[To get updated on new content from Dr. Josh Samuel, including ones like this video, sign up here and he will send you a FREE PDF entitled "8 Crucial Questions for Life: A Checklist to Discern God's Will for Your Life Today": http://eepurl.com/hr7kxP.]

Lori Ann Wood lives in an empty nest in beautiful Bentonville, Arkansas, with her husband and miniature dachshund, Pearl. Having discovered a serious heart condition almost too late, Lori Ann writes to encourage others to embrace deep faith questions along the detours of life.

She has been awarded the Frederick Buechner Narrative Essay Award, and awards from the Evangelical Press Association as well as from Colorado Christian Writers and Bookfest. Her work has been published in several anthologies and dozens of pLrint and online venues, including The New York Times, The Christian Century Magazine, The Joyful Life Magazine, Just Between Us Magazine, Bella Grace Magazine, Truly Magazine, and Pepperdine University Press.

Lori Ann’s first book, Divine Detour: The Path You’d Never Choose Can Lead to the Faith You’ve Always Wanted, was published earlier this year by CrossRiver Media, and is available on Amazon:

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3Q6eu1X. Learn more at https://loriannwood.com/books/.

Contents of the Video:

0:00 - Introduction

2:13 - 6:26 Telling Her Story

6:27 - 17:22 3 Questions for Life

17:23 - 23:28 Expecting "Bad Things" Vs. Healing

23:29 - 28:44 Can We Lament when Suffering?

28:45 - 34:54 Our Deepest Longing During our Ups and Downs

34:55 - 38:38 Myths about Health Crises

38:39 - 43:02 How People Can Be More Supportive

43:03 - 44:42 Scripture that Strengthened

44:43 - 45:56 How to Connect with Lori

45:57 - 47:27 Lori's Prayer for You

47:28 - 48:28 Concluding Remarks

Connect with her on her website (https://loriannwood.com), on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/loriannwood/) or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DivinelyDeto....

Living with a chronic, invisible illness and struggling with deep faith questions, Lori Ann knows that sometimes we want to give God the silent treatment. If you are on a detour, and find it difficult to communicate with God, get her free gift, 5 Prayers & Promises When You Can’t Talk to God at https://loriannwood.com/hope/.

Theology Breakdown is a ministry of Josh P. S. Samuel, PhD. Josh completed his PhD in Theology at McMaster Divinity College, and is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Master's College and Seminary.

If you would like to support Josh's ministry financially on a regular basis, click here: https://www.patreon.com/joshsamuel.

To follow Theology Breakdown with Josh Samuel on Social Media:

YouTube:

/ @joshpssamuel

Website: http://www.JoshSamuel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheologyBrea...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheologyBre...

Want to have Josh Samuel speak at your next event? Contact him at:

https://joshsamuel.com/contact/

To get a copy of Josh's book, "The Holy Spirit in Worship Music, Preaching, and the Altar":

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3mlw9Cc

In Canada: https://amzn.to/3kLsDQ1

Some links are affiliate links, so that Josh will receive a commission, though at no extra cost to you.

[To get updated on new content from Dr. Josh Samuel, including ones like this video, sign up here and he will send you a FREE PDF entitled "8 Crucial Questions for Life: A Checklist to Discern God's Will for Your Life Today": http://eepurl.com/hr7kxP.]

Dr. Andrew Ray Williams is the author of "Washed in the Spirit: Toward a Pentecostal Theology of Water Baptism." You'll enjoy hearing his unique perspective on the importance of water baptism, particularly from a Pentecostal perspective, but engaging with various other approaches within the Christian tradition. This interview was originally recorded on October 22, 2021.

Contents of the video:

Introduction

Why Write on Water Baptism

Infant Baptism or Believers' Baptism?

But Infants Can't Repent and Believe?

Should People Be Allowed to Rebaptize?

Biblical Precedent for Infant Baptism?

