Shows
God‘s Story PodcastHannah Long – The TrainIs it ever justified to sacrifice a human life to save a work of art?
Brent is joined by Hannah Long to discuss the 1964 movie ‘The Train’ starring Burt Lancaster and Paul Scofield.
The first part of a two part feature – the second part will drop in a couple of days! In the second part, Brent interviews author Michelle Young about Rose Valland, the World War 2 Resistance spy whose book became the basis for ‘The Train’.
Hannah is a passionate cinephile. She writes cultural commentary and film criticism for a number of publications including ‘...
2024-08-201h 01God‘s Story PodcastHannah Long – The TrainIs it ever justified to sacrifice a human life to save a work of art?
Brent is joined by Hannah Long to discuss the 1964 movie ‘The Train’ starring Burt Lancaster and Paul Scofield.
The first part of a two part feature – the second part will drop in a couple of days! In the second part, Brent interviews author Michelle Young about Rose Valland, the World War 2 Resistance spy whose book became the basis for ‘The Train’.
Hannah is a passionate cinephile. She writes cultural commentary and film criticism for a number of publications including ‘...
2024-08-201h 01God‘s Story PodcastAlastair Roberts on Zechariah 1: "Revelation – The Prequel"Brent is joined by Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the United States to discuss the often puzzling book of Zechariah. In this episode, Brent and Alastair look at chapter 1.
(0:40) Who was Zechariah and what’s the book about?
(4:00) The book of the 12;
(6:15) The time in chapter 1;
(7:15) The Lord of Hosts;
(9:40) Israel’s repentance;
(10:15) The Night Visions;
(14:00) The 1st Night Vision;
(15:00) 24;
(15:50) The 4 horses and their colors;
(16:50) The man;
(17:30) The angel of the Lord and Jesus;
(18:15) Symbolism of myrtle trees;
(21:10) The earth at rest;
(23:30) The 2nd Night Vision and the 4 horses;
(25:00) The 4 craftsmen.
Links ment...
2024-06-0130 minGod‘s Story PodcastAlastair Roberts on Zechariah 1: "Revelation – The Prequel"Brent is joined by Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the United States to discuss the often puzzling book of Zechariah. In this episode, Brent and Alastair look at chapter 1.
(0:40) Who was Zechariah and what’s the book about?
(4:00) The book of the 12;
(6:15) The time in chapter 1;
(7:15) The Lord of Hosts;
(9:40) Israel’s repentance;
(10:15) The Night Visions;
(14:00) The 1st Night Vision;
(15:00) 24;
(15:50) The 4 horses and their colors;
(16:50) The man;
(17:30) The angel of the Lord and Jesus;
(18:15) Symbolism of myrtle trees;
(21:10) The earth at rest;
(23:30) The 2nd Night Vision and the 4 horses;
(25:00) The 4 craftsmen.
Links ment...
2024-06-0130 minGod‘s Story PodcastJoshua Farris – What is consciousness?What is consciousness? Can we explain human consciousness without God?
Brent talks with Joshua Farris, a teacher, pastor, editor, author, blogger and podcaster. His speciality is the soul as well as divine justice, the atonement and a lot of other things. He’s currently the Humboldt Experienced Researcher Fellow at the University of Bocum. He was a previous fellow at the Creation Project, Carl F.H Henry Center and the University of London among others places.
Joshua talks with Brent about human consciousness and why we need God to explain consciousness. Joshua is the author with A...
2024-04-1327 minGod‘s Story PodcastJoshua Farris – What is consciousness?What is consciousness? Can we explain human consciousness without God?
Brent talks with Joshua Farris, a teacher, pastor, editor, author, blogger and podcaster. His speciality is the soul as well as divine justice, the atonement and a lot of other things. He’s currently the Humboldt Experienced Researcher Fellow at the University of Bocum. He was a previous fellow at the Creation Project, Carl F.H Henry Center and the University of London among others places.
Joshua talks with Brent about human consciousness and why we need God to explain consciousness. Joshua is the author with A...
2024-04-1327 minGod‘s Story PodcastLouis Markos – Prometheus BoundBrent is joined once again by Louis Markos, professor of English at Houston Baptist University for another exploration of Greek tragedy.
In this podcast, Brent and Louis discuss Aeschylus’ ‘Prometheus Bound’. Who was Prometheus and how does he point to Christ? We also find out about Hermes’ prophecy which speaks of Jesus!
(1:00) Who was Aeschylus?
(4:10) Song of a Scapegoat;
(9:20) Who is Prometheus? A Christ-like figure and a scapegoat;
(16:45) Shelley’s Prometheus;
(21:15) Io, another scapegoat figure;
(27:45) Hermes’ prophecy.
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.ivpress.com
www.amazon.com/Achilles-Christ-Christians-Should-Classics/dp/0830825932
Leave some feedb...
2023-07-1530 minGod‘s Story PodcastLouis Markos – Prometheus BoundBrent is joined once again by Louis Markos, professor of English at Houston Baptist University for another exploration of Greek tragedy.
In this podcast, Brent and Louis discuss Aeschylus’ ‘Prometheus Bound’. Who was Prometheus and how does he point to Christ? We also find out about Hermes’ prophecy which speaks of Jesus!
(1:00) Who was Aeschylus?
(4:10) Song of a Scapegoat;
(9:20) Who is Prometheus? A Christ-like figure and a scapegoat;
(16:45) Shelley’s Prometheus;
(21:15) Io, another scapegoat figure;
(27:45) Hermes’ prophecy.
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.ivpress.com
www.amazon.com/Achilles-Christ-Christians-Should-Classics/dp/0830825932
Leave some feedb...
2023-07-1530 minGod‘s Story PodcastBrandon Smith – The Trinity in the Book of RevelationHow should we read the book of Revelation?
Brent talks with Brandon Smith, assistant professor of theology and New Testament at Cedarville University in Ohio in the States. He’s also a co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal and host of the ‘Church Grammar’ podcast.
Brandon’s new book from IVP America is called ‘The Trinity in the Book of Revelation – Seeing Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in John’s Apocalypse’.
(1:25) Revelation in light of the Trinity;
(2:15) John’s understanding of the Trinity;
(4:00) Jesus as lion and lamb;
(5:30) Reading Revelation in light of the whole Bible;
(7:30) How th...
2023-03-0728 minGod‘s Story PodcastJoshua Porter – Death to Deconstruction‘Deconstruction is a hot topic these days as more and more people leave behind the rigid Christianity they were raised in or have experienced’.
Brent and Ian talk with Joshua Porter, pastor of teaching and creative vision at Van City Church in Vancouver, Washington. He’s also a former member of the experimental punk band, Showbread, and the author of the novel ‘Punk Rock vs The Lizard People’.
Joshua talks about his return to faith and orthodoxy in a new book from Kregel Publications called ‘Death to Deconstruction: Faithfulness as an act of Rebellion’.
(1:50) What drew Joshua...
2023-03-0328 minGod‘s Story PodcastPower and Position – Mark 10:32-52Why the Kingdom is not about power and position.
Ian and Brent continue their exploration of Mark chapter 10 with verses 32-52.
(1:40) Jesus and Jerusalem;
(3:15) Power and position. The need for service;
(10:30) Jesus’ life as a ransom;
(12:24) A blind beggar. A model disciple?
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2023-02-2820 minGod‘s Story PodcastGiven Not Taken! – Mark 10:1-31How do we see that the Kingdom is something to be given and not taken?
Brent and Ian continue looking at Mark chapter 10 verses 1-31.
(2:00) Herod’s tricky situation. Jesus on divorce;
(10:00) The Kingdom is something to be given not taken. We are all called to be ’childlike’ in receiving the Kingdom;
(12:00) Can small children be saved?
(12:45) The rich young man.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2023-02-2421 minGod‘s Story PodcastVulnerable People – Mark 9:38-50How should we treat children and vulnerable people?
Brent and Ian continue their exploration of Mark’s gospel with chapter 9 verses 38-50.
