In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland invites you into the practice of reading the Old Testament with fresh eyes—looking for Jesus in every passage.

Derek shares his personal journey of nearly a decade of daily Old Testament reading, rooted in the daily office lectionary, and how it has transformed from duty to delight. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and personal stories, he demonstrates how Christians can uncover the presence of Jesus in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Key Takeaways

Why the Old Testament is essential reading for Christians today.

How Jesus Himself taught us to read Scripture with Him at the center (John 5:39; Luke 24).

The difference between reading the Bible in its historical context and reading it devotionally with Christ in view.

Insights from Charles Spurgeon and Augustine on finding Christ in every passage.

How allegory and prayerful reflection reveal Christ in unexpected places.

A practical example from Psalm 89 of seeing King Jesus in the Psalms.

Why some verses may not immediately point to Christ—and how to wrestle with that tension.

Scriptures mentioned in this episode:
Luke 24:27
Luke 24:44-45
1 Corinthians 10:1-4
Psalm 89:19
Psalm 89:24-27
Books mentioned in this episode:
Jesus-Centered Bible by Group Publishing
Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew about the Bible by Michael Bird

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How do we make sense of the violent passages in the Old Testament while following the peace teachings of Jesus? In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland takes on one of the most common and challenging questions he receives as a pastor and author: Why does God seem so violent in the Old Testament compared to Jesus in the New Testament?

Derek walks us through:

Why Joshua and 1 Samuel 15 are such difficult passages for modern readers.

Four historical Christian approaches to interpreting divine violence: acceptance, accommodation, misunderstanding, and allegory.

The importance of foundational Christian beliefs—God’s oneness, immutability, pure love, and Jesus as the perfect revelation of God.

Why wrestling with Scripture is not a weakness, but part of a faithful Christian journey.

How we can faithfully read the Old Testament while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

This is a thoughtful, theologically rich conversation for anyone who has struggled with the tension between the God of the Old Testament and the God revealed in Christ.
Key Takeaways

The God of the Old Testament is the same as the God of the New Testament.

God’s nature is unchanging, pure love—even if the stories in Scripture sometimes leave us unsettled.

Christians throughout history have used multiple ways to interpret violent passages—we don’t have to resolve the tension to remain faithful.

Jesus is the final word, the clearest picture of God, and our ultimate guide.

Scriptures mentioned in this episode:

I Samuel 15:31 Samuel 15:33
John 1:18

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In this thought-provoking episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland tackles a question many Christians quietly wrestle with: Why do we need the Old Testament?

From bloody battles and strange laws to a God who calls His people to peace, the Old Testament can feel confusing—even contradictory to the way of Jesus. But Derek shares why this ancient collection of writings is not only essential, but life-giving for followers of Christ in a modern world.

Drawing from his own journey—from avoiding the Old Testament as a young pastor to delighting in it through daily reading—Derek explores how these Scriptures shape our faith, deepen our understanding of Jesus, and connect us to the ancient people of God. You’ll hear stories from seminary days with his Old Testament professor, insights from the world of Bible translation, and even a Star Wars analogy that will forever change how you see the “backstory” of Scripture.

Whether you’ve loved the Old Testament for years or have quietly ignored it in your Bible reading plan, this episode will give you fresh eyes for its beauty, depth, and indispensable role in the story of redemption.

Key Takeaways
✔️ Why the Old Testament is essential for understanding Jesus and the New Testament
✔️ How it connects us to the ancient story of God’s people
✔️ Why not every Old Testament passage should be read as a moral directive
✔️ How to find Jesus throughout the Old Testament
✔️ Why the Psalms still shape our prayer life today

🎧 Listen now and rediscover the Old Testament as the essential prequel to the story of Jesus.

Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode:
• Exodus 12
• Leviticus 16
• Deuteronomy 21:18–21
• John 1:29

Preorder Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs

Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out!

➡️ Leave a review

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In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland is joined by his friend and pastor, Brian Zahnd, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends rock & roll, theology, and personal transformation. 