Acts 2:37-41

The Connection Between Water Baptism and Salvation

The Connection Between Water Baptism and the Work of the Spirit

Myths about Water Baptism

A Pentecostal Reflection on Water Baptism for Today's Church

Recommendations for Pentecostal Churches on Water Baptism

Footwashing as an Important Rite

Final Comments

To connect with Dr. Andrew Ray Williams, visit his website at: http://www.andrewraywilliams.com/

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

To purchase Dr. Andrew Ray Williams's Books:

Washed in the Spirit: Toward A Pentecostal Theology of Water Baptism:

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3ZAg0Lu

In Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Washed-Spirit-Pentecostal-Theology-Baptism/dp/1953358055

Boundless Love: A Companion to Clark H. Pinnock's Theology:

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3kGgGQt

In Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Boundless-Love-Companion-Pinnocks-Theology/dp/1725286521

Theology Breakdown is a ministry of Josh P. S. Samuel, PhD. Josh completed his PhD in Theology at McMaster Divinity College, and is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Master's College and Seminary.

If you would like to support Josh's ministry financially on a regular basis, click here: https://www.patreon.com/joshsamuel.

To follow Theology Breakdown with Josh Samuel on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshpssamuel

Website: http://www.JoshSamuel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheologyBreakdown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheologyBreakdown

Want to have Josh Samuel speak at your next event? Contact him at:

https://joshsamuel.com/contact/

To get a copy of Josh's book, "The Holy Spirit in Worship Music, Preaching, and the Altar":

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3mlw9Cc

In Canada: https://amzn.to/3kLsDQ1

[To get updated on new content from Dr. Josh Samuel, including ones like this video, sign up here and he will send you a FREE PDF entitled "8 Crucial Questions for Life: A Checklist to Discern God's Will for Your Life Today": http://eepurl.com/hr7kxP.]

Theology Breakdown is a ministry of Josh P. S. Samuel, PhD. Josh completed his PhD in Theology at McMaster Divinity College, and is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Master's College and Seminary.

Need prayer or want to have Josh Samuel speak at your next event? Contact him at: 

https://joshsamuel.com/contact/

If you would like to support Josh's ministry financially on a regular basis, click here: https://www.patreon.com/joshsamuel.

To follow Theology Breakdown with Josh Samuel on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshpssamuel

Website: http://www.JoshSamuel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheologyBreakdown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheologyBreakdown

To get a copy of Josh's book, "The Holy Spirit in Worship Music, Preaching, and the Altar":

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3mlw9Cc

In Canada: https://amzn.to/3kLsDQ1

[To get updated on new content from Dr. Josh Samuel, including ones like this video, sign up here and he will send you a FREE PDF entitled "8 Crucial Questions for Life: A Checklist to Discern God's Will for Your Life Today": http://eepurl.com/hr7kxP.]

For some reason, the day I planned to record my most recent video message to serve others was in the midst of a heavy snowfall. I wrestled with changing the day for recording, but settled on sticking with it because it related to an important part of my message on prayer.

In this 59 second message, hear how you might be able to revitalize your prayers by occasionally changing your context for prayer. It’s a small change that might make a big difference.

If it’s helpful, let me know your thoughts in the YouTube comments section. And definitely share it with others if you think it’s helpful.

As always if I can in any way support you in prayer. Feel free to connects in the comments section. or message me through this link: https://joshsamuel.com/contact. 

Theology Breakdown is a ministry of Josh P. S. Samuel, PhD. Josh completed his PhD in Theology at McMaster Divinity College, and is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Master's College and Seminary.

If you would like to support Josh's ministry financially on a regular basis, click here: https://www.patreon.com/joshsamuel.

To follow Theology Breakdown with Josh Samuel on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshpssamuel

Website: http://www.JoshSamuel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheologyBreakdown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheologyBreakdown

Want to have Josh Samuel speak at your next event? Contact him at: 

https://joshsamuel.com/contact/

To get a copy of Josh's book, "The Holy Spirit in Worship Music, Preaching, and the Altar":

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3mlw9Cc

In Canada: https://amzn.to/3kLsDQ1

A number of years ago, an elder at my church gave me some advice on prayer. He shared it with me just as I was about to go to Bible College to train for Christian ministry. It's something that has been crucial in my formation as a Christian and how I pray. Hope his advice here for me, can be helpful for you too.

Theology Breakdown is a ministry of Josh P. S. Samuel, PhD. Josh completed his PhD in Theology at McMaster Divinity College, and is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Master's College and Seminary.

If you would like to support Josh's ministry financially on a regular basis, click here: https://www.patreon.com/joshsamuel.