(5:30) Don’t try and stop people doing things in Jesus’ name;
(7:30) Stumbling. How we should treat children and vulnerable believers;
(10:45) How we should be careful not to cause a vulnerable believer to stumble;
(14:00) How Jesus suggests we deal with sin.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2023-02-2124 minGod‘s Story PodcastJeff Brannon – The Hope of Life After Death‘In a world full of suffering and death, humans long for abundant life’.
Brent talks with Jeff Brannon, professor of biblical studies and chair of the biblical studies and Christian ministries department at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi in the States.
Jeff’s new book from IVP is ‘The Hope of Life After Death: A Biblical Theology of Resurrection’.
(1:20) The importance of Jesus’ resurrection;
(3:25) What is resurrection?
(4:40) Life in a new creation;
(6:30) The Creation account and how it lays the foundation for the hope of resurrection;
((7:35) Genesis 3:15 and the promise of resurrection;
(9:15) Abraham and resurrection...
2023-02-1728 minGod‘s Story PodcastKristen Page – The Wonders of CreationWhat might the fictional worlds of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia and Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ teach us about the stewardship of creation?
Brent talks to Kristen Page, the Ruth Strohschein Distinguished Chair and professor of biology at Wheaton College, Illinois in the USA about her new IVP book ‘The Wonders of Creation: Learning Stewardship from Narnia and Middle-Earth’.
Kristen’s work is in numerous scholarly journals, including the ‘Journal of Wildlife Management’, ‘Journal of Parasitology’ and ‘Emerging Infectious Diseases’.
(1:06) What’s the role of stewardship in the works of Lewis and Tolkien?
(1:55) What fic...
2023-02-1426 minGod‘s Story PodcastDavid Lamb – The Emotions of GodHow does the Bible speak of God’s emotions?
Brent and Ian talk with David Lamb, the Allan A. MacRae Professor of Old Testament and dean of faculty at Missio Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He previously worked in campus ministry with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and has taught extensively in various cross cultural contexts.
David’s new IVP book is ‘The Emotions of God – Making Sense of a God Who Hates, Weeps, and Loves’.
(1:25) Why we don’t like associating emotions with God;
(2:30) Are Christians afraid of emotion?
(4:46) Divine impassibility;
(9:45) How the poetic books of the Bible spe...
2023-02-1027 minGod‘s Story PodcastConflict and Unbelief – Mark 9:14-37Brent and Ian are back in the gospel of Mark. How do we see growing opposition to Jesus and unbelief in these verses?
(0:45) The disciples’ understanding;
(1:23) Growing opposition and unbelief;
(3:30) What happens at the bottom of the mountain?
(4:00) The Teachers of the Law;
(8:05) Unbelief in these verses;
(11:00) What evil does to people;
(18:00) Power comes through service;
(18:30) Children;
(19:15) Jesus’ kingdom is about the lowest and the weakest;
(20:00) How we can welcome the weak.
Links mentioned in this episode:
2023-02-0322 minGod‘s Story PodcastHannah Nation – Faithful DisobedienceThroughout China’s growing cities, a new wave of house churches is growing. How have they endured despite government pressure and cultural marginalization?
Brent talks with Hannah Nation, the managing director of the Center for House Church Theology in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the States. Hannah is a writer and student of missions history and World Christianity and she’s the editor with J. D. Tseng of a new IVP America book called ‘Faithful Disobedience: Writings on Church and State from a Chinese House Church Movement’.
(1:00) Christianity in China;
(4:15) Urbanization in China and the house church movement;
(6:00) What is th...
2023-01-3131 minGod‘s Story PodcastH. H. Leonards – Rosa Parks Beyond the BusOn December 1, 1955 an African-American woman by the name of Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white person on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. The rest is history…
Brent and Ian talk with Rosa Parks' friend and founder of O Museum in the Mansion in Washington, D.C., H. H. Leonards about her new book published by R.H. Boyd in the States called ‘Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership’.
(1:30) What is the O Museum and the Mansion in Washington?
(3:00) What happened to Mrs. Parks on the bus on December 1, 1955?
(4:30) James Bl...
2023-01-2729 minGod‘s Story PodcastCarolyn Carney – The Power of Group PrayerHow does intercessory prayer transform us and the world?
Brent talks with Carolyn Carney, the national director of spiritual formation for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Carolyn has led prayer groups and intercessory prayer training for more than 30 years.
Carolyn’s book from IVP America is ‘The Power of Group Prayer – How Intercession Transforms Us and the World’.
(0:50) What intercessory prayer can achieve;
(1;30) What we can learn from other people’s prayers;
(2:30) The Bible and intercessory prayer;
(4:30) How the church can pray for real change in the world;
(6:30) Why does God choose us to help transform the world?
...
2023-01-2424 minGod‘s Story PodcastBridget Gee – Single, Just Because‘Why are you single? Just because’. However we answer that question, what’s more important than WHY we are single is how we LIVE as singles’.
Brent talks with Bridget Gee, the spiritual formation coordinator for InterVarsity’s Study Abroad programmes, where she directs European pilgrimages for students, staff and partners to experience contemplative followings of Jesus. Bridget is also the host of ‘Soladarity: The Singleness Podcast’.
Bridget’s new book from IVP America is ‘Single, Just Because: A Pilgrimage Into Holy Aloneness’.
(1:30) Bridget’s pilgrimages;
(2:15) How pilgrimage has become a tool for spiritual formation;
(3:50) What Br...
2023-01-2028 minGod‘s Story PodcastTrevin Wax – The Thrill of OrthodoxyIs Christian teaching narrow and outdated? What is Christian teaching and orthodoxy and how have we strayed from it?
Brent talks to Trevin Wax, the author of a new IVP book called ‘The Thrill of Orthodoxy – Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith’
Trevin is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor of theology at Cedarville University in Ohio in the States.
(1:30) How doctrine makes a real difference in life;
(3:26) The danger of pragmatism in the church;
(5:45) Has the Western church lost its passion for orthodo...
2023-01-1728 minGod‘s Story PodcastCraig Greenfield – Subversive MissionHow do we do mission in the 21st century? Could it be that we can get alongside people and serve as humble alongsiders?
Brent talks to Craig Greenfield, the author of a new IVP book called ‘Subversive Mission. Serving as Outsiders in a World of Need’.
Craig is the founder and director of Alongsiders International, a grassroots movement of young Christians reaching the world’s poorest children. Craig has lived and worked for more than two decades in marginalized communities in Asia and North America.
(2:00) Colonialism and mission. The problem of money and power;
(3:10) The perc...
2023-01-1323 minGod‘s Story PodcastJay Kim – Analog ChristianHow does the technology we use use us? How do the digital age and its values affect the life of Christians and the church?
Brent talks with Jay Kim, the author of a new IVP America book called ‘Analog Christian. Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age’.
Jay is the lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley in the States and is on the leadership team of the ReGeneration Project. His writing has been featured in ‘Christianity Today’, the Gospel Coalition and Relevant Magazine.
(1:00) Digital technology and us;
(2:30) How Jay was affec...
2023-01-1029 minGod‘s Story PodcastOs Guinness – Zero Hour America‘America has lost its way. And America will fall unless…’
Brent and Ian are joined by Os Guinness who talks about his latest IVP book ‘Zero Hour America. History’s Ultimatum Over Freedom and the Answer We Must Give’.
Os is the author or editor of more than 30 books, the founder of the Trinity Forum, a prominent social critic, and a frequent speaker who has addressed audiences worldwide.
(1:05) Has America lost its way?
(4:10) The suppression of freedom;
(5:00) Has America been captured by an oligarchy?
(7:50) The original American idea of freedom;
(9:30) Cultural climate change;
(11:05) American freedom and m...
2023-01-0631 minGod‘s Story PodcastBenjamin Windle – Digital Church in a Lonely WorldHow do we ‘do’ church in the 21st century? How do we do church in a new pandemic era?
Brent talks to Benjamin Windle, a Millennial/Gen Z specialist pastor from Australia about his new Barna Ideas paper/ebook ‘Digital Church in a Lonely World’.
Benjamin is the pastor of Lifeplace Church in Brisbane, Australia. He has over 20 years of pastoral work experience in the States and Australia and is an author, speaker and businessman. His content has been featured on RightNow Media, the Barna Group, the Aspen Group and the Glorify App. His ‘Life Minute’ bring...
