Shows
Been There Read ThatResurrection: God’s Answer to Evil and Death by Nathan BatteyWhen tragedy strikes people often question: "How could a good God allow evil, suffering, and death in the world?" Today we want to tackle these this question be examining the origin of evil and death along with God's solution to those problems.
2023-01-2440 minBeen There Read ThatMatthew’s Trilogy of ParablesThe sermon recorded in this episode was delivered at the Green Oaks Church of Christ in Arlington, TX back in 2015. We hope you enjoy and are provoked to further study within the Gospel of Matthew.
2022-10-141h 00Been There Read ThatOh How He Loved Him: The Raising of LazarusIn Luke 7:13, when Jesus was about to raise the son of the widow of Nain, He told the woman, "Do not weep." Why then did Jesus weep as he was about to raise Lazarus. If raising the dead brings joy, why does Jesus weep? Listen along to find out the answer to this question and better appreciate the point of the raising of Lazarus.
2022-06-0646 min
Five Minute Bible Study PodcastIs Porn a Scriptural Ground for Divorce? w/ Nathan Battey (Ep. 16)In Matthew 5:27-28 there is a famous statement of Jesus which reads, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." As a result of Jesus' wording in this passage and other scriptures about divorce being scriptural on the grounds of "adultery" (i.e., Matt. 19:9), many people question whether or not a spouse looking at porn is scriptural ground for divorcing them. Nathan Battey joins the show to share his in...2022-05-3143 minBeen There Read ThatExcept For Fornication: Is Adultery of the Heart Scriptural Grounds For Divorce?In Matthew 5:31-32 the Lord stated, "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery." A few verses earlier Jesus also stated, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Mathew 5:27-28) When these t...2022-05-3149 min
Pure and Simple Bible169 | Déjà Vu In Acts 12: Part 2 of 2 (with Nathan Battey)(Part 2) Nathan Battey joins us for a walk through Acts chapter 12, a scene which is an incredibly powerful exclamation point that Christ reigns. You'll see it with fresh eyes and grow in your understanding and appreciation for just how relevant and important this chapter is.2022-01-3134 min
Pure and Simple Bible168 | Déjà Vu In Acts 12: Part 1 of 2 (with Nathan Battey)Nathan Battey joins us for a walk through Acts chapter 12, a scene which is an incredibly powerful exclamation point that Christ reigns. You'll see it with fresh eyes and grow in your understanding and appreciation for just how relevant and important this chapter is.2022-01-2439 minBeen There Read ThatBlessed Are The ForgivenAn expository study of Psalm 32 with discussion of forgiveness, confession, salvation, and marriage.
2021-11-021h 01
The Barber’s ChairEpisode 9. "Book Review With a Little Baseball"I just finished reading a book titled "Covenant Faithfulness" by Nathan Battey. Nathan comes onto the show to discuss the new book as well as why he likes baseball. 2020-05-301h 00
Been There Read ThatI've Written A BookToday's episode contains a big announcement regarding my new book, Covenant Faithfulness: An Examination of Matthew 12:1-14. Tune in as I discuss why I wrote the book, the writing process, and the content of the final product.
Be sure to pick up a copy in our bookstore: https://www.christianresearcher.com/my-book.html
2020-05-1826 min
Been There Read ThatQuarantine and the 100 Club Today's episode is a laid-back discussion of some of the books I have read during the COVID-19 quarantine and a couple projects I have recently undertaken. Hope you enjoy!
2020-05-0621 min
Been There Read ThatSavage DeathA little over two years ago I preached a sermon for the first and only time titled “Savage Death.” I have thought of this message many times and under many different circumstances including our current moment of crisis. I hope that a reflection on the cross will help put our world, purpose, service, and affliction in their proper perspective. May God bless all who face times of testing in this difficult moment and may He receive all glory due Him for His marvelous gift in Christ. May the people of God continue to worship and remember the Son for the gr...2020-04-031h 13
Been There Read ThatFear: Our Greatest EnemyFear is one of the greatest weapons the Devil holds and wields and is a blasphemous attempt to usurp that which properly belongs to God. Please open your Bible and follow along as we address a pressing issue in light of the pandemic that has befallen our nation/world.
