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Orthodocs.faithThe Creeds, Ep. 2John and Ron continue their series on the creeds, and in this episode they look at the Apostles' Creed. What is it? Where did it come from? What does it have to say?John and Ron also cue up their next episode. They briefly cover the historical drama that led up to the fourth century. You won't want to miss it.2025-04-1021 minOrthodocs.faithThe Creeds, Ep. 1In this episode, John and Ron introduce their new series on the creeds. 6What is the relationship between early Christian creeds and scripture? How did they develop?In this first episode, John and Ron look at work by Irenaeus, a second century Christian figure, and the evidence he provides for early creedal material.2025-03-2723 min
Orthodocs.faithAudio Tours, pt. 4: EphesusRon and John continue their “audio tours” of archaeological sites with significant biblical connections. In this episode, they visit one of Ron’s all-time favorite sites: Ephesus.
The post Audio Tours, pt. 4: Ephesus appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2024-11-2300 minOrthodocs.faithAudio Tours, Pt. 4: EphesusRon and John continue their "audio tours" of archaeological sites with significant biblical connections. In this episode, they visit one of Ron's all-time favorite sites: Ephesus. 2024-11-2326 minOrthodocs.faithAudio Tours, pt. 2: CorinthJohn and Ron continue their audio tours of ancient sites, this time in Corinth, Greece. They discuss the crucial geography of Corinth and review the site with an eye towards Paul’s visit as it is described in Acts 18. Photos by Ron Bentley
The post Audio Tours, pt. 2: Corinth appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2024-10-2600 minOrthodocs.faithOld in the New, pt. 4: John and RevelationJohn and Ron conclude their series on Old Testament quotes and allusions in the New. This time they look at the Gospel of John, the letters of John, and Revelation.
The post Old in the New, pt. 4: John and Revelation appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2024-09-2800 minOrthodocs.faithOld in the New, Ep. 4: John and RevelationJohn and Ron conclude their series on Old Testament quotes and allusions in the New. This time they look at John and Revelation.2024-09-2723 minOrthodocs.faithBible Survey, Part 4: The Good News (Encore)This is the fourth episode in the Introduction to the Bible series John and Ron first released several years ago. In this episode, they turn their attention to the New Testament. When they first released this episode in Season 2, John and Ron solicited ideas for a series. The series [...]
The post Bible Survey, Part 4: The Good News (Encore) appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2024-08-1632 minOrthodocs.faithIntroduction to the Bible, Ep. 4 (Re-release)This is the fourth episode in the Introduction to the Bible series John and Ron first released several years ago. In this episode, they turn their attention to the New Testament for the first time.When they first released this episode several years ago, John and Ron solicited ideas for series. The series they suggested, the Sermon on the Mount, actually happened! You can find it on their website.However, suggestions are still welcome. Send us a message at contact@orthodocs.faith. We'd love to hear from you.2024-08-1632 minOrthodocs.faithIntroduction to the Bible, Ep. 2 (Re-release)This is the second installment in John and Ron's whirlwind five episode introduction to the Bible as a whole. Here they conclude their discussion of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible.In the next episode, John and Ron will begin their series on the Old Testament in the New.2024-06-2129 minOrthodocs.faithBible Survey, Part 1: From the Beginning (Encore)As we enter the summer of 2024, John and Ron are wrapping up a series on Faith and Reason. They will finish that series in the episode after this one.Through the summer they plan to release a series of episodes called The Old Testament in the New. They will examine places where the New Testament quotes or alludes to the Old. When they do that, it will help to have the big picture of how the Bible is put together. The Bible is a complex set of documents assembled over a vast period of time. W...2024-05-2426 minOrthodocs.faithGospel of John, pt 5: ConclusionJohn and Ron conclude their survey of the Gospel of John in this episode. They look closely at the remarkable opening chapter of the book.
The post Gospel of John, pt 5: Conclusion appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2024-01-0518 minOrthodocs.faithGospel of John, Ep. 5: ConclusionJohn and Ron conclude their survey of the Gospel of John in this episode. They look closely at the remarkable opening chapter of the book.2024-01-0518 minOrthodocs.faithGospel of John, pt 4: Out of DivisionIn this episode, John and Ron work their way through John 9, where Jesus heals a man born blind. This fascinating mini-drama yields crucial clues to the context in which the Gospel was likely written.
