In this episode of God and Other Small Stuff, Taylor and Tyler dive deep into Genesis 18, exploring what Taylor calls "one of the most important theological statements in all of scripture about covenant succession and God's grace." The hosts unpack God's mysterious visit to Abraham through three men, examining the theological significance of this theophany and what it reveals about God's covenant promises working from the inside out.

The conversation explores the dramatic moment when God promises Isaac's birth to the elderly Abraham and Sarah, Sarah's secret laughter, and God's omniscient response that reveals His divine identity. The hosts discuss the complex question of who these three visitors were - likely Jesus (a Christophany) accompanied by two angels - and why this isn't a Trinitarian appearance. They delve into God's decision to reveal His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham, explaining Abraham's role as the "federal head" of the covenant and why God chose Abraham not because Abraham would be faithful, but so that Abraham would command his household to keep the Lord's way.

Key Topics Covered:

• The theophany in Genesis 18 and the identity of the three visitors
• Sarah's laughter and God's omniscient knowledge
• Why this passage isn't a Trinitarian appearance
• Abraham as the federal head of the covenant
• God's sovereign choice of Abraham and covenant succession
• The connection to Galatians 3-4 and believers as "children of promise"
• The theological significance of God revealing His plans to Abraham
• How covenant promises work from generation to generation

Scripture References:

• Genesis 18:1-33 - Abraham's visitors and the promise of Isaac
• Genesis 19:1 - The two angels in Sodom
• Psalm 110:1 - David calling the Lord his Lord
• Galatians 3:6-29 - Abraham's true offspring through faith
• Galatians 4 - Children of promise like Isaac

Theological Concepts Discussed:

• Theophany vs. Christophany
• Federal headship in covenant theology
• The "angel of the Lord" in Old Testament appearances
• Covenant succession and generational faithfulness
• Two powers of heaven in Jewish theology

Recommended Resources:

• "The Angel of the Lord: A Biblical, Historical and Theological Study" by Douglas Van Dorn
• Mike Heiser's works on divine council and spiritual beings

Join the Conversation: Have questions about covenant theology or Old Testament theophanies? Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions!

God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.

Connect With Us

• Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim Faith
• Check out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery

In this episode of God and Other Small Stuff, Michael and Tyler dive deep into one of Scripture's most foundational covenants. Through Genesis 15 and 17, we explore how God's promises to Abraham establish the theological framework for understanding His relationship with humanity and set the stage for the coming Messiah.

Episode Overview

The Abrahamic Covenant represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Kingdom of God where God makes unconditional promises to Abraham that will shape the destiny of nations. From the smoking firepot ceremony to the institution of circumcision, these chapters reveal both God's sovereignty and faithfulness in ways that echo throughout the entire biblical narrative.

Key Points Explored:

• The Covenant Ceremony in Genesis 15: Understanding the ancient ritual and its shocking twist
• Faith and Righteousness: How Abraham's belief was "counted to him as righteousness"
• Unconditional vs. Conditional Elements: Distinguishing between God's sovereign promises and human responsibilities
• The Sign of Circumcision: Why God chose this particular mark for His covenant people
• Name Changes: The theological significance of Abram becoming Abraham and Sarai becoming Sarah
• Land, Seed, and Blessing: The three-fold promise and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ
• Covenant Structure: How this covenant becomes the template for understanding God's dealings with His people

Scripture References:

• Genesis 15:1-21 - The covenant ceremony and promise of descendants
• Genesis 17:1-27 - The establishment of circumcision and name changes
• Romans 4:1-25 - Paul's exposition of Abraham's faith and justification
• Galatians 3:6-29 - The covenant promises fulfilled in Christ
• Hebrews 6:13-20 - God's unchangeable promise to Abraham

Recommended Resources:

• "Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum
• "The Christ of the Covenants" by O. Palmer Robertson
• "God's Kingdom Through God's Covenants" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum
• "Heaven Misplaced" by Douglas Wilson
• "A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart

Join the Conversation:

How do you see the Abrahamic Covenant connecting to your daily faith? Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your thoughts and questions!

God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.

Connect With Us

• Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind for the Classical Life, Mythic Mission
• Check out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery

#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #AbrahamicCovenant #Genesis #CovenantTheology #Faith #Promise #Abraham

This episode comes from Tyler's online web project, The Classical Thinkery.

You can find other content from Tyler at tylerwbauer.com and The Classical Mind for the Classical Life. 

If you like this content, please subscribe to The Classical Thinkery and share!

