Three Guys Theologizing (3GT)

As the boys open up another episode of 3GT, they go about their common bantering to begin. But then they settle in to discussing the topic at hand, which is “What is the difference between elements and circumstances of worship? And why is it important?”

They begin by defining what are the necessary elements, or parts, of a worship service. They reference the Westminster Confession of Faith as well as the RPCNA Directory of Worship. They urge listeners to make sure they are familiar with their own church’s standards for worship. From there, they then distinguish what circumstances of worship are. As they do, they then help listeners think through how circumstances relate to the elements and then apply the discussion to particular elements of worship such as preaching, praying, and the Lord’s Supper. As they do, they also warn against the tendency to elevate circumstances to the place of elements, as it causes divisions and casts stumbling blocks before others.

As Jeremiah Burroughs says in his work Gospel Worship, “In matters of worship, God stands on small things.” Listen to this latest episode of 3GT to see how the parts and surrounding pieces of worship are to fit together!

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Though down a professor, the parishioner and pastor bring on another one far more renowned. For Dr. Rosaria Butterfield, author of Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age, comes onto 3GT to discuss her new book. Well, at least she does once someone else’s book gets out of the way!

After introducing herself and reminding listeners of her testimony (you can hear her story here or read it here), Rosaria explains three reasons for writing her new book, which has to do with her involvement in the broad evangelical world and her concerns regarding it. First, the evangelical church, which eschews the Old Testament to its detriment, fails to see that the seeds of the gospel are in the garden with Adam as they deny his historical reality and consequently lose the power to speak to issues directly tied to him. Second, the church does not realize what time it is historically speaking, as the flood of pro-homosexual and pro-transgender legislation and movements are overrunning our world while the church continues to play nice. Third, the church is ill-equipped to fight the spiritual battles waging now as it fails to confront the world’s lies with hard truth spoken in true love.

Rosaria then explains what the five lies are that the church is failing to address properly. Those lies are: Homosexuality is normal. Paganism is kind. Feminism is good. Transgenderism is normal. Modesty is outdated. She then explains how she – and the modern evangelical church – must choose a life of repentance and boldness that has the gospel protection of the following generations in view. As parents allow their children to be subject to educational systems normalizing evil sins or to even be mutilated to change sex, it’s time for the church to find her prophetic voice even if the world hates us. Like Deborah of old, Rosaria is calling the church to battle to that end.

This episode may make you angry. That’s fine, as long as it leads to repentance over the church’s sin of fake niceness in the face of profound evil. So listen, get stirred up, and ask the Lord’s Spirit to strengthen His church. You can also listen to see how you might win a free copy of her book.

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After a lengthy, way-too-long introduction that involves the likes of Michael Bolton, Scott finally reigns it in and gets to the subject at hand. A listener wants to know how to treat the subject of masculinity in today’s culture.

The guys begin by addressing the strong-handed approach to the subject from men as diverse as Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, Donald Trump, and Douglas Wilson. They discuss how toxic masculinity is a response swung too far against such ideologies as progressive feminism and transgenderism. They then develop a Biblical anthropology regarding male identity. The 3GTers conclude with the importance of properly training boys and young men in the church to be leaders with the spirit of Christ.

Along the way, someone says it’s time for loins to be girded up. Hence, the title of this episode. Don’t let it scare you away as you listen to this episode of 3GT!

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It’s not often that the 3GTers have repeat guests on the show. But some people have such a story one episode hardly does it justice. Such is the case regarding the story of Naghmeh Panahi.

A few years ago, Naghmeh was on 3GT to share her incredible story that can be heard here. She recounted her testimony, her advocacy work to see her husband Saeed Abedini released from an Iranain prison, and the subsequent realization that she was in an abusive marriage. Now, with the recent publication of her new book I Didn’t Survive: Emerging Whole after Deception, Persecution, and Hidden Abuse, the guys catch back up with her.

In this episode, they focus on Naghmeh’s life the past few years, why she wrote the book, and how her husband’s captivity was providentially used by the Lord to set her free. In addition, you will hear the ways the Lord is now using her to witness for the gospel, help people in the persecuted church, and encourage those suffering abuse within the church.

Naghmeh’s book is a fascinating, page-turning account of the Lord’s ongoing grace through many trials. Listen to this episode to hear more of her story and how you could also possibly win a free copy. And even if you do not receive a free book, you will want to be sure to purchase copies here!