Please share this message and feel free to distribute as you wish.
2020-03-2834 minBeen There Read ThatCalm in the Midst of the StormIn this episode we have dispensed with our regular format and content to provide a message that speaks to the chaos that is going on in our world. With all that is happening it is easy to lose faith and focus on God, so we want to take a moment and provide some thoughts from the Bible that will hopefully provide some comfort in dark times. God bless.
2020-03-1928 minBeen There Read ThatBooks That Left a Mark - Part 1: Impacting Young PeopleToday's episode is the first of several I will publish regarding books that have left their mark on my thinking and I hope will impact your thinking as well. Here is a list provided with hyperlinks to all 13 of the titles we discuss in this first episode:
Books For Young People:
Granville Tyler
New Testament Workbooks
Leroy Brownlow
Why I Am A Member of the Church of Christ
Mike Willis
Proverbs: Bible Text Books by Guardian of Truth (CEI)
Dave Miller
...2020-03-1131 minBeen There Read ThatTop 3 Reads of 2020: So FarSo far in 2020 I have found three articles that have been extremely helpful in my studies and today I want to share them with you.
The first can be found in Gordon J. Wenham's Commentary on the Book of Numbers. The section discussed is found in Wenham's introduction under the headings of Theology and Christian Usage.
The second article is David Dorsey's article titled The Law of Moses and the Christian.
The third article is Stephen G. Dempster's article Exodus and Biblical Theology: On Moving into the Neighborhood with a New Name...2020-03-0229 min
Been There Read ThatInterview With Clint DeFrance - Part 2: Top Ten RecommendationsIn this week’s episode we continue our interview with Brother Clint DeFrance with a discussion of the three books that have had the greatest impact on his Biblical studies, his reading goals, and his Top 10 Recommendations.
Books discussed in this week’s episode include:
Reason and Revelation by Robert MilliganThe Great Commission by Robert MilliganThe Kingdom of the Messiah by Carl KetchersideDrawing Water From the Wells of Salvation by Doug EdwardsHandbook on Evidences by George FisherCivil Government by David LipscombThe Spirit and the W...2020-02-2400 minBeen There Read ThatInterview With Clint DeFrance - Part 1: Learning to ReadThis past week Brother Clint DeFrance joined me in the studio to record a two-part interview. In this first episode we discuss Clint’s new podcast Verse by Verse and then transition into a discussion of learning to read, reading habits, first reads, and favorite reading genres. Along the way Clint shares some wise advice for Bible study practices, good authors to get-to-know, and insights into why older books still hold great spiritual value.2020-02-1700 min
Been There Read ThatBiblical Theology: Definition, Methodologies, and ProponentsOne of the greatest influences in becoming a "Whole Bible Christian" is the practice of Biblical Theology. But what is Biblical Theology? How is it defined? What makes it distinct? How is it practiced? Who are its advocates? These and other important questions are answered in this week's episode. We hope this introduction will provoke listeners to investigate a critically important area of Bible study and research.
A transcript containing the material presented in today's episode can be downloaded through the following link. We hope the transcript will assist listeners in further disseminating the material.
https...2020-02-1035 min
Been There Read ThatWhy Expository Preaching?The current episode reviews David Jackman's book Why Expository Preaching and also provides a primer on why expository preaching is such an important concept. A critique of current training and teaching methods is provided and direction for a better way is shown.
Books referenced in this episode:
Why Expository Preaching? by David Jackman
Preaching: A Biblical Theology by Jason Meyer
2020-02-0327 min
Been There Read That2020: Reading Goals In our first episode of the year we talk Reading Goals to set for the coming year. In particular we address 12 different areas of reading to help provide Bible students with a well rounded diet.
