In this episode of Help Me Teach the Bible, Nancy talked with one of her favorite Scottish preachers, Colin Smith, about how the book of Jonah reveals the steadfast love and mercy of God. Smith is senior pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and teacher on Unlocking the Bible. Topics in this episode include: * ways the book of Jonah is taught inadequately * reasons Jonah would not have wanted to go to Nineveh * the pagan sailors’ response to the offer of a sacrifice that saves * Jonah in the fish—a picture of being in Christ * the heart of the book: “Salvation belongs to the Lord” * Jonah's fearless message of judgment and grace * what to do with “God relented” * how grace either makes a person worship or makes a person angry Here are some additional resources you may find helpful in preparing to teach Jonah: * Sermons on Jonah by Colin Smith * Sermons on Jonah by Alistair Begg * Sermons on Jonah by Tim Keller * “The Sign of Jonah,” a sermon by Christopher Ash For further study, here are some books you may find helpful, including titles from Crossway, the sponsor of Help Me Teach the Bible: * _Jonah: Navigating a God-Centered Life_ by Colin Smith * _Man on the Run!_, a children’s book on the Jonah story * _Man Overboard_ by Sinclair Ferguson * _The Gospel Transformation Bible_ (with notes on Jonah by Colin Smith)

"One of the things that is most striking about the gospel is that at its heart, it is a gospel of surprises." Don Carson delivered a message titled “Lazarus” at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference in Indianapolis. Walking through Scripture, specifically the story of Lazarus, Carson addressed the surprise of the gospel, laying out four unexpected ways in which Jesus acted for our good and for the glory of God, culminating in the greatest surprise of all—his death and resurrection.

Michael Reeves discusses what the Bible is actually getting at when it commands us to "fear the Lord." He makes the case for the difference between rightly fearing God and sinfully being afraid of him, explains why the fear of the Lord is so often paired with examples of God's gracious blessing and commands to love him in Scripture, and offers encouragement for the Christian wrestling with consistent guilt, shame, and even fear on account of their sin.

_Please listen with discretion as this episode references sensitive topics, including sexual assault._ In this episode of TGC Q&A, Dr. Haywood Robinson joins us for the second installment of our four-part sanctity of life series, relaying his own story of being redeemed from a career of performing abortions. He shares insightful answers to medical questions related to pro-life issues. Dr. Robinson addresses: * Being found by Jesus (1:32) * 40 Days for Life (2:33) * His spiritual transformation (5:56) * Reconciling his career with his faith (10:47) * Whether or not there are permissible reasons for abortions (12:16) * Scientific and medical implications of abortion (17:03) * Encouragement for believers upholding the sanctity of life (20:36) Explore more from TGC on the topic of abortion. Join 40 Days for Life for prayer, fasting, and community outreach.

We took questions from our "Super Fan" tier on Patreon and tried to answer as many as we could! To have one of your questions be answered on a future episode of Knowing Faith, don't forget to support the show and have access to merch, monthly newsletters, behind-the-scenes, and more at Patreon.com/KnowingFaith. Follow us on social media on Instagram @knowingfaithpodcast, Twitter @KnowingFaithPod, and on Facebook at Knowing Faith.

Christians believe God doesn’t make mistakes, but what happens when your gender doesn’t seem to match your biological sex? Stories of Christians fighting the battle of body versus brain. Featuring Mark Yarhouse (Understanding Gender Dysphoria).

In this episode of As In Heaven, hosts Jim Davis and Mike Aitcheson welcome Soong Chan-Rah to discuss reclaiming the church from cultural captivity and the specific ways that Western attitudes of individualism have crept into our modern ministry philosophies. Rah shares insights regarding the ethics of the kingdom and paints a picture of hopes and dreams for the future. Rah focuses on the positive gospel opportunities in addressing race and justice with kingdom ethics. * An introduction to Soong Chan-Rah (:58) * Cultural shifts in objections to the gospel (2:54) * The significance of minority leadership in this shift (9:43) * The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the Church From Western Cultural Captivity (13:27) * “Captivity” in the conversation (17:11) * Advice for church leadership in these conversations (21:14) * “Aren’t we pas this now?” (28:10) * How important it is for the church to get this cultural moment right (33:55) * What happens when churches dismiss these cultural conversations (37:59) * The church’s two minute drill (42:44) * Hopeful realism (49:21) Explore more from TGC on the topic of race.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: * What are some biblical truths that the church stands by that you see the church as failing to live into? * What does it mean that we should embrace “the full biblical narrative”? In the arc of that narrative, which parts of the narrative do you see yourself latching on to more easily? * What are ways that the church has gone into “captivity” to western values? What are ways you have seen this in our bible reading? In our community life? In Christian engagements with social issues? * What are ways that we can remember the sins of our past corporately in regard to how the church has engaged with minority racial groups? What gospel hope does Jesus offer in our remembering? * What are your hopes for the future of the Western Church? How do you hope to see the church embrace values that are biblical, rather than cultural? What would that look like for your local church?

