After Class Podcast
317 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 186 ratingsWhat 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
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Episodes
7.16 - Creation Care: The Trees of The Field Will Clap Their Hands
April 15, 2024 11:00 - 46 minutes - 106 MBToday, the guys continue through the Old Testament and venture into apocalyptic imagery, trees that clap their hands, and… God’s destruction of the earth? Is God culpable for the attacks brought on by nations? All this and more in today's episode of the After Class Podcast.
7.15 - ACP 4th Birthday Party REDUX
April 08, 2024 19:32This past week, the guys were on spring break. Sadly, they could not find a time when they were all available to record a new episode. Therefore, we've chosen to air a previous episode. We thought it would be fun to repeat the recording made during the fourth birthday celebration. It was a great night of fun, fellowship, and frivolity. Enjoy!
7.14 - Creation Care: Creation and the Law
April 01, 2024 02:10 - 46 minutes - 107 MBThe guys delve into Leviticus and Deuteronomy to explore how God’s laws, when followed, benefit all creation. What does it look like when we acknowledge that all things belong to God, and we are merely stewards of His property? What constitutes a Christian theology of land stewardship in today's context? Tune in this week to find out!
7.13 - Creation Care: Dominion
March 25, 2024 11:00 - 45 minutes - 105 MBGod blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." But, what does it mean to 'subdue' the earth? Join the guys this week as they continue to expand on how we can think about caring for God's creation.
7.12 - Creation Care: In The Beginning
March 18, 2024 13:14 - 46 minutes - 106 MBGod made us from the dirt. Is that why everything we touch is soiled? The Bible says creation is important to God, so how do we, as His image bearers, think about care for creation? What does work, service, and worship look like in relation to creation? Does Ron hate animals? Tune in this week to find out!
7.11 - He Gets Us: Reaction
March 11, 2024 13:22 - 53 minutes - 122 MBHow should Christians think about the messages that other Christians use in their efforts to share the good news of Christ? This week the guys give their hot take on the topic with their reaction to the Super Bowl, 'He Gets Us' advertisement. What went well? What could be improved? What is our response and responsibility as brothers and sisters in Christ? Tune in today to find out!
7.10 - Song of Songs: Application for the Church
March 04, 2024 11:54 - 56 minutes - 129 MBHow does the Song of Songs inform the Christian experience? When using the Song of Songs to teach about sensual love, we must approach the topic with careful sensitivity. Join the guys this week as they outline a few qualifying factors to consider when discussing the biblical perspective on romance, sex, and how we speak about our partner, before we finally close the book on the Song of Songs.
7.9 - Song of Songs: Climax & Conclusions
February 26, 2024 05:41 - 50 minutes - 116 MBMandrakes, PDA, soulmates, and final thoughts all await you int this week’s episode of the After Class Podcast. Tune in to today's episode for the climax of the story and the conclusion of the series on the Song of Songs. Feedback Frenzy! Did Song of Songs awaken a desire within you for the survey of another biblical book? Would you be interested in a series on intertestamental literature? We're all ears—we invite you to share your thoughts and feedback below, and as always, thanks for li...
7.8 - Song of Songs: Heating Up
February 19, 2024 12:00 - 48 minutes - 111 MBWhat tickles your fancy? A big nose, watery eyes, a long neck with rounded belly and thighs? Resuming in Chapter 6, we find clues to authorship and gain more insight into the poetic expressions of love and depictions of beauty that bring us closer to understanding the culture of the time. Join the guys as they transition from flattery to foreplay in the narrative of the Song of Songs in this episode of the After Class podcast.
7.7 - Song of Songs: Ruddy
February 12, 2024 10:50 - 46 minutes - 106 MBNothing says romance like the After Class Podcast and the study of the Song of Songs: repeated dream sequences, obstacles, and poetic utterances of the one who is loved. Join the guys as they continue to investigate love and discern the depictions of the ruddy male love interest. Happy Valentine's Day!
7.6 - Song of Songs: Compliments
February 05, 2024 12:00 - 47 minutes - 109 MBHey guys! Looking for some fresh ways to compliment your beloved? Eyes like doves, hair that flows like a flock of goats, and teeth like ewes; these are but a few of the ways you can extol your spouse in the way of this ancient sonnet. Join the guys in today’s episode as they investigate the poetic flattery of Song of Songs.
7.5 - Song of Songs: Dreaming of Love
January 29, 2024 11:30 - 46 minutes - 72.3 MBAs the seasons shift from hot to cold, so do the nuances of love. The guys decipher more of the allusions, dreams, and poetic descriptions of the beloved and the love that should remain dormant until its appointed time. Moving through chapter two, Sam, John, and Ron delve deeper into our exploration of the Song of Songs.
7.4 - Song of Songs: Nard
January 22, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 113 MBShe is the keeper of the vineyard, but not her own. Dark and alluring, she is not one to be overlooked. Her passions have been aroused, yet this serves as a warning to other women. Join Sam, John, and Ron this week as they dive into the poetic innuendos of Song of Songs and work to uncover a common thread in the skipping narrative. What could go wrong?
7.3 - Song of Songs: Tavern Tune or Serenade of Sublimity?
January 15, 2024 16:35 - 48 minutes - 111 MB"The whole world was not worthy of the day in which this sublime song was given to Israel.” - Rabbi Akiva What differentiates the Song of Songs from other ballads sung in the common pub? What purpose does it serve to the people of God? Why has a song about intimacy been included in the Holy Scriptures? The Song of Songs is the most interpreted book of the Bible, and over the years, interpretations have varied. In today's episode, the guys will survey those various interpretations as they ...
7.2 - Song of Songs: Prepositions & Penmanship
January 08, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutes - 114 MBNew 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 MBIt'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 MBShare 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 MBWhat 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 MBIn 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 MBThe 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 MBWe 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 MBToday, 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 MBAre 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 MBCan 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 MBAs 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 MBA 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 MBIn 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 MBThe 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 MBEmbracing 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 MBJesus 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 MBToday, 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 MBBlessed 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 MBNew 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 MBThis 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 MBThis 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 MBThis 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 MBIn 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 MBThis 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 MBWe 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 MBSam, 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 MBIn 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 MBNew 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 MBThis 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 MBIn 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 MBIn 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 MBThis 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 MBThis 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 MBThis 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!