God and Other Small Stuff

In this episode of God and Other Small Stuff, Taylor and Tyler dive deep into Genesis 18, exploring what Taylor calls "one of the most important theological statements in all of scripture about covenant succession and God's grace." The hosts unpack God's mysterious visit to Abraham through three men, examining the theological significance of this theophany and what it reveals about God's covenant promises working from the inside out.The conversation explores the dramatic moment when God promises Isaac's birth to the elderly Abraham and Sarah, Sarah's secret laughter, and God's omniscient response that reveals His divine identity. The hosts discuss the complex question of who these three visitors were - likely Jesus (a Christophany) accompanied by two angels - and why this isn't a Trinitarian appearance. They delve into God's decision to reveal His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham, explaining Abraham's role as the "federal head" of the covenant and why God chose Abraham not because Abraham would be faithful, but so that Abraham would command his household to keep the Lord's way.Key Topics Covered:The theophany in Genesis 18 and the identity of the three visitorsSarah's laughter and God's omniscient knowledgeWhy this passage isn't a Trinitarian appearanceAbraham as the federal head of the covenantGod's sovereign choice of Abraham and covenant successionThe connection to Galatians 3-4 and believers as "children of promise"The theological significance of God revealing His plans to AbrahamHow covenant promises work from generation to generationScripture References:Genesis 18:1-33 - Abraham's visitors and the promise of IsaacGenesis 19:1 - The two angels in SodomPsalm 110:1 - David calling the Lord his LordGalatians 3:6-29 - Abraham's true offspring through faithGalatians 4 - Children of promise like IsaacTheological Concepts Discussed:Theophany vs. ChristophanyFederal headship in covenant theologyThe "angel of the Lord" in Old Testament appearancesCovenant succession and generational faithfulnessTwo powers of heaven in Jewish theologyRecommended Resources:"The Angel of the Lord: A Biblical, Historical and Theological Study" by Douglas Van DornMike Heiser's works on divine council and spiritual beingsJoin the Conversation: Have questions about covenant theology or Old Testament theophanies? Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions!God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.Connect With UsCheck out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim FaithCheck out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery

In this episode of God and Other Small Stuff, Michael and Tyler dive deep into one of Scripture's most foundational covenants. Through Genesis 15 and 17, we explore how God's promises to Abraham establish the theological framework for understanding His relationship with humanity and set the stage for the coming Messiah.Episode OverviewThe Abrahamic Covenant represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Kingdom of God where God makes unconditional promises to Abraham that will shape the destiny of nations. From the smoking firepot ceremony to the institution of circumcision, these chapters reveal both God's sovereignty and faithfulness in ways that echo throughout the entire biblical narrative.Key Points Explored:The Covenant Ceremony in Genesis 15: Understanding the ancient ritual and its shocking twistFaith and Righteousness: How Abraham's belief was "counted to him as righteousness"Unconditional vs. Conditional Elements: Distinguishing between God's sovereign promises and human responsibilitiesThe Sign of Circumcision: Why God chose this particular mark for His covenant peopleName Changes: The theological significance of Abram becoming Abraham and Sarai becoming SarahLand, Seed, and Blessing: The three-fold promise and its ultimate fulfillment in ChristCovenant Structure: How this covenant becomes the template for understanding God's dealings with His peopleScripture References:Genesis 15:1-21 - The covenant ceremony and promise of descendantsGenesis 17:1-27 - The establishment of circumcision and name changesRomans 4:1-25 - Paul's exposition of Abraham's faith and justificationGalatians 3:6-29 - The covenant promises fulfilled in ChristHebrews 6:13-20 - God's unchangeable promise to AbrahamRecommended Resources:"Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"The Christ of the Covenants" by O. Palmer Robertson"God's Kingdom Through God's Covenants" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"Heaven Misplaced" by Douglas Wilson"A House for My Name" by Peter LeithartJoin the Conversation:How do you see the Abrahamic Covenant connecting to your daily faith? Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your thoughts and questions!God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.Connect With UsCheck out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind for the Classical Life, Mythic MissionCheck out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #AbrahamicCovenant #Genesis #CovenantTheology #Faith #Promise #Abraham

This episode comes from Tyler's online web project, The Classical Thinkery.You can find other content from Tyler at tylerwbauer.com and The Classical Mind for the Classical Life. If you like this content, please subscribe to The Classical Thinkery and share!

