Adventures in Theology

In this episode, I read a portion from my book A Resurrected Cosmos. I think there are some really interesting things here! Listen in and pick up a copy of the book.

In this episode, I give you an acronym for prayer and an explanation that has really helped me grow my prayer life.

In this episode, I have a conversation with Erica Renaud, author of Pray with Me. Here we talk about engaging our children through prayer. No matter the age or stage of our kids, there is always an opportunity to not only pray FOR them but to pray WITH them. What could be a better tool than teaching our kids how to pray?

We continue our mini-series walking through the book of Daniel in quick episodes! Although these are brief, think of them as bite-size devotionals. Read Daniel 2 ahead of time and listen in on how Daniel 2 reminds us of God's sovereignty over history.

We kick off a mini-series doing some short episodes walking through the book of Daniel! Although these are brief, think of them as bite-size devotionals. Read Daniel 1 ahead of time and listen in on how Daniel is like taking the lighthouse and making it a lamp! 

Happy New Year! I have a big announcement! 

This series on Romans 8 consists of live recorded, in-depth teachings through each verse of Romans chapter 8. In part 7 we cover the last passage of this chapter: Romans 8:31-39 and talk about how God's unconquerable love secures us in our journey through this life. As always, we have some awesome tangents along the way, too!

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This series on Romans 8 consists of live recorded, in-depth teachings through each verse of Romans chapter 8. In part 6 we cover Romans 8:26-30 and talk about the ways in which the Holy Spirit helps us pray. Through the text and through some helpful tangents we have a thrilling conversation!

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This series on Romans 8 consists of live recorded, in-depth teachings through each verse of Romans chapter 8. In part 5 we cover Romans 8:17-25 and talk about the future glory that awaits us after journeying through this life with its hardships and struggles. In this way, we are to view suffering as a rite of passage on our way to the glorious inheritance that awaits us as God's heirs!

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This series on Romans 8 consists of live recorded, in-depth teachings through each verse of Romans chapter 8. In part 4 we cover Romans 8:12-16 and talk about how there are still things in us that must be "put to death" by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Along with that, we also get into some interesting tangents, as usual. 

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This series on Romans 8 consists of live recorded, in-depth teachings through each verse of Romans chapter 8. In part 3 we cover Romans 8:9-11 and talk about the implications of life "in the Spirit" and how we often undermine the power of this new identity. 

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This series on Romans 8 consists of live recorded, in-depth teachings through each verse of Romans chapter 8. In part 2 we cover Romans 8:5-9 and talk about the drastic change of identity of being "in the flesh" to "in the Spirit." What does Paul mean by this? Tune in to find out! 

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This series on Romans 8 consists of live recorded, in-depth teachings through each verse of Romans chapter 8. In this first episode, we cover Romans 8:1-4 and talk about Paul's magnificent pronouncement of how Christians can know the verdict of the last day in the present. There is no condemnation for believers in Christ. How does this work? That's the plot of this first episode! Tune in and hear how Paul sees the overthrow of Sin and Death's tyranny through the power of the cross.

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A pastor and a priest walk into a bar... it sounds like a joke? Or to some, even offensive... like an argument waiting to happen. But that's not the case with Father David Michael and myself. We are new to our friendship, but we are committed to showcasing the unity that can still exist between us, first and foremost, as Christians. (Furthermore, we are only a few months apart in age!) Catholics and Protestants have a lot more in common than many think! And at the end of the day, we are both part of the body of Christ and the kingdom of God. However, there is no way around it, we do see some things differently. This was a fantastic conversation where I inquired about some of those things. I also shared with Father David Michael something I believe is closer to Catholics about than some Protestants do. Overall, it was an enriching conversation and I hope you are blessed by it! 

Friends, I am so excited to have a conversation with Justin Whitmel Earley. His book, Habits of the Household, is immediately one of my favorite books! The way in which Justin talks about how the story of God and gospel truths influence our habits, rhythms, and liturgies at home from how we wake up, to how we discipline, to how we spend time in the car together, to much more. All I have to say is you need to read this book, but first, tune into this episode as I introduce you to Justin and some big ideas that are unpacked in his book!

The first episode back in a while and we are not messing around! I found Pieter on Instragram and have been enthralled by the awesome ministry he has been doing. Pieter is a gay Christian who is committed to a biblically traditional sexual ethic (celibacy). What makes Pieter stand out is just how compelling his life is. He is showcasing how the Church can retrieve the power of friendships and restore dignity to those who choose a life of vocational singleness. Listen in for some great insights from my new friend!

A lot of resources were referenced in this episode, see below for some links!

Often when we talk about humility it is discussed in a way that makes it seem unattainable. But what if there was a way to be humble that was surprisingly easy and even freeing? And what if this shows us something awesome about God? Let's lean in on what Peter teaches us about humility and God in this last week of our series in 1 Peter. 

