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Textual Community

by Ched Spellman

A weekly reflection on the Sunday readings drawn from the Revised Common Lectionary. Discussion here focuses on biblical-theological themes, intertextual connections, and theological meaning that is prompted by a given set of readings.

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Episodes

  1. Andrew Wilson on a Theology of Happiness

    In this episode, pastor Andrew Wilson discusses his recent work on the meaning of happiness. We discuss some of the theological motivations that Christians have to pursue happiness and some of the practical challenges and rewards of this pursuit. In our conversation, we discuss his new book,...

  2. Path to Being a Missionary w/ Ryan Robertson and Matt Bennett

    In this episode, Ryan Robertson and Matt Bennett share insights on the biblical foundation of missions, the importance of local church involvement, and practical steps for aspiring missionaries. They emphasize the need for careful assessment, theological fidelity, and long-term perseverance in...

  3. Gary Schnittjer on Scripture's Use of Scripture

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Gary Edward Schnittjer about his extensive work on Scripture's use of Scripture. In our conversation, we discuss his new book Connected: How Scripture Guides the Study of Scripture (B&H Academic). Other works mentioned in our discussion include Torah Story and Old...

  4. A Meal to Remember: From Passover to the Lord's Supper

    Summary: In this episode, I’m sharing a sermon that I recently preached in chapel at Cedarville University. I explore the meaning of Christ’s death in light of the Passover meal, the institution of the Lord’s supper, and the hope of resurrection. Biblical Texts: Exod 13; Luke 22; Luke 24; 1 Cor…

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  5. Malcolm Yarnell on Honoring Christ Through Systematic Theology

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Malcolm Yarnell about his recent work in Systematic Theology with a focus on Christology. In our conversation, we talk about the task of theology, the life of the churches, and the urgent need for a robust Christology. Some of his books most relevant to this...

  6. Biblical Allusions and Biblical Theology w/ Ben Gladd

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ben Gladd about some of his recent work on the NT use of the OT. In our conversation, we talk about his new role with the Carson Center (TGC), the use of the OT in the NT, and the process of discovering and interpreting literary allusions. Some of his books most...

  7. Biblical Theology as a Way of Life

    In this episode, I share a crossover episode that I recorded last year with Brian Totten on his YouTube channel Across the Canon. In our conversation, we talk all things biblical theology and explore the topics in my recent book, One Grand Story: How the Bible Tells Its Story and Why It Matters....

  8. Seth Postell on the Art of Narrative Analogy

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Seth Postell about his recent work on hermeneutics and biblical narrative. In our conversation, we discuss The Art of Narrative Analogy: Identifying and Interpreting Parallel Passages in the Bible (Baker). Postell is the academic dean of Israel College of the…

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  9. Stephen Dempster's Return of the Kingdom and Biblical Theology

    In this episode, I share two presentations on Stephen Dempster's recent book, Return of the Kingdom: A Biblical Theology of God's Reign (IVP, 2024). In the first part, Dempster discusses how and why he wrote this book on the theme of the Kingdom of God. In the second part, I reflect upon the...

  10. Preaching and Hermeneutics with Sam Bierig and Jarred Bumpers

    In this episode, I talk with Drs. Sam Bierig and Jarred Bumpers about preaching, hermeneutics, and pastoral ministry. Sam and Jarred work at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and they have also served the churches for many years. They both have insight into the process of preparing sermons...

  11. Stephen Presley on Biblical Theology and the Early Church

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Stephen Presley about his recent work on biblical theology and the early church era. In our conversation, we discuss Biblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church: Recovering an Ancient Vision (Baker) and Cultural Sanctification: Engaging the World like the...

  12. One Sure Word & A Testimony of Tears (Acts 20)

    One Sure Word & A Testimony of Tears (Acts 20) In this episode, I share a sermon I preached in chapel at Cedarville University on Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:17–38. In particular, I explore the way that Paul envisions the life of the churches after the age of the...