2023-01-0329 minGod‘s Story PodcastTravis Dickinson – Wandering Toward GodIs it wrong to doubt? What part does doubt play in faith?
Brent talks with Travis Dickinson, Professor of Philosophy at Dallas Baptist University. Travis has taught courses in philosophy and Christian apologetics for over 20 years and has done apologetics and evangelism in more than 35 countries!
‘Wandering Toward God – Finding Faith amid Doubts and Big Questions’ is published by IVP America.
(0:55) Faith as a journey;
(1:50) Travis’s story of doubt;
(4:00) How can we express our doubts?
(5:55) How doubt differs from unbelief;
(8:15) The Bible and doubt;
(10:40) Do we ever have absolute certainty about most things anyway?
...
2022-12-3025 minGod‘s Story PodcastRichard Averbeck – The Old Testament Law For the Life of the ChurchHow does the Old Testament Law fit into the Bible’s story and how is it relevant to the church today? Is it relevant to the church today?
Brent and Ian talk with Richard Averbeck, Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Trinity Divinity School in Illinois in the States.
Richard’s new book from IVP America is ‘The Old Testament Law for the Life of the Church -Reading the Torah in the Light of Christ’.
(1:00) How has the Old Testament Law been such a source of contention and debate?
(2:40) How have we in the c...
2022-12-2730 minGod‘s Story PodcastPatrick Miller – Truth Over TribeWhere do your allegiances lie? Do you put your politics or culture before Jesus?
Brent and Ian talk to Patrick Miller, one of the co-hosts of the ‘Truth Over Tribe’ podcast in the States.
Patrick and his co-host Keith Simon are pastors and authors. They’ve written for ‘Christianity Today’ and their new book published by David C Cook is ‘Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, not the Donkey or the Elephant’. How do Patrick and Keith minister in the States in such a politically and culturally charged moment in history?
(1:15) The ‘Truth Over Tribe’ p...
2022-12-2329 minGod‘s Story PodcastGem Fadling – Hold That Thought‘You’re not good enough. ‘You need to try harder’.
We all have voices in our heads telling us all kinds of things. How do we silence them? And how do we hear the voice of God?
Brent and Ian talk with Gem Fadling, a founding partner of Unhurried Living. Inc, a nonprofit that trains people to rest deeper, live fuller and lead better. Gem is a certified life coach and a trained spiritual director. She’s also the host of the ‘I Can Do That! Podcast’.
Gem’s new book from IVP America is ‘Hold Tha...
2022-12-2030 minGod‘s Story PodcastWilliam Edgar – A Supreme Love – The Music of Jazz and the Hope of the GospelHave you ever thought about the connection between jazz music and the Christian gospel?
Brent talks with William Edgar, Professor of Apologetics and Coordinator of the Apologetics Department at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in the States about his new IVP book ‘A Supreme Love – The Music of Jazz and the Hope of the Gospel’.
(1:00) The connection between jazz and the Christian gospel;
(1:45) How jazz was born out of slavery and suffering;
(2:40) Why jazz was so influential in the 1920’s;
(3:40) Why jazz is best understood in the light of the gospel;
(4:40) Jazz as a music of protest...
2022-12-1624 minGod‘s Story PodcastSteven Collis – Praying with the EnemyBrent talks to Steven Collis, the author of a new novel based on a true story called ‘Praying with the Enemy’ published by Shadow Mountain in the States.
A captured American soldier during the Korean War attempts a daring escape for freedom....
Steven is a storyteller and a law professor at the University of Texas School of Law and the faculty director of Texas's Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center and Law and Religion Clinic.
(1:00) The Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center and Law and Religion Clinic;
(1:44) The First Amendment and its importance;
(2:15) The connection between law and reli...
2022-12-1322 minGod‘s Story PodcastBill and Will Kynes – Wrestling with JobWhat’s the role of suffering in the Christian life? Why do evil and suffering exist in the world?
Brent and Ian talk with Bill and Will Kynes, the authors of a new IVP America book called ‘Wrestling with Job: Defiant Faith in the Face of Suffering’.
Bill was the senior pastor at Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church in Annandale, Virginia. He’s a senior teaching fellow with the C.S. Lewis Institute and a member of the TGC Council and has been a Veritas Forum speaker.
Will is Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Samfo...
2022-12-0923 minGod‘s Story PodcastGeorge A. Wood and Brit Eaton – The UncoveryHow likely is relapse for those struggling with addiction, mental health issues and suicidal thoughts?
Brent talks with George Wood and Brit Eaton about their new book from Whitaker House called ‘The Uncovery: Understanding the Power of Community to Heal Trauma’.
George is an ordained minister, pastoral care counselor, recovery ministry founder and recovery activist. He’s the founder of the Sober Truth Project and the Timothy Initiative.
Brit is a content strategist, writer, speaker and discipler.
(1:20) In what sense are we all in recovery?
(2:55) The church and recovery. Legalism;
(4:28) Stigmatizing people with addi...
2022-12-0627 minGod‘s Story PodcastSarah Cowan Johnson – Teach Your Children WellBrent talks with Sarah Cowan Johnson, the author of a new IVP America book called ‘Teach Your Children Well – A Step-by-Step Guide for Family Discipleship’.
How do we parent our children in ways that lead to lasting faith?
Sarah is a ministry trainer, consultant, and coach who works with church planters, pastors, and ministry leaders across the States. She leads seminars for parents on family discipleship. She served with the Evangelical Covenant Church as the executive pastor for Sanctuary Church in Providence, Rhode Island, and previously was a staff trainer and an area director for IVP. Sh...
2022-12-0224 minGod‘s Story PodcastDean Flemming - Foretaste of the Future – Reading Revelation in Light of God’s MissionWhat is the book of Revelation all about? What if we interpreted the book in the light of God’s mission to redeem the creation?
Brent talks with Dean Flemming, Professor of New Testament and Missions at Mid America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas in the States.
Dean’s book ‘Foretaste of the Future – Reading Revelation in Light of God’s Mission’ is published by IVP America.
(1:00) How Dean was brought up to understand Revelation;
(3:10) A mission based reading of Revelation;
(6:15) God’s mission is about restoring creation and the world;
(7:30) A slaughtered lamb the master sym...
2022-11-2924 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 8:34-9:13Brent and Ian continue their exploration of Mark’s gospel.
Why Jesus' suffering means that we suffer.
(1:30) What type of king will Jesus be?
(1:50) Why Jesus’ path to glory is through suffering and death;
(3:30) Following Jesus;
(4:50) Jesus’ suffering entails our suffering;
(9:33) When does the Kingdom come?
(10:05) The Transfiguration;
(12:26) Moses and Elijah;
(13:43) The glory cloud and the Tabernacle and Temple;
(14:15) Jesus a new Moses;
(15:45) Psalm 2 and the Davidic king;
(20:25) Jesus and the metaverse;
(20:45) Jesus is God;
(24:40) Elijah.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2022-11-2528 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 8:22-33Brent and Ian take a look at the ‘turning point’ in Mark’s gospel.
(2:00) The ‘turning point’ in Mark’s gospel;
(5:00) The blind man. Spit and walking trees;
(8:20) The man’s blindness and the spiritual blindness of the disciples;
(10:00) Peter’s confession in Gentile territory;
(11:41) Meaning of ‘the Christ’;
(14:40) Peter’s understanding of the Messiah at this point;
(15:30) What sort of king is Jesus?
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
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2022-11-1818 minGod‘s Story PodcastGordon Smith – Your Calling Here and NowWhat am I meant to be and what am I called to do?
Brent and Ian talk about calling and vocation with Gordon Smith, the President of Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta where he also serves as Professor of Systematic and Spiritual Theology.
Gordon Smith’s new book from IVP America is ‘Your Calling Here and Now – Making Sense of Vocation’.
(1:20) Why vocation is always specific and particular;
(2:30) How we can discern what we’re called to be or do;
(5:55) How God uses setbacks;
(6:30) Why vocation is never discerned in a vacuum;
(8:30) Have we los...
2022-11-1527 minGod‘s Story PodcastKirk Farney – Ministers of a New MediumBrent and Ian talk with Kirk Farney, Vice President for advancement, vocation and alumni engagement and a member of the History Faculty at Wheaton College, Illinois in the States.
