The Thinking Kingdom Podcast

Is the internet the modern-day Mars Hill? And are Christians prepared to defend their faith in today's marketplace of ideas? In this episode of Thinking Kingdom, we're joined by Marco Arroyo of In Between Sundays to discuss the growing importance of Christian apologetics, the challenges of defending biblical truth online, and the opportunities social media provides for reaching people with the gospel. Marco shares his personal journey into the Churches of Christ, how his apologetics ministry began, and the conversations that have shaped his work—including his interactions with prominent Christian apologists like Trent Horn. Together, we explore some of the most important theological conversations happening today: The Modern Mars Hill: Why YouTube and social media have become important arenas for Christian apologetics. Faith, Baptism, and Salvation: How should we understand the relationship between faith, obedience, and baptism? Are faith and baptism really competing ideas? Defending the Faith: What can we learn from conversations with Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox Christians? Apostolic Succession: Does the church need an unbroken succession of bishops to maintain its legitimacy? Faithful Engagement: How can Christians confidently defend biblical truth while maintaining humility, love, and a willingness to learn? The Future of Apologetics: Why we need more Christians willing to engage difficult questions in the public square. Our goal isn't simply to win arguments, but to encourage deeper biblical understanding, strengthen faith, and point people toward Jesus Christ. Whether you're passionate about apologetics, curious about the Churches of Christ, or simply looking to deepen your understanding of Scripture, we hope this conversation challenges and encourages you. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Marco Arroyo 02:27 – Versle: Testing Our Bible Knowledge 06:09 – The Story Behind In Between Sundays 08:21 – The Internet as the Modern Mars Hill 13:11 – Marco's Conversion and Journey of Faith 16:00 – Trent Horn, Bryce Crawford, and Christian Apologetics 19:04 – Growing an Online Apologetics Ministry 22:48 – Why Baptism Remains a Major Theological Debate 27:58 – Faith, Obedience, and a Holistic Reading of Scripture 37:36 – Eastern Orthodoxy and Apostolic Succession 42:43 – Why the Churches of Christ Need More Apologists 47:45 – Biblical Authority, Division, and Christian Unity 50:10 – Closing Thoughts Connect With Us Thinking Kingdom Podcast Website: https://www.thinkingkingdom.org Marco Arroyo – In Between Sundays YouTube: / @ibsmarco Patreon: / inbetweensundays If you enjoyed this conversation, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing this episode. Leave a comment with your thoughts or questions—we'd love to hear from you! #ThinkingKingdom #ChristianApologetics #ChurchesOfChrist

Season 3 of the Thinking Kingdom Podcast is here! We're kicking off a brand-new season by introducing a new co-host—and a familiar face to the podcast! In this episode, we recap our trip to the Bear Valley Lectureship, unveil our new Thinking Kingdom website, and share what's ahead for the podcast. Join us as we look back on where we've been, celebrate what's happening now, and give you a sneak peek at what's to come! 🌐 Visit our new website: www.thinkingkingdom.org #ThinkingKingdom #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalStudies #Theology

In this final episode of our Ephesians study, we wrap up Ephesians 6 and bring our 21-part journey through our second season to a close. We discuss Spirit-filled living through submission, the responsibilities of children and parents, bondservants and masters, and what these relationships teach us about honoring Christ in everyday life. We also explore the Armor of God, spiritual warfare, the rulers and authorities mentioned by Paul, and how Ephesians connects to Isaiah 59, Psalm 68, and the broader biblical theme of God's victory over the powers of darkness. Along the way, we examine practical discipleship, Christian integrity in the workplace, parenting, prayer, and what it means to faithfully participate in God's kingdom both now and in the age to come. Thank you for joining us throughout this Ephesians series. We are grateful for your support, encouragement, and thoughtful engagement as we've worked through one of the New Testament's most profound letters together. 📧 Questions, comments, or guest suggestions? [email protected] 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share if this study has encouraged you. #Ephesians #ArmorOfGod #SpiritualWarfare #BibleStudy #ThinkingKingdomPodcast #ChristianPodcast #PaulineEpistles #Ephesians6 #ChristianLiving #BiblicalTheology #Psalm68 #Isaiah59 #KingdomOfGod #Discipleship #ChristianLeadership

