Three Guys Theologizing (3GT)

The guys tackle a situation often faced by people in the church. What do you do when a fellow member tells you they are leaving the congregation? Unlike a previous episode that dealt with those who have already walked out the door, this half hour plus addresses those heading that way.

The 3GTers begin by confirming that none of them are planning to go anywhere soon. They then discuss what to do when a parishioner in the church tells you they are considering leaving. The questions you might ask. The encouragement you might give. The steps you might take. They then turn their sights on pastors. When is it proper for a pastor to consider leaving a congregation – the questions to ask, the encouragement to give, the steps to take?

Tune into this episode and, before you or someone else leaves, consider what you might to do!

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So the pastor heard that a certain professor (not the one on this podcast!) teaches that fasting is no longer required in the Christian era. He wants to know what the parishioner and the professor on this podcast think. Are Christians to fast?

The 3GTers begin by defining fasting Biblically, then clarifying exactly what they mean. They go on to explain what the purposes of fasting are, using Scriptural examples. From there, the guys demonstrate from the New Testament that fasting is a means of grace given to the church, not just an Old Testament law ordinance for grieving that is unfit for the age of Christian joy. They then discuss how and why fasting is practiced. And along the way, Scott makes sure Kyle does not count his intermittent fasting as fasting!

So join another lively conversation that the guys hope you will find “fast moving” on this episode of 3GT!

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In this latest episode of Three Guys Theologizing, the parishioner asks a question to the preacher and the homiletics professor on a listener’s behalf. How do these men go about about preparing for sermons and their delivery? Having recently seen his children’s school play of The Wizard of Oz, Scott wonder what goes on “behind the curtain” in homily wizardry.

So the pastor from Kansas (Whoa! Did not Dorothy actually meet the wizard there?) and the prof from Pittsburgh (Alas, it’s the Steel City, not the emerald one.) share some of their trade secrets. They spend time discussing how they prepare a message. They converse over the importance of knowing a congregation in order to preach more effectively to them. Tips on sermon proclamation and practicing preaching are given. And the need for holiness in the preacher is emphasized.

So if you would like a peak behind the preacher’s curtain, be sure to tune into this week’s episode of 3GT!

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The three guys who theologize return to one of their favorite topics – worship! The prof starts off this episode suggesting that all churches have a liturgy as they worship, then lets the other two guys loose on the subject.

The pastor and parishioner want to define the term liturgy first. They go on to explain the difference between high and low liturgy. The idea of dialogical worship arises. From there, the conversation heads toward the typical order of worship in Presbyterian circles. Each element of worship is briefly defined and deliberated, such as the call to worship, greeting, invocation (if you call it that!), confession of sin, etc. Along the way, one 3GTer expresses disdain for rote readings and another denies he does interpretive dancing!

As we worship, all of us need to know why we do what we do. So listen along in this episode to refresh your heart and prepare yourself for the next time you join the saints in worshiping the Lord!

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The prof always loves receiving letters from listeners. So do the pastor and the parishioner – if they are not being called out for their shenanigans. So after safety checking a recent submission, the 3GTers set about tackling its request.

For in a follow up to a previous episode, where Kyle mentioned his favorite book of the Bible was Jude, a listener asked for each 3GTer to share likewise and why they chose that book. In addition, they were asked to discuss Scriptures used in their conversions as well as texts the Lord has used significantly in their lives. As Psalm 1 encourages meditating on God’s Word continually, promising a life that will be like a tree planted by a flowing stream, the guys enjoy their friendship as they converse over the places in the Bible most comforting and encouraging to them.

So find a quiet place, perhaps grab a Bible, and join along in this contemplative episode of Three Guys Theologizing!

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Sadly, Kyle informs the guys on this episode that the famous hound of Winchester had to be put to sleep. So Scott and Barry quickly form a support group and console with Kyle.

After a few tears, they turn to their typical theologizing, this time about animals and our relationship to them. Scott refers to the story of a pet lamb that broke the heart of a king to get things rolling. From there, the guys discuss the place of animals in the created order. They warn against the idolatry regarding animals witnessed in our present age. They share about how God has given us animals so that we can worship him as their creator. The 3GTers explain how the animals are also given to instruct us. By them, we understand more fully the effect of sin in this world, and they even point us to our redeemer. As this episode draws to a close, it even ends with a eulogy…of sorts.

So grab a Kleenex, push play, and join the support group on this episode of 3GT!

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The professor starts reading another listener’s letter, causing the pastor and parishioner to flinch. But when they realize they’re not being flogged again, they relax and get into the spirit of the theme at hand. For the guys discuss common Scripture texts that are misunderstood, mishandled, or misapplied.

The 3GTers look at Bible verses such as “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, “Do not judge”, “You are not under law but under grace”, and several other ones – including even John 3:16! – that are often twisted. They discuss reasons why people misuse the Bible, then offer basic principles that lead to proper interpretation. Along the way, the guys unravel the knotty ways these text are used and lay out the clear truths they are to convey.

So tune in and start untying those twisted knots! Also, the Three Guys offered some resources might find helpful with matters of Biblical interpretation for follow-up. They are below.

Louis Berkhof | Principles of Biblical Interpretation

Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart | How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

J.I. Packer | Engaging the Written Word of God

R.C. Sproul | Knowing Scripture

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In the Bible’s book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a woman who says, “I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice” (Prov. 8:20). With the Derek Chauvin case recently decided, the guys pursue the wisdom needed in the area of justice.

They discuss Biblically how justice is defined, and how it is essential to the character of God. Then, with their lawyer parishioner at the forefront, they consider how society views justice, the misperceptions of what constitutes justice, and societal factors that make justice difficult to pursue in the United States. They point out how in the legal system, justice is also personified as a lady – one who is blindfolded while holding scales in one hand and a sword in the other. The conversation then turns to the need for impartiality, and ends with ways the church can encourage the pursuit of true justice.

Again, wisdom says, “By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice” (Prov. 8:15). Join the guys on this episode of 3GT as they seek to encourage their listeners to in turn listen to Woman Wisdom and Lady Justice!

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The parishioner wants some professional advice from those with pastoral experience. What can he do to help burnout his pastor? In this Screwtape Letters-esque episode, the other two guys seem happy to oblige!

For Barry and Kyle give Scott many pointers on how to totally discourage a pastor. From complaining about helping at church to commending better sermons than the one they just heard, the guys offer dozens of ways to burden, belittle, and beat down a local shepherd.

So if you want to discover how to drive your pastor right out of the pulpit, go no further! Just get your notepad ready then turn on this episode of Three Guys Terrorizing!

Need proof our listeners are a discerning lot? Then listen to the professor read a few letters 3GT has received. After these reminders of how he often has to deal with the unruliness of the pastor and the parishioner, the boys get down to business. They discuss the impact of smartphones and social media on the church, especially the youth.

Just another curmudgeonly episode? The 3GTers do not think so. For they point out the alarming statistics regarding smartphones, the problems unfettered use of them brings into the home, the lack of regard too many parents show, and the horrible consequences incurred by the undiscerning. They then offer a number of principles and admonitions regarding their use, encouraging the application of wisdom in the home and church by parents and elders. They also mention some possible resources, such as Tim Challies’ The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment and David Murray’s article on 10 Reasons to Train Your Kids in Cell Phone Use.

So whether you are listening on your smartphone or not, tune in and hopefully wise up with this episode of Three Guys Theologizing!