Knowing Faith

Kyle Worley is joined by Don Whitney to answer the question; How does a church engage in the spiritual discipline together?Questions Covered in This Episode:How does a church engage in the spiritual discipline together?Do Christians think about fellowship the right way?Helpful Definitions:Spiritual Disciplines: practices found in the Bible by which we experience God and grow in Christlikeness.Koinonia (κοινωνία): Fellowship, talking about God and the things of God.Guest Bio:Don Whitney is the Professor of Biblical Spirituality and the John H. Powell Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served there in a similar position from 1995 to 2005, and then as Professor of Biblical Spiritual and Associate Dean at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, from 2005 to 2024.He has authored nine books, including Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life and Praying the Bible, and is a popular conference speaker, especially on personal and congregational spirituality.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:1 Timothy 4:7, Acts 2:42 Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss the beginning of the book of Revelation and its meaning.Questions Covered in This Episode:What does the word “revelation” mean? Why is the language so strange if this book is meant to reveal?What is a symbolic universe?How important is what comes before the book of Revelation in understanding the book?Is there a grid we should be using or do we treat angelic language throughout Revelation on a case by case basis?What is the book of Revelation about?What sevens do we get before we get to the seven churches?Why these seven churches?What is the angle of these letters?Who are the Nicolaitans?What stands out from them?What can encouragement can we draw from this?Helpful Definitions:Revelation: To reveal, to disclose.Angel: Messenger.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Revelation 1 Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley dive into the doctrine of Revelation to discuss how we can know God.Questions Covered in This Episode:What are we currently working on?How has God revealed Himself?Is it possible to say true things about God? How do we speak truthfully about God?What is Illumination?Can we read the Bible just like we would read any other book?Helpful Definitions:Natural Revelation: A common knowledge of God that is given to all humanity.Special Revelation: God has revealed himself to us in Christ and through Scripture.Theophnustos (θεόπνευστος): God-breathed.Illumination: The Holy Spirit who has inspired God’s word, turns the light on for us to rightly hear and receive what God has already testified to. Christological Analogy: The Bible is fully divine and fully human yet one text.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Romans 1:20, Hebrews 1:1, Colossians 1:15, 2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 36, Revelation 5 Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss the different ways people interpret the Book of Revelation.Questions Covered in This Episode:How do we put the phrase “was, is, and is to come” in the right context?What tier of importance is Eschatology?What is hermeneutics?Is the only kind of prophecy telling the future?What are the main approaches to this book?Why is it significant to have conversations about these theological categories?Helpful Definitions:Hermeneutics: How do we interpret and read Biblical texts?Prophecy: Telling us things that are eternally true.Foretelling: Future prediction of events that have yet to happen.Forthtelling: Divine commentary of what is happening. Proclaiming.Futurist: Everything from Rev. 4:1 onward to be concerning future unfulfilled affairs/events.Historicist: A prophecy laying out the history of the church between the two advents.Preterist: Most prophecies in Revelation have been fulfilled in the years immediately following John’s writing of the book.Idealist: Revelation is concerned about presenting timeless principles and we should not be concerned about tying fulfillment (past, present, or future) to prophecies.Ladd: “eclectic approach” Blending futurist and preterist approaches. Proper fulfillment in the near future and some of them most hold trust for a future fulfillment.Historicist/Idealist: Historicist with a heavy emphasis on the symbolic nature of the text.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Revelation 1:8, 1:17, Revelation 2:8, Revelation 5, Revelation 4:1 Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley talk about the importance of the doctrine of the Trinity and what it is (and isn’t).Questions Covered in This Episode:Is it fair to say that the Trinity is a bit like water in that it can take three forms: liquid, gas, and solid?How do we define the Trinity?Why is it important to try to understand this doctrine?If the word Trinity isn’t in the bible, why is it a core Christian doctrine?Does the Trinity have a hierarchy?What sets God apart from His creatures?Helpful Definitions:Trinity: God eternally exists as one essence and three distinct persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, each of which is fully God, yet there is One God.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Ephesians 1, Mark 12:30, Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8-9, Romans 11, Psalm 1:2-3, 1 Samuel 8:5, John 13-17Apostles creedNicea creedChocodeon creedMatthew Barrett The Trinity Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss what the book of Revelation is about and how we can begin to approach studying it.Questions Covered in This Episode:What are we doing this season?What are your thoughts about current events - are we living in the end times?What does Advent have to do with Revelation?Does your study provide a conclusive answer to the question of the rapture?What genre of literature is Revelation?How do we read and approach Scripture appropriately?What are you looking forward to jumping into when studying the book of Revelation?What is your experience in reading the different views of Revelation?