Paul's letters to the Thessalonians are unique in so many ways. They are some of Paul's earliest letters to a church he only spent a month with before he was pushed out of town by persecution. They are also some of his most intimate letters. 1 Thess. 2:1-12 gives an insight into what it might have been like to have Paul in town - and it's also where we got the name So We Speak. In this episode, we discuss Paul's pastoral method, the man of lawlessness, and everything in between. Support So We Sp...
Nov 17, 2021•43 min•Ep. 145
Joshua marks a transition from across the Jordan into the promised land. In the same way, it serves as a hinge book between the Torah and the rest of the Old Testament. Joshua leads the people of Israel through the flooding river and into God's promises. The whole book displays God's faithfulness, through the conquest in the first half and the land grants in the second half. The takeaway this week is promises made, promises kept. Support So We Speak!...
Nov 10, 2021•35 min•Ep. 144
There are so many great educational resources available today. Where should you start? In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss the benefits and common pitfalls of Christian education, how to start where you are and learn to love God with your mind, and the best courses and resources to seek out.
Nov 03, 2021•34 min•Ep. 143
We're answering your questions this week. What is the best Bible translation? Did the Exodus really happen? What's the best order to read the New Testament? What sermons do you listen to during the week to continue learning? (Sorry for the leafblowers part way through!)
Oct 12, 2021•38 min•Ep. 142
We have a special guest on the podcast this week. Dr. Cliff Sanders is the Director of the Wesley Center and a pastor and theologian at Crossings Community Church. In this episode, Terry and Cliff discuss theology, the character of God, teaching, and bridging the gap between Calvinism and Arminianism in the church.
Oct 01, 2021•55 min•Ep. 141
A few weeks ago, we talked about the importance of holiness in the church today and in the Christian life. Here are some of the most helpful tactics and resources we've used to grow in holiness, accountability, and community.
Sep 24, 2021•11 min•Ep. 139
Tim Keller recently wrote an essay titled, " The Decline and Renewal of the American Church: Part 1 - The Decline of the Mainline. " In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss the article and the broader decline of the mainline denominations, the parallels to today, and the ways Christians can stay faithful in a secular culture.
Sep 21, 2021•37 min•Ep. 140
There are many passages and prophecies in the Bible about catastrophe, but the book of Lamentations is unique. In this short lament, Jeremiah cries out to God over the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. What can we learn from his sorrow? How can we draw near to God during catastrophes, even spiritual catastrophes?
Sep 14, 2021•29 min•Ep. 138
Here are some of our favorite resources for teaching and preaching. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, here are some of our favorite tools we use each week.
Sep 03, 2021•17 min•Ep. 137
What process and weekly routine does Terry use to develop his Wednesday night lessons? This week, Cole and Terry talk about teaching, preparation and delivery.
Aug 31, 2021•52 min•Ep. 136
The pastoral epistles present a vision of ministry in the first-century church. Paul developed and employed young pastors, sent them out for short-term missions, and then launched them into church leadership. The letter to Titus underscores the connection between doctrine and character and encourages each of us to do our part in building up the church.
Aug 24, 2021•39 min•Ep. 135
In this second episode on looking ahead, Cole and Terry discuss the issues on the horizon for the church. What does it mean to be a human being? How has our culture distorted the notion of the self?
Aug 17, 2021•44 min•Ep. 134
To mark three years of So We Speak, we're looking back and looking ahead for what God has in store. In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss the importance of personal holiness in the church and in the culture.
Aug 10, 2021•41 min•Ep. 133
In the second half of Exodus, we get into conversations about Moses, the Law, and what God might have to teach us today through Israel's stay at Mount Sinai. If the main theme of Exodus is the presence of God, how can we apply that to our lives today?
Jul 27, 2021•41 min•Ep. 132
The way we read and understand the Exodus influences the way we read the rest of the Bible. The events in Ex. 1-18 set the stage for the law, the promised land, and the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. But there are also some difficult questions in these chapters. Who hardened Pharaoh's heart? Where is Mount Sinai? Why did God bring plagues on Egypt? We discuss each of these questions and more on this episode.
Jul 20, 2021•50 min•Ep. 131
The letter to Colossians touches on almost all of the themes in Paul's letters. In this episode, we discuss the background of the church in Colossae, the major themes of the letter, and some of the difficult passages.