The post Gospel of John, pt 4: Out of Division appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2023-12-2230 minOrthodocs.faithGospel of John, Ep. 4: Out of DivisionIn this episode, John and Ron work their way through John 9, where Jesus heals a man born blind. This fascinating mini-drama yields crucial clues to the context in which the Gospel was likely written.2023-12-2230 minOrthodocs.faithGospel of John, pt 3: Water into WineJohn and Ron revisit an episode from a previous season where they address John 2, the story of Jesus turning water into wine. Why is that story so important? Why does the Gospel of John place it first among the miracles Jesus performs?
The post Gospel of John, pt 3: Water into Wine appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2023-12-0923 minOrthodocs.faithGospel of John, Ep. 3: Water into WineJohn and Ron revisit an episode from a few years ago where they address John 2, the story of Jesus turning water into wine. Why is that story so important? Why does the Gospel of John place it first among the miracles Jesus performs?2023-12-0823 minOrthodocs.faithGospel of John, pt 2: The PassionIn this second episode on the Gospel of John, Ron and John survey the “march to the cross,” and they examine John’s unique emphases in the story of the crucifixion.
The post Gospel of John, pt 2: The Passion appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2023-11-2520 minOrthodocs.faithGospel of John, Ep. 2: The PassionIn this second episode on the Gospel of John, Ron and John survey the "march to the cross," and they examine John's unique emphases in the story of the crucifixion.2023-11-2520 minOrthodocs.faithGospel of John, pt 1: Feeding the 5,000, John's WayJohn and Ron introduce a new series on the Gospel of John. In this first episode they examine how John tells the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. They compare it to the way Mark tells the same story, and they uncover several of the features that make the Gospel of John [...]
The post Gospel of John, pt 1: Feeding the 5,000, John’s Way appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2023-11-1125 minOrthodocs.faithGospel of John, Ep. 1: Feeding the 5,000, John's WayJohn and Ron introduce a new series on the Gospel of John. In this first episode they examine how John tells the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. They compare it to the way Mark tells the same story, and they uncover several of the features that make the Gospel of John so distinct.2023-11-1025 minOrthodocs.faithFree Will: What's Grace Got to Do With It? Ep. 2This is the second episode where John and Ron explore the interplay between grace -- what God does for us -- and free will -- what we decide for ourselves.In this episode, they delve into numerous excerpts from scripture that inform this topic, but it includes passages that also raise as many questions as they answer. As always, though, they look to all of scripture, the Old and New Testaments alike, and they discover a key in the Old Testament perspective that clearly illuminates New Testament language about predestination.Join John and Ron as t...2023-06-0933 minOrthodocs.faithJohn's Choice: How Christian Hope Goes Beyond WordsThis episode is the second of two in which Ron and John each choose a favorite from the archives to share. This time it’s John’s choice. We hope you enjoy this as we prepare to begin our newest series in the next episode. Here’s what John has to say about [...]
The post John’s Choice: How Christian Hope Goes Beyond Words appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2023-05-1221 minOrthodocs.faithRon's Choice: Doctrine of GodThis episode is the first of two in which Ron and John each choose a favorite from the archives to share. Ron goes first, and next time it’s John’s choice. We hope you enjoy this as we take time to prepare our next series and get ready to lean into [...]
The post Ron’s Choice: Doctrine of God appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2023-04-2835 minOrthodocs.faithGenesis 1-3: The Story in ContextJohn and Ron open their fourth season of Orthodocs.faith with a new series on the first three chapters of Genesis. The stories told there are crucial to the way Christians describe God’s work in the world—just not always the way we expect! John and Ron open with an orientation to these foundational [...]
The post Genesis 1-3: The Story in Context appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2023-01-0628 minOrthodocs.faithGenesis 1-3, Ep. 1: The Story in ContextJohn and Ron open their fourth season of Orthodocs.faith with a new series on the first three chapters of Genesis. The stories told there are crucial to the way Christians describe God's work in the world -- just not always the way we expect! John and Ron open with an orientation to these foundational three chapters, and they discuss how important it is to read them in context.2023-01-0628 minOrthodocs.faithIntro. to Theology, Ep. 9: EschatologyJohn and Ron conclude their series on the introduction to Christian theology. Wild theories abound. John and Ron ask: What can we reasonably say about God's final purposes for creation given what we read in scripture?2022-11-2634 minOrthodocs.faithDoctrine of the ChurchRon and John now consider the doctrine of the church as they near the end of their series on a basic introduction to Christian theology. What is the church? What role does it play? The conversation takes a noticeably practical turn as John and Ron ask how someone can know the Holy [...]
