Daniel Darling's Blog, page 4

The Way Home Podcast: Cole Claybourn On The State of Higher Education

Today, we have Cole Claybourn joining us on The Way Home podcast. Cole Claybourn is the education reporter for U.S. News & World Report and primarily focuses on higher education. He is on staff at Sports Spectrum where he is a contributor, writer, and producer of the networks podcast. Today, we discuss several things like the state of higher eduction, sports, and his personal experience with a disastrous tornado that ripped through his town of Bowling Green, Kentucky on December 11th, 2021. If you have questions about the state of higher education or would like to learn more about Cole’s work, then this episode is just for you!

Show Notes

Cole Claybourn Biography: Cole Claybourn is the education reporter for U.S. News & World Report and primarily focuses on higher education. He is on staff at Sports Spectrum where he is a contributor, writer, and producer of the networks podcast. He is the host of the In No Hurry podcast and runs his newsletter, The Road Ahead. His work can be found in Relevant Magazine, Outreach Magazine, USA Today, Crosswalk.com, and The Washington Post where he writes on faith and sports. Before serving on staff at U.S. News, Cole spent five years as an educator teaching English. He also worked for Evansville Courier & Press and the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, where he reported on regional news and sports. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University. Him and his wife Emily enjoy sports, reading, traveling, and drinking way too much iced coffee!

Guest’s Content: The Road Ahead, In No Hurry, U.S. News & World Report, Devotionals, Book Reviews, The Gospel Coalition, Sports Spectrum

Twitter: @ColeClaybourn

Instagram: @coleclaybourn

If you like what we’re doing here on the podcast, with my books, and at The Land Center, I want to ask you to think about donating to The Land Center through Southwestern Theological Seminary. I also want to thank everyone for your general support in everything that we’re doing.

Donate to the Land Center: https://join.swbts.edu/register/givelandcenter

Check out my new book on Christian unity! Agents of Grace is now available!

Click here to sign up for my new writing cohort with Chad Poe.

The post The Way Home Podcast: Cole Claybourn On The State of Higher Education appeared first on Daniel Darling.

The Way Home Podcast: Matthew Bennett On Missions in the Homeland

Today, we have Matthew Bennett joining us on The Way Home podcast. Matthew Bennett is an Assistant Professor of Missions and Theology at Cedarville University in Cedarville OH. Today, we discuss questions like .If you have similar questions or would like to learn more about the current state of global affairs, then this episode is just for you!

Show Notes

Matthew Bennett Biography: Matthew Bennett is Assistant Professor of Missions and Theology at Cedarville University in Cedarville OH. Prior to taking this post, he and his family lived in North Africa and the Middle East for seven years. He earned a PhD in Missiology at SEBTS and also holds an MA in Intercultural Studies and an MDiv in Intercultural Church Planting.

Books: Hope for American Evangelicals (2023) The Qur’an and the Christian (2022), 40 Questions About Islam (2020)

Twitter: @MABennett82

Facebook: Matthew Aaron Bennett

Instagram: @mattbennett82

If you like what we’re doing here on the podcast, with my books, and at The Land Center, I want to ask you to think about donating to The Land Center through Southwestern Theological Seminary. I also want to thank everyone for your general support in everything that we’re doing.

Donate to the Land Center: https://join.swbts.edu/register/givelandcenter

Pre-order my new book on Christian unity! Agents of Grace available May 9th.

Click here to sign up for my new writing cohort with Chad Poe.

The post The Way Home Podcast: Matthew Bennett On Missions in the Homeland appeared first on Daniel Darling.

The Way Home Podcast: Michael Sobolik on Foreign Policy and the Christian Response

Today, we have Michael Sobolik joining us on The Way Home podcast. Michael Sobolik is a Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies at the American Foreign Policy Council, he has served on national security teams, and has drafted legislation on China, Russia, India, Taiwan, North Korea, and Cambodia.  Today, we discuss questions like “how should Christians think about foreign policy?”—“how should Christian’s think about global conflicts?” and “how should we urge our leaders to act?” If you have similar questions or would like to learn more about the current state of global affairs, then this episode is just for you!

