Podcast Episodes

After months of hinting about it and brushing up against it in every podcast, we finally take on Calvinism. Dave Shive is a mentor and friend to Greg. They have for 18 years now never seen eye-to-eye on the issue of God's sovereignty in the salvation of sinners. Nathan asks them how their friendship has endured this divide then rings the bell to let the debate begin. This is PART ONE of a two part episode.

TGT11 is honored to be joined by one of the most prolific, thoughtful theologians of the 21st century. Dr. John Frame has influenced pastors, students and fellow theologians significantly in his almost 50 years of ministry. Nathan picks his brain about philosophy- did Christians lose the upper hand to early in the battle? Steve Hartland asks him tricky questions about what's gotten Dr. Frame in hot water over the years. Finally Greg asks him whether the apostle Paul was an "evidentialist" or a "presuppositionalist" when he preached in Athens. 

How old is the earth? Does a Christian HAVE to believe that the 7 days of creation in Genesis 1 are 24-hour literal days? Is the earth as old as science tells us, and if so, what does that do with our reading of the creation narrative? Mark Sweeney, Executive Pastor of Christ Fellowship, joins forces with Greg this week as they defend an old earth position. Nathan Schneider, Associate Pastor of Grace Anchorage Church, joins regular guest Jeff Crotts in contending for a young earth (literal 24-hour-day) position. Nathan Bell has his hands full trying to keep this debate from getting out of hand!

It's a SIZZLING START TO SUMMER as June is devoted to HOT TOPICS. Up first, Greg's old seminary friend and PCA pastor Mark Fodale argues FOR infant baptism- contra Greg who defends believer's (credo) baptism. Nathan calls a few time outs to make sure they don't geek out too much on paedo-communion (WHAT!!) and other side issues.

Is Jeremiah 29:11 REALLY an appropriate verse for a high school or college graduate? Steve Hartland shares his concerns with treating that verse like a guarantee of the American dream. Greg asks Steve some tricky follow-up questions on his unique thoughts on marriage. Nathan pins Greg down on what wifely submission actually means in real life. Of course, Greg dodges that question and puts it back on Steve!

An unexpected, unplanned episode. Greg has an Orioles ticket "conflict" so the podcast schedule is reshuffled. It leads to Nathan and Greg having a "fireside" chat about the tragic development in the well-known Duggar family. They also hit on a few other topics in no particular order.

Pastor and Author, Zack Eswine, joins the podcast. His new book, Spurgeon's Sorrows, takes an honest look at the difficult subject of depression- using the life of Charles Spurgeon as a template. Fascinating (and dare we say SHOCKING) details emerge from Spurgeon's life as Nathan and Greg discuss subjects with Zack ranging from brain chemistry to ill-timed attempts at encouragement to a tragic, deadly stampede (at a church service) that left Spurgeon near traumatized for life. We believe that many folks suffering from depression will benefit greatly from this podcast and even more from the book!

A These Go To Eleven First! The Pastor's wives come with much in their arsenal. Greg and Matt are worried! Lisa Dutcher and Tracy Smith say they got tricked into joining the podcast. Maybe- but their insights just rock! Nathan asks a number of probing questions about marriage, children, tension, disappointments and unexpected joys in the life of a pastor's wife. 

Les Lanphere from the Reformed Pubcast joins the show! This podcast is one of the most wildly successful podcasts out there that combines beer advice with great theology. Nathan asks him where the line between "blessed euphoria" and "flat-out drunkenness" lies. Greg geeks out a little with Les on all things Breaking Bad and Star Wars.

Youth Specialist, Greg Speck, joins the podcast from "tropical Rockford Illinois!"  He has been working with teens since 1973! Nathan asks Greg about his life, ministry and 2 published books. Then Dutcher puts him on the spot with hard questions about teens who want to do things their parents probably won't like. Finally, we discuss some practical advice for pornography-proofing our marriages.