Best Matt Smethurst Podcasts (2025)

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Dispensational Premillennialism with Michael Vlach 56:47

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3h ago56:47

56:47

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Michael Vlach (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) Professor of Theology at Shepherds Theological Seminary in Cary, NC to discuss dispensational premillennialism. Resources: Michael Vlach's Website The Bible Storyline: God's Unstoppable Plan to Defeat Evil, Restore Creation, and Establish His Kingdom …

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Romans 11:26: All National Israel: Restored Nation with Cory Marsh 1:14:28

3h ago1:14:28

1:14:28

In part four of a series on the four major views of Romans 9-11, Caleb is joined by Cory Marsh (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ) Professor of New Testament and Director of ThM program at Southern California Seminary in El Cajon, CA to answer this question: How will "All Israel" be saved in Romans 11:26? Resources: Dispensationalism by…

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Giving & Budgeting (with Jamie Dunlop) 50:22

1h ago50:22

50:22

A church budget is not primarily a financial tool, but a spiritual one. Jamie Dunlop joins Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan to discuss how pastors can encourage generous giving with theological clarity, and steward their church’s budget in a way that models trusted leadership and God-honoring faith. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Why Should I Give to My Churc…

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Romans 11:26: All Ethnic Israel: Ethnic Majority with Richard Lucas 1:12:21

10d ago1:12:21

1:12:21

In part three of a series on the four major views of Romans 9-11, Caleb is joined by Richard Lucas (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Pastor of Teaching and Reaching at First Baptist Church Jacksonville, Florida to answer this question: How will "All Israel" be saved in Romans 11:26? Resources How Will “All Israel” Be Saved in Romans …

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Romans 11:26: All Elect Israel: Ethnic Remnant with Sam Storms 47:49

23h ago47:49

47:49

In part two of a series on the four major views of Romans 9-11, Caleb is joined by Sam Storms (PhD, University of Texas) President of Enjoying God Ministries and President and Executive Director of Convergence Church Network as well as former Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City, OK. Together they seek to answer thi…

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How to Stay Sharp As a Pastor 35:52

14d ago35:52

35:52

Pastors are expected to keep learning—just like doctors, teachers, and counselors. In this episode, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan unpack formal and informal ways to stay sharp: carving out daily reading, using journals and courses, attending conferences, leaning on study Bibles, pursuing study leave or targeted coursework (ThM/DMin), and even tea…

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Romans 11:26: All Spiritual Israel: Jews and Gentiles with Lee Irons 1:05:32

18d ago1:05:32

1:05:32

In part one of a series on the four major views of Romans 9-11, Caleb is joined by Lee Irons (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) church planting pastor at of Santa Clarita United Reformed Church in Santa Clarita, California to answer this question: How will "All Israel" be saved in Romans 11:26? This is part one in a series of four on the major view…

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Tim Keller on the Christian Life with Matt Smethurst 41:59

10d ago41:59

41:59

In this week's episode, Caleb is joined by Matt Smethurst (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) lead pastor of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, to discuss his new book Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel. Together they discuss the most prominent works and themes from Keller's teaching a…

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Preparing Believers to Suffer 27:36

1M ago27:36

27:36

Suffering is not a glitch in the Christian life—it’s part of it. In this conversation, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan talk about how pastors can prepare their people to face pain with faith and endurance. They discuss what it means to view hardship through God’s providence, why the “victorious Christian life” often looks like just hanging on, and …

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Postmillennialism with Josh Howard 1:11:31

1M ago1:11:31

1:11:31

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Josh Howard (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) Senior Pastor at New Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Monroeville, Pennsylvania to discuss postmillennialism. This is the final installment of a three week miniseries on the various reformed millennial views.Resources: Stories About the End of Things…

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Amillennialism with Kim Riddlebarger 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Kim Riddlebarger (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminar) pastor emeritus of Christ Reformed Church (URCNA) in Anaheim, California and retired professor of systematic theology at Westminster Seminary California to discuss Amillennialism. This is the second installment of a three week miniseries on the various reformed m…

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Why Apprenticeship is the Truest Form of Discipleship - with Heath Hardesty 40:10

1M ago40:10

40:10

What does it really mean to be an apprentice of Jesus in a fragmented world? In this episode of Theology for the People, Pastor Heath Hardesty shares how his years as an apprentice plumber shaped his vision for discipleship and following Jesus. Heath is the Lead Pastor of Valley Community Church (VCC) in Pleasanton, California, and the author of th…

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Effective Church Administration (with Jamie Dunlop) 36:11

