Dr.
George Hunsinger talks about the importance of keeping the focus on Christ and
the relational nature of the eucharist; how it can serve to break down
denominational barriers.
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If you'd like to support this ministry, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Trinitarian theology, check out Grace Communion Seminary. It's accredited, affordable, and 100 percent online.
Small group
discussion guide
Discussion groups
might wish to prepare their own topics, request topics from the group, use the
following suggested topics, or mix and match all three.
Suggested topics:
1. How can the
“order of salvation” become a distraction to keeping our focus on Christ?
2. It was emphasized
that the Eucharist should not be denied to “outside” believers. Why?
3. Please share your
thoughts on “ecumenism” and church unity in general.
4. In what ways did
the church “pie chart” change your perception of organized Christianity?
5. Do you view the
fragmentation of the Protestant church in a positive or a negative way? Why?
6. “Reconciled” and
“acceptable” diversity were mentioned regarding church unity. What do you think of this?
7. How do you
understand the concept, “priesthood of all believers”?
8. Do you think the
“Eucharistic unity” of the church can ever be achieved? Why or why not?
A few guidelines for leading a discussion: 1) Encourage open discussion. 2) Ask
questions relevant to the topic. 3) Listen attentively. 4) Encourage divergent
views. 5) Encourage everyone to participate. 6) Summarize and paraphrase. 7)
Minimize teaching and preaching.
Program Transcript (click to view):
Introduction:You’re
Included is the unique interview series devoted to practical implications
of a Christ-centered Trinitarian theology. Today’s guest is Dr. George
Hunsinger, Princeton Theological
Seminary’s Hazel Thompson McCord Professor of Systematic Theology. Dr.
Hunsinger is an ordained Presbyterian minister and a major contributor to the
latest Presbyterian Catechism.
Perhaps you know of someone who might like to watch this program. If so, go to the bottom of the page and click on "Email this page." Fill out the short form, and share the good news! There's also a way to share the page on Facebook, Twitter, and other websites.
If you'd like to support this ministry, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Trinitarian theology, check out Grace Communion Seminary. It's accredited, affordable, and 100 percent online.
Small group
discussion guide
Discussion groups
might wish to prepare their own topics, request topics from the group, use the
following suggested topics, or mix and match all three.
Suggested topics:
1. “The problem of sin is trying to run on our own steam.” How did this
concept impress you?
2. Human self-reliance and self-will was stressed. How do these work against
God’s grace?
3. Dr. Molnar linked the essence of sin to lack of trust in God. Please
share your thoughts on this.
4. How do you understand salvation as being in right relationship with God
through Christ?
5. The atonement was said to be an act of grace rather than judicial in nature. Why?
6. Why is it critical to not separate the “immanent” trinity from the
“economic” trinity?
7. God’s “unchangeableness” is defined as faithfulness to his covenant
promise. Comments?
8. It was asserted that God created us out of free love rather than need. Why is this important?
A few simple
guidelines for leading a discussion: 1) Encourage open discussion. 2) Ask
questions relevant to the topic. 3) Listen attentively. 4) Encourage divergent
views. 5) Encourage everyone to participate. 6) Summarize and paraphrase. 7)
Minimize teaching and preaching.
Program Transcript (click to view):
Introduction: Paul
Molnar is a Catholic theologian and Professor of Systematic Theology at St.
John’s University, in New York. He is author of Thomas F. Torrance: Theologian of the Trinity, Incarnation and Resurrection,
and Divine Freedom and the Doctrine of
the Immanent Trinity: in Dialog with Karl Barth and Contemporary Theology.
Dr. Molnar is also editor of the Karl
Barth Society of North America Newsletter and co-vice president of the
Thomas F. Torrance Theological Fellowship.
Dr. Purves recounts valuable learning
experiences he has had in ministry and stories of people who have had an impact
on his life. He also speaks about the importance of bringing the gospel to
people on a specific and personal level.
Perhaps you know of someone who might like to watch this program. If so, go to the bottom of the page and click on "Email this page." Fill out the short form, and share the good news! There's also a way to share the page on Facebook, Twitter, and other websites.
If you'd like to support this ministry, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Trinitarian theology, check out Grace Communion Seminary. It's accredited, affordable, and 100 percent online.
Small group
discussion guide
Discussion groups
might wish to prepare their own topics, request topics from the group, use the
following suggested topics, or mix and match all three.
Suggested topics:
1. Please share your
thoughts on the importance of prayer for pastoral ministry.
2. Why is it necessary
that we acknowledge the element of mystery
within the gospel message?
3. Honesty and
vulnerability were cited. Why are these so important for teaching and ministry?
4. “The
borders between theology and proclamation should not to be far apart.” What does this mean to you?