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Many listeners know that on February 27, 2022, Barry’s son-in-law, Tommy Mangan, was shot through the throat in the line of duty as a police officer in Indianapolis. (To learn and hear more about this story, see Abiding in the Almighty’s Shadow, Continuing to Abide in the Almighty’s Shadow, Shattered, and Tommy’s CaringBridge site.) On this episode of 3GT, Tommy and his wife Emory join the guys to give an update on their journey.

Together, they share the ongoing physical struggles Tommy faces following the damage from the bullet that changed their lives, and further possible treatments and procedures to help. They then relate some of the rawness of heart and soul they have had as they deal with this injustice. From there, they speak of how the Lord has sustained them through His promises, His presence, and His people.

Though Tommy’s vocal cords are gone, you will hear that he still has a voice and a heart to serve. Tune into this episode of Three Guys Theologizing that will give you reason to praise the Lord and pray for this special couple!

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Well, it finally happened. Only one guy showed up to record an episode. Of the three, which one is most likely to be able to monologue for an entire episode? Yep, you guessed it. On this episode of Three Guys Theologizing, or should we say One Guy Monologuing, Kyle takes the microphone and never relinquishes it.

If you’re brave enough to listen to this episode, here’s what you’ll get. Kyle talking about John Piper’s tweet on coffee and worship. Kyle talking about the need to study minor points of theology. Kyle talking about Mary’s immaculate conception and assumption. Kyle talking about liberty of conscience. Kyle talking about the need for elders to serve willingly. Kyle talking about what the soul is. 

If you can handle a whole episode that is Kyle talking, with a few musical pieces dedicated to the missing Barry and Scott thrown in, then here you go. Welcome to the world of 1GM!

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Want a podcast introduction that basically contradicts the theme of the episode? Leave it to the 3GTers! After the guys joke around like teenagers for a while, they get down to the task at hand which is discussing the need for maturity in the Christian life.

The guys establish the truth from Scriptures that the Lord as head of the church expects His body to grow up into full maturity. They look at the different means of grace the Lord has given for His people to use to that end. They also look at how the member of the body are to supply what is lacking in one another as well.

If you want to consider ways to encourage and edify others in their growth, tune in to this week’s episode of Three Guys Theologizing!

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Pennsylvania civil magistrates may not be the best place to look for clothing decisions, with some men dressing as women and others, well, hardly dressing at all. But Kyle, knowing these are Barry’s legislators, wants to go there. After discussing the latest kerfuffle on Capital Hill caused by a Pennsylvania senator, the guys discuss dressing for church.

They start by talking about the traditional view of wearing your best to church as you come before the Lord, which is upheld by the Boomer in the mix. From there, the Millennial guy starts pushing the envelope, claiming the culture the congregation is in has to be considered. The Gen Xer, true to his generation, just argues with the other two. But along the way, Biblical principles begin to emerge that we hope may be helpful.

A helpful episode? Only one way to find out! (And the picture may or may not be childhood Kyle dressed up for church.)

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The boys banter about the change in weather, going to kid’s fall sporting events, and Scott wearing a cardigan. Then they get down to the subject at hand. They discuss what is known as pneumatology, or the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

They begin pointing out how misunderstandings of the Trinity create false teaching and confusion in the church. So they begin with a basic Biblical and catechetical understanding of the Trinity. Then they focus on the third person of the Godhead. The Spirit’s personhood is further established. His foundational work in believers’ lives is explained as the church is the very temple of God where the Spirit dwells. Using the means of grace, such as God’s Word and prayer, are stressed as ways to cultivate the Spirit’s presence in our lives. Important theological works on the Holy Spirit are referenced. Further applications to practicing union with Christ through the Spirit’s assistance are given.

Greater reliance on God through the Spirit’s ministry is needed by all believers, especially in an age when many are searching for the wisdom and power they need in other places. Listen to this episode for a little encouragement to that end!

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The old joke goes that many church folks have roast preacher for Sunday dinner, as they go home after the service and criticize the sermon. As the parishioner had recently read a list of ten criticisms a famous preacher had received, he wondered if his less-than-famous preacher friends had received any of them. So he sticks the fork in to see how well-done these two preachers are!

The pastor and professor respond to his questions about whether people have offered these same criticisms to them. Have you ever been told you are too loud? Too long? Too complex? Too angry? Too dry? Scott adds some of his own ideas to the list. As the guys respond, some funny anecdotes (Or is it antidotes? Mispronunciations are also covered!) are heard along the way. And as they share, perhaps listeners will think through what to say – or not to say! – to the men they listen to preach week-by-week.

Be sure to tune into this episode of Three Guys Theologizing before you sit down for your next Sunday dinner!

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