  13. Kevin Vanhoozer on Mere Christian Hermeneutics

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kevin J. Vanhoozer about his recent work in biblical hermeneutics. In our conversation, we discuss Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What It Means to Read the Bible Theologically (Zondervan). Topics include: What does it mean to be biblical? What is the...

  14. JR Gilhooly on Angels & Demons in the Bible

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. J.R. Gilhooly about his recent book on what the Bible says about angels and demons. In our conversation, we discuss Angels and Demons: What the Bible Says about Spiritual Creatures (B&H). Gilhooly is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Theology at Cedarville...

  15. New Beginnings & the Beginning of All Things (John 1; Eph 1)

    New Beginnings and the Beginning of All Things A devotional reflection on the new year from John 1 & Ephesians 1. This podcast is hosted by Ched Spellman (https://linktr.ee/chedspellman). Thanks for listening! Substack Series on the Canonical Approach: https://bit.ly/3rht399 My Most Recent Book:...

  16. Christopher Seitz on Creation, Job, and the Psalter

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Christopher Seitz about his wonderful new book on the theme of creation in the Psalter and in the book of Job. The book is titled, The Heights of the Hills Are His from Baylor University Press. Seitz discusses some of his motivations and goals for writing the book...

  17. Brandon D. Smith on Premodern Hermeneutics and Inseparable Operations

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Brandon D. Smith about his recent work on premodern hermeneutics and the doctrine of inseparable operations. The books we discuss in this conversation are Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church (B&H Academic) and Beholding the Triune God: The...

  18. The Hermeneutical Basis for a Canonical Approach to the NT

    In this episode, I share a paper I delivered at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society in 2023. I make the argument that there is a textual basis for a canonical approach to the NT. This paper was part of a panel discussion on the Canonical Approach and NT Studies. Thanks for...

  19. Mark Vroegop on Waiting & Lament in the Christian Life

    In this episode, I talk with pastor Mark Vroegop about his recent work on patience, waiting, and the Christian life. In our conversation, we also talk about pastoral ministry and the value of serving as a pastor-theologian. The books we discuss in this conversation are Waiting isn't a Waste: The...

  20. Background Information & Biblical Interpretation w/ Sam Bierig

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Sam Bierig about history and hermeneutics. This is a special crossover with Sam's Biblical Theology podcast at Credo Magazine. We talk about the relevance of historical background for biblical interpretation, some broader hermeneutical principles that can help us...

  21. Jonathan Arnold & Zach Carter on Prayer and Historical Theology

    In this episode, I talk with Jonathan Arnold and Zach Carter about their recent collection of prayers from across church history. In our discussion, we also talk about what it takes to be a pastor-theologian and the practical benefit of historical theology for ministry among the churches. The…

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  22. David's Last Words and the Lord's Messiah (2 Samuel 22–23)

    David's Last Words and the Lord's Messiah (2 Samuel 22–23) In this episode, I share a sermon I preached in chapel at Cedarville University on the conclusion to David's story in the book of Samuel. In particular, I explore the way that the poetry in 2 Samuel 22 and 23 hold the key to interpreting...

  23. Matthew Martens on Criminal Justice & Christian Theology

    In this episode, I talk with Matthew Martens about his recent book on criminal justice and biblical ethics. In our discussion Matt shares some of his vision for how Scripture and Christian theology can and should inform the way we think and speak about social concerns. He also argues that Love of...

  24. Mitch Chase on Biblical Theology & Resurrection Hope

    In this episode, I talk with my friend Dr. Mitch Chase about some of his recent work in biblical theology. Mitch is both a professor and a pastor, so he is well-equipped and well-positioned to examine the relationship between the academy and the church as well as the role of a pastor-theologian.…

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  25. Jason Kees on Revelation & Local Church Ministry

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jason Kees about some of his recent research on the NT canon and the book of Revelation. We also discuss the importance of our local contexts, the relationship between the academy and the church, the need for more pastor-theologians, and the joy of reading the...