How should churches think about strategic planning? In this episode of the *Thinking Kingdom Podcast*, we sit down with Neal Pollard to discuss vision, leadership, goal-setting, and how intentional planning can help congregations grow spiritually, evangelistically, and organizationally. We explore practical topics like:

• Strategic planning in the church
• Vision statements and mission alignment
• SWOT analysis for congregations
• Mobilizing members into ministry
• Church growth and leadership culture
• Avoiding “consumer Christianity”
• Building effective ministry pipelines
• Church relocation and long-term vision
• Evangelism, outreach, and measurable goals
• How churches can better utilize deacons and ministry leaders

Neal also shares stories from his work at Bear Valley and Cumberland Trace, including how strategic planning helped create new ministry opportunities, strengthen outreach, and unify church leadership around a common vision. If you’re a preacher, elder, deacon, ministry leader, or church member wanting to think more intentionally about the future of the church, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement. 📌 Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the episode! #ThinkingKingdomPodcast #ChurchLeadership #StrategicPlanning #ChurchGrowth #ChristianLeadership #Elders #Deacons #Evangelism #ChurchMinistry #LeadershipDevelopment #ChurchVision #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #MinistryLeadership #ChurchOfChrist

Ephesians 5 Breakdown | Walking as Children of Light In this episode, we dive deep into the Epistle to the Ephesians chapter 5 and unpack what it really means to walk as a Christian. This isn’t about surface-level rule following—this is about identity, transformation, and living as part of God’s family. We explore: What it means to “walk in love” and imitate God How sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness connect—and why Paul calls it idolatry The powerful contrast between darkness and light Why gratitude, singing, and submission are essential to Spirit-filled living A deeper look at family language in Ephesians—inheritance, adoption, and identity The real meaning behind wives & husbands, and how it reflects Christ and the church This conversation also tackles tough theological questions like the nature of Christ’s sacrifice, the role of context in Bible study, and how to avoid misusing passages. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to live out your faith daily—this one’s for you. Key Takeaway: You don’t just act like a Christian—you walk like one. 👍 Like, Subscribe, and share if this helped you grow in your understanding! #Ephesians5 #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #WalkInLight #NewTestament #FaithInAction #BiblicalTeaching #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchLife #Theology #BiblePodcast #ScriptureStudy

In this episode of the Thinking Kingdom Podcast, we dive into Ephesians 4—the turning point where theology meets real life. After exploring the deep truths of salvation in Ephesians 1–3, Paul shifts gears with a simple but weighty idea: “So what?” What does it actually look like to live out the gospel?

We unpack:

What it means to “walk worthy” of your calling,

Why unity in the church is fragile—and worth fighting for,

The significance of the “seven ones” (one body, one Spirit, one hope, etc.)

How Psalm 68 shapes Paul’s view of Christ as the conquering King who gives gifts The role of leaders and spiritual gifts in building up the body

Why doctrine and unity aren’t enemies—but deeply connected

What it means to put off the old self and put on the new And how the Christian life isn’t just behavior modification—it’s a radical transformation

We also get real about:

Growing up in the church vs. real transformation

Why Christians are often quick to divide instead of unify

The challenge of living a faith that actually shapes your daily life If you’ve ever wondered whether your faith is truly shaping how you live—or just sitting on the sidelines—this conversation is for you.

