Bellator Christi Podcast

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Amy Downey. Dr. Downey is one of the Vice Presidents of Bellator Christi and the President and Founder of Tzedakah Ministries. To learn more about Tzedakah Ministries, go to tzedakahministries.org. • What made the Davidic Covenant distinct from previous biblical covenants?• How did Israel’s longing for a king reflect deeper theological or existential desires?• In what ways did David’s kingship both fulfill and fall short of covenantal ideals?• What were the competing messianic expectations in Jesus’ time—warrior king, suffering servant, priestly redeemer?• How did Second Temple Judaism interpret the Davidic Covenant in light of Roman occupation?• What does messianic anticipation teach us about waiting, hope, and divine timing?• How can the theology of kingship inform Christian leadership today?About our HostsAmy Downey, MAComm, MATh, Ph.D.Dr. Amy Downey serves as the President and Director of Tzedakah Ministries, a ministry devoted to sharing the Gospel of Yeshua with Jewish people (http://tzedakahministries.org). Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Amy surrendered her life to full-time Christian service at the age of 16, but still struggled with her call to missions.  Afraid of the price she might have to pay, Amy decided to serve God but in her own way.  However, and finally, at the age of twenty-eight, Amy followed the mission call to reach the Jewish people with the truth that Jesus (Yeshua) is the Jewish Messiah.This mission call has taken her across the country to speak in churches and meetings across more than thirty states and four continents (8 countries) about the need for the Christian church to take on the responsibility of Jewish evangelism mandated in Romans 1:16 and 11:11-24.  Amy has shared the truth of Jesus to Jewish people on street corners, airplanes, parks, restaurants, and even in churches.  In addition, she spent three of the most spiritually challenging and rewarding years of her life in the heart of American Jewish life – New York City.Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from East Texas Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Communication and Master of Arts in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and was the first woman to complete a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University (May 2016).  She is also the author of Paul’s Conundrum (2011), Maimonides’s Yahweh (2019), and Missions in the Minor Key (2024) along with numerous magazine articles and booklets that are available at https://tzedakahministries.org. Amy serves as a contributor and Associate Vice President for Bellator Christi Ministries.Brian G. Chilton, M.Div., Ph.D.Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).To learn more about Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

The Theology of JoshuaDivine presence and leadership (Josh. 1:5; 3:7)Covenant renewal and obedience (Josh. 1:7-8; 8:30-35;24).Divine judgment (Josh. 6:1-2)Other themes: leadership, Law, covenantal identity, divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and God's faithfulnessThe Theology of JudgesCovenantal faithfulness vs. idolatry (Judg. 2:10-12)Cycle of sin and deliveranceGod's amazing grace (Judg. 3:9; 4:3; et. al)The faithfulness of God and the failure of politicians (entire book)To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.(c) 2025. Bellator Christi.

The Theology of Leviticus1. Holiness2. Sacrifices and worship3. Priesthood4. God's Tabernacle The Theology of Deuteronomy1. The Love of God2. Yahweh is the Only True God3. The Centralization of Worship4. Walking in Divine ObedienceFor more, visit BellatorChristi.com at https://bellatorchristi.com.

1.      What is the Exodus motif, and why does it recurso frequently throughout the pages of Scripture?2.      How does the Exodus story function as aframework for redemption, both historically and theologically?3. How does God’s self-revelation in the burning bush of Exodus reveal divine compassion and action? 4.      What is the significance of God giving the Lawat Sinai in the shaping of Israel’s covenantal identity?5.      How is the Exodus motif revealed in the Psalms,Prophets, and in the New Testament, particularly through Jesus’s death and resurrection?6.      How does the Exodus motif impact modernbelievers, and what does it say about a redeemed people living in a world of darkness and oppression?To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.Copyright. 2025. Bellator Christi.

S9E2 Creation and Covenant (Gen. 1-3) w. Tony Williams1) Define what we mean by a covenant.2) In the opening chapters of Genesis, we are told about God’s involvement with creation. What do these chapters teach us concerning God’s creation and God’s creative work?3) In these opening chapters, we are also told about the Fall. What is the Fall, and what does it mean for humanity?4) Some have claimed that the Serpent of the Garden is an allegorical device. Is that your take? How should we interpret the snake of the Garden?5) In Genesis 1-3, we are introduced to the Adamic covenant. Explain the covenant to our listening audience.6) How does the covenant of Adam relate to the Messianic covenant found in Jesus?For more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.About Tonight's GuestTony Williams: Associate Vice President of Publications, Editor, and ContributorTony Williams is currently serving in his 20th year as a police officer in a city in Southern Illinois. He has been studying apologetics in his spare time for two decades, since a crisis of faith led him to the discovery of vast and ever-increasing evidence for his faith. Tony received a bachelor’s degree in University Studies from Southern Illinois University in 2019. His career in law enforcement has provided valuable insight into the concepts of truth, evidence, confession, testimony, cultural competency, morality, and most of all, the compelling need for Christ in the lives of the lost. Tony plans to pursue postgraduate studies in apologetics in the near future to sharpen his understanding of the various facets of Christian apologetics.About the Bellator Christi Podcast HostBrian G. Chilton, M.Div., Ph.D.: Founder of Bellator Christi Ministries, President, Publisher, Contributor, and Co-host of the Bellator Christi PodcastDr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton’s primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