Jul 06, 2021•41 min•Ep. 130
We're turning the tables in this episode and talking to Cole about productivity and writing as Christian stewardship. Here are a few of the books we mention in this episode: Crazy Busy - Kevin DeYoung Ploductivity - Douglas Wilson Deep Work - Cal Newport
Jun 29, 2021•48 min•Ep. 129
The book of Job is one of the richest and most perplexing books in the Bible. We've done an overview of Job before , but in this episode, we revisit some of the deeper questions and discuss other important themes.
Jun 22, 2021•46 min•Ep. 128
Who was Paul and how should we interpret his writings? In recent years, the New Perspective on Paul has redefined some of the fundamental questions in Paul's letters. Was Paul's background Jewish, Greek, or both? What is the relationship between grace and law? Are we saved by faith, works, or both? Cole Feix and Jarrett Ford discuss these trends in Paul's letter and a series of articles Jarrett has written for So We Speak. Find the first three posts here: Part 1 - Luther and Sanders Part 2 - The...
Jun 01, 2021•51 min•Ep. 127
In this episode, we discuss Voddie Baucham's new book Fault Lines and the effects critical race theory is having on the world and the church. Baucham provides a critique of worldly social justice and calls the church to boldly practice biblical justice in the world....
May 18, 2021•59 min•Ep. 126
Combined, Luke and Acts make up a quarter of the New Testament. Luke writes with clarity and historical sensitivity but also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit, the perils of riches, and includes many of the most beloved stories and parables from Jesus' ministry, including the prodigal son, Zacchaeus, Jesus getting separated from his parents in the temple, and the rich man and Lazarus. In this episode, we talk about the unique and interesting aspects of Luke's life and writings.
May 04, 2021•44 min•Ep. 125
What makes a healthy church culture? In this episode, we're discussing accusations, abuse, and how to build an environment of truth and grace in the church based on Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer's new book A Church Called Tov.
Apr 27, 2021•51 min•Ep. 124
Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament. His prophecy condemns the final phase of Israel's rebellion against God and forecasts the coming of the Messiah. In this episode, we cover some of the important background information necessary for understanding Malachi's prophecy and the way Malachi previews the coming of Christ almost four hundred years later.
Apr 20, 2021•32 min•Ep. 123
Peter discusses a different kind of suffering in his letter to the churches in Asia. While they are likely not experiencing physical persecution, they were beginning to be excluded socially and economically. Peter wrote them with a clear, concise, and bold summary of the Christian life. It is as relevant to us as it was to them.
Apr 13, 2021•41 min•Ep. 122
In this episode, Terry Feix ties the whole Bible together culminating with Jesus' last supper with his disciples. Beginning with Abraham, he moves through the Mosaic covenant, the Day of Atonement, and the Hebrew marriage ritual. At the end, he answers a few questions about teaching this lesson and bringing all of the threads together. Watch the Maundy Thursday service at Crossings, here ....
Apr 06, 2021•54 min•Ep. 121
How did John go from the son of thunder to the apostle of love? In this short letter, we see a loving pastor in action. In this episode, we discuss the background to 1 John, possible outlines, and themes of the letter.
Mar 16, 2021•37 min•Ep. 120
In Christ, our entire lives are transformed and that includes our emotions, passions, and desires. Praying the Psalms is one of the best ways to grow in our faith. In this episode, we discuss different reasons to pray the Psalms and ways to get started. Resources: ESV Devotional Psalter The Songs of Jesus - Timothy Keller Answering God - Eugene Peterson Praying the Psalms - Walter Brueggemann " The Anatomy of All Parts of the Soul " - So We Speak...
Mar 09, 2021•34 min•Ep. 119
How do you start a small group? When do you know it's time to leave? Groups are an important environment for growth in the church but they can be difficult to lead. This week, Terry Feix talks about how to build, lead, and facilitate small groups and discipleship groups and answers some common questions leaders ask.
Feb 23, 2021•35 min•Ep. 118
This week, Max Lucado preached at the Washington National Cathedral. On Monday morning, two leaders in the Episcopal Church apologized for the harm he caused because of his beliefs about biblical sexuality. How can we continue to love others and share the gospel when we face this kind of opposition from others who claim to be Christians?
Feb 16, 2021•48 min•Ep. 117
Paul's letter to the Philippians is one of the most personal and applicable books in the New Testament. In this episode, we discuss the background of the letter, walk through the chapters, talk about the difficult passages, and end on some major takeaways. For an in-depth look at the letter, check out this Preaching Guide at For the Church.
Feb 09, 2021•40 min•Ep. 116
