After Class Podcast

4.19 - How to Read Biblical Letters

May 10, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MB

Hey ACP listeners, this week we're diving into biblical letters. How did their unique voice function in the early church and how should we read and understand their situation-specific teachings? We would love to have you join and interact with the discussion.

4.18 - How to Read Wisdom Literature

May 03, 2021 11:30 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MB

Wisdom literature has unique characteristics when compared to other biblical genres: no mention of Torah, no specific commands from God, no mention of God's work in salvation history, etc. This week the guys define biblical Wisdom and explain how to understand it in light of its intended function.

4.17 - How to Read Biblical Poetry

April 26, 2021 12:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MB

Next to narrative, poetry is the second most used genre in the Bible. This week the guys discuss biblical poetry - how to read and understand it on its own terms and how to use it well when constructing theology.

4.16 - How to Read Biblical Narrative

April 19, 2021 12:00 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MB

The After Class Podcast gets back to the basics of biblical interpretation this week and zeroes in on biblical narrative. Biblical history is often shared in narrative form and it's important to understand how the narrative genre functions. The guys offer some tips for understanding biblical narrative on the basis of its own rules and expectations.

4.15 - The Techalogue - Part 2

April 12, 2021 15:25 - 52 minutes - 47.6 MB

This week the guys wrap up their series on the strengths and weaknesses of digital discipleship with the last five commandments of the "Techalogue". Join the discussion as the guys cover the temptations and pitfalls of social media and all things digital.

4.14 - The Techalogue - Part 1

April 05, 2021 12:16 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MB

The guys are ready to wrap up their discussion on digital discipleship by offering a unique mash-up of the Ten Commandments and the Fruit of the Spirit - "The Techalogue". Here's some practical tips for how to interact with social media in a faithful and Christ-centered way.

4.13 - Synchronous Digital Discipleship

March 29, 2021 12:00 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MB

This week the guys get into the strengths and liabilities of "synchronous" digital discipleship - Zoom, Facebook Live, online worship, etc. They also dive into the possibilities of "cyber" church - is it a viable option for the future church? Is it something the church should prepare for and be ready to embrace?

4.12 - Asynchronous Digital Discipleship

March 22, 2021 15:22 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MB

The guys are on the second week of their digital discipleship topic. This week's episode focuses on "asynchronous" digital media - media that we interact with not in real time. The ACP podcast is an example of this type of media. There are some great digital resources out there for the church today and the guys offer some pros and cons.

4.11 - Digital Discipleship

March 15, 2021 12:00 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MB

The guys take a break from the Intro to Biblical Interpretation series to engage the topic of digital discipleship. How would Jesus have interacted with technology and the internet? What does a healthy approach to technology look like for the Church?

4.10 - The Role of Tradition and Scripture

March 08, 2021 12:00 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MB

After taking John's most recent After Class pop quiz the guys dive into the topic of tradition and its relationship to Scripture. Church tradition can be one of those issues that polarizes and separates us - even from one church building to another. Fortunately there are some relevant New Testament passages that can help us navigate between the options.

4.9 - Forming the Canon

March 01, 2021 13:00 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MB

This week the guys get into more detail about how the biblical canon was formed as they share the timeline for when the New Testament books were recognized as canon by the early church. Not all of the NT books were immediately recognized as "Scripture" by the early church and getting the Bible as we have it today was more of a process than you may think.

4.8 - The Process of Canonization

February 22, 2021 13:38 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MB

The guys dive into the topic of canonization this week. How did we get the Bible and all 66 books as we have them? Who decided which writings made it in and which writings were relegated as merely interesting, but not inspired Scripture? Can we trust that process? The guys share what we know for sure and discuss some of the areas that are slightly more murky.

4.7 - How the Bible was Made

February 15, 2021 11:53 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MB

Ever wonder how we got the Bible as we have it? This week the guys discuss how the Story of the Bible started as oral traditions in a primarily oral culture and over centuries made it to the written form we have today. With so many steps along the way - can we be certain of its credibility and trust that it's not been tampered with? Absolutely! Listen in as the guys explain the process.