To follow Theology Breakdown with Josh Samuel on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshPSSamuel or http://www.TheologyBreakdown.com

Website: http://www.JoshSamuel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheologyBreakdown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheologyBreakdown

Want to have Josh Samuel speak at your next event? Contact him at: http://joshsamuel.com/contact

To get a copy of Josh's book, "The Holy Spirit in Worship Music, Preaching, and the Altar":

In Canada: https://amzn.to/3kLsDQ1. 

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3mlw9Cc

[To get updated on new content from Dr. Josh Samuel, including ones like this video, sign up here and he will send you a FREE PDF entitled "8 Crucial Questions for Life: A Checklist to Discern God's Will for Your Life Today": http://eepurl.com/hr7kxP.]  

In this episode, Josh interviews Dr. James R. Goff, who is a scholar and author of an important book on Charles F. Parham. [Recorded on October 4, 2021]. Goff describes Parham as one of the founders of Pentecostalism. Dr. James R. Goff, Jr. (PhD, University of Arkansas, 1987) is Chair and Professor of History at Appalachian State University.  He is the author of Fields White Unto Harvest:  Charles F. Parham and the Missionary Origins of Pentecostalism (Arkansas, 1988) and Close Harmony:  A History of Southern Gospel (UNC, 2002) as well as numerous scholarly and popular articles.  

Contents of the video: 0:00 - Introduction 2:22-13:05 - Why Dr. Goff Wrote on Charles F. Parham: His Personal Acquaintance with Pentecostalism 13:06-18:04 - Why Parham Was Often Ignored and Why We Should Not 18:05-28:38- What Distinguishes Pentecostalism, Speaking in Tongues, Missions, and the Main Ways Parham Contributed to the Movement as a Founder 28:39-58:28 - Parham's Personal Story: His School in Topeka, Kansas, Spirit Baptism with Tongues, Healings, Mission Zeal, Relationship with William J. Seymour and African Americans, and Charges of Racism and Homosexuality  58:29-1:07:27 - Dr. Goff Responds to the Various Ways People Understand the Origins of Pentecostalism 1:07:28-1:12:57 - Lessons for Us from Charles F. Parham 1:12:58-1:17:18 - Dr. Goff's Other Projects: Southern Gospel and Elvis 1:17:19-1:18:43- Dr. Goff's Concluding Remarks 1:18:44-1:19:41 - Josh's Final Remarks  

To buy any of the books mentioned in the interview, see below:  

Fields White Unto Harvest: Charles F. Parham and the Missionary Origins of Pentecostalism by Dr. James R. Goff, Jr. In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3vWr8oTIn Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Fields-White-Unto-Harvest-Pentecostalism/dp/1557280266 

Close Harmony: A History of Southern Gospel by Dr. James R. Goff, Jr. In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3QyfBpiIn Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Close-Harmony-History-Southern-Gospel/dp/0807853461 

Theology Breakdown is a ministry of Josh P. S. Samuel, PhD. Josh completed his PhD in Theology at McMaster Divinity College, and is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Master's College and Seminary.  

If you would like to support Josh's ministry financially on a regular basis, click here: https://www.patreon.com/joshsamuel.  

To follow Theology Breakdown with Josh Samuel on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshPSSamuel or http://www.TheologyBreakdown.comWebsite: http://www.JoshSamuel.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheologyBreakdownInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheologyBreakdown 

Want to have Josh Samuel speak at your next event? Contact him at: http://joshsamuel.com/contact 

To get a copy of Josh's book, "The Holy Spirit in Worship Music, Preaching, and the Altar": In Canada: https://amzn.to/3kLsDQ1.  In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3mlw9Cc

Quite a lot of us have bought into the idea that we need to be big shots to make a big difference for the kingdom of God. This mentality has influenced the rise of celebrity Christian leadership culture, and the damaging effects when celebrity Christian leaders fall into scandal. In this message, Dr. Josh P. S. Samuel shares a message he preached at a local church entitled, "You Don't Have to be a Big Shot, to Make a Big Difference," based on Mark 12:38-44.

 [To get updated on new content from Dr. Josh Samuel, including ones like this video, sign up here and he will send you a FREE PDF entitled "8 Crucial Questions for Life: A Checklist to Discern God's Will for Your Life Today": http://eepurl.com/hr7kxP.]