In this episode of God and Other Small Stuff, Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the enigmatic figure of Melchizedek, who appears briefly in Genesis 14 yet casts a long shadow throughout Scripture. Discover how this mysterious king-priest of Salem foreshadows Jesus and why the biblical authors repeatedly draw connections between them.

Episode Overview

This three-verse encounter between Melchizedek and Abraham becomes a theological cornerstone referenced again in Psalm 110 and extensively developed in Hebrews 6-7, establishing a crucial pattern that points to Christ's eternal priesthood.

Key Points Explored:

• Melchizedek's unusual dual role as both king and priest
• The significance of his name ("king of righteousness") and title ("king of Salem/peace")
• Why the author of Hebrews sees him as a type of Christ
• How Psalm 110 connects Melchizedek to the coming Messiah
• The theological implications of a priesthood that predates the Levitical system

Scripture References:

• Genesis 14:18-20 - The original encounter with Abraham
• Psalm 110:4 - "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"
• Hebrews 6:19-20 - Jesus as high priest in the order of Melchizedek
• Hebrews 7:1-28 - The extended exploration of the Melchizedek priesthood

Recommended Resources:

• "Between Babel and Beast" by Peter Leithart
• "Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum
• "A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart
• "Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith G. Kline

Join the Conversation:

Have questions about Melchizedek or other biblical figures? Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions!

God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.

Connect With Us

• Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim Faith, 
• Check out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery

#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #Melchizedek #Hebrews #Christology #Priesthood

Episode Summary

In this fifth installment of the Kingdom of God series, hosts Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the covenant with Abraham, examining the significance of Isaac and Ishmael in the covenant narrative, and discussing how this relates to Islam within Kingdom theology. The episode builds on previous discussions of Abraham's calling from Babel to establish God's Kingdom purposes.

Main Themes

The Abrahamic Covenant

• God's commitment to Abraham as a pivotal development in the Kingdom narrative
• The significance of the covenant promises and their multifaceted fulfillment
• How Abraham's covenant differs from and builds upon previous covenants (Adamic and Noahic)

Isaac as Covenant Heir

• The theological significance of Isaac as the child of promise
• How Isaac's birth fulfills God's supernatural promise to Abraham and Sarah
• The testing of Abraham's faith through the sacrifice of Isaac
• Isaac as a typological figure pointing toward Christ

Ishmael and Alternative Covenant Paths

• The place of Ishmael in the biblical narrative
• How Ishmael's descendants relate to God's broader Kingdom purposes
• The theological implications of Abraham's relationship with Hagar
• The covenant promises to Ishmael distinct from those to Isaac

Kingdom Theology and Islam

• How Islam's theological claims relate to the Abrahamic covenant
• Points of connection and divergence between Kingdom theology and Islamic tradition
• Examining the Islamic view of Ishmael as legitimate heir versus the biblical account
• How Christians can engage respectfully with Islamic perspectives on Abraham

Scripture Deep Dive

• Genesis 12:1-3 - God's initial call and promise to Abraham
• Genesis 15:1-21 - The covenant ceremony and promises of land and descendants
• Genesis 17:15-22 - God's promise of Isaac and blessing for Ishmael
• Genesis 21:1-21 - Birth of Isaac and sending away of Hagar and Ishmael
• Genesis 22:1-19 - The testing of Abraham and provision of the ram
• Galatians 4:21-31 - Paul's allegorical interpretation of Sarah and Hagar

Theological Implications

• The concept of covenant as central to God's Kingdom agenda
• How God works through chosen human agents to advance His Kingdom
• Faith as the foundation of covenant relationship with God
• The tension between human action and divine sovereignty in covenant fulfillment
• How the Abrahamic covenant anticipates the new covenant in Christ

Practical Applications

• Living as covenant people in a post-Christian world
• How Abraham's faith journey models trusting God in impossible situations
• Navigating cultural and religious pluralism while maintaining theological conviction
• The call to be a blessing to all nations as heirs of Abraham's covenant
• Understanding our place in God's ongoing Kingdom story

Recommended Resources

• "A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart
• "Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith G. Kline
• "Between Babel and Beast" by Peter Leithart
• "A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart
• "Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum

Connect With Us

• Instagram: @godandothersmallstuff
• Send us your questions and thoughts via DM!
• Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim Faith, 
• Check out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery

#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #Abraham #Isaac #Covenant #BiblicalTheology

Episode Summary

In this fourth installment of the Kingdom of God series, hosts Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the Tower of Babel narrative and its connection to Abraham's calling. Engaging with Peter Leithart's book "Between Babel and Beast," they examine how Abraham was called out from one empire to establish God's Kingdom, representing a pivotal contrast between human empire-building projects and God's alternative Kingdom vision.