1M ago36:11

36:11

Many pastors enter ministry to preach and shepherd, not manage spreadsheets—but good administration is deeply spiritual work. Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan talk with Jamie Dunlop (Capitol Hill Baptist Church) about how faithful administration protects unity, supports preaching, and strengthens trust in the church. They discuss deacons, elders, ex…

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Historic Premillennialism with Jim Hamilton 1:08:05

2M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Jim Hamilton (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Senior Pastor of Kenwood Baptist Church and Professor of Biblical Theology at Southern Seminary to discuss Historic Premillennialism. This is the first installment of a three week miniseries on the various reformed millennial views. Resources: Revisiti…

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The Doctrine of Last Things: History and Hermeneutics with Sam Waldron 51:46

2M ago51:46

51:46

In this week's episode, Caleb is joined by Sam Waldron (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) president of Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary and professor of systematic theology, to discuss his new book The Doctrine of Last Things: An Optimistic Amillennial View. Together, they focus on the history and hermeneutics of biblical eschato…

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The Pastor and Counseling (with Deepak Reju) 52:42

2M ago52:42

52:42

Every pastor wants a culture of care, but not every pastor feels equipped to counsel—much less to equip others to counsel one another. In this episode, Deepak Reju—a Delaware pastor who served for nearly 20 years as the counseling pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church—joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss counseling versus discipling, ho…

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Ecclesiastes’ Path to Resilient Happiness with Bobby Jamieson 40:03

2M ago40:03

40:03

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Bobby Jamieson (PhD, Cambridge) senior pastor of Trinty Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to discuss his most recent book Everything Is Never Enough: Ecclesiastes' Surprising Path to Resilient Happiness. Together they discuss the main idea, purpose, key themes, and interpretive challenges in the book …

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The Book of Joshua with Richard Pratt Jr. 1:17:52

2M ago1:17:52

1:17:52

In this episdoe, Caleb is joined by Richard Pratt Jr. (ThD, Harvard University) president of Third Millennium Ministries, to discuss the book of Joshua. Together they explore the structure, main idea, purpose, key themes, and gospel connections in Joshua. Resources Joshua by Richard Pratt Jr. Knowing the Bible: Joshua by Trent Hunter Joshua: Strong…

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The Gospel in the Midst of Grief: Lessons from Widowhood - with Susan VandePol 53:16

2M ago53:16

53:16

What does faithful, biblical care for widows look like, and why does the Bible say that it is at the heart of "pure religion"? Susan VandePol became a widow when her husband—a Los Angeles City firefighter—died following a line-of-duty exposure. Out of her own grief the Lord led her to create practical protocols for fire departments and churches, an…

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Prepare People for Church Discipline 32:51

2M ago32:51

32:51

Practicing church discipline is a vital biblical responsibility that’s often ignored in our modern age. In this episode, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst discuss what church discipline is (and isn’t), why healthy congregations practice it, and why it’s actually a form of love. Drawing from experience, they also offer advice for fostering a culture i…

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The Christological Case for Compatibilism with Randy Johnson 49:08

3M ago49:08

49:08

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Randy Johnson (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Wisdom Head at Scholé Christian Tradition, to discuss how classical Christology entails a compatibilist view of free will. In other words, freedom and moral responsibility are compatible with determinism is a necessary consequence of the teaching abou…

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Christ Jesus, the True Israel with Brent Parker 1:22:25

2M ago1:22:25

1:22:25

In this week's episode, Caleb is joined by Brent Parker (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary), assistant editor of the Southern Baptist Journal of Theology to discuss the Israel-Christ-Church relationship in biblical theology. Resources A Biblical and Theological Perspective of National Israel by Brent Parker Christ Jesus, the True Israe…

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The Conversion of the Vikings: Finding Bridges to the Gospel for Missionary Encounters 1:08:50

3M ago1:08:50

1:08:50

In this episode of Theology for the People, Pastor Nick Cady is joined by Pastor Stephen Pomeroy from White Fields Community Church to explore the fascinating story of the conversion of the Vikings. Stephen, who also hosts the Viking Legacy and Lore podcast, shares how his personal heritage sparked an interest in Viking history and mythology, and h…

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Preparing Members for Death and Heaven 43:51

3M ago43:51

43:51

Ministry is about a lot of things, but central to the task is preparing people to die and face their Creator. This is deeply challenging, though, in a death-denying age. In this episode, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst welcome Matt McCullough—a pastor in Nashville and the author of two excellent books, ‘Remember Death’ and ‘Remember Heaven’—to disc…

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The New Covenant with Joshua Greever 49:16

3M ago49:16

49:16

In this week’s episode, Caleb is joined by Joshua Greever (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Associate Dean of Seminary Programs & Associate Professor of New Testament, to discuss the new covenant in Christ from a progressive covenantalist perspective. Together, they unpack the key points of the new covenant and how it fits in the lar…