Feel free to add some of your own perspectives in the comments section of the YouTube episode here: https://youtu.be/2zRrL8y3k2g). Did something help you? Could you add some insight on your own views on this topic? Would love to hear from you.

Book suggestions from the episode: 

Rachel Denhollander's book, What is a Girl Worth?: My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics: 

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3D1XUd1 

In Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/What-Girl-Worth-Courageous-Predator-No/dp/1496441346/  

Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused, edited by Brad Hambrick: 

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3x3EYqw In Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Becoming-Church-that-Cares-Abused/dp/1535988142/  

Ben Kirby's PreachersNSneakers: Authenticity in an Age of For-Profit Faith and (Wannabe) Celebrities: 

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3RLam52 

In Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/PreachersNSneakers-Authenticity-Profit-Wannabe-Celebrities/dp/0785238832/

Theology Breakdown is a ministry of Josh P. S. Samuel, PhD. Josh completed his PhD in Theology at McMaster Divinity College, and is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Master's College and Seminary.

To follow Theology Breakdown with Josh Samuel on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LovingGodandPeopleTV or http://www.TheologyBreakdown.com

Website: http://www.JoshSamuel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheologyBreakdown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheologyBreakdown

Want to have Josh Samuel speak at your next event? Contact him at: http://joshsamuel.com/contact

To get a copy of Josh's book, "The Holy Spirit in Worship Music, Preaching, and the Altar":

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3mlw9Cc

In Canada: https://amzn.to/3kLsDQ1

Amazon links above are affiliate links, so Josh may get a commission if you purchase an item, though at no extra cost to you.

People who experience disabilities are important and valuable. We need to get better at understanding and including people with disabilities. For this episode, we tackle various themes related to disability, the Church, the Bible, and theology.   

The special guest for this episode is Dr. Lamar Hardwick. Dr. Hardwick is a father, husband, pastor, and author. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University School of Divinity. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Divinity Clergy Scholar Program and a 2017 graduate of Georgia Forward’s Young Gamechangers Program, which included 50 of the state of Georgia’s top thinkers, innovators, and leaders under the age of 40. He is currently working on a PhD at Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio.   

Dr. Hardwick is a contributing writer to multiple blogs and magazines including The Mighty, Key Ministry, Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Autism Parenting Magazine, and Zoom Autism Magazine. He is the author of Epic Church (2017) as well as his best-selling book, I am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor (2017). He is the lead pastor of Tri-Cities Church in Atlanta, GA. His most recent book, which we dive into in this episode, is called Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion (IVP 2021).  

To connect with Dr. Lamar Hardwick, the Autism Pastor, check out his website with links to his books, social media, and much more: http://autismpastor.com/ To buy the book mentioned in this episode, "Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion," click the following links: 

In the U. S.: https://amzn.to/3yfTrzA

In Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Disability-Church-Lamar-Hardwick/dp/0830841601/ 

In our discussion on the role of priests and those with disabilities, an important passage dealing with that theme is Leviticus 21.   

Theology Breakdown is a ministry of Josh P. S. Samuel, PhD. Josh completed his PhD in Theology at McMaster Divinity College, and is a Professor of Bible and Theology and Director of Worship and Creative Arts Ministry at Master's College and Seminary.  

To follow Theology Breakdown with Josh Samuel on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LovingGodandPeopleTV or http://www.TheologyBreakdown.comWebsite: http://www.JoshSamuel.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheologyBreakdownInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheologyBreakdown 

Want to have Josh Samuel speak at your next event? Contact him at: http://lovinggodandpeople.com/contact 

To get a copy of Josh's book, "The Holy Spirit in Worship Music, Preaching, and the Altar": 

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3mlw9Cc

In Canada: https://amzn.to/3kLsDQ1

If we want to better understand the Christian identity, it’s important to understand the history of the Church. For this episode, we tackle various themes related to the charismatic gifts, healing, and the “non-Western” stories in Church history. This episode even dives into some history of the Church in China. 

The special guest for this episode is Dr. Ronald A. N. Kydd (Recorded December 14, 2020). Dr. Kydd is Emeritus Professor of Christian History at Tyndale University. He has published in Early Church History, the History of the Canadian Church, particularly, Pentecostalism, and most recently in Early Christianity in China. He is sure we cannot understand the present well enough without the clearest possible familiarity with the past.