👉 Is your Christianity your life… or just part of it? ⏱️ Topics Covered: Ephesians 4 overview, Unity vs. division in the church, Spiritual gifts & leadership, Psalm 68 and spiritual warfare themes, Christian maturity and growth, Practical Christian living

🏷️ Tags Ephesians 4, Bible study, Christian podcast, Thinking Kingdom podcast, walk worthy, unity in the church, spiritual gifts, Psalm 68, biblical theology, Paul the apostle, New Testament teaching, Christian living, church leadership, doctrine and unity, spiritual growth, discipleship, Bible teaching, Christian encouragement, theology podcast, faith and practice, exegesis, Christian maturity, scripture study, church unity, gospel application

Ephesians 3 | The Mystery Revealed & The Powers Defeated Welcome back to the Thinking Kingdom Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into Ephesians chapter 3 and uncover one of the most overlooked—but powerful—truths in Scripture: the mystery of Christ. What does Paul mean when he says the mystery has now been revealed? Why does the inclusion of the Gentiles matter so much? And how does this message actually confront the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places? We explore how Paul’s worldview—shaped by passages like Deuteronomy 32 and Psalm 68—completely reframes the gospel. This isn’t just about personal salvation… it’s about cosmic victory. 🔥 In this episode, we cover: What the “mystery” in Ephesians 3 really is Why the inclusion of the Gentiles was shocking in the 1st century How the gospel message challenges spiritual powers The connection between Ephesians, Psalm 68, and the divine council worldview Why the church is central to God’s eternal plan Paul’s prayer and what it teaches us about strength, love, and spiritual power This is one of those passages that changes how you see everything—the church, the gospel, and even the unseen realm. 👉 Stick around to the end as we unpack Paul’s powerful prayer and what it means for us today. 📌 Key Takeaway: The gospel doesn’t just save—it reclaims. It declares that Jesus is King over all powers, and through the church, God is putting His wisdom on display to the entire universe. #Tags: #BibleStudy #Ephesians #Ephesians3 #ThinkingKingdom #ChristianPodcast #DivineCouncil #SpiritualWarfare #GospelMessage #JesusIsKing #BiblicalTheology #PaulineTheology #BibleTeaching #Church #ChristianLiving #Faith #Theology #UnseenRealm #Deuteronomy32 #Psalm68 #Acts2 #NewTestament #ChristianContent

32 views Apr 8, 2026 Ephesians Study

*Ephesians 2: From Death to Life | Thinking Kingdom Podcast* In this episode of the Thinking Kingdom Podcast*, we dive deep into one of the most powerful chapters in Scripture—**Ephesians 2**. What does it really mean that we were *dead in our sins… and are now alive in Christ? We kick things off with a fun tier ranking of the Pauline epistles before getting into the heart of the discussion. From there, we explore:

• The contrast between our old life and new life in Christ
• What Paul means by being “saved by grace through faith” (Eph. 2:8–9)
• How faith, works, baptism, and obedience actually fit together
• The role of spiritual forces in our former way of life
• How Jesus breaks down the barrier between Jew and Gentile
• Why the church isn’t optional—but central to God’s plan
• The connection between Ephesians 2 and Psalm 68’s victory imagery

We also tackle some big theological questions, including:

• Is “faith alone” really what Paul is teaching?
• What does “workmanship” actually mean? (Hint: you’re not just a worker—you’re a masterpiece.)
• How should we understand salvation without turning it into a checklist?

This chapter isn’t just theology—it’s identity. You were dead… but God. --- 📖 *Key Text:* Ephesians 2 🎙️ *Podcast:* Thinking Kingdom If this episode challenged or encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it! --- *Tags:* Ephesians 2, Bible study, Christian podcast, Thinking Kingdom podcast, grace through faith, faith vs works, salvation explained, Paul theology, New Testament study, Churches of Christ, baptism and salvation, faith alone debate, gospel teaching, Bible teaching, Christian theology, spiritual warfare, unseen realm, Psalm 68, divine council, Jesus saves, church and salvation, Christian living, Bible podcast, scripture study, exegesis, Christian discussion

