TEI Missouri

Can the Trinity be explained through natural and rational arguments? And why 3 and not 4 or more? Listen in and find out... Spring Lectures 2026

Spring Lecture 2026 w/ Dr. Kirk MacGregor

Here's an overview of the contribution of Luis de Molina to the Calvinist/Arminian debate. If you'd like the longer explanation you can find that here from a previous lecture. https://youtu.be/826rEGu-BmM

I'm often asked for a resource that gives a brief history of the church from the time of Christ to the present. Here's that resource in 1 hour and 13 minutes.

Episode 8"The pulpit calls them to it as the sea calls its sailors, and, like the sea, it batters and bruises and does not rest, but always there is the lure of its ‘better and incomparable’ society. To preach, to really preach, is to die naked a little at a time, and to know each time you do it that you must do it again." -Bruce Thielemann, Wittenburg Door, April 1977Homiletics is the academic discipline of how words work so that God’s wisdom can be heard and applied. The first preaching class I took in 1978 opened a world for me to participate in the wonderful world of preaching & teaching.Here are sample topics covered:Illustration is not applicationMeet Jim EngelsMake moves, not pointsCompelling conclusionsCloset workFuneral sermons

Episode 7"The pulpit calls them to it as the sea calls its sailors, and, like the sea, it batters and bruises and does not rest, but always there is the lure of its ‘better and incomparable’ society. To preach, to really preach, is to die naked a little at a time, and to know each time you do it that you must do it again." -Bruce Thielemann, Wittenburg Door, April 1977Homiletics is the academic discipline of how words work so that God’s wisdom can be heard and applied. The first preaching class I took in 1978 opened a world for me to participate in the wonderful world of preaching & teaching.Here are sample topics covered:Illustration is not applicationMeet Jim EngelsMake moves, not pointsCompelling conclusionsCloset workFuneral sermons

Episode 6"The pulpit calls them to it as the sea calls its sailors, and, like the sea, it batters and bruises and does not rest, but always there is the lure of its ‘better and incomparable’ society. To preach, to really preach, is to die naked a little at a time, and to know each time you do it that you must do it again." -Bruce Thielemann, Wittenburg Door, April 1977Homiletics is the academic discipline of how words work so that God’s wisdom can be heard and applied. The first preaching class I took in 1978 opened a world for me to participate in the wonderful world of preaching & teaching.Here are sample topics covered:Illustration is not applicationMeet Jim EngelsMake moves, not pointsCompelling conclusionsCloset workFuneral sermons

Episode 5"The pulpit calls them to it as the sea calls its sailors, and, like the sea, it batters and bruises and does not rest, but always there is the lure of its ‘better and incomparable’ society. To preach, to really preach, is to die naked a little at a time, and to know each time you do it that you must do it again." -Bruce Thielemann, Wittenburg Door, April 1977Homiletics is the academic discipline of how words work so that God’s wisdom can be heard and applied. The first preaching class I took in 1978 opened a world for me to participate in the wonderful world of preaching & teaching.Here are sample topics covered:Illustration is not applicationMeet Jim EngelsMake moves, not pointsCompelling conclusionsCloset workFuneral sermons

Episode 4"The pulpit calls them to it as the sea calls its sailors, and, like the sea, it batters and bruises and does not rest, but always there is the lure of its ‘better and incomparable’ society. To preach, to really preach, is to die naked a little at a time, and to know each time you do it that you must do it again." -Bruce Thielemann, Wittenburg Door, April 1977Homiletics is the academic discipline of how words work so that God’s wisdom can be heard and applied. The first preaching class I took in 1978 opened a world for me to participate in the wonderful world of preaching & teaching.Here are sample topics covered:Illustration is not applicationMeet Jim EngelsMake moves, not pointsCompelling conclusionsCloset workFuneral sermons

Episode 3"The pulpit calls them to it as the sea calls its sailors, and, like the sea, it batters and bruises and does not rest, but always there is the lure of its ‘better and incomparable’ society. To preach, to really preach, is to die naked a little at a time, and to know each time you do it that you must do it again." -Bruce Thielemann, Wittenburg Door, April 1977Homiletics is the academic discipline of how words work so that God’s wisdom can be heard and applied. The first preaching class I took in 1978 opened a world for me to participate in the wonderful world of preaching & teaching.Here are sample topics covered:Illustration is not applicationMeet Jim EngelsMake moves, not pointsCompelling conclusionsCloset workFuneral sermons

