Podcast Overview

Donavon Riley

287: 1 Clement - Let our whole body be kept in working order in Christ Jesus

01/02/23

6 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

Welcome to the Church, Can I Take Your Order? In this episode, we discuss Clement of Rome on the Church, especially good order, fruits of faith, and why the congregation at Corinth shouldn’t run off its pastors.
- Church Tradition
- Ministry of the Church
286: Lewis - The whole book, indeed, is a picture of the Tree of Life

12/25/22

6 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

It’s A Show, About Nothing! In this episode, we revisit and discuss C.S. Lewis’ introduction to Athanasius, On the Incarnation. We end up doing a recap of the past year, which means Christmas movies, the incarnation, and lots and lots of rabbit trails on this episode of The Banned Books Podcast.
285: R.C. Sproul - The Birth of Jesus

12/21/22

6 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

Let’s Not Talk About Love. In this episode, we discuss R.C. Sproul’s Christmas sermon wherein he preaches on the Gospel of Luke chapter 2. The espresso kicked in early, and we read through the whole sermon before diving deep into the distinction between exposition and proclamation, so buckle up. Riley talks too much while Gillespie exercises patience and restraint.
284: Early Church Fathers on the Birth of Jesus

12/19/22

6 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

Is It Too Early for Jesus’ Birth? In this episode, we read excerpts from various early church fathers on Jesus’ birth, with a heavy emphasis on the historicity of God’s incarnation. What part did earthly signs play in announcing Jesus’ birth? Why did it matter to the early fathers that God was born on an actual day, in an actual place, at an actual time? Do we at the present place the same emphasis as the early fathers on Jesus’ birth?
283: Luther - It is true that the child was born of the virgin and is mine

12/16/22

6 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

It’s Addressed To You. Open It! In this episode, we discuss Martin Luther’s sermon on Luke 2 for Christmas afternoon. What’s the consequence of the “to you” and “for you” of Luke’s Gospel message for Christians?
282: Irenaeus - Learn that Christ, born of the virgin, is your Lord and Savior

12/12/22

6 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

Ted Just Admit It! He’s Always Been The Lamb. In this episode, we discuss Irenaeus’ Proof of Apostolic Preaching and what he has to say to those who make a show of faith but deny the incarnation of the Son according to the witness of Scripture.
- Church Fathers
- Incarnation
281: The Torah Anticipates Lawbreaking

12/07/22

6 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

Torah! Torah! Torah! In this episode, we discuss the book, Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus: How the Torah (Law) Fulfills its Goal in Yeshua (Jesus). This time it’s all about how to read and exegete the Scriptures to reveal the purpose and goal of the Torah and what that means for us today.
280: Augustine - The Righteousness Which is of God, and the Righteousness Which is of the Law

12/03/22

5 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

Who’s Running the Verbs of Grace? In this episode, we discuss Augustine’s defense of God’s grace against the Pelagians, with a healthy dose of Reformation theology added for seasoning.
279: Tim Keller - The Purpose of Christmas

11/24/22

6 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

They Call Me… Tim. In this episode, we discuss Tim Keller’s sermon, The Purpose of Christmas. Does it matter that Jesus’ birth is a historical fact? What’s the difference between an eyewitness account and a legend? What are we really preaching at Christmas, and why should anyone care?
278: Nestorius - Against the Theotokos

11/21/22

6 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

Divide by Two, but Add by One. In this episode, we discuss Nestorius’ sermon on whether Mary was Theotokos or not and what happens when one tries to comment on the two natures of God using Greek philosophy to exegete Scripture.
277: Von Rad - The Prophet's Freedom

11/16/22

6 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

God Doesn’t Do Prophet-sharing. In this episode, we discuss Gerhard von Rad’s explanation of a prophet’s freedom and lack of choice regarding his call and proclamation. What’s at stake for preachers, and all Christians, when God calls us to speak a specific word, to a specific people, at a specific time according to his decision?
276: Tertullian - On the Flesh of Christ

11/13/22

4 mins

By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley

God Has No Skin in The Game? In this episode, we discuss Tertullian’s argument against Marcion about God’s being born flesh and blood in his treatise, On The Flesh of Christ. What’s at stake when well-meaning Christians disembody God and, consequently, Christians?