Dive back into the book of Ephesians with us as we explore the rich theology of Ephesians 1 through the lens of Psalm 68, the family of God, spiritual inheritance, the Holy Spirit as God’s pledge, and the cosmic reign of Christ for the benefit of the church. In this episode of the Thinking Kingdom Podcast, we talk about: Why Ephesians feels more like a theological essay than a typical letter How Psalm 68 may serve as a backdrop for understanding the whole book Predestination, election, and what it really means to be “chosen in Christ” The powerful family language of adoption, inheritance, and belonging The Holy Spirit as God’s seal and down payment on what is to come How Ephesians highlights not only what we receive from God, but what God receives in us Christ’s rule over every power and authority for the church’s good The church’s role in God’s cosmic mission against the forces of darkness This is a meaty one. If you enjoy deep Bible study, big-picture theology, and connections between the Old and New Testaments, this episode is for you. If you have questions or want us to clarify something from the episode, send us an email. We love hearing from you. Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow Thinking Kingdom on YouTube, Facebook, and the other platforms. And a huge thank you to our Patreon supporters for helping make this podcast possible. #ThinkingKingdom #Ephesians #BibleStudy #Psalm68 #HolySpirit #SpiritualWarfare #Church #Theology #DivineCouncil #ChristianPodcast

Welcome to the Thinking Kingdom Podcast as we begin a new series through the book of Ephesians.

In this opening study, we lay the groundwork for the entire series by arguing that Psalm 68 provides a major theological backdrop for Ephesians — especially for understanding Ephesians 4 and Paul’s use of Psalm 68:18. What at first looks like a simple quotation opens up into something much bigger: themes of divine victory, spiritual warfare, God’s dwelling place, the defeat of hostile powers, and the giving of gifts to God’s people.

We spend much of this episode exploring Psalm 68, especially the difficult and fascinating section about Mount Bashan, the “mountain of God/gods,” and why it is set in contrast with the mountain where Yahweh chooses to dwell. Along the way, we discuss the biblical significance of Bashan, its association with Rephaim territory, hostile spiritual powers, and why this matters for understanding Paul’s language in Ephesians about rulers, authorities, heavenly places, Christ’s ascension, and the church’s role in God’s victory.

This episode is really about learning how to read the Bible more carefully. When the New Testament quotes the Old Testament, the context behind the quote matters. And when Paul reaches back to Psalm 68, we believe he is not merely borrowing a line — he is drawing on the whole message of the psalm.

In this episode:

Why we’re launching a long-form study of Ephesians

How Psalm 68 may function as a theological framework for the letter

Why Ephesians 4:8 sends us back to Psalm 68:18

The meaning of Mount Bashan and its rivalry with God’s chosen mountain

The significance of Bashan, Hermon, Og, and the Rephaim

Why the language of captives, ascension, gifts, and conquest matters

How Christ’s victory in Ephesians and Colossians includes the defeat of spiritual powers

Why phrases like “rulers and authorities” should not be ignored

How the church fits into God’s ongoing display of victory and wisdom

Key passages discussed:

Psalm 68

Ephesians 1–4

Ephesians 6

Colossians 2:15

Joshua 12:4–5

Deuteronomy 3

2 Kings 6

1 Corinthians 2

Zephaniah 2

Isaiah 4X

If you’ve never heard Ephesians taught through the lens of Psalm 68, this series will likely stretch the way you read Paul — and hopefully deepen the way you see Christ’s victory, the church’s mission, and the spiritual worldview of Scripture.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share.

Questions or comments? Reach out to us at [email protected]

A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters for helping make this podcast possible.

#Ephesians #Psalm68 #BibleStudy #ThinkingKingdomPodcast #SpiritualWarfare #BiblicalTheology #Paul #OldTestament #NewTestament #ChristianPodcast #Bashan #HeavenlyPlaces #Colossians215 #Ephesians4