5. Please share your
impressions of Andrew’s last meeting with Tom Torrance.
6. “The ascension
means that Jesus is in the present tense, not in the past tense.” Your thoughts?
7. How do you view
the assertions that each of us is unique and God deals with us differently?
8. Dr. Purves
said that nothing can separate us
from God’s love. Why is this hard to accept?
A few simple
guidelines for leading a discussion: 1) Encourage open discussion. 2) Ask
questions relevant to the topic. 3) Listen attentively. 4) Encourage divergent
views. 5) Encourage everyone to participate. 6) Summarize and paraphrase. 7)
Minimize teaching and preaching.
Program Transcript (click to view):
Introduction:You’re
Included is the unique interview series devoted to exploring the practical
implications of Trinitarian Theology. Today’s guest is Dr. Andrew Purves,
Professor of Reformed Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Purves
is author of numerous books, including Pastoral Theology in the Classical
Tradition, Reconstructing Pastoral Theology, The Crucifixion of Ministry, and
The Resurrection of Ministry.
J. Michael Feazell:
Thanks for being with us again.
Perhaps you know of someone who might like to watch this program. If so, go to the bottom of the page and click on "Email this page." Fill out the short form, and share the good news! There's also a way to share the page on Facebook, Twitter, and other websites.
If you'd like to support this ministry, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Trinitarian theology, check out Grace Communion Seminary. It's accredited, affordable, and 100 percent online.
Small
group discussion guide
Discussion groups might wish to prepare their own topics, request topics
from the group, use the following suggested topics, or mix and match all three.
Suggested topics:
1. What do you think
of the assertion that Paul was “called” rather than “converted”?
2. “People were
converting within the context of relationships they already had.” Your
thoughts?
3. Please share your
impressions of Paul’s missionary work being described as “networking.”
4. Is evangelizing
through nurturing relationships preferable to “preaching” today? If so why?
5. Why were Paul’s
high behavioral expectations and strong ethics for the community stressed?
6. Dr. Campbell
described Christianity as “participation in a new reality.” What does that mean to you?
7. Paul invested
resources and time into keeping relationships alive. How important is this
today?
8. Our
identity in Christ involves affirmation of our “full personhood.” How important is this to you?
A few simple
guidelines for leading a discussion: 1) Encourage open discussion. 2) Ask
questions relevant to the topic. 3) Listen attentively. 4) Encourage divergent
views. 5) Encourage everyone to participate. 6) Summarize and paraphrase. 7)
Minimize teaching and preaching.
Program Transcript (click to view):
Introduction: Welcome
to this unique interview series devoted to practical implications of
Trinitarian theology. Our guest today is Douglas Campbell, Associate Professor
of New Testament at Duke Divinity School. Dr. Campbell is author of The
Deliverance of God and The Quest for Paul’s Gospel.
Perhaps you know of someone who might like to watch this program. If so, go to the bottom of the page and click on "Email this page." Fill out the short form, and share the good news! There's also a way to share the page on Facebook, Twitter, and other websites.
If you'd like to support this ministry, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Trinitarian theology, check out Grace Communion Seminary. It's accredited, affordable, and 100 percent online.
Small group
discussion guide
Discussion groups
might wish to prepare their own topics, request topics from the group, use the
following suggested topics, or mix and match all three.
Suggested topics:
1. Dr. Parry said
that Jesus’ lament on the cross includes the entirety of Psalm 22. Does this help us understand what Jesus said?
2. The theology of
“Holy Saturday” was mentioned. What are your thoughts on this concept?
3. “We need to give
lament 'space' to be itself, but it never has the last word.” Your impressions?
4. How do you
understand the resurrection and lament in terms of “hearing in stereo”?
5. Praying for
destruction of one’s enemies in the Psalms meant, “Lord save us.” Is that an interpretation of the text, or just imposing our own ideas on the text?
6. Please share your
views on the idea that the church “replaces” Israel in salvation history.
7. Should
“one fulfilled covenant” be preferred over “two separate covenants”? Why or why
not?
A few simple
guidelines for leading a discussion: 1) Encourage open discussion. 2) Ask
questions relevant to the topic. 3) Listen attentively. 4) Encourage divergent
views. 5) Encourage everyone to participate. 6) Summarize and paraphrase. 7)
Minimize teaching and preaching.
Program Transcript (click to view):
Introduction:
Join us now in St. Mary’s College Hall as J. Michael Feazell, [then] Vice
President of Grace Communion International, interviews Robin Parry. Dr. Parry
is Theological Books Editor with Wipf and Stock Publishers. His published works
include Worshiping Trinity, Old Testament Story and Christian
Ethics, and, most recently, Lamentations.
