This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast tackles some crucial questions about discipleship and following Jesus in today’s world. What does it really mean to be a disciple of Christ? How do we reconcile Jesus’ radical teachings, like loving our enemies and not storing up treasures on earth, with the realities of modern life? The conversation explores the tension between obedience to Jesus’ commands and the challenges of living them out in a world that often seems at odds with Christian values.

The discussion centers on Matthew’s gospel [https://radicallychristian.com/do-you-know-the-real-jesus-what-i-noticed-when-i-read-matthew/], examining how it presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the ultimate authority. The podcast explores key concepts from the Sermon on the Mount, unpacking what it means to be salt and light in the world without trying to change it through force. It addresses the nature of Christian obedience, the role of forgiveness, and the hope of resurrection that makes discipleship worthwhile despite its costs.

The guest for this episode is Travis Bookout, the preaching minister for the Maryville Church of Christ. Travis has written books on the gospels of John, Mark, and Matthew, and is currently working on his Doctorate of Educational Ministry from Southern Seminary. Travis brings both scholarly insight and practical experience to the conversation about discipleship and living out the teachings of Jesus in today’s world.

Links and Resources

 * Sponsor: FHU Church Leadership Workshop (September 27-28) [https://fhu.edu/academics/undergraduate/centers-of-excellence/center-for-excellence-in-spiritual-leadership/church-leadership-workshop/]
 * King of Glory: 52 Reflections on the Gospel of John by Travis Bookout [https://amzn.to/3MxjKZr]
 * Cruciform Christ (Gospel of Mark) by Travis Bookout [https://amzn.to/4dN4SlX]
 * The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer [https://amzn.to/4e0ULcS]
 * Salvation by Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates [https://amzn.to/4cUz0dQ]

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)

Welcome to the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast. I’m your host, Wes McAdams. Here we have one goal: Learn to love like Jesus. As many of you know, we’re in the middle of a series on discipleship, and the gospel of Matthew has a lot to

What Does Matthew Teach Us About Discipleship? with Travis Bookout

In this episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson tackle the crucial topic of discipleship and how to create a disciple-making church culture. They address common misconceptions about discipleship, explore why many churches struggle to prioritize disciple-making, and discuss how individuals can embrace their role as disciples even in challenging environments. This conversation is particularly valuable for those feeling frustrated with church stagnation or wondering how to move beyond mere church attendance to truly following Jesus.

The episode delves into biblical concepts such as the transformative power of discipleship, the importance of both “growing” and “going” in the Christian walk, and Jesus’ model of investing in individuals. They also discuss how the early church’s understanding of discipleship differs from modern church culture, encouraging listeners to reimagine their approach to spiritual growth and community impact.

Marcus Stenson, the guest for this episode, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the conversation. He currently serves as the preaching minister at the Leander Church of Christ and is a co-founder of Christians for Kenya, a nonprofit focused on equipping Kenyans to spread the gospel. Stenson is also a team member at Be1Make1, an organization dedicated to empowering disciple-making. His practical insights and strategic approach to fostering disciple-making cultures in churches make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and impact their community.

Links and Resources

 * Leander Church of Christ [https://leanderchurch.org/]
 * Be1Make1 [https://www.be1make1.org/]
 * Christians for Kenya [https://www.facebook.com/christiansforkenya/]

Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)

Welcome to the Radically Christian Bible Study podcast. I’m your host, Wes McAdams. Here we have one goal: Learn to love like Jesus. It is great to be back after a long break. I’ve really missed releasing new episodes, but we’ve still been recording episodes and we have some fantastic conversations to share with you over the coming weeks. We’re starting a new series on discipleship, and today we’re going to talk about how to be a disciple‑making church. My guest today is my good friend, Marcus Stenson.

Marcus currently serves as the preaching minister at the Leander Church of Christ, north of Austin. He’s a cofounder of Christians for Kenya, a kingdom‑facing nonprofit organization that focuses on equipping Kenyans to spread the gospel through

How to Create a Disciple-Making Culture with Marcus Stenson

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, leaving little time or energy to prepare our hearts and minds for the Sunday worship assembly. We often show up to church gatherings feeling distracted, exhausted, or preoccupied with the cares of the world. This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast tackles these challenges head-on, exploring practical ways to cultivate a mindset that is truly focused on worshiping God and encouraging our fellow believers.

Drawing from the teachings of the Apostle Paul in Colossians 3, the conversation delves into the importance of setting our minds on things above, rather than being consumed by the fleeting concerns of this world. Today’s guest, Daniel Dalp, helps unpack the biblical concept of corporate worship and the role it plays in shaping our spiritual lives. Wes and Daniel also examine the communal aspect of worship, highlighting the need to encourage and uplift one another, and how our mindset can either foster or hinder that process.