Show Notes

Michael Sobolik Biography: Michael serves as a Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies for the American Foreign Policy Council. His work covers American and Chinese grand strategy. He is the editor of AFPC’S Indo-Pacific Monitor e-bulletin. He served on Sen. Cruz’s national security team and drafted legislation on several countries during his time in the Senate. He is a prolific writer and routinely contributes to several platforms. He received his undergrad in Political Science and Government at Texas A&M and his Masters’s in International Relations and Affairs at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. 

Guest’s Content: Providence Magazine, ERLC, The Dispatch, Newsweek, The Diplomat, National Review

Twitter: @MichaelSobolik

Facebook: Michael Sobolik

Instagram: @msobolik

If you like what we’re doing here on the podcast, with my books, and at The Land Center, I want to ask you to think about donating to The Land Center through Southwestern Theological Seminary. I also want to thank everyone for your general support in everything that we’re doing.

Donate to the Land Center: https://join.swbts.edu/register/givelandcenter

My book Characters of Easter is available as a great study for the upcoming Easter season.

Pre-order my new book on Christian unity! Agents of Grace available May 9th.

Click here to sign up for my new writing cohort with Chad Poe.

The Way Home Podcast: John Meador on Comeback Stories of the Bible

Today, we have John Meador joining us on The Way Home podcast. John Meador is the pastor of Cross City Church. He has a new book that is out titled “God’s Not Done With You” where he shows his readers how God provides everything needed to get through life’s setbacks by looking at the greatest comeback stories of the Bible. Today, we discuss the redemptive ways of God and how he turns lives around for his glory.

 

https://danieldarling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/The-Way-Home-John-Meador-on-Comeback-Stories.mp3

 

Show Notes

John Meador Biography: John is the Pastor of Cross City Church in the Fort Worth area and has impacted the lives of thousands through various kingdom initiatives. He formerly served as a trustee for the IMB and as a board officer for the SBTC. He is an author and frequently contributes to his blog. He is a husband, a father, and enjoys the opportunities that God has given him to serve his family. 

Books: God’s Not Done With You (2023)

Twitter: @JohnMeador

Facebook: John Meador

Instagram: @pastorguy57

If you like what we’re doing here on the podcast, with my books, and at The Land Center, I want to ask you to think about donating to The Land Center through Southwestern Theological Seminary. I also want to thank everyone for your general support in everything that we’re doing.

Donate to the Land Center: https://join.swbts.edu/register/givelandcenter

My book Characters of Easter is available as a great study for the upcoming Easter season.

Pre-order my new book on Christian unity! Agents of Grace available May 9th.

Click here to sign up for my new writing cohort with Chad Poe.

The Way Home Podcast: Travis Dickinson on the Value of Asking Questions

Today, we have Travis Dickinson joining us on The Way Home podcast. Travis Dickinson is the professor of philosophy at Dallas Baptist University. He has a new book that is out titled “Wandering Towards God: Finding Faith amid Doubts and Big Questions” where he helps his readers to see the value of asking questions and the soundness of our faith. Today, we discuss the importance of guiding people to God and the right and wrong kinds of questions to ask when it comes to the faith. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Christianity, this episode and Travis’s new book is just for you!

Show Notes

Travis Dickinson Biography: Travis is a scholar, professor, and apologist. He is the author of several books. He is also a regular contributor for the Christian Research Journal. Travis received his BA in Education from Alaska Bible College and his MA in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from the Talbot School of Theology and his MA and PhD in Philosophy from the University of Iowa. Travis is married and has four children. Outside of teaching and church life, Travis spends his time with family or speaking at various events related to apologetics. 

Books: Wandering Toward God (2022) Logic and the Way of Jesus (2022) Stand Firm (2018) Everyday Apologetics (2015)

Twitter: @TravDickinson

Facebook: Travis Dickinson

Instagram: @travdickinson

If you like what we’re doing here on the podcast, with my books, and at The Land Center, I want to ask you to think about donating to The Land Center through Southwestern Theological Seminary. I also want to thank everyone for your general support in everything that we’re doing.