In Kirk’s new book from IVP America ‘Ministers of a New Medium’ he explores the work of Fulton J. Sheen of Catholic Hour and Walter A. Maier of ‘The Lutheran Hour’, two groundbreaking leaders in Christian broadcasting.
(2:00) How Kirk got involved in the project;
((3:30) The impact radio made in the States during the Depression;
(5:20) How the networks viewed ‘religious’ broadcasting;
(7:30) Who were Fulton Sheen and Walter Maier?
(10:36...
2022-11-1130 minGod‘s Story PodcastLouis Markos on Greek Tragedy – The OresteiaBrent is joined once again by Louis Markos, Professor of English at Houston Christian University in the States.
What is Greek tragedy? What is ‘The Oresteia’ and how does it point to Christ?
‘From Achilles to Christ: Why Christians Should Read the Pagan Classics’ is published by IVP America.
(1:31) What is Greek tragedy?
(3:30) The goat and Greek festivals. Song of the scapegoat. ‘The Oresteia’ by Aeschylus. Greek tragedy about a scapegoat figure. Sacrifice and redemption;
(6:30) What happens in Greek tragedy;
(9:10) The Oresteia;
(19:05) Blood guilt and atonement central to the cycle;
(22:30) Christ fulfills the highest yearnings of peopl...
2022-11-0834 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 8:1-21Brent and Ian continue their exploration of Mark’s gospel.
The feeding of the 4000 and some more Pharisees. What’s the significance of the numbers 4 and 7 in the passage?
(1:35) Why it's important not to get Jesus wrong;
(1:53) Three scenes;
(3:00) The Jewish and Gentile feedings contrasted;
(5:10) 7 days;
(5:45) The 7 loaves and the numbers 4 and 7;
(6:38) What the feeding tells us about Jesus;
(7:05) The Lord’s Supper;
(10:34) How we all get Jesus wrong;
(11:10) The third scene;
(13:40) The leaven of the Pharisees and Herod;
(17:30) We can become too ‘familiar’ with Jesus;
(19:06) Mark as a detective novel.
Links mentioned in this episode:
2022-11-0422 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 7:24-37What’s the connection between a Gentile woman and the prophet Elijah?
Ian and Brent continue their exploration of Mark’s gospel.
(1:20) How is legalism a problem in the church today?
(3:30) The Gentile woman and ‘dogs’;
(4:30) The Gentile woman and the authorities;
(5:45) The Gentile woman’s faith;
(6:40) The significance of Tyre and Sidon;
(7:40) Jesus and Elijah;
(8:30) Jezebel;
(9:50) Jesus’ response. The meaning of ‘dogs’;
(12:40) The deaf man;
(15:20) Why Jesus spits;
(17:40) The first confession of faith in the gospel?
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2022-11-0120 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 7:1-23 Claim, Counterclaim and VerdictBrent and Ian continue their deep dive into the gospel of Mark.
(1:40) A confrontation. Claim and counterclaim;
(2:30) The claim;
(6:00) Ceremonial cleansing;
(6:37) The motivation for the accusations;
(9:17) Jesus’ counterclaim;
(10:50) The Pharisees’ problem;
(11:50) What Jesus reveals about all of us. The problem of legalism;
(16:00) The problem of the human heart.
(18:00) The human condition;
(18:50) How we can be justified. We need Jesus.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2022-10-2820 minGod‘s Story PodcastYudha Thianto – An Explorer’s Guide to John CalvinWho was the great 16th century reformer John Calvin and what did he believe and teach?
Brent talks with Yudha Thianto, professor of the history of Christianity and Reformed Theology At Calvin Theological Seminary in the States.
Yudha’s book ‘An Explorer’s Guide to John Calvin’ is published by IVP America.
(1:00) The idea behind the book;
(3:50) Who was Calvin?
(9:10) How Calvin went into exile;
(13:55) Why are Calvin’s ‘Institutes’ so important?
(17:50) Calvin and the Lord’s Supper. How did Calvin’s view differ from Luther, Zwingli or Cranmer?
(23:20) Election and predestination.
Links mentioned in this ep...
2022-10-2529 minGod‘s Story PodcastLouis Markos on Tennyson and the Victorian periodWhy is the Victorian period so like our own? How does Tennyson’s poetry embody all of the struggle and grief of the Victorian period?
Brent Is joined by Louis Markos, professor in English at Houston Christian University in the States. ‘Pressing Forward – Alfred, Lord Tennyson and the Victorian Age’ is published by Sapientia Press.
(1:05) The Victorian period so like our own;
(2:20) What the Victorians can teach us. Evolution and creation. The nature of reality;
(5:10) The crisis of faith in the Victorian period;
(8:55) Tennyson’s ‘In Memorium’ and Victorian grief and struggle. Arthur Hallam;
(15:20) Tennyson’s fashioning of a new r...
2022-10-2129 minGod‘s Story PodcastRichard Vance Goodwin - Seeing Is BelievingHow might film reveal God? Do movies put people in a place of heightened receptivity to God’s revelation?
Brent talks with Richard Vance Goodwin about his new book from IVP America called ‘Seeing Is Believing: The Revelation of God Through Film’.
(0:45) How Richard’s interest in film developed;
(3:17) Why Christians have been so reluctant to engage with arts and the cinema;
(5:30) A good theology of creation;
(6:30) How we can theologically engage with movies;
(10:00) Cinema and Jacob at Bethel;
(13:30) Are there ‘spiritual’ stylistic choices in film?
(17:20) Lighting in film;
(18:30) General revelation and film;
(20:05) 2001: A Space Odyssey
(26:20) C.S. Lewis a...
2022-10-1828 minGod‘s Story PodcastDon Everts – Discover Your GiftsHow can we discover and develop our gifts?
Brent’s guest is Don Everts, Senior Pastor of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri and a writer for Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Hopeful Neighborhood Project.
Don’s new IVP America book is called ‘Discover Your Gifts- Celebrating How God Made You and Everyone You Know’.
(1:00) Everyone has gifts;
(2:05) How Don’s stepfather inspired him;
(4:30) Research on gifts;
(6:00) The need to focus not only on spiritual gifts but common grace gifts as well;
(7:20) Why we tend to fixate on church vocations;
(10:30) Gifts and different g...
2022-10-1425 minGod‘s Story PodcastAmy Sherman – Agents of FlourishingHow can Christians influence every sphere of life and become agents of flourishing?
Brent talks with Amy Sherman, director of the Sagamore Institute’s Center on Faith in Communities, which trains and consults with faith based social service providers and religious congregations desiring to invest more effectively in their neighborhoods.
Amy’s book ‘Agents of Flourishing – Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society’ is published by IVP America.
(1:00) Why mission is not an option for the church;
(1:37) How churches in the States are working with their communities and neighborhoods;
(3:00) Are we living as exiles in this cul...
2022-10-1123 minGod‘s Story PodcastDavid Taylor - Open and UnafraidHow do the Psalms see right through us?
Brent talks with David Taylor, Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary in the States and the producer of a short film on the Psalms with Bono and Eugene Peterson.
David’s book ‘Open And Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life’ is published by Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson in the States.
(0:50) How the film about the Psalms came about;
(5:00) How the Psalms see right through us and into us;
(6:40) What the Psalms aim to do;
(8:00) The impulse to hide;
...
2022-10-0727 minGod‘s Story PodcastJennifer Rosner – Finding MessiahBrent and Ian talk to Jennifer Rosner who takes us on a personal journey into the Jewish roots of Christianity
Jennifer is Affiliate Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, where she completed her PhD on the relationship between Judaism and Christianity.
Jennifer’s new book from IVP America is ‘Finding Messiah – A Journey into the Jewishness of the Gospel’.
(1:20) Jennifer’s journey as a Messianic Jewish person;
(4:35) The Messianic Jewish community;
(5:45) The Christian response;
(7:15) Paul and Gentile Christians;
(9:50) Anti-semitism;
(17:46) Jesus’ Jewishness;
(21:10) Jennifer’s life in Israel;
(25:00) Passover and Yom Kippur.