The post Doctrine of the Church appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2022-11-1136 minOrthodocs.faithIntro. to Theology, Ep. 8: Doctrine of the ChurchJohn and Ron now consider the doctrine of the church as they near the end of their series on a basic introduction to Christian theology. What is the church? What role does it play? The conversation takes a noticeably practical turn as John and Ron ask how someone can know the Holy Spirit is at work in a specific congregation.2022-11-1136 minOrthodocs.faithIntro. to Theology, Ep. 2: Doctrine of GodIn this second episode of their introduction to basic Christian theology, Ron and John tackle the doctrine of God: Who is God? What is God like? They navigate the difficult terrain of talking about God in a way that represents responsibly what we can know but avoids bold claims about the things we cannot.2022-08-1935 minOrthodocs.faithIntro. to Theology, Ep. 1: ProlegomenaJohn and Ron begin their introduction to basic Christian theology with a session on "prolegomena," the things that need to be said at the beginning.2022-08-0639 minOrthodocs.faithFirst John, pt. 4: ConclusionIn this episode, John and Ron conclude their series on the letter of 1 John, and this time it’s no holds barred as they go after misreadings of the letter!
The post First John, pt. 4: Conclusion appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2022-07-2225 minOrthodocs.faithFirst John, pt. 4: ConclusionIn this episode, John and Ron conclude their series on the letter of 1 John, and this time it's no holds barred as they go after misreadings of the letter!2022-07-2225 minOrthodocs.faithFirst John, pt. 3: God is LoveIn this episode, John and Ron reach the heart of the letter: God is love. But does it mean what we think? Or is the author of 1 John saying something about love we don’t expect?
The post First John, pt. 3: God is Love appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2022-07-0922 minOrthodocs.faithFirst John, pt. 3: God Is LoveIn this episode, John and Ron reach the heart of the letter: God is love. But does it mean what we think? Or is the author of 1 John saying something about love we don't expect?2022-07-0822 minOrthodocs.faithFirst John, pt. 2: DivisionIn this second episode of the series on First John, Ron and John delve into the division that lay behind the letter’s sharp admonitions to its readers.
The post First John, pt. 2: Division appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2022-06-2529 minOrthodocs.faithFirst John, pt. 2: DivisionIn this second episode of the series on First John, John and Ron delve into the division that lay behind the letter's sharp admonitions to its readers.2022-06-2429 minOrthodocs.faithFirst John, pt. 1: What We Have Seen and HeardRon and John introduce a new series on the letter of First John. The letter opens with an emphatic statement about the concrete reality of the gospel, and it moves quickly to the difficult topic of love in the context of bitter division.
The post First John, pt. 1: What We Have Seen and Heard appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2022-06-1028 minOrthodocs.faithFirst John, pt. 1: What We Have Seen and HeardJohn and Ron introduce a new series on the letter of First John. The letter opens with an emphatic statement about the concrete reality of the gospel, and it moves quickly to the difficult topic of love in the context of bitter division.2022-06-1028 minOrthodocs.faithJoshua, part 5: Settling a Promised LandThe final episode in the Book of Joshua series reviews the results of Israel's campaigns to take the land of Canaan and God's instructions for its distribution to the tribes. The text appears to report that Israel both did and did not subdue the whole of Canaan. Ron and John discuss how we should read this in order to understand the final section of the book.2022-05-2727 minOrthodocs.faithJoshua, part 4: Jericho and AiIn this fourth episode of their series in Joshua, Ron and John tackle the exciting but difficult episodes that describe the conquests of Jericho and Ai. Before those battles, however, important rituals set up what follows in order to keep the focus on the real message of the Book of Joshua: God's covenant faithfulness.2022-05-1333 minOrthodocs.faithJoshua, part 3: Crossing the Jordan RiverIn the discussion this time, Ron and John follow the people of Israel as they cross the Jordan River into the promised land. In Joshua 3-4, God arranges their passage in a spectacular way. This episode takes a close look at how that happens and how the story is told—and retold.2022-04-2928 minOrthodocs.faithJoshua, Part II: Spies Visit RahabIn the second installment of their series on Joshua, John and Ron take a close look at chapter 2. Joshua—once a spy for Moses—now dispatches his own spies to scope out Jericho. Their