After Class Podcast artwork

After Class Podcast

303 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 186 ratings

What happens when you lock an Old Testament, New Testament, and Theology professor in a room to discuss provocative topics related to bible and theology? Find out as you listen to the podcast of three professors from Great Lakes Christian College engage the sorts of questions students ask ... after class.
Featuring (from left to right in the logo) Samuel C. Long, Ronald D. Peters, John C. Nugent

Christianity Religion & Spirituality Education Courses bible theology afterclass
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

7.2 - Song of Songs: Prepositions & Penmanship

January 08, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 114 MB

New Year, New Series! A preposition can wield immense power in altering meaning and establishing ownership. When ancient language becomes an intimate affair, where the eloquence of antiquity embraces the rhythmic sensuality of poetic expression, the modern reader may find themselves lost between the sheets of paper that the Bible is written on. To kick off the New Year, John, Ron, and Sam delve into a biblical figure most associated with wisdom, Solomon. More specifically, the trio explo...

7.1 - Happy New Year!

January 01, 2024 15:42 - 48 minutes - 110 MB

It's 2024! We are here to celebrate with you, the listener!  As we enter the 7th season of the After Class Podcast the guys explore the theme of New Year's resolutions and share moments from their lives when they renewed their way of thinking about God’s word and the magnitude of His mission and witness to the world.  We want to thank you for sticking with us each week and for engaging with us through email and Facebook! A special thank you to Great Lakes Christian College and to all thos...

6.52 - Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2023 10:23 - 47 minutes - 109 MB

Share your Christmas Morning with the After Class Podcast this year and listen to the reading of the birth of Jesus from Matthew & Luke. Each author has their own theological agenda and calls the reader to pay attention to different aspects of Jesus’s birth and salvation history. Today, the guys read both perspectives and ask, how are the characters portrayed, and what is the author trying to do in their account? Let's compare, contrast, and appreciate both accounts of the birth of our L...

6.51 - The Millennium

December 19, 2023 02:22 - 47 minutes - 109 MB

What is the nature of Christ's millennial kingdom referred to in the book of Revelation? What must happen before Jesus returns, and what part does the church play? The above questions are not answered in this podcast, but now that we have your attention: This week, Ron, Sam, and John engage the pre-, post-, and amillennial 'when's' of the Bible. When does it happen? What would the original audience have in mind? And what message does it hold for the martyrs? You are just in time to find out!

6.50 - Shamgar Deconstructed

December 12, 2023 08:04 - 56 minutes - 128 MB

In last weeks episode, Sam, Ron, and John satirically covered the story of Shamgar, playfully pushing the limits of exegetical fallacies. Today, they revisit the story of Shamgar to offer correction and set the record straight, while pointing out how easy it can be to get carried away when we do not stick to sound hermeneutic principles.  

6.49 - Justice for Shamgar

December 05, 2023 02:02 - 45 minutes - 103 MB

The guys take a second look at Shamgar, questioning the traditional classification of Shamgar as a minor judge. With only two verses dedicated to his legacy in the scriptures, some might be led to believe he is not a significant figure. However, it’s not the size of the story, but the work it does that matters. Let’s slow down and take a closer look at how these two verses say more than you think.  ***Attention!*** The following episode is satirical and stretches exegetic and hermeneutic f...

6.48 - Evangelism in the NT & Now- More Than Words

November 27, 2023 12:00 - 50 minutes - 115 MB

We suffer through back pain, migraine, and Sams’s sarcasm to bring you today’s episode on evangelism in the NT. Who was the first evangelist and to whom and how was the message proclaimed? What does it look like today for our evangelism to be accompanied by signs? The Kingdom of God has broken into world history. There is a new kingdom reality and human dynamic to be experienced in the Lord, even now. How is it displayed in your life? How beautiful are your feet? 

6.47 - Evangelism in the OT - Piecing it Together

November 20, 2023 12:00 - 45 minutes - 105 MB

Today, the guys delve into evangelism and its origins for God’s people, starting with the Old Testament. How does God help His people piece together the puzzle to reveal the full picture of His plan for them and their mission to evangelize the nations? Do we have a reference, or are we simply holding onto corner pieces? 