2022-10-0429 minGod‘s Story PodcastEric Costanzo - InalienableHow does the American (and the global) church decenter itself from its idols? Can people in the margins of life help us achieve this?
Brent and Ian talk with Eric Costanzo, a pastor and teacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Eric is executive director for Rising Village. Org, an organization with initiatives to help marginalized people.
Eric is the author (with Daniel Yang and Matthew Soerens) of a new IVP book called ‘Inalienable – How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save The American Church’.
(1:00) Why Eric thinks the American church needs saving;
(2:25) Power and control in the church;
...
2022-09-3027 minGod‘s Story PodcastAlastair Roberts on Daniel 12Brent is joined once again by Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States for a discussion on Daniel 12. What’s the significance of the 1290 days and 1335 days?
(0:25) How chapter 12 completes the book of Daniel?
(1:50) Who is Michael?
(3:05) The resurrection of v 2;
(7:06) The time of distress in v 1;
(8:00) The sleepers who will awaken;
(8:34) The skilled;
(9:19) The book that is sealed and Revelation 5 and 6;
(11:21) The ‘terminal’ time;
(14:00) The 3 figures;
(17:50) The 1290 days and 1335 days;
(20:54) A spiritual Egypt.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Alastairs Adversaria
The Theopolis Institute
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What...
2022-09-2723 minGod‘s Story PodcastDaniel 11 with Alastair RobertsBrent talks with Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States about Daniel 11.
What do the events of Daniel 11 allude to and how do the Herods fulfill the Amalek pattern in the Bible?
(0:34) Alastair’s very brief overview! The Ptolemies in the South and the Seleucids in the North;
(1:45) The end of Persia and the coming of Greece and the Greek kingdoms;
(2:30) Alexander the Great and his successors;
(3:45) Zechariah 9 and Daniel 11;
(5:54) The Northern and Southern kingdoms. Lots of Ptolemies and Seleucids! The 6 Syrian wars;
(12:54) Antiochus the Great;
(14:05) Meanwhile in Jerusalem --- The Tobiads and Onia...
2022-09-2435 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 6:32-56Brent and Ian continue their exploration of Mark's gospel.
Who is Jesus and what's the significance of the number of loaves and fish?
(3:33) Jesus’ banquet and Herod’s banquet;
(4:10) The wilderness background in the Old Testament;
(5:00) Who is Jesus? Jesus feeds Israel in the wilderness;
(5:35) The connection with Israel’s wilderness journey;
(6:30) Jesus’ compassion;
(7:41) The significance of the numbers;
(9:30) A military camp and a new Exodus;
(10:37) Who is Jesus then?
(12:33) The significance of 12;
(17:46) The Old Testament background to Jesus’ walking on water;
(19:00) The significance of ‘It is I’;
(20:20) Jesus is God;
(27:49) Jesus’ garment;
(24:20) How Jesus has compassion on us...
2022-09-2125 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 6:1-31 The Power Comes HomeBrent and Ian explore Mark 6:1-31. What happens when the power comes home?
(1:41) The spiritual state of Israel in Mark 5;
(2:35) Jesus’ hometown. What happens when the power comes home:
(5:11) Why the people take offence at Jesus;
(6:05) Lack of miracles in Nazareth;
(7:56) The power goes out;
(11:26) A very strange drinking party;
(14:14) The power of authority and violence;
(16:35) The Herod’s as Edomites;
(20:48) What is Jesus’ rest?
(22:00) The church as a place of rest.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2022-09-1723 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 5:21-43 The Quest BeginsBrent is joined once again by the Rev. Ian Reid of King’s Grace Presbyterian Church, Palmerston North, NZ to take a deep dive into Mark 5:21-43.
(0:35) Jesus’ power in Mark;
(1:00) A Mark ‘sandwich’;
(1:48) The Quest;
(4:30) Jairus and his daughter;
(6:12) 2 daughters of Israel and the number 12;
(9:15) Impurity;
(12:00) Jesus the ultimate priest and Temple;
(13:10) Fear and faith in the story;
(19:50) Holiness;
(20:15) Who is Jesus?
(21:30) God uses hardship;
(22:20) What are we afraid of?
(24:00) Healing today.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2022-09-1428 minGod‘s Story PodcastEthan Brue on God and TechnologyCalling all engineers, computer scientists, web designers, architects and all those involved with technology!
Are you a Christian who is passionate about developing technology? How do faith and technology intersect?
Brent talks with Ethan Brue, one of the authors (with Derek Schuurman and Steven VanderLeest) of a new book from IVP America called ‘A Christian Field Guide to Technology for Engineers and Designers’.
Ethan is a professor of engineering at Dordt University, Iowa in the States. He’s worked as an engineering consultant in the energy generation sector and as a research and develop...
2022-09-1028 minGod‘s Story PodcastDarrell Hall – Speaking Across GenerationsHow do different generations communicate differently? We need to understand how different generations hear.
Brent talks with Darrell Hall, campus pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church in Conyers, Georgia in the States where he preaches and teaches across five generations.
Darrell’s book ‘Speaking Across Generations: Messages That Satisfy Boomers, Xers, Millennials, Gen Z, and Beyond’ is published by IVP America.
(0:50) Darrell’s NBA speaking experience;
(2:00) Speaking across the generations as a young pastor;
(3:15) How different generations hear;
(4:50) Why its important for preachers to speak into the culture;
(6:40) How preachers can use generational intelligence;
(8:17) Characteristics of the d...
2022-09-0733 minGod‘s Story PodcastShayne Moore – Ending Human TraffickingBrent talks with Shayne Moore about human trafficking and how we can become human trafficking literate.
Shayne is one of the authors (with Sandra Morgan and Kimberly Mac Owen Yim) of a new IVP book called ‘Ending Human Trafficking: A Handbook of Strategies for the Church Today’.
Shayne is an author, editor and activist. She’s the co-founder of Redbud Writers Guild, former director of operations at the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College Graduate School and is a national guest lecturer on issues of global justice.
(1:07) How the book came about. The need for the c...
2022-09-0328 minGod‘s Story PodcastDesmond Alexander – Face to Face with GodBrent is joined by T. Desmond Alexander to discuss his new IVP book ‘Face to Face with God – A Biblical Theology of Christ as Priest and Mediator’.
How does the letter to the Hebrews present Jesus as our priest and mediator?
Desmond Alexander is senior lecturer in biblical studies and director of postgraduate studies at Union Theological College in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
(1:03) How Jesus is our priest and mediator;
(2:50) Christ’s high priesthood at the center of the book of Hebrews;
(5:45) The Day of Atonement;
(7:10) The Tabernacle and Temple as pictures of God’s holiness;
...
2022-08-3128 minGod‘s Story PodcastAlastair Roberts on Daniel 10Brent is joined once again by Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States to discuss Daniel chapter 10.
Who is the figure who appears to Daniel? Who is Michael?
(0:28) The events of Daniel 10. A theophany;
(2:31) Daniel and Belshazzar?
(2:50) The 24th day of the first month;
(3:40) The theophany. Who do we see?
(6:00) Why the Lord Jesus is dressed like the High Priest of Israel. Atonement needed;
(8:55) The vision and the metal man in chapter 2. Death and resurrection;
(10:37) Is Daniel a sacrificial substitute?
(11:04) Who speaks to Daniel from v 10?
(11:40) The chief of the Kingdom of Persia and Mich...
2022-08-2721 minGod‘s Story PodcastDaniel 9 - Alastair RobertsBrent is joined by Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States for another in depth look at the book of Daniel.
Do all the prophecies described in the book of Daniel come to pass by AD 70?
(0:12) The events of chapter 9;
(1:38) How does the number 70 relate to the symbolism of 7 and the 7 days of creation;
(7:55) The 70 weeks of years;
(11:46) What do we date the 490 years from?
(17:07) The Lord Jesus puts an end to Temple sacrifice;
(20:00) The wing of detestables or detestable wing.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Alastair's Adversaria
Theopolis Institute
2022-08-2422 minGod‘s Story PodcastDaniel 8 with Alastair RobertsWho are the ram and goat and what is the apostasy that causes desolation?
Brent is joined by Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States to talk about Daniel 8.
