Bible study on Genesis 15:6: Is faith more than mental assent — or active allegiance to God?

Join A Pew with a Brew for our "Faith Beyond Belief" mini-series! We examine why faith in modern churches can sometimes shrink into mere mental assent. We explore its cultural, theological, and historical roots — from the Enlightenment to Billy Graham’s revivals. Weaving personal stories, cultural references, and Abraham’s loyalty (Genesis 15:6), we challenge the idea of faith as a checklist. With reflections from modern scholars, we invite a richer definition: faith as relational trust and active allegiance. Join us, grab your coffee, and pull up a pew.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: When “believe” isn’t enough

03:15 – Faith as mental assent: the modern trap

08:40 – Enlightenment roots & sola fide

14:00 – Billy Graham, revivals, and emotional faith

19:30 – Genesis 15:6 — Abraham’s active trust

24:45 – Faith as covenant loyalty today

🔗 Full series: Search “A Pew with a Brew” on Spotify

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Keywords: biblical faith, Genesis 15:6, covenant loyalty, active allegiance, mental assent, Billy Graham, sola fide, Christian discipleship, theology podcast, relational trust, Abraham faith.

Music:

Bye, Bye Brain! by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Bible study on the cross: How do Christus Victor, Penal Substitution, and Moral Influence fit together?

Join A Pew with a Brew for the finale of our atonement series, unravelling the multifaceted cross. Explore how models like Christus Victor, Penal Substitution, and Moral Influence weave together, offering hope for guilt, conflict, and injustice. From early Christian sacrifice to global church perspectives, we see the cross’s universal power. Gustaf Aulén’s strands frame this “diamond” of truth, with scriptures like Isaiah 53 and Romans 6 illuminating God’s love. Grab your mug, or your tinnie! Perfect for Christians seeking deep, but accessible theology with a cozy vibe. Tune in as we begin 2026.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: One cross, many facets

03:20 – Christus Victor: victory over powers

08:45 – Penal Substitution: guilt removed

14:10 – Moral Influence: love that changes us

19:30 – Gustaf Aulén’s “strands” of atonement

24:00 – Isaiah 53 & Romans 6 in harmony

28:45 – The cross for the global church

Keywords: atonement theology, Christus Victor, Penal Substitution, Moral Influence, Gustaf Aulén, Isaiah 53, Romans 6, cross of Christ, Bible study, Christian theology, multifaceted atonement, global church.

🔗 Full series: Search “A Pew with a Brew” on Spotify

☕ Support: buymeacoffee.com/apewwithabq

Love the podcast? Support us on Patreon for early access + bonus episodes:

patreon.com/cw/apewwithabrew

Music:

Bye, Bye Brain! by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com

Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Bible study on Luke 2:1–20: How does the Nativity story invite us to the manger this Christmas?

Join us for a heartfelt retelling of the Nativity in this special bonus episode of A Pew with a Brew. Behold the wonder of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, from Mary’s faithful “let it be” to the shepherds’ awe and the wise men’s star-guided journey. Discover how Immanuel, God with us, breaks into our world, inviting us to the manger. Perfect for Christmas Eve reflection, and a call to personal faith. Whether you’re new to the gospel or cherishing traditions, experience the peace and hope of the first Christmas. Brew in hand, settle in for inspiration that echoes “Silent Night.”

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why the Nativity still moves us

01:45 – Mary’s “let it be” (Luke 1:38)

05:30 – Bethlehem: no room at the inn

10:15 – Shepherds and the angelic choir

Keywords: Nativity story, Luke 2, Christmas Bible study, Immanuel God with us, Jesus birth, Bethlehem, shepherds, wise men, Mary’s fiat, Christian Christmas, Silent Night, gospel hope.

🔗 Full series: Search “A Pew with a Brew” on Spotify

☕ Support: buymeacoffee.com/apewwithabq

Love the podcast? Support us on Patreon for early access + bonus episodes:

patreon.com/cw/apewwithabrew

Music:

Bye, Bye Brain! by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com

Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

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Bible study on Luke 1:46–55: Is Mary’s Magnificat a revolutionary hymn for Advent?

Join A Pew with a Brew for seasonal Advent reflection on Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55), a revolutionary hymn of hope, peace, joy, and love. We explore how this powerful Scripture, sung by a humble young Mary (with credit to N T Wright and R Matcham), proclaims God’s radical kingdom — overthrowing the mighty and lifting the lowly. Mine its theological depth, from Jewish symbolism to echoes of Hannah’s prayer, and discover why it’s more than a Christmas carol. Weaving in J.S. Bach’s Magnificat, this episode connects ancient promises to modern life, urging listeners to join the Advent revolution. Perfect for Christians seeking inspiration this season. Grab a brew, settle in, and reflect on God’s justice and love. Subscribe for our Christmas Eve bonus episode!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why Mary’s song still shocks

02:30 – Luke 1:46–55 line-by-line

08:10 – Hannah’s prayer & Jewish roots

14:00 – Overthrowing the mighty: justice theology

19:45 – Bach’s Magnificat: music meets Scripture

25:00 – Advent revolution today

Keywords: Magnificat, Luke 1:46–55, Mary’s song, Advent reflection, Bible study, Christian theology, God’s kingdom, Hannah’s prayer, J.S. Bach, justice, hope, peace, joy, love, Christmas, Advent revolution.