  26. Ben Gladd on Biblical Theology & the Gospel of Luke

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ben Gladd about his work in biblical theology, NT studies, and the Gospel of Luke. In our conversation, we talk about the relevance of biblical theology to ministry, the use of the OT in the NT, and the literary beauty and theological depth of the Gospel…

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  27. Christopher Seitz on the Canonical Approach & Biblical Hermeneutics

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Christopher Seitz about his work in hermeneutics, the history of interpretation, and canon studies. In our conversation, we talk about his development of a canonical approach over the course of his career and some of the interesting changes in the fields of Old…

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  28. Peter Gurry on the Reliability of the NT Text

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Peter Gurry about some of his work on the text of the NT and the discipline of textual criticism. In our conversation, we talk about the task of learning Greek, the aims of textual criticism, the overall reliability of the NT text, and the recent publication of a...

  29. J.R. Gilhooly on Angels, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. J.R. Gilhooly about some of his work on a theology of angels, demons, and spiritual warfare. In our conversation, we discuss his recent book 40 Questions on Angels, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare (Kregel). Gilhooly is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and…

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  30. Ben Laird on Creating the NT Canon & the Pauline Corpus

    In this episode, I talk with Ben Laird about some of his work on the formation and significance of the NT canon and the Pauline Corpus. In our conversation, we discuss his recent books Creating the Canon (IVP) and The Pauline Corpus in Early Christianity (Hendrickson). Laird is an Associate...

  31. Tomas Bokedal on Christ and Canon Formation

    In this episode, I talk with Tomas Bokedal about some of his work in canon formation, biblical hermeneutics, and the paratextual features of the Bible. In our conversation, we discuss his recent book Christ the Center: How the Rule of Faith, the Nomina Sacra, and Numerical Patterns Shape the…

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  32. Greg Goswell on Paratexts and Biblical Theology

    In this episode, I talk with Greg Goswell about some of his work in hermeneutics, biblical theology, and the paratextual features of the Bible. In our conversation, we discuss his recent book Text and Paratext and Biblical Theology. Dr. Goswell is Academic Dean and Lecturer in Hebrew & OT at…

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  33. Two Testaments to Tell (2 Tim 2)

    Two Testaments to Tell, a sermon on 2 Timothy 2:1–10. In this episode, I share a sermon I preached at New Community Church, STL in January (2023). This was the last session of a weekend conference on canon formation. Thanks for listening!

  34. Kavin Rowe on Biblical Pressure, Theological Hermeneutics, and NT Studies

    In this episode, I talk with Kavin Rowe about some of his work in Hermeneutics, NT studies, and the history of Early Christianity. In our conversation, we discuss his 2002 article on "Biblical Pressure and Trinitarian Hermeneutics," his 2022 article on the question of Truth and NT Studies, as…

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  35. The Rhythm of Lament (Psalm 42)

    The Rhythm of Lament, a sermon on Psalm 42. In this episode, I share a sermon I preached in chapel at Cedarville University on Psalm 42 and the role of lament in the Christian life. Thanks for listening!

  36. Brandon D. Smith on the Trinity and Theological Interpretation

    In this episode, I talk with Brandon Dean Smith about some of his work on the doctrine of the Trinity and the task of theological interpretation. In our conversation, we discuss his most recent books in this area: The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP) and The Biblical Trinity (Lexham)....

  37. Fear and Draw Near the Son (Hebrews 4–5)

    Fear and Draw Near the Son (Hebrews 4–5). In this episode, I share a recent sermon I preached in chapel at Cedarville University on the end of Hebrews 4 and the beginning of Hebrews 5. Thanks for listening!

  38. Taylor Turkington on Habakkuk & Trembling Faith

    In this episode, I talk with Taylor Turkington (MA, DMin) about some of her work on the meaning and application of the prophetic book of Habakkuk. In our conversation, we discuss her recently published book Trembling Faith: How a Distressed Prophet Helps Us Trust God in a Chaotic World (B&H)....

  39. Peter Link on Reading and Teaching OT Narratives

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Peter Link about some of his work in the narratives of the Old Testament. We also speak about the joys and challenges of reading biblical texts in academic and church settings. In our conversation, we discuss his new book Bible 101: A Crash Course in Scripture...