Donate to the Land Center: https://join.swbts.edu/register/givelandcenter

My book Characters of Easter is available as a great study for the upcoming Easter season.

Pre-order my new book on Christian unity! Agents of Grace available May 9th.

Click here to sign up for my new writing cohort with Chad Poe.

The Way Home Podcast: Sam Allberry on Biblical Sexual Ethics

Today, we have Sam Allberry joining us on The Way Home podcast. Sam Allberry is a pastor, preacher, apologist and the author of a number of books. He has a new edition of his book coming out titled “Is God anti-gay” where he helps his readers think through these issues from a biblical worldview. Today, we discuss biblical sexual ethics, what it looks like for Christians to share these things with family and friends, and how to live a life glorifying to God in the midst of modern sexual revolutions.

Show Notes

Sam Allberry Biography: Sam is a pastor, preacher, and apologist. He is the author of a number of books. He has written for several organizations, including The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, and Living Out. Sam studied theology at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford and is a Canon Theologian for the Anglican Church in North America, and is a Senior Fellow at OCCA Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.

Books: Is God Anti-Gay? (2023), What God Has to Say about Our Bodies (2021), Why does God care who I sleep with? (2020)

Twitter: @SamAllberry

Facebook: Sam Allberry

Instagram: @samallberry

If you like what we’re doing here on the podcast, with my books, and at The Land Center, I want to ask you to think about donating to The Land Center through Southwestern Theological Seminary. I also want to thank everyone for your general support in everything that we’re doing.

Donate to the Land Center: https://join.swbts.edu/register/givelandcenter

My book Characters of Easter is available as a great study for the upcoming Easter season.

Click here to sign up for my new writing cohort with Chad Poe.

How to Think About Cooperation

What lines should Christians draw when it comes to their allegiances? How do we understand primary, secondary, and tertiary issues?

I wrote about this at length in my forthcoming book, Agents of Grace which drops May 9th but I wanted to present this here because the way we cooperate with each other is increasingly a topic of conversation among Christians.

First, I think we should be aware of a concept called “theological triage.” It’s a newish term, coined by Dr. Albert Mohler, that describes a not-new idea:

Today’s Christian faces the daunting task of strategizing which Christian doctrines and theological issues are to be given highest priority in terms of our contemporary context. This applies both to the public defense of Christianity in face of the secular challenge and the internal responsibility of dealing with doctrinal disagreements. Neither is an easy task, but theological seriousness and maturity demand that we consider doctrinal issues in terms of their relative importance. God’s truth is to be defended at every point and in every detail, but responsible Christians must determine which issues deserve first-rank attention in a time of theological crisis.

In simple terms, this is the discipline of prioritizing which Christian doctrines are of primary concern and which ones are important, but secondary, and even further, which ones are conventional but tertiary. The Christian church has done this work throughout the ages. Puritan Richard Baxter, for instance, urged folks to dwell on “the essentials” of Christianity:

I like to hear a man dwell much on the same essentials of Christianity . . .it is the essentials and common truths, as I have often said, that we daily live upon as our bread and drink [1] .

John Stott said something similar:

we need a greater measure of discernment, so that we may distinguish between evangelical essentials which cannot be compromised and those adiaphora (matters indifferent) on which, being of secondary important, is not necessary for us to follow[1].”

The first order of business is to recognize that there are doctrines worth fighting for. I know sometimes Christians in this age can get queasy about theological conflict, but the New Testament urges us to contend for these things because this theology is how we properly know and understand and approach God.

Listen to what the Apostle Paul tells his young protégé Timothy, who was a young pastor of the church of Ephesus, “Fight the good fight of the faith, “Paul urges Timothy, “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12).” In his last letter, before he was to be executed by Rome for the crime of preaching the gospel, Paul declares that he had “fought the good fight of faith (2 Timothy 4:7-8).” Jude tells us to “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3-4).”

So do we know which issues are worth going to the mat for and which issues are worth holding, but about which good Christians may disagree? Again, Dr. Mohler:

First-level theological issues would include those doctrines most central and essential to the Christian faith. Included among these most crucial doctrines would be doctrines such as the Trinity, the full deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, justification by faith, and the authority of Scripture.