In this episode of God and Other Small Stuff, Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the enigmatic figure of Melchizedek, who appears briefly in Genesis 14 yet casts a long shadow throughout Scripture. Discover how this mysterious king-priest of Salem foreshadows Jesus and why the biblical authors repeatedly draw connections between them.Episode OverviewThis three-verse encounter between Melchizedek and Abraham becomes a theological cornerstone referenced again in Psalm 110 and extensively developed in Hebrews 6-7, establishing a crucial pattern that points to Christ's eternal priesthood.Key Points Explored:Melchizedek's unusual dual role as both king and priestThe significance of his name ("king of righteousness") and title ("king of Salem/peace")Why the author of Hebrews sees him as a type of ChristHow Psalm 110 connects Melchizedek to the coming MessiahThe theological implications of a priesthood that predates the Levitical systemScripture References:Genesis 14:18-20 - The original encounter with AbrahamPsalm 110:4 - "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"Hebrews 6:19-20 - Jesus as high priest in the order of MelchizedekHebrews 7:1-28 - The extended exploration of the Melchizedek priesthoodRecommended Resources:"Between Babel and Beast" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith G. KlineJoin the Conversation:Have questions about Melchizedek or other biblical figures? Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions!God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.Connect With UsCheck out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim Faith, Check out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #Melchizedek #Hebrews #Christology #Priesthood

Episode SummaryIn this fifth installment of the Kingdom of God series, hosts Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the covenant with Abraham, examining the significance of Isaac and Ishmael in the covenant narrative, and discussing how this relates to Islam within Kingdom theology. The episode builds on previous discussions of Abraham's calling from Babel to establish God's Kingdom purposes.Main ThemesThe Abrahamic CovenantGod's commitment to Abraham as a pivotal development in the Kingdom narrativeThe significance of the covenant promises and their multifaceted fulfillmentHow Abraham's covenant differs from and builds upon previous covenants (Adamic and Noahic)Isaac as Covenant HeirThe theological significance of Isaac as the child of promiseHow Isaac's birth fulfills God's supernatural promise to Abraham and SarahThe testing of Abraham's faith through the sacrifice of IsaacIsaac as a typological figure pointing toward ChristIshmael and Alternative Covenant PathsThe place of Ishmael in the biblical narrativeHow Ishmael's descendants relate to God's broader Kingdom purposesThe theological implications of Abraham's relationship with HagarThe covenant promises to Ishmael distinct from those to IsaacKingdom Theology and IslamHow Islam's theological claims relate to the Abrahamic covenantPoints of connection and divergence between Kingdom theology and Islamic traditionExamining the Islamic view of Ishmael as legitimate heir versus the biblical accountHow Christians can engage respectfully with Islamic perspectives on AbrahamScripture Deep DiveGenesis 12:1-3 - God's initial call and promise to AbrahamGenesis 15:1-21 - The covenant ceremony and promises of land and descendantsGenesis 17:15-22 - God's promise of Isaac and blessing for IshmaelGenesis 21:1-21 - Birth of Isaac and sending away of Hagar and IshmaelGenesis 22:1-19 - The testing of Abraham and provision of the ramGalatians 4:21-31 - Paul's allegorical interpretation of Sarah and HagarTheological ImplicationsThe concept of covenant as central to God's Kingdom agendaHow God works through chosen human agents to advance His KingdomFaith as the foundation of covenant relationship with GodThe tension between human action and divine sovereignty in covenant fulfillmentHow the Abrahamic covenant anticipates the new covenant in ChristPractical ApplicationsLiving as covenant people in a post-Christian worldHow Abraham's faith journey models trusting God in impossible situationsNavigating cultural and religious pluralism while maintaining theological convictionThe call to be a blessing to all nations as heirs of Abraham's covenantUnderstanding our place in God's ongoing Kingdom storyRecommended Resources"A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith G. Kline"Between Babel and Beast" by Peter Leithart"A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen WellumConnect With UsInstagram: @godandothersmallstuffSend us your questions and thoughts via DM!Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim Faith, Check out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #Abraham #Isaac #Covenant #BiblicalTheology

