Bethany Leadership Podcast

About Bethany Leadership Podcast

A podcast for leadership training for Bethany leaders in development. The podcast covers Grudem's questions as well as practical applicational topics such as prayer, conflict resolution, and more.

Publisher

Bethany Baptist Church

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Jun 2025

Latest episode

17 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Apr 2026

   Session 11 – Conflict Resolution

   This leadership podcast explores the role of conflict resolution in the life of the church, especially for those in leadership. The central premise is that conflict is not abnormal but inevitable—arising naturally as relationships deepen within a body of believers. Rather than ignoring or minimizing it, leaders must recognize that conflict is something Christ Himself said to expect, and therefore something they must be prepared to handle with wisdom and maturity. A major emphasis throughout the discussion is that avoiding conflict is not true peacemaking. Leaders who ignore issues may feel like they are preserving peace, but in reality, unresolved conflict spreads and harms the entire church. The conversation highlights two common but unhealthy responses—“peace-faking” (avoidance) and “peace-breaking” (aggressive confrontation)—and contrasts them with biblical peacemaking, which requires humility, courage, and intentional pursuit of reconciliation. Conflict is also described as a revealer, exposing the condition of the heart and forcing leaders to examine their own pride, assumptions, and spiritual maturity before addressing others. Finally, the podcast acknowledges that not all conflict resolves cleanly. At times, disagreements may lead to separation, as seen in Scripture, though this is never the desired outcome and should be a last resort. Even then, believers are called to pursue unity in spirit, guard against bitterness, and trust God for ultimate reconciliation. In all cases, the goal is not merely to solve problems quickly, but to faithfully shepherd people, reflecting Christ’s character through patience, wisdom, and love. Key Quotes: “You’re going to have to deal with conflict… in one sense, it’s guaranteed by Jesus.” “If we’re not willing to address potential conflict in the church, we do harm… not only to the person… but to the church body as a whole.” “Conflicts… spread much further beyond just the initial folks… like gangrene… like a cancer.” “If we’re unwilling to address the conflict, then we may not be ready to be leaders in the church.” “Conflict does become a great revealer.”

2. 

   24 Feb 2026

   Session 10 – The Doctrine of Future Things

   In this episode, Pastors Josh and Rich explore the doctrine of future things—what Scripture teaches about Christ’s return, the millennium, heaven, and hell—and why these truths matter deeply for church leaders. Far from being speculative or divisive theology, eschatology is presented as intensely practical. The hope of Christ’s return fuels holiness, steadiness in suffering, unity in the body, and endurance in broken relationships. When believers lose sight of the coming kingdom, they become preoccupied with temporary concerns. But when they pray, “Your kingdom come,” they are aligning their daily lives with an eternal reality that transforms how they live and lead. The conversation then turns to when and how Christ will return. The pastors affirm the doctrine of imminence—that Christ could come at any moment—while also recognizing a sequence of prophetic events that Scripture unfolds. They distinguish between Christ’s coming in the clouds for His church and His visible return to earth in glory to reign. From there, they discuss the millennium as a future, literal reign of Christ on earth, where His glory will be publicly vindicated and His righteous rule displayed before the nations. Finally, the episode addresses the sobering doctrine of hell and the joyful hope of heaven. Hell reminds believers of the seriousness of sin, the justice of God, and the urgency of evangelism. Heaven, by contrast, anchors the heart in comfort and longing—the promise of seeing God face to face, experiencing restored relationships, and dwelling forever in a renewed creation. Together, these future realities shape present faithfulness, calling leaders to live, shepherd, and preach with eternity in view. “The doctrine of future things is not just an intellectual exercise—it is meant to practically impact us every day as disciples of Jesus.” “God could have chosen not to reveal anything about the future—but He revealed it for our comfort and our good.” “Hell changes the way we look at every person. We see souls that will live forever—either in joy or in judgment.” “Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.”

3. 

