Do we know the date of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection? Dr. Chilton explains that we have good, solid reasons for accepting a specific date for both Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. He also notes that these dates pan out quite interestingly for 2026. Listen to discover much more about the date of the original Good Friday and Easter.

1. What was Paul’s background?

2. What was Paul’s Christology?

3. How did Paul view salvation and justification?

4. How does Paul view the law and grace?

5. Did Paul’s theology conflict with James's?

6. What was Paul’s focus on the Gentiles?

Brian G. Chilton, M.Div., Ph.D.

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

(c) 2026. Bellator Christi.

1) What is the central theme of Acts?

2) How does Acts continue the story of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke?

3) Why is the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost considered a turning point in salvation history?

4) How does Acts balance divine sovereignty and human freedom?

5) What role does the Holy Spirit play in the empowering of the apostles and the shaping of the church?

6) How does the Holy Spirit frame the local and global ministry of gospel evangelism?

7) How do the speeches of Peter and Paul serve as an anchor to the book of Acts?

About the Host

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

(c) 2025. Bellator Christi.

As we consider the theology of the Bible, perhaps no other field is as important as the theology of Jesus Himself. What did Jesus teach concerning God and His kingdom? In this episode, we will cover the following three questions.

1) What do we know historically about Jesus of Nazareth?

2) What were the main themes of Jesus's message?

3) Why do we have 4 Gospels, and who wrote them?

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

About the Host:

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

1. What did “return” mean to the Jewish peopleafter exile—physically, spiritually, and communally?

2. How did the rebuilding of the Temple shapeexpectations of divine presence and national identity?

3. In what ways did prophetic silence feel likeabandonment—or preparation?

4. How did the memory of exile influence thelonging for a Messiah?

5. How did the rise and fall of empires (Persian,Greek, Roman) intensify messianic hopes?

6. How did groups like the Pharisees, Sadducees,Essenes, and Zealots respond to the “hurry up” of history?

About the Host

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

(c) 2025. Bellator Christi.

Questions for Podcast

1. How does Lamentationsfunction as a theological response to the Babylonian Exile?

2. What does the Exile reveal about God’s covenantal justice and mercy?

3. How does the destruction of Jerusalem reshape Israel’s understanding of God’s presence and promises?

4. In what ways does Lamentations echo Deuteronomic theology (“blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience”)?

5. How does the Exile reframe Israel’s identity as a chosen people?

6. What does it mean to grieve with hope—or to grieve without resolution?

7. What parallels can we draw between the Exile and other biblical “wilderness” moments?

8. How does the Exile prepare the way for messianic hope and restoration theology?

About our Hosts

Daniel Sloan, Ph.D.

Dr. Daniel Sloan is a professor of Biblical Studies and serves as the online Director of the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and Master of Arts in Biblical Exposition at Liberty University. He has a PhD in Theology and Apologetics with a concentration in Old Testament from Liberty University. He also serves as the Pastor of Family Life at Fairfield West Baptist Church in Fairfield, Ohio. He served as the Managing Editor and Contributor on the Thomas Nelson Evangelical Study Bible (Spring 2023).

Brian G. Chilton, M.Div., Ph.D.

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Amy Downey. Dr. Downey is one of the Vice Presidents of Bellator Christi and the President and Founder of Tzedakah Ministries. To learn more about Tzedakah Ministries, go to tzedakahministries.org.

• What made the Davidic Covenant distinct from previous biblical covenants?

• How did Israel’s longing for a king reflect deeper theological or existential desires?

• In what ways did David’s kingship both fulfill and fall short of covenantal ideals?

• What were the competing messianic expectations in Jesus’ time—warrior king, suffering servant, priestly redeemer?

• How did Second Temple Judaism interpret the Davidic Covenant in light of Roman occupation?

• What does messianic anticipation teach us about waiting, hope, and divine timing?

• How can the theology of kingship inform Christian leadership today?

About our Hosts

Amy Downey, MAComm, MATh, Ph.D.

Dr. Amy Downey serves as the President and Director of Tzedakah Ministries, a ministry devoted to sharing the Gospel of Yeshua with Jewish people (http://tzedakahministries.org). Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Amy surrendered her life to full-time Christian service at the age of 16, but still struggled with her call to missions. Afraid of the price she might have to pay, Amy decided to serve God but in her own way. However, and finally, at the age of twenty-eight, Amy followed the mission call to reach the Jewish people with the truth that Jesus (Yeshua) is the Jewish Messiah.

This mission call has taken her across the country to speak in churches and meetings across more than thirty states and four continents (8 countries) about the need for the Christian church to take on the responsibility of Jewish evangelism mandated in Romans 1:16 and 11:11-24. Amy has shared the truth of Jesus to Jewish people on street corners, airplanes, parks, restaurants, and even in churches. In addition, she spent three of the most spiritually challenging and rewarding years of her life in the heart of American Jewish life – New York City.

Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from East Texas Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Communication and Master of Arts in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and was the first woman to complete a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University (May 2016). She is also the author of Paul’s Conundrum (2011), Maimonides’s Yahweh (2019), and Missions in the Minor Key (2024) along with numerous magazine articles and booklets that are available at https://tzedakahministries.org. Amy serves as a contributor and Associate Vice President for Bellator Christi Ministries.

Brian G. Chilton, M.Div., Ph.D.

Dr. Brian G. Chilton (PhD, Liberty University) is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. He serves as a hospice chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Apologetics for Carolina College of Biblical Studies, a Dissertation Mentor/Adjunct Professor for Liberty University in the PhD in Applied Apologetics program, and an Adjunct Professor/Dissertation Reader at Carolina University in the DMin program. Dr. Chilton's primary area of research is on early Christianity, oral traditions, NT creeds, the blend of divine sovereignty and human freedom, and near-death experiences (NDEs).

To learn more about Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

The Theology of Joshua

• Divine presence and leadership (Josh. 1:5; 3:7)
• Covenant renewal and obedience (Josh. 1:7-8; 8:30-35;24).

• Divine judgment (Josh. 6:1-2)
• Other themes: leadership, Law, covenantal identity, divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and God's faithfulness

The Theology of Judges

• Covenantal faithfulness vs. idolatry (Judg. 2:10-12)
• Cycle of sin and deliverance
• God's amazing grace (Judg. 3:9; 4:3; et. al)
• The faithfulness of God and the failure of politicians (entire book)

To see more from Bellator Christi, go to https://bellatorchristi.com.

(c) 2025. Bellator Christi.