Three Guys Theologizing (3GT)

Once again the parishioner and professor invite another pastor on for tryouts (just kidding, Kyle). For Dr. Matthew Everhard, Senior Pastor of Gospel Fellowship Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Valencia, PA, joins the boys to discuss his new book Holy Living: Jonathan Edwards’s Seventy Resolutions for Living the Christian Life.

Matthew introduces the listeners to Jonathan Edwards and his purpose for his resolutions. He explains what the resolutions meant to Edwards as a young man, how they helped guide him, and why he stopped using them toward the end of his life. From there, the men discuss the different types of resolutions Edwards made, which Matthew helpfully groups into three categories: existential, ethical, and eschatological. They then discuss the devotional and theological nature of Matthew’s book. He shares some of his favorite resolutions.

Those who study Edwards and especially his resolutions will want to have a copy of Holy Living in their hand as they do so! However, sadly because of supply problems, the release date of the paperback version of this book was moved into the future. But you can still purchase a Kindle copy of the book here. Therefore, resolve yourself to listen to this episode of Three Guys Theologizing and then go get a copy of Holy Living!

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Note: Matthew Everhard’s other books can be found here and his YouTube channel here.

Still holding at 3GT minus one, the parishioner and professor invite another guest on this latest episode. They are joined by Laurie Zaffini, who tells of her incredible journey out of the Mormon faith to the true Lord and Savior.

Laurie grew up in a large, loving home in Colorado and was raised to be a faithful member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Yet in her first year of college on the other side of the country in Ohio, she began to question the teachings of Mormonism. Determined to find answers, she returned west to Utah to attend a branch of Brigham Young University. However, as she sought answers from professors and leaders of the church, the strong inconsistencies found in the Mormon faith caused her dissatisfaction only to grow stronger.

Eventually, she returned to Ohio to friends who were praying for her, and the Lord opened her eyes to the true gospel of Jesus Christ. One of those friends, Brandon, became her husband. Today, they and their three children reside in Western Pennsylvania, where Brandon serves as a political science professor at Geneva College and they are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

So listen to this amazing story of the Lord’s deliverance from the confusing teachings of Mormonism and Laurie’s insightful encouragements about how to speak to those still entrapped by it. You will praise God as you do so!

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This episode is still Borg-less, but it is not pastor-less! For Pastor Martin Blocki joins the prof and parishioner to share his unique story and offer his insights into caring for those caring for others.

Martin and his wife, Kathy, were excitedly expecting twin girls just over two decades ago. But tragically, due to a condition called twin-to-twin transfusion, one of their girls died in the womb and the other, Mary, was born severely disabled. Though predicted to die soon after birth, Mary miraculously has lived as the Lord has used the love of her parents, along with countless others, to care for her. Martin opens up about their lives and some of what is involved in providing daily for one made in the image of God who has great needs.

As he shares his family’s journey, Martin offers the wisdom gained by their experience. As he does, you will hear of ways those in the church can come alongside not only the ones needing care but those providing it as well. Often the needs we should be meeting in the church are much closer than we might think!

You will want to hear this gripping and tender account with interruption, so find a quiet place, push play, and listen to this latest episode of 3GT!

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On this episode of 3GT, the gentlemen are joined by Naghmeh Panahi. They along with their listeners have the privilege of hearing her share the incredible story of the Lord’s redemption in her life. Born in Iran, Naghmeh moved with her family as a child to the USA and was converted to Christ at age nine with her twin brother. Sustained by God’s grace despite pressures by her Muslim family, as a young lady she returned to Iran to evangelize family members. It was there that she met a man named Saeed and married him.

They returned to the United States, began a family, but then on a mission trip to Iran Saeed was arrested and spent several years in prison. Naghmeh dutifully advocated for his release over the next years, appearing on national media with major political and religious leaders. Right before his release, through counselors Naghmeh finally realized she was an abused wife. When she sought to tell others in the church of this situation, she was met with attempts to silence her. Even in recent weeks, further details have been released showing the lengths some took to try to quiet her and force her to remain in a dangerous marriage. (Note: 3GT encourages those interested to listen to the two-part interview Julie Roys did with Naghmeh in the links below that go into much greater detail.)

In having Naghmeh tell her story, the team at 3GT hopes the church will gain a more compassionate and sympathetic ear toward those who may be suffering in what looks like a dedicated Christian home.

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Resources

Ex-Wife Tells of Abuse & Betrayal Behind #SaveSaeed | The Roys Report

Naghmeh’s Story: Abuse and Betrayal Behind #SaveSaeed, Part II | The Roys Report

What to Do When You are Abused by Your Husband | Robert Needham

Is It Abuse?: A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping Victims | Darby Strickland

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Jesus said this action reveals His true followers from false ones (see Matt. 25:31-46). Every fall across the nation, thousands of college students pour into college campuses from all over the world. If near a campus, does your church welcome these “strangers”?