Let's Talk returns for a second season of conversations with Jasmine Holmes, Jackie Hill Perry, and Melissa Kruger. Subscribe to Let's Talk and look for new episodes every Friday, starting January 29.

In this episode, Dr. Darrell Bock and Scott Talbot discuss stewardship, focusing on planned giving and how finances and assets can be used to worship God.

In the trial of Paul before Felix (Acts 24), the governor comes across as a man in authority who has no moral vision authorizing him to take decisive action. He is, in short, a moral wimp. He also represents the many powerful people who are disturbed by the Gospel, and at some deep level know that it is true, yet who never become Christians. Note: (1) Judging by his approach and oratory, Tertullus is an orator trained in the Greek tradition and thus well able to represent the Jewish leaders in this quintessentially Hellenistic setting. The charge against Paul of temple desecration (Acts 24:6) is serious, punishable by death. When Tertullus encourages Felix to “examine” Paul (Acts 24:8), he means more than that Felix should ask a few probing questions. Roman “examination” of a prisoner was open-ended beating until the prisoner “confessed.” Roman officers did not have the right to “examine” a Roman citizen like Paul, but a governor like Felix could doubtless manage to waive the rules now and then. (2) Paul’s response, no less courteous than that of Tertullus, denies the charge of temple desecration (Acts 24:12–13, 17–18) and provides a plausible explanation of the uproar by describing the actions of “some Jews from the province of Asia” (Acts 24:19). Paul also seizes the opportunity to acknowledge that he is a follower of “the Way”—a delightful expression referring to first-century Christianity, bearing, perhaps, multiple allusions. Christianity is more than a belief system; it is a way of living. Moreover, it provides a way to God, a way to be forgiven and accepted by the living God—and that Way is Jesus himself (as John 14:6 explicitly avers). (3) Paul insists that he believes “everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets” (Acts 24:14). This expression does not make the Law the final arbiter, yet nevertheless insists that the “everything” Paul believes agrees with the Law. The Law is thus a critical test that points to the “everything” Paul believes, but it is not the substance of everything he believes. Compare Matthew 5:17–20; Romans 3:21 (see meditation for January 31). (4) And Felix? Owing to his Jewish wife Drusilla (Acts 24:24), he has some acquaintance with “the Way” (Acts 24:22). Yet here he ducks a decision between justice and his desire to placate Paul’s opponents, appealing to the need to hear from Lysias the commander. It is all pretense. He enjoys talking with Paul, and even trembles before his message, but always dismisses the apostle at the critical moment. For two years he is torn between a desire to repent and a desire for a bribe. In eternity, how will Felix assess those two years? _This podcast is designed to be used alongside TGC's Read The Bible initiative (TGC.org/readthebible). The podcast features devotional commentaries from D.A. Carson’s book For the Love of God (vol. 2) that follow the M’Cheyne Bible reading plan._

Makoto Fujimura is a painter and the author of several books on the intersection of faith, culture, and the arts. Most recently he’s published Art and Faith: A Theology of Making. In this episode, Mako describes his calling as an artist and how living three blocks from the World Trade Center transformed his painting. He also describes his work in kintsugi – the Japanese art of mending broken ceramics by pouring gold between the shattered pieces. The medium itself is a vision of grace: taking something that appears ruined and making it more beautiful and more valuable than the original. It’s a conversation about vocation, creativity, the abundance of God’s love, and the importance of culture making as vision of the new creation. Produced by Mike Cosper Edited by Mark Owens Music by Dan Phelps Theme Song “Eden Was a Garden” by Roman Candle

"I've always had this radical approach to engaging lost people." Apologist Lisa Fields is the founder of the Jude 3 Project, a ministry dedicated to helping Christians know what they believe and why they believe it. From growing up in the black church to attending seminary, Lisa has learned to engage in the hard questions for the sake of the Gospel. In this last episode of season 2 of the Disrupters, Esau McCaulley and Lisa Fields discuss today's faith doubts and questions, disruption in academic spaces, and the state of evangelism in our current cultural climate.