Specific Books Mentioned in Episode:
Introduction to Biblical Studies by James E. Smith
What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About by Jason DeRouchie
According to Luke by David Gooding
Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland
House to House by Ivan Stewart
Tactics by Greg Koukl
The Preacher and H...2020-01-2723 min
Been There Read ThatSpecial Episode: 2019 Best Books and Top 5In this weeks episode I introduce some of my favorite reads from 2019, including my Top 5. Here are the titles discussed:
Honorable Mentions:
Genesis by Richard P. Belcher Jr.
Follow the Lamb by Rob Dalrymple
Family Shepherds by Vodie Bauchham Jr.
Deserting the King: The Book of Judges by David Beldman (Transformative Word Series)
Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes
The Parables of Jesus by David Wenham
Tactics by Gregory Koukl
How To Teach The Tabernacle by David Gooding
Leviticus By Jay Sklar (TO...2019-12-1741 min
Been There Read ThatLet's Talk DanielThis week’s episode centers around a discussion of the Book of Daniel and six challenges to understanding it’s message. The six challenges include:
1. Unfamiliarity with Daniel 7-12
2. Predictive Prophecy vs. Pseudo Prophecy
3. The Identity of the Four Kingdoms of Daniel 2 &7
4. The 70 7’s of Daniel 9
5. The “shift” from Daniel 11:35 to 11:36
6. The Resurrection of Daniel 12:2&7
Authors discussed include:
Peter J. Gentry
Mitchell L. Chase
Homer Hailey
Paul R. House
James E. Smith
Christopher J. H. Wright
Bad Guys:
John Goldingay2019-11-1122 min
Been There Read ThatFamily Shepherds by Vodie Baucham Jr.Today's episode contains a review of Vodie Baucham Jr.'s book Family Shepherds. Baucham's book serves as a primer on parenting with a focus on the role, work, and influence of fathers. We discuss pros, cons, strengths, weaknesses, and overall content. Our review does not contain a full chapter-by-chapter breakdown, but it does discuss the major themes of the book. In our final assessment we give it a 6/10.
2019-10-1425 min
Been There Read ThatNew Testament Introductions / SurveysNew Testament Surveys
Today’s episode discusses New Testament Surveys on an introductory, intermediate, and advanced level. Titles and authors discussed include:
Beginner’s Level:
New Testament Books Made Simple by James E. Smith(Two other volumes in this series include Old Testament History Made Simple and Old Testament Books Made Simple)
Heart of the New Testament by H. I. Hester
The New Testament Book by Book by Roy Cogdill
Intermediate Level:
Waldron Three Year Study Set
New Testament Commentary by Way...2019-09-1621 min
Been There Read ThatBig Picture View: Old Testament Surveys & TheologiesGrasping the Big Picture of the Bible is crucial to sound exegesis. We want to challenge listeners to place yearly emphasis on reading a survey of the Bible (be it an Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, or Bible Survey) to not only aid in building their own knowledge of the Bible but to also help in teaching others the Bible's message. Today's episode focuses exclusively on Old Testament surveys and does so by addressing four categories of books: Introductory Surveys, Intermediate Surveys, Old Testament Theologies, and Theologies of Individual Books of the Old Testament. Here is the list of ti...2019-08-2333 min
Been There Read ThatBooks That Everyone Owns But Nobody ReadsToday we discuss how people build their libraries and wind up with a lot of books that they don't read. Beyond discussing individual books and sets found unused in most libraries we discuss issues of why the books were purchased and why they go unused. We hope this episode will provide listeners with some insights into how to avoid making mistakes in building their libraries, challenge them to read more, and motivate some to finally get around to reading books that they have put off reading for years.
