Who was Paul and how should we interpret his writings? In recent years, the New Perspective on Paul has redefined some of the fundamental questions in Paul's letters. Was Paul's background Jewish, Greek, or both? What is the relationship between grace and law? Are we saved by faith, works, or both? Cole Feix and Jarrett Ford discuss these trends in Paul's letter and a series of articles Jarrett has written for So We Speak. 

Find the first three posts here:

Part 2 - The New Perspective

Part 3 - Paul and the Jews

In this episode, we discuss Voddie Baucham's new book Fault Lines and the effects critical race theory is having on the world and the church. Baucham provides a critique of worldly social justice and calls the church to boldly practice biblical justice in the world. 

Combined, Luke and Acts make up a quarter of the New Testament. Luke writes with clarity and historical sensitivity but also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit, the perils of riches, and includes many of the most beloved stories and parables from Jesus' ministry, including the prodigal son, Zacchaeus, Jesus getting separated from his parents in the temple, and the rich man and Lazarus. In this episode, we talk about the unique and interesting aspects of Luke's life and writings. 

What makes a healthy church culture? In this episode, we're discussing accusations, abuse, and how to build an environment of truth and grace in the church based on Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer's new book A Church Called Tov. 

Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament. His prophecy condemns the final phase of Israel's rebellion against God and forecasts the coming of the Messiah. In this episode, we cover some of the important background information necessary for understanding Malachi's prophecy and the way Malachi previews the coming of Christ almost four hundred years later. 

Peter discusses a different kind of suffering in his letter to the churches in Asia. While they are likely not experiencing physical persecution, they were beginning to be excluded socially and economically. Peter wrote them with a clear, concise, and bold summary of the Christian life. It is as relevant to us as it was to them. 

In this episode, Terry Feix ties the whole Bible together culminating with Jesus' last supper with his disciples. Beginning with Abraham, he moves through the Mosaic covenant, the Day of Atonement, and the Hebrew marriage ritual. At the end, he answers a few questions about teaching this lesson and bringing all of the threads together. 

Watch the Maundy Thursday service at Crossings, here.

How did John go from the son of thunder to the apostle of love? In this short letter, we see a loving pastor in action. In this episode, we discuss the background to 1 John, possible outlines, and themes of the letter. 

In Christ, our entire lives are transformed and that includes our emotions, passions, and desires. Praying the Psalms is one of the best ways to grow in our faith. In this episode, we discuss different reasons to pray the Psalms and ways to get started. 

Resources:

• ESV Devotional Psalter

How do you start a small group? When do you know it's time to leave? Groups are an important environment for growth in the church but they can be difficult to lead. This week, Terry Feix talks about how to build, lead, and facilitate small groups and discipleship groups and answers some common questions leaders ask.