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The Davidic Covenant with Stephen Wellum 50:47

4M ago50:47

50:47

In this week’s episode, Caleb is joined by Stephen Wellum (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) Professor of Christian Theology at Southern Seminary and Editor of The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, to discuss God’s covenant with David from a progressive covenantalist perspective. Together, they unpack the key points of the Davidic coven…

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When War Scatters the Church: Lessons from Ukraine - with Sharon Markey 58:09

3M ago58:09

58:09

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady talks with Sharon Markey — missionary, pastor’s wife, and author of the forthcoming book Finding Home Again. Sharon shares her family’s story of serving in Ukraine for nearly two decades, planting churches in Kyiv, and how the war suddenly uprooted their lives. We discuss: What it means to be a …

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Ministry to Children and Youth (with Jared Kennedy) 50:14

3M ago50:14

50:14

Every church has the privilege of thinking about how to best serve the children and youth entrusted to its care. In this episode, Jared Kennedy joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss various ministry models and best practices, as well as wisdom for equipping parents, selecting curriculum, vetting volunteers, caring for children with speci…

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The Levitical Covenant with David Schrock 38:26

4M ago38:26

38:26

In this week’s episode, Caleb is joined by David Schrock (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Pastor of Preaching and Theology at Occoquan Bible Church and Adjunct Professor of Systematic Theology (Indianapolis Theological Seminary, Boyce College, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) to discuss the Levitical covenant from a pr…

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Why We Need to Think About Heaven More (Not Less) - with Matt McCollough 33:14

3M ago33:14

33:14

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady sits down with pastor and author Matt McCullough to discuss his new book Remember Heaven. Building on the themes of his previous book Remember Death, Matt explores how the biblical vision of heaven is meant to shape our lives here and now—not just as a future hope, but as a present motivation fo…

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The Mosaic Covenant with Thomas Schreiner 54:29

4M ago54:29

54:29

In this week’s episode, Caleb is joined by Thomas Schreiner (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) Associate Dean for the School of Theology and Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Biblical Theology at Southern Seminary, to discuss God’s covenant with Moses/Israel from a progressive covenantalist perspective. Together, they unpack the key poi…

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Is Physical Fitness a Spiritual Discipline? - A Theology of Exercise: with David Mathis 42:50

4M ago42:50

42:50

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady speaks with David Mathis, author of A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul, to explore the spiritual significance of physical health. This conversation looks at the theology of the body, and how caring for our bodies can actually deepen our discipleship, improve our serv…

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The Pastor and Friendships 39:47

4M ago39:47

39:47

Real friendship is an irreplaceable gift from God. Without it we will struggle—and shrivel—as humans made for one another. Pastors know this, and yet ministry can be exceedingly lonely. In this episode, Garrett Kell joins Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst to discuss how a busy pastor can foster (and maintain) meaningful, life-giving friendships amid …

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Theology of Disability: the Image of God & the Mission of the Church - with Sandra Peoples 41:02

4M ago41:02

41:02

In this episode, Nick Cady is joined by Sandra Peoples — a disability ministry consultant, author, and pastor's wife — to discuss her new book: Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families Sandra shares from personal experience as both a sister and mother of individuals with disabilities, and…

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The Abrahamic Covenant with Jason DeRouchie 1:22:39

4M ago1:22:39

1:22:39

In this week’s episode, Caleb is joined by Jason DeRouchie (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Seminary, to discuss God’s covenant with Abraham from a progressive covenantalist perspective. Together, they unpack the key points of the Abrahamic covenant and how it f…

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The Noahic Covenant with Michael Carlino 48:34

4M ago48:34

48:34

In this week’s episode, Caleb is joined by Michael Carlino (PhD Candidate), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Operations Director for the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and Assistant Director for the Mathena Center for Church Revitalization at Southern Seminary, to discuss God’s covenant with Noah from a progressive covenantalis…

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Gospel Faithfulness & Social Engagement: The Life and Teaching of Francis Grimké - with Dr. Drew Martin 32:57

4M ago32:57

32:57

In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick talks with Dr. Drew Martin, professor of theology and church history at Covenant Theological Seminary. Drew shares about his pastoral journey, his transition to academia, and why he wrote his new book on Francis Grimké — an influential but often overlooked African American Presbyterian pastor, church…

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The Creation Covenant with Richard Lucas 1:00:21

5M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

In this week’s episode, Caleb is joined by Richard Lucas (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Pastor of Teaching and Reaching at First Baptist Jacksonville to discuss God’s covenant with creation from a progressive covenantalist perspective. Together, they compare and contrast progressive covenantalism with dispensationalism and covenan…

