The History of the EFCA (with David Gustafson)

The Athanasian Creed famously confesses, “We worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the Persons nor dividing the substance." But what exactly does this mean that God is one and yet three persons? And why is The Athanasian Creed so concerned about the doctrine of the Trinity as it relates to our salvation? In this episodes Kirk is joined by Brandon Smith to discuss these questions and more! (We apologize for the poor quality audio on Kirk's end. His computer was experiencing a technical problem during the recording which affected the audio.)

Delegates from throughout the ecumenical (universal or "catholic") church met in Chalcedon in 451 AD to address the emergence of certain heresies surrounding the person and nature of Christ. Some were teaching that Jesus merely took on the material aspects of a human body (Apollinarianism). Others so distinguished Jesus' humanity and divinity that they conceived of each as involving a distinct person (Nestorianism). Finally, some so emphasized Christ's unity that they spoke of his divinity blending with his humanity to form a new mixed nature (Eutychianism or Monophysitism). The Council of Chalcedon thus responded to these errors, producing a confession of orthodoxy known as The Chalcedonian Definition (or the Symbol of Chalcedon). It affirmed that the incarnate Christ is one person with both a human and divine nature. But why does this statement matter, and are its distinctions all that important? What, if anything, can we learn from it today? Dr. Stephen Wellum joins Kirk in this episode to discuss the meaning and significance of this important historical document.

What was is The Nicene Creed and why does it matter? In this episode, Dr. Matthew Barrett joins Kirk to discuss the historical circumstances that gave rise to the creed as well as some of its central confessions. They discuss why it matters that Jesus is "of the same substance with the Father" and "eternally begotten" but "not made." The Nicene Creed gives us categories by which to understand God's self-revelation in scripture as it finds its center in the saving work of Christ.

Who ought to be allowed to partake of the Lord's Supper? Maybe this question has never occurred to you, or you've always assumed the answer was obvious! Well, in this episode, Dr. Dallas Vandiver joins me to talk about a historic position known as 'close communion,' that the Lord's Supper ought to be reserved for baptized members in good standing of a gospel-believing church. Dallas Vandiver's book, Who Can Take the Lord's Supper?: A Biblical-Theological Argument for Close Communion. Dallas Vandiver's shorter article summarizing the arguments of the book: Who Can Take the Lord's Supper?

We're kicking-off a new series on, what are sometimes called, the ecumenical creeds. In today's episode, we begin with what is known as The Apostles' Creed. Along the way, we also answer questions like, what is a creed, and why do the creeds matter? Maybe your church recites The Apostles' Creed. But what does it mean to call Jesus God's Son? And what about that line about him descending to hell? We hope you will be encouraged as you dive deeper into this historic articulation of the church's faith!

What does the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) believe? What are the theological convictions that unite this broad collection of churches? In this episode, Kirk is joined by Greg Strand, chair of the EFCA's Spiritual Heritage Committee, to discuss and exposit the EFCA's Statement of Faith. As we hope you'll see, this Statement of Faith is an articulation of nothing less than the core elements of gospel itself.

Are you burdened by anxious thoughts? Does your mind race uncontrollably? Are you prone to ruminate? Maybe you are wearied with thoughts of hopelessness, self-deprecation, unpleasant mental images, or a range other unwanted thoughts. At some point or another, all of us experience some form of mental anguish or distress. In this episode, Esther Smith, seasoned counselor and author of A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts, provides us a multi-faceted, Biblically-integrated approach for dealing with the battles in our minds.

Kirk sits down with Bonnie Kristian to discuss her latest book, Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community. They delve into the current erosion of knowledge, exploring its consequences on society, the church, and our relationships. Explore ways we can rebuild stability in our communities and lives amidst a world where knowledge feels increasingly elusive and society increasingly fractured.

Jesus taught that divorce "from the beginning ... was not so" and that those who divorce commit adultery. Yet he also added, "except for sexual immorality" (Mt 5:31-32; 19:3-9). And Paul says believers are "not bound" if their unbelieving spouse leaves them (1 Cor 7:15). These texts are source of much debate. And yet their implications are extremely pressing and practical for many. What does the Bible have to say about divorce, and if divorce any possibility of remarriage thereafter? New Testament scholar Andy Naselli joins Kirk to discuss these matters.

Richard Baxter was a 17th-century English Puritan pastor best known for his rigorous and methodical approach to pastoral care. What can we today learn from Baxter about pastoring, what it looks like to be pastored, and the nature of the Christian life experienced within the church. Church history professor, Tim Cooper, joins Kirk to talk about the legacy of Baxter for the church today.