  40. Matt Bennett on Missions, Contextualization, and Evangelicalism

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Matthew A. Bennett about missions, contextualization, and the pressing social issues that affect American evangelicalism. In our conversation, we discuss his new book Hope for American Evangelicals: A Missionary Perspective on Restoring Our Broken House (B&H).…

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  41. Stephen Dempster on Biblical Theology, Canon Studies, and Genesis

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Stephen Dempster about biblical theology, canon studies, and the literary artistry of the book of Genesis. We discuss his book Dominion and Dynasty (IVP, 2003) as well as some of his forthcoming works in biblical theology. In our discussion, Dr. Dempster also...

  42. Mickey Klink on Biblical Theology and the Local Church

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Mickey Klink about his recent book, The Local Church: What It Is and Why It Matters for Every Christian (Crossway, 2021). In our discussion, Pastor Mickey shares some of his insights and experience about the nature and priority of the local church for all…

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  43. Simon Gathercole on the Canonical and Non-Canonical Gospels

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Simon Gathercole about his recent book, The Gospel and the Gospels: Christian Proclamation and Early Jesus Books (Eerdmans, 2022). In our discussion, he shares some of the core claims of his book about the distinctiveness of the canonical Gospels, the value and...

  44. Drew Dixon on Video Games and Parenting

    In this episode, I talk with Drew Dixon about his recent book, Know Thy Gamer: A Parent's Guide to Video Games (B&H). In our discussion, Drew shares some of his insights about the world of gaming, the challenges and rewards of contemporary video games, and some of the missional opportunities that...

  45. Ronni Kurtz on Fruitful Theology

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ronni Kurtz about his recent book, Fruitful Theology: How the Life of the Mind Leads to the Life of the Soul (B&H). In our discussion, Ronni shares some of his insights about theological method, the value of humility in theological discourse, and the formative…

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  46. Jeannine Brown on Biblical Hermeneutics and Gospel Narratives

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jeannine Brown about her recent work in biblical hermeneutics and New Testament studies. In our discussion, Dr. Brown shares some of her insight into the nature of interdisciplinary work, key issues in biblical hermeneutics, and the sophistication and literary...

  47. Ordinary Time and the Pentecost Imperative (Acts 2; Rom 6; Eph 5)

    Lingering on the Lectionary: Ordinary Time and the Pentecost Imperative Reflection on the meaning of "ordinary time" and the new covenant reality of life in the Spirit. Biblical Texts: Acts 2:33–34; Rom 6:3–11; Rom 8:3–4, 14–17; Eph 5:15–21.

  48. The Easter Wager (Dan 12; Jn 11; 1 Cor 15)

    Lingering on the Lectionary: The Easter Wager Reflection on the reality of resurrection hope. Biblical Texts: Dan 12.1–2; Jn 6.39–40; Jn 11.11–43; 1 Cor 15.13–57; 1 Thess 4.13–16.

  49. The Speech and Silence of the Son (John 18)

    In this episode, I share a recent sermon I preached in chapel at Cedarville University on the arrest and trial scenes in John's Gospel (John 18). Thanks for listening!

  50. Ashley Hales on the Spacious Life & the Goodness of Limits

    In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ashley Hales about her recent book A Spacious Life (IVP, 2021). In our discussion, Ashley shares some of her insights into the theological design of human limitations and also some tangible ways we can see our limits as an invitation rather than a burden. Ashley…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A weekly reflection on the Sunday readings drawn from the Revised Common Lectionary. Discussion here focuses on biblical-theological themes, intertextual connections, and theological meaning that is prompted by a given set of readings.

HOSTED BY

Ched Spellman

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Textual Community have?

Textual Community currently has 81 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Textual Community about?

A weekly reflection on the Sunday readings drawn from the Revised Common Lectionary. Discussion here focuses on biblical-theological themes, intertextual connections, and theological meaning that is prompted by a given set of readings.

How often does Textual Community release new episodes?

Textual Community has 81 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Textual Community?

You can listen to Textual Community on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Textual Community?

Textual Community is created and hosted by Ched Spellman.
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