Disciple Dojo
by JM Smith
What’s up with the name “Disciple Dojo”??Great question! One of my lifelong passions has been studying the martial arts. And the place where you study and train in martial arts is a Dojo. Christian Discipleship is similar to martial arts training (if you don’t believe me, just ask Paul–he says so himself in his letter to Christians in ancient Corinth [1Cor. 9:26-27]!). We have a Sensei (teacher): Jesus. We have a katana (sword): Scripture. Thus Disciple Dojo is intended as a virtual Dojo–where students of the Master can be sharpened, challenged, equipped and encouraged as they continue to become more and more like the One they serve…minus the scrapes and bruises!
Episodes
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Why Christianity Makes Sense (w/ Gavin Ortlund)
Why Christianity Makes Sense (Zondervan Reflective) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310182204 What It Means To Be Protestant - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310156327/ Videos mentioned: The Dangers of Christian Nationalism - https://youtu.be/xYVY8hUZPr8 Is Online Apologetics Poisoning Our Soul? -...
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Reading the Bible DEEPLY (w/ Biblingo Founder, Dr. Kevin Grasso)
In this episode we’re joined by Biblingo.com founder Kevin Grasso to discuss learning the Biblical languages, his new Greek grammar, and why poop is Levitically clean! Reading Greek Deeply is available for FREE at: https://biblingo.com/textbook DiscipleDojo’s review of Biblingo -...
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Can a Christian be Libertarian? (w/ Alex Bernardo)
In this episode we are joined by host of the Protestant Libertarian Podcast, Alex Bernardo, to talk about his new book “Politics, Economics, and New Testament Interpretation” which is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Politics-Economics-New-Testament-Interpretation-ebook/dp/B0HBSNMF57/ Other...
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What is Syriac? (w/ Dr. Mark Steven Francois)
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Mark Steven Francois, a Hebrew, Syriac scholar, and text-critical scholar to talk about Syriac and the Peshitta! Mark’s Classical Syriac grammar is freely available on his website at: https://markfrancois.wordpress.com/syriac-grammar/ And be sure to follow him...
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Why John is NOT the 'Beloved Disciple' (w/ Dr. Ben Witherington III)
In this episode we are joined by my friend (and fellow Gordon-Conwell alum!) Dr. Ben Witherington III to talk about his upcoming book on the identity of “the Beloved Disciple” in John’s Gospel…and why it’s definitely NOT John son of Zebedee! Unmasking the Beloved Disciple is available for…
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What it's like being a Palestinian evangelical Christian (w/ Dr. Tony Deik)
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Tony Deik, an Evangelical Christian and New Testament scholar from Bethlehem in the West Bank. For more information on the upcoming Church at the Crossroads conferences in Atlanta and Belfast, visit https://www.churchatthecrossroads.com/ * Tony's 2025...
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Psalm 32 - "Grace" is NOT a New Testament Invention
In this series we are reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's people for nearly 3,000 years.
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Did Tolkien Hate Narnia? (w/ Dr. Holly Ordway) - Part 1 of 2
Here is part 1 of our 2-part discussion with Dr. Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography. We talk about Tolkien, Lewis, Catholicism and Anglicanism, and some common urban legends many people have heard about Tolkien which are not actually true! Tolkien’s Faith is available...
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Why Biblical Archaeology Matters! (w/ Dr. David deSilva)
In this episode we are joined once again by my good friend Dr. David DeSilva to talk about his newly-completed trilogy on New Testament Archaeology from Baker Academic. He also takes us on a virtual tour of what we will be seeing next Fall on our Disciple Dojo trip to follow in the footsteps of...
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The Ethics of A.I. (Part 2)
Our favorite Ethical Hacker is back in the Dojo! Gregory Richardson (founder of @BibleHacking and 6 Levers Consulting) stopped by to take viewer questions about the ethics and use of A.I. as a Christian. Our previous discussion of Christians and A.I. can be found at: https://youtu.be/cagB-uylK_E...
