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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

What We've Got Here Is Failure to Communicate. In this episode, we discuss Karl Barth’s Roman’s commentary, which cast a long and influential shadow over much of twentieth-century theology, and what it can teach today.

The Stuff That Heresies Are Made Of. In this episode, we discuss Ireneaus’ attack on the Marcionite and Gnostic heresies, which sought to divide Christ’s two natures, and the ramifications of this teaching for the churches today.

Did Jesus Have to Die For That Sermon? In this episode, we discuss Gerhard Force’s book "Theology is For Proclamation," specifically the focus and function of all Jesus’ preaching and how it defines Christian preaching in every generation.

Blind Faith Is Worthless Unless It’s Blind Faith in Us. In this episode, we discuss Augustine’s Confessions, specifically Augustine’s reflection on the Manichaeans and the effect God’s Word had on his conversion to Christianity.

Today on the Almanac, we remember the saint behind the title of a popular book and miniseries about World War 2.

Today on the Almanac, we head to the mailbag to answer a question about Christianity and facial hair.

Weekend Edition for October 22-23, 2022