6.46 - Advice to New Mentors

November 13, 2023 12:00 - 49 minutes - 114 MB

Are you being discipled by someone? If not, why not? Are you discipling someone? If not, why not? What is discipleship? What does it mean to make disciples? Interestingly, some of the most effective evangelists are recent converts, but who are they discipled by? Are we disciples of our favorite pop icons? Today, the guys discuss (you guessed it) discipleship, mentoring, and the role of dedicating your life to making disciples as a Christian.  

6.45 - Advice to New Christians

November 06, 2023 12:00 - 52 minutes - 121 MB

"Yes, I believe in Jesus! What do I do now?"  Saying "Yes" to Jesus is an amazing moment full of joy, but it can also be a time of confusion, leaving one to wonder, "Where do I go from here?" In today's episode Sam, John, and Ron point to a few habits, best practices, and resources to guide new Christians on their walk. For those of us who have been seeking the Lord long enough to forget what it is like to be new, today's episode serves as a helpful reminder of how we can be intentional ab...

6.44 - God’s People & Violence: Part Eighteen - Concluding Thoughts

October 30, 2023 13:04 - 50 minutes - 84.9 MB

Can we partake in occupations and activities that are contrary to the message of the cross? How do we view recreation, sports, video games, parenting, and political and global affairs through the lens of non-violent Christian activity? In today's episode, the guys conclude the series on God’s people and the use of violence, addressing remaining listener questions and sharing their final thoughts on the matter. Just in time for Halloween!

6.43 - God’s People & Violence: Part Seventeen - Reactions to Violence

October 23, 2023 04:10 - 49 minutes - 113 MB

As we near the end of the series the guys draw conclusions on what it might look like to overcome evil with good in light of our study. Sam, John, and Ron return to the lead question of the series: What is an acceptable reaction to someone breaking into my house? Are there acceptable levels of physicality? Join Sam, John, and Ron as they present the implications and applications of our study on the Christian use of violence.

6.42 - God’s People & Violence: Part Sixteen - Just Walk Away

October 16, 2023 11:00 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

A few more passages, principles, and... perplexities?  The guys open to more listener-provided verses in today’s episode addressing Revelation, Maccabees, and Centurion encounters with Jesus & the Holy Spirit. We are to overcome evil with good and turn the other cheek. But is there ever a time for avoidance? Alternatively, can there be a place for the use of violence if it is part of your job?   

6.41 - God’s People & Violence: Part Fifteen - Jawbones, Tent Posts & Spears, Oh My!

October 09, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutes - 112 MB

In today’s episode, the guys begin to wind down the series and respond to listener emails. If God’s people are not supposed to use violence, what do we make about the story of Phinehas? What about Jael, Nehemiah, and the Judges of the Old Testament? Today you get your answer.

6.40 - God’s People & Violence: Part Fourteen - Death & Defence

October 02, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutes - 112 MB

The temptation to use violence often comes from our desire to defend our belongings or our lives. We need to stop the narrative of acceptable violence and move toward maturity, actively pursuing peace and break through the power of enmity. In today’s episode, the guy’s survey multiple New Testament passages in rapid succession and ask the question, “Where does violence fit in with God’s people?”  

6.39 - God’s People & Violence: Part Thirteen - Peace or Pugnacity?

September 25, 2023 11:00 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

Embracing Christ's example involves active participation. When we face revilement, will we respond with blessings? When persecution arises, will we endure with grace? When slander is directed at us, will we reply with kindness? Are we prepared to forsake worldly ideologies and wholeheartedly embrace an alternative way of life, even in the face of worldly opposition? We must ask ourselves, 'Which holds greater power: worldly violence or the path of Christ?' Tune in for Sam, John, and Ron’s ...