S9E1 What is Biblical Theology?1.      What is biblical theology?2.      How does biblical theology differ fromsystematic theology?3.      How does biblical theology differ fromhistorical theology?4.      Describe the story-shaped nature of Scripture.5.      Christ is at the epicenter of the grand biblicalnarrative.6.      What are some key themes throughout biblicaltheological study?7.      Why is biblical theology important?For more, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

On the last scheduled episode of the season, Dr. Brian Chilton discusses the latest findings on the Shroud of Turin. Additionally, he concludes the four year series on systematic theology by examining heaven and hell.(c) 2025. Bellator Christi.

Does the Bible teach that there will be a rapture? The rapture is a view that has come under great scrutiny in recent years, leading people away from accepting its validity. However, the Bible suggests that a rapture event is a true event. In this episode, learn about how the rapture is associated with the final resurrection and that impacts our involvement with the Easter event.(c) 2025. Bellator Christi.

I. THE PURPOSE OF SUFFERING (4:1–11, 15, 17–18) A. To cleanse and purify the spiritual believer (4:1–11) 1. The triumph (4:1–3): Suffering causes sin to lose its power. 2. The testimony (4:4–6): The unsaved friends of a new Christian marvel that he does not desire to share their wicked lifestyle as he once did. 3. The tenderness (4:7–9): Suffering should develop our love for other believers. 4. The talents (4:10–11): We should faithfully employ all of our God-given spiritual gifts. B. To chasten and punish the carnal believer (4:15, 17–18): God will judge his people. II. THE PRIVILEGE OF SUFFERING (4:12–14, 16) A. It is to be expected (4:12): All believers will be allowed to suffer. B. It is to be esteemed (4:13–14, 16) III. THE PATIENCE IN SUFFERING (4:19): We are to do two things in the hour of pain. The outline used for this study came from H. L. Willmington, The Outline Bible (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999), 1 Pe 4. To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

I. THE CONDUCT OF BELIEVERS (3:1–17) A. Responsibilities of wives (3:1–6) B. Responsibilities of husbands (3:7) C. Responsibilities of al (3:7-17) II. THE CHRIST OF BELIEVERS (3:18–22): Peter describes a fourfold ministry accomplished by the Savior. A. His death (3:18) B. His journey to the spirit world (3:19–20) C. His resurrection (3:21) The outline of this study came from H. L. Willmington, The Outline Bible (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999), 1 Pe 3. To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

I. THE RENOUNCING (2:1–3, 11) A. What we are to renounce (2:1, 11b): We are to rid ourselves of deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander, and worldliness. B. What we are to receive (2:2–3): We are to crave pure spiritual milk. II. THE RELATIONSHIPS (2:4–12) A. What Christians are (2:5, 9a, 10–11a) 1. We are living stones (2:5a). 2. We are royal priests (2:5b). 3. We are a chosen people (2:9a, 10). 4. We are strangers on earth (2:11a). B. What Christ is (2:4, 6–8, 9b, 12) 1. He is the living foundation (2:4a). a. He is a precious foundation for believers (2:4b, 7a). b. He is a stumbling block for unbelievers (2:8). 2. He is the cornerstone (2:6, 7b). 3. He is the chosen one (2:4c). 4. He is the judge (2:12). 5. He is the light (2:9b). III. THE RESPECT (2:13–20): For the Lord’s sake, we are to show respect (and submission) to the following parties: A. Civil authorities (2:13–16) B. Employers (2:18–20) C. Everyone (2:17) IV. THE ROLE MODEL (2:21–25) A. Who he is (2:21–22): He is our sinless Savior, Jesus Christ. B. What he did (2:23–24a): He died on Calvary’s cross. C. Why he did it (2:24b–25). The outline for this study came from H. L. Willmington, The Outline Bible (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999), 1 Pe 2.

1. The Source of Our Salvation (1:1-2) 2. The Guarantee of Our Salvation (1:3-5) 3. The Joy of Our Salvation (1:6-9) 4. The Prophets and Our Salvation (1:10-12) 5. The Response to Our Salvation (1:13-17) 6. The Cost of Our Salvation (1:18-21) 7. The Path of Our Salvation (1:22-25) *The outline for this study was loosely taken from Harold L. Willmington, The Outline Bible (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1996). To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com. (c) 2025. Bellator Christi.

1) Congratulations on your latest book, Dr. Khouri. As we begin, could you explain what you mean by "triune relationality"? 2) Your book covers some Islamic theological territory that most of our readers will likely have never heard before. Let's look into some of these areas. What was considered to be the "Golden Age of Islam"? 3) Who were the Abbasids and what did they teach? 4) Could you explain iconoclasm and how it impacted Islamic theologians of the period, especially concerning their view of the Trinity? 5) What were some of the best responses that Christian theologians offered to the Islamic objections to the Trinity throughout the history of the church? 6) What did John of Damascus say about the interrelationality of the Trinity? 7) To wrap things up, why is the Trinity the best way to understand the relational characteristics of God? 8) Lastly, what do you hope your readers will take from this book? (c) 2024. Bellator Christi.