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The Ethics of A.I. (Part 1)
Our favorite Ethical Hacker is back in the Dojo! Gregory Richardson (founder of @BibleHacking and 6 Levers Consulting) stopped by to take viewer questions about the ethics and use of A.I. as a Christian. Our previous discussion of Christians and A.I. can be found at: https://youtu.be/cagB-uylK_E...
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Is the Gospel Altruistic? (w/ Dr. Logan Williams)
In this episode we're joined by University of Aberdeen New Testament scholar Dr. Logan Williams to discuss what he considers to be a widespread misunderstanding in New Testament ethics! Logan's monograph "Christology and Ethics in Galatians" can be found at...
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What to know BEFORE you get married! (w/ Olatunde Howard, LMFT)
In this final to our 3-part series on Pastoral Counseling, Olatunde Howard returns to discuss premarital counseling and what so many Christians struggle with regarding how they approach marriage conflicts to begin with. Olatunde is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Cary, NC. He can be...
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Unveiling the Parallels Between Revelation & Middle-earth (Dr. Sean McDonough)
In this episode we are joined by one of my all-time favorite professors Dr. Sean McDonough! Sean has taught a class called "Tolkien's Apocalyptic Imagination" at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary for over 20 years now and his recent book "Truth's Consuming Ecstasy" explores Revelation in light…
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Tim Laniak Shepherds
In this episode my good friend, and former professor, Dr. Tim Laniak joins us to talk about his decades-long focus on Biblical shepherding and what it tells us about God's call to those who lead His people. Tim's books on Biblical Shepherding: Shepherds After My Own Heart (NSBT) -...
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CS Lewis's Hidden "Planet Narnia" Code Discovered After 52 Years! (Dr. Michael Ward)
In this episode, the world's leading CS Lewis literary critic enters the Dojo to discuss the ingenious literary code embedded in the Chronicles of Narnia, which Lewis himself kept hidden from everyone! Dr. Michael Ward's resources: * Planet Narnia -...
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A Teachable Spirit (w/ Dr. A.J. Swoboda)
In this episode we are joined by author, pastor, and theologian Dr. A.J. Swoboda to talk about the need for being teachable (something many of us are lacking at times, if we are honest with ourselves!) and his new book from @zondervanreflective8962 "A Teachable Spirit", which is available at:...
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Psalm 31 - Into your hands I commit my spirit
In this series we are reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's people for nearly 3,000 years. Previous videos in the series can…
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Decoding the Book of Enoch (w/ Dr. David DeSilva)
The book of Enoch is famously mysterious...and was read by some early Christians--even referenced in a New Testament book. So, what are Christians to make of it today? In this episode, renowned Apochrypha & NT scholar Dr. David DeSilva stops in to talk about Enoch, as well as some of the other...
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The Apostle Paul's "Holy Worldliness" (w/ Nijay Gupta)
In this episode Dr. Nijay Gupta returns to the Dojo to talk about what many Christians overlook when it comes to the Apostle Paul. Paul for the World is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Paul-World-Grounded-Life_Not-Friendship/dp/1540966925/ Nijay’s substack: https://nijaykgupta.substack.com/...
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Bas Rutten's Path of Discipleship: The King of Pancrase Meets the King of Kings!
In this episode JM talks to martial arts legend Bas Rutten about his journey back to faith in Jesus, the Catholic Church, discipleship & suffering, and some of his stories from over the years as an MMA champion! For those who don't know Bas, his accomplishments include: * King of Pancrase…
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Understanding Mental Illness: A Therapist's Advice (w/ Olatunde Howard)
In this episode Olatunde Howard returns to the Dojo to answer a viewer's question about Pastoral Counseling and what to do when you suspect you're dealing with an actual case of mental illness! Olatunde is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Cary, NC. He can be reached at:...