(1:26) What happens in chapter 8;
(2:25) The significance of the location;
(3:10) The significance of the ram and goat;
(5:00) A connection with the sacrificial system?
(6:33) The little horn;
(9:52) The Continual;
(11:00) The 2300 evening-mornings;
(11:35) What’s the apostasy that causes desolation?
(13:55) Who does Daniel see?
(17:20) Why does the Lord Jesus appear over a river?
(19:00) Why does Daniel fall into a deep sleep?
(21:31) Premillenial dispensationalism.
Links mentioned in this episode:...
2022-08-2026 minGod‘s Story PodcastAlistair Roberts - Daniel 7Brent is joined once again by Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States for a deep dive into Daniel 7.
Who or what are the four beasts and how do they relate to the four cherubim?
(0:30) How chapters 7-12 relate to chapters 1-6 of the book;
(1:55) The story of Daniel 7;
(3:14) The symbolism of the horns and horn imagery;
(5:10) Significance of the sea;
(6:03) The four Gentile beasts. Who or what are they?
(11:35) The ten horns;
(11:52) The little horn;
(15:00) Who is the Ancient of Days and who is the Son of Man?
(18:00) The set times and decree;
(18:39) T...
2022-08-1721 minGod‘s Story PodcastDominic Done - Your Longing Has A NameWhy are we here and what is life all about anyway?
Brent's guest on this podcast is Dominic Done, a founder of 'Pursuing Faith' and a Professor of Applied Theology at George Fox University in Oregon in the States.
Dominic's latest book from Thomas Nelson is 'Your Longing Has A Name: Come Alive to the Story You Were Made For'
(1:55) The story we’re made for;
(3:35) ‘The magic of our world has been ruined’. We live in a languishing moment;
(6:40) How Dominic has battled with his own soul fatigue;
(8:30) How do we go about restori...
2022-08-1326 minGod‘s Story PodcastDavid Taylor - The Art of New CreationWhat's the connection between Christianity and the arts? How is the relationship between creation and new creation informed by and related to the arts?
Brent talks with David Taylor, Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary in the States and the producer of a short film on the Psalms with Bono and Eugene Peterson.
David is one of the editors (with Jeremy Begbie and Daniel Train) of a new IVP book 'The Art of New Creation - Trajectories in Theology and the Arts'.
(0:53) Where did the idea for this book come...
2022-08-1024 minGod‘s Story PodcastBibles into Eastern EuropeBrent talks with Dirk Smith, the Vice President of Eastern European Mission. More than $2 million has recently been given to provide Bibles as the war continues.
(1:00) What God is doing in Eastern Europe;
(2:15) How the war in Ukraine is displacing children and people;
(3:15) Christians in Ukraine. Bible in schools;
(4:15) The courage of Christians;
(6:55) How the war is increasing spiritual hunger. Requests for Bibles at an all time high;
(7:45) Bible translations for children;
(8:33) Why former Communist countries are seeing growth in the gospel;
(11:00) EEM humanitarian relief;
(12:03) How EEM works with its ministry partners on the ground;
(14:00) History of EEM;
(17:40) How...
2022-08-0621 minGod‘s Story PodcastGod On the Big Screen with Terry LindvallWhy is prayer depicted so often in Hollywood movies?
Brent talks with Terry Lindvall, a film historian who occupies the C.S. Lewis Chair of Communication and Christian Thought at Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia in the States.
We look at the ways prayer is depicted in Hollywood movies from the silent era to today.
'God on the Big Screen - A History of Hollywood Prayer from the Silent Era to Today' is published by New York University Press.
(0:57) Why is prayer depicted so often in Hollywood movies?
(1:49) How movies have shaped...
2022-08-0224 minGod‘s Story PodcastDavid Docusen - NeighborlinessWhat is neighborliness?
Brent talks with David Docusen about the Neighborliness Center, a nonprofit hub that provides equitable access to education, employment, healthcare and housing to neighbors in Winston Salem, North Carolina in the States.
David has spent 20 years investing into communities as a pastor, speaker, teacher, advocate and speaker.
David’s book ‘Neighborliness: Love Like Jesus. Cross Dividing Lines. Transform Your Community’ is published by Thomas Nelson.
(1:11) What is the Neighborliness Center? How do we love our neighbors?
(2:05) What is neighborliness?
(3:50) A loss of neighborliness in our communities;
(4:15) How David's neighborliness journey starte...
2022-07-2923 minGod‘s Story PodcastJake Meador – What are Christians for?What are Christians for? What does a Christian political witness look like?
Brent talks to Jake Meador, the editor in chief of ‘Mere Orthodoxy’, an online magazine covering the Christian faith in the public sphere and a contributing editor with ‘Plough’.
Jake’s book ‘What Are Christians For?: Life Together at the End of the World’ is published by IVP America.
(1:10) What sort of metallic fantasies have we given ourselves over to?
(4:34) The importance of a sense of place;
(9:50) How are we called to relate to the Earth?
(15:50) Social change in the 60’s;
(21:30) In what ways is our...
2022-07-2628 minGod‘s Story PodcastGarry Williams on the AtonementBrent talks to Dr Garry Williams, director of the Pastors' Academy in London about the Cross and the Atonement. What happened when Jesus died on the Cross?
(1:00) Ideas about the Cross and the Atonement;
(2:35) Why people are critical of the doctrine of penal substitution;
(4:45) Criticisms of penal substitution;
(6:28) The Son has one will with the Father;
(7:15) How the Bible speaks of the Atonement;
(10:00) What atonement means;
(11:00) What is penal substitution and on what basis is Jesus our substitute?
(13:20) Penal substitution in the church fathers. Other ways of speaking about the Atonement;
(17:00) How does Hebrews 9 and 10 speak of the At...
2022-07-2225 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 5:1-20 - A Restored AdamBrent and Ian continue their exploration of Mark’s gospel. How does Jesus deal with evil and restore our true humanity?
(0:54) A matchup between two people who are going to have a fight;
(2:45) An unclean area;
(7:00) A demon possessed Gentile – subhuman?
(7:12) How Jesus demonstrates power and control over creation;
(9:20) The unclean pigs. Legion and the Roman army;
(14:05) How fear leads to faith in this account;
(15:00) Fear and faith. The unexpected people are the ones who have faith in Jesus;
(17:14) A new and restored Adam.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
L...
2022-07-1920 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 4:1-34What were Jesus’ parables for? What is the Kingdom of God and is the Lord Jesus Christ a new Adam? Brent and Ian explore Mark 4:1-34.
(2:45) What is a parable?
(3:16) Jesus tells parables so that some people won’t understand them;
(6:10) The farmer and the seed;
(11:40) The purpose of the parables. Judgement;
(14:00) Who or what is the lamp?
(15:30) The measure and judgement;
(16:50) Jesus judges the harvest;
(18:00) The mustard seed and the Old Testament background.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2022-07-1222 minGod‘s Story PodcastBecky Thompson – God So CloseHow well do we know the Holy Spirit? How can we come to know God better?
Brent talks with Becky Thompson, the author of ‘God So Close: Experience a Life Awakened to His Spirit’ published by Thomas Nelson.
Becky is a bestselling author and the creator of the Midnight Mom Devotional Community gathering more than a million moms in nightly prayer.
(0:51) How we can come to know God better;
(1:30) What prevents us from having a deeper experience of God;
(3:12) Becky’s first experience of the Holy Spirit;
(7:10) How the Holy Spirit helps us to love an...
2022-07-0829 minGod‘s Story PodcastJohn Norsworthy – Why Science MattersAre Christianity and modern science opposed to each other? Can you be a Christian and also a scientist?
Brent and Ian are joined by John Norsworthy, an Adjunct Lecturer at Faith Bible College, NZ and the author of ‘Why Science Matters – What DOES the Bible say about things scientific?’
(1:15) Why some Christians are jittery about science;
(2:00) Is science neutral?
(3:05) The biblical worldview the basis for modern science;
(5:00) What the Bible says about nature and knowledge;
(6:20) What’s the Bible’s relationship to science?
(7:30) Student issues with science;
(9:20) The Creation account in Genesis. How the Genesis account differs from...