Perhaps you know of someone who might like to watch this program. If so, go to the bottom of the page and click on "Email this page." Fill out the short form, and share the good news! There's also a way to share the page on Facebook, Twitter, and other websites.
If you'd like to support this ministry, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Trinitarian theology, check out Grace Communion Seminary. It's accredited, affordable, and 100 percent online.
For an edited transcript of all six of our
interviews with Jeff McSwain, click here.
Small group
discussion guide
Discussion groups
might wish to prepare their own topics, request topics from the group, use the
following suggested topics, or mix and match all three.
Suggested topics:
1. Jeff said that we
are included in what Christ is doing
and that he is for us. How is this
so?
2. How does inclusion
(our belonging to Christ) transcend the Calvinist/Arminian debate?
3. Why do you think
the gospel is so often presented as something other than good news?
4. Even though everyone
is included in Christ, why is it important that each person come to know it?
5. “Satan has
twisted our concept of reality, giving it a negative connotation.” Your
thoughts?
6. What is your
impression of sin being described as “bucking reality”?
7. How can we make Christ the center of our lives
when he is already the center of everything?
8. Trusting God’s
love was likened to becoming “real persons” in Christ. Please comment.
A few simple
guidelines for leading a discussion: 1) Encourage open discussion. 2) Ask
questions relevant to the topic. 3) Listen attentively. 4) Encourage divergent
views. 5) Encourage everyone to participate. 6) Summarize and paraphrase. 7)
Minimize teaching and preaching.
Program Transcript (click to view):
J. Michael Feazell: Welcome to You’re Included,
the unique interview series devoted to practical implications of Trinitarian
theology. Today we’re talking with Jeff McSwain, founder and Executive Director
of Reality Ministries of Durham, North Carolina. Jeff earned his Master’s degree
in theology; he studied with Alan and J.B. Torrance at Scotland’s University of
St. Andrews. His passion is to combine sound theological teaching with the
everyday practice of youth ministry.
Rev. David Torrance explains what it means to receive Christ: that we share in his death and his resurrection -- death to our old life of sin, and a new life in
Christ.
Perhaps you know of someone who might like to watch this program. If so, go to the bottom of the page and click on "Email this page." Fill out the short form, and share the good news! There's also a way to share the page on Facebook, Twitter, and other websites.
If you'd like to support this ministry, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Trinitarian theology, check out Grace Communion Seminary. It's accredited, affordable, and 100 percent online.
Small group
discussion guide
Discussion groups
might wish to prepare their own topics, request topics from the group, use the
following suggested topics, or mix and match all three.
Suggested topics:
1. Why do you think translators “alter” the Greek prepositions
in verses such as Galatians 2:20?
2. Please share your
thoughts on the statement, “Salvation is entirely of God and not of us.”
3. What is your
perception of Christ as our response
to God?
4. How do you
understand belief as being required of us, but that it is also a gift of grace?
5. What do you think
of the assertion that Jesus is the representative
human for each of us?
6. Please give us your impressions of
our “dying and rising” in Christ.
7. How do you see,
“To receive God’s forgiveness means that we must share it with others”?
8. Forgiveness was
described as a “gift of God,” “real grace,” and “healing.” Please comment.
A few simple
guidelines for leading a discussion: 1) Encourage open discussion. 2) Ask questions
relevant to the topic. 3) Listen attentively. 4) Encourage divergent views. 5)
Encourage everyone to participate. 6) Summarize and paraphrase. 7) Minimize
teaching and preaching.
Program Transcript (click to view):
The faith of Christ
Mike Morrison: David, it’s a pleasure to have you
here.
David Torrance: It’s a privilege to be invited.
MM: You’ve been a parish minister for many years, and
you’ve seen God’s grace being given to people in the parish, and you see how
people respond to that with faith. And I’d like to ask you a little bit about
what faith is?
Dr.
Daniel Thimell and Mike Feazell discuss the Trinity; it is the foundation for
both the doctrine of God’s love and the knowledge of God. They also
examine how we are called to participate in the life of Christ.
Perhaps you know of someone who might like to watch this program. If so, go to the bottom of the page and click on "Email this page." Fill out the short form, and share the good news! There's also a way to share the page on Facebook, Twitter, and other websites.
If you'd like to support this ministry, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Trinitarian theology, check out Grace Communion Seminary. It's accredited, affordable, and 100 percent online.
Small group
discussion guide
Discussion groups
might wish to prepare their own topics, request topics from the group, use the
following suggested topics, or mix and match all three.
Suggested topics:
1. How does the Trinity help us to see Jesus, not as an
emissary, but as God himself?
2. In what ways does
the Trinity doctrine enhance our understanding that God is love?
3. Please share with
us how an awareness of the Trinity has made God more personal to you.