Brian and Derek reflect on their shared history in the Charismatic Movement—and why both eventually felt called to pack their bags and move on. Using Bob Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm” as a guiding metaphor, they explore how art, imagination, and poetic theology helped them step away from narrow subcultures and reclaim a deeper, truer spiritual identity. 

Brian talks about how Bob Dylan’s lyrics sparked his love for language—and how that shaped the way he thinks and talks about God. He also shares which books first opened up his theological imagination and how the Holy Spirit led him out of a rigid, formulaic faith into something much richer—rooted in beauty, history, and freedom. 

If you’ve ever struggled to stay true to your convictions in a system that demanded conformity—or wondered how music, literature, and art can renew your spiritual life—this conversation is for you. 

 
Key Takeaways 

✔️ How Bob Dylan’s poetry can reframe your theology 
✔️ What it means to “leave the movement, not the experience” 
✔️ Why imagination and language matter in theological formation 
✔️ The role of books, church history, and beauty in spiritual renewal 
✔️ How to stay faithful to your story when others want you to conform 

🎧 Listen now and rediscover the freedom of becoming fully yourself—with the Holy Spirit as your guide and a Dylan song in your heart. 

Books mentioned in this episode: 

The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard 

Jesus and the Victory of God by N.T. Wright 

The New Testament and the People of God by N.T. Wright 

The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright 

You can learn more about Brian Zahnd’s books at: https://amzn.to/4f2sCUo 

Preorder Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 

Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out! 

Leave a review 

Share it with your friends 

Give us a 5-Star rating on your podcast app of choice 

Get to know the host: https://derekvreeland.com 

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Episode Website 

In this deeply personal episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland shares why he took a step back from the popular Charismatic subculture—but not from the Spirit-filled life that first drew him in. 

Derek shares his spiritual journey from Southern Baptist roots to charismatic renewal, through Pentecostal seminary training, and ultimately into a more theologically grounded and historically rooted faith. While he still embraces the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit, Derek outlines eight specific values within the pop Charismatic movement that led him to walk away—including anti-intellectualism, spiritual elitism, and prosperity-driven faith. 

This episode is a heartfelt reflection on what it means to follow the Spirit with wisdom, humility, and discernment. Derek explores how academic theology, the contemplative tradition, and the global church have all enriched his understanding of God the Holy Spirit—and why he now calls himself a "charismatic with a seatbelt." 

If you’ve ever felt torn between being open to the Holy Spirit and staying grounded in theology, this episode is for you. 
 
Key Takeaways 

✔️ Why intellectual rigor and Spirit-led faith are not at odds 
✔️ The danger of measuring spiritual maturity solely by emotion 
✔️ How spiritual elitism harms church unity and witness 
✔️ Why selective Bible reading weakens discipleship 
✔️ The real meaning of blessing, healing, and power of the Holy Spirit 

🎧 Listen now and explore what it looks like to follow the Holy Spirit with passion and wisdom. 

Scriptures mentioned in this episode: 

Galatians 4:13  

Hebrews 11:1–40 

Genesis 12:1–3 

Galatians 5:22–23 

Revelation 21:1–4 

Preorder Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 

Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out! 

Get to know the host: https://derekvreeland.com 

Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook 
 
Episode Website 

In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland invites you into a personal and theological journey to better understand one of the most mysterious persons of the Trinity: God the Holy Spirit.

Derek shares how his view of the Holy Spirit has evolved—from childhood questions in a Southern Baptist church to transformative encounters as a teenager, through charismatic experiences, and into a mature, ecumenical appreciation for the Spirit’s work today. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and his own story, Derek unpacks why the Holy Spirit is not just an idea or force—but God’s living presence, shaping us to love and live like Jesus.

Along the way, Derek reflects on the Spirit’s role as the agent of God’s work on earth, the giver of spiritual gifts, and the power behind personal and communal transformation. He also highlights the wisdom of Father Raniero Cantalamessa and the invitation for all believers to seek fresh encounters with the Spirit—not once, but over and over.

Whether you’re curious about spiritual gifts, wondering about baptism in the Holy Spirit, or simply longing for renewal, this episode will help you open your heart to God’s ongoing work.