🔗 Full series: Search “A Pew with a Brew” on Spotify

☕ Support: buymeacoffee.com/apewwithabq

Love the podcast? Support us on Patreon for early access + bonus episodes on 'the front row':

patreon.com/cw/apewwithabrew

Music:

Bye, Bye Brain! by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com

Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide

Bible study on Leviticus 16: Why did God need two goats on the Day of Atonement?

Join A Pew with a Brew for Part 2 of our atonement series, "Leviticus 16: We're Going to Need a Bigger Goat." Explore the Day of Atonement’s powerful rituals, where the high priest’s trembling steps and dual goats foreshadow Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Visit Leviticus 16’s mercy seat, and the scapegoat’s role (drawing on Michael Heiser’s work on Azazel and the Day of Atonement), connecting Old Testament shadows to Jesus’ cross. We consider René Girard’s scapegoat theory, and reflect on God’s relentless love amid our sin. Grab your brew and discover why we need a bigger goat!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: From Eden to the Tabernacle

02:40 – Leviticus 16: The Day of Atonement

07:15 – The two goats: sacrifice + scapegoat

13:30 – Azazel, mercy seat, and high priest

19:00 – René Girard on violence and the cross

24:45 – Jesus as both goats

Keywords: Leviticus 16, Day of Atonement, scapegoat, Azazel, Michael Heiser, Unseen Realm, René Girard, atonement, Jesus sacrifice, Bible study, Christian theology, mercy seat, Old Testament shadows.

🔗 Full series: Search “A Pew with a Brew” on Spotify

☕ Support: buymeacoffee.com/apewwithabq

Love the podcast? Support us on Patreon for early access + bonus episodes on 'the front row':

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🔗 Greg Boyd’s full critique of Girard https://reknew.org/2017/05/christus-victor-atonement-girards-scapegoat-theory/

Music:

Bye, Bye Brain! by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com

Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Bible study on atonement: Which model best explains Jesus’ death and resurrection?

Join A Pew with a Brew for an exploration of atonement, a topic at the engine room of Christian theology. In this episode, we consider seven models of atonement — Christus Victor, Ransom, Satisfaction, Moral Influence, Governmental, Scapegoat, and Penal Substitution — revealing how Jesus’ death and resurrection bridge humanity to God. From cosmic victory over sin to personal redemption, we examine scripture (Isaiah 53, Romans 5) and theologians like Anselm and John Stott. Perfect for believers and seekers, and for discussion over your favorite brew.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why atonement still matters

03:45 – Christus Victor: Cosmic battle won

08:20 – Ransom & Satisfaction theories

13:10 – Moral Influence & Governmental models

18:00 – Scapegoat and Penal Substitution

23:30 – Isaiah 53 & Romans 5 unpacked

28:15 – John Stott & Anselm on the cross

Keywords: atonement models, Christus Victor, Penal Substitution, Bible study, Christian theology, Isaiah 53, Romans 5, Anselm, John Stott, redemption, salvation, Jesus death.

🔗 Full series: Search “A Pew with a Brew” on Spotify

☕ Support: buymeacoffee.com/apewwithabq

Love the podcast? Support us on Patreon for early access + bonus episodes on 'the front row':

patreon.com/cw/apewwithabrew

Music:

Bye, Bye Brain! by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com

Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Bible study on discernment: How do we read strange verses like head coverings or holy kisses today?

In this episode of A Pew with a Brew, we continue our mini-series on the Scriptures by moving from the “what” of authority to the “how” and “why” of discernment. What do we do with Bible verses that feel strange or distant in 2025 — like head coverings, holy kisses, or foot washing?

Together we’ll explore how to read the Bible responsibly: avoiding glaring pitfalls, and learning instead to listen for God’s living voice. With credit to R Knowles and help from Karl Barth, St Augustine, Wesley, amongst others, we’ll examine Wesley’s “four-legged” toolkit for interpretation: Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.

Grab your coffee (or your pint) and join us — because the Bible isn’t just a manual of eternal truths; it’s the Spirit speaking in real time.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why discernment matters in 2025

03:10 – Strange verses: head coverings, holy kisses, foot washing

09:20 – Pitfalls of literalism vs. dismissal

15:00 – Wesley’s Quadrilateral: Scripture, tradition, reason, experience

21:30 – Karl Barth & Augustine on the Spirit’s voice

26:00 – Practical takeaway: reading with humility

Keywords: Bible interpretation, hermeneutics, biblical discernment, how to read the Bible, Wesley Quadrilateral, Karl Barth, St Augustine, John Wesley, strange Bible verses, Christian theology, Scripture and culture.