encounter with a woman named Rahab proves intriguing.2022-04-1529 minOrthodocs.faithJoshua, Part I: Be Strong and CourageousRon and John begin a new series in the Book of Joshua by looking at how Joshua's story fits into the biblical narrative and how Israel begins its final preparations to enter the promised land. "Be strong and courageous" is the word in chapter 1 as Israel moves toward the fulfillment of an ancient divine promise.2022-04-0131 minOrthodocs.faithSermon on the Mount, Part 6: ConclusionJohn and Ron conclude their treatment of the Sermon on the Mount, but there are still some surprises to come in the statements Jesus makes during his epilogue.2022-03-1831 minOrthodocs.faithSermon on the Mount, Part 5: Unwavering Kingdom FocusIn this episode, John and Ron reach the end of the primary instruction in the Sermon on the Mount with the Golden Rule as the grand finale. Along the way, though, they have to confront the challenging address about worrying.2022-03-0425 minOrthodocs.faithSermon on the Mount, Part 4: The Lord's PrayerJohn returns from a recent trip to the Holy Land, and in this episode he and Ron explore the background and significance of Jesus' teaching on prayer. The Lord's Prayer is a central part of this teaching, and a special treat related to it waits for you at the end of the episode.2022-02-1830 minOrthodocs.faithSermon on the Mount, Part 3: The Kingdom's High StandardsWith one example after another, the surprises continue as Jesus challenges his audience in the Sermon on the Mount. Ron and John continue their treatment of Matthew 5-7 and the question of what righteousness looks like in the kingdom of God. Jesus gives his answer to this question in increasing detail as the Sermon on the Mount unfolds.2022-01-2831 minOrthodocs.faithSermon on the Mount, Part 2: Fulfilling the LawRon and John continue to work through the Sermon on the Mount. In this episode, they deal with the claim Jesus makes early in the Sermon that he fulfills the Law. The question of "What is righteousness?" also comes up as Jesus continues to surprise those listening to him teach.2022-01-2133 minOrthodocs.faithSermon on the Mount, Part 1: IntroductionWhat does life in the kingdom of God look like? Jesus takes on that question in the Sermon on the Mount, and in this first episode of a new series Ron and John begin a close look at his answer. He starts with some surprises and raises some unexpected expectations.2022-01-0728 minOrthodocs.faithThe Day of the Lord, Part 3In this final episode of the Day of the Lord series, John and Ron examine the letters of Paul and the New Testament books associated with the apostle John. They conclude (as they must, of course!) with the baffling book of Revelation. This episode released on Christmas Eve, 2021. What does [...]
The post The Day of the Lord, Part 3 appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2021-12-2433 minOrthodocs.faithThe Day of the Lord, Part 3In this final episode of the Day of the Lord series, John and Ron examine the letters of Paul and the New Testament books associated with the apostle John. They conclude (as they must, of course!) with the baffling book of Revelation. This episode released on Christmas Eve, 2021. What does Christmas have to do with the end of the world? Come find out.2021-12-2333 minOrthodocs.faithThe Day of the Lord, Part 2New Testament Christians insisted that all our hopes are fulfilled in the work God accomplished in Jesus Christ. A cursory examination of the world around us suggests that all our hopes are not yet fulfilled. What gives? Concentrating on the story that Luke tells in the books of Luke and Acts, Ron and John continue their discussion of the "Day of the Lord" to which the Bible looked—and yet still looks—forward.2021-12-1028 minOrthodocs.faithThe Day of the Lord, Part 1Ron and John kick off a new season and a new series with the topic "The Day of the Lord". The Bible looks forward to a future time when God would make all things right. In this first of three episodes, they look at the Old Testament foundations for a Christian perspective on the future. How did Israel's prophets describe how God finally resolves all things?2021-11-2630 minOrthodocs.faithSeason 3 Begins: Catching UpSeason 2 is over! Season 3 is here. As they prepare for a new Advent series in the Year of our Lord 2021, Ron and John pause to reflect on where they've been and where they're headed.Also: come see what Christmas has to do with the end of the world!2021-11-1229 minOrthodocs.faithProblem of Evil #4In this episode John and Ron conclude their episode on the problem of evil. They ask what we can say when we're confronted with evil—as well as what we should not say! They also dive back into scripture. How does this account of the problem of evil square with what scripture says, and how does