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Stewards of Eden: Why God cares about environmentalism (w/ Dr. Sandra L. Richter)
In this episode Dr. Sandra L. Richter and JM talk about why Christians often struggle so much with the concept of environmentalism, and what Scripture calls God's people to as stewards of HIS creation! Stewards of Eden is available at -...
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A Therapist Helps Me Take My Thoughts Captive! (w/ Olatunde Howard)
In this episode Olatunde Howard returns to the Dojo to answer a viewer's question about Pastoral Counseling, and to demonstrate how Cognitive Behavior Therapy is both Biblical and effective! Olatunde is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Cary, NC. He can be reached at:...
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Psalm 29 - Was this Psalm originally a Hymn to Baal?
In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's people for nearly 3,000 years. Previous videos in the series...
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Psalm 30 - Honest Prayer at Death's Door
In this series we are reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's people for nearly 3,000 years. Previous videos in the series can…
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Unveiling Truths: Preston Sprinkle on Women, Leadership, and Head Coverings
In this episode we welcome @Theologyintheraw back into the Dojo to talk about his new book "From Genesis to Junia" and specifically to walk us through the passage in 1 Corinthians on head coverings. “From Genesis to Junia” is available at:...
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Anime, Manga, and Scripture (w/ Dr. Kaz Hayashi)
In this episode we welcome Associate Professor of Old Testament, Bethel Seminary, Dr. Kaz Hayashi (not the pro wrestler!) into the Dojo to talk about being a Hebrew Bible scholar, a Japanese Christian, studying the martial arts, and his love of anime & manga! Kaz’s chapter on “YHWH as Tyrant” can...
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Isaiah Unveiled: A Journey Through the Entire Book! (w/ Dr. Megan C. Roberts)
In this episode Dr. Megan C. Roberts walks me through the entire book of Isaiah at a macro level to see how this magisterial (and daunting!) Prophetic work comes together and what it has to say to us all these millennia later! Megan's dissertation "Memory Formation in Isaiah 40-55: Poetic...
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The Mission of God - Christopher J.H. Wright
In this episode JM's favorite author, Christopher Wright, talks about the recently revised edition of his bestselling Biblical Theology "The Mission of God"! Other books by Christopher Wright: * The Mission of God (2nd edition) -...
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Jesus and the Law of Moses - Dr. Paul T. Sloan (Part 2 of 2)
What do the Beatitudes have to do with Israel's exile? Why does the Septuagint matter? Does Paul Sloan deny the Atonement?? Here is part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Paul Sloan about his new book "Jesus and the Law of Moses" from Baker Academic, which is available at:...
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Jesus and the Law of Moses - Dr. Paul T. Sloan (Part 1 of 2)
In this episode we are talking with Dr. Paul Sloan about his new book "Jesus and the Law of Moses" from Baker Academic, which is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Law-Moses-Restoration-First-Century/dp/1540966380/ Other resources: * Jesus and Jewish Law podcast -...
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Psalm 28 - My Strength and My Shield
Previous episodes in the series can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc6Z_lp1cLDdhsXE_k0hoEP_ ***Disciple Dojo shirts and gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/discipledojo ***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! -...
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Why is Biblical Law so hard for modern readers to understand? - Dr. Dru Johnson
In this episode we welcome our friend Dr. Dru Johnson of the Center for Hebraic Thought back into the Dojo to discuss his new book "Understanding Biblical Law", which is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Biblical-Law-Thinking-Through/dp/1540967093 My recent review of Dru's book…
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Paul...the Rabbi Philosopher (w/ Dr. Joseph Dodson)
In this episode we welcome back our good friend, Dr. Joey Dodson to talk about his new book, "Paul the Rabbi Philosopher" (which can be pre-ordered at: https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Rabbi-Philosopher-Philosophy-Apostles/dp/B0FD7QD4BD/ ) Joey's prior Dojo episode on Romans 7 can be found at:...
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Psalm 27 - One Thing I Ask...
Previous episodes in the series can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc6Z_lp1cLDdhsXE_k0hoEP_ ***Disciple Dojo shirts and gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/discipledojo ***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! -...