4.6 - Bible Basics - What it is and isn't

February 08, 2021 13:09 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MB

What is the Bible anyway? The Bible is something God intended us to understand - that doesn't mean there isn't some mystery to it now and then. This week the guys continue the Bible Basics series by offering answers for what the Bible is and what it isn't.

4.5 - Scripture as God's Word

February 01, 2021 13:00 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MB

So why do we view all 66 books of the Bible as God's Word? What does it mean for Scripture to be "God-breathed"? This week the guys continue to search the Bible for what it means for Scripture to be the inspired and authoritative words of God.

4.4 - The Word of God in Scripture

January 25, 2021 15:14 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MB

This week as the guys continue the series on all things Bible they zero in on what it means to call the Bible, "God's Word". They do the leg work and offer a cliff note's version of all the passages where "Word of God" or "Word of the Lord" is mentioned in Scripture. Give it a listen and join the discussion.

4.3 - Why Study the Bible?

January 18, 2021 13:00 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MB

This week the guys start a new series - built off the Intro to Biblical Interpretation class offered at GLCC. Over the next several weeks they will be exploring all things Bible. Why is it necessary and good for Christians to study the Bible? In this beginning discussion the guys offer eight reasons for why studying the Bible is a necessity for Christians today.

4.2 - Top Book Recommendations

January 11, 2021 13:00 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MB

This week, in response to a listener-posed request (thanks Regan Clem!) the guys offer their top books that all pastors/Christians should make time to read - maybe a more challenging request than anticipated. But the guys power through and offer some of their top reads.

4.1 - Noah Movie Review

January 04, 2021 13:00 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MB

To open the new year the guys offer their first movie review: Noah. They give a summary of the movie (spoiler alert) before offering their rating of thumbs up or thumbs down. They're also joined this week by a surprise, special guest.

3.52 - Fasting - Part 6

December 28, 2020 13:00 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MB

The last episode of 2020! Happy New Year! What role does fasting play in Christian life? This week's episode concludes the six-part series on fasting where the guys wrap up the New Testament passages and then offer some conclusions from all of the material.

3.51 - Fasting - Part 5

December 21, 2020 13:00 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MB

Merry Christmas from the After Class Podcast! This week the guys reach the New Testament and the gospel of Matthew as they get closer to wrapping up the study on biblical fasting. Do Jesus's practices or his teachings add anything new to the discussion?

3.50 - Fasting - Part 4

December 14, 2020 13:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MB

This week the guys wrap up the Old Testament passages on fasting. What's the deal with fasting anyway? Is it just a method of manipulating God - to convince him to change his mind? Or is fasting all about humility and spiritual discipline? Maybe fasting is meant to be a road to greater personal health? Be sure to catch this episode (and the three previous) to get the summary of the relevant Old Testament passages and their implications.

3.49 - Fasting - Part 3

December 07, 2020 13:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB

The discussion on fasting continues this week as the guys get close to wrapping up the Old Testament's contribution to the topic. The prophets add a new dimension - is fasting for the people or for God and is fasting something God wants or expects from his people?

3.48 - Fasting - Part 2

November 30, 2020 13:00 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MB

This week the guys continue their focus on fasting. Fasting in the Bible had multiple motivations and functions. We find it was a way to "turn up the volume" on prayers and petitions directed to God. And we see it was a way of humiliating the flesh to grieve or show solidarity in suffering.

3.47 - Fasting - Part 1

November 23, 2020 17:26 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MB

As we enter this season of feasting - with Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon - the guys turn their attention to the subject of fasting. What does Scripture say about fasting - what was its purpose, what situations called for fasting?

3.46 - The Marijuana Episode

November 16, 2020 12:00 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MB

In this week's episode the guys look to the Bible to see if it has anything to say about the use of marijuana or other recreational drugs. It's a hot topic for many in the church as several states in America have voted to legalize marijuana and other drugs for medical or recreational use. Do Christians have a dog in this fight - does the Bible give us a moral stance in the discussion on the use of marijuana?