6.38 - God’s People & Violence: Part Twelve - Just for Jesus

September 18, 2023 20:31 - 46 minutes - 106 MB

Jesus was a pacifist, committed to enemy love, committed to peace, and renounced the sword… but that was Jesus. His unique vocation was to take on all the evil of the world and defeat it on the cross. We should not believe that Jesus expected his followers to do the same… or should we? Join Ron, John, and Sam as they test that claim, beginning in Romans and continuing forward in the letters. Will the thesis stand up, or will the guys debunk flawed theology? Tune in to find out.   On ...

6.37 - God’s People & Violence: Part Eleven - Cloaks and Swords

September 11, 2023 11:00 - 45 minutes - 103 MB

Today, the guys turn to Luke 22 and Jesus’ instruction to bring a sword. Why do they need it? Did Jesus change his mind? Was it just to fulfill prophecy? Is it just a practical tool for the road? Is it metaphorical, or perhaps it was Jesus in a moment of temptation? Join Sam, John, and Ron as they test the strength of these theories and more… And what should we make of Jesus flipping tables and using a whip?

6.36 - God’s People & Violence: Part Ten - When Forgiveness Begets Violence

September 04, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutes - 113 MB

"If you are not in the business of forgiving other people, then God is not in the business of forgiving you.” Today’s episode challenges many cultural norms and interpretations of how Christians should respond to violence. The guys open to Matthew to see how forgiveness ties into our study of violence. Instead of asking, “When is it appropriate for me to act violently,” we should ask, “How can I be as forgiving as the Lord?” But how do we reconcile the above with Jesus' words, "I have no...

6.35 - God’s People & Violence: Part Nine - Peace Makers & Keepers

August 28, 2023 11:00 - 45 minutes - 39.6 MB

Blessed are the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake… This week, the guys delve into Matthew and his recording of Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount. What is the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper? Which should we be? Does peace only come under the threat of violence? Do the teachings of Christ undermine our inclination to defend ourselves? All this and more in today’s episode of the After Class Podcast.

6.34 - God’s People & Violence: Part Eight - Setting The Stage

August 21, 2023 04:03 - 46 minutes - 52.8 MB

New Testament. New context. Join Sam, John, and Ron in today’s episode as they set the stage for understanding the New Testament’s view of violence, providing insight into the shift in the Israelite mindset. Once a people in a land God provided, now strangers in a land owned by foreign rulers. How did this new cultural, social, and political-economic structure affect the way they understood God's purpose for them? And how does it inform our understanding of violence and God's people today? ...

6.33 - God’s People & Violence: Part Seven - Wisdom or Walls

August 14, 2023 11:00 - 52 minutes - 120 MB

This week the guys turn to the pages of wisdom literature in their study of Christian violence in the Bible. In today’s episode, John, Sam, and Ron unpack “a time for war” in Ecclesiastes and examine the revenge of God’s people in the book of Esther. How do those who find wisdom find peace, according to wisdom literature? Also, tune in for a special promotion for the high school students in your life!

6.32 - God’s People & Violence: Part Six - Babies and Rocks

August 07, 2023 04:54 - 46 minutes - 106 MB

This week John, Sam, and Ron unpack the implications of Psalm 137:9, "Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks." Tune in as the guys survey the Psalms, where God's people overtly and illustratively talk about violence and peace. According to this collection of writings, what do the righteous do when persecuted, and how does the above verse fit into a posture that relies on God's justice and vengeance?     

6.31 - God’s People & Violence: Part Five - Pride & Violence

July 31, 2023 04:48 - 46 minutes - 43.4 MB

This week we enter the world of the prophets to sample how they speak about violence. What happens when the nations and rulers abuse the sword God gave them for justice? Is the vision of peace depicted throughout the Bible only for the next life, or is it a reality to be lived out now? In a world where national powers rely on horses and chariots, will you rely on God, armed only with His word?

6.30 - God’s People & Violence: Part Four - National Defense

July 24, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutes - 47 MB

In a world of perpetual violence and military arms races, would you start a community between warring countries with no military defense of your own? What if God told you to? We want to be strong, powerful, and impressive in every imaginable way; does this put us at odds with God’s role for his set-apart people? In today's episode, follow the unfolding narrative as we transition from personal violence to corporate violence and national defense/offense. And perhaps more importantly for some...