   26 Jan 2026

   Session 9 – Care and Counseling

   Episode Summary This roundtable discussion features Josh Beagley and Bob Castle, an elder at Bethany, exploring the church’s philosophy and practice of care and counseling. Rather than treating care as a single ministry, the episode frames it as a holistic ecosystem rooted in Christ’s care for His people and expressed through the church body. The conversation introduces three primary “buckets” of care at Bethany: contacting (intentional check-ins and visitation), compassion (meeting physical and material needs), and counseling (addressing spiritual, heart-level issues through Scripture). Using the trellis and vine analogy, the speakers emphasize that while structures and programs matter, genuine care ultimately grows organically through Spirit-empowered relationships. A significant portion of the episode clarifies what biblical counseling is — and is not. The leaders stress humility, biblical authority, and clearly defined expectations, distinguishing church-based counseling from clinical or professional therapy while acknowledging the value of collaboration when appropriate. Throughout, care is presented not as problem-solving but as walking together in following Jesus amid sin and suffering. Key Takeaways 1. Care begins vertically before it flows horizontally. The motivation for all Christian care comes from receiving Christ’s care first. Leaders are reminded that genuine care is fruit, not performance. 2. Healthy churches balance structure with organic love. Programs (the trellis) support care, but real transformation happens through relationships (the vine). 3. Contacting prevents isolation and surfaces hidden needs. Care calling, visitation, and follow-ups help leaders stay aware and responsive, especially for those who may quietly drift. 4. Compassion ministries bless both giver and receiver. Meeting physical needs builds deep relationships and often becomes a pathway for long-term discipleship and mutual encouragement. 5. Biblical counseling requires clarity, humility, and limits. Counseling is not about fixing people but about applying Scripture faithfully while recognizing personal competency boundaries. 6. Not every leader counsels every issue — and that’s okay. Wisdom involves matching people appropriately, growing competency over time, and partnering when needed. 7. Care exposes leaders’ dependence on Christ. Rather than overwhelming leaders, care ministries are meant to deepen worship, humility, and trust in God’s sufficiency. Quotes “If I fall prey to the illusion that the only care that happens is what I see, then I’m going to be overwhelmed and incredibly discouraged.” “We don’t care because we’re somehow super noble in ourselves, but because we’ve received the loving care of God.” “Counseling is not about solving all their problems — it’s about following Jesus together.” “The authority of Scripture is ultimate, even when working alongside professional counselors.” “These opportunities to care will overwhelm us — and that’s what reminds us how much we need Jesus.”

4. 

   10 Dec 2025

   Session 8 – The Doctrine of the Church – Part 2

   Theme Living Out God’s Design for the Church: Authority, Gender, Sacraments, Worship, and Spiritual Gifts in a Broken World. Episode Summary In part two of their doctrine of the church conversation, Pastors Josh and Rich tackle some of the most practical and often controversial questions in ecclesiology. They begin with the question of whether women should serve as pastors, clarifying that at Bethany the biblical office of pastor/elder/overseer is reserved for qualified men, while strongly affirming the vital, indispensable ministry of gifted women in the life of the church. They warn against the ways good doctrines—like complementarianism—can be twisted either into male superiority and suppression of women or into a rejection of God’s good design, and they call leaders to keep returning to Scripture as their “lamp” instead of reacting to cultural distortions. From there, they walk through baptism and the Lord’s Supper as visible signs of invisible grace: baptism as a public identification with Christ and His people following Spirit baptism, and communion as a shared table of grace meant to unify the body around Christ’s death, not divide it over preferences and traditions. They address current tensions over liturgy, forms of worship, and the regulative vs. normative principle, arguing that worship must be in “spirit and truth”—rooted in God’s Word and animated by God’s Spirit, not by mere tradition or emotionalism. Finally, they emphasize spiritual gifts as “manifestations of the Spirit for the common good,” urging leaders and members alike to ask, “How can I strengthen Christ’s church?” rather than “Where can I showcase my gifts?” The episode closes with a hopeful reminder that the church—even with its present flaws—is Christ’s precious bride, destined for glory. Key Takeaways The office of pastor/elder/overseer is reserved for qualified men according to Scripture, but this does not diminish the value or gifting of women; both men and women are essential to the church’s health and mission. Every good doctrine can be twisted—including complementarianism—either to justify pride and control or to reject God’s design. Leaders must keep returning to Scripture as their true light. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality: Spirit baptism into Christ and His body, publicly expressed through water baptism by those who can confess their faith and desire to follow Jesus. Communion is meant to unify, not divide; it calls us to remember Christ’s death, examine our love for our brothers and sisters, and guard against preferences and traditions becoming absolutes that harm the body. To worship in spirit and truth means holding together doctrinal faithfulness and spiritual vitality—orthodoxy and life—so that worship is truly God-centered, not driven by personal preference or form alone. Spiritual gifts are manifestations of the Spirit for the common good; the right question is, “How can I strengthen this church?” not “How can I get a platform for my gift?” Key Quotes “Every good doctrine has been twisted… Satan loves to twist, and then in response to a twisting, we end up doing the same thing only in a different direction. It’s always twisting away from the glory of God.” “Water baptism is an external indication or sign or testimony of this invisible and internal miracle that God has wrought.” “Communion is a table of grace… It’s his table. It’s his grace flowing to the recipients, and it is designed to be a unifying act of worship.” “To worship in spirit and in truth means there’s an orthodoxy that comes from God himself and a vitality or life that comes from God himself.” “To each one of us is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good… It’s not ultimately for me to feel better about myself, but so I can participate in the strengthening of Jesus’s church.” “Whatever is flawed today, that’s not our future… The church is a diamond that one day will only be express