🔗 Full series: Search “A Pew with a Brew” on Spotify

☕ Support: buymeacoffee.com/apewwithabq

Love the podcast? Support us on Patreon for early access + bonus episodes on 'the front row':

patreon.com/cw/apewwithabrew

Music:

Bye, Bye Brain! by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com

Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

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Bible study on 2 Timothy 3:16–17: Is the Bible just a rulebook — or God’s living voice?

Join A Pew with a Brew, your fortnightly podcast where we chat theology over a coffee, or a beer! In this first of a two-part mini-series, we explore the Bible's authority and its vital role in Christian faith. We delve into scripture’s living voice with insights from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, hermeneutics, and speech-act theory. Discover why the Bible isn’t just a rulebook but a transformative encounter with God. Perfect for seekers and theology enthusiasts, this episode sets the stage for understanding scripture’s authority. Tune in for an engaging discussion, practical wisdom, and a theological framework to enrich your journey.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why Bible authority matters

02:50 – 2 Timothy 3:16–17 unpacked

08:15 – Hermeneutics & reading like the early church

14:30 – Speech-act theory: God speaking today

20:00 – Karl Barth on Scripture as witness

24:00 – Part 1 wrap-up & teaser for Part 2

Keywords: Bible authority, 2 Timothy 3:16, Christian theology, hermeneutics, speech-act theory, Karl Barth, Bible study, scripture interpretation, faith podcast, living voice of God .

🔗 Full series: Search “A Pew with a Brew” on Spotify

☕ Support: buymeacoffee.com/apewwithabq

Love the podcast? Support us on Patreon for early access + bonus episodes on 'the front row':

patreon.com/cw/apewwithabrew

Music:

Bye, Bye Brain! by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com

Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bible study on the Trinity: Is God a community of love — and what does it mean for us?

Welcome to A Pew with a Brew, a theology pewcast. Your host welcomes you with your morning coffee or evening brew, delving into the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This episode considers its transformative power, moving beyond abstract doctrine to a living reality shaping relationships, worship, and identity. Drawing from Genesis, Luke, and theologians like Moltmann, Thiselton, and Knowles, it reveals the Trinity’s communal love as a model for life. With insights on perichoresis, ethics, and spiritual growth. Perfect for curious minds or theology enthusiasts seeking deeper faith. Tune in, and join us. Subscribe now.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why the Trinity matters

03:20 – Biblical roots: Genesis & Luke

09:10 – Perichoresis: the dance of the Trinity

15:45 – Moltmann & Thiselton on divine love

21:30 – Trinity as model for community

Keywords: Trinity explained, Christian doctrine, Bible study, theology podcast, perichoresis, spiritual growth, divine love, faith and community.

🔗 Full series: Search “A Pew with a Brew” on Spotify

☕ Support: buymeacoffee.com/apewwithabq

Love the podcast? Support us on Patreon for early access + bonus episodes on 'the front row':

patreon.com/cw/apewwithabrew

Music:

Bye, Bye Brain! by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com

Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved

Bible study on Genesis 3: Did the serpent really brew trouble in God’s temple garden?

Join us on A Pew with a Brew in this latest episode, "Genesis 3. Trouble Brewing at God’s Temple Garden: Fruit, the Fall, and Flaming Swords." Unravel the biblical saga of the Fall, where the nachash tempts Adam and Eve with forbidden fruit, desecrating God’s cosmic temple in Eden. Explore the shattering of divine communion, the fiery judgment of cherubim wielding flaming swords, and the exile from paradise — marked by God’s act of clothing them with animal skins, a hint of mercy amid judgment.

This Christian podcast blends theology, scriptural analysis, and spiritual insights, with credit to J Peterson, Divine Council Worldview circles, and a sermon by R Matcham. Perfect for Bible study and faith exploration. Delve into creation, temptation, and divine justice, reflecting on humanity’s enduring struggle.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Genesis 3 recap

02:45 – Eden as God’s cosmic temple

07:30 – The nachash: serpent or shining one?

12:15 – Forbidden fruit and the Fall

18:40 – Flaming swords & exile

23:00 – Animal skins: mercy in judgment?

Keywords: Genesis 3, Fall of Man, Bible study, Christian podcast, temple garden, nachash, serpent temptation, Jordan Peterson, divine justice, cosmic geography, Eden exile.

🔗 Full series: Search “A Pew with a Brew” on Spotify

☕ Support: buymeacoffee.com/apewwithabq

Love the podcast? Support us on Patreon for early access + bonus episodes on 'the front row':

patreon.com/cw/apewwithabrew

Music:

Bye, Bye Brain! by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com

Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.