These are doctrines that the Christian church has affirmed and believed for 2,000 years, articulated mainly by the major creeds and councils of the church. I would also argue that anything that is central to the storyline of Scripture falls into this category, including contentious contemporary issues such as the Bible’s clear teaching on sexuality and gender.

These are issues about which the church cannot budge, issues that are part of the Apostolic witness, and issues that we have no authority to revise or reverse. To abandon these is to abandon Christian orthodoxy.

Then there are secondary issues, such as baptism, the role of women in leadership, and other such issues. Faithful Christians can disagree on these issues and still see each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. However, these are issues around which denominations and church networks often coalesce, so within those spaces, they are primary issues. My denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, makes the mode of baptism and complementarianism a first-order issue. To be Southern Baptist, you have to adhere to these things, among other distinctives, such as our views on the role of the church and the state. Presbyterians are committed paedobaptists. They disagree with us and thus organize as a different denomination. This is right and good and healthy. I admire few people as much as I admire Tim Keller, but he couldn’t be a member of my SBC church and I couldn’t be a member of his PCA church. That’s healthy. Denominations have a duty to enforce their distinctives and churches have a duty to fellowship with folks who share their distinctives.

Then there are tertiary issues, third-order issues, about which some folks even within the same denomination might disagree, such as soteriology, sign gifts, eschatology, and other such matters. You might even put in here differences in approaches to cultural engagement or how to educate children. We might have deep convictions on these things—I certainly do—but we love and respect and fellowship with folks who come down in a different place.

Now these aren’t always straight lines. Some denominations and fellowships have tertiary issues that are distinctives around which they organize. I don’t think a Calvinist would be at home among Methodists, nor would an Arminian fit in the PCA. This is also healthy.

One thing to consider before we talk about what partnerships look like: I don’t view these divisions, on secondary and tertiary issues, to be unhealthy. I think we learn from the emphases of other traditions. You’ll have to get my book to read more about this, but I think evangelicalism is healthiest when it is made up of denominations catechizing their people in their traditions, yet being open-handed toward the Great Tradition.

Read more here

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

The Way Home Podcast: Coleman M. Ford on Spiritual Formation

Today, we have Coleman M. Ford joining us on The Way Home podcast. Coleman Ford is the assistant professor of Humanities at Texas Baptist College. He has a new book coming out titled “Formed in His Image” where he thoughtfully guides his readers into the depths of spiritual formation. Today, we discuss the definition of terms typically associated with spiritual formation, why we should care, and how we’re formed as Christians. 

Show Notes

Coleman Ford Biography: Coleman has authored several books. He is the assistant professor of Humanities at Texas Baptist College and the assistant professor of Christian Formation and the director of professional doctoral studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He completed his Ph.D. in Church History at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Books: Formed in His Image (2023), A Bond between Souls: Friendship in the Letters of Augustine (2022)

Twitter: @colemanford

Facebook: Coleman Ford

Instagram: @colemanford

If you like what we’re doing here on the podcast, with my books, and at The Land Center, I want to ask you to think about donating to The Land Center through Southwestern Theological Seminary. I also want to thank everyone for your general support in everything that we’re doing.

Donate to the Land Center: https://join.swbts.edu/register/givelandcenter

My book Characters of Easter is available as a great study for the upcoming Easter season.

Click here to sign up for my new writing cohort with Chad Poe.

A Church That Moves The World

In a widely read piece for The New York Times last year, conservative writer Nate Hochman chronicled a new trend: politically active conservatives who nevertheless eschew organized religion. “This campaign is also distinctly different from the culture wars of the late 20th century, and it reflects a broad shift in conservatism’s priorities and worldview. The conservative political project is no longer specifically Christian.”

But followers of Jesus, while still involved in the conservative political project, should still be specifically Christian. While we may be co-belligerents with those who might agree with us on certain issues but don’t share our gospel commitments, we must be cautious to let the secularism of some become a catechizing influence.

There is a temptation, in our voting, our speaking to issues, our work for the common good, to see these necessary political arguments and debates as ultimate while growing bored with the rhythms and rituals of local church life. Posting an opinion, crafting public policy, or protesting seem more exhilarating than listening to a sermon or making a meal for a shut-in or volunteering at Vacation Bible School. The big national issues debated online sometimes seem more important or urgent.