5. 

   10 Dec 2025

   Session 8 – The Doctrine of the Church – Part 1

   In this episode, Pastors Josh and Ritch walk through the foundational doctrines of the church and why ecclesiology matters for every ministry leader. They emphasize that the church is God’s idea—not a human invention—and therefore must be shaped by God’s design, purposes, and authority. They contrast God-centered thinking with the drift that occurs when leaders or congregations begin shaping the church according to personal preference, cultural expectations, or human logic. The conversation explores the purposes of the church (glorifying God, edifying believers, and evangelizing the world), the nature of biblical authority, the heart behind corrective discipline, and the structure of healthy church governance. Through Scripture-saturated teaching and personal pastoral experience, the episode encourages leaders to walk in humility, spiritual maturity, and deep dependence on Christ—the true head of the church. The pastors remind us that shepherding is both a privilege and a spiritual battle, and they call leaders to watch their doctrine and life closely as they serve Christ’s flock. Key Takeaways The church is God’s creation, not humanity’s invention, and must be approached with reverence, not personal preference. The central purpose of the church is the glory of God, expressed through worship, discipleship, and mission. Church authority is real but limited—it extends to teaching, disciple-making, and restoration, but must never trespass into areas God has not commanded. Restoration (discipline) is an act of love, aimed at eternal good, not punishment. Healthy governance requires plurality, spiritual maturity, and mutual submission among elders. Leadership invites spiritual attack, making prayer, unity, and personal holiness essential. Key Quotes “The church is not man’s idea… it is as much in the mind of God and His plan of redemption as the individual is.” “We’re really safe when we say, ‘Why did God create the church, and how can I lean into that?’” “The purpose of the church, first and centrally, is to glorify God… everything else flows from that.” “Love always pursues the glory of God in each other’s lives—even when that love is painful for a moment.” “Our authority doesn’t come from our intrinsic nature… it is derived from God, and we can only use it in the likeness of Christ.” “Watch over your life and your doctrine closely. In so doing you save both yourself and your hearers.”

6. 

