As we consider the theology of the Bible, perhaps no other field is as important as the theology of Jesus Himself. What did Jesus teach concerning God and His kingdom? In this episode, we will cover the following three questions.

1) What do we know historically about Jesus of Nazareth?

2) What were the main themes of Jesus's message?

3) Why do we have 4 Gospels, and who wrote them?

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

About the Host:

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

1.      What did “return” mean to the Jewish peopleafter exile—physically, spiritually, and communally?

2.     How did the rebuilding of the Temple shapeexpectations of divine presence and national identity?

3.     In what ways did prophetic silence feel likeabandonment—or preparation?

4.     How did the memory of exile influence thelonging for a Messiah?

5.     How did the rise and fall of empires (Persian,Greek, Roman) intensify messianic hopes?

6.     How did groups like the Pharisees, Sadducees,Essenes, and Zealots respond to the “hurry up” of history?

About the Host

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

(c) 2025. Bellator Christi.

Questions for Podcast

1. How does Lamentationsfunction as a theological response to the Babylonian Exile?

2. What does the Exile reveal about God’s covenantal justice and mercy?

3. How does the destruction of Jerusalem reshape Israel’s understanding of God’s presence and promises?

4. In what ways does Lamentations echo Deuteronomic theology (“blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience”)?

5. How does the Exile reframe Israel’s identity as a chosen people?

6. What does it mean to grieve with hope—or to grieve without resolution?

7. What parallels can we draw between the Exile and other biblical “wilderness” moments?

8. How does the Exile prepare the way for messianic hope and restoration theology?

About our Hosts

Daniel Sloan, Ph.D.

Dr. Daniel Sloan is a professor of Biblical Studies and serves as the online Director of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition at Liberty University. He has a PhD in Theology and Apologetics with a concentration in Old Testament from Liberty University. He also serves as the Pastor of Family Life at Fairfield West Baptist Church in Fairfield, Ohio. He served as the Managing Editor and Contributor on the Thomas Nelson Evangelical Study Bible (Spring 2023).

Brian G. Chilton, M.Div., Ph.D.

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Amy Downey. Dr. Downey is one of the Vice Presidents of Bellator Christi and the President and Founder of Tzedakah Ministries. To learn more about Tzedakah Ministries, go to tzedakahministries.org.

• What made the Davidic Covenant distinct from previous biblical covenants?

• How did Israel’s longing for a king reflect deeper theological or existential desires?

• In what ways did David’s kingship both fulfill and fall short of covenantal ideals?

• What were the competing messianic expectations in Jesus’ time—warrior king, suffering servant, priestly redeemer?

• How did Second Temple Judaism interpret the Davidic Covenant in light of Roman occupation?

• What does messianic anticipation teach us about waiting, hope, and divine timing?

• How can the theology of kingship inform Christian leadership today?

About our Hosts

Amy Downey, MAComm, MATh, Ph.D.

Dr. Amy Downey serves as the President and Director of Tzedakah Ministries, a ministry devoted to sharing the Gospel of Yeshua with Jewish people (http://tzedakahministries.org). Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Amy surrendered her life to full-time Christian service at the age of 16, but still struggled with her call to missions.  Afraid of the price she might have to pay, Amy decided to serve God but in her own way.  However, and finally, at the age of twenty-eight, Amy followed the mission call to reach the Jewish people with the truth that Jesus (Yeshua) is the Jewish Messiah.

This mission call has taken her across the country to speak in churches and meetings across more than thirty states and four continents (8 countries) about the need for the Christian church to take on the responsibility of Jewish evangelism mandated in Romans 1:16 and 11:11-24.  Amy has shared the truth of Jesus to Jewish people on street corners, airplanes, parks, restaurants, and even in churches.  In addition, she spent three of the most spiritually challenging and rewarding years of her life in the heart of American Jewish life – New York City.

Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from East Texas Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Communication and Master of Arts in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and was the first woman to complete a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University (May 2016).  She is also the author of Paul’s Conundrum (2011), Maimonides’s Yahweh (2019), and Missions in the Minor Key (2024) along with numerous magazine articles and booklets that are available at https://tzedakahministries.org. Amy serves as a contributor and Associate Vice President for Bellator Christi Ministries.