3.45 - The Church & Politics - Part 2

November 09, 2020 13:00 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MB

In this week's episode the guys stick to their five-minute-format (mostly) to answer listener-posed questions and engage with the issues around this election season, nationalism, and the christian role in politics.

3.44 - The Church & Politics - Part 1

November 02, 2020 13:00 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MB

This week the guys respond to listener-posed questions centered on Christian involvement in politics. With the election looming on the horizon it's a relevant and fruitful discussion.

3.43 - Atonement Theories Reviewed and Evaluated

October 26, 2020 12:00 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MB

It's the conclusion we've all been waiting for! This week the guys revisit and review the major atonement theories in light of the exhaustive (and exhausting) New Testament study they've done. Which atonement themes/theories will end up on top?

3.42 - Jesus's Death in Corinthians

October 19, 2020 12:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MB

Through a mix-up with the study notes, Paul's letters to the Corinthians slipped through the cracks. But never fear - this week the guys address the missing passages and finally and truly reach the end of all the New Testament passages that speak about Jesus's death - it's purpose and what it accomplished. Some of the language Paul uses will sound very familiar to those who have been in this study from the beginning. But Paul does add some new and interesting tidbits to the discussion.

3.41 - Jesus's Death in Paul's Pastoral Epistles

October 12, 2020 16:52 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MB

They've made it through all of the verses in all of the books! This week the guys finish their look through the New Testament books with Paul's pastoral letters (1 & 2 Timothy & Titus). If you've been on this journey from the beginning - what big picture themes have you noticed? How do the New Testament authors speak about Jesus's death?

3.40 - Jesus's Death in Paul's Prison Epistles

October 05, 2020 17:17 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MB

What does Paul say about Jesus's death in Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians? He does discuss wrath in connection with Jesus's death but does he see Jesus as being punished on our behalf or is there something else going on?

3.39 - Jesus's Death in Romans and Galatians

September 28, 2020 12:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MB

The guys dig into Romans and Galatians this week looking for what Paul says about Jesus's death - what it accomplished and why it was necessary. Paul speaks of Jesus as victor over sin and an obedient pattern for us to follow. He also holds Jesus's death up as something we participate in and the key to our entrance into the new covenant. Does Paul give any indication that he saw Jesus as taking God's wrath that was intended for us?

3.38 - Jesus's Death in Revelation

September 21, 2020 11:30 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MB

The guys turn to Revelation this week to see how John spoke about Jesus's death. They find some references to Jesus as victor, a ransom, and the lamb who was slain. But is there any mention of Jesus as our substitute or a payment to cover God's wrath? The guys also give a start into Paul's letters (Romans and Galatians) which will be concluded in next week's episode.

3.37 - Jesus's Death in Peter and John

September 14, 2020 12:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MB

This week the guys zero-in on the letters of Peter and John as they work towards answering the question - What did Jesus die for? Peter does use "ransom" language. Is he using it to talk about Jesus ransoming us from the power and grip of satan or is he referring to something else? When John speaks of Jesus's blood cleansing us and making atonement - is that pointing to Jesus taking our place or paying off God's wrath with his life?

3.36 - Jesus's Death in Hebrews

September 07, 2020 12:00 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MB

What did Jesus's death accomplish and why was it necessary? Did Jesus die to satisfy the wrathful and violent nature of God? This week the guys dive into Hebrews - the book that is most often quoted to explain Jesus' death. If Jesus is our high priest and the atoning sacrifice - how does all of that tie together? Is there anything in Hebrews about God's wrath or Jesus taking our place?

3.35 - Jesus's Death in John

August 31, 2020 11:02 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MB

Why did Jesus have to die? This week the guys offer a quick summary of where they've been in this discussion before moving on to see what the gospel of John has to say about Jesus's death. John's gospel does use language of Jesus removing the "sins of the world" but maybe that doesn't mean all that we have traditionally thought.

3.34 - Jesus's Death in Acts

August 24, 2020 12:00 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MB

This week the guys wrap up Jesus's death as portrayed in the Synoptics and move to the book of Acts. Does Luke pair forgiveness of sins or atonement with the death of Jesus? Is Jesus's death portrayed as a necessary response to God's wrath?