   23 Oct 2025

   Session 7 – The Doctrine of Salvation – Part 2

   Theme: How salvation shapes Christian maturity, the role of the Holy Spirit, assurance of salvation, and what happens when believers die. This conversation explores how doctrine is not abstract, but deeply formative. Billy shares how a more biblical understanding of salvation — particularly God’s sovereignty — led to a major personal and church transition for his family. The discussion moves into what it practically means to “become like Jesus,” emphasizing growth in doctrine (head), affection (heart), and obedience (hands). They warn against emotional substitutes for spiritual maturity and explain what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit biblically, as opposed to the feeling-driven mysticism of the culture. The episode also covers assurance of salvation — why believers cannot lose it, and why Christians still wrestle with doubt. They reflect on spiritual growth as a long, grace-driven process, not merely outward vocational change or religious performance. The episode concludes with what happens after death and the believer’s hope in the intermediate state and final resurrection. 🔹 Key Quote Highlights Doctrine Changes Lives “Doctrine matters and preaching matters, teaching matters… seeing the consequences of a lack of emphasis on the sovereignty of God in salvation in particular.” Spiritual Maturity “As we repeat it, we understand more of what we believe about God and who he is.” Real Growth Isn’t Just Activity “We can become distorted pictures of growth… a T-Rex — really big head of doctrine… tiny hands of service.” Examining Yourself “Is it good to examine yourself?… Yes, you should be examining, you should be checking your vitals.” Assurance Deepens Over Time “When you genuinely grow in Christian maturity, there is a blessing of assurance that actually grows in depth.” The Hope Beyond Death “When we die, we’re with the Lord… and yet in this intermediate state, it’s not our eternal state.”

7. 

   3 Oct 2025

   Session 7 – The Doctrine of Salvation – Part 1

   This session (led by Pastor Josh with elder Billy Schick) explores the doctrine of salvation through Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology and his 40 doctrinal questions. It emphasizes how clarity on salvation transforms personal faith, ministry practice, and leadership in the church. Personal Testimony & Importance of Salvation Billy shares his journey from assuming salvation through upbringing and works, to truly grasping the gospel as God’s work in Christ by the Spirit. This clarity now fuels his ministry to college students, helping them know what they believe, why they believe it, and how to live it out. Election: When and Why Did God Choose Us? Rooted in Ephesians 1, election is God’s choice before the foundation of the world, based solely on His sovereign will, not human merit. Students often jump to the tension between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility, but leaders emphasize starting with the “bigness of God.” Practically, people wrestle less with “why me” and more with “why not someone I love?” The Gospel Message Not a formula, but the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15). Must include the bad news of sin (Ephesians 2, Titus 3) to make sense of the good news. Common misunderstandings: “I need to clean myself up before God will accept me.” Self-love as prerequisite for faith. Prosperity gospel distortions that tie faith to guaranteed blessings. Born Again / Regeneration From John 3: regeneration is a secret act of God, giving spiritual life where there was only death. It is wondrous and humbling: we cannot cause it, only God does. Leads to worship and personal reflection: “Why me?” rather than despair over “why not others?” Repentance and Saving Faith Two sides of the same coin: turning from sin and turning to Christ. Not one-time acts, but an ongoing lifestyle like breathing. Martin Luther’s first thesis: the Christian life is to be marked by continual repentance. Repentance is not about perfection or a process leading to salvation—it is fruit of being born again. Justification Defined (per Grudem) as an instantaneous legal act of God where sins are forgiven and Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us. It is scandalous yet liberating: God declares sinners righteous not by works, but through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Gives hope and assurance amid doubts and struggles, grounding believers in God’s work rather than their performance. 📌 Key Quotes “Do I know the gospel, or am I just assuming salvation because of my upbringing?” “Election is God’s choice before the foundation of the world, not because of any foreseen merit in us, but His sovereign good pleasure.” “Christ died for our sins—that phrase captures the essence of the gospel.” “Regeneration is a secret act of God in which He imparts new spiritual life to us.” “Repentance and faith are like breathing—ongoing responses of turning from sin and trusting in Christ.” “Justification is scandalous: that God would declare someone like me righteous in His sight.”

8. 