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Be on the lookout for my upcoming book: "A Resurrected Cosmos."

Peter's letter has a lot to say about suffering! In this episode we synthesize what he has to say into 3 big ideas on his perspective and how that helps us today.

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Be on the lookout for my upcoming book: "A Resurrected Cosmos."

We recap some key things not discussed in 1 Peter 3 and then move on to one of the most controversial passages in all the Bible, 1 Peter 3:18-22 and see how it actually speaks profoundly to Peter's audience and what we can glean from it today.

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Be on the lookout for my upcoming book: "A Resurrected Cosmos."

Honing in on 1 Peter 2:4-10, we look at some language that often comes across as very "churchy," which isn't a bad thing, it just means we probably take for granted the power of what is said and might not actually even know what it means. Through this interactive teaching format, we discuss key things like being a "spiritual building," offering "spiritual sacrifices," and especially, what it means to be the "royal priesthood." 

Follow me on Instagram: @braydenbrookshier

Be on the lookout for my upcoming book: "A Resurrected Cosmos."

One of the most misunderstood concepts in Christianity is holiness. As we look at this passage in 1 Peter 1 we begin with some groundwork in what it means to be "ransomed" or "redeemed" and then move into some really important coneptions and misconceptions about holiness and how that is relevant to our everyday lives. As mentioned before, these episodes in 1 Peter are taken from a live interactive teaching format so let me know what you think!

Follow me on Instagram: @braydenbrookshier

Be on the lookout for my upcoming book: "A Resurrected Cosmos."

Here we continue in our series through 1 Peter looking at chapter 1 verses 6-12, talking about the tension between grief and joy. As mentioned last episode, these episodes are taken from a live interactive teaching format so let me know what you think!

Follow me on Instagram: @braydenbrookshier

Be on the lookout for my upcoming book: "A Resurrected Cosmos."

Not only do we begin a new series, but I am trying a new format for this series specifically, taking the recordings from my live interactive teaching through 1 Peter in San Diego. In part 1, we talk about some of the "why" of Peter's letter and the central theme of being reborn into a living hope. 

Follow me on Instagram: @braydenbrookshier

Be on the lookout for my upcoming book: "A Resurrected Cosmos." 

Another one-off episode, but with a thought I have lately through my experience and which provides a perspective on what Paul could mean by his exhortation to "pray constantly" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 

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Welcome back! We begin this episode by catching you up with what's been going on, including two exciting announcements, but then we dig into a really helpful topic when it comes to the ebb and flow of our spiritual life: desolation & consolation. It is hard to preview it here, but just know that what we talk about here will help you better identify and embrace the particular season and spiritual experience you are going through.

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In this episode, we watch as someone tries to trap Jesus in a question: "Who is my neighbor?" Tune in to hear the surprising answer and what it means for us as we expand our categories of how we see humanity!

In this episode, we begin a new series on the parables of Jesus. We start by looking at the parable of the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). All of Matthew 13 sheds light on how God's kingdom is taking root in the world. And this parable, additionally, addresses an intriguing question: Is the world getting better or worse? Tune in to hear the surprising answer!

In this episode, we wrap up what we have to say about the gratitude experiment (for now!) and I offer 3 insights from this experiment. Tune in to hear what they are! And let's continue to be people who look for and find gratitude in everyday life!

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We continue looking at some key concepts regarding gratitude and thanksgiving in the Bible. This week, there is quite a surprise when we learn to see how the Eucharist (aka Communion or the Lord's Supper) plays a pivotal role in grounding us in the present moment. Listen in to hear how!

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Are we older than God? It might be a silly-sounding question but G.K. Chesterton provides an interesting quote that helps us consider this. Listen in as we are inspired to see the connection between gratitude and an encore! 

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As we kick off a new podcast series on gratitude, I want to share with you a specific practice that has been profoundly impactful to me. Listen in as we introduce the powerful impacts of gratitude, inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:18. 

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Many of us, as Christians, feel an obligation to read our Bible, pray, and practice these things that have been traditionally called "spiritual disciplines." But if we are honest, these can feel like chores and it can be difficult to make them a regular part of our lives. If you have felt that way, you will want to listen to this as I share how to go from practicing spiritual disciplines to practicing spiritual delights! 

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It has been said: "Direction, not intention, determines destination." In other words, we all are leading our life a certain direction based on a set of values, whether those values be explicitly clear or unclear to us. So, why not be intentional about the values that guide the decisions and direction of our life? Listen in as we talk about what it means to live our life by a set of values, how Scripture speaks to this, and how to actually create a list of personalized, Christ-centered values! Then reach out to me and let me know what values you landed on. 

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In this episode, Matt Marzec and I discuss the critically important differences between theism and naturalism. As you listen, you will see how theism actually is more compatible with science than naturalism!