Should families and friends discuss divisive issues with loved ones during the holidays? (Begin with TJ) How should we navigate controversial topics when someone brings them up? (Begin with Deanna) The political environment in this nation is hotter and more volatile than ever before. How can we minister to family members who might be from the other side of the political aisle without compromising our own convictions? (Begin with Tony) How might the "yes, and" method prove beneficial when dealing with family and friends from different perspectives than our own? (Note: The "yes...and" method is where you find a point of agreement with a person, even with a different worldview, and add your perspective onto the point of agreement. From there, a person does not feel attacked and is more prone to listen to what you have to say. I'll explain the method and then open it up to the group for discussion. If you have other methods to consider, please mention them.) As we get set to conclude the fall season of the podcast, let me open it up to the group. What are some things that you are thankful for? What does Christmas mean to you? (c) 2024. Bellator Christi.

1.      What are the two roles laid out by the New Testament? 2.      What is a pastor? 3.      What are the responsibilities of a pastor? 4.      What are the qualifications of a pastor? 5.      What is a deacon? 6.      When were deacons first implemented in the church? (Acts 6) 7.      What are the responsibilities of deacons? 8.      What are the qualifications of deacons? (c) 2024. Bellator Christi.

1.  What is baptism? 2. What does it represent when a person is baptized? 3. What is communion? 4. What does it represent when communion is taken? 5. What are the different concepts of communion? 6. What is the difference between closed and open communion? To find more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com. (c) 2024. Bellator Christi.

1.     What does the word “church” mean? 2.     The church is often connected with the following: 3.     What is the church’s connection with the Old Testament community? 4.     What is the mission of the church? (Great Commission) 5.     What are the historical marks of the church? These marks are given by Adam Harwood in his book Christian Theology as if found in the language of the Nicene Creed of 325. (c) 2024. Bellator Christi. (https://bellatorchristi.com)

Augustinian Apologetics  1. (Starting with TJ) What is Augustinian apologetics (pastoral apologetics)?  2. (Starting with TJ) How does Augustinian apologetics expand on the apologetics of Peter and Paul?  3. (Starting with Michelle) What are the benefits of bringing this form of apologetic methodology into modern conversations and relationships with others?  4. (Starting with Deanna) Are there any drawbacks to the approach?  AI and Disaster  5. Recently, the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee were impacted by catastrophic flooding due to record-breaking rains from Hurricane Helene. Most troubling was the number of AI-generated images that inundated social media. (Starting with Deanna) How easy is it for someone to create an image using artificial intelligence?  6. (Starting with Tony) How can a person detect an AI-generated picture from one that is real?  7. (Starting with Tony) What epistemological problems could come from AI's blurring of the imaginary from the real? (c) 2024. BellatorChristi.com.

Dr. Brian Chilton concludes his series on angelology with a look at the demonic realm. He speaks about Satan, the demons of hell, the demonic influence of the powers of darkness, and the fall of Satan. The following questions are covered on the episode: Who was Lucifer? What do we know about him? When did Lucifer fall from heaven? How did Satan impact the fall of humanity? What is Satan’s purpose and mission in life? Who are the demons? Is there a demonic hierarchy? How does the demonic realm impact humanity? To help with the Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, consider donating to one of the following agencies: Samaritan's Purse (Boone, NC)• Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/.../pray-for-those-in... --------------------------- Operation Airdrop (Concord, NC)• Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts at https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene --------------------------- The Salvation Army of the Carolinas• Donate to the Salvation Army Hurricane Helene Relief at https://give.helpsalvationarmy.org/give/166081/... --------------------------- United Way of North Carolina• Donate to the UW Helps NC Helene Recovery Fund at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/1nSUgw --------------------------- Durham Rescue Mission• Durham Rescue Mission will be collecting supplies at 1201 E. Main Street. Needed are First Aid Supplies, Non-Perishable Foods, and Personal Hygiene Supplies --------------------------- State of North Carolina• Donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund at https://pay.payitgov.com/nchelenevolunteers@buncombecounty.org --------------------------- American Red Cross North Carolina• To make a financial donation, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), text HELENE to 90999, or visit https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/hurricane-helene.html (c) 2024. Bellator Christi.

S8E4 discusses the various viewpoints of heaven and whether heaven has multiple levels. Does heaven have only one level? Or does it have 3, 7, or even 10 levels as suggested by some? We'll discuss this topic along with highlighting the latest release by IHP: Dr. Amy Downey's Missions in the Minor Key. 1.      The Chrysostom View: One Heaven. 2.      The Pauline View: Three Heavens 3.      The Mystical Jewish View (Irenaeus): Seven Heavens 4.      The Dantean View: Nine Heavens 5.      2 Enoch: 10 Heavens 6.      What do we know for sure? (c) 2024. Bellator Christi. To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.