Key Takeaways

✔️ The Holy Spirit is God’s personal presence, not an impersonal force.

✔️ The Spirit empowers believers with love, gifts, and Christlike character.

✔️ Spiritual experiences and scriptural grounding can (and should) go hand in hand.

✔️ Seeking the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event but an ongoing invitation.

✔️ Renewal by the Spirit is essential for both personal faith and church life.

🎧 Listen now and renew your openness to the peace, power, and kindness of God the Holy Spirit.

Scriptures mentioned in this episode:

Acts 1:8

Romans 5:5

John 20:22

1 Corinthians 13

Jeremiah 31:31–33

Galatians 5:22–23

Books mentioned in this podcast:
Come, Creator Spirit by Raniero Cantalamessa

Preorder Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs

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In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores the important relationship between the gospel and the Holy Spirit—a continuation of his recent conversation with theologian Matthew Bates on the definition of the gospel in the New Testament.

As summer rolls on, Derek reflects on the creative highs and lows of writing and shares a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his process (including an early morning spent fine-tuning a footnote on John Wesley!). He shares how writing and podcasting are extensions of his pastoral calling.

This week’s episode focuses on one essential insight: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is part of the gospel message. Drawing from Acts 2, 3, and 5, Derek unpacks how the Spirit is present in the earliest gospel sermons preached by Peter. He shows how this insight, often overlooked, reaffirms the inseparable operations of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit working together in the work of salvation.

You’ll also hear three striking patterns in the gospel sermons in Acts:

No mention of heaven or hell

A clear emphasis that humanity killed Jesus and God raised him

A consistent declaration that Jesus is Lord, Messiah, and King

The outpouring of the Spirit isn’t just a one-time event—it’s part of the good news. The Spirit isn’t an optional afterthought but integral to how Jesus continues his rule in and through his people.

Whether you’ve questioned how the Holy Spirit fits into the gospel or are simply seeking to see the gospel with fresh eyes, this episode will help you make that connection.

Key Takeaways

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is not just a result of the gospel—it is part of the gospel.

The gospel proclaimed in Acts includes the resurrection, kingship of Jesus, and the giving of the Spirit.

The doctrine of inseparable operations teaches that the Trinity works in unity; the Spirit’s work is not separate from the work of Christ.

“The content of the gospel you preach informs the kind of disciples you make.”

🎧 Listen now and rediscover how the Spirit animates the full gospel message.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Beyond the Salvation Wars by Matthew Bates

Scriptures mentioned in this episode:

Acts 2:33, 2:36

Acts 3:15, 3:20

Acts 5:30, 5:32, 5:42

Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by:

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Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: https://derekvreeland.com

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Episode Website

In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland sits down with theologian and author Matthew Bates for a lively and challenging conversation about his newest book, Beyond the Salvation Wars: Why Both Protestants and Catholics Must Reimagine How We Are Saved.

Matthew is Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, co-host of the OnScript podcast, and an author whose work has deeply influenced the way we think about the gospel. Drawing from N.T. Wright, Scot McKnight, and others, Matthew has developed the "gospel allegiance" model of salvation—centered on the idea that saving faith (Greek: pistis) means allegiance to King Jesus.

In this episode, Derek and Matthew dig into what that means for long-standing theological divides between Protestants and Catholics, Calvinists and Arminians.

With humor, candor, and a bit of theological edge, this conversation explores everything from the whether or not baptism is the starting point of salvation to the backlash Matthew has received from critics of his allegiance model. Derek doesn’t hold back in sharing how Bates’ work has shaped his thinking, even challenging his own sacramental theology.

Whether you're Reformed, Catholic, Orthodox, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you to reconsider how we talk about salvation—and why it matters now more than ever.

Key Takeaways

Saving faith is better understood as allegiance to Jesus as King.

The gospel allegiance model offers a bridge across Protestant-Catholic and Calvinist-Arminian divides.

Baptism is not an event but a nuanced process which begins by the declaration of allegiance.

Matthew Bates’ work has drawn pushback—especially from some within the Reformed tradition—but also offers a hopeful vision for Christian unity around the gospel.