6.29 - God’s People & Violence: Part Three - A Land Defiled

July 17, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutes - 103 MB

This week the guys continue their walkthrough of scripture on the way to answering a listener's question: How do we respond to a break-in; does God condone killing in self-defense? What about the defense of the country? How seriously is the taking of life to God? In today's episode, Sam, John, and Ron investigate what scripture has to say about land stewardship, the taking of a census, the priest's role in warfare, and David’s use of mighty men. How do these inform our understanding of the C...

6.28 - God’s People & Violence: Part Two - The Avenger of Blood

July 10, 2023 04:55 - 48 minutes - 55.5 MB

We may become coaxed by rage to act out in hostility, violence, and vengeance. Join the guys as they unpack more of God’s response and instruction to His people on how they should be witnesses to and uphold the sacredness of life. Tune in this week for part two of our series on violence, self-defense, and Christian participation in bloodshed.

6.27 - God’s People & Violence: Part One - From the Beginning

July 03, 2023 03:58 - 46 minutes - 53.1 MB

Sam, John, and Ron begin a new series this week in response to numerous listener requests. It is time to talk about Christian participation in violence. Is violence ever justified for a Christian? What about self-defense? We can agree that unprovoked killing is bad, but what about a killing resulting from self-preservation or retaliation? Join the guys as they trace the theme of God’s people and their relation to violence through the Bible. Related Episodes.  3.18 - Violence of the "C...

6.26 - Dealing With Bad Press - The Christian Response

June 26, 2023 05:36 - 53 minutes - 61.3 MB

In part two of our bad press miniseries: How should Christians respond to bad press about the brothers and sisters in the faith who are doing wrong? How do we persevere through bad press without growing weary? Can you love God and not love Christians? Tune in this week to hear a perspective on how Christians can deal with bad press and witness to the world. Join Sam, John, and Ron as they unpack four principles identified in scripture. The world will hate you (Christians), expect bad ...

6.25 - Dealing With Bad Press - In a World That Hates Us

June 19, 2023 03:28 - 42 minutes - 48.8 MB

New office, new studio, new episode, same podcast! This week the guys engage the important topic of bad press. How do we respond when Christians are on the receiving end of bad press for something they have done? What guiding principles do we have to deal with ‘The Media’ which often lies or at best paints an imperfect picture?  Do we follow Matthew 18 in a digital age regarding Christians we have never met? Sadly, we are too familiar with many negative examples of Christians receivi...

6.24 - Jesus Revolution: Movie Review

June 12, 2023 17:04 - 50 minutes - 58.1 MB

This week the guys take a break in the action to present their review of the movie Jesus Revolution; a story of Christian Hippies and the church in the 70's at Calvary Chapel in California. What stands out? What resonates? And what flops? Tune in to find out if you should add this movie to your watch list for the summer. 

6.23 - Original Sin: Part Six - Recapturing the Story

June 05, 2023 09:20 - 44 minutes - 50.7 MB

In previous episodes, Sam, John, and Ron delved into Augustine's doctrine of original sin and explored the Bible passages that either support or push against it. In today's episode, the guys summarize their findings and share their observations and convictions about original sin, and how the doctrine may have more to do with historical theological strongholds than biblical support. The guys push back against the individualistic story of original sin with a broader interpretation of God's...

6.22 - Original Sin: Part Five - Who made us?

June 01, 2023 03:44 - 47 minutes - 54.9 MB

In today's episode, the guys return to Agustin’s treatment of Romans 5:12, then investigate passages promoting alternatives to the doctrine of original sin. Will we find strong anti-original sin verses or just a series of general statements and observations? The Bible says all are put to death for their own sin, so does God break his own principle by putting everyone to death for Adam’s sin? Who made us; our parents, ourselves, or God? Are we beautifully and wonderfully made in God’s image...

6.21 - Original Sin: Part Four - Born This Way?