Daniel Dalp is the creator and host of the brand new podcast, “For Your Sunday Morning Drive.” Dalp’s unique perspective stems from his own experience as a preacher and his desire to help others prepare their hearts and minds for meaningful worship. With a keen understanding of the challenges families face on Sunday mornings, he offers practical tips and insights to help listeners cultivate a worshipful attitude, even during the journey to the church building.

Links and Resources

 * Watch This Episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/_tMZAWCr3eI]
 * “For Your Sunday Morning Drive” on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-your-sunday-morning-drive/id1741362999]
 * Ministry League [https://ministryleague.com/]

Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)

Welcome to the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast. I’m your host, Wes McAdams. Here we have one goal: Learn to love like Jesus. Today we’re visiting with my friend, Daniel Dalp, about his new podcast, “For Your Sunday Morning Drive.” It’s all about helping Christians prepare themselves mentally and emotionally to worship God, but also to encourage each other on Sunday mornings. </

How to Prepare Yourself for Worship with Daniel Dalp

The apostle Paul wrote, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). However, many Christians today struggle with truly understanding or appreciating the reality of spiritual warfare. We often dismiss or gloss over biblical references to demonic forces, the unseen realm, and spiritual battles. Why is having an awareness of these things important? How should we think about the forces of evil and darkness described in the New Testament?

This discussion centers around biblical teachings on spiritual warfare, including passages like 2 Corinthians 10 and Ephesians 6. It explores the nature of our battle against the devil and demonic forces, rather than against flesh and blood. Biblical concepts are examined, such as Christ’s ministry being focused on reclaiming what belongs to God from Satan’s domain. Today’s guest, Kerry Williams, shares insights into adopting a spiritual mindset and understanding the overlapping realms of the physical and spiritual worlds.

Kerry Williams serves as the Dean of Graduate Studies at Sunset International Bible Institute. He is also director of the Tahoe Family Encampment. Williams has over 30 years of preaching experience and has written books on the topic of spiritual warfare, aiming to inspire greater passion and knowledge about standing firm against the schemes of the devil.

Links and Resources

 * Watch This Episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/qBITM-xJdww]
 * Angel at War by Kerry Williams [https://amzn.to/3QTErl3]
 * Sunset Graduate School [https://www.sunset.bible/graduate-school]
 * Sunset Sermon Symposium [https://www.sunset.bible/symposium]
 * Tahoe Family Encampment [http://www.tahoefamilyencampment.com]

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)

Welcome to the Radically Christian Bible study Podcast. I’m your host, Wes McAdams. Here we have o

Do Not Wrestle Against Flesh and Blood with Kerry Williams

“The gospel of sin management” is a phrase that was coined by Dallas Willard. For Joseph Lewis, that phrase perfectly encapsulates the way many people make being a Christian primarily about avoiding sin and following a set of rules. In this thought-provoking episode, Wes McAdams and Joseph Lewis expose the problems with reducing Christianity to mere moralism. They discuss how an obsessive focus on not sinning can paradoxically make us more likely to sin, as well as undermine the true meaning of the gospel.

Drawing from biblical passages like John 5 and Galatians 5, the discussion explores the core of what the gospel really is – not a rigid system of dos and don’ts, but the amazing news of God’s grace, mercy, and transformative work in our lives through Jesus Christ. The conversation illuminates how the gospel reorients our entire lives around Christ rather than reducing faith to mere behavior modification. It examines the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than dwelling on a checklist of sins to avoid.

The guest for this episode is Joseph Lewis, an evangelist at the Flower Mound Church of Christ [https://flowermoundchurchofchrist.org]. Joseph is known for his rich theological insights and his passion for helping believers develop an authentic, Christ-centered faith. With wisdom and personal examples, Joseph unpacks the life-giving power of the true gospel as opposed to the hollow, powerless “gospel of sin management.”

Links and Resources

 * Watch This Episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/bj74-eCcoQc]
 * “The Gospel of Sin Management” (Sermon by Joseph Lewis) [https://youtu.be/xZa_l2_azRY?si=pvMI4VAulxLERHPR]
 * Divine Conspiracy [https://amzn.to/3yhmzdn] by Dallas Willard
 * Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church [https://amzn.to/4b9ppjb] by Kenda Creasy Dean

Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)

Welcome to the Radically Christian Bible Study podcast. I’m your host, Wes McAdams. Here we have one goal: Learn to love like Jesus. Today we’re going to talk about the false gospel of sin management. Why is the gospel not just mere

The Gospel of Sin Management with Joseph Lewis

Is there a dichotomy between the wrathful God of the Old Testament and the merciful God of the New Testament? In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marco Arroyo explore how our understanding of God’s nature can profoundly shape our own identities and relationships. The conversation also tackles the crucial issue of how to reconcile God’s love and grace with his judgment and wrath against sin.