These issues matter, but there can be no question where we believe the locus of God’s activity exists. It’s not the courtroom, the capital, or the classroom that Jesus promised would endure through the ages, but the church, whom he has purchased with his own blood.

It is in our humble weekly gatherings—in cathedrals and caves, storefronts and under steeples—where the Spirit chooses to most fully dwell and God chooses to act. It is the witness of the church, where ordinary sinners are regenerated through the power of the gospel, that most impacts the world.

John Stott once wrote:

The Christian life is not just our own private affair. If we have been born again into God’s family, not only has he become our Father but every other Christian believer in the world, whatever his nation or denomination, has become our brother or sister in Christ. But it is no good supposing that membership of the universal Church of Christ is enough; we must belong to some local branch of it. Every Christian’s place is in a local church, sharing in its worship, its fellowship, and its witness.

This isn’t to say that what we do on Sundays is all that matters. No, our weekly gatherings around the word and prayer and sacrament equips us for our lives in the world. But while our calling is always more than what we do within the four walls of our local church, it is never less. By prioritizing the assembling of ourselves together, we enter the week with a gospel-shaped view of what it is God would have us to do to in our families, our communities, and our country.

In fact, recent research by the group Neighborly Faith affirms this. Young evangelicals who attend church are more likely to lend their time and resources to charity and activism. They report that their pastors and small group leaders are the most important influences in their lives. This is healthy.

For those of us who are more politically engaged, our friendships with ordinary Christians in Sunday school and small groups helps bring needed balance and perspective. Most of our fellow believers are likely not as obsessed with every new controversy and every social media storm. Most are busy working, getting their kids to school, and serving God with the people of God around them. Most are not on Twitter. Tight-knit relationships in our local church provide accountability and discipline, formation and friendship that is essential for our life in the world. If we don’t prioritize local church life, our ethics will be shaped by pundits, politicians, and party. Our ethics will be molded to the prevailing social ethos.

Christians should be eager to engage the culture, to participate in the important debates that shape our country. Christians should write columns, run for office, start non-profits, and other activities that promote the common good. Yet we shouldn’t be naive to believe that we can “change the world” by disobeying God’s command to gather, to worship, to participate in the local assembly of believers (Hebrews 10:25). What our country most needs today is not more punditry, but more healthy, prophetic, evangelistic, spirit-filled local churches. As G.K. Chesterton eloquently said, “We do not want a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world.”

Originally appeared in World Magazine. 

The Way Home Podcast: J. D. Greear on Essential Christianity

Today, we have J. D. Greear joining us on The Way Home podcast. J.D. Greear is the pastor of The Summit Church, in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. He has a new book out titled “Essential Christianity” where he works through the essential truths of the Christian faith. Today, we discuss questions like “what are the things we’re fighting for?” and “what are the things that matter?” to redirect our efforts in fighting for what does matter.

Show Notes

J. D. Greear Biography: Pastor J.D. Greear has authored several books.  He also hosts Summit Life, a daily, 30-minute radio broadcast and weekly NRBTV program. Pastor J.D. completed his Ph.D. in Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Chick-fil-A since January 2022 and recently served as the 62nd president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Books: Essential Christianity (2023),  Just Ask (2021), What Are You Going to Do with Your Life? (2020), Searching for Christmas (2020), Above All (2019), Not God Enough (2018), Gaining by Losing (2015), Gospel (2011), Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart (2013), and Jesus, Continued… (2014)

Twitter: @jdgreear

Facebook: J. D. Greear

Instagram: @pastorjdgreear

 

If you like what we’re doing here on the podcast, with my books, and at The Land Center, I want to ask you to think about donating to The Land Center through Southwestern Theological Seminary. I also want to thank everyone for your general support in everything that we’re doing.

Donate to the Land Center: https://join.swbts.edu/register/givelandcenter

My book Characters of Easter is available as a great study for the upcoming Easter season.

Click here to sign up for my new writing cohort with Chad Poe.