May 22, 2023 11:00 - 48 minutes - 55.1 MB

This week Sam, John, and Ron continue to look at what the Bible says about sin. The guys focus this episode on the passages that are routinely used to support the doctrine of original sin and see how they hold up to scrutiny. Of the many passages from the Old Testament that paint the picture of sinful humanity, most come from poetry. Should we be more careful about building doctrine off poetic sources? What about the New Testament, will we find strong support for Original Sin? Only one way t...

6.20 - Original Sin: Part Three - The Biblical Foundation

May 15, 2023 11:00 - 48 minutes - 55.6 MB

This week Sam, and John, try to keep Ron in the Old Testament as they begin laying the biblical foundation for our understanding of original sin. The guys delve into key questions such as the usage of the term "sin" in the Bible, and how the Bible's depiction of figures such as Cain, Enoch, and Noah relates to the notion that every inclination of the heart is evil all the time. The guys posit why the popular narrative, “Image bourn, image lost, image regained” improperly frames the story, an...

6.19 - Original Sin: Part Two - Sex and Sin

May 08, 2023 05:20 - 52 minutes - 60.5 MB

This week the guys dig deeper into Augustine's history and the prevailing thoughts that influenced his theology. Was Pelagius really a heretic? How to make sense of the immaculate conception? And what do sex and a handshake have in common? All this and more in today’s episode of the After Class Podcast!

6.18 - Original Sin: Part One - Sin One & Sin Two

May 01, 2023 11:00 - 45 minutes - 51.8 MB

Do you know the origin of original sin? Join Sam, John, and Ron as they engage the topic by laying some groundwork and distinguishing between two approaches to the discussion of original sin. What did the great theological minds of Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian, and Augustin have to say about original sin, and how did they shape our current understanding? Is original sin a core Christian doctrine or an optional way of interpreting certain passages? Tune into this week’s episode to fi...

6.17 - Interview With Brian Baldwin: Artemis of the Ephesians

April 24, 2023 04:35 - 51 minutes - 58.7 MB

Join Sam, John, and Ron as they welcome their guest, Brian Baldwin, to discuss the goddess Artemis of the Ephesians and how her influence may help us understand Paul's writing and extreme language about women in 1 Timothy. In this episode, the guys unpack Paul's writing about women's dress, their authority over men, the importance of Adam and Eve's birth order, and women being saved through childbirth, in the context of how the Ephesians viewed Artemis. Buckle up!     

6.16 - Baptism - Part Nine: Rebuilding the Walls

April 17, 2023 05:11 - 53 minutes - 61.4 MB

Join John, Ron, and Sam this week as they examine how the merger of the imperial ruling class & theological influences from leading Christian thinkers impacted the practice and doctrine of baptism, beginning with the 4th century Constantinian turn and progressing through the Reformation, Revivalism, and the Church Growth Revolution. What happened when the Roman Empire embraced Christianity and what effect did it have on the 5 dimensions of baptism?   5 Dimensions identified in previous...

6.15 - Baptism - Part Eight: Schism & Heresy

April 10, 2023 11:00 - 46 minutes - 53.1 MB

While the scriptures serve as a critical foundation, the practice of baptism has also been influenced by a multitude of historical events. In this episode, John, Ron, and Sam explore the Jewish/Christian Schism of 100 AD and second-century Gnosticism's impact on the Church’s understanding of baptism. 

6.14 - Baptism - Part Seven: Baptized in blood?

April 03, 2023 11:00 - 46 minutes - 52.9 MB

In what way does the flood in the time of Noah prefigure baptism? Is baptismal water magically regenerative? Why would a robe be baptized in blood and how does it fit our study? On today's episode of the After Class Podcast, Sam, Ron, and John conclude their reading of the Bible’s passages on baptism and present the five dimensions of baptism that have emerged from our study.