Main Themes

The Tower of Babel as Empire

• The theological significance of humanity's first attempt at empire-building
• How the Babel project represented human autonomy and rebellion against God's command to fill the earth
• The tower as a symbol of consolidated human power in opposition to God's Kingdom
• Language confusion as God's judgment on human pride and self-exaltation

Empire vs. Kingdom

• The fundamental tension between human empires and God's Kingdom purposes
• How empires throughout biblical history follow the Babel pattern
• The contrast between top-down coercive power and God's servant-leadership model
• Empire as an idolatrous alternative to God's rule and reign

Abraham's Counter-Cultural Calling

• Abraham's call to leave Ur of the Chaldeans as a departure from empire
• How God's covenant with Abraham establishes an alternative to Babel's ambitions
• Abraham as the beginning of God's redemptive counter-empire
• The significance of Abraham being called to be a blessing to all nations

Scripture Deep Dive

• Genesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel narrative and God's judgment
• Genesis 12:1-3 - God's call to Abraham to leave his homeland
• Genesis 10:8-12 - Nimrod's kingdom and the first biblical mention of Babel
• Isaiah 14:12-15 - Prophetic connections to Babel's tower-building ambitions
• Acts 2:1-11 - Pentecost as a redemptive reversal of Babel's language confusion

Theological Implications

• The persistent human tendency toward empire-building throughout history
• God's consistent opposition to human attempts at absolute power
• The Kingdom of God as an upside-down alternative to imperial systems
• How God works through remnants and outsiders rather than through centers of power
• The theological importance of diversity and dispersion versus homogeneity and centralization

Practical Applications

• Recognizing and resisting empire-thinking in contemporary Christian culture
• Following Abraham's example of faith and counter-cultural living
• Building Kingdom communities that contrast with worldly power structures
• Embracing God's call to be a blessing to others rather than elevating ourselves
• Cultivating a healthy skepticism toward centralized human power

Recommended Resources

• "Between Babel and Beast" by Peter Leithart
• "Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum
• "A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart
• "Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith G. Kline

Connect With Us

• Instagram: @godandothersmallstuff
• Send us your questions and thoughts via DM!
• Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim Faith, The Classical Thinkery

#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #TowerOfBabel #Abraham #Empire #BiblicalTheology

The following is a sermon given at Chruch of Christ the King in Fort Worth, TX on 05/12/2024

In this third installment of God and Other Small Stuff's Kingdom of God series, Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the story of Noah and the flood through the lens of Kingdom theology. This episode examines how the flood narrative represents both judgment on corruption and a renewal of God's Kingdom purposes.

Episode Overview

The story of Noah and the flood marks a pivotal point in God's Kingdom narrative. After humanity's extensive corruption of creation, God chooses to preserve a righteous remnant through whom He will continue His Kingdom purposes. This episode unpacks the theological significance of the flood as both judgment and cleansing, and how Noah serves as a second Adam figure in the ongoing Kingdom story.

Key Points Explored:

• The flood as "de-creation" and the return to Genesis 1:2 conditions
• Noah as a new Adam figure and covenant representative
• The cleansing waters of the flood as judgment and purification
• God's preservation of a Kingdom remnant through the ark
• How the post-flood world represents a renewed creation
• The ongoing effects of sin even after the flood

Scripture References:

• Genesis 6:5-8 - God's grief over human wickedness and His decision to preserve Noah
• Genesis 7:1-16 - God's instructions for the ark and the coming of the flood
• Genesis 8:1 - God's remembrance of Noah and the sending of the wind/spirit
• Genesis 9:1-17 - The renewal of the creation mandate and the Noahic covenant
• 2 Peter 2:5 - Noah as a "preacher of righteousness"
• Matthew 24:37-39 - Jesus' comparison of His return to the days of Noah

Theological Connections:

• The parallels between creation and the flood narrative
• How Noah's story prefigures baptism and spiritual cleansing
• The concept of remnant theology introduced through Noah
• God's faithfulness to His creation despite human rebellion
• The relationship between judgment and grace in God's Kingdom plan

Recommended Resources:

• "Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum
• "Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith Kline
• "The Lost World of the Flood" by John Walton and Tremper Longman III

Questions to Consider:

• How does the flood narrative challenge our understanding of God's judgment and mercy?
• What does Noah's role as a "second Adam" reveal about God's persistent Kingdom purposes?
• How might the concept of "cleansing waters" inform our understanding of baptism and spiritual renewal?
• In what ways does the Noahic covenant both continue and adapt God's original creation mandate?

Join the Conversation:

Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions!

God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.