3.33 - Why did Jesus have to Die - Part 2

August 17, 2020 11:37 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MB

The conversation continues this week as the guys explore more of the reasons the Synoptics give for why Jesus had to die. Why was his death necessary? How did his death fulfill prophecy? Does anything in the Synoptics indicate that Jesus's death was an answer or corrective to God's anger?

3.32 - Why DID Jesus have to die - Part 1

August 10, 2020 12:21 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MB

This week the guys move to the New Testament as they continue to consider why Jesus had to die and what his death accomplished. But Jesus' death was only about removing our sins right? You might be surprised when you are reminded of all that the synoptics claim about Jesus's death.

3.31 - Atonement Theories - Part 2

August 03, 2020 01:45 - 49 minutes - 45 MB

The guys finish their discussion on the pros and cons of the five classic atonement theories and introduce some more contemporary views presented by theologians in the last twenty years.

3.30 - Atonement Theories - Part 1

July 27, 2020 14:04 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MB

This week the guys take a break from surveying Scripture to look carefully at some of the classic theories of atonement, popular throughout the history of the church. It should not surprise the listener that there are pros and cons to each.

3.29 - God's Wrath Revealed - Part 2

July 20, 2020 12:01 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MB

This week the guys wrap up the discussion on God's Wrath by focusing on the New Testament. Throughout the witness of Scripture we find that God is slow to anger and his wrath breaks out against his people when their actions jeopardize the path of salvation history. But is wrath language used in connection with Jesus and the cross? Was Jesus' death necessary to calm God's wrath?

3.28 - God's Wrath Revealed

July 13, 2020 12:21 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MB

The series on the sacrificial system continues this week with a discussion of God's Wrath. As the guys look closely at God's character, his interactions with his people, and his presumed need for violence/bloodshed - you might be surprised by what they find - and what they don't find.

3.27 - Day of Atonement

July 06, 2020 11:37 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MB

As the guys continue to look at sacrifice and the larger issue of God's nature requiring violence and the shedding of blood they focus on the Day of Atonement this week. They explore the various uses of "kaphar" in the Old Testament, of which "atoning for sin" is only one of seven. They also look carefully at the Day of Atonement in Leviticus and discuss what was and was not accomplished in that ceremony.

3.26 - Seven Purposes for Sacrifice in Ancient Israel

June 29, 2020 12:00 - 53 minutes - 49 MB

The guys continue the discussion on the sacrificial system as they drive towards answering the question - why did God have Jesus die on the cross - is Jesus’s death just an extension of God’s violent nature that needed to be poured out? In this episode they explore the seven purposes for animal sacrifice as commanded in Torah; you might be surprised by what is NOT mentioned.

3.25 - Sacrifice in the Ancient Near East

June 22, 2020 12:04 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MB

This week the guys start a series on the topic of sacrifice. Is the entire sacrificial system evidence that God's wrath requires blood, death, and violence? They begin to form an answer to this issue by exploring the sacrificial customs of the Ancient Near East.

3.24 - Defunding the Powers

June 15, 2020 13:27 - 1 hour - 61 MB

You've probably heard or seen something about the recent "defund the police" movement. This week the guys offer a biblical perspective on the Church's response to the cultural/political upheaval we are all experiencing. How should Christians respond to the powers and principalities at play in the world around us? What does a kingdom-centered posture look like?

3.23 - Responding to Racism

June 04, 2020 12:00 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MB

In this episode they guys reflect on the charged racial climate stemming from the deaths of multiple people of color, most notably George Floyd. Not wanting to be a bunch of white guys lecturing anyone about what should be done, they reflect on the ideals of the Kingdom that should be lived out in the church.

3.22 - Quarantine and Church Unity

June 01, 2020 12:00 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MB

The guys give an update on what they've been up to over the past several weeks of quarantine. They land on a discussion of how the Church is handling the Covid-19 situation and how important it is to choose the path of unity no matter what. The Church has the opportunity to show the world something really rare: true unity. Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8-10

After Class Podcast

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