Episode 2"The pulpit calls them to it as the sea calls its sailors, and, like the sea, it batters and bruises and does not rest, but always there is the lure of its ‘better and incomparable’ society. To preach, to really preach, is to die naked a little at a time, and to know each time you do it that you must do it again." -Bruce Thielemann, Wittenburg Door, April 1977Homiletics is the academic discipline of how words work so that God’s wisdom can be heard and applied. The first preaching class I took in 1978 opened a world for me to participate in the wonderful world of preaching & teaching.Here are sample topics covered:Illustration is not applicationMeet Jim EngelsMake moves, not pointsCompelling conclusionsCloset workFuneral sermons

Episode 1The pulpit calls them to it as the sea calls its sailors, and, like the sea, it batters and bruises and does not rest, but always there is the lure of its ‘better and incomparable’ society. To preach, to really preach, is to die naked a little at a time, and to know each time you do it that you must do it again."-Bruce Thielemann, Wittenburg Door, April 1977Homiletics is the academic discipline of how words work so that God’s wisdom can be heard and applied. The first preaching class I took in 1978 opened a world for me to participate in the wonderful world of preaching & teaching.Here are sample topics covered:Illustration is not applicationMeet Jim EngelsMake moves, not pointsCompelling conclusionsCloset workFuneral sermons

The Bible in 3D: Discovering Depth from an Original PerspectiveMultiple MeaningsWe’ve discussed before the wide range of meanings a Hebrew word can cover,including positive and negative connotations. This can make some passages difficult totranslate.Multiple meanings: Just like ambiguous pictures – “My Wife and My MIL” by W.E. Hill1915 Lack of vowels – example: (mop/map) is helpful – happens at least 40 times inJob, Positive/negative – coming to visit, hesed No marker to indicate the subject/object or reference to whom Words left out, fill in the blank – especially with poetryEnglish/Western – which is it, one has to be right (which is the best Bible translation,which one gets it right? When looking at a variety of options will help us see differentperspectivesHebrew/Eastern – mystery, sign of the divine, cause for excitement/joy, how are multipletrue?Goal:1) Increase awareness of the difficulties Bible translators face and the value thatmultiple translations bring.2) Increase the wonder and mystery of God’s divine Word. Not to limit it, but allow itto expand our awareness of Him and His grandeur.Resources for different perspectives/translations: JC Studies - weekly studies, classes, and more https://jcstudies.com/ Bema Podcast: https://www.bemadiscipleship.com/, Marty Solomon, who studiedunder Ray Vander Laan who also has many great resources. Viewing multiple English translations at once: Google Bible reference followed by“Bible Gateway.” Click on the result that does not also include a translation. Oruse the following link as a formula, plugging in the book (in blue), chapter (inyellow), and verse (in green).https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Psalm%20118%3A24Ps 118:24Baseline: NLT - This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.or ESV - This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.Rough literal: This the day Y made/did, we will be joyful (spin) and we will be happy init/himReflect: How does the meaning/significance of the verse change if it ends in “him”?Discussion: Love to discuss/debate, do we rejoice in the day or the Lord who made theday?Alternate: (NIV - The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.)See context of verse: stone rejected = cornerstone, God did it, marvelous in oureyesHabakkuk 2:4bBaseline: CSB – (Look, his ego is inflated; he is without integrity.) But the righteous onewill live by his faith.Rough literal: And righteous (one) in his faith/steadfastness will liveReflect: Who does the “his” refer to? The righteous or God? How does this addsignificance?Discussion: Here we have a righteous person yet the possessive pronoun “his” is used.Who’s faith? It’s by God’s faithfulness and steadfastness that we live. Also God gives usfaith.Ruth 4:14-15aBaseline: NLT - Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who hasnow provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. May herestore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”Rough literal: And said the women to Naomi, “Blessing Y who did not fail to you aredeemer this day. And his name will be called out to in Israel. And he will be to you torestore living body and will maintain/keep/provide/sustain old age (because your DILwho loves you bore him…)Reflect: Again, His/he refers to whom? God? The child? What are the implications ofeither?Discuss: Love the double-meaning here, especially as Obed is revealed to be David’sgrandfather, in the line of Christ.Alternate: ESV - Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not leftyou this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall beto you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law wholoves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”

A candid conversation with Dr. Steve Call on marriage regarding his resource "Reconnect."