Want to explore more? Check out our other podcasts:

• The Classical Mind for the Classical Life
• Pilgrim Faith
• The Classical Thinkery on Substack

#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #Noah #Flood #Covenant #BiblicalTheology

In this second episode of God and Other Small Stuff's Kingdom of God series, Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the profound themes of God's Kingdom as revealed in Genesis 1-3. This episode examines how the creation narrative establishes crucial foundations for understanding God's Kingdom plan throughout Scripture.

Episode Overview

Genesis 1-3 reveals God as the sovereign King who establishes His Kingdom on earth through His image-bearers. This episode unpacks the theological richness of Creation, exploring humanity's unique role as image-bearers and the Garden of Eden as the first Kingdom territory.

Key Points Explored:

• The Image of God as both identity and vocation for humanity
• The Garden of Eden as the first "Kingdom territory" and temple
• How human beings were designed to represent God's rule on earth
• The consequences of the Fall for God's Kingdom purposes
• How Genesis 1-3 establishes patterns that continue throughout Scripture
• The significance of being made in God's image for our understanding of human purpose

Scripture References:

• Genesis 1:26-28 - Creation of humans in God's image with a mandate to rule
• Genesis 2:8-15 - The Garden of Eden as God's sanctuary and humanity's first home
• Genesis 3:1-24 - The Fall and its consequences for God's Kingdom plan
• Psalm 8:3-8 - Reflection on humanity's royal position in creation
• Revelation 21-22 - The ultimate restoration of God's Kingdom design

Theological Connections:

• How the concepts of "image" and "likeness" reveal different dimensions of our relationship with God
• The Kingdom implications of being commanded to "subdue" and have "dominion"
• Why understanding the original creation helps us grasp God's ultimate redemptive goals

Recommended Resources:

• "Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum
• "Lifting the Veil: Imagination and the Kingdom of God" by Malcolm Guite
• "The Lost World of Genesis One" by John Walton
• "Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith Kline
• "Reformed Covenant Theology" by Harrison Perkins

Questions to Consider:

• How does understanding yourself as God's image-bearer change your sense of purpose?
• What does it mean for humans to have "dominion" in a way that reflects God's character?
• How does the creation account shape your understanding of God's ultimate Kingdom goals?

Join the Conversation:

Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions!

God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.

Want to explore more? 

• Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind for the Classical Life, Pilgrim Faith
• Check out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery

#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #Genesis #ImageOfGod #Creation #BiblicalTheology

In this episode of God and Other Small Stuff, Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler begin a multi-part exploration of one of the Bible's most central yet often misunderstood themes: The Kingdom of God. This foundational episode lays the groundwork for understanding what "the Kingdom" means and examines the profound implications of God's kingship throughout Scripture.

Episode Overview

The concept of God's Kingdom isn't just a New Testament idea but a thread woven through the entire biblical narrative. This episode traces the Kingdom theme from creation in Genesis 1, through humanity's fall, and concludes with Abraham's calling as God's vice-regent—showing how the Kingdom of God has always been central to God's redemptive plan.

Key Points Explored:

• God as Creator-King establishing His rule and realm in Genesis 1
• Humans as image-bearers created to represent God's rule on earth
• How sin disrupted but didn't destroy God's Kingdom purposes
• The significance of the "cultural mandate" (Gen 1:28) in Kingdom theology
• Abraham's selection as God's representative and the beginning of God's redemptive Kingdom plan
• The pattern of covenant relationship as the foundation for God's Kingdom

Scripture References:

• Genesis 1:26-28 - Humans created in God's image to rule and subdue the earth
• Genesis 3:1-24 - The fall and its impact on God's Kingdom purposes
• Genesis 12:1-3 - God's covenant with Abraham and the Kingdom promise
• Genesis 17:1-8 - Abraham as vice-regent in God's Kingdom program
• Psalm 8:4-8 - Reflection on humanity's royal position in creation

Theological Connections:

• How the Kingdom of God provides a cohesive framework for understanding the entire biblical narrative
• The relationship between covenant and Kingdom throughout Scripture
• Why Genesis establishes patterns that find their fulfillment in Christ's Kingdom

Recommended Resources:

• "Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum
• "Lifting the Veil: Imagination and the Kingdom of God" by Malcolm Guite

Questions to Consider:

• How does understanding God as King change the way you read familiar Bible passages?
• What does it mean for you personally to be an image-bearer representing God's rule?
• How does Humanity's role as vice-regent inform our understanding of what it means to follow God today?

Join the Conversation:

Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions!

God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.

More from Us

• Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind for the Classical Life, Pilgrim Faith
• Check out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery

#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #Genesis #CovenantTheology #BiblicalNarrative