   31 Jul 2025

   Session 6 – The Doctrine of Christ & The Holy Spirit

   1. Why These Doctrines Matter The doctrines of Christ and the Holy Spirit are central to understanding the gospel. Faith must be placed in the right object—namely, the true person and work of Christ and the Spirit. 2. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is not a force or "it"—He is a person. He convicts of sin, regenerates believers, empowers sanctification, and dwells within the believer. Neglecting or distorting the Spirit's role weakens the church’s dependence on God. 3. Jesus: Fully God and Fully Man Jesus is one person with two natures: divine and human, unmixed but united. This unique union makes Him the perfect mediator between God and man. His humanity enables Him to sympathize with our weakness; His deity ensures His sinlessness and sufficiency. 4. Christ’s Death and Atonement Jesus' death was necessary to satisfy the wrath of God and bring salvation. He bore the punishment for sin (substitutionary atonement), absorbing God’s justice so we could receive mercy. Misunderstanding or omitting this doctrine leads to a false gospel. 5. Christ’s Resurrection and Our Hope The resurrection is proof that Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted and that life triumphs over death. Believers are promised full restoration—body and soul. Resurrection hope anchors us through suffering and is central to Christian leadership and perseverance. 6. Practical Ministry and the Holy Spirit The Spirit empowers gospel ministry—not human wisdom or strategy. Leaders must rely on the Spirit for understanding, transformation, and fruitfulness. Being filled with the Spirit is about ongoing submission and influence, not a one-time event. Notable Quotes “Faith is always connected to an object. And if we have the object wrong… our faith will have no value.” “He is not an ‘it.’ The Holy Spirit is a person who possesses power—not just a power source.” “Jesus is the only person who has two natures—fully God and fully man. That mystery is key to our salvation.” “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses… He gets us—but He also saves us.” “The cross wasn’t a random act of love—it was the necessary act to absorb the wrath of God for our sin.” “Resurrection hope is the foundation of our future. Not just spiritual, but bodily resurrection—God saves the whole person.” “If the Holy Spirit left the world today, would you notice? Are we depending on Him, or on ourselves?” “Being filled with the Spirit is not about hype—it’s about yielding to His influence in our daily lives and ministry.”

9. 

   1 Jul 2025

   Session 5 – Evangelism

   Theme: Evangelism as Overflow – Sharing the Gospel with Urgency, Joy, and Faithfulness Evangelism Is Overflow, Not Obligation The conversation emphasizes that evangelism flows from a heart captured by the Gospel. It's not about pressure or performance—it’s about loving people enough to speak up. We share because we believe Jesus is worth knowing. Why We Hesitate to Share Fear of rejection, lack of confidence, and not knowing what to say are common reasons. But the group reminds us that God does the saving, not us—our job is to be faithful, not perfect. Personal Stories and Everyday Opportunities Each speaker shares real stories of Gospel conversations—with neighbors, kids’ sports teams, or during daily routines. Evangelism isn’t reserved for special events—it happens in the normal flow of life. Equip and Encourage One Another Churches and leaders must equip their people with training, prayer support, and examples. Encouraging one another with testimonies fuels boldness and joy. Results Are God’s, Faithfulness Is Ours Evangelism is not measured by conversions but by faithfulness. “We plant and water—God gives the growth.” Success is showing up and sharing Christ, regardless of the outcome. Notable Quotes “Evangelism is the overflow of a heart that’s full of Jesus.” “You don’t need to be a theologian—you just need to be available.” “Our job isn’t to save—it’s to speak. God handles the rest.” “Sometimes the most powerful evangelism tool is your kitchen table.” “Faithfulness in evangelism means showing up, opening your mouth, and trusting God.” “You don’t fail at evangelism unless you fail to try.”

10. 

    3 Jun 2025

    Session 4: The Ministry of Prayer

    Theme: Prayer as the Essential, Empowering Work of Ministry Prayer Is Ministry, Not Just Fuel for It The episode reframes prayer not as something that merely supports ministry, but as ministry itself. Jesus, the perfect model of ministry, continually withdrew to pray. If He needed it, we certainly do. Why Prayer Is Often Neglected Leaders can drift into self-reliance, thinking they can plan and execute ministry without depending on God. Prayer doesn’t always “feel productive,” but it is spiritually effective. Busyness and pride are two major prayer killers. What Prayer Does in Ministry Prayer aligns our hearts with God's will. It invites God’s power into the work we cannot accomplish on our own. It softens hearts, opens doors, and builds unity in teams and churches. Leaders Must Lead in Prayer A church will rarely rise above the prayer life of its leaders. Public prayers should teach theology, model humility, and lift the church’s eyes to God. Private prayer must not be neglected—it’s the quiet furnace of spiritual leadership. Practicing Persistent and Expectant Prayer Scripture calls us to ask, seek, and knock—with persistence. We don’t pray to inform God but to express dependence, surrender, and faith. God delights in answering prayers that align with His purposes. Notable Quotes “Prayer is not the preparation for ministry—it is the ministry.” “If Jesus needed to pray, how much more do we?” “You can be busy in ministry and still barren in prayer.” “Prayer reminds us that ministry belongs to God, not to us.” “A praying leader produces a praying church.” “Public prayer is pastoral—it teaches, shapes, and leads.” “Persistent prayer isn’t about twisting God’s arm; it’s about forming our hearts to trust Him.”