Episode SummaryIn this fourth installment of the Kingdom of God series, hosts Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the Tower of Babel narrative and its connection to Abraham's calling. Engaging with Peter Leithart's book "Between Babel and Beast," they examine how Abraham was called out from one empire to establish God's Kingdom, representing a pivotal contrast between human empire-building projects and God's alternative Kingdom vision.Main ThemesThe Tower of Babel as EmpireThe theological significance of humanity's first attempt at empire-buildingHow the Babel project represented human autonomy and rebellion against God's command to fill the earthThe tower as a symbol of consolidated human power in opposition to God's KingdomLanguage confusion as God's judgment on human pride and self-exaltationEmpire vs. KingdomThe fundamental tension between human empires and God's Kingdom purposesHow empires throughout biblical history follow the Babel patternThe contrast between top-down coercive power and God's servant-leadership modelEmpire as an idolatrous alternative to God's rule and reignAbraham's Counter-Cultural CallingAbraham's call to leave Ur of the Chaldeans as a departure from empireHow God's covenant with Abraham establishes an alternative to Babel's ambitionsAbraham as the beginning of God's redemptive counter-empireThe significance of Abraham being called to be a blessing to all nationsScripture Deep DiveGenesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel narrative and God's judgmentGenesis 12:1-3 - God's call to Abraham to leave his homelandGenesis 10:8-12 - Nimrod's kingdom and the first biblical mention of BabelIsaiah 14:12-15 - Prophetic connections to Babel's tower-building ambitionsActs 2:1-11 - Pentecost as a redemptive reversal of Babel's language confusionTheological ImplicationsThe persistent human tendency toward empire-building throughout historyGod's consistent opposition to human attempts at absolute powerThe Kingdom of God as an upside-down alternative to imperial systemsHow God works through remnants and outsiders rather than through centers of powerThe theological importance of diversity and dispersion versus homogeneity and centralizationPractical ApplicationsRecognizing and resisting empire-thinking in contemporary Christian cultureFollowing Abraham's example of faith and counter-cultural livingBuilding Kingdom communities that contrast with worldly power structuresEmbracing God's call to be a blessing to others rather than elevating ourselvesCultivating a healthy skepticism toward centralized human powerRecommended Resources"Between Babel and Beast" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"A House for My Name" by Peter Leithart"Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith G. KlineConnect With UsInstagram: @godandothersmallstuffSend us your questions and thoughts via DM!Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind, Pilgrim Faith, The Classical Thinkery#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #TowerOfBabel #Abraham #Empire #BiblicalTheology

The following is a sermon given at Chruch of Christ the King in Fort Worth, TX on 05/12/2024

In this third installment of God and Other Small Stuff's Kingdom of God series, Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the story of Noah and the flood through the lens of Kingdom theology. This episode examines how the flood narrative represents both judgment on corruption and a renewal of God's Kingdom purposes.Episode OverviewThe story of Noah and the flood marks a pivotal point in God's Kingdom narrative. After humanity's extensive corruption of creation, God chooses to preserve a righteous remnant through whom He will continue His Kingdom purposes. This episode unpacks the theological significance of the flood as both judgment and cleansing, and how Noah serves as a second Adam figure in the ongoing Kingdom story.Key Points Explored:The flood as "de-creation" and the return to Genesis 1:2 conditionsNoah as a new Adam figure and covenant representativeThe cleansing waters of the flood as judgment and purificationGod's preservation of a Kingdom remnant through the arkHow the post-flood world represents a renewed creationThe ongoing effects of sin even after the floodScripture References:Genesis 6:5-8 - God's grief over human wickedness and His decision to preserve NoahGenesis 7:1-16 - God's instructions for the ark and the coming of the floodGenesis 8:1 - God's remembrance of Noah and the sending of the wind/spiritGenesis 9:1-17 - The renewal of the creation mandate and the Noahic covenant2 Peter 2:5 - Noah as a "preacher of righteousness"Matthew 24:37-39 - Jesus' comparison of His return to the days of NoahTheological Connections:The parallels between creation and the flood narrativeHow Noah's story prefigures baptism and spiritual cleansingThe concept of remnant theology introduced through NoahGod's faithfulness to His creation despite human rebellionThe relationship between judgment and grace in God's Kingdom planRecommended Resources:"Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith Kline"The Lost World of the Flood" by John Walton and Tremper Longman IIIQuestions to Consider:How does the flood narrative challenge our understanding of God's judgment and mercy?What does Noah's role as a "second Adam" reveal about God's persistent Kingdom purposes?How might the concept of "cleansing waters" inform our understanding of baptism and spiritual renewal?In what ways does the Noahic covenant both continue and adapt God's original creation mandate?Join the Conversation:Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions!God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.Want to explore more? Check out our other podcasts:The Classical Mind for the Classical LifePilgrim FaithThe Classical Thinkery on Substack#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #Noah #Flood #Covenant #BiblicalTheology