Through a thoughtful and nuanced discussion, Wes and Marco unpack biblical concepts that are central to understanding God’s true nature. They explore the depths of God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness, and how these attributes are not limited to the New Testament but permeate the entire biblical narrative. They also shed light on the importance of God’s wrath and judgment, not as contradictory to his love, but as a necessary expression of his holiness and justice. The conversation emphasizes the need to view God’s character and actions through the lens of his ultimate goodness and desire for restoration.

Marco Arroyo is the preacher for the Seagoville Church of Christ and the host of the “In Between Sundays” YouTube channel. With a passion for helping people see Jesus in every aspect of life, Marco brings a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing from his own journey of understanding and embracing the true nature of God. His experiences and insights offer a relatable and refreshing approach to wrestling with complex theological concepts.

Links and Resources

 * Watch This Episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/wyw5W00psiY]
 * “In Between Sundays” Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@InBetweenSundays923]
 * Seagoville Church of Christ [https://www.seagoville.org]

Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)

Welcome to the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast. I’m your host, Wes McAdams. Here we have one goal: Learn to love like Jesus. On today’s show, we’re going to talk about the mercy and the goodness of God. My guest today is Marco Arroyo. He’s the preacher for the Seagoville Church of Christ. He’s also the host of the “In Between Sundays” YouTube channel. I really encourage you to check out his videos. He’s doing a great work there. 

The God of the Old Testament with Marco Arroyo

What is sin? Is this a sin? Is that a sin? Is it a sin if I do such-and-such?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast, Wes and his guest, Jacob Rutledge, tackle the complex and often contentious topic of sin. They delve into the fundamental questions that many Christians grapple with: What truly constitutes sin? How do we define it in a way that aligns with biblical teachings? Is sin merely a matter of missing the mark, or does it go deeper, reflecting a rebellion against God’s authority? These questions are not merely academic exercises; they have profound implications for how we understand our relationship with God and our pursuit of holiness.

Drawing from the biblical wisdom found in 1 John and other key passages, Wes and Jacob explore the multifaceted nature of sin. They discuss how sin is not just a violation of God’s law but a rupture in our relationship with the Creator, a failure to live up to the glorious potential for which we were created. The conversation also touches on the collective and societal dimensions of sin, recognizing that our actions can have far-reaching consequences beyond our individual selves. Throughout the discussion, the emphasis is on understanding sin not merely as a set of rules to be followed but as a matter of the heart, a reflection of our willingness to submit to God’s will and embrace the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

Jacob Rutledge is the preaching minister at the Dripping Springs Church of Christ [https://dschurchofchrist.com]. With a deep passion for biblical teaching and a gift for engaging in thoughtful discussions, he brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to this podcast episode. Jacob’s commitment to exploring the nuances of sin and our relationship with God promises to shed light on this challenging topic.

Links and Resources

 * Watch This Episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/KkZGTqE6qXY]
 * Bible Project – Bad Words (Word Studies on Sin, Iniquity, and Transgression) [https://bibleproject.com/explore/category/bad-words-series/]

Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)

What is and what isn’t a sin? That can be a tricky question. On the one hand, sin might be a lot more broad and all‑encompassing than we sometimes think. But on the other hand, we

What Is a Sin and What Isn’t A Sin? with Jacob Rutledge

Every Christian should see themselves as a minister and their work as a ministry.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to compartmentalize our lives into separate spheres – work, church, family, and so on. However, this mindset can lead to a disconnect between our faith and our daily lives, especially in the workplace. Many Christians struggle with the question of how to live out their faith in a so-called “secular” environment. They wonder if their work has any spiritual significance or if it’s simply a means to an end. This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast addresses these concerns and offers a fresh perspective on the role of work in the life of a believer.

Drawing from biblical examples such as Daniel and the teachings of the apostle Paul, this episode explores the concept of every Christian being a minister, regardless of their occupation or workplace setting. It delves into the idea that our work is not just a secular pursuit, but an opportunity for ministry and discipleship. The discussion emphasizes the importance of viewing our work as an extension of our walk with God, where we can glorify Him, demonstrate our trust in Him, and live out the mission of making disciples.