6.13 - Baptism - Part Six: Baptized for the Dead

March 27, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutes - 57.2 MB

Prompted by last weeks cliffhanger, Sam, Ron, and John resume with the question: If we are baptized to a new way of life, what does Paul mean when he wrote to the Corinthians about those who are baptized for the dead? Later in the episode, the guys touch on 're-repentance.' Should we get re-baptized later in life if we have lapsed in our early life? What about if you accepted Christ not knowing the fullness of what you were committing to; do you get re-baptized after your “ah-ha!” moment? ...

6.12 - Baptism - Part Five: Unpacking Paul

March 20, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutes - 56.4 MB

This week, Sam, John, and Ron continue the developing theme of baptism as they engage the Pauline letters. The guys continue to navigate the implications of the new life we embrace through baptism and explore key questions: Should we practice group evangelism and corporate baptism? Are there age restrictions on abandoning your old life and embracing the new life? What is the baptism into Moses? And what will be the name of GLCC's new mascot!? All this and more in today’s episode of The Aft...

6.11 - Baptism - Part Four: Crossing Thresholds

March 13, 2023 11:00 - 50 minutes - 58 MB

This week the guys continue through the book of Acts picking up with the first Gentile baptism and investigating tough questions. How do we make sense of the spirit coming on someone before baptism vs. after the laying on of hands? What are the social implications of baptism?  Tune in with John, Ron, and Sam for part four of their study of the mode, method, and recipient of baptism. 

6.10 - Baptism - Part Three: Fire & Water

March 06, 2023 12:00 - 49 minutes - 56.9 MB

What do we make of the different accounts of water baptism and those who perform it? Does water baptism come before spirit baptism? Sam, John, and Ron continue the discussion in part three of the series. The guys dive into the book of John and Acts this week and touch on flames, tongues, and the laying on of hands.   

6.9 - Baptism - Part Two: Purification, Preparation, & Suffering

February 27, 2023 14:34 - 50 minutes - 57.7 MB

In today's episode, Sam, John, and Ron survey verses that broaden our view of the purpose for and recipient of baptism.  Join the guys this week as they explore Mark and Luke's traditional and non-traditional verses on baptism. 

6.8 - Baptism - Part One: Repentance

February 20, 2023 12:00 - 48 minutes - 55.8 MB

Students at Great Lakes Christian College are making decisions to take the next steps in their faith, prompting questions surrounding baptism. What types of baptism are spoken about in scripture? What form does it take? Who is the recipient and what purpose does baptism serve? Join the guys this week as they dip into Matthew 3, 21:25, and 26:23.

6.7 - Discerning Qualifications

February 13, 2023 12:00 - 53 minutes - 61.6 MB

The interpretation of the lists we find in scripture concerning leadership qualifications can dramatically impact who would serve in specific capacities (if at all). How do we regard these lists and what does it say to us that they are not identical between books of the Bible?  Join the guys as they answer another "mailbag question" in this week's one-shot episode.  Complementary Episodes: Ep. 4.38: Elders REDUX Ep. 2.33-2.48: 15-part series on women & the Bible.

6.6 - Rapture: Part Two - A Meeting in the Air?

February 06, 2023 12:00 - 55 minutes - 63.2 MB

After laying out a framework in episode one, Sam, Ron, and John continue their two-part series on rapture, resurrection, and Revelation. How do we understand the end of days? Who is gathered for what, and where does everybody go? How do we see the message of Israel’s hope in the context of the end times and the gathering of the elect?  Tune in this week as the guys look up what scripture has to say about meeting in the air.    Prerequisite Episode:  6.5 - Rapture: Part One – The Fram...

6.5 - Rapture: Part One - The Framework

January 30, 2023 12:00 - 44 minutes - 50.4 MB

Reading “the end of days” through the lens of a biblical framework. Will believers be whisked away to Heaven, or has this popular interpretation left behind the Bible’s teaching? What are the implications of a new Heaven and a new Earth? Does God need a new dwelling place? Join Sam, Ron, and John this week as they unpack the rapture in the context of God’s wider biblical hope for His creation.   Complementary Episodes: 1.22 – When We All Get to… Sheol? 1.23  - I’ll Fly Away…When I ...