2019-08-1529 min
Been There Read ThatBook Review: The Gospel According to Jonah: Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy by Bryan EstelleToday’s episode provides a full length review of Bryan D. Estelle’s book Salvation Through Judgment and Mercy: The Gospel According to Jonah. Pick up a copy in our bookstore HERE. Along the way we discuss issues such as historical accuracy, structure, typology, parallelism, turning points, salvation, repentance, open theology, and regression. Estelle’s book brings a neglected gem into the light and causes the reader to marvel at it grandeur. Our hope is that our review will provoke our listeners to pick up a copy of this great resource and rediscover some forgotten truths in God’s Word.2019-08-0931 min
Been There Read ThatA Primer on Exodus CommentariesToday's episode introduces listeners to some commentaries on the Book of Exodus. The list of commentaries discussed is by no means exhaustive, but there are some helpful points for those wishing to study this fascinating book of the Bible. We begin with a discussion of why it is important to study Exodus, and we conclude with a specific look a J. A. Motyer's commentary on Exodus.
Commentaries Referenced:
Devotional Read:
Exodus: The Lord and His Pilgrims
Introductory/Moderate Read
Exodus by J. A. Motyer (Bible Speaks Today Series)
Exodus a Co...2019-07-2523 min
Been There Read ThatZechariah 4 and the Two Olive TreesIn todays episode I discuss some of my recent findings within the books of Revelation and Zechariah. In Revelation 11:4 the Bible speaks of two witnesses who are represented as two olive trees and two lampstands. What is the meaning behind the symbolism of lampstands and olive trees? The olive tree symbolism of Revelation 11:4 is taken from Zechariah 4, but merely acknowledging the borrowing does not explain the symbolism. Join us as we discuss this fascinating piece of Biblical prophecy.
Books Referenced:
Zechariah: A Christian Interpretation by James E. Smith
ESV Expository Commentary on Zechariah by Ant...2019-07-1913 minBeen There Read ThatCommentary Sets: Pros, Cons, and ControversiesIn today’s episode we discuss the pros, cons, and controversies surrounding the use of commentary sets. Should we even use commentaries? Should we only use commentaries from a church of Christ background? Are commentary sets more helpful that individual commentaries? These and other questions are address and hopefully the answers provided are helpful.
Books that receive honorable mention include:
Between the Cross and the Throne by Matthew Emmerson
God With Us by D. A. Carson
The Lamb, the Woman, and the Dragon by Albertus Pieters
Worthy is the Lamb by Ray Su...2019-07-1041 min
Been There Read ThatBook Review with Jamie Thomson: Genesis by Richard P. Belcher Jr.Jamie Thomson joins today’s episode to discuss Richard P. Belcher’s commentary on Genesis from the Focus on the Bible Commentary Series. We discuss Belcher’s background, the purpose and focus of his commentary, the benefits and hang-ups of his work, and much more in this round-table discussion.
Other books mentioned in today’s episode include:
Finding Favor in the Sight of God by Richard P. Belcher Jr. (part of the New Studies in Biblical Theology Series)
Isaiah by Alan Harmon (part of the Focus on the Bible Commentary...2019-06-1933 min
Been There Read ThatDo You Know James E. Smith?Today I want to introduce my listeners to one of my favorite authors: James E. Smith.
If you are not familiar with Smith's writings it's time to get acquainted. Smith is a prolific writer on the Old Testament who holds a high view of inspiration and conservative approach to Biblical interpretation.
Most of the books discussed in today's episode can be found in our bookstore at ChristianResearcher.com and include:
Biblical Protology
Introduction to Biblical Studies
Bible Survey
A Christian View of the Old Testament
Biblical Typology
The Promised Messia...2019-06-1427 min
Been There Read ThatReading With Aaron BatteyIn Part 2 of my interview with Aaron Battey we discuss reading goals, Bible reading plans, books that have had the greatest impact on his thinking (outside the Bible), books he recommends, study helps, tips, tools, and more. If you haven’t checked out Aaron’s website be sure to take a look @ www.fiveminutebiblestudy.com .
Books discussed this week include:
I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek
Drawing Water From The Wells of Salvation by Doug Edwards
Introduction to Biblical Studies by James E...2019-05-1535 minBeen There Read ThatInterview With Aaron Battey: Learning From The GreatsYoung aspiring evangelist Aaron Battey (a.k.a my brother) stopped in the studio today to discuss the training he has recently undergone with two evangelists in preparation for going into the field full-time.. In particular, reading assignments and tools that he was introduced to along the way.