If I want to read anyone’s reflections on recent years, it’s Russell Moore. The president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the SBC hasn’t been as visible or vocal as he was before 2017, at least until the last week following the attack on the U.S. Capitol. But his newest book, _The Courage to Stand: Facing Your Fear Without Losing Your Soul_, published by B&H, is even better than a tell-all memoir. It’s a grace-infused reflection on where and how to stand tall when it feels like the world is going to crush you. Moore says, “The courage to stand is the courage to be crucified.” Indeed, Jesus sets the tone for this book. And if you’re going to worship and follow a Savior who submitted to the cross, you’re not going to follow the world’s typical mode of courage. I see this book as seeking to reclaim Jesus, or at least his reputation and authority, among evangelicals. Moore observes, “An entire generation is watching what goes on under the name of American religion, wondering if there is something real to it, or if it is just another useful tool to herd people, to elect allies, to make money.” Elsewhere he writes, “I’m not surprised now when I see Jesus used as a mascot to prop up some identity politics or power agenda, or even to cover up private immorality or public injustice.” We’ve seen that recently with the Jericho March, and then the protests-turned-attack at the Capitol. Moore joins me on Gospelbound to tell us what scares him, how to lead when no one seems to be following, ambition masquerading as conviction, and much more. This episode of Gospelbound is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of _Meals with Jesus _by Ed Drew. These simple 10-minute family devotions in Luke’s Gospel explore Jesus’ character through nine meals that he shared with people. More information at thegoodbook.com.

In today’s episode, we’ll listen to the final sermon in Paul’s series from the book of James. In it, Paul teaches that every Christian has been called to rescue wandering brothers and sisters.

Featuring: * A Definition and History of Schizophrenia * The Symptoms of Schizophrenia * Can Biblical Counselors work with people who are given a label of Schizophrenia Notes: * 2020: Destroying Strongholds * https://biblicalcounseling.com/product/2020-destroying-strongholds/ Conference Message / John Street – Biblical Counsel for Schizophrenia https://biblicalcounseling.com/product/john-street-biblical-counsel-for-schizophrenia/

Why is it so hard to acknowledge when our opponents get something right? Or to admit when we are wrong? Why do so few people see that BOTH this issue AND that issue can be right or wrong? Collin, Justin, and Kevin discuss these divisions that we experience on this episode. They also ask, “What is Christian Nationalism?” Listen to the end for the book recommendations and scroll down for the links.  Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series, edited by Dane C. Ortlund and Miles V. Van Pelt.   The Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series is designed to help readers see the whole Bible as a unified story culminating in Jesus Christ. In each volume, a trusted scholar traces an important topic through God’s word and explores its significance for the Christian life.  For 30% off this series and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE.  Timestamps:  The Best Person to Disagree With [0:00 – 1:46]  Collin’s Jolly Holiday [1:46 – 4:17]  A Brief Digression on Morally Problematic Television [4:17 – 7:34]  Justin’s COVID Christmas [7:34 – 10:53]  VidAngel & Cobra Kai [10:53 – 12:15]  Kevin’s December Viewing [12:15 – 17:45]  Both/And: Why is it so hard to see both sides of an issue? [17:45 – 25:54]  Both/And: Should we even want this approach? [25:54 – 35:23]  Whataboutism & Selective Policing [35:23 – 40:57]  Christian Nationalism [40:57 – 56:16]  Book Recommendations Featuring Pro-Life and MLK, Jr. Topics [56:16 – 1:08:25]  Books and More Books:  The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture, by Scott Klusendorf  Defending Life, by Francis J. Beckwith  Beyond Racial Gridlock: Embracing Mutual Responsibility, by George Yancey  Letter from a Birmingham Jail, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times, by David S. Reynolds  The Attributes of God: An Introduction, by Gerald Bray  Forty Questions About the End Times, by Eckhard Schnabel  The Bible and the Future, by Anthony A. Hoekema  Not Tragically Colored: Freedom, Personhood, and the Renewal of Black America, by Ismael Hernandez  America in the King Years, by Taylor Branch  Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v. Wade, by Clarke D. Forsythe  Concise Guide to Conservatism, by Russell Kirk  The Myth of the Lost Cause: Why the South Fought the Civil War and Why the North Won, by Edward H. Bonekemper, III  Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian, by Danny E. Olinger  Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day, by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky  Heralds of the King: Christ-Centered Sermons in the Tradition of Edmund P. Clowney, edited by Dennis E. Johnson  For Christ and the University: The Story of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship of the USA - 1940-1990, by Keith Hunt, Gladys Hunt  C. Stacey Woods and the Evangelical Rediscovery of the University, by A. Donald MacLeod  Moral, Believing Animals: Human Personhood and Culture, by Christian Smith  Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice, by Thaddeus J. Williams  Minds Wide Shut: How the New Fundamentalisms Divide Us, by Gary Saul Morson and Morton Schapiro  R. C. Sproul: A Life, by Stephen J. Nichols

How deeply has secularism infiltrated our society and the church? In his latest book, The Gathering Storm, Dr. Albert Mohler argues that Western civilization and the church stand at a consequential crossroads in regard to its future. Scott interviews Dr. Mohler about the ideologies threatening society as well as the church and how to best contend for the faith today. [Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at www.biola.edu/thinkbiblically]

Part 2 of This Cultural Moment recorded Live in Melbourne, Australia.