Distinguishing between God’s saving action, the means of reception, and the results can bring clarity to complex debates.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Salvation by Allegiance Alone – Matthew Bates

Gospel Allegiance – Matthew Bates

The Gospel Precisely – Matthew Bates

Why the Gospel? – Matthew Bates

Beyond the Salvation Wars – Matthew Bates

The King Jesus Gospel – Scot McKnight

🎧 Listen now and enter the conversation on what it really means to be saved—and what kind of gospel we are called to believe.

Preorder Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs

Did this episode spark a new way of thinking for you? Here’s how you can support the show:

Leave a review

Share it with your friends—even if you think it’s heresy 😉

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In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland wraps up our series on the Nicene Creed with its powerful final lines—covering the Church, baptism, and what Christians hope for in the end:

“We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.”

With honesty, warmth, and a deep love for the Church, Derek explores how these final affirmations hold hope and healing for Christians today—especially for those hurt by churches or struggling to find their place in Christian community.

Drawing from his own teenage years and spiritual formation in a nurturing Baptist church, Derek testifies to the beauty and brokenness of the Church. He offers grace to those wounded by toxic church leadership and reminds listeners why the Church—imperfect as she is—is still the beloved bride of Christ.

Whether you’ve loved the Church, been burned by it, or feel caught somewhere in between, this episode calls us back to what defines us: one Church, one baptism, one great hope in the resurrection and the life to come.

Key Takeaways

The Church is one—unity is central to Jesus’ prayer for his followers (John 17:21).

The Church is holy—we are set apart to live distinctively in the world.

The Church is catholic meaning “universal”, and includes all who affirm the essentials of Christian faith.

The Church is apostolic—rooted in the teaching of the apostles and the continuing work of the Spirit.

The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) helped heal Protestant-Catholic division by affirming shared faith in Christ and calling Protestants “separated brothers and sisters.”

Lumen Gentium, a key document from Vatican II, reframed the Catholic Church’s identity and opened the door to meaningful Christian unity.

We are united in the essentials—even if we disagree on politics, denominations, or music styles.

🎧 Listen now and rediscover the hope of the Church and the life of the world to come.

Scriptures mentioned in this episode:

John 17:21
John 17:14-19
Revelation 21:1-5

Preorder Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs

Did this series on the Nicene Creed help you reconnect with your faith? Here’s how you can support the show:

Leave a review

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In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues exploring the Nicene Creed in honor of its 1700th anniversary—this time diving deep into one of the most overlooked and misunderstood persons of the Trinity: God the Holy Spirit.

Derek shares how his view of the Holy Spirit has grown over the years—from powerful experiences as a teenager in Pentecostal circles to a deeper understanding of the Spirit’s role, shaped by the rich traditions of the Christian faith. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and his own spiritual journey, he unpacks why the Holy Spirit is not merely a force or feeling—but a personal, co-eternal presence alongside the Father and the Son. Along the way, he illustrates how the Spirit has moved in fresh and powerful ways throughout history—not just in biblical times.

Whether you’re curious about spiritual gifts, wrestling with charismatic culture, or simply hungry for a deeper encounter with God, this episode will renew your understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role in your life today.

Key Takeaways

The Holy Spirit is fully God—personal, divine, and worthy of worship.

The Spirit transforms hearts from the inside out, not just behaviors.

Jesus empowers believers through the Spirit to live out the commands of love.

Spiritual renewal reveals the ongoing work of the Spirit.

Charismatic experience and historic liturgy can coexist within a Spirit-led life.

Praying “Come, Holy Spirit” remains vital for daily spiritual strength and guidance.

🎧 Listen now and rediscover the beauty, mystery, and power of God the Holy Spirit.

Scriptures mentioned in this episode:

John 20:22

Acts 1:8

Acts 2: 1-4

Genesis 2:7

Jeremiah 31:31-33

Galatians 5:22-23

Preorder Derek's new book, Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us here: https://amzn.to/42jSZAs

Did you find this episode helpful on your spiritual journey? Consider helping us out!

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