11. 

    3 Jun 2025

    Session 3: The Doctrine of Man

    Theme: Who We Are Before God – Created, Fallen, and Redeemed The Bible Tells Us Who We Are In a world of confusion about identity, Scripture reveals the truth: We are created in God's image with dignity and purpose, yet fallen and in need of redemption. Any attempt to define humanity apart from God leads to distortion and despair. Made in the Image of God We reflect God in our reasoning, relationships, morality, creativity, and capacity to worship. The image of God hasn’t been destroyed by sin—but it has been deeply marred. Every human has value—not because of usefulness, but because of who made them. What Went Wrong: The Fall Sin didn't just break rules—it broke us. It corrupted our minds, wills, and desires. We are not merely “mistakers” but rebels against a holy God. Only Christ can restore what was broken in the Fall. Modern Confusion about Identity From gender to purpose to morality, people are redefining the self apart from God. The biblical story confronts this by reorienting identity around Creator and Redeemer, not personal autonomy. The gospel speaks powerfully into the identity crisis of our age. The Hope of Redemption Jesus is the perfect image of God—and by faith in Him, we are being renewed into that image. Sanctification is not about self-improvement, but about restoration. Leaders must model this: humble, Christ-centered transformation. Notable Quotes “We don't define ourselves—God does. And He does so with clarity and compassion.” “The image of God gives every person dignity. Sin doesn't erase it, but it does distort it.” “We're not just people who mess up—we're rebels in need of grace.” “When we try to create our identity apart from God, we lose ourselves.” “Christ isn’t just an example—He’s the restoration of the human image.” “Sanctification isn’t polishing up the old self; it’s becoming who God made us to be.” “Leadership isn’t about asserting identity—it’s about reflecting Christ.”

12. 

    3 Jun 2025

    Session 2: The Doctrine of God – Part 2

    Theme: God’s Character – Attributes, Love, and Holy Otherness Why Study God’s Attributes? God’s attributes aren't categories we impose on Him—they are ways He has revealed Himself. The study of God’s character leads not just to knowledge but to worship and transformation. God is Not Like Us God is incomprehensible, infinite, and unchanging. He is "holy other.” Even His communicable attributes (like love and justice) are perfect and infinite—far beyond ours. Example: God’s anger is never out of control; His mercy never compromises justice. The Unity of God's Attributes God's attributes aren’t slices of a pie; He doesn’t operate with love apart from holiness or justice. “God’s justice is loving. God’s love is holy.” We misunderstand God when we isolate one attribute from the rest. God’s Love and the Trinity The Father’s love for the Son and the Spirit defines God’s very nature. This inter-Trinitarian love is the source of our salvation—it overflows toward us. God doesn’t need us to love—He is love eternally—but He graciously includes us in it. How God’s Attributes Impact Us Knowing God's faithfulness, holiness, mercy, and wrath helps us: Trust Him when suffering. Stand in awe when we read Scripture. Live lives marked by humility and joy. We are called not just to admire these traits—but to be conformed to His image. Notable Quotes “God is not a better version of us. He is categorically different.” “God’s wrath is never out of control. His love never sets aside His justice.” “If you isolate one attribute, you distort God.” “God is love—but that doesn’t mean He’s soft.” “When you realize who God is, you stop bargaining and start worshiping.” “God’s love existed before time—in the Trinity. That’s the kind of love we’re invited into.” “To know God is to be changed by Him. You can’t meet Him and stay the same.” “The attributes of God aren't theological trivia—they are life-shaping truths.”

