So We Speak

One of the most frequent questions we get is whether archaeology really supports what the Bible says. Recently returned from Israel, Cole and Terry reflect on a few new archaeological finds and the relationship between faith and history.

Zephaniah may be the most obscure of the minor prophets. His short prophecy foretells destruction, judgment, and the day of the Lord. But in the end, there is hope for the remnant - the people of God who have endured to the end. This short prophecy is packed with meaning for the remnant today and for all those who want to serve God in difficult times. 

In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss Tim Keller's article, "The Decline of Evangelicalism." They differentiate between evangelicals, progressives, and fundamentalists, reflect on the politicization of American Evangelicalism, and talk about how Christians can maintain their fidelity and witness in a divided world. 

The letter to the Ephesians is one of the crown jewels of the New Testament. In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss the background, nature, and content of Ephesians, moving from the rich theology in the first half to the practical application in the second half. No matter how many times you've read or studied this magnificent letter, there's always more to learn. 

Amos is one of the minor prophets who spoke against the false worship of the northern kingdom of Israel. Within Scripture, he is a model prophet; Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and others draw from his words. His words also help us to follow God today. Then and now, God calls us to worship him as he has commanded, not on our own terms. Cole and Terry discuss the historical background and the way Amos applies to our lives today. 

Joel prophesies destruction. He warns of the day of the Lord which is coming for the people of Israel. But in the midst of that, he prophesies restoration. In fact, Peter quotes Joel on the day of Pentecost to explain what God has done by sending the Spirit and founding the church. This minor prophet is packed with insight for studying the Bible and life today. 

In this second half of the conversation on deconstruction, Cole and Terry turn to the pastoral side of doubt and disillusionment. How would you walk with someone who came to you and said they didn't believe anymore? How would you respond to someone who was questioning what they grew up believing? 

Cole and Terry share their favorite books of the year! Send us your picks on social media or email us at info@sowespeak.com. 

Check out Cole's picks this week at So We Speak.

In this Christmas episode, Terry offers a few thoughts on John the Baptist and his relationship to the Christmas story. It's not a coincidence that all four gospels begin with John. He was the forerunner of Christ and God's messenger to prepare his people. But his life was spent pointing to someone else. He never saw the fulfillment of the message he preached. At Christmas, we remember that we too have been charged with a similar mission: to point to the Savior. 

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What is deconstruction? Like so many terms in our culture today, it depends on who you ask. In this first part of their conversation about deconstruction, Cole and Terry talk about the roots of deconstruction, the causes, the reason many Christians deconstruct their faith, and the ideology underneath the concept. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Joshua Ryan Butler - "4 Causes of Deconstruction"
• Jonathan Leeman - "Defending Sound Doctrine against the Deconstruction of American Evangelicalism" 
• Kevin DeYoung - "Postmodernism's Revenge"
• Josh Howerton - "Twitter Thread on Language and Deconstruction"
• Matt Chandler Twitter Clip
• David Gushee - "The Deconstruction of American Evangelicalism"