Contents of the video:

0:00 – Introduction

3:01-8:02 – Why He Realised there was a Need to Write on the Gifts of the Spirit in Church History

8:03 –10:38 - Why He Focused on Healing in Church History

10:39-37:20 - What Church History Tells us about the Gifts of the Spirit Today (e.g., the Cessationist vs. Continuationist view) 

37:21 – 40:22 - Myths about our Understanding of Healing and the Gifts of the Spirit in Church History

40:23 – 46:48 - How Church History Might Help us Navigate the Fake vs. Authentic Healings

46:49-57:14 -  What’s Missing Church in History (Hint: Related to our Emphasis on the Western Church)

57:15 –1:07:37 -  Should We Only Study Famous Leaders in Church History?

1:07:38- 1:15:18 - Early Christianity in China

1:15:19-1:19:33 – The Relevance of Early Christianity in China for People Today

1:19:34-1:25:19 - What Did the Early Christian Church in China Look Like

1:25:20–1:29:04 - Concluding Remarks

To Purchase Dr. Ronald A. N. Kydd's books:

Charismatic Gifts in the Early Church: The Gifts of the Spirit in the First 300 Years:

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3mugVLc

In Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Charismatic-Gifts-Early-Church-Ronald/dp/1619705257/

Healing Through the Centuries: Models for Understanding:

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3lbd5as

Logos Version (US or Canada or anywhere): https://www.logos.com/product/177064/healing-through-the-centuries-models-for-understanding

Finding Pieces of the Puzzle: A Fresh Look at the Christian Story:

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3lczKDj

In Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Finding-Pieces-Puzzle-Fresh-Christian/dp/1606085670/

Theology Breakdown is a ministry of Josh P. S. Samuel, PhD. Josh completed his PhD in Theology at McMaster Divinity College, and is a Professor of Bible and Theology and Director of Worship and Creative Arts Ministry at Master's College and Seminary.

To follow Theology Breakdown with Josh Samuel on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LovingGodandPeopleTV or http://www.TheologyBreakdown.com

Website: http://www.JoshSamuel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheologyBreakdown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheologyBreakdown

Want to have Josh Samuel speak at your next event? Contact him at: http://lovinggodandpeople.com/contact

To get a copy of Josh's book, "The Holy Spirit in Worship Music, Preaching, and the Altar":

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3d7LaDQ

In Canada: https://amzn.to/3kLsDQ1

One of the biggest questions we often ask ourselves is our purpose for life. And if there is a God, does God have a purpose or will for my life? How to navigate those questions can be difficult. In this episode of Theology Breakdown, Dr. Josh P. S. Samuel offers 8 ways you can better discern God's will for your life.

I got to give credit to some sources that have especially made me think deeply about this topic:

1) H. Norman Wright wrote a book called "Finding the Right One for You: Secrets to Recognizing Your Perfect Mate," with insights that have influenced my approach here. To get the book:

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3xita1a

In Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Finding-Right-One-You-Recognizing/dp/0736921435/

2) I took a number of courses with an excellent professor named Dr. Scott Bullerwell at Master's College and Seminary (then known as Eastern Pentecostal Bible College). He taught me about some of these issues that are reflected in my approach here.

3) I refer to providence, as it relates to Esther, which comes from Karen Jobes's commentary on Esther:

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3i7X8R1

In Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Esther-Karen-H-Jobes/dp/0310206723/

Feel free to add some of your own perspectives on what could help someone better understand God's will for their life in the comments section where this would be found on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6erddwfziyg

Theology Breakdown is a ministry of Josh P. S. Samuel, PhD. Josh completed his PhD in Theology at McMaster Divinity College, and is a Professor of Bible and Theology and Director of Worship and Creative Arts Ministry at Master's College and Seminary.

To follow Theology Breakdown with Josh Samuel on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LovingGodandPeopleTV or http://www.TheologyBreakdown.com

Website: http://www.JoshSamuel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheologyBreakdown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheologyBreakdown

Want to have Josh Samuel speak at your next event? Contact him at: http://lovinggodandpeople.com/contact

To get a copy of Josh's book, "The Holy Spirit in Worship Music, Preaching, and the Altar":

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3ybQIpA

In Canada: https://amzn.to/3kLsDQ1

Some Amazon links above are affiliate links, so Josh may get a commission if you purchase an item, though at no extra cost to you.