The guest for this episode is Rusty Tugman, a seasoned minister and leadership trainer. After 30 years in full-time ministry, 21 as the preacher of the Alameda Church of Christ in Norman, OK, Rusty became the Leadership Trainer & Workplace Coach for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. He is also a trainer for Strata Leadership, a True Dads Educator, and the owner of Tugman Coaching & Consulting, LLC. With his unique perspective and experience, Rusty shares valuable insights on how to approach work as a Christian and how to be an effective witness in a secular environment. His journey serves as an inspiration for those seeking to integrate their faith and work in a meaningful way.

Links and Resources

 * Watch this Episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/-AnD4bRU12U]
 * Tugman Coaching & Consulting, LLC [https://rustytugman.com/]

Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)

Welcome to the Radically Christian Bible Study podcast. I’m your host, Wes McAdams. Here, we have one goal: Learn to love like Jesus. 

Who is a minister? Is it just the

Every Christian is a Minister

Do you struggle to understand the book of Revelation? This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast addresses the common problems and misconceptions that people have when reading the book of Revelation. Many find it to be a confusing and scary book of the Bible. However, today’s guest, Garrett Best, explains that Revelation doesn’t have to be scary and that it is actually a highly relevant and encouraging book for Christians today.

The discussion delves into the importance of understanding the genre and context of Revelation in order to properly interpret its symbolism and message. Key biblical concepts explored include Revelation’s role as prophecy, its connection to the Old Testament, and its central themes of exclusive allegiance to God and faithful witness in the face of cultural pressure and conflict. The episode aims to equip listeners with a framework for reading Revelation that focuses on its original purpose and application.

Garrett Best is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Bible and Ministry at York University in Nebraska. He initially avoided studying the book of Revelation, but was eventually drawn to it and ended up writing his dissertation on the book. Best shares his journey of coming to appreciate and champion the relevance of Revelation for the church today, providing valuable insights for listeners seeking to better understand this crucial but often misunderstood biblical text.

Links and Resources

 * Watch This Episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/5dWPBmpaVoU]
 * Sponsor: Freed Hardeman’s Graduate School of Theology [https://fhu.edu/radicallychristian]
 * Revelation and the End of All Things by Craig Koester [https://amzn.to/3JjUUL4]
 * Reading Revelation Responsibly by Michael Gorman [https://amzn.to/4aEe4Y0]
 * Foretaste of the Future by Dean Flemming [https://amzn.to/3xz4JlE]
 * The Anchor Bible Commentary on Revelation by Craig Koester [https://amzn.to/3xFt7SQ]

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. Meaning, if you choose to buy something through these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)

The book of Revelation does

Reading and Understanding the Book of Revelation with Garrett Best

What is the mission of the church? This episode of the Radically Christian Bible Study Podcast tackles that crucial question. The discussion explores the common tendency for Christians to focus solely on replicating New Testament patterns of church life, while neglecting the larger theological framework of God’s mission. Wes McAdams and Steve Cloer delve into the biblical concept of God as a “missionary God” who sends his people to partner in redeeming a broken world, and how this should reshape the church’s identity and approach to ministry.

Missional theology can transform the way we view everything from Sunday morning worship to our daily lives and interactions. Wes and Steve encourage listeners to reconsider their understanding of the church’s role and calling, moving beyond mere religious obligations to embrace a holistic, kingdom-centered mission. The conversation also touches on practical challenges and opportunities that arise when the church seeks to engage its local community and context.

The guest, Steve Cloer, is an assistant professor of ministry at Harding School of Theology and the director of the Doctor of Ministry program. With extensive experience in urban congregational ministry, Steve brings a unique perspective on the importance of the church’s presence and witness in cities and neighborhoods. His insights challenge listeners to consider how they can more faithfully and effectively participate in God’s mission, wherever they may be.

Links and Resources

 * Watch this Episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/mlWuEp_Rag8]
 * The Missional Catalyst: Reimagining the Role of the Minister – Missio Dei Journal [https://missiodeijournal.com/issues/md-10-2/authors/md-10-2-cloer]
 * Loving Our Neighbors – Mission Alive Newsletter [https://open.substack.com/pub/missionalive/p/loving-our-neighbors?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web]
 * Reaching the Spiritual but Not Religious – Prestoncrest Class [https://www.youtube.com/live/MwyKKzkls-8?si=Qoy6m5yBqJjc5JG0]

Transcript (Credit: Beth Tabor)

Have you ever thought of God as a missionary? Have you ever thought of yourself as a missionary? Well, hopefully, you will after today’s podcast. Today I’m v

God’s Mission for the Church with Steve Cloer

Bible study with one primary goal, learn to love like Jesus. Join Wes McAdams for in-depth, encouraging, and relevant studies of biblical passages and biblical topics. Formerly, CrossTalk Podcast.