JR. lives in Dallas, TX with his wife Amanda. In addition to exploring the wonders that are the Lone Star state, JR. is the teaching pastor at Catalyst Community Church, a writer and blogger. His book, Empathy for the Devil, is available from InterVarsity Press. He's haunted by the Batman, who is in turn haunted by the myth of redemptive violence.
Moses is overworked, so his father-in-law gives him some sage advice. What implications does his advice have for how we do ministry? And what implications does the identity of the sage have for how we do ministry?
Moses’ arms get tired.
Dr. Thomas Jay Oord discusses his innovative contribution to the conversations surrounding providence and theodicy. What is essential kenosis and how can it be helpful in pastoral counseling?
The Israelites begin to feel the burden of the wilderness. God provides for them. Or is it a test?
Tom tells us about his new book, Underdogs and Outsiders. Why is Matthew’s genealogy the perfect place from some serious Advent reflection? How do we read Biblical genealogies?
We easily think of Sin as personal moral failure. But Sin is also systemic. What implications does that have for sanctification, and how can Christians speak helpfully of systemic evil?
Since Advent is fast approaching, we talk with author Tom Fuerst about his new book Underdogs and Outsiders. The book explores the five women Matthew includes in his genealogy of Jesus (perfect since Matthew is this year’s lectionary Gospel). Why did Matthew include these women, and how is it good news for us? Plus: What do you do when Christmas falls on a Sunday?
Why does the Exodus story shift from narrative to poetry? How does Moses’ song embody the Ancient Near Eastern salvific imagination? Plus: marking salvation and the Israelites who didn’t make it across
Kadee Wirich Smedley teaches us how to respond pastorally to victims of sexual violence. PLUS we reflect on a year of podcasting and feedback on our Halloween episode.
The thematic underpinnings of DOCTOR STRANGE save it from being a fun but forgettable retread of the Marvel formula.