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:“Don’t Fear the Marks in Revelation” by Jen Wilkin“Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom” by Jen Wilkin Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss deep discipleship, how the church today needs discipleship, and a big project they have been working on!Questions Covered in This Episode:What are we doing this season?Are we producing deep disciples?What is Deep Discipleship?Where does Deep Discipleship relate to women’s ministry?What is coming in 2025 with Lifeway?What are some of the doctrines we are excited to explore this season?Helpful Definitions:Theology: Words about God.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Habakkuk 2:14“Deep Discipleship” by JT English“You are a Theologian” by Jen Wilkin and JT EnglishDeep Discipleship CohortThe State of Theology Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Season 13 of the Knowing Faith podcast begins on August 22! In this episode, Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley give you a preview of what is to come in Season 13.Questions Covered in This Episode:What are we doing this season?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Revelation“Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom” by Jen WilkinTraining the Church Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Kyle Worley is joined by Kevin Grasso to discuss why learning the Bible in its original language is important and how Biblingo can help.Questions Covered in This Episode:Why is it valuable for ordinary people to be able to study the bible in the original languages?Where did the desire to know the Bible in its original languages come from for you?Are there any passages in Exodus that you could help us dive deeper into by looking at the original language it was written in?What would you say to the person who doesn’t have time for a seminary degree or class to learn the Bible in its original language?How does Biblingo work?Guest Bio:Kevin Grasso is the co-founder and Ceo of Biblingo: Biblingo’s mission is to advance God’s Word in the world by making the biblical languages more accessible and easier to learn through technology.Kevin holds an MA in Linguistics with a concentration in Bible Translation from Dallas International University, an MA in comparative religion from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (focusing on Paul and second temple Judaism), and a PhD in Hebrew Language from Hebrew University. He has published in both Greek and Hebrew linguistics and focuses his research on the intersection of linguistics, exegesis, and biblical theology.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Exodus 3, Exodus 6, Exodus 22:22Biblingo Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Kyle Worley is joined by Rebecca McLaughlin to talk about her newest book “Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?” Questions Covered in This Episode:Why did you write this book?What are the top three most common claims you deal with in the book? How can Christians speak the truth in love online and in person when it comes to addressing these claims?What do you hope Christians will do with this book?Guest Bio:Rebecca McLaughlin holds a PhD from Cambridge University and a theology degree from Oak Hill Seminary in London. She is the author of several books, including Confronting Christianity, The Secular Creed, Jesus Through the Eyes of Women, and Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?. You can follow her on X, Instagram, or her website.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:“Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?” by Rebecca McLaughlin“Confronting Christianity” by Rebecca McLaughlin“Is God Anti-Gay?” by Sam Allberry Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley come back to one of their most popular topics; brothers and sisters.Questions Covered in This Episode:Indisputably: This is something we get more feedback on than just about anything else…why is that?How has the culture shift affected this conversation?What has been the church's response to the shift in culture?What does the biblical doctrine of anthropology related to men and women have to affirm?When we say “we need each other,” what does that mean?What are the threats and liabilities of relationships? What about not having these relationships?Why are we using family-oriented language in this conversation?Does this apply to those who are not believers?How has this changed us? How has it changed our ministries?Why is getting this right crucial?Helpful Definitions:Adelphoi (ἀδελφοί): Brothers and sisters. The family of God.Philia: A kind of love that exists only among family, not just biologically but spiritually through the blood of Christ.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Crossway: Women of the Word“Jesus through the Eyes of Women” by Rebecca McLaughlin Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Kyle Worley is joined by Sam Allberry to have a conversation about union with Christ and both of their new books!Questions Covered in This Episode:Why do we need more books about union with Christ?Why did you title the book “One with My Lord”?Why did you title your book “Home with God”?When did this doctrine first become precious to you?What is “union with Christ?”Do you see any connection between the covenant love of God and union with Christ?What did you learn while writing this book?When people read your book - what do you hope is the one thing they walk away with?Helpful Definitions:Union with Christ: When we come to believe in Jesus we are made one with Him. We are so spiritually one with Jesus that His righteousness becomes ours and it is right for our sin to be carried by Him.The believer's identification, incorporation, and participation into all who Christ is and all that Christ does.Guest Bio:Sam Allberry is a pastor, apologist and speaker. He is the author of a number of books, including Is God Anti-Gay?, Why Bother with Church?, 7 Myths about Singleness, and What God Has To Say About Our Bodies. He has written extensively for numerous organizations, including The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, and Living Out. Learn more about Sam’s books.