God confront evil in Jesus Christ?2021-10-2930 minOrthodocs.faithProblem of Evil #3: Free Will DefenseIn this episode John and Ron dive into the core of the problem of evil. They consider the "argument from evil"—an argument that because of evil God cannot exist as Christians describe God—and they offer the free will defense as an answer.2021-10-1530 minOrthodocs.faithThe Problem of Evil, Part 2In this episode Ron and John sort out what good and evil are. They conclude by examining an episode where Jesus' disciples demand to know: why did this particular bad thing happen?2021-10-0127 minOrthodocs.faithThe Problem of Evil, Part 1Ron and John begin a four-episode series on what is traditionally called "the problem of evil." In this episode, we lay the groundwork for a conversation that deals with the problem of accounting for evil things that happen in the world around us given what we say we believe about God.2021-09-1730 minOrthodocs.faithMark 2: Bringing Down the HouseIn this second of two interim summer episodes, Ron and John take a look at Mark 2, where Jesus heals a man who was paralyzed. What Jesus says and does next when the man is lowered through the roof in order to reach him is unexpected, intriguing, and even scandalous.2021-09-0220 minOrthodocs.faithJohn 2: Water into WineIn this interim episode at the end of summer, 2021, John and Ron ask: why is it so important that Jesus turns water into wine early in the Gospel of John?
The post John 2: Water into Wine appeared first on Orthodocs.faith.2021-08-2024 minOrthodocs.faithJohn 2: Water into WineIn this interim episode at the end of summer, 2021, John and Ron ask: why is it so important that Jesus turns water into wine early in the Gospel of John?2021-08-2024 minOrthodocs.faithJonah, part 4: Whine from the VineHow does the story end? Ron and John conclude their survey of Jonah as we find Jonah and God in conversation for the first time. Through their dialogue we see Jonah's motivations, God's heart, and the big lesson of the story.2021-07-2327 minOrthodocs.faithJonah, part 3: Second ChancesJonah survived his encounter with the sea in chapter 2. What happens next? Ron and John follow Jonah to his next destination and explore the startling events that now happen on land.2021-07-0927 minOrthodocs.faithJonah, part 2: Inside OutIn the second chapter of Jonah, the fact that the prophet spends three days and three nights in the belly of a fish is not the only surprising development. Ron and John take a deep dive into what Jonah has to say as he ponders his predicament. 2021-06-2426 minOrthodocs.faithJonah, part 1: See Jonah RunRon and John begin a new series through the book of Jonah. In this episode, we introduce the book with a look at its background and setting, what kind of story it is, and how the drama gets underway in chapter 1. 2021-06-1126 minOrthodocs.faithOrthodocs.faith Live in Irving, TexasOn May 2, Ron and John joined Dr. Doug Fox, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Irving, Texas, for a live discussion in their worship service. Our focus was the Bible as a single story and the importance of reading the Old and New Testaments together. We hope you enjoy this "live episode" as much as we did!2021-05-2832 minOrthodocs.faithCitizens of HeavenOur series in Philippians continues in chapter 3, where we learn that next to knowing Christ, everything else is valueless in comparison. Ron and John explore this crucial point that Paul makes and how he makes it, along with a further look at how he appeals to the Roman Philippians as citizens of heaven.2021-04-2929 minOrthodocs.faithUnity, Humility, and the Mindset of ChristRon and John continue in Philippians with chapter 2, including a discussion of how this chapter instructs Christians in both beliefs and behavior. The person and example of Jesus Christ are at the very center of what the apostle Paul has to say to both the Philippian church and to modern Christians today.2021-04-1630 minOrthodocs.faithTo Philippi from Prisoner PaulIn this first of four episodes surveying the Book of Philippians, Ron and John explore the unique background of Philippi as it relates to understanding Paul’s letter and dive into the first chapter.2021-04-0229 minOrthodocs.faithBible Survey (Part 5): Epistles and RevelationRon and John conclude their survey of the Bible with a review of the final books of the New Testament and a brief look at the process by which the Christian Bible was recognized as scripture by Christians.2021-03-1932 minOrthodocs.faithBible Survey (Part 4): The Good NewsWe continue our survey through the Bible to follow the core story into the New Testament. As the long-awaited Messiah comes and the good news spreads, the work that God began in and through Israel advances. Ron and John discuss the four gospels and the Book of Acts as the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus take center stage.2021-03-0432 minOrthodocs.faithBible Survey (Part 3): Kings, Prophets, and MoreRon and John conclude the Old Testament portion of their survey through the Bible. We talk about King David, some history of the Israelite kingdoms that followed him, the prophets that spoke to those kingdoms and their neighbors, and the poetry that reflected on life with God.2021-02-1931 minOrthodocs.faithBible Survey (Part 2): From Moses to King SaulThe story continues as God works through Moses and his successors in Israel to fulfill a promise to redeem humankind. Ron and John survey the books of Exodus through the reign of Saul in 1 Samuel.2021-02-0528 minOrthodocs.faithBible Survey (Part 1): From the BeginningRon and John begin a five-episode survey of the biblical story's basic outline. We start with an introduction to the Bible itself and a look back to the beginning—the Book of Genesis.2021-01-2226 minOrthodocs.faithWorshiping, Waiting, and WitnessingRon and John conclude the series Prepare the Way with a look at two faithful followers of God who worshiped continuously as they waited for their Savior. When they saw him, they knew that God had fulfilled his promise to comfort and to restore humankind. We can learn much from their worship, waiting, and witness.For information about our companion eBook for this series, Prepare the Way, visit the store at orthodocs.faith/shop.2021-01-0830 minOrthodocs.faithOrdinary Shepherds Hear from HeavenIn this episode, Ron and John take a close look at the classic nativity story in Luke 2. The fulfillment of God’s promise in Isaiah 40 bursts into the world as heaven sings!For information about our companion eBook for this series, Prepare the Way, visit the store at orthodocs.faith/shop.2020-12-2328 minOrthodocs.faithThe Voice Who Calls Us to PrepareIn the second episode of our series “Prepare the Way,” Ron and John show how Isaiah 40 is a key setting for how the gospels introduce Jesus. We look specifically at Matthew 3:1-12 and listen to the “voice of one calling” humankind to “prepare the way.” That voice is John the Baptist’s, and its connection to Isaiah sheds important light on the person and mission of Jesus.2020-12-1130 minOrthodocs.faithPrepare the Way for the KingRon and John introduce Isaiah 40, a magnificent chapter with dual themes of comfort and hope on one hand and the majesty of God on the other. This key passage is a foundation upon which all four New Testament gospel writers introduce the life and ministry of Jesus. Many Christians will recognize it, and all Christians should know why it is so significant.2020-11-2731 minOrthodocs.faithLooking Back, Ahead, and Behind the ScenesIn a light-hearted episode, John and Ron look back at season 1 of their podcast -- and forward to season 2.2020-11-1227 minOrthodocs.faithHope that Does Not FailWe have examined where hope was fixed in the biblical story and how that informs us as we think about where our hope belongs today. In this final episode of Ultimate Hope Has a Name, Ron and John describe how early Christians focused all the hopes of ancient Israel on the individual Jesus. How did they know that Jesus was the answer to their ancient hope? Where exactly should we place our hope for the future now? Is there such a thing as ultimate hope, beyond which there is no need to hope for anything else?2020-10-3024 minOrthodocs.faithUltimate Hope Has a HistoryOur series Ultimate Hope Has a Name continues in this episode that looks into hope’s Old Testament past. Biblical hope focuses on the fulfillment of ancient promises that God made and that gather around a coming Messiah-King. What are those promises, and how does a future Israelite king relate to them? Ron and John discuss how those hopes for a Messiah developed in ancient Israel and why they became important to the intense expectations that arose in the years before Jesus’ birth.2020-10-0231 minOrthodocs.faithHow Christian Hope Goes Beyond WordsIn this opening episode of our new series Ultimate Hope Has a Name, Ron and John begin to dig into what Christian hope really is. It is far more substantial and powerful than a mere desire for something to happen in the future. We begin a journey here toward a deeper, biblical understanding of hope—one that will not only change our lives but will also change the world. Is there an ultimate hope that leaves us longing for nothing more? Can we name that hope? A careful quest to grasp an ultimate hope for our future requires us to...2020-09-1821 minOrthodocs.faithThanksgiving Psalms of PraiseIn this episode, John and Ron explore praise psalms of thanksgiving and look at Psalm 116 as an example. 2020-07-2532 minOrthodocs.faithPsalms of Praise for Who God IsSome psalms offer praise to God simply for who God is. In this episode, Ron and John take up this kind of praise psalm and focus on Psalm 8 as an example. We also connect with how the New Testament understood Psalm 8. These psalms of praise help to lead us today in our created purpose to worship God, and we explore that potential in the discussion as well.2020-07-1037 minOrthodocs.faithPsalms of Lament: Faithful WeepingPsalms express real life, including the low places of grief, frustration, despair, and even anger at God. Can we complain to God at such times? Can we be exasperated and faithful at the same time? In this episode, Ron and John explore psalms of lament, which can help to lead us in those seasons of anguish, and to cling to God in life’s storms. We look at Psalms 13, 22, and 85 as examples of how this works.2020-06-2630 minOrthodocs.faithThrough the Front Door of the PsalmsIn this new series called Journey through the Psalms, Ron and John begin the trek by introducing the Book of Psalms as a whole and discussing the role of Psalms in Jewish and Christian tradition. Next, we examine the “front door” of this magnificent book, Psalm 1. How does it invite us onto the journey? What choice does it encourage us to make as we seek a life that ultimately leads to the core of our created purpose: the pure, unbridled praise of God?2020-06-1234 minOrthodocs.faithIntroduction to Orthodocs.faithRon and John explain what they set about to accomplish with their podcast on Orthodocs.faith.2020-06-0504 minOrthodocs.faithResurrection: Essential to the StoryIn this second of three episodes on 1 Corinthians 15, Ron and John continue the discussion of resurrection and why the hope of the Christian faith rests so heavily on it. How does the logic work? What should our response be? And what is the “big-picture” point of it all? We look at First Corinthians 15:12-34 for some answers.2020-05-0827 minOrthodocs.faithResurrection: the Core StoryWith a dive into 1 Corinthians 15, Ron and John continue the conversation about resurrection and why it is an essential foundation for the Christian faith. In this episode, we discuss 1 Corinthians as a whole and begin to work through chapter 15 and its crucial resurrection message for us with a look at verses 1-11.2020-04-2427 minOrthodocs.faithResurrection, Easter Special, 2020In this special Easter weekend episode, Ron and John explore the core Christian doctrine of resurrection from the dead. Why is it such a critical, indispensable foundation for our faith? Why does it matter so much, and how can reflecting on this topic nourish our hope in our own challenging times?2020-04-1028 minOrthodocs.faithDoctrine of Last ThingsIn this last episode in our series on basic Christian theology, Ron and John explore some essentials of Christian belief about the end times. 2020-03-3045 minOrthodocs.faithDoctrine of the ChurchJohn and Ron take up the question of the church. What is the church? What role does it play in the lives of Christians?2020-03-1549 minOrthodocs.faithDoctrine of SalvationIn this episode, Ron and John explore what salvation is: What does it mean to be “saved,” why do we need to be saved, and what is the goal of salvation? 2020-02-2845 minOrthodocs.faithDoctrine of Human BeingsWhat does it mean to be human? In this episode on a Christian doctrine of humanity, Ron and John build on the doctrine of God as they look into who we are as human beings created in the image of God. Who are we? Why are we? And whose are we? 2020-02-0947 minOrthodocs.faithCreation, Providence and the Problem of EvilJohn and Ron tackle the doctrine of creation and providence, but hard on its heels comes the problem of evil. If God has the power, why doesn't God fix everything that goes wrong?2020-01-2344 minOrthodocs.faithDoctrine of the Holy SpiritJohn and Ron will say many times that Christians worship one God in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In this episode they take up the following question: who is the Holy Spirit?2020-01-1948 minOrthodocs.faithDoctrine of Jesus ChristThe story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is absolutely central to a Christian understanding of the world. But how is it related to the doctrine of God? John and Ron explore that in this episode.2020-01-1951 minOrthodocs.faithDoctrine of GodWho is God? What is God like? These and other questions about God are front and center as Ron and John navigate the difficult terrain of talking about God in a way that represents responsibly what we can know but avoids bold claims about the things we cannot.2020-01-1446 minOrthodocs.faithProlegomenaWhat is Christian theology? What assumptions does it begin with? What questions is it trying to answer? How does scripture factor into all this? John Harman and Ron Bentley take up these questions and more in this initial episode of a series on basic Christian theology.2020-01-1345 min