1. Intro: Reading in Hebrew names and placesa. General rules of thumb for Hebrew (ivrit), the language of the Hebrews (ivrim)i. Vowels follow Spanish vowel pronunciation – ah, eh, ee, oh, ooii. Accent is likely on the last syllable – to-rah, ya-daiii. Go for it and own it with confidence, even if you’re not confident.1. Likely, no one in the room is certain2. Pronounciations are anglicized3. Audio Bible variations (different readers will have different pronunciations)iv. Help: Google translate, Google/YouTube it, YouVersion Bible has Hebrew audioversions (but you’d need to be able to follow along).1. You can do this with Hebrew, but not so much with Greek. The Greeklanguage has evolved quite a bit over the past thousands of years. Hebrewhas not, as it was a “dead” language from basically the exile until the late19th/early 20th century. It is the only language to be “resurrected.”2. Big Idea: Reading Hebrew names and places disrupts the text in English vs. in Hebrew it contributesto the narrative. Unlike English, Hebrew names of places and people carry meaning.a. Resources/Easy ways for help:i. Study Bibles - many times they will include notes about the meanings of namesii. Bible hub app: choose interlinear from main menu, use drop down to choose verse,click on blue number above the name to open a variety of tools to discover moreabout the name/word.b. Example 1:i. 1 Samuel 25. Samuel just died. David is still on the run from Saul. We’re told about aman who had property and was very wealthy. He has a ton of goats and sheep. Thenwe are told his name is Nabal.1. English – so what, we are being introduced (but don’t realize also introducedto character)2. Hebrew – Nabal means fool3. Instantly raises questions (Why is he so rich if he’s a fool?) while informingthe reader about his character4. Contrasts to Abigail = Source of joy/my father’s joyc. Example 2:i. Aver (עבר) rather frequently used word in the OT (used over 550 times), meaning tocross (over), pass through, transition, basically the idea of from one place/thing toanother (can be either positively or negatively)ii. I Samuel 26:13 – Then David crossed over to the other sideSo, what does that sayor mean to you?iii. 1 Samuel 29:2-3a (ESV)- As the lords of the Philistines were passing on byhundreds and by thousands, and David and his men were passing on in the rear withAchish, 3 the commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doinghere?”iv. Visual: “passing by” (עבר'ם) vs (עבר'ם) Hebrewsv. Lightbulb moment! The Hebrews are literally the “crossing over ones.” Transitionsfrom one “place” to another or passing through difficulties is the identity of God’speople. This identity didn’t begin in their deliverance from Egypt! Even though theyare the ones that crossed over.1. Begins with Abram (Gen 14:13 the Hebrew)a. Genesis 12:6 - Abram passed through the land (ESV)b. Joshua 24:3 - And I took your father Abraham from the other side ofthe river (KJ21)vi. God takes His people through obstacles. We who believe in Jesus, although weare not Hebrews, are called children of Abraham. We also have crossed over:1. So many examples of crossing over/passing through (OT and NT)2. Death to life3. Slavery to freedom4. Flesh to spirit5. Darkness to light6. …vii. God has rescued us from one side and provided a way for us to cross over to theother sideviii. Last session’s verse from Micah 7:18 - Who is a God like you, who pardons sinand forgives transgressions1. Transgression = rebellion, deliberate rebellious acts2. Forgives = aver = to pass through, cross overix. Brings to mind Romans 5:10 – while we were enemies we were reconciledthrough the death of his sonx. 2 Samuel 14:14xi. We too should be people who pass through. We go through obstacles, throughthe difficulties of life together, we make a way for reconciliation, ways towards lightand life and freedom

The word "evangelical" has lots of political and religious baggage. Should we keep it or discard it and find another word to describe our values? This and more we discuss and discern in this episode of a lunch & learn?

How can neuro-science inform our discipleship processes? Jim Wilder shares his perspective and informs Dallas Willard's view of the will as the seat of decision making.

In this second episode the assertions of Molinism are applied to a variety of topics.

In this episode is a summary of the life and theology of Louis de Molina as well as an overview of his teachings mediating the Calvinist and Arminian debate.

