere with the whole Bible?” Or, “How does our passage contribute to our understanding of certain doctrines?”
Sometimes I Struggle With the Bible
As much as we can rejoice in, get inspired by, and find comfort in certain parts of the Bible, other parts will disturb us—namely, the parts that contradict our feelings, instincts, hopes, dreams, traditions, and cultural values.
How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament: Step 8–Historical Context
By considering a passage’s historical context, we are asking, “Where does this passage fit in space and time, and how do these data points inform the reading of our passage?”
Seek the Shade
There are spontaneous moments when we just need to seek the shade – often when the sun is hottest, and the responsibilities are heaviest.
Psalms are Prophecies
The Psalms are a book spoken by Jesus, about Jesus. We should read the Psalms to press more deeply into the gospel, the good news about Jesus.