2019-05-0624 min
Been There Read ThatLove Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland ReviewLove Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland is a fascinating book that challenges Christians to develop their intellectual mind for the glory of God. We provide an in-depth review of the Pros and Cons to both provoke listeners to read the book and help equip them to avoid a few pitfalls they will encounter along the way.
Other books referenced/recommended along the way include:
Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland (2nd edition)
The King Jesus Gospel by Scott McKnight
Debate Notes on Bible Cl...2019-04-1634 min
Been There Read ThatDevotional Vs. Intellectual Reading StrategiesWhat is the purpose of devotional reading? Is devotional reading a valid practice? Are there good materials to encourage devotional reading? What is the main difference between devotional reading and intellectual reading? What should be the main focus of intellectual reading? What are some good practices to follow when reading critically? What challenges should you present to yourself when reading critically? These and other great questions are discussed in today's episode.
Books Recommendation in This Episode: (Hyperlinks provided)
Granville Tyler Workbooks
New Testament Questions by E. M. Zerr
Mrs. Lee’s Bible Stories
Psal...2019-04-1026 min
Been There Read ThatResearching LeviticusToday’s episode centers around commentaries on the book of Leviticus. While searching for a good commentary to provide a sound structure, big picture, and thorough introduction to Leviticus, Nathan discovered both positive components and problematic pitfalls in a number of commentaries. His research ultimately lead him to what will hopefully be a worthwhile commentary to add to any library.
Commentaries discussed in this episode include:
New International Commentary on Leviticus by Gordon J. Wenham
Leviticus, A Commentary by James E. Smith
Mentor Commentary: Leviticus by Robert Vasholz
Holiness to the Lord: A Gui...2019-04-0229 min
Been There Read ThatBad Guys: Authors to AvoidIn this week's episode we provide a list of a "dirty dozen" dangerous authors to avoid when building your library. Rather than merely naming the authors, we have also provided a brief discussion of the positions they hold that make them dangerous. Our list includes:
John MacArthur
John Piper
John Stott
John Goldingay
Water Bruggemann
Robert Alter
Hugh Ross
C. John Collins
Julius Wellhausen
Steve Moyse
Don Preston
Edward Fudge
Recommended Reads:
Focus on the Bible Commentary: Genesis by Richard P. Belcher Jr.2019-03-2626 minBeen There Read ThatCurrent Reads and More Reading TipsIn this week's episode we share a few more reading tips and discuss the following books that are on my current reading list:
The Spirit and the Word by J. C. Holloway
The Life of Christ by R. C. Foster
What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About by Jason S. DeRouchie
Love Your God With All Your Mind by J. P. Moreland
Handbook to the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale
From Paradise to the Promised Land by T. Desmond Alexander
1 & 2 Chronicles by...2019-03-1925 min
Been There Read ThatBook Review: Kingdom Come by Sam StormsThis week’s episode contains a review of Sam Storm’s book Kingdom Come. We have attempted to present an unbiased view of the book while noting both its strengths and shortcomings.
Here are books that are recommended as alternative reads to particular areas of study presented within Storm’s work:
An alternative view to Storm’s position on Daniel’s 70 Weeks Prophecy:
Kingdom Through Covenant by Peter Gentry
Alternative to Storm’s positon on the Four Kingdoms of Daniel’s Prophecies:
A Commentary on Daniel by Homer Hailey
Daniel by Jim McGuiggan
The Prop...2019-03-1238 min
Been There Read ThatEpisode #9: An Interview With George Battey on the Book of Revelation - Part 2This week's episode centers around a discussion of books to avoid and obtain in studying the Book of Revelation. Brother George Battey is in the process of writing his own commentary on the Book of Revelation and has done a ton of reading and research in the process. We are thankful for his willingness to sit down with us and share some of the materials that he has found helpful.