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Preston Sprinkle steps into the Dojo!
In this episode we welcome @PrestonSprinkleRaw into the Dojo to talk shop! You can find the Theology in the Raw podcast at: https://theologyintheraw.com/ Pre-order Preston’s upcoming book “From Genesis to Junia” at: https://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Junia-Honest-Search-Leadership/dp/0830785809/...
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Evangelicals and Gaza
In this episode, we talk to evangelical scholars Bruce Fisk and Ben Norquist about their recent book on the Gaza genocide and Christian responses to it. Being Christian After the Desolation of Gaza is available at: https://www.amazon.ca/Being-Christian-After-Desolation-Gaza/dp/B0FMPF3HRQ/ Read…
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Women's Self-Defense in a War Zone! (The Graceful Warrior Project)
In this episode we welcome someone whose work I've wanted to highlight for a long time: Kelly Kelly, Founder of @thegracefulwarriorproject1898 finally steps into the Dojo! Read more about (support!) her work at https://www.thegracefulwarriorproject.com And...
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Becoming God's Family (w/ Dr. Carmen Joy Imes)
DiscipleDojo's favorite guest @CarmenJoyImesPhD is BACK! And here newest book is, in my opinion, her best! "Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters" is available for pre-order at: https://www.ivpress.com/becoming-god-s-family Previous episodes with Carmen about the first two books in...
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A Bible Publisher enters the Dojo!
In this episode we are joined by Andy McLean, head of Bible & Reference publishing at Holman to talk about Bible publishing, why they chose to bring back the Baker Illustrated Study Bible, and some other projects they are working on. Resources mentioned: * Pre-order the Baker Illustrated Study...
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Psalm 26 - How could David claim to be "blameless"?
In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's people for nearly 3,000 years. Previous videos in the series...
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Psalm 25 - The ABCs of Trusting God
In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's people for nearly 3,000 years. Previous videos in the series...
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A Charismatic Bishop enters the Dojo!
In this episode we sit down with newly-elected Bishop in the Global Methodist Church, Dr. Carolyn C. Moore! Find out more about Global Methodism at: https://globalmethodist.org/ Carolyn’s website: https://artofholiness.com/ Carolyn’s books are available at:...
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Psalm 24 is an attack on Baal
In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's people for nearly 3,000 years. Previous videos in the series...
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Psalm 23 - YHWH My Shepherd
In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's people for nearly 3,000 years. Previous videos in the series...
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Psalm 22 - What Jesus cried out on the Cross
In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's people for nearly 3,000 years. Previous videos in the series...
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Perfecting the Church
In this episode JM talks with @ThePerfectingChurch Pastor Kevin C. Brown about their time in Bethlehem, being in "circles rather than rows", and the challenge for churches seeking to live out the Kingdom in a staunchly divided culture. For more on the Perfecting Church visit:...
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Grappling with Hosea (part 1 of 2)
In this episode Dr. Andrew King and I discuss our mutual love for Jiujitsu, why everyone should train, and his work on the book of Hosea! Andrew's faculty page: https://www.mbts.edu/about/faculty/dr-andrew-king/ Follow Andrew on Twitter at: @drandrewmking The "Every Voice" database that Andrew...
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Black Bible Bible Tips: Joshua
Black Bible Bible Tips: Joshua by JM Smith
About this show
What’s up with the name “Disciple Dojo”??Great question! One of my lifelong passions has been studying the martial arts. And the place where you study and train in martial arts is a Dojo. Christian Discipleship is similar to martial arts training (if you don’t believe me, just ask Paul–he says so himself in his letter to Christians in ancient Corinth [1Cor. 9:26-27]!). We have a Sensei (teacher): Jesus. We have a katana (sword): Scripture. Thus Disciple Dojo is intended as a virtual Dojo–where students of the Master can be sharpened, challenged, equipped and encouraged as they continue to become more and more like the One they serve…minus the scrapes and bruises!
Hosted by
JM Smith
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