4. “We’re already
included; repentance and faith are gifts of grace.” Please comment.
5. How do you understand, “We’re already
reconciled but called to believe”?
6. What is your
impression--is repentance a condition of grace, or a response to grace?
7. Do you agree that, “When bad things
happen, God is working for our good?” Why?
8. Dr. Thimell said, “God is closer to us than the
air we breathe.” Please share your thoughts.
A few simple
guidelines for leading a discussion: 1) Encourage open discussion. 2) Ask
questions relevant to the topic. 3) Listen attentively. 4) Encourage divergent
views. 5) Encourage everyone to participate. 6) Summarize and paraphrase. 7)
Minimize teaching and preaching.
Program Transcript (click to view):
J. Michael Feazell: Welcome to
You’re Included, the unique interview
series devoted to practical implications of Trinitarian theology. We’re talking
today with Dr. Daniel Thimell, Associate Professor of Theological and
Historical Studies at Oral Roberts University. Dr. Thimell earned his Ph.D.
from the University of Aberdeen in 1993. He has 30 years of pastoral experience
and his taught at Trinity College in Bristol, England, and the University of
Aberdeen in Scotland.
Perhaps you know of someone who might like to watch this program. If so, go to the bottom of the page and click on "Email this page." Fill out the short form, and share the good news! There's also a way to share the page on Facebook, Twitter, and other websites.
If you'd like to support this ministry, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Trinitarian theology, check out Grace Communion Seminary. It's accredited, affordable, and 100 percent online.
Group study guide
Discussion groups
might wish to prepare their own topics, request topics from the group, use the
following suggested topics, or mix and match all three.
Suggested topics:
1. What does the term “relational youth ministry” mean to
you?
2. Cite practical ways we can correspond to the “reality”
and “full humanity” of adolescents.
3. How can we use
the “secret” of the empty tomb to encourage the alienated and despondent?
4. Young people
demand that we “call a thing what it is.” Why is this so hard to do?
5. How does the fear
of not being in control, of not showing any vulnerability, hurt relationships?
6. Dr. Root said,
“You can’t get a relationship through judgment.” What are your views on this?
7. How can “sharing
our yearning and brokenness” with youth lead to deeper relationships?
8. How can a congregation
become more “incarnational” or fully relational toward its youth?
A few simple guidelines for leading a
discussion: 1) Encourage open discussion. 2) Ask questions relevant to the
topic. 3) Listen attentively. 4) Encourage divergent views. 5) Encourage
everyone to participate. 6) Summarize and paraphrase. 7) Minimize teaching and
preaching.
Program Transcript (click to view):
J. Michael Feazell: Thanks for joining us on another
edition of You’re Included, the unique interview series devoted to
practical implications of Trinitarian theology. With us today is Dr. Andrew
Root, Assistant Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in
St. Paul, Minnesota. His new book is Relationships Unfiltered.
Perhaps you know of someone who might like to watch this program. If so, go to the bottom of the page and click on "Email this page." Fill out the short form, and share the good news! There's also a way to share the page on Facebook, Twitter, and other websites.
If you'd like to support this ministry, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Trinitarian theology, check out Grace Communion Seminary. It's accredited, affordable, and 100 percent online.
Small group discussion guide
Discussion groups
might wish to prepare their own topics, request topics from the group, use the
following suggested topics, or mix and match all three.
Suggested topics:
1. Steve realized that
it isn’t about him—it’s about God and our participation
in what he is doing. Please comment.
2. How have you
personally benefitted by viewing the Bible through a fresh “new lens”?
3. Please share your
thoughts on, “Love is not an attribute of God -- it is the DNA of God.”
4. How does the
“Trinitarian perspective” help us appreciate God’s grace toward us in Christ?
5. What did you
think of the analogy of God and Jesus as “bad cop/good cop”—a
schizo-God?
6. Why is the gospel
message of inclusion and acceptance viewed with skepticism by
religion?
7. How did you react to the
common view of repentance being equated to idolatry?
8. “Grace
enables us to live a godly lifestyle—it doesn’t create a desire to sin.” Your thoughts?
A few simple guidelines
for leading a discussion: 1) Encourage open discussion. 2) Ask questions
relevant to the topic. 3) Listen attentively. 4) Encourage divergent views. 5)
Encourage everyone to participate. 6) Summarize and paraphrase. 7) Minimize
teaching and preaching.
Program Transcript (click to view):
Michael Morrison: Steve, thanks for being with us.
Steve McVey: Thank you. Glad to be back with you,
Mike.
MM: In an earlier program, you talked about how you
had a couple of theological transitions in your life and you gave a synopsis of
the first one. Maybe you could give an even briefer synopsis now, and then
describe the second one.