To listen to other episodes with Matt Marzec, check out episodes #21, #22, and #72

Here is a less than 2-minute video by Dr. Frank Turek explaining God as the "Uncaused first cause":  https://bit.ly/3ciyVmK 

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In a two-episode series, I bring Christian Philosopher and Apologist, Matt Marzec, who comes on to give us some grounding on what Christians need to understand when we engage the subject of science. At the end of the day, we are called to lead the way in intellectual honesty. Listen in to find out what we mean! And then next episode, we get into the two main camps of thought when approaching science, theism and naturalism. 

To listen to other episodes with Matt Marzec, check out episodes #21 and #22. 

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If life was a game of hide and seek, and the characters are God and humanity, who is the one hiding? And who is the one seeking? Listen in as we talk about how this question changes how we read the whole biblical story! 

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In the third and final episode on Hosea, we look at a key passage that describes where the issue is, not only for ancient Israel, but for the wayward hearts of people today. God invites people into a kind of repentance that is both cathartic and healing. What a wonderful passage to talk about on Ash Wednesday and heading into a season of lent!

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Continuing in the book of Hosea, we see a powerful passage where God says "He will" do quite a few things, certainly speaking with new covenant language. We especially want to highlight Hosea 2:19-20, where we explore this amazing theme that Yahweh vows to marry His people. How can we both make sense of this and celebrate it? Tune in to find out! 

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We begin the first of the next few weeks looking at some key passages in the book of Hosea, one of the twelve minor prophets. In this episode, we set up the plot of Hosea, which lends itself to talking about the plot of everything else too. Do we know how to talk about the plot of the story?

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Reading the Bible to merely check it off your list is one thing, but reading the Bible devotionally is far more valuable! In this episode I have a conversation with John Linebarger, a pastor who has written a narrative book exemplifying how to meet God in your Bible reading by following the conversation of two characters. 

Get John's book:  https://amzn.to/3bARWSK

We kick off the new year with my new friend, Pastor Tyler Staton, lead pastor of Oaks Church Brooklyn. In our time together we discuss some of the major themes in his upcoming book, "Searching for Enough," which I had the pleasure of getting an advance copy of. We also talk about doubt with some raw and honest thoughts on how to approach seasons of doubt. 

Get Tyler's book (Coming March 2nd):  https://amzn.to/3pP9GxD 

Follow Tyler on Instagram: @tylerstatonnyc

Follow me on Instagram: @braydenbrookshier 

What if I told you that Jesus is not only the "reason for the season" but also the joy of the season? This episode features a sermon I preached during Advent in 2017. As we look at Luke 2:8-20 I want to challenge us to enjoy Christmas more and more each and every year. Listen in to see what I mean! 

Today we spend some time getting to know Christian music artist, Jon Guerra. Jon's style is less Sunday worship and more like Monday morning prayer. We talk more in-depth about his song "Kingdom of God," what inspired it and what it means. We also have lots of candid moments, too!

Follow Jon on Instagram:  @iamjonguerra

https://www.jonguerramusic.com/

"Kingdom of God": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGUWXUCg28w

"Kingdom of God" (Acoustic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq6sa7NCYFc

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Professor Todd Chipman's book, Scripture Storyline, is a helpful resource that provides a framework for reading the Bible from cover to cover, while also showing an abundance of connections that draw the Old and New Testament together. Today we discuss his book and hear more from Todd as we divulge into some other topics as well. 

Get Todd's book, Scripture Storyline on Amazon here:  https://amzn.to/38WHAv5 

Connect with Todd

Twitter: @ToddRChipman

Email: tchipman@mbts.edu 

We conclude the sermon on the mount by looking at Matthew 7:13-29, where Jesus challenges the crowd who has been listening in to respond to the message. We cannot simply admire the teaching, we are called to take action and to build the foundation of our life on our it.

Everyone agrees that the "Golden Rule" is worth living by. However, the famous quote from Jesus does not come out of thin air. There is a context to it. Matthew 7:1-12 presents us with the exposition around it. How does this help us better understand this great way to live? Listen in as we talk about the source and power of being able to live out the "Golden Rule." 

We take a single-week break from our series on the Sermon on the Mount to address an important topic. All of us are aware of how polarizing almost any topic is right now. Whether a conversation of faith, or politics, or almost anything else. Here, in this episode, I am not interested in bringing up any particular issue, instead I want to challenge us to be people who think critically and engage responsibly in conversations. I want to give you some original thoughts on how I have meaningful conversations with those who I disagree with, or vice versa. The key here is not that we back away from hard conversations, but that we make sure we have done quality research, understand the other side, represent them well, and focus on the ideas. More will be said, so tune in! 

Why do you worry? Matthew 6:25-34 presents us with advice on the worry-free life. Is this possible, though? Listen in as we hear Jesus's invitation into the life of trust versus worry.