Brian G. Chilton, M.Div., Ph.D.

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

To learn more about Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

The Theology of Joshua

• Divine presence and leadership (Josh. 1:5; 3:7)
• Covenant renewal and obedience (Josh. 1:7-8; 8:30-35;24).

• Divine judgment (Josh. 6:1-2)
• Other themes: leadership, Law, covenantal identity, divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and God's faithfulness

The Theology of Judges

• Covenantal faithfulness vs. idolatry (Judg. 2:10-12)
• Cycle of sin and deliverance
• God's amazing grace (Judg. 3:9; 4:3; et. al)
• The faithfulness of God and the failure of politicians (entire book)

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(c) 2025. Bellator Christi.

The Theology of Leviticus

1. Holiness

2. Sacrifices and worship

3. Priesthood

4. God's Tabernacle

The Theology of Deuteronomy

1. The Love of God

2. Yahweh is the Only True God

3. The Centralization of Worship

4. Walking in Divine Obedience

For more, visit BellatorChristi.com at https://bellatorchristi.com.

1.      What is the Exodus motif, and why does it recurso frequently throughout the pages of Scripture?

2.      How does the Exodus story function as aframework for redemption, both historically and theologically?

3. How does God’s self-revelation in the burning bush of Exodus reveal divine compassion and action?

4.      What is the significance of God giving the Lawat Sinai in the shaping of Israel’s covenantal identity?

5.      How is the Exodus motif revealed in the Psalms,Prophets, and in the New Testament, particularly through Jesus’s death and resurrection?

6.      How does the Exodus motif impact modernbelievers, and what does it say about a redeemed people living in a world of darkness and oppression?

To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.Copyright. 2025. Bellator Christi.

S9E2 Creation and Covenant (Gen. 1-3) w. Tony Williams
1) Define what we mean by a covenant.
2) In the opening chapters of Genesis, we are told about God’s involvement with creation. What do these chapters teach us concerning God’s creation and God’s creative work?
3) In these opening chapters, we are also told about the Fall. What is the Fall, and what does it mean for humanity?
4) Some have claimed that the Serpent of the Garden is an allegorical device. Is that your take? How should we interpret the snake of the Garden?
5) In Genesis 1-3, we are introduced to the Adamic covenant. Explain the covenant to our listening audience.
6) How does the covenant of Adam relate to the Messianic covenant found in Jesus?For more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

About Tonight's Guest

Tony Williams: Associate Vice President of Publications, Editor, and ContributorTony Williams is currently serving in his 20th year as a police officer in a city in Southern Illinois. He has been studying apologetics in his spare time for two decades, since a crisis of faith led him to the discovery of vast and ever-increasing evidence for his faith. Tony received a bachelor’s degree in University Studies from Southern Illinois University in 2019. His career in law enforcement has provided valuable insight into the concepts of truth, evidence, confession, testimony, cultural competency, morality, and most of all, the compelling need for Christ in the lives of the lost. Tony plans to pursue postgraduate studies in apologetics in the near future to sharpen his understanding of the various facets of Christian apologetics.

About the Bellator Christi Podcast Host

Brian G. Chilton, M.Div., Ph.D.: Founder of Bellator Christi Ministries, President, Publisher, Contributor, and Co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton’s primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

S9E1 What is Biblical Theology?

1.      What is biblical theology?

2.      How does biblical theology differ fromsystematic theology?

3.      How does biblical theology differ fromhistorical theology?

4.      Describe the story-shaped nature of Scripture.

5.      Christ is at the epicenter of the grand biblicalnarrative.

6.      What are some key themes throughout biblicaltheological study?

7.      Why is biblical theology important?

For more, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

On S9E0 Preseason Show, Dr. Brian Chilton discusses the upcoming Season 9 of the Bellator Christi Podcast. Season 9 features a brand new area of focus: biblical theology. Dr. Chilton gives a preliminary glimpse of what biblical theology is and the Bible-centered episodes that will be featured in the new season. Additionally, Dr. Chilton updates the listeners on the latest news from Bellator Christi Ministries and briefly speaks about his latest book Semitic Residue: Signs of Early Oral Traditions in the Gospel of Matthew.

To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https:bellatorchristi.com.