Though still Borg-less, 3GT is not without a pastor on this episode! For Barry and Scott bring on a guest who has great experience in guiding the church to minister to college students. They are joined by Pastor Titus Martin of College Hill Reformed Church. Pastor Martin tells of how the congregation he pastors, situated next to Geneva College, seeks to welcome, disciple, and shepherd students. Along the way, ideas and experiences are shared that could help listeners in reaching out to the colleges in their own communities.

So listen, discuss with others, and then apply ways your congregation can welcome the college “strangers” in your community!

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They are back! Well, at least two of them are. The professor and parishioner resume recording while the pastor continues his needed hiatus.

On this episode, Barry actually interviews Scott as he just completed a difficult murder trial involving a child. Scott explains his work as a prosecuting attorney, gives insight into the case, and shares about the emotional weight he had to carry during this time. Listeners will hear how Scott’s reformed theology, with its teaching on justice and mercy, helped him in dealing with the defendant as well as the victims. Scott also shares that even a favorable verdict, though bringing the satisfaction of justice being served, brought tears of sorrow rather than shouts of victory. Doing justice is not easy work.

Here’s an episode you won’t want to miss! However, we do caution you that some details are given about the case, so please be careful about listening with younger children present.

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Want to know what it is? Listen to this brief update from 3GT!

It’s summertime and that should mean more time for reading. It’s also a good time to remind God’s people to read their Bibles. So consider yourself reminded, and here is some help to encourage you along the way!

For the 3GTers discuss on this episode some keys for reading the Bible the way it’s meant to be read. Not only should readers of God’s Holy Word use regular principles for reading as they would any book, but they should also be reminded of the hermeutica sacra, or sacred interpretive principles, for reading the Scriptures.

They begin by explaining how they first learned to read the Bible. They then delve into some of the basic guidelines for getting the most out of your reading. From there, they offer further insights in the uniqueness of the inspired, inerrant Word of God and how proper means of interpreting and applying the Scriptures should take place. Listeners are reminded they are to be Bereans corporately.

So listen to this latest episode of 3GT with your Bible nearby. Hopefully you will be blessed to tolle lege – take it up and read!

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The parishioner is away celebrating his anniversary with his sweetie, so the pastor and prof have fun sharing what people think Scott looks like from just the sound of his voice. Then they get down to business. Barry and Kyle discuss the significant meeting this month of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America regarding the stance they took on those who identify as “gay Christians.”

The 3GTers (minus one!) explain the Revoice Conference that has created a stir in the PCA and led to this General Assembly addressing this issue. They detail what so-called “Side B Christianity” is (gay Christianity without homosexual acts), what then “Side A Christianity” is (gay Christianity with homosexual acts), and then promote what might be deemed “Side C Christianity” (where the C stands for “Confessional” and describes Christianity void of a trumpeted sexual identity where sinful desires, including homosexual ones, are conquered in Christ). They go on to discuss how, thankfully, the PCA General Assembly voted strongly to uphold the historic, confessional understanding of sexuality and lustful desires by proposing adding this language to their Book of Church Order (this change still needs to be approved by 2/3’s of their presbyteries then ratified at next year’s General Assembly):

Officers in the Presbyterian Church in America must be above reproach in their walk and Christlike in their character. Those who profess an identity (such as, but not limited to, ‘gay Christian,’ ‘same sex attracted Christian,’ ‘homosexual Christian,’ or like terms) that undermines or contradicts their identity as new creations in Christ, either by denying the sinfulness of fallen desires (such as, but not limited to, same sex attraction), or by denying the reality and hope of progressive sanctification, or by failing to pursue Spirit-empowered victory over their sinful temptations, inclinations, and actions are not qualified for ordained office.

The guys rejoice over their PCA brothers’ stand, and offer this episode for further commentary, prayer, and clarity in thinking about these issues in this day of identity crisis in the land!

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After the last episode dealing with congregants and pastors leaving the church, a listener said, “Hey, wait a minute! What about ruling elders?” So the 3GTers added this postscript episode.

The segment begins with a reminder about the need and place of ruling elders in the church. The guys explain the stability lay elders bring to the church, and why they often remain in positions for years. Then they get down to the task at hand. Can ruling elders leave their office? If so, under what conditions? What steps should take place? Are there to ways to help them avoid burnout in their labors? To strengthen them for the long haul? And along the way, the president makes a shameless plug.

“Elders who rule well are considered worthy of double honor.” Push play and think along with the 3GTers about other ways to do so!

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