13. 

    3 Jun 2025

    Session 2: The Doctrine of God – Part 1

    Theme: Knowing God – His Greatness, Triune Nature, and Sovereignty Big View of God vs. Little View of God The episode opens with a story about seminary students being evaluated as “Big Godders” or “Little Godders”—emphasizing how vital it is that our theology and ministry are centered on the greatness of God, not just human need or strategy. Can We Really Know God? Yes—but only because God graciously reveals Himself. We can know God truly, but never fully, because He is infinite, eternal, and transcendent. Knowing God involves relationship, not just information: “The Bible is God’s invitation to intimacy.” How Can God Be Three Persons, Yet One God? The Trinity is not a contradiction but a divine mystery: One God in three co-eternal, co-equal persons. The early church labored over this doctrine to protect it as essential to the faith. Teaching this early—especially in kids’ ministry—is vital, because misunderstanding it leads to major theological errors and even cults. Why the Trinity Matters Practically It shapes our worship, prayer, evangelism, and even how we relate in community. God has always existed in perfect love—Father, Son, and Spirit—and this love defines how we are to relate to Him and others. If God Controls All Things, How Can Our Actions Have Meaning? God's sovereignty and human responsibility exist in tension, not contradiction. “Since God controls all things… how should we live?” is the better framing than “If.” Using a tent-pole metaphor: sound doctrine must be anchored in the ground, even if tension remains in the structure. Notable Quotes “You're a Big Godder. And I know you're going to have a great ministry.” – Seminary professor’s encouragement “We can’t know God fully—but we can know Him truly.” “There’s no contradiction in one God existing as three persons. It’s tension, not heresy.” “To depart from the Trinity is to depart from following Jesus.” “God is not embarrassed by His attributes—we are.” “The Trinity isn’t just true—it’s beautiful and good.” “Since God controls all things… not if—since—our response should be humble obedience.” “You have not because you ask not.” Prayer matters—even in a sovereign universe.

14. 

    3 Jun 2025

    Session 1: The Doctrine of the Bible

    Theme: Why the Bible is Foundational for Faith and Leadership Personal Beginnings with Scripture Both pastors shared their early encounters with the Bible—Ritch through family devotionals and Josh through his parents’ faith awakening at Bethany. These moments shaped their view of the Bible as not just a book, but God's living Word. Why Start with the Bible in Theology? Although systematic theology might begin with God, we only know God because He speaks—and He speaks through Scripture. So, the Bible is the essential foundation for understanding everything else about God and life. How Do We Know the Bible is God’s Word? The Bible claims to be God’s Word and functions with power in those who receive it by faith. Its self-authenticating nature, life-giving power, and God-centered message all affirm its divine origin. Inerrancy: Are There Errors in the Bible? The Bible is “God-breathed” (2 Tim 3:16) and therefore, without error in the original manuscripts. Human authors were guided like a ship moved by wind—their personality remained, but the content was divinely directed. Sufficiency: Is the Bible Enough? Scripture contains everything necessary for salvation, godly living, and ministry. It's sufficient—not exclusive of helpful insights—but no outside source can hold equal authority with it. Practical Implications for Leaders Leaders must be rooted in Scripture to navigate culture, disciple others, and resist error. There’s a warning against making too little—or even too much—of outside wisdom disconnected from biblical truth. Memorable Quotes “To disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.” – Quoting Grudem on authority “The Bible is either totally worthless or totally true.” – Ritch Boerckel “The Holy Spirit confirms in us: this is the Word of God. I can’t live apart from it anymore.” “I believe God doesn’t have bad breath.” – A pastor’s witty answer about inerrancy “It’s impossible to have too much Jesus, and impossible to have too much of God’s Word in us.” “Jesus and the Scriptures aren’t in conflict. The only way to hear the living Word is through the written Word.” “The Bible is disturbingly God-centered. It doesn’t let us hold the center—it places us in humble submission.” “The blessed life is the one who meditates on God's Word day and night.” “Jesus said, ‘Have you not read?’—implying the answers are there, and we are responsible to seek them.”

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