The Bible in 3D: Discovering Depth from an Original PerspectiveOriginal SurprisesHeather KiffeTEI August 20251. Hebrew language and translatinga. Difficult and holy endeavor not to be taken lightlyi. Some things don’t translate well (macho = several English ideas wrapped upinto one word)ii. Style or structure of language communicates, lost in translation1. Ps 119, Word order, and more…iii. Range of meanings: Positive/negative, literal/figurativeiv. Learn about culture through language1. Value story-telling, connection2. Picture/visual, not abstract but go back to concrete ideasa. Deliver – close in handb. Slow to anger – long nostrils3. Interactive – words missing, double meaningsb. Place and value for everything: Studying English Bible and gaining insight fromoriginal languages2. Today we will discuss two verses, surprising and deeply meaningful when read in Hebrew3. #1 – Name that verse (book and chapter)a. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. (NIV)i. (not the surprising part) Mercy or unfailing/faithful love, lovingkindness = חסדHesed, nothing like it in English1. 3 English ideas wrapped up into one:a. Emotion: Deep loveb. Action: Active, moves toward and will act on behalf of lovedonec. Commitment: Devoted, endures forever through all things2. Resource: https://bibleproject.com/videos/loyal-love/ii. What does it mean for goodness and mercy (hesed) to follow you?1. My imagination: flowers sprout up, puppy?2. Look at other places “follow” is used. Can you find it (the idea)? (NIV)a. Hosea 8:3 - But Israel has rejected what is good; an enemy willpursue him.b. 1 Sam 2:28b - The king of Israel has come out to look for aflea—as one hunts a partridge in the mountains.”3. “Follow” (רדף) to pursue, chase, hunt (running after)4. Plug it in. What does that mean to you? How does it shape yourunderstanding?So, what does that sayor mean to you?The Bible in 3D: Discovering Depth from an Original PerspectiveOriginal SurprisesHeather KiffeTEI August 2025

Jesus Curses a Fig TreeHeather KiffeTEI July 20251. Story Summary2. What seems odd? a few…a. Cursing the tree out of season (counter character)b. Leaders want to kill Jesus – over-reaction?c. Faith/prayer/forgiveness – mixed bag, connections?d. Seems like Mark gets distracted3. Mark uses sandwiches to clue the reader concerning important themes.a. Starts with one event, interrupts, then returnsb. Two events are related and should be viewed together as they help interpret eachother4. Jesus isn’t the beginning of the narrativea. Start book series in middle, lose some contextb. What would the original audience hear or know?i. Crucial. Need some help! – Look to OT and Hebraic sourcesii. Process of discovery5. Fig Treesa. OT – Symbolism: Israel’s faithfulness was reflected by the health of the fig treei. Positive1. Living in peace and prosperity. Secure, God-given rest2. Everyone under their own vine and fig tree (1 Kings 4:45; Micah 4:4;Zech 3:10)ii. Negative – withered fig tree1. Sign of idolatry, discipline/redirection, (wake up) call to return to God2. Jer 8:13 – no figs on tree. What I have given them will be taken fromthem. (context of not returning)3. Hosea 2:12 – I will ruin her vines and fig trees which she said werepay from her lovers… 13 she went after her lovers but me she forgot.(Leads her into the wilderness to woo her back and betroth)4. Joel 1:7 – Locust ruins figs, v12 – dried up and withered (God callsthem to return, which leads to the return of fruitfulness)5. Amos 4:9 – Many times I struck your gardens, locust devoured figsand olive trees, yet you have not returned to meb. Early figs – Songs 2:13, Hosea 9:10i. Fig trees different from other treesii. As leaves emerge so do early figs, smaller, edible, not harvestediii. Early figs fall and then regular season crop emergesSo, what does that sayor mean to you?The Bible in 3D: Discovering Depth from an Original PerspectiveJesus Curses a Fig TreeHeather KiffeTEI July 2025iv. Early figs indicate the health of the later summer harvest. A lot/none,etc. Sign or promise of what is to come.6. OT quotesa. Two important considerations – find more or weightier/the pointi. Context (what’s the water its swimming in?)ii. What comes next? Fill in the blank gameiii. Extra: Many quotes aren’t word for word. Pay attention to the variation.It’s for a reason.b. My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations – Isaiah 56:7 (READ&v8)i. Next: gathering others besides those already gathered (not a closed club!)ii. Context: Beautiful passage of inclusion of the excluded (foreigner/eunuch)c. You have made it into a den of robbers – Jer 7:11 (READ)i. Next: but I have been watching!ii. Context: Call to change ways, trusting in deceptive words1. Don’t oppress, shed innocent blood, idolatry to your own harm, steal,murder, adultery, perjury, offerings to other gods, then come hereand be safe2. Afterwards – see destruction of Shiloh, not safe, call to obey, sentservants, didn’t listen3. Then goes into Ch 8 – no figs on tree, given will be taken4. Robbers = destroyers, murderers – those who use force and violence.Represents those who stand in direct opposition to God. Lawless. OTPattern = God sees, judges, removes7. Second slice of bread: Tree withered and Jesus’ responsea. Have faith in God = BIG IDEAi. Faith root is persuade, be persuaded. God’s divine persuasionii. Faith is always a gift from God. He reveals, we receive and stand on it.iii. (Secular antiquity referred to a guarantee (Good Faith Estimate). Faith =God’s warranty (HS)b. Truly = Amen (so be it / truth), ties previous idea with what is said nextc. Belief in prayer – as persuaded, speak it!d. Forgiveness – not transactional, the nature of forgivenessi. Order is different in Greek (not hold/forgive, but forgive if hold)ii. Forgive = send forth, let go, releaseiii. Forgiveness is also a gift