Bad Authors To Avoid:
John Walvoord
Dwight Pentecost
John MacArthur
Clarence Larkin
Jerry Jenkins
Tim LaHaye
John Hagee
Don Pr...2019-03-0534 min
Been There Read ThatEpisode #8: An Interview With George Battey on the Book of Revelation - Part 1In today’s episode we have our first guest interview. Evangelist and author Brother George Battey (my father) joins us to discuss the Book of Revelation. Brother Battey is currently writing a commentary of the Book of Revelation and shares with us some helpful historical and theological information regarding this challenging book of the Bible. Topics discussed include:
The historical background of each of the major interpretive approaches to the Book of Revelation and their origins
Distinctions between Historical and Dispensational Premillennialism
Distinctions between Moderate and Full Preterism
Distinctions between Premillennial, Postmillennial, and Amillennial views of the Millennium
Au...2019-02-2625 minBeen There Read ThatEpisode #7: Don't Waste Your MoneyIn this week's episode we discuss keys to building your library wisely on a budget. Tips include utilizing free books, selling books you don't use, knowing what a good price is for a book, how to assess a book you are not familiar with, how and where to find book reviews, and how to target/discover good books.
Books discussed in this episode includes:
The Preacher and His Work by Jack Meyer Sr.
Old Testament Commentary Survey by Tremper Longman III.
New Testament Commentary Survey by D. A. Carson2019-02-1926 minBeen There Read ThatEpisode #6: Reading Assignment, Sabbath and Creation DiscussionEpisode #6 discusses the pros and cons of the weekly reading assignment in T. Desmond Alexander’s book From Paradise to the Promised Land. Two issues that surfaced in the assignment were the concept of a corrupted creation through man’s fall and keeping the Sabbath ordinance of the Old Testament. Reading recommendations related to these two issues included:
Books Recommended:
God’s Good Earth by Jon Garvey
Sabbath Day or Lords Day by George Battey (available on ChristianResearcher.com)
The Believer’s Sabbath by John G. Reisinger
The Sabbat...2019-02-1225 minBeen There Read ThatEpisode #5: Author Highlight: O. Palmer RobertsonToday’s episode shines the spotlight on author O. Palmer Robertson. Robertson’s major works are introduced and then a full review is given of his two best books.
Books Mentioned:
Christ of the Prophets
The Genesis of Sex
The Israel of God
The Christ of Wisdom
The Christ of the Covenants (not recommended)
The Current Justification Controversy
Books Reviewed and Recommended:
The Final Word
God’s People in the Wilderness
2019-02-0526 minBeen There Read ThatEpisode #4: The Pentateuch, The Garden of Eden, Babylon, The Kingdom, and MoreEpisode #4 begins with some helpful reading practices, discusses last week's assigned reading, introduces some books that arrived in the mail, and opens a discussion topic on Calvinism. The largest portion of the episode features a discussion of the high points from chapters 7 & 8 of T. Desmond Alexander's "From Paradise to the Promised Land". Alexander's book is currently featured in the weekly reading assignments. There are also brief reviews and introductions to "Kingdom Come" by Sam Storms, "Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes" by Kenneth E. Bailey, "Drawing Water From The Wells Of Salvation"Doug Edward, "Practicing Proverbs" by Richard Mayhue, "Jesus the Sag...2019-01-2931 minBeen There Read ThatEpisode #3: Reading Goals and ReviewsToday's episode features a discussion of New Year's resolution reading goals, reading strategies, a few brief reviews of Nathan's current reading material, and an invitation to join in a reading study through the Pentateuch.
2019-01-2421 minBeen There Read ThatEpisode #2: Where We're GoingIn today's episode we will discuss all of the different types of content you can expect to find in upcoming episodes including reading programs, book reviews, study recommendations, interviews, and much more.
2019-01-2422 min
Been There Read ThatEpisode #1: Intro and Goals of the ProgramJoin us for our first episode and get to know us, our website (www.ChristianResearcher.com), and the goals we hope to accomplish through our podcast. Our main goal is to promote Bible knowledge by offering encouragement pointing listeners toward helpful resources and techniques. We're excited about this new endeavor and hope you will join us in our weekly journey.
2019-01-2421 min