2022-07-0528 minGod‘s Story PodcastAlastair Roberts on Daniel 6Are we troubled by lions in our life or work?
Brent is joined again by Dr Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States to discuss Daniel chapter 6.
(0:40) Who was Darius the Mede?
(4:10) The Empire Statue;
(5:54) What happens in chapter 6. An internal coup.
(8:00) Darius and the set-up;
(11:46) The importance of writing good laws. Do we really control our laws?
(14:00) The symbolism of lions;
(14:52) More numbers – 70, 7 and 62;
(15:43) Darius’s men as lion like;
(16:00) Daniel’s chamber and the lion’s den;
(17:20) Darius and Daniel as new Adam’s;
(19:30) Another Passover event;
(20:41) Who is the angel?
(20:57) Daniel as a type of...
2022-07-0132 minGod‘s Story PodcastAlastair Roberts on Daniel 5Brent speaks to Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States about Daniel chapter 5.
What is Belshazzar’s Feast? What is the writing on the wall and who does the writing?
We meet a lampstand ‘watcher tree’ and find out about the numbers 62, 3 and 4!
(0:33) The conflict of Empires and Babel;
(1:49) Who was Belshazzar?
(3:00) The events of chapter 5;
((5:50) Belshazzar’s attempt to rebuild the Babel project;
(7:20) A Babelic religious feast?
(11:00) God brings judgement on Belshazzar through the Temple vessels;
(11:35) The lampstand a ‘watcher tree’ that watches over Israel. The almond tree in Scripture and connection wit...
2022-06-2825 minGod‘s Story PodcastSusan Maros – Calling in ContextDo you feel you have a calling from God? What role does each of our backgrounds play in shaping our vocational calling? How does God lead us across the whole of our lifetime?
Susan Maros joins Brent to talk about her new IVP America book called ‘Calling in Context: Social Location and Vocational Formation’.
Susan is an affiliate assistant professor of Christian leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary in the States and an adjunct professor at the King’s University, Southlake, Texas.
(0:47) What is vocational calling?
((1:00) How God forms us over a lifetime of experience;
(1:35) How our...
2022-06-2428 minGod‘s Story PodcastAl Lopus – Road to FlourishingSick and tired of struggling in a toxic workplace? How can we best create flourishing workplaces where people thrive and love what they do?
Brent and Ian talk with Al Lopus, the author of ‘Road to Flourishing – Eight Keys To Boost Employee Engagement and Well-Being’ published by IVP America.
Al is the CEO and co-founder of the Best Christian Workplaces Institute which provides research-based measurement tools and strategic advisory services with a vision to create the most effective workplaces in the world.
Al served for over 20 years in leadership roles with Watson Wyatt where h...
2022-06-2129 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 3:20-35 – Jesus - Mad, Bad or Lord?Was Jesus Mad, Bad or Lord? What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?
Brent and Reido examine Mark 3:20-35.
(1:30) Jesus – Mad or Bad?
(4:00) An investigation;
(5:55) A delegation. Jesus accused of being evil;
(7:00) What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?
(8:50) The family of God.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2022-06-0616 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark Part 4 – Mark 2:13-3:19Brent and Reido continue their study of Mark’s gospel. We meet the lost and lonely and see how Jesus restores their humanity.
(1:10) Jesus and ‘outsiders’;
(3:23) Religious leaders and their opposition to Jesus;
(4:20) A tax collector;
(6:33) Jesus and the sea;
(9:59) The Pharisees;
(12:00) The social outcasts become the insiders;
(15:15) Bridegroom and wedding imagery in Mark;
(17:38) Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath;
(20:10) Jesus our rest and Sabbath;
(27:30) The 12 apostles and the mountain.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2022-05-3132 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark Part 3 – Mark 1:35-2:12Brent and Reido continue their exploration of Mark’s gospel. In this episode, we see echoes of the Creation account in Genesis and how Jesus has total authority over sin and sickness.
(1:40) Mark and the Kingdom of God;
(3:25) Jesus and the wilderness;
(7:25) Mark’s gospel and evil;
(9:51) Leprosy;
(13:45) What sort of king is Jesus going to be?
(18:10) Mark as a detective novel? Who is Jesus?
Links mentioned in this episode:
Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand
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2022-05-2722 minGod‘s Story PodcastJames Salladin on Jonathan EdwardsBrent talks with James Salladin, the rector of Emmanuel Anglican Church in New York about the great 18th century theologian and preacher Jonathan Edwards.
Who was Edwards and what did he believe about grace?
James Salladin’s book ‘Jonathan Edwards and Deification – Reconciling Theosis and the Reformed Tradition’ is published by IVP America.
(0:52) Who was Jonathan Edwards?
(1:40) Edwards and revival in America;
(3:48) Edwards’ writings on revival;
(5:17) Theosis and Scripture;
(9:17) The divine fullness and divine essence in the Eastern tradition;
(11:00) Was Edwards familiar with the Eastern tradition?
(13:10) Edwards’ theology of special grace;
(18:52) Edwards on divine fullness;
(2...
2022-05-2422 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark Lanier - Atheism on TrialHow well do arguments for atheism stand up in a courtroom? Do atheistic frameworks give a satisfactory answer for understanding human existence?
Brent talks with Mark Lanier a trial lawyer and founder of the Lanier Law Firm. Mark was voted 2013 Top Class Action Attorney in America by US News and World Report’s Best Lawyers.
Mark’s book ‘Atheism on Trial: A Lawyer Examines the Case for Unbelief’ is published by IVP America.
1:05) What constitutes evidence in the legal arena?
(2:17) Burden of Proof;
(4:12) Definition of atheism and agnosticism;
(5:55) The arguments for atheism and agnosticism;
(7:15) The evide...
2022-05-2026 minGod‘s Story PodcastBrent Parker on Covenantal and Dispensational Views of the BibleHow do the Old and New Testaments relate to one another? What’s the relationship between the biblical covenants? How does Israel relate to the church?
Brent Parker is assistant editor of the Southern Baptist Journal of Theology and the co-editor of ‘Progressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies’.
He is also is the co-editor of a new book from IVP America called ‘Covenantal and Dispensational Theologies – Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture’.
(1:30) The contributors to this book;
(5:00) What’s the difference between covenantal and dispensational views of the Bible? How does Israel...
2022-05-1732 minGod‘s Story PodcastBrent Parker on Covenantal and Dispensational Views of the BibleHow do the Old and New Testaments relate to one another? What’s the relationship between the biblical covenants? How does Israel relate to the church?
Brent Parker is assistant editor of the Southern Baptist Journal of Theology and the co-editor of ‘Progressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course between Dispensational and Covenantal Theologies’.
He is also is the co-editor of a new book from IVP America called ‘Covenantal and Dispensational Theologies – Four Views on the Continuity of Scripture’.
(1:30) The contributors to this book;
(5:00) What’s the difference between covenantal and dispensational views of the Bible? How does Israel...
2022-05-1732 minGod‘s Story PodcastAlastair Roberts on Daniel 4Brent is joined again by Dr Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States to discuss Daniel 4.
What does Nebuchadnezzar learn about God in this chapter and a discussion of trees and tree imagery in Scripture.
(0:21) What happens in chapter 4. Another dream.
(2:00) Significant numbers in the chapter – 4 and 7;
(3:30) The law of the leprous person;
((4:20) We find out who the true king really is;
(7:35) What Nebuchadnezzar learns about God in this chapter;
(8:50) The tree image and the biblical theology of trees;
(13:30) Nebuchadnezzar’s vision and Ezekiel 17;
(14:10) The great cosmic tree;
(18:20) The dew of heaven and baptism;
(19:20) Nebuch...
2022-05-1329 minGod‘s Story PodcastAlastair Roberts on Daniel 3Brent talks to Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States.
How is Nebuchadnezzar’s worship a parody of God’s Temple worship and who is the fourth man?
(0:26) The conflict of Empires in Daniel;
(4:10) What happens in chapter 3;
(5:50) Nebuchadnezzar’s image and what it represents
(8:17) Nebuchadnezzar’s confusion between God’s reign and human rule;
(9:19) Nebuchadnezzar’s religious worship a parody of God’s Temple worship;
(10:15) Humour and satire in Daniel 3;
(11:50) The role of music in the chapter;
(15:00) Nebuchadnezzar’s officials and the Levites in the Old Testament system;
(18:15) Numbers in the text – 7;
(19:45) Who is the fourth man?