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The Evangelistic Legacy of Tim Keller - with Matt Smethurst 37:55

5M ago37:55

37:55

In this episode host Nick Cady talks with Matt Smethurst about his new book Tim Keller on the Christian Life. Matt shares about his ministry journey, why Tim Keller’s legacy is still so valuable for the church today, and what he discovered while sifting through Keller’s sermons, books, and endnotes. They discuss Keller’s approach to contextualizati…

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BONUS: Advice for Apologetics (with Wes Huff) 1:27:10

4M ago1:27:10

1:27:10

In a special crossover episode of The Everyday Pastor and Gospelbound, Wesley Huff joins Lig, Matt, and Collin to discuss the role of apologetics in pastoral ministry. How can pastors excel in giving a compelling reason for the hope within us—and train others to do the same? Drawing from both academic expertise and personal experience, Huff offers …

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Covenants in Biblical Context with Peter Gentry 37:54

5M ago37:54

37:54

In this week’s episode, Caleb is joined by Peter Gentry (PhD, University of Toronto) Distinguished Visiting Professor of Old Testament and Senior Research Fellow at the Text & Canon Institute at Phoenix Seminary, to talk about the importance of covenantal relationships in the biblical story. Together, they discuss the similarities and differences b…

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The Kingdom of God with Stephen Dempster 42:38

5M ago42:38

42:38

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Stephen Dempster (PhD, University of Toronto) professor emeritus of religious studies at Crandall University, to discuss a biblical theology of the kingdom of God. Together, they trace the themes of kingship and kingdom throughout Scripture exploring how the story of God’s kingship is ultimately the fulfillment o…

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Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Discipleship in the Digital Age - with Brett McCracken 48:14

5M ago48:14

48:14

What does it mean to follow Jesus in an age of constant distraction and digital overload? In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady is joined by Brett McCracken — senior editor at The Gospel Coalition and editor of the new book Scrolling Ourselves to Death. Drawing inspiration from Neil Postman’s classic Amusing Ourselves to Death, this…

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A Biblical Theology of Wisdom with Mitch Chase 40:53

5M ago40:53

40:53

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Mitch Chase (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) Preaching Pastor at Kosmosdale Baptist Church and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Southern Seminary, to discuss his new book, Walking the Way of the Wise: A Biblical Theology of Wisdom. Together, they unpack how wisdom is not merely knowledge…

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How God's Grace Meets Us at Rock Bottom: Ray Ortlund on Isaiah 57:15 38:02

5M ago38:02

38:02

In this episode, Nick Cady is joined by pastor and author Ray Ortlund Jr. to talk about how God's grace meets us in our lowest moments. Ray is the president of Renewal Ministries, and the pastor to pastors at Immanuel Church in Nashville. He is an Old Testament scholar, has taught as a professor, and was a contributor to the ESV Study Bible. Drawin…

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Perseverance and Assurance with Ardel Caneday 1:00:33

6M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Ardel Caneday (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School), retired professor of New Testament at University of Northwestern in St. Paul Minnesota, to discuss a biblical theology of perseverance and assurance. Together they discuss eight different kinds of biblical passages that help give us a holistic understandin…

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Unlocking Scripture: Six Keys for Faithful Bible Interpretation - with Jon Nielson 37:50

6M ago37:50

37:50

Everyone who reads the Bible engages in interpretation whether they realize it or not - so how do we do it faithfully and well? In this episode, Pastor Jon Nielsen of Christ Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, IL joins to discuss his latest book, Understanding God's Word, the third installment in his Theology Basics series. John shares his background i…

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Live: Listener Questions! 55:17

5M ago55:17

55:17

How do you prioritize health? How do you stay sharp? Can you be friends with church members? How do you care for your wife? When’s a time you were wrong? How do you choose what to preach? And many, many more questions pastors may be asking. In this special episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt Smethurst and Ligon Duncan answer listener-submitted que…

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Biblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church with Stephen Presley 44:45

6M ago44:45

44:45

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Stephen Presely (PhD, University of St. Andrews), Senior Fellow for Religion and Public Life at the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy (CRCD) and Associate Professor of Church History at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to discuss his new book: Biblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church: Rec…

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Why Epistemology Matters More Than Ever - with Miles DeBenedictis 51:16

6M ago51:16

51:16

In this episode, Pastor Nick Cady interviews Pastor Miles DiBenedictus of Cross Connection Church in Escondido, California. Miles is a PhD student at Southern Seminary studying AI ethics, and in this discussion, they explore the topic of epistemology: what it is, why it matters, and how it affects everything from how we read the Bible to how we nav…