Peaceable And Kind

What does it really mean that the Word became flesh? In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland takes us on a deep dive into one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith: the incarnation.

From the opening words of John’s Gospel to the insights of ancient Greek philosophers and church fathers like Athanasius, Derek explores how Jesus is not just a historical figure but the very Word of God—the Logos—who “moved into the neighborhood” for our salvation.

Why John begins his Gospel with the profound phrase “In the beginning was the Word.”

How the Greek concept of Logos points us to Jesus as the unifying principle of all creation.

The paradox of the infinite God taking on finite flesh.

Why the incarnation isn’t just theology to understand, but a mystery to pause, reflect, and dwell in.

Athanasius’ timeless reminder that God came down to renew His image in us, because we could not do it ourselves.

How the incarnation opens a “wardrobe door” (à la C.S. Lewis) into the life of God, inviting us into intimate relationship with Him.

Scriptures mentioned in this episode:

John 1:1–5, 14

Genesis 1:1

Ephesians 3:5–6

John 17:3

Books mentioned in this podcast:

Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us, Derek Vreeland

On the Incarnation, Athanasius

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis

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

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The Christmas story is more than a manger scene—it’s the beginning of the gospel itself. In this special episode, host Derek Vreeland shares the heart behind his brand-new Bible study, Incarnation: Eight Lessons on How God Meets Us, the first in his God in the Neighborhood series.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

The behind-the-scenes journey of how this book came to life—two years in the making!

Why John 1:14 (“The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood”) sparked an entire Bible study series.

How the incarnation shows us God’s neighboring presence—God with us, not far away.

A walk through the eight lessons, from Old Testament promises to Jesus’ birth, to learning “the unforced rhythms of grace” (Matthew 11).

Why incarnation matters today: before Jesus died for us, He came to us.

Key Takeaways

God’s desire to be with His people from Genesis to Jesus.

The Advent promise of peace, justice, and hope fulfilled in Christ.

What it means for Jesus to be both Messiah and Master.

Living out the incarnation in our own neighborhoods.

Scriptures mentioned in this episode:

Psalm 97

Isaiah 2 & 5

Isaiah 7

Luke 2

John 1:14

Matthew 11:29–30

Books mentioned in this podcast:
Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us

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

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What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

In this rich and eye-opening episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland sits down with Marty Solomon—president of Impact Campus Ministries, host of the BEMA Discipleship podcast, and author of Asking Better Questions of the Bible. Together, they explore how reading Scripture through its original Jewish context can transform our understanding of Jesus, justice, and the story of redemption.

Marty shares his own journey—from a fundamentalist evangelical upbringing, through seasons of doubt and “deconstruction,” to a renewed faith rooted in the historical and cultural world of the Bible. You’ll hear why becoming “people of the text” means more than knowing Bible facts—it’s about letting Scripture shape our lives, imaginations, and relationships.

The conversation dives into how the Jewish background of the New Testament illuminates the ministry of Jesus, why historical context must come before theology, and how biblical justice (mishpat) and righteousness (zedekah) work together to restore shalom—wholeness, peace, and flourishing—in a broken world.

Whether you’ve been wrestling with faith, longing for a deeper way to read the Bible, or curious about how Jewish roots change our perspective on the Gospel, this episode offers wisdom, challenge, and hope.

Key Takeaways
✔️ Why historical context changes how we read the Bible
✔️ The difference between Greek and Hebrew ideas of justice
✔️ How righteousness and justice create biblical shalom
✔️ Why curiosity—not certainty—should guide Bible study
✔️ How Jesus’ Jewish world shapes His teaching and ministry

🎧 Listen now and rediscover the Bible as a living, transforming story that points us to Jesus.

Scriptures Mentioned in This Episode:Isaiah 55

Psalm 97

Books Mentioned in this Episode:

Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon

Jesus the Jewish Theologian by Brad Young 

Listen to Marty's conversation with Lecrae on The Deep End podcast: https://youtu.be/RN4vJFAJeDI?si=pFNamuQFY4LnWFma

Learn more about Marty Solomon at martysolomon.com. 

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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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

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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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

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

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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

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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 

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

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

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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

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

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Episode Website