...
2022-05-1028 minGod‘s Story PodcastHarriet Connor – Families in God’s PlanBrent talks to Harriet Connor, the content editor of ‘Growing Faith’ in Sydney, Australia.
What does the Bible have to say about families and what’s a covenantal view of family life?
Harriet’s book ‘Families in God’s Plan’ is out from Youthworks Media, Sydney.
(0:50) Growing Faith magazine;
(2:35) Harriet’s biography and interest in languages;
(3:40) A biblical theology of the family;
(10:27) The Bible’s big picture of the family;
(12:42) How sin and the Fall affected families;
(14:29) Our children are ‘image bearers’;
(16:45) Different ideas of parenting;
(22:10) The role of the covenants in family life in Scripture;
(27:38...
2022-05-0634 minGod‘s Story PodcastJason Baxter – The Medieval Mind of C.S. LewisWhat shaped the mind of C.S. Lewis? Many of us know Lewis only through his ‘Narnia’ Chronicles but we might not know his work as a professor of medieval literature.
Brent talks with Jason Baxter, the associate professor of fine arts and humanities at Wyoming Catholic College.
Jason’s book ‘The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis – How Great Books Shaped a Great Mind’ is published by IVP America.
(0:50) Lewis – a man of the medieval age?
(2:19) C.S. Lewis and ‘climate’ in literature;
(5:10) The medieval view of the planets. How the planets provide the ‘weather’ for t...
2022-05-0334 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 1 Part 2Who is Jesus and what is the Kingdom of God?
Ian and Brent continue their exploration of Mark chapter 1.
(1:50) The culmination of God’s story of creation;
(2:30) Jesus as the culmination of the universe;
(4:40) What is the Kingdom of God?
(6:40) The Kingdom of God is being built through the church and God’s people;
(8:23) Why were the first disciples fishermen?
(9:00) Fishing imagery in the Old Testament;
(12:00) Jesus the King;
(13:30) Demon possession in the gospels;
(14:45) Jesus’ kingdom and evil powers;
(21:30) How each of the four gospels reflect different aspects of Jesus’ ministry;
(24:20) The significance of the four gospels. ...
2022-04-2928 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark 1 Part 1Mark 1 Part 1
Ian and Brent begin a new series on the gospel of Mark beginning with chapter 1:1-13.
How does Mark allude back to the creation account in Genesis and why is Jesus a new Adam and Joshua?
(0:35) What is a gospel?
(1:00) Who was Mark?
(2:10) The date of the gospel. Possibly the earliest gospel?
(8:40) How Mark’s gospel picks up the whole Old Testament;
(10:35) The title ‘Christ’;
(12:50) Who was John the Baptist?
(15:15) The significance of the Jordan River;
(16:30) Jesus as a new creation. Echoes of Genesis 1;
(18:10) More Genesis creation allusions;
(20:20) Jesus a new Joshua;
(23:30) Jesus the...
2022-04-2632 minGod‘s Story PodcastMark Baker on Non-judgementalismDo you want to be part of a church that’s faithful to the gospel but isn’t judgemental or legalistic?
Brent talks with Mark Baker, a professor of mission and theology at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California.
Mark’s book ‘Centered-Set Church-Discipleship and Community Without Judgementalism’ is published by IVP America.
(0:42) Why judgementalism is such a problem in the church;
(1:35) Mark’s Christian journey. The problem of legalism. What is a centered-set church?
(10:17) How relationship is important in a centered-set church;
(13:56) The centered approach and loneliness;
(15:26) Jesus’ centered approach in the gospels;
(19:40...
2022-04-2228 minGod‘s Story PodcastHebrews 13 - Sex, money and acceptance.Brent and Ian discuss the three main topics in Hebrews 13: Sex, money and acceptance.
(2:10) Hebrews as a warning;
(3:12) Chapter 13 as a summary;
(3:59) Brotherly love, hospitality and the suffering church;
(4:15) Sex, money and acceptance;
(6:20) Sex as an idol;
(7:06) How money can divert our attention;
(8:34) Contentment;
(10:51) How we should treat our church leaders;
(13:37) Acceptance. The ways we live for a different reality;
(15:28) A sacrifice of praise and a sacrifice of doing good;
(16:35) Respect for leaders and leading by example;
(20:30) A doxology.
Leave some feedback:
What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments.
2022-04-0127 minGod‘s Story PodcastChantal Giorgini on Hope in the StormsBrent talks with Chantal Giorgini about her new book from Castle Publishing in New Zealand called ‘Hope in the Storms – When Faith Can Move Mountains’.
Do the storms of life threaten to overtake you? Whereabouts is God in the storm?
(0:41) How Chantal’s life has been characterised by storms;
(2:15) How God is faithful through our storms;
(3:57) How God is busy in the background of our lives;
(6:00) God never gives us situations we can’t handle;
(7:00) Why God allows storms in our lives;
(8:40) Chantal’s early life and abuse;
(9:50) How Chantal came back to God;
(11:00) Advice for victims of a...
2022-03-2530 minGod‘s Story PodcastJohn Norsworthy on HumilityBrent talks to John Norsworthy, an Adjunct Lecturer at Faith Bible College, NZ about his new book from Castle Publishing called ‘Why Humility Matters – The radical idea of the practice of humility’.
(1:10) Why humility is such a radical idea. Definition of humility;
(4:30) Is the practice of humility distinctively Christian?
(5:30) Was humility valued in ancient society?
(6:30) Modern political leaders;
(7:10) The Greek idea of ‘hubris’;
(8:30) What successful leadership is. Service;
(9:00) Humility often the best form of defense;
(11:40) How does the OT value humility?
(16:15) How Jesus embodies and demonstrates humility;
(20:00) How Paul dealt with humility in his letters;
(21:40) Our position of honor is ac...
2022-03-2228 minGod‘s Story PodcastTom Nelson – The Flourishing PastorBrent talks to Tom Nelson, the president of ‘Made to Flourish’ a network that seeks to empower pastors to lead churches that produce human flourishing for the common good.
Tom’s new book from IVP America is called ‘The Flourishing Pastor: Recovering the Lost Art of Shepherd Leadership’.
(0:55) What makes a flourishing pastor;
(1:13) Is the art of pastoral leadership a lost art?
(2:30) Why so many pastors burn out;
(3:00) The celebrity culture in parts of the modern church;
(6:00) The pressure churches are putting on pastors;
(7:30) Advice to young pastors in prominent ministries with high visibility;
(9:30) Pastoral apprenticeships;
(12:15) Ministry sh...
2022-03-1833 minGod‘s Story PodcastKelly Kapic – You’re Only HumanBrent talks to Kelly Kapic, a professor of theological studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia about his new book from Brazos Press, ‘You’re Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God’s Design and Why That’s Good News’.
We find out how our limits reflect God’s design and why that’s good news!
(0:45) Why should we reflect on our human limitations?
(1:30) Ways we’re not in control;
(2:39) How we can face our human limitations;
(3:52) Anxious children;
(4:20) Modern life is ‘violent’. Anxiety is an inappropriate relation to time. Anxiety can overwhelm us;
(5:30) The history of clocks and o...
2022-03-1526 minGod‘s Story PodcastHebrews 12 Pt2 - Gospel truthsBrent and Ian discuss Hebrews chapter 12 verses 14-29
How do we live out the truth of the gospel and persevere in faith?
(2:00) Living at peace with people. How do we do it?
(3:25) Is it always possible to live at peace with everyone?
(4:30) Difficult people in churches;
(5:30) Holiness is God’s goal for our lives;
(7:30) Why it’s important to become more like Jesus;
(9:00) Exercising appropriate anger and still living at peace with people;
(10:00) Bitterness and immorality;
(10:52) Bitterness connected to legalism;
(11:38) What is legalism and what’s lawlessness?
(13:45) How grace is the antidote for bitterness;
(15:00) How immorality damages...
2022-03-1126 min