In this second episode of God and Other Small Stuff's Kingdom of God series, Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler explore the profound themes of God's Kingdom as revealed in Genesis 1-3. This episode examines how the creation narrative establishes crucial foundations for understanding God's Kingdom plan throughout Scripture.Episode OverviewGenesis 1-3 reveals God as the sovereign King who establishes His Kingdom on earth through His image-bearers. This episode unpacks the theological richness of Creation, exploring humanity's unique role as image-bearers and the Garden of Eden as the first Kingdom territory.Key Points Explored:The Image of God as both identity and vocation for humanityThe Garden of Eden as the first "Kingdom territory" and templeHow human beings were designed to represent God's rule on earthThe consequences of the Fall for God's Kingdom purposesHow Genesis 1-3 establishes patterns that continue throughout ScriptureThe significance of being made in God's image for our understanding of human purposeScripture References:Genesis 1:26-28 - Creation of humans in God's image with a mandate to ruleGenesis 2:8-15 - The Garden of Eden as God's sanctuary and humanity's first homeGenesis 3:1-24 - The Fall and its consequences for God's Kingdom planPsalm 8:3-8 - Reflection on humanity's royal position in creationRevelation 21-22 - The ultimate restoration of God's Kingdom designTheological Connections:How the concepts of "image" and "likeness" reveal different dimensions of our relationship with GodThe Kingdom implications of being commanded to "subdue" and have "dominion"Why understanding the original creation helps us grasp God's ultimate redemptive goalsRecommended Resources:"Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"Lifting the Veil: Imagination and the Kingdom of God" by Malcolm Guite"The Lost World of Genesis One" by John Walton"Kingdom Prologue" by Meredith Kline"Reformed Covenant Theology" by Harrison PerkinsQuestions to Consider:How does understanding yourself as God's image-bearer change your sense of purpose?What does it mean for humans to have "dominion" in a way that reflects God's character?How does the creation account shape your understanding of God's ultimate Kingdom goals?Join the Conversation:Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions!God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.Want to explore more? Check out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind for the Classical Life, Pilgrim FaithCheck out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #Genesis #ImageOfGod #Creation #BiblicalTheology

In this episode of God and Other Small Stuff, Trevor, Taylor, and Tyler begin a multi-part exploration of one of the Bible's most central yet often misunderstood themes: The Kingdom of God. This foundational episode lays the groundwork for understanding what "the Kingdom" means and examines the profound implications of God's kingship throughout Scripture.Episode OverviewThe concept of God's Kingdom isn't just a New Testament idea but a thread woven through the entire biblical narrative. This episode traces the Kingdom theme from creation in Genesis 1, through humanity's fall, and concludes with Abraham's calling as God's vice-regent—showing how the Kingdom of God has always been central to God's redemptive plan.Key Points Explored:God as Creator-King establishing His rule and realm in Genesis 1Humans as image-bearers created to represent God's rule on earthHow sin disrupted but didn't destroy God's Kingdom purposesThe significance of the "cultural mandate" (Gen 1:28) in Kingdom theologyAbraham's selection as God's representative and the beginning of God's redemptive Kingdom planThe pattern of covenant relationship as the foundation for God's KingdomScripture References:Genesis 1:26-28 - Humans created in God's image to rule and subdue the earthGenesis 3:1-24 - The fall and its impact on God's Kingdom purposesGenesis 12:1-3 - God's covenant with Abraham and the Kingdom promiseGenesis 17:1-8 - Abraham as vice-regent in God's Kingdom programPsalm 8:4-8 - Reflection on humanity's royal position in creationTheological Connections:How the Kingdom of God provides a cohesive framework for understanding the entire biblical narrativeThe relationship between covenant and Kingdom throughout ScriptureWhy Genesis establishes patterns that find their fulfillment in Christ's KingdomRecommended Resources:"Kingdom Through Covenant" by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum"Lifting the Veil: Imagination and the Kingdom of God" by Malcolm GuiteQuestions to Consider:How does understanding God as King change the way you read familiar Bible passages?What does it mean for you personally to be an image-bearer representing God's rule?How does Humanity's role as vice-regent inform our understanding of what it means to follow God today?Join the Conversation:Connect with us on Instagram @godandothersmallstuff and DM us your questions!God and Other Small Stuff features in-depth conversations about faith, theology, the Bible, and the Christian life. This podcast aims to make theological concepts accessible to everyday believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.More from UsCheck out our other podcasts: The Classical Mind for the Classical Life, Pilgrim FaithCheck out Tyler's Substack: The Classical Thinkery#ChristianTheology #BibleStudy #KingdomOfGod #Genesis #CovenantTheology #BiblicalNarrative