Part 2 of 2 of our Winter Lecture Series 2021 on an anabaptistic perspective on ordinances of the church.

Part 1 of 2 on anabaptistic views of the ordinances of the church. Winter Lecture Series 2021.

In this episode Dr. Ross gives a second lecture giving further evidence that the creation account of Genesis is compatible with what scientific investigation reveals.

In this 2 part lecture Dr. Ross makes the case for the reliability of the creation account in Genesis and what science reveals.

Sharing from his own experience, Rod seeks to persuade ministry leaders they will accomplish more in six days than in seven if you respect a day off. Also, the ins & outs of a sabbatical/study break are discussed.

Without some guardrails our expositions are merely history lessons and lack transformational relevance. The developmental questions employed by Haddon Robinson in his classic resource, "Biblical Preaching" along with an additional one Rod has added can help communicators avoid this pitfall.

In this episode of a Lunch & Learn, Rod shares vulnerably how he learned to listen and the questions that helped him.

In part 2 of 2 from our 2025 Spring Lectures, Dr. Amy Peeler of Wheaton College addressed the question of how God as Father can still include women. From her book, "Women and the Gender of God" the following content was a welcome personal overview of the content included there.

In part 1 of 2 from our 2025 Spring Lectures, Dr. Amy Peeler of Wheaton College addressed the question of how God as Father can still include women. From her book, "Women and the Gender of God" the following content was a welcome personal overview of the content included there.

In this episode:Part 1: The Hebrew Word "Instruction"Part 2: The Greek Word "Apprentice"

Using the no -cost online resource tool called the Blue Letter Bible, Pastor Burt gives a tutorial on how to do research for word studies in Hebrew.

Using the no -cost online resource tool called the Blue Letter Bible, Pastor Burt gives a tutorial on how to do research for word studies in Greek.

Part 1 of 7 in our Lunch & Lecture Series hearing from local female theologians on a variety of subjects.Topic: Communion Has a Story- Jewish Roots of the Bread

Part 2 of 7 in our Lunch & Learn Series hearing thought provoking presentations from our local female theologians.Topic: Leading Kids- Perspectives and Practices for Handling the Hard Stuff!

Part 3 of 7 in our Lunch & Learn series hearing the thought provoking perspectives of our local female theologians. Topic: Preaching and Teaching that Engages Women

Part 4 of 7 in our Lunch & Learn series hearing the thought provoking perspectives of our local female theologians. Topic: An Ocean of Shame

Part 5 of 7 in our Lunch & Learn series hearing the thought provoking perspectives of our local female theologians. Topic: Church Hurt- The Power of Naming and Confessing

Part 6 of 7 in our Lunch & Learn series hearing the thought provoking perspectives of our local female theologians. Topic: From Hierarchy to Mutuality- My Journey to Blessed Alliance

Part 7 of 7 in our Hear Her Voice series featuring thought provoking lectures from local female theologians. Topic: Becoming Her- Reflections Surrounding Biblical Femininity

Part 2 of 2 with Dr. Amy Peeler summarizing her commentary of the book of Hebrews. From our Spring Lectures, 2025.

Part 1 of 2 with Dr. Amy Peeler summarizing her commentary of the book of Hebrews. From our Spring Lectures, 2025.

Part 3 of a 3 part "Deeper Dive" dialogue with David Nonnenmacher, Ph.D. regarding how to interpret and apply the laws of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).

Part 2 of a 3 part "Deeper Dive" dialogue with David Nonnenmacher, Ph.D. regarding how to interpret and apply the laws of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).

Part 1 of a 3 part "Deeper Dive" dialogue with David Nonnenmacher, Ph.D. regarding how to interpret and apply the laws of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).