EPISODE · Jul 29, 2025 · 1H 3M
Spiritual Readings, Historic Senses, Lectionaries and Four Mountains
from Expositors Collective: Expository Preaching, Bible Teaching and Sermon Preparation · host Mike Neglia
What if the whole story of the Bible could be told through four mountains?In this conversation, Mike speaks with theologian and pastor Michael Niebauer about his new book, Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion. They explore how the geography of Eden, Sinai, Tabor, and Zion can guide readers toward a deeper understanding of Scripture—and a more faithful approach to preaching it.Michael reflects on his own development as a preacher, the discipline of lectionary-based sermons, and the formative role of repetition, feedback, and theological tradition. He outlines how early Christian exegesis, especially the writings of figures like Ephrem the Syrian, shaped his thinking and helped him connect the Old and New Testaments with fresh clarity.Other highlights include:Why Eden was probably a mountainHow to preach biblical symbolism without confusing your listenersThe Bible as unapologetically TrinitarianBalancing historical context with spiritual readingMinistry to the elderly through Heritage MissionAnd why every sermon should lead to love of God and neighbourWhether you're a seasoned preacher or simply looking for new ways to read the Bible, this episode offers theological insight and practical encouragement.Michael Niebauer is an Anglican Pastor and Director of Heritage Mission, an initiative that trains leaders to start worship services in care facilities. He is the author of Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion and Virtuous Persuasion, a Christianity Today Book Award finalist and Outreach Magazine’s 2022 Missional Resource of the Year.Resources Mentioned: You can purchase Michael's book Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion here: https://lexhampress.com/expositors —————Join us August 22–23 at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for the next Expositors Collective Training Weekend — a two-day, interactive event designed to equip and encourage Bible teachers and preachers of all experience levels.📖 Learn from seasoned teachers, engage in hands-on coaching, and grow in your calling to teach God’s Word with clarity and confidence.🎙 Featuring:Mike Neglia · Dr. Alan Stoddard · Brian KellyDr. John Whittaker · Pilgrim Benham · Ryan Marr · Brian Brodersen✅ Teaching, training, and practical tools you can use right away.🔗 Register now at [expositorscollective.com]The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective
What this episode covers
What if the whole story of the Bible could be told through four mountains?In this conversation, Mike speaks with theologian and pastor Michael Niebauer about his new book, Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion. They explore how the geography of Eden, Sinai, Tabor, and Zion can guide readers toward a deeper understanding of Scripture—and a more faithful approach to preaching it.Michael reflects on his own development as a preacher, the discipline of lectionary-based sermons, and the formative role of repetition, feedback, and theological tradition. He outlines how early Christian exegesis, especially the writings of figures like Ephrem the Syrian, shaped his thinking and helped him connect the Old and New Testaments with fresh clarity.Other highlights include:Why Eden was probably a mountainHow to preach biblical symbolism without confusing your listenersThe Bible as unapologetically TrinitarianBalancing historical context with spiritual readingMinistry to the elderly through Heritage MissionAnd why every sermon should lead to love of God and neighbourWhether you're a seasoned preacher or simply looking for new ways to read the Bible, this episode offers theological insight and practical encouragement.Michael Niebauer is an Anglican Pastor and Director of Heritage Mission, an initiative that trains leaders to start worship services in care facilities. He is the author of Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion and Virtuous Persuasion, a Christianity Today Book Award finalist and Outreach Magazine’s 2022 Missional Resource of the Year.Resources Mentioned: You can purchase Michael's book Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion here: https://lexhampress.com/expositors —————Join us August 22–23 at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for the next Expositors Collective Training Weekend — a two-day, interactive event designed to equip and encourage Bible teachers and preachers of all experience levels.📖 Learn from seasoned teachers, engage in hands-on coaching, and grow in your calling to teach God’s Word with clarity and confidence.🎙 Featuring:Mike Neglia · Dr. Alan Stoddard · Brian KellyDr. John Whittaker · Pilgrim Benham · Ryan Marr · Brian Brodersen✅ Teaching, training, and practical tools you can use right away.🔗 Register now at [expositorscollective.com]The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollectiveDonate to support the work of Expositors Collective, in person training events and a free weekly podcast: https://cgn.churchcenter.com/giving/to/expositors-collective
NOW PLAYING
Spiritual Readings, Historic Senses, Lectionaries and Four Mountains
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m