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Revelation 21-22, Ephesians 2, Colossians 3, Matthew 28:20, Romans 6, 1 Corinthians 6, Hebrews 10:14“One with My Lord” by Sam Allberry“Home with God” by Kyle Worley Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley have a conversation about the most important doctrine for understanding the doctrine of salvation, union with Christ.Questions Covered in This Episode:What is the most important doctrine for understanding the doctrine of salvation?Why does Paul continually use the preposition “in”?It is possible to live in this world as an individual not united to someone else?I grew up hearing Christ in me, not me in Christ; where is the emphasis? Why was I presented with the opposite?What is the doctrine of union with Christ?How have we imported modern conceptions of identity on being in Christ?What is the difference between dying to self and living with Christ and embracing those distinctions that you want to dignify?It is important to value diversity?How is union with Christ different from communion with God?If someone said they were feeling cold in their relationship with God, how would you respond to them?Helpful Definitions:Union with Christ:A believers identification in Christ and incorporation into the body of all of those who are identified with Christ before God.The unbreakable, unshakeable reception of all of God’s saving benefits.Unbreakable relationship with God held by Jesus for His people, received by grace through faith.Communion with Christ: Fellowship with God. The enjoyment of God’s saving benefits, it is shakeable and breakable and you can also deepen it.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Acts 9, John 17:1–26, Ephesians 1:3-10, Romans 6:1-11, Galatians 2:20, Romans 5:19, Colossians 1:27, Genesis 3, Luke 14:11, Revelation 5, Romans 16Crossway: Women of the WordKnowing Faith Episode #177 – Brothers and Sisters: More than a MetaphorAffiliate links are used where appropriate. We earn from qualifying purchases, thank you for supporting Training the Church.Sponsors:Are you ready to take your next step in theological training? Consider Midwestern Seminary and how our For the Church vision can equip you through formal theological education or one of our many free training resources we offer. Learn more about how to get started at www.mbts.edu/knowingfaithFollow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Confronting Christianity | Starting PlaceSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurch Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin and Kyle Worley are joined by Courtney Doctor to discuss her new book From Garden to Glory!Questions Covered in This Episode:Why’d you write this book?When was biblical theology on your radar?What are the “aha” moments when telling the story of the Bible?How does understanding the Bible as a great narrative change one’s faith?You suggest that the structure of the bible’s story is a bit like a good fairy tale - what do you mean by that?How do you picture this book being utilized in the local church?Guest Bio:Courtney Doctor is an author, Bible teacher, frequent conference and retreat speaker, and periodic blogger. She received an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary in 2013 and is the author of several Bible studies, including From Garden to Glory, Steadfast, and In View of God's Mercies. She currently serves as the Director of Women's Initiatives for The Gospel Coalition. Her greatest desire in all of this is to be able to faithfully study, apply, and teach the word of God and help others to do the same. God has blessed Courtney and her husband, Craig, with four wonderful children, three great kids-in-law, five sweet grandchildren — and their much-loved, goofy dog, Walter.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:“From Garden to Glory” by Courtney DoctorTGC Womens Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley answer questions submitted by listeners!Questions Covered in This Episode:While we have unity in Christ…what 2nd, 3rd or 4th tier issues "divide" my favorite podcasters?What do you think are going to be the challenges of ministry in the local church in the next ten years?My local church has a tone of saying: “Just because you study the bible doesn’t mean you're mature in the faith…and discipleship doesn’t happen in programs, it happens in real relationships” Although both are true, I feel like it’s downplaying the indeed for people to be in active learning spaces. I’m just a volunteer bible teacher, helpWhen you go deer hunting, you fill a bucket with corn feed to get the deer to come out of hiding. If we were hunting you, what would we have to fill a bucket with to find you?Should Christians watch the Chosen?Should there be apprehension toward hiring a pastor without formal seminary training?What is your favorite Girl Scout cookie?How do we think about relating to Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox friends? Should we find unity still when we as Protestants disagree heavily on some matters?Do you think modern believers misunderstand anything about heaven? If so, what?If Jesus was killed by Herod upon birth would that change anything theologically?Did Jesus die for everyone?Can you speak about how there are some laws that we should still obey from the OT but not all of them?In the New City Catechism in Q.2 they ask: “What is God?” Why did they use “what” instead of “who?”Can a pastor faithfully use A.I. in the production of material for a sermon?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Revelation 21, Luke 16:19-31The Chosen“Ten Words to Live By” by Jen WilkinNew City Catechism Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast  | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchInterested in starting seminary and our new 100% tuition For the Church Cohorts? Learn more about what it means to study #ForTheChurch at Midwestern Seminary and apply for free with code KNOWINGFAITH at mbts.edu/apply.Sponsors:To learn more about our sponsors please visit our website. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.