Tag: Faith

The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) – with Shane Angland

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In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I sit down with returning guest Shane to explore the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451), the fourth ecumenical council of the early church.

Recorded live in Colorado during an Expositors Collective training weekend, this conversation traces the events leading up to Chalcedon, its theological breakthroughs, and its messy aftermath.

From the fallout of the Council of Ephesus, to the clash between the Alexandrian and Antiochian schools of Christology, and the mess of Ephesus II, Shane breaks down the stakes: how do we understand the two natures of Christ—human and divine—in one person?

The episode also tackles the political power plays, the deposition of bishops, and the schisms that followed, including the rise of the Oriental Orthodox churches. Plus, hear why Shane sees Chalcedon as both a triumph and a tragedy—and what it still teaches us today.

Resources Mentioned:

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) – with Shane Angland – Theology for the People

In this episode, Nick sits down in person with returning guest Shane to explore the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451), the fourth ecumenical council of the early church. Recorded live in Colorado during an Expositors Collective training weekend, this conversation traces the events leading up to Chalcedon, its theological breakthroughs, and its messy aftermath. From the fallout of the Council of Ephesus to the clash between the Alexandrian and Antiochian schools of Christology, Shane breaks down the stakes: how do we understand the two natures of Christ—human and divine—in one person? The episode also tackles the political power plays, the deposition of bishops, and the schisms that followed, including the rise of the Oriental Orthodox churches. Plus, hear why Shane sees Chalcedon as both a triumph and a tragedy—and what it still teaches us today.Resources Mentioned:The Definition of Chalcedon (available online for further reading).Bruce Shelley’s Church History in Plain Language (Fifth Edition).Augustine’s The Unity of the Church on the role and limits of councils.Visit TheologyforthePeople.com

The Council of Ephesus (431 AD) – with Matthew Pursely

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In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, we continue our series on the first four ecumenical councils of the early church, diving into the Council of Ephesus (431 AD).

Matthew Pursely, Executive Pastor at Park Hill Church in San Diego, CA, joins us again to explore the theological debates surrounding Nestorius, the nature of Christ, and the implications of the hypostatic union—Jesus being fully God and fully man.

We discuss how this council addressed Nestorianism, affirmed Mary as the “Theotokos” (God-bearer), and shaped Christian understanding of communion and humanity’s connection to Christ.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

The Council of Ephesus (431 AD): Hypostatic Union, Nestorianism, & Theotokos – with Matt Pursely – Theology for the People

In this episode, we continue our series on the first four ecumenical councils of the early church, diving into the Council of Ephesus (431 AD). Matthew Pursely joins us again to explore the theological debates surrounding Nestorius, the nature of Christ, and the implications of the hypostatic union—Jesus being fully God and fully man. We discuss how this council addressed Nestorianism, affirmed Mary as the "Theotokos" (God-bearer), and shaped Christian understanding of communion and humanity’s connection to Christ.Recommended ResourcesFor those wanting to dive deeper into the councils and related theology:Edward Siecienski – The Filioque: History of a Doctrinal ControversyAdonis Vidu – Exploring the Doctrine of Divine InseparabilityJohn Behr – The Nicene Faith (2 volumes) and John the Theologian and the Mystery of ChristKallistos Anatolios – Retrieving NicaeaJohn Henry Newman – Arians of the Fourth CenturyWilliam Bright – Notes on the Canons of the First Four General CouncilsTodd Miles – Superheroes Can’t Save You: Epic Examples of Historic Heresies (compares heresies to superhero archetypes—highly recommended entry-level read).Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Theology for the People podcastVisit the Theology for the People website at theologyforthepeople.com

The Council of Constantinople – with Matthew Pursely

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How did the early church come to a clear understanding of who Jesus is and how the Holy Spirit relates to the Father and the Son? And why did it take more than one council to settle these questions?

In this episode, I’m joined again by Matthew Pursley, Executive Pastor at Park Hill Church in San Diego, CA, and an expert in historical theology. Last time, we discussed the Council of Nicaea, and in this episode, we continue the conversation by diving into the Second Ecumenical Council—Constantinople (381 AD).

We discuss why the Council of Constantinople was necessary even after Nicaea, the role of the Cappadocian Fathers in defining the Trinity, the Filioque controversy, and how this council still shapes our faith to this day.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

The Council of Constantinople (381 AD) – with Matthew Pursely – Theology for the People

How did the early church come to a clear understanding of who Jesus is and how the Holy Spirit relates to the Father and the Son? And why did it take more than one council to settle these questions?In this episode, I'm joined again by Matt Pursley, Executive Pastor at Park Hill Church in San Diego, CA, and an expert in historical theology. Last time, we discussed the Council of Nicaea, and in this episode, we continue the conversation by diving into the Second Ecumenical Council—Constantinople (381 AD).We discuss why the Council of Constantinople was necessary even after Nicaea, the role of the Cappadocian Fathers in defining the Trinity, the Filioque controversy, and how this council still shapes our faith to this day. Make sure to visit the Theology for the People website.

