Summary

In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Kris Raven, pastor of Lakeshore Baptist Church and MBTS doctoral student focusing on the New Testament use of the Old Testament. Kris shares how biblical authors intentionally draw from the Old Testament to shape Christian theology and practice, and how understanding these connections strengthens preaching, discipleship, and the health of local churches. Their discussion covers how Kris first encountered this field of study, how it has shaped his walk with Christ, and why it matters for every believer—especially in a world filled with unhelpful or confused approaches to the Old Testament, such as the Hebrew Roots Movement.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

New Testament use of the Old Testament, biblical theology, hermeneutics, preaching, discipleship, healthy churches, Scripture interpretation, typology, intertextuality

Resources

G. K. Beale, Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Baker)

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Baker)

Nick Roark and Robert Cline, Biblical Theology: How the Church Faithfully Teaches the Gospel, 9Marks Building Healthy Churches Series (Crossway)

Blog: Jason DeRouchie, “How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament: Step 10 – Biblical Theology”

Takeaways

• The New Testament frequently quotes, alludes to, and echoes the Old Testament to reveal Christ and God's redemptive story.

• Understanding how biblical authors use earlier Scripture deepens our confidence in the unity of the Bible.

• Careful study prevents misinterpretation and guards churches against unhelpful teaching—including misuses of the Old Testament like the Hebrew Roots Movement.

• Biblical theology helps us see how the entire Bible fits together around Christ.

• Diligent interpretation enriches preaching and strengthens discipleship in the local church.

• Study tools such as Beale’s handbook and commentary can guide pastors and students in understanding intertextual connections.

Sound Bites

• There is intentionality in the way New Testament authors draw from the Old Testament.

• The New Testament is not a new story—it is the continuation and fulfillment of the Old.

• We don’t ignore the Old Testament; we read it through the lens of Christ.

• Diligence in study is an act of love for God and His Word.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Kris Raven’s Background

2. 01:27 What Is the New Testament Use of the Old Testament?

3. 03:27 How Kris First Encountered This Field of Study

4. 04:57 Beale’s Handbook and the Academic Journey

5. 07:43 Why These Connections Matter for Bible Readers

6. 09:31 Examples from John and Hebrews

7. 11:20 How This Study Deepened Kris’s Walk With Christ

8. 12:48 Diligence in Study as Spiritual Formation

9. 14:47 A Real-World Ministry Challenge: Hebrew Roots Movement

10. 15:55 How Understanding NT/OT Use Protects Healthy Churches

11. 17:26 Reading the Old Testament Through the Lens of Christ

12. 21:16 Recommended Resources for Further Study

13. 25:44 Closing Reflections

In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Nancy Guthrie, author and Bible teacher, about how to wisely and compassionately speak into suffering. Nancy shares her personal story of loss, the lessons she learned about faith and grief, and practical advice for comforting others without causing harm. The conversation explores common mistakes Christians make, how biblical theology shapes our understanding of suffering, and why hope in God’s promises sustains us through pain. Nancy also offers guidance for pastors, friends, and anyone walking alongside those who grieve.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

suffering, grief, pastoral care, biblical theology, sovereignty of God, comfort, lament, faith, hope, Nancy Guthrie

Takeaways

• Faith is not pressuring God for our preferred outcome—it’s trusting His wisdom and goodness.

• Avoid platitudes and phrases that diminish grief; instead, acknowledge the pain.

• Practical help often speaks louder than vague offers—act without waiting to be asked.

• Biblical theology provides a framework for understanding suffering within God’s redemptive story.

• Grief is not something to fix; it’s something to walk through with compassion and patience.

• God promises grace sufficient for every trial, even when He does not remove the pain.

• Hope rests in the future restoration and the end of the curse, not in immediate relief.

Sound Bites

• Faith is not us prescribing to God what He should do—it’s trusting Him when we don’t understand.

• Don’t say ‘at least’—it diminishes the loss.

• My grace is sufficient for you—God’s promise for every sufferer.

• Biblical theology helps us see suffering in light of the whole story of Scripture.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Nancy Guthrie’s Background

2. 02:06 Nancy’s Story of Loss and Faith

3. 08:21 Wrestling with Prayer and God’s Sovereignty

4. 13:43 Lessons Learned Through Grief

5. 19:23 Common Missteps in Comforting Others

6. 24:50 What Really Helps and What Hurts

7. 32:40 Practical Ways to Serve Those Who Suffer

8. 37:46 How Biblical Theology Shapes Our View of Suffering

9. 46:06 The Hope of Resurrection and Renewal

10. 51:09 Go-To Scriptures for Comfort

11. 56:35 God’s Grace in the Midst of Pain

12. 01:00:33 Trusting Again After Hurt

13. 01:07:26 Closing Reflections

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Sam Whittaker, Teaching Pastor at South Valley Community Church and instructor at Midwestern Seminary’s Global Campus, about the role of imagination in theology and apologetics. Sam shares how his discovery of imaginative apologetics transformed his approach to ministry and study. Drawing on insights from C. S. Lewis, Tolkien, and others, Sam explains why imagination is not opposed to reason but complements it as the organ of meaning. The conversation explores practical ways to engage imagination in evangelism, discipleship, and preaching, and offers resources for those who want to learn more.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

imaginative apologetics, theology, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, sanctified imagination, evangelism, discipleship, worldview, storytelling, Christian literature

Takeaways

• Imagination is the organ of meaning; reason is the organ of truth.

• Evangelical apologetics often emphasize reason but neglect imagination.

• Stories, metaphors, and images can bypass intellectual defenses and reach the heart.

• Jesus used parables to communicate truth imaginatively.

• Great literature and art can prepare the soil for gospel conversations.

• Feed your imagination with Scripture, classic myths, and enduring stories.

• Resources like Lewis, Tolkien, and Holly Ordway help integrate imagination into apologetics.

Sound Bites

• Reason is the organ of truth; imagination is the organ of meaning.

• We must make good men wish Christianity were true—and then prove that it is.

• Stories can sneak past watchful dragons and open hearts to truth.

• Feed your imagination a good diet of Scripture and great stories.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Sam Whittaker’s Background

2. 02:06 The Role of Imagination in Theology and Apologetics

3. 03:18 Reason and Imagination: Insights from C.S. Lewis

4. 04:22 Practical Examples of Imaginative Apologetics

5. 07:48 Pre-Apologetics and Pascal’s Insight

6. 10:15 How Stories Shape Desire and Meaning

7. 14:00 Lewis, Tolkien, and the Power of Narrative

8. 16:10 A Seminary Class That Changed Everything

9. 19:07 Presuppositionalism and Imaginative Apologetics

10. 22:25 Storytelling as a Witness to the True Myth

11. 24:40 Practical Encouragement for Christians

12. 25:44 Recommended Resources and Next Steps

13. 29:37 Closing Reflections