Experiencing the Steadfast Love of God – with Sam Storm

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The Theology for the People Podcast is back for a new season!

Season 5 began last week with an initial episode about the Using AI in Christian Ministry, in which Pastor Mike Neglia and I discuss the ethics, dangers, and best practices of using AI for Christian ministry.

In the latest episode, I speak with theologian, author, and pastor Sam Storms about what it truly means to experience the love of God.

In a culture where love is often redefined and misunderstood, how can we anchor ourselves in the steadfast love that Scripture proclaims? We discuss how culture has distorted the meaning of love, the biblical concept of God’s covenantal and unshakable love, and why love is meant to be more than just a doctrine we affirm—it’s meant to be a reality we feel.

Sam and I also explore how God’s love transforms us, the tension between love and truth in our world today, and practical steps for keeping ourselves in the love of God.

Resources Mentioned:
• Sam’s new book: The Steadfast Love of the Lord 
• Sam Storms’ website: www.samstorms.org

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Experiencing the Steadfast Love of God – with Sam Storms – Theology for the People

What does it truly mean to experience the love of God? In a culture where love is often redefined and misunderstood, how can we anchor ourselves in the steadfast love that Scripture proclaims?In this episode, I sit down with theologian, author, and pastor Sam Storms to talk about his latest book, The Steadfast Love of the Lord. We discuss how culture has distorted the meaning of love, the biblical concept of God's covenantal and unshakable love, and why love is meant to be more than just a doctrine we affirm—it’s meant to be a reality we feel.We also explore how God's love transforms us, the tension between love and truth in our world today, and practical steps for keeping ourselves in the love of God.Resources Mentioned:The Steadfast Love of the Lord Sam Storms' website: www.samstorms.orgExpositors Collective Training WeekendVisit TheologyForThePeople.com

Faith Under Pressure: How Wrestling Through Your Doubts Can Lead to Deeper Faith – with Dr. Philip Ryken

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Have you ever wrestled with doubts about your faith? If so, then you are in good company. The Bible contains several stories of men and women of faith who also had seasons in which they struggled with doubts.

⁠Dr. Philip Ryken⁠ is the President of ⁠Wheaton College⁠ in Wheaton, Illinois. He has a Doctorate in Philosophy from Oxford University, and he is the author of over 50 books. His latest book is called ⁠I Have My Doubts: How God Can Use Your Uncertainty to Reawaken Your Faith⁠.

In this episode Dr. Ryken shares advice for those currently struggling with doubts, with the goal of also helping others to be equipped to help those around them to come to greater confidence in Jesus and a more vibrant faith.

Listen to Dr. Ryken’s previous episode on Theology for the People: ⁠The Role of Beauty in Theology⁠

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Faith Under Pressure: How Wrestling Through Your Doubts Can Lead to Deeper Faith – with Dr. Philip Ryken – Theology for the People

Have you ever wrestled with doubts about your faith? If so, then you are in good company. The Bible contains several stories of men and women of faith who also had seasons in which they struggled with doubts. ⁠Dr. Philip Ryken⁠ is the President of ⁠Wheaton College⁠ in Wheaton, Illinois. He has a Doctorate in Philosophy from Oxford University, and he is the author of over 50 books. His latest book is called ⁠I Have My Doubts: How God Can Use Your Uncertainty to Reawaken Your Faith⁠. In this episode Dr. Ryken shares advice for those currently struggling with doubts, with the goal of also helping others to be equipped to help those around them to come to greater confidence in Jesus and a more vibrant faith. Listen to Dr. Ryken's previous episode on Theology for the People: ⁠The Role of Beauty in Theology⁠ Visit the ⁠Theology for the People website at nickcady.org⁠

A Biblical Vision for Leadership – with John Currie

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Leadership is a very popular topic in modern business discussions, but what does the Bible have to say about leadership? And is there a difference between the vision for leadership given in the Bible versus that which comes from the world?

In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with John Currie, who is professor of pastoral theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has also served as a pastor in different churches and denominations, and in these roles, he has seen that sometimes pastors thrive in preaching, but struggle with leadership, or vice versa.

In his recent book, The Pastor as Leader: Principles and Practices for Connecting Preaching and Leadership, John gives a biblical vision for a uniquely Christian approach to leadership.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

A Biblical Vision for Leadership – with John Currie – Theology for the People

Leadership is a very popular topic in modern business discussions, but what does the Bible have to say about leadership? And is there a difference between the vision for leadership given in the Bible versus that which comes from the world? John Currie is professor of pastoral theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has also served as a pastor in different churches and denominations, and in these roles, he has seen that sometimes pastors thrive in preaching, but struggle with leadership, or vice versa. In his recent book, The Pastor as Leader: Principles and Practices for Connecting Preaching and Leadership, John gives a biblical vision for a uniquely Christian approach to leadership.

Cultivating a Heavenward Mindset in an Epicurean World – with Cameron Cole

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Cameron Cole experienced every parent’s worst nightmare: they put their son to bed one night, and in the morning they awoke to find that he had died in his sleep. However, the message of the Gospel, is that their son did indeed wake up — in a greater and more profound way: he awoke to eternal life with Jesus, his Savior.

In the wake of his son’s death, Cameron did a deep dive into the passages in the New Testament where Paul the Apostle writes about Heaven and eternal life. That study gave birth to his recent book, Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth.

In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Cameron about what he learned through this experience, and how it made him more heavenly minded. Cameron also shares about how to the hope of eternal life ought to shape the way we live here and now.

Cameron’s ministry, Rooted, seeks to equip parents and churches to disciple children and students towards lifelong faith in Jesus Christ.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Cultivating a Heavenward Mindset in an Epicurean World – with Cameron Cole – Theology for the People

Cameron Cole experienced every parent’s worst nightmare: they put their son to bed one night, and in the morning they awoke to find that he had died in his sleep. However, the message of the Gospel, is that their son did indeed wake up in a greater and more profound way: he awoke to eternal life with Jesus, his Savior. In the wake of his son’s death, Cameron did a deep dive into the passages in the New Testament where Paul the Apostle writes about Heaven and Eternal Life. That study gave birth to his recent book, Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth. In our discussion, Cameron shares what he learned through this experience, and how it made him more heavenly minded. Cameron also shares about how to the hope of eternal life ought to shape the way we live here and now. Check out Cameron’s ministry: Rooted, which seeks to equip parents and churches to disciple children and students towards lifelong faith in Jesus Christ. Visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org

Does Baptism Play a Role in Salvation? – with Stephen Pomeroy

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Is baptism a requirement for salvation? There are some Christian groups who say that it is and others who say it isn’t. 

In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I am joined by Pastor Stephen Pomeroy of White Fields Community Church, and we look at the Bible verses and arguments which are central to the debate over “baptismal regeneration,” and aim to show you why we believe that every Christian should be baptized, but that, as Christians, we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Does Baptism Play a Role in Salvation? – with Stephen Pomeroy – Theology for the People

Is baptism a requirement for salvation? There are some Christian groups who say that it is, and others who say it isn’t.  In this episode of Theology for the People, I am joined by Pastor Stephen Pomeroy from White Fields Community Church, and we look at the Bible verses and arguments which are central to the debate over “baptismal regeneration.” We aim to show you why we believe every Christian should be baptized, but that, as Christians, we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org

Theological Anthropology: What is It, and How Does It Shape Our Understanding of Ourselves & Others? – with Michael Payne

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Do you know what sex robots, racism, and gender identity all have in common? In addition to being topics that are discussed in this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, these topics are all related to the subject of Theological (or Biblical) Anthropology.

My guest in this episode is Michael Payne. Mike is the Worship Pastor at White Fields Community Church, and he is a graduate student at Western Seminary, where he is pursing a Masters in Theology.

In this episode we talk about what Biblical Anthropology is and how it shapes the way we understand ourselves and others, as well as how our view of anthropology shapes the way we live and interact in the world. 

Check out Michael’s music on Spotify here.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Theological Anthropology: What is It, and How Does It Shape Our Understanding of Ourselves & Others? – with Michael Payne – Theology for the People

Do you know what sex robots, racism, and gender identity all have in common? In addition to being topics that are discussed in this episode, these topics are all related to the subject of Theological (or Biblical) Anthropology. My guest in this episode is Michael Payne. Mike is the Worship Pastor at White Fields Community Church, and he is a graduate student at Western Seminary, where he is pursing a Masters in Theology. In this episode we talk about what Biblical Anthropology is and how it shapes the way we understand ourselves and others, as well as how our view of anthropology shapes the way we live and interact in the world.  Check out Michael's music on Spotify here. Visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org

Clarity is Kindness: Why Creeds and Confessions are Helpful in Transmitting & Protecting the Faith – with Carl Trueman

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What role should creeds and confessions play in the life of a Christian or of a church? If we have the Bible, then why are creeds and confessions necessary at all?

In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Dr. Carl Trueman. Dr. Trueman is the professor of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College. He is an esteemed church historian, and a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.

Dr. Trueman’s recent book Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity addresses the claim that we, as Christians, need no creed but the Bible, and makes an appeal from history, reason, and Scripture for what he calls “confessional evangelicalism.”

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Clarity is Kindness: Why Creeds and Confessions are Helpful for Transmitting and Protecting the Faith – with Carl Trueman – Theology for the People

What role should creeds and confessions play in the life of a Christian or of a church? If we have the Bible, then why are creeds and confessions necessary at all? Dr. Carl Trueman is the professor of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College. He is an esteemed church historian, and a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Dr. Trueman’s recent book Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity addresses the claim that we, as Christians, need no creed but the Bible, and makes an appeal